Kaylyn Kyle, a former Canadian national team standout and current Apple TV analyst, has seen and done it all. From covering the Premier League to playing in the Olympics and the Women's World Cup, Kyle's journey has been filled with diverse experiences. Yet, as she settles into her role with Apple TV, hosting MLS 260 and serving as a sideline reporter for major games, she admits that nothing quite compares to the unpredictability of Major League Soccer (MLS).
"It's one of the most exciting because you genuinely don't know who's going to win every single weekend," Kyle tells GOAL.
MLS 2025: A Season of Chaos and Surprises
When asked about her thoughts on the ongoing MLS season, Kyle was quick to emphasize the unpredictable nature of the league.
"They make us do these preseason predictions, and the fans go crazy, telling us, 'You don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re an idiot.' But MLS is so unpredictable. There’s so much movement in the offseason, and now with the new rule where teams can buy players from other teams, it’s become even more chaotic."
Kyle pointed out key transfers like Dejan Joveljic’s move from LA Galaxy to Sporting KC and Evander’s switch, noting how these changes make it hard to predict outcomes.
"You think you're set, and then the transfer deadline hits, and suddenly there are 17 different changes. It’s chaotic, but it keeps you on your toes."
Lionel Messi’s Impact on MLS: Beyond the Hype
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has undoubtedly increased global interest in MLS, but Kyle believes his impact goes beyond that.
"People say he’s changed MLS, and yes, in a way, he has. But what he’s really done is bring more eyes to the league from countries that didn’t rate MLS before. When he went to Ligue 1, I didn’t know much about the league, but suddenly, because Messi was there, I was watching. He does that wherever he goes."
Kyle dismissed the narrative of MLS being a "retirement league," pointing out how Messi’s presence has inspired younger talents to join the league.
"Messi didn’t come here washed up. He was fresh off a World Cup win with Argentina in 2022, where he was one of the best players. His presence has made players like Emmanuel Latte Lath and Kevin Denkey see MLS as a legitimate career move."
Javier Mascherano's Early Success as Inter Miami Manager
Kyle praised Javier Mascherano’s management of Inter Miami, emphasizing how he has handled the pressure of managing a star-studded team that includes Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez.
"Mascherano’s done an extremely good job. People say, ‘Oh, he got the job because of Messi,’ but he’s proving himself. Miami’s expectation is to win everything—CONCACAF Champions Cup, Club World Cup, the league, the Supporters' Shield—and he’s managing that pressure well."
Despite losing key players like Diego Gómez and Matías Rojas, Mascherano has brought in quality replacements like Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia to maintain Miami’s dominance.
Inter Miami: Early Favorites for MLS 2025?
When asked to pick her early favorite to win the MLS Cup, Kyle did not hesitate.
"I gotta go with Inter Miami. They’ve won games with 10 men, and then you have Messi. You just can’t bet against him. I think they’ll win the Supporters' Shield again, and they won’t have an early playoff exit like last year."