For Nashville, Inter Miami, decisive playoff game adds chapter to intertwined history
Since entering the league together in 2020, Nashville and Miami have crossed paths in big spots, and the stakes are big again Saturday night.
MLS
8th November 2025
Shield-winning Philadelphia Union finalizing club-record deal for new forward: Sources
The Union are still focused on winning MLS Cup 2025, but they're making a significant move for 2026 and beyond as well.
Chicago Fire reach permanent deal for Franco as part of club's plan to build on 2025
Beyond keeping André Franco and adding Swedish midfielder Anton Salétros, Chicago and Gregg Berhalter are thinking big for 2026.
MLS contract decision tracker: Running updates on end-of-season roster moves
As MLS teams have their seasons end, they'll be revealing their player decisions for 2026. Keep track of them all right here.
7th November 2025
Lionel Messi's appearance at a forum for business and politics strangely made sense
The Inter Miami and Argentina star has a huge presence in the business world, but humbly admits he knows little about it.
Atlanta United confirms return of Tata Martino to the club as head coach
The 62-year-old led Atlanta to the 2018 MLS Cup title and last coached Inter Miami, winning the Supporters' Shield in 2024.
6th November 2025
Josef Martinez to leave San Jose Earthquakes, eligible for MLS free agency
The 32-year-old Venezuela international forward was San Jose’s leading goal scorer this season with 14 goals in league play.
Cavan Sullivan's goal delivers USA U-17s World Cup win over Burkina Faso
The Man City-bound midfielder came off the bench to help the U.S. secure all three points in Qatar.
Juventus, City Football Group show interest in Houston's Brooklyn Raines: Sources
Raines, 20, just represented the U.S. at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile, and is generating significant interest.
Luis Suárez suspended for Inter Miami's pivotal playoff game vs. Nashville: Sources
Miami will be short a star when it hosts Nashville SC in a do-or-die Game 3 in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs Saturday night.
USMNT's Matt Turner training with former side Crystal Palace ahead of November friendlies
The goalkeeper informed manager Oliver Glasner of the different rules in the United States concerning fixture congestion.
For St. Louis City, it's one key search down, one to go in its attempt to rebound
After another lost year, St. Louis City is trying to recapture its inaugural-season magic. All eyes now shift to its head coaching hire...
5th November 2025
Brian Gutiérrez in process of getting Mexican passport, national team eligibility: Sources
The 22-year-old would need to file a one-time switch to be eligible to represent Mexico. His only two caps with the USMNT came in January.
New England Revolution to name U.S. U-20 coach Marko Mitrovic next manager: Sources
The Revolution have turned to the U.S. youth national team coach, who guided the U-20s to the World Cup quarterfinals.
LAFC assistant Marc Dos Santos frontrunner to replace Cherundolo as manager: Sources
Steve Cherundolo announced earlier this season he would be leaving the club and heading back to Germany.
Arise, Sir David: But what does Beckham's knighthood entail, and what does it mean?
The former England captain and now joint owner of Inter Miami received the title at Windsor Castle today.
North Carolina FC tells players it won't field a team in 2026 USL Championship season
Sources are expecting NCFC to finish its playoff run but after that, all players under contract will be released.
Aidan Morris and the USMNT World Cup hopeful's year of opportunity
Morris returned to the national team in October after nearly a year away and remains a key cog on a contender for Premier League promotion.
4th November 2025
Lionel Messi stares into the face of a rare trophyless season
Throughout Lionel Messi's iconic career, it's been rather unusual for him to go a full season without at least one team trophy.
3rd November 2025
Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga set up LAFC clash with Thomas Muller's Whitecaps
Successive wins in the best-of-three series was a sign that LAFC may be peaking at just the right time.
MLS Cup 2025 playoff bracket: Full postseason schedule, updated results
MLS's playoff field continues to be whittled down through the best-of-3 first round. Here's the full schedule and road to MLS Cup.
