Major League Soccer news

Jimmy Haslam, who owns the Columbus Crew and Cleveland Browns, claimed that MLS has a "long way to go" before it is able to consider itself a top-five league. He called on the league to "put a better product on the field" and suggested that a promotion-relegation system could potentially drum up interest as MLS continues to struggle in drawing consistent TV audiences.

Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano quashed "nonsense" claims of fallout with Lionel Messi after a shock home defeat in MLS to Chicago Fire. The loss leaves Miami clinging to fourth place in the Eastern Conference on 56 points, seven adrift of table-toppers Philadelphia Union, and with the Supporters’ Shield slipping further from their grasp.

Inter Miami will pay tribute to Spanish legend and long-time Lionel Messi teammate Sergio Busquets after Saturday’s match against New England Revolution at Chase Stadium, celebrating the 2010 World Cup winner’s remarkable career as he prepares to retire at the end of the MLS season. The midfielder announced his retirement last week.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano highlighted the influence of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, one of the marquee summer signings in MLS who has taken control of the Herons’ midfield. Miami will look to bounce back Saturday at Chase Stadium against the New England Revolution after a midweek 5-3 loss to the Chicago Fire.

Attacking midfielder Djordje Mihailovic departed the club late in the season, but the front office has restructured on the fly

Lionel Messi's mooted contract renewal at Inter Miami could impact a number of other players on the club’s books, GOAL has been told in an exclusive interview, with Gus Poyet casting an eye over goings on in South Florida. He has seen Argentine GOAT Messi assemble a cast of close friends alongside him, with it possible that one of those - Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez - will also agree to extend his career in MLS.

Thomas Muller became Germany’s most successful player after winning the Canadian Championship with Vancouver Whitecaps, who defeated local rivals Vancouver FC 4-2 in the final. Muller had previously been tied on titles with Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos. However, he downplayed the achievement, saying he plays for the love of the game and not for trophies.

Lionel Messi is seemingly ready to extend his association with Inter Miami, with a new contract being mooted that will keep the Argentine GOAT in MLS. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has, however, been told that the “God-given” physical attributes that he possesses would make him a star in MMA if he ever fancied swapping a rectangular football field for a fighting octagon.

Antonio Mohamed said Toluca were hungry to lift the Campeones Cup and the Diablos Rojos delivered on his words in a thrilling 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. Despite Gabriel Pec’s 84th-minute strike giving LA Galaxy the lead and a disallowed Paulinho goal earlier, Mohamed’s side dominated the second half and ultimately saw justice served on the field.

Less than two months after arriving from Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller lifted his first trophy with the Vancouver Whitecaps, scoring in a thrilling 4-2 win over Canadian Premier League side Vancouver FC in the Canadian Championship final on Wednesday night. It was the 35th trophy of the German star’s storied career.

England legend and Inter Miami owner David Beckham raked in a fortune after a year of record-breaking profits. His company earned a consolidated revenue of £73 million ($98m), which is 1 per cent up from the previous year. Other than co-owning Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and English fourth-tier club Salford City, Beckham also runs several businesses under umbrella company DRJB Holdings.

Lionel Messi has been sent a retirement warning with his Inter Miami contract renewal yet to be confirmed. Messi’s future has been the subject of much speculation after it emerged that his first Inter Miami deal does not include a player option beyond 2025. The 38-year-old attacker, who initially signed with Miami in July 2023, will become a free agent in November unless fresh terms are hammered out.

Javier Mascherano took responsibility after Inter Miami turned in one of their worst performances of the season at Chase Stadium, falling 5-3 to the Chicago Fire. The setback leaves the Herons in a precarious spot in the Supporters’ Shield race - they sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 56 points, seven behind leaders Philadelphia Union.

The Chicago Fire are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but Inter Miami won't be thrilled the visitors' postseason ticket came at their expense in a 5-3 defeat at home. Luis Suarez rolled back the years with two goals, but his brilliance wasn’t enough to cover for the Herons’ season-long defensive frailties, as they shipped three before halftime.

Greg Vanney knows LA Galaxy’s season has been a disappointment, with the reigning MLS champions bottom of the Western Conference and out of the playoffs. But on Wednesday at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Campeones Cup final against Toluca offers a chance to salvage something meaningful, with Vanney viewing a trophy as a vital boost for his players and the club.

Sporting Kansas City has appointed David Lee as President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, bringing one of Major League Soccer’s most accomplished sporting directors to the Midwest. Lee spent nine years with New York City FC, helping build the club from its inaugural season in 2015. Under his leadership, NYCFC won the MLS Cup in 2021.

MLS announced Charles Altchek has been named as Executive Vice President of Club Performance and League Growth while Ali Curtis takes over as President of MLS NEXT Pro and Executive Vice President of MLS Sporting Development. Altchek will work directly with team owners and executives to drive business growth, while Curtis takes control of MLS's developmental league.