An exceptional start to the MLS season led by Messi
Football fans around the world are turning their attention to the United States as the new season of Major League Soccer (MLS) kicks off, a season that holds particular significance this year. Argentine legend Lionel Messi leads his team, Inter Miami, in his first full season, amidst enormous expectations and high hopes that this year will serve as a historic prelude to the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
General context: “The Messi effect” and the reshaping of the American soccer landscape
Since his arrival in the summer of 2023, Lionel Messi has truly revolutionized North American football. His impact wasn't limited to leading Inter Miami to their first-ever title (the League Cup), but extended to an unprecedented surge in ticket sales, Apple TV+ subscriptions, and jersey sales, as well as attracting global media attention never before seen in the league. This season, with Messi starting, the league is looking to capitalize on this momentum to achieve new records across the board. Adding to the excitement is the reunion of Barcelona's historic quartet with the arrival of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, joining Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, making Inter Miami not only a strong contender for titles but also a global sports tourism destination.
Importance and impact: A strategic season on the road to the 2026 World Cup
Major League Soccer (MLS) officials see this season and the next as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to solidify the game’s popularity in the country. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the league is aiming to convert its quadrennial fans into loyal, regular supporters. To that end, the league is planning massive marketing campaigns during the tournament, and its regular season will be temporarily suspended to accommodate the global event. This move is designed to keep the spotlight on “the beautiful game” and leverage the infrastructure and stadiums that will be at the heart of the action. The league’s success in attracting and retaining fans during this period will have a direct impact on soccer’s standing in the highly competitive American sports landscape, which is currently dominated by sports like American football and basketball.
Future ambition: Towards a global league
Major League Soccer's ambitions extend beyond simply capitalizing on the "Messi effect" and the World Cup; they encompass structural changes that will elevate it to the ranks of the world's top leagues. Among the most prominent future plans under discussion is a shift in the season's calendar, moving it from the fall to the spring, similar to major European leagues. If implemented, this move would streamline player transfers, align transfer windows, and avoid scheduling conflicts with international tournaments, thereby enhancing the league's ability to attract more world-class players at the peak of their careers. This season, therefore, represents a crucial step not only on the pitch but also in shaping the future of football across an entire continent.
