Latest Football (Soccer) News

đź“…February 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Inter Miami launches MLS title defense with star-studded roster amid Messi injury recovery; LAFC, Whitecaps, Union gear up for competitive season start.
1

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Reloads for Second Straight MLS Title

Less than three months after winning its first MLS Cup, Inter Miami has assembled one of the strongest rosters in MLS history for the new season starting this weekend.Source 1 The team added MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair, forward Germán Berterame, and defenders Micael, Sergio Reguilón, and David Ayala to replace departed stars like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.Source 1 Messi, recovering from a preseason muscle issue, is expected to play in the opener against LAFC at the Coliseum.Source 1

2

Inter Miami Faces LAFC in High-Stakes MLS Season Opener

Inter Miami begins its title defense Saturday night against Los Angeles FC at the iconic Coliseum, anticipating over 60,000 fans.Source 1 LAFC, potentially the strongest rival, features Son Heung-Min for a full season alongside Denis Bouanga after his midseason arrival from Tottenham.Source 1 Son jokingly claimed he'll challenge Messi's dominance this year.Source 1

3

Messi Returns to Full Training Ahead of MLS Opener

Lionel Messi dealt with a muscle injury during preseason, questioning his availability for Inter Miami's opener, but he has returned to full training this week.Source 1 He is now expected to feature in the prime-time matchup against LAFC.Source 1 This bolsters Miami's chances in a season bookended by the 2026 World Cup.Source 1

4

Inter Miami Bolsters Roster with Key Signings Post-Championship

Following their MLS Cup win, Inter Miami addressed weaknesses by signing goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair from Minnesota United.Source 1 Liga MX's Germán Berterame fills a designated player spot as a dynamic forward threat.Source 1 New defenders Micael, Sergio Reguilón, and David Ayala help cope with departures.Source 1

5

Vancouver Whitecaps Eye Trophies with Thomas MĂĽller

Vancouver Whitecaps, after losses in MLS Cup and continental championship, anticipate Thomas MĂĽller's first full MLS season.Source 1 They lost 3-1 to Inter Miami in the league final and 5-0 to Cruz Azul previously.Source 1 The team is eager to claim silverware this year.Source 1

6

LAFC Strengthens Attack with Son Heung-Min for Full Season

Los Angeles FC pairs Son Heung-Min with Denis Bouanga for a dynamic attack in the upcoming MLS campaign.Source 1 Son arrived midseason last year from Tottenham and is set for his complete season now.Source 1 They face Inter Miami in the opener, with Son vowing to topple Messi.Source 1

7

Philadelphia Union Defend Supporters’ Shield in New Season

Philadelphia Union, who won the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record last year, are key contenders to watch.Source 1 They aim to challenge powerhouses like Inter Miami and LAFC.Source 1 The MLS season kicks off amid World Cup anticipation.Source 1

8

Minnesota United Signs Colombian Star James RodrĂ­guez

Minnesota United FC added Colombian icon James RodrĂ­guez on a short-term deal, boosting their roster.Source 1 This comes after losing goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to Inter Miami.Source 1 They enter the season as a team to monitor.Source 1

9

MLS Season Set Around 2026 World Cup Hosted by US, Mexico, Canada

The MLS season begins this weekend and is structured around the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.Source 1 Inter Miami's campaign bookends this major event.Source 1 Strong rosters like Miami's position them for success.Source 1

10

Inter Miami Shows No Letdown After First MLS Cup Triumph

Inter Miami displays no signs of complacency less than three months after their inaugural MLS Cup championship.Source 1 They've reloaded impressively for title defense.Source 1 The Canadian Press reports on their ambitions via AP Soccer hub.Source 1