Messi Kicks Off MLS Season Ahead of 2026 World Cup

League aligns calendar with global soccer to capitalize on increased attention during major tournament.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Lionel Messi begins his fourth season with Inter Miami this weekend as Major League Soccer kicks off its 2026 campaign, which is structured around the upcoming World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. MLS is leveraging the global event to drive domestic fan engagement and expand its footprint, with five league stadiums serving as World Cup venues and additional facilities acting as training grounds and fan zones.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup represents a seminal moment for MLS, providing an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the league on the global stage and sustain interest in soccer beyond the international fixtures. By aligning its calendar with prominent European leagues, MLS aims to better compete in the global player market and minimize scheduling conflicts with international matches.

The details

This season, MLS will pause for a seven-week break during the World Cup in June and July, allowing the league to execute marketing initiatives worth $15-30 million to attract new fans and enhance its global profile. The season will resume promptly after the World Cup semi-finals and final, followed by the traditional All-Star Game. MLS is opening the season with a high-profile match featuring Lionel Messi's Inter Miami against Son Heung-min's Los Angeles FC, reflecting the league's efforts to showcase its prominent international stars. Other notable signings this season include Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez, German striker Timo Werner, and Mexican-born Argentine forward German Berterame.

  • The 2026 MLS season kicks off this Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • The league will pause for a seven-week break during the 2026 World Cup in June and July.
  • The MLS season will resume promptly after the World Cup semi-finals and final.
  • The traditional MLS All-Star Game will take place following the World Cup.

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentine superstar and Inter Miami's flagship attraction, who is beginning his fourth season in MLS.

Son Heung-min

South Korean forward who plays for Los Angeles FC, the opposing team in the opening match against Messi's Inter Miami.

Don Garber

MLS commissioner who has described this season as a "seminal moment" for the league and an "extraordinary opportunity" to showcase MLS during the World Cup.

James Rodriguez

Colombian midfielder who has joined Minnesota United on a short-term contract to regain form ahead of the World Cup.

Timo Werner

German striker who has signed with the San Jose Earthquakes, the latest German star to join MLS.

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What they’re saying

“This is a massive year for Major League Soccer.”

— Don Garber, MLS Commissioner (theconwaybulletin.com)

“MLS will be at the center of the soccer universe during the world's largest sporting event, and that creates an extraordinary opportunity for our league, our clubs, and our players.”

— Don Garber, MLS Commissioner (theconwaybulletin.com)

“the largest opening weekend crowd in league history”

— Don Garber, MLS Commissioner (theconwaybulletin.com)

“reflects exactly where we see MLS going, not just aligning with the best leagues in the world but competing with them.”

— Don Garber, MLS Commissioner (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The 2026 World Cup semi-finals and final will take place in July, after which the MLS season will promptly resume.

The takeaway

By aligning its calendar with the 2026 World Cup and prominent global soccer leagues, MLS is positioning itself to capitalize on increased domestic and international attention, elevate the quality of play, and further establish itself as a competitive force in the global sports landscape.