Austin defeated Toronto FC 1-0 in Major League Soccer. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 20 stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City. I. Pekmic officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Austin vs Toronto FC meeting in Major League Soccer with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Austin and Toronto FC. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Major League SoccerRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Two camps who will open their respective Leagues Cup adventures in the early hours of Friday, Austin will welcome Tijuana to Texas. With Europe’s elite domestic leagues set to officially make their returns over the next fortnight, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available. Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: […] The post Prediction: Austin FC vs Tijuana appeared first on SoccerNews.
New York City FC and Toronto FC will meet at Yankee Stadium on Friday night, as both sides continue their MLS campaign after the World Cup break. New York City has restarted well with back-to-back wins, while Toronto is still trying to stop a long winless run. Verdict: New York City FC to win Best […] The post Prediction: New York City FC vs Toronto FC appeared first on SoccerNews.
55 members to meet on Thursday to coordinate response‘Uefa knows there is significant and growing opposition’Uefa has called an emergency meeting of its 55 members for Thursday afternoon to discuss a coordinated response to Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors. A European boycott of Fifa tournaments is among the options under consideration.As the next major event in the Fifa calendar, a boycott of next year’s Women’s World Cup has been mentioned in preliminary discussions, although there would be a reluctance in some quarters to make the women’s game suffer as a consequence of a protest against Fifa proposals that primarily revolve around monetising the men’s World Cup and Club World Cup. Continue reading...
Dive in to find out why one of the Three Lions' most dangerous attackers is starting from the sidelines. Anthony Gordon is officially benched for England’s World Cup third-place playoff clash against France. While Harry Kane gears up to spearhead the frontline and finish the tournament strong, the explosive forward’s omission has completely hijacked the pre-match headlines. Dive in to find out why one of the Three Lions’ most dangerous attackers is starting from the sidelines. England enters the bronze-medal match after suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 semifinal defeat to Argentina, while France arrives following a 2-0 loss to Spain. Although neither national team reached the final they had hoped for, both still have the opportunity to conclude their World Cup campaign with a victory. The third-place playoff is often described as the match nobody wants to play, but both teams still have pride to defend after falling just one step short of the World Cup final. The Three Lions looked destined for their first World Cup final in six decades after Anthony Gordon fired the team ahead against Argentina. However, late strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez completed a dramatic comeback that ended the Three Lions’ dream. France vs England StatisticsH2H RecordTotal Matches Played32England Wins17France Wins10Draws5England Goals66France Goals41 France, meanwhile, struggled to impose itself against Spain and suffered a 2-0 defeat, bringing an end to another impressive tournament run. Didier Deschamps’ side now has one final opportunity to leave North America with a positive result. Why Anthony Gordon is not starting The mystery surrounding Gordon’s absence has now been answered following the release of the official starting lineups. The Barcelona star has been left out of England’s starting XI because of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical selection rather than injury. The England manager opted to start Marcus Rashford on the left side of the attack, while Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, and Bukayo Saka behind Ivan Toney. Marcus Rashford #11 of England reacts after the scoreless draw. Throughout the tournament, Tuchel has frequently rotated his attacking options depending on the opponent. Gordon has earned increased responsibility thanks to his energy, defensive work, and attacking contributions during England’s World Cup campaign, making him the preferred option for this encounter. No reports were suggesting Gordon is carrying an injury, meaning the forward is available among the substitutes and could still influence the match from the bench if called upon later. Tuchel sticks with the players who carried England deep into the tournament England’s coaching staff has consistently emphasized balance throughout the World Cup, and Tuchel has continued that approach for the final match. Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18. Several reports leading up to kickoff had already suggested Rashford was competing directly with Gordon for the left-wing position. His performances, combined with his defensive intensity and ability to stretch opposing defenses, ultimately convinced Tuchel to keep him in the starting lineup. The England manager also had to manage injuries elsewhere in the squad, with Jordan Henderson unavailable because of a broken arm, while other players carried fitness concerns after an exhausting knockout stage.
