Tom Hindle

Lionel Messi was unable to make an impact and Inter Miami were poor defensively as they dropped the first game of the season to LAFC, 3-0. The Herons never really got into the game, and were undone by three clinical counterattacks by the home side - who showed that they just might be serious challengers for MLS Cup this year.

USMNT captain Tyler Adams returned to the Bournemouth starting XI Saturday afternoon, playing his first match since December after spending two months out with a knee injury. The midfielder managed 66 solid minutes in a central role as Andoni Iraola's side battled to a tough away draw with surging West Ham. He could be on track to make the U.S. squad for a duo of March friendlies.

After a testing week, Vinicius Jr did what he does best as he scored to bring Real Madrid backing into it against a spirited Osasuna side. The Brazilian's work was undone by some shoddy defending, however, as two cheap goals saw Los Blancos fall to a 2-1 defeat. The side from Pamplona struck before the break and in the 92nd minute to inflict a loss on Alvaro Arbeloa's side that might be crucial in the scope of the title race. Barcelona, how play on Sunday, can now move top with a win.

USL Championship side Sacramento Republic have signed former Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City midfielder Memo Rodriguez, sources told GOAL. The Texan midfielder will pen a two year deal with the USL giants, who finished second in the Western Conference last season. It continues a busy winter for Sacramento, following the signing of Canada's Mark-Anthony Kaye earlier this week.

Malik Tillman highlighted Arsenal as a Premier League club he would 'love to play for.' The attacking midfielder hailed Mikel Arteta's coaching, and revealed they're one of his favorite teams to watch, and backed himself to 'fit in' with the Spaniard's system. The Bayer Leverkusen star left PSV during last year's summer transfer window after a fine spell in the Eredivisie.

Christian Pulisic is hunting for fitness for Milan, and Folarin Balogun could deliver a big three points for his team if he continues his current form.

The MLS season will kick off Saturday, with Inter Miami clear favorites but plenty of other teams looking to make a splash.

Josh Sargent will make a big-money move from EFL Championship side Norwich to MLS's Toronto FC, according to the Athletic. The MLS team is set to shell out $22 million to secure the services of the USMNT striker, who tried to force a move during the January transfer window. Sargent was training with Norwich's U-21s and has not appeared for the senior side since Jan. 1.

On the eve of his first senior head coaching match, Michael Bradley spoke with GOAL about his Red Bulls vision and modern football.

Vinicius Jr scored the only goal of an otherwise controversial fixture as Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off. The Brazilian forward's second-half strike was followed by a lengthy delay for an alleged racist remark from a Benfica player to Vinicius. Play continued, and Madrid held on for a crucial lead in the tie.

The North Londoner, who worked under Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and Scott Parker, is hoping to bring an aggressive style of football to a young Rapids side

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including a big FA Cup tie for Brenden Aaronson.

Ahead of what is poised to be a significant World Cup year season, GOAL offers the definitive ranking of every MLS club in league history

After a quiet MLS season and a winter of roster churn in Philadelphia, the pathway may finally be opening for teenage prodigy Cavan Sullivan.

GOAL takes a look at which MLS teams did the best, and worst, with their kits this season

Many of the MLS kits for 2026 are bold, but how effective the designs are has divided opinion among the GOAL writers

MLS returns with a packed schedule and familiar chaos. From stars like Messi, Rodriguez, and Son Heung-Min to the teams you can avoid, here’s who’s actually worth your weekend watch.

GOAL's writers debate Christian Pulisic’s form, Weston McKennie’s rise, and what it all means for Americans Abroad right now.