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More votes than Messi! MLS All-Star Mbokazi gets ‘great’ billing

In his first season at the Chicago Fire, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has become an All-Star in the United States - polling more votes than Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. Fellow countryman and MLS trailblazer Doctor Khumalo has told GOAL why the talented 20-year-old defender - who is now on 2026 World Cup duty - has become a global “ambassador for South African football” and remains on course to be “one of the greatest players” on the planet.

Ecuador v Curacao: Group E - FIFA World Cup 2026

Room matches World Cup record of ex-USMNT star Howard in Curacao draw

Eloy Room produced the performance of a lifetime to help Curacao secure their first-ever World Cup point in a gritty 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Saturday. The Miami FC goalkeeper was in impenetrable form, matching ex-USMNT star Tim Howard's legendary record as he single-handedly kept the South Americans at bay during an evening of historic defiance in Kansas City.

Argentina v Algeria: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

TV host resigns over false Messi death report

An Argentine television presenter has resigned from her position after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had passed away during a live broadcast. The shocking claim was made during the World Cup, leading to widespread condemnation and an immediate apology from the broadcaster and production staff involved.

England MD-1 Training and Press Conference

Toney hits hat-trick in behind-closed-doors England friendly win

Ivan Toney staked his claim for a starting berth by netting a clinical hat-trick during England’s convincing 5-1 behind-closed-doors victory over Sporting Kansas City. The training fixture was specifically arranged at the team's base camp to maintain match fitness and sharpness among the squad's fringe players.

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest - Premier League

Explained: Why Casemiro's transfer to Inter Miami has been delayed

Casemiro's proposed move to Inter Miami has hit an unexpected obstacle due to MLS roster regulations. The departing Manchester United midfielder is reportedly keen on a switch to Florida, but a dispute over discovery rights with LA Galaxy is preventing the deal from being finalised as the Brazilian weighs up the next step in his career.

Report: Fire pursuing ex-Bayern duo Lewandowski and Goretzka

MLS side Chicago Fire are in discussions with Robert Lewandowski and Leon Goretzka, who are both out of contract this summer. Lewandowski, who won three league titles with Barcelona, has long been linked with a move to Chicago. Goretzka has multiple European suitors, but the Fire reportedly believe they can lure the German to MLS.

Dembele backs 'best ever' Messi to Argentina to World Cup glory again

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has backed his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi to spearhead another successful World Cup campaign for Argentina. Despite the legendary forward turning 38, the French attacker insists that Messi's unparalleled quality remains undiminished.

Pulisic, Salah, Casemiro - the stars who could join MLS after WC

From Christian Pulisic to Mohamed Salah, there are plenty of global superstars who could find themselves in MLS after the 2026 World Cup.

'We're going to beat Messi!' - Algeria star fires World Cup warning to Argentina

Algeria attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza has confidently targeted a historic victory over Argentina in their upcoming 2026 World Cup opening match. The 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen prospect arrived in the United States ahead of the tournament and immediately shared his fearless ambitions, dismissive of the reigning world champions' psychological tactics.

LEGACY: Messi-mania - How Leo cracked America

This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we dive into the rise of the Lionel Messi in the United States, the emotional connection that transformed Miami, his seismic impact on U.S. soccer, and the possibility that the upcoming World Cup might offer him the most fitting stage of his career - one built around comfort, belonging, and a crowd that treats him like their own hero.

Messi evolution: Argentine GOAT ‘reinvented himself five times’

Lionel Messi is preparing for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, but the player heading to the tournament is unrecognizable from the teenager who first burst onto the scene. While most elite stars adapt to decline, the Inter Miami talisman has spent two decades adapting to stay ahead of the game.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Puso Dithejane Chicago Fire movie

WATCH: Mbokazi & Dithejane movie - On the Rise

The Major Soccer League club has released a short 23-minute film featuring their two South African players' journeys from Mzansi to The Windy City. The movie arrives on the back of the news that the 20-year-old defender has received the most votes of any player for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game and will be the second South African, after Doctor Khumalo in 1996, to take the field in the game.

Sporting KC's Joveljic is the best chess player you've never heard of

Dejan Joveljic is an excellent MLS striker, but in another life he might have been a competitive chess player.

The Rondo: Did Son Hueng-Min deserve to be on All-Stars XI?

The MLS All Star initial XI has been revealed, and the big names have made it - along with a few well-deserved surprises. GOAL's writers break it all down in the latest Rondo.

Messi, Son among star-studded MLS All-Star XI for ASG clash

Lionel Messi has been selected to the MLS All Star team, and highlights a stacked roster after the initial round of fan, player and media voting. LAFC star Son Heung-Min was also selected, while USMNTers Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter also earned selections. With the initial XI selected, head coach Dean Smith and Commissioner Don Garber will round out the roster.

