As the league has expanded to 29 teams (30 beginning in 2025 with San Diego FC), it has become more challenging to reach the ultimate stage and win it all.

Between the increase in teams, overall talent and format changes, among other factors, replicating success is not guaranteed.

With the 2024 playoffs next, a handful of historic teams can add to their title tally, while others are in search of their first. Here’s what to know about the most successful MLS Cup-winning franchises:

Who has the most MLS Cup Final appearances?

Beginning with appearances, nineteen teams have at least one, as aforementioned. Here are the teams with at least four or more since the first edition in 1996:

• LA Galaxy: 9
• D.C. United: 5
• New England Revolution: 5
• Columbus Crew: 4
• Houston Dynamo: 4
• Seattle Sounders: 4

Who has the most MLS Cup wins?

Not every team that reached the final won it, however, as seen with the Revolution. Here’s the list of teams with two or more wins:

• LA Galaxy: 5
• D.C. United: 4
• Columbus Crew: 3
• Houston Dynamo: 2
• Seattle Sounders: 2
• Sporting Kansas City: 2
• San Jose Earthquakes: 2

Who will win the 2024 MLS Cup?

Out West, the two premier contenders are the Galaxy and LAFC, the latter possessing home-field advantage in the conference. The Black and Gold last won the title in 2022, which marked their first.

In the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be seeking their first-ever win following a historic Supporters’ Shield-winning season, also their first. Columbus will provide a challenging fight, however, with manager Wilfried Nancy still at the helm along with key players like Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and more.

Who won the 2023 MLS Cup?

The 2023 final was won by the Columbus Crew, who beat LAFC at home 2-1 to win their third title.

LAFC (19-8-7), which is tied with the LA Galaxy atop the Western Conference with 64 points, earned the No. 1 seed in the playoffs based on goal differential — a one-goal difference. LAFC plays a best-of-three first-round series against the winner of one-game wild card between the No. 8 seed Vancouver Whitecaps and the ninth-seeded Portland Timbers.

Eduard Atuesta came on in the 75th minute and scored moments later to give LAFC the lead for good at 2-1.

Jackson Yuell scored in the ninth minute to give San Jose (6-25-3) a 1-0 lead.

LAFC’s Denis Bouanga made it 1-1 in the 64th.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!? 🤯
DECISION DAY DRAMA 😲@HoustonDynamo takes down the @LAGalaxy with a 101st minute goal and LAFC fans are loving it.@LAFC clinch the top seed in the West! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/I9kkEwiCR4

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 20, 2024

With the Concacaf Champions League, Leagues Cup and more in-season tournaments in the books, next up is the fight for the MLS Cup title.

More than a dozen teams will compete for the honors, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Riqui Puig’s LA Galaxy and Denis Bouanga’s LAFC all in the race and expected to make deep runs.

So, when do the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs start and what are the key dates? Here’s everything to know:

When is MLS Decision Day 2024?

Decision Day, the last day of the MLS regular season, is set for Saturday, Oct. 19. It’s the last chance for teams to settle their spots in the standings for both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

When do the MLS Cup Playoffs start?

The 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 22 with the wild card round. The No. 8 and 9 seeds in each conference will duke it out for the chance to play the respective No. 1 seed in the conference. The second wild card game is set for Wednesday, Oct. 23.

What is the MLS Cup Playoffs format?

Here’s the order in which the MLS Cup Playoffs are completed:

• Wild Card round
• Round one best-of-three games (1-1-1 format)
• Conference semifinals
• Conference finals
• MLS Cup Final

2024 MLS Cup Playoffs dates

Here’s a look at when the games will be played:

• Wild Card round: Tuesday, Oct. 22 – Wednesday, Oct. 23
• Round one best-of-three games (1-1-1 format): Friday, Oct. 25 – Sunday, Nov. 10
• Conference semifinals: Saturday, Nov. 23 – 24
• Conference finals: Saturday, Nov. 30 – Sunday, Dec. 1
• MLS Cup Final: Saturday, Dec. 7

Who won the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield?

The 2024 Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record, went to Inter Miami in Messi’s first full season with the club, despite his injuries.

Who won the last MLS Cup Final?

The 2023 MLS Cup Final was won by the Columbus Crew, who beat LAFC 2-1 at home. Columbus will be in the mix to repeat again with manager Wilfried Nancy at the helm.

Since hoisting the MLS Cup trophy in 2022, LAFC has finished as the runner-up in four consecutive championship games, including the 2023 MLS Cup in Colombus, Ohio last December.

Playing in their fifth final in the last two years, LAFC snapped their four-game losing streak in title games with a 3-1 victory in extra time over Sporting Kansas City in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup Final at BMO Stadium on Wednesday night.

For LAFC, it was a sense of unfinished business after falling in four straight finals including two already this season.

“We’ve have an amazing group here. We’ve gotten to the finals a few times now and it’s important to reward ourselves,” said LAFC defender Aaron Long, who wore the Captain’s armband for the match. “The group right now is hungry. To taste these finals many times in a row now and to get this close, we’re all just really happy. We’re happy to give back to the fans. They’ve been suffering a lot.”

Sporting KC was seeking to become the only MLS team in history to win five U.S. Open Cup titles.

The final was a battle between two teams headed in opposite directions over the last month.

Sporting KC is currently on the outside looking in of the MLS Cup Playoffs, but are 3-1-2 over their last six matches for a total of 10 points.

Meanwhile, LAFC, a powerhouse atop the Western Conference all season long, has won just once since Aug. 22, a 1-0 victory against the Seattle Sounders in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal.

Led by their new superstar Olivier Giroud, LAFC made sure they would not finish second in another tournament.

Giroud scored his second goal for LAFC–both in finals–to help lead the team to victory.

“When you play in a final, you just have to go for it,” said Giroud after the victory celebration. “I’m really proud of this team. We celebrated with the fans like a family. This was a little boost for the end of the season.”

Waves of black and gold jerseys flooded onto the field to rejoice at the blowing of the final whistle, marking the second title in LAFC’s young history.

Donned in U.S. Open Cup Champions hats, shirts, and scarves, the players poured onto the field to celebrate with their families, including LAFC legend Carlos Vela, who just re-signed with the team last week and has yet to step foot onto the pitch this season.

Kei Kamara, the oldest current player in the league, who grew up in Los Angeles, embraced his wife in front of the LAFC supporters section the 3252.

“This moment here for me to come home and be in LA, and be part of this young rich history of this club is awesome, and tonight was a special night,” said Kamara, who also won the U.S. Open Cup with Kansas City in 2012.

LAFC’s captain for most of the 2024 campaign, Ilie Sanchez, grabbed Vela, the team’s longtime captain, to help him hoist the trophy as fireworks erupted overhead.

Later, the trophy was passed to Giroud and Lloris, two players who traveled nearly 6,000 miles from Paris to Los Angeles, to help LAFC lift another trophy.

“We’re on the same page. We just try to bring our experience, leadership, and calmness,” said Giroud and Lloris, longtime friends and teammates with the French national team that won the World Cup in 2018. “Especially when you’re trying to win a trophy. This team has a lot of quality.”

Los Angeles is nicknamed Championship City, or “TitleTown, USA.” In a stadium that is a few miles away from the Lakers, Dodgers, and Kings, it was only fitting that LAFC lifted another trophy en route to what hopefully is just one among many more to come for the newer club.

The mental toll of losing in four consecutive championship games can be daunting. It can affect one’s confidence, not to mention lay seed to doubt that can grow like weeds inside the mind. Just ask the Buffalo Bills of the mid-1990s.

Wednesday’s victory represented a new chapter for the budding franchise decked in black and gold in downtown LA. It ended those seeds of doubt locked inside the labyrinth of the mind and revitalized a team that still has an opportunity to reach their third consecutive MLS Cup Final later this year.

“This will only make us stronger down the stretch of the season. I’m convinced of that,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo.

One thing is for certain, Wednesday’s trophy was a reward for their patience, suffering, and disappointment over the last 500 days.

“I thought I would feel a big sense of relief,” continued Cherundolo. “But right now, all I feel is joy.”

Both teams had their opportunities in the first half, as goalkeepers Hugo Lloris for LAFC and Tim Melia for SKC, had their skills on full display.

Giroud opened the scoring in the 53^rd minute. Mateusz Bogusz received a through ball from Sergi Palencia on the right side of the box, and his cross found the foot of the legendary French striker for the 1-0 lead.

There it is.

Olivier Giroud has the breakthrough in the @opencup final! pic.twitter.com/1bQBdwge3l

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 26, 2024

However, the lead would be short-lived. 

Less than ten minutes later, Kansas City leveled the score on Erik Thommy’s right-footed flick from the back of the box to the upper-left corner of the net inside the near post.

WE'RE LEVEL!!

Erik Thommy responds immediately to equalize in the @opencup final. pic.twitter.com/AglHTKB6Pc

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 26, 2024

The back-and-forth battle continued with the underdogs nearly netting the go-ahead goal in the 74^th minute off a set piece, but once again Lloris was able to make a critical save.  He made another in the 92^nd minute.

Defender Omar Campos, who entered the game in the 67^th minute, raced into the far left corner of the box and slotted a shot into the far post for the game-winning goal in the 102^nd minute.

OMAR CAMPOS IN EXTRATIME FOR THE LEAD@LAFC x @opencup pic.twitter.com/pSDWLs6gfU

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 26, 2024

Sporting KC ratcheted up the pressure over the next ten minutes, but got caught on the counter by former teammate, and current LAFC Super Sub, Kei Kamara.

Kei Kamara. That's the tweet.@LAFC x @opencup pic.twitter.com/CBS27FgNE2

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 26, 2024

Kamara buried a header in front of the net in the 110^th minute for an insurance goal that put the game to bed as LAFC held on until the final whistle to lift their first U.S. Open Cup trophy in team history, ending their streak of four consecutive finals losses.

“We want to win every game we play in, it just doesn’t work out like that sometimes. These guys have never won the US Open Cup trophy before, and now they can say they’ve won it,” said Kamara. “To be able to celebrate with my family and bring them into the locker room with me. That’s special. That’s what I wanted. That’s a good feeling.”

As the league has expanded to 29 teams (30 beginning in 2025 with San Diego FC), it has become more challenging to reach the ultimate stage and win it all.

Between the increase in teams, overall talent and format changes, among other factors, replicating success is not guaranteed.

With the 2024 playoffs next, a handful of historic teams can add to their title tally, while others are in search of their first. Here’s what to know about the most successful MLS Cup-winning franchises:

Who has the most MLS Cup Final appearances?

Beginning with appearances, nineteen teams have at least one, as aforementioned. Here are the teams with at least four or more since the first edition in 1996:

• LA Galaxy: 9
• D.C. United: 5
• New England Revolution: 5
• Columbus Crew: 4
• Houston Dynamo: 4
• Seattle Sounders: 4

Who has the most MLS Cup wins?

Not every team that reached the final won it, however, as seen with the Revolution. Here’s the list of teams with two or more wins:

• LA Galaxy: 5
• D.C. United: 4
• Columbus Crew: 3
• Houston Dynamo: 2
• Seattle Sounders: 2
• Sporting Kansas City: 2
• San Jose Earthquakes: 2

Who will win the 2024 MLS Cup?

Out West, the two premier contenders are the Galaxy and LAFC, the latter possessing home-field advantage in the conference. The Black and Gold last won the title in 2022, which marked their first.

In the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be seeking their first-ever win following a historic Supporters’ Shield-winning season, also their first. Columbus will provide a challenging fight, however, with manager Wilfried Nancy still at the helm along with key players like Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and more.

Who won the 2023 MLS Cup?

The 2023 final was won by the Columbus Crew, who beat LAFC at home 2-1 to win their third title.

Mikey Varas was officially named the first head coach in SDFC history. Varas was most recently the interim head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, but he made a real name for himself in the coaching ranks as the leader of the United States youth movement.

Varas took over the U-20 national team in 2021 and led them to a Concacaf championship a year later, helping Team America qualify for the Olympics for the first time since 2008. Prior to joining USA Soccer, Varas was the Academy Director for both Sacramento Republic and FC Dallas, earning the U.S. Soccer Development Academy West Conference U-14 Coach of the Year award for the 2016-17 season.

“I am honored to join San Diego FC as the Club’s first Head Coach,” said Varas in a statement to NBC 7. “The opportunity to build something special from the ground up, with such ambitious and committed ownership, and in a city with such a passionate fan base, is truly exciting. I look forward to working with the team and the community to develop a winning culture from the start. I will give everything to this club and the people of San Diego.”

Obviously, player development is his passion, something that made him extremely appealing to a Major League Soccer expansion club. Fluent in English and Spanish, Varas was a natural choice for a franchise that is already building a loyal following in both San Diego and Northern Mexico.

“Mikey embodies the values and ambitions of San Diego FC,” said SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps in a statement to NBC 7. “We have big aspirations for SDFC, and we believe Mikey has the right drive, passion, and leadership to help us build a winning culture. I’m looking forward to welcoming him to San Diego and continuing to build out the staff that will support and help us accomplish our goals.”

