Messi Leads Inter Miami in Record‑Setting Opener The 2026 MLS season began on Feb 21 with Inter Miami hosting Los Angeles FC at the 70,000‑seat Memorial Coliseum, and Lionel Messi returned for a fourth year, prompting expectations of the league’s largest opening‑weekend crowd ever [1][2]. The match, billed as a blockbuster, featured Son Heung‑min’s LAFC and highlighted MLS’s growing star power after high‑profile signings such as Son’s $26.5 million deal [2]. Garber cited Messi’s 2023 move to Inter Miami as proof that world‑class talent can now be attracted to the United States [1].

World Cup Pause Integrated Into MLS Calendar MLS scheduled a seven‑week hiatus in June and July while five league venues host 2026 World Cup matches and additional sites serve as training facilities [2]. The league announced a $15‑30 million marketing campaign during the tournament to convert global viewers into domestic fans [2]. This pause splits the season, allowing MLS clubs to participate in the World Cup without fixture congestion [2].

Garber Pursues Prime‑Age European Stars Commissioner Don Garber publicly expressed a desire to sign Real Madrid forwards Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, describing them as potential “game‑changers” who could elevate MLS to rival Europe’s top leagues [1]. He emphasized that marquee signings in a player’s prime are essential for the league to compete with the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga [1]. Garber also noted that Messi’s arrival demonstrated MLS’s capacity to attract elite talent [1].

League Expansion and International Representation Accelerate Since Garber became commissioner in 1999, MLS expanded from 10 to 30 clubs, signaling maturation and readiness for further A‑list acquisitions [1]. About 50 MLS players are expected to represent their nations at the 2026 World Cup, underscoring the league’s rising competitive stature [1]. Recent signings—including James Rodriguez, German Berterame, and Timo Werner—supplement the league’s international appeal alongside Messi and Son [2].

2027 Calendar Shift Aims for European Alignment MLS announced a transition to a summer‑through‑spring schedule beginning in 2027 to align with European seasons, facilitating smoother transfer windows and reducing clashes with international fixtures [2]. Critics warn the new timing will pit MLS directly against the NFL, NBA, and NHL for viewership [2]. The shift reflects the league’s strategic push to integrate more fully into the global soccer ecosystem [2].