2nd November 2025
Nashville beats Inter Miami, pushes Lionel Messi to familiar playoff brink
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami lost in Nashville and now face a nervy Game 3 to decide the series as they seek to avoid a first round exit.
Nashville beats Inter Miami, pushes Lionel Messi to a familiar playoff brink
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami lost in Nashville and now face a nervy Game 3 to decide the series as they seek to avoid a first round exit.
1st November 2025
St. Louis City to hire Corey Wray as next sporting director: Sources
Wray replaces Lutz Pfannenstiel, who was fired in August.
31st October 2025
NYCFC's unbearable wait inches toward its end with a new stadium on the rise
As NYCFC braces to host another playoff game at a baseball stadium, its visions of a soccer-specific home are nearing fruition.
30th October 2025
Messi's $20m salary and MLS' future. Plus: Dowman, 15, makes history
MLS salaries have been revealed, and there are no prizes for guessing its top earner. But what does it say about the competition?.
MLS 2025 salaries: Messi remains top earner; Highest, lowest spenders revealed
The MLSPA has revealed its latest salary figures – and there's a reason why Thomas Müller and Rodrigo De Paul don't rank high just yet.
29th October 2025
Kansas City unveils plan for its free 2026 World Cup fan fest
Kansas City will host six games during the 2026 World Cup, but its fan fest will be a staple throughout the competition next summer.
28th October 2025
Lionel Messi says MLS must loosen purse strings in order to grow
MLS’ salary cap rules are a staple of the league, but Messi says it limits the ability of the league to attract top talent.
Chris Armas out as Colorado Rapids manager
Colorado joins the growing list of MLS clubs in need of a new manager after not renewing Armas's deal.
Tata Martino the frontrunner for Atlanta United job, to return as manager: Sources
Martino could be making a sensational return to Atlanta, where the club has a coaching vacancy after firing Ronny Deila.
Red Bulls oust coach Sandro Schwarz, make sweeping management changes
The Red Bulls are making significant changes after missing the MLS playoffs for the first time in 15 years.
27th October 2025
Fans get a star-studded sports equinox this year with Shohei Ohtani and Patrick Mahomes
What was once a rare event — each of the major North American sports leagues playing on the same day — has become a more frequent occurrence.
Inside Messi's Miami renewal: A deal never in doubt – and one firmly about legacy
Messi ended all speculation by signing a new deal to stay in Miami. But the decision to extend is about more than just his playing days.
'Chucky' Lozano left out again, but San Diego makes winning start in MLS playoffs
San Diego won Sunday despite the absence of Lozano, who was left off the game day roster following a "verbal altercation.".
MLS Cup Playoffs: San Diego beat Portland; Vancouver and Philly win
MLS Cup Playoffs action continues this evening with three first-round matchups around the league. Here is what went down. San Diego 2-1 Portland Timbers Scorers: Valakari 23', Dreyer 30' ; Velde 3...
26th October 2025
For San Diego FC, a historic inaugural MLS season is equal parts philosophy and community
The Western Conference’s No 1 seed can become the second expansion team to win MLS Cup.
25th October 2025
Messi has 'reset MLS trajectory' as Inter Miami win
Lionel Messi has "reset the trajectory for Major League Soccer", according the league's commissioner Don Garber.
⭐ Messi shines again: bags a brace in the play-offs, Golden Boot in MLS ????
After renewing his contract until 2028, Lionel Messi continues to lead Inter Miami, this time in the first leg of the 1st round of the MLS playoffs against Nashville: a match won 3-1. Messi opened the...
???? Clever header: Messi and Miami off to a dream start in the play-offs
The start of the MLS playoffs couldn’t have gone better for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. Miami defeated Nashville SC 3-1, including a brace from the Argentinian star. Messi’s first goal was part...
Messi scores twice as Miami opens playoff campaign with win
Lionel Messi scores the opening goal for Inter Miami in a win over Nashville in their MLS playoff opener.
