Major League Soccer news

Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa, Monaco and Villarreal are among the clubs interested in signing Real Salt Lake star Zavier Gozo, sources tell GOAL. The winger, who has represented the U.S. up to the U-23 level, could be on the move in the summer for a transfer fee somewhere close to a club-record fee.

Obed Vargas is set for a major step forward, leaving the Seattle Sounders to join Atlético Madrid. While several LaLiga clubs had expressed interest in a potential loan move, Atlético plan to keep the 20-year-old midfielder in Madrid, where he is expected to join the first team. Vargas impressed as a homegrown player for Seattle, making 91 appearances.

GOAL spoke with the American in January to reflect on a whirlwind 2025 as he prepares for an even bigger 2026

Lionel Messi is considered to be a “genius on our planet” and would, at 38 years of age, remain a world beater in any league across the globe. The Argentine GOAT has been starring in MLS with Inter Miami, helping them to historic titles, and Rob Earnshaw has told GOAL why the South American superstar could still do a job in Europe and on a Champions League stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to consider a shock move to Major League Soccer, but not merely to extend his playing career. A leading football finance expert believes the Portuguese icon is "pretty enough" to successfully launch a second career in Hollywood, suggesting a strategic switch to California could be the perfect bridge to enhance his global superstardom after hanging up his boots.

Lionel Messi recreated an iconic scorpion kick with legendary goalkeeper Rene Higuita ahead of Inter Miami’s latest friendly outing. The Herons, fresh from their historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, are readying themselves for the start of a new campaign. Javier Mascherano’s side are working their way through a pre-season programme in South America.

Mikel Arteta has compared Max Dowman's impact as a teenager at Arsenal to Lionel Messi's legendary start at Barcelona as a wonderkid. The Gunners academy product made his debut for the club as a 15-year-old and has broken a number of records for the north London outfit. And after signing a pre-contract with Arsenal, manager Arteta has waxed lyrical about the youngster and likened him to footballing royalty.

Inter Miami have completed the signing of Mexican international Germán Berterame from CF Monterrey, adding another attacking weapon to their squad ahead of the 2026 season. The 27-year-old arrives as a Designated Player after a prolific spell in Liga MX and will reunite with Lionel Messi and company following a deal valued at around $15 million.

Lionel Messi is considered to already be acting like Inter Miami’s owner, with former MLS star Bacary Sagna telling GOAL of why the Argentine icon has found the perfect home at this stage of his career. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to enjoy success on the field in the United States, while also enhancing his global brand away from the pitch.

Villarreal have completed the signing of U.S. international Alex Freeman on a deal that lasts through 2032. The 21-year-old arrives from Orlando City after a breakout season, as the Yellow Submarine add a full back viewed as ready to compete immediately in LaLiga. The Yellow Submarine are currently fourth in the Spanish top flight.

Timo Werner has signed for Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes, the club announced Thursday. The German international, who has 115 career goals, had fallen out of favor at RB Leipzig, but joins the Western Conference franchise on a multi-year deal. He will be a Designated Player for the rebuilding Quakes, who have had a busy offseason under Head Coach and Sporting Director Bruce Arena.

Former Manchester United star Teddy Sheringham sees no reason why his fellow Red Devils legend Cristiano Ronaldo could not join Lionel Messi in MLS at some stage. The 1999 Treble winner has told GOAL when CR7 could go chasing the American dream, how far beyond the age of 42 the Portuguese GOAT will play, and whether his goals numbers will ever be repeated.

World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has swapped his gloves for boots to make a shock appearance in professional football. The boxing king came off the bench for Ukrainian outfit FC Polissya Zhytomyr to help defeat a Vancouver Whitecaps side featuring German legend Thomas Muller, earning bragging rights over the World Cup winner in a friendly clash in Spain.

Inter Miami’s preseason has suffered an early setback after the club confirmed that Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón sustained a significant knee injury during the friendly against Alianza Lima. While surgery has been avoided, his availability for the MLS season opener remains uncertain as recovery timelines are evaluated.

MLS announced the launch of Walmart Saturday Showdown, a new weekly marquee matchup designed to create a must-watch Saturday appointment for fans throughout the 2026 regular season. The initiative will debut during the league’s Opening Weekend with one of the most anticipated matches of the season, as defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF face LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

FC Cincinnati are finalizing a loan agreement to sign Polish youth international goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek from Liverpool, according to The Athletic. The deal includes an option to buy, giving Cincinnati flexibility depending on the goalkeeper’s adaptation and performance in Major League Soccer. Mrozek spent the second half of last season on loan at National League side Forest Green Rovers.

Despite reported interest from Spain, Real Salt Lake plan to keep hold of Diego Luna through the summer, sources tell GOAL. The club views Luna as a key part of both its present and future, even with attention building abroad ahead of the World Cup. Sources add that RSL has yet to receive any formal offers for the 22-year-old midfielder, who made his USMNT breakthrough in 2025.