Sullivan was 14 years old when he signed the most expensive homegrown deal in MLS history, with a clause that will see him join Manchester City after turning 18. Two months later, he became the youngest player to appear in a league match for a major professional sports league in the United States and Canada.

This season, Sullivan has made the leap from promising youngster to bona fide first-team star, proving himself capable of making a difference in MLS. Having failed to score or assist in his first 19 appearances for the Philadelphia Union, Sullivan kicked off 2026 by registering his first senior assist against Trinidad and Tobago's Defence Force in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

He did one better in the return leg, scoring his first two senior goals and adding two assists in a 7–0 demolition as Philadelphia advanced to the Round of 16 with a 12–0 aggregate victory. Sullivan would then grab his first MLS assist on Apr. 4 at Charlotte before scoring his first MLS goal on May 13 in Orlando. Little did he know, he was paving the way for an MVP-worthy breakout campaign.

• Where Does Christian Pulisic Fit Into New Look USMNT?

Taking His Game to the Next Level

Cavan Sullivan puts @PhilaUnion ahead as they look for a win today to avoid the Wild Card Round. 👀

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/QRhwyq7fuJ pic.twitter.com/49dlihKwu3

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 7, 2026

Since the start of August, Sullivan has taken his game up another level and has racked up eight goals and 10 assists in 14 MLS appearances, as well as a goal and an assist against Necaxa in the Leagues Cup. Sullivan has emerged as the lifeblood of a Philadelphia Union side that has completed one of the most improbable turnarounds in recent MLS history—they will now face New England Revolution in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Sullivan ranks first in the Union’s squad for assists (14), goal contributions (23), successful dribbles per 90 (2.6) and confirmed his status among the best players in MLS. For a team that had gone from lifting their first Supporters’ Shield to leading the Wooden Spoon race in the span of a few months, his ascent could not have come at a better time.

The Union found themselves at the bottom of the league going into the World Cup break, but they bounced back in meteoric fashion thanks to Sullivan’s superb displays, finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference. In doing so, they became the first team in MLS history to reach the playoffs after earning seven or fewer points from their first 15 matches, shattering Seattle Sounders' previous record of 12 points in 2018.

Sullivan’s meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed by USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino, who handed him his international debut during the September/October window. After starting against Peru and coming off the bench against Chile, Sullivan etched his name into the history books against Mexico, becoming the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history with a long-range thunderbolt that doubled the Americans’ lead over their bitter rivals in Texas.

• 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs: Bracket, Schedule, Key Matches and Route to Glory

The teenager has retained his place in the squad for this month’s Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti, and while Pochettino looks set to depart for Manchester United, his successor will surely be eager to build around one of American soccer’s brightest young talents.

Sullivan’s importance has become so pronounced that his absence is often felt just as keenly as his presence. With the teenager sidelined by an ankle injury, the Union suffered a 2–1 defeat at New England Revolution, their first MLS loss in five months, before drawing at Nashville and falling to Cincinnati.

However, Sullivan returned to the starting XI with a vengeance on Decision Day, scoring twice as the Union thrashed Toronto FC 4–1 to clinch an automatic playoff berth. He opened the scoring before doubling Philadelphia’s advantage after halftime, providing a timely reminder of just how indispensable he has become.

He only just turned 17 two months ago, but Sullivan has confirmed his status as one of the best players in North America, and it’s no surprise that he’s been included amongst the finalists for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP. Other candidates include Evander (FC Cincinnati), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo FC), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF), who is eyeing a three-peat of the MLS MVP award.

2026 MLS Year-End Award Shortlists

Landon Donovan MLS MVP

• Evander (FC Cincinnati)
• Guilherme (Houston Dynamo FC)
• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
• Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)
• Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)

Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year

• B. J. Callaghan (Nashville SC)
• Yoann Damet (St. Louis CITY SC)
• Jesper Sørensen (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)

MLS Humanitarian of the Year

• Paul Arriola (Seattle Sounders FC)
• Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution)
• Telasco Segovia (Inter Miami CF)
• Mason Stajduhar (Real Salt Lake)
• Brad Stuver (Austin FC)

MLS Comeback Player of the Year

• Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
• Nick Hagglund (FC Cincinnati)
• Eduard Löwen (San

MLS Defender of the Year

• Andy Najar (Nashville SC)
• Jeisson Palacios (Nashville SC)
• Maxwell Woledzi (Nashville SC)

MLS Goalkeeper of the Year

• Roman Bürki (St. Louis CITY SC)
• Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
• Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

MLS Newcomer of the Year

• Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City SC)
• Guilherme (Houston Dynamo FC)
• André Luiz (Sporting Kansas City)

MLS Young Player of the Year

• Julian Hall (Red Bull New York)
• Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York)
• Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cavan Sullivan Standing in Lionel Messi’s Way of MLS MVP History.

After a chaotic regular season, only 18 teams remain in the hunt for the 2026 MLS Cup. The top nine clubs in the Eastern and Western Conferences all secured their place in the playoffs, where the league’s biggest stars will hope to show out for their teams.

After two elimination wild card matches, the official bracket will be set, outlining the path to this year’s MLS Cup final. Defending champions Inter Miami were the favorites to retain their crown before the season kicked off, but fierce competitors have emerged, headlined by B. J. Callaghan’s sensational Nashville SC side.

Suddenly, the Herons are no longer a lock to go back-to-back, despite Lionel Messi still firing on all cylinders. Even the Opta supercomputer doesn’t have much faith in Inter Miami to repeat last season’s success.

Supercomputer Predicts 2026 MLS Cup Winner

Opta backs Supporters’ Shield winners Nashville SC to win the 2026 MLS Cup. The Boys in Gold put together the best regular season in league history, amassing 77 points and only suffering three defeats in 34 games.

Nashville are given a staggering 22.16% chance of lifting their first MLS Cup come December. They kick off their postseason run against the Eastern Conference wild card winners: Orlando City or FC Cincinnati.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are not far behind. Thomas Müller and Co. have a 21% chance of avenging last season’s runners-up finish. The Canadian outfit comfortably finished the regular season atop the Western Conference standings, and gets to play Round One against the Western Conference wild card winners: Seattle Sounders or Real Salt Lake.

The Whitecaps also have an easier run—on paper, at least—to the MLS Cup final compared to any Eastern Conference team. The likes of Nashville, Inter Miami, New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union are all on the other side of the bracket.

The biggest threat to Vancouver’s place in the MLS Cup final is FC Dallas. The supercomputer gives the Western Conference side a 10.42% chance of stealing Inter Miami’s crown.

Dallas are the only other contenders with double-digit odds to claim MLS glory in December, and Petar Musa is a large reason. The Croatian finished second in the Golden Boot standings, with 22 goals in 30 league appearances.

The supercomputer rates Dallas higher than defending champions Inter Miami, despite the Herons finishing the regular season with two more points from the harder division. Then, there’s the Messi factor.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner already picked up his second MLS Golden Boot and is a frontrunner to win a record-third MLS MVP award. There is no player more dangerous under the brightest lights than Messi, yet Opta only gives Kily González’s men an 8.24% chance of successfully defending their title.

It’s true that history is not on Inter Miami’s side; only three teams in history have won back-to-back MLS Cups, with the LA Galaxy’s 2011 and 2012 triumphs the last time a team defended its MLS crown.

But counting out Messi is never a wise decision, even when his team looks undeserving of silverware—just look at what he did with the Herons last season and Argentina over the summer. At age 39, he is still the ultimate equalizer and will be back in action in Round One against the Columbus Crew.

Rounding out the supercomputer’s top five are St. Louis CITY, who kick off their postseason berth against the formidable LAFC. The Missouri-based side comes in with a 6.12% chance of climbing the mountaintop.

St. Louis already lifted silverware this season, besting the Crew in a penalty shootout to claim the U.S. Open Cup, but the MLS Cup remains the ultimate goal, especially for a team that only officially joined the league in 2023.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Supercomputer Ignores Lionel Messi Factor to Predict 2026 MLS Cup Winner.

The eight-year-old scored a brace as Miami’s U–10 side won the Legends Cup with a 10–3 victory over Athletum FC. The team, which also has Luis Suárez’s son Lauti in their ranks, went undefeated on the road to the title, winning their four games with an aggregate score of 26–5.

But it was Ciro’s performance in the final that stole headlines, especially for scoring a goal that resembled the countless goals his father has buried throughout his career.

¡Doblete de Ciro! ⚡️⚡️

💪 Nuestro equipo U10, más cerca del título de Legends Cup. pic.twitter.com/BR6QKYaqI9

— Inter Miami CF Academy (@InterMiamiAcad) November 8, 2026

The youngest of the Messi clan received the ball on the edge of the box surrounded by two defenders, but a lightning fast cut-back inside gave him just enough time and space to curl a left-footed strike into the far corner.

“None of them came out lefty. Ciro is also right footed,” Messi said about his three sons back in 2019. The fact that Ciro’s strike was buried with his weaker foot makes the action even more impressive.

It’s the third trophy Ciro lifts for Miami’s youth teams this year after winning the Adidas Champions Cup and the Dreams Cup back in the spring with the Herons’s U–8 side. He was named tournament MVP of the latter.

But Ciro wasn’t the only member of the Messi family to win the Legends Cup. Messi’s middle-child, Mateo, won the tournament with the Miami’s U–12 team, also bagging a goal in the final.

Thiago, Mateo, Ciro: Messi’s Three Sons Chasing Professional Dream

All three of Messi’s sons, Thiago (14), Mateo (11) and Ciro (8), are following in their father’s footsteps and play in Miami’s academy. The trio has all lifted multiple titles in recent years.

Over the summer, Messi turned down any possibility of his oldest son Thiago—who also played at Barcelona and PSG during his younger years—moving to Barcelona’s La Masia. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted the now 14-year-old would continue developing at Miami. The speculation mostly came from Thiago reaching the age Messi was (13) when he left Argentina to join Barcelona’s academy.

Nevertheless, with all three boys playing and making a difference, the family’s next generation is paving the way for Messi’s legacy to be continued. But according to Messi, his three sons are very different players.

“Thiago is more of a thinker,” Messi revealed. “More of an organizer, more of a midfielder. Yes, [Mateo] is more of a striker; he likes to score and be near the goal. He’s got a high intelligence of the game. Ciro is more explosive, more of a dribbler that likes taking on his man one-on-one. He likes to make his own play.”

In the past Messi expressed his regret at not prioritizing his education, particularly never learning English, and revealed he doesn’t want his sons to make the same mistakes. But the trio of Messi boys, at least for now, seem motivated to try and one day reach the professional level.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Upstaged by Masterful Performance From Eight-Year-Old Son.

With a full season under his belt, Messi then spearheaded Miami’s 2024 squad to the greatest regular season record in MLS history at the time (74 total points) and its maiden Supporters’ Shield, ultimately earning him the MLS MVP award.

Even in the twilight of his career, Messi has continued to deliver big for the Herons. He won the 2025 MLS MVP, becoming just the second player in league history to win the individual honor twice, after Preki who won it in 1997 and 2003. Messi then guided the Herons past Nashville, Cincinnati, NYCFC and Vancouver to secure the club’s first-ever MLS Cup.

2026 has been a tumultuous year for Miami after losing club icons Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in the offseason, followed by the early-season departure of manager Javier Mascherano. But largely thanks to Messi, Miami have managed to stay the course and finish with the third-best record in MLS for the second straight season, locking down second in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville.

Messi can make history by becoming the only player to win three Landon Donovan MLS MVP awards, but does he deserve to three-peat? Let's take a look.

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Messi Is the 2026 MLS MVP

Who's the most valuable player in the league? 🤔@SachaKljestan shares his final MVP Power Rankings before Decision Day on Saturday. 📈

✍️: https://t.co/9DHWM7tqOq pic.twitter.com/KganQ2SKCc

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 4, 2026

Miami finished the regular season four points behind Vancouver as well as 17 points behind Nashville, who usurped their record for the highest points-tally (77) in an MLS regular season. Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge have both launched strong MVP campaigns for Nashville, as has Brian White for Vancouver. Other players like Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England), and Denis Bouanga (LAFC) have also delivered solid individual campaigns.

Unfortunately for them, they are mere mortals competing against “an alien”. For the past two decades, Messi has operated on another wavelength, unleashing passes that other players cannot even fathom, manufacturing shots that defy geometry and extracting the best version of his teammates. He has been the best player in MLS by a significant margin ever since landing in the 305, and that reality doesn’t show signs of changing anytime soon.

After becoming the first player to win back-to-back MLS MVPs, Messi became the first player to retain his top scorer title, joining Taylor Twellman, Preki, Jeff Cunningham, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Chris Wondolowski as the only players with two MLS Golden Boots. He scored 26 goals this season— four more than second-placed Musa—while his 17 assists were bettered only by Charlotte's Pep Biel (18). That makes 43 goal contributions, 12 more than any other player.

Even at 39 years of age, Messi has continued to make his mark and define games both as a creator as well as a finisher. He registered 183 shots—61 more than any other player, of which 76 on target (24 more than anyone else). He also led MLS players in expected assists (12.7) as well as expected goal contributions per 90 minutes (1.13), while only Evander (27) created more big chances than him (25).

Messi has been the north star for a Miami team bereft of direction and stability this season. Even during the disastrous interim tenure of Guillermo Hoyos, he kept Miami fighting at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings and competing against the best teams in MLS. And even when he had a reason to, he never once allowed his game to drop.

Midway through the season, Messi competed in his sixth FIFA World Cup, where he reminded billions of viewers across the world why he is still one of the best players on the planet. He dragged Argentina to the final, where they came within inches of winning a record-fourth straight major trophy, only to lose to Spain in extra time.

He won the World Cup Silver Ball, although he really should have picked up his third Golden Ball. He was the best player in the tournament, even if he wasn't on the best team. No player created more chances (25), big chances (eight) or expected assists (4.2) than Messi, while only Kylian Mbappé had more expected goals (6.9 vs. 5.3), goals (10 vs. eight) and goal contributions (14 vs. 12).

Messi went toe-to-toe with Mbappé in a thrilling race for both the Golden Boot and the all-time World Cup scoring record, surpassing Miroslav Klose's historic tally (16) before eventually being overtaken by Mbappé (22 vs. 21), in addition to finishing as the all-time assist provider in the World Cup (12). The Argentine delivered a tournament for the ages, reaching heights that no MLS player had previously scaled on the World Cup stage.

After stretching his body and mind to the limit on the world’s biggest stage, it would have been easy for Messi to take some time off and recuperate. Instead, he returned two weeks later, coming off the bench against Columbus Crew before bagging a brace and an assist in a Leagues Cup match vs. Atletico San Luis.

Messi Transforms Heartbreak Into Heroics

Three weeks after the World Cup final, Messi’s father, Jorge, aged 68, died from an illness that had lasted several months. Nevertheless, Messi put on a strong face and continued to deliver his brilliant best for club and country.

Messi traveled from Miami to Rosario to grieve alongside his family, but missed just one match before returning to action against León. Even after losing one of the most important figures in his life, Messi's performances on the pitch have remained as extraordinary as ever, scoring 15 goals and seven assists in his last 17 appearances.

He ensured Miami don’t end the 2026 season trophy-less, notching a goal and an assist in a 2–0 win against Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup. And after bidding farewell to his legendary 21-year Argentina career, he has continued to make his presence felt for Miami. Messi returned from his final international break with a brace against D.C. United, before bagging an assist against New York City FC and a brace in Atlanta United.

Just when it seemed that Miami might be in danger of slipping down the table after the recent loss to Red Bull New York and a draw to FC Cincinnati, Messi steadied the ship as a true captain should. He set up Germán Berterame’s equalizer before completing the comeback win in New England, as Miami surpassed the Revolution in second place.

Even when he isn’t finding the back of the net, he’s still at the heart of every action, like against Charlotte FC on Decision Day last weekend, when he created the joint-most chances (three) and took the most shots (four). Ultimately, however, Miami’s leaky backline would see them concede three straight goals and draw 3–3, but the Herons nevertheless prevailed with second place in the East.

Leo Messi has been named to the 2026 @FIFPRO World 11. It's his record 18th selection. 👏 pic.twitter.com/fAf4MAz9pI

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 9, 2026

If there’s one reason why Miami haven’t been able to challenge for the Supporters’ Shield, it’s their backline. They’ve conceded 59 goals, 34 more than Nashville and 25 more than Vancouver, and more than any other team in MLS’s top 13 teams. And yet, they’ve finished third-best in the league, thanks to their league-best attack of 80 goals.

While Messi hasn’t been on the best team of the regular season, he has certainly been the best player. He’s allowed his team to go toe-to-toe with the best team in MLS, having subdued Nashville SC to a draw in three of their four meetings this year.

Miami will once again be counting on Messi’s individual brilliance as they look to become the first team in 14 years to successfully defend the MLS Cup. But before they can start popping champagne bottles and basking in confetti showers, they’ll have to overcome arguably the most in-form team in MLS right now: Columbus Crew.

Fortunately for the Herons, Messi has made a habit of tormenting Columbus, racking up five goals and an assist in his last four starts against the Ohio outfit. Now, the Argentine will be looking to turn back the clock once more and remind everyone why he remains the undisputed best player in North America, and arguably the best in the world.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Does Lionel Messi Deserve to Win a Historic Third Consecutive MLS MVP Award?.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner got a fairytale ending to his legendary career with Argentina back on Oct. 6. Messi donned La Albiceleste’s No. 10 for the final time in a farewell match against Benin that ended in a 3–0 win for the hosts.

Speeches, tears and an explosion of love from the home crowd followed. Messi, who tallied a goal and two assists on the night, said one final goodbye to Argentina after 208 appearances and 21 years representing his country.

But in just a few months, he could be back on the same stage, wearing a pink shirt this time around. Reports recently surfaced of a potential friendly between Inter Miami and River Plate, and now Herons boss Kily González asserted the match is “almost confirmed.”

It would bring Messi back to the iconic Monumental to play on home soil, in front of fans who likely thought they would never see him play in Argentina again.

Potential Friendly Could Be a Career-First for Messi

Should Inter Miami indeed take on River Plate ahead of the 2027 MLS Sprint season, Messi will have another milestone ticked off his résumé. The Argentine has never played a senior club game in his native country.

Messi was just 13 years old when he left Argentina behind to join La Masia, Barcelona’s youth academy. In the nearly four decades that followed, the forward represented the Catalans, Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami.

There was never a chance for Messi to play a club game on home soil; in fact, he only ever faced off with two Argentinian sides—Estudiantes de La Plata and River Plate—in competitive games, and the matchups came in the 2009 and 2015 FIFA Club World Cup finals while Messi was still at Barcelona.

The all-time great also played against Boca Juniors in a preseason friendly with the Catalans, and then he took on boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys in a preseason friendly while at Inter Miami.

None of the four matches unfolded in Argentina, which makes the premise of playing River Plate at the Monumental all the more special.

Messi’s Focus Remains on 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs

Before Messi can start dreaming of a return to Argentina, he first must keep focus on helping Inter Miami successfully defend their MLS Cup. The Herons finished the regular season second in the Eastern Conference standings, which pits them against seventh-place Columbus Crew in Round One.

Messi and Co. host the first game in the best-of-three series on Saturday, Nov. 21 before a trip to Ohio six days later for a potentially series-clinching match. Should both teams need a third game to decide the victor, the must-see clash will unfold back at Nu Stadium.

It’s a much tougher matchup for Inter Miami than it might look on paper. The Herons only just suffered a 2–1 defeat to the Crew back in September, and their meeting in August ended in a 2–2 draw. Not helping matters is the club’s poor form to close out the regular season; González’s men managed just one win in their final four games.

The postseason is a clean slate, though, and Messi now knows what it takes to claim MLS glory. Lifting silverware would be the perfect way to close out the year, and then playing in Argentina would be the perfect way to start 2027.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Set for Emotional Return to Argentina for Career-First Milestone.

FIFPRO is the organization that represents professional players and each year since 2005 has invited its member to collectively for the best in the world to produce its annual World 11.

Players were asked to select the three peers in each position they believe performed best from Aug. 4, 2025 until July 19, 2026. The final World 11 is worked out using the percentage of voters who voted for each player in each position

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who missed out on the Yashin Trophy at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony to compatriot Unai Simón, received more votes than anyone else and was the only player in any position to bank support from over 50% of voting members.

Kylian Mbappé was backed by 46% of voters in the forwards category, followed by Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. After topping the journalist ballot last month, Kane got 27.6%. But that was only enough for fifth place among all forwards—and the top four all made the final World 11.

The midfield was less unanimously in favor of a single player, with Rodri topping the position with a comparatively low 33.4%. Jude Bellingham and Vitinha were very close behind.

Achraf Hakimi was the runaway winner in defense, a choice for almost 41% of members choosing defenders. The Paris Saint-Germain fullback was joined in the World 11 by teammate Nuno Mendes and World Cup-winning Barcelona prodigy Pau Cubarsí.

2026 FIFPRO World 11 Vote Breakdown—Top 10 by Position

Bold denotes inclusion in 2026 FIFPRO World 11

Other Points of Interest

The FIFPRO vote sometimes throws out questionable rankings and Cristian Romero made the top 10 defenders despite an atrocious club season with Tottenham Hotspur and featuring in a hardly watertight Argentina backline at the World Cup.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes didn’t get enough votes for a place in the World 11, but more of his fellow players supported him than Declan Rice. The Arsenal midfielder finished 12 place higher in the Ballon d’Or standings and was Fernandes’s main rival when it came to the individual awards handed out in English soccer for last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo surprisingly crept into the top 10 forwards, even outranking Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha. Neither European-based star had as good a season in 2025–26 as they enjoyed 12 months earlier, but still arguably made much more significant impact at a higher level than Ronaldo, who won in Saudi Arabia but had a poor World Cup.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Voting Breakdown for 2026 FIFPRO World XI—How Harry Kane Missed Out.

Inter Miami will hope to become the first team in 14 years to successfully defend their title, while other teams like New England Revolution, FC Dallas, Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps will be looking to achieve their first-ever MLS Cup.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the schedule for the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs.

Wild Card Match

As the eighth-best team in the Eastern Conference, Orlando City will host FC Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT on Nov. 19, in the East Wild Card match. Shortly after, at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT, Seattle Sounders will host Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference Wild Card match.

Round One

Unlike the Wild Card round and all the other playoff rounds, Round One will be decided in a best-of-three series, with the higher-ranked side hosting the first game as well as a potential third match. If a match is tied after regulation, a penalty shootout will be held to determine the winner.

Round One kicks off on Nov. 21, with New England hosting Philadelphia at 2:00 p.m. ET, followed by Dallas against Portland Timbers at 4:00 p.m. ET and Miami vs. Columbus Crew at 6:00 p.m ET. The following day will see Supporters’ Shield winners Nashville SC host either Orlando or Cincinnati at 4:00 p.m. ET, while Chicago Fire will host Charlotte FC at 6:30 p.m. ET. Lastly, Vancouver will host either Seattle or Real Salt Lake at 8:30 p.m. ET.

St. Louis CITY will host LAFC at 8:00 p.m. ET on Nov. 23, while San Jose Earthquakes will host Houston Dynamo at 10:00 p.m. ET on Nov. 24. Then, after a brief gap, Game 2 will kick off on Nov. 27 as Columbus host Miami at 8:00 p.m. ET, followed by Seattle/Real Salt Lake hosting Vancouver at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Next up, on Nov. 28, Charlotte will host Chicago at 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by San Jose at Houston at 2:30 p.m. ET. Philadelphia will host New England at 4:30 p.m. ET, Orlando/Cincinnati will host Nashville at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by LAFC vs. St. Louis at 8:30 p.m. ET. To cap off an action-packed Saturday, Portland will host Dallas at 10:30.

If a tiebreaker is needed to determine the winner of the series, then the third match will take place on Dec. 2.

What’s Next?

The conference semifinals will take place between Dec. 5 and Dec. 6, while the conference finals will take place between Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. Last but not least, the MLS Cup will take place on Dec. 18 at either 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. ET.

Every match of the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs will be available to watch on Apple TV in more than 100 countries and regions. The MLS Cup final will air on FOX and FOX Deportes in the U.S. and on TSN and RDS in Canada. Moreover, select additional playoff matches will air on FS1, FOX Deportes, TSN and RDS.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2026 MLS Cup Playoff Schedule Confirmed: Everything You Need to Know.

Memories of that 2024 campaign have been firmly banished as Messi scooped a second straight top scorer prize after amassing 26 league goals for Inter Miami this year. Only five other players in the 30-year history of MLS have ever won two Golden Boots, yet none can match Messi in achieving the feat in consecutive years.

Remarkably, there is even more history in his sights.

