Major League Soccer news

Lionel Messi has hinted that he will form part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, with the all-time great expecting that event to be “extraordinary”. Questions have been asked of whether Messi, who will turn 39 next summer, will grace another international tournament. He is, however, excited about what the United States, Canada and Mexico have to offer.

Lionel Messi has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim that winning the World Cup is not something that he is overly concerned about, as success in that competition will not define his legacy. Messi has savoured success on the grandest of stages and considers his triumph with Argentina at Qatar 2022 to be the “ultimate” accolade in his record-shattering career.

After claiming the MLS Golden Boot, Lionel Messi has been named to the MLS Best XI for the second time since joining Inter Miami. The recognition comes after Messi finished with the second-most goal contributions in a single season in MLS history and became the second player in league history to lead the league in goals and assists.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in MLS, including Arfsten elevating his game to lead the Crew

Inter Miami star Luis Suarez has been suspended for Saturday's do-or-die playoff game against Nashville SC, robbing the Herons of their starting striker with their season on the line. The suspension comes following an Inter Miami appeal, but the decision was upheld, which means Miami will play Saturday's match without the Uruguayan star.

From Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane to Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, MLS has featured some high-octane duos

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo insists his football legacy will not be "defined" by whether he matches Lionel Messi's success at the World Cup. The Al-Nassr star appears to have performed a U-turn based on his latest interview, after initially claiming it would be a "dream" to lift the famous trophy before retiring. However, the icon has now insisted it does not matter what happens at next summer's tournament.

The New England Revolution intend to hire U.S. U20 manager Marko Mitrovic as their next coach, according to The Athletic. Mitrovic is fresh off a U20 World Cup run, as his team impressed in the group stage before falling short against eventual champion Morocco in the quarterfinals. He also coached the U23 squad at last year's Olympics in Paris.

Five first-round series will come down to a decisive third game, including Messi and Miami being on the brink of another shock exit

Anders Dreyer, San Diego's offseason acquisition from Anderlecht in Belgium, has been named MLS Newcomer of the Year. The Denmark international scored 19 goals and added 19 assists to lead the expansion franchise to a first-placed finish in the Western Conference. Dreyer received 74 percent of the vote. LAFC's Son Heung-Min finished second, with just over six percent.

Fraizer Campbell has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, billed the long-running GOAT debate which pitches Cristiano Ronaldo against eternal rival Lionel Messi as “sad”. The former Manchester United forward, who once worked alongside CR7 at Old Trafford, has urged supporters around the world to enjoy two all-time greats for as long as they are around.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United and Portugal team-mate Nani believes that his fellow countryman will retire if World Cup glory is savoured in 2026, despite still being under contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The all-time great is also being tipped to explore the option of emulating David Beckham by moving into club ownership with an MLS franchise.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that his GOAT battle with eternal rival Lionel Messi is “not even close”, with former Brazil international Filipe Luis explaining why Argentina’s iconic No.10 is the undisputed greatest of all-time. The ex-Atletico Madrid and Chelsea defender has faced plenty of iconic figures down the years, and considers Messi to be the pick of the bunch.

Canada international Dayne St. Clair was named MLS’s 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year after an outstanding season in which Minnesota United conceded just 39 goals, the third fewest in the league. The 28-year-old St. Clair posted a career-high 10 shutouts on the season, and also led all goalkeepers with a 77.9 percent save rate.

Lionel Messi may now be dazzling fans in Miami, but Barcelona remains close to his heart. The Argentine legend and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, threw a spectacular FC Barcelona-themed party for their eldest son Thiago’s 13th birthday, complete with the club’s iconic colours, the “Mes Que un Club” motto, and a cake shaped like Camp Nou — a touching nod to where it all began for La Pulga.

Former USMNT star Brad Friedel has told GOAL how Inter Miami could “limit the risks” involved in a deal that would see Neymar reunited with Lionel Messi. The ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward is seeing a move to MLS speculated on. Neymar will become a free agent at the end of the year, as his contract in Brazil with Santos runs down, meaning that a new challenge in North America could be sought.

GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their home comforts in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.