If you're wondering about the main dates for the upcoming Major League Soccer season, GOAL has you covered - plus more info on how to watch games on TV
GOAL spoke to GMs and chief soccer officers across MLS about the league’s 3.0 vision: the calendar change is progress, but executives say the next steps must come faster.
MLS returns with a packed schedule and familiar chaos. From stars like Messi, Rodriguez, and Son Heung-Min to the teams you can avoid, here’s who’s actually worth your weekend watch.
Neymar has been reportedly offered an escape route from Santos as a Brazilian club is looking to beat Lionel Messi's Inter Miami to unite him with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea legend Thiago Silva. The 32-year-old’s time at Santos appears to be winding down, and potential suitors are already lining up for the former Barcelona forward's signature.
U.S. international Walker Zimmerman, a cornerstone of Nashville SC since its inaugural MLS season, is set to leave the club this winter when his contract expires, according to The Athletic. The two-time MLS Defender of the Year and team captain’s departure will close a six-year chapter in Nashville as he heads into free agency.
Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass to lead Inter Miami past Nashville SC and into the Eastern Conference semifinals. After last weekend’s defeat at GEODIS Stadium forced a decisive third match, Miami responded with authority, shaking off the nerves that had built up during the week to set up a clash with FC Cincinnati.
Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist, while Tadeo Allende bagged a brace as Inter Miami thumped Nashville 4-0 to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Herons were dominant throughout, leaning on their star man to cruise past their opponents, with Jordi Alba also providing an assist as Miami sealed their first-ever playoff series win.
The Herons might miss the Uruguayan when they take on Nashville Saturday night, yet his absence could offer some answers as to how they function going forward
Inter Miami will be without Luis Suarez for Saturday’s decisive Game 3 against Nashville SC after MLS denied the striker’s suspension appeal. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the decision on Friday, noting Suarez had sought to overturn the one-match ban ahead of the series finale, with a semifinal berth on the line.
Inter Miami star Luis Suarez has been suspended for Saturday's do-or-die playoff game against Nashville SC, robbing the Herons of their starting striker with their season on the line. The suspension comes following an Inter Miami appeal, but the decision was upheld, which means Miami will play Saturday's match without the Uruguayan star.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their home comforts in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
Nashville managed to withstand the power of Inter Miami and Lionel Messi, earning a 2-1 victory on Saturday night to force a decisive third game in their MLS playoff first-round series. They took advantage of their home crowd and a strong start to contain Las Garzas, who came close to equalizing late in the match through their Argentine captain.
Nashville started strong and held on to an early lead to beat Inter Miami in game two of their first round MLS playoff series, 2-1, on Saturday night. Lionel Messi scored the only goal for Miami, who threatened late but were unable to find a stoppage time equalizer, and could now face a second straight opening round elimination after taking a 1-0 lead.
Inter Miami will look to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in club history when they face Nashville SC Saturday in the second leg of the opening playoff round at Geodis Stadium. The visitors are under pressure to win and close out the series, while the hosts will aim to force a decisive third game.
Lionel Messi acknowledged that Inter Miami’s defensive lapses proved costly in their 2024 MLS first-round playoff loss to Atlanta United. Reflecting on that setback, the Miami superstar said the team has made progress under first-year head coach Javier Mascherano, as Miami opened the 2025 MLS playoffs with victory over Nashville SC.
Following Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Nashville SC in Game 1 of the MLS Cup Playoffs, Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul - Messi’s longtime national team teammate - praised the captain’s influence and form. He added that Messi’s decision to remain with the Herons beyond this season has given the squad an extra spark heading into the postseason.