"Messi v Son. The two best players in the league play for the two glamour teams on opposite coasts, and each have large and dedicated fanbases. If both stay relatively healthy and perform up to capabilities, there's no way the race between them for some honor (Golden Boot? MVP? Both?) won't be fascinating to see unfold. AA Whatever the league does or doesn't do to capitalize on the World Cup."
"JR MLS's response to the World Cup. 2026 was meant to be the year of opportunity. The catalyst American soccer had been waiting for. The boom. So now that it's here, why does it feel so underwhelming? The league is cutting coverage of itself. Broadcast talent has been chopped. Having waited this long for The Big Plan to be presented to us all, it's now safe to assume there isn't one."
Messi and Son present the premier individual rivalry, each leading major coastal clubs with large, dedicated fanbases. Health and form will determine whether their duel becomes a compelling race for Golden Boot and MVP honors. The 2026 World Cup creates a major opportunity for MLS, but league planning and promotional strategies remain unclear, with recent broadcast cuts and talent reductions suggesting underinvestment in maximizing the moment. The Vancouver Whitecaps face a pivotal stadium standoff that may determine their participation in a planned fall-to-spring schedule. Messi is the leading MVP favorite and could become the first three-time winner if healthy.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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