CF Montreal and Toronto FC will face each other in a 2026 MLS regular season match. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the action live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch CF Montreal vs Toronto FC on US television and via legal streaming: WHO CF Montreal vs Toronto FC WHAT MLS 2026 season WHEN 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT • Thursday, July 16, 2026 WHERE Apple TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview CF Montréal and Toronto FC meet in a key Eastern Conference clash, with both teams needing a win to stay in the playoff race. The rivals are tied on 14 points, sitting four points below the final play-in spot, making this a crucial opportunity to gain ground. With neither side able to drop points against a direct competitor, expect a battle for all three points. Don’t miss this important MLS matchup that could shape the postseason picture. Details on how to watch Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch CF Montreal vs Toronto FC and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices. Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts. Apple TV is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen. SEE MORE: Schedule of MLS games on US TV and streaming How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Toronto FC return to MLS action against rivals CF Montreal, with Richie Laryea back from Canada's historic World Cup campaign. The post Fraser hopes Laryea’s positive World Cup campaign will benefit Toronto appeared first on SoccerNews.
England will square off against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal. Here's everything you need to know to watch the game live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch England vs Argentina on US television and via legal streaming: WHO England vs Argentina WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Wednesday, July 15, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview England enters this colossal semi-final with manager Thomas Tuchel unbeaten in his first six tournament games, a feat that echoes the legendary Sir Alf Ramsey‘s 1966 run. The Three Lions have demonstrated remarkable consistency, reaching the semi-finals in four of the last five major tournaments. However, their journey has been grueling, covering over 14,000 miles in travel, and they required a draining extra-time period to overcome a stubborn Norway side in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, reigning champions Argentina are looking to secure a place in their second consecutive final. La Albiceleste have reached the semi-finals in three of the last four tournaments and are currently on a 12-match unbeaten streak in the competition. While the individual brilliance of Lionel Messi has often been the deciding factor, the team has shown defensive frailties and also needed extra time to dispatch Switzerland, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle of attrition and skill. Tactical Analysis & Match Context England‘s path to the semi-final has been defined by resilience. Under Thomas Tuchel, they have won 16 of 20 matches, often grinding out results even when not performing at their peak, as seen in their victory against Mexico despite a red card. Their defensive organization was superb in shutting down Norway‘s Erling Haaland, a quality they will desperately need in this clash. Argentina, in contrast, has had a more chaotic tournament, frequently relying on Messi‘s magic to cover defensive gaps. Coach Lionel Scaloni has employed a 4-4-2 diamond formation that congests the middle of the park to facilitate quick combinations with his star player, but this often leaves them vulnerable on the flanks. The key tactical battle will be in central midfield, where England must try to nullify Messi‘s influence. The motivation for both sides is immense. For Argentina, it is the chance to defend their crown and further solidify Messi‘s legacy as the greatest of all time. For England, it represents a golden opportunity to end decades of hurt and capitalize on their recent tournament consistency. With both teams coming off exhausting extra-time victories, managing player fatigue will be just as crucial as any tactical adjustment. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends This fixture is steeped in history, with all five previous official meetings taking place at the global tournament. England holds a narrow historical advantage with three wins to Argentina‘s one, with the other match being a draw that Argentina subsequently won on penalties in 1998. This deep-rooted rivalry guarantees an intense and passionate encounter. The most recent clash was a 1-0 victory for England at the 2002 tournament, but the most iconic remains the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico. That match was decided by two unforgettable Diego Maradona moments: the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and a spectacular solo run that is widely considered one of the greatest goals in history. These past encounters add layers of narrative and pressure to the upcoming game. Historically, this matchup has produced goals, with an average of 2.6 goals per game across their five meetings. While the stakes of a semi-final might suggest a cagey affair, both teams have displayed defensive vulnerabilities throughout this tournament. Argentina remains unbeaten in their last ten games against European opposition under Scaloni, while England has a balanced record against South American teams, making this a finely poised contest. Squad Ne
