Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer news

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2026

‘Very complementary’ - Why Ronaldo & Messi in MLS could work

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would be “very complementary” in the same team, Rene Meulensteen has told GOAL, with CR7 being backed for a move to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami if he lands the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese GOAT is closing in on another crown in the Middle East, which could lead to him exploring future options elsewhere.

Inter Miami CF v Seattle Sounders FC

Messi rival explains why he laughed in face of Argentine GOAT

Obed Vargas has opened up about his memorable on-field confrontation with Lionel Messi, admitting he was overwhelmed by the absurdity of being targeted by his childhood idol. The former Seattle Sounders midfielder explained that his laughter during the 2025 Leagues Cup clash was a product of disbelief rather than a lack of respect.

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Orlando City SC v Philadelphia Union

WATCH: Future Man City forward Cavan Sullivan scores first MLS goal

Cavan Sullivan’s first MLS league goal is another milestone in one of American soccer’s most-watched young careers. The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union standout helped spark a late rally against Orlando City SC, adding to a resume that already includes a pro contract at 14 and two CONCACAF Champions Cup goals earlier this year against Defence Force F.C. Despite his efforts, the Union suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2026 MLS

Messi revealed as top earner in MLS as Miami top spending charts

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.

Los Angeles Football Club v Inter Miami CF

Messi salary dwarfs Son in MLS wage reveal

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.

Toronto FC v Inter Miami CF

Reguilon reveals six-figure sum he'll pay for pet dog transfer

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami team-mate Sergio Reguilon is preparing to pay a massive $135,000 to fly his beloved pet dog to Florida on a private jet. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid defender, who joined the 2025 MLS champions in January, is determined to reunite with his furry companion in the United States, valuing his pet above all else.

Messi-Ronaldo

Ronaldo told SPL title ‘can never be compared’ to Messi in MLS

Former France defender Frank Leboeuf has harshly criticised Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting that an impending Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr cannot match Lionel Messi's transformative impact at Inter Miami. The pundit claims heavy club investments, rather than individual brilliance, are truly responsible for any Middle Eastern silverware the Portuguese veteran secures.

Messi-Barcelona

Messi posts emotional reaction as Barca clinch back-to-back titles

Lionel Messi has shared an emotional message of congratulations after watching his former club Barcelona secure back-to-back La Liga titles in historic fashion. The Argentine legend was among the first to react as the Blaugrana dismantled Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou to move into an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

GFX Lamine Yamal Lionel Messi

Messi picks Barca star Yamal as his heir

Lionel Messi has officially weighed in on the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, naming the Barcelona teenager as his natural successor. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner believes the La Masia graduate is already operating at a level that puts him above the rest of the pack in world football.

Frequently asked questions

Since the Conference League's inception in 2021, three teams have lifted the trophy: Roma, West Ham United, and the current champions, Olympiacos.

The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams, four more than in the previous format.

Mainz 05 midfielder Hong Hyun-seok and Gent captain Sven Kums have made 39 appearances each in the Conference League, making them the players with the most appearances in the competition.

As for top goalscorers, Arthur Cabral leads the list with 21 goals to his name, including those scored in the qualifying phase. However, without taking into account goals scored in the qualifying phase, three players have scored the joint-most goals in Conference League with 12 each to their names: Arthur Cabral, Eran Zahavi, and Vangelis Pavlidis.

Darian Males, Gavriel Kanichowsky, and Cristiano Biraghi have the most assists in Conference League history, registering eight assists each.

Veteran Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, while playing for Villarreal in 2023, became the oldest player to feature in the Conference League at 40 years and 175 days.

Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi holds the record as the Conference League's youngest-ever player at the tender age of 16 years and 3 days.

Stars such as Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Tammy Abraham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins,Co Mario Gotze, Kasper Schmeichel, Cody Gakpo, Stephan El Shaarawy, James Maddison, Jonathan David, and Edin Dzeko have played in the Conference League.

Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, Unai Emery, David Moyes, and Ange Postecoglou are among the most famous managers to have managed in the Conference League.