Griezmann Shines while Lewandowski Struggles in Star-Studded MLS Return
By TopHolding Editorial · Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 9:01 PM

Antoine Griezmann scored in a dominant Orlando City debut, while Robert Lewandowski went quiet in his first match for Chicago.
Major League Soccer marked its return from the World Cup break with a 15-match slate that highlighted the league's growing star power. In Orlando, French superstar Antoine Griezmann enjoyed a sensational debut, scoring his 300th career club goal in a 4-0 rout of the San Jose Earthquakes. Griezmann, who recently joined from Atlético Madrid, showed immediate chemistry with his new teammates, fitting seamlessly into the Lions' attack and finding the net just after halftime.
In contrast, Robert Lewandowski’s highly anticipated debut for the Chicago Fire was a quieter affair. The Polish striker went scoreless in 62 minutes of action during a 3-2 loss to Inter Miami. Despite the absence of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami secured the win thanks to a double from Luis Suárez and a late game-winner from 20-year-old homegrown player Preston Plambeck. The match served as a reminder of the league's unpredictability, as the veteran Lewandowski was upstaged by Miami’s youth.
Off the pitch, MLS continues to navigate institutional challenges. The league is currently investigating Inter Miami for potential tampering violations related to the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. Despite these hurdles, Commissioner Don Garber highlighted the league's record-breaking $2.5 billion in revenue and its increasing global footprint. With 45 players appearing on World Cup rosters, MLS is positioning itself as a top-tier destination for international talent as it prepares to transition to a fall-to-spring schedule in 2027.