Garber eyes transformative year for MLS with World Cup and Messi fever

Feb 20 : Don Garber has seen a lot in his 26 years leading Major League Soccer, but even the league's commissioner admits he has never witnessed anything quite like this moment.

As MLS prepares to kick off its 31st season on Saturday, the league finds itself at the intersection of two seismic forces: a World Cup returning to North America and riding the wave of Lionel Messi mania that has swept through American soccer since the Argentine legend's arrival in 2023.

"This is a massive year for MLS and a seminal moment for soccer, not just in the United States but throughout North America," Garber told Reuters.

The World Cup, which will see MLS take a seven-week break in the middle of the season as players report to their respective national teams, represents what Garber calls "the biggest sporting event in the history of this country." 

HOPES WORLD CUP HELPS BUILD LEGACY

But for him, it is about more than just five-and-a-half weeks of World Cup action - it is about building something that lasts and maximizing the tournament's impact.

"While everybody is going to be paying attention to what is going to be the biggest sporting event in the history of this country, we hope that some of that drama, some of that appeal, some of that history, could rub off and create a lasting legacy," Garber said.

"This is about taking the great game, the beautiful game of soccer, and putting a bunch of energy behind it so that we can continue to do our part in helping to lead the game."

What has changed since the 1994 World Cup was held on American soil is MLS' relationship with the U.S. men's national team. 

Garber said that "back in the day," a deep American run would have been essential to growing the game domestically. Now, with players from over 70