Where does Lionel Messi's international retirement leave Argentina? And who wears the No 10?
A footballing nation with little humility, must accept that the “best player in the world” is no longer a part of their starting XI.
MLS
24th September 2026
The making of Cavan Sullivan: Soccer in diapers, an ‘F you’ mentality and a family obsession
Those closest to the precocious teenager tell tales about how he readied himself for a national — and possibly soon to be global — spotlight.
Musovski and Rusnák score against former team, and the Sounders beat RSL 2-0 for 1st win since May
SEATTLE (AP) — Danny Musovski scored in the 48th minute, Albert Rusnák added a goal against his former team, and the Seattle Sounders beat Real Salt Lake 2-0 on Wednesday night for their first victory since May 13. Seattle (8-9-8), which had played to a tie in its last five games, snapped a 13-game winless run.
Harry Kane thinking about two-sport experience of being an NFL placekicker while playing in MLS
Harry Kane has captained England at World Cups and European Championships, won league titles with Bayern Munich, as well as numerous individual awards. There's still much left for him to accomplish in soccer, but the star striker has eyes on a unique way to end his professional career.
Columbus Crew 2 fires head coach Federico Higuaín after incident with female referee
Federico Higuaín has been fired by the Columbus Crew after the club's MLS NEXT Pro coach was suspended following an August incident with a female referee.
23rd September 2026
Columbus Crew fires reserve coach Federico Higuaín after incident with female referee
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew fired reserve-team coach Federico Higuaín late Tuesday, following allegations of physical abuse and sexist conduct toward a female match official.
MLS coach sacked after sexist remark to female referee
Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew have sacked their reserve team coach after he refused to let go of a female referee's hand and said "don't forget this is a man's game". Federico Higuain, brother of former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, was sent off and given a two-match suspension for the incident during an MLS Next Pro league match.
NYCFC adds Matt Miazga with Thiago Martins contract talks underway
New York City FC made an addition to its backline on Tuesday, adding former MLS Defender of the Year Matt Miazga after he was waived by FC Cincinnati.
Higuain fired by Columbus Crew 2 after alleged incident with female ref
Federico Higuain is no longer the manager of Columbus Crew 2, the organization announced Tuesday, Sept. 22, two days after the Professional Soccer Referees Association published a complaint about how a post-match incident of abuse toward a female official was handled.
Columbus fires Crew 2 manager following incident with female referee
Federico Higuaín strongly shook the hand of a female referee and told her, “Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.”.
A fresh-faced USMNT regroups for first time since World Cup, eyeing long-term goals
The ball is rolling on a new World Cup cycle, where young World Cup standouts are now veterans and new prospects seek to leave an impression.
22nd September 2026
PSRA slams MLS NEXT Pro for shortened suspension of head coach who allegedly told female referee that soccer 'is a man's game'
The Professional Soccer Referees Association has come out strongly against MLS NEXT Pro after what it believes was a shortened suspension of a head coach after an incident with a female referee.
Ricardo Pepi out of USMNT roster with injury, replaced by Damion Downs
Pepi has scored three goals in eight appearances this term but was forced off against Twente on Sunday after only nine minutes.
21st September 2026
The Verdict: USMNT newcomers finish strong in MLS before heading to first camp
For the new kids on the USMNT block, their last MLS weekend before arriving for their first senior national team camp was a strong one.
Messi's 'last dance', Ronaldo returns and a political powderkeg: Why this international break is worth watching
A U.S wonderkid, Thomas Tuchel's bridge-building and Brazil in India are all fascinating storylines in the coming weeks.
Messi scores, but Dreyer double dampens Gonzalez's Inter Miami MLS debut
Goals from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez made it seem like the perfect start to life in MLS for new Inter Miami manager Kily Gonzalez, but he was forced to settle for a draw in his league debut.
Refs union slams MLS Next Pro's handling of coach's 'physical abuse and sexism'
The union for professional soccer referees in North America released a statement Sunday, Sept. 20 slamming MLS Next Pro, Major League Soccer's second division, for its handling of an investigation and discipline over an incident between a team's manager and a female referee.
