Inter Miami star Lionel Messi says MLS needs to loosen its restrictions on how clubs build their rosters in order to grow soccer's footprint in the United States.

Wilfried Zaha is not playing today for Charlotte FC vs New York City FC because he was sent off in the last match (red card) and is suspended for Game 1 of the playoff series. Slick footwork and smooth tekkers--𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙕𝙖𝙝𝙖, 𝙙𝙪𝙙𝙚 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MmZyITx0BH

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has challenged Major League Soccer to relax its rules on spending in pursuit of wider growth across the league.

James Rodríguez is reportedly set to leave Club León at the end of the Apertura 2025, as his contract expires in December and neither side intends to renew. With only six months remaining before the 2026 World Cup, the former Real Madrid star will have to find a new destination and could either stay in Liga MX or make the move to MLS.

Both Estévez and Gallagher noted that playing in four elimination games during the team’s run to the U.S. Open Cup final was good preparation for the playoffs. Austin FC won two of those contests on the road, defeating San Jose in a penalty shootout and beating Minnesota with a goal in extra time.

Tristan Blackmon of the Vancouver Whitecaps was named the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year on Tuesday. He anchored a defense that allowed the second-fewest goals (38) and logged the second-most clean sheets (13).

James Rodríguez is reportedly set to leave Club León at the end of the Apertura 2025, as his contract expires in December and neither side intends to renew. With only six months remaining before the 2026 World Cup,

Charlotte FC is hosting a playoff game Tuesday in Bank of America Stadium. Here’s the story behind the transformation.