RealGM Wiretap
Major League Soccer has significantly improved its on-field product since 2012, with teams now playing at a style and tempo more comparable to European leagues despite declining attendance and unmeasured viewership behind Apple TV's paywall. Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps will contest Saturday's MLS Cup final after Lionel Messi delivered the greatest individual season in league history.
MLS commissioner Don Garber claimed earlier this season that viewership is up "almost 50% compared to last year." However, league-wide attendance is down from last season, and Apple protects viewership data without independent verification.
Messi scored more non-penalty goals and generated more expected assists than anyone in MLS history. Inter Miami won its last three playoff games by a combined 13-1 score to reach the final.
MLS has closed the gap with major European leagues in key metrics since 2012. The league now features more possession changes and higher ball-in-play percentages than it did 13 years ago.
Teams winning possession in the attacking third more often while completing passes at higher rates demonstrates improved technical quality. Pass completion rates have steadily increased while turnovers in the attacking third rose before leveling off recently.
The average transfer signing in 2025 cost €2.4 million with an average age of 24, down from €4 million and over 25 years old in 2020. Teams generated €161 million from incoming transfer fees in 2025, positioning MLS as a development league.
Vancouver ranks in the 90th percentile or better among all MLS teams since 2012 for shots, expected goals and touches inside the opposition box. The Whitecaps defeated San Diego FC in the Western Conference finals.
Inter Miami scored 98 goals this season, 12 more than any other team since the league began. Miami plays a smaller percentage of passes forward than any MLS team since 2012 while attempting more through balls than all but five other teams over that span.
The final pairs the two best players from the 2014 World Cup final in Messi and Thomas Muller.
