ATLANTA: Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami CF secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) action on Saturday night. The Argentine superstar delivered a decisive performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, helping Miami strengthen its position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Neither team managed to score in the opening stages, but Miami broke the deadlock just before halftime. Germán Berterame headed home a cross from Luis Suárez in the 45th minute, with Messi also contributing to the move. Messi then took control of the match after the break. He doubled Miami’s advantage in the 56th minute with a left-footed finish following a combination with Berterame.

Four minutes later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struck again. Messi raced through Atlanta’s defence and calmly finished to make it 3-0, completing his brace and further extending his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. Berterame played a key role in both second-half goals, providing the assist for Messi’s first strike and helping create space for the second.

Atlanta continued to push for a response and finally found the net in the 89th minute. Fafà Picault converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, but the home side could not mount a late comeback.

The victory marked Inter Miami’s third consecutive win in the regular season. The result also highlighted Messi’s continued influence, as he combined goalscoring with creative play to guide his team to another important result.

Atlanta United, meanwhile, will look to recover in its next league fixture after suffering a home defeat. Inter Miami are scheduled to face the New York Red Bulls on October 24, while Atlanta United will host Chicago Fire on the same day.

NEW YORK: New York City FC and Los Angeles FC played out a 1-1 draw in their Major League Soccer (MLS) clash at Citi Field on Saturday night, leaving both teams with one point as the race for the playoffs intensifies.

LAFC took the lead through Finnish midfielder Leo Walta, who scored from a free kick from around 30 yards in first-half stoppage time. The goal was his first in MLS since joining the Los Angeles club on loan in late August.

NYCFC responded strongly after the break and found the equalizer in the 59th minute. Andrés Perea powered home a header from a corner delivered by Nicolás Fernández Mercau to bring the home side level.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, creating a dramatic finish. LAFC forward Son Heung-min came particularly close to scoring in stoppage time, but his shot struck the inside of the post and bounced away.

The draw extended LAFC’s unbeaten run under interim head coach Xavi Tamarit to three matches. The club remained sixth in the Western Conference with 46 points, moving closer to securing a place in the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.

For NYCFC, however, the result was another setback in a difficult season. The team continued to struggle for consistency and remained under pressure to collect points in its remaining regular-season fixtures to keep its postseason hopes alive. LAFC will next host its city rival, the LA Galaxy, on October 25, while NYCFC is scheduled to visit Orlando City on October 24.

Atlanta: Atlanta United will host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF on Saturday, October 17, in a key Major League Soccer (MLS) regular-season matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with both teams looking to build momentum as the regular season approaches its conclusion. The match will be available live on Apple TV, according to the clubs’ official schedules.

The contest brings together two teams arriving on the back of contrasting challenges and recent victories. Atlanta United defeated CF Montréal 3–0 on October 14, while Inter Miami secured a 2–0 victory over New York City FC on the same night. Miami’s win also secured the club’s place in the 2026 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, marking its third consecutive postseason appearance and fifth overall, according to the club.

For Inter Miami, the focus will once again be on Messi, whose creativity, vision and ability to change a match in decisive moments make him a central figure in the team’s attack. The Argentine captain’s influence extends beyond scoring, with his passing and movement often creating opportunities for teammates. Miami will aim to maintain its attacking rhythm while managing the pressure of playing away from home.

Atlanta United, however, will be eager to capitalize on home-field advantage. Its 3–0 win over Montréal provided a positive result ahead of the meeting with Miami. Playing before its own supporters at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta will look to use its attacking pace and pressure to disrupt the visitors’ rhythm. Limiting Messi’s time and space on the ball will be an important part of the home side’s defensive approach.

The matchup also offers Atlanta an opportunity to test itself against a Miami side that has already secured a playoff berth. While the visitors can approach the closing stretch with postseason qualification confirmed, the result remains important for maintaining form and improving their position ahead of the playoffs. Atlanta, meanwhile, will be looking to turn its recent win into a sustained run of positive performances.

Saturday’s match will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, located at 1 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30313. Supporters planning to attend can check the stadium’s official website for the latest information on parking, public transportation, entry procedures and matchday policies. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for travel, security screening and entry into the venue.

Tickets are listed through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing platform linked from Atlanta United’s match information. Prices may vary according to seat location, availability and applicable service charges. A single confirmed ticket price could not be established from the available listing, so supporters should check the current price and final cost before completing a purchase through the official Ticketmaster event page.

