Lionel Messi's arrival in MLS has heightened his status as a global marketing icon, but Steve Carell has discovered that the Inter Miami captain is a man of incredibly few minutes when the cameras start rolling. While brands are desperate to land the Argentine GOAT for their campaigns, they must adhere to a strict protocol that leaves production teams in a total panic.
Lionel Messi will once again be the notable absentee from the MLS All-Star Game this week in Charlotte, but the Inter Miami superstar is set to avoid the disciplinary action that followed his withdrawal last year. Despite being named to the roster for the showpiece event against the Liga MX All-Stars, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been granted special leave alongside international team-mate Rodrigo De Paul.
Atlanta United are reportedly exploring a blockbuster move to upgrade their attack, opening talks with former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. The Uruguay international has emerged as a leading target as the club prepares for a potential designated player opening, although Atlanta are also pursuing Switzerland forward Breel Embolo.
U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Sebastian Berhalter is set to join Middlesbrough in a deal worth around $2 million, sources have confirmed to GOAL. Berhalter was entering the final six months of his contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps, who will get a fee for their star midfielder rather than see him walk for free at the end of his deal with the club.
Antoine Griezmann has officially introduced himself to Major League Soccer in the best fashion possible. The French icon scored a superb goal on his MLS debut for Orlando City, helping his new side secure a dominant 4-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.
Luis Suarez stepped up in the absence of Lionel Messi to score twice and guide Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire, spoiling Robert Lewandowski's MLS debut. After the match, Herons manager Guillermo Hoyos praised the Uruguayan veteran, comparing his tactical intelligence to that of his iconic Argentine team-mate.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have never been team-mates, but Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL that it would “make sense” for two GOATs to be kept apart in MLS if CR7 were to join his eternal rival in the United States. There has been talk of a remarkable union being pieced together at Inter Miami, but not everybody is convinced that a couple of iconic figures should grace the same team.
Inter Miami have secured the blockbuster free transfer of Casemiro, but Major League Soccer have immediately launched a formal investigation into the deal. The league is actively reviewing allegations of tampering made by LA Galaxy, who held the initial discovery rights for the Brazilian midfielder, casting a significant shadow over his highly anticipated arrival in the United States.
Minnesota United have officially confirmed that James Rodriguez has left the club following a brief stint in Major League Soccer. The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich playmaker finds himself as a free agent once again after the Western Conference side decided against extending his stay in the United States.
Kyogo Furuhashi has officially completed a transfer to the LA Galaxy, leaving Birmingham City after a highly disappointing spell. The Japanese forward struggled to find his form in the Championship following his £10 million ($13m) move, which ultimately led to him missing the 2026 World Cup. Now, Furuhashi hopes to revive his career in Major League Soccer and regain his prolific goalscoring touch.
Lionel Messi and Argentina were left heartbroken after losing the World Cup final to Spain, but the Argentine captain quickly received an emotional show of support from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Her heartfelt tribute praised his resilience, character and enduring legacy despite the painful defeat.
Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have been granted a mandatory recovery hiatus following their intense World Cup run with Argentina. Inter Miami's star duo will reportedly sit out upcoming league encounters and the MLS All-Star Game, ensuring they receive crucial rest after starring on the global stage.
Romelu Lukaku could be heading for a fresh challenge, with Major League Soccer (MLS) emerging as a serious option alongside interest from Ajax, Monaco and Fenerbahce. Napoli are expected to part ways with the Belgian striker as they look to reduce their wage bill, although any move will depend on clubs meeting the financial demands of a permanent transfer.
Major League Soccer’s search for Don Garber’s eventual successor is reportedly down to three candidates, with Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg, 49ers Enterprises president Paraag Marathe and former Fox executive David Nathanson emerging as finalists. Garber, who has served as commissioner since 1999, remains under contract through 2027.
Questions continue to be asked of what the future holds for Jack Grealish, but Joleon Lescott has told GOAL that “no conversations” have taken place regarding a move to MLS. For now, the Manchester City-owned forward is looking to enjoy a fresh start at the Etihad Stadium or build on a productive loan spell with Everton - as a permanent transfer could still be agreed there.
Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller have shared a light-hearted reunion on social media following the sudden postponement of their scheduled MLS encounter. The veteran Polish striker was due to make his competitive debut for Chicago Fire against the Vancouver Whitecaps before dangerous air quality levels forced league officials to call off the fixture, forcing the former Bayern Munich stars to meet up off the pitch.
Robert Lewandowski has seen his MLS debut delayed after Chicago Fire’s marquee clash against Vancouver Whitecaps was officially postponed. The star-studded fixture at Soldier Field was called off due to hazardous air quality stemming from Canadian wildfires, forcing league officials to reschedule the blockbuster encounter for October.
When Lionel Messi was pushed onto his weaker foot by Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence on the right side of the box in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, England fans held their breath in unison. The Three Lions had four of their tallest players hovering around the six-yard area, and the Argentina captain needed a perfect delivery to reach Lautaro Martinez at the back post (his only realistic target) - but as we all know, Messi can conjure up perfection at any moment.
MLS returned Thursday, with Commissioner Don Garber, league executives and players discussing the momentum generated by the 2026 World Cup, Christian Pulisic’s future and what comes next.
Robert Lewandowski has officially addressed the media for the first time since completing his high-profile move to MLS with Chicago Fire. The legendary Polish striker opened up about the emotional reasons behind his decision to leave European football behind following his departure from Barcelona.
Diego Luna spoke with GOAL about the pain of missing the World Cup, the difficult lessons he has learned, and why becoming a better player starts with changing his approach every day.
U.S. Men's National Team goalkeeper Matt Turner is set to remain with the New England Revolution after the MLS club came to an agreement to extend the two-time World Cup veteran's loan from Olympique Lyon. As a result, Turner is set to remain with the Revs through, at the very least, the end of the MLS season.
France star Antoine Griezmann enjoyed a superb start to his career in the United States after scoring on his Orlando City debut. The former Atletico Madrid forward put on a sparkling performance in a pre-season friendly and remains enthusiastic about the prospect of facing Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer.
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