While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. Argentina and England are set to renew one of soccer’s greatest rivalries in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, with the final result set to determine far more than just bragging rights. While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. La Albiceleste’s road to the semifinal has been anything but straightforward. After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side survived an extra-time battle against Cape Verde, produced a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2, and eventually overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike. England has also been forced to overcome difficult moments throughout the knockout stage. Thomas Tuchel’s squad eliminated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then defeating Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham once again proving decisive. The semifinal also renews one of soccer’s most famous rivalries. The nations have not met since a 3-2 England victory in a 2005 friendly, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since the 2002 group stage, when David Beckham’s penalty separated the teams. DateArgentina’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026SwitzerlandQuarter-finalsWin (3-1 AET)July 7, 2026EgyptRound of 16Win (3-2)July 3, 2026Cabo VerdeRound of 32Win (3-2 AET)June 27, 2026JordanGroup StageWin (3-1)June 22, 2026AustriaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 16, 2026AlgeriaGroup StageWin (3-0) Both sides enter the contest with superstar forwards leading their attacks. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each found the net six times, keeping the Golden Boot race alive heading into the final four. DateEngland’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026NorwayQuarter-finalsWin (2-1 AET)July 5, 2026MexicoRound of 16Win (3-2)July 1, 2026DR CongoRound of 32Win (2-1)June 27, 2026PanamaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 23, 2026GhanaGroup StageTie (0-0)June 17, 2026CroatiaGroup StageWin (4-2) What happens if Argentina wins and England loses? Should Argentina defeat England, regardless of whether the victory comes in regulation time, extra time, or penalties, the reigning world champion would advance to the 2026 World Cup Final. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt. Their reward would be a showdown against Spain, which booked its place by defeating France in the first semifinal. Victory over England would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the World Cup title. England, meanwhile, would see its championship hopes end and instead prepare for the third-place playoff against France. The Albiceleste enters the semifinal having survived several demanding knockout matches, including extra-time victories over Cape Verde and Switzerland, while also recovering from a two-goal deficit against Egypt. What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes? Unlike league competitions, a draw cannot be the final result in a World Cup semifinal. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will immediately follow. Should neither team break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the semifinal would be settled by a penalty shootout. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick This scenario would significantly increase the physical demands on both squads, especially considering each side has already endured exhausting knockout encounters during the tournament. The eventual winner of the shootout would advance to face Spain, while the defeated side would move into the third-place match against France. DateCompetitionH2H ResultNovember 12, 2005International FriendlyArgentina 2-3 EnglandJune 7, 2002FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)Argen
England's quarterfinal against Norway is one of the biggest matches remaining at the 2026 World Cup, and the outcome could dramatically reshape the tournament bracket. The Three Lions enter the contest after a thrilling victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following a stunning upset of Brazil. Before the first whistle in Miami, […] England’s quarterfinal against Norway is one of the biggest matches remaining at the 2026 World Cup, and the outcome could dramatically reshape the tournament bracket. The Three Lions enter the contest after a thrilling victory over Mexico, while Norway arrives full of confidence following a stunning upset of Brazil. Before the first whistle in Miami, fans are already wondering how each possible result could alter the road to the final. England heads into the knockout clash following a 3-2 victory over Mexico, while Norway earned a memorable 2-1 triumph over Brazil to reach its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. With Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard all preparing for another high-pressure occasion, the winner will move one step closer to lifting soccer’s biggest prize. The Vikings have become one of the tournament’s biggest surprises after ending a 28-year World Cup absence by reaching the last eight. Stale Solbakken’s side has combined fearless attacking soccer with remarkable resilience, eliminating Brazil after also overcoming Ivory Coast