Messi against the world

New season, new faces, and the same giant. Inter Miami will kick off the new Major League Soccer season as the team to beat, this time after finally securing the long-awaited league title. However, the Herons are rebuilding following the retirements of irreplaceable pillars such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. It is a significant blow for Javier Mascherano, who will try to mitigate it as best he can, because with Messi as leader, nothing is impossible.

Inter Miami look unstoppable in 2026. Some key players have departed, but new arrivals have come in to compete for the league title and the Concacaf Champions League, their main objective this season. In that regard, Mascherano has secured signings of the calibre of Sergio Reguilón, who joins as a free agent, and striker Germán Berterame, a marquee addition after a €15.32 million move from Atlético de San Luis. Berterame arrives as the natural successor to Luis Suárez in what will be his final season in Miami. These players will need to compensate for the absence of Messi, who is injured and expected to be sidelined for the next few weeks.

It is a season generating excitement both on and off the pitch. Both Sportico and Forbes rank the Herons as the most valuable club in MLS, with an estimated valuation of $1.45 billion, representing a 22 per cent year-on-year increase, the highest in the league. The ‘Messi effect’ has propelled the club to inaugurate a new stadium, Freedom Park, which promises to be one of the most modern in the United States and will meet the growing demand to see the Argentine star in action.

MLS, like Inter Miami, continues to evolve. This season will be the last played under a calendar-year schedule, running from January to December. From 2027 onwards, the league will adopt a European-style format, from August to May, with two transfer windows: 1 July to 31 August and 1 January to 31 January. In other words, this will be the final crown of the old regime, one that will be fought for fiercely.

The new signings and fresh faces across the league are ready for the challenge. Minnesota United have surprisingly secured the services of James Rodríguez, a move that at the very least places them among the title contenders. Charlotte FC have strengthened with Spaniard Pep Biel, formerly of Olympiacos and one of the signings of the season for $4.13 million, while Real Salt Lake have brought in Juan Manuel Sanabria from Atlético de Madrid for $3.89 million. There are also returns to North America: Facundo Torres joins Austin FC, owned by actor and Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey, in an $9.43 million move from Palmeiras, while Paxten Aaronson returns to MLS with Colorado after an unsuccessful spell in Europe with Eintracht for $8.25 million.

Nor should we overlook established projects. San Diego continue to build around Anders Dreyer following the ‘Chucky’ Lozano setback; LA Galaxy rely on Riqui Puig and Marco Reus; LAFC boast Tottenham icons Heung-min Son and Hugo Lloris; Houston Dynamo feature Mexican international and former Atlético de Madrid midfielder Héctor Herrera; and Vancouver Whitecaps count on the unmistakable Thomas Müller, last season’s MLS finalist. Thirty teams, only one champion. The race begins now.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.