Major League Soccer is poised for a pivotal year, riding the momentum of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the continued impact of Lionel Messi. Commissioner Don Garber has emphasized the significance of this period, viewing it as a “seminal moment” for soccer across North America. The league’s 31st season kicks off this weekend, with expectations high for sustained growth and increased fan engagement.
Garber believes the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents a unique opportunity to solidify soccer’s place in the North American sporting landscape. He anticipates the tournament will not only draw massive crowds but also leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the five-and-a-half weeks of competition. The MLS will pause its mid-season schedule for seven weeks to allow players to participate with their respective national teams, a testament to the league’s growing international presence.
Messi’s Continued Influence
Central to the league’s current success is, of course, Lionel Messi. Garber has publicly praised the Argentine superstar, calling him “the unicorn of unicorns” and acknowledging the unprecedented impact he’s had since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. Messi recently signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him with the club through 2028, a development Garber expressed immense satisfaction with. In the 2025 regular season, Messi led the league with 29 goals in 28 games, earning him the MLS Golden Boot award.
The relationship between Garber and Messi wasn’t always smooth. Earlier this year, a disagreement arose when Messi skipped the MLS All-Star Game, resulting in a suspension. Even as Garber initially admitted to a strained relationship – joking that “I don’t think he wants to talk to me” in August 2025, according to Front Office Sports – the two appear to have reconciled. Garber presented Messi with the Golden Boot award before Inter Miami’s playoff match against Nashville SC on October 24, 2025.
Building on World Cup Momentum
The league is actively planning to capitalize on the increased attention generated by the World Cup. Advertisers and MLS are collaborating to attract new soccer fans in the U.S., recognizing the potential for long-term growth, as reported by Sports Business Journal. Garber hopes the tournament will inspire a new generation of players and fans, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport throughout North America.
Looking ahead, the league is focused on building a sustainable future. A recent simulation by Football Manager 26 (Football Manager) offers a glimpse into potential scenarios for the 2026 MLS season, highlighting emerging talent and competitive dynamics. The league also continues to attract significant investment, with several key transfers taking place in 2026, as detailed by BeSoccer Livescore.
Garber, reflecting on his 26 years as MLS commissioner, acknowledges that this moment is unlike any he’s experienced before. He sees the combination of the World Cup and Messi’s presence as a catalyst for unprecedented growth and a defining chapter in the league’s history. The success of the 2026 season will be crucial in establishing MLS as a major force in the global soccer landscape.
As MLS embarks on this transformative year, all eyes will be on its ability to leverage the World Cup and Messi’s star power to build a lasting legacy. The league’s future success hinges on its capacity to convert the current momentum into sustained growth and a broader, more engaged fanbase.
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