20th September 2026
Alexey Miranchuk, Lucas Hoyos lead Atlanta United to 1-0 victory over Timbers
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Alexey Miranchuk scored in the first half and Lucas Hoyos made it stand up for Atlanta United in a 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Saturday night.
Caden Clark scores stoppage-time goal for Sounders in 3-3 tie with Rapids
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Caden Clark subbed on in the 83rd minute and scored in the third minute of stoppage time for the Seattle Sounders in a 3-3 tie with the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night.
Whitecaps win 3-0, extend Real Salt Lake's winless streak to 12 games
SANDY, Utah (AP) — Brian White and Thomas Müller each scored a goal, Yadaly Diaby had a goal and an assist, and the Vancouver Whitecaps beat Real Salt Lake 3-0 on Saturday night to extend the winless streak to 12 games.
Union rally from 3 goals down to beat Sporting KC 4-3 as unbeaten streak reaches 11
KANSAS CITY, Kan.
Gil, Miller cap 2-goal nights in stoppage time to rally Revolution to 4-2 victory over Orlando City
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Carles Gil and teenager Peyton Miller both scored during second-half stoppage time to cap two-goal efforts and the New England Revolution rallied to beat Orlando City 4-2 on Saturday night.
19th September 2026
Julian Hall delivers crucial goal in Red Bulls’ win over NYCFC to continue his huge week
“We’re building a lot of momentum and we’re going to keep working hard and training to build off of this performance,” Hall said.
18th September 2026
NYCFC set to sign American defender Matt Miazga after Cincinnati departure
The former MLS Defender of the Year was waived by his former club earlier this month.
FC Cincinnati set to sign Tyrell Malacia on free transfer following Manchester United exit
The 27-year-old was a free agent after leaving Old Trafford this summer and has been training with the MLS side.
Pochettino's messaging indicates coach is mindful of defying USMNT's second-cycle trap
It's hard to argue with the U.S. coach's logic and selections as he begins the road toward another World Cup.
Nicolas Fernandez Mercau shuts down exit talk after choosing to stay with NYCFC
“My focus was always to be here in New York. Obviously, that’s soccer, you’re always gonna get transfer rumors and clubs that want you,” he said. “I put that all to the side and have always been focused here.
Pochettino, MLS show parents how to take long view with youth athletes
About a year and a half ago, MLS NEXT announced it would use Quality of Play rankings for its U13 and U14 age groups. The idea behind this method of evaluation aligns with what most parents, at least in theory, want to emphasize to their kids as they play youth sports.
Video shows Messi pointing his finger at MLS commissioner Don Garber during postgame exchange
MIAMI (AP) — Lionel Messi pointed his finger at MLS commissioner Don Garber on multiple occasions while speaking with him after Inter Miami’s game with Cruz Azul on Wednesday. Postgame video showed Messi pointing at Garber and speaking to him before walking away.
He called Cavan Sullivan to the USMNT. Now Mauricio Pochettino must manage the hype
The 16-year-old is taking MLS by storm, and with that comes the familiar cycle of grand declarations and increased attention.
Watch Lionel Messi appear to have heated moment with MLS commissioner
Lionel Messi appeared to have a heated moment with MLS boss Don Garber on Wednesday, wagging his finger in the commissioner's face after Inter Miami's win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final.
USMNT's first post-World Cup squad: Sullivan leads new guard; Pulisic, Balogun omitted
Nearly half of the players on Mauricio Pochettino's squad for matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada are uncapped.
17th September 2026
Five rising stars to watch ahead of USMNT’s roster reveal
Neil Pierre, Philadelphia Union, 18The 6-foot-5 teen looms large on the Union defense and has proven what a lockdown defender he can be since returning from a loan with a Danish club in July, along with being incredibly valuable on set pieces and scoring four goals.
