<p>Major League Soccer (MLS) continues to climb up the list of the best leagues in the world, largely as a credit to success in the Leagues Cup. In August 2023, British sports analytics company Opta ranked MLS the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-ranked-29th-strongest-league-in-the-world-per-opta-20230815-WST-450215.html">29th strongest division</a> in the world of soccer. By the fall, MLS halved that ranking to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/best-soccer-leagues-in-the-world-according-to-opta-20231002-WST-459681.html">reach No. 15 in the world</a>. Now, as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> enters its second full season of its Apple TV deal, it keeps rising against the competition.</p>



<p>As of March 2024, <a href="https://theanalyst.com/na/2024/03/the-strongest-leagues-in-world-football-opta-power-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opta</a> ranks Major League Soccer No. 10 worldwide. Falling out of the top 10 to make room for MLS are the Swiss Super League and the Eredivisie. Opta calculates this ranking by using the <a href="https://theanalyst.com/na/2023/01/power-rankings-your-club-ranked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elo-ranking system</a>, which does its best to compare teams from different divisions. According to this Opta ranking, Major League Soccer has done well enough in cross-border competition, while staying balanced on home turf, to climb up the rankings. </p>



<p>That includes jumping Mexico’s Liga MX, which has held dominance in the Opta rankings for some time. Now, Major League Soccer is the highest-rated league in North America. Moreover, it is the second highest-rated league outside of Europe, with the Brasileirao edging MLS for the ninth spot in the world rankings. </p>



<ol><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> (ENG)</li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-la-liga-on-us-tv-and-internet/">LaLiga</a> (ESP)</li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-serie-a-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Serie A</a> (ITA)</li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-the-bundesliga-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Bundesliga</a> (GER)</li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-ligue-un-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Ligue 1</a> (FRA)</li><li>Belgian Pro League (BEL)</li><li>Primeira Liga (POR)</li><li>Superligaen (DEN)</li><li><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/how-to-watch-the-brasileirao-on-us-tv/">Brasileirao</a> (BRA)</li><li>Major League Soccer (USA)</li></ol>



<h2>How MLS clubs stack up amongst the strongest leagues in the world</h2>



<p>Yet, it is not an MLS club to top the rankings of clubs in North America. Instead, that title belongs to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/club-america-tv-schedule/">Club America</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/monterrey-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Monterrey</a>, which are 87th and 96th, respectively, among the list of clubs in the world. The top MLS club is the reigning MLS Cup Champion <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/columbus-crew-tv-schedule-the-crew/&apos;">Columbus Crew</a>, which ranks 139th in the world.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Nashville SC vs. Columbus Crew | Bicycle Kick Goal + Mukhtar&apos;s Drought Ends! | Full Match Highlights" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qCYJayp-kiQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Therefore, if you are curious how MLS could rank higher than Liga MX, the average club in Liga MX is lower than Major League Soccer. In a combined table with of the Opta rankings between the two divisions, 13 of the top 20 clubs in terms of ranking hail from the United States. Likewise, three of the bottom four clubs in this hypothetical table come from Mexico. Opta ranks Juarez and Puebla below <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/toronto-fc-tv-schedule/">Toronto FC</a>, which is considerably lower than the next-worst MLS club, the San Jose Earthquakes. </p>



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<h2>Comparing MLS to the Saudi Pro League</h2>



<p>Much of the focus on Major League Soccer, and certainly something that bolstered the league, was the arrival of Lionel Messi. Now playing in his first full season with Inter Miami, Messi is making his presence felt. However, he still draws <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ronaldo-vs-messi-what-if-ronaldo-had-signed-with-mls-20240220-WST-490672.html">comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo</a>. Consequently, that compares MLS to the Saudi Pro League.</p>



<p>The Saudi Public Investment fund clubs of Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr all rank higher than any MLS club. The bottom Saudi Pro League clubs are lower than the bottom MLS clubs, and that drags down the Saudi Pro League’s average. As a result, MLS ranks higher in the Opta rankings.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Opta Sports Analytics - Behind The Scenes And Interviews With The Sports Data Mavens" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ySlAzS8Oouw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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MLS breaks into top 10 strongest leagues in the world

Major League Soccer, or MLS, continues to climb the list of the best leagues in the world, largely as a credit to success in the Leagues Cup.

