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.
Lionel Scaloni has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to potentially reach the historic 1,000 career goals milestone, while insisting the Argentina captain does have the "desire" to play at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after a dominant friendly victory against Zambia, the Albiceleste boss emphasized that the Inter Miami star still possesses the hunger to compete at the very highest level despite already achieving his ultimate dream in Qatar.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will return to the starting line-up for Tuesday's friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera. The veteran forward’s inclusion comes as the coaching staff looks to finalise their 26-man roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Scaloni eventually left his press conference while holding back tears after addressing an injury blow for one of the nation's rising stars.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly trying to convince ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro to join him at Al-Nassr instead of heading to MLS to link up with Lionel Messi. The Brazilian has been strongly linked with a summer move to Inter Miami as he approaches the end of his contract at Old Trafford.
Mohamed Salah has, as he prepares to leave Liverpool as a free agent, been warned off a move to join Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi in MLS. The Egyptian forward has been told that he would be “too far out of the spotlight” in America, with the director of his national team informing the 33-year-old forward that he should instead consider a switch that sees him follow Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.
Former Barcelona and Manchester United star Gerard Pique has weighed in on the eternal debate between his legendary former team-mates. While maintaining that Lionel Messi possesses unmatched natural talent and is the greatest footballer ever, Pique concedes that Cristiano Ronaldo is peerless when it comes to work rate.
Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool, with the Reds prepared to let the Egyptian superstar go as a free agent in the summer of 2026, but does a move to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami beckon? A switch to MLS for Salah has been mooted, amid links to big-spending teams in the Saudi Pro League, and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on that transfer speculation.
Inter Miami have reportedly made their first move to secure the signing of Manchester United veteran Casemiro, opening talks with the midfielder's representatives over a sensational summer switch to Major League Soccer. The Brazilian is said to be "open" to the project in Florida, which would see him link up with former rival Lionel Messi.
Manuel Neuer has received the ultimate praise as he celebrates his 40th birthday, with former manager Felix Magath ranking the goalkeeper alongside the greatest players to ever grace the pitch. The Bayern Munich captain, whose future remains a subject of intense speculation, has been categorised in the same bracket as multiple Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta believes a romantic Barcelona return for Lionel Messi is not out of the question. The Inter Miami star's ex-teammate has opened up on the unique leadership qualities that make the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner a "rare" talent.
MLS clubs Inter Miami and LA Galaxy are reportedly considering making a move for Man United midfielder Casemiro upon the expiration of his contract this summer. The Brazilian announced last month that he intends to leave the Premier League in June, after the club opted not to pick up the option to extend his contract by one year. Neither interested club has a Designated Player spot open at this time, though.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has waded into the debate surrounding Neymar's legacy, directly challenging former team-mate Wayne Rooney’s recent suggestion that the Brazilian was never a "top, top player". Speaking on his podcast, the former England defender insisted that at his peak, Neymar possessed a level of flair and technical ability that rivalled Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While acknowledging Rooney's own greatness, Ferdinand argued that the Santos star was once the undisputed heir to the global throne.
Mohamed Salah has announced his emotional departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, sparking a massive race for his signature. While Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are heavily linked, Inter Miami are reportedly "willing" to make a blockbuster offer to bring the Egyptian icon to MLS and pair him with Lionel Messi in the United States.
The Apple TV analyst caught up with GOAL to talk about why Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have been inconsistent, and speculated how a potential Robert Lewandowski arrival could change MLS.
Lionel Messi netted the 71st free-kick goal of his career as he inspired Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over New York City FC in Major League Soccer on Sunday. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner dragged his side level to 2-2 with a deflected set-piece that left USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese stranded between the sticks.
Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but it was a day for Inter Miami's defenders, as both of their center backs found the net in a back-and-forth 3-2 win over Eastern Conference leaders NYCFC. The Herons took the lead, but were never fully assured with it, and twice had to reclaim a slender advantage to return to South Florida with a hard-earned win - and move to third in the East.