Kicking off on February 21. until October as part of the MLS regular season this year, the
franchise also features a playoff period from October to December – with the above-
mentioned, Cincinnati looking to defend their Supporters’ Shield, while Columbus Cup look
to land a second consecutive victory in the MLS Cup. 

Featuring 15 teams in the Eastern Conference and a further 14 teams in the Western
Conference, betting availability on the MLS regular season is already available across many
sportsbooks, with the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami FC opening as impressive +350 betting
favorites to land the MLS Cup this season. And with the season spanning across two coasts,
as well as multiple cities in the United States and Canada, punters in Louisana can use
sportsbook promos to bet on the upcoming MLS season which kicks off as early as
February 21. – as punters are encouraged to get their bets in early to land early off-season
odds. 

Early betting favorites in the United States to land the MLS Cup this season amid the
backing of former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger, David Beckland, and led by
Argentine star and FIFA World Cup winner, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami FC look to be one of
the more promising teams to keep an eye on for bettors and punters. 

With the addition of former FC Barcelona teammates, Jordi Alba and his Spanish
counterpart, Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami FC, up top, the above-mentioned former Paris
Saint Germain wide-man, Messi will be joined this season by former Blaugrana teammate,
former Liverpool striker, Luis Suarez as part of an eye-catching frontline for the Gerardo
Martion-led side. 

Also tipped to have a decent season in the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC will look to
veteran Italian center half and serial victor – UEFA EURO 2020 victor, Giorgio Chiellini to
lead the Californian side to a Conference victory, and potentially an MLS Cup victory. 

Furthermore, further down the field, former Arsenal starlet and Real Sociedad forward,
Carlos Vera leads the line once again for Los Angeles FC – while also in the state of
California, former Manchester United striker and Mexican forward, Javier ‘Chicharito’
Hernandez leads the LA Galaxy to a massive and important regular season for them. 

In ‘The Great White North’ – Toronto FC can look to their expanding side and particularly
experienced wide players in the hope of success this term, as Italian winger and former
Napoli favorite, Lorenzo Insigne joins his compatriot and fellow European Championships
winner, Federico Bernardeschi in search of a Conference win for the Canadian side. 

In last season’s MLS Cup finale, Columbus Crew landed their first championship victory
since a 2020 victory – scoring twice before half time through goals from both Juan
Hernandez and Yaw Yeboah enough to beat out the West coast Conference side, despite a
late fightback through a goal from Denis Bouanga – who has hit scintillating form since the
Frenchman’s move from Ligue 1 side, Saint Etienne. 

Netting 25 times last season, Bouanga landed the MLS Golden Boot victory ahead of
Columbus Crew finisher Cucho Hernandez, as well as other notable names including the
likes of Georgis Giakoumakis, as well as former Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace
striker, Christian Benteke. 

And following their MLS Cup finalist appearance last year, the above-mentioned Los Angeles
FC are current second betting favorites at +800 behind Inter Miami FC to win the MLS Cup,
with French shot-stopper, former Spurs goalkeeper and FIFA World Cup winner, Hugo Lloris
joining the Californian club for two seasons at least for the Western Conference side. 

With the MLS regular season kicking off in the coming month, the shocking move of the
above-mentioned serial winner, Messi from his Paris side to Inter Miami, as well as the
recent acquisition of Uruguayan striker, Suarez has only helped almost tenfold in terms of
immediate popularity for not just MLS but football – or soccer in North America as a whole.

Comparisons with Messi’s stunning arrival to ‘The Sunshine State’ have already been made
with the above-mentioned former England national team captain, Beckham’s massive arrival
at LA Galaxy in the mid-2000s from La Liga giants Real Madrid – as well as the late Brazilian
icon, Pele’s period with the now-defunct New York Cosmos back in the mid-1970s. 

Appearing in nine separate MLS Cup finals since their inception, the LA Galaxy have been
on a baron run without a finale victory since their 2014 triumph, however, a victory this year –
although unlikely according to punters, would see them extend their record number of Cup
wins to six victories total, two more ahead of closest rivals, DC United.

Revered as arguably the greatest football player to ever lace a pair of boots, fresh from a stunning FIFA World Cup win with his native, Argentina, Messi, who has won gold across multiple seasons in professional football – would venture stateside for the first time in his professional career – joining MLS (Major League Soccer) with the David Beckham-led, Inter Miami. 

A global sports icon, Messi’s stunning move to the United States has already garnered much attention amid a media frenzy, with the Argentine veteran netting five goals in just three games for his new side ahead of the commencing of the new MLS season.

And in the wake of Messi’s move to the MLS, following his stunning World Cup win with Argentina last December, betting has hit the roof on a number of markets, of the possibility of the multiple-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner becoming the first recipient of the award to win gold whilst playing his club football in the United States. 