MLS breaks into top 10 strongest leagues in the world - World Soccer Talk

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<p>Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home against New York City FC saw Inter Miami drop points for the third time in the last four games. The lone win in those games came against DC United in a performance where Luis Suarez scored two goals to get the three points. Yet, the pair of losses and the draw have not come against strong teams. Instead, the club lost handsomely on the road against the New York Red Bulls and at home against Montreal. The one consistency with these games is the lack of Lionel Messi in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-miami-tv-schedule/">Inter Miami</a> squad. </p>



<p>The club has tried to ensure Messi is available for the big games throughout the season. For example, the ongoing CONCACAF Champions Cup yields a concerted effort out of Miami, as seen with its defeat of Nashville SC in the Champions Cup Round of 16. Miami manager Tata Martino has rested Messi to ensure he is fully fit for that competition. For example, he sat the Argentine against Montreal before starting Messi against Nashville three days later.</p>



<p>So far this season, Messi and Inter Miami have been prioritizing CONCACAF Champions Cup over MLS. As a result, many Inter Miami season ticket holders have missed seeing Messi play in as many games as usual (CONCACAF Champions Cup tickets are not included). Plus, MLS Season Pass subscribers have missed out on seeing Messi as much this season too. CONCACAF Champions Cup games have been shown exclusively on FOX Sports (in English), and not Apple TV.</p>



<h2>Inter Miami needs Messi</h2>



<p>If there is one thing resting Messi has shown, it is that the club is wildly dependent on the World Cup winner. That is not overly surprising. Teams regardless of talent or competition rely on their biggest players. Moreover, other clubs have used Messi as a means to success. Barcelona floundered without its captain in the squad. The season after he left, the Catalan club was ninth in the league at the one-third mark of the season.</p>



<p>The severity of those Barcelona struggles echoes onto Inter Miami currently. With Messi in the squad for specifically <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> games, Inter Miami is cruising. Two wins and a draw had Inter Miami shoot up the MLS table early on. Messi, unsurprisingly, had a major hand to play in that success. He assisted in the season-opening win against Real Salt Lake before scoring in second-half stoppage time at LA Galaxy. Then, he scored a brace at home against Orlando City.</p>



<h2>Inter Miami is a different team without Lionel Messi</h2>



<p>Without Messi’s calming presence and creative threat, Inter Miami is a shell of itself. Even in the <a href="https://youtu.be/__AZudwyXhY?si=tQSwsXuItYi1SElX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">win against DC United</a>, Inter Miami’s goals came after scrappy moves forward, often on the counter-attack. One of the key differences is the fact that Inter Miami may hold possession, but Messi makes use of the ball. Having Sergio Busquets consistently in the midfield ensures Inter Miami has a base to build on. Likewise, Luis Suarez will provide a finishing touch. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240401_WST_498574_Suarez-NYRB-1200x670_3e49520d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-498577" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Suarez-NYRB-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Suarez-NYRB-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Suarez-NYRB-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Suarez-NYRB.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Messi is the bridge that allows the possession of Inter Miami to become goals. In the 4-0 loss at the New York Red Bulls, Inter Miami held 70% of the ball, but Miami only mustered two shots on target. Likewise, Inter Miami dominated possession against Montreal. Yet, the two sides were level on shots, with Montreal winning by one goal.</p>



<p>That has been the best part of Messi’s skill set. His dribbling ability allows him to pick up the ball deep from someone like Sergio Busquets. He carries it forward into the opponent’s territory where he can deliver it to Luis Suarez or finish it himself. The lack of Messi separates Inter Miami into three categories. There is the forward group with Suarez and Leonardo Campana. They are separated for much of the game with the midfield and Sergio Busquets. Finally, the defensive crop of players, which has been struggling with and without Messi this season, is on an island behind the midfield. </p>



