MLS Unveils Official 2026 Match Ball Ahead of Messi-Led Season

Major League Soccer has officially revealed the match ball for the 2026 season, a campaign that will kick off on February 21 and once again revolve around Lionel Messi. In partnership with adidas, the league introduced a bold redesign that moves away from the traditional green and blue tones and embraces a striking mix of red, blue, and black.

The new ball still features the signature of MLS commissioner Don Garber and comes with a clear, symbolic slogan:

“New year. New ball. Same goal.”

The phrase reflects the immediate and transformative impact Messi has had since arriving in the United States, redefining the league’s global relevance.

The unveiling arrives at a special moment for MLS after Inter Miami CF closed the year as league champions, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final. Messi’s influence elevated both the sporting level and the commercial visibility of the competition, and the league is determined to maintain that momentum throughout 2026.

With clubs already in preseason mode, the new ball represents more than just a piece of equipment — it signals the start of a season built around spectacle, worldwide attention, and sold-out stadiums. MLS understands that every detail matters when the world’s greatest player is on its fields.

The 31st MLS season will keep its established competition format, featuring clubs from the United States and Canada, but the spotlight will once again shine on Messi, who enters another year as the league’s defining figure. Since his arrival, the Argentine icon has reshaped perceptions of MLS, raising standards both on and off the pitch.

The countdown is on. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the new ball will roll, the stars will take the field, and the league will step into a new chapter — with Messi once again at the heart of it all.