in the previous knockout round. DateNorway’s OpponentStageResultJune 16, 2026IraqGroup StageWin (4–1)June 22, 2026SenegalGroup StageWin (3–2)June 26, 2026FranceGroup StageLoss (1–4)June 30, 2026Ivory CoastRound of 32Win (2–1)July 5, 2026BrazilRound of 16Win (2–1) On the other hand, the Three Lions’ journey has been equally dramatic. Thomas Tuchel’s squad survived an exhausting battle against co-host Mexico, winning despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the second half. DateEngland’s OpponentStageResultJune 17, 2026CroatiaGroup StageWin (4–2)June 23, 2026GhanaGroup StageDraw (0–0)June 27, 2026PanamaGroup StageWin (2–0)July 1, 2026DR CongoRound of 32Win (2–1)July 5, 2026MexicoRound of 16Win (3–2) What happens if England wins and Norway loses? If England defeats Norway, Thomas Tuchel’s side will secure a place in the 2026 World Cup Semi-finals. The Three Lions would then face the winner of Argentina versus Switzerland, keeping alive hopes of reaching another World Cup final. Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18. Victory would also maintain England’s pursuit of its first world title since 1966. With Kane and Bellingham leading the attack, England would remain on the same side of the bracket as Argentina or Switzerland before a potential final against the winner emerging from the opposite half. England enters the Quarter-finals carrying momentum after winning three consecutive matches while scoring at least twice in each victory. Despite lingering injury concerns, squad depth remains one of its greatest strengths entering the decisive stage of the tournament. What happens if the match is level after 90 minutes? If England and Norway are tied at the end of regulation, neither nation advances immediately. Instead, the quarterfinal would move into two 15-minute periods of extra time, with penalties deciding the winner if the deadlock remains. Harry Kane #9 of England converts a penalty This scenario introduces another layer of drama, especially for players already carrying yellow cards. England stars such as Jude Bellingham and several teammates could risk suspension for the semifinals if they receive another booking before eventually advancing. Extra time would also test both squads physically after demanding knockout campaigns. Miami’s expected heat could become another significant factor as tired legs begin to influence the contest. Tournament RoundLeft Side of BracketRight Side of BracketQuarter-finalsFrance 2-0 MoroccoSpain 2-1 BelgiumEngla
Canada open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Alphonso Davies is not part of the lineup. Canada play the first of their three group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto. Despite the importance of the match, the team’s biggest star, Alphonso Davies, will not be part of the starting lineup. The 25-year-old left back suffered a hamstring injury on May 6 while playing for Bayern Munich against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Since then, he has focused on his recovery process in an effort to be in the best possible condition for the World Cup. That process, while gradual, has progressed favorably. However, the player, head coach Jesse Marsch, and Canada‘s medical staff decided not to rush his return and risk any setbacks. As a result, Davies will not be part of the starting lineup against Bosnia and Herzegovina, although he will be available among the substitutes. Davies himself had spoken about his priorities when planning his preparation for the start of the World Cup, explaining that if missing the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was necessary to ensure a full recovery, he would have no hesitation in doing so. Today’s starters, presented by @GE_Appliances 🍁 JD and Tani up top🍁 Max is in goal🍁 Staqs captains the sideLET’S GO CANADA!#CANMNT #OurGameNow pic.twitter.com/UsbLKh2AVz— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) June 12, 2026 “The first game is coming up pretty quickly. I think we understand how important the first game is. But we understand recovery is always an important thing,” the Canadian defender said last week. “There’s no need to rush, just keep continuing the recovery.” Alphonso Davies’ replacement With Alphonso Davies still not at 100 percent physically or match-fit, Canada will have to face what is perhaps the most important game in the national team’s history without their biggest star. That is because of the significance of opening a World Cup on home soil and the importance of securing a positive result against Bosnia and Herzegovina to put themselves in a strong position to advance to the Round of 32. With that in mind, head coach Jesse Marsch had to look for alternatives when putting together his lineup. In recent years, Alphonso Davies has played internationally both as a left back and in more advanced positions. On Friday, Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea will occupy the left side of Canada’s defense. Meanwhile, Hull City player Liam Millar will take up a role on the left side of midfield. Canada’s upcoming challenges Alphonso Davies’ absence from the starting lineup on Friday will give him six additional days to continue building toward full fitness before the next match. Canada will face their second Group B test on June 18 against Qatar in Vancouver. Six days later, they will close out their World Cup group-stage campaign against Switzerland.
