Lionel Messi has cemented his legacy in the United States by becoming the first player to win back-to-back MLS Golden Boot awards. The Inter Miami forward finished the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season with 26 goals, proving he remains in a class of his own at 39 years old.
A points record within reach, seasons on the brink and star names under pressure: GOAL’s writers debate who will rise - and who could fall - on MLS Decision Day.
Lionel Messi has reportedly made a definitive call on his immediate playing career following intense speculation regarding a romantic return to his roots in Argentina. Despite emotional ties to his boyhood club, the legendary forward remains fully committed to his current project in Major League Soccer.
Robert Lewandowski has opened up about the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, offering a candid assessment of the challenges facing Barcelona’s teenage sensation. While the Polish striker is full of praise for the winger's talent, he warned that starting at the top so early makes long-term success significantly harder to sustain.
Cavan Sullivan is less than a year out from turning 18 - when he will be cleared to link up with Manchester City - and Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why FFP punishments that relegate the Blues out of the Premier League could be “very good” for the USMNT wonderkid. It is yet to be determined which division City will be playing in next season.
