With MLS preseason approaching, GOAL U.S. writers debate the league’s biggest offseason winners - and whether Josh Sargent should make the move to Toronto FC.
Lionel Messi remains “the best in the world” and will hold that title “until he retires”, claims the Argentine’s former Barcelona team-mate David Villa. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 38 years of age, but he is showing no sign of slowing down and continues to enhance his standing as the most decorated player of all-time while turning out in the United States for Inter Miami.
San Diego FC have confirmed that club-record signing Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano is no longer part of their sporting plans ahead of the 2026 season. Despite being under contract through 2028 and among the league’s highest earners, the Mexican forward is now expected to depart as the club reshapes its roster and priorities.
Jude Bellingham and Aitana Bonmati are locking horns with Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Trinity Rodman as adidas launches the Predator vs F50 battle and invites fans and players around the world to “choose one”. Two iconic boot designs are being reimagined for 2026, with superstar performers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Miami and the USWNT already picking their sides.
Lionel Messi has “made MLS his playground”, according to Dwight Yorke, with the Argentine superstar proving that he still boasts “special X-factor”. The South American icon helped to deliver a historic MLS Cup triumph for Inter Miami in 2025, while helping himself to Golden Boot and MVP awards, and the expectation is that he will illuminate the 2026 World Cup.
Bryant Lazaro’s playing dream ended at 19. His education in soccer didn’t. Mentored by Bielsa, the American-born coach is now rising at Portugal’s Estoril.
Soccer’s rise in the United States has reached another milestone. According to a recent survey from The Economist, the sport has overtaken baseball to become the country’s third-most popular sport, trailing only American football and basketball - a shift driven in part by the continued growth of Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami are close to securing Tadeo Allende on a permanent transfer from Celta Vigo following a record-breaking MLS season. The Argentine winger was a key figure in Miami’s MLS Cup triumph, and his return would bolster a roster preparing not only to defend the title in 2026, but also to compete on the international stage.
United States international Weston McKennie will reportedly not renew his Juventus contract amid rumours of a Major League Soccer return. The 27-year-old's future has been up in the air for years now, ever since he had an underwhelming loan spell at Leeds United in 2023. The midfielder has spent more than five years at the Italian giants but his spell there may be drawing to a close.
Lionel Messi has opened up on his post-retirement plans in an apparent nod to Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. The Argentina international is coming towards the end of his career but is still, arguably, one of the best players in the world at the age of 38. While many would love the Miami ace to go into management, the veteran appears to have other ideas.
Lionel Messi has admitted he is "weirder than sh*t" in a revealing interview about his private life and previously getting therapy. The Inter Miami star, who has tended to stay away from the limelight and do his talking on the pitch, has spoken about what home life is like with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and why he sought help for his mental health at Barcelona.
USMNT legend Landon Donovan says Wilfried Nancy paid the price for circumstances beyond his control after Celtic’s Old Firm loss to Rangers in the Glasgow derby set off sweeping changes at the club. The Scottish giants dismissed Nancy just 33 days into his tenure and also parted ways with head of football operations Paul Tisdale.
LA Galaxy confirmed that Riqui Puig will miss the entire 2026 MLS season after undergoing another successful ACL reconstruction on his left knee. The Spanish midfielder described the setback as one of the hardest moments of his life but remains focused on a full recovery, with the club targeting his return for the start of the 2027 campaign.
Sporting KC are nearing an agreement with former Chicago Fire and Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky, according to the Athletic. The Swiss manager, who has previously played and coached in MLS, is set to replace long-time manager Peter Vermes, who parted ways with the club after a winless start to last season. He is the first major appointment from new CSO David Lee.
Inter Miami have further bolstered their ranks with the signing of 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Dayne St. Clair. The Canada international joins the Herons on a one-year contract that includes the option for a further 12-month extension. He has been joined in South Florida by Facundo Mura, with Lionel Messi welcoming another fellow Argentine on board.
USMNT star Matko Miljevic has confirmed that Inter Miami have expressed interest in his services, with a transfer that would see him link up with Lionel Messi in South Florida being mooted. The attacking midfielder is keeping his options open for now, with the current Huracan star admitting that he would like to remain in Argentina as Racing Club sound him out.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi's wife has been accused of blocking model Suzy Cortez from attending the MLS Cup final, after she allegedly bombarded Messi with 'sexy messages', according to a new report from The Sun. Messi eventually lifted the trophy, but Cortez was not present to witness his heroics.
Major League Soccer revealed the 2026 MLS Official Match Ball, introducing a striking red, white, and blue design that nods to the people, places, and culture shaping the sport across North America as the region gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Set to debut when the MLS season kicks off on the weekend of Feb. 21–22, the new match ball turns the playing surface into a symbolic map of the league.
D.C. United are nearing a club-record signing as the MLS side finalizes a deal worth around $7 million plus add-ons to acquire Romanian international forward Louis Munteanu from CFR Cluj, according to The Athletic. The move could reach $10 million and would mark a cornerstone addition as the club undergoes a major roster overhaul ahead of the new season.
Charlotte FC are monitoring Harvey Elliott's situation at Aston Villa, GOAL can confirm, although any talk of a move would first depend on decisions made by both Villa and Liverpool. The England international is struggling for minutes with Villa, and Charlotte are one of the few clubs in the world that can offer a reprieve in January.
Enzo Maresca’s departure from Chelsea has sparked movement elsewhere, with Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior reportedly among the candidates under consideration at Stamford Bridge, according to The Guardian. Should Rosenior leave for Chelsea, Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay has been linked as a potential replacement at Strasbourg. Minnesota finished fourth in MLS’s Western Conference last season.
From Christian Pulisic’s individual success to the USMNT exiting the World Cup earlier than hoped, GOAL outlines its predictions for American soccer in 2026.
The Columbus Crew have appointed Henrik Rydström as the ninth full-time head coach in club history, the team announced Wednesday.
Rydström arrives from Sweden after a highly successful spell with Malmö FF, where he established himself as one of the country's most highly regarded coaches.
Neymar has reportedly ended the speculation linking him with a move to Inter Miami or a return to Europe by agreeing a new contract with Santos. The veteran Brazilian superstar, who retraced steps to his roots in January 2025, is poised to sign fresh terms that will take him through the 2026 World Cup finals and to the end of another calendar year.
Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria is "sure that Lionel Messi wants to return" to the La Liga giants. Ciria will challenge current club president Joan Laporta in the 2026 elections and has admitted that he'd do everything in his power to bring the Argentine star back to Spotify Camp Nou. Messi tearfully left Barcelona at the end of his contract in 2021 before joining Paris Saint-Germain, and now plies his trade in MLS with Inter Miami.
Former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez is reportedly close to agreeing a move to MLS outfit the Columbus Crew as he aims to remain in shape ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Colombian midfielder has left Leon in Liga MX and while he initially planned to remain in Mexico, he now looks set to move to the United States instead.
Javier Zanetti insists that Lionel Messi is still capable of leading Argentina into the 2026 World Cup and says he has "no doubt" that the Inter Miami star will shine at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi is now 38 but appears poised to have one last crack at international glory, as Argentina aim to defend their crown.
Inter Miami star Yannick Bright has claimed that he "almost fainted" when he met Lionel Messi for the first time. The 24-year-old has become a first-team mainstay with the MLS side, having gone from playing in the fourth-tier of Italian football to sharing a team sheet with arguably the best player to ever kick a football.
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