Another star from Europe's major leagues has arrived in Major League Soccer (MLS). Former Tottenham Hotspur player Sergio Reguilón has officially joined Inter Miami. The contract runs until December 2027, with an option to extend through December 2028. Moving as a free agent, Reguilón is now a teammate of Lionel Messi and will showcase his talents on the MLS stage. This transfer goes beyond adding just another player; it's expected to significantly impact the forthcoming 2026 MLS season and the league's overall allure.
From a tactical perspective, Reguilón's move to Inter Miami presents intriguing prospects. He fills the left-back position vacated by Jordi Alba's retirement, which is notable. Reguilón is regarded as a modern full-back, combining speed with aggressive overlapping capabilities. His experience in the Premier League and La Liga is expected to stabilize Inter Miami's left-sided defense and contribute greatly to their attacking build-up. Observers are keen on his partnership with Messi; Reguilón’s dynamic flanking can provide Messi with more freedom and space, potentially diversifying Inter Miami's attack patterns. His precise crossing and link-up play are set to be pivotal in creating scoring opportunities for Messi and other forwards.
Alongside Reguilón’s transfer announcement, there's another piece of news exciting football fans: his encounter with Son Heung-min in the 2026 MLS season opener, donning the Inter Miami jersey. Son, having already moved to LAFC in the summer of 2025, will face Reguilón as LAFC welcomes Inter Miami to the LA Memorial Coliseum on February 21st, 2026 (Korean time). The two former Tottenham teammates will now compete against each other to secure victory for their respective MLS teams.
This match promises to be more than just a reunion of former colleagues; it's poised as a high-level tactical showdown in MLS. From a strategic standpoint, if Reguilón plays as Inter Miami’s left-back, he is likely to face off directly against Son Heung-min, leading LAFC’s right flank. Son’s explosive speed, dribbling, and world-class finishing ability will pose a significant defensive challenge for Reguilón. Conversely, Reguilón’s active offensive participation and overlapping runs might require Son to contribute defensively. This battle between left-back Reguilón and right-winger Son Heung-min is set to be a key tactical point that could decide the match outcome. Not only their individual prowess but also how each team’s manager exploits and counters this specific matchup will be a fascinating aspect to analyze. LAFC might target the space left by Reguilón, while Inter Miami could strategize to support Reguilón’s forward runs while effectively containing Son’s advances.
Reguilón's addition brings European-level experience and tactical versatility to Inter Miami’s left flank. Expected to invigorate attacks centered around Lionel Messi, Reguilón’s speed and attacking intuition can complement Messi’s passes, launching sharp wing attacks or creating channels for Messi’s central incursions. Defensively, his exposure to the high intensity of the Premier League is expected to effectively manage MLS forwards.
The upcoming 2026 MLS season is drawing unprecedented interest and anticipation with Reguilón and Son Heung-min in the mix. Their reunion in the season opener is set to be a major highlight not only for Korean football fans but for fans worldwide. Their performances are certain to elevate MLS’s stature and positively impact the league’s popularity. This season, MLS is expected to evolve into an alluring league offering tactical depth and showcasing the individual brilliance of its stars, rivaling European competitions.
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