Lionel Messi found himself trending for an unusual reason following Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with Austin. The legendary forward produced a rare misplaced pass that left fans convinced he was still looking for his retired former team-mate Jordi Alba.
From Lionel Messi's Inter Miami having their homecoming spoiled to Julian Hall leading the way for the Red Bulls, MLS delivered another compelling weekend of football
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has joined the long list of sporting icons left in awe of Lionel Messi’s genius on the pitch. The Red Bull driver believes the Argentina and Inter Miami maestro possesses a unique ability to read the game that renders tactical preparation almost useless.
David Beckham has received high praise from Hollywood royalty for his transformative impact on Major League Soccer following the historic opening of Inter Miami's new $1 billion stadium. The Manchester United legend saw his side play their first-ever match in Miami city limits on Saturday, a momentous occasion marked by a special message from Austin FC co-owner Matthew McConaughey.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has long been credited with transforming the landscape of soccer in North America, but his latest milestone has drawn high praise from one of the greatest to ever play the game. Brazilian legend Ronaldo was in attendance to witness the dawn of a new era for the Herons as they officially moved into their permanent home.
Inter Miami needed late heroics from Luis Suarez to salvage a point after being largely outplayed by Austin FC in a mixed inaugural showing at their brand new stadium. Lionel Messi, inevitably, grabbed a goal, but the visitors created the better chances throughout and Miami were fortunate to walk away with a 2-2 draw on opening night.
Questions are being asked of whether Lionel Messi fever in MLS has peaked, with Inter Miami’s GOAT roadshow being likened to the travelling WWE extravaganza. Audiences will flock to watch superstar performers when that particular sporting circus passes through their town, but is mass appeal retained over a long period of time? Former USMNT star Kasey Keller believes Messi-mania may have plateaued in the United States.
Kylian Mbappe has offered a fascinating glimpse into what it was like to share a training pitch with Lionel Messi during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. The Real Madrid superstar admitted he was left stunned by the Argentine's metronomic consistency in front of goal.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber backed MLS to continue to invest in top European talent in an appearance on the Late Run. The executive, who oversaw the acquisitions of David Beckham and Lionel Messi, asserted that MLS no longer has to reach out to the top stars of the global game. He also touched on the possibility of promotion-relegation being a part of the league's future.
Lionel Scaloni has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to potentially reach the historic 1,000 career goals milestone, while insisting the Argentina captain does have the "desire" to play at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after a dominant friendly victory against Zambia, the Albiceleste boss emphasized that the Inter Miami star still possesses the hunger to compete at the very highest level despite already achieving his ultimate dream in Qatar.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will return to the starting line-up for Tuesday's friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera. The veteran forward’s inclusion comes as the coaching staff looks to finalise their 26-man roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Scaloni eventually left his press conference while holding back tears after addressing an injury blow for one of the nation's rising stars.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly trying to convince ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro to join him at Al-Nassr instead of heading to MLS to link up with Lionel Messi. The Brazilian has been strongly linked with a summer move to Inter Miami as he approaches the end of his contract at Old Trafford.
Mohamed Salah has, as he prepares to leave Liverpool as a free agent, been warned off a move to join Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi in MLS. The Egyptian forward has been told that he would be “too far out of the spotlight” in America, with the director of his national team informing the 33-year-old forward that he should instead consider a switch that sees him follow Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.
Former Barcelona and Manchester United star Gerard Pique has weighed in on the eternal debate between his legendary former team-mates. While maintaining that Lionel Messi possesses unmatched natural talent and is the greatest footballer ever, Pique concedes that Cristiano Ronaldo is peerless when it comes to work rate.
Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool, with the Reds prepared to let the Egyptian superstar go as a free agent in the summer of 2026, but does a move to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami beckon? A switch to MLS for Salah has been mooted, amid links to big-spending teams in the Saudi Pro League, and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on that transfer speculation.
Inter Miami have reportedly made their first move to secure the signing of Manchester United veteran Casemiro, opening talks with the midfielder's representatives over a sensational summer switch to Major League Soccer. The Brazilian is said to be "open" to the project in Florida, which would see him link up with former rival Lionel Messi.
Manuel Neuer has received the ultimate praise as he celebrates his 40th birthday, with former manager Felix Magath ranking the goalkeeper alongside the greatest players to ever grace the pitch. The Bayern Munich captain, whose future remains a subject of intense speculation, has been categorised in the same bracket as multiple Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta believes a romantic Barcelona return for Lionel Messi is not out of the question. The Inter Miami star's ex-teammate has opened up on the unique leadership qualities that make the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner a "rare" talent.
MLS clubs Inter Miami and LA Galaxy are reportedly considering making a move for Man United midfielder Casemiro upon the expiration of his contract this summer. The Brazilian announced last month that he intends to leave the Premier League in June, after the club opted not to pick up the option to extend his contract by one year. Neither interested club has a Designated Player spot open at this time, though.