MLS is the real deal, folks.

Major League Soccer has solidified its position among the world’s top-tier soccer leagues, now ranked as the ninth-best league globally, according to Opta Analyst.

MLS ranked as ninth-best league in the world, over EFL Championship and Eredivisie

This milestone places MLS above renowned leagues like the English Championship and the Dutch Eredivisie — two leagues in Europe with long histories of having top soccer talents.

Major League Soccer put its foot down and showed that no one is above the rules as Lionel Messi and superstar teammate Luis Suárez were both hit with fines after week 1 of the new season.

Suárez and Messi fined by MLS

The attacking pair were fined an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent” rule.

A spectacular Lionel Messi goal vs Sporting KC opened the scoring of Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup on Tuesday. Miami won 4-1 on aggregate.

Messi got the home crowd at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on their feet in the 19th minute with a golazo from the top of the box. Luis Suarez found his former Barcelona teammate with a cross and Messi finished beautifully on the half volley.

Lionel Messi goal vs Sporting KC

MESSIIIIIIII

MLS is back... to taking on criticism.

The 2025 MLS season kicked off with plenty of drama, most notably highlighted by San Diego FC’s stunning debut win against the 2024 MLS Champions. The new expansion club managed to pull off one of the most shocking opening weekend results in recent memory, defeating defending champions LA Galaxy at their home turf. There’s a new team in town, California.

Hold your horses, Inter Miami.

As Major League Soccer continues to grow in both popularity and market value, several franchises have emerged as the most valuable in 2025.

With the arrivals of top players to the league, as well as the emergence of new expansion clubs and numerous investments from the 30 teams in MLS, club-values have skyrocketed in the last decade, with multiple teams in the United States becoming some of the most valuable in Latin America.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are set for a challenging and potentially historic encounter as they face Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup — and not exactly for its exciting head-to-head entertainment potential. Get ready for snow, Messi.

Inter Miami and Sporting KC Concacaf Champions Cup match to be played under snow

According to reports, the match between Kansas City and Miami on Tuesday will be held under potentially freezing conditions, with the forecast predicting temperatures as low as 8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Brazilian forward Neymar said reuniting with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami is an interesting prospect and did not rule out a move to the United States as his Al-Hilal contract winds down.

Once one of football's most feared forwards, Neymar struck up a lethal partnership with Messi and Suarez to lead Barcelona to a historic treble before his record-breaking $230.39 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.

Neymar Inter Miami rumors

Legendary FC Barcelona left-back and now Inter Miami star, Jordi Alba, took no time in criticizing Major League Soccer’s playoff format after Inter Miami’s devastating loss in the first round of the 2024 MLS playoffs.

Jordi Alba critizes MLS format after first-round exit with inter Miami

The 35-year-old Spaniard has placed himself under the MLS limelight after quickly choosing to criticize MLS’ playoff format following The Herons’ huge upset-loss against Atlanta United through a three-game series.

Lionel Messi will play a three game series for the first time in his career.

Inter Miami suffered a last-minute loss in the MLS playoffs against Atlanta United in the second game of the three game series of the East Conference quarterfinals on Saturday, with an electric Mercedes-Benz Stadium putting a stop to Lionel Messi’s incredible streak with The Herons.

Watch: Brad Guzan mistake vs. Inter Miami