Eli Lesser on Messi's Impact On The MLS, LA's Football Culture & The 2026 FIFA World Cup

Reynoso & Soltero welcome Eli Lesser of This Week In MLS to discuss the history and growth of the MLS while also predicting how the game will develop in the US with the arrival of the World Cup set for 2026. (00:00) Introducing Eli Lesser!(01:05) Thoughts on Orlando City's fanbase(03:19) The impact of Gen Z on MLS(05:33) How many MLS stadiums has Eli visited?(07:49) Soltero's San Jose Earthquakes experience(09:18) OG MLS teams vs. Expansion teams(11:32) Thoughts on MLS teams relocating?(15:05) Reacting to Messi's impact on the MLS(20:18) Will Pulisic go to the MLS in 2026?(23:42) How did Eli get into soccer?(30:21) Football culture in Los Angeles(34:18) Sporting Kansas City's golden era(38:32) The impact of the 2014 World Cup(41:56) ThisWeekInMLS's origin story(43:59) Has the MLS ever reached out to Eli?(49:30) Why do you love the MLS?(52:34) Shotgun questions --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thegivengo/support