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<h2>The negative outlook for Inter Miami</h2>



<p>Inter Miami struggling while Messi misses games due to rest or slight injury provides a preview of how a more serious injury would hinder the club. In a way, Tata Martino is protecting the club from what it is currently suffering from. As Messi continues to age, his availability will continue to dwindle. MLS seasons, especially one when Inter Miami is looking to make a deep run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, are long, and Miami could <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-many-games-will-messi-play-in-2024-for-inter-miami-20231205-WST-475025.html">play as many as 60 games this season</a> if all goes to plan. Having already missed over half of the games in MLS play, it will be interesting to see if Miami continues this trend. </p>



<p>Once the CONCACAF Champions Cup passes by early June, one would think Messi will become more available. However, commitments to the Argentina national team make the possibility of fielding Messi regularly in MLS unlikely. That will set up struggles for Inter Miami throughout the season in league play.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>



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Inter Miami cannot win when Lionel Messi does not play

Another game dropping points has highlighted the struggles Inter Miami will face if it continues to rest Lionel Messi.

<p>Inter Miami is offering their fans discounted tickets for the club’s upcoming home fixture with Mexican side <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/monterrey-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Monterrey</a> to boost sales. The matchup will be the first leg of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/concacaf-champions-league-tv-schedule/">CONCACAF Champions Cup</a> quarterfinals. The tournament is essentially the confederation’s answer to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a> but without a group stage. It will be <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-miami-tv-schedule/">Miami</a>‘s first time taking part in the quarterfinals of the competition.</p>



<p>Miami’s home match against Monterrey is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3 at 8 p.m. ET. Despite seemingly being a big fixture, ticket sales have been disappointing so far. As a result, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> side has issued a rare discount code for fans looking to purchase tickets.</p>



<h2>Discount code only accessible through a specific link </h2>



<p>Fans wanting to take advantage of the markdown must start the process by visiting a <a href="https://offer.fevo.com/quaterfinals-inter-miami-v-cf-monterrey-tpsnma8-11fcd1c?fevoUri=quaterfinals-inter-miami-v-cf-monterrey-tpsnma8-11fcd1c%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specific link</a> provided by the club. Once the link is clicked, fans will then have to enter PACKTHEHOUSE in the promo code section. Using the code through the link will unlock savings on tickets in certain areas. The promotion is only valid in upper-level seating of Chase Stadium (formerly DRV PNK Stadium). Each buyer can only purchase up to six tickets using the code as well.</p>



<p>The cheapest ticket using the discount code is $60 in section 125. This area is directly behind one of the goals at the arena. Seats in this section on <a href="https://www.stubhub.com/concacaf-champions-league-fort-lauderdale-tickets-4-3-2024/event/153264126/?quantity=2&amp;sections=1697934&amp;ticketClasses=4963&amp;rows=&amp;seatTypes=&amp;listingQty=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">StubHub</a> currently start at $76 each. Tickets to sections 113 and 114, along the sidelines, are also available for a lower price as well. These seats can be purchased for $90. Tickets in this specific area typically go for up to $150 each on the aforementioned ticket exchange and resale website.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240327_WST_497582_Chase-Stadium-tickets-1200x670_b25eed5f.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-497605" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Chase-Stadium-tickets-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Chase-Stadium-tickets-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Chase-Stadium-tickets-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Chase-Stadium-tickets.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Three factors affect Inter Miami discounted ticket sales</h2>



<p>Miami’s move to offer the discount code ultimately comes down to three reasons. First of all, Lionel Messi is currently injured and may miss the Monterrey match. The superstar has not featured for the club since March 13th and was recently unavailable for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a>‘s two friendlies in the United States. Although Messi has not yet been ruled out for the game on April 3rd, there is some uncertainty regarding his availability.</p>



