messi leaves open door for next move

Messi joins elite MLS 40+ goal contribution club

Lionel Messi made more history in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over New England Revolution on Saturday. The Argentine star recorded three assists, reaching 41 goal contributions this season (24 goals, 17 assists). He’s now just the second player in MLS history to hit at least 40 combined goals and assists in a single regular season, joining Carlos Vela’s 49 with LAFC in 2019. Messi assisted Tadeo Allende’s opener in the 32nd minute, then set up Jordi Alba’s goal before halftime. After New England cut the lead to 2-1 in the 59th minute, Messi immediately provided another assist for Allende’s second. Alba later completed his brace. “He keeps showing the ability he has and the ambition to go for more,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. Messi has two games left to chase Vela’s record. Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference with 59 points, eyeing a top-four finish for home-field advantage in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

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andre franco

Chicago Fire FC midfielder André Franco suffers season-ending injury

Chicago Fire FC confirmed Thursday that midfielder André Franco will miss the rest of the 2025 MLS season with a torn ACL. The 25-year-old was injured during Chicago’s 5-3 win at Inter Miami CF midweek — a result that clinched the Fire’s first playoff berth since 2017. Franco, on loan from FC Porto, made an immediate impact with four assists in six games since joining in the summer window. With two regular-season matches left, Chicago sit eighth in the East with 51 points (15W-11L-6D) in their first season under head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter.

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phil neville

Phil Neville brings Sir Alex Ferguson mindset to Portland Timbers

Many doubted the Portland Timbers before the 2025 season. MLS pundits Bradley Wright-Phillips (11th) and Sacha Kljestan (12th) predicted they’d miss the playoffs, while Kaylyn Kyle had them just sneaking in at eighth. Now, with Portland close to clinching a second straight postseason berth under head coach Phil Neville, the Englishman is having the last laugh. “I’ve got a post ready for when we make the playoffs: ‘Apple TV, change your bloody pundits because they are useless,’” Neville joked on This is MLS. “I get it, guys. I forgive you.” ‘Play the game, not the occasion’ Reflecting on his 15 years at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, Neville said his philosophy focuses on character over tactics. “We didn’t do tactics. We just trained character,” Neville explained. “Coaches hide behind tactics nowadays… but the personality and character of the player is what gets you over the line.” The Timbers visit the Seattle Sounders FC  on Saturday in a crucial Cascadia Cup clash (10:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). A win could seal their playoff spot as they look to avenge last season’s 5-0 Wild Card loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Neville believes success now depends on resilience: “The best players in MLS right now are the ones competing. The best teams are the ones that can compete… that’s the key for us going into the playoffs.”

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toluca fc

Toluca FC stun LA Galaxy to win 2025 Campeones Cup

Toluca FC lifted the 2025 Michelob Ultra Campeones Cup on Wednesday night, beating the LA Galaxy 3-2 in a dramatic finish at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy twice went ahead in the back-and-forth clash of the MLS and LIGA MX champions, but Toluca came from behind both times before Federico Pereira scored the decisive winner in the 94th minute. Diego Fagúndezput LA ahead from the penalty spot after Gabriel Pec  was fouled on a dazzling first-half run. Nicolás Castro leveled for Toluca in the 53rd minute with a stunning long-range strike. Pec then looked to have won it for the Galaxy late on, finishing a quick counter to make it 2-1. Toluca answered almost immediately as Franco Romero smashed in an 85th-minute equalizer. Deep into stoppage time, Pereira struck from close range to seal the 3-2 victory. A disallowed goal for Toluca FC star forward Paulinho moments before LA’s second added to the drama, but the Mexican side ultimately left California with the silverware. The defeat denies the Galaxy a second Campeones Cup title, while Toluca FC celebrate their first in club history.

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MLS Prediction Today: Real Salt Lake vs Colorado Rapids

MLS playoff hopes hang in the balance on Saturday night as Real Salt Lake welcomes Colorado Rapids to the America First Field. Here’s our full breakdown and Real Salt Lake vs Colorado Rapids prediction. With just three points separating them in the Western Conference and only a handful of games left, this clash has massive stakes for both teams. Betting Preview for Real Salt Lake vs Colorado Rapids Venue: America First Field, Salt Lake City Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 Time: 20:30 MST Teams: Real Salt Lake vs Colorado Rapids Odds (via 1XBet) Betting on Real Salt Lake Spread: –0.50 Moneyline: 1.95 O/U: Over 2.5 RSL reignited their playoff push last weekend with a crucial 3-1 home win over Austin FC. That victory snapped a poor run of form which had seen Pablo Mastroeni’s side lose five of their previous six matches.With 37 points from 31 games, they sit just one point off ninth place and will be desperate to build on last weekend’s momentum in front of their fans. Betting on Colorado Rapids Spread: +0.50 Moneyline: 3.90 O/U: Under 2.5 The Rapids’ form has faltered in recent weeks. Chris Armas’ men were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Minnesota United last time out and have now failed to win four of their last five games (3L, 1D).Despite the setback, Colorado remain in the playoff spots in 8th place on 39 points, but their recent away struggles cast doubts ahead of this high-pressure fixture. MatchPlug Prediction for Real Salt Lake vs Colorado Rapids This game promises plenty of drama with both sides eyeing postseason spots. History suggests goals — the last six meetings have produced 20 goals combined.However, Colorado’s shaky away form gives the edge to the hosts, who will look to ride the momentum from their win over Austin. Final Prediction: Real Salt Lake to Win 