Inter Miami are hosting the Philadelphia Union for the 2026 MLS in what will be Lionel Messi's last official game prior to the beginning of the 2026 World Cup. Inter Miami are set to host the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, May 24th, for a high-stakes MLS matchup at Nu Stadium. With this serving as Lionel Messi‘s final club appearance before joining Argentina for the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine star will be looking to keep fitness by taking part of the game. Lionel Messi has been included in the starting lineup against the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine icon has logged the full 90 minutes in each of his last 10 MLS appearances, and with the World Cup just around the corner, he is looking to accumulate valuable competitive minutes to ensure he enters tournament play in peak form. The Herons enter the weekend riding the momentum of a convincing 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers last Sunday. That result snapped a frustrating winless drought at Nu Stadium, securing their historic first win at the new venue after an initial stretch of three draws and a loss. Backed by a three-game MLS winning streak, Inter Miami currently sits second in the Eastern Conference standings with 28 points through 14 matches, trailing only league leaders Nashville SC, who pace the conference with 33 points. Conversely, the Philadelphia Union have devolved into a mere shadow of the squad that captured the 2025 Supporters’ Shield. Hampered by the high-profile departures of Tai Baribo, Kai Wagner, and Jakob Glesnes, head coach Bradley Carnell has struggled to find answers with a depleted roster. Currently anchored to the bottom of the table with just seven points through 14 games, the Union are desperate to break out of a brutal seven-match winless slide that includes four draws and three defeats. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against Finn Surman #20 of the Portland Timbers. Messi puts up staggering numbers in May Following a string of disappointing setbacks in both the CONCACAF Champions Cup and early MLS action, Javier Mascherano made the decision to step down as Inter Miami’s manager. Under the guidance of new boss Guillermo Hoyos, the Herons have shown immense improvement, largely fueled by Messi’s spectacular individual tear throughout the month of May. Beginning with the Florida Derby against Orlando City on May 2nd, and stretching through matches against Toronto FC, FC Cincinnati, and Portland, Messi has racked up four goals and four assists. With eight direct goal contributions over that span, another standout performance on Sunday could very well secure MLS Player of the Month honors for the legendary playmaker. Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union Inter Miami’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, German Berterame.Head coach: Guillermo Hoyos. Philadelphia Union’s confirmed lineups (4-4-2): Andre Blake; Frankie Westfield, Geiner Martinez, Nathan Harriel, Ben Bender; Cavan Sullivan, Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Agustin Anello; Milan Iloski, Bruno Damiani.Head coach: Bradley Carnell.
