Inter Miami were named the most valuable club in MLS last week, and Javier Mascherano believes it speaks to their continuing growth as they prepare to embark on their title defence.
Miami won the MLS Cup for the first time in their history last year, clinching the trophy with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in December.
While they topped the charts in 2024, winning the Supporters' Shield before crashing out in the first round of the playoffs, last season they finished third in the Eastern Conference.
Miami, led by Lionel Messi but now without the retired Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, have cemented themselves as one of the top challengers in the competition, and will open their new campaign with a trip to Los Angeles FC on Saturday.
Mascherano acknowledged that having Messi in the side has contributed to their achievement but insists Miami will continue to get bigger.
"I can certainly speak on the time I've been here. You can clearly see the club's growth on a daily basis," he said.
"As we always say, Leo's presence has contributed significantly to that. I think it's very important for the Inter Miami brand to continue on this path of growth and to keep getting bigger every day.
"I also believe that our sporting success has played a big role in how the club is viewed today. The ambition and vision of the club are to keep growing day by day and to always strive for more."
LA first. pic.twitter.com/bYKH4fPJDs
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 19, 2026
LAFC, meanwhile, finished third in the West last season, having battled for the top spot throughout, but were ultimately beaten on penalties in the semifinals of the playoffs by the Whitecaps.
They come into the new season with a new head coach following Steve Cherundolo's departure at the end of the last campaign.
Marc dos Santos was promoted into the role from season assistant, and he believes that stands him in good stead to continue LAFC's progression, as he is already familiar with the club.
"I know the club, I know the culture," he told GOAL. "I know what the team wants to be about.
"I know what the owners want this team to be about. I know the academy, how the second team wants to play, and an impact in the first team.
"I know the majority of the players. I know how they think, what they're like."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga
Denis Bouanga recorded 24 goals and nine assists during the 2025 regular season.
He became just the third player in league history to reach both of those marks in a season, along with Messi (29 goals, 20 assists in 2025) and Carlos Vela (34 goals, 15 assists in 2019).
The season starts here
— LAFC (@LAFC) February 20, 2026
Inter Miami CF
Feb 21 at 6:30 PM PT
https://t.co/WoLtQOwGdv pic.twitter.com/yjIkBHYGBH
Inter Miami – Lionel Messi
Messi has totalled 25 goal contributions in his first appearance of the season across the last 17 campaigns of his career, dating back to 2009 (18 goals, seven assists).
He has contributed to at least one goal in his first match of the season for Miami in each of his three seasons with the team.
MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN
Los Angeles have won three of their five all-time meetings with Miami in all competitions, with the Herons winning the other two. LAFC kept clean sheets in all three of those wins while Miami netted three goals in both of their victories in the series.
LAFC have won an MLS-record eight consecutive season-opening matches, recording victories in their first match of all their seasons in MLS. Six of the eight wins, including the last three in a row, have been by one-goal margins.
Miami won their first MLS Cup in 2025 and will now look to become the first team to begin their title defence on the road with a win since Real Salt Lake did so in 2010. The last four reigning champions to begin their season on the road lost their opening match.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Los Angeles FC – 41.8%
Draw – 26.6%
Inter Miami – 31.6%