A Major League Soccer (MLS) kicks off its 31st season this weekend, promising an action-packed campaign in a World Cup year. At the forefront of this spectacle, Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami CF in defense of their 2025 MLS Cup title, facing 29 rivals hungry for glory. With the history of MLS being written, all eyes are on the Argentine star, who has the potential to leave an indelible mark on North American soccer.
To provide context, it has been 32 years since the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup, two years before the launch of MLS in 1996. Three decades later, the league is determined to establish itself as one of the most exciting in the world, bringing with it a host of international stars. In addition to Messi, other big names, such as Heung-min Son from Los Angeles FC and Thomas Muller from Vancouver Whitecaps, are in the running for the most coveted trophy in North American soccer.
The MLS has undergone radical transformations since its inception, but this year marks the end of an era. The league will hold its final full season under the traditional spring-to-fall format, with a transition to the European summer-to-spring calendar scheduled for 2027. This means that next year, the MLS will feature a shortened 14-game campaign from February to May, before aligning with prestigious European leagues such as the Premier League and La Liga. This will be a monumental step for the league, signaling a new era of competitiveness and visibility.
The highly anticipated “MLS Is Back” will kick off on February 22 and 23, with all 30 teams in action. Inter Miami could not have a more challenging start, facing the star-studded LAFC at BMO Stadium. The first match at the new Miami Freedom Park is scheduled for April 5, where the Herons will host Austin FC. With the 2026 World Cup taking place on American soil, the MLS will pause its season from May 26 to July 16 to make way for the international tournament that promises to be a showcase of football.
The end of the regular season is set for November 7, with the so-called “Decision Day,” where teams fight for playoff positions. Inter Miami, under the leadership of the legendary Messi, aims to become only the third team in MLS history to win consecutive titles, following an impressive performance that saw Messi score 35 goals in 34 matches. The impact of the Argentine star is undeniable, but he is not alone; the squad includes other renowned players such as Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez, along with the recent addition of forward Germán Berterame.
If there is a team capable of challenging Inter’s supremacy, it is LAFC. The arrival of Son from Tottenham has transformed Marc Dos Santos’ side into one of the most fearsome attacking units in the league. Alongside Denis Bouanga, who also had a remarkable season with 25 goals and eight assists, LAFC promises to confront Miami’s dominance. The recent signing of Stephen Eustaquio, on loan from Porto, could further strengthen the team.
Regarding the Vancouver Whitecaps, the ambition to replicate Toronto FC’s success in 2017 is very much alive. Thomas Muller, although in the final stages of his career, has proven to be a vital player in the second half of last season. With an impressive performance of seven goals and three assists in just seven matches, Muller helped his team reach the playoffs, and now seeks to turn that experience into fuel for a genuine title run in 2026.
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Messi this new MLS season, which has already elevated the league to new heights since his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023. At 38 years old, Messi remains the focal point of American soccer, and his influence is felt in every corner of the field. But one cannot overlook the brilliance of Bouanga, who, with 26 goals and nine assists last season, promises to be a force to be reckoned with, even alongside stars like Son.
And we cannot fail to mention James Rodriguez, who, after a disappointing stint at León, has joined Minnesota United. The Colombian, who made history at the 2014 World Cup, is determined to regain his former glory and show the world that he still has much to offer.
As the MLS prepares for a new chapter, the anticipation is palpable. The season is about to begin, and what lies ahead promises to be an exciting spectacle, filled with intense rivalries and memorable moments that will go down in sports history.
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