Promotions for online casinos offer multiple ways for consumers and bettors to play and wager on worldwide sports, including football, with Messi sure to rival Manchester City forward and treble-winning goalscoring ace, Erling Haaland in any conversation for FIFA Ballon d’Or spoils in their year’s iteration. 

Spending two series with French side and Ligue 1 dominators, Paris Saint Germain, Messi, who formed a formidable front three with former FC Barcelona teammate, Neymar, and the recently cast out, Kylian Mbappe – failed to deliver the Parisian club a much-sought-after, UEFA Champions League trophy – despite spending two seasons in the French capital. 

However, separating himself from fellow sport great, Cristiano Ronaldo in the eyes of many critics and football pundits last year in Qatar, Messi managed to guide Argentina to World Cup glory for the first time since 1986 – and the first occasion since the sad passing of former leader, Diego Maradona.

Drawing 3-3 after extra time, with Messi twice scoring – while now-former PSG teammate, Mbappe landed himself a stunning hat-trick, the former would convert from the spot as the first kicker, with follow-up strikes from Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, and Gonzalo Montiel past French stopper, Hugo Lloris enough to land Argentina the Jules Rimet Cup in the Middle East. 

Landing the captaincy immediately following his move to Inter Miami CF, Messi has since been joined in ‘The Sunshine State’ alongside former FC Barcelona teammates, full back, Jordi Alba, and defensive midfield maestro, Sergio Busquets. 

And in a summer which has saw a slew of notable and high-profile transfers to Saudi Arabia for massive sums of money, the aforenoted, Ronaldo – who moved to Al Nassr from Manchester United following a brief season-and-a-half salvo with Erik ten Hag’s side in the last two years, appears to have been the catalyst for an attempted entry into mainstream football for the Saudi Pro League. 

Despite receiving a reportedly eye-watering $1,600,000,000 offer over the period of three-years to make a move to the Saudi Pro League, Messi has decided to trade Paris for South Florida – taking his uber talents to the MLS. 

On many markets to boot, Messi’s arrival to Florida to link up with Inter Miami CF, has seen the club’s odds slashed as low as +2,200 to win the MLS Cup this season. 

Over the course of his storied tenure with the aforenoted Catalan giants, FC Barcelona, Messi, who racked up a stunning 672 goals in 778 appearance for the reigning La Liga champions, landed a slew of league titles, Spanish cups, and multiple UEFA Champions League crowns – under the tutelage of both current Manchester City head coach, Pep Guardiola, and newly-minted PSG manager, Luis Enrique – has traded European football for an MLS experience in his venture to the United States this season.

Featuring against Orlando City, Messi guided Inter Miami CF to a 3-1 victory, scoring in both the first and second half, in between a spot kick goal from Venezuelan striker, Josef Martinez. 

Turning 36-years-old just earlier this summer, whilst Messi’s stint in the United States and whilst competing in the MLS may be short-lived, the Newell Old Boys product is currently priced as short as -500 to win the golden ball for the staggering eighth FIFA Ballon d’Or – ahead of the aforenoted Norweigan goalscorer, Haaland. 

And despite his age, Messi, who managed to turn in an impressive 16 goals and a further 16 assists during his final season with former side, PSG – is sure to excel while plying his trade for inter Miami CF in the MLS – netting five goals since joining the Floridian side just earlier this summer. 

Whilst the UEFA Champions League record of Cristiano Ronaldo in terms to outright goalscorer in competition history will likely remain in tact with Messi’s move from PSG to Inter Miami CF – as well as the Portuguese’s recent admission that his days in European football are over, Messi is surefire to add to his stunning goal tally whilst playing in the United States for the foreseeable future. 

As well as his league goal exploits, Messi also managed to surpass 100 goals whilst competing in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last December in the Middle East – en route to a legacy sealing, and G.O.A.T stealing status to boot. 

December 8, 2014 – Adidas and Major League Soccer unveiled NATIVO, the official match ball for 2015, the League’s 20th season. NATIVO’s bold aesthetic meshes with the new MLS brand identity while the ball’s materials and technology meet the unrivaled standards set by Brazuca, the official match ball of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

The NATIVO structure features six identical panels to optimize aerodynamics, stability and symmetry in flight. A unique, micro-texture surface provides improved grip, touch, and control. As Adidas’ most tested ball ever, NATIVO performs well in all conditions and draws praise from professionals and amateurs around the world.

“Our partnership with MLS is incredibly important to us because together, we’re ensuring our homegrown athletes have viable opportunities to play soccer at the highest level,” said Ernesto Bruce, Director of Soccer at Adidas America. “Entering the league’s 20th season, we’re excited to bring our most advanced ball ever to the soccer pitch so we can help players perform at their best.” .

NATIVO’s design is an expression of the new MLS brand. Prominent maple leaf and star images represent the League’s two home nations, Canada and the United States, while the red, white and blue reflect the colors of these nations and the MLS brand. The distinctive NATIVO name alludes to the ball’s stature in the game and pride in the domestic League. NATIVO features the new MLS logo, the Adidas logo, along with the signature of MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

Same ball construction as the Brazuca.

