The 2026 MLS season kicks off on Saturday. Our writers discuss the teams, players and story lines they’re watching this year The 2026 MLS season kicks off on Saturday. Our writers discuss the teams, players and story lines they’re watching this year 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