Messi scores 100th Inter Miami goal to beat Cruz Azul 2-0 in Campeones Cup
Messi scores 100th Inter Miami goal to beat Cruz Azul 2-0 in Campeones Cup originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia Lionel Messi scored the 100th goal of his Inter Miami career and Casemiro added another as Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 on Wednesday night to win the Campeones Cup.
Messi leads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup win in first game under new manager
It was Messi's 100th goal in his 115th game for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi scores 100th goal for Inter Miami during Campeones Cup win
You don't have to use your head too hard to know that Lionel Messi is one of the greatest of all time. But in case you needed one more reason, the Argentinian superstar used his own head to notch another career accomplishment.
Rising star Cavan Sullivan, 16, becomes youngest USMNT call-up since Freddy Adu
The Philadelphia Union youngster will have a chance to showcase his talents at his first national team camp.
Lamar Hunt US Open Cup: Where to watch, semifinal match schedule
The 111th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is finally back in action with its semifinal matches on Wednesday, Sept. 16. It has been five months since the competition played its quarterfinal matches.
Former Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia training with FC Cincinnati
Malacia is a free agent after leaving United at the end of his contract in June.
How an American-style challenge system could be the antidote for soccer's VAR controversy
In the quest to correct what's "clear and obvious," VAR is often the subject of post-match debate. A tweak to the system would do wonders.
16th September 2026
Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna says he will miss rest of MLS season with meniscus tear
The 23-year-old confirmed the injury in an emotional Instagram post, saying "I haven’t been the Diego Luna that many of you know.".
Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna to miss rest of MLS season with torn meniscus
The season is over for Diego Luna, much earlier than the Real Salt Lake star had hoped.The 23-year-old will undergo a procedure to repair a torn meniscus in his knee and will miss the rest of the season, he announced in an Instagram post.
Lionel Messi to play final Argentina game vs. Benin in October: 'It will be his last dance'
The AFA said in a statement that all of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup will be invited to the game with their families.
Pro sports leagues, players' unions ask regulators to ban bettors who harass athletes
The NFL, MLB, MLS, NBA, NHL and their players’ unions asked for regulations banning bettors who harass and threaten athletes and staff.
15th September 2026
The USMNT's great reset: Breaking down the 2030 World Cup cycle player pool
The start of a new World Cup cycle is here, and for the first time in a while, there's potential for significant change among the U.S. ranks.
How Promise David emerged from Maltese shadows into the Premier League
Promise David had a five-year plan. He would score bags of goals, earn a transfer to a top European league and play for Canada at the 2026 World Cup. There was just one problem: apart from his parents, teammates and coaches, no one in soccer seemed to know his name.
14th September 2026
The Verdict: As viral moments continue, MLS needs to embrace its attention-grabbing quirks
In the ongoing battle for a slice of America’s crowded sports marketplace, MLS has plenty in its arsenal to carve out a dedicated place.
Teen star Cavan Sullivan stays hot with two goals, turns on style as USMNT call beckons
Sullivan has five goals and seven assists in his last seven MLS games, timed to perfection with the next USMNT window.
Cavan Sullivan records his first 2-goal game in MLS and the Union cruise past San Diego 5-0
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Cavan Sullivan recorded his first two-goal game in Major League Soccer, and he assisted on another goal to help the Philadelphia Union cruise to a 5-0 victory over San Diego on Sunday night.
Christian Ramírez scores a goal in each half to give Austin a 2-1 victory over the Whitecaps
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Christian Ramírez scored a goal in each half to give Austin FC a 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday. Austin (7-10-8) remains one point below the playoff bar. Vancouver (14-6-4) sits atop the Western Conference standings with 46 points.
Dor Turgeman's first-half goal and second-half assist lead the Revolution past the Fire 2-1
CHICAGO (AP) — Dor Turgeman had a first-half goal and a second-half assist, Peyton Miller scored in his 50th MLS start, and the New England Revolution beat the Chicago Fire 2-1 on Sunday.