Adidas and Major League Soccer unveiled a newly designed NATIVO, the official match ball for the 2016 season. The most tested MLS ball to date, NATIVO utilizes the latest Adidas technology to deliver the highest level of performance to the entire league. 

Extensively tested by teams around the world, every element of NATIVO’s construction has been scrutinized to provide the greatest control and accuracy. The Adidas NATIVO includes a unique symmetry of six identical panels alongside a textured surface that has been updated to ensure the truest flight of the ball.   

“Each year we strive to take the official match ball to the next level of performance,” said Zola Short, Senior Sports Marketing Manager, Adidas. “The NATIVO delivers on that goal while giving clubs and fans a look that’s unique to Major League Soccer.”

 The NATIVO’s design continues to be inspired by MLS’ three pillars of Club, Country and Community. Infusing the flags of the league’s two home countries, the United States and Canada, NATIVO features new stars, stripes and maple leaf decals across the paneling. The ball is imprinted with the MLS crest and Adidas logo along with the signature of MLS Commissioner Don Garber. 

MLS Matchball 2015

MLS Matchball 2017

Adidas and Major League Soccer Unveil the 2017 Official Match Ball

-NATIVO’s new design features symbols of the United States and Canada representing unity in North America soccer-

-Design inspiration epitomizes how soccer transcends the field-

-Ball debut on-pitch on March 3rd as 2017 MLS season kicks off-

Portland, Ore. January 12, 2017 – Adidas and Major League Soccer today launched the newly designed NATIVO, the Official Match Ball for the 2017 MLS season.

The most tested MLS ball to date, the structure of the NATIVO features the same innovative and widely-praised panel shape as the Brazuca – a unique symmetry of six identical panels that are thermally-bonded together to keep out moisture. In addition, the ball offers premium surface structure designed to provide improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics.

“The 2017 MLS Official Match Ball attests to how year after year Adidas Soccer brings the world’s best innovative technology to the field of play,” said Ernesto Bruce, Adidas Sr. Director of Soccer. “The 2017 NATIVO’s blueprint showcases the spirit of Adidas Soccer and Major League Soccer blended through a creative design language that highlights the U.S. and Canadian flags, while also featuring a unique texture that will inspire soccer fans across North America to take their game from the stadium to the street.”

The design on the NATIVO combines the symbols of the United States of America and Canada to represent the unity existing within North America soccer. The country flags are then covered by semi-opaque black and grey portions inspired by urban design, a texture inspired by the influence soccer has in popular culture as it transcends from stadium to street and vice-versa. The design also serves as a testament to the MLS supporters’ groups who start their walks to the stadiums and carry that passion into the game.

Same ball construction as the Brazuca.

Adidas and Major League Soccer Unveil the 2017 Official Match Ball 

-NATIVO’s new design features symbols of the United States and Canada representing unity in North America soccer- 

-Design inspiration epitomizes how soccer transcends the field- 

-Ball debut on-pitch on March 3rd as 2017 MLS season kicks off-

Portland, Ore. January 12, 2017 – Adidas and Major League Soccer today launched the newly designed NATIVO, the Official Match Ball for the 2017 MLS season. 

The most tested MLS ball to date, the structure of the NATIVO features the same innovative and widely-praised panel shape as the Brazuca – a unique symmetry of six identical panels that are thermally-bonded together to keep out moisture. In addition, the ball offers premium surface structure designed to provide improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics.

“The 2017 MLS Official Match Ball attests to how year after year Adidas Soccer brings the world’s best innovative technology to the field of play,” said Ernesto Bruce, Adidas Sr. Director of Soccer. “The 2017 NATIVO’s blueprint showcases the spirit of Adidas Soccer and Major League Soccer blended through a creative design language that highlights the U.S. and Canadian flags, while also featuring a unique texture that will inspire soccer fans across North America to take their game from the stadium to the street.”

The design on the NATIVO combines the symbols of the United States of America and Canada to represent the unity existing within North America soccer. The country flags are then covered by semi-opaque black and grey portions inspired by urban design, a texture inspired by the influence soccer has in popular culture as it transcends from stadium to street and vice-versa. The design also serves as a testament to the MLS supporters’ groups who start their walks to the stadiums and carry that passion into the game. 

Same ball construction as the Brazuca

MLS Matchball 2015

MLS Matchball 2016

If you have more information or want to review this ball, please contact us!

See Also:  Latest Soccer Ball Developments

Teamgeist II Goal Line technology

  History of the World Cup Official Soccer Balls

Other Soccer Ball History Information on Soccer Ball World

• Champion’s League Final Balls
• Early Ball History
• Balls in the 1800’s
• Goodyear’s 1855 Soccer Ball
• Soccer Balls in the 1900’s
• First World Cup Soccer Ball with team pictures
• Synthetic Soccer Balls
• The Buckminster Soccer Ball
• 2000 and beyond