Varas will be formally introduced in a press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego FC begins its inaugural season in February of 2025.

Joveljic put the Galaxy ahead 3-2 in the 67th minute with a backheel goal, completing a flurry of three goals in 14 minutes by the first-place club in this rivalry derby between the top two teams in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference.

Riqui Puig added a late goal as the Galaxy snapped their three-game losing streak in El Tráfico while formally clinching a playoff berth and moving seven points ahead of second-place LAFC.

Denis Bouanga scored his 17th goal of the season and set up another in the first half for LAFC.

Joveljic and Edwin Cerrillo scored two minutes apart early in the second half to even it for the Galaxy, with Cerrillo recording his first MLS goal.

After Joveljic scored his team-leading 13th goal, LAFC midfielder Lewis O’Brien was sent off in the 79th minute on a red card for stomping on Miki Yamane’s foot with a late challenge.

Puig then banged home a fourth goal before the Spaniard ripped off his jersey and waved it like a matador’s cape in celebration.

Mateusz Bogusz scored in the fourth minute for LAFC, which won the clubs’ first two meetings this season.

With this defeat, LAFC lost control of its destiny for the top spot in the West despite having two games in hand on the Galaxy.

The Galaxy leads 10-9-5 in a rivalry series characterized by dramatic goals and high-scoring contests since its inception in 2018. LAFC had won six of the past eight meetings between two clubs separated by 12 miles of the 110 freeway.

LAFC took an early lead when Bouanga got the ball near midfield and roared down the left side, muscling past defenders and putting a low ball off Maya Yoshida’s foot in front. Bogusz headed the deflection into an open net.

In the 15th minute, Bouanga took advantage of a midfield turnover by Puig and once again charged down the left side before moving in for a sharp-angled goal.

Bouanga’s latest spectacular game made it clear he remains LAFC’s most important player even after the recent arrival of Olivier Giroud and the imminent return of former MLS MVP Carlos Vela, who has sat out all season.

But the Galaxy found a spark at halftime, and Joveljic scored in the box in the 53rd minute. Two minutes later, Cerrillo launched a beautiful shot past Hugo Lloris for his first MLS goal after spending parts of the past six seasons with FC Dallas and the Galaxy.

The rivalry game got testy late, with Puig and Giroud yapping at each other for nearly a full minute after a collision. Moments later, Bouanga grabbed defender Jalen Neal’s jersey during an argument after contact in the box.

Vela Returns

Los Angeles FC is finalizing a deal to re-sign former Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Vela for the playoff push.

The move is expected to be formally announced in the coming days as LAFC gears up to chase its second MLS title.

Vela was the first player in LAFC history when the Mexican star left Real Sociedad to sign with the expansion MLS club, which began play in 2018. Vela was a dominant MLS forward for a half-decade with LAFC, and he won the league’s MVP award in 2019 while also leading MLS in goals.

The 35-year-old Vela also was a key member of LAFC’s MLS Cup championship team in 2022, but he has been out of soccer since last winter, when his LAFC contract ended and wasn’t renewed.

Vela, who scored nine goals last season, was linked to moves back to Mexico or Europe, but he stayed on the market while LAFC fans regularly called for his return.

Vela should add even more offensive production to a roster headlined by former Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga, Mateusz Bogusz and newcomer Olivier Giroud, who has played in two matches after joining the club from AC Milan this summer. Bouanga’s 16 goals this season are good for third in MLS.

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With both teams battling for the top of the table in the Western Conference and two global superstars set to make their rivalry debuts, this match has the makings of another classic.

“It’s a derby and I think both teams want to win this game, regardless of the standings,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo. “Putting the added pressure of the standings helps. It’s late in the season and both teams want, and possibly need points. It’s a great matchup. I’m looking forward to it.”

Since its inception in 2018, El Tráfico has consistently lived up to its name, producing dramatic moments, jaw-dropping goals, and unforgettable storylines.

That first encounter remains iconic—LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off the bench to score two late goals in a 4-3 win after LAFC’s Carlos Vela had lit up the first half with a pair of goals.

Six years and 23 meetings later, LA Galaxy and LAFC have given fans plenty of reasons to circle their calendars whenever these two teams meet.

This time, the stakes are higher, the stars are bigger, and the tension is palpable.

Marco Reus and Olivier Giroud: European Legends Set to Make Their Mark

The 24th edition of El Tráfico will introduce two new faces to the rivalry, both of whom have enjoyed glittering careers in European soccer.

LA Galaxy’s new midfielder Marco Reus and LAFC’s Olivier Giroud are ready to showcase their talent in this high-octane derby, and their presence is sure to tip the scales in a match that’s already brimming with emotion.

Olivier Giroud arrives at LAFC with a resume that speaks for itself. The French striker has lifted trophies with Chelsea, Arsenal, and AC Milan, and his ability to rise to the occasion in big matches is well-documented.

Giroud joins an already stacked LAFC attack featuring Denis Bouanga, Cristian Olivera, and Mateusz Bogusz. His physical presence and world-class finishing make him a nightmare for opposing defenders, and he’ll be hungry to make his mark in this fierce rivalry.

“It’s my first derby against the LA Galaxy. I can’t wait for it” said Giroud. “We’ve been training really well this week..we feel ready for the big game…I will try and make it three wins in a row for the first time in history. I’ve been told that it will be a record to be the first team to win three derbys in a row.”

Reus, who spent 12 years as Borussia Dortmund’s talisman, joins LA Galaxy with a reputation as a game-changer. Having scored 170 goals and won two German Footballer of the Year awards, Reus brings experience, leadership, and a deadly scoring touch to the Galaxy midfield.

Linking up with talents like Joseph Painstil, Riqui Puig, and Gabriel Pec, Reus will be key to breaking down LAFC’s defense.

“We know each other really well. They play with a back-five, and that’s difficult for us because we don’t play a lot of teams with a back-five. Inside the box and the midfielders, it’s always man-to-man, and that’s also difficult for us,” said Puig who scored the game-winning goal for the Galaxy during the 2023 Fourth of July El Trafico at the Rose Bowl. “But on Saturday Greg [Vanney] has some ideas and he wants to change a little bit. I think that’s good for us and will help us get the three points because it’s really important.

Both Giroud and Reus are fresh to the MLS, but neither is a stranger to high-pressure games. With a combined 527 goals between them, Reus and Giroud are poised to bring something extra to this edition of El Tráfico.

A High-Stakes Clash for Playoff Position

Beyond the individual narratives, the stakes for both clubs couldn’t be higher. LA Galaxy currently sits atop the Western Conference with 52 points, but their lead is far from secure. LAFC is right behind them with 48 points, and crucially, the Black and Gold have two games in hand. A win on Saturday could see LAFC close the gap and set up a dramatic final push for playoff seeding.

“Number 1 against number 2. These are the two best teams in the Western Conference. When you look at LAFC, they are getting all their players back that have been gone for international duty, so they’ll be at full strength,” said MLS Match Analyst for Apple TV, Marcelo Balboa. “The LA Galaxy is the same thing, they have everyone back from the Leagues Cup and from injuries. This is going to be a very tight game. It’s one of the biggest rivalries in the league. When you look at these two teams, you’re looking at the two best teams in the West right now. It’s a big match. 

El Tráfico has never been short on goals, with 95 combined between the two clubs in their previous meetings. Add in the firepower of Reus and Giroud, and all signs point to another goal-filled encounter.

“For us, it’s important, especially against them, how we lose the ball, where we lose the ball, reactions when we lose the ball, are pivotal because of the power and speed they have in the transition,” said LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney. “Making sure we finish attacks is important. We have to be able to create high-quality chances against them, even though they are a good defensive team. And then you have to defend your moments like on set pieces where they have gotten us over the years. The devil is in the details. It’s a long game.”

History in the making

The LA Galaxy and LAFC have faced off 23 previous times in head-to-head competition with both teams each winning nine games and five draws between them. The winner on Saturday will take the lead in their head-to-head matchups.

The LA Galaxy are undefeated at Dignity Health Sports Park this season with their only “home” loss coming at the Rose Bowl against LAFC on July 4th.

LAFC won both matches this season by a score of 2-1 and will look to make it three in a row for the first time in the rivalry on Saturday.

How to Watch the Game

Fans of both teams will also have their eyes on the broadcast, as the match will air exclusively on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass at 7:30 PM PT. For those looking to catch all the action, Apple is offering MLS Season Pass for just $9.99 for the remainder of the season, and current Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for free for the rest of 2024.

This match has all the ingredients of a classic: high stakes, star power, and plenty of history between two clubs that simply do not like each other.

After Inter Miami topped Nashville in the first edition of the tournament last season, two new teams will clash for a chance at their first Leagues Cup triumph.

LAFC and defending MLS champions Columbus Crew are the two franchises in the final, making it a rematch of the 2023 MLS Cup Final that saw the latter come away with a 2-1 win.

While Columbus — led by Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and Co. — have remained a tough side in MLS, LAFC have strengthened since, with veteran Europeans Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud aiding Denis Bouanga’s power.

Here’s everything to know about the final:

When is the 2024 Leagues Cup Final?

The final is slated for Sunday, Aug. 25.

What time is the 2024 Leagues Cup Final?

Kickoff time is slated for 7:15 p.m. ET, 4:15 p.m. PT.

Where is the 2024 Leagues Cup Final?

Just like the 2023 MLS Cup Final, the Crew will have home-field advantage with the game set to transpire at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

How to watch, stream the 2024 Leagues Cup Final

The final will be available to stream on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Who won the 2023 Leagues Cup?

Lionel Messi and Miami topped Nashville 1-1 (10-9 penalties) in the 2023 final. Miami fell to Columbus 3-2 in the round of 16 with Messi out of the lineup for several weeks due to an injury.

Well, as Creed learned, be careful what you wish for.

For eight long months, the Los Angeles Football Club has been fixated on their loss to the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field in the 2023 MLS Cup Final last December.

Abhorrent weather, sloppy field conditions, and a four-minute lapse in focus was the difference on that day in a 2-1 loss to LAFC, ending their dream of repeating as champions.

Eight months later, the rematch is set, not for an MLS Cup Trophy, but another piece of hardware altogether.

LAFC punched their ticket to the 2024 Leagues Cup Final on Wednesday with a 4-0 rout of the Colorado Rapids at BMO Stadium in the semifinal.

With the victory, LAFC earns a 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup berth.

Mateusz Bogusz struck first for the Black and Gold in the 42^nd minute on a beautiful display of passing prowess by LAFC. Ryan Hollingshead passed to Jesus Murillo who sent it back to Hollingshead, but the defender faked out his opponent, letting the ball instead go through to Bogusz who was wide open and struck it into the back of the net.

LAFC added its second goal of the night a couple of minutes later on a thunderous strike by Kei Kamara.

The second-leading goal scorer in MLS history buried a right-footed shot into the back of the net to give the Black and Gold a 2-0 lead at the break. Once again it was Hollingshead in on the action, leaping over a through pass, changing direction, and finding a wide-open Kamara inside the box.

Last season’s 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner added to the total in the opening minutes of the second half.

With new teammate and fellow countryman, Oliver Giroud, on the pitch to start the final 45, the two French forwards raced down the field on the left side of the pitch with Bouanga deking his defender to the right before slotting a left-footed shot into the far post for the goal.

Lewis O’Brien opened up his LAFC account with his first goal for the Black and Gold in the 75^th minute. The 25-year-old English midfielder, on loan from Nottingham Forest, found himself in the right place at the right time just outside the center of the 18-yard box when his volley found the far right corner of the net for the 4-0 lead.

The 2023 MLS Cup rematch will take place on August 25^th at Lower.com field in Columbus, Ohio.

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Brunetta (Tigres) scored in transition in the 68th minute to make it 3-1 and set up Meza (Monterrey) soon after before a record crowd of 20,931 at Lower.com Field.

It was the first MLS All-Star Game victory for Liga MX in three tries. The MLS All-Stars won in 2022 and won on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw a year earlier.

There were plenty of big names on the field, but the absence of the brightest and biggest one took some luster out of the event. The league announced Monday that Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi was unable to play because of ligament damage in his right ankle.

The 2022 World Cup champion was injured while playing for Argentina in its victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14.

Fans cheered when Columbus forwards combined to tie the match 1-all in the 17th minute, about a minute after Germán Berterame (Monterrey) scored for Mexico on a header.

From the left flank, Diego Rossi found Crew teammate Cucho Hernandez racing unmarked down the middle of the box for the equalizer.

Oussama Idrissi (Pachuca) made it 2-1 in the 41st with a strike from the top of the penalty area.

MLS had two chances to tie it in the 63rd when Riqui Puig (Los Angeles Galaxy) hit the crossbar and on the follow, Luca Orellano (Cincinnati) was denied on a goal-line clearance by Unai Bilbao (Tijuana).

Minutes later, Liga MX put the game out of reach.

