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Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer news

Inter Miami CF v Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final

MLS announces 2026 playoff schedule: MLS Cup set for Dec. 18

MLS announced its playoffs schedule Monday, with the postseason set to begin Nov. 18 and culminate with MLS Cup on Dec. 18. While the format is identical to last year's playoffs, the later start means there will be no interruptions for international windows, as the tournament begins after the November FIFA break. In years past, the league has been criticized for scheduling playoff matches through international windows - leading to lengthy gaps between rounds.

Nashville SC v Inter Miami CF - CONCACAF Champions Cup 2026

Explained: Why Messi sat out Inter Miami’s latest MLS fixture

Lionel Messi was left out of Inter Miami's squad as they played out a goalless draw against Charlotte. But the decision to leave Messi out of the squad was strategic rather than injury-related as, having played the full 90 minutes against Nashville SC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 just days prior, the Inter Miami coaching staff opted to protect their prized asset.

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Lionel Messi Neymar

Retire or join Messi in MLS? ‘Truly massive’ Neymar future claim

Neymar has hinted at injuries forcing him to retire at the end of 2026, but a fellow Brazilian is tipping the 34-year-old playmaker to make the “truly massive” call of joining Lionel Messi in MLS. Neymar previously worked with the Argentine GOAT at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, with Kleberson telling GOAL why a reunion at Inter Miami remains a distinct possibility.

Inter Miami CF v Orlando City

Pareja out at Orlando City following ugly start to MLS season

Orlando City and Oscar Pareja have agreed to part ways after a rough start to the club's MLS campaign. The Lions lost each of their first three games by a combined 11-3 scoreline, with the most recent loss, a 5-0 loss at New York City FC, ultimately leading to the change in leadership. Pareja has been with the club since 2019.

Lionel Messi Barcelona 2018

Rakitic insists Messi 'deserves' proper Barcelona tribute

Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has called for the club to finally honour Lionel Messi with a fitting tribute, while expressing his hope that the Argentine superstar continues his career at the highest level for "a few more years". Speaking on his 38th birthday, the Croatian reflected on the impact his former team-mate has had on the sport, noting that Messi's influence transcends club rivalries and borders.

GFX Xavi Lionel Messi Joan Laporta

Ex-Barca director backs Xavi in Messi return row

The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's failed return to Barcelona in 2023 has not yet died down. Former sporting director Mateu Alemany has publicly supported Xavi Hernandez's explosive claims that the club had league approval to re-sign the Argentine star. This directly contradicts the official narrative from incumbent president Joan Laporta and La Liga chief Javier Tebas ahead of the elections.

LIonel Messi Barcelona

Font urges Messi to 'explain the truth' about failed Barca return

Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has challenged Lionel Messi to reveal the "truth" about his failed return to the club in 2023. With the election just days away, Font has claimed members are being misled by Joan Laporta’s "smokescreen" regarding the club’s greatest icon, on the back of explosive comments from former manager Xavi.

Yaw Yeboah

Jones, Yeboah receive lifetime bans for betting on own games

MLS has issued lifetime bans to Derick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for betting on games while they were playing, the league announced Monday afternoon. The duo bet on numerous games, including ones they were playing in, during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and after an extensive investigation, have been prevented from playing in the league. Neither player is signed with an MLS club.

Brits Abroad GFX

Brits Abroad: Trent & Rashford roasted by Spanish press

GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.

Messi - Laporta - Xavi

Xavi claims Laporta BLOCKED Messi's Barca homecoming

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has dropped a massive bombshell, claiming that Joan Laporta deliberately vetoed Lionel Messi's return to the club in 2023. Despite securing La Liga approval to re-sign the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner that summer, Laporta allegedly blocked the transfer, shattering fans' dreams.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2026

Kimpembe explains why 'crazy' Messi ranks above Ronaldo

Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe has weighed in on the eternal GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Frenchman has explained exactly why he believes that Argentine genius Messi operates on a completely different level, citing his natural talent and unmatched technical superiority.

Inter Miami CF v Nashville SC - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs

Mascherano 'taken for granted because he coaches Messi'

Inter Miami continued their strong start to the 2026 MLS season with a vital 2-1 victory over D.C. United. While Lionel Messi grabbed the headlines once again with another spectacular goal, former USMNT star Sacha Kljestan believes the real architect of the club’s dominance, head coach Javier Mascherano, is currently operating in the shadows of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2026

Will Messi be rested by Inter Miami? ‘Big mistake’ to be avoided

Lionel Messi is poised to be rested by Inter Miami at some stage in the not too distant future, with the MLS Cup winners eager to avoid making a “big mistake” while chasing down multiple trophies. The Herons are eager to successfully defend their domestic crown in the United States, while continental silverware is up for grabs in Champions Cup and Leagues Cup competition.

D.C. United v Inter Miami CF

Revealed: How Messi is paid $80m a year by Inter Miami

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has pulled back the curtain on the staggering financial package that keeps Lionel Messi in South Florida, revealing the Argentine icon takes home between $70 million and $80 million per year. The eye-watering figure, which includes the World Cup winner's ownership shares, highlights the unprecedented investment required to bring the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient to Major League Soccer.