In August 2025, Los Angeles FC made headlines by signing South Korean national team captain Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur for a record $26.5 million. This landmark move not only bolstered LAFC's roster but also attracted substantial interest from South Korean audiences. To capitalize on this surge, MLS secured multiyear broadcast agreements with South Korean platforms Coupang Play and SPOTV, enabling fans in South Korea to watch LAFC matches live. Seth Bacon, MLS's executive VP of media, highlighted Son's signing as a major cultural and sporting milestone, enhancing the league's international visibility.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami CF, another MLS powerhouse, is reportedly finalizing a multiyear contract extension with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, has been instrumental in the team's success, scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists in the current season. Negotiations are in the final stages, with only minor details left to resolve. The extension would keep Messi with the club through at least 2026, aligning with Inter Miami's plans to open a new stadium near Miami International Airport next year.
In Vancouver, the Whitecaps have made a significant acquisition by signing German forward Thomas Müller on a season-long deal, with an option for 2026. Müller, 36, brings a wealth of experience from his 25-year career with Bayern Munich and the German national team. In his third MLS appearance, Müller made an immediate impact by scoring a hat-trick on his birthday, leading the Whitecaps to a 7-0 victory over the league-leading Philadelphia Union. This performance not only secured Vancouver's playoff berth but also set a new MLS record for the fastest hat-trick by a player in his first three games.
The 2025 MLS season has also been marked by intense competition, with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs set to begin on October 22. The playoffs will feature the top nine teams from each conference, culminating in the MLS Cup final on December 6. As the regular season approaches its conclusion, teams are vying for playoff positions, making each match crucial in the race for the championship.
These developments underscore the dynamic nature of Major League Soccer, highlighting its growing international appeal and the strategic moves by clubs to enhance their competitiveness and global presence.