The Crew’s Wilfried Nancy coached the MLS All-Stars. He had five players from his squad, which won the 2023 MLS Cup. Hernandez and Rossi were joined by midfielder Darlington Nagbe and defenders Rudy Camacho and Steven Moreira.

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Both the LA Galaxy and LAFC debuted their new Retrograde Kits during their home matches on Wednesday. Both jerseys pay homage to the past while forging a path toward the future.

The LA Galaxy’s Retrograde Kit is a tribute to their storied history. In partnership with Herbalife, the new kit, which is part of the Adidas x MLS Archive Collection is inspired by the team’s iconic 1996 kit that was worn by the club on their inaugural run to the MLS Cup championship.

The kit blends nostalgia and contemporary design while simultaneously celebrating the team’s rich history as the only club in MLS to win five MLS Cup titles.

In typical LA Galaxy fashion, the team added a cosmic twist to their kit launch. Aiming to capture the imagination of fans both near and far, the team collaborated with Sent Into Space to literally launch their new Retrograde Kit into space.

The unique event underscores the LA Galaxy’s ambition to reach new heights both on and off the field.  

The homage to the rich history of the club’s championship culture worked on the field on Wednesday in their 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles.

The LA Galaxy Retrograde Kit is available for purchase on MLSStore.com, adidas.com, and the LA Galaxy Team Store at Dignity Health Sports Park.

LAFC doesn’t have the rich nearly 30-year history in MLS that their rivals the LA Galaxy do, so instead for their new Retrograde Kit design, they decided to deliver a nod and throw it back to Los Angeles in the 1970s.

Over their short six-year span as a franchise, LAFC has kept it simple with just two traditional home and away kits. So for their first-ever third jersey, they needed to bring creativity and inspiration to their passionate fanbase.

Brought to life by the groovy and burgeoning soccer scene in Los Angeles in the 1970s, the kit pays homage to the disco ball and lava lamp era with a brown and cream color scheme, the league’s inaugural crest from 1996 and big, bold lettering.

While LAFC didn’t launch their new Retrograde Kit into space like their rivals, they did add a twist by including an Adidas anthem jacket and Gazelle 70s-inspired colorway shoes with each jersey sold.

LAFC unveiled their new 70s inspired kit during a crucial battle of Western Conference foes with first place in the division on the line when they tangoed with Real Salt Lake at BMO stadium on Wednesday.

Fresh off his third-place finish with Uruguay at the Copa America tournament on Saturday, forward Christian Olivera scored the game’s first goal with spectacular touch and precision when he capitalized on a mistake by RSL keeper Zac MacMath.

But RSL would equalize later in the first half thanks to a deflection on a free kick by LAFC captain Illie Sanchez. The costly mistake meant LAFC would not leave the match with three points or first place in the division. Instead, their rivals leapfrogged them at the top of the table.

The LAFC Retrograde Kit and collection is available for purchase online at adidas.com and mlsstore.com, as well as at LAFC HQ at BMO Stadium.

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Cavan Sullivan, a 14-year-old prodigy, made his MLS debut in the Union’s showdown with the New England Revolution, making him the youngest player ever to appear in a game for any major sport – the NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL or MLS.

Sullivan signed with the Union in May as a homegrown player. At the time, it was the largest deal for a homegrown player in league history.

He entered the game in the 85th minute, just moments after his older brother, Quinn, scored a blistering goal to give the Union a 5-1 lead. Cavan rushed the field in his warmup to celebrate with his big brother.

Two minutes later, Cavan entered the game as a late-moment substitution for forward Tai Baribo, who had already scored a hat trick in the game.

In doing so, Cavan became the youngest player in any sports league in North America to appear in a regular-season game at 14 years, 293 days old, beating out Freddy Adu, who played in a game for DC United at 14 years, 306 days back in April of 2004.

Entering to an already euphoric Subaru Park crowd, the debut of the younger Sullivan sent the Union faithful to a new level of fanfare as he played the final five minutes plus stoppage time.

Sullivan will eventually leave the Union for English Premier League franchise Manchester City, which has agreed to a transfer deal when he turns 18 years old. Current EPL rules prohibit foreign-born players from playing in the league prior to their 18th birthday.

“This is just the first chapter in Cavan’s career,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said after Sullivan’s debut. “For those who don’t know, we do have a plan for him. It’s not just minute-by-minute or day-by-day, there is a plan in place.”

“You guys saw him dominate the academy level, even up three years [from his teammates]. You saw him score some good goals for Union II and do really well. You guys don’t get to see him every day in training, but the staff does. The time was right top give him an opportunity.”

“Is her perfect? Is he the finished product? He’s 14, so I understand that he’s not.”

“I thought it was a special, special night. Cavan deserved to be in the group and did a great job. Even his touches in the game, you see his fearlessness, it was fun to watch.”

Quinn’s goal capped off a much-needed 5-1 win for the Union, snapping a 10-match winless streak for the club (0-4-6).

Cavan’s next opportunity to play will be in just three days, when the Union host Nashville SC.

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It was the second-largest crowd in MLS this season, surpassed only by the 72,610 for Inter Miami’s 3-2 victory over Sporting Kansas City on April 13 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Last year’s game drew an MLS-record 82,110 to the Rose Bowl, which was the Galaxy’s home for their first seven seasons (1996-2022).

Gabriel Pec scored for the Galaxy, who saw their four-game winning streak snapped. LA (11-4-7) and Real Salt Lake both have 40 points, but RSL is in second place due to a better goal differential.

LAFC has gone unbeaten in its last 10 MLS matches (9-0-1) to move into sole possession of first place in the Western Conference with 43 points (13-4-4).

Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made saves on shots by Mateusz Bogusz and Ilie Sánchez in the 39th minute before LAFC converted one minute later on Kamara’s header off a corner kick by Bogusz.

It was Kamara’s 147th regular-season goal in MLS, second in league history. Bogusz has had a goal or assist in 10 straight games.

Kamara nearly scored again on a header in the 77th minute, but McCarthy made a diving stop to keep it within one goal.

Bouanga scored his 14th goal of the season in the 44th minute when he converted a penalty shot. LAFC was awarded the penalty shot when video review confirmed Galaxy defender Julian Aude tripped Eduard Altuesta just inside the penalty area.

LAFC hasn’t lost an MLS contest since May 11, a span of nine matches (8-0-1). In addition to his scoring output, Bouanga leads the club with a career-best nine assists, many of which have set up LAFC’s 2024 breakout star, Bogusz, who has contributed to a goal in nine consecutive matches.

The Galaxy got on the board in the 56th minute when Pec scored from 8 yards out. Miki Yamade was able to get past four LAFC defenders and maintain possession before making the short pass to Pec.

After 23 editions of El Tráfico, the series is even at 9-9-5. LAFC has a 49-48 advantage in goals.

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Both teams enter the match as the class of the league and atop the table in the Western Conference.

The Galaxy have been on an impressive run, winning six of their last seven league matches. Sitting in second place, just behind LAFC on goal differential, Greg Vanney’s squad is poised for a showdown.

“The best part about this version of the rivalry is that they are arguably the two best teams in the West,” said former New England Revolution forward Taylor Twellman, who will be calling the game on Apple TV. “That is something we haven’t seen yet. Yes, we’ve had superstars play in the game. Yes, we’ve had the marquee event in the game, but we’ve never had number 1 vs. number 2 in the Western Conference play in this game, and that is why this year’s match is so intriguing.”

Last weekend’s 3-0 triumph over the San Jose Earthquakes showcased their dominance, with Dejan Joveljic and Joseph Paintsil finding the back of the net. Riqui Puig, named to the MLS All-Star Game on Monday, made his return from a groin injury, adding even more firepower to the Galaxy lineup.

“I think we mark this game on the calendar because it’s one of the best games we have on the season and all the players want to play in it,” said Puig ahead of the El Tráfico match. “Last year’s atmosphere was amazing and we want to repeat the same this year. We are ready and really happy to play this game on Thursday.”

On the other side of the pitch, LAFC are the team everyone is chasing. Unbeaten in their last 11 matches, including ten wins and one draw across all competitions, the Black and Gold are in stellar form.

Their recent 3-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids highlighted their attacking prowess, with Denis Bouanga, also recently named an MLS All-Star, leading the charge.

“It’s always nice to be rewarded individually. That proves that I still have this level of performance,” said Bouanga of making the MLS All-Star team. “And I’m very happy too, that Hugo [Lloris] is part of the All-Star Game because he deserves the merit for this first part of the season. And like I said, it’s thanks to the team that I am here today and I hope to do the same in the second part of the season to be able to get to the end of this MLS season and MLS Cup.”

Bouanga has been a force all season, making key plays and scoring crucial goals.

Star Players to Watch

Riqui Puig – LA Galaxy

Puig’s return from injury couldn’t have come at a better time. His vision and creativity in the midfield are pivotal for the Galaxy. Named to the MLS All-Star Game, Puig is known for his quick feet and ability to unlock defenses with his skillful passing. Last year’s game-winning goal scorer in this match, his performance could be the difference-maker in this high-stakes match.

“He’s really talented with the ball in transition and open spaces, has a clinical first touch and finish,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo of Puig. “Those are enough qualities to hurt teams.  And he has the freedom in his team to find pockets and to, at times, cheat a little bit.”

Denis Bouanga – LAFC

Bouanga’s impact on LAFC cannot be overstated. The dynamic forward has been a consistent threat, scoring goals and creating opportunities for his teammates. Last year’s MLS, MLS Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup’s Golden Boot winner, Bouanga’s speed and precision will be crucial for LAFC as they look to maintain their unbeaten streak.

Team News and Lineups

LA Galaxy

The Galaxy are relatively healthy, with only veteran midfielder Gaston Brugman sidelined due to a knee injury. Expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, their predicted XI includes McCarthy in goal, a backline of Yamane, Neal, Yoshida, and Aude, with Delgado, Puig, and Cerrillo in midfield. Up front, Pec, Joveljic, and Paintsil will lead the attack.

LAFC

LAFC will miss Cristian Olivera, who is with Uruguay at Copa America, and Lorenzo Dellavalle, out with a knee injury. Their predicted 4-3-3 lineup features Lloris in goal, Palencia, Murillo, Chanot, and Hollingshead in defense, with Tillman, Sanchez, and Atuesta in midfield. The attacking trio of Bogusz, Kamara, and Bouanga will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Galaxy defense.

History in the Making

El Tráfico, also known as the Los Angeles Derby, is arguably one of the best rivalries in all of MLS. The rivalry between the two franchises based in Greater Los Angeles with their stadiums just 13 miles apart, is known for its star power, explosive scoring, fan animosity, consistently close results, and high drama.

It is the second rivalry in the league between two teams that share the same city, with the Hudson River Derby between the New York Red Bulls and NYCFC being the other.

“I don’t know where the rivalry ranks because of the history of Toronto-Monteal and Seattle-Portland,” said Twellman of the El Tráfico rivalry. “I do know as time passes, El Tráfico will only gain more momentum and more notoriety of being arguably the best rivalry in Major League Soccer.”

Despite the rivalry still being young, it is easily one of the most popular and highly contested in the league. The first match between the two teams is still the most memorable.

With LAFC leading 3-0 after the first 60 minutes on March 31, 2018, at StubHub Center in Carson, international superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic was subbed on to make his American debut. The man known around the world as simply Zlatan, scored one of the most sensational goals the league has ever seen and recorded the game-winner in the waning seconds to give the LA Galaxy a shocking 4-3 come-from-behind victory that would set the stage for all future contests.

“It’s hard for this rivalry ever to surpass the first one,” said Apple TV analyst Diego Valeri. “I think it’s going to be an exciting match as always. The clash of two different styles makes it even more attractive. I also think the game at the Rose Bowl could be a prelude to a future playoff elimination match.”

In their second meeting months later, fans clashed outside the Banc of California stadium leading to six fights and several arrests. The animosity between the two fan bases has only increased since, with heightened security now commonplace at every game.

“Without a doubt in my mind, this is by far the best and most entertaining rivalry in MLS, ” said former LA Galaxy midfielder Sacha Kljestan, now an analyst for Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. “The fans hate each other, the goals, comebacks, momentum, big moments in these matches. Nothing else compares in MLS. What stands out in rivalry games is the big moments. Zlatan with the debut, Vela with big goals, playoff game winners, Riqui Puig with the game-winner at the Rose Bowl last year. These are the things that fans remember forever and it seems like every time these two teams play, there is a big game-winning moment.”

Last year’s Fourth of July El Tráfico match broke the all-time MLS attendance record at 82,110, and once again proved to be an instant classic. With the game tied at 1-1 in the 73^rd minute, Puig’s sliding goal in front of the net proved to be the game-winner, sending the record-breaking crowd into a frenzy.

“For me a derby is like a final. There’s nothing else surrounding it. There are only two teams on the field. We want to win on Thursday,” said Bouanga. “They won it the last time. So we are hoping we can win the second battle. So we can moving forward we can continue what we’ve done in the first part of the season.”

