Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.
Lionel Messi is set to make a league record $28.3 million this year, more than all but two MLS clubs' total payroll, the MLSPA revealed in its release of salary data Tuesday afternoon. The Inter Miami star's intake has increased nearly 40 percent since last year. Other top earners included LAFC's Son Heung-Min, Miami's Rodrigo De Paul, and San Diego's Chucky Lozano.
The full extent of Lionel Messi’s financial impact on Major League Soccer has been laid bare following the latest release of official salary data. While the Argentine superstar continues to dominate on the pitch for Inter Miami, the figures confirm he remains in a league of his own when it comes to compensation in North America.
James Rodriguez is determined to reach the 2026 World Cup in peak condition. The Colombian playmaker made his first Major League Soccer start for Minnesota United on Saturday, silencing any doubts about his fitness. Despite a narrow loss to LAFC, he showcased glimpses of his former glory before making a vow to Colombia fans ahead of their World Cup campaign this summer.
Son Heung-min has proven he remains one of the world's most elite creators after a historic performance for LAFC that saw him match a record previously set by Lionel Messi. The South Korean international dismantled Orlando City in a 6-0 rout, cementing his status as the premier playmaker in Major League Soccer.
The Apple TV analyst caught up with GOAL to talk about why Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have been inconsistent, and speculated how a potential Robert Lewandowski arrival could change MLS.
Los Angeles FC star Denis Bouanga has signed a new contract, committing his future to the club amid reported interest from abroad. The winger has signed a deal that runs through 2028, with an option through the 2029-30 season. Since joining LAFC in 2022, the 31-year-old has scored 94 overall goals - moving him past Carlos Vela as the club's all-time scorer.
MLS’s opening weekend delivered surprise results and standout performances - but also plenty of drama and controversy, even from its biggest star, Lionel Messi.
MLS has determined Lionel Messi did not breach league policy following an internal review of an incident that sparked speculation after Inter Miami’s season opener against LAFC. A video circulating on social media appeared to show Messi entering the referees’ locker room area, but MLS and the Professional Referee Organization confirmed the space was not restricted and that Messi did not access the officials’ premises.
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi was spotted being restrained by team-mate Luis Suarez after the team's 3-0 defeat to LAFC on Saturday in their MLS season opener. Goals from David Martinez, Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz secured an emphatic win and made it a miserable start to the season for The Herons. Messi appeared furious after the final whistle and Suarez was seen seemingly attempting to calm him down as they both made their way down the tunnel.
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami came into the 2026 season with a ton of new shiny toys, but it was a familiar LAFC who dominated in their season opener - crushing the Herons in a 3-0 rout in front of an MLS-record opening day crowd of 75,673 at LA Memorial Coliseum. Denis Bouanga sparked an impressive performance for the Black and Gold, with an impressive goal and assist in the second half.
Lionel Messi was unable to make an impact and Inter Miami were poor defensively as they dropped the first game of the season to LAFC, 3-0. The Herons never really got into the game, and were undone by three clinical counterattacks by the home side - who showed that they just might be serious challengers for MLS Cup this year.
After a record MLS playoff run, Tadeo Allende opens up on Messi’s leadership, new competition from Berterame, and why he committed his future to Inter Miami.