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MLS Prediction Today: Los Angeles FC vs Atlanta United

MLS action heats up on Sunday night as Los Angeles FC continue their late-season charge when they host Atlanta United at the BMO Stadium. Here’s our full breakdown and Los Angeles FC vs Atlanta United prediction. Both sides are chasing crucial points for different reasons, LAFC are eyeing a top-three finish, while Atlanta aim to steady their form after recent setbacks. Betting Preview for Los Angeles FC vs Atlanta United Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025 Time: 21:00 PST Teams: Los Angeles FC vs Atlanta United Odds (via 1XBet) Betting on Los Angeles FC Spread: –0.75 Moneyline: 1.70 O/U: Over 2.5 LAFC are on fire at the business end of the season, coming off a 3-0 away win over St. Louis City.Steven Cherundolo’s men have now won four straight games, scoring 15 goals and conceding just four in that span. This surge has propelled them to 4th in the Western Conference with 53 points from 30 matches, just seven points behind leaders San Diego FC with four games left to play. Betting on Atlanta United Spread: +0.75 Moneyline: 4.60 O/U: Under 2.5 Atlanta United’s away form remains a concern. They have struggled on the road all season and now face one of the toughest venues in MLS. Gonzalo Pineda’s side need a result to boost their playoff aspirations but will have to dig deep against an in-form LAFC. MatchPlug Prediction for Los Angeles FC vs Atlanta United Los Angeles FC’s current momentum makes them favorites in this clash. Their attacking depth and strong home record should be too much for an Atlanta side that has consistently underperformed away from home. Final Prediction: Los Angeles FC Moneyline

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MLS Prediction Today: Houston Dynamo vs San Diego FC

MLS action continues on Saturday night as Houston Dynamo host high-flying San Diego FC at the Shell Energy Stadium. Here’s our full breakdown and Houston Dynamo vs San Diego prediction. The visitors sit atop the Western Conference, while the hosts are fighting to climb into the playoff spots.  Betting Preview for Houston Dynamo vs San Diego FC Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 Time: 19:30 CST Teams: Houston Dynamo vs San Diego FC Odds (via 1XBet) Betting on Houston Dynamo Spread: +0.25 Moneyline: 2.85 O/U: Over 2.5 Houston are coming off a 3-1 defeat at Nashville SC last weekend, where they were reduced to 10 men after Erik Sviatchenko’s ninth-minute red card. Though Junior Urso briefly pulled them level, they couldn’t hold on and conceded twice early in the second half. The Dynamo remain 12th in the West with 36 points, just two points off the playoff places, and will be desperate to bounce back at home. However, they’ve not won consecutive home matches in over a year, highlighting their inconsistency at Shell Energy Stadium. Betting on San Diego FC Spread: –0.25 Moneyline: 2.40 O/U: Over 2.5 San Diego were narrowly beaten 1-0 at home by San Jose Earthquakes last time out, with Josef Martínez scoring the game’s lone goal. Despite that setback, they remain top of the Western Conference with 57 points from 32 matches. Sean Kelley’s side have been excellent on the road this season, boasting the best away record in the conference (31 points from 15 away games), which should give them confidence heading into Houston. MatchPlug Prediction for Houston Dynamo vs San Diego FC Houston’s need for points and home support will drive them forward, but San Diego’s clinical away form makes them tough opponents. Expect an open contest with chances at both ends, but the league leaders should edge it. Final Prediction: San Diego FC to Win 2-1 in Houston Dynamo vs San Diego FC.

