MLS

2024 - 2 - 21

Messi Mania and Referee Lockout: Excitement and Controversy Surround 2024 MLS Season Opener

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Lionel Messi's debut in the MLS sparks frenzy, while a referee lockout raises concerns. Get the inside scoop on the kickoff drama!

The 2024 MLS season is set to kick off with a bang as Lionel Messi makes his debut for Inter Miami CF. The superstar's presence has ignited excitement among fans, with all eyes on him as he embarks on his first full season in the league. The season opener, where Inter Miami will face Real Salt Lake, promises to be a must-watch spectacle at Chase Stadium, airing exclusively on MLS Season Pass at 8 p.m. ET.

However, amidst the Messi mania, controversy looms over the league as the MLS referee lockout takes center stage. The decision to start the season with replacement officials has garnered criticism from the MLSPA, citing concerns over player safety. The labor dispute between MLS and the referees' union threatens to overshadow the thrilling start of the season.

As fans gear up to witness Messi's magic on the field, the MLS Commissioner, Don Garber, reassures that the league is prepared to navigate the referee lockout. With Inter Miami and Messi favored to win the MLS Cup, the stakes are higher than ever as the season kicks off in dramatic fashion.

In a surprising turn of events, Apple TV sees a significant increase in viewership following Messi's arrival, indicating the massive impact the soccer superstar has on the sports entertainment industry. The buzz around Messi's debut continues to draw attention to the MLS, setting the stage for an exhilarating and eventful season ahead.

2024 MLS season kicks off today exclusively on MLS Season Pass ... (Apple Newsroom)

Fans can tune in as reigning Leagues Cup champions Inter Miami CF host Real Salt Lake in a standalone match at Chase Stadium. The match will air at 8 p.m. ET, ...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Messi mania hitting fever pitch ahead of MLS opener - ESPN (ESPN)

Lionel Messi's first full season as an Inter Miami player begins on Wednesday. Kyle Bonagura takes a look at the impact the superstar is already having on ...

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Image courtesy of "CNET"

MLS Season Pass on Apple TV: How to Watch and Stream Major ... (CNET)

America's top soccer league is back. Here's how to watch the likes of Messi, Puig and Hernandez in action.

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Image courtesy of "Front Office Sports"

Messi Returns to MLS With the Weight of the League on His Shoulders (Front Office Sports)

The 2024 season begins Wednesday with Inter Miami hosting Real Salt Lake. · After a record business year, MLS looks to keep up the Messi momentum.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

'A step backwards': MLS players' union criticizes referee lockout (The Guardian)

The league will kick off the season with replacement officials, with the MLSPA saying replacement refs could jeopardize the health and safety of players.

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Image courtesy of "FOXSports.com"

2024 MLS cup odds: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami favored to win (FOXSports.com)

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Inter Miami enter the season as favorites to win the MLS Cup. FOX Sports soccer writer Doug McIntyre offers his ...

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Image courtesy of "Sportico.com"

MLS Referees Picket NYC Streets on Opening Day Amid Lockout (Sportico.com)

Members of the locked-out the labor union representing referees in Major League Soccer , picketed in New York City.

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Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

MLS Commissioner Don Garber says league is 'very prepared' to ... (The Associated Press)

Lionel Messi's first full season in Major League Soccer was beginning with replacement officials Wednesday when Inter Miami played host to Real Salt Lake, ...

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Apple TV riding Lionel Messi wave with 'significant' viewership ... (USA TODAY)

Pre-Messi, Apple TV's viewership was very U.S. dominant, an executive told USA TODAY Sports. "Post-Messi, it changed materially."

2024 MLS season kicks off today exclusively on MLS Season Pass ... (Apple Newsroom)

Fans can tune in as reigning Leagues Cup champions Inter Miami CF host Real Salt Lake in a standalone match at Chase Stadium. The match will air at 8 p.m. ET, ...

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Image courtesy of "Sports Business Journal"

MLS Commissioner Don Garber: There's more to MLS' success than ... (Sports Business Journal)

While the league is clearly looking to leverage the popularity of Inter Miami F Lionel Messi to attract eyeballs to its opener, MLS Commissioner Don Garber ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

What the MLS referee lockout means for North America's top soccer ... (The Guardian)

A nasty labor dispute between Major League Soccer and the union representing referees who work MLS matches has cast a pall over the start of the 2024 ...

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Image courtesy of "FOXSports.com"

MLS 'prepared' to handle referee lockout, says commissioner Don ... (FOXSports.com)

Lionel Messi's first full season in MLS began with replacement officials on Wednesday as the Professional Referee Organization continues its strike.

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Image courtesy of "philadelphiaunion.com"

Start off 2024 with your MLS Pick 'Em selections! (philadelphiaunion.com)

Each MLS regular season Saturday matchday, approximately three to eight questions, each pertaining to the MLS matches taking place during the current round, ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC 6 South Florida"

MLS Commissioner Don Garber says league is 'very prepared' to ... (NBC 6 South Florida)

The Professional Soccer Referees Association picketed in New York and Dallas on Wednesday amid an ongoing lockout.

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Image courtesy of "Telemundo 52"

Comienza la temporada de la MLS: esto es lo que costará ser un ... (Telemundo 52)

En vísperas de la noche inaugural de 2024 de la Major League Soccer, un nuevo estudio de índice revela los equipos de fútbol más baratos y más caros para ...

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Image courtesy of "rsl.com"

RSL Drops 2024 MLS Opener at Miami (rsl.com)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Wednesday, February 21, 2024) – For the first time since 2009, Real Salt Lake (0-1-0, 0 points) failed to earn a result in its season ...

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Image courtesy of "The Tennessean"

Here's what's at stake for Nashville SC in 2024 MLS season: 'Go ... (The Tennessean)

Boyd came to Nashville in a trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy in December. He has scored in the UEFA Europa League. He has scored for the United States national ...

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Image courtesy of "FC Dallas"

FC Dallas to Open 2024 MLS Regular Season with Evolv Technology (FC Dallas)

WALTHAM, Mass. – (February 22, 2024) – Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV), the leading security technology company pioneering AI-based screening to create ...

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Image courtesy of "Medio Tiempo.com"

La evolución de la MLS según el valor de sus jugadores (Medio Tiempo.com)

Inter de Miami es el equipo dirigido por Gerardo Martino es el equipo con mayor valor de mercado de cara al arranque de la temporada 2024 de MLS.

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Image courtesy of "MLSsoccer.com"

MLS Pick'em! New game launches for 2024 season (MLSsoccer.com)

MLS Pick'em is here! PRIZES Pick the correct answer to all the questions in a round for your chance to win! Round Prize - Two (2) tickets for a 2024 MLS ...

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