<p>There has also been a clear lack of interest in the earlier round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Just <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1767914417428087165" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">137,000 people</a> watched Miami’s thrilling draw against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/nashville-sc-tv-schedule-watch-the-boys-in-gold/">Nashville</a> on FS2 in the first leg of the previous round. Miami then could not come particularly close to selling out their home stadium for the return fixture of the matchup. Messi featured, and scored, in both legs of the round of 16.</p>



<p>Clubs have also found it difficult to sell out stadiums for midweek matches. Tournament fixtures such as the CONCACAF Champions Cup or <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/us-open-cup-tv-schedule/">U.S. Open Cup</a> are generally played during the middle of the week. American soccer fans seemingly prefer to attend matches on the weekend.</p>



<p>There is also the structure of the knockout tournament to consider as well. Teams do not have a lot of time to sell tickets between each matchup. Miami only just announced that tickets are on sale and the upcoming game with Monterrey is now just one week away.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Inter Miami takes steps after low ticket sales for Monterrey game

Inter Miami is offering fans a rare chance to buy a discounted ticket for the club's upcoming home fixture with Monterrey after low sales.

<p>Major League Soccer players, coaches, and fans can breathe a sigh of relief after news regarding the referee lockout broke late Monday night. Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) members have approved a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the division. This means that the month-long lockout of the professional referees has come to an end.</p>



<p>Due to the previous dispute, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">MLS</a> used <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-to-start-2024-season-with-replacement-referees-20240218-WST-490458.html">replacement referees</a> during the early stages of the 2024 season. These new refs have seemingly been under constant fire from players and coaches throughout the opening month of the campaign. </p>



<p>Not only have those involved with MLS clubs publicly voiced their concerns about these replacement refs, but the PSRA even recently issued a scathing statement on the issue as well. The union that represents referees used in MLS lambasted the replacements and the league for their part in the lockout. PSRA officials went as far as to say that “<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/enough-is-enough-mls-replacement-referee-errors-are-maddening/">points were lost</a>” directly due to the refs in place.   </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The MLS referee lockout has ended as the PSRA has voted to ratify a new CBA 👍 <a href="https://t.co/KMg47KkgmJ">pic.twitter.com/KMg47KkgmJ</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1772610975528546650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Referees and assistants receive serious salary raises</h2>



<p>Nevertheless, veteran MLS referees will now be back on the pitch starting Saturday, March 30th. League exec Nelson Rodriguez announced his excitement with the agreement now in place. “We’re pleased this agreement provides PRO with a strong, long-term partnership to continue to develop and train the referees to make our officiating even better,” <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-statement-on-new-cba-for-match-officials-x5212" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Rodriguez</p>



<p>“We look forward to having the PRO match officials return this weekend, and we thank MLS players, coaches, and clubs for their professionalism, and our fans for their support throughout the opening month of the season.”</p>



<p>According to a report by <em><a href="https://theathletic.com/5368703/2024/03/26/mls-referees-cba-deal-vote/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Athletic</a></em>, the traditional officials will receive a significant raise in the new deal. Referees who currently have the least amount of experience are set for a 68% increase in salary. Referees with less than two years on the job previously made $50,000 per year in the old agreement. These officials, however, will now rake in just over $85,000 annually.</p>



<p>Vastly experienced officials will also earn a pay raise as well. Referees that have currently worked at least 200 MLS matches are set to make over $142,000 each season. This is around $34,000 more than they earned in the previous season. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240326_WST_497429_Seattle-referee-1200x670_05c530e0.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-497446" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Seattle-referee-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Seattle-referee-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Seattle-referee-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Seattle-referee.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Assistant referees (AR), however, are receiving some of the biggest raises based on percentage points. A full-time AR that has worked at least 100 MLS games will see their salary nearly double. Officials in this bracket earned around $19,000 in 2023. From now on, they will make over $37,000. The new agreement will now be in place through the end of the 2030 season.</p>



<h2>MLS will hope that the new deal helps end bad publicity </h2>



<p>Players, coaches, and fans will almost certainly disagree with referees no matter who they are. Nevertheless, the replacement officials were not succeeding, and traditional referees will be welcomed back with open arms. MLS execs previously asserted that the replacements were equally as qualified as the real refs, but PSRA and the MLS Players Association publicly disagreed with the notion. </p>