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MLS Prediction Today: Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC

MLS regular-season action heats up on Saturday as the Chicago Fire welcome Toronto FC to Soldier Field for their final home match of the league phase. Here’s our full breakdown and Chicago Fire vs Toronto prediction. The in-form Fire aim to make it four straight wins, while Toronto continues to grapple with a frustrating run of draws.  Betting Preview for Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 Time: 19:30 CST Teams: Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC Odds (via 1XBet) Betting on Chicago Fire Spread: –0.75 Moneyline: 1.72 O/U: Over 2.5 Chicago are finishing the league phase on a high. Since a 3-1 loss to New York City, they’ve put together a three-match winning streak, including: 3-0 vs Minnesota United (A)  2-0 vs Columbus Crew (H)  5-3 vs Inter Miami (A) – an eight-goal thriller in midweek where they relinquished a 3-1 lead but struck twice late through Justin Reynolds and Brian Gutiérrez for a dramatic victory.  Their sharp attack has scored 10 goals in the last three games, and the Fire will look to give their home fans another strong performance to close out this phase. Betting on Toronto FC Spread: +0.75 Moneyline: 4.40 O/U: Under 2.5  Toronto have endured a tough season with just five wins in 31 games and only 28 points to show for their efforts. However, they’ve proven stubborn to beat lately, drawing each of their last seven MLS matches, six of which ended 1-1. In their latest outing, they held Inter Miami to yet another 1-1 draw, with Djordje Mihailovic scoring in the 60th minute to cancel out Tadeo Allende’s opener. MatchPlug Prediction for Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC Chicago’s attacking form and home advantage give them a clear edge, though Toronto’s recent string of draws suggests they’ll look to frustrate their hosts. Still, the Fire’s quality should prevail as they aim to close the home campaign on a high note. Final Prediction: Chicago Fire to Win  

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timbers vs sounders sure tips

MLS Prediction Today: Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers

MLS playoff-chasing drama unfolds at Lumen Field on Saturday as the Seattle Sounders welcome fierce rivals Portland Timbers. Here’s our full breakdown and Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers prediction. Both sides are battling for a spot in the postseason, and this Cascadia clash promises fireworks as Seattle aim to end a winless run and Portland look to snap their away-day woes. Betting Preview for Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 Time: 19:30 PST Teams: Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers Odds (via 1XBet)  Betting on Seattle Sounders Spread: –0.50 Moneyline: 1.90 O/U: Over 2.5 Since their Leagues Cup triumph in September, Seattle’s form has dipped sharply, going four MLS games without a win (D2, L2). Last weekend, they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Vancouver Whitecaps in a thrilling second half. Still, Brian Schmetzer’s men sit fifth in the Western Conference with 46 points from 31 games, eight points clear of the playoff cut-off with three matches to go. Their solid home form this season makes them slight favourites heading into this rivalry game. Betting on Portland Timbers Spread: +0.50 Moneyline: 3.90 O/U: Under 2.5 Phil Neville’s side have struggled on the road, failing to win their last five away matches (D2, L3). They head into this fixture knowing that a big result could keep their playoff hopes alive, but their inconsistency away from Providence Park remains a concern. MatchPlug Prediction for Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers Both sides have faltered in recent weeks but know the stakes couldn’t be higher. Seattle have been much tougher to beat at home, and their playoff cushion should give them confidence to bounce back against their travel-weary rivals. Final Prediction: Seattle Sounders to Win  

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MLS Prediction Today: Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City

MLS action heats up at Allianz Field on Saturday as Minnesota United host Sporting Kansas City in a crucial Western Conference clash. Here’s our full breakdown and Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City prediction. Minnesota are aiming to cement their spot near the top, while Sporting KC desperately need points to salvage pride after a poor run of form.  Betting Preview for Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City Venue: Allianz Field, Saint Paul Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 Time: 19:30 CST Teams: Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City Odds (via 1XBet)  Betting on Minnesota United Spread: –1.0 Moneyline: 1.60 O/U: Over 2.5  Minnesota United are third in the Western Conference with 55 points from 32 games and enter this game as favourites. They come off a 1-1 draw at Colorado Rapids, where Nectarios Triantis rescued a point after they trailed at halftime. The Loons are winless in their last three matches (D2, L1) but had previously won three of four games before that. With home advantage and better form, they’ll be confident of returning to winning ways here.  Betting on Sporting Kansas City Spread: +1.0 Moneyline: 5.00 O/U: Under 2.5 Sporting KC have endured a dismal campaign and sit 14th in the West with 27 points. Their most recent outing saw them thrashed 4-1 by LA Galaxy, with Joseph Paintsil netting a first-half hat-trick. Peter Vermes’ side have now lost four games in a row and have conceded at least two goals in each of their last nine league matches, raising concerns about their leaky defence against a high-flying Minnesota side. MatchPlug Prediction for Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City Minnesota United have stumbled recently but remain a formidable side at home, while Sporting KC’s defensive struggles continue to cost them points. Expect an open contest with goals at both ends, but the Loons should have too much quality for the visitors. Final Prediction: Minnesota United to Win 

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