Less than a month before the break for the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi received a squad blow with Inter Miami confirming Tadeo Allende's surgery in a latest injury update. Lionel Messi remains the undeniable centerpiece of an Inter Miami side that has struggled to recapture its dominant form from the 2025 season. In yet another setback for the Argentine maestro, the Herons confirmed in a recent injury update that forward Tadeo Allende has undergone knee surgery, delivering another blow to the squad’s depth. Inter Miami released an official statement regarding Allende’s status on Sunday ahead of their clash with the Portland Timbers: “Forward Tadeo Allende has successfully undergone an arthroscopy on his right knee to address the discomfort he had been experiencing in recent weeks.“ The forward had already missed the team’s last two MLS matches against FC Cincinnati and Toronto FC before traveling to Spain to evaluate his options. “The procedure was carried out in Barcelona by Dr. Cugat and his team at Instituto Cugat, in coordination with the Club’s medical staff,” the statement added. After finishing as the team’s second-highest goalscorer behind Messi last season, Allende earned a permanent $5 million transfer from Celta Vigo. However, the attacker arrived in South Florida without a proper preseason under his belt, and persistent fitness issues have plagued his on-field production ever since. Tadeo Allende #21 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball. Through the early stretch of the 2026 campaign, Allende has appeared in 11 matches for Inter Miami but has logged 90 minutes just four times, failing to record a single goal or assist. Compared to his breakout impact last year, his absence strips Inter Miami of a crucial weapon in their attacking rotation. When will Tadeo Allende return? Inter Miami officials have been cautious regarding Allende’s long-term outlook, opting not to disclose the exact nature of the structural issue inside his right knee. “In the coming days, the player will begin the corresponding recovery process. His progress will determine the timeline for his return to the pitch,” the club concluded. While no official timetable has been established, the reality of an arthroscopic procedure leaves a wide range of possibilities for his recovery. If the surgery was a minor cleanup, Messi could have his strike partner back when the MLS season resumes in late July following the 2026 World Cup break, though Allende is already ruled out for next week’s game against the Philadelphia Union. The worst-case scenario would be if the arthroscopy required a meniscus stitch or major cartilage repair. While that remains unlikely, such a procedure would effectively sideline him for the remainder of the year and push his return to the 2027 season. In the meantime, Messi will have to make do without an attacker whose direct runs made him one of his favorite targets last season.
Preston Plambeck will join Lionel Messi as part of the Inter Miami squad for the remainder of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Inter Miami are playing their final matches before Major League Soccer pauses at the end of May due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In that context, Lionel Messi will have a new permanent teammate after the club signed Preston Plambeck. “Inter Miami CF announced today it has signed Academy graduate Preston Plambeck to a contract running through the end of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season,” the Herons explained in a statement published on their official website Wednesday. The club also detailed that the deal includes options for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 seasons. Plambeck is a 20-year-old midfielder who developed in Inter Miami’s academy and gradually climbed through the ranks before joining the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side in 2025. Since then, he has recorded three goals and three assists in 26 appearances for Inter Miami II. Those performances earned Preston the opportunity to join the club’s senior squad this year and make his MLS debut under Guillermo Hoyos. The coach gave him his first chance on April 25, when he replaced David Ruiz in the 69th minute of a 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution. Last weekend, Plambeck added another 12 minutes in the 4-2 victory over Toronto FC. Work pays off. ⚡️Academy graduate Preston Plambeck signs with the First Team ✍️🩷🗞️ Details here: https://t.co/bvRZAa4F0P pic.twitter.com/nYQWOR359p— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 13, 2026 An interesting addition for Inter Miami Preston Plambeck’s involvement with Inter Miami’s first team, along with the decision to sign him to a professional contract for the remainder of the season, is tied not only to the qualities the young midfielder has shown so far, but also to the need to solve an issue the Herons have faced this year. After Sergio Busquets retired at the end of 2025, Inter Miami have struggled to rebuild their midfield. David Ayala arrived as a signing expected to fill that role, but injuries and inconsistent performances have complicated those plans. Yannick Bright has largely taken over those responsibilities, but the two-game suspension he served several weeks ago exposed the lack of depth on the roster in that area. That forced Hoyos to experiment with Rodrigo De Paul, David Ruiz, and Telasco Segovia in deeper roles, something that did not work particularly well because it left Lionel Messi with less support in the creative phase. That is why having Preston Plambeck consistently available could become a useful option for Inter Miami moving forward. Plambeck’s comments In the same statement released by the club, Preston Plambeck shared his thoughts on becoming a professional soccer player. “I’ve worked my whole life to reach this moment, and I want to make my family proud,” said the young midfielder. “I think my pathway through the Academy and the Second Team helped shape me by teaching me discipline and helping me understand the Club’s style of play through all the coaches who guided me along the way.”
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