Ex-Newcastle winger agrees deal to join MLS side

Former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has agreed a deal to join Major League Soccer outfit Charlotte FC following a brief stint in Ligue 1. The French attacker is set to move to North Carolina as a Designated Player, cutting short his successful comeback in his homeland with Lens.

Betting spotlight

England vs Ghana Predictions, Lineups, Odds & Tips: Leaky defence gives Ghana hope

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RSL sued by former youth team goalie over allegations of hazing

Jeffrey Dewsnup, a former Real Salt Lake goalkeeper, is suing the MLS club for $100 million in punitive damages after alleging that the club failed to prevent a culture of hazing and misconduct that severely impacted his career. Dewsnup, now 22, claims in the suit that locker room misconduct and verbal abuse stunted his development in the game. He signed a professional contract with RSL in 2021.

Once USMNT boss, Berhalter turns the page to support son

GOAL spoke with the Chicago Fire boss about his plans for this summer, his connection with the team and his memories of 2022

Barca congratulate Messi on prestigious Spanish award

Lionel Messi has added yet another illustrious trophy to his unparalleled collection after being named the winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The Inter Miami superstar succeeds tennis legend Serena Williams in receiving one of Spain's highest distinctions, sparking a wave of congratulations from across the globe, including from his former home at Barcelona.

Pogba told two reasons why MLS or Saudi may be perfect

Paul Pogba has, following a disappointing return to competitive action at Monaco, been given two reasons why moves to MLS or the Saudi Pro League may be perfect at this stage of his career. John Arne Riise is among those to have been left frustrated at seeing the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder flop in France and fail to reignite a lost spark.

MLS sends record 44 active players to 2026 World Cup

MLS will be represented by a record 44 active players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most of any league in the Western Hemisphere. The league also announced that 103 current and former MLS players will compete in the tournament, highlighting the growing impact of MLS clubs, academies, and MLS NEXT Pro on the global stage.

WATCH: Trailer for Mbokazi & Dithejane movie

The Major Soccer League club announced a short film 'On the Rise: From South Africa to Chicago Fire' featuring their two South African players. Ahead of the premiere on Friday, May 22, a short trailer has been released.

Report: Former Miami star Cremaschi makes Parma move permanent

Former Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi has reportedly made his Parma move permanent, after the Serie A club picked up his buy option for just under $5 million. The American made nine appearances for the Italian side before suffering a season-ending meniscus injury in March. His permanent departure would seem to open roster flexibility for the Herons.

How Tim Ream fought Father Time for one more World Cup

The 38-year-old defender wrote himself off years ago, and plenty of others have done the same since then. He is still here, though, against all odds for one final run.

Fullkrug wanted by MLS, La Liga & Serie A clubs as Milan ignore purchase option

Niclas Fullkrug is searching for a fresh start after a nightmare season that has seen his stock plummet across Europe. The Germany international, who has struggled with injuries and form, is now attracting interest from various global leagues as his time at both AC Milan and West Ham United appears to be at an end.

Bradley Carnell fired after 6-4 loss to Messi's Inter Miami

On the same day that fellow countryman Olwethu Makhanya and The Union defender was selected for the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad, the 49-year-old reigning MLS coach of the year discovered his services were no longer required following a disastrous start to the current campaign that has left the club at the bottom of the table.

Union fire 2025 MLS COY Carnell after historically poor first half

Bradley Carnell, recipient of the 2025 MLS Coach of the Year award, has been fired by the Philadelphia Union as part of a major revamp following the club's historically poor first half of the season. In addition, Jon Scheer has been promoted from interim to full-time Sporting Director of the club. It is unclear if former Director Ernst Tanner is still a part of the Union.

Argentina v Mauritania - International Friendly

Messi won't join Argentina World Cup squad 'fully fit', admits Scaloni

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has admitted that captain Lionel Messi will not be "fully fit" when he joins up with the national team for their 2026 World Cup defence. The Inter Miami superstar picked up a hamstring issue in his latest MLS outing, sparking panic among Argentina fans just weeks out from the summer tournament in North America.

Neville axed by Portland Timbers after poor MLS run

Phil Neville has left the Portland Timbers by mutual consent after a poor run of MLS results. The former Manchester United defender departs with the club sitting third from bottom in the Western Conference and eight points adrift of the automatic play-off spots.

Messi has hamstring issue but reportedly expected for World Cup

Inter Miami provided an update on Lionel Messi after the 38-year-old was substituted Sunday against the Philadelphia Union due to physical discomfort. Following further tests Monday, the club said Messi’s initial diagnosis showed “overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” with his return to activity dependent on his “clinical and functional progress.”

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