<p>The new deal, however, now ends unwanted pressure and bad publicity for MLS. League officials need the American/Canadian top flight to flourish particularly due to Lionel Messi’s involvement and the recent broadcasting deal with Apple. Signing the Argentine superstar was a major coup. He arrived Stateside to help boost interest in the league.</p>



<p>MLS and Apple are in year two of their massive $2.5 billion deal. Commissioner Garber and company reportedly told their announcers and commentators not to discuss the previous refereeing labor dispute on the air. Despite the headaches, professional referees are going to be back on the pitch in MLS.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

MLS referee lockout ends as match officials earn pay raises

The Major League Soccer referee lockout has ended after a new collective bargaining agreement was agreed upon between the PSRA and MLS.

<p>Olivier Giroud is likely to join <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> this summer, with LAFC among the clubs targeting the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">French</a> forward. Recent <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1772279831633219714" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports out of Europe</a> suggest Los Angeles Football Club has already sent Giroud a contract offer. This would start in the summer after his current deal with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ac-milan-tv-schedule/">AC Milan</a> ends. Giroud would thus be the latest European star to make the move over to MLS after a starring career for club and country. </p>



<p>While Giroud would be a welcome signing as a top player from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a>, there are several concerns with this move for the club and the league. Individually, there is nothing wrong with this move. He would have a French connection on the team in Hugo Lloris, as the goalkeeper is someone actively pushing for this move. Also, living in Los Angeles would fit someone with his fashion sense. On the topic of sport, though, his days are numbered. </p>



<p>Giroud, at the age of 37, is not in his prime. Even though he maintains an eye for goal with 12 goals and eight assists in 26 Serie A appearances this season, the French striker is not getting any younger. Giroud is turning 38 in September. Before even kicking a ball, he would be the seventh-oldest player in Major League Soccer. Each of the older players at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-miami-tv-schedule/">Inter Miami</a>, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, are younger than Giroud. LAFC would therefore only get one or two full seasons out of the French World Cup winner. With Giroud likely demanding heavy wages on a designated player contract, this move would not be a practical long-term solution.</p>



<p>That said, LAFC may not be in a long-term look. The 2022 MLS Cup Champion narrowly missed out on going back-to-back when it lost to Columbus in the MLS Cup Final. Making a splash on a proven striker can provide LAFC with a partner for Denis Bouanga.</p>



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<h2>LAFC should look younger than Olivier Giroud</h2>



<p>Cristian Olivera is getting much-needed minutes as he continues to adjust to life in Major League Soccer since moving from Uruguay in the middle of last season. Mateusz Bogusz is in the same boat, as the 22-year-old has started several games for LAFC. Goal-scoring for LAFC has been an issue relying on these young players. Scoring just two goals in the club’s first four games of the season perhaps raised some alarms in the LAFC camp. </p>



<p>Yet, those struggles will come with young players. This early season playing time will pay dividends later in the season and into future campaigns for young players. If LAFC were to bring in Olivier Giroud, he would earn more minutes and consequently sap the experience for the younger players. Granted, the salary cap of Major League Soccer forced the hand of clubs, but Giroud would be a panic buy.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240325_WST_497352_Giroud-MLS-1200x670_927c7c5f.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-497361" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Giroud-MLS-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Giroud-MLS-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Giroud-MLS-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Giroud-MLS.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>MLS backtracking </h2>



<p>Major League Soccer has done well to move away from players beyond their prime and opt for younger talents. Riqui Puig, Thiago Almada and Cucho Hernandez are just some of the examples of MLS bringing in young players that have proven they can develop into talented products. The jury is still out on some of LAFC’s young players. Yet, supporting them can help the developmental aspect of the league.</p>



<p>The key argument for signing Giroud is short-term. He would sell tickets, jerseys and MLS Season Pass subscriptions because he is a big name. Broadcasters would have the opportunity to say the games involving Lionel Messi and Olivier Giroud are a rematch of the 2022 World Cup Final. That will last all of one or two seasons. Even if Giroud is an entertaining and elite player in soccer, there are other players LAFC and MLS can look.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to Major League Soccer</h3>
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LAFC link with Olivier Giroud rolls MLS into retirement trope

Olivier Giroud is likely to join Major League Soccer this summer, with LAFC among the clubs targeting the French forward.

