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4h ago

Messi, Inter Miami To Open MLS 2027 Sprint Season

MLS is staging a February–May Sprint Season to bridge its move to a July–May calendar while aligning transfer activity with Europe and easing international scheduling conflicts.

Oct 24, 2026; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Leo Messi (10) dribbles against Red Bull New York defender Devin Padelford (59) during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2026; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Leo Messi (10) dribbles against Red Bull New York midfielder Ronald Donkor (48) during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; FC Cincinnati forward Tom Barlow (16) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second half against DC United at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Lionel Messi waves after receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports during a ceremony in Oviedo, northern Spain, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)

Overview

  • MLS confirmed that Inter Miami will host FC Cincinnati on Feb. 19, 2027 as the Sprint Season opener, a marquee choice intended to draw attention to the calendar change.
  • The Sprint Season is a 14-game, conference-only regular season with each team playing seven home and seven away matches followed by a 16-team, single-elimination playoff.
  • League previews spotlight rivalry fixtures including El Tráfico on April 10 and the Hudson River Derby on Decision Day, May 8, to concentrate interest in the compressed schedule.
  • The short campaign is designed to shift MLS from a spring-to-fall timetable to a July–May season that includes a midwinter break and no league matches in January to better match global transfer windows and FIFA dates.
  • MLS says the move aims to help clubs manage international call-ups, improve player development and position playoffs in May; the league will release the full Sprint Season schedule immediately after its preview.