Rewritten Content:
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are set to debut in their new Major League Soccer stadium on April 4, a key event in the league’s upcoming schedule. The 2026 MLS regular season will kick off on February 21 and will conclude on November 7, marking the final season operating under the traditional February-November timeline. A shorter season is being planned for 2027, followed by a shift to a summer-to-spring schedule starting in the 2027-28 season to align with other global leagues.
Initially, Inter Miami will play five consecutive away games to allow for the final stages of construction at Miami Freedom Park, located near Miami International Airport. It remains uncertain if the stadium will host any preseason or preliminary matches before the official opening on April 4.
The home opener against Austin FC will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the new 25,000-seat facility. Recently, Messi signed a three-year extension that ensures his presence with the club until 2028, affirming that he will participate in the inaugural match at the new venue, something the team has highly anticipated.
The launch of Miami Freedom Park is part of a larger initiative that includes the opening of three new MLS stadiums within three seasons, with New York City FC’s Etihad Park expected to debut in 2027 and Chicago Fire FC’s new downtown stadium scheduled for 2028.
Source: Associated Press
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Fan Take:
This news is significant for soccer fans as it marks the beginning of a new era for Inter Miami and MLS, especially with a star like Messi leading the charge. The new stadium not only enhances the soccer landscape in the U.S. but also sets the stage for future growth of the sport, bringing more attention and potentially new fans to the MLS.
