Browsing: Miami

Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension to extend his stay at Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 MLS season, the team announced Thursday.

Messi, 38, initially joined Miami in July 2023 as a Designated Player on a 2½-year contract, breaking league precedent and team records with his deal.

The club announced the new deal with a video of Messi signing the contract on what will become the field of Miami’s long-awaited new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.

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“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said in a statement.

“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here. We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”

Club co-owner Jorge Mas previously expressed his desire to see Messi inaugurate Miami Freedom Park in 2026, when the team makes the move from its current venue in Fort Lauderdale to the new stadium in Miami. Inter Miami will play the final matches of the 2025 campaign at Chase Stadium before kicking off the 2026 season at Miami Freedom Park.

“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club,” Mas said. “A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams.

“Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”

HE’S HOME. pic.twitter.com/AUMJJYR5pF

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2025

Since his MLS debut, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to set new standards on and off the pitch by leading Miami to trophies and attendance records across the country.

“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.

“We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”

The Argentina captain and World Cup winner first led the team to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy, before going on to inspire Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and league record for most points in a single season.

Individually, Messi has won the 2024 MLS MVP award and most recently the 2025 Golden Boot after recording 29 goals in just 28 games.

Messi also has been nominated for the 2025 MLS MVP award and is favorite to become the first player to clinch the award on two consecutive occasions.

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Lionel Messi signs contract extension at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi extends his Inter Miami contract through the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer season.

The club has seen a massive rise in global popularity with Messi on the roster. His pink No. 10 jersey has been MLS’ highest seller since he joined the league, and he has added to his massive off-field business empire since coming to the U.S. — even starring in a Super Bowl ad last year.

Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled since Messi’s arrival, climbing to a reported $1.19 billion as of January 2025.

The league has prospered, too, with ticketing revenue reaching an all-time high in 2025. Five clubs has broken their attendance records in matches featuring Messi and Miami.

“When Lionel Messi made MLS his league of choice, it marked a turning point — not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said. “Since then, we’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league.

“We’re thrilled that Leo has chosen to stay and continue his career with Inter Miami.”

Messi will continue to play at Inter Miami without longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who previously announced their retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season.

Busquets and Alba will compete with Inter Miami in the MLS playoffs, with the hopes of clinching one final trophy as players.

Luis Suárez may also play his final games with the club, as his contract expires at the end of the 2025 campaign. Though Suárez has yet to announce an extension with the club, Mas previously insisted the door remains open for him at Inter Miami should the Uruguayan choose to stay for another season.

Inter Miami and Messi will now prepare for the first game of the Round 1 playoff series against Nashville SC on Friday at Chase Stadium as the club attempts to clinch the 2025 MLS Cup.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Oct 22, 2025, 07:00 AM ET

Less than two weeks after LaLiga announced it would stage its first-ever regular-season match outside of Spain, with champions Barcelona taking on Villarreal at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Dec. 20, it confirmed on Tuesday that the game was off.

It was the latest in a long line of setbacks for the league in its attempts to host a competitive fixture on foreign soil, but certainly the most chastening and high profile.

While top European clubs playing matches against each other abroad is nothing new — with heavyweight clashes on preseason tours and even Super Cup matches now annual events across the globe — so far they have yet to follow the lead of U.S. sports leagues like the NFL and NBA in staging regular-season league fixtures beyond their own borders.

LaLiga’s aborted scheduling of Barcelona vs. Villarreal in Miami was as close as any of Europe’s top leagues have so far got to taking their show on the road. So why did it fall through? Will they and other leagues keep trying? And why are Real Madrid among the big winners? ESPN’s Alex Kirkland, Sam Marsden and Lizzy Becherano explain what happened, and what comes next.

– Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: Stream El Clásico LIVE 10/26 on ESPN+ (U.S.)
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– Ballon d’Or favorite to Madrid bench: What’s going on with Vini Jr.?

LaLiga only announced on Oct. 8 that the Miami game was going ahead. How much time and effort did it take to get them to that point?

LaLiga first announced formal plans to hold a regular-season game in the U.S back in 2018, when it signed a 15-year partnership with Relevent to promote and grow the league in North America. The first, failed, bid involved Girona vs. Barcelona in January 2019; since then, there have been multiple attempts, including with Villarreal vs. Atlético Madrid in February 2020, and Barça vs. Atlético in December 2024. But it had never got as close as this.

