Signing players after a major tournament is difficult, but MLS clubs did little to turn the World Cup’s 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 “adapt to the cold” 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.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted that football will always miss Lionel Messi following the Argentine's international retirement. Mourinho also addressed Julian Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid after a failed summer move.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced an unprecedented nationwide tribute to honor Lionel Messi following his emotional retirement from international football. Every domestic match across the country will come to a synchronised pause this weekend to celebrate the legacy of the greatest player to ever wear the Albiceleste shirt.
All 27 U.S.-based MLS clubs will participate in the 2027 U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer announced Wednesday morning. MLS participation in the competition has shrunk in recent years. A full slate of teams participated in 2023, but just 16 appeared in 2026. Participation might fit as an ideal run-up to the fall-spring calendar switch set for the 2027-28 campaign.
Lionel Scaloni has reportedly identified Nico Paz as the heir to Lionel Messi's iconic No. 10 jersey following the legend's retirement from international football. The 21-year-old playmaker is poised to inherit the historic shirt ahead of established senior stars if the World Cup-winning manager signs a contract extension through to 2030.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has lavished praise on Rodri following the midfielder's high-profile switch from Manchester City to Barcelona this year. The national team boss proudly compared his midfield talisman to Lionel Messi, while also taking the opportunity to pay a glowing tribute to the legendary Argentine after his recent retirement from international football.
Jose Mourinho has paid a heartfelt tribute to Lionel Messi following the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's decision to retire from international duty with Argentina. The Portuguese tactician, who frequently locked horns with the forward during his managerial career, praised his historic legacy after an extraordinary era at the highest level of world football.
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez has shared a deeply personal and emotional tribute to Lionel Messi following the legendary forward's shock decision to retire from international football with Argentina. The midfielder, who rose to global prominence alongside his idol, expressed the profound impact the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had on his career and life.
Lionel Messi produced a masterclass for the ages on Saturday, scoring four times to lead Inter Miami to a historic 7-1 demolition of CF Montreal. The breathtaking performance at Chase Stadium saw the Argentine icon reach yet another milestone while snapping his side’s recent winless slump in emphatic fashion.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham could be set to expand his football club portfolio following reports linking him to a takeover bid for FC Nantes. The historic French side are currently in sporting disarray at the bottom of Ligue 2 after suffering relegation from the top flight.
Inter Miami have officially confirmed the appointment of Cristian 'Kily' Gonzalez as their new head coach, bringing an end to Guillermo Hoyos' tenure at Chase Stadium. The former Argentina international, who played with Lionel Messi, takes the reins at a critical juncture as the Herons look to snap a disappointing winless streak and solidify their post-season ambitions.
Inter Miami reportedly have a new manager. The Herons are set to hire Kily Gonzalez, a former Argentina international who has coached at three different clubs in the Argentine top flight. He succeeds interim Guillermo Hoyos, who has been in the job since the sacking of MLS Cup winning manager Javier Mascherano shortly after the start of the season.
Julian Hall, 18, has penned a four-year contract extension with the New York Red Bulls that could keep him at the club until 2030. The striker, who has bagged 12 goals for the MLS side, had just over a year left on his previous deal and is a target of long-term interest from numerous European clubs. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
MLS has welcomed several stars and generated major outgoing fees, but plenty of clubs still have work to do before the summer transfer window closes Sept. 2.
Neymar continues to see a move to Inter Miami speculated on, which would see him link up with ex-Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, but Giuseppe Rossi has explained to GOAL why a ‘MSN’ reunion in South Florida could be a “mistake” for MLS. With ambitious plans being drawn up in the United States, “snail’s pace” progress warnings have been sounded.
Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer following an off-the-ball altercation with Philadelphia Union attacker Quinn Sullivan. The disciplinary action comes as an independent review panel unanimously rescinded the stoppage-time red card shown to 16-year-old Manchester City signee Cavan Sullivan during the fiery 2-2 draw.
Lionel Messi is under investigation by the MLS Disciplinary Committee following an off-the-ball confrontation with Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union. Video footage captured the Argentine striking the back of his opponent's head, leaving the Herons captain vulnerable to a potential fine or a one-game ban.
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