13th September 2026
Galaxy's playoff outlook suffers setback in draw with Seattle
The Galaxy have been hanging on the edge of the MLS playoff chase for most of the summer, losing as often as they’ve won the past four weeks.
Munie scores a goal, Gunn has 4 saves, Earthquakes beat Dynamo 1-0
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Daniel Munie scored a goal, Angus Gunn had four saves, and the San Jose Earthquakes beat the Houston Dynamo 1-0 on Saturday night for their second consecutive win.
Messi scores 99th club goal for Inter Miami, but Nashville seizes late draw
Lionel Messi scored his 17th goal in 14 games against Nashville, but the visitors left the physical match with their heads high.
Farrington and Valiente score goals, Dallas beats Timbers 2-1 for 3rd straight win
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Logan Farrington and Joaquín Valiente each scored a goal Saturday night to help FC Dallas beat the Portland Timbers 2-1 for their third win in a row.
André Luiz, Taylor Calheira help Sporting KC stun LAFC 3-1 to end long winless streak
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — André Luiz and Taylor Calheira scored first-half goals and Sporting Kansas City shocked Los Angeles FC with a 3-1 victory on Saturday night that ended a seven-match winless streak.
Antoine Griezmann, rookie Harvey Sarajian power Orlando City to 3-0 victory over Toronto
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Antoine Griezmann scored for the eighth time in 10 matches, and rookie Harvey Sarajian notched his first goal and assist to spark Orlando City to a 3-0 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday night.
???? Griezmann scores superb goal as he continues to rip MLS up
Antoine Griezmann has hit the ground running with Orlando City, and it comes as no surprise. The Frenchman joined the MLS outfit in the summer after an illustrious career in Europe, and he has started in fine form.
12th September 2026
James Rodriguez joins Atletico Nacional, the 14th club of his senior career
The Colombia captain made 125 appearances for Real Madrid and won the Champions League twice with the Spanish club earlier in his career.
Reiten and Shaw goals lead Gotham over Racing Louisville 2-1
Guro Reiten scored her first NWSL goal and Jaedyn Shaw added a goal and assist for Gotham FC in a 2-1 victory over Racing Louisville on Friday night.
11th September 2026
A quarter century after 9/11, we've gone from 'Never Forget' to 'Never Let Them Forget'
For 25 years, we asked athletes where they were. Soon there won’t be anyone left on the field worth asking.
One thing former pro athletes wish kids knew about the mental side of sports
We asked five former pros-turned-youth-coaches the one thing they wish kids knew. They all said the same word.
Outgoing MLS commissioner Don Garber takes on new role with U.S. Soccer
U.S. Soccer has announced that Don Garber will serve as the chair of the federation's Soccer Forward initiative. Garber has served as MLS commissioner since 1999, but will be replaced by Larry Berg starting on Jan.
10th September 2026
Ryan Gauld scores 50th career goal with Vancouver and the Whitecaps beat the Galaxy 3-0
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Ryan Gauld scored his 50th career goal with Vancouver and Yohei Takaoka recorded his 11th clean sheet of the season to help the Whitecaps beat the LA Galaxy 3-0 on Wednesday night.
Niko Tsakiris has goal, 2 assists to lead Earthquakes to 3-2 victory over San Diego
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Niko Tsakiris had a goal and two assists by halftime to spark the San Jose Earthquakes to a 3-2 victory over San Diego FC on Wednesday night, ending an eight-match winless streak.
Let Lionel Messi back into a game and he'll make you pay
CHICAGO — Lionel Messi is inevitable. Take your foot off the gas, give him any opening, and he will make you pay. He has been doing it for two decades now, so it’s not as if it’s a surprise.
St. Louis City ties Timbers 2-2 to extend unbeaten streak to 15
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — St. Louis City got two goals from newcomer Rafael Navarro, but Kristoffer Velde scored his second goal late in the second half on his 27th birthday to help the Portland Timbers earn a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night.
Mateusz Bogusz scores game-winner in the 87th minute as the Dynamo beat Real Salt Lake 2-1
HOUSTON (AP) — Guilherme opened the scoring in the 57th minute and Mateusz Bogusz scored a game-winning goal in the 87th to give the Houston Dynamo a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night.