Every Player With Two MLS Golden Boots

Count 'em up. 📈

All 26 goals from Messi's Golden Boot winning season. ✨@InterMiamiCF // Golden Boot pres. by Audi pic.twitter.com/yqK9MjjwKB

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 8, 2026

• Preki (1997, 2003)
• Taylor Twellman (2002, 2005)
• Jeff Cunningham (2006, 2009)
• Chris Wondolowski (2010, 2012)
• Bradley Wright-Phillips (2014, 2016)
• Lionel Messi (2025, 2026)

Messi also became just the second player in league history to surpass the high watermark of 25-plus goals in consecutive MLS seasons, racking up 26 this term after his 29 the year before.

Inter Miami’s captain also added another six to his overall tally in last season’s triumphant playoff push, a run which he will be hoping to replicate during a decisive final month of the year.

• 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs: Bracket, Schedule, Key Matches and Route to Glory

Messi Has Plenty More History to Write in 2026

Lionel Messi. Football's finest storyteller. pic.twitter.com/cLoXWuDTJk

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) July 7, 2026

The Golden Boot is unlikely to be the last individual trophy Messi collects this year. The two-time MVP is the overriding favorite to claim a third straight crown thanks to yet another dominant domestic campaign. The freshly revealed Ballon d’Or saw the 39-year-old voted as the fifth best player on the planet over the previous 12 months—and the four figures ahead of him do not play in MLS.

The Most Valuable Player award is named after U.S. men’s national team’s joint-record scorer Landon Donovan, yet the former LA Galaxy star only claimed the gong once (2009). In fact, Messi is currently one of just two players to have ever stood above their MLS peers on multiple occasions, sharing that illustrious air with former Kansas City Wizards forward Predrag Radosavljević, better known as Preki. No one has ever won three MLS MVPs.

Donovan can still beat Messi out in one category, boasting four MLS Cups to the Argentine’s solitary triumph last year. The Galaxy famously won back-to-back crowns in 2011 and 2012, a rare feat Inter Miami are also chasing after.

Only three franchises have ever successfully defended their title and none have managed it since Donovan’s Galaxy, which also included David Beckham and prolific Premier League veteran Robbie Keane.

Every Club to Defend the MLS Cup

• D.C. United (1996, 1997)
• Houston Dynamo (2006, 2007)
• LA Galaxy (2011, 2012)

Miami have a roster stuffed with a similar number of stars but there has been a huge amount of upheaval since last year’s title.

Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba both retired after lifting the Philip F. Anschutz trophy against the Vancouver Whitecaps, leaving Messi and Luis Suárez as the remaining figures from the Barcelona enclave implanted into Miami. Former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar Casemiro was added midseason but it’s been a rocky year for the Herons, who have cycled through three coaches and two stadiums.

Yet, when the one constant is Lionel Messi, there’s always a decent chance things will work out.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Breezes to MLS History With Unprecedented Feat Lined Up Next.

In the East, Nashville SC await the winner of the wild-card match, which will pit Orlando City against FC Cincinnati, while defending champions Inter Miami will take on the most in-form team in MLS at the minute, Columbus Crew. New England Revolution will lock horns with Philadelphia Union in a battle of rising USMNT stars.

In the West, Seattle Sounders will host the wild card match against Real Salt Lake, with the winner set to face Vancouver Whitecaps. Meanwhile, San Jose Earthquakes will take on Houston Dynamo in the first round—a match no one can predict.

Here’s everything to know about the upcoming MLS Cup playoffs, including the full bracket and schedule.

2026 MLS Cup Playoffs: Bracket, Schedule

IT’S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR 🔥

The 2026 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are LOCKED IN. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/SjSmqJXb2B

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 8, 2026

Following the wild card games on Nov. 19, the Round One best-of-three matchups will take place between Nov. 20 and Dec. 2, with the higher-ranked side hosting the first and third matches (if necessary).

The conference semifinals is set for Dec. 5. and Dec. 6, with the conference finals on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. The highly anticipated MLS Cup final will take place on Dec. 18.

This will be the final MLS Cup playoffs played in winter, with the league switching to a fall-to-spring format in 2027 to better align with the European calendar. Ultimately, this will come down to which teams can prevail in the chilly conditions and which players will have ice in their veins.

2026 MLS Cup Playoffs: Key Matches

Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew: The Unstoppable Force vs. the Immovable Object

Ever since Lionel Messi landed in South Florida, Inter Miami have won a major trophy: the Leagues Cup (2023), the Supporters’ Shield (2024) and the MLS Cup (2025). But if they are to continue that streak and achieve the first successful title defense since LA Galaxy in 2011–12, they’ll have to go through the hottest team in MLS first.

In just over two months, Columbus Crew have gone from sitting at the bottom of the East to finishing seventh. They've won six on the bounce (scoring 3+ in four of those), and there's every reason to believe that they can make life difficult for a Miami side that has struggled for consistency this year.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, are leaking goals at the moment. They’ve conceded at least two goals in five of their last 10 matches, and even when they looked destined for a comfortable 3–0 win on Decision Day, they conceded three straight goals to Charlotte FC. The Herons are struggling to convince at the back, and Columbus could punish their defensive frailties and come away with the upset win.

Chicago Fire vs. Charlotte FC: Lewandowski Firing, but Defense Remains Concern

OH MY BRAIS MÉNDEZ!

As it stands, @ColumbusCrew would avoid the Wildcard match with a win. 👀 pic.twitter.com/PCp4BwiqnH

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 7, 2026

Midway through the season, Chicago Fire made the decision to sell MLS top scorer Hugo Cuypers and acquire Robert Lewandowski. That move is starting to pay dividends: after six goalless matches, Lewandowski bagged a goal and an assist at Colorado Rapids before scoring two penalties vs. Columbus.

But it’s one thing to sign one of the greatest strikers of the 21st century. It’s another to back him up with a cohesive defensive unit. Chicago are struggling to find that balance, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches and having conceded 10 goals in their last four.

Charlotte will be looking to build on their attacking momentum and exploit Chicago’s defensive frailties, having scored 11 goals in their last three outings. We're backing Charlotte to prevail in three and come away with their first-ever playoff series victory.

FC Cincinnati vs. Orlando City: Lions’ Away Struggles to Continue in Ohio?

Last year, Orlando City finished ninth in the Eastern Conference and lost 3–1 at Chicago in the wild card match. They find themselves in danger of repeating that fate this year, with the Lions set to face a resurgent Cincinnati side that has taken 10 points from their last five outings.

Despite bringing in Antoine Griezmann midway through the campaign, Orlando have failed to secure an automatic playoff berth due in large part to their underwhelming form on the road. They’ve won three, drawn four, and lost 10 away from home, conceding 3.29 goals per away match. The last time they traveled to Cincinnati, they lost 6–2.

There’s only so much that Griezmann can do to paper over the cracks.

FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers: Can Musa Lead Dallas to Victory?

FC Dallas will be looking to brush past Portland Timbers and advance to the Western Conference semifinals, and they’ll be counting on Petar Musa to get the job done.

The Croatian forward has racked up 59 goals and 16 assists in 100 appearances, with only Lionel Messi scoring more MLS goals than him this season (26 vs. 22). Since joining from Benfica, Musa has found the back of the net in three of four meetings against Portland, while the most recent meeting saw him assist Jorge Valentie’s goal to seal the victory.

Dallas have won six of their last seven home meetings against Portland, and there’s reason to believe that they will continue that form and advance to the next round. While Portland are riding the momentum with four wins on the bounce, they don't have enough to keep Musa from finding the back of the net, and that may very well be the difference.

St. Louis CITY vs. LAFC: Can LAFC Shake Off Recent Struggles?

It has been an dramatic collapse for LAFC. After a disastrous run of form, LAFC sacked manager Marc Dos Santos on Sep. 27 and replaced him with Xavi Tamarit. But that hasn’t resulted in a turnaround in form, with the Black and Gold taking four points from four matches before losing to Minnesota and Seattle.

They’ll be traveling to St. Louis CITY, who are seeking their first playoff series win. After a historic unbeaten run and a momentous night that saw them win the U.S. Open Cup—the club’s first-ever trophy, St. Louis have tailed off with four defeats in a row before eventually securing a last-second win in Houston on Decision Day.

Unless LAFC can finally get attacking stars Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min going, St. Louis should be capable of prevailing. They’ll be riding high on confidence, having won their last encounter with LAFC.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs: Bracket, Schedule, Key Matches and Route to Glory.

There are a whopping six teams in the Western Conference that have yet to confirm if they will be competing in the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs or if they will be watching from their sofas. Meanwhile, in the East, there are a number of teams clawing for automatic playoff berths, desperate to avoid the wild card match.

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it all may play out. 

Orlando City vs. New England Revolution

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

There’s bound to be goals galore in Orlando. Each of the last 11 meetings between the Lions and New England Revolution (including preseason) have featured at least three goals, with their two encounters this year producing 13 goals alone.

Whereas Orlando are looking to escape the wild card spots and sneak into an automatic berth, New England can surpass Inter Miami in second place with a win and a Miami defeat. Both teams have plenty to play for, making for a thrilling, high-scoring affair.

Score Prediction: Orlando City 3–4 New England Revolution

Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

After a sensational run of form which saw them go 15 matches unbeaten and win eight in a row, Philadelphia Union have cooled off with just two points from their last four matches. Philadelphia have failed to score in each of their last two matches, and they'll be hoping to bounce back against Toronto FC.

Toronto's playoff dreams went up in smoke last weekend, with the Reds missing out on the postseason for a sixth straight year. As for Philadelphia, they know that a draw will be enough to see them avoid a wild card spot. A loss, however, could see them leapfrogged by Cincinnati and Columbus and dropped into eighth place. Don't be surprised if we see a third straight stalemate between these two.

Score Prediction: Philadelphia 2–2 Toronto

Red Bull New York vs. Atlanta United

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

Atlanta United said goodbye to their postseason ambitions on Oct. 28 after conceding a stoppage-time winner to New York City FC’s Bénie Traoré. Four days later, Red Bull New York's playoff ambitions came to a screeching halt after they squandered a 2–0 lead and conceded a stoppage-time goal to Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge.

The Red Bulls have collapsed in the final weeks with four losses in their last five, whereas Atlanta just ended a three-match losing streak with a 3–1 win against. Toronto. With Miguel Almirón in unstoppable form, expect Atlanta to close out the season with a victory.

Score Prediction: Red Bull New York 1–2 Atlanta United

CF Montréal vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

Vancouver Whitecaps boast the second-best record in MLS, and they'll be traveling to the second-worst team in MLS: CF Montréal. Whereas the reigning MLS Cup finalists are heating up with three wins in their last four, the same cannot be said for their Canadian rivals, who have not won since Sep. 26.

While Vancouver are guaranteed first place in the West, they’ll nevertheless be looking to close out the regular season with a comprehensive victory in Montréal.

Score Prediction: CF Montréal 0–3 Vancouver Whitecaps

D.C. United vs. New York City FC

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

It has been a catastrophic second half of the season for New York City FC, who have won two of their last 15 MLS matches. NYCFC will miss the playoffs for just the third time in 12 years, and they'll be traveling to a D.C. United side that continues to be on the outside looking in on the postseason.

D.C. have lost five in a row but boast an impressive record against NYCFC, avoiding defeat in their last four meetings. They likely won’t be able to pick up a third straight win against the Boys in Blue, but they’re expected to end the season on a respectable note in front of home fans.

Score Prediction: D.C. United 0–0 New York City FC

Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

Two of the best teams in the East will go head to head in Florida as Inter Miami host Charlotte FC. Miami need to win to ensure that they finish second as opposed to third; Charlotte need a win (in addition to Chicago failing to win) in order to have hosting privileges for their first-round playoff series against Chicago.

Charlotte enter the match off back-to-back 4–0 wins, but without Allan Saint-Maximin, they might not have enough weapons to cut open Miami’s backline.

Score Prediction: Inter Miami 3–1 Charlotte FC

FC Cincinnati vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

Nashville SC have already conquered their maiden Supporters’ Shield and secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Now, with just a point at FC Cincinnati, they can surpass Inter Miami’s 2024 team to achieve the highest points total in MLS history (74).

Cincinnati will be looking to make it four wins from five as they seek to avoid dropping into the wild card spots, but Nashville won’t make it easy. Having won their previous meeting 4–0, expect Nashville to prevail with another win.

Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2–4 Nashville SC

Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

Columbus Crew have zoomed into the wild card spots with five victories in a row (all by a 2+ margin), and they could move into the automatic positions with a win (combined with favorable results for Toronto and/or Nashville).

Columbus have won five of their last seven meetings with the Fire, and there's reason to believe that trend will continue in the Windy City.

Score Prediction: Chicago Fire 0–2 Columbus Crew

San Diego FC vs. Sporting Kansas City

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

Out of the 10 founding members of MLS, Sporting Kansas City are the only one to have never finished bottom of the league table. But unless they beat San Diego FC, in addition to Vancouver beating Montréal, then they will receive their first Wooden Spoon in 31 seasons.

San Diego FC have endured a drastic decline in their second season, but they’ll be slightly more confident after winning their first match in over two months. Expect them to come away with a win against a team that has taken just one point from their previous five matches.

Score Prediction: San Diego FC 1–0 Sporting Kansas City

Houston Dynamo vs. St. Louis CITY

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

Houston Dynamo will host St. Louis CITY in what could be an early playoff preview. Houston sit fifth in the Western Conference, one point behind San Jose and level with St. Louis. Both teams are desperate for a victory as they look to enter the postseason with momentum.

Houston have won one of their last nine matches, whereas St. Louis have lost four in a row. With both managers keen to keep their cards close to their chest, expect this one to end in a draw.

Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 1–1 St. Louis CITY

Seattle Sounders vs. Los Angeles FC

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

Whereas LAFC are practically guaranteed to finish sixth in the Western Conference, Seattle Sounders find themselves on the outer edges of the playoffs. They sit 10th in the West, albeit one point behind seventh-placed Galaxy, and they are in danger of missing out on the postseason for the first time since 2022.

Seattle haven’t won in their last five, whereas LAFC haven’t won in their last three. Still, we’re expecting LA to get back to winning ways, making it three wins on the bounce vs. Seattle and relegating the Sounders to a third straight defeat.

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 1–2 LAFC

Minnesota United vs. San Jose Earthquakes

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

It's going to take a miracle for Minnesota United to reach the playoffs. The Loons sit 12th in the West, one point behind Real Salt Lake and two behind Seattle, Colorado and Portland. In addition to beating San Jose Earthquakes, they need a lot of other favorable results elsewhere in order to sneak into the postseason.

Still, expect them to hold up their end of the bargain with a win against San Jose. Having won each of their last five league meetings with the Quakes, all signs point to them continuing that winning pattern at home.

Score Prediction: Minnesota 3–1 San Jose

Real Salt Lake vs. LA Galaxy

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 7
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

Real Salt Lake's three-match winning streak came to an end last weekend in San Jose, but they still have a slim chance of reaching the playoffs. First, though, they'll need to beat a LA Galaxy side that has lost just once in their last eight matches.

The Galaxy have won their last two meetings with RSL, and there’s every reason to believe that they will continue that pattern and punch their postseason ticket.

Score Prediction: Real Salt Lake 1–3 LA Galaxy

FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

FC Dallas need a stalemate in order to confirm second place, but as for Colorado Rapids, only a victory will do. Currently occupying the final wild card spot, they must beat Dallas in order to seal their postseason fate.

Colorado are struggling at the moment with one win in eight, and conventional wisdom points to them losing their third straight match against Dallas. However, in-form forward Morgan Whittaker might just pull off the upset win in Texas.

Score Prediction: FC Dallas 1–2 Colorado Rapids

Austin FC vs. Portland Timbers

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 7
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

Similar to Colorado, Portland occupy the wild card spots and control their own destiny. They could sneak into the automatic slot with a win (and an RSL win). Portland are firing on all cylinders with three wins in a row, while their opponents Austin FC are in free fall and have been eliminated from postseason contention.

Austin have lost five of their last six matches, and all signs point to that trend continuing against Portland.

Score Prediction: Austin FC 1–4 Portland Timbers

MLS Predictions: 2026 Decision Day

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Last-Ditch Attempts at Postseason Places in Fateful Decision Day.

With several teams still clawing to secure their postseason fates, this promises to be one of the most thrilling Decision Days in recent memory.

Here is every Saturday fixture that has something at stake.

Orlando City vs. New England Revolution

New England Revolution appeared on course for a fifth straight win, only for Inter Miami to score two late goals and prevail 2–1 on Sunday. The Revs can finish no lower than third in the Eastern Conference; however, they must beat Orlando (and hope that Charlotte defeats Miami) in order to finish second in the East.

As for Orlando City, they are guaranteed at least a wild card spot, currently sitting ninth in the table. They are haunted by the ghosts of that match, though, losing in Chicago last year at the wild card stage. In order to avoid a repeat and ensure they have at least two playoff matches, the Lions must win against New England. They will also need Cincinnati to lose and for Chicago to beat Columbus in order to secure a top-seven finish.

Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto FC

Philadelphia Union will be looking to snap their four-match winless run when they host Toronto FC, who bid farewell to their playoff aspirations last week. Philadelphia currently sit sixth in the table, one point above FC Cincinnati and three above Columbus Crew, and they must avoid defeat in order not to drop into eighth.

Given the situation, Philadelphia might very well be content to play for a stalemate, ensuring an opening series playoff battle with either Miami or New England as opposed to risking defeat and dropping down to the wild card match.

Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC

Inter Miami need to defeat Charlotte in order to secure second place in the Eastern Conference. A draw won’t be good enough, if New England win in Florida. On the other hand, Charlotte—who can finish no lower than fifth—will be seeking to move up to fourth.

The Crown will all but certainly face Chicago Fire in the playoffs, and if they can beat Miami (combined with Chicago failing to beat Columbus), then they will host the first and potential third match of the opening round.

FC Cincinnati vs. Nashville SC

FC Cincinnati are playing for an automatic playoff berth, knowing that a stalemate could see them descend into the wild card spot. They sit one point behind Philadelphia, two above Columbus and three above Orlando, and they must win in order to secure at least two bites of the apple in the postseason.

As for Nashville SC, they’re playing for history. If the newly crowned Supporters’ Shield champions avoid defeat in Ohio, then they will surpass Inter Miami’s 2024 squad for the highest points tally in a single MLS regular season (74).

Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew

Chicago Fire must win in order to ensure that they will finish fourth and host the opening match as well as the potential decider against Charlotte. As for Columbus Crew, they are looking to jump from the wild card spots into the automatic spots on the final day.

Currently eighth in the table, Columbus need some luck if they are to secure a first-round berth. They need one of these two scenarios in order to finish in the top seven: a win at Chicago and a win for Toronto FC against Philadelphia, or a win at Chicago and a win/draw for Nashville against Cincinnati.

Houston Dynamo vs. St. Louis CITY

Houston Dynamo currently sit fifth in the Western Conference, level on points with St. Louis CITY and one behind San Jose Earthquakes. They can move into fourth place by beating St. Louis at home. If they win and Minnesota beat San Jose Earthquakes, then they will finish third.

The bottom line: Houston control their own fate as they look to finish in the top four and secure hosting privileges for their opening playoff match. Can they claim their first home win since Sep. 9 and depose the U.S. Open Cup winners?

Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC

While LAFC have all but confirmed their sixth-place finish, Seattle Sounders have their work cut out for them as they look to sneak into the playoffs. Brian Schmetzer’s side sits 10th in the Western Conference, level on points with Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids and one behind LA Galaxy.

With just two points from their last five matches, the wheels are falling off the Sounders’ season. They need to get back to winning ways on Saturday, and they also need at least one favorable result elsewhere in order to prolong their season.

Minnesota United vs. San Jose Earthquakes

Minnesota United are living on a prayer. They sit 12th in the West, one point behind Real Salt Lake and two behind Seattle, Colorado and Portland. Remarkably, the Loons can finish anywhere from 7th to 13th, and they need quite a few results to go their way in order to book their playoff ticket.

As for San Jose Earthquakes, they cannot fall any lower than fourth and are guaranteed to be hosting their playoff opener. If they can win at Minnesota, combined with Dallas losing to Colorado, then they will finish second in the West.

Real Salt Lake vs. LA Galaxy

This is the textbook definition of “win or go home”. The Galaxy sit seventh in the West, and if they cannot beat Real Salt Lake, then they will be at risk of failing to qualify for the playoffs. A draw or defeat could be enough to see them advance, but it's far from a guarantee.

On the other hand, Real Salt Lake need to beat the Galaxy, and they also need two of Colorado/Portland/Seattle not to win. RSL could also sneak into the wild card spots with a draw, but they’d also need Colorado/Portland/Seattle to lose, in addition to Minnesota drawing or losing to San Jose.

FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids

After drawing at league-worst Sporting Kansas City, FC Dallas will be seeking to bounce back against Colorado Rapids. Currently in the final playoff spot, Colorado must win in order to ensure playoff qualification, with Seattle, Real Salt Lake and Minnesota in hot pursuit.

But while a draw might not be good enough for Colorado to book their playoff tickets, it will be good enough for Dallas to finish ahead of San Jose and wrap up second place in the West.

Austin FC vs. Portland Timbers

Portland Timbers have played in the last two Western Conference wild card matches, losing in 2024 and winning in 2025. They can avoid a three-peat by overcoming Austin (combined with the Galaxy losing/drawing).

On the other hand, if they draw in Austin, then they risk being usurped by Colorado, Seattle, and Real Salt Lake. Minnesota could also surpass them if they win and Portland lose. With Austin already eliminated after losing five of their last six, there’s no excuse for the Timbers to not pick up the three points in Texas.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2026 MLS Playoffs: What’s at Stake Ahead of Decision Day?.

The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard, David Villa and Zlatan Ibrahimović have all ventured across the Atlantic during the twilight of their respective careers, but none were able to strike a chord in front of an American audience quite like Lionel Messi.

And understandably so. Messi, in the eyes of the majority, is the greatest soccer player who’s ever lived. He’s served as the figurehead of Beckham’s franchise, Inter Miami, since 2023, and has helped reignite soccer’s relevance in the United States.

Messi’s arrival has been a commercial, financial and on-field success for not just Miami, but MLS as a whole. The 39-year-old proved at the North American-hosted World Cup that his otherworldly powers haven’t yet waned, and he’s unlikely to cease dazzling audiences until his contract with the Herons expires in 2028.

Messi’s influence means MLS is more star-studded than ever, to the point where the Argentine’s commercial monopoly over the division is coming under threat.

Lionel Messi Tops MLS Jersey Sales But Robert Lewandowki’s Impact Clear

MLS has disclosed its 10 best-selling jerseys of 2026, with Messi topping the charts for a fourth consecutive year.

He’s followed by LAFC’s Son Heung-min, who departed Tottenham Hotspur last summer in favor of sunny California. Bayern Munich stalwart Thomas Müller also left Europe last year to move to MLS, joining the Vancouver Whitecaps. The German’s jersey has been the third-most popular this year, having helped the Whitecaps reach the MLS Cup final just months after his arrival.

Müller has since welcomed former Bayern teammate Robert Lewandowski to North America, with the Pole, recognized as one of the finest strikers of his generation, signing for the Chicago Fire in late June following an illustrious career in Europe with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern and Barcelona.

Lewandowski has scored seven times in 18 appearances for the Fire, who have secured a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. While he occupies fourth spot in the jersey sales ranking for 2026, MLS confirmed that no player has sold more than Lewandowski since he signed for the Fire. He may be helped by the fact that, according to the latest estimates, more than 182,000 Polish Americans currently live in Chicago, making up 6.7% of the city’s population.

Antoine Griezmann has been similarly popular, with the Frenchman agreeing to sign for Orlando City in March.

Messi’s Miami teammates, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, have also made the top 10, as have USMNT hotshot Cavan Sullivan, LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar.

MLS’ Top Selling Jerseys of 2026

Have Messi and Lewandowski Ever Crossed Paths?

Messi had already bid an emotional farewell to Barcelona by the time Lewandowski rocked up in Catalonia. The Argentine departed his long-time club in 2021 due to its troubled finances, but Joan Laporta’s lever-pulling aided them in the short term and allowed Barça to sign Lewandowski from Bayern in a $51 million deal the following summer.

The veteran striker was no Messi, of course, but he certainly shone with the Blaugrana. He spent four seasons in Spain, scoring 120 goals in 193 games for Barcelona and winning three La Liga titles.

That was the closest the two players came to working in tandem, but they have met head-to-head on several occasions over the years. The Fire’s MLS duel with Messi’s Miami in September was their fourth meeting at club level, with both players enjoying two victories over the other.

Lewandowski notched the most memorable triumph: an 8–2 rout of Messi’s Barça in the 2019–20 Champions League quarterfinals—a match so infamous it has its own Wikipedia page. However, Messi has scored a World Cup victory over Lewandowski’s Poland, with Argentina claiming a 2–0 victory in the group stage of the tournament in Qatar.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 10 Players With the Highest Selling MLS Jerseys in 2026: Messi Monopoly Under Threat.

