Lionel Messi menjadi sorotan di paddock Formula 1 akhir pekan ini saat bintang Inter Miami tersebut dan istrinya, Antonela Roccuzzo, menghadiri Grand Prix Miami. Pemenang Ballon d'Or delapan kali itu menyempatkan diri beristirahat sejenak dari kesibukannya di MLS untuk berbaur dengan para pembalap tercepat di dunia dalam sebuah acara yang dipenuhi bintang-bintang di sirkuit Hard Rock Stadium, dan berkesempatan bertemu dengan George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, serta Franco Colapinto.
Mantan penyerang Barcelona, Maxi Lopez, telah mengungkap kisah awal karier Lionel Messi, dengan mengungkapkan bahwa bahkan Ronaldinho yang sedang berada di puncak kariernya pun mengakui bahwa remaja itu memiliki bakat yang lebih unggul. Meskipun saat itu ia merupakan pemain terbaik di dunia, ikon Brasil tersebut dilaporkan menyadari bahwa anak didik mudanya itu ditakdirkan untuk mencapai prestasi yang lebih gemilang.
Lionel Messi melontarkan kritik pedas terhadap keruntuhan pertahanan Inter Miami baru-baru ini, dan menyebut kekalahan 4-3 mereka dari rival Orlando City sebagai "tidak dapat diterima". Bintang asal Argentina itu tampak sangat kesal saat juara bertahan MLS Cup itu menyia-nyiakan keunggulan tiga gol di kandang baru mereka, Nu Stadium, sehingga memperpanjang rentetan hasil tanpa kemenangan mereka di stadion tersebut menjadi empat pertandingan.
Lionel Messi seharusnya menikmati malam perayaan di Nu Stadium, saat ia menandai penampilan resmi ke-100-nya bersama Inter Miami dengan sebuah gol yang mengingatkan dunia mengapa ia tetap menjadi penyerang paling tajam di dunia sepak bola. Namun, legenda Argentina itu pun tercengang saat Herons mengalami keruntuhan pertahanan yang parah hingga akhirnya kalah 4-3 dalam laga Florida Derby.
Inter Miami membuang keunggulan 3-0 atas Orlando City dalam sebuah kekalahan yang cukup mengejutkan melawan rival sekota mereka di Florida, kalah 4-3 dan memperpanjang rentetan hasil tanpa kemenangan mereka di Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi mencetak satu gol dan dua assist, namun pertahanan Miami-lah yang menjadi sorotan, dengan banyaknya kelengahan yang membuat mereka kehilangan poin di kandang untuk keempat kalinya berturut-turut.
Mohamed Salah telah diperingatkan bahwa pilihannya untuk pindah klub pada bursa transfer musim panas semakin terbatas seiring berakhirnya masa baktinya yang legendaris di Liverpool. Meskipun ia dikenal sebagai salah satu penyerang terbaik sepanjang masa di Liga Premier, mantan gelandang The Reds, Didi Hamann, berpendapat bahwa pemain asal Mesir itu kini "telah melewati masa kejayaannya" dan kemungkinan besar tidak akan menemukan klub papan atas Inggris yang tertarik padanya.
Los Angeles Galaxy have claimed the MLS title six times, more than any other club in the league's history. They first triumphed in 2002, and later went on to secure victories in 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024, solidifying their dominance in Major League Soccer.
How many teams are in the MLS?
There are 30 teams in Major League Soccer as of the 2025 season. The league has seen steady expansion since its inception in 1996, when it began with just 10 teams. Over the years, it has added clubs across the US and Canada to reach its current size.
Who has made the most MLS appearances ever?
Nick Rimando holds the record for the most MLS appearances, having played 514 matches over the course of his career, which spanned from 2000 to 2019 with clubs like D.C. United, Miami Fusion, and Real Salt Lake.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the MLS?
Chris Wondolowski holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Major League Soccer, with 171 goals to his name. His scoring prowess helped establish him as one of the league's most iconic forwards during his career.
Who has the most assists in the history of the MLS?
Landon Donovan leads the league's all-time assist charts with 136 assists. His playmaking ability was a key factor in his team's success over the years.
Who is the oldest player ever in the MLS and how old was he?
Pat Onstad is the oldest player to have ever featured in Major League Soccer, appearing in the league at the age of 43 years, 2 months, and 22 days. The game was when he featured in goal for DC United.
Who is the youngest player ever in the MLS and how old was he?
Cavan Sullivan made history as the youngest-ever player in MLS, debuting for his team at the age of 14 years and 293 days. His introduction to professional football at such a young age has set the stage for a promising future.
Which famous players have played in the MLS?
Famous players who have played in MLS include stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Kaka, David Villa, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andrea Pirlo.
Which famous managers have managed in the MLS?
MLS' most famous managers include renowned figures like Bruce Arena, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Frank de Boer, and Tata Martino.
What is the biggest stadium in the MLS?
The Bank of America Stadium, originally inaugurated as Ericsson Stadium in 1996, stands as the largest venue in Major League Soccer, boasting an impressive capacity of 75,412 seats. It is home to Charlotte FC.
Who is the most expensive player in the history of the MLS?
Argentine World Cup-winning attacking midfielder Thiago Almada is the most expensive MLS signing of all-time. Atlanta United bought Almada from Velez Sarsfield for around $16 million, in 2022.