Don Garber Defends MLS Growth Against Critics

The Egyptian executive went so far as to suggest that the Saudi Pro League would be a far superior option. Garber was reached for comment during the league’s annual meetings held in Sarasota, Florida, early on Monday afternoon. The commissioner appeared genuinely surprised by the blunt nature of the criticism leveled against his rapidly expanding competition. He admitted that he had never heard such a specific dismissive take regarding the league’s visibility in recent times. In a response marked by a touch of sharp wit, Garber turned the conversation toward the league’s biggest current star. He suggested that Hassan should perhaps take some time to watch Lionel Messi performing for Inter Miami. Garber even joked about providing the Egyptian official with a complimentary streaming subscription to help him catch up.

The commissioner’s lighthearted jab carries a deeper message about how much the league has changed since its inception. For decades, the North American circuit has battled the “retirement league” label with varying levels of success and frustration. This is certainly not the first time a major soccer figure has questioned the overall quality of play. Back in 2016, Italy’s then-manager Gian Piero Ventura famously left Sebastian Giovinco out of the national squad for similar reasons. At the time, Ventura claimed that playing in America meant competing in a league that did not really matter. That narrative has become increasingly difficult to sustain as more international stars find success within the American system. Garber noted that this skepticism is simply part of the journey for an aspiring major global player.

The statistics and recent historical data seem to support the commissioner’s confident stance on the league’s current standing. During the 2022 World Cup, Major League Soccer provided more players than almost any other league outside of Europe. Specifically, thirty-six players were selected for national team rosters while actively competing for various clubs across the United States. This trend has only accelerated as the league continues to attract talent from South America and beyond. Even the Mexican national team, once a staunch critic of the league, now relies heavily on its output. Two of Mexico’s starters in their recent match against Portugal were developed within the Seattle and Chicago academies. These young talents illustrate that the league is no longer just a destination for players ending their careers.

As of late March 2026, various independent metrics place the league within the top fifteen global rankings for quality. Opta’s latest power rankings currently list the American circuit in thirteenth place, nestled comfortably between Poland and Croatia. This ranking makes it the third-highest professional soccer circuit located outside the traditional confines of the European continent. Interestingly, the same data set places the Saudi Pro League significantly lower, currently sitting in the thirty-seventh position. This discrepancy highlights a growing divide between the financial power of leagues and their actual competitive depth. Garber emphasized that the league has spent twenty-seven years building the best facilities found anywhere in the world. He remains undeterred by critics who believe that Americans will never truly understand the nuances of the sport.

The ongoing discussions in Sarasota coincide with the prestigious Generation Adidas Cup taking place in nearby Bradenton this week. This youth tournament features all thirty league academies competing against elite global teams like Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Such events serve as a constant reminder of the long-term investment the league has made in player development. Garber reiterated his desire to see a player like Mohamed Salah eventually join the league’s growing list of stars. He believes the presence of world-class coaches like Mauricio Pochettino further validates the league’s rising credibility and competitive spirit. For Garber, the skepticism of the past is merely a fuel for the league’s ambitious future goals. He remains convinced that the world’s best players will continue to see America as a primary destination.