Inter Miami begin playoff campaign by breezing past Nashville
Inter Miami kicked off their playoff campaign on Friday with a comfortable 3-0 win over Nashville. Scorers: Messi 19', 90+6', Allende 62'About a week after meeting on Decision Day, it was the pink a...
Borgen Family Joins Austin FC Investors at $912 Million Valuation
The Borgen family, investors in the NWSL’s Denver Summit expansion team, are part of the group that recently invested in Austin FC at an enterprise value of $912 million. FirstTracks Sports Ventures, which is managed by Jon-Erik Borgen, closed its investment earlier this month.
USMNT will not hold its annual January camp ahead of 2026 World Cup
The yearly exercise that almost exclusively features domestic-based players won't take place this winter, The Athletic has learned.
Lionel Messi is still remarkable - these stats, visuals and data prove it
Lionel Messi signed a new contract with Inter Miami on Thursday. Even at 38, he shows little sign of slowing down...
Toronto decline contract option for star keeper Sean Johnson
Toronto FC announced today that the club has declined the 2026 contract option for veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson, signaling the end of his tenure after two seasons.Johnson joined TFC ahead of the 20...
24th October 2025
MLS Cup 2025 playoff expert predictions: Which team will lift the trophy?
Is it Messi's time? Will some of MLS's high-profile newcomers win it all? Or will there be an unexpected champ? Our writers have their say.
MLS contract decision tracker: Running updates on end-of-season roster moves
As MLS teams have their seasons end, they'll be revealing their player decisions for 2026. Keep track of them all right here.
Lionel Messi just had the best season in MLS history. Does anyone care?
The Argentine has been as excellent as ever in his later years, but his presence and performance has yet to push MLS into the US mainstream.
High Five — around the world in five games
The MLS playoffs begin with Lionel Messi in action, a full-blooded battle in Edinburgh and more to look forward to.
Lionel Messi Signs New Deal with Inter Miami! Is He Now MLS’s Villain? + MLS Playoffs Preview with Kevin Egan
Subscribe to The CooligansApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeChristian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros bring on MLS 360 host Kevin Egan to break down all things Major League Soccer. They discuss Lionel Messi’s contract extension with Inter Miami and what it means for the future of the league.
2025 MLS playoffs preview: Matchups, schedule, how to watch and more
The 2025 MLS playoffs will run until the Cup Final on Dec. 6. Here's everything to know, from the matchups, how to watch and more.
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Sign 3-Year Contract Extension
Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, the MLS club announced Thursday. It is a three-year agreement through the 2028 season. No financial details were released.
Lionel Messi signs Inter Miami contract extension through 2028 season
Lionel Messi has signed a multi-year contract extension with Inter Miami, sealing a deal that will keep him in South Florida until the end of the 2028 MLS season.
Lionel Messi signs new Inter Miami contract through 2028 MLS season
The new deal will see Messi lead the MLS club into its new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, next year.
Lionel Messi signs extension to remain with Inter Miami through 2028 season
Lionel Messi has signed an extension to stay with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season, the club announced Thursday. Messi, 38, just wrapped up his third season with the Herons and finished with an MLS-best 29 goals, earning his first Golden Boot.
23rd October 2025
How Alejandro Zendejas found his way to América's spotlight – and USMNT's World Cup radar
The Club América attacker has not taken the cleanest or most direct path to stardom, but he's still firmly in frame for club and country.
Why Messi's MLS legacy needs play-off triumph
Inter Miami are hoping Lionel Messi can inspire them to a first MLS Cup win through the play-offs and cement his legacy in the league.
Chicago Fire end MLS playoff drought and set a building block for future ambition
The Fire enjoyed an MLS night 16 years in the making and are presented with another chance to try to get it right.
Canada's newest soccer club — and its distinct recruitment policy
The province that is home to 23 percent of the national population hasn't had a Canadian Premier League team in its first seven seasons.
Danny Higginbotham was afraid to fly. Then he tried hypnosis
As a defender in the English Premier League for 12 years, Higginbotham rarely had to fly. Only later did it become a big problem.
