Soccer-Messi and Inter Miami to kick off 2024 MLS season on Feb. 21

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Brazil v Argentina - Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - November 21, 2023 Argentina's Lionel Messi in action REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes/File Photo

(Reuters) - Argentine great Lionel Messi will launch his first full Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign on Feb. 21 when Inter Miami kick off the 2024 regular season at home with a match against Real Salt Lake, the league announced on Wednesday.

Messi's club, which he joined in July after signing a two-and-a-half year contract, will be thrown back in the spotlight four days later when Miami visit LA Galaxy in a match that will highlight a full slate of opening week action.