Previously, opposition from world governing body FIFA, the Spanish football federation (RFEF), and U.S. Soccer was a major roadblock. But that vanished when Relevent’s successful lawsuits against FIFA and U.S. Soccer forced a climbdown in 2024, and a post-Luis Rubiales change of leadership at the RFEF led to relations thawing with LaLiga. That left a potentially viable path to making the game happen.

One big hurdle was cleared in August, when the RFEF agreed to pass the Miami game request on to UEFA; then, on Oct. 6, European football’s governing body “reluctantly” approved it, citing issues with FIFA’s under-review rules on the subject. A source told ESPN that U.S. Soccer approved the match being hosted in the United States, while regional confederation Concacaf received a request from the RFEF on Oct. 9 for the match to be played on its territory. As of Tuesday, Concacaf was still deliberating on that request, but LaLiga had long since announced that the game would be going ahead, despite widespread opposition and a lack of clarity from Spain’s sports ministry (CSD).

Fans in Miami will no longer be able to see Lamine Yamal and Barcelona take on Villarreal in a regular-season LaLiga game at Hard Rock Stadium. Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

And now, two weeks later, it’s off. What changed?

Opposition to the project has become more visible, more vocal, and more organized in recent weeks. Real Madrid’s stance was no surprise — they said in August they would do what they could to block the plans, asking FIFA, UEFA and the CSD to step in — and in any case they oppose LaLiga on a long list of issues. But in recent days their coach Xabi Alonso has also spoken out, as have senior players like Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois. Even Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and coach Hansi Flick said they didn’t like the idea.

Last weekend’s league-wide protest, organized by club captains and the players’ union AFE, was an attention-grabbing initiative, and got even more coverage thanks to the league’s efforts to obscure it on worldwide TV coverage. Beyond those dissenting voices — which could possibly have been ignored — there was also the “uncertainty” cited in LaLiga and Relevent’s cancellation statements. There was the threat of legal action from Real Madrid, and the fact that the CSD — susceptible to political pressure — was yet to formally pronounce on the issue.

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There were also other minor issues, brushed off by LaLiga sources to ESPN as not being significant, but factors that were big enough to sow more seeds of doubt. After receiving the application to host a game in the U.S from the RFEF, Concacaf began to consult key regional and global stakeholders. During the review process, the confederation went to the RFEF with a list of questions before receiving heavy pushback on a variety of topics, including a FIFA rule that pertains to the refereeing for the match, a source told ESPN.

FIFA regulations state: “The host Confederation and FIFA may replace the proposed appointed referees at its sole discretion. Once authorization has been granted, the host Confederation shall notify the host Member, FIFA and the non-host Confederation(s).” Concacaf questioned the RFEF on how officials would approach the officiating of the match, insisting that the confederation of North America, Central America and the Caribbean be in charge of appointing the referees for the game. A source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN that the RFEF did not agree with the policy. Still, despite pushback from the RFEF, Concacaf had neither approved nor denied the request made to host a game in the United States.

There was also the possibility of a congested schedule at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami Dolphins play an NFL game on Dec. 21, and there is also the chance that the University of Miami will have a game there in the first round of the College Football Playoff, due to take place on Dec. 20. However, while the packed schedule would not have been ideal for the parties involved, stadium sources told ESPN they were confident that the field would be able to accommodate all events.

Therefore, the full picture isn’t yet clear, but with just two months to go, the clock was ticking — “there is insufficient time to properly execute an event of this scale,” Relevent said on Tuesday — and with so many questions still unanswered, organizers couldn’t risk putting tickets on sale this week, only to later suffer what would have been an even more embarrassing retreat.

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Burley: Barcelona’s result means nothing ahead of El Clasico

Craig Burley says Barcelona’s 6-1 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League does not cover their defensive issues.

Was anyone actually in favor of this game, besides the organizers and the clubs involved?

Good question. Of course LaLiga, Relevent and the two clubs were in favor, but there was very little public support from elsewhere. UEFA’s statement spoke of being opposed to domestic games being played abroad, but effectively suggested it has its hands tied until it is able to make changes to the regulations. Once UEFA had “reluctantly” approved the game, a source told ESPN that FIFA would not step in to override the decision, suggesting it was one which had to be taken by European football’s governing body. However, according to a source, U.S. Soccer approved the match being hosted in the United States, while Concacaf had not yet turned it down.