Damiani has 3 goals, Sullivan has 3 assists, Union beat Cincinnati 5-0 to extend unbeaten streak
CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — Bruno Damiani secured his first hat trick in MLS, Cavan Sullivan extended his goal-contribution streak to six games, and the Philadelphia Union beat 10-man FC Cincinnati 5-0 on Wednesday night to remain unbeaten since the World Cup break.
Dániel Gazdag scores in stoppage time to rally Revolution to 2-1 victory over NYCFC
NEW YORK (AP) — Dániel Gazdag scored in the third minute of second-half stoppage time to rally the New England Revolution to a 2-1 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night at Citi Field.
Griezmann scores 2 goals, Orlando City beats Atlanta United 3-2
ATLANTA (AP) — Antoine Griezmann scored two goals, his fourth consecutive game with a goal, to help Orlando City beat Atlanta United 3-2 on Wednesday night.
Tai Baribo scores twice in first half as D.C. United tops Crew 2-1 to end winless streak
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tai Baribo scored a pair of first-half goals and D.C. United held on to beat the Columbus Crew 2-1 on Wednesday night to end a five-match winless streak.
MLS sets transfer records for incoming and outgoing players
Major League Soccer set records for both incoming and outgoing players on the international transfer market this year, the league announced Wednesday.
9th September 2026
Lionel Messi reaches agreement in principle to purchase Spanish second-tier club Eldense
The deal would pit Messi against old rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who bought a stake in fellow second-division team Almeria in February.
MLS Predictions: Moneyline Picks for Every Matchday 24 Game
Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here. The MLS schedule provides us with our final midweek matchday until mid-October with Matchday 24 action this Wednesday.
MLS’s transfer window and the spending line that keeps going up
With the shadow of the 2026 World Cup hanging over the league and a potential set of rule changes looming, Major League Soccer’s summer transfer window was one defined by uncertainty, diverse strategies and record spending.
8th September 2026
From benchwarmers to saviors: New additions look to revive Galaxy's playoff hopes
In 2024, Vanney led the Galaxy to 24 wins, including playoffs, and an MLS Cup. His team has won just 14 MLS games — and lost 27 — since. It’s one of the most epic collapses for a league champion in MLS history.
Man City-bound 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan is MLS’s chaotic revelation
There’s a video from a United States U-15 camp three years ago that will make your head spin. It’s a routine training session for the boys on the pitch except one, a head shorter and a year or two younger than the others, who’s practicing with the national team for the first time.
NYCFC coach Pascal Jansen will miss team’s next match to tend to ‘personal matters’
New York City FC faces Real Salt Lake on Saturday in Salt Lake City. Assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy will serve as the acting head coach while Jansen is away from the team, and it will mark the second time during Jansen’s two-year tenure as head coach that Ballouchy has filled in for him.
Pochettino warns against 'arrogance' for young USMNT prospects breaking through
The up-and-coming teen talents in the USMNT pipeline have been directed to take a more humble approach by the U.S. coach.
7th September 2026
The Verdict: Cavan Sullivan and MLS youngsters on USMNT radar; summer signings' impact
As Mauricio Pochettino ponders his first post-World Cup U.S. squad, a number of teens in MLS are making their case for inclusion.
6th September 2026
Vincent Janssen scores first 3 MLS goals in Timbers' wild 5-4 victory over Minnesota United
PORTLAND, Ore.. (AP) — Vincent Janssen scored early in the second half to finish off a hat trick in his first start and fourth MLS appearance, helping the Portland Timbers outlast Minnesota United 5-4 on Saturday night.
Reus, Taylor, Marcinkowski guide Galaxy to 2-1 victory over Revolution
CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Marco Reus and Robert Taylor scored first-half goals to back JT Marcinkowski and the Los Angeles Galaxy beat the New England Revolution 2-1 on Saturday night. Reus staked the Galaxy (7-9-8) to a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute on a penalty kick.