In addition to their 17 regular season matches, the two teams have clashed five other times in tournament and postseason play. In total, the two rivals have squared off 22 times in all competitions over the last six years, with the LA Galaxy holding a razor-thin edge over their rivals with nine wins, compared to eight for LAFC, and five draws. A win for the Black and Gold on Thursday would even the record overall.

Match Prediction

With both teams in excellent form, this match is set to be a thriller. The Galaxy’s home advantage and the return of Puig could give them the edge they need to avenge their April defeat. However, LAFC’s unbeaten run and the firepower of Bouanga make them formidable opponents. Expect a close contest with the deciding goal likely coming late in the game.

Anticipation is high for this edition of El Tráfico. Both teams have a lot to prove, and the Rose Bowl Stadium will be buzzing with excitement. As an ardent observer of this rivalry, I believe the Galaxy’s recent momentum and Puig’s return will tip the scales in their favor, but LAFC’s resilience can’t be underestimated. This match will be a testament to the fierce competition and high stakes of Major League Soccer, with the top of the table in the Western Conference on the line.

“I think this win will have a great impact because I think it’s a special moment because of the Fourth of July,” added Bouanga. “We have the same amount of points. We are playing for first place.  I think the one who wins will have a great impact on the rest of the season. We are ready. We know we lost one time. But this time we are ready to win so we can keep up on the way we started the first half of the season.”

How to Watch the Game

The match is expected to kick off at 7:30 PM PT at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. The game can be seen exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

MLS Season Pass allows you to stream all MLS matches, including the playoffs, and the MLS Cup championship. Currently, Apple TV is offering a 50 percent off promotion for the remainder of the 2024 season for just $59.00.

MLS Season Pass is available on billions of devices through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, as well as on the web at tv.apple.com. Fans can also access MLS Season Pass from the Apple TV app on Apple Vision Pro, where they can watch games alongside other apps in their physical space; within an Environment, so the screen feels 100 feet wide; and in Spatial Audio for an even more immersive viewing experience.

As the league has expanded to 29 teams (30 beginning in 2025 with San Diego FC), it has become more challenging to reach the ultimate stage and win it all.

Between the increase in teams, overall talent and format changes, among other factors, replicating success is not guaranteed.

With the 2024 playoffs next, a handful of historic teams can add to their title tally, while others are in search of their first. Here’s what to know about the most successful MLS Cup-winning franchises:

Who has the most MLS Cup Final appearances?

Beginning with appearances, nineteen teams have at least one, as aforementioned. Here are the teams with at least four or more since the first edition in 1996:

• LA Galaxy: 9
• D.C. United: 5
• New England Revolution: 5
• Columbus Crew: 4
• Houston Dynamo: 4
• Seattle Sounders: 4

Who has the most MLS Cup wins?

Not every team that reached the final won it, however, as seen with the Revolution. Here’s the list of teams with two or more wins:

• LA Galaxy: 5
• D.C. United: 4
• Columbus Crew: 3
• Houston Dynamo: 2
• Seattle Sounders: 2
• Sporting Kansas City: 2
• San Jose Earthquakes: 2

Who will win the 2024 MLS Cup?

Out West, the two premier contenders are the Galaxy and LAFC, the latter possessing home-field advantage in the conference. The Black and Gold last won the title in 2022, which marked their first.

In the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be seeking their first-ever win following a historic Supporters’ Shield-winning season, also their first. Columbus will provide a challenging fight, however, with manager Wilfried Nancy still at the helm along with key players like Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and more.

Who won the 2023 MLS Cup?

The 2023 final was won by the Columbus Crew, who beat LAFC at home 2-1 to win their third title.

In terms of overall quality, it’s likely the strongest ever. The quartet of ex-Barcelona players on Inter Miami all made the cut — Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba — while the reigning champions Columbus Crew boasted five selections.

Additionally, Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy will lead the MLS All-Stars, who will take on the best of Mexico’s Liga MX on Wednesday, July 24 in Columbus.

It’s a return to a previous format for MLS after the All-Stars lost 5-0 to English Premier League‘s Arsenal last year.

Here’s a look at the roster by position:

Who is on the 2024 MLS All-Star Game roster?

These are the 30 players selected for the 2024 game:

GOALKEEPERS

• Roman Burki, St. Louis City
• Hugo Lloris, LAFC
• Maarten Paes, FC Dallas

DEFENDERS

• Jordi Alba, Inter Miami
• Rudy Camacho, Columbus Crew
• Justen Glad, Real Salt Lake
• Aaron Herrera, D.C. United
• Thiago Martins, NYCFC
• Steven Moreira, Columbus Crew
• Luca Orellano, FC Cincinnati
• Miles Robinson, FC Cincinnati
• Keegan Rosenberry, Colorado Rapids

MIDFIELDERS

• Luciano Acosta, FC Cincinnati
• Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami
• Mathieu Choiniere, CF Montreal
• Evander, Portland Timbers
• Ryan Gauld, Vancouver Whitecaps
• Hector Herrera, Houston Dynamo
• Robin Lod, Minnesota United
• Hany Mukhtar, Nashville
• Darlington Nagbe, Columbus Crew
• Riqui Puig, LA Galaxy

FORWARDS

• Christian Arango, Real Salt Lake
• Christian Benteke, D.C. United
• Federico Bernardeschi, Toronto
• Denis Bouanga, LAFC
• Cucho Hernandez, Columbus Crew
• Lionel Messi, Inter Miami
• Diego Rossi, Columbus Crew
• Luis Suarez, Inter Miami

When is the 2024 MLS All-Star Game?

The game is slated for Wednesday, July 24.

Where is the 2024 MLS All-Star Game?

Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, is the venue for the game.

Who is the opponent in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game?

MLS is returning to a previous format where it will play the best players from Mexico’s Liga MX.

The team announced the move on Monday two days after blowing a two-goal lead in a 4-3 loss to Vancouver. St. Louis City (3-7-10) is 12th in the 14-team Western Conference a year after becoming the first expansion team to win a conference regular-season title.

The team lost to Kansas City in the first round of last year’s playoffs.

Technical Director John Hackworth will manage the team on an interim basis.

“Given Bradley’s many contributions to the club, this was not an easy decision,” St. Louis City Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel said in a statement released by the team. “Unfortunately, based on our Year 2 results to date, we believe a coaching change is in the best interest of the club as we regroup and look to improve both our performance and our results.”

Carnell was hired as the team’s first manager in January 2022 and received a contract extension before this season.

St. Louis City faces San Jose on Wednesday night.

The Earthquakes announced it parted ways with head coach Luchi Gonzalez, two days after a 6-2 loss away to LAFC.

The loss dropped the Earthquakes to 3-2-14 on the MLS season. San Jose’s 11 points is the lowest in the entire league, with Sporting Kansas City having just 14, though the Quakes have a game in hand.

Assistant head coach Ian Russell will take over as interim head coach, with assistants Steve Ralston, Luciano Fusco and Adin Brown staying in their roles.

“We want to thank Luchi for his hard work, commitment to the club and professionalism,” general manager Chris Leitch said in a statement. “Luchi and his staff have worked extremely hard the past year and a half, but we have not met expectations this year as a club. We felt that we needed to make a change, and it was in the best interests of the club to move in a different direction.”

San Jose named Gonzalez head coach on Aug. 17, 2022, but he joined the club after the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to being an assistant with the U.S. men’s national team.

Gonzalez led San Jose to a wild-card playoff qualification in 2023, but the team lost to Kansas City in a penalty shootout. He ended his tenure with a 13-24-16 win-loss-draw record.

“I want to thank ownership, leadership and our fans for the opportunity and the support they gave me during my time managing the Earthquakes,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “I am very grateful to all the staff and players that worked hard every day to improve our situation and wish them the very best moving forward. I plan to take some time with my family to reflect and prepare for the next step in my journey.”

Russell, 48, spent the last year and a half as an assistant coach with San Jose and has experience managing Reno 1868 FC, the Quakes’ USL affiliate.

New signings in Hernan Lopez and Amahl Pellegrino have shown promise, with right winger Cristian Espinoza still the mainstay in attack.

However, the team lacks significant quality and depth to compete elsewhere, especially in midfield and defense.

Russell’s first game in charge will be against prime rivals LA Galaxy on Saturday, June 29.

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With 12 goals and a league-leading 13 assists, Messi has helped push Miami to the top of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. Questions loom about whether Miami can weather his absence during the Copa America, which starts on Thursday.

But it’s not just the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner who will be missed.

Inter Miami also will be without Luis Suarez, who has been named to Uruguay’s roster for the tournament, as well as Matias Rojas, who will play for Paraguay. And rising star Benjamin Cremaschi is likely to make the U.S. Olympic team.

Suarez and Messi have combined for 24 of Miami’s league-leading 44 goals this year.

“The important players are missing, but there is nothing that surprises us. We knew the schedule from the first day of the preseason in January and we tried to prepare ourselves and have a team according to the absences,” Miami coach Tata Martino said.

Thirty-nine players from Major League Soccer, and one from MLS NEXT Pro, were called up by their national teams in the run-up to the tournament. The players come from 21 of the league’s 29 teams.

“I always say that opens up opportunities for other players that need more opportunities, more time or more minutes,” Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja said. “The national teams, you cannot avoid that, players are with their groups. But the ones that stay here, we’re just trying to become stronger and just review the things we need to.”

The Houston Dynamo will miss midfielder Coco Carrasquilla, who was named to Panama’s roster.

“We’re in as good a shape as most teams. Some teams are losing four or five,” Dynamo coach Ben Olsen said. “So the more accomplished players you have on your team, the ones that are at international level, that’s a great thing most weeks — until you lose them and then you don’t have them.”

The league also is losing eight high-profile players to the European Championship. LAFC’s Olivier Giroud and Philadelphia’s Daniel Gazdag are among the players headed to Europe.

It is just the second time that the United States is hosting the Copa America, which will feature 16 teams from South and North America and runs from June 20 to July 14.

“It’s a great time for soccer in America,” Olsen said. “I’m looking forward to soaking it all up.”

The participation of MLS players in the Copa America demonstrates the league’s ever-growing reach into Latin America. But some national teams, notably Mexico and Brazil, did not call up any MLS players.

The tournament is adding to an already congested schedule for many MLS players. In addition to the Copa America, the European Championship and the Olympics, there’s the Leagues Cup, which involves club teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX and will take place from July 26 to Aug. 25.

“The schedule is what it is. We have to make the most of it,” Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin said.

Gazdag, who is with Hungary for the European Championship, has scored 10 goals for Philadelphia. At the Copa America, Damion Lowe is playing for Jamaica and Jose Martinez is with with Venezuela. Goalkeeper Andre Blake was called up for Jamaica, although he is injured and likely won’t play at the start of the tournament.

“When you lose your leading goal scorer this season and a guy who does a lot for us defensively — and I wish him all the luck in the world — but he’s going to be missed, you know? So, everybody has to step up,” Curtin said.

It remains to be seen if MLS takes an attendance or viewership hit because of absent players — or simply because there’s just so much soccer to consume. Apple TV broadcasts MLS games, while FOX Sports will air many Copa America and European Championship matches across its channels in the United States.

Inter Miami’s Julian Gressel told reporters he wants players to “take ownership” of the team in the absence of Messi, Suarez and Rojas.

“This is our time to keep the train rolling; we want to be top of the Supporters Shield standings at the end of the season and every game is a big part of that,” Gressel said. ”(I’m) just trying to emphasize that and trying to make it clear to the guys that it’s our time and we can do it without those guys as well.”

No, this star is not of the Hollywood variety but instead stems from the world of soccer, and he might be the greatest to ever play the game.

Lionel Messi, the Argentinian soccer superstar brings his immersive “Messi Experience,” to Los Angeles and it opens to the public this weekend.

The breathtaking multimedia exhibition officially opens it doors at The Stage at Casitas on Friday, June 14th at 10 a.m., inviting fans to embark on an unforgettable journey through the life and career of the soccer legend.

As you step inside the 20,000-square-foot venue, you’re transported back to the dirt pitch in Rosario, Argentina, where Messi’s dreams first took flight.

The air is filled with the scent of ambition and raw talent, as an animated street art mural brings to life the childhood challenges and triumphs that shaped the young boy from Rosario into the soccer icon he is today. The sky above transforms into a canvas, illustrating Messi’s vision and relentless pursuit of greatness.

This immersive experience, created in collaboration with CMN, Primo Entertainment, and Moment Factory, is a tribute to Messi’s extraordinary career and a celebration of his journey from a hopeful child to a global icon.

Following its phenomenal success in Miami, the Los Angeles edition promises even more magic, capturing the hearts of visitors of all ages.

Nine interactive installations guide you through Messi’s life, each one a different chapter in his story.

From the thrilling atmosphere of Barcelona’s Camp Nou to the glory of his 2022 World Cup victory with Argentina, every exhibit is a testament to his dedication and passion.

The installations, rich with state-of-the-art innovation and immersive technology, invite guests to not only witness, but engage with the legend’s life journey.