All that said, the general opposition to taking the game outside of Spain was quite weak. Even the AFE’s public statements focused on the desire for more information to be made available from LaLiga. They demanded confirmation that the players’ working rights would be respected.

“We were neither for nor against the game being played [in Miami],” Atlético Madrid’s Koke said on Tuesday. “We were asking for transparency.” The AFE president, David Aganzo, had suggested taking the issue to politicians and the CSD, but the general feeling was he had not gone as hard as he could.

Who are the biggest winners and losers here?

Real Madrid have come out of this very well. They will feel their stance has been vindicated, and chalk this up as a significant win in their never-ending battle for power and influence with LaLiga and its president, Javier Tebas. It’s also a victory for many players, fans and pundits who opposed the Miami game on fairness grounds — with genuine concerns about the integrity of the home/away format being permanently compromised — and those who worried about the longer-term implications for local, match-going fans.

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As for losers: the big ones are LaLiga and Tebas themselves, having pushed so hard this time, at the fourth attempt, and lost credibility with this latest withdrawal. It’s not great news for Villarreal either, who took a risk — alienating some fans — with their acceptance of the plan. Ultimately, they were rewarded with nothing in return. They are deeply unhappy with how this was handled. Barça, meanwhile, miss out on a payday that club president Joan Laporta had said on Sunday would “make up for having to play two games at the Estadi Johan Cruyff,” earlier this season, when having to play at a 6,000-capacity stadium severely dented their matchday revenue while the renovation of their Camp Nou home continues.

And what about the fans? Whether they are winners or losers here may depend on what side of the Atlantic they are on. Barça say they “regret deeply that U.S.-based supporters are denied the opportunity to see an official game in their country.” However, for Villarreal fans, and especially season-ticker holders, it means one of their two biggest home games of the season (the other being Madrid’s visit) is now back at the Estadio de la Cerámica. There were plans in place for supporters to travel to Miami, and for others to be compensated for the loss of a home fixture, but the overriding feeling will be of relief at being able to see their team tackle the Spanish champions on home soil.

Is this the end of the matter? What will it take now for the game to happen?

If we focus on what we know at this early stage, it’s unlikely to be the end of LaLiga’s plans to take a game abroad. Firstly, Tebas has spoken many times about this being a multi-year project. It has failed four times now and he was more fuming than ever after this latest failure. Posting on social media, he made not-so-subtle references to Madrid and the AFE, two of the biggest critics of the proposals.

Tebas wrote, without explicitly naming Madrid: “The ‘integrity of the competition’ argument is invoked by those who have been questioning that same integrity for years, pressuring referees and leaders, constructing distorted narratives, or using political and media pressure as a sporting tool.” His line about others “being drawn into debates about information that was already addressed in 2018 was just an excuse to kill the project” was a nod to the AFE’s demonstrations. “We will keep trying,” he signed off. “This time, we came very close.”

Relevent’s statement, meanwhile, suggests that, in addition to the friction in Spain, the lack of time left to organize the game was a significant hurdle. That can be fixed next time quite easily with better planning.

Dig a little deeper, though, and it’s worth wondering what the consequences of this latest setback will be. Villarreal are especially unhappy with how everything has played out. Coach Marcelino García Toral said it was “disrespectful” how the official announcement was made during his side’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday. Sources at the club bemoaned the management of the game from start to finish, saying they never got a straight answer about anything.

It begs the question; would Villarreal be prepared to sign up for another game in the U.S.? And what will other clubs looking in from the outside be thinking? There had already been confusion this week when Laporta said Barça would receive a payment for the Miami game, in contrast to his counterpart at Villarreal, Fernando Roig Negueroles, who had said the opposite. It will leave the other clubs with plenty of questions should LaLiga ask them to move a fixture abroad in the future. What’s really in it for them?

Meanwhile, the issue cannot be parked due to the cancellation of the LaLiga game; Italy’s Serie A is planning to play a match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, in February.

A working group set up by FIFA is expected to announce recommendations to rule changes regarding the governing of international matches in the coming months. The working group includes representatives from member associations, confederations, European Football Clubs (EFC) and global players’ union FIFPRO, among others. LaLiga will be attentive to any rulings which could make or break their plans moving forward.

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Inter Miami CF defender Noah Allen insists the team enters the MLS Cup playoffs with high expectations, emphasizing that anything less than lifting the trophy would be considered a failure.