San Diego FC reportedly part ways with Hirving Lozano
Mexican forward Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has reportedly been temporarily separated from San Diego FC's first team due to an internal disciplinary issue. The situation stems from a heated argument in t...
MLS Cup 2025 playoff bracket: Full postseason schedule, updated results
With Chicago and Portland taking care of business, MLS's 2025 playoff bracket is complete. Here's the full schedule and road to MLS Cup.
La Liga may have failed to take Barca to Miami – but this battle isn't over...
Serie A and La Liga are so desperate to take their shows on the road, it appears they have not considered if there are any real benefits.
MLS Wild Card: Timbers send RSL packing; Chicago Fire dispatch Orlando
MLS Cup Wild Card is upon as the final entrants into the playoffs will be decided this evening. Here is what went down in Chicago and Portland.Portland Timbers 3-1 Real Salt Lake Scorers: Mora 24', 3...
Chucky Lozano's MLS playoff status unclear after altercation; more of what I'm hearing
The reason for the Mexican international's absence, plus an update on his high-profile teammate, a coaching search and more.
22nd October 2025
Barcelona vs Villarreal in Miami was suddenly cancelled. What happened?
Plans to hold a La Liga match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami in December spectacularly crumbled on Tuesday.
MLS playoff picks: Will Messi, Son or a dark horse make a run to the title?
The MLS postseason starts on Wednesday night. We assess the contenders for the championship, and take a look back at the talking points from the regular season.
MLS playoffs 2025: Everything you need to know — from how it works to who could win it all
The MLS playoffs will begin Wednesday night with the Chicago Fire hosting Orlando City and Real Salt Lake visiting the Portland Timbers.
21st October 2025
Zohran Mamdani talks soccer: World Cup ticket prices and the Premier League title race
The newly elected New York City mayor campaigned extensively on soccer. Why?.
Messi earns historic Player of the Matchday honor for MLS Decision Day ????
Lionel Messi has been named MLS Player of the Matchday for the final weekend of the regular season after a dominant performance in Inter Miami’s 5–2 win over Nashville SC.The Argentine superstar r...
MLS contract decision tracker: Running updates on end-of-season roster moves
As MLS teams have their seasons end, they'll be revealing their player decisions for 2026. Keep track of them all right here.
20th October 2025
MLS 2025 Awards: Tom Bogert's vote for MVP, Best XI, more end-of-season honors
As the playoffs near, one MLS expert reveals his choices for end-of-season awards – with a plea for MLS to expand its Best XI offering.
MLS Cup 2025 playoffs: Matchups, full schedule, bracket set after Decision Day
The road to the 2025 MLS Cup final is set following the conclusion of Decision Day.
MLS Cup Playoffs — Schedule, dates as Lionel Messi, Inter Miami chase MLS Cup
The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are here, and Lionel Messi is red hot as Inter Miami enters the postseason in search of their first MLS Cup.
Lionel Messi cements MLS Golden Boot with hat trick for Inter Miami at Nashville SC (video)
Messi finished with 29 goals and 16 assists in MLS play and did it all in 2,420 minutes — that's a goal or assist about every 54 minutes.
Atlanta United fires head coach Ronny Deila after one win in 18
"Our standard of play was not met this season," Atlanta CEO and president Garth Lagerwey said in a release Sunday.
19th October 2025
With Son Heung-min on board, red-hot LAFC among the favorites to win MLS Cup title
LAFC is one of the hottest teams in MLS with their one-two punch of Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga. Will the duo carry them to an MLS Cup title?.
???? Another masterclass from Lionel Messi last night ????
Finishing in style, definition.On the night of Saturday to Sunday, over in the United States, the final day of the MLS regular season was played.Inter Miami traveled to Nashville SC’s pitch. The Her...
MLS Cup 2025 playoffs: Matchups, bracket set after Decision Day drama
The road to the 2025 MLS Cup final is set following the conclusion of Decision Day.
Messi wins 2025 MLS Golden Boot, ends regular season with superb hat trick
Lionel Messi led MLS in scoring and also tied for the league lead in assists in another MVP-caliber season.
