From a warning about arrogance to support for Folarin Balogun and an update on Noahkai Banks, Mauricio Pochettino set the tone for the USMNT's next chapter.
Son Heung-min represents “money very well spent” for MLS and LAFC, Shaka Hislop has told GOAL, with the former Tottenham star helping to open up new markets for North American soccer. The South Korea international moved to the United States in August 2025 and has made a positive go of making it big in Hollywood while operating under the brightest of spotlights.
Amid the speculation suggesting that Neymar could reform Barcelona’s fabled ‘MSN’ strike partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Gus Poyet has told GOAL “there is a rule for MLS and one for Inter Miami”. The former Uruguay international is among those keen to see if a legendary fellow countryman will be joined in the United States next season by a Brazilian icon.
Cristiano Ronaldo transitioning into the Hollywood movie industry cannot be ruled out, Shaka Hislop has told GOAL, even if the Portuguese GOAT finds himself operating as “Vinnie Jones’ sidekick”. At 41 years of age, the Al-Nassr superstar is heading towards retirement and speculation is rife regarding what he will do next - with it possible that the big screen awaits.
The 16-year-old broke Freddy Adu's record and strengthened his USMNT case, while Antoine Griezmann, Josh Sargent and Breel Embolo delivered across MLS.
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.
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