David Beckham has received high praise from Hollywood royalty for his transformative impact on Major League Soccer following the historic opening of Inter Miami's new $1 billion stadium. The Manchester United legend saw his side play their first-ever match in Miami city limits on Saturday, a momentous occasion marked by a special message from Austin FC co-owner Matthew McConaughey.
Son Heung-min has proven he remains one of the world's most elite creators after a historic performance for LAFC that saw him match a record previously set by Lionel Messi. The South Korean international dismantled Orlando City in a 6-0 rout, cementing his status as the premier playmaker in Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami needed late heroics from Luis Suarez to salvage a point after being largely outplayed by Austin FC in a mixed inaugural showing at their brand new stadium. Lionel Messi, inevitably, grabbed a goal, but the visitors created the better chances throughout and Miami were fortunate to walk away with a 2-2 draw on opening night.
Questions are being asked of whether Lionel Messi fever in MLS has peaked, with Inter Miami’s GOAT roadshow being likened to the travelling WWE extravaganza. Audiences will flock to watch superstar performers when that particular sporting circus passes through their town, but is mass appeal retained over a long period of time? Former USMNT star Kasey Keller believes Messi-mania may have plateaued in the United States.
Kylian Mbappe has offered a fascinating glimpse into what it was like to share a training pitch with Lionel Messi during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. The Real Madrid superstar admitted he was left stunned by the Argentine's metronomic consistency in front of goal.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber backed MLS to continue to invest in top European talent in an appearance on the Late Run. The executive, who oversaw the acquisitions of David Beckham and Lionel Messi, asserted that MLS no longer has to reach out to the top stars of the global game. He also touched on the possibility of promotion-relegation being a part of the league's future.
The road to the 2026 World Cup has officially taken a brick-built turn as football’s biggest icons have been transformed into LEGO form. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead an all-star cast that includes Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in a new advert that is certain to break the internet.
NBA superstar Klay Thompson has explained how Lionel Messi and Barcelona helped to inspire the dynasty enjoyed in basketball circles by Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Argentine GOAT Messi starred for the Catalan giants alongside the likes of Ronaldinho and Neymar, with Pep Guardiola introducing ‘tiki-taka’ to the world. Similar principles have been embraced in California, allowing major silverware to be secured.