After seeing some of the biggest stars and players who were perceived as the face of the league opt out of the All-Star game, the league’s identity is now in crisis, with no clear face of the league.
The face of the league should be at the star game and representing the league, making fans want to buy in, and watch something like the skill competition is a part of that role.
It may not be a normal week for players who spent most of their time in Europe. All-Star games are an American concept that doesn’t fit. That being said, it is necessary for the biggest names in the sport to be at these events.
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Lacking investment from certain Stars
The MLS is the most regional league in American sports; a San Jose Earthquakes fan typically doesn’t care about stars from New England or Atlanta. A true face of the league could fix that issue and bring more eyes to the sport.
A lot of Designated players have joined the MLS over the years and have bought in to the product that is Soccer here in America. Though the leagues quality may not be as good as it is in top Europe leagues it can still be competitive in the MLS.
Lionel Messi hasn’t shown that he truly cares about the MLS despite the league changing and bending rules to give Inter Miami the upper hand to sign players and bring more eyes to the MLS.
Despite the favors the league has done for Messi, he has failed to give back to the league and its fans.
There is been no evidence that Messi cares about the league and everything around it. Messi opting out the morning of the All-Star game made fans of the league question Messi and his league given statues of Face of the MLS.
A new face of the League
A new name and face circulated across the league in terms of being the face of the league, thanks to his effort in the star game and all its festivities.
The Brazilian native Evander of FC Cincinnati has his name in league MVP talks thanks to his performance this season in leading his team towards the Supporters’ Shield race.
Evander participated in all of the festivities against Ligue MX, though this event won’t make him the biggest name in the sport, it does help that his name was featured during both nights of the event.
His 15 goals and seven assists make him one of the league’s very best and put him in elite company within the MLS. Evander will earn himself votes at the end of the season for the Landon Donovan MVP award.
With Cincinnati still in contention for three cups this season he could only make his case even more so. The Supporters Shield, League Cup, and MLS Cup are all possible this season, as it has been a historic one for the Orange and Blue.
Evander is a good face for the MLS. His elite player and passion for the league can get fans to rally around the Brazilian, no matter what club they support in the MLS.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date 15.07.2025