There were 45 MLS players represented at the 2026 World Cup - including two in the final for Argentina, Messi and Rodrigo de Paul. But that reputation is outdated, Courtemanche says, with the average age of new international players in the league now 23.8 years. All MLS teams run youth academies. Some of the kids played for MLS youth teams. At the top level, MLS academies train and develop youth players for free, much like their European counterparts.