The 30-year-old forward was chasing after a loose ball when he inadvertently collided with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a Spanish second-tier match on Monday. De Miguel was rushed to hospital following a blow to his chest and head, with a club statement later confirming that his condition had “worsened neurologically” in the early hours of Tuesday morning. He was pronounced dead at 8 a.m. local time.

All domestic fixtures across Spain’s professional leagues were postponed until at least Friday, but Tuesday’s Champions League fixtures still went ahead.

Each contest was prefaced with a minute’s silence, while Barcelona opted against any airing of the Champions League theme music. The Catalans’ captain, Raphinha, was particularly moved by the news, neglecting any talk of his two-goal performance in an impressive victory over Aston Villa to focus on De Miguel and his wife and child who have survived him.

“Wherever he is, I hope he finds his way,” Raphinha told Movistar+ postmatch. “I want to send his family strength ... and today, not talk about football.

“After I saw the news, I didn’t feel good. In the end, he was a fellow football player. This could have happened to any of us. It could have happened to me. It’s very difficult to go out and play a game in these circumstances. He was a player who was the same age as me. Maybe that’s why it affected me so much.”

Barcelona’s greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi also paid his respect on social media, writing: “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.” Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé echoed the sentiment: “So much sadness. There are no words.”

Spanish World Cup winner Fabián Ruiz dedicated his first goal in Paris Saint-Germain’s 6–0 thrashing of Villarreal to his late compatriot, forming the striker’s No. 9 shirt—which has since been retired by Tenerife—with his fingers. “First of all, I’d like to offer my condolences to Jesús de Miguel's family and loved ones,” Ruiz reflected. “This victory is dedicated to him, as well as to all the victims of the train crash in Spain during these very difficult times.”

Yet, the most touching tributes came from those who knew De Miguel closely. Manu Sánchez, a fellow professional who played with his long-serving friend at CD Castellón, described the striker a man of “few words, but a great deal of truth. A fierce hunger and a voracious spirit.”

“On the field... he fought to the very end, never looking back.”Manu Sánchez.

“I got married three months ago,” Sánchez added in a letter to De Miguel, “the day before your daughter’s first birthday. Far from making excuses for your absence, you were the first person I saw on my way to the altar, standing there with your beautiful wife. I feel as though you let me into your world, and I don’t want to let you out of mine. You will never die, Demigol! I love you from the very bottom of my heart.”

That sense of eternity was echoed in the messages piling up on the shrine outside Tenerife’s home stadium. “Keep scoring goals in the sky,” was one which leaped off the page.

Police Investigation Into Circumstances

Siempre en nuestros corazones.

🖤 DEP pic.twitter.com/a8uq1NcXTR

— CD Tenerife 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@CDTOficial) November 3, 2026

It rains so rarely in Tenerife that the downpour which greeted the tragic news of De Miguel’s passing on Tuesday felt poignant. Even the heavens were compelled to shed a tear.

Set to the backdrop of this raw emotion is the emotionless regulation of the legal system. Spanish law dictates that any death from non-natural causes must be investigated under judicial supervision.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife chief prosecutor José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui told EFE that it would be “very difficult” De Miguel’s death to inspire criminal proceedings as the collision with Owono occurred during the course of a match.

Sánchez-Jáuregui explained that, unless it had been an incident during a stoppage in play, it will be referred to the longstanding Supreme Court jurisprudence which holds that injuries sustained during sporting activity are generally not punishable.

No One to Blame

While he may not be subjected to legal punishment, Andorra goalkeeper Owono who collided with De Miguel is at the mercy of the court of public opinion.

Another player in Spain’s lower leagues with the same last name, Michel Owono, has been forced to decry the waves of racial abuse flowing his way just as a consequence of mistaken identity.

Mina Bonino, the wife of Real Madrid captain Fede Valverde, wrote on social media: “The goalkeeper [Owono] will have to bear the burden of his mistake for the rest of his life. A reckless challenge that cost his opponent his life and may well ruin his own as well, but he is no murderer. It is not our place to judge someone who had no intention of killing. He will serve his punishment and bear the weight of social condemnation that will shape the rest of his life, but we still have time to stop this and prevent another death.”

The most poignant point was, as ever, made by World Cup winning former Real Madrid striker Jorge Valdano, who wrote in El País: “No one, anywhere, is safe from an accident. Perhaps our inability to explain chance drives us to seek out those to blame. We find it difficult to accept that a tragedy of this magnitude might have no one responsible. Let us not look for culprits. In the face of such profound pain, the victim alone is more than enough.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Jesus de Miguel: Lionel Messi, Raphinha Join Global Mourning of Tenerife Striker’s Death.

For the 17th year running, Sports business and media company SportsPro has released its full report of the 50 most marketable athletes in the world. Women’s tennis superstar Aryna Sabalenka topped the rankings—which actually include 150 athletes—in 2026.

The rankings are based on the marketability score out of 100 that SportsPro builds “from three
composite pillars: Brand Equity (45), Momentum (40) and Commercial Trajectory (15).” This year, SportsPro’s rankings are from data collected on over 1,000 athletes from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

In the 17-year history of the rankings, soccer stars have claimed the top spot six times. Neymar was the first when he topped the rankings in 2012 and 2013, followed by Paul Pogba in 2018, Lionel Messi in 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022 and Messi again in 2023.

Ronaldo was the highest soccer player in the 2025 rankings with a fifth-place finish, but Haaland has taken over the honor as the most marketable soccer player in the world in 2026.

Erling Haaland: The Most Marketable Soccer Player in the World

Haaland is the most marketable soccer player in the world according to SportPro’s research. The prolific Manchester City and Norway goalscorer is the only soccer player to feature inside the top 10 of the rankings, coming in fourth only behind Sabalenka, Chinese-America skier Eileen Gu and NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In a sense, it’s not surprising to see Haaland top the standings following a summer in which he fully introduced himself to the U.S. market and became an absolute sensation. Haaland led Norway to its greatest World Cup performance in history while simultaneously becoming the heart of the 2026 World Cup, making fans in North America fall in love with him for his charismatic personality, online presence and his talent on the pitch. Haaland’s successful YouTube channel is credited as a significant reason for his high ranking.

Ronaldo is the second highest ranked soccer player in 14th, followed by the Real Madrid duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in 19th and 20th respectively. Interestingly, three spots behind Vinícius Jr comes Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal in 23rd, just one spot above past two-time top-ranked Neymar, who continues to be one of the sport’s biggest names despite him no longer competing at an elite level.

It’s interesting that Lionel Messi is the seventh ranked soccer player in this years shortlist, coming in 27th. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact the next soccer entry on the list is Canada international Alphonso Davies at 34, the only North American men’s soccer player included in the top 150.

Newly crowned 2026 Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane is the only other men’s soccer player that cracked the top 50 on the list, appearing 45th in the rankings. Thomas Müller complete’s the top 10 most marketable men's soccer players on the list, ranked 58th only two spots higher than Bukayo Saka.

England international and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is perhaps the most surprising omission from the top 150 rankings.

10 Most Marketable Men’s Soccer Players in the World in 2026

Alessia Russo: The Most Marketable Women’s Soccer Player in the World

Soccer’s representation in SportPro’s 2026 rankings wasn’t exclusive to men’s players. Three of the best women’s soccer players on the planet feature on the list and are ranked higher than some of the most recognized players from the men’s game.

Arsenal and England forward Alessia Russo is the most marketable women’s soccer player in the world according to SportsPro. The 2025 Champions League and European Championship winner is 29th in the rankings, very impressive considering she’s one spot ahead of one of the most famous women’s basketball players in Angel Reese.

Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas also features inside the top 50, entering the list in 47th. Not far behind, former club teammate and fellow three-time Ballon d’or winner Aitana Bonmatí finished 59th on the 2026 rankings.

With Russo and Putellas included, 11 total soccer players feature inside the top 50 on the list, coming in second only to basketball as the most represented sport.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The 10 Most Marketable Soccer Players in 2026: Ronaldo Usurped by World Cup Sensation.

There’s no room for soccer legends like Hugo Lloris, Marco Reus and Casemiro, while some of the current best players in MLS like Evander, Carles Gil and Petar Musa have also missed out. And despite accounting for nearly half of the league’s players, there’s only one American player who makes the top 10.

Here are the most popular MLS jerseys of 2026.

10. Rodrigo De Paul

Rodrigo De Paul joined Inter Miami midway through the 2025 season and helped them achieve their first-ever MLS Cup. With the Herons currently second in the Eastern Conference and third overall, the 32-year-old midfielder will be vital to their title defense this postseason.

9. Hany Mukhtar

As Nashville SC’s captain, all-time leading scorer (111) and Iron Man, it’s undeniable that Hany Mukhtar is a Music City sports legend. He has already steered them to their first two major trophies—the 2025 U.S. Open Cup and the 2026 Supporters' Shield, and he can help Nashville move into sole possession of the greatest regular season in MLS history with a win or draw against Cincinnati.

8. Luis Suárez

Only two players have remained in the top 10 from last year’s list, both coming from Inter Miami. Having finished second in 2024 and 2025, Luis Suárez has dropped to eighth in 2026. But despite being 39 years old, he’s still making his presence felt with 16 goals and 12 assists in 29 MLS appearances this year.

7. Denis Bouanga

Denis Bouanga has enjoyed a sensational spell at LAFC, racking up 126 goals and 48 assists in 193 appearances for the Black and Gold. He has already won the Golden Boot (2023) in MLS and led his team to an MLS Cup (2022), Supporters’ Shield (2022) and U.S. Open Cup (2024). At 31, time is on his side, as he looks to overtake Carlos Vela as the club’s greatest-ever player.

6. Cavan Sullivan

Whereas Bouanga has moved up from 13th to 8th in top jersey sales, Cavan Sullivan has ascended from 18th to 6th after a breakthrough campaign at Philadelphia Union. Two years after penning the most expensive homegrown deal in MLS history—which will see him join Manchester City once he turns 18, Sullivan has made his mark for both club and country and become a pivotal figure in Philly’s 2026 turnaround as well as the youngest scorer in USMNT history.

5. Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann called it quits on his epic La Liga journey this summer and made the move to Orlando City, where he has single-handedly carried them into a playoff battle. As Orlando’s most iconic athlete since former Ballon d’Or winner Kaká, it hasn’t taken long for the Frenchman to deliver on the hype and make his presence felt with 14 goals and eight assists in 17 MLS appearances.

4. Robert Lewandowski

Alongside Suárez and Griezmann, another ex-Barcelona forward who has taken his talents to MLS is Robert Lewandowski. Having already established himself as a club legend for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the Polish striker is quickly ingratiating himself with Chicago Fire’s fanbase. He has notched seven goals and five assists in 18 league appearances, leading them to the upper reaches of the Eastern Conference.

3. Thomas Müller

It wasn’t long ago that Lewandowski and Thomas Müller were tearing apart Bundesliga defenses, but now, they’re on two MLS Cup contenders. Müller transformed Vancouver Whitecaps’ fortunes following his arrival in the summer of 2025, leading them to a maiden MLS Cup appearance and their first-ever Western Conference regular season title with 19 goals and 11 assists in 47 appearances.

2. Son Heung-min

After leading them to their first trophy in 17 years (2024–25 UEFA Europa League), Son Heung-min departed Tottenham Hotspur as one of the greatest players in club history. He made the move to LAFC in the summer of 2025, where he has quickly emerged as a difference-maker with 21 goals and 25 assists in 54 appearances.

1. Lionel Messi

To nobody’s surprise, Lionel Messi has finished atop the list for the fourth straight season. He’s made his case as the greatest soccer player of all time, and there’s an argument to be made that he’s already the greatest MLS player of all time. Even at 39, Messi continues to operate on another wavelength to every other player in the league, and it seems certain that he will win his third straight MLS MVP this year.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cavan Sullivan Cracks Top 10 Most Popular Individual Jerseys in MLS.

Just a week ago, CF Montréal and Sporting Kansas City were the only two teams eliminated from postseason contention. Since then, the playoff picture has become considerably clearer, with Atlanta United, D.C. United, Austin FC and San Diego FC seeing their hopes extinguished following midweek defeats.

Columbus Crew’s 3-0 victory against D.C. on Saturday delivered another crushing blow, eliminating New York Red Bulls, New York City FC and Toronto FC from the playoff race. But while nine teams have seen their postseason dreams dashed, plenty remains up for grabs. From home-field advantage and playoff seeding to the final Wild Card spots, the stakes couldn’t be higher as MLS prepares for one last regular season showdown.

With eight matches kicking off simultaneously at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT) on Saturday and another seven following at 7 p.m. (4 p.m. PT), Decision Day promises to be an emotional rollercoaster. Here's everything at stake heading into the final matchday of the 2026 MLS regular season.

Western Conference

Who Has Clinched Playoffs?

Last year, Vancouver Whitecaps narrowly missed out on finishing first in the Western Conference due to Decision Day dramatics; however, they would have the last laugh after beating FC Dallas, Los Angeles FC and San Diego FC en route to their maiden MLS Cup final. This time around, Vancouver have wrapped up the first seed with time to spare, and they are guaranteed home-field advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs.

While Vancouver will be seeking to demolish Canadian rivals Montréal, FC Dallas will be looking to bounce back from their stalemate with current Wooden Spoon frontrunners Sporting Kansas City. If Dallas lose to Colorado Rapids, and San Jose Earthquakes win at Minnesota United, then San Jose will leapfrog Dallas in second place.

San Jose could finish anywhere from second to fifth; Bruce Arena’s side sits three points behind Dallas and one above St. Louis CITY and Houston Dynamo. Houston currently trail the U.S. Open Cup champions on goal differential, and they have no other option but to defeat St. Louis in the Space City in order to finish above them.

A win for either side, combined with San Jose failing to win, would see Houston/St. Louis finish third in the West. On the other hand, if San Jose win, then Houston and St. Louis will face off in the first round of the playoffs with the higher-ranked team hosting Game One and Game Three (if necessary).

Last but not least, LAFC clinched their playoff spot after storming back from two goals down and drawing 2–2 against crosstown rivals LA Galaxy in El Tráfico. They are all but guaranteed to finish sixth, and they will be looking to end their three-match winless streak and secure their first away win since Jul. 17 when they take on Seattle Sounders.

Who Is Still Fighting for a Playoff Spot?

It is shaping up to be an exhilarating battle for the final playoff spots in the Western Conference. LA Galaxy currently occupy the seventh position, sitting one point above Portland Timbers, Colorado and Seattle, two above Real Salt Lake and three above Minnesota United.

The Galaxy can secure an automatic playoff berth with a victory at Salt Lake, but the same cannot be said about their opponents. In addition to beating the Galaxy, RSL must also count on Portland losing at Austin, and they’ll also need Dallas and LAFC to beat Colorado and Seattle, respectively.

Even with a win against San Jose, Minnesota probably won’t be able to secure an automatic playoff berth, but they could usurp Portland/Colorado in the wild card spots. Eighth-place will host ninth-place in a one-off match, with the winner facing off against Vancouver in the opening round.

With six teams fighting for their playoff lives, this upcoming Decision Day promises to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory.

Eastern Conference

Who Has Clinched Playoffs?

Nashville SC have already won their first-ever Supporters’ Shield. Now, with a win or draw at FC Cincinnati, they can surpass the league record for the most points in a single season (74), set by Inter Miami’s 2024 squad.

Miami usurped New England Revolution in second place after their come-from-behind 2–1 victory at Gillette Stadium. They now sit one point above the Revs. Miami and New England are guaranteed to finish in second and third place; the only question is what the order will be. While Miami will host Charlotte FC on Saturday, New England travel to Orlando City. Both are fiesty opponents.

Chicago Fire are guaranteed to face Charlotte FC in the opening round of the playoffs, and it’s likely that the opening match will be in the Windy City. Charlotte trail Chicago by two points, and they must beat Miami in order to have any chance of finishing fourth. However, they also need Columbus Crew to do them a solid by avoiding defeat in Chicago. If these two things happen, Charlotte will finish fourth.

Philadelphia Union clinched playoffs last Wednesday through a scoreless draw against Nashville. Cincinnati actually punched their own ticket with a thrilling win over Philly on Saturday.

Columbus Crew and Orlando City secured playoff spots over the weekend, currently occupying the two Wild Card seeds.

Who Is Still Fighting for an Automatic Playoff Spot?

In the Western Conference, there are a handful of teams that have yet to clinch playoffs; however, this isn’t the case in the East. All nine teams advancing to the postseason are known, and the other six have made peace with their fate. Nevertheless, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Decision Day won't have major implications for several Eastern Conference clubs.

Philadelphia Union currently sit sixth in the East, one point above Cincinnati, three above Columbus, and four above Orlando. If the Union can avoid a home defeat against Toronto, then they will confirm their spot in the opening round of the playoffs. If they lose, then they could fall into the wild card spots.

Cincinnati, Columbus and Philadelphia are all competing for the right to play at least two playoff matches as opposed to being cast into a win-or-go-home match. Orlando are guaranteed to be playing in the wild card match for the second-straight year, but they need to beat New England and hope that Chicago beat Columbus in order to secure hosting privileges.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs: Who Has Clinched a Spot, Who Is Still Fighting?.

Multiple teams were eliminated from postseason contention, while several punched their tickets. There a few playoff spots still up for grabs (specifically in the Western Conference), meaning the competition and goalscoring heroics will only grow more intense.

Nevertheless, this past weekend did not disappoint. Lionel Messi performed his usual magic, scoring a late game-winner to muscle past the New England Revolution and reclaim Inter Miami’s No. 2 rank in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, Sam Surridge completed Nashville SC’s thrilling comeback against Red Bull New York, scoring a stoppage time goal that condemned New York to playoff elimination.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. David Da Costa’s Statement Opener

Defense to offense 🌬️

Vincent Janssen finds David Da Costa to give @TimbersFC a 1-0 lead on Houston (FS1/Apple TV). pic.twitter.com/sjCowmLHAV

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2026

Portland Timbers midfielder David Da Costa stripped the Houston Dynamo of the ball in the final third, igniting a fast break into the box, before receiving the ball back on the far side of the 18-yard box. A few touches set up his clinical finish into the roof of the goal in the 25th minute.

It energized Providence Park, the first of ultimately three goals the hosts scored to overcome the Western Conference powerhouse 3–1 and keep their playoff dreams alive. A loss or draw on Sunday night would have almost certainly spelled elimination for Portland; however, the Timbers now sit eighth in the Western Conference and just one point away from the seventh seed.

4. Ousseni Bouda’s Impossible Angle

Ousseni Bouda didn't care about the tight angle. 😤@SJEarthquakes lead early after a well-taken free kick!

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/jHCDaDdJkg pic.twitter.com/FqIIMtQ8Ci

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 31, 2026

The narrowest of angles wasn’t going to deter Ousseni Bouda. The San Jose Earthquakes star forward curved his free kick into side netting, opening the scoring against Real Salt Lake less than two minutes into the match.

San Jose walked away with a 2–1 win. Although the No. 3 ranked Earthquakes had already punched their ticket to the playoffs, they played spoiler to Real Salt Lake, who needed a win on Saturday to punch their own. The No. 11 Claret and Cobalt will have just one more opportunity next weekend to secure a playoff spot.

3. Sam Surridge’s Stoppage Time Thriller

Super Sam Surridge in stoppage time! 🦸‍♂️@NashvilleSC erases a 2-0 deficit to take the lead late against the Red Bulls. pic.twitter.com/Y1xBQQeUP9

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 1, 2026

By the 40th minute of Sunday’s affair at Geodis Park, it looked as if Red Bull New York might walk away with victory over the Supporters’ Shield-winning Nashville SC. The scoreboard read 2–0, a promising start for a young team that needed a victory on the night to avoid playoff elimination.

Nevertheless, Nashville responded with three unanswered goals, capped off by Sam Surridge’s stoppage time finish. He flung himself into the air to head in a corner kick in the 91st minute, eliminating the Red Bulls from postseason contention. It extended Nashville’s undefeated streak to nine games and brought the team to 74 total points this season, matching MLS’s single-season points record set by Inter Miami in 2024.

2. Lionel Messi’s Late Magic

OMG! MESSI! 😱

Leo dribbles past 3 defenders and scores to give @InterMiamiCF the lead! pic.twitter.com/dqIq5O5xxJ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2026

If Messi proved anything at the 2026 World Cup this summer, it’s not just that the 39-year-old Argentine does not succumb to Father Time, but also that you can never write off a heroic comeback from him, no matter how late into a match.

By the hour mark, the New England Revolution led 1–0 at Gillette Stadium; however, Messi was just getting started. The Inter Miami star assisted Germán Berterame’s equalizer in the 69th minute, before stunning the crowd—and the Revolution’s defenders—with a goal of his own around 15 minutes later.

Messi did what he does best and danced between three players, including two at one time, before drilling a shot past New England goalkeeper Matt Turner. The comeback win allowed the Herons to reclaim the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference as well as secure a coveted spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. Messi is now up to 26 goals this season, increasing his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. He also has 16 assists.

1. Sergio Vásquez’s Bicycle Kick

🚨 BICYCLE KICK ALERT 🚨

Sergio Vásquez brought out the bike for @LAFC. 🚲🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/h7AMr3spMf

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 2, 2026

The acrobatics of Sergio Vásquez might have been the most thrilling aspect of the weekend. The Los Angeles FC midfielder scored a bicycle kick in the 90th minute of Sunday’s match against Minnesota United.

Although it was not enough to overcome a 3–0 deficit at BMO Field, it was nonetheless an awe-striking sequence in an ultimately meaningless affair for the host team. LAFC have already secured a spot in the playoffs, currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference and guaranteed to end with a top-seven seed.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: Messi’s Late Magic, Surridge’s Stoppage Time Thriller.

Typically, a player must serve a one-game ban after picking up five yellow cards. So when Messi, who had already received four cautions this MLS season, entered the referee’s book in the Herons’ 2–2 draw with FC Cincinnati midweek, many assumed the Argentine would have to sit out of the team’s penultimate regular season clash on Sunday.

Except a rule exists in MLS that rewards players for “good behavior.” That’s right—players can see their total yellow-card tally reduced if they go the next five matches without entering the referee’s book.

The rule has existed for years, but it’s only now making waves since Messi and Inter Miami are the benefactors.

Breaking Down MLS’s Good Behavior Incentive

A rule that makes yellow cards disappear under the “Good Behavior Incentive” sounds farfetched, but it actually exists in MLS’s rules and regulations.

“A player will automatically reduce his yellow card accumulation total by one yellow card each time he appears in five consecutive matches without receiving a yellow card, red card or supplemental discipline in such matches,” the guidelines state.

“For clarity, a player cannot have a negative yellow card accumulation total; the Good Behavior Incentive can only reset to a zero-card total. This incentive will be automatically applied a maximum of three times throughout the course of the MLS Regular Season.

“For example, if a player on his third caution of the season completes five consecutive matches without receiving a card or supplemental discipline, that player will have one yellow card caution removed from his cumulative total, leaving the player with a total of two yellow cards.

“The incentive can be applied a maximum of three times during the regular season, and only takes effect once the relevant match has been completed.”

Messi’s Good Behavior Gives Inter Miami a Boost

Thanks to the “Good Behavior Incentive,” Messi only has three yellow cards to his name despite technically picking up five this season in MLS.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or saw his yellow card against Orlando City wiped away after he went the next five games without receiving a yellow card, red card or supplemental discipline. Messi did the same following his yellow card against Nashville SC; he avoided punishment in his next five appearances, and therefore had the card expunged.

So when Messi entered the referee’s book on Wednesday, it was only the third yellow card on his record. Therefore, he is free to play against the New England Revolution this weekend.

The rule gives Kily González his best player for an important showdown at Gillette Stadium. Inter Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference standings, two points behind the Revolution. They can take sole possession of second place with a win away from home on Sunday.

The final placings in the table have MLS Cup playoff implications. The Herons will be gunning for as high a seed as possible, and their best odds of taking down New England are with Messi leading the attack.

The 2022 World Cup winner leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 25 goals in 29 appearances. Messi is also eyeing a record third consecutive MLS MVP award, as well as another run to the MLS Cup final with Inter Miami. Getting the team back to winning ways against one of the toughest opponents in the league will fill the Herons with confidence ahead of the postseason.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Wild Rule That Helped Lionel Messi Escape Suspension for Fifth MLS Yellow Card.

It was Kane’s night at the London Palladium Theatre as the Bayern Munich and England center forward became the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001 thanks to a spectacular 73-goal season for club and country.

On the women’s side, Alexia Putellas claimed the third Ballon d'Or of her incredible career after a majestic, treble-winning final season with Barcelona Femení. The now London City Lionesses midfielder won the prestigious award ahead of former Barça teammate Ewa Pajor.

Journalists around the world from FIFA’s member associations determine the Ballon d’Or winner each year, with each voter picking their top-10 finishers in order, with first place votes worth 15 points and 10th place vote worth just one point.

