Major League Soccer news

Brazilian superstar Neymar has reportedly pulled out of conversations with FC Cincinnati after being frustrated by slow progress on a potential move, according to The Athletic. Despite months of talks, the outlet reports the Major League Soccer side never made a offer to the 34-year-old. Neymar made his long-awaited first appearance in the World Cup on Wednesday.

NYCFC are reportedly interested in securing the signature of Christian Pulisic, but the MLS side have been informed by the Serie A giants that the American is not for sale. According to reporting in The Athletic, numerous MLS clubs would be interested in bringing Pulisic to North America following the 2026 World Cup. Yet, Milan are reluctant to let him go.

Lionel Messi has seen many tributes throughout his legendary career, but his latest monument in Argentina truly stands above the rest. Ahead of his 39th birthday, the Inter Miami star has been immortalised with a staggering 85-foot statue in the Patagonian town of Cutral Co.

In his first season at the Chicago Fire, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has become an All-Star in the United States - polling more votes than Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. Fellow countryman and MLS trailblazer Doctor Khumalo has told GOAL why the talented 20-year-old defender - who is now on 2026 World Cup duty - has become a global “ambassador for South African football” and remains on course to be “one of the greatest players” on the planet.

Eloy Room produced the performance of a lifetime to help Curacao secure their first-ever World Cup point in a gritty 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Saturday. The Miami FC goalkeeper was in impenetrable form, matching ex-USMNT star Tim Howard's legendary record as he single-handedly kept the South Americans at bay during an evening of historic defiance in Kansas City.

An Argentine television presenter has resigned from her position after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had passed away during a live broadcast. The shocking claim was made during the World Cup, leading to widespread condemnation and an immediate apology from the broadcaster and production staff involved.

Ivan Toney staked his claim for a starting berth by netting a clinical hat-trick during England’s convincing 5-1 behind-closed-doors victory over Sporting Kansas City. The training fixture was specifically arranged at the team's base camp to maintain match fitness and sharpness among the squad's fringe players.

Casemiro's proposed move to Inter Miami has hit an unexpected obstacle due to MLS roster regulations. The departing Manchester United midfielder is reportedly keen on a switch to Florida, but a dispute over discovery rights with LA Galaxy is preventing the deal from being finalised as the Brazilian weighs up the next step in his career.

MLS side Chicago Fire are in discussions with Robert Lewandowski and Leon Goretzka, who are both out of contract this summer. Lewandowski, who won three league titles with Barcelona, has long been linked with a move to Chicago. Goretzka has multiple European suitors, but the Fire reportedly believe they can lure the German to MLS.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has backed his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi to spearhead another successful World Cup campaign for Argentina. Despite the legendary forward turning 38, the French attacker insists that Messi's unparalleled quality remains undiminished.

From Christian Pulisic to Mohamed Salah, there are plenty of global superstars who could find themselves in MLS after the 2026 World Cup.

Algeria attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza has confidently targeted a historic victory over Argentina in their upcoming 2026 World Cup opening match. The 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen prospect arrived in the United States ahead of the tournament and immediately shared his fearless ambitions, dismissive of the reigning world champions' psychological tactics.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we dive into the rise of the Lionel Messi in the United States, the emotional connection that transformed Miami, his seismic impact on U.S. soccer, and the possibility that the upcoming World Cup might offer him the most fitting stage of his career - one built around comfort, belonging, and a crowd that treats him like their own hero.

Lionel Messi is preparing for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, but the player heading to the tournament is unrecognizable from the teenager who first burst onto the scene. While most elite stars adapt to decline, the Inter Miami talisman has spent two decades adapting to stay ahead of the game.