With Messi and Inter Miami arriving after a playoff-clinching victory and Atlanta seeking to build on its win over Montréal, the encounter promises an intriguing test for both sides. Atlanta will hope its home support can help it challenge one of the league’s most closely watched teams, while Miami will aim to carry its recent momentum into the postseason. The teams’ ability to control possession, create clear scoring opportunities and defend effectively could prove decisive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York – New York City FC will face Los Angeles Football Club in a crucial Major League Soccer (MLS) regular-season matchup on Saturday, October 17, at Citi Field in Queens, New York, as the home side looks to regain momentum in the race for a playoff place. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with the match available to watch on Apple TV. The fixture was originally scheduled for November 4 before being moved to October 17, according to NYCFC’s official schedule announcement.

The match comes at a difficult time for NYCFC, which slipped below the Eastern Conference playoff qualification line following a 2–0 defeat to Inter Miami on Wednesday. With the regular season approaching its conclusion, the club faces mounting pressure to collect points and strengthen its position in the standings. A positive result against LAFC would offer an important opportunity to restore confidence and keep its postseason hopes alive.

LAFC, meanwhile, arrives in New York after earning a 3–1 victory over Austin FC. Denis Bouanga scored twice in that match, reinforcing his importance to the Los Angeles attack. His pace, movement and finishing ability could pose a significant challenge for NYCFC’s defense. The home side will need to limit the space available to Bouanga while maintaining control in midfield if it hopes to contain the visitors’ attacking threat.

The match will take place at Citi Field, located at 41 Seaver Way, Flushing, Queens, New York, NY 11368. Supporters traveling by public transportation can take the No. 7 subway train to Mets–Willets Point station. The Long Island Rail Road’s Port Washington Branch also serves the station. According to the club’s match-day information, shuttle buses will operate from designated parking locations on Long Island, in New Jersey, and in the Bronx and Westchester area. Advance shuttle fares start at $8 per person, while a four-person family package costs $22. These prices cover shuttle transportation only and do not include admission to the match.

NYCFC will also host an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Night during the game. The club has announced that the first 10,000 fans entering the stadium will receive a charm bracelet, with early arrival recommended for supporters hoping to receive the giveaway.

Ticket prices may vary depending on seat location, availability, seller and additional fees. Some online resale listings have indicated starting prices of approximately $40 to $51, although those figures should not be treated as guaranteed prices. Fans should check the latest availability and total cost before purchasing through the official Ticketmaster event page or NYCFC’s official match information. Prices and available seating may change as the game approaches.

With playoff implications hanging over the contest, NYCFC will be eager to capitalize on home-field support and avoid losing further ground in the Eastern Conference race. LAFC, on the other hand, will seek to build on its recent victory and maintain its momentum. The outcome could prove significant for both teams as they pursue their respective goals in the closing stages of the MLS regular season.

Miami, Florida: Inter Miami secured a place in the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs with a 2-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night at Nu Stadium, moving up to second place in the Eastern Conference standings. German Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul scored for Miami, while Lionel Messi played a key role in the victory as the defending MLS Cup champions continued their push for another title.

Berterame opened the scoring after connecting with a pass from Luis Suárez and beating New York City FC goalkeeper Matthew Freese. The goal ended the forward’s lengthy scoring drought, marking his first goal since finding the net against the Philadelphia Union on May 24.

De Paul doubled Miami’s advantage before halftime with an excellent finish following a combination with Messi just outside the penalty area. The Argentine midfielder’s goal gave Miami a comfortable lead that it maintained until the final whistle.

Messi has scored 23 goals this season and remains at the top of the MLS Golden Boot race. He has also recorded 14 assists, placing him among the league’s leading playmakers. The victory lifted Inter Miami to 52 points from 29 matches, putting the club second in the Eastern Conference. Nashville SC leads the league in points.

New York City FC had an opportunity to get back into the match late in the second half when the visitors earned a penalty. However, Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair produced an impressive save to deny the attempt and preserve his team’s clean sheet. After the match, Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” González said qualifying for the playoffs had been one of the club’s primary objectives at the start of the season.

“We achieved that goal,” González said. “However, as a team, we still need to improve.”

Miami’s victory followed a commanding 4-0 win over D.C. United on Saturday, when Messi and Suárez scored two goals each. The win over NYCFC marked Miami’s second league victory under González, who took charge on September 16. Reflecting on the team’s progress, González emphasized the importance of having players who trust the coaching staff’s plans and tactical approach.

“When you have players who are willing to believe in the plan you want to implement, everything becomes easier,” he said.

