As Major League Soccer enters a month-long Leagues Cup break, the league is halfway through its 30th season, which has been characterized by a blend of nostalgic moments and a lack of significant fanfare. While the milestone season has seen some notable kit releases and ongoing storylines, it hasn’t resonated as strongly as anticipated. Attendance figures show that MLS remains steady, averaging 21,747 fans per game, but a more discerning fanbase is starting to voice higher expectations, especially with the FIFA World Cup on the horizon in 2026.
Lionel Messi has emerged as a standout performer for Inter Miami, netting 18 goals in 18 games before the break, which has reinvigorated the team’s hopes for a strong playoff push. Despite his impressive performance, Messi’s absence from the All-Star Game and minimal media interaction indicates his preference for enjoying the latter stages of his career over playing the ambassador role for the league.
In terms of viewership, MLS matches averaging 120,000 unique viewers per game on Apple TV presents a mixed bag, as this figure, while an improvement, still falls short of expectations given the potential reach of the platform.
Here’s a breakdown of the season’s winners and losers at this midpoint:
**Winners:**
– **FC Cincinnati:** With a balanced squad and strong performances from newcomer Evander and Kévin Denkey, Cincinnati has become a serious contender for the MLS Cup.
– **Lionel Messi:** His scoring prowess is pivotal for Inter Miami as the team gears up for the playoffs.
– **Andy Najar:** The veteran has been instrumental for Nashville SC, contributing significantly to the team’s success this season.
– **Diego Luna:** A rising star for Real Salt Lake, he has shone through with impressive goal-scoring despite the struggles of his team.
– **San Diego FC:** In their inaugural season, they sit near the top of the Western Conference, showcasing their potential and resilience under coach Mikey Varas.
– **Philadelphia Union:** The team has maintained smooth operations post-Jim Curtin, continuing to be one of the league’s stronger organizations.
– **Columbus Crew:** With an exciting attack led by Diego Rossi and guidance from coach Wilfried Nancy, they look poised for a deep playoff run.
**Losers:**
– **LA Galaxy:** The defending champions are enduring a nightmare season, with injuries and roster issues leading to a historically poor performance.
– **D.C. United:** The team is grappling with a lack of identity and consistency, mired in management turmoil.
– **Atlanta United FC:** Despite significant investments, the team has not yet found its stride, facing challenges on and off the field amid leadership changes.
– **Gregg Berhalter:** After taking over the Chicago Fire, the same issues of mediocrity persist, frustrating fans who long for tangible improvement.
– **Toronto FC:** Struggling to get back on solid ground with a roster that still feels weak, they are facing an uphill battle.
– **MLS itself:** The league’s performance at the Club World Cup raised concerns about its competitiveness on the international stage.
The future looks bright for clubs like FC Cincinnati and San Diego FC, while others may need to reevaluate their strategies to improve their standings as the league gears up for a critical second half of the season.