MLS 2026: Messi on a mission to impress in World Cup year | OneFootball

Although the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is still in its infancy, there have already been plenty of talking points generated across both Conferences.

One of the key narratives heading into the new campaign inevitably surrounded a player who has continued to showcase his stellar talents.

The football universe has been pondering whether Lionel Messi can write more history this term. Miami are chasing another MLS title, while Argentina are bidding to retain the World Cup.

With that in mind, read on as we assess how the early part of the season has unfolded, starting with the Eastern Conference.

Miami put LAFC mauling behind them

Miami bounced back from a dismal 3-0 defeat in their opening game at Los Angeles FC by defeating Orlando City and DC United.

Messi weighed in with three goals in the two victories to once again demonstrate that he still has plenty to offer in the veteran stage of his career.

Miami have started the 2026 campaign on the road, with their new Freedom Park stadium not scheduled to officially open until April.

If Miami navigate through the rest of the month without too many mishaps, they will be well-placed to mount a sustained title challenge.

Their hopes of going back-to-back in MLS could be boosted this summer, with the club reportedly eyeing a move for Bernardo Silva.

The Portuguese star is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season and would be a shrewd acquisition for the reigning MLS champions.

Juventus and Benfica are also in the race to sign Silva, but the opportunity to play alongside Messi will likely be a tempting proposition for him.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Nashville SC, New York City and New York Red Bulls have each made a solid start to the new campaign.

Miami are scheduled to visit New York City on March 22 for a fixture which will provide a useful yardstick for their respective title hopes.

Werner is reviving his fortunes in North America

San Jose Earthquakes pulled off a significant coup in January when they completed the signing of Timo Werner from German Bundesliga club Red Bull Leipzig.

It would be fair to say that Werner never quite lived up to expectations in Europe, particularly during ill-fated spells with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

However, his career CV is littered with successes at club and country level, and he should be a big hit in the calmer waters of MLS.

Werner has already demonstrated his ability, weighing in with a couple of assists to help the Earthquakes maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign.

Working under head coach Bruce Arena should benefit Werner and may even fire him back into contention for a recall to the German national team.

Arena knows what it takes to be successful and believes Werner could have a similar impact to two other top-class forwards who made their mark in MLS.

“Timo reminded me a little bit of Juan Pablo Angel,” Arena said. “I brought him to [Red Bull] New York, and then Robbie [Keane], all the time I followed him, and got lucky to bring him to LA [Galaxy].

“Following Timo in his years with Chelsea and Tottenham, I thought he was talented and would be very good in the league.

“And when I got to meet him, I thought he was a perfect fit for us. They’re all different, those three players and all, but I think he can have an impact with our club.”