Major League Soccer news

MLS announced comprehensive viewership and engagement data Thursday morning, highlighting a nearly 30 percent increase across linear and streaming platforms for the 2025 season. This year, the league averaged 3.7 million live viewers per match week across its various channels, including Apple TV, FOX Sports, and others. This is the first time that the league has revealed specific viewing data to the media.

The 38-year-old's three-year extension is invaluable for the club and league, but also the sport at large - especially in the U.S.

Lionel Messi agreed to a contract extension with Inter Miami through 2028, the club announced Thursday, ending months of speculation over the Argentina superstar's future. It's a significant boost for both club and MLS, whose profiles have grown dramatically since his arrival in 2023. Messi, the 2024 league MVP, is the favorite to repeat this season.

FIFA’s ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup is sparking controversy as New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani calls out dynamic pricing that risks excluding working-class fans. The Arsenal supporter wants fixed ticket prices, resale caps and local allocations to ensure the tournament is accessible, tying the fight to his broader campaign for affordability and fairness in New York City.

David Beckham has shared images of the heartwarming moment in which his mother met Inter Miami and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi for the first time. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in the United States since 2023, with a stunning move being made to South Florida, but he has only just rubbed shoulders with members of Beckham’s immediate family.

Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez sparked debate by saying Carlos Vela's record-setting 2019 campaign was more impressive than Lionel Messi's current Golden Boot-winning season, despite the Argentine's contributing to 48 goals in just 28 appearances. Vela scored 34 goals and contributed to 49 goals in 31 games in 2019.

Lionel Messi has been told he's better equipped for the boxing ring than eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Former WBC men's heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder's ex-trainer Malik Scott has shared his thoughts on the two footballing superstars and how they may fare in the ring if they fancied a change in profession after hanging up their prolific boots.

After closing out the MLS regular season on a dominant streak, Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi has been named MLS Player of the Month for October 2025, following a stunning run of five goals and five assists in his last three matches. Thanks to his influence, the Herons finished the month with a perfect record of three wins and no losses, securing third place in the Eastern Conference.

Tifos are woven into the fan experience for MLS, allowing authentic expression and breathing new life into old rivalries

MLS playoffs should be dramatic, with superstars such as Messi, Son and Thomas Muller headlining, but other contenders to watch

Lionel Messi is “nearing the end of a wonderful story”, admits Javier Saviola, but the Argentine GOAT is considered to have one more World Cup left in him. Messi has played cards close to his chest regarding possible involvement at the 2026 finals, but the expectation is that he will form part of the Albiceleste squad when they stage a defence of their global crown next summer.

Legendary former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has labelled Harry Kane as a striker who is more than just a goal machine, hailing the Englishman for his leadership and innate ability to feel a "sense of responsibility." The duo shared the dressing room between 2023 and 2025, before Muller began a new chapter with MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps.

Son Heung-min could be set for a sensational return to the Premier League during the January transfer window of 2026, with the LAFC star reportedly seeing a “David Beckham clause” inserted in the contract which took him to MLS. The former Tottenham forward has made a stunning impact in the United States, but his association with the European game may not be over.

Thomas Muller ended his 25-year association with Bayern Munich by joining Major League Soccer outfit Vancouver Whitecaps as a free agent over the summer. However, things could have played out a whole lot differently. Indeed, Bayern's all-time record-appearance holder admitted that he could have "imagined a future with Barcelona" had his former coach Hansi Flick called him.

Lionel Messi has another record to add to his collection, with the history books being rewritten in MLS. The Argentine GOAT continues to deliver magical performances for Inter Miami on a regular basis. The most recent of those saw him net a hat-trick against Nashville, with those heroics earning the South American icon a historic Player of the Matchday award.

GOAL looks at the tiers of teams in the 2025 MLS playoffs, asking who might win it all and who is just happy to be here?

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has joked his post-playing career path back to the club is "already mapped out" after comments from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The 36-year-old, who is starring in the MLS for Vancouver Whitecaps, remains non-committal on a specific role but admits his connection to the club of his life, Bayern, remains "very, very good."