Lionel Messi begins the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign this weekend, marking a pivotal moment for the league as it capitalizes on increased attention ahead of the World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Argentine superstar, MLS’s flagship attraction, will play his fourth season with Inter Miami as they face off against Los Angeles FC, led by South Korea’s Son Heung-min, at the 70,000-seat Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles this Saturday.
MLS Season Timed Around the 2026 World Cup
This season is structured uniquely, with a mid-season pause to accommodate the World Cup taking place this summer. Five MLS stadiums will serve as venues for World Cup matches, with additional facilities acting as training grounds and fan zones. League officials expect increased domestic engagement, leveraging the global tournament to sustain interest in the sport beyond the international fixtures.
Don Garber, MLS commissioner, highlighted the importance of this year, stating,
“This is a massive year for Major League Soccer,”
and describing the campaign as
“a seminal moment for our sport.”
The season’s seven-week break during June and July will provide a crucial opportunity for marketing initiatives, reportedly totaling between $15 million and $30 million, aimed at drawing in new fans and enhancing the league’s global profile.
Following the World Cup semi-finals and final, the MLS season will resume promptly, followed by the traditional All-Star Game—which is expected to maintain the momentum generated during the international tournament. Garber further emphasized,
“MLS will be at the center of the soccer universe during the world’s largest sporting event, and that creates an extraordinary opportunity for our league, our clubs, and our players.”
Star Players Bring New Energy to MLS
The choice to open the season in Los Angeles with a match featuring Messi and Son signifies the league’s efforts to showcase its prominent international stars. Garber projects
“the largest opening weekend crowd in league history,”
reflecting heightened enthusiasm among fans.
Over recent years, Messi’s presence has been central to MLS’s growth. The addition of Son Heung-min midway through 2025 has further elevated the league’s profile, particularly by attracting support from South Korea’s diaspora within the United States. Son’s $26.5 million signing by Los Angeles FC is reportedly the most expensive transfer in MLS history.
Additional notable signings this season include Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez, who joined Minnesota United on a short-term contract as he seeks to regain form ahead of Colombia’s World Cup campaign, and German striker Timo Werner, who has signed with San Jose Earthquakes. Werner is the latest German star in the league, joining compatriots Thomas Muller at Vancouver Whitecaps and Marco Reus at Los Angeles Galaxy.
Mexican-born Argentine forward German Berterame also reinforced Inter Miami, adding firepower alongside Messi for the defending MLS champions, whose co-owner is former English star David Beckham.
Major Scheduling Shift to Align MLS with Global Leagues
Starting in July 2027, MLS plans to transition from its current spring-to-fall calendar to a summer-to-spring schedule that aligns with prominent European leagues such as the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga. This change aims to synchronize transfer windows, enabling US clubs to participate more effectively in global player markets, particularly during the European summer breaks.
Such alignment is also intended to minimize scheduling conflicts with international matches and global tournaments. Don Garber commented on the strategy, stating that it
“reflects exactly where we see MLS going, not just aligning with the best leagues in the world but competing with them.”
Nonetheless, some critics express concern that MLS will face increased competition for viewership from established American sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, and NHL, which follow similar seasonal schedules.
Growing Influence of the 2026 World Cup on MLS and American Soccer
The 2026 World Cup’s multi-nation hosting has already infused fresh excitement into the US soccer landscape. By maximizing the overlap between this global event and the domestic league, MLS hopes to drive sustained fan engagement and expand its footprint in the competitive sports market.
Messi’s continued involvement with Inter Miami — alongside other high-profile international players — represents both a symbolic and practical boost to the league. Their presence is expected to elevate the quality of play and attract larger audiences, domestically and internationally.
With five MLS venues slated for World Cup matches and several others serving as essential logistical hubs, the league’s infrastructure stands to benefit from substantial upgrades and increased visibility.
Looking ahead, MLS’s strategic schedule realignment and marketing investments during the World Cup place it in a strong position to further elevate its status globally as the soccer world focuses on North America.