“We are identifying the mistakes we have made and continue to make, and trying to correct them in training. The players’ mentality has made it much easier to communicate our plans and tactics clearly.”

The coach also praised the support Messi receives from his teammates, saying the club protects and supports the Argentine superstar.

“This club looks after him and protects him. His teammates always show him love and support. They give everything they have to help him,” González said.

“Messi inspires us to become better every day and challenges us to improve ourselves.”

Inter Miami returned to the MLS playoffs after winning the 2025 MLS Cup. The club defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at home in Fort Lauderdale to claim the championship last year. Although Miami failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2023, Messi’s first season with the club, the team has reached the knockout stage in each of the following three seasons.

For Messi, the current year has brought significant highs and lows. After leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final, he announced his retirement from international football a month later. He now has another opportunity to pursue silverware at club level with Inter Miami.

Miami’s latest victory strengthens its position in the Eastern Conference as the team prepares for the postseason. New York City FC will host Los Angeles FC next Saturday, while Inter Miami will travel to face Atlanta United on the same day.

CHESTER, Pa. — In a captivating showdown between women’s soccer titans, the U.S. Women’s National Team fought back from a two-goal halftime deficit to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw against reigning World Cup champion Spain at Subaru Park. The result brought a spirited end to the October international window, showing the growth and fight head coach Emma Hayes demanded following a 2–0 loss to La Roja three days earlier in Washington, D.C.

Spain picked up right where they left off in the opening match, overwhelming the American defensive lines with relentless possession and crisp combination play. The visitors broke through in the 26th minute when two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas marked her 150th international cap with a pristine finish past the U.S. defense.

Just five minutes later, Spain capitalized on a costly defensive mix-up in the box. Salma Paralluelo pounced on the error to double the lead, sending the world champions into the halftime tunnel firmly in control at 2–0.

Refusing to fold before the crowd of 18,648, the USWNT emerged from the break with renewed urgency and direct vertical play. The rally began in the 48th minute through Ashley Sanchez. Making her first national team start in nearly two years, Sanchez collected a pass on the edge of the penalty box and drilled a low shot into the far corner to slice the deficit in half.The momentum fully swung toward the Americans as they pressed higher up the pitch.

The dramatic moment arrived in the 86th minute when substitute Michelle Cooper floated a dangerous ball into the box. Mallory Swanson, making her return to the squad following parental leave, controlled the pass and volleyed it past Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. The equalizer marked Swanson’s first goal for the national team since the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal match.

While going winless across the two-game series against Spain leaves room for growth, Emma Hayes embraced the challenge of measuring her squad against the top-ranked team in the world. “If I’m here to merely protect a wins record, then I’ll pick a lesser opponent,” Hayes said after the match. “I’m here to see how much the gap has closed with them, and then how far away are we, and keep working towards it, because they’re the best team in the world for a reason.”

The USWNT will now regroup before official competition begins on November 27, 2026, when they face El Salvador in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf W Championship in Mansfield, Texas. The tournament serves as the official qualifying pathway for both the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

ST. PAUL, Minn – In the fourth and final international match of the fall window, the U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Canada 1-0 in a physical and intense contest to earn the team’s fourth consecutive win and second straight shutout that continued the program’s perfect record at Allianz Field.

The meeting between the Concacaf neighbors and fellow Round of 16 participants at FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded a three-week long camp for the U.S. In four matches across September and October, the U.S. tallied four victories, two clean sheets, 12 goals and 13 debutants to showcase an exciting blend of veteran leadership and young talent and finish the first window of the FIFA World Cup 2030 cycle on a soaring note under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino rotated his lineup heavily again tonight, making six changes to the group that started Saturday’s match against Mexico. The five holdovers were fullback Alex Freeman, midfielder Gio Reyna, midfielder Malik Tillman, defender Auston Trusty and center back Chris Richards.

Richards captained the USMNT for the fourth time and first since March 31, 2026, against Portugal. In goal, Brian Schwake of Nashville SC earned his first international start, becoming the fourth different goalkeeper to start for the U.S. in this window.

Starting XI & Lineup Notes: USMNT vs. Canada

The home side started the match against Canada in control of possession and patient on the ball, drawing five fouls from the opponent before committing its first. Overall, the Canadians committed 13 fouls in the first half, the U.S. team keeping their poise as they continued to push for the opener. Nonetheless it was the visitors that managed the first shot, a laser that forward Tani Oluwaseyl fired well wide of goal in the 10th minute. A short pass on a direct free kick in the 13th minute led to a low shot from forward Liam Miller that rolled wide.