Soon after Kane won his maiden Ballon d’Or, France Football’s Vincent Garcia teased that the gap between him and Mbappé in second was “extremely small.” On Friday, L’Équipe published the full results of the men’s and women’s 2026 Ballon d’Or voting.

The 28-point gap between the top-two finishers in the men’s rankings was the fourth tightest winning margin in Ballon d’Or history.

2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or Points Breakdown (30–11)

T-29. Sadio Mané (Senegal, Al Nassr): 2 points
T-29. William Saliba (France, Arsenal): 2 points
28. Julián Quiñones (Mexico, Al Qadsiah): 4 points
27. Bruno Fernandes (Portugal, Manchester United): 5 points
26. Dayot Upamecano (France, Bayern Munich): 5 points
25. Marquinhos (Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain): 7 points
24. Luis Díaz (Colombia, Bayern Munich): 8 points
23. Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain): 8 points
22. Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter Milan): 11 points
21. Gabriel (Brazil, Arsenal): 11 points
20. Willian Pacho (Ecuador, Paris Saint-Germain): 12 points
19. João Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain): 15 points
18. Marc Cucurella (Spain, Chelsea/Real Madrid): 16 points
17. Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid): 26 points
16. Ferran Torres (Spain, Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain): 44 points
15. Declan Rice (England, Arsenal): 57 points
14. Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain): 59 points
13. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain): 65 points
12. Pau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona): 101 points
11. Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid): 107 points

2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or Points Breakdown (1–10)

Kane’s narrow victory over Mbappé is even tighter than the one Rodri secured over Vinícius Júnior (41 points) in the highly scrutinized 2024 rankings.

Although Kane beat Mbappé by 1,055 points to 1,027, the Englishman secured almost twice as many first place votes as the Real Madrid star, collecting 40 votes to Mbappé’s 23.

Lamine Yamal completed the podium with 881 points, significantly fewer than the 1,059 he secured a year ago when he finished runner-up to Ousmane Dembélé. However, the teenager did secure 13 first place votes, two more than he earned in 2025. Dembélé, meanwhile, had 418 points a year after claiming the top prize with 1,380 and he didn’t receive a single first place vote.

The following nine players received first place votes in 2026.

• Harry Kane (40)
• Kylian Mbappé (23)
• Lamine Yamal (12)
• Rodri (10)
• Lionel Messi (6)
• Fabián Ruiz (4)
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (2)
• Michael Olise (1)
• Achraf Hakimi (1)

2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or Points Breakdown (30–11)

T-28. Lorena (Brazil, Kansas City Current): 0 points
T-28. Melvine Malard (France, Manchester United): 0 points
T-28 Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands, Manchester City): 0 points
27. Rose Lavelle (United States, Gotham FC): 2 points
26. Alex Greenwood (England, Manchester City): 7 points
25. Caroline Weir (Scotland, Real Madrid): 7 points
24. Kerstin Casparij (Netherlands, Manchester City): 7 points
23. Momoko Tanikawa (Japan, Bayern Munich): 8 points
22. Manaka Matsukubo (Japan, North Carolina Courage/Chelsea): 9 points
21. Scarlett Camberos (Mexico, Club América): 14 points
20. Selma Bacha (France, OL Lyonnes): 15 points
19. Tessa Wullaert (Belgium, Inter Milan/Como 1907): 15 points
18. Barbra Banda (Zambia, Orlando Pride): 18 points
17. Esmee Brugts (Netherlands, Barcelona): 19 points
16. Mapi León (Spain, Barcelona/London City Lionesses): 20 points
15. Cata Coll (Spain, Barcelona): 21 points
14. Wendie Renard (France, OL Lyonnes): 21 points
13. Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Arsenal): 69 points
12. Klara Bühl (Germany, Bayern Munich): 89 points
11. Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City): 89 points

2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or Points Breakdown (1–10)

A year after Aitana Bonmatí collected her third Ballon d’Or by just 28 points, fellow Spaniard Alexia Putellas joined her with the third Ballon d’Or victory of her own, claiming it over former Barcelona Femení teammate Ewa Pajor by a comfortable 86 points.

The now London City Lionesses star secured 28 of the 50 first place votes after steering Barcelona to a treble. Putellas has won it all in women’s soccer, and after securing her third career Ballon d’Or, she’s firmly established her legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

The following eight players received first place votes in 2026.

• Alexia Putellas (28)
• Ewa Pajor (12)
• Khadija Shaw (3)
• Melchie Dumornay (2)
• Patri Guijarro (2)
• Caroline Graham Hansen (1)
• Mariona Caldentey (1)
• Tessa Wullaert (1)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2026 Ballon d’Or Voting Breakdown Revealed: Kane Defeats Mbappe by Slimmest of Margins.

Six teams from the Eastern Conference and six from West have already punched their tickets, meaning three from each side are still up for grabs. It will make for fierce battles that are anything but runaway wins.

Six teams—Red Bull New York, Toronto FC, New York City FC, LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers and Minnesota United—are staring down elimination, meaning they will bring extra scrappy energy to their respective clashes.

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it all may play out. 

Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

An emphatic 4–0 thumping of CF Montréal midweek—highlighted by a hat trick from forward Liel Abada—should be exactly the momentum Charlotte FC needs to overcome a scrappy Orlando City squad desperate to stay above the playoff line and punch their postseason ticket.

Antoine Griezmann and Co. won’t make it easy though. They held Eastern Conference heavyweight Chicago Fire to a 2–2 draw on Wednesday at Soldier Field, despite Robert Lewandowski’s barrage of shots.

Score Prediction: Charlotte FC 3–2 Orlando City

New York City FC vs. CF Montréal

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

New York City FC welcome a down-on-its-luck Montréal side to Citi Field on Saturday after securing a 2–1 win at home against Atlanta United.

NYCFC are technically still capable of making the playoffs, although all three points will certainly be needed. A loss would spell disaster. Meanwhile, the Canadians have long since said farewell to the playoffs, but are they interested in playing the spoiler?

Score Prediction: NYCFC 2–0 CF Montréal

FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

The Philadelphia Union secured a scoreless draw on the road against Supporters’ Shield winners Nashville SC midweek. The result, which clinched a spot in the playoffs, was all the more impressive considering it came without 17-year-old prodigy and goal-contributions machine Cavan Sullivan on the pitch.

The Union stay on the road Saturday to play a rather inconsistent, yet equally unpredictable, FC Cincinnati team.

Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 1–3 Philadelphia Union

Columbus Crew vs. D.C. United

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

The Columbus Crew have won their last four league matches, scoring 11 goals within that span, to keep themselves just barely above the Eastern Conference playoff line. Meanwhile, D.C. United are winless in the last four league matches and firmly out of the playoff race.

Expect a goal-laden affair.

Score Prediction: Columbus Crew 4–1 D.C. United

St. Louis CITY SC vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT

St. Louis CITY’s U.S. Open Cup victory has since been sandwiched by league losses, coming a long way from the team’s remarkable 21-game unbeaten streak earlier this season. St. Louis should finally get back into the win column, though, when they welcome San Diego FC, who will have low morale after getting thumped by the Vancouver Whitecaps 4–1 on Wednesday.

Score Prediction: St. Louis CITY 3–2 San Diego FC

Sporting Kansas City vs. FC Dallas

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT

Sporting Kansas City are in dire form, winless in the last four matches and conceding 12 goals in that span. The league’s worst team should be no match for Western Conference powerhouse FC Dallas, who are looking to overtake the Vancouver Whitecaps for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

Score Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 1–3 FC Dallas

LA Galaxy vs. Austin FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT

LA Galaxy are sitting just outside the playoff line and desperately need three points to crack a Wild Card match spot. Fortunately, Austin FC shouldn’t present too much of an obstacle. The Texas side has one just one of its last seven matches—a narrow, comeback win last week over the league’s worst team, Sporting Kansas City

Score Prediction: LA Galaxy 2–1 Austin FC 

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT

Real Salt Lake travel to PayPal Park covered in uncertainty. They are barely clinging onto a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, with LA Galaxy pounding on the door, yet they could also break into a much more secure positioning in the top seven with a win. Meanwhile, San Jose have already clinched playoffs, but are fighting for a coveted top-four seed.

At this point in the season, almost everyone has something to fight for, but Real Salt Lake may just want it more.

Score Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 1–3 Real Salt Lake

Colorado Rapids vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

It could be easy to write off the Colorado Rapids. They haven’t shined this season, staying above the playoff line through pure, consistent mediocrity. Consistency may prove more valuable than whatever the Chicago Fire are doing as of late, though.

Score Prediction: Colorado Rapids 1–1 Chicago Fire

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Seattle Sounders

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT

An exciting match beckons at BC Place on Sunday, seeing bitter regional rivals Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders go head-to-head. Although the Whitecaps have already won the 2026 Cascadia Cup, this game will be no less intense. The Whitecaps are feeling the pressure from FC Dallas, who want the Canadians’ top seed, while the Sounders are just trying to keep their place in the playoff race.

The Sounders haven’t found much success over the past two weeks, but for the Whitecaps, they’ll bring their best. This one could be destined for a draw.

Score Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 2–2 Seattle Sounders

Atlanta United vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Atlanta United welcome Toronto FC to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, and although the Five Stripes have kissed goodbye the dream of a postseason, they will be eager to play spoiler to the Canadian side. Toronto is still fighting for a chance in the postseason, but has notoriously come apart in big moments all season long.

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 2–1 Toronto FC

Nashville SC vs. Red Bull New York

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC have already locked down the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs, meaning that they may be most focused on preserving legs and rotating their roster in Sunday’s bout with Red Bull New York, a tactic they likewise employed in Wednesday’s draw with the Union.

The Red Bulls have been inconsistent as of late and are fighting against elimination. A victory over the Supporters’ Shield winners would be a massive boost; however, they are likely to settle for a draw.

Score Prediction: Nashville SC 2–2 Red Bull New York

New England Revolution vs. Inter Miami

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

This is the marquee match of the weekend and not just because Lionel Messi is playing. It’s the clash of No. 2 and No. 3 in the Eastern Conference, with Inter Miami looking to reclaim its top-two position from the Revs, which three points on Sunday night will afford.

Although the Herons are much improved from their August woes, this win will most likely go to the home team. New England are peaking at the right moment, winning the last four, including big results against the Chicago Fire and the Philadelphia Union, whereas Miami are leaving much to be desired.

Score Prediction: New England Revolution 3–1 Inter Miami

Los Angeles FC vs. Minnesota United

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

LAFC have already clinched playoffs, but will look to destroy the dreams of Minnesota United, who absolutely need a victory on Sunday.

Minnesota are undefeated in the last five matches and could destined for a draw at BMO Stadium.

Score Prediction: LAFC 0–0 Minnesota United

Portland Timbers vs. Houston Dynamo

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 9:45 p.m. ET / 6:45 p.m. PT

The Portland Timbers’ playoff ambitions aren’t dead yet; however, it may take more than they have to give to overcome a Houston Dynamo side undefeated in the last five games.

The Dynamo have already clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference, but won’t mind ruining the Timbers’ night at Providence Park.

Score Prediction: Portland Timbers 1–2 Houston Dynamo

MLS Predictions: Matchday 34

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Several Teams Claw for Playoffs in Matchday 34 .

Messi is in the endgame of his legendary career. The most trophy-laden player in the history of the sport has no more worlds left to conquer and has already retired from international duty. At this point, Messi could be forgiven for letting sentimentality dictate his next moves.

This week, the Argentine journalist Gonzalo Calvigioni claimed that “Messi has never been so close” to joining Newell’s Old Boys, with a potential transfer set for January 2027. Messi famously grew up as a Newell’s fan and lit up the club’s youth teams only to be told by senior management that they would not pay for his costly growth hormone treatment, thereby forcing him to Barcelona as a 13-year-old.

It is one of the curiosities of his career that the greatest Argentinian player of all time has never made a single appearance in his nation’s top flight.

Any stir that this talk may have caused was quashed by Fabrizio Romano, who confidently reported that Messi is “very happy at Inter Miami,” where he intends to remain until the expiry of his contract in December 2028. Romano also added the telling line that Messi’s future in MLS will stretch until 2028 for “at least” another two years, with the prospect of an extension to his existing terms “to be evaluated later on.”

Could Lionel Messi Stay at Inter Miami Beyond 2028?

If it were up to David Beckham and Inter Miami (and MLS at large), Messi would be given a lifetime contract. The legendary World Cup winner is the ultimate marketing tool for a division which he is continuing to dominate.

Even at this advanced stage of his career, Messi remains the most destructive attacking force in MLS. The 39-year-old leads the league for goals, xG, shots and shots on target, while also creating the most clear cut chances across the league.

“There will be a before and after Messi,” Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said after striking the biggest deal in the history of U.S. soccer three years ago. He simply doesn’t want the “after Messi” bit to begin just yet.

Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled to $1.3 billion since Messi’s arrival, while interest in fixtures across the league have enjoyed an unprecedented boom with the ability to market the shy and retiring Argentine.

View this post on Instagram

While there is a swollen glut of invested individuals hellbent on extending Messi’s Floridian swansong, the man himself hasn’t shown too much of an appetite for an endless playing career.

When Messi tearfully announced his international retirement after the draining experience of playing through the 2026 World Cup while his father Jorge was dying, he hinted at an imminent exit from the global stage altogether. “All I ever did was play soccer,” he wrote in an open letter to his late dad in August, “and now I’m really not sure if I’ll keep doing it for much longer.”

Steps have already been taken for Messi to make a smooth transition into a post-playing career, with an ever-expanding portfolio of clubs coming under his ownership. “I am just starting out,” Messi said of his budding business empire. The same can no longer be said for his days on the field.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘At Least’—Lionel Messi’s Future Takes New Twist Amid Shock Inter Miami Exit Talk.

As the regular season comes to a close, 14 matches across both the Eastern and Western Conference unfolded on Wednesday night. There were goals galore, with the league’s biggest stars and brightest young talents getting on the scoresheet, a common theme in a historic way this season.

Lucas Halter was among the long list of goalscorers, lifting the Houston Dynamo to a 1–0 win over the Seattle Sounders. His goal not only secured three points for his side, but also helped MLS reach a new landmark.

Halter’s goal was the 1,553rd scored in 2026, surpassing MLS’s previous single-season record of 1,552 from the 2024 campaign. Still with two more matchdays left to play, the overall haul will only keep increasing.

Lionel Messi Leads the MLS Golden Boot Race

Reaching a new goals landmark wouldn’t be possible without the league’s top forwards finding lethal success in the final third—and there’s no player more lethal than Messi.

The Inter Miami captain has found the back of the net 25 times in 29 league appearances this season, which puts him in pole position in the Golden Boot race. Messi took home the prize last season for his 29 goals and will like his chances of defending his crown.

Only FC Dallas’ Petar Musa has a realistic chance of catching the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The Croatian, who has 22 goals to his name, is the only other player in the league to surpass the 20-goal mark this season.

Messi could see his three-goal lead erased if he fails to find the back of the net in Inter Miami’s final two matches against New England Revolution and Charlotte FC. But if he gets his name on the scoresheet, the trophy is as good as his.

MLS Golden Boot Standings

Teams With the Most Goals Scored in MLS This Season

To reach a single-season goals record, there must be production beyond the top goalscorers in the league. Take a look at Inter Miami: They have scored a staggering 75 goals this season and only 25 belong to Messi.

It’s no surprise the Herons top the scoring charts. Luis Suárez has put together a massive bounce-back season and has 16 goals to his name. New signing Germán Berterame also has found the back of the net nine times. In total, the defending MLS Cup champions have had 15 people get on the scoresheet in 2026.

Five other clubs, including last season’s MLS Cup runners-up Vancouver Whitecaps, have scored more than 60 goals. Nineteen teams have bagged 50 or more.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez Help Set New MLS Goalscoring Record.

Even at 39 years old, Messi ranked ahead of current European soccer superstars, such as Michael Olise, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and 2025 winner Ousmane Dembélé. Only Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and 2026 Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane finished ahead of him in the rankings.

The greatest player of all time turned back the clock and dominated the 2026 World Cup, carrying Argentina on his back to the third World Cup final appearance of his career.

Even if Messi couldn’t help Argentina win consecutive titles, he produced arguably the most decisive campaign of his World Cup career—unquestionably his most productive. The timeless forward bagged eight goals to go along with four assists as La Albiceleste reached yet another World Cup title match.

2026 Ballon d’Or Ranking Adds to Messi’s Unparalleled Legacy

A hat trick in the opening game against Algeria, his stunning late heroics against Egypt in the round of 16, completely taking over late in the semifinal against England to steer Argentina’s comeback with a pair of assists, this summer Messi showed that even in the twilight of his career he remains one of the best players in the world.

It might not carry as much weight as what others in European soccer achieved, but Messi was also the driving force of Inter Miami’s maiden MLS Cup title—extending his win record with the 47th title of his career. Messi was also named MLS MVP for the second season in a row with 29 goals and 18 assists in 28 games during the 2025 regular season.

Finishing fifth in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings wasn’t enough for Messi to attend the gala in London, with the all-time great staying back in Miami to attend the inaugural Messi Cup—a U-16 international youth tournament—and prepare for his side’s upcoming clash with FC Cincinnati.

It’s also unsurprising considering anything but winning the award probably doesn’t move the needle for him, given he already has eight Ballon d’Or awards resting inside his personal trophy cabinet—the most of any player in history.

Messi’s most recent Ballon d’Or triumph came in 2023 after winning the 2022 World Cup, which was the last time he had been nominated until this year. Had he managed to help La Albiceleste defeat Spain in the 2026 final en-route to the nation’s fourth World Cup crown, he likely would’ve been in pole-position to win his ninth Ballon d’Or.

Still, Messi finishing fifth fifth at 39 is a remarkable tribute to his prolonged greatness and a landmark moment in the award’s history. Messi is nearing the end of his career, and after retiring from international soccer in incredibly emotional fashion, it’s unlikely that Messi will be among the 30 Ballon d’Or finalists ever again.

“He’s the best player in history,” Ángel Di María told Sports Illustrated in April. “And being able to be with him every day, training, everything, is something beautiful.”

Stars burn brightest in their final moments, and that’s exactly what Messi did in his last dance with soccer’s elite. After two years relegated from the list of Ballon d’Or nominees, a fifth-placed finish in 2026 further enhances his unparalleled legacy.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi’s 2026 Ballon d’Or Ranking—Revealed.

The eight-time winner, first nominated all the way back in 2006 after a maiden European crown with Barcelona, was named on the 2026 shortlist for the first time in three years. He last featured—and won—in 2023 in the wake of leading Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup.

Since moving his club career to Major League Soccer, outside the elite environment of Europe’s top five league and the UEFA Champions League, Messi’s recent nominations have been determined by his achievements with Argentina—that was also the case when he won in 2021, lifting the Copa América that year as his first senior international trophy.

This year, Messi scored eight goals at the World Cup and played in another final. Things might have been different had Argentina defeated Spain at MetLife Stadium, but La Albiceleste fell short and Messi hasn’t really been part of the Ballon d’Or winner conversation.

In the knowledge that he wasn’t going to win, combined with Inter Miami having a match this week—against FC Cincinnati—making that lengthy round trip to London for the Monday night ceremony was just not worth Messi’s time or energy.

Where Was Lionel Messi Instead of the 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony?

¡LA SONRISA DE MESSI! La felicidad de Leo, que disfruta de una nueva edición de la Messi Cup.

📺 Mirá TODA la 🏆 #MessiCup por ESPN en el Plan Premium de #DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/DbsiUpBoEP

— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) October 26, 2026

Rather than attend yet another Ballon d’Or ceremony, Messi opted to watch his self-titled Messi Cup unfold. The former Barcelona prodigy launched his youth tournament last year and was in Miami to watch 16 different U-16 teams compete.

The likes of Inter Miami, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, River Plate, Inter Milan, Newell's Old Boys and Atlético Madrid were involved last year and have been joined by Arsenal, Ajax, Benfica, Palmeiras, Boca Juniors, Independiente del Valle, Flamengo, and UE Cornellà this time around.

Messi’s Focus on Inter Miami

A non-stop flight from Miami to London is around nine hours, which means approximately 18 hours in the air, exclusive of other travel time to and from the airport.

Messi was on the field for Inter Miami on Saturday in a defeat to Red Bull New York, which means he would have had to travel on Sunday, before the ceremony on Monday night. Tuesday would have been his day to return to Florida, with Miami hosting Cincinnati on Wednesday.

Could Messi potentially sit out the Cincinnati game to make it easier? He could, but there is little to gain. The 2026 MLS regular season only has three rounds of matches to go, but Miami still have something to play for because the higher their position in the final standings, the more favorable the opponent will be in round one of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Nashville SC have already clinched the 2026 Supporters’ Shield, but Miami can place as high as second in the Eastern Conference. The Herons sit third, as it stands, but are level on points with the second-place New England Revolution. Whichever is second at the end goes into the playoff bracket against the seventh-ranked team. Third place gets sixth. It might not make much difference, but these are the super fine margins that can influence things.

Why would Miami and Messi not do everything in their power to make that happen—even if that means skipping a glitzy night like the Ballon d’Or ceremony?

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Why Lionel Messi Isn’t Attending 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony.

The former Bundesliga winner as a player and manager, a midfielder who finished fifth in 1983 Ballon d’Or vote after scoring the only goal of that year’s European Cup final, surveyed 2026’s staggering breadth of talent and came to the conclusion that Marc Cucurella should be the victor.

For all his qualities, the World Cup-winning left back (who also finished 10th in the Premier League with Chelsea) has not been tipped among the top contenders. A panel of 100 journalists will be the ones to decide the winner, with the likes of Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé or perhaps even Lionel Messi billed slightly above Cucurella.

In this most open of years, world soccer’s glittering stars have failed to agree upon a standout favorite for the coveted prize.

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal is in his headband era. pic.twitter.com/qTTJ4ddzxF

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) March 27, 2026

This year’s top contenders have made little secret about their desire to win the Ballon d’Or. Yamal seemed to have appeared on every available broadcaster to make it abundantly clear quite why he was deserving of the award.

Like any good political campaign, Yamal also made sure to denigrate the achievements of his rivals while promoting his own case. The La Liga and World Cup winner pointed out that he has more than silverware on his side in a shootout against the prolific scorers of Kane and Mbappé.

“The Ballon d’Or is the award for the best player of the year—the player who stands apart, the one you enjoy watching, the one with that touch of magic who makes you smile and makes you want to watch a match just for them,” the teenager argued.

“It has nothing to do with the number of goals scored or anything else like that. When I think of the Ballon d’Or, I think of Messi, Ronaldinho—players who are different, who make you dream.”

Kylian Mbappé

A familiar silence. pic.twitter.com/I4T94Kq6Dw

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) October 25, 2026

“I always think I’m the best,” Mbappé unashamedly shrugged, “but everyone has their own opinion.”

“I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award. There are many people that speak about me and the Ballon d’Or. Of course I’ve made history in the most important competition. Maybe it’s a good year for this but people can vote according to what they think.”

Declan Rice

Declan Rice is one of three Arsenal nominees for this year’s individual prize but he turned to his international captain, Kane, with his pick for the award.

“Beyond all of the football stuff, as a person as well, just how he is as a leader, as an actual person, such a good guy,” Rice gushed after watching the Bayern Munich No. 9 deliver a Champions League masterclass. “I can’t speak highly enough of him. So, I hope on Monday he has that gold trophy in his hands.”

Ousmane Dembélé

Football will miss Khvicha’s magic. pic.twitter.com/z1woVrFiTt

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) October 21, 2026

In a rare act of humility from one of the players actually nominated for the award himself, Ousmane Dembélé shifted the focus onto his Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

“I hope a Parisian will win it. Especially Kvara, who had a very great season. We hope it will be him. For me, he is the best player in the world. His season last year was incredible. No need to talk, we will leave the votes.”

Rodri

Rodri wasn’t overly fussed about winning the award in 2024 and isn’t holding out much hope for his second prize. Instead, he is keen on seeing a fellow World Cup winner add the golden ball to his collection.

“What I would really like is for a Spaniard to win it,” Rodri said. “There are six of us [nominated]: [Marc] Cucurella, [Pau] Cubarsí, Rodri, [Fabián] Ruiz, Lamine [Yamal], and Ferran [Torres]. I can tell you that, individually, every one of them absolutely deserves the Ballon d’Or. I think all my teammates have solid arguments.”

“Fabián Ruiz is the one who has won the most titles,” he added. “Cubarsí, for what he has achieved at just 19 years old. Ferran scored the decisive goal [in the World Cup final]. As for me, I was named Player of the Tournament. And Lamine is incredible.”

Raphinha

It's us again. pic.twitter.com/26fMfo5NlT

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) September 19, 2026

Raphinha, who somehow escaped even a nomination of his own, was fully in Yamal’s corner. In the eyes of his clubmate, Yamal deserves the prize for his “individual numbers, collective titles, and the magic on the pitch, charisma. There’s no doubt.

