Diego Simeone has snubbed Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe to back Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The Atletico Madrid manager believes the Argentine superstar's remarkable World Cup exploits at 39 outweigh every other contender in a star-studded field.
Cruz Azul defender Alan Mozo has set his sights firmly on securing international silverware ahead of a highly anticipated 2026 Campeones Cup clash against Inter Miami. The Mexican giants are preparing to face Lionel Messi's side, with Mozo eager to continue his team's recent momentum and secure another major trophy for Joel Huiquiâs high-flying squad.
A lively squirrel temporarily stole the spotlight at TQL Stadium on Saturday night, scampering across the turf to briefly halt play during an enthralling 3-3 draw between FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC. The unexpected animal cameo brought loud cheers from the home crowd amid a chaotic Major League Soccer encounter packed with six goals.
Antoine Griezmann continued his red-hot form at Inter.co Stadium on Saturday night, scoring for a fifth straight game to set Orlando City on course for a dominant 3-0 victory against Toronto FC. Late efforts from rookie Harvey Sarajian and Ivan Angulo sealed the points to snap the visitors' seven-match unbeaten run in Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi looked to have inspired Inter Miami to a vital victory with a spectacular second-half strike against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC. However, the Herons were denied all three points when Sam Surridge struck late in stoppage time to salvage a dramatic 2-2 draw for the visitors at Nu Stadium on Saturday night.
U.S. Soccer announced on Thursday that MLS commissioner Don Garber will serve as chair of the Soccer Forward Foundation, taking on a role that will center on expanding access and increasing investment in soccer in America. The announcement comes as Garber prepares to step away from his role as commissioner after 27 years leading MLS.
Rodrigo De Paul and Robert Lewandowski engaged in a furious late bust-up as Inter Miami and Chicago Fire played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in MLS. The Argentine midfielder brutally taunted the Polish striker about his international trophy haul, sparking a mass brawl between the two sides.
Inter Miami and Chicago Fire played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at Soldier Field in front of a record-breaking crowd of 63,094 fans. Robert Lewandowski's acrobatic opener was cancelled out by a Casemiro header, while Lionel Messi secured his place in MLS history with another incredible milestone.
MLS clubs spent a record $370 million on player acquisitions in 2026 and generated a record $218 million in transfer revenue, according to figures released by the league Wednesday. Thirty players with World Cup experience joined MLS clubs this year, including 20 who featured on 2026 World Cup rosters.
EXCLUSIVE: With goals flowing and USMNT chatter growing, Cavan Sullivan tells GOAL how he found his confidence in Philadelphia - and why he's letting the future wait.
The âshared legacyâ that exists between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi means that both men will want to reach 1,000 competitive career goals, former MLS star Shaka Hislop has told GOAL. CR7 is closest to hitting that milestone at present, while turning out for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but a fellow GOAT on the books of Inter Miami is not far behind.
Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane has offered an emphatic endorsement of Lionel Messi in the race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, insisting the veteran forward remains unmatched. Highlighting the Argentine's extraordinary longevity and decisive influence on the world stage, the French legend claimed that any debate regarding football's greatest ever is now settled.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to purchase Spanish second-tier outfit CD Eldense in a landmark takeover bid. The Argentine icon is set to acquire 100 per cent of the club's shares, cementing his growing business footprint across Spanish football ahead of his anticipated eventual return to live in Catalonia.
From a warning about arrogance to support for Folarin Balogun and an update on Noahkai Banks, Mauricio Pochettino set the tone for the USMNT's next chapter.
Son Heung-min represents âmoney very well spentâ for MLS and LAFC, Shaka Hislop has told GOAL, with the former Tottenham star helping to open up new markets for North American soccer. The South Korea international moved to the United States in August 2025 and has made a positive go of making it big in Hollywood while operating under the brightest of spotlights.
Amid the speculation suggesting that Neymar could reform Barcelonaâs fabled âMSNâ strike partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Gus Poyet has told GOAL âthere is a rule for MLS and one for Inter Miamiâ. The former Uruguay international is among those keen to see if a legendary fellow countryman will be joined in the United States next season by a Brazilian icon.
Cristiano Ronaldo transitioning into the Hollywood movie industry cannot be ruled out, Shaka Hislop has told GOAL, even if the Portuguese GOAT finds himself operating as âVinnie Jonesâ sidekickâ. At 41 years of age, the Al-Nassr superstar is heading towards retirement and speculation is rife regarding what he will do next - with it possible that the big screen awaits.
The 16-year-old broke Freddy Adu's record and strengthened his USMNT case, while Antoine Griezmann, Josh Sargent and Breel Embolo delivered across MLS.
Signing players after a major tournament is difficult, but MLS clubs did little to turn the World Cupâs momentum into a meaningful rise in roster quality.
Lionel Messi has retired from international football with Argentina, but will he head in a similar direction at club level? The South American GOAT is tied to a contract at Inter Miami through 2028 and former MLS star Shaka Hislop has told GOAL why the evergreen 39-year-old is likely to honour that agreement before taking on a future ambassadorial role.
Alexis Sanchez will need to âadapt to the coldâ in Quebec, former Montreal star Bacary Sagna has admitted to GOAL, but the ex-Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United forward is being backed to star in MLS alongside Lionel Messi and Co. The veteran Chilean attacker has become the latest household name to go chasing the dream in North America.
Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has given his full backing to the club's acquisition of Rodri, believing the Spanish midfielder will bring essential experience and leadership to Hansi Flick's squad. The Polish veteran, who recently swapped Europe for Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire, also reflected on his memorable four-year spell in Catalonia.
MLS outfit San Diego FC have announced the acquisition of veteran striker Cedric Bakambu on a free transfer following his departure from Real Betis. The 35-year-old forward has signed a contract through the 2026 campaign with options extending to 2028, bringing extensive European experience to the club's push for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
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