“Yeah [it’s a failure for if Inter Miami don’t win MLS Cup]. We have high expectations for ourselves,” Allen said.

“I feel like we have the highest standard in ourselves and we want to win every trophy possible. Yeah, we want to win.”

Inter Miami concluded the MLS regular season in third place on the Eastern Conference table with 65 points, drawing Nashville SC for the best-of-three Round One playoff series.

The Herons will host Nashville on Friday night at Chase Stadium for the first match, and secured home-field advantage for the potential third game due to table placement.

Noah Allen has said anything but a trophy will be failure for Inter Miami. Michael Chisholm/Getty Images

“I’m very excited about the playoffs. I have confidence in my team; we have the best of all time, and well, we’re really excited,” Rodrigo De Paul said.

“But football doesn’t always win the best or the one who deserves it most. We have to keep that percentage of luck as low as possible, and whatever work it takes, give everything we have to do our best so that the playoffs go our way.”

Inter Miami are familiar with their round one opponent, concluding the regular-season campaign with a 5-2 triumph over Nashville on Oct. 18. Now the team will prepare for at least two more games against the same rival.

Lionel Messi, who scored a hat trick against Nashville in the final game to secure the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, missed Tuesday’s training session due to minor back discomfort. However, sources told ESPN that the Argentina forward is expected to return to training on Wednesday ahead of the round one series and play an integral part in the first match at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in 2024 which has motivated them for this year’s post-season.

– MLS Cup playoff Power Rankings: Bet against Miami at your own peril
– 2025 MLS Cup Wild Card preview: Who’s moving on to Round 1?
– Messi’s final-day hat trick clinches MLS Golden Boot

“I feel like we have a good relationship between each other and I feel like we play good football with the ball. We keep a lot of possession and I just feel like we have to have that confidence that we are the best team in the league,” Allen said.

“Yeah, it’s not a sense of urgency. There’s not a panic or anything. It’s more of a motivation, right? And especially the guys that were here last year, I think everyone remembers it.

“And I think it’s been a message around the whole offense that everyone can understand is that it’s difficult, right?

“It’s not traditional, some players may agree, some players may not agree, but we have to do it. We have to win two games.”

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has launched a scathing attack on La Liga, criticising the leagueâ€s decision to stage Barcelonaâ€s away match against Villarreal in Miami on 20 December, saying it “distorts the competitionâ€.

The fixture, which is set to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium, would be the first La Liga fixture held outside Spain and the first European league match staged abroad. While Uefa has “reluctantly†approved the plan, Real Madrid and other teams in Spainâ€s top flight have expressed their opposition.

Speaking on Tuesday before Realâ€s Champions League fixture against Juventus, Courtois accused La Liga of bypassing clubs in the decision-making process and argued that the move undermines the principles of fairness in the home-and-away league format. “La Liga does whatever it wants because it suits them,†said the Belgian. “This decision distorts the competition. Playing at home is not the same as playing away. In La Liga, playing away is very difficult, as we saw against Real Sociedad and Getafe. Villarreal away is tough. Itâ€s not fair to change the rules mid-season without consulting us.â€

Courtois also contrasted La Ligaâ€s plans with the NBA and NFL, who regularly play matches abroad. “The NBA has 82 games, and the NFLâ€s owners collectively approve these decisions. Here, La Liga acts unilaterally. Itâ€s not the same,†he said.

La Liga players staged silent protests at the weekend by standing motionless at kick-offs across all matches, symbolising their discontent with the decision. La Ligaâ€s broadcasts ignored the protests in several games, showing a wide, aerial shot of the stadiums accompanied by a banner that read “Commitment to peaceâ€.

“Hiding the protests and trying to change the narrative is censorship and manipulation,†Courtois said. “Iâ€m not surprised. [La Liga president, Javier Tebas] behaves like no other sports executive Iâ€ve ever seen. His actions on social media and in public speak volumes.â€

Real Madrid have filed two complaints with Spainâ€s sports ministry, arguing the moving of a domestic game overseas undermines La Ligaâ€s competitive integrity. The Atlético Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has also weighed in on the controversy, expressing his scepticism over the Miami fixture. “I wonâ€t believe it until I see it,†he said. “The home team loses the advantage. Their fans wonâ€t be there, and they have to travel thousands of miles. We need to respect the fans.â€

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La Liga has repeatedly defended its plan to stage matches abroad, stating that the proposal “does not distort competition or violate any rights of players, clubs or fans.â€

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Quinn Ewers steps up as Dolphins†QB backup (Image via: Getty images) The Miami Dolphins are making a bold quarterback move ahead of their Week 7 clash against the Cleveland Browns. Tua Tagovailoa remains the starter, but rookie Quinn Ewers will now serve as his backup, replacing Zach Wilson. Miami is preparing for a challenging game in Clevelandâ€s windy, wet conditions while testing their quarterback depth.