“For me, he has to take the prize, no matter what. Even if I wasn’t Lamine’s teammate, for what he does, the numbers, the titles – and I think titles are important – he’s the candidate. One of one. Of three trophies, he won two with Barcelona. He won the World Cup with Spain.”

Neymar

Neymar infamously left Barcelona, where he won the admiration of a certain even younger Lamine Yamal, for PSG in search of the sort of individual recognition like the Ballon d’Or.

The Brazilian never managed to surpass Messi but is backing Barcelona’s new No. 10. “Lamine Yamal is the best in the world,” Neymar posted on social media earlier this season.

Jose Mourinho

“For me, the Ballon d’Or has to go to those players who, when they retire, we’ll miss forever,” Real Madrid manager José Mourinho told assembled media before Real Madrid’s clash with Málaga earlier this season. “I miss [Diego] Maradona, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Cristiano [Ronaldo], [Lionel] Messi, [Zinédine] Zidane, [Lothar] Matthäus ...”

Conveniently, all those players play for Real Madrid. “The best players in the world, there are two, three or four of them, and we know who they are: they’re here.” However, one stands out.

“For me, there is one who, individually, made history this summer,” Mourinho said of Mbappé, whose major case would appear to be becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history over the summer.

Diego Simeone

After watching his compatriot drag Argentina kicking and screaming to the World Cup final, Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone had a clear winner. “Messi, without a doubt,” he smiled. “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi.”

Joachim Löw

Unlike so many in the realm of German soccer, Joachim Löw overlooked Harry Kane, “Kane is an incredible goalscorer who consistently delivers his 30 goals per season,” the 2014 World Cup-winning manager admitted. “He’s a very pragmatic and effective finisher. The Ballon d’Or calls for more players who create magic.

“In that respect, I see Mbappé ahead of Yamal and [Michael] Olise, even though he didn't win a title with France or Real Madrid last season.”

Thierry Henry

“It’s Kylian Mbappé,” Thierry Henry, who will be presenting this year’s award, predicted. “And yes, people will tell me that he didn’t win anything. I think it happened in history. I think some people need to do their research on that one.

“But for me, it’s Kylian. When you see what he has achieved individually ... top goalscorer in the Champions League, top goalscorer in La Liga and also the World Cup.”

Zlatan Ibrahimović

“He is the best player in the world,” Zlatan Ibrahimović gushed over Lamine Yamal during the World Cup. “He’s a special player. Every time he gets the ball, he’s going to create something, no matter if he has two or three defenders in front of him.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2026 Ballon d’Or: Who Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Other Stars Are Backing to Win.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had to fly to Spain on Wednesday to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport the following day. Then, Messi made the long journey back to the United States in time for Inter Miami’s weekend MLS clash.

Except the heavy travel and time changes kept Messi on the bench at the start of the game, leaving reigning MLS Cup winners without their best and most influential player against a hungry Red Bull team.

The Herons were down 1–0 just seven minutes into the bout, thanks to an own goal from Casemiro, and finished the first half without a single shot on target. The team was crying out for Messi, who eventually came on the pitch just before the hour-mark.

In the end, it wasn’t enough time for the 39-year-old to pull off a moment of magic to get Inter Miami back into the game. The visitors ultimately suffered a 2–0 defeat, relinquishing the Eastern Conference’s second place to New England Revolution and falling to third.

Messi’s Limited Minutes Were ‘Agreed Upon’

It’s incredibly rare to see Messi not in Inter Miami’s starting XI. Even at age 39, the Barcelona legend is starting week in and week out for the Herons, putting on a show for home and away crowds more often than not.

Messi missed just two games after a grueling World Cup last summer with Argentina. He then only sat out of one match following the passing of his father.

Yet his recent travels forced Inter Miami to come up with a plan to manage his workload, even if it came at the detriment of the team.

“This was something that had already been agreed upon,” manager Kily González said after Saturday’s defeat. “Obviously, he’s been through quite a journey, time zone changes, temperature shifts and a whole host of other factors.

“We were fully aware of all of this, and we reached an agreement that this was the best approach to ensure he didn’t suffer any issues, specifically to avoid any injuries considering we have another match this Wednesday.

“The goal was for him to recover and get some minutes under his belt today; as always, he performed well.”

More Travel Could Be on the Horizion for Messi

As González mentioned, Inter Miami have a match on Wednesday against FC Cincinnati. It is the team’s third-to-last regular season battle before the fight for the MLS Cup truly begins.

But before the Herons host Pat Noonan’s men at Nu Stadium, there is a much-larger event taking place across the Atlantic Ocean: the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Messi is one of 30 men nominated for soccer’s most prestigious individual prize, awarded this year in London. The Argentine is not expected to claim a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or award, but he is expected to be in attendance at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday evening.

Should Messi indeed attend the ceremony, that means another long trip overseas coming just days before a crucial MLS clash. González then might be forced to limit the forward’s minutes again, leaving the Herons to potentially pay the price.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi’s Hectic Travels Hurt Inter Miami—And Ballon d’Or Trip Signals More Trouble.

After months of humble comments from Harry Kane and shameless campaigning from Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, France Football will crown soccer’s best men’s player at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday.

Unlike in years past, the competition for the most prestigious individual prize in the sport is wide open. The three aforementioned favorites all have arguments going both in their favor and against them, making the battle for the 2026 Ballon d’Or one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory.

Adding to some of the fun is the race to solve a new puzzle. L’Équipe journalist Loïc Tanzi revealed a recent advertisement for the ceremony has hidden numbers that reveal the winner.

Regardez bien les chiffres. Il y a un code à déchiffrer pour connaître le vainqueur. Niveau très difficile mais pas injouable. https://t.co/MiPyDIO3Ew pic.twitter.com/81rGExogaH

— Loïc Tanzi (@Tanziloic) October 25, 2026

“Look closely at the numbers,” he wrote on X. “There is a code to decipher to find out the winner. Very difficult level but not unplayable.”

Indeed, there are numbers encircling the Ballon d’Or award in the background of the image. What the numbers mean or translate to without a cipher is anyone’s guess, but social media is surely having fun trying to put the pieces together to learn Monday’s victor.

Social Media Reacts to New Ballon d’Or Puzzle

The replies to Tanzi’s post show the range of social media. There’s people running with carefully crafted theories, some trying to crack the code with logic and others using the exercise to poke fun at Ballon d’Or nominees and different stars in the sport.

One user turned to AI to solve the riddle, which claims Kane will win the prize in London. The England international had a career-best season, scoring 73 goals for club and country. He helped Bayern Munich top the Bundesliga and led England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup.

There’s also the fact that the graphic resembles the Bundesliga trophy.

Another user complied evidence that points to Mbappé taking home the Ballon d’Or.

The Frenchman ended the campaign as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup. Mbappé went trophyless, though, which left him vulnerable to jabs like the following: “There are two 0s like the number of blank years Mbappé's had at Real, I think, so Mbappé’s gonna steal this Ballon d’Or.”

One of the main reasons Mbappé didn’t win La Liga or the World Cup? Lamine Yamal.

Yamal starred for Barcelona en route to the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup, before he helped Spain claim world glory in North America last summer. Should his name be called out on Monday, he will become the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or winner.

Aside from the three obvious favorites to win the award, onlookers couldn’t help but throw some other names into the mix. One user saw the number two and believed it means Ousmane Dembélé will go back-to-back. The Frenchman won the Ballon d’Or last year and then helped Paris Saint-Germain successfully defend their French and European titles.

Another saw the number four and joked Ronald Araújo would win the award.

Although the puzzle has no definitive answer just yet, we can assure you Araújo will not win the Ballon d’Or.

As for Kane, Mbappé and Yamal? The world will know on Monday which superstar gets to etch his name into soccer folklore.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Internet Is Racing to Crack a Hidden Code That Reveals 2026 Ballon d’Or Winner.

This postseason will keep the system used since 2023: nine teams in each conference, with the eighth- and ninth-place finishers playing a one-game Wild Card match to determine who advances to face the top seed in the first round’s best-of-three series. 

While some teams have thrived from the first kick of a ball back in February, others have adjusted and improved throughout the lengthy campaign. Now with just a few weeks left to go, it’s becoming clear which teams are the true contenders, most likely to hoist the MLS Cup on Dec. 15. 

Here, Sports Illustrated ranks the five favorites to capture glory.

5. Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union were at the bottom of the MLS table heading into the World Cup break. 

Interim manager Ryan Richter has turned things around in miraculous fashion, and the team sits sixth in the Eastern Conference with four games to go, enjoying a 15-game unbeaten run. 

The core of the project has been the trust in young players. Cavan Sullivan has taken on increased responsibility and is up to seven goals and 14 assists as a 17-year-old, breaking Alphonso Davies’s 2018 record for the most goal contributions as a teenager in a single season with 21. At the same time, 19-year-old towering center back Neil Pierre has proven to be a key defensive piece, while 20-year-old right back Frankie Westfield has made immense improvements. 

Beyond the young talent, midfielder Danley Jean Jacques and goalkeeper Andre Blake continue to play key roles in Richter’s setup. Meanwhile, the attacking partnership of Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski has linked up for 31 goals.

The Union have found an approach that works and seems nearly unstoppable these days, peaking perfectly for the postseason and potentially putting themselves in position for a coveted top-four spot in the Eastern Conference. However, with both Miami and Nashville standing in their way, reaching the MLS Cup could be a step too far for the starlets.

4. St. Louis CITY SC

St. Louis CITY SC completely rebuilt their core midseason, and it’s worked. Manager Yoann Damet’s men are bona fide MLS Cup contenders entering the final stages of the season, especially after winning the U.S. Open Cup final midweek, the club’s first-ever trophy.

While its recent 19-game undefeated run didn't set the record for the longest MLS regular-season run, it showed how quickly the team has adjusted to a key group highlighted by Carlo Holse and Rafael Navarro, alongside a mainstay between the sticks in Roman Bürki. Navarro has been the biggest difference-maker, though, racking up eight goals and three assists in eight games since coming over from the Colorado Rapids on a $12 million fee. 


With the consistency of results and the dominance shown through the recent run, St. Louis have elevated themselves from a sleeper pick ahead of the season to a true challenger, but will have to navigate a competitive Western Conference and avoid any hiccups that would test their depth.

3. Inter Miami

Inter Miami are the defending champions, but haven’t looked like MLS Cup-quality for much of the season, including a spell with just one win in 10 games. Now on their third manager, Kily González, they seem to have hit their stride and could be ready to peak at the perfect time in the playoffs. 

Lionel Messi remains the be-all-end-all factor of Inter Miami’s entire project. He is the favorite to capture a third-straight MLS MVP title and looks likely to defend his Golden Boot title as well. His influence has been unmatched, especially as he grows more comfortable under González.

While Messi will determine the team’s fate, 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair has regained his confidence between the sticks in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Germán Berterame has improved—all while Luis Suárez defies reason as a consistent offensive threat with 15 goals in 26 games at nearly 40 years old. 

Miami won’t have it easy returning to the MLS Cup, likely having to take down Nashville—the team that knocked them out of the Concacaf Champions Cup—but they'd be favored if they reach that point.

2. Vancouver Whitecaps

The defining decision of the Vancouver Whitecaps’ season was selling USMNT midfielder Seabtian Berhalter to Middlesbrough for $2 million after his starring performance at the World Cup. Since then, the 2025 MLS Cup finalists have struggled to match the dominance and consistency they showed throughout the first half of the season. Although rest assured, Whitecaps fans, this is still a very good team and a clear-cut favorite to win the Western Conference. 

While the club may have just two wins in its last six games, it remains on pace for a better points total than the 2025 campaign, the club’s best regular-season performance. The back end has conceded just 31 goals in 30 games, second only to Nashville SC among all teams. Brian White has continued to lead the offensive charge with 17 goals in 28 games, despite a dip in recent form. 

The most significant difference from the Berhalter-led 2025 and early stages of 2026 has been the return of Scottish Designated Player Ryan Gauld. Injured for most of the 2025 season, Gauld has four goals and two assists this year and has made significant strides in the second half of the campaign, particularly when Thomas Müller has not been fully fit.

Even still, Müller has nine goals and eight assists of his own, and manager Jesper Sørensen is ensuring his German star is healthy for the playoffs. The Whitecaps should be confident in making a run toward another MLS Cup appearance.

1. Nashville SC

Nashville SC have been the top team in MLS all season and are still on pace to set the all-time regular-season points record, set by Inter Miami’s 74 points just two seasons ago. While the Herons flamed out in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs that year, Nashville are better equipped for a lengthy run all the way to the title. 

The team's core remains the attack, with Hany Mukhtar’s goal-creation ability standing out even more than in his 2022 MLS MVP campaign. At the same time, Sam Surridge has maintained his stellar scoring rate, with 17 goals in 24 games, while enjoying more support than he did in last season’s 25-goal campaign. Add in Cristian Espinoza’s playmaking and Elias Saad’s transition ability, and it’s easy to see why they’ve ranked among the league’s best attacking powers all season. 

Unlike some past Supporters’ Shield winners, though, Nashville haven’t sacrificed defensive solidity. Through 30 games, they have conceded just 23 goals, and Brian Schwake’s impressive goalkeeping has come up clutch when an opponent breaks through the likes of Reid Baker-Whiting and Andy Nájar on the backline. 

With home advantage expected through the postseason, it feels like MLS Cup or bust for Nashville, as they look to become the first team since LAFC in 2022 to win both the Shield and MLS Cup in the same year.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Five Favorites to Win the 2026 MLS Cup—Ranked.

This weekend’s Matchday 32 slate follows the U.S. Open Cup and Canadian Championship finals and could see another trophy awarded, with Nashville SC expected to lift the Supporters’ Shield against last-place CF Montréal. 

While some teams prioritize staying healthy, others battle for playoff spots or seeding. Some are simply playing out the string. It’s a mixed bag of what to expect this weekend, headlined by Sunday night’s highly-anticipated El Tráfico. 

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it all may play out. 

CF Montréal vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT

Nashville SC are on the verge of winning the Supporters’ Shield, expected to hoist the hardware against CF Montreal this weekend on the road. 

While last week’s draw against the San Jose Earthquakes wasn’t the crowning moment they hoped for, a win over a Montreal side that sits last in the Eastern Conference and just played out a grueling Canadian Championship final midweek (losing on penalty kicks) should be straightforward and keep the Coyotes on track to break Inter Miami’s single-season points record (74).

Score Prediction: CF Montreal 0–4 Nashville SC

Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT

Is this the most important game of the season in the Eastern Conference playoff race? It might well be. No. 10-ranked Toronto FC sit tied on points with No. 9 Red Bull New York and just one win back of No. 8 FC Cincinnati, yet are one spot out of the playoffs cutoff. No. 11 Columbus Crew, meanwhile, are just one point shy of Toronto, after winning last week’s Hell is Real Derby against Cincinnati. 

Columbus will be itching for a win, after suffering a devastating loss in penalty kicks to St. Louis CITY in the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Toronto are going in the right direction these days. A draw seems more likely—potential doom for both sides. 

Score Prediction: Toronto FC 1–1 Columbus Crew

Red Bull New York vs. Inter Miami

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT

Inter Miami are back in form. They’ve won three games in a row. Lionel Messi scored a brace, including one of his most skilled goals yet, in last week’s win over Atlanta United, and he's well ahead of the pack in the MLS Golden Boot race, while also being favored for the league’s MVP honor. Red Bull New York desperately need a win to make the playoffs, but won’t get it despite playing at home.

Score Prediction: Red Bull New York 0–3 Inter Miami

Atlanta United vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Can the Chicago Fire get back to the success they found midseason? They’ll need more from Robert Lewandowski down the stretch to be in a top-four spot heading into the playoffs, and the Polish attacker will look to build on six goals in 12 games against a leaky Atlanta United backline. 

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 1–3 Chicago Fire

D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Cincinnati ran away with a 2–1 victory in this match-up on Wednesday, but D.C. United will be fighting for a different fate when they welcome them to Audi Field. Despite sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, a playoff spot is anything but out of the question. Meanwhile, Cincinnati likely need a victory to stay above the cutoff line.

Score Prediction: D.C. United 2–1 FC Cincinnati

Orlando City vs. New York City FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Orlando City are in peak form and thriving under interim manager Martín Pearlman, with Martín Ojeda’s Puskás-worthy goal last week in a win over D.C. United, on a night when Antoine Griezmann also scored two goals and had an assist. New York City FC are desperate for a win to stay in postseason contention, but will likely fall short at Inter.co Stadium. 

Score Prediction: Orlando City 3–0 New York City FC

Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Cavan Sullivan and Milan Iloski lead the Philadelphia Union into a pivotal clash against the highly talented New England Revolution. For Sullivan, it’s his first game since earning the top spot in the league’s annual 22 Under 22 rankings. He has played a key role in his side’s 15-game undefeated run. The Revs won’t be an easy challenge, but expect a Union win, which would likely place Ryan Richter’s side in the top four of the conference by the weekend’s end. 

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1–0 New England Revolution 

FC Dallas vs. San Jose Earthquakes

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The battle of the No. 3 and No. 4 teams in the Western Conference. FC Dallas still has aspirations of taking over St. Louis CITY SC and the Vancouver Whitecaps atop the West, while the Earthquakes hope to translate their good fortunes in last week’s 1–1 draw with Nashville into a solid top-four seed. Both teams should be going for it with immense attacking talent, but ultimately cancel each other out. 

Score Prediction: FC Dallas 2–2 San Jose Earthquakes 

Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Houston Dynamo clinched a playoff spot last weekend, but they face a revived Minnesota United, who pulled off a shocking upset against the red-hot St. Louis CITY SC last weekend. The Loons have an in-form Marcus Caldeira, and his seven goals in 12 games have them back in postseason contention. They’ll find victory in Houston. 

Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 2–3 Minnesota United

Sporting Kansas City vs. Austin FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The most anticipated matchup! Well, not really. A battle of the two worst teams in the Western Confernce with very little on the line. Of course, that should mean a wild game that could be the weekend’s most entertaining. 

Score Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 4–4 Austin FC

Colorado Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps have a four-point buffer atop the Western Conference after last week’s win over Austin FC and are clearly resting Thomas Müller in anticipation of a lengthy MLS Cup playoff run. The 2025 Western Conference champions wrap up a six-game road swing against the Colorado Rapids, and they’ll do so with a victory. 

Score Prediction: Colorado Rapids 0–2 Vancouver Whitecaps

Real Salt Lake vs. St. Louis CITY SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

Morale will be sky-high for St. Louis CITY SC, who defeated Columbus in the U.S. Open Cup final midweek for the club’s first-ever trophy. They are right back to MLS action on the road against a physically demanding Real Salt Lake side. It won’t be easy, but they’ll get the job done, especially with Rafael Navarro fully rested, as he was ineligible for the U.S. Open Cup final. 

Score Prediction: Real Salt Lake 1–3 St. Louis CITY SC

Portland Timbers vs. Charlotte FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

Two teams desperate for different reasons. The Portland Timbers need a win in front of the home fans to stay in the playoff race, while the visiting Charlotte FC are brimming with confidence after last week’s 2–2 draw with Philadelphia and are in contention for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Score Prediction: Portland Timbers 1–1 Charlotte FC

Seattle Sounders vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The turnaround from the midsummer slump for the Seattle Sounders has been outstanding, despite the continued injuries to manager Brian Schmetzer’s roster. Their current boost in energy, compared to San Diego’s, should allow them to cruise to victory. 

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 2–0 San Diego FC

LAFC vs. L.A. Galaxy

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
• Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

El Tráfico headlines the weekend. LAFC need the morale boost, having won just twice in the last 14 games. Will they get it? A tough L.A. Galaxy side stands in their way, with the revived six-time MLS Cup champions well inside the playoff picture and within six points of their crosstown foes. 

Score Prediction: LAFC 2–1 L.A. Galaxy

MLS Predictions: Matchday 32

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: El Trafico, Tense Playoff Pushes Headline Matchday 32 .

From modest beginnings, the sport has reached an eye-watering financial state, with its leading performers reaping the benefits of the vast sums pumped into the game.

Courtesy of Forbes, we can now see exactly the riches on offer to the planet’s most famous soccer stars, as they have collated a list of the 10 highest-earning players for the 2026–27 season.

So, without further ado, here is a full breakdown of the richest in the business.

The 10 Highest-Paid Soccer Players Around the World

The longstanding rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has fueled the modern era, and despite the fact their illustrious careers are edging to a conclusion, they remain the biggest earners soccer has to offer.

Debate has long raged over which of the serial Ballon d’Or winners was better, but there’s no contest when it comes to their earnings. Ronaldo dwarfs his nemesis when comparing their respective pay packets, as he’s projected to earn an astonishing $300 million through his Al Nassr wages—which are reportedly around $4.5 million per week—and commercial partnerships during the current campaign.

In fact, Messi is predicted to earn less than half as much as Ronaldo, although sympathy will be non-existent when the Argentine collects $145 million in total come the end of the season. Interestingly, he will earn more off the field ($75 million) than on it ($70 million) following a flurry of recent endorsements, including with OpenAI and Duracell.

Kylian Mbappé rounds out the star-studded top three as the only other player to hit nine digits. The Real Madrid forward’s astronomical wages ($673,000 per week) account for much of his $100 million earnings, but his recent partnership with Swiss shoe brand On has bolstered his bank balance significantly.

The Frenchman is one of three Real Madrid players in the top 10. Vinícius Júnior, fresh from signing a bumper new contract with the Spanish giants, sits in fifth place at $76 million for the 2026–27 season, which is three places above teammate Jude Bellingham on $45 million—the highest-earning Englishman in world soccer.

Bellingham’s compatriot Harry Kane pockets slightly less at Bayern Munich, taking home $42 million overall. The leading soccer ambassador for shoe brand Skechers also has partnerships with Crayola and Google Gemini which contribute to his extraordinary wealth.

Another devastating sharpshooter is perched in fourth, with Erling Haaland the only current Premier League player within the top 10. The Manchester City dynamo will earn $85 million for the season, with his profile having been boosted by significant social media activity in recent years.

Lamine Yamal might only be 19 years old, but he’s already soccer’s sixth-highest earner on $55 million. That total looks set to rise and rise as the years pass, with Barcelona already paying him just shy of $500,000 every seven days. Brands will be desperate to work with the teenage sensation and that can only be positive news for his bank account.

Former Liverpool forwards Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah round out the list in seventh and 10th respectively. The former’s massive wages at Al Nassr have propelled him into the equation, placing him just behind Yamal on $54 million, while even a wage reduction at Trabzonspor hasn’t removed Salah from the rich list as he prepares to claim $40 million across the campaign.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The 10 Highest Paid Soccer Players in 2026: Where Ronaldo, Messi, Yamal Rank.

Messi has been in red-hot form ever since returning to Inter Miami following his simply jaw-dropping 2026 World Cup campaign for Argentina.

Although Miami doesn’t seem to be as formidable as they were a year ago when they lifted the 2025 MLS Cup, with Messi at his current level, they’re one of the favorites to repeat as champions.

Messi continues to perform as the best player in all of MLS, and he recently became the first player in league history to record 15 or more assists in three-straight seasons.

This run of goal involvements is flirting with the best of Messi’s career.

Lionel Messi’s Incredible 14-Game Goal Contribution Run

In a streak that began on August 15, Messi has registered 26 goal contributions in his last 14 appearances across all competitions, scoring 16 and assisting 10.

Only two weeks after the streak started, Messi announced his retirement from international soccer, even if his form and recent performances for Argentina suggest that he’s still more than capable of delivering for La Albiceleste.

The goal contribution run spans 12 MLS regular season games, plus the Campeones Cup final victory against Cruz Azul and his emotion last dance for Argentina in the friendly against Benin, in which Messi was directly involved in all three goals La Albiceleste scored.

It’s a simply staggering run from the timeless Messi. If he manages to extend it for three more games, then he’ll match the record for the longest run of consecutive games with a goal contribution of his entire career.

Lionel Messi’s 14-Game Goal Contribution Run: Full Details

Messi Closing in on Barcelona Record

Messi’s 14 consecutive games with a goal contribution is the second longest run of his career, only bested by the 17-match streak he produced back in 2011 for Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.

A then 23-year-old Messi opened up 2011 registering a goal involvement in 16 straight appearances for Barça, plus he also had a goal and an assist for Argentina in one of the two matches he played against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal during his international career.

The 17-game run started in his first appearance of the year on Jan. 5 and ended on March. 8. In total, Messi had a simply otherworldly 19 goals and 10 assists during that time.

During 2010–11, Messi finished the season with 53 goals and 27 assists, helping Barcelona to the La Liga title and the second Champions League crown conquered during the Guardiola era.

With just four games remaining in the 2026 MLS regular season, Messi could potentially break his own record as Miami look to secure the highest seed possible in the Eastern Conference standings before their title defense reaches its climax in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Lionel Messi’s 17-Game Goal Contribution Run: Full Details

This article was originally published on www.si.com as How Lionel Messi’s Current Inter Miami Run Compares to His Best Barcelona Form Ever.

