Landon Donovan Blasts MLS: “Stop Creating Cups Just to Please Inter Miami for Money!”

American soccer legend Landon Donovan has ignited a firestorm in Major League Soccer after his explosive comments following Inter Miami’s dramatic 4-3 aggregate win over Nashville. The former LA Galaxy icon did not hold back when criticizing what he perceives as favoritism toward Inter Miami — particularly toward Lionel Messi’s team — claiming that the league is bending over backward to satisfy financial and commercial interests rather than maintaining sporting integrity.

“There’s no need to play 34 more matches every season if they’re just going to create a cup to please Inter Miami for money,” Donovan said furiously. “It’s becoming less about competition and more about marketing. That’s not the league I helped build.”

A Controversial Match and a Controversial Statement

The comments came just hours after Inter Miami’s hard-fought victory over Nashville, a two-leg playoff battle that ended 4-3 in Miami’s favor. However, it wasn’t the result itself that drew attention — it was the way the final minutes of the second leg unfolded.

According to Donovan and many other fans, the referee extended stoppage time far beyond what was expected, allowing Inter Miami an opportunity to score the decisive goal that sealed their progression. The decision sparked outrage among supporters of other MLS clubs and reignited long-standing suspicions that the league has been prioritizing the entertainment value of Inter Miami, largely because of Lionel Messi’s global influence.

Donovan’s statement didn’t stop at criticizing the officiating. He took a direct aim at the MLS leadership and its increasing commercialization since Messi’s arrival in the league last year.

“I respect what Messi brings to the sport,” Donovan continued, “but we can’t let one team, no matter how big its stars are, dictate how the league operates. If that happens, the competition loses its soul.”

“Favoritism” Toward Inter Miami?

Since Lionel Messi’s debut for Inter Miami in mid-2023, MLS has seen a meteoric rise in global attention. Merchandise sales have skyrocketed, TV ratings have broken records, and stadiums across the U.S. are selling out every time Miami plays. Yet, with that popularity has come growing skepticism about the fairness of competition.

Several coaches and analysts have suggested that referees tend to be more lenient with Miami’s players, while scheduling decisions — including extended rest periods and prime-time broadcast slots — appear to favor David Beckham’s franchise.

Nashville coach Gary Smith refused to directly comment on the controversy but hinted that “certain teams seem to have things go their way more often than others.”

Donovan’s explosive remarks have only added fuel to this debate, especially coming from someone who spent nearly two decades as one of MLS’s most respected figures. Known for his professionalism and leadership, Donovan’s voice carries weight, and when he calls for an investigation, people listen.

Calls for an Official Investigation

In his statement, Donovan urged the U.S. Soccer Federation and MLS administrators to “review officiating integrity and competition structure” following the Miami–Nashville clash. He even suggested that if favoritism is proven, there should be “serious consequences” for those involved.

His demand comes at a sensitive time for the league. MLS is in the midst of expanding its audience internationally, signing new broadcasting partnerships, and considering format changes to attract more viewership. The introduction of new “cup competitions” — often involving Inter Miami as a central attraction — has been seen by many as a marketing strategy rather than a sporting necessity.

“You can’t keep inventing tournaments just to see Messi lift another trophy,” Donovan remarked. “That’s not sport — that’s theater.”

Fans React: Divided Opinions Across the League

Donovan’s comments have divided the MLS community. Some fans applauded his courage for speaking out against what they view as the “Messi privilege,” while others accused him of being jealous of Miami’s success and the global spotlight the club now enjoys.

On social media, hashtags like #JusticeForNashville and #MLSForSale began trending within hours of his statement. Supporters from clubs like LAFC, Seattle Sounders, and Portland Timbers expressed frustration over what they described as an “unfair playing field” tilted toward Inter Miami.

However, Miami fans quickly fired back, arguing that Donovan’s accusations are baseless and disrespectful toward Messi, who has transformed the visibility of American soccer worldwide. “Inter Miami wins because they play better football,” one fan wrote. “Donovan should be thanking Messi for making people care about MLS again.”

The League’s Response

As of now, Major League Soccer officials have not issued an official response to Donovan’s remarks. However, insiders report that league executives were “surprised and disappointed” by the timing and tone of his criticism, especially given his ongoing role as a pundit and ambassador for U.S. soccer.

A spokesperson for MLS stated briefly that “all competition decisions, including match timing and refereeing, are subject to review protocols to ensure fairness and transparency.” Still, the controversy continues to grow as fans demand clarity on whether certain teams — particularly Inter Miami — are receiving preferential treatment.

A Turning Point for MLS?

Whether or not Donovan’s claims will lead to formal action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his outburst has reopened a conversation that many in the league had hoped to avoid. The balance between entertainment and integrity is now at the center of debate.

Landon Donovan, a player who helped shape MLS from its early years into a respected professional league, believes the organization is at a crossroads. His warning was clear — and perhaps prophetic:

“If MLS loses its credibility, no amount of money or Messi magic will save it.”

As the league prepares for its next playoff rounds, all eyes will be on how MLS handles this growing storm — and whether Donovan’s call for fairness will echo loud enough to bring real change.