Concurrently, Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, is reportedly finalizing a multiyear contract extension with Inter Miami. Negotiations are in the final stages, with only minor aspects left to resolve. Messi, 38, joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has since made a remarkable impact, scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists in 21 games this season. His continued presence is expected to further elevate the club's performance and popularity, aligning with Inter Miami's preparations to open a new stadium near Miami International Airport next year.
On the field, Heung-Min Son's influence has been immediate and profound. In a recent match against Real Salt Lake, Son scored a hat-trick, leading LAFC to a decisive 4-1 victory. This performance marked his first hat-trick in the U.S. and made him the third player in LAFC history to achieve this feat in one of his first six matches, joining Adama Diomande and Carlos Vela. LAFC is now on the verge of securing a playoff spot, with a potential victory over Real Salt Lake in the upcoming weekend match guaranteeing their place.
In the U.S. Open Cup, Minnesota United FC is experiencing its most successful season to date, driven by a unique and aggressive style of play dubbed “sicko ball.” This strategy emphasizes efficiency, swift transitions from defense to offense, and complex set-piece tactics. Under second-year head coach Eric Ramsay, the team is not only excelling in Major League Soccer—positioned for home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs—but is also making a deep run in the U.S. Open Cup. The Loons are set to face Austin FC in the semifinal in St. Paul, and a win will secure them a place in the Open Cup final on October 1, potentially bringing them closer to achieving national and international recognition.
Off the field, MLS continues to attract high-profile talent. Former Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Mueller has signed a season-long deal with the Vancouver Whitecaps, with an option for 2026 as a Designated Player. Mueller, who will turn 36 next month, joined the Canadian club after a 25-year career with Bayern, where he earned 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies. Internationally, he made 131 appearances and scored 45 goals for Germany, playing a key role in their 2014 World Cup victory. Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster called this a transformative move for the club, and Mueller intends to help Vancouver win a championship.
These developments underscore Major League Soccer's commitment to enhancing its competitive edge and expanding its global footprint. The league's strategic signings and international partnerships are poised to elevate the profile of soccer in North America, attracting a broader audience and fostering a more competitive environment.