The clunkily named prize is a new edition launched by the French magazine in honor of the award’s 70th anniversary. The task is simple, “Which was the ultimate golden year?”

Fans are given the chance to vote for the greatest single year performance delivered by any multiple Ballon d’Or winner in the award’s history. Was Ronaldo’s triumph in 2017 better than Lionel Messi’s 2015? What of the earlier vintages, should Michel Platini’s 1984 stand above Johan Cruyff’s triumph from a decade earlier?

This is the question facing anyone willing to pay €1 ($1.12) to vote on the official Ballon d’Or website.

Full List of Contenders for the B.O.A.T.

• 1957: Alfredo Di Stéfano (Real Madrid)
• 1959: Alfredo Di Stéfano (Real Madrid)
• 1971: Johan Cruyff (Ajax)
• 1972: Franz Beckenbauer (Bayern Munich)
• 1973: Johan Cruyff (Ajax)
• 1974: Johan Cruyff (Ajax)
• 1976: Franz Beckenbauer (Bayern Munich)
• 1978: Kevin Keegan (Hamburg)
• 1979: Kevin Keegan (Hamburg)
• 1980: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Bayern Munich)
• 1981: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Bayern Munich)
• 1983: Michel Platini (Juventus)
• 1984: Michel Platini (Juventus)
• 1985: Michel Platini (Juventus)
• 1988: Marco van Basten (Milan)
• 1989: Marco van Basten (Milan)
• 1992: Marco van Basten (Milan)
• 1997: Ronaldo (Inter)
• 2002: Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
• 2009: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2010: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2011: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2012: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2013: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2014: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2015: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2019: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2021: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2023: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

In terms of raw statistics, no one has ever enjoyed a more dominant round of Ballon d’Or voting than Messi in 2009. Of the 96 judges, 90 voted the impish figurehead of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona in first place. A perfect score at this year’s ceremony would have been 480 points, Messi’s ended the night with a swollen haul of 473.

Michel Platini’s heroics for France at the 1984 European Championships also earned him near universal acclaim while the more modern vintage of Karim Benzema was a widely accepted victor in 2022.

Yet, scarcely has there been a player with the blend of force and finesse in the mould of Ronaldo Nazário from 1997. The then-21-year-old trampled all before him during his maiden season in Barcelona, storming his way to the youngest ever Ballon d’Or triumph.

Ranking Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or Wins

Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester United blue. pic.twitter.com/VrZW311vUk

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) July 22, 2026

1. 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
2. 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
3. 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
4. 2014: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
5. 2013: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

There’s an argument to be made that Ronaldo peaked during his penultimate year at Manchester United. The sharpened point at the tip of Sir Alex Ferguson’s last great team was instrumental in the club’s capture of the Premier League—setting a single-season scoring record—while also scoring in a triumphant Champions League final against Chelsea.

Ronaldo was most content eight years later, when he led Portugal to the national team’s first ever major trophy at Euro 2016. “I have cried three of four times already and my brother had to tell me to calm down. And I said: ‘Hugo, I can’t,’” the captain gushed after the final.

“It’s true, from the bottom of my heart, I swear on my son’s life, I am so very, very, very happy. I could repeat this 100 times. I am so happy. This is the trophy that was missing.”

The Ballon d’Or trophy has been missing from Ronaldo’s cabinet since 2017 but that could change this year.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Ballon d’Or Prize Cristiano Ronaldo Is Still Fighting Lionel Messi for This Year.

For fans and viewers, that meant there was a whole host of goals scored and no shortage of excitement over the weekend.

San Jose Earthquakes’ Preston Judd crushed Nashville SC’s hopes on Saturday, forcing the Eastern Conference powerhouse to wait another week for the chance at the Supporters’ Shield.

Meanwhile, Orlando City’s Martín Ojeda may have had the Goal of the Year, executing a rare type of finish that was just one of four goals the team scored to thrash D.C. United 4–1.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. Leo Walta’s Set-Piece Beauty

SCREAMER FROM @LAFC'S WALTA 🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/n3q72JsMoQ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

Leo Walta buried a free kick from roughly 30 yards out, firing his shot perfectly into the corner of the net to give LAFC a 1–0 lead over New York City FC just before the half. They walked away from Citi Field with a 1–1 draw.

It was the 23-year-old midfielder’s first goal in Black & Gold, joining the Los Angeles side in August on loan from EFL Championship club Swansea City.

“It feels amazing, of course, to score the free kick,” Walta said postmatch. “It is something I have been practicing my whole life, so it feels great. I saw that the goalkeeper was quite in the middle, so I chose to kick it to the far post.”

NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese didn’t even attempt to save Walta’s shot, watching it stream the back of the net.

4. Preston Judd’s Dream Crusher

Set-piece perfection! 💫

Eduard Löwen picks out Preston Judd, who heads home the equalizer for @SJEarthquakes! pic.twitter.com/1RX7aVR972

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

Judd spoiled Nashville’s night, scoring a sliding header off a free kick from Eduard Löwen in the 70th minute to equalize the match 1–1.

The affair at PayPal Park ended in a draw, yet Nashville needed a victory to become the fastest team in MLS history to clinch the Supporters’ Shield (four games left). The Music City men will now have to wait another week before trying again for the regular season title, yet that piece of history evades them.

San Jose, meanwhile, clinched a playoff spot with the draw, joining the Vancouver Whitecaps, St. Louis City, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo as the Western Conference teams to have punched their tickets.

3. The Weaving Lionel Messi

MESSI. This is what he does. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/IEjdmpnRRh

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

It was like watching a 2012 Lionel Messi highlight video set to some high-tempo, instrumental soundtrack.

The 39-year-old soccer legend certainly hasn’t slowed down his goalscoring prowess in the years since; however, he has come to move less and less on the pitch, preserving his body and energies for the most pivotal, game-changing moments.

Nevertheless, he delivered a vintage performance on Saturday, dashing at full speed from the center of the field into the 18-yard box en route to a brilliant finish. A sneaky, short pass to Germán Berterame at the top of the box enabled Messi to beat two Atlanta United defenders, before he continued his sprint around Berterame to receive the ball back. The Argentinian then weaved through two more defenders inside the box, before firing a left-footed shot to the back post.

In case anybody missed his heroics, Messi scored again just four minutes later, sprinting onto the end of a long ball before juking out Atlanta defender Júnior Alonso. Inter Miami won 3–1, and Messi walked away with Man of the Match honors.

2. Yadaly Diaby’s Highlight-Reel Banger

TOP BINS FROM YADALY DIABY! 🎯

What a strike from the forward to give @WhitecapsFC the lead! pic.twitter.com/EebRldzpkm

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

This was a goal Yadaly Diaby will never forget. Substituting onto the pitch just five minutes prior, the Whitecaps winger received the ball on the left flank, cut inside and then fired the perfect curving shot to the far post. The ball ricocheted off the post into the back of the net, stunning Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who just stared at the net in disbelief and didn’t even attempt a save.

Diaby’s finish proved the game-winner, allowing the Whitecaps to leave Q2 stadium with a 2–1 win.

It marked Diaby’s second goal of the season, after joining the Canadian side on Sept. 1 from French Ligue 2 side Grenoble Foot 38.

1. Martin Ojeda’s Scorpion Kick

TINCHO SCORPION KICK OMG 🚨 pic.twitter.com/BntDOk074O

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 18, 2026

Ojeda put together a serious contender for MLS Goal of the Year on Saturday night. Tracking Antoine Griezmann’s chip into the penalty box, Ojeda leaped horizontally to scorpion-kick the ball with the outside of his right foot into the back of the net.

The acrobatics stunned everyone at Inter.co Stadium, including Ojeda’s teammates.

“It was a crazy goal,” said forward Marco Pašalić, who scored Orlando’s fourth of the night. “I have to say to [Ojeda] congratulations. These goals you don’t see every weekend or every game, so I think this is something you have to watch like 100 times, maybe not like 10 times like my goal.”

🦂 pic.twitter.com/8DAZwlsgk3

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 18, 2026

It was the Designated Player’s 15th goal of the season and, by far, his most savvy.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: Martin Ojeda’s Scorpion Kick, Preston Judd’s Major Upset.

Matchday 31 brought plenty of thrills, from Yadaly Diaby’s impressive curling strike to push the Vancouver Whitecaps well beyond the chasing pack in the Western Conference, to another stunning performance from Lionel Messi amid Inter Miami’s recent surge. 

With just three weeks to go until Decision Day on Nov. 7, nine of the 18 playoff spots have been clinched, with intense races remaining for seeding and the nine spots yet to be filled. 

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how teams stack up after Matchday 31, with most teams still having four games left to play. 

MLS Power Rankings Matchday 31: Clubs 30–11

30. CF Montréal
29. Sporting Kansas City
28. Atlanta United
27. D.C. United
26. Austin FC
25. Red Bull New York
24. Columbus Crew
23. Minnesota United
22. Real Salt Lake
21. San Diego FC
20. Portland Timbers
19. Toronto FC
18. L.A. Galaxy
17. FC Cincinnati
16. Colorado Rapids
15. LAFC
14. New York City FC
13. Houston Dynamo
12. Seattle Sounders
11. Orlando City

10. Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC slowed the momentum of the Philadelphia Union this week with a 2–2 draw against the Cavan Sullivan-led squad, and they should have no problem clinching a playoff spot next week against the Portland Timbers. 

The conversation, though, hasn’t really changed around Charlotte all season. Yes, Allan Saint-Maximin has been a more consistent offensive threat than Wilfried Zaha, but manager Dean Smith’s side still struggles to match the league’s elite teams and could be in for a short playoff run.

9. Chicago Fire FC

Hindsight is always clearer, but would the Chicago Fire be in a better position if they had kept Hugo Cuypers instead of signing Robert Lewandowski? The publicity boost aside, he hasn’t scored in four games, has six goals in 12 and has struggled to match the impact of fellow summer signing Antoine Griezmann in Orlando. 

After three-straight wins, including a convincing 3–1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Fire have now lost to the Philadelphia Union and the New England Revolution in back-to-back weeks and will need to turn their form if they hope to maintain a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference. 

8. FC Dallas

NEVER COUNT US OUT 🫎 pic.twitter.com/XOYjMPRPgA

— X - FC Dallas (@FCDallas) October 18, 2026

Picking up a late 2–2 draw with Texas rivals the Houston Dynamo on Saturday and clinching a playoff spot with a win over the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday made for a good week for FC Dallas. Sam Sarver, though, could be facing disciplinary charges after the forward appeared to throw a beer that had entered the pitch into the stands, nearly hitting supporters behind the goal. 

Luckily for Dallas, Petar Musa is finding his form again. It’s two goals in the last three games now, and the Croatia international is up to 20 on the season, after a slightly quieter spell. With him leading the attack, Dallas will now look to take over second place in the Western Conference when they face the San Jose Earthquakes in a pivotal fixture next week.

7. San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Earthquakes are back in the MLS Cup playoffs and clinched their spot in thrilling fashion, securing a point in a 1–1 draw against Nashville SC, which, combined with Vancouver’s win over Austin, prevented Nashville from lifting the Supporters’ Shield.

The result also puts manager Bruce Arena’s men back in the mix for the top spots in the Western Conference. They’re fourth for now, three points behind second-place St. Louis and third-place FC Dallas, but could take a big step forward in next week’s clash with Dallas. 

While much of its success has come down to a collective effort, the team’s MVP has been Preston Judd. The 27-year-old now has 16 goals with the Quakes and has seemingly become the player so many hoped Timo Werner would be this season.

6. New England Revolution

Two straight wins against FC Cincinnati and the Chicago Fire is quite the way to bounce back after back-to-back 3–0 losses. It wasn’t the most convincing result against the Fire, leaning on an impressive six-save performance from Matt Turner and Matt Polster’s lone goal, but it was enough to keep the Revolution in contention for second in the Eastern Conference. 

Next week’s clash with the Philadelphia Union will be a challenge on the road, but all eyes are on three weeks from now, when they meet Inter Miami.

5. Inter Miami

Inter Miami are back to their best, and Lionel Messi is back to his most impressive influence. This weekend, he scored a brace in a 3–1 win over Atlanta United, bringing his total to 25 goals and making him the first player in MLS history to have three 15-assist seasons in a row. He’s driving Miami’s momentum right now, and the players around him have improved under new manager Kily González. 

Messi is the be-all-end-all for the team’s potential this season. He’s the favorite for the MLS Golden Boot and MVP once again and is showing no signs of slowing down in Heron’s pink.

4. Philadelphia Union

Even a youthful superstar like Cavan Sullivan can be stopped. That’s what Charlotte FC did to the Philadelphia Union in a 2–2 draw over the weekend, ending the Union’s eight-game win streak and keeping Sullivan off the scoresheet—even if they needed a fortunate offside flag. 

The Union’s momentum under interim manager Ryan Richter is still impressive though, even with the draw. It’s 15 games unbeaten now, Milan Iloski is up to 19 goals and in contention for the Golden Boot, and a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference isn’t out of the realm of possibility. The next two matches against the New England Revolution and Nashville SC are pivotal to their top-four hopes.

3. Vancouver Whitecaps

The Vancouver Whitecaps needed a stellar strike from Yadaly Diaby to secure a 2–1 win over Austin FC and return to winning ways.

Combined with St. Louis’s 3–2 loss to Minnesota United, the Whitecaps extended their lead atop the Western Conference to a four-point buffer and have control of their own destiny heading into the final spell. At the same time, the result gives them a slim, albeit mathematically possible, chance of surpassing Nashville SC in the Supporters’ Shield race. 

Thomas Müller hasn’t played since Oct. 6, and manager Jesper Sørensen is clearly ensuring his German superstar is ready and healthy for the playoffs. Meanwhile, striker Brian White is out of form. Nevertheless, the Whitecaps seem to be on the uptick at the right time as they approach the end of a six-game road swing. 

2. St. Louis CITY SC

Don’t fret, St. Louis CITY SC fans, things will be alright. While St. Louis said farewell to their 21-game unbeaten run across all competitions by surrendering a 2–0 lead and losing 3–2 to Minnesota United, they went toe-to-toe with the Whitecaps midweek and are still favored to finish in the top four of the Western Conference. 

The big focus now is on Wednesday, when manager Yoann Damet—who should be in the MLS Coach of the Year conversation—looks to lead his men to a trophy in the US Open Cup final. Unfortunately for them, they won’t be able to lean on summer signing Rafael Navarro, who is cup-tied to the Colorado Rapids. 

1. Nashville SC

Nashville SC have a confidence level like no other in MLS right now. While they fell short of becoming the first team in league history to win the Supporters’ Shield with four games remaining, the draw with the San Jose Earthquakes merely postponed that coronation. 

The goal now is to keep everyone healthy for the postseason, especially goalkeeper Brian Schwake, defender Andy Najar and the attacking foursome of Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar, Elias Saad and Cristian Espinoza. They’ll likely lift the Shield next week against CF Montréal, the league’s worst team, who will also be coming off of short rest after Wednesday’s Canadian Championship final. 

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Power Rankings: Inter Miami, Vancouver Whitecaps Surge After Matchday 31 .

Playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time since leading Argentina past England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Messi channeled his best to score a brace in a 3–1 win against Atlanta United, securing his side’s first three-game win streak since July. 

At the same time, his 25 goals and 15 assists this season made him the first player in MLS history to have 15 assists in three straight seasons. 

Yet, the goals weren’t ordinary; they brought flashes of the Messi of old, the player who once dribbled through the world’s best defenders in the greatest European competitions. While Atlanta United’s struggling backline may not measure up to those heights, Messi made them look equally foolish. 

On his first goal, he picked up the ball in midfield and quickly dribbled nearly the entire half, before a quick layoff and first-time finish for his 24th goal of the season. Later on, he netted his 25th, further extending his lead atop the MLS Golden Boot standings.

Messi on the break 1v1? Good luck.

Leo has his brace. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/CoI15KzLpw

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

For new Inter Miami manager Kily Gonzàlez, nothing about it was surprising. 

“I can’t believe this guy does what he does at 39 years of age," González said. “And what makes me happiest is that he’s happy ... So if he’s happy, he performs the way he performs; he enjoys ... Every day that I see him, I smile.”

Gonzàlez’s admiration for his new No. 10 has not quite matched the level of previous manager Guillermo Hoyos, who regularly praised Messi despite poor performances. He is more in line with 2025 MLS Cup-winning manager Javier Mascherano, who was rightly impressed but knew the team’s success had to be prioritized over the twilight of a legendary career. 

“What do I admire about him? Everything,” added González. “He’s a player who never stops surprising you ... To me, he’s an alien.

“He’s a player who amazes me in every action, during every training session that I watch. And God willing, he’ll keep on amazing us until the day he decides to retire.”

Inter Miami Chasing Form

Picking up a third straight win and allowing just one goal in the last three games, Inter Miami are pulling into form at the right time. Their early-season performances gave them enough cushion to get through a spell of one win in 10 games, and the recent uptick under González could set them up to defend their MLS Cup title. 

Messi, meanwhile, is the favorite to claim a third straight MLS MVP Award and a second consecutive MLS Golden Boot as he eyes the postseason with his Herons. Before they can focus too much on that, though, they will look to secure second place in the Eastern Conference through remaining fixtures against Red Bull New York, FC Cincinnati, the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC. 

“My idea is for the team to keep on improving,” added González. “Today, we showed our character away from home against an opponent coming off a 3–0 win and in need of a win.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘He’s an Alien’—Lionel Messi Stuns His Own Manager With New MLS History.

While his name has graced crowd stands, shoes, apparel, sports drinks and more, the latest might be the oddest. Now, a newly discovered plant species has been named after him: the Salvia messii. 

An academic study revealed a new species in the Andes mountain range of Peru, and it has been immediately classified as endangered. With its light blue and white flowers resembling Argentina’s national team kit and the discovery happening near the time of Messi’s international retirement, scientists were inspired to name the plant after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. 

Paul Gonzales of the Natural History Museum of the National University of San Marco, alongside Argentine researcher Rolando Uria and biologist Jean Capcha-Ramos of Huarango Nature described the species and conducted the initial studies. The full name, written in Latin under international rules of botanical nomenclature, translates to “Messi’s plant,” with an added “i” to indicate possession. It can grow to 4'11" tall, not much shorter than the diminutive soccer star that stands at 5'7".

This plant species is not the first to be named after a soccer player in the wake of the 2026 World Cup. Spanish researcher Jesus Ortea named a marine mollusk Aldisa vozinhai after Cape Verde’s star goalkeeper, Vozinha, per The Athletic. It directly translates to “Vozinha’s sea slug”. Ortea previously named a marine snail species after legendary Costa Rica and Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas. 

Messi’s Recent Honors

Messi is really making a name for himself in the academic community. In addition to a new species named in his honor, he received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Buenos Aires ahead of his international farewell match earlier this month. It honored his sporting career, his representation of Argentine identity on the global stage and his social contributions through the Leo Messi Foundation, UNICEF and other avenues. 

While off-pitch honors in the twilight of his career are coming fast, Messi still has several goals on the pitch as he chases a third-straight MLS MVP title, a second-straight MLS Golden Boot and Inter Miami’s title defense of the MLS Cup, with the playoffs set to begin on Nov. 18. 

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Receives Most Bizarre Tribute Yet After Argentina Retirement.

It’s an odd time to be an MLS fan. It’s the final time the league will play in October, and these upcoming playoffs will mark the end of a three-decade era of fall and winter soccer, with the MLS Cup set to be awarded on Dec. 18. Next year, it's a shortened spring season, which will be followed by the new-look 2027–28 season.

Before then, though, it’s a sprint to the finish. For most teams, five games remain on the schedule, and all will be in action on Matchday 31. Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it could all unfold.

Philadelphia Union vs. Charlotte FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT

Cavan Sullivan is on fire. The 17-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful debut with the U.S. men’s national team and has continued to thrive in MLS with the Philadelphia Union. With an assist in Wednesday’s 3–1 win over the Chicago Fire, he broke Alphonso Davies’s record for the most goal contributions in a single season by a teenager (21). Up against Charlotte FC, there’s every chance he could build on that.  

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 3–1 Charlotte FC

Minnesota United vs. St. Louis CITY SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

St. Louis CITY SC are riding high, with a 21-game unbeaten streak across all competitions after a midweek scoreless draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. While they couldn’t pick up a win over their Canadian foes, a visit to Minnesota United in the U.S. should earn all three points for star striker Rafael Navarro and his crew. 

Score Prediction: Minnesota United 0–5 St. Louis CITY SC

Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Inter Miami are MLS Cup playoffs-bound after clinching a postseason berth with Wednesday’s win over New York City FC. Now it’s all about keeping that momentum, while Lionel Messi aims to build on his 23 goals and 19 assists in the hunt for a second-straight MLS Golden Boot and a third-straight MLS MVP Award. Atlanta United, albeit improved, shouldn’t offer much of a challenge.

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 1–4 Inter Miami

New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Which version of the Chicago Fire will we get this weekend? Is Gregg Berhalter’s team closer to the one that dismantled the Whitecaps two weeks ago, or the one that fell 3–1 to a hot Philadelphia side? They approach this road matchup without star defender Jack Elliott, who was flashed a red card against the Union, and that could prove a challenge against Carles Gil, Jack Harrison, Dor Turgeman and the Revs.

Score Prediction: New England Revolution 2–2 Chicago Fire

New York City FC vs. LAFC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

New York City FC were in cruise control earlier in the year, but they face a tough battle in the final weeks of the season, jockeying for a playoff spot. LAFC, who are still finding their feet under interim manager Xavi Tamarit, could be the perfect foe at home. Will Nicolás Fernández Mercau and Co. pull it off, or could Denis Bouanga’s Black and Gold steal three points in the glamor battle in the Bronx?

Score Prediction: New York City FC 1–1 LAFC

Red Bull New York vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Sebastian Giovinco, where are you? That’s the question Toronto FC are probably asking themselves as they approach a pivotal Eastern Conference clash with Red Bull New York, as they did back in 2015 en route to clinching their first-ever MLS Cup playoff berth. With a recent spell of dramatic results, including a win over Canadian Classique foes CF Montreal and a 3–3 draw with Orlando City, they’ll carry momentum into the playoff push at Sports Illustrated Stadium—and maybe Djordje Mihailović can match Giovinco’s lore?

Score Prediction: Red Bull New York 3–3 Toronto FC

Orlando City vs. D.C. United

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

D.C. United should be grateful for how forgiving the MLS Cup playoff system can be. Despite just seven wins and a struggle for most of the 2026 season, they sit three points back of ninth place, and a win over sixth-place Orlando City could keep their playoff hunt alive into the final weeks.

Score Prediction: Orlando City 2–1 D.C. United

Austin FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Austin FC stunned the Vancouver Whitecaps last month with a win at BC Place, despite Vancouver dominating the run of play and generating several chances. Unfortunately for Los Verdes, the win didn’t do much in their playoff hunt, and they’re still seven points below the line heading into Saturday. Vancouver, meanwhile, are clinging onto top spot and nursing a relatively injured lineup, which has seen Thomas Müller miss two straight games. Manager Jesper Sørensen’s men will lean on Brian White and Ryan Gauld—along with the return of the previously suspended Tristan Blackmon—in hope of extending their lead atop the table. 

Score Prediction: Austin FC 1–3 Vancouver Whitecaps

Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Guilherme’s long-range strike to post a brace and bring him to 16 goals in his first MLS campaign helped the Houston Dynamo claim a point in a dramatic 3–3 draw with San Diego FC on Wednesday. The Brazilian will look to keep the good times rolling as the Dynamo push up to fifth place into the Western Conference, eyeing a coveted top-four spot where FC Dallas currently sit. Even if Houston finds a win on home turf, though, FC Dallas have already clinched the Copa Tejas rivalry trophy, contested between the two sides and Austin FC. 

Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 3–2 FC Dallas 

Sporting Kansas City vs. Real Salt Lake

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The rivalry may have lost some of its fire in the last few years of underwhelming performances from both sides, but this age-old MLS feud is always fun when it hits the pitch. Real Salt Lake, six points short of the playoffs cutoff, needs a win to push into the conversation through the final weeks, but will have to somehow silence an in-form André Luiz.

Score Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 2–3 Real Salt Lake

L.A. Galaxy vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

It has not been the season San Diego FC hoped for after finishing atop the Western Conference as an expansion team last year. Five points back of the playoff line heading into the weekend, they desperately need a win against their California rivals if they want to hold out hope of a return to the postseason. It won’t be easy, though, against a Galaxy side that has won three of their last four games. 

Score Prediction: L.A. Galaxy 1–1 San Diego FC

Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Portland Timbers need something to break their way. Riding six games without a win, they’ve fallen below the playoff line and are five points short heading into the weekend against Morgan Whittaker’s Colorado Rapids. The Rapids are holding onto the ninth and final playoff spot and could effectively end the Western Conference playoff race with a victory at Providence Park. 

