No Messi, Yes Problem
When the Houston Dynamo learned that Lionel Messi wouldn’t be traveling with Inter Miami for their game on Sunday, they responded in a way that has become all too familiar in the MLS. Following in the footsteps of the Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps, who faced similar situations, the Dynamo issued an official statement apologizing to ticketholders and offering a free ticket to a subsequent Dynamo game. This move can be interpreted in various ways. The more cynical might see it as a superficial gesture, unlikely to satisfy fans who purchased tickets specifically to see the world’s biggest soccer star. After all, buying a ticket to a live sports event comes with the inherent risk that key players might be absent due to injury, suspension, or other reasons. The Dynamo’s gesture, while well-intentioned, doesn’t fully address the disappointment of fans who spent significant amounts of money and time to watch Messi. On the other hand, the Dynamo’s approach can be seen as an effort to salvage a positive fan experience and perhaps convert some of these one-time attendees into loyal supporters. In a market that has struggled to engage with MLS, this strategy is crucial for building a strong fan base. However, the very necessity of such a gesture underscores a broader issue: many MLS teams are still working to establish deep connections with their local communities.
Wilfried Zaha’s Uneven and Irresistible Debut
Charlotte FC welcomed Wilfried Zaha, arguably their first true star, with open arms. Known for his game-breaking ability and international pedigree, Zaha was expected to make an immediate impact. However, his debut against Atlanta United was a tale of two halves. In the first 45 minutes, Atlanta controlled the game, limiting Zaha’s touches to just 20 and frustrating his attempts to influence the match. Yet, after halftime, Zaha came alive. He created the opening goal and then scored one himself, demonstrating why he is such a significant addition to Dean Smith’s lineup. Zaha’s performance is a clear example of his potential to turn games around with a moment of brilliance. However, Smith will want to see more consistent play from the Ivorian winger. Charlotte’s defense, which has been the best in the Eastern Conference, now has a player who can make decisive plays. The pressure of being a team’s star can be overwhelming, but Zaha seems capable of handling it, and his fans can look forward to more game-changing moments in the future.
Chucky Lozano’s Injury: Significant and Predictable
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano is the face of San Diego FC, brought in to be the star of the expansion team and to replicate the success of Carlos Vela at LAFC. Lozano’s charisma and talent are undeniable, but his injury history has been a cause for concern. In his debut for San Diego, Lozano had to be substituted out in the 30th minute due to what appeared to be a non-contact injury while chasing a loose ball. This is not entirely surprising, given his tendency to attract heavy fouls and the physical nature of his play. Throughout his career, Lozano has missed several matches due to injuries, including a hamstring issue in late 2023 and an entire Gold Cup in 2021 after a bruising tackle. San Diego FC general manager Tyler Heaps was asked about Lozano’s injury history during preseason, and while the team expressed confidence in his durability, this early setback may force them to lean on their depth sooner than expected. Despite the injury, San Diego FC has had a promising start, with a win over the defending champion LA Galaxy in their first away game. The club will need to manage Lozano’s minutes carefully to ensure his long-term availability.
Great Goal, Confusing Celebration
In the 91st minute of DC United’s match against the Chicago Fire, Christian Benteke’s penalty miss seemed to be the final nail in the coffin. The match had been a chaotic affair, with DC struggling to defend set pieces and Chicago’s big-money striker Hugo Cuypers capitalizing on their weaknesses. The defense, particularly center back Sam Rogers, who was forced into action due to a warm-up injury to Carlos Teran, looked out of sorts. Amid this chaos, a young player named Jacob Murrell, who has more experience playing for Georgetown University than for DC United, delivered a miraculous bicycle kick to equalize in the 96th minute. The goal was a moment of pure brilliance, but the celebration that followed was decidedly odd. Murrell performed a home run celebration, an act more fitting for a baseball field than Soldier Field. While the reason behind this unusual choice is unclear, one thing is certain: Benteke owes Murrell a nice steak dinner for bailing the team out at such a critical moment.
MLS Teams and Fan Engagement
The Dynamo’s response to Messi’s absence and the way fans reacted to it highlights a broader issue within MLS: the league’s struggle to build strong, local fan connections. While Messi’s presence has drawn unprecedented attention and ticket sales, it also exposes the thinness of the fan base for many teams. True, the risk of a player being absent is a part of any live sports event, but the fact that teams feel compelled to offer free tickets in such situations indicates a lack of loyalty and engagement among their supporters. For MLS to grow sustainably, teams need to focus on building a strong local identity and fan base that transcends the allure of a single star player. This involves investing in community outreach, youth development, and creating a unique team culture that resonates with local fans. The Dynamo’s gesture, while understandable, should serve as a wake-up call for the league to prioritize fan engagement and team identity.
The Future of MLS and Star Power
Lionel Messi, Wilfried Zaha, and Hirving Lozano are all significant additions to the MLS, bringing international stardom and game-changing abilities to their respective teams. Messi’s impact has been particularly profound, not just on the field but also in terms of increasing the league’s global visibility. However, the reliance on star players for both winning and selling tickets is a double-edged sword. While these players can draw crowds and media attention, they also create high expectations that can be difficult to meet consistently. For MLS to become a truly robust and respected league, it needs to balance the star power of high-profile players with the development of homegrown talent and the cultivation of passionate, loyal fan bases. This will require a concerted effort from both the league and individual teams to invest in the broader soccer ecosystem, ensuring that the league’s future is built on a solid foundation of local support and talent.