The teams went back-and-forth trying to find the final pass that would break the opponent’s line, and Canada put a couple shots on target to test the USA’s first-time starter.

In the 24th minute, the U.S. had one of its best defensive moments of the first half after Canada turned over a play quickly for a chance from close range. A pass slipped through in front of goal, and defender George Campbell, earning his third cap, put his boot on the ball for a strong block inside the six-yard box.

Like Saturday’s win over Mexico, the U.S. broke through with a goal from one of the team’s young forwards. This time it was Justin Ellis, who also scored the fastest goal by a debutant in USMNT modern history against Peru. The teenager striker for Orlando City SC got on the end of a Freeman cross after a delightful exchange with Malik Tilllman to open the scoring on the night. The first half ended with a couple of corner kicks for the U.S., including one that Trusty put on his laces but skied over frame.

Teams were allowed to make 11 substitutions, and Pochettino made his first at the halftime break, sending on forward Julian Hall, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and wingback Sergiño Dest for Ellis, Reyna and midfielder Yunus Musah, who earned his 50th career cap at the age of 24.

The USMNT’s defense continued to protect its one-goal lead heading into the second 45. In the opening minutes of the half, Freeman showed tremendous effort to hunt down a 50-50 ball toward the endline and save the ball from rolling out of bounds for a Canada corner kick. Moments later, the 22-year-old intercepted a pass around the halfway mark to halt Canada’s attack from progressing.

In the 61st minute, Pochettino sent on forward Cole Campbell as a substitute, marking the international debut of the 20-year-old for SV Elversberg. With Campbell’s appearance, all 28 players on Pochettino’s roster earned at least one cap in the four-match stretch.

Moments later, the U.S. stopped a golden chance for Canada on a direct free kick from the left side of the pitch. Defender Luc de Fougerolles received the kick that was floating toward the far post, and he launched a strike on frame. Schwake stretched his reach to push the shot into the crossbar with his big glove for one of his three saves of the match.

The final minutes of the match required a collective defensive effort to hold off a Canada side motivated to equalize. Schwake collected a near post shot in the 83rd and together, the Americans stood firm to hold a one-goal lead for more than 60 minutes and earn the group’s second straight clean sheet.

Tuesday’s match concludes fall camp for the USMNT. The next FIFA window opens Nov. 9 and the team will face Haiti in the Quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League in a home-and-home series. The first match will be played Nov. 14 at a site to be determined, with the return leg slated for Nov. 17 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Goal Scoring Rundown:

USA – JUSTIN ELLIS (ALEX FREEMAN), 29th minute: Freeman on the right side of the pitch received a ball into space from Malik Tillman on a give-and-go. The fullback carried the ball toward goal with two dribbles, then looked up to pinpoint his target on the other side of Canada goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. He pushed a ball toward the far post from about eight yards from goal, and Ellis came flying in with a first-time touch from close range to drive a shot into the back of the net. USA 1, CAN 0

WASHINGTON, D.C. — International women’s football is set to witness a heavyweight spectacle this October as the top two ranked sides on the planet—reigning Olympic champions the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions Spain—lock horns in a highly anticipated two-match international friendly series on the East Coast.
Olympics.com

The marquee matchup brings together the elite gold standard of the modern game, serving up a high-stakes tactical chess match and an early litmus test with an eye toward future global tournaments.

The two-game series kicks off on Saturday, October 10, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 PM local time. The action then shifts north for the second fixture on Tuesday, October 13, heading to Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, with a 7:00 PM ET kickoff.

Both fixtures offer fans a rare chance to witness a clash between global titans. Historically, meetings between the U.S. and Spain have been tightly contested, tactical affairs, with neither side conceding ground. Since their first encounter in 2019, the USWNT holds a narrow head-to-head advantage, though Spain claimed victory in their most recent meeting back in 2022.
www.olympics.com

Fans attending or tuning into the series will be treated to a pitch glittering with world-class talent. Spain arrives boasting a technical, possession-oriented powerhouse spearheaded by Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro. Speaking ahead of the fixtures, veteran Spanish defender Irene Paredes emphasized that La Roja is approaching the friendlies with maximum competitive intensity, treating the encounters with the gravity of a World Cup match.

Meanwhile, Emma Hayes’ youthful and dynamic USWNT squad features explosive attacking threats like Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson, ready to test Spain’s defensive structure down the flanks. Both camps enter the window dealing with minor personnel adjustments—notably, the U.S. missing defensive stalwart Naomi Girma due to injury, and Spain navigating the absence of midfielder Mariona Caldentey. Nevertheless, depth across both rosters ensures a pair of fiercely competitive battles.