Children and adults alike can immerse themselves in digital and physical games, learning the tricks and skills that define Messi’s artistry on the field. And for those looking to capture a moment with the legend, cutting-edge face-tracking technology offers the perfect selfie opportunity, blending the virtual and real in a way that only the Messi Experience can.

Tickets start at $29.99 and will provide fans with access to this extraordinary adventure, available Wednesdays through Sundays.

As you wander through the exhibits, you can’t help but feel the pulse of Messi’s heartbeat in every corner, the echo of his footsteps on every path. The venue at 2800 Casitas Ave. has become a shrine, a place where dreams and reality intertwine, offering fans a chance to be part of Messi’s incredible story.

The Messi Experience is more than an exhibition; it’s a journey through the essence of a man who has inspired millions around the world. It’s about the highs and lows, the sweat and tears, the dreams and victories. It’s a reminder that greatness is born from perseverance and passion.

In a city that thrives on stars, Leo Messi’s brilliance now shines even brighter. The Messi Experience in Los Angeles is not just a visit; it’s a pilgrimage for anyone who has ever been touched by the magic of soccer’s greatest legend.

Get your tickets today at www.themessiexperience.com/los-angeles.

Dallas has gone 3-8-5 this season and sits in second-to-last in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference. Dallas, winless in its last five matches, was coming off a 1-1 draw on the road with Minnesota United on Saturday.

“It is always a difficult decision to part ways with your head coach. A great deal of thought and deliberation went into this move as it is still early in the season. We believe a coaching change is in the best interest of the club,” FC Dallas President Dan Hunt said in a statement Sunday. “I want to thank Nico for everything he has done for the club, including some great playoff memories.”

Assistant coach Peter Luccin will serve as interim head coach, the team said.

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Estevez, who is from Spain, was hired before the 2022 season and led the team to the conference semifinals in the playoffs. Dallas returned to the playoffs last year and advanced to the knockout round of the Leagues Cup.

Dallas was 28-27-29 in the regular season over Estevez’s tenure as Dallas’ coach.

Estevez is the third MLS coach to depart his team this season. Last week Atlanta United dismissed coach Gonzalo Pineda last week and Nashville parted ways with Gary Smith in mid-May.

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San Diego FC has signed Mexican star winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano to a four-year contract, keeping him with the newest MLS club through 2028. Lozano will remain with his current club, PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, through the end of the year.

Lozano is the team’s first Designated Player. Major League Soccer reserves that designation for high-priced stars whose lofty salaries do not count against the club’s salary cap. According to ESPN, Lozano’s salary will be in the range of seven to nine million — making him one of the highest-paid players in the league.

“It’s an honor to join San Diego FC as the Club’s first Designated Player,” said Lozano in the club’s announcement. “It’s exciting to be part of history as we build a Club that will compete for championships in MLS. In every country I have played, I always strive to leave a mark, and making an impact in San Diego and MLS is very important to me … I am beyond excited and look forward to finishing the year strong with PSV Eindhoven and joining San Diego FC at the start of 2025.”

Lozano will be introduced to media and fans on Thursday, June 13. SDFC will hold a public event for fans at the Rady Shell at 7 p.m. PT.

The 28-year-old is perhaps most well known for his goal against Germany in Mexico’s victory over the defending World Cup Champion in the 2018 World Cup. Lozano has over 70 caps and 18 goals since making his national team debut in 2016.

“Signing a player of the international stature of ‘Chucky’ Lozano is the biggest possible endorsement of our project in San Diego,” said San Diego FC Owner and Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour in the team’s announcement.

His club career began in Liga MX with Pachuca. In 149 matches Lozano netted 43 goals and 31 assists.

In 2017, he went overseas, joining PSV. His first season included 17 goals and 11 assists in 29 appearances. Lozano helped them take the Eredivisie title in 2018. He also helped them lift the Dutch league crown in May. In 112 games with PSV, Chucky had 46 goals and 26 helpers.

Lozano has also spent time in Italy playing for Napoli, where he claimed the Serie A championship in 2023. While with Napoli, he recorded 30 goals and 17 assists in 155 matches.

“’Chucky’ is a world-class talent, and we couldn’t think of a better star to be the face of our Club and represent our region,” San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn said in the team’s statement. “We are thrilled to have him join our Club as we look to build a team that will challenge for trophies. ‘Chucky’ is one of the most decorated Mexican internationals in the world, and we look forward to seeing him shine in San Diego and MLS in 2025.”

Tom Bogert is a Major League Soccer insider for The Athletic and told NBC 7 he believes Lozano could be a top-10 player in the league.

“I can not say enough good things about this signing,” Bogert said. “In (his) prime, somebody who is gonna move the needle on the field first and foremost, that’s most important. But off the field, this is really gonna help with relevancy. This is really gonna help with pushing them center stage in the league and a way to announce to the rest of MLS, ‘hey we’re here.'”

Lozano is the fourth player San Diego FC has signed. The first was San Diego native Duran Ferree, who played for the Loyal and is now in goal for Orange County SC of the USL. They also added forward Marcus Ingvartsen and midfielder Jeppe Tverskov from FC Nordsjælland, a Danish club within the Right to Dream network that San Diego FC is now joining.

“That’s obviously huge,” Tverskov told NBC 7 about Lozano’s addition. “That’s one of the things that they talked to us about, that they had a dream to bring a big star from Mexico and I think they brought the biggest one. So of course that’s gonna be big for us, it’s gonna be even more hype.”

“A great player,” Invgartsen added. “Been doing well in his last couple of years, so yeah it will be fun to link up there.”

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As the league has expanded to 29 teams (30 beginning in 2025 with San Diego FC), it has become more challenging to reach the ultimate stage and win it all.

Between the increase in teams, overall talent and format changes, among other factors, replicating success is not guaranteed.

With the 2024 playoffs next, a handful of historic teams can add to their title tally, while others are in search of their first. Here’s what to know about the most successful MLS Cup-winning franchises:

Who has the most MLS Cup Final appearances?

Beginning with appearances, nineteen teams have at least one, as aforementioned. Here are the teams with at least four or more since the first edition in 1996:

• LA Galaxy: 9
• D.C. United: 5
• New England Revolution: 5
• Columbus Crew: 4
• Houston Dynamo: 4
• Seattle Sounders: 4

Who has the most MLS Cup wins?

Not every team that reached the final won it, however, as seen with the Revolution. Here’s the list of teams with two or more wins:

• LA Galaxy: 5
• D.C. United: 4
• Columbus Crew: 3
• Houston Dynamo: 2
• Seattle Sounders: 2
• Sporting Kansas City: 2
• San Jose Earthquakes: 2

Who will win the 2024 MLS Cup?

Out West, the two premier contenders are the Galaxy and LAFC, the latter possessing home-field advantage in the conference. The Black and Gold last won the title in 2022, which marked their first.

In the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be seeking their first-ever win following a historic Supporters’ Shield-winning season, also their first. Columbus will provide a challenging fight, however, with manager Wilfried Nancy still at the helm along with key players like Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and more.

Who won the 2023 MLS Cup?

The 2023 final was won by the Columbus Crew, who beat LAFC at home 2-1 to win their third title.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, widely considered one of the best ever in his position, reportedly “expressed interest” in San Diego FC, The Athletic reported on Tuesday, citing sources.

De Bruyne’s camp had one conversation with San Diego, which is slated to begin play in the 2025 MLS season.

San Diego is a location the Belgian would consider should be make the switch from the English Premier League.

But that’s as far as conversations have gone, the report added. A deal currently is not imminent.

De Bruyne, who turns 33 in June, has a contract with Manchester City that expires next summer. There have been rumors of De Bruyne extending his deal to retire with the club at a later date or moving onto another team, with Saudi Arabian sides also said to be interested.

MLS May 16

Here are the highest-paid MLS players in 2024 season

MLS Mar 4

MLS reverts to having All-Stars face best of Mexico's Liga MX in 2024

He’s coming off a season in which City won the Premier League title for the fourth straight year and six in the last seven, though 115 financial charges still loom over the club.

Despite battling injuries, De Bruyne recorded four goals and 10 assists in 18 league appearances.

San Diego has also been linked to legendary Spanish center-back Sergio Ramos, as well as Mexican winger Hirving Lozano.

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An agreement in principle to sign the-then 13-year-old Messi was written on the napkin almost 25 years ago at a Barcelona tennis club. A more formal and detailed contract with the club followed soon after.

An undisclosed percentage of the sale price pays administrative fees for the online auction, in what’s called the buyer’s premium.

Bonhams said the auction was on behalf of Horacio Gaggioli, an agent from Messi’s home country of Argentina who was part of the deal.

The contract language, written in blue ink, was intended to reassure the teenager’s father, Jorge Messi, that the deal would go through.

Jorge Messi had threatened to take his son back to Argentina because negotiations with Barcelona had stalled.

The napkin, containing the date Dec. 14, 2000, bears the signatures of Gaggioli, another agent, Josep Maria Minguella and Barcelona’s then-sporting director, Carles Rexach, who met at a tennis club.

MLS May 16

Here are the highest-paid MLS players in 2024 season

MLS May 15

Austin to host MLS All-Star game in 2025 as Texas capital continues to grow as a soccer market

Rexach had asked a waiter for paper and was given a blank napkin.

The starting price was 300,000 pounds ($379,000).

Messi spent nearly two decades with Barcelona after arriving from Argentina at 13 to play in its youth squads. He made his first-team debut in 2004 and played 17 seasons with the main squad. He helped the club win every major trophy including the Champions League four times and the Spanish league 10 times.

Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021. He has since joined Inter Miami.

Unsurprisingly, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi leads the way by a comfortable margin, with fellow teammate Sergio Busquets not far behind.

But there are some surprises, like 2023 MLS MVP Luciano Acosta not being among the top 10. The FC Cincinnati star is just a few spots away, though.

So, who are the highest-paid MLS players? Let’s look at the 2024 salaries, as provided by the MLSPA:

MLS May 16

Nashville SC fires coach Gary Smith after 3-4-5 start in seventh season

MLS May 15

Austin to host MLS All-Star game in 2025 as Texas capital continues to grow as a soccer market

Who are the highest-paid MLS players in 2024?

Messi comfortably leads the list of highest-paid MLS players. Here’s a look at the top 20 in terms of guaranteed compensation:

• RW/AM Lionel Messi, Inter Miami: $20.4 million
• LW Lorenzo Insigne, Toronto: $15.4 million
• DM Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami: $8.7 million
• AM Xherdan Shaqiri, Chicago Fire: $8.1 million
• AM Sebastian Driussi, Austin: $6.7 million
• RW Federico Bernardeschi, Toronto: $6.2 million
• AM Emil Forsberg, New York Red Bulls: $6 million
• CM Hector Herrera, Houston Dynamo: $5.2 million
• CF/AM Hany Mukhtar, Nashville: $5.2 million
• AM Carles Gil, New England Revolution: $4.4 million
• ST Christian Benteke, D.C. United: $4.4 million
• CF Luis Muriel, Orlando City: $4.3 million
• AM Luciano Acosta, FC Cincinnati: $4.2 million
• LW Denis Bouanga, LAFC: $3.6 million
• ST Alan Pulido, Sporting Kansas City: $3.6 million
• ST Teemu Pukki, Minnesota United: $3.5 million
• ST Hugo Cuypers, Chicago Fire: $3.5 million
• CB Walker Zimmerman, Nashville: $3.4 million
• LM Diego Rossi, Columbus Crew: $3.3 million
• RW/LW Joseph Paintsil, LA Galaxy: $3.3 million

Here are some other notable names who are not among the top 20:

• CF Cucho Hernandez, Columbus Crew: $2.8 million
• CF Raul Ruidiaz, Seattle Sounders: $2.7 million
• CM Riqui Puig, LA Galaxy: $2.4 million
• AM Thiago Almada, Atlanta United: $2.2 million
• CF Jesus Ferreira, FC Dallas: $2.2 million
• CF Christian Arango, Real Salt Lake: $2 million
• RW Christian Espinoza, San Jose Earthquakes: $2 million
• ST Luis Suarez, Inter Miami: $1.5 million
• LB Jordi Alba, Inter Miami: $1.5 million
• GK Hugo Lloris, LAFC: $350,000

What is Lionel Messi’s MLS salary?

In the 2024 season, Messi is making a guaranteed $20,446,667 with Inter Miami.

Who is the highest-paid MLS defender in 2024?

Nashville and USMNT center-back Walker Zimmerman is the highest-paid MLS defender in 2024 with a guaranteed compensation of $3,456,979.

What is the highest-paid position in MLS?

Based off the 2024 salaries, it’s typically attacking midfielders who are paid the most in MLS. Forwards trail right behind as goals are where the money is.

The club announced the decision Thursday, describing the move only as Smith’s “departure,” along with assistant coach Steve Guppy. He is the first MLS coach to be fired this season.

Former Nashville player and current player development coach Rumba Munthali will serve as interim head coach starting with Saturday’s game against Atlanta United.

Nashville improved to 3-4-5 this season with Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over Toronto FC, when Smith was booed during pre-game introductions.