Score Predictions: Portland Timbers 2–0 Colorado Rapids

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC should open the match with a thank-you card to the San Jose Earthquakes. Remember the alleged debacle last offseason? According to reports, the Earthquakes simply forgot to trigger Cristian Espinoza’s contract option, allowing Nashville SC to swoop in—now he has four goals and 14 assists for the Coyotes. San Jose hasn’t been lost without him, though, and would hit 50 points with an upset win, putting manager Bruce Arena’s men in contention for the top spot in the Western Conference. 

Score Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 2–4 Nashville SC

Seattle Sounders vs. CF Montréal

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

After their 13-game winless run, who would have expected the Seattle Sounders to still be in contention for a playoff spot, let alone a top-four seed at this point? While they couldn't push their win streak from four games to five midweek, it’s been a remarkable run for the injury-riddled Cascadian side, and a win against CF Montréal could put them within three points of the top four spots in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Québec side will likely rest some players, eyeing Wednesday’s Canadian Championship final against the Canadian Premier League’s Forge FC. 

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 3–0 CF Montréal

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT

The Hell is Real Derby returns with major playoff implications. FC Cincinnati are looking to solidify their spot above the cutoff in a tight Eastern Conference race. In contrast, Columbus Crew look to narrow the four-point gap between them and the postseason places as the season winds down. Expect a feisty one at TQL Stadium. 

Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2–2 Columbus Crew 

MLS Predictions: Matchday 31

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Hell Is Real Derby Headlines Intense Matchday 31 Slate .

That could be the fate of soccer legend Lionel Messi, who has won 48 official trophies across his 20+ years of play for both club and country. He has only gone trophy-less in two seasons (2013–14, 2019–20) since he began his professional career in 2004.

Since joining his current team Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has won the Leagues Cup (2023), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2024), MLS Cup (2025) and the Campeones Cup (2026). The Herons have only failed to win the Concacaf Champions Cup, reaching as far as the semifinals in 2025.

In short, Messi needs more hardware to fight for, and a big opportunity may present itself to Inter Miami soon enough: the Copa Libertadores.

Could Inter Miami Compete in Copa Libertadores?

Traditionally a competition between South America’s most premier soccer clubs, Conmebol chief Alejandro Dominguez has flirted with opening up the tournament to MLS teams—specifically Inter Miami—sometime in the future, pending an agreement with Concacaf. “The door is open to them,” Dominguez said in January, after Miami owner Jorge Mas publicly expressed his “dream” of competing in the tournament.

While no MLS team has ever featured in the Libertadores, two Liga MX teams participated each year between 1998 and 2016. Due to scheduling clashes, the agreement was brought to an end after 18 years.

“It has been done in the past, but we are very respectful of the other confederations, Dominguez added back in January. “But yes, it is an honor that teams from other confederations have the Libertadores as a reference for international and world competition.”

Dominguez resurfaced the conversation just last week, though. He teased Messi about the possibility of competing in Copa Libertadores during the forward’s farewell match for Argentina in Buenos Aires. It is an idea current Miami manager Kily González is fully in favor of and one Messi is “excited” about himself.

“My understanding is that we’ve been exploring this possibility for years now,” González said on Friday. “Obviously, we'd love it because it would be amazing; plus ... it's one of the few trophies Leo is missing, so I think that really got him excited too. We'll see, the decision-making process is a bit of a formality at this point, but we're ready for anything, and he certainly is.”

Gonzalez emphasized Messi’s desire to fight for trophies, adding: “I see [Messi] every day, and the level he demands is incredible; he pushes us to give our all. He even gets angry when a play doesn't come off right. He demands so much of us that none of us can afford to slack off. It constantly challenges us to improve, as a club, as a staff, as a coaching team, and as colleagues.”

Messi is currently under a three-year contract extension with Miami that expires at the end of the 2028 season, after which he may opt to retire. The 39-year-old has already retired internationally and has hinted that he does not have much longer at the club level. Therefore, Conmebol must act swiftly if it seeks to reach an agreement with both Concacaf and FIFA to have Messi and his teammates compete in the annual tournament.

The Concacaf Champions Cup is also annual, meaning the clock has not run out for Messi to win that competition too.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Love It’—How Lionel Messi Could Complete Trophy Set at Inter Miami .

There was no shortage of excitement over the weekend, with the Vancouver Whitecaps becoming the first Western Conference team to clinch a playoffs spot and a whole host of comeback victories as Decision Day looms.

Lionel Messi continued his attacking dominance, scoring a brace on Saturday to lift Inter Miami to a dominant 4–0 victory. His latter finish was a vintage, must-see Messi effort.

Meanwhile, St. Louis City’s Carlo Holse had a dazzling performance on Sunday. The winger scored three goals in the span of just 21 minutes, the second-fastest hat trick in MLS history. Thanks to Holse, St. Louis thumped LA Galaxy 6–2 with a whopping five goals in the first half alone. The team is now on a 20-match unbeaten streak, tying the league record.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. The Hat Trick Moment

CARLO HOLSE BAGS HAT TRICK 21 MINUTES INTO THE GAME! 🤯🎩@stlCITYsc fans erupt at Energizer Park. pic.twitter.com/KSZvy9JutX

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

After scoring in the second and seventh minutes of the game, Holse solidified his hat trick just 14 minutes later.

The 27-year-old attacker settled a launched ball with his chest, before outmuscling Galaxy defender Justin Haak to get the shot off. It signified Holse’s most emphatic display in MLS, and after transfrering to the league in mid-August, he is now up to six goals.

4. The 15-Second Response

END TO END FOR @OrlandoCitySC and they've surely won it! 🫨

Maxime Crépeau save ➡️ Iván Angulo's finish at the end of a beautifully-worked play! pic.twitter.com/FNxTM4YJ4I

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

The Columbus Crew thought it was about to take a last-gasp lead in the 88th minute, yet just 15 seconds later, Orlando City had reversed fate.

Making the most of Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau’s save, the Lions quickly regained possession and sprinted up the pitch into the final third. A quick give-and-go with Martín Ojeda set up Iván Angulo beautifully in front of the goal mouth for a first-time finish. Orlando walked away with the 3–2 win, leaving the Crew shaking their heads in disbelief.

3. The Sliding Finish

Kelvin Yeboah gets his 15th of the season!

Big response from the Loons to start the second half. 💪

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/4PjpANnTy3 pic.twitter.com/QnmX7hrEjp

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

It was a willful goal from Minnesota United’s Kelvin Yeboah, who slid into the back post to meet a launched ball from teammate Morris Duggan. His highlight-reel finish equalized the match early in the second half. Another goal from each side would mean the game remained level by the final whistle.

Minnesota will have wanted the win, but it will take the integral point, its first in six games. Yeboah is now up to 15 goals this season.

2. Vintage Lionel Messi

Messi magic 🪄

Two goals for the World Cup Champion. pic.twitter.com/PMA1l5tyZk

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

In his first outing since his tearful international retirement ceremony with Argentina last week, Messi proved, once again, that he is far from retirement form.

Messi scored twice against DC United, the latter of which saw him skirt three players at the top of the box with his savvy dribbling skill. The emphatic victory was a much-needed confidence boost as it was Inter Miami’s first league win since August.

The Argentine legend is now up to 23 goals this season, increasing his distance in the lead of the thrilling Golden Boot race. FC Dallas’s Petar Musa has the second-most goals with 19.

1. ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic-Like’ Execution

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic-like finish!" 👀

Brandon Vázquez halves the deficit and gets some momentum going for @AustinFC! 💪 pic.twitter.com/lo6OpLn2qr

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

Nothing was going to stop Austin FC’s Brandon Vázquez from finding the back of the net. Not even high pressure from Nashville defenders, an elbow to the back or the fact that he is still reaching full strength post-ACL tear.

The striker brilliantly settled a floated ball with his chest, before acrobatically reaching his right leg around Nashville defender Daniel Lovitz to fire the ball into the net, all while twirling to the ground in the opposite direction.

Although Austin ended up losing 4–1 to almighty Nashville, it was nevertheless a brilliant Zlatan Ibrahimović-esque goal.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: More Magic From Messi, Holse Fires in St. Louis.

The concept started back in 2015, with an adidas campaign titled “Backed by Messi” running for two years before being shelved until a rebrand in 2024, with this being the sixth time Messi has given his backing to 10 up-and-coming youngsters.

The USMNT had several contenders to make this list after plenty of young talents stood out in the latest camp. Sullivan may have commanded the headlines but, having featured in Messi’s list two years ago, it is 19-year-old winger Gozo who gets the nod this time around.

Crystal Palace paid $15 million to land Gozo’s signature in the summer, rewarding him for an excellent 18 months in Major League Soccer with Real Salt Lake. In the 2026 season, Gozo scored six goals and contributed four assists in just 16 MLS games before taking his talents over to Europe.

Like Sullivan, Gozo was rewarded for his impressive form with a place in the USMNT’s September-October roster, making his debut for the team off the bench in the 4–1 win over Peru.

The 10 Rising Stars Backed by Lionel Messi in 2026

• Tomás Aranda (Boca Juniors)
• Max Dowman (Arsenal)
• Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace)
• Jesús Rodríguez (Como)
• Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
• Gilberto Mora (Tijuana)
• Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt)
• Chloe Sarwie (Chelsea Women)
• Giovanna Waksman (OL Lyonnes)
• Lotta Wrede (Hamburger Frauen)

One player from Messi’s homeland of Argentina makes the cut. Boca Juniors playmaker Tomás Aranda, 19, has risen through the club’s youth academy to wear the famous No. 10 jersey for the senior team.

European audiences will need no introduction to Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman, the record-breaking 16-year-old on the fringes of the England national team. He joins Gozo as the two representatives from the Premier League.

Como winger Jesús Rodríguez has already made plenty of noise at senior level, having joined the Serie A side from Real Betis in a package worth over $31 million in the summer of 2025. Similarly, AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is an increasingly well-known name after months of transfer rumors linking him to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The rumor mill has also got its hands on 17-year-old Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora, widely hailed as Mexican soccer’s next great hope. Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Can Uzun rounds out the male players on the list.

Messi’s list also includes three female players, starting with 17-year-old Chelsea left back Chloe Sarwie, another right on the fringes of a major first-team breakthrough. OL Lyonnes midfielder Giovanna Waksman also makes the cut, with the Brazilian 17-year-old having spent three years honing her craft in Florida before earning a blockbuster move to France.

The versatile Lotta Wrede of Hamburg takes the list to 10.

Messi’s Mixed History With Wonderkid Predictions

Looking back at Messi’s previous lists, it is clear that earning a spot is far from an assurance of future superstardom.

Timo Werner stands out as the biggest name from 2015 alongside ex-Manchester United striker James Wilson and former Chelsea duo Kenedy and Jeremie Boga. Gyasi Zardes and Khiry Shelton both went on to enjoy respectable MLS careers.

Twelve months later, Messi offered up the likes of Davide Calabria and Kasper Dolberg as his ones to watch on a list that also featured two MLS talents. Alex Muyl and Kekuta Manneh. Former Chelsea midfielder Nathan and Muangthong United’s Chanathips Songkrasin are among those to have fallen somewhat short of expectations.

The series went on hiatus until 2024, when Lamine Yamal was the headline name alongside the Philadelphia Union’s Sullivan. Juventus winger Kenan Yıldız also features in the star-studded group.

In 2025, Messi highlighted a handful of youngsters that are still making waves today. Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, Como’s Nico Paz, Paris Saint-Germain winger Mika Godts and 19-year-old USWNT midfielder Lily Yohannes were all backed for stardom by the Inter Miami forward, who is hoping to sweep his misses from 10 years ago under the rug.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Names USMNT Youngster Among 10 Future Stars.

While some teams took on rescheduled games during the break, others have been off for two weeks, getting th chance to rest and recover while global stars were engaged in intense international affairs. 

With Matchday 29 looming, Sports Illustrated dives into how the league’s 15 games could unfold at a pivotal point in the regular season schedule. 

Toronto FC vs. CF Montréal

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT

The Canadian Classique kicks off on Saturday, with CF Montréal heading to BMO Field to take on Toronto FC. While neither team is above the playoff line, the home side faces the most pressure. Josh Sargent and Niklas Dorsch are back healthy and in form, and Richie Laryea is fresh off representing Canada over the international break. A win could put Toronto within a point of the playoffs, while a loss all but ends their postseason dreams.

Score Prediction: Toronto FC 3–0 CF Montréal

Chicago Fire vs. New York City FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT

Robert Lewandowski returned to the Chicago Fire earlier than expected from international duty because of yellow-card accumulation in UEFA Nations League play. He started Tuesday’s 3–1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps on the bench, but then came on to score his sixth goal of the season. A win this weekend against New York City FC, combined with a draw or loss from the New England Revolution, could lift them as high as second in the Eastern Conference. 

Score Prediction: Chicago Fire 3–2 New York City FC

Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Sitting second-to-last in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta United need an upset win to keep a flicker of playoff hopes alive. Led by summer addition Breel Embolo—who missed Switzerland’s international window because of fake vaccine paperwork—the Five Stripes are looking to cut down the five-point gap to the postseason. It won’t be easy against an FC Cincinnati side, which sits just outside the playoff spots but is tied on points with ninth-place New York City FC.

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 0–2 FC Cincinnati

Charlotte FC vs. FC Dallas

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Plenty of Charlotte FC’s top talents were away on international break, with Liel Abada and Idan Toklomati entangled in Israel’s tense matchups against Ireland in UEFA Nations League action. With the group back together, they’re hoping to rebound from a 1–0 loss to the Chicago Fire and could jump as high as second in the Eastern Conference with a victory against an FC Dallas side that has won four of its last five games.

Score Prediction: Charlotte FC 1–1 FC Dallas

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Lionel Messi is back from his international retirement sendoff with Argentina, but isn’t expected to play a major role in the clash against a struggling D.C. United side on home turf. While the Herons have just one win in their last 10 MLS games and are plummeting in the standings, the confidence the international players will bring back, combined with the continued adjustment to Kíly Gonzalez’s tactics, could pave the way to a more successful sprint to the finish. 

Score Prediction: Inter Miami 4–0 D.C. United

New England Revolution vs. Seattle Sounders

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The Seattle Sounders are improving. After the worst spell in club history with a winless 13-game skid, the Sounders are riding high with three straight wins against Real Salt Lake, Minnesota United and Sporting Kansas City, the latter of which came amid the international break. Unfortunately for manager Brian Schmetzer’s men, none of those wins came against contending teams, unlike their next opponent: the New England Revolution. At home, Jack Harrison, Carles Gil and the Revolution should have a field day and further solidify their spot among the Eastern Conference elite. 

Score Prediction: New England Revolution 3–1 Seattle Sounders

Red Bull New York vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

When Julian Hall left Red Bull New York a few weeks ago, his name wasn’t known far beyond MLS. Now, the American star is the youngest player since Brazilian legend Pelé to score in each of his first three appearances with his national team. With him and teammate Adri Mehmeti back from their first international camp, they face a pesky San Diego FC side at home, where they may struggle with fatigue in the fight for three points.

Score Prediction: Red Bull New York 2–2 San Diego FC

Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Justin Ellis can credit much of his breakout to Antoine Griezmann. While the 19-year-old Orlando City and USMNT attacker already had ample talent, the former Atlético Madrid star raised his level and pushed him into manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. Now, they look to keep the good times rolling against a Columbus Crew side that has struggled recently.

Score Prediction: Orlando City 2–0 Columbus Crew

Philadelphia Union vs. Real Salt Lake

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Cavan Sullivan can’t stop making history. Already the youngest player to play in an MLS game and enjoying a stellar run of form with the Philadelphia Union, he brought that energy right into his first USMNT camp. He scored his first international goal in a 3–0 beatdown against Mexico, becoming the youngest USMNT goalscorer in history. How much will manager Ryan Richter play Sullivan and fellow USMNT players Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield in their return? Expect them to see the pitch for at least a few minutes and for the Union to have no issues against Real Salt Lake.

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 4–0 Real Salt Lake

Austin FC vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC have a unique luxury: Their best players don’t get called up to national teams. Over the last few weeks, the Coyotes have trained, recovered and gotten some time off, allowing the likes of Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge and Cristian Espinoza to prepare for the race to the glittery MLS Cup.

However, manager B.J. Callaghan could take a more conservative approach to team selection over the remaining seven games, leaning on the 10-point Supporters’ Shield lead and hoping to be at full health and form to begin the playoffs.

Score Prediction: Austin FC 0–3 Nashville SC

Sporting Kansas City vs. Portland Timbers

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Sporting Kansas City have a real difference-maker in André Luiz. The Brazilian has five goals and an assist in his first six games with the club, and while he couldn’t lead them to victory against the Seattle Sounders during the break, he’s the firestarter the club needs to have some hope heading into the next phase of its roster build. Well out of the playoff race, Luiz and SKC are looking to play spoiler now and could offer a massive blow to the Timbers’ slim playoff odds. Portland sits four points behind the ninth-place L.A. Galaxy. 

Score Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 1–2 Portland Timbers

Minnesota United vs. Houston Dynamo

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Houston Dynamo’s exceptional late-summer run feels like a distant memory now. Since winning the fifth and final game of that win streak against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Aug. 18, they’ve won just once in seven games and have fallen to fourth in the Western Conference. Defense, though, remains their key identity, and they will look to rekindle that stingy approach as they visit an attackingly-dire Minnesota United this week. 

Score Prediction: Minnesota United 0–2 Houston Dynamo

Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Earthquakes

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The San Jose Earthquakes have plenty of confidence these days, riding a six-game unbeaten streak and coming off a 3–1 win over the Portland Timbers. While Timo Werner’s health and goalscoring haven’t lived up to many hopes, the rest of the team’s attack has stepped up, led by Preston Judd’s 15 goals. The breakout U.S. attacker will look to out-duel Colorado Rapids center forward Morgan Whittaker this weekend and stands a strong chance of doing so.

Score Prediction: Colorado Rapids 2–2 San Jose Earthquakes

LAFC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps are in one of the toughest spells of their season. After a 3–1 loss to the Chicago Fire on Tuesday night—an affair that didn’t include Andrés Cubas, among others, due to international duty—they embark on another four games on the road. This week, they visit LAFC, who will play their first game since parting ways with manager Marc Dos Santos. How will LAFC rebound with interim manager Xavi Tamarit? How will international players return to MLS play? Both teams will have to deal with interruptions, making this one bound for a draw. 

Score Prediction: LAFC 2–2 Vancouver Whitecaps

St. Louis CITY SC vs. L.A. Galaxy

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 11
• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

Things couldn’t be much better for St. Louis CITY SC. They’ve gone 17 MLS games without a loss, have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup final and are riding a three-game win streak in league play. Oh, and the top of the Western Conference is within reach after Vancouver’s loss to Chicago on Tuesday. 

This weekend’s home clash against the L.A. Galaxy should be a straightforward win for striker Rafael Navarro’s side. The Brazilian midseason acquisition has scored five goals in five straight games since joining and has already proven to be a difference-maker. With a win, they could tie Vancouver on 50 points atop the West, but have to take down the No. 9 Galaxy to do so.

Score Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 3–2 L.A Galaxy

MLS Predictions: Matchday 29

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Push to Playoffs Takes Center Stage on Matchday 29.

To new viewers, Beckham’s connection to MLS lies in south Florida, where he acts as a co-owner to reigning MLS Cup winners Inter Miami. The Manchester United legend is often in a suit and tie, sitting in the stands at Nu Stadium while Messi & Co. put on a show for those watching in person and around the world.

But before he was an owner, Beckham was the biggest star to ever play in MLS. After four seasons with Real Madrid, the England international made the head-turning move to LA Galaxy in 2007, putting the MLS outfit—and the league—on the map in a way never done before.

Even 19 years later, Garber still credits Beckham with making MLS a desirable destination for European stars. “David put this league on the path to credibility and respect. In the prime of his career, he came to LA.,” he said, via ESPN.

“He came into Major League Soccer and showed the world that this league can be competitive, it could be respected, it could be fun, it could have great players.

“It attracted [Thierry] Henry and many, many other players right after that, so without David there’s probably no Major League Soccer.”

The Stars That Followed Beckham

Beckham helped the LA Galaxy reach the pinnacle of MLS, starring alongside Landon Donovan to bring home two MLS Cups during his tenure with the Black & Gold. As the world watched the six-time Premier League winner tear up the league, others suddenly viewed playing soccer in the United States as a viable option.

As Garber mentioned, Henry eventually came and played for Red Bull New York. Although he never lifted an MLS Cup, he still helped the team claim the 2013 Supporters’ Shield.

Robbie Keane also made the move, joining Beckham in L.A. where he won three MLS Cups and was named the 2014 MLS MVP. His success was something Kaká could only dream of during his years struggling with Orlando City.

Frank Lampard and David Villa teamed up at New York City FC. Didier Drogba tried his luck CF Montréal, much like Steven Gerrard at LA Galaxy.

Wayne Rooney made D.C. his short-lived home, while Zlatan Ibrahimović spent two seasons with the Galaxy. Gareth Bale’s blockbuster move to LAFC ended after just 13 appearances, but he collected an MLS Cup along the way.

Despite the varying degrees of success, the superstars all helped elevate MLS’s standing in world soccer—but Messi made it explode.

Messi Carried on Beckham’s Torch

For all the credit Garber handed out to Beckham, he of course had to throw some Messi’s way as well. After all, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is the best player to represent the league, even in the twilight of his career.

“Major League Soccer would not be the global phenomenon and not be sort of on the hearts and minds of just about anybody in the world without Leo Messi,” Garber said.

Indeed, Messi helped take MLS to new heights. Soon after he joined Inter Miami, the pool of superstars crossing the Atlantic Ocean to play in North America got even larger. Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez all teamed up for the Herons—and secured the club’s first-ever MLS Cup last season.

Rodrigo De Paul left Atlético Madrid to pitch in as well, and Casemiro made south Florida his home this summer after bidding farewell to Manchester United. Further west, Robert Lewandowski stars for Chicago Fire and Son Heung-min is the face of LAFC. Thomas Müller also just recently extended his stay with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Even after Messi hangs up his boots, his impact on MLS will be felt for years and years to come. There are so many new fans tuning in to see not only the Argentine in action, but all the other stars who have made a once forgotten league into the best division in North America.

If Garber has his wish, Harry Kane will be the next big name to join the league.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Commissioner Reveals How Lionel Messi, David Beckham Changed the League Forever.

While Messi is definitively retired, Ronaldo’s story remains up in the air for now. Regardless, it will not be much longer before the two greats of the modern game are being talked about only in the past tense.

Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry defined an age in soccer. At club level, they faced off regularly for Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League. Yet curiously, in 442 collective international appearances, the two players only met twice—and never in a competitive fixture.

Messi vs. Ronaldo Complete H2H Record

Much to the chagrin of many World Cup organizers and sponsors, Portugal and Argentina never crossed paths once between the years 2006 and 2026, when both players were active at the tournament.

The closest they came to a showdown in six World Cups came in 2018 when Portugal and Argentina would’ve met in the quarterfinal in Nizhny Novgorod, but both teams ended up losing their preceding Round of 16 fixtures against Uruguay and France, respectively.

In the end, the only times Messi and Ronaldo ever played one another at international level was in two exhibition matches in 2011 and 2014.

Argentina 2–1 Portugal (February, 2011)

Argentina Starting XI: Romero; Znetti, Burdisso, Milito, Rojo; Banega, Cambiasso, Mascherano; Di María, Lavezzi, Messi (Subs: Gago, Zabaleta, Pastore, Biglia, Martinez)

Portugal Starting XI: Eduardo; Pereria, Alves, Rolando, Coentrão; Martins, Moutinho, Meireles; Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo (Subs: Patrício, Danny, Postiga, Quaresma, Veloso, Machado)

The first meeting of the pair came at the height of their Barcelona-Real Madrid glory years.

Already a Champions League winner with Barça, Messi would end the 2010-11 campaign with Europe’s biggest trophy once again, as well as his third successive Ballon d’Or. Meanwhile, Ronaldo was on course for a staggering season of scoring with 53 goals and 54 games under José Mourinho.

The glamorous, money-spinning battle of world’s best took place during the February international break in Geneva of all places, with Messi coming out on top in a thrilling back-and-forth encounter.

The Argentina star threaded through the pass for Ángel Di María for his side’s opener after quarter of an hour. While Ronaldo equalized shortly after, the night belonged to Messi who won the match from the penalty spot late in the second half.

Speaking after the match Messi tried to play down the rivalry, saying: “This wasn’t a game between Barcelona and Real Madrid or between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We don't compete with each other to see who is the better player, we do so for the benefit of our teams.”

