MLS Commissioner Calls 2024 ‘Most Important Year’ as World Cup and Messi Drive Growth

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber believes 2024 will be transformative for American soccer, with the upcoming World Cup and Lionel Messi's impact creating unprecedented momentum. The league enters its 31st season positioned to capitalize on global attention that could create lasting growth beyond the tournament.

After more than two decades at the helm of Major League Soccer, Commissioner Don Garber says he’s never experienced a moment quite like this one facing the league today.

With MLS launching its 31st campaign this Saturday, the organization stands at a unique crossroads where two powerful forces converge: an approaching World Cup on North American soil and the continued excitement surrounding Lionel Messi’s presence since the soccer icon joined the league in 2023.

“This is a massive year for MLS and a seminal moment for soccer, not just in the United States but throughout North America,” Garber told Reuters.

The upcoming World Cup will force MLS into a seven-week hiatus mid-season while players join their national squads, creating what Garber describes as “the biggest sporting event in the history of this country.”

However, Garber emphasizes the tournament’s value extends far beyond the five-and-a-half weeks of competition itself, focusing instead on creating enduring impact for American soccer.

“While everybody is going to be paying attention to what is going to be the biggest sporting event in the history of this country, we hope that some of that drama, some of that appeal, some of that history, could rub off and create a lasting legacy,” Garber said.

“This is about taking the great game, the beautiful game of soccer, and putting a bunch of energy behind it so that we can continue to do our part in helping to lead the game.”

The league’s position differs significantly from the 1994 World Cup held in America. Garber notes that previously, a successful U.S. men’s national team run would have been crucial for domestic soccer growth. Today, with talent from more than 70 nations and multilingual broadcasts, MLS has moved beyond that reliance.

“There’s going to be millions and millions of people that are supporting the U.S. men’s national team, and there’ll be millions of people that are supporting other countries. And they’re all either coming to our country and will go back and hopefully be fans of the game, or they’re living here supporting their own culture, their own nationality,” Garber said.

“And we believe that we’re a league for a new America.”

Despite the league’s growth to 30 franchises with Forbes reporting an average franchise value of $731 million, Garber recognizes ongoing doubts about MLS quality compared to established international competitions.

“Part of that is when people come into the game, they’re coming into it by following the European leagues, or they’re coming into it following the World Cup and following national teams, and they may not be as exposed to their local MLS club as we need to make them be. That falls on us to do that,” said Garber.

“But obviously, the plan has been working. It has been a slow build. It hasn’t happened overnight. You know, we’re entering our 31st year. That’s not an overnight sensation, but certainly not around the 100 years that the other leagues are around.”

Nevertheless, Garber maintains confidence about the league’s trajectory.

“Our best days, our best years, in my opinion, are still ahead,” said Garber. “And I think we’ll earn the trust and respect of the fans of this sport, like we have earned the trust and respect of great players, the best player in the history of the game.”

That final comment referenced Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or champion whose influence on MLS has surpassed even Garber’s ambitious projections.

Following Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, the league’s international recognition has dramatically increased almost immediately.

“If you know football, and almost everybody in the world does, you know Leo Messi, and you know now that he plays in MLS for Inter Miami,” Garber said.

As MLS begins what Garber considers its most crucial season to date, the organization that once fought for credibility now has the opportunity to benefit from an ideal combination of worldwide focus. The real test will be whether this attention creates sustainable expansion in the months ahead.

“It’s not just about the summer. It’s about all the lead up, it’s about the activity during the tournament itself,” said Garber. “And then it’s coming out of the tournament … and riding the wave of a lot of soccer energy.”