Smith’s seven-season tenure included six consecutive playoff appearances in the USL Championship and Major League Soccer, and the Leagues Cup Final in 2023.

MLS May 15

Austin to host MLS All-Star game in 2025 as Texas capital continues to grow as a soccer market

MLS May 13

MLS' San Diego FC in advanced talks with legendary defender Sergio Ramos: Report

Smith led Nashville SC to 52 MLS wins and three playoff victories. The club reached the playoffs four times and the Eastern Conference semifinals twice.

He won the MLS Cup in 2020 with the Colorado Rapids and later with Atlantic Silverbacks FC in the NASL.

The state-of-the-art 20,738-seat stadium opened in 2021, the first year of play for the franchise. The club has hosted U.S. women’s and men’s national team matches for World Cup qualifying, pre-Olympic warmup matches, and Gold Cup matches. It will also host two group matches during the Copa America in July.

Austin FC has sold out 60 consecutive matches, the longest current streak in MLS.

“This city has embraced this team as we always hoped it would, and in many ways expected it would. This is a way to say ‘Thank you,’ to their fans,” Garber said at an event staged at Antone’s, a concert hall in the city’s live music entertainment district. “This city has shown the rest of the world that MLS can thrive and succeed in brand new markets that didn’t have soccer history.”

MLS was the first major professional sports league to put a franchise in the Texas capital.

MLS May 13

MLS' San Diego FC in advanced talks with legendary defender Sergio Ramos: Report

MLS Mar 4

MLS reverts to having All-Stars face best of Mexico's Liga MX in 2024

The exact date of the match and the opponent for the MLS all-stars team will be announced at a later date. The league stages a week of events around the all-star match, including an all-star skills challenge, an all-star game for its development league, and concerts.

“This is one of the original visions of the club when Austin FC was formalized, to bring events to Austin,” said Andy Loughnane, the president of Austin FC. “If you’re a new club, or even in a new stadium, you have a really good opportunity to host the all-star game, but you have to earn it on merit.”

Columbus, Ohio, will host for the 2024 all-star events with the MLS All-Stars facing a group of all-stars from Mexico’s LIGA MX on July 24.

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The latest MLS expansion team, which will begin play in the 2025 season, reportedly is in advanced talks with legendary Spanish defender Sergio Ramos, Tom Bogert and Guillermo Rai of The Athletic reported on Monday, citing sources.

Ramos, who currently plays for La Liga side Sevilla, is set to become a free agent this summer and will not renew his contract, the report added. A deal is not agreed or finalized, but the 38-year-old center-back would be a designated player if he commits.

Ramos also has deals across the globe alongside San Diego, the report said.

A decorated winner, Ramos won the 2010 World Cup with Spain, along with two Euros triumphs in 2008 and 2012.

At the club level, Ramos won five La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, among other domestic trophies.

CONCACAF May 1

Columbus Crew, Pachuca to face off in 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Final

Lionel Messi Mar 1

Tim Howard: How MLS goalkeepers can gameplan to stop Lionel Messi

With Ligue 1’s Paris Saint-Germain, Ramos collected two league titles after his Madrid stint.

Ramos would be San Diego’s premier signing, depending on other deals it completes ahead of the 2025 campaign. Mexican winger Hirving Lozano is another marquee name San Diego has been linked to.

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The 37-year-old, whose tenure with Italian giants AC Milan concludes at the season’s end, has inked an 18-month agreement with the 2022 MLS Cup Champion LAFC, set to commence on August 1, according to reports circulating in France.

LAFC marks the eighth stop in Giroud’s illustrious career spanning two decades, a journey that encapsulates triumphs and milestones across the footballing landscape.

Giroud’s odyssey began at French club Grenoble, with notable spells at Istres and Tours paving the way for his emergence at Montpellier, where he clinched the Ligue 1 crown in 2012, etching his name in domestic glory.

The seasoned striker then embarked on a remarkable chapter in England, representing Arsenal from 2012 to 2018 before donning the colors of London rivals Chelsea for three fruitful seasons, culminating in a crowning moment with the Champions League triumph in 2021.

Venturing to Italy in 2021, Giroud’s impact resonated as he contributed to AC Milan’s Serie A conquest in the subsequent year, adding another accolade to his decorated resume.

Boasting an impressive tally of 57 goals in 131 appearances, Giroud stands as France’s all-time leading goal scorer, a testament to his enduring prowess on the international stage. He helped Les Bleus lift the World Cup trophy in 2018.

Joining LAFC heralds a reunion of sorts for Giroud, as he reunites with former national team captain and close confidant Hugo Lloris, who transitioned to LAFC following his retirement from international football post-France’s valiant yet heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.

The convergence of Giroud and Lloris at LAFC not only signifies a pairing of immense talent but also a bond forged through shared experiences and a relentless pursuit of excellence, setting the stage for an intriguing chapter in Major League Soccer’s narrative.

Bouanga ripped a right-footer from the left corner of the penalty area into the back of the net to cap the scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

New York (4-1-4) is unbeaten in five straight games since a 3-0 loss to the Columbus Crew on March 16.

LAFC’s Aaron Long blocked a shot from Dante Vanzier in front of an open goal but slid into the post and was forced to come off in the eighth minute. Eddie Segura came on and — on the corner kick conceded by Long’s block — surrendered an own goal on his first touch to give New York a 1-0 lead.

Bouanga was fouled in the area by Sean Nealis and converted from the penalty spot to make it 1-1 in the 67th minute.

Emil Forsberg scored on a half-volley to give the Red Bulls a 2-1 lead in the 81st. John Tolkien played a corner kick that was re-directed and dropped in front of Forsberg for the finish from point-blank range.

LAFC (3-3-3) had 57% possession and outshot New York 15-7.

Carlos Coronel had four saves for the Red Bulls.

Hugo Lloris had one save for Los Angeles.

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The Argentine scored a brace and added an assist to help lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 home win over Nashville in league action on Saturday.

After a 3-2 road win over Sporting Kansas City last time out, Miami conceded an own goal off a corner kick in just the second minute. An incoming ball deflected off defender Franco Negri and past Drake Callender for an early deficit.

But Messi, as usual, didn’t let the early goal dissuade his team. In just the 11th minute, he found a scrappy equalizer to tie things up and make it his sixth goal in as many games.

Messi kept the pressure coming in the first half and helped his side take the lead in the 39th minute. The Argentine delivered an inswinging corner kick that former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets flipped home with his head.

Messi then put the nail in Nashville’s coffin in the 81st minute via a penalty. Nashville backup goalie Joe Willis, who came on at halftime for Elliot Panicco, was sent the wrong way.

It marked Messi’s first penalty since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and he had no troubles slotting it away.

The win put Miami three points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference, though it has played two more games than second-place New York Red Bulls.

With 22 goals scored as a whole, Miami currently is the highest-scoring team in the league. However, Miami has conceded 15 goals, which is the worst among any current playoff-bound team if the league ended on this matchday.

Messi and Miami will next be in action on Saturday, April 27, at the New England Revolution, who are currently dead last out East.

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In a pulsating clash between two MLS titans, it was LAFC that emerged triumphant over their rivals, the LA Galaxy, in a thrilling 2-1 finish that handed Los Galácticos their first loss of the season.

The match unfolded underneath the vibrant lights of BMO Stadium, where emotions ran high throughout the 90+ minutes of action.

The game kicked off at a lightning pace with both teams seeking the game’s first goal. Led by midfielder Riqui Puig, the Galaxy controlled possession and aimed to assert their dominance early on. However, it was LAFC who drew first blood in just the fourth minute, with Timothy Tillman putting the home team ahead 1-0 off a corner kick.

The set piece goal sparked a wave of excitement among the 3252, the passionate LAFC supporters that sit behind the goal. As they yelled, cheered, chanted, and sang, they urged their team to add another, but it was the Galaxy that launched a wave of attacks in search of the equalizer.

Their efforts bore fruit in a relentless display of attacking prowess that saw defender Julian Aude finally break through for the game-tying goal in the 29th minute. It took four shots, including one off the far post, but Aude finally found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1.

With the score equal a controversial penalty call changed the course of the game and angered the Galaxy supporters in the process.

The 2023 MLS Golden Boot Award winner, Denis Bouanga, appeared to be tripped in the box by LA Galaxy defender Miki Yamane. The referee went to VAR for review and confirmed the call on the pitch, awarding LAFC with a penalty kick that Bouanga buried for what would turn out to be the game-winning goal.

As the match entered its decisive stages, both sides pushed for another goal, knowing that victory would not only secure three points but also bragging rights in the fiercely contested El Trafico rivalry. The tension was palpable, the atmosphere electric, as each pass, tackle, and shot carried immense weight.

But a fourth goal never came, despite both teams’ best efforts. When the final whistle blew, the Galaxy had dominated possession 60-to-40, but LAFC’s nine shots on goal outpaced the Galaxy’s four.

The statement win for LAFC adds another notch to the El Trafico total which now stands at nine wins for the LA Galaxy, eight for the Black and Gold, with five draws.

The enduring spirit of the El Trafico rivalry will return on Independence Day at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena.

In the meantime, LAFC will ride this wave of momentum to Portland next week where they will take on the Timbers.

After suffering their first loss of the season, the LA Galaxy will pack their passports as they travel to Vancouver, Canada next week for a match against the Whitecaps.

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The club on Tuesday reportedly agreed to a deal with World Cup winning French striker Olivier Giroud, multiple reports said.

Giroud would join the team in the summer after the 2024 Euros, which ends on July 14. The MLS summer transfer window begins on July 18.

The 37-year-old striker would have his deal guaranteed through 2025, The Athletic’s Tom Bogert added. LAFC possesses Giroud’s discovery rights, so it has priority to sign him over any other MLS club.

Despite his age, Giroud, who won the 2018 World Cup with France and helped reach the final in 2022, is still going strong with AC Milan in Italy. He has 12 goals and eight assists in 26 league appearances.

MLS Mar 26

MLS and referees reach 7-year labor deal, ending 37-day lockout that led to replacement officials

MLS Mar 4

MLS reverts to having All-Stars face best of Mexico's Liga MX in 2024

He first rose to fame with English Premier League side Arsenal in 2014 before moving to rival side Chelsea in 2017. He joined Milan in 2021 and has scored double-digit league goals in every season after struggling to consistently perform for the Blues.

Giroud is also the French national team’s all-time leading scorer and remains a focal point to Didier Deschamps’ side.

LAFC in the winter window signed French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who was teammates with Giroud in the 2018 World Cup.

But Steve Cherundolo’s side could definitely use attacking reinforcements with Carlos Vela still a free agent and Denis Bouanga, the 2023 Golden Boot winner, shouldering the burden on the left wing.

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Match officials will average a 28.36% increase this year, followed by hikes of 3% in 2025, 6% in 2026, 3% each in 2027 and 2029, and 4% apiece in 2029 and 2030, according to Peter Manikowski, president of the Professional Soccer Referees Association. He said a top-scale referee will earn a minimum $200,000 starting in 2028.

The Professional Referee Organization, which supplies match officials to MLS, the NWSL and some lower-tier leagues, locked out officials on Feb. 18, three days ahead of the MLS opener, after the union rejected a tentative five-year deal to replace the expired deal.

PRO and the union, which has about 260 members, said they had ratified an agreement reached last week that runs until Jan. 31, 2031.

Replacement officials were used in the first 69 games over the opening five weeks of this season, drawing some criticism.

“Human beings make individual mistakes, but it’s the avoidance of mistakes and it’s the situational awareness that make our officials the most experienced and the best ones in North America, in some cases in the world,” Manikowski said. “It’s not what happens on an individual call, but what leads up to that which is, I think a big change that folks will see on the field of play this coming weekend.”

MLS Mar 4

MLS reverts to having All-Stars face best of Mexico's Liga MX in 2024

Lionel Messi Mar 1

Tim Howard: How MLS goalkeepers can gameplan to stop Lionel Messi

PRO did not have any comment beyond a prepared statement.

MLS also used replacement officials for the first two weeks of its 2014 season before reaching a five-year contract after the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service entered talks.

LAFC forward Denis Bouanga did not score through the team’s first four games of the season, but he made up for lost time on Saturday night.

Bouanga opened his 2024 account with a pair of goals and an assist to lead the reigning Western Conference Champions to a 5-0 victory over Nashville SC.

After being held scoreless through their last three matches, LAFC didn’t waste any time getting on the board.

Midfielder Timothy Tillman opened the scoring in the 9th minute of action when he cleaned up a rebound in front of the net for the game’s first goal.

Bouanga continued the scoring a few minutes later after Tillman was awarded a penalty kick for a foul inside the box. Bouanga converted the penalty to record his first goal of the season.

Maybe seeing the ball go into the net was exactly what the French forward needed to spark his scoring. He added a second in the 48th minute, this time off of a beautiful through ball that he slotted home.

Nashville was forced to play with 10 men for the final 30 minutes of the match after Nashville’s keeper Joe Willis left the penalty box to make a save, receiving a red card in the process.

