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Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer news

COMBO-FILES-FBL-ARG-ESP-FINALISSIMA2026

Comparing Yamal to Messi is 'crazy', admits Olmo

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has dismissed comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi, labelling such talk as "crazy" and urging for the young forward to be allowed to forge his own path. Speaking ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Copenhagen, Olmo stressed the immense pressure that comes with being likened to arguably the greatest player in history.

Fermin Lopez Lionel Messi Barcelona

Fermin expresses desire for Messi to seal Barca homecoming

Fermin Lopez would love to see Lionel Messi welcomed back to Barcelona, even if that means dropping down to the bench. The 22-year-old has become one of the Blaugrana’s most consistent performers this season, but he would happily give up a playmaking post at Camp Nou if an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could be returned to Catalunya for an emotional farewell tour.

David Beckham Victoria Romeo Cruz Harper Paris 2026

Beckhams make first public appearance since Brooklyn blast

Sir David Beckham and his wife Victoria have made a first public appearance since being on the receiving end of a shock outburst from their eldest son, Brooklyn. The Beckhams - with their other children Romeo, Cruz and Harper in tow - have attended Paris Fashion Week, with former Spice Girls star Victoria picking up a prestigious award at that event.

Alex Freeman GFX

USMNT's Freeman reportedly set for $7million Villarreal transfer

U.S. men’s national team fullback Alex Freeman is reportedly set to sign with Villarreal, with the Spanish side prepared to pay up to $7 million to Orlando City. The move would cap a breakout 2025 in which Freeman’s form saw him rise from MLS prospect to USMNT regular and emerging World Cup hopeful, while also drawing sustained European interest.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw - Red Carpet Arrivals

MLS enters prediction markets with Polymarket partnership

Major League Soccer is formalizing its approach to prediction markets through a new multi-year partnership with Polymarket, a deal that combines fan engagement ambitions with tighter league oversight. Soccer United Marketing, the league’s commercial arm, announced the agreement Monday, naming Polymarket an official partner of MLS and Leagues Cup in the United States.

Christian Pulisic AC Milan 2025-26

'So much power' - Why Pulisic in MLS would be a bad idea

USMNT legend Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Christian Pulisic returning to the United States would be a terrible idea for MLS at this stage of the talented forward’s career. ‘Captain America’ has stated that he would like to grace domestic competition in his homeland at some point, but is currently enhancing his superstar status with Serie A giants AC Milan.

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Lionel Messi Argentina 2025

Ex-Argentina star saw Messi do 'crazy things'

Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti considers fellow countryman Lionel Messi to be “the essence of football” as he is capable of doing “crazy things”. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has proved as much over the course of his career, with the South American GOAT still going strong at the age of 38 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami Alianza Lima

Messi shirt swap leaves rival in tears after first game in 2026

There is always a scramble to secure Lionel Messi’s shirt whenever he takes to the field for Inter Miami or Argentina, with the South American GOAT facing plenty of requests. Alan Cantero was the lucky recipient of an iconic No.10 jersey following Messi’s first outing of 2026. The Alianza Lima striker broke down in tears after landing a prized momento at the end of a friendly fixture.

Cristiano Ronaldo The Joker

Ronaldo as the Joker?! CR7 backed for Batman movie role

Cristiano Ronaldo is again being backed to break into Hollywood once the day comes to hang up record-shattering boots as a footballing GOAT. At 40 years of age, the Portuguese superstar has already dipped his toe into the movie industry. He could fully take the plunge at some stage, with fellow ex-Manchester United star Giuseppe Rossi billing CR7 as a perfect Joker for the Batman franchise.

Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry City - Sky Bet Championship

Red Bulls close in on deal for USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath

The New York Red Bulls are nearing an agreement to sign U.S. international goalkeeper Ethan Horvath from Cardiff City, as the club continues a major roster overhaul ahead of the new MLS season. The move would address a key vacancy in goal following Carlos Coronel’s departure and add experience to a squad entering a new era under head coach Michael Bradley.

Adrian Gill USYNT

Report: Atlanta finalizing deal to sign USYNT's Gill from Barcelona

Atlanta United are reportedly finalizing a deal to sign U.S. youth international midfielder Adrián Gill from FC Barcelona, with Mundo Deportivo reporting the news first. Gill, 20, has developed through Barcelona’s famed academy after spending more than six and a half years in the club’s youth system. The American midfielder is expected to join Atlanta United on a permanent transfer.

Inter Miami CF v Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final

MLS confirms extended transfer windows, major roster rule changes

Major League Soccer has announced updated transfer window dates for the 2026 season, highlighting a significant shift aimed at improving roster-building flexibility across the league. The Primary Transfer Window will open on Jan. 26 and run through March 26, while the Secondary Transfer Window will begin on July 13 and close on Sept. 2.

Josh Sargent Norwich 2025-26

'Never do that!' - Transfer-seeking USMNT star Sargent savaged

USMNT star Josh Sargent has been criticised for the manner in which he has set about securing a transfer away from Norwich City, with Brad Friedel explaining to GOAL why the “lovely” striker has stepped out of line. A move to MLS appears to be on the cards for the Missouri native, who has taken a leaf out of Alexander Isak’s book when it comes to sealing a switch.

Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion - Sky Bet Championship

Josh Sargent set to leave Norwich City, Toronto FC move accelerates

U.S. international Josh Sargent may have played his final match for Norwich City after being separated from the first team. According to The Athletic, internal issues at the club have led to discussions over his future, with Toronto FC in talks to complete a transfer in the coming days. The Reds reportedly saw a $18 million transfer to Canada blocked by the Canaries last week.

Los Angeles Football Club v Real Salt Lake

Report: Miami tried to acquire Bouanga before targeting Berterame

Inter Miami’s pursuit of Monterrey striker Germán Berterame followed an unsuccessful $13 million bid for LAFC star Denis Bouanga, according to The Athletic. The Herons’ cash offer for the Gabon international was turned down by Los Angeles, prompting a swift pivot in their winter rebuild. According to the same report, Bouanga wants to extend his contract with his current club.

 MLS NEXT Pro

MLS NEXT Pro unveils 2026 schedule with expansion to 30 clubs

MLS NEXT Pro officially announced its 2026 regular season schedule, marking the league’s earliest start to date and the expansion to 30 teams with the addition of Connecticut United FC. The season will feature 420 matches, run through the FIFA World Cup, and include key milestones such as a Decision Day, new venues, and increased pathways to MLS first teams.

David Beckham Brooklyn Beckham

'Let your children make mistakes' - Beckham reacts to Brooklyn's rant

Sir David Beckham has responded to son Brooklyn's tirade against his parents in a new interview in the United States. The Manchester United and England legend says "children are allowed to make mistakes" after seeing his oldest son take to social media with a six-page statement that highlighted a host of grievances against his parents and made it clear he has no wish to reconcile with his family.

Lionel Messi German Berterame 2026

Berterame warned Messi linkup in MLS would be ‘step backwards’

German Berterame has been warned that a move to join Lionel Messi at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami would be a “step backwards”. The Mexico international forward is said to be the subject of a transfer bid from South Florida, with discussions now taking place. He has, however, been advised to remain at Monterrey and make a decision on his future after the World Cup.

Lionel Messi Ballon d'Or

Ballon d'Or 2026: How Messi could guarantee ninth Golden Ball

World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.

Lionel Messi Newell's Old Boys

'Dream' Messi transfer talked up by newly appointed Newell's coach

The new men in charge at Newell’s Old Boys have reiterated how it remains the club’s “dream” to bring home-town hero Lionel Messi back to his native Argentina. Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez have taken the reins in Rosario and are preparing for their first season at the helm. Messi will not form part of those plans, as he remains tied to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, but an emotional return to his roots could be made at some stage.

Aston Villa v Everton - Premier League

Grealish to snub Everton? Man City man tipped for MLS move

Jack Grealish has been told he would be "perfect" in Major League Soccer despite impressing on loan at Everton. The winger's career looked to be on the decline as he struggled for game time at Manchester City but he has looked rejuvenated this season at the Toffees. Amid speculation over whether or not he will join David Moyes' side permanently, the England international has been backed to head to North America.

Frequently asked questions

Los Angeles Galaxy have claimed the MLS title six times, more than any other club in the league's history. They first triumphed in 2002, and later went on to secure victories in 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024, solidifying their dominance in Major League Soccer.

There are 30 teams in Major League Soccer as of the 2025 season. The league has seen steady expansion since its inception in 1996, when it began with just 10 teams. Over the years, it has added clubs across the US and Canada to reach its current size.

Nick Rimando holds the record for the most MLS appearances, having played 514 matches over the course of his career, which spanned from 2000 to 2019 with clubs like D.C. United, Miami Fusion, and Real Salt Lake.

Chris Wondolowski holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Major League Soccer, with 171 goals to his name. His scoring prowess helped establish him as one of the league's most iconic forwards during his career.

Landon Donovan leads the league's all-time assist charts with 136 assists. His playmaking ability was a key factor in his team's success over the years.

Pat Onstad is the oldest player to have ever featured in Major League Soccer, appearing in the league at the age of 43 years, 2 months, and 22 days. The game was when he featured in goal for DC United.

Cavan Sullivan made history as the youngest-ever player in MLS, debuting for his team at the age of 14 years and 293 days. His introduction to professional football at such a young age has set the stage for a promising future.

Famous players who have played in MLS include stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Kaka, David Villa, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andrea Pirlo.

MLS' most famous managers include renowned figures like Bruce Arena, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Frank de Boer, and Tata Martino.

The Bank of America Stadium, originally inaugurated as Ericsson Stadium in 1996, stands as the largest venue in Major League Soccer, boasting an impressive capacity of 75,412 seats. It is home to Charlotte FC.

Argentine World Cup-winning attacking midfielder Thiago Almada is the most expensive MLS signing of all-time. Atlanta United bought Almada from Velez Sarsfield for around $16 million, in 2022.