Column: MLS Cup final lacks star power but sheds light on shift in league

Galaxy midfielder Gaston Brugman gives a celebratory piggy-back ride to injured star Riqui Puig after winning the MLS Cup final Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park. By Dylan Hernández

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Major League Soccer was unable to showcase its most prized jewels at its championship game.

Lionel Messi didn’t toy with defenders in the MLS Cup final. He didn’t make any of those passes that no other player could make. He didn’t create any magic.

Messi didn’t do any of that because he wasn’t here. His team, Inter Miami, was eliminated from the postseason four weeks ago.

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Standing in for Messi at the league’s flagship event on Saturday were the Galaxy and New York Red Bulls.

Neither…