Messi Kicks Off MLS Season as Inter Miami open campaign in a pivotal year shaped by the 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi begins a pivotal Major League Soccer campaign this weekend as Major League Soccer enters a split season shaped by the 2026 World Cup across North America.

Also read: Lescott Suggests Arsenal Should Have Signed Joao Pedro or Hugo Ekitike Instead of Gyokeres

Lionel Messi, now in his fourth year with Inter Miami CF, will feature in Saturday’s high profile opener against Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC at the 70,000 capacity Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles.

The fixture sets the tone for a landmark year as the 2026 World Cup unfolds across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

The tournament is expected to drive unprecedented attention towards domestic football in the United States.

League commissioner Don Garber described the campaign as a defining moment for the sport in America.

Don Garber said the season represents a seminal opportunity for MLS to cement its place in the global game.

The MLS calendar will pause for seven weeks in June and July to accommodate the World Cup. Five MLS stadiums will stage matches, while others will serve as training bases and fan zones.

An increased number of MLS players are expected to feature at the tournament, including Son Heung-min.

Lionel Messi has yet to confirm whether he will compete in what could be a record sixth World Cup appearance for Argentina.

Major League Soccer plans to capitalise on the tournament’s momentum with an estimated 15 to 30 million dollar marketing drive aimed at converting casual viewers into long term supporters of local clubs.

The league will resume during the rest period between the World Cup semi finals and final, followed swiftly by its All Star Game.

Don Garber said MLS will sit at the centre of the football world during the global showpiece, creating an extraordinary commercial and sporting opportunity.

The decision to launch the season with Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min at a historic Olympic venue underlines MLS’s ambition.

Don Garber has predicted the largest opening weekend attendance in league history.

While MLS has relied heavily on Lionel Messi’s global appeal since his arrival, Son Heung-min’s mid 2025 move to Los Angeles FC for a reported 26.5 million dollars has further elevated the league’s profile.

Other notable arrivals include James Rodríguez at Minnesota United and Timo Werner at the San Jose Earthquakes.

Thomas Müller now features for the Vancouver Whitecaps, while Marco Reus represents the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Inter Miami, co owned by David Beckham, have also added Argentina born Mexico striker Germán Berterame to their squad as they defend their MLS crown.

Looking ahead, Major League Soccer will shift from its spring to autumn format to a summer through spring schedule from July 2027.

The move will align the league with competitions such as the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga, allowing synchronised transfer windows and reducing clashes with major international tournaments.

Don Garber said the change reflects where MLS intends to compete, not only aligning with the best leagues but challenging them.

Critics argue that the revised calendar could intensify competition for audiences with the NFL, NBA and NHL.

Also read: Nasri Slams Mourinho Over Vinicius Celebration Critique

However, league officials remain confident that the World Cup spotlight will deliver a transformative boost.