The MLS returns this weekend, with an exciting lineup on Saturday featuring a showdown between LAFC and Inter Miami at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.
These two clubs are emblematic of the current MLS landscape, both showcasing international superstars utilizing league matches in the U.S. to gear up for this summer’s World Cup. Lionel Messi led Miami to its first league title last year, while Son Heung-Min joined LAFC last summer, aiming to dethrone Messi and Miami.
Alongside these stars, there’s a host of other top players from North America and beyond who may not have the same star power as the Argentinian and South Korean icons, but have either played for elite teams worldwide or are on the verge of moving to a bigger league after showcasing their talents in MLS.
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Notably, several teams not involved in Saturday’s featured match are eager to demonstrate that they can contend just as effectively as the title favorites.
Will Messi and Miami successfully defend their title? Can Son lead his team to glory? Or will an unexpected contender rise during the demanding season? Here’s a look at what you may have missed over the winter, along with key storylines slated to shape the 2026 season.
Can anyone stop Miami and Messi?
As Messi celebrated winning the MLS Cup, marking Miami’s first domestic title, he also said goodbye to two long-time companions. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who both came over from Barcelona, announced that last season would be their final one. Leaving on a high note, Miami’s front office swiftly arranged for talented replacements to further elevate the club’s aspirations.
Sergio Reguilón, with experience at Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, has stepped in as the new left back. Meanwhile, David Ayala has transferred from the Portland Timbers to fill the midfield position now open beside world champion Rodrigo De Paul.
Beyond the necessary adjustments in the starting lineup, Miami also focused on reinforcing their defense, which had shown inconsistency. The club signed Dayne St. Clair, the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, from Minnesota United, and he is expected to be a key player from the outset. Additionally, Micael, a former center back for the Houston Dynamo who played last season with Palmeiras in Brazil, will also bolster Miami’s defense.
With another designated player spot still available, Miami made a high-profile signing by acquiring Germán Berterame from Monterrey. The forward, known for his consistent scoring in Liga MX, allows manager Javier Mascherano to deploy Luis Suárez as a super-sub and places Messi back into his traditional No. 10 position instead of having him play as a false 9.
This impressive reconstruction positions Miami with one of the best rosters in recent memory heading into the MLS season. The motivation for more trophies is strong, especially with the upcoming opening of the state-of-the-art Miami Freedom Park near the airport in early April.
Nevertheless, there’s a reason these matches are played. Miami will face every opponent’s best efforts as they defend their title while also aiming to secure their first Concacaf Champions Cup and earn a spot in the upcoming Club World Cup in 2029, after acting as the host team in 2025.
Facing them on Saturday, Son’s LAFC emerges as a strong candidate to challenge Miami’s reign. With a fit and fresh Son, the Black and Gold also managed to keep Denis Bouanga from Brazilian teams and, reportedly, from Miami. Bouanga has netted over 20 goals each of the past three seasons and established a solid connection with Son despite early concerns about their compatibility.
New manager Marc dos Santos has turned LAFC into a haven for Canadian internationals. Notably, midfielder Stephen Eustáquio was just signed on a short loan until the World Cup, with an option for a permanent transfer. If he mirrors his national team performance, LAFC will be eager to secure a long-term deal for the versatile 29-year-old.
Anticipation surrounds the return of center back Aaron Long, who is expected to make his comeback from an Achilles injury in the coming months. He has already been registered on the squad’s roster for the CCC.
The big question remains how Dos Santos will manage this star-studded roster. While he possesses MLS managerial experience, he has recently served as an assistant coach under Steve Cherundolo, who stepped down to return to Germany for personal reasons. With high expectations, Dos Santos will face significant pressure if results do not materialize quickly.
Big stars continue to shine even outside South Florida and Hollywood
The Vancouver Whitecaps are set for an exciting season with Thomas Müller ready to contribute after joining the club last summer. After reaching the finals of both the CCC and MLS Cup last season, the Whitecaps aim to build on their success, though they lost attacking players Ali Ahmed to Norwich City and Jayden Nelson to Austin FC. They’ll be looking to push past their recent hurdles following a strong 2025 season.
Several familiar names have chosen MLS as their destination. The most notable is James Rodríguez, joining a transitioning Minnesota United squad after coach Eric Ramsay left for West Bromwich Albion in the EFL Championship. The Colombian star will look to excel within a team focused on set pieces as he prepares for the World Cup.
Timo Werner, although unlikely to return to the German national team, has joined the San Jose Earthquakes after an eventful period with RB Leipzig and a loan period with Tottenham Hotspur. The Quakes will rely on Werner to fill the gap left by winger Cristian Espinoza, who departed for Nashville in free agency.
A familiar face has returned to MLS as Austin FC made a significant move to reacquire Facundo Torres. After time with Orlando City and Palmeiras, he has now signed a long-term deal with the Verde and Black.
Even teams with limited recent success are enhancing their squads with international talent. D.C. United secured the services of Romanian forward Louis Munteanu, aiming to rejuvenate their attack and boost Romania’s chances in the World Cup playoffs this summer.
Intra-league market also continues to grow
The influx of international players isn’t the only aspect that enhances the competitiveness of MLS. A relaxation of regulations regarding cash usage for player transactions has resulted in a significant increase in intra-league transfers in the league’s history. While many of these players may not be as widely recognized as James or Werner, they are athletes whose new clubs anticipate will yield stable performance.
D.C. United successfully acquired Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union, who had netted 18 goals last season—just twelve goals shy of D.C. United’s total output as a team last season.
The LA Galaxy sought to strengthen their offense following another injury to Riqui Puig, bringing in João Klauss from St. Louis City. After moving midfielder Ayala to Miami for cash, Portland Timbers responded by acquiring Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids to fill that gap. Furthermore, two U.S. youth internationals—Brooklyn Raines and Reed Baker-Whiting—have changed teams as well, with Raines moving to the New England Revolution from Houston, while Baker-Whiting joins Nashville SC from Seattle Sounders.
This trend allows clubs to acquire players who have proven themselves in MLS while also providing opportunities for athletes who might be sidelined at one team to seek playing time elsewhere.
World Cup, international duties will test managers in new ways
The MLS season will take a break for the World Cup, allowing players to join their national teams in late May and resuming shortly before the championship match in July. Several MLS stadiums will be utilized for the tournament, serving both as match venues—such as Atlanta, Seattle, Vancouver, and New England—and as training facilities for other teams.
Dozens of players will participate, including Messi and De Paul representing defending champions Argentina, as well as three players from underdogs like Haiti. Managers will aim to work with these players to ensure they arrive in peak condition for the summer tournament. They’ll also hope that regardless of their performance on such a significant stage, players can quickly refocus for the latter part of the season and the upcoming Leagues Cup right after the World Cup.
Additionally, managers will want to ensure that players not participating in the World Cup—likely most of their squads—remain sharp as the league prepares to resume.
Whether strategizing to dismantle one of the most talented teams in recent history, planning how to keep players well-prepared for the trophy chase, or striving to ascend to the ranks of favorites through successful runs, the upcoming season promises to be captivating, posing significant challenges for managers and their teams.