Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has revealed the components of his "perfect" striker, selecting the elite traits of modern legends like Lionel Messi and Harry Kane. The veteran goalscorer also didn't shy away from self-praise, naming himself as the ultimate choice when it comes to the crucial attribute of player mentality.
The LA Galaxy are reportedly 'exploring' a free transfer swoop for Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. The Brazil international, who is enjoying a resurgence under Red Devils interim manager Michael Carrick, has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford upon the expiration of his contract in June, and has also been linked with a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia.
New York City FCâs proposed move for Mali international Moussa Sylla collapsed late, sending the 26-year-old back to Schalke. The German club blasted NYCFC over a disputed medical, insisting contracts were signed, and insisting the striker is fit. With the deal off, NYCFC will pivot as Schalke keep a key scorer. The striker was set to be a Designated Player before talks unraveled abruptly, publicly.
Minnesota United are in talks with James RodrĂguez over a potential move that would bring the Colombian star to MLS, according to The Athletic. The 34-year-old is a free agent after leaving Club LeĂłn and remains a key figure for Colombia ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite not playing since late 2025.
Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham is being billed as âthe oneâ to make a union between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo possible. Two all-time greats have competed against one another down the years, but have never graced the same team. That ultimate pact may yet happen, with CR7 seeing a move to MLS mooted on the back of his strike action at Al-Nassr.
New York Red Bulls have completed the signing of Mexican international Jorge Ruvalcaba from Pumas UNAM, securing one of Liga MXâs most promising attackers. The 24-year-old joins MLS on a long-term deal through 2029, with the club viewing him as a key piece of their attacking project moving forward. Michael Bradleyâs side has also strengthened their roster with the addition of Cade Cowell from Chivas.
Ezequiel Garay forms part of an exclusive group of players. The former Real Madrid and Argentina defender has worked alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That makes him well placed to pass judgement of which of the iconic forwards can be considered the GOAT. It comes as little surprise to find that the South American sides with his fellow countryman.
Lionel Messi has reportedly given the âgreen lightâ to a sensational transfer that would include a âno away gamesâ stipulation. The Argentine GOAT has extended his contract at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 2028, but wants to ensure that he is ready for World Cup duty in 2026. That could mean returning to Europe on a short-term deal, with Galatasaray ready to throw open their doors.
Lionel Messi is yet to officially confirm his participation at the 2026, but Inter Miami boss and fellow countryman Javier Mascherano appears to have revealed that the eight-time Ballon dâOr winner will form part of Argentinaâs plans. The expectation has always been that Messi, who captured a global crown in 2022, will grace at least one more major tournament as captain of his country.
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 AtlĂŠtico Madrid. While several LaLiga clubs had expressed interest in a potential loan move, AtlĂŠtico 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.
Lionel Messi is considered to be a âgenius on our planetâ 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 Miamiâs 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 Mascheranoâs 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 GermĂĄn 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 Miamiâs 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 dâOr 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 Miamiâs preseason has suffered an early setback after the club confirmed that Spanish left back Sergio ReguilĂłn 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 leagueâs 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 goalkeeperâs 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.
Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has dismissed comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi, labelling such talk as "crazy" and urging for the young forward to be allowed to forge his own path. Speaking ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Copenhagen, Olmo stressed the immense pressure that comes with being likened to arguably the greatest player in history.
Fermin Lopez would love to see Lionel Messi welcomed back to Barcelona, even if that means dropping down to the bench. The 22-year-old has become one of the Blaugranaâs most consistent performers this season, but he would happily give up a playmaking post at Camp Nou if an eight-time Ballon dâOr winner could be returned to Catalunya for an emotional farewell tour.
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