For supporters unable to make it to Audi Field or Subaru Park, the matches will be broadcast extensively. In the United States, English-language coverage will be carried across TNT Sports and streaming on Max, with Spanish-language broadcasts available on Universo and Peacock. Radio coverage will also be provided nationwide by Westwood One Sports.

As the world’s number one and number two sides square off, this October series promises a thrilling preview of the absolute apex of international women’s football.

SANDY, Utah: Ashley Sanchez has joined elite company in National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) history, scoring her 20th goal of the 2026 season to tie the league’s single-season scoring record. Sanchez converted a penalty in the 37th minute against the Utah Royals on Sunday, becoming only the second player in NWSL history to reach 20 goals in a single regular season. The record was previously set by Temwa Chawinga of the Kansas City Current in 2024. The milestone came despite a disappointing result for Sanchez and the North Carolina Courage, who fell 2-1 to the Utah Royals at America First Field.

Utah opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Cloé Lacasse headed the ball across goal and into the net following a cross from Miyabi. North Carolina responded 20 minutes later after Gianna Paul drew a foul inside the penalty area. Sanchez stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 37th minute to make it 1-1. The goal was Sanchez’s 20th of the season and her 27th career regular-season goal for the Courage. She also reached 24 goal contributions for the season, the second-highest total recorded in a single NWSL season.

With four regular-season matches still to play, Sanchez has an opportunity to become the first player in NWSL history to score more than 20 goals in a single season. The 27-year-old forward currently leads the league’s Golden Boot race with 20 goals. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda is second with 16 goals. Sanchez has enjoyed a remarkable season. Earlier this month, she set the record for most goals by an American player in a single NWSL season, surpassing the previous mark of 15 held by Alex Morgan and Crystal Dunn.

Despite Sanchez’s historic goal, North Carolina could not secure a point. Cece Delzer restored Utah’s lead in the 65th minute, scoring from Mina Tanaka’s assist. The Royals held on through the final whistle to claim a 2-1 victory. The defeat left the Courage with a 12-11-3 record and four regular-season matches remaining. North Carolina sits just one point and one place outside the playoff positions.

The Courage will next travel to face the Seattle Reign, with the match scheduled for Friday night. For Sanchez, however, the focus will be on history. With four games remaining, she needs just one more goal to claim the NWSL single-season scoring record outright.

Final Score: Utah Royals 2-1 North Carolina Courage

Goals:
17′ — Cloé Lacasse (Utah)
37′ — Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina, penalty)
65′ — Cece Delzer (Utah)

COLUMBUS, Ohio: Lionel Messi scored a spectacular free kick, but Inter Miami CF suffered a late 2-1 defeat to the Columbus Crew on Sunday night. Messi’s brilliant strike from a tight angle canceled out Josef Martínez’s 28th-minute penalty, but Jamal Thiaré scored deep into stoppage time to give Columbus all three points at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

Columbus opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Martínez converted from the penalty spot. Just five minutes later, Messi responded with a stunning free kick from the right side of the field. Despite the difficult angle, the Argentine forward curled the ball perfectly into the net to level the match at 1-1. The goal was Messi’s 21st in the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season, extending his lead in the league’s Golden Boot race. Major League Soccer subsequently highlighted Messi’s strike among the standout goals of Matchday 28, describing it as a goal scored from an “impossible angle.”

Inter Miami had chances to take the lead after halftime, but Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made several important saves. Messi came close again in the 62nd minute, but his left-footed effort from outside the box was saved by Schulte. Inter Miami also had a goal ruled out for offside later in the second half. The match appeared headed for a draw until the eighth minute of stoppage time. Jamal Thiaré found the net from inside the box in the 98th minute, sending the home crowd into celebration and giving Columbus a dramatic 2-1 victory.

The victory was significant for Columbus, which secured consecutive league wins for only the second time this season. The Crew also moved within four points of ninth-place New York City FC in the Eastern Conference playoff race. A record crowd of 21,188 watched the match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

Inter Miami will return home for its next Major League Soccer regular-season match against D.C. United on October 10. Despite the defeat, Messi remains the league’s leading scorer with 21 goals this season.

Final Score:
Columbus Crew 2-1 Inter Miami CF

Goals:
28′ — Josef Martínez (Columbus)
33′ — Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
90+8′ — Jamal Thiaré (Columbus)