Quinn Ewers confirmed as Dolphins†backup to Tua Tagovailoa for Week 7

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Quinn Ewers will be active as the backup to Tua Tagovailoa for the Dolphins†matchup against the Browns. Zach Wilson has been moved to the third-string role. This marks Ewers†first time active in an NFL game, highlighting Miamiâ€s confidence in the rookieâ€s ability to step up under pressure. The move also gives Ewers a chance to make his NFL debut in a potentially high-stakes environment.Ewers, who played his final season at Texas, threw for 3,472 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, leading the SEC in touchdown passes. In the Dolphins†preseason, he went 23-of-43 for 273 yards and two touchdowns, taking four sacks but committing no turnovers. These performances signal that Ewers is ready to contribute when called upon.

Zach Wilson moved to third-string as Dolphins adjust QB depth chart

Miamiâ€s $6 million offseason signing, Zach Wilson, is now the third-string quarterback. This season, Wilson completed 29-of-45 passes for 327 yards, one touchdown, and seven sacks, avoiding turnovers. The Dolphins†decision to prioritize Ewers reflects their focus on building depth and evaluating rookie talent for long-term success.With Tua Tagovailoa starting and Ewers as the backup, Miami is prepared for any scenario in Cleveland. The windy and wet conditions could make the quarterback position crucial if a substitution is required. This move also gives Ewers a chance to make an early NFL impact and shows Miamiâ€s strategic approach to managing their quarterback room.The Dolphins†Week 7 quarterback change demonstrates the teamâ€s commitment to preparing for adversity and developing rookie talent. Quinn Ewers†elevation to backup marks a significant step in his NFL journey and could play a key role in Miamiâ€s Week 7 game against the Browns.Also Read: Could Dolphins†Anthony Weaver jump ship after 2025 disaster? Titans eye defensive coach for head job

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• Sam Marsden

• Moises Llorens

Oct 18, 2025, 01:30 PM ET

Barcelona players began Saturday’s home match against Girona with a 15-second pause after kickoff in protest against LaLiga’s decision to hold their regular-season match against Villarreal in Miami.

Barça were due to play away at Villarreal on Dec. 20, but the league has relocated the fixture to the Hard Rock Stadium on the same date, with tickets due to go on sale next week.

The Spanish Footballers’ Association [AFE] announced Friday that a protest would be carried out by players this weekend aimed at the league’s “lack of transparency, dialogue and coherence” in staging the Miami game.

The AFE didn’t say what the protest would be, but on Friday, in the first LaLiga game of the weekend — Real Oviedo vs. Espanyol — the two teams paused for the first 15 seconds.

The AFE said Barça and Villarreal players would not be forced to join in the protest, given it could put them in an uncomfortable position with their clubs, but confirmed that they were in support of the action.

However, as Girona kicked off and then paused for 15 seconds at the Olympic Stadium, Barça’s players did the same, remaining still until the away team started to play.

A late strike from Ronald Araujo saw Barcelona beat Girona 2-1 as Hansi Flick’s team moved to the top of LaLiga before Real Madrid play on Sunday.

Barcelona and Girona players stood still for the first 15 seconds of their LaLiga match on Saturday. David Ramos/Getty Images

LaLiga has been trying to take a game to the United States since 2017, but now looks to be in a position to finally pull it off after receiving approval from the Spanish Football Federation [RFEF], which already stages the Spanish Supercopa in Saudi Arabia, and UEFA.

While Barça and Villarreal as clubs have agreed to participate, other teams in LaLiga are against the plans.

Real Madrid have been the fiercest critics, saying it will “give an undue sporting advantage” to the teams involved and “sets an unacceptable precedent.”

Even Barça midfielder Frenkie de Jong has said he does not support the plans, acknowledging Madrid’s concerns that it helps Barça as they get to play an away game on neutral territory.

– Madrid’s Alonso: Protests over Miami LaLiga game ‘positive’
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Barça coach Hansi Flick has also said that he is “not happy” about it but that he would respect the decision made by the league and the clubs involved.