<p>Construction is making progress at Miami Freedom Park, the future home of MLS side Inter Miami. The stadium is still scheduled to open later in the 2025 season when Lionel Messi plays the final season of his contract in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a>. While the physical construction of the 25,000-seat stadium has not yet started, crews are getting ready.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@FutbolMiamiTV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Futbol Miami TV</a>, an Inter Miami fan show that posts regular updates of the stadium, captured the upcoming ground the stadium will sit on. The land is fully cleared out. Also, crews flattened the land to begin stadium construction soon. Still, there is no equipment or materials present at Miami Freedom Park. Instead, it appears as if crews only just finished the remediation of the land. </p>



<p>Miami Freedom Park is located at a former golf course near the Miami International Airport. The land was rife with ponds, sand bunkers and chemicals from maintaining the golf course. Now, a large flat land of sand is ready to house a stadium.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Ready to Build | MFP Construction Update 🚧 🏗️ | March 2024" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PfktkGXgCLc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>Will construction progress for Inter Miami be ready by next season?</h2>



<p>One of the main concerns with Miami Freedom Park is the pace at which the stadium is going up. Generally, stadium construction takes multiple years. To be fair, that does incorporate planning and land clearing, which Inter Miami has already done. However, the lack of visible structures is a major stepping stone for the construction of the new Inter Miami stadium. One common theme in construction is that MLS stadiums often extend past their construction timeline. Orlando City’s Inter&amp;Co Stadium, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, and others all experienced delays. </p>



<p>With such big plans in store for Miami Freedom Park, more construction progress will need to start taking shape if Messi is going to play regularly at the venue.</p>



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<center><h4>Our Pick:</h4>
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<h2>Other parts of the plan</h2>



<p>The stadium is not the only part of the project that has a base for future construction. <em>Futbol Miami TV</em> pointed out that the area for a hotel or office building is also flat enough to begin building. Yet, like the stadium, there is no equipment or materials that will eventually go toward the stadium.</p>



<p>Lionel Messi will hopefully be bringing excitement to this venue, and that is why it is so important for the stadium to be completed soon. The Argentine has just one year left on his current Inter Miami contract. While it may be a priority for the club to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-needs-messi-to-renew-contract-to-boost-mls-season-pass-20240306-WST-493433.html">sign Messi to a new deal</a>, there are no guarantees he does that. Therefore, if the stadium opens near the end of 2025, he would only have a handful of games at the new stadium. If there are delays, the number of games available for Miami at this new stadium with Messi in attendance will be limited. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Inter Miami's new home: Close look at construction progress

Construction is making progress at Miami Freedom Park, the future home of MLS side Inter Miami starting in 2025, if all goes to plan.

<p>While the international break has most of the world’s leagues on pause, the Major League Soccer schedule of commentators continues on March 23. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Matchday five in MLS</a> features 13 games happening in one day. Some of the league’s top players will be unavailable because of international duty. Yet, several top-tier matchups will send waves throughout the league in the early part of the 2024 campaign with many MLS Season Pass commentators calling the games.</p>



<p>The first of those games is at 2 p.m. ET. The New England Revolution welcomes the Chicago Fire to start matchday five in Major League Soccer. New England, an MLS Cup Playoffs qualifier in four of the last five seasons, is yet to pick up a point this season. After four games, New England has been the worst team in the league with four losses by a combined seven goals. Chicago presents an opportunity for New England, as the Windy City club has just four points after four games.</p>



