Selected first overall by D.C. United in Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft, the imposing center back joined GOAL Convo to explain why a rebuild doesn’t intimidate him.
D.C. United selected North Carolina State center back Nikola Markovic with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, turning to the Generation adidas defender to address defensive needs after a difficult 2025 season. The 21-year-old helped lead the Wolfpack to their first NCAA national championship appearance.
GOAL takes a look at five of the top prospects in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, with plenty of highly-rated players hoping to make an impact from Day 1 in the pros.
Christian Benteke has publicly thanked D.C. United and its supporters after the club declined his contract option for 2026, he said in messages to fans. The club had previously indicated it was in talks over a potential new deal, but the 34-year-old Belgian - who has spent three seasons in the nation’s capital - posted a farewell note, signaling his departure.
Former D.C. United and Atlanta United player Mateusz Klich has delivered a scathing assessment of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami while highlighting several other Major League Soccer clubs as more appealing destinations. The Polish international spent two years in MLS between 2023 to 2025 before leaving for Polish club Cracovia.
Despite a 3-2 win over D.C. United that strengthened Inter Miami’s playoff position, head coach Javier Mascherano admitted that defensive lapses remain a key area to improve. The Argentine stressed the need to maintain composure when falling behind and to correct mistakes in transitions as the Herons enter the decisive stretch of the MLS season.
At 38, Lionel Messi can still learn new tricks. In a rare flash of direct play, the Argentine’s two goals and clever assist set the tone in a 3-1 win over a stubborn D.C. United on Saturday night, giving Inter Miami their first winning streak in MLS since July. Still, it wasn’t straightforward, with Christian Benteke making things interesting in the second half.
Though Lionel Messi is reportedly close to signing a multi-year contract extension to remain with Inter Miami, manager Javier Mascherano struck a cautious tone on Friday, choosing his words carefully ahead of the Herons’ matchup against D.C. United at Chase Stadium. “I’m certainly not the one who should make that announcement,” he said.
DC United
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