MLS

Juan Mata is set to make his mark in Major League Soccer (MLS) as he joins the ownership group of San Diego FC, following in the footsteps of David Beckham. The former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder, who currently plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia’s A-League Men, has become the first active player to invest in a U.S. franchise. San Diego FC is scheduled to join the Western Conference in 2025. The announcement of the expansion team was made in May 2023, with San Diego selected over Las Vegas, which had the backing of Aston Villa's owners. Although Mata will not be able to participate as a player in the new franchise, having signed with Sydney after being released by Vissel Kobe in January, he has secured a small ownership stake while continuing his professional career. This contrasts with Beckham's situation, where his ownership of Inter Miami was included in his contract with MLS when he joined LA Galaxy, but was only revealed after his retirement. Mata expressed his excitement about the opportunity, hoping to "build something special" with San Diego FC.

Ecuador and FC Cincinnati midfielder Marco Angulo has tragically passed away at the age of 22 due to injuries sustained in a car accident. The incident, which also claimed the life of his former youth teammate Roberto Cabezas, was confirmed by the Ecuadorian Football Association on Tuesday. Angulo was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a metal barrier on the Rumiñahui highway, located southeast of Quito, on October 7. The crash resulted in the deaths of the driver and Cabezas, who was associated with Independiente Juniors. Angulo had been placed in an artificial coma following the accident. He leaves behind a young son and was married at the time of his passing.

Lionel Messi's unexpected playoff exit has stirred up a mix of drama and concern for Major League Soccer (MLS). The league has heavily invested in promoting the Argentine superstar as the centerpiece of its growth strategy, but with his season now concluded, the question looms: will casual fans still tune in? The allure of an underdog victory is undeniable, yet the shock of Atlanta United's triumph over Inter Miami on Saturday night likely left some league executives, including Commissioner Don Garber, feeling frustrated. Similarly, tech mogul Tim Cook, who had expressed enthusiasm about watching Messi in the playoffs, is now left disappointed as the star's postseason journey has come to an abrupt end. The playoffs were marketed as Messi's stage, with the league banking on his presence to draw in viewers. Miami had set a record for points in the regular season, and expectations were high for a deep playoff run. Messi's image was omnipresent—featured on billboards, social media campaigns, and television advertisements. The league even showcased Inter Miami's first playoff match in Times Square, underscoring the significance of Messi's arrival in Florida. Now, with Messi's departure from the playoffs, MLS faces the challenge of maintaining viewer interest without its marquee attraction. The league had built its postseason narrative around him, and his absence raises concerns about whether neutral fans will continue to engage with the playoffs.

Lionel Messi made a significant impact in his Major League Soccer playoff debut, with every aspect of his performance captured and shared on TikTok. Fans were able to see every touch, shot attempt, and even moments when he was off the ball. In this thrilling playoff opener, Jordi Alba played a crucial role, helping Inter Miami secure a victory against Atlanta United. With this win, Messi's team is now poised to advance further in the playoffs, needing another victory on November 2 to continue their journey.

**MLS Playoff Predictions: Can Messi and Inter Miami Be Stopped?** Inter Miami has made headlines this season, achieving the highest points total in MLS history. However, this impressive record may not guarantee success in the knockout stages of the playoffs. While last season was heavily influenced by Lionel Messi's presence, this year has seen Inter Miami evolve into a cohesive unit. The club has navigated the complexities of MLS regulations, making strategic player additions and subtractions, ultimately culminating in a historic points tally for the season. The trend of big spending not always translating to on-field success in MLS seems to have shifted, with Miami demonstrating that a new era may be upon us. As the playoffs approach, the question remains: can this formidable team maintain their momentum, or will the unpredictability of knockout matches prove to be their undoing?

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have achieved a historic milestone in Major League Soccer, setting a new record for the best regular season. In a thrilling match against the New England Revolution, Messi showcased his extraordinary talent by scoring a remarkable hat-trick in just 11 minutes during the second half, along with providing an assist. Luis Suárez also made a significant contribution with two goals in the first half, leading Inter Miami to a commanding 6-2 victory. With this win, Inter Miami concluded the season with an impressive total of 74 points, surpassing the previous record of 73 points set by the Revolution in 2021. Additionally, the team's outstanding performance has earned them a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup, further solidifying their place in soccer history.

Lionel Messi has had a significant portion of the MLS season sidelined. The question arises: should he still be considered for the MVP award? The answer largely hinges on how one defines "valuable." Despite missing half the season, Messi's performances in the matches he has played have been nothing short of extraordinary. He has been instrumental in propelling Inter Miami to the top of the standings, showcasing his talent with a remarkable array of goals and assists. Each time he has taken the field, he has consistently met the high expectations set for him. What makes the possibility of Messi winning the league's Most Valuable Player award particularly intriguing is that it would mark a historic moment in North American men's sports. Such an achievement would be nearly unprecedented in the major domestic leagues of Europe, with only a few exceptions. As the season progresses, the debate continues: can a player who has missed a significant amount of time still be deemed the most valuable? The answer may ultimately depend on individual perspectives on what constitutes true value in sports.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber has added his voice to the growing calls for greater accountability in football, urging FIFA to adopt a more strategic approach to the sport's scheduling. His comments come amid ongoing concerns regarding an increasingly congested football calendar. Garber expressed enthusiasm for FIFA's upcoming Club World Cup, which is set to be held in the United States next summer. However, he also acknowledged the valid concerns raised by various stakeholders about fixture overload. Recently, the players' union Fifpro initiated a legal challenge against FIFA, citing a lack of consultation regarding the governing body's expansion plans. While Garber supports the inclusion of the Club World Cup, he emphasizes the need for FIFA to consider the broader implications of its decisions on players and the sport as a whole.

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The Impact of Lionel Messi’s Injury on Inter Miami CF and MLS SuperDraft Introduction Inter Miami CF, a prominent Major League Soccer (MLS) team, recently faced challenges due to the absence of their star player, Lionel Messi, who suffered a hamstring injury. This setback led the team to make strategic decisions, including signing new players […]