MLS begins the 2026 season this weekend and it finds itself “at the intersection of two seismic forces: a World Cup returning to North America and riding the wave of Lionel Messi mania,” according to Frank Pingue of REUTERS. He said, “Would I love to see Vini here? Would I love to see Mbappé here? I think that some of the great players in the world want to play in the US, and that’s the game changer.” Riddell & Levy note MLS has seen a “succession of top-tier international stars play in the league” including former soccer player and Inter Miami owner David Beckham. But it was the “stunning signing of Messi ... that turned heads like never before.” Garber now is “confident that a marquee signing will choose to form part of MLS in the prime of their career” (CNN.com, 2/20).

Source: CNN February 20, 2026 17:24 UTC