That opened up the floodgates as both Christian Olivera and Eduard Atuesta scored in the final twenty minutes to give the black and gold the blowout victory at home.

LAFC’s dominant performance puts them in a six-way tie for third place in the Western Conference with seven points on the season (2W-2L-1D). LAFC won the MLS Cup in 2022 and reached the final again in 2023 before losing to the Columbus Crew 2-1 last December.

They’ll travel to the Mile High state next weekend where they will take on the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park next Saturday at 1:00PM PT.

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Lloris made six saves as LAFC bounced back from a 3-0 loss last week in Salt Lake City with a 0-0 draw at home against Sporting Kansas City.

The conditions in Los Angeles on Saturday were ideal compared to the blizzard the Black and Gold were forced to play in last week.

LAFC was lucky to escape the match with a point, Sporting KC outshot the home club 15-14 overall and 6-5 on target. Lloris made save after save, including a clear-cut opening early in the match.

The draw was Sporting KC’s third consecutive of the season, as they still seek their first win. Meanwhile, LAFC has picked up four points in their first three matches as they continue to find their identity without longtime captain Carlos Vela.

Sporting KC dominated possession throughout the match and had nearly 500 total passes compared to just 338 for the hosts. KC also had more corners, 8-6.

Despite the lack of scoring, the match was not without its excitement. Last year’s MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga had multiple scoring chances, and 18-year-old Venezuelan prospect David Martinez made his MLS debut in the 78th minute.

Martinez showed flashes of why he’s considered the most valuable signing in Venezuela’s history when the attacker made a sensational run down the left-hand side, nutmegged a defender and then sailed a shot over the net.

The run, the touch, and the smooth dribbling brought the sold-out crowd to their feet and provides excitement for the future of the club and the teenager.

LAFC will take to the pitch next week at Allianz Field when they take on Minnesota United at 5:30PM PT.

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As the league has expanded to 29 teams (30 beginning in 2025 with San Diego FC), it has become more challenging to reach the ultimate stage and win it all.

Between the increase in teams, overall talent and format changes, among other factors, replicating success is not guaranteed.

With the 2024 playoffs next, a handful of historic teams can add to their title tally, while others are in search of their first. Here’s what to know about the most successful MLS Cup-winning franchises:

Who has the most MLS Cup Final appearances?

Beginning with appearances, nineteen teams have at least one, as aforementioned. Here are the teams with at least four or more since the first edition in 1996:

• LA Galaxy: 9
• D.C. United: 5
• New England Revolution: 5
• Columbus Crew: 4
• Houston Dynamo: 4
• Seattle Sounders: 4

Who has the most MLS Cup wins?

Not every team that reached the final won it, however, as seen with the Revolution. Here’s the list of teams with two or more wins:

• LA Galaxy: 5
• D.C. United: 4
• Columbus Crew: 3
• Houston Dynamo: 2
• Seattle Sounders: 2
• Sporting Kansas City: 2
• San Jose Earthquakes: 2

Who will win the 2024 MLS Cup?

Out West, the two premier contenders are the Galaxy and LAFC, the latter possessing home-field advantage in the conference. The Black and Gold last won the title in 2022, which marked their first.

In the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be seeking their first-ever win following a historic Supporters’ Shield-winning season, also their first. Columbus will provide a challenging fight, however, with manager Wilfried Nancy still at the helm along with key players like Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and more.

Who won the 2023 MLS Cup?

The 2023 final was won by the Columbus Crew, who beat LAFC at home 2-1 to win their third title.

MLS said Monday the July 24 game at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, will have the format used in 2021 at Los Angeles, which was won by MLS on penalty kicks, and 2022 in St. Paul, Minnesota, won by MLS 2-1.

Arsenal beat MLS 5-0 In last year’s game at Washington, D.C.

Lionel Messi Mar 1

Tim Howard: How MLS goalkeepers can gameplan to stop Lionel Messi

MLS Feb 26

Minnesota United makes Manchester United's Eric Ramsay youngest MLS head coach

MLS had announced last June the game will be held in Columbus, which also hosted the All-Stars in 2000 and 2005 at Columbus Crew Stadium. The league originally announced a July 17 date but shifted it a week in December.

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Ramsay will join the club once he receives his work visa. The native of England who was raised in Wales comes from Manchester United of the English Premier League, where he served as a first-team coach under current manager Erik ten Hag.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining a club with such a strong football culture, a fanatic fan-base and a brilliant infrastructure,” Ramsay said in a statement distributed by the Loons. “I’ve spoken to a lot of the club’s staff throughout the process and you can’t help but feel everyone’s passion for moving the club forward. There is a really exciting pathway for the future.”

Heath, the club’s first head coach upon joining MLS as an expansion team in 2017, was fired Oct. 6 shortly before the Loons missed the playoffs after making the postseason the previous four years.

LAFC Feb 21

MLS Fanonomics: Here's the price of passion for the 2024 MLS season

MLS Feb 1

When does the MLS season start? Key dates for 2024

Sean McAuley was named interim coach, but he resigned in January. Cameron Knowles was appointed as the next interim coach and guided the Loons to a 2-1 victory at Austin in the season opener on Saturday.

Minnesota United also recently hired Khaled El-Ahmad as its chief soccer officer.

Dejan Joveljic scored in the 75th minute for the Galaxy, who were close to delivering a surprising early-season blow to Messi and his new MLS powerhouse before the Argentine superstar worked another bit of magic with LA down to 10 men.

After executing a give-and-go pass sequence with Alba, his longtime Barcelona teammate, Messi slid forward and chipped a shot into the roof of the net above Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy.

The goal electrified the raucous crowd at Miami’s first road game of the season. Thousands of fans wore Messi shirts among the 27,642 in attendance — a record for a Galaxy regular-season match at their suburban stadium.

Inter Miami is a major betting favorite to dominate MLS this season after uniting Messi and Luis Suárez alongside fellow ex-Barca stars Sergio Busquets and Alba. Miami won its season opener at home last Wednesday, but was frequently outplayed by the rebuilding Galaxy four days later in Messi’s first appearance against the club that once employed Inter co-owner David Beckham.

The Galaxy are famous for the type of high-profile veteran signings amassed by Miami in the past year, but the LA club is rebuilding without big names this time.

The young Galaxy applied more consistent offensive pressure than the league’s new showcase team, racking up 23 shots to Miami’s 11 while repeatedly generating chances in the box. Miami responded with physical defense, but couldn’t put together a consistent attack despite Messi’s playmaking up front.

After generating better chances and controlling possession for much of the night, the Galaxy finally broke through late in the second half. Miami’s Drake Callender made a diving save on Riqui Puig’s shot, but Mark Delgado controlled the rebound and passed to a wide-open Joveljic for a tap-in goal.

Delgado was sent off with a second yellow card for a highly debatable foul in the 87th minute, and Messi had a golden opportunity two minutes later when Alba found him with a pass at the top of the Galaxy penalty area. The superstar’s shot flew wide left, leaving him rubbing his forehead in disappointment.

With another chance four minutes later, Messi didn’t miss.

The stadium south of downtown Los Angeles was packed and roiling with excitement two hours before Messi’s first game against the Galaxy, a five-time MLS champion franchise long known as the preferred destination for superstars of Europe looking for a new home after reaching their mid-30s.

Beckham, who catalyzed MLS’ growth with his move to the Galaxy in 2007, has a statue outside the team’s stadium. He’s also a primary reason for Inter’s ascent to the role long occupied by the Galaxy, which employed the likes of Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Zlatan Ibrahimovic late in their careers.

The excitement around this match was a thrill for MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

“It sort of represents everything we wanted this sport to be, and have worked so hard for so many years,” said Garber, who met with Beckham and Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz before the game. “Everybody is working hard to build on this momentum. … To me, this is very much about where we were in 2007 and where we are today.”

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Messi on Sunday scored a stoppage-time goal to help Inter Miami salvage a 1-1 draw at LA Galaxy.

It was all LA Galaxy who had the better chances and moments throughout, though the squad couldn’t bury enough chances to prevent Messi from making a play.

Former Barcelona youngster Riqui Puig had a clear-cut chance in the 13th minute on a penalty after Sergio Busquets fouled new signing Joseph Paintsil. But Drake Callender saved the attempt.

Callender saved another big attempt from Puiq in the 29th minute, which clanked off the crossbar as well.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 75th minute when center-forward Dejan Joveljic tapped home from Marco Delgado’s pass.

Delgado, however, was sent off with a red card in the 88th minute. Messi equalized in the 92nd minute.

Messi and former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba brought back their tiki-taka movement, which the former finished with style.

LA Galaxy will feel hard done by the result given the chances they botched. They had 24 shots, nine on target, five big chances and four big chances missed.

Galaxy also accumulated 3.37 expected goals, via FotMob. Miami only had 0.63 for comparison’s sake, with just one big chance and none missed.

It marked Messi’s first goal of the 2024 season after he assisted in Wednesday’s 2-0 home win over Real Salt Lake. Galaxy hadn’t played yet this season but showed promise of what could be a bounce-back campaign.

Messi and Miami will next be in action on Saturday, May 2, vs. Orlando City.

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Timothy Tillman and Mateusz Bogusz scored for LAFC, which began its drive for a third straight MLS Cup Final appearance after winning the league’s postseason title in 2022 and reaching the Final again last season. LAFC has won its season opener in all seven seasons of its existence.

LAFC got an impressive debut from Lloris, who moved stateside last December after 11 1/2 seasons with Tottenham, including a decade as Spurs’ starting goalkeeper. The 37-year-old won the World Cup for France in 2018, and he has played in a goalkeeper-record 20 matches over four World Cups tournaments.

Pedro De La Vega scored in the 72nd minute of his MLS debut for Seattle on a penalty awarded to the Sounders after an egregiously long video review, but Seattle still lost to the rival that ended its 2023 season in the Western Conference final.

Lloris made his first save in the third minute on a close-range shot by Jordan Morris after LAFC’s Jesús David Murillo coughed up the ball in an awful spot. Lloris was repeatedly cool under pressure, and the veteran goalkeeper also opened a new facet of LAFC’s attack with impressive distribution on a series of long passes to his forwards.

Tillman put LAFC ahead in the 45th minute with a mid-air blast of a cross from Omar Campos, the 21-year-old Mexican left back signed in January from Santos Laguna as a possible replacement for Diego Palacios.

Bogusz doubled LAFC’s lead in the 55th minute with a beautiful, curling strike into the top far corner. The 22-year-old Polish forward scored only three goals in 28 appearances for LAFC last year.

Seattle was awarded its penalty several minutes after Aaron Long and Morris made contact at the top of the LAFC box, with Long receiving a very belated yellow card. It was converted by De La Vega, who joined Seattle as a designated player in January for a hefty transfer fee from Lanús in his native Argentina.

Andrew Thomas made his MLS debut in goal for Seattle.

LAFC began a new season by playing its first match without Carlos Vela, the franchise’s first player and the 2018 MLS MVP. The Mexican star remains at home unsigned, but LAFC is hoping to find a way through MLS’ labyrinthine salary rules to bring him back.

LAFC also is back without longtime left back Palacios and central defender Giorgio Chiellini. Chiellini, who was honored for his retirement before the match, is now a player development coach for LAFC.

Ted Lasso watches LAFC

Actors Brendan Hunt, Will Ferrell, Edward Norton, and Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso himself) were spotted in a suite watching the game.

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The Professional Soccer Referees Association picketed in New York and Dallas on Wednesday, less than a week after the organization overwhelmingly rejected a tentative agreement with the Professional Referee Organization — which supplies match officials to MLS, the NWSL and other leagues.

“I can’t remember, in my 40 years in sports, of having a bargaining unit reach an agreement and not have their members support it,” Garber said. “Very disappointing.”

Garber said MLS remains hopeful that an agreement is struck, and said he was left to wonder if the rejection of the deal suggests “a disconnect between the members and their elected negotiators.”

“It almost seems as if this was intentional,” Garber said. “I don’t know how you get to a point where there’s a work stoppage and not know what it is that you’re disagreeing about. That’s frustrating. I imagine it’s frustrating for fans. It’s certainly frustrating for us, but we’ll see how it plays out.

“I will tell you that we are very prepared and are more than willing to manage this in a way that’s in the best interest of our players, our teams, the best interest of our fans.”

Earlier Wednesday, MLS — citing the labor issue — said it would postpone implementation of new rules and procedures regarding timed substitutions, off-field treatment and plans to make in-stadium announcements when VAR is utilized.

PRO locked out the union on Sunday. The PSRA said the tentative agreement lacked a sufficient economic package and quality-of-life improvements.

MLS Feb 21

Lionel Messi assists in Inter Miami's 2-0 season-opening win vs. Real Salt Lake

MLS Feb 17

MLS to lock out referees, replacement officials a possibility

Cristian Campo Hernandez, who worked some MLS Next Pro and USL Championship games last season — as well as some women’s college soccer matches last fall — was the referee Wednesday night.

