Celtic have reportedly taken a key step in their managerial search by formally approaching the Columbus Crew about Wilfried Nancy, with talks now advancing. The Scottish champions have been led by an interim staff since Brendan Rodgersâ resignation in late October, and discussions with the MLS coach appear to be moving forward.
Messi produced 12 goal involvements in the playoffs already, and Miamiâs defensive improvement could be the difference-maker on the road to potentially winning MLS Cup.
Lionel Messi made MLS Cup playoffs history with a dominant individual display as Inter Miami thrashed FC Cincinnati 4-0 to progress to the Eastern Conference finals. The World Cup-winning Argentina legend was involved in every goal, contributing one of his own and three assists for his team to leave the David Beckham-owned club just two games away from winning their first-ever MLS Cup.
Lionel Messi is one step closer to lifting his first MLS Cup after scoring once and assisting three to power Inter Miami past FC Cincinnati in a dominant 4-0 win that booked their place in the Eastern Conference finals. The Argentine was outstanding throughout, while Tadeo Allende added a brace as Miami snapped a three-year winless run at TQL Stadium.
Lionel Messi extended his remarkable scoring streak in the MLS Cup Playoffs, netting his ninth goal in seven matches to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead over FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinal. The Argentine legend struck in the 18th minute, showcasing his aerial ability as he rose to meet a pinpoint cross from young winger Mateo Silvetti, silencing the packed crowd inside TQL Stadium.
MLS owners have reportedly taken their first concrete step toward identifying a successor to Commissioner Don Garber, convening a small, closed-door âsuccession committeeâ ahead of last weekâs Board of Governors meeting, according to the Sports Business Journal. The group held its initial session with Garber in attendance as it began outlining early plans for the leagueâs future leadership.
Ex-Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min scored a superb free-kick in the 95th minute of LAFC's MLS playoff defeat against Thomas Muller's Vancouver Whitecaps. The South Korea international scored twice in the second half to bring his side back in the game after the Whitecaps took a 2-0 lead in the first half, only to lose on penalties.
In a match that will be remembered for years at BC Place, the Vancouver Whitecaps booked their spot in the Western Conference finals with a 2-2 (5-3 on penalties) win over Los Angeles FC. The back-and-forth clash featured a stunning Son Heung-Min equalizer, a nine-man fightback from the hosts, and, fittingly, a penalty shootout that sent the Canadian side through.
Inter Miami head into Sundayâs Eastern Conference semifinal against FC Cincinnati with confidence and conviction. Javier Mascherano insists âeliminaciĂłnâ isnât in his vocabulary as his team chases the first conference final in club history, backed by a full week of preparation and key players returning in rhythm. The Herons travel to Cincinnati to take on The Orange and Blue at TQL Stadium.
Luxury watch influencer Ziv Tamir, known as "Ziv the Watch Guy," had an interaction with Antonela Roccuzzo, Lionel Messi's wife, in Miami where he approached her after a padel match, complimenting her expensive Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Rope watch, which is valued at around ÂŁ20,500 ($26,800). But then Tamir dropped a question, which left Messiâs other half looking very confused.
Barcelona have reiterated their stance on a loan transfer for Lionel Messi, with club president Joan Laporta saying such a deal is "not realistic". He has also suggested that those clinging to the dream of seeing the Argentine GOAT return to Catalunya in a playing capacity "live in the past", with La Liga's champions having moved on from their most iconic No.10.
MLS has unveiled its 2026 regular-season schedule, which opens Feb. 21 with St. Louis CITY SC hosting Charlotte FC and later features Inter Miamiâs debut at Miami Freedom Park on April 4. The league will pause from late May to mid-July for the FIFA World Cup before returning with marquee rivalry matches. Opening Day will feature a full slate of 15 matches over the MLS is Back Weekend.
Lionel Messi will forever be held in the highest regard at Barcelona, but that does not mean that the Liga giants will be changing the branding of their stadium in order to pay homage to the Argentine icon. Messi, who is currently in MLS with Inter Miami, has admitted that he intends to return to Catalunya at some stage. There are, however, no plans for Camp Nou to take his name.
Timo Wernerâs hopes of securing a January move to MLS have suffered a major setback after the New York Red Bulls admitted they were ânot 100 percentâ convinced about signing him. The Leipzig forward, frozen out in Germany, had targeted a winter switch to the United States but with NYRB shifting their squad profile, his path to MLS has unexpectedly narrowed again.
Veteran Thomas Muller, who joined Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps just months ago, has given a clear indication of where his future lies, with his contract expiring at the end of this year. The legendary former Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has made a great start to life in North America and is determined to bring unprecedented success at the BC Place.
Jordi Alba has rubbished comparisons between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, claiming that Barcelonaâs all-time leading goalscorer âhas no rivalâ. Teenage wonderkid Yamal has been thrust into an obvious debate ever since he stepped out of the La Masia academy system. He has become a global superstar in his own right, but there will never be another Messi.
Lionel Messi has sent another âweâll be backâ message to Barcelona after being crowned the âmost beloved playerâ in the clubâs history. The Argentine superstar has been awarded that honour following a supporter vote. He feels proud to have received such a title, given the calibre of talent that he was up against, and remains determined to head back to Catalunya at some stage.
The Atlanta United manager knows thereâs skepticism around his return, but heâs adamant he can steer the club out of a rough 2025 and spark a turnaround.
U.S. international Sebastian Berhalter delivered an impressive opening spell in the Americansâ friendly against Uruguay, scoring his first national team goal from a well-placed set piece in the 17th minute. Minutes later, he set up Alex Freeman for his first international goal, assisting on a driven header to give the U.S. an early boost.
Black Players for Change (BPC) and Vans have introduced a limited, made-to-order Vans x BPC collection based on the Eras silhouette. Featuring two minimalist colorways and the BPC emblem on the heel, proceeds from the release will benefit BPC initiatives. BPC is a player-led nonprofit within MLS that works to advance racial equality in soccer and local communities.
Lionel Messi and Argentina have been told that they were âluckyâ to savour World Cup glory at Qatar 2022. All-time great Messi completed his medal collection at that event, as he inspired the Albiceleste to a global title. Wesley Sneijder has suggested that the South Americans were fortunate to claim that crown, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal considered to have a better chance of landing the same prize in 2026.
Ballon dâOr winner Lothar Matthaus has explained why he will always side with Lionel Messi in the Argentine iconâs GOAT debate with Cristiano Ronaldo. Two legends of the modern era consider themselves to be the greatest of all-time, but opinion across the rest of the world remains divided. Matthaus knows what it takes to be considered the best player on the planet.
Uruguay's talismanic forward, Luis Suarez, has revealed his plans of making a possible return to his former club, Barcelona, in the near future. The 38-year-old is yet to bid farewell to the sport and could end his career in Catalunya, as he admits he still has connections at the club which he represented from 2014 to 2020 before switching base to metropolitan side Atletico Madrid.
Lionel Messi continues to see a "last dance" at Barcelona speculated on, with it possible that a loan return to Catalunya could be agreed early in 2026. The Argentine icon is currently plying his trade in MLS with Inter Miami, but could head back to Europe during the American off-season - with Jordi Cruyff, the son of Blaugrana legend Johan, reacting to that transfer gossip.
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