Argentina 0–1 Portugal (November, 2014)

Argentina Starting XI: Romero; Roncaglia, Otamendi, Demichelis, Ansaldi; Mascherano, Biglia; Messi, Pastore, Di María; Higuaín (Subs: Gaitán, Lamela, Tevez, Pereyra, Silva)

Portugal Starting XI: Beto; Bosingwa, Alves, Pepe, Gomes; Nani, Mendes, Gomes, Moutinho; Danny, Ronaldo (Subs: Fonte, Guerreiro, Carvalho, Silva, Quaresma, Éder)

Almost four years later, Messi and Ronaldo lined up against one another again for another eye-catching exhibition—this time at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Going into the match, Ronaldo was on the ascendency as the Ballon d’Or holder and fresh from Real Madrid’s first Champions League crown in 12 years. Messi, meanwhile, had won the Golden Ball at the 2014 World Cup as the tournament’s best player, but left Brazil a beaten finalist.

The match itself was a little piece of history, but not an entertaining one. Ultimately a drab affair, it was decided by stoppage-time header from substitute Raphaël Guerreiro long after the two men the majority of the fans had come to see had already left the pitch.

Messi and Ronaldo played only the first 45 of the match in front of a half full stadium before being substituted. While Ronaldo was greeted with a warm reception by the fans as a returning Manchester United great, a smattering of boos rang out from frustrated fans by the break after an uneventful opening half.

At that point, no-one would’ve known that the two would never share a pitch for their countries again.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Two International Games Lionel Messi Played Against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Argentina bade farewell to Messi in Buenos Aires this week, a sold-out friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires that was far more significant than the hastily booked opponent might suggest.

His No. 10 shirt will soon become someone else’s and Messi’s sole focus will be on Inter Miami’s ambitions in Major League Soccer and beyond. No MLS team has won back-to-back championships since the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012, but the Herons are in prime position to make the 2026 playoffs in pursuit of retaining last season’s MLS Cup.

Messi is committed to Miami and appears happy with how things are going. He will turn 41 in 2028 when his contract expires. Most players would be long retired by then, but Messi has never been normal. His game has never been built on stamina, but explosive bursts in moments that has surely helped him play to a high level past usual retirement age.

Even aged 41, signing with Newell’s in the future doesn’t seem unrealistic.

Signing With Newell’s Old Boys Would Realize ‘Childhood Dream’

Messi said during a 2019 interview with FIFA that it remains a “childhood dream” to “play in the Newell’s shirt.” Still with Barcelona at the time, he admitted not knowing whether it would be possible and explaining that what’s best for his children comes first.

He joined the youth ranks of the club from his home city of Rosario in 1995 and spent five years there before his life changed forever with a 2000 transfer to Barcelona’s La Masia, aged 13.

Messi has therefore never played pro club soccer in his own country, while heading back to Argentina also opens up the Copa Libertadores, which CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez is desperate to see him be a part of.

“There is nothing that compares to it. It is unique, and it is something he deserves to play in. If I were a club president, I would do everything possible to bring him here,” Domínguez told reporters inside Estadio Monumental after Messi’s farewell.

Copa Libertadores Challenge Laid Down

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Domínguez even managed to catch up with Messi himself and added, “I think the only thing he's missing is playing in the Copa Libertadores.” Turning to the player, he added, “Do you accept the challenge?” Messi offered no direct response, but the clip of that moment was posted to the president’s Instagram account.

The Libertadores is the ultimate club trophy in South America, equivalent to Europe’s Champions League. Newell’s are not competing in 2026 after a poor 2025 that resulted in a 27th-place finish out of 30 in the year’s aggregate standings. They haven’t won a national title since 2013 and it’s been virtually that long (2014) since they made it into the Libertadores.

If Messi wanted to play in South America’s elite club competition, Newell’s might not be the club to do it with unless there is dramatic improvement in the next couple of years. But Newell’s, rather than the Libertadores, would the driver of any such move in the first place.

Going home is a well-trodden path for South America’s biggest stars who’ve spent years in Europe. It doesn’t always have to be a retirement move, as Luis Suárez can attest to after signing with Nacional back in Uruguay and playing only 14 games before moving on again. Carlos Tevez, meanwhile, had two separate homecomings with Boca Juniors.

Sergio Agüero never got the chance to rejoin Independiente, having left aged 18, forced into early retirement by a heart condition during his time at Barcelona. But, right now, Ángel Di María is contracted to Rosario Central after heading back to his childhood team in 2025.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Only Thing Missing’—Lionel Messi Urged to Consider Transfer After Argentina Retirement.

From that moment, a previously unseen breed of superstar ushered in a new age for soccer as they went on to dominate, change and then transcend the sport itself.

Powered by the rise in social media and its rabid, fiercely tribal fanbases, the Messi-Ronaldo era brought forth a fresh obsession with stats, individualism and the GOAT question—keeping the two men locked and linked for all eternity. If you’re reading this then you already have a side in the debate.

For many years, their careers seemed to run parallel in a constant game of one-upmanship. Then things changed.

As of the start of October 2026, Messi has just been given a lavish, tear-filled, highly indulgent send off by Argentina after his 208th and final appearance—complete with a drone-led light show and fireworks in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, several thousand miles away Ronaldo is locked in a war of words with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus amid a self-imposed exile from the national team.

It’s hard to think of two more contrasting ends for the two greatest players of all time.

Messi’s Grand Farewell

The September-October international break would hardly have been a key marker in anyone’s calendar at the start of the year, but it could yet go down in history as the moment when both Messi and Ronaldo exited the international soccer stage.

Messi’s last tango had been carefully choreographed since the summer, with the 39-year-old making it clear that the 2026 World Cup would be his last. When Argentina lost in the final to Spain, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) made sure to set up a friendly match specifically to give their departing hero a fitting farewell.

Benin was the chosen opponent, with 85,000 attending the Monumental Stadium to give thanks to Messi, say goodbye and be a part of a moment in soccer history. With the Benin players acting as little more than props on Messi’s big day, the man himself capped a 3–0 win with a late penalty.

It was the dream send off for any player and a grand tribute to a player whose success was not pre-ordained, but someone who earned his legend—overcoming a series of failures with the national team to become a double Copa América winner and world champion.

Messi could’ve played for Spain. He could’ve stayed retired in 2016. In the early years, he left some fans cold. Ultimately, the 39-year-old superstar had to fight for a long time to become beloved by his country, but by the end there was not a dry eye in the house.

Ronaldo’s Implosion

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Watching on from the other side of the world, Ronaldo may have wondered: “Why not me?”

After all, only Ronaldo has more international caps and more international goals than Messi in all of
men’s soccer. He has played in as many World Cups as the Argentine, won the European Championship in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles.

And yet, instead of being indulged, celebrated and cried over, the 41-year-old is being cast aside. After being left on the bench for the Nations League win over Norway, Ronaldo made the decision to leave the Portugal camp, later releasing an extraordinary statement accusing manager Jesus of breaking his promises.

In one particularly ill-advised segment of the statement was an eight-point plan Ronaldo and others had agreed for Jesus to say at a press conference, which featured the toe-curling wording: “I made a mistake by putting someone of the stature of Pelé or Maradona on to warm up and then not putting him in the game. If it were today I would not do it.”

The full statement—declared as the “purest of truths”—bristles with ego and hurt feelings. Had Messi’s love-in not been running parallel, might Ronaldo’s almighty tantrum have been avoided entirely?

How Does Ronaldo’s Story End?

Ronaldo may yet make a comeback.

His teammates will never say a bad word about him and he appears willing to take his medicine over what happened. He is adored as a deity in Portugal for everything he has done, given and continues to represent. The love is there, as it strong as it is for Messi. Both players will be remembered as all-time greats long after they are gone. But the uncomfortable truth is that Ronaldo just isn’t integral to the team’s success anymore—and hasn’t been for some time.

After a full decade as numbers one and two in the Ballon d’Or standings, Ronaldo has not made the podium since 2019, while Messi has pulled away with an overall total of eight awards to five.

Messi’s style—all fleeting movement and supreme intelligence—has aged significantly better than Ronaldo’s reliance on physicality. Where Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina team has been purpose built to fit Messi’s aged genius, while letting him off the hard work, Portugal can’t find a system that squeezes any remaining juice out of Ronaldo.

The contrast in the two players latter years came into sharp focus at the 2022 World Cup as Messi powered Argentina to the title in Qatar, while Ronaldo was benched ahead of the round of 16.

Messi’s last five years have encompassed two Copa América titles and two World Cup finals as part of the most successful Argentina team of all time. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has become a national albatross as the country struggles and fails to move on.

Pushed on to great heights for so long by the greatest individual rivalry in the history of the sport, Ronaldo doesn’t seem to now realize the war is over.

No one has dared to tell him that his powers have waned, that he is not the player he once was and that team is better off without an immobile, erratic finisher now into his fifth decade on this planet. They can’t. He is too powerful, too important for sponsors, the media, the world’s attention. Portugal and Ronaldo have become trapped, and it is hurting both of them.

In benching Ronaldo, Jesus has tried to make a rational soccer decision in an irrational, impossible situation. A clean break is going to be difficult here.

But Ronaldo deserves a big send off in a ridiculous testimonial against an opposition more interested in selfies than goals. He deserves fireworks and drones and tears. He just need to let go of all the rest.

Argentina and Messi got to say the perfect goodbye. Portugal and Ronaldo just don’t seem to know how.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Why Are Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi Ending Their International Careers So Differently?.

Premier League

After a little over two seasons of goals, groans and a distinct lack of glory, Kylian Mbappé has supposedly decided to leave Real Madrid in the summer of 2027, with the Premier League lined up as his next destination. (Source: François Gallardo)

There would be no shortage of suitors for Mbappé in England and Liverpool are reportedly putting together a record-shattering offer worth €250 million ($279.7 million) for the prolific Frenchman. (Source: Fichajes)

Manchester United’s quest to bolster their problematic left-back position has led them to consider Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert. However, Liverpool are also interested in the French defender rated at £60 million ($79.6 million). (Source: TEAMtalk)

Should Arsenal or Real Madrid hope to prise Kenan Yıldız out of Juventus, they would have to stump up €150 million ($168.8 million). (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

Arsenal’s versatile gem Mikel Merino has caught the eye of Real Madrid, who could be able to snag the World Cup winner for as little as €25 million ($28.1 million). Quite why the Gunners would be willing to part ways with such a valuable asset for so little is unclear. (Source: Fichajes)

Scott McTominay—the Serie A winner under discussion at Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle—could be available for as little as €25 million ($28.1 million). (Source: Sky Sport Switzerland)

Arsenal would be willing to offload misfiring frontman Viktor Gyökeres as soon as January. (Source: Football Insider)

Liverpool are investigating a deal for Hull City’s impressive goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, who has previously come on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur. (Source: Fichajes)

Chelsea are one of many clubs keen on Brazilian wonderkid Eduardo Conceição. However, it remains to be seen if any are willing to come anywhere near the €100 million ($112.5 million) asking price set by Palmeiras. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Freiburg’s free-scoring forward Igor Matanović would be entirely onboard with a move to Manchester United, who are one of numerous elite clubs linked with the Croatia international. (Source: Football Insider)

Liverpool and Manchester United are both vying for the signature of Como’s talented forward Assane Diao. Aston Villa, Everton and Brentford have also been credited with interest in the Senegal international. (Source: 4-4-2)

Newcastle United are billed as the favorites to outmaneuver Nottingham Forest in the pursuit of Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

Real Madrid have not been able to replace Luka Modrić since he left the club in 2025. The 41-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner could fill the void himself by opening up the prospect of leaving AC Milan for a return to the Spanish capital. (Source: Fichajes)

Julián Alvarez has softened his firm stance on rejecting Arsenal in the face of staying at Atlético Madrid for the long term. Hope of January move has not yet faded in north London, although there could be competition from Bayern Munich. Barcelona, by contrast, are now focusing on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Endrick has opened up the prospect of leaving Real Madrid on loan once against this winter and Aston Villa have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the Brazilian. (Source: Cadena SER)

Mikel Arteta has pledged to honor his word and allow Martín Zubimendi his exit in January, with Real Madrid billed as his most likely destination. (Source: El Nacional)

Barcelona are considering an unexpected swoop for Fulham’s academy starlet Josh King. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Rest of World

MLS outfit San Diego have reopened negotiations with Kevin De Bruyne about a potential winter move. There is competition from Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and a Chicago Fire side spearheaded by Robert Lewandowski for the Napoli playmaker. (Source: Fichajes)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Mbappe’s Premier League Move; Ballon d’Or Winner Eyes Real Madrid.

Messi played his last minutes for Argentina on Tuesday evening in front of a sold-out crowd in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old pulled down the curtain on a legendary career for La Albiceleste, one that brought home a World Cup title and two Copa América trophies, among other honors.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the Estadio Monumental when Messi celebrated one last victory for his country, a 3–0 win over Benin in which the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner tallied a goal and two assists. Support across the globe flowed in as the all-time great took his final bow on the international stage.

Fans, managers, players and even rivals delivered heartfelt statements to Messi, including Ronaldo. “Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will live on forever,” the Portugal captain wrote on Instagram. “You have all my respect for everything you’ve achieved with Argentina. A hug.”

Although the two headlined one of the greatest rivalries in sport for over a decade, they did not let the Clásico divide sour their relationship or respect for one another off the pitch.

Ronaldo even seemed in line to hang up his boots alongside Messi after his sudden exit from Portugal’s camp, but the 41-year-old silenced any retirement rumors with a lengthy statement just hours before Messi’s farewell match.

Messi Takes the Time to Reflect After Fairytale Sendoff

View this post on Instagram

Messi already gave a profound farewell speech following Argentina’s win on Tuesday, touching on everything from his best moments with the national team to World Cup conspiracy theories that ran wild this summer.

Not even 24 hours after his address did he take to social media to issue another goodbye message. “Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing blue and white,” Messi began.

“I know I’m making the right decision. It was an incredible road, filled with joys and also some sorrows, but I’m clear that it was worth every step I took. And I’m left with a lot to say. It is impossible for me to express everything I feel in a few words or in a post.

“This trip would have been impossible without my family, who always stood by my side and supported me, especially during the difficult times, when I needed it most. My friends were also essential, as were all the teammates and coaches I had, along with their coaching staffs. I don’t want to forget Diego [Maradona], who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know helped us by being there with us, also from heaven, every step of the way.

“Thank you to all the clubs I played for, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country whenever it was time to put on the national team shirt. And, of course, thanks to God: without His guidance and His will, we wouldn’t even be dreaming of having made it this far.

“I’m grateful. I love you all very much, I’m going to miss you and I’ll always thank you for being by our side, by my side.”

• NEXT: What’s Next for Lionel Messi After Argentina Retirement?

Luka Modrić Praises ‘One of a Kind’ Messi

Real Madrid legend Luka Modrić, another one of Messi’s former rivals from his Barcelona days, joined Ronaldo in honoring the Argentina captain.

“What can I say about him? It’s a shame he’s retiring, but it’s his decision and we have to respect it,” Modrić told Cadena SER.

“He’s achieved something incredible with the national team; he’s won the World Cup he wanted so much. He’s one of the best players in the world, a one-of-a-kind player, and it’s been a pleasure to watch him play, even though I’ve suffered a lot against him, both with Croatia and with Real Madrid.”

En route to 2022 World Cup glory, Messi and Argentina defeated Croatia 3–0 in the semifinals to deny Modrić and Co. a second straight World Cup final. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring from the spot before Julián Alvarez’s brace sealed the game.

“I wish him the best of luck,” Modrić added.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Touching Tribute to Lionel Messi After Emotional Retirement.

There were 85,000 fans packed into the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires to be there for a moment of history, as Messi scored a penalty to get his 126th Argentina goal on his final outing. In truth, the actual soccer was little more than an excuse to honor and celebrate the departing captain.

“Today, I am likely facing the saddest day of my career, because this is where I say goodbye to the national team and to all of you,” Messi told the crowd in a tear-jerking speech.

“I don’t want to leave, I don’t want to walk off the pitch. I just want to tell you that I love you, I’m going to miss you, and I am grateful to God that we are Argentine—proud to be Argentine and to have fulfilled my dreams with all of you.

“Thank you very much; I love you.”

So, now that it’s over for one of the greatest international players of all time ... what happens now?

What Next for Messi?

Inter Miami

While he has retired from international soccer with Argentina, Messi has not quit playing altogether and will continue to turn out for his club team Inter Miami in MLS for a while yet.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains under contract until the end of the 2028 season, by which time he will be 41 years old.

However, his deal is reviewed year by year and he could yet walk away earlier, or even extend his time in MLS further should he wish. As part of his contract, Messi will keep shares in the club when he does finally retire.

Currently, Messi’s Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference standings and are in a strong position to qualify for this season’s playoffs with the aim of retaining the MLS Cup won in 2025.

Club Ownership

❤️💙💻 Lionel Messi, on his laptop to follow his new club CD Eldense against Real Oviedo.

Messi bought the club on Thursday owining 100% of the Segunda División side from Spain.

Eldense won 4-1 tonight. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/qlPF4G3gZc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2026

Messi will continue to stay in soccer even after retirement and is already the owner of two clubs in Spain’s lower divisions: UE Cornellà and CD Eldense.

The forward took a controlling stake in both clubs this year and could end up with a network of teams around the world.

Messi is known to follow second-tier Eldense closely on his laptop and has set out to save them from relegation this season with the appointment of former Villarreal boss Javi Calleja. The long-term goal is to get the Valencian team promoted into La Liga.

Meanwhile over in Uruguay, Messi joined the project of friend and teammate Luis Suárez in 2025, becoming co-owner of Deportivo LSM. The club went on to win promotion to the country’s third division in its first season.

Future Role With Argentina

“I’m not planning to become a manager when I will retire. That’s not something I’m considering to do,” Messi said back in 2024.

And yet, his name is already one of the favorites to succeed Lionel Scaloni as the next coach of Argentina and will likely remains so for all of eternity.

A similar fate befell fellow Argentina icon Diego Maradona, who eventually did become national team manager between 2008 and 2010.

Maradona’s spell in charge of Argentina wasn’t a particularly successful one and his contract was not renewed after a 4–0 defeat to Germany in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal.

While some sort of role within Argentinian soccer is not beyond the realms of reality, for now, Messi has promised to remain a diehard fan.

He told the crowd at the Monumental on Tuesday: “I will miss defending the national team’s colors, but now I’ll be on the other side—right there with you all—backing these guys and whatever comes next.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as What Next for Lionel Messi After Argentina Retirement?.

World Cup glory in Qatar saw Messi, in the words of English commentator Peter Drury, “conquer his final peak”, ensuring his glittering career wouldn’t end with a nagging sense of cruel unfulfillment.

His work in North America this summer merely enhanced his standing, even if a flawed, chaotic Argentine outfit came up just short and Kylian Mbappé harshly snatched the Golden Boot away from his grasp. Now, a soccer-crazed nation is preparing for a state of consternation.

Messi may no longer be the beating heart of La Albiceleste, having called time on his international career after 208 matches and an endless list of records that surely won’t ever be topped. Nevertheless, the 39-year-old has no intention of riding off into the sunset and leaving soccer behind.

He’s setting himself up for a life that continues to revolve around his first love, tying soccer in with a developing business interest. "I would like to keep learning [about business] because I know nothing, and I am just starting out," Messi told the America Business Forum last year.

Messi’s going down the club ownership route, and he’s already got his fingers in a few pies.

Deportivo LSM

Messi has been involved in a joint-venture with former Barcelona and current Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez. Together, they established a new club, Deportivo LSM, in Uruguay, Suárez’s homeland.

It’s Suárez’s initiative, with the center forward’s project starting out with the funding for a 20-acre sports complex built in 2018. It is home to a synthetic turf stadium that boasts a capacity of 1,400.

“I’m proud and happy that you chose me, so I hope to contribute everything I can to continue growing and, above all, to be by your side in this,” Messi said to Suárez after his involvement in the project came to light.

The newly established club is located in Ciudad de la Costa, the second-most populous city in Uruguay, and they’re now competing in the third tier of Uruguayan soccer after earning promotion in year one.

However, the owners have already cut ties with inaugural manager Rafael Cánovas after a disappointing start to the new season. Former Nacional striker Álvaro Apólito was sworn in as his successor at the end of September.

UE Cornellà

While Messi is supporting Suárez’s project in Uruguay, he has full ownership of UE Cornellà.

The Argentine completed his purchase of the club in April, with Cornellà currently competing in Spain’s fifth tier. Founded 75 years ago in 1951, it’s one of Catalonia’s most historic clubs, and upon the new owner’s arrival, Cornellà wrote: "This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia."

Messi has spent much of his adult life in Catalonia, given that he joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old in 2000 and didn’t leave the Blaugrana until the club’s financial woes forced him to move on to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague says Cornellà is the "nursery where young players grow", with Arsenal’s David Raya and outstanding left back Jordi Alba among the most notable alumni.

It’s a club built around progress, with Messi thinking long-term.

CD Eldense

Cornellà may have been Messi’s first purchase, but CD Eldense is the Argentine’s baby.

Eldense announced Messi as their new owner at the start of September, and Balague writes that the Spanish second-tier club will "lead Messi’s football operation".

"The arrival of one of the most important figures in the history of the sport as owner of CD Eldense marks the beginning of a long-term project aimed at promoting the club’s sporting, institutional, and social development," Eldense wrote after Messi’s arrival was made official.

While the club’s new owner is keeping a close eye on the goings-on in Alicante, Messi is placing his faith in those he trusts to run the show until he can dedicate more of his time to the project.

They’ve hired former Villarreal manager Javi Calleja to help steer them to safety, with survival key for the new regime.

Inter Miami

Messi may never don Albiceleste colors again, but he hasn’t called time on his playing career just yet. His contract with Inter Miami doesn’t expire until 2028, and assuming his level of performance doesn’t drastically dip over the next couple of years, there’s scope for the Argentine to extend his stay with the Herons.

He’s the highest earner in Major League Soccer (MLS), set to make more than $28 million in guaranteed compensation from the league for the 2026 season and up to $60 million more from Inter Miami themselves. Still, Miami’s Messi gamble has doubtless paid off from both a sporting and commercial perspective.

And his ties to the franchise won’t cease when he retires. His contract with Miami includes an option to become a minority owner once he hangs up his cleats, although the size of this stake is unclear.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi's Soccer Portfolio: Every Club the Argentina Legend Owns.

Neymar shared the pitch with Messi at the club level for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and was even present when Messi lifted his maiden Argentina trophy, given it came at the expense of Brazil in the 2021 Copa América. Before Messi’s farewell, Neymar took to social media to celebrate his friend’s illustrious international career.

“Anyone who loves football has enjoyed you throughout all these years,” Neymar posted to Instagram. “Today is your last game with the shirt of your national team, of your country, and I hope you enjoy every second, may all the tributes today make you happy.

“It’s not only Argentina that thanks you, the whole world thanks you for everything you’ve done for football. Thank you for making me love football even more. It was an honor to have played against you, and even more so to have made history alongside you. THANK YOU, Leo Messi,” Neymar finished, adding an emoji of a goat at the end of his message.

Neymar and Messi won everything there was to win during their four seasons together at Barcelona, forming a lasting friendship and two-thirds of the greatest attacking trio in soccer history. The final head of that three-headed monster also paid homage to Messi before his last dance with La Albiceleste.

Luis Suarez’s Messi Tribute: ‘Feel Very Proud of Yourself’

Alongside Messi and Neymar, Luis Suárez also won it all at Barcelona. The legendary Uruguayan striker then followed Messi to Inter Miami, and the duo are even co-owners of a soccer team in Suárez’s home country.

The pair of lethal South American goal scorers have been close friends for over a decade, and on Messi’s landmark day, Suárez made sure to pay his respects with a video tribute.

“Gordo! (chubby),” Suárez started, via DSports. “I just wanted to send you a big hug. I hope you enjoy your last match wearing your country’s national team shirt very much—which was so important for your career.

“You lived incredible things. You won things that every player wishes they could win representing your country. So you have a more than deserved recognition from all the people in appreciation of your career and what you represented for your country.

“Feel very proud of yourself. I send you a very big hug, and enjoy your day.”

Lionel Messi to Argentina: ‘Thank You for Loving Me So Much’

Unparalleled. pic.twitter.com/1794pa03Wm

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) October 6, 2026

Oct. 6, 2026 is a day that will live forever in Argentina’s folklore: the day the whole nation bid farewell to the man that marked an entire era for Argentina. The landmark occasion started with adidas posting a video in which Messi shared a few words to Argentina, thanking the nation’s supporters for “loving me so much.”

“The moment has arrived,” Messi said to start the video. “I leave in peace. I gave it my all. This jersey was my dream, my pride and my life.

“Thank you for loving me so much. I’m going to miss you.”

Argentina will face Benin on Tuesday night at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi will make his 208th and final appearance for La Albiceleste, dropping the curtain on the international career of the greatest player of all time.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Love Football More’—Neymar Issues Emotional Lionel Messi Tribute Ahead of Argentina Farewell.