Following the on-pitch protests this weekend, it is unclear what steps the AFE could take next.

In theory, the union does not have to support the game for it to go ahead, but AFE president David Aganzo has said he has spoken with political parties about subsequent actions.

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Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Lionel Messi will be available for Inter Miami’s final 2025 MLS regular season clash with Nashville SC on Saturday as the captain looks to secure the Golden Boot.

Messi comes into the match after featuring for Argentina on Tuesday night against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium.

“Yesterday they [Messi and Rodrigo De Paul] trained with us, they did a good part of it. Today they will train with us completely,” Mascherano said.

“Beyond playing on Tuesday, Messi played for us on Saturday and De Paul didn’t play too many minutes against Venezuela so this wasn’t an international window of too much wear.

“They played here so after the game they could rest, they didn’t travel. Normally, when you have four days between games you can arrive with rest and in good conditions. We will be talking today after training.”

Lionel Messi is set to return for Inter Miami on Saturday. Michael Chisholm/Getty Images

Mascherano said “almost everyone is available” for Saturday’s game except David Ruiz and Allen Obando, who remain sidelined due to ongoing injuries.

The final match against Nashville could see Messi clinch the 2025 MLS Golden Boot and allow Inter Miami to ensure home-field advantage for the playoffs.

Messi leads the Golden Boot standings with 26 goals, though Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga trails on 24 goals.

The Inter Miami captain has yet to win the league’s Golden Boot since joining MLS in the summer of 2023, despite coming close to clinching the accolade in 2024.

Beyond goals, Messi also stands as the leader of assists for the 2025 MLS season with 18 which improves his chances at securing the league MVP.

Mascherano insists there is “no type of doubt” that Messi deserves the trophy, which would make him the first ever player to win the MLS MVP on two consecutive occasions after lifting the 2024 edition of the award.

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“There is no type of doubt [that Messi is the MVP of the league]. Even with the disadvantage of playing less games than others, it’s the influence he’s had on this team,” Mascherano said.

“Measuring Messi only on the statistics, which you can do, he’s the best but he goes beyond the numbers. He reflects on the field the importance he has in this team, and what he does to make everyone who watches him enjoy it.”

Inter Miami previously qualified to the league playoffs, but will know of the Round One opponent following the final day of the regular season on Saturday night.

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The early-season Heisman push for Carson Beck hit a major stumbling block on Friday night when he threw four interceptions in Miami’s 24-21 upset loss to Louisville.

Speaking to reporters after his disaster performance, Beck could only say he “laid an egg” and has to be better to keep the Hurricanes in the playoff mix.

“It’s a good thing we play 12 games and not just one,” Beck said. “That’s the biggest thing we have to realize is there’s more opportunities. We’ve been very successful this season and, shoot, we laid an egg tonight. I have to prepare better, I have to play better, and I’m going to do that, and come back with fire.”

Miami had climbed up to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 poll this week after starting the season 5-0, including marquee wins over Notre Dame and Florida State. It was the program’s highest ranking since the 2017 team started 10-0.

Beck, who transferred to Miami in January after receiving a reported $4 million NIL deal, looked like a bargain at that price entering Friday. He threw for 1,213 yards, 11 touchdowns, three interceptions and a 73.4 completion percentage in his first five starts.

Friday was the first time in 45 career starts that Beck has ever thrown four interceptions in a game. If there is a reason to be concerned going forward, he has been turnover-prone in recent weeks.

All seven of Beck’s interceptions have come in the last four games (120 total pass attempts). He is just one week removed from going 20-of-27 for 241 yards with four touchdowns and no turnovers against Florida State.

This is part of the Beck experience going back to his time at Georgia. He had 12 interceptions last season, all of them coming in the span of six games from Sept. 28 to Nov. 9.

Louisville entered this game unranked but a solid 4-1 record that included a tight 30-27 loss to a Virginia team currently ranked No. 18. The victory over Miami will almost certainly push the Cardinals into the top 25 when the new poll comes out on Sunday.

The loss dropped Miami to 1-1 in ACC play, but it doesn’t have any remaining games against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25 this season. This group is still good enough to win the conference and make the playoff, even if the margin of error went down on Friday night.

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Oct 13, 2025, 02:43 AM ET

Lionel Messi has returned to training with Argentina after being released to play in Inter Miami’s MLS game against Atalanta on Saturday.

