Major League Soccer news

Lionel Messi has seen a return to his roots in Argentina speculated on in the recent past, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner boasting emotional ties to Newell’s Old Boys. A presidential candidate there - ahead of elections being held - has explained what would need to happen in order for the Inter Miami superstar to leave MLS and head back home to Rosario.

Inter Miami will not be resting on their laurels after savouring a historic MLS Cup success, with domestic rivals being warned that Lionel Messi and Co have their “bar reset to a higher level” ahead of a bid for more major honours in 2026. The Herons are kings of North America for now, with the plan being to cement that status when going back-to-back.

Inter Miami are reportedly plotting a stunning swoop for Robert Lewandowski that would see the prolific Polish striker join forces with Lionel Messi. The Herons will be looking to defend their MLS Cup crown in 2026 and intend to make more marquee additions to their ranks. Co-owner Sir David Beckham is among those scouring the market, with Lewandowski registering on his recruitment radar.

Former United States men’s national team captain Michael Bradley has been appointed head coach of the New York Red Bulls, the club announced Monday. The 38-year-old New Jersey native steps into the first-team role just six months into his professional coaching career, after leading New York Red Bulls II to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro championship.

Inter Miami CF have secured the services of experienced Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón on a long-term contract, the club announced Monday. The 28-year-old defender joins as a free agent after his departure from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and will remain with the Herons through December 2027, with a club option that could extend his stay until December 2028.

The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.

With the 2026 World Cup less than six months away, GOAL looks at the state of the shot-stoppers vying for a spot next summer

After months of speculation about their long-term future in Vancouver, the Whitecaps appear to have found a path forward in the Canadian city. Fresh off their first MLS Cup final appearance, the club announced plans with the City of Vancouver for a new stadium. After more than a decade at BC Place, Vancouver are preparing to negotiate the construction of a purpose-built venue at Hastings Park.

The LA Galaxy are in advanced talks to acquire Philadelphia Union center back Jakob Glesnes, according to a report from The Athletic. The proposed deal would reportedly exceed $1 million in General Allocation Money and include performance-based incentives, a valuation that reflects Glesnes’ standing as one of MLS’s top defenders.

The 2025 MLS Cup delivered record-breaking viewership on Dec. 6, drawing a combined 4.6 million viewers across platforms and setting new benchmarks for fan engagement. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF capped the night by winning their first MLS Cup title with a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium.

The first stop of Lionel Messi's India tour took an unexpected turn as angry fans ripped up seats and hurled objects onto the pitch as chaos descended at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. The unsavoury scenes came due to fan disgruntlement at Messi's brief 20-minute appearance, where they 'could not see his face'. The event organiser has been detained as a result of the incident and an enquiry is ongoing.

Mohamed Salah has been urged to follow Son Heung-min's example and head to Major League Soccer in January, with Chris Waddle insisting the Liverpool legend should consider a new life in America as age and tactical demands catch up with him. With tensions under Arne Slot still raw, the Egyptian winger is again being pushed toward an Anfield exit as speculation intensifies.

The Colorado Rapids are expected to appoint Tottenham Hotspur assistant Matt Wells as their next head coach, according to a report from The Athletic. Wells, 37, would be stepping into his first senior managerial role and would become one of the youngest head coaches in MLS when he arrives ahead of the 2026 season.

Mic'd Up: The Apple TV analyst breaks down Inter Miami’s MLS Cup win, explains why Messi still decides everything, backs MLS’s move to a fall-spring calendar, and tips LA Galaxy to rebound in 2026.

Thierry Henry says the USMNT benefits when its players test themselves in Europe, but he also cautioned against using national-team selections as the sole measure of Major League Soccer’s growth. The French legend believes overseas experience helps American players - even as MLS continues to play an important role in their development.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has publicly encouraged Mohamed Salah to consider a move to the United States amid escalating uncertainty over the Liverpool star’s future. With his relationship with manager Arne Slot fractured and interest growing across the Atlantic, Garber urged the Egyptian to speak directly with Lionel Messi and Thomas Muller to learn how transformative MLS life can be.

Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio has explained why he would always urge youngsters to follow the “example” of Cristiano Ronaldo over that of Lionel Messi. The two all-time greats have reached the very top of their chosen profession, but took different paths en route to the summit. Portuguese icon Ronaldo has always been about hard work, while Argentine GOAT Messi is more naturally gifted.