New-look Galaxy topple Revolution to revive their MLS playoff push
The Galaxy entered September in their deepest slump of the season, one that left them closer to last place in the MLS standings than they were to first. So on Saturday they startedfour players who weren’t on the roster two months ago — including one who wasn’t even in the country last month.
Petar Musa converts late PK for MLS-leading 18th goal and FC Dallas beats Sporting KC 4-3
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Petar Musa converted a penalty kick in second-half stoppage time for his MLS-leading 18th goal of the season, and FC Dallas beat Sporting Kansas City 4-3 on Saturday night.
Messi logs 2 assists for Inter Miami in first match since retiring from international soccer
MIAMI (AP) — Lionel Messi may have retired from international soccer, but he's certainly not done making an impact on the pitch.
Welcome to Philly! Cavan Sullivan hits LeBron James chalk celebration after goal
Cavan Sullivan is on fire, and his latest goal came with a celebration that helped welcome Philadelphia's newest superstar. Sullivan scored in the second half of a 2-0 win against CF Montreal on Saturday, Sept.
Gonzalo Tapia's goal and assist in the 2nd half helps the Crew beat the Rapids 3-0
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Santiago Rodríguez scored in the first half, Gonzalo Tapia had a goal and an assist after the break, and the Columbus Crew beat the Colorado Rapids 3-0 on Saturday night.
Griezmann shows no signs of slowing down in MLS as streak continues ????
Antoine Griezmann has settled in very nicely at Orlando City. After scoring on his debut, the French World Cup winner went on a brief hiatus before recently finding his touch again while wearing purple.
Record sales, signings in record time: Inside Colorado's rapid summer makeover
Colorado used the summer MLS transfer window to completely transform its squad, rolling the dice on a midseason reboot.
5th September 2026
Jose Mourinho takes dig at MLS discussing Messi's Argentina retirement
Lionel Messi's impending retirement might force Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho to do something he doesn't particularly enjoy: watch MLS. Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, Aug.
4th September 2026
MLS Predictions: Moneyline Picks for Every Matchday 23 Game
Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here. Last week's MLS slate featured six matches that ended level after 90 minutes. We correctly tabbed three of those en route to an extremely profitable Matchday 22, where we picked eight of the 15 results.
After Lionel Messi's Argentina retirement, what does his future in MLS, Miami look like?
The inevitability of the end feels more real, but an Inter Miami ownership stake means Lionel Messi will maintain a presence in MLS.
Burnley's Foster joins MLS side Houston on loan
Burnley forward Lyle Foster has joined MLS side Houston Dynamo on a loan deal until June 2027. The 26-year-old joined the Clarets from Belgian side KVC Westerlo in 2023 and went on to win promotion back to the Premier League with the club two years later.
3rd September 2026
Canada's Luc de Fougerolles set for Real Salt Lake loan move from Fulham
The 20-year-old will move on a loan agreement until January, with an option to extend the arrangement through to May.
Balogun's failed Everton move, MLS teams return to US Open Cup & Champions League draw reaction
Subscribe to The CooligansApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeChristian & Alexis dig into the chaos of the European transfer window and try to make sense of why Folarin Balogun's move to Everton collapsed at the last minute.
Chicago Fire to sign Noah Allen on loan from Inter Miami: Sources
The Fire continue remaking their squad, while Inter Miami parts ways with a homegrown product.
Red Bulls add David Ruiz in last-second addition before end of transfer window
The lack of movement has frustrated some of the club’s most fervent supporters, which led to members of the supporters section chanting “Spend Some Money” during last weekend’s loss to the Philadelphia Union.
New England Revolution in advanced talks over loan for Benfica's Josh Wynder
The Revs are working to get the deal over the line before Wednesday night’s MLS transfer deadline.
Folarin Balogun could yet move clubs after failed Everton deal, says Monaco CEO
Everton's move for Balogun broke down on the Premier League's transfer deadline day, leaving the USA international striker back at Monaco.