When does 2024 MLS season start? Date of first games as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez target glory with Inter Miami
Hopes are high for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi prepares for his first full season in Major League Soccer.
Messi had a transformative impact when he joined the Florida franchise from Paris Saint-Germain in July last year, inspiring their run to Leagues Cup glory.
However, Miami were already too far off the pace to make an impression in league play, eventually missing out on the postseason despite former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino arriving around the same time as his fellow Rosarian.
Martino won the MLS Cup with Atlanta United in 2018 and reunion between Messi and another old ally — veteran ex-Barca and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez — adds another intriguing narrative strand for the season ahead.
But when does it all get underway?
Confirmed Inter Miami preseason fixture list, including Messi vs. Ronaldo friendly
The preseason schedule for MLS teams began on January 19 and runs through to February 17, including a friendly meeting between Messi's Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia on February 1.
Philadelphia Union, New England Revolution, Orlando City, FC Cincinnati, Houston Dynamo and St Louis City (the latter two against one another) will play in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup before the opening MLS fixture of the regular season on Wednesday, February 21.
Somewhat inevitably, Messi will take centre stage on launch night, when Inter Miami host Real Salt Lake at DRV PNK Stadium.
This marks the earliest start in the league's history, which will be followed by MLS Is Back weekend, with 14 matches over the course of February 24 and 25.
Columbus Crew vs. Atalanta United
LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders
Charlotte FC vs. New York City
Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire
Orlando