???? Dreyer remains defiant amid MVP debate with brace vs Portland
If not for Lionel Messi's existence among the player ranks in MLS, there's a different diminutive forward that would be all but guaranteed to bank MVP honors in 2025. On a night when the Argentine sma...
Lionel Messi wraps up MLS Golden Boot, MVP race with hat trick during Inter Miami's win over Nashville
Lionel Messi locked up a second straight MLS MVP honor and his first Golden Boot after recording a hat trick during Inter Miami's 5-2 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday. It was Messi's 10th multi-goal game of the season.
???? Which was the best? Messi challenges CR7 with stunning goal
Cristiano Ronaldo drew attention with a screamer in his Al-Nassr’s win this Saturday (18) in the Saudi Pro League.And Lionel Messi, who took the field later, didn’t fall behind.Inter Miami’s No....
San Diego clinch the West, Messi banks Golden Boot, and more
Decision Day is upon us!Stick around all evening for all goals, updates, and key results ahead of the MLS Cup Playoffs.KEY FIXTURES AND RESULTS 2025-10-19T03:17:56ZSan Diego end the night atop the Wes...
18th October 2025
High Five — around the world in five games
The A-League gets under way, the J-League is picking up steam, it's 'Decision Day' in MLS and two crackers in Brazil and Greece.
Cristian Roldan and the making of Mauricio Pochettino's 'perfect player'
Cristian Roldan was hardly on the USMNT radar six weeks ago. Here's how he won over Mauricio Pochettino to get back in the World Cup frame.
17th October 2025
MLS Decision Day: Playoff scenarios, seeding possibilities and all eyes on Messi
Here's what's at stake as MLS's 2025 regular season comes to a close.
FA considering Miami for England pre-World Cup training camp
The FA is focusing on where to acclimatise the squad before the tournament and Miami, Florida, is a destination central to discussions.
With college soccer ‘at risk,’ U.S. Soccer pushes for overhaul – but not without resistance
Promotion and relegation could be part of radical plans to overhaul American college soccer.
16th October 2025
Mauricio Pochettino said weather, altitude could be factors in Christian Pulisic's injury. Is he right?
The USMNT head coach says there was a "risk" in his squad playing in sultry Austin and chilly Denver across four days.
15th October 2025
Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Guzan announces retirement
Guzan, 41, will call time on a 21-year professional career at the end of the 2025 MLS regular season.
14th October 2025
Tom Bogert: Why I returned to The Athletic
America's greatest soccer newsbreaker documents why he's back where he belongs — here.
???? The top 5️⃣ goals from the MLS weekend
Welcome back to another edition of our weekly review of the best goalscoring moments from the latest matchday in MLS.As Decision Day draws near, taking a bit of a reprieve from the pending drama set t...
12th October 2025
???? Lionel Messi’s brace makes MLS history
The flame of Lionel Messi refuses to extinguish and once again shone yesterday with a new performance in Major League Soccer. At 38 years old, the Argentine continues to be a player of infinite talent...
Messi makes most of 'bonus' show for Miami
Lionel Messi sat out Argentina's friendly Friday and scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-0 victory over Atlanta United.
Nets two more, Messi pulls ahead as MLS top scorer at 38, watch ????
Lionel Messi made the most of being released from Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela played on Friday (10).He scored twice in Inter Miami’s 4–0 win over Atlanta Utd this Saturday (11), in th...
???? Lionel Messi sets crazy MLS record after brace against Atlanta
Lionel Messi just simply doesn't slow down, and he continued his superb 2025 campaign by bagging goals 25 and 26 against Atlanta United Saturday evening. Those goals saw Messi move into first in the ...
???? Messi & Miami thrash Atlanta; Vancouver stun Orlando at the death
MLS is back with an abbreviated midweek matchday as the season winds down. A few of the league's top sides are in action this evening with playoff seeding well and truly on the line. Tonight's Key Fi...