“The solidarity and support we’re receiving from so many in #MLS is truly amazing,” the PSRA wrote on social media Wednesday. “Not only in Dallas and NYC today at our pickets, but all around the league. We thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing everyone in the stadiums soon.”

MLS previously said PRO’s proposal for wages, benefits and travel was a 25% improvement from last year.

PRO said the tentative five-year agreement included guaranteed pay increases this year of 10-33% for referees, 75-104% raises for assistant referees and 15-100% for video match officials along with increased match fees. Salaries and match fees would have increased 7% in 2027 and 3% in other years.

It’s not the first time MLS has needed replacement officials. They were also used in the first two weeks of its 2014 season before the sides reached a five-year contract after the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service entered talks.

There has been no announcement of any scheduled meetings to resume talks.

“I’m sitting here today with officials who I am confident will do a good job,” Garber said. “Not knowing what it is and how far PRO is apart from the PRSA, and that is just not something that I can say is normal in the bargaining dynamic.”

Messi steered Inter Miami to a 2-0 win at home over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, putting a stamp on the league already.

The 36-year-old Argentine was simply brilliant throughout the night and was unfortunate not to net one himself. He set up the opener to Robert Taylor in the 39th minute, who was fortunate goalie Zac MacMath couldn’t handle it.

The first half was all Miami, though the team couldn’t score a second before halftime. Messi, Taylor and league debutant Luis Suarez all made an impact in the first half and dominated in the final third. Julian Gressel was also heavily involved in a midfield role.

But the momentum quickly changed after the interval, as Miami’s legs noticeably looked heavy after a hectic preseason while Salt Lake appeared sharper.

Salt Lake had multiple chances to secure the equalizer, including a header from a corner in the 72nd minute that goalie Drake Callender parried over the crossbar.

Chicho Arango got more involved as well, but Salt Lake couldn’t capitalize despite being camped inside Miami’s defensive third for a good portion of the second half.

MLS Feb 17

MLS to lock out referees, replacement officials a possibility

MLS Feb 1

When does the MLS season start? Key dates for 2024

Then came Messi’s moment of individual brilliance in the 83rd minute that sealed the win. On the counter, Messi showed off his superb dribbling and hold-up play to advance the ball into Salt Lake’s defensive third. Messi slipped the ball to Suarez, who then gave a one-touch pass to 20-year-old Diego Gomez for a solid finish.

Suarez noticeably limped to finish the game and was substituted in the 90th minute, but it marked a solid MLS debut for the 37-year-old Uruguayan.

Miami finished the game logging 1.19 expected goals, via FotMob. For comparison’s sake, Salt Lake managed 0.77 but couldn’t find the finishing touch.

Salt Lake recorded 17 total shots, though only two hit the target. Miami had 15 total shots and eight on target, along with two big chances missed. Messi was on the end of those.

Miami will next be on the road on Sunday to face LA Galaxy, while Salt Lake will be on the road again as it meets St. Louis City on Saturday.

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Regardless of the sport, true fans know what we’re talking about. As an example, the Super Bowl in Las Vegas is just days away and fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are shelling out tens of thousands of dollars for airfare, accommodations, and tickets to the big game.

Why? Because the experience of watching your favorite team win a championship is not only a rarity, it’s priceless. Just ask the fans of the Arizona Cardinals (76 years), the Cleveland Guardians (75 years), the Sacramento Kings (71 years), and the Detroit Lions (66 years).

Following the conclusion of the Super Bowl, Major League Soccer will begin its 2024 campaign with the greatest soccer player of all-time at its forefront.

For fans of Inter Miami, the price of admission to watch Lionel Messi and his former FC Barcelona teammates has quadrupled since last season. That’s the price to pay for hope: the hope of lifting trophies, winning championships, and celebrating superstars.

MLS Feb 20

How to watch Inter Miami, Lionel Messi vs. Real Salt Lake in 2024 MLS season opener

MLS Feb 1

When does the MLS season start? Key dates for 2024

Lionel Messi Dec 5, 2023

Lionel Messi named Time's Athlete of the Year for 2023

When the 2024 MLS Season kicks off on February 21, there will be 29 teams and their fans all with that same hope. However, the price of fandom is drastically different depending on which city and team you root for.

IGaming site, Lucky Gambler, the audacious purveyor of sports betting odds and insights, recently undertook the arduous task of trying to quantify the price of MLS fandom.

To do so, they indexed and ranked all 29 MLS teams based on eight different factors that would contribute to the overall costs of going to a game.

Those factors include; the average ticket price, the average jersey price, the median of a one-night stay in a nearby hotel to the respective stadium, cost of concessions, meals at nearby restaurants, taxi and rideshare rates, as well as the price per night of an AirBnB, should you chose that route instead.

So buckle up, soccer supporters, as we take you through the financial kaleidoscope of what it takes to be a true MLS fan.

Let’s start with the least expensive option. If you’re a penny-pincher at heart, then you might consider moving to Minnesota and joining the Wonderwall. That’s the section of supporters at Allianz Field that enjoy chants, cheering, and raucous celebrations.

Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Loons joined the league in 2017, and are the most pocket-friendly team to be a fan of. With an average ticket price of $96, cheap cabs, and kits available for the bargain price of $88, the Land of 10,000 Lakes should rename itself the Land of Affordable Soccer. Index score: 81.91 out of 100.

“The reason why Minnesota United is the cheapest team [to be a fan of] is because the cost of living in Minnesota is about 3 percent lower than the national average,” said a spokesperson of Lucky Gambler when asked about the results of their research.

Unfortunately for MUFC fans, one of the reasons the club is the most affordable to be a supporter of is because they have won no major trophies in their seven-year history and are still not considered one of the elite teams in the league.

If it’s hardware you’re after, you might want to consider becoming a fan of FC Cincinnati. The orange and blue are the perfect combination of frugality, fun, and fortune.

Since they entered the league in 2019, FC Cincinnati has made the playoffs twice, and made the final of the Leagues Cup (losing to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami). They won the Supporter’s Shield in 2023, and held the league’s best offensive and defensive players in MLS MVP Luciano Acosta and defender Matt Miazga. Not to mention the MLS Coach of the Year in Pat Noonan.

Head to The Bailey at TGL Stadium to chant and cheer for The Garys, where a ticket will only cost you an average of $96, where the median price of a meal at concessions is just $13.50. There are even budget friendly hotels and AirBnB’s between $135-$150 a night.

The best team in the regular season during 2023 is fully locked and loaded to get over the hump and win the MLS Cup this year. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of both budget-friendly and best on the pitch, then FC Cincinnati might be for you. Index score: 72.34 out of 100.

“MLS stadiums are now above the 20,000 average fans per match threshold, but numbers vary greatly by venue,” added the Lucky Gambler spokesperson. “When going to a soccer game, the cost of a ticket isn’t the only expense involved. Costs of travel, food, hotels, can also be included. Today, even jerseys are becoming more expensive than the price a one-game ticket.”

When it comes to the most expensive MLS soccer team to be a fan of, the pinnacle of priciness is located near Boston, Massachusetts. Whilst some MLS teams thrive on their affordability, the New England Revolution top the list because of their love of luxury. With an average ticket price of $126 and a jersey cost around $102, the Revs play inside Gillette stadium, the home of the New England Patriots. Nearby hotels in Foxborough are a whopping $282.08 on average and ride-share/meals are also on the high end of the spectrum. Index score: 43.17 out of 100.

“The average cost of living in Foxborough is about 38 percent higher than the national average and about 11 percent higher than the Massachusetts state average,” said a spokesperson for Lucky Gambler. “Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the New England Revolution is the most expensive team to be a fan of.”

There’s no question that MLS fandom is on the rise. Soccer has been steadily gaining in popularity across the United States since David Beckham moved across the pond in 2007. While not as dominant as the NFL or NBA, the exponential growth of MLS, has been nothing short of astonishing.

Now, with 81 different countries represented on the field with the players of the 29 MLS teams, the league is the most diverse professional men’s league in the world. One of those players is Messi, the Argentinean World Cup Champion that will only bring more eyes and more fans to the sport than ever before.

With more fans, comes more revenue, and higher prices. As the data suggests, the full spectrum of fandom ranges from thrifty to extravagant. Whether you’re supporting your favorite club on a budget or reveling in opulence, the beautiful game will welcome fans from all walks of life.

So as the 2024 MLS campaign kicks off in Miami, it’s time to lace up your boots, whether those be affordable sneakers or designer shoes, buy your club’s new kit, and head to the stadium where you’ll witness another season of Messi and MLS magic!

Below is the full results of the indexed data for all 29 MLS teams:

With the offseason and preseason in the rear view, all focus now shifts toward what will be a busy yet riveting campaign.

Defending champion Columbus Crew won’t be opening the season, though. Instead, it’ll be Lionel Messi and Inter Miami getting first dibs to start the season with momentum against a Western Conference playoff team.

Real Salt Lake, headlined by rising youngster Diego Luna, finished as the No. 5 seed last season but lost in the opening round of the playoffs.

Miami were notoriously known for being at the bottom of the East but pulled off a Leagues Cup win after Messi’s arrival. The club also appeared in the U.S Open Cup Final but had to play without Messi due to injury.

So, with kickoff time almost here, here’s everything to know about Miami vs. Salt Lake:

MLS Feb 17

MLS to lock out referees, replacement officials a possibility

MLS Feb 1

When does the MLS season start? Key dates for 2024

When is the Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake 2024 MLS season opener?

The 2024 MLS season opener between Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 21.

What time is the Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake 2024 MLS season opener?

Kickoff time is slated for 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Where is the Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake 2024 MLS season opener?

DRV Pink Stadium, home of Inter Miami, is the venue for the game.

How to watch the Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake 2024 MLS season opener

The game will only be available to watch on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.

When will Lionel Messi and Inter Miami play next?

It’s a packed week for Miami as the team will fly to California after the game to meet LA Galaxy on Sunday, Feb. 25.

As the league has expanded to 29 teams (30 beginning in 2025 with San Diego FC), it has become more challenging to reach the ultimate stage and win it all.

Between the increase in teams, overall talent and format changes, among other factors, replicating success is not guaranteed.

With the 2024 playoffs next, a handful of historic teams can add to their title tally, while others are in search of their first. Here’s what to know about the most successful MLS Cup-winning franchises:

Who has the most MLS Cup Final appearances?

Beginning with appearances, nineteen teams have at least one, as aforementioned. Here are the teams with at least four or more since the first edition in 1996:

• LA Galaxy: 9
• D.C. United: 5
• New England Revolution: 5
• Columbus Crew: 4
• Houston Dynamo: 4
• Seattle Sounders: 4

Who has the most MLS Cup wins?

Not every team that reached the final won it, however, as seen with the Revolution. Here’s the list of teams with two or more wins:

• LA Galaxy: 5
• D.C. United: 4
• Columbus Crew: 3
• Houston Dynamo: 2
• Seattle Sounders: 2
• Sporting Kansas City: 2
• San Jose Earthquakes: 2

Who will win the 2024 MLS Cup?

Out West, the two premier contenders are the Galaxy and LAFC, the latter possessing home-field advantage in the conference. The Black and Gold last won the title in 2022, which marked their first.

In the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be seeking their first-ever win following a historic Supporters’ Shield-winning season, also their first. Columbus will provide a challenging fight, however, with manager Wilfried Nancy still at the helm along with key players like Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and more.

Who won the 2023 MLS Cup?

The 2023 final was won by the Columbus Crew, who beat LAFC at home 2-1 to win their third title.

As the league has expanded to 29 teams (30 beginning in 2025 with San Diego FC), it has become more challenging to reach the ultimate stage and win it all.

Between the increase in teams, overall talent and format changes, among other factors, replicating success is not guaranteed.

With the 2024 playoffs next, a handful of historic teams can add to their title tally, while others are in search of their first. Here’s what to know about the most successful MLS Cup-winning franchises:

Who has the most MLS Cup Final appearances?

Beginning with appearances, nineteen teams have at least one, as aforementioned. Here are the teams with at least four or more since the first edition in 1996:

• LA Galaxy: 9
• D.C. United: 5
• New England Revolution: 5
• Columbus Crew: 4
• Houston Dynamo: 4
• Seattle Sounders: 4

Who has the most MLS Cup wins?

Not every team that reached the final won it, however, as seen with the Revolution. Here’s the list of teams with two or more wins:

• LA Galaxy: 5
• D.C. United: 4
• Columbus Crew: 3
• Houston Dynamo: 2
• Seattle Sounders: 2
• Sporting Kansas City: 2
• San Jose Earthquakes: 2

Who will win the 2024 MLS Cup?

Out West, the two premier contenders are the Galaxy and LAFC, the latter possessing home-field advantage in the conference. The Black and Gold last won the title in 2022, which marked their first.

In the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be seeking their first-ever win following a historic Supporters’ Shield-winning season, also their first. Columbus will provide a challenging fight, however, with manager Wilfried Nancy still at the helm along with key players like Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and more.

Who won the 2023 MLS Cup?

The 2023 final was won by the Columbus Crew, who beat LAFC at home 2-1 to win their third title.