Major League Soccer news

Despite a 3-2 win over D.C. United that strengthened Inter Miami’s playoff position, head coach Javier Mascherano admitted that defensive lapses remain a key area to improve. The Argentine stressed the need to maintain composure when falling behind and to correct mistakes in transitions as the Herons enter the decisive stretch of the MLS season.

At 38, Lionel Messi can still learn new tricks. In a rare flash of direct play, the Argentine’s two goals and clever assist set the tone in a 3-1 win over a stubborn D.C. United on Saturday night, giving Inter Miami their first winning streak in MLS since July. Still, it wasn’t straightforward, with Christian Benteke making things interesting in the second half.

Salford co-owners David Beckham and Gary Neville have admitted the club faced "serious trouble" before a takeover "saved" the League Two team. The Manchester United legends were "genuinely worried" by losses of £22.5 million over seven years as they sought a new buyer following majority shareholder Peter Lim's exit. But their new ownership group raised nearly £30m to rescue Salford.

There are several notable names on coach Marko Mitrović's U.S. men's national team roster for the 2025 U20 World Cup in Chile, announced Friday by the federation. Former Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, now with Parma on loan, leads a squad that features several rising MLS stars, along with Dortmund's highly-touted prospect, Cole Campbell.

U.S. international goalkeeper Matt Freese has agreed to a five-year extension with New York City Football Club, the team announced. The 27-year-old’s stock soared in 2025, as he rose from USMNT outsider to one of the standout performers in the Gold Cup - positioning Freese as the possible starter for the 2026 World Cup.

Though Lionel Messi is reportedly close to signing a multi-year contract extension to remain with Inter Miami, manager Javier Mascherano struck a cautious tone on Friday, choosing his words carefully ahead of the Herons’ matchup against D.C. United at Chase Stadium. “I’m certainly not the one who should make that announcement,” he said.

Lionel Messi is being urged to follow David Beckham's example and become an owner when his playing career in MLS is over. A new contract for the Argentine superstar at Inter Miami is being speculated on, with American soccer eager to see the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remain part of their brand for the foreseeable future. It could be that he stays on for many years to come.

Lionel Messi has been sent "it's done" advice after choosing to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and extend his remarkable playing career. With CR7 extending his Al-Nassr contract at 40 years of age, Argentine icon Messi is expected to tread a similar path by agreeing fresh terms with Inter Miami in MLS. Neither of the all-time greats are ready to consider retirement any time soon.

David Beckham has entered a new chapter of his post-playing career, launching his own honey-based snack brand in the United States. The Manchester United icon, who discovered a love for beekeeping during the COVID-19 lockdown, has turned his hobby into a full-fledged business called BeeUp. The launch comes as Beckham and his wife Victoria's combined fortune recently surpassed the £500 million ($675m) milestone.

The South Korea captain has brought attacking quality to LAFC, as well as a willingness to be a face for the league

Cristiano Ronaldo’s one-time Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has great admiration for the Portuguese superstar, but admits that he prefers to talk about Lionel Messi. American-born Rossi - who spent time in England, Spain and the United States during his playing days - has offered a slightly different take on the long-running GOAT debate.

Inter Miami have reportedly got the answer they wanted after putting various contract questions to Lionel Messi, with the Argentine GOAT ready to sign a “multiyear” extension with the MLS outfit. His current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2025 campaign, but the South American superstar is poised to end any speculation regarding his future.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami close to finalizing multiyear deal to extend his stay in South Florida, according to ESPN. The eight time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with moves to a number of other clubs, but appears set to extend his MLS career. His current deal, signed in 2023, expires at the end of the 2025 season.

Heung-Min Son is loving life in the United States after bidding farewell to Tottenham, with the South Korean superstar netting his first MLS hat-trick for LAFC. After 10 years in north London, the 33-year-old forward now finds himself in California. He has made an immediate impact there, with another match ball being added to his collection against Real Salt Lake.

Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas is in top form, but it hasn’t earned him a call from Javier Aguirre, who he says he hasn’t spoken with about a spot. Vargas has 2,183 MLS minutes this season plus 1,107 across the Club World Cup, Champions Cup and Leagues Cup. Yet the Alaska-born 20-year-old has just one Mexico cap, with only three FIFA dates left before 2026.

GOAL Convo: Robles on MLS NEXT rule changes, including three-period games, meant to American soccer forward

Timmy Abraham, the brother of former Chelsea striker Tammy, is set to play in front of Lionel Messi in a 1v1 tournament founded by the Inter Miami and Argentina star. Timmy will be hoping to impress Messi when he heads to Miami, alongside semi-professional female footballer Che Thomas, to compete against 'ballers' from all over the world in the hope of being crowned the world’s best.