Major League Soccer is back, and the timing couldn't be better. With the men's World Cup happening right in the middle of the season, this year's MLS campaign is shaping up to be absolutely massive.
The league is stacked with quality right now. Opening weekend brings us a dream matchup: Lionel Messi's defending champions Inter Miami against Son Heung-min's Los Angeles FC. It doesn't get much bigger than that for American soccer fans.
Let's be honest - it's hard to look past Miami as favorites. When you've got the greatest footballer in history leading your team, you're always going to be in the conversation. Messi's impact on MLS has been nothing short of transformational.
Miami has been busy reshaping their squad too. Club legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba hung up their boots after winning the title in 2024. But coach Javier Mascherano hasn't been sitting still. He's brought in goalkeeper Dayne St Clair, Brazilian defender Micael, £11million forward German Berterame, and former Premier League left-back Sergio Reguilon.
Who Can Challenge Miami?
Don't think this is a one-team race though. LAFC with Son leading the attack looks dangerous. San Diego FC and FC Cincinnati are both sitting pretty in early power rankings too. Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United face uphill battles this season.
One storyline worth watching: Tata Martino's return to Atlanta United. Remember the magic he created there with Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez back in 2018? They won the MLS Cup playing beautiful football. Now Almiron is back in Atlanta, and Martino gets another chance to build something special. Could lightning strike twice?
The World Cup Factor Changes Everything
Here's where things get really interesting. The World Cup lands right in the middle of the MLS season. With the United States co-hosting, the impact will be huge. Several MLS players will be thrust into the World Cup spotlight, particularly for the USMNT.
The starting goalkeeper will likely be Matt Freese from MLS. Charlotte's Tim Ream remains a fixture at 38 years old. Diego Luna from Real Salt Lake and Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew could feature too.
MLS is banking on the World Cup buzz to boost interest. They've scheduled big matches immediately after the July final. The league hopes new soccer fans will stick around rather than just following European clubs. There's even speculation that Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski might fancy a move stateside after the tournament, with Chicago Fire reportedly interested.
Looking at betting markets, Miami are understandably favorites for the title. But with the World Cup break disrupting rhythm and momentum, this season could throw up some surprises. Teams with strong squad depth might handle the interruption better than star-dependent sides.
Next year brings a potentially transformational change - MLS will flip its calendar to align with European leagues. This could be a game-changer for attracting talent and competing globally. Right now though, Messi aside, the league hasn't grown its popularity as much as hoped over the past decade.
Meanwhile in Europe, Real Madrid youngster Endrick is finding his feet at Lyon. The 19-year-old Brazilian struggled for game time at Madrid and took a loan move to France in winter. Smart decision. He's exploded with five goals and an assist in just six games, including a winning debut goal against Lille.
It's been nearly a year since Endrick played for Brazil. With the World Cup approaching and coach Carlo Ancelotti watching, those Lyon performances might just earn him a call-up. The kid has always had special talent - now he's proving it on the pitch week after week.
One fun note to wrap up: Brentford's Michael Kayode has become famous for his long throw-ins in the Premier League. But his most memorable throw might be the one at Brentford's stadium that revealed he and his partner Eleonora are having a baby. Football brings these wonderful human moments alongside the competition.
