MLS in the spotlight in World Cup year as Messi's Miami begin title defence

Feb 20 : Major League Soccer kicks off its most pivotal season yet, with marquee names, record transfers and World Cup preparation converging as North American football steps into the international spotlight ahead of this summer's tournament.

The timing could not be more fitting. With the World Cup set to take place in Mexico, Canada and the United States this summer, the MLS is aiming for a similar transformative impact to that which the global showdown of 1994 had on its creation.

The season kicks off on Saturday at the Los Angeles Coliseum, as Lionel Messi's Inter Miami face Son Heung-min's LAFC in a match expected to attract more than 70,000 fans — the largest opening-weekend crowd in league history.

This fixture sets the stage for a transformative campaign as MLS continues to align itself with Europe's top football leagues. The league's decision to adopt a summer-to-spring calendar starting in 2027 reflects its long-term ambition to strengthen its global footprint.

The league's continued rise has been key to attracting world-class talent. Major off-season additions include Colombian James Rodriguez joining Minnesota United, German striker Timo Werner moving to the San Jose Earthquakes and Rodrigo De Paul, who will team up with Messi at Miami.

Alongside high-profile arrivals, MLS continues to develop its young talent. Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan, Real Salt Lake's Zavier Gozo, and LA Galaxy's Harbor Miller are promising prospects tipped for breakout seasons.

The league's reputation as a pipeline to European football was further enhanced by the transfers of Alex Freeman from Orlando City to Villarreal and Obed Vargas from Seattle Sounders to Atletico Madrid.

Elsewhere, Vancouver Whitecaps will rely on Thomas Mueller