The 38-year-old was called up by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for the country’s matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, but the captain was not in the squad for the 1-0 win over Venezuela on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with Scaloni revealing he made the decision to leave Messi out of the roster.

In a rare set of circumstances, Messi was granted permission by his country to play in Miami’s penultimate MLS match of the regular season as the team fights for a higher spot in the Eastern Conference table to ensure home-field advantage in the postseason.

Lionel Messi has returned to training with Argentina. Gustavo Pagano/Getty Images

Earlier in the week, Miami boss Javier Mascherano had said he would welcome the chance for Messi to play on Saturday between the two Argentina friendlies, but added he did not know whether or not it was a possibility.

Messi scored Miami’s first in a 4-0 win that represented the team’s final match at Chase Stadium. Miami will move into its new home, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is in line to feature again at Chase Stadium for Argentina against Puerto Rico on Oct. 14 after returning to the national team.

– Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments for Inter Miami
– Report: Messi, Alba dazzle as Inter Miami win last game at Chase Stadium

“The match will serve as part of the preparation for upcoming commitments and will allow the technical staff to fine-tune details,” Argentina said in a statement.

“Leo’s return generates great anticipation and promises a spectacular atmosphere for this new international challenge.”

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi captained Inter Miami CF to a 4-0 triumph over Atlanta United FC on Saturday night at Chase Stadium, briefly leaving international duty with the Argentina national team to help clinch the crucial three points for the Herons.

Though he was called up by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for the two friendly matches of the October FIFA window against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, Messi instead featured for Miami in the final regular-season Major League Soccer match at Chase Stadium.

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Miami will move into its new home, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.

“It was pretty straightforward yesterday before the game,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi’s availability. “I spoke with Scaloni, and he told me he was going to release him, that he wasn’t going to use him. I spoke with Leo about letting him play today; there’s not much more to it. He didn’t intend to play him yesterday; he wanted to see something else. As the coach said, it was his decision.

“Well, we clearly saw the opportunity that, since he didn’t play yesterday against Venezuela, we could use him. Leo was also clearly willing to do so, even though he trained all week with the national team. We know he’s a totally special player; he’s unique, and for us, clearly, even though he didn’t train with us, well, we saw what he did today. So, he helped us win. He scored, which was also important for him.”

Messi scored the first goal of the night, curling the ball into the top left corner for his 25th of the season.

The club captain later set up longtime teammate Jordi Alba for the second goal of the game, as the defender looped a shot over the head of Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert in his final regular-season MLS home game.

Alba announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS campaign and received a special tribute from Inter Miami following the final whistle Saturday night.

“Well, I think I’ve had a very good career, being in very comfortable teams in all senses,” Alba said after watching a video tribute to him. “This video reflects the truth that the club has been a surprise, nice because I saw several managers of several clubs, some coaches I’ve had throughout my career, and the truth is that it’s been special and, well, proud of everything I’ve achieved.

“Now, to have the last game against Nashville, then the playoffs, and hopefully I can win them, and then I can rest.”

Luis Suárez volleyed in Miami’s third goal of the night in the 61st minute with an exquisite right-footed strike from the top of the penalty area, and Messi added his second in the dying minutes to finish off the scoring.

Messi’s second of the night put him on 26 for the season, two ahead of LAFC striker Denis Bouanga in the race for the MLS Golden Boot.

“At this point in his life isn’t going to change him too much,” Mascherano said of Messi potentially winning the Golden Boot. “But as you can see, if he has it there, he’ll try to get it. So welcome, always with a great night for the team, for him, for everyone.”

Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who featured in Argentina’s friendly win against Venezuela on Friday, celebrated each goal from the sideline alongside La Albiceleste players Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso.

Miami players Telasco Segovia, Noah Allen, Ian Fray and Mateo Silvetti also missed out on Saturday’s action due to international duty.

Messi could rejoin the Argentina national team for the upcoming friendly match Tuesday night against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, with Scaloni remaining hopeful of his participation.

“Let’s hope Messi can be there on Tuesday,” Scaloni said Friday. “We’ll see how things unfold in the coming days.”

Miami is tied on points in second place with FC Cincinnati going into the last matchday of the regular season next Saturday. Miami is away to Nashville, while Cincinnati hosts Montreal. The Philadelphia Union have locked up first place in the East as well as the Supporters’ Shield for the most regular-season points.

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