<p><em>MLS 360</em> will be a popular spot for people during the 7:30-9:30 p.m. and 8:30-10:30 p.m. ET kickoff windows. The whip-around show will cover seven games at the same time. That includes the Vancouver Whitecaps hosting Real Salt Lake. Having only played three games Vancouver is off to a strong start this season with two wins and a draw. There is a slim chance Vancouver could go to the top of the combined MLS table with a win. Regardless, the start for the Canadian club this season is far better than in 2023, when Vancouver had to wait until matchday six for its first win. </p>



<p>Then, at 8:30 p.m. ET, Sporting Kansas City welcomes the LA Galaxy with both teams having a decent start to the 2024 MLS season. Both clubs are undefeated, but that does not indicate total success. After four games, each has one win and three draws for just six points. </p>



<h2>Full coverage is available on MLS Season Pass</h2>



<p>Unlike most other matchweeks in Major League Soccer, there is no game available on TV this weekend. Traditionally, FOX or Fox Sports will have coverage of one game, which is usually the first game of the day on Saturday. This weekend, all 13 games are exclusive to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-faq-for-2024-latest-updates-20240130-WST-482528.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">MLS Season Pass</a>.</p>



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<center><h4>Our Pick:</h4>
Includes: Every regular season game, MLS Cup Playoffs, Leagues Cup, &amp; More</center>
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<p>There, you will be able to watch in English or Spanish. Moreover, there is <em>MLS 360, which is the whip-around</em> show from Apple that has coverage of each of the simultaneous games. The English-language listings for the 13 MLS games are listed below.</p>



<h2>Commentators across MLS on March 23</h2>



<p><em>All of the following games are listed in US Eastern Time. </em></p>



<p>2 p.m. —&nbsp;New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire —&nbsp;Chris Wittyngham and Lori Lindsey.</p>



<p>2 p.m. —&nbsp;New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami. —&nbsp;Steve Cangialosi and Danny Higginbotham. </p>



<p>7:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Charlotte FC vs. Columbus Crew. —&nbsp;Tony Husband and Ross Smith. </p>



<p>7:30 p.m. —&nbsp;FC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC. —&nbsp;Max Bretos and Devon Kerr.</p>



<p>7:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Orlando City vs. Austin FC. —&nbsp;Nate Bukaty and Brian McBride. </p>



<p>7:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Toronto FC vs. Atlanta United. —&nbsp;Callum Williams and Calen Carr.</p>



<p>7:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Real Salt Lake. —&nbsp;Blake Price and Paul Dolan. </p>



<p>8:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Sporting Kansas City vs. LA Galaxy. —&nbsp;Keith Costigan and Maurice Edu. </p>



<p>8:30 p.m. —&nbsp;St. Louis CITY vs. DC United. —&nbsp;Tyler Terens and Kyndra de St. Aubin.</p>



<p>9:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo. —&nbsp;Neil Sika and Lloyd Sam. </p>



<p>10:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Los Angeles FC vs. Nashville SC. —&nbsp;Jake Zivin and Taylor Twellman.</p>



<p>10:30 p.m. —&nbsp;Portland Timbers vs. Philadelphia Union. —&nbsp;Rodolfo Landeros and Mariano Trujillo. </p>



<p>10:30 p.m. —&nbsp;San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders. —&nbsp;Mark Rogondino and Heath Pearce. </p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to Major League Soccer</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of MLS Season Pass!</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-faq-20230203-WST-413216.html/"><strong>Season Pass FAQ:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-faq-20230203-WST-413216.html/">answer your questions</a> about MLS Season Pass</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
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<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html"><strong>Commentators:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html">who&apos;s</a> calling the action for the MLS season</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-watch-mls-season-pass-on-android-20230203-WST-416910.html"><strong>Android users</strong></a> Tips for fans <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-watch-mls-season-pass-on-android-20230203-WST-416910.html">Android users</a> on how to watch MLS Season Pass</div></div>

MLS Season Pass commentators for March 23 games

The international break paused most of the world's leagues. Yet, the MLS Season Pass commentators are ready to go.

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MLS Season Pass commentators for March 23 games