MLS Cup kicks off in about an hour, between the two best teams in the league (by xG): Los Angeles FC and the Columbus Crew. One team I played on growing up was called “the Crew”. Great name, so much better than the Real Salt Lakes and LAFCs of the world. Bring back the Kansas City Wizards, too.

So, with Lionel Messi’s first partial-season in the books, I had to ask: What is the current state of the league, compared to all of the other leagues?

Of course, "But look at our 15th-best team! They're pretty decent!" is a weak argument for a sports league to be making about itself. If MLS really wants to be considered a top-15 league (or better) in the world, then the teams just have to start beating teams from other leagues in competitive matches. In other words, the Seattle Sounders need to beat the third-place team from the Egyptian Premier League at the Club World Cup.

However, it's not all doom and gloom as the league's current handicap could be to its long-term gain. The relative strength of your 15th-best team might not help you win any trophies, but it probably does speak to the relative long-term financial health of your competition.

Happy Saturdays, everyone.