New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 21 stage in the 2026 season. Kickoff is scheduled for 2026-08-22T23:30:00Z. The match will be played at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire. 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 Soccer
Nashville SC
Philadelphia UnionRecorded meetings: 10 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 21 stage in the 2026 season. Kickoff is scheduled for 2026-08-22T23:30:00Z. The match will be played at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire. 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 SoccerNashville SCPhiladelphia UnionRecorded meetings: 10 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Looking to make it back-to-back Leagues Cup victories in the early hours of Monday, Chicago will welcome Santos Laguna to Soldier Field. With Europe’s elite domestic leagues set to make their respective returns over the next fortnight, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Chicago Fire win Best Odds: 2/3 Bookmaker: BetUS […] The post Prediction: Chicago Fire vs Santos Laguna appeared first on SoccerNews.
With a brace against Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire brand new star Robert Lewandowski claimed the Player of the Matchday award in his third MLS game, prompting questions on how much it took for Lionel Messi to achieve his first one. Robert Lewandowski has already made an immediate splash in Major League Soccer, earning MLS Player of the Matchday honors in just his third appearance with the Chicago Fire. By securing the award so quickly into his tenure, the Polish superstar naturally invited comparisons to how long it took Lionel Messi to claim his first matchday honor with Inter Miami. Following back-to-back frustrating losses (a 3-2 defeat against Inter Miami and a 3-1 setback against NYCFC in which Lewandowski was held off the scoresheet), the Fire returned home to face Charlotte FC. Although the visitors opened the scoring in the 18th minute, the Polish legend stepped up to spearhead a quick comeback. In the 20th minute, Lewandowski netted the equalizer following a crisp team buildup, hitting a low shot from the edge of the box to log his first official MLS goal. He then completed his brace in the 68th minute, capitalizing on a sequence that originated with goalkeeper Chris Brady to coolly finish past the Charlotte keeper. Marking his home debut at Soldier Field, Lewandowski’s two-goal performance propelled the Fire to a comeback victory and three valuable points, lifting Chicago to fourth place in the standings. In the process, he became the first Fire player to win Player of the Matchday since Tom Barlow and the first Polish international to earn the honor since Karol Swiderski in 2022. Already lighting up the league. 🤩Robert Lewandowski wins Player of the Matchday pres. by @MichelobULTRA! pic.twitter.com/qiLKmklMVQ— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 3, 2026 Messi’s road to his first Player of the Matchday honor Arriving as a marquee free-agent signing following his stint at FC Barcelona, Lewandowski needed just three matches to assert his superstar status in MLS. Lionel Messi has reigned as the undisputed face of the league since his arrival in 2023, but his journey to his first domestic matchday award took longer than expected. Messi made his official MLS debut on August 26, 2023, against the New York Red Bulls, appearing in only six league matches during the second half of that campaign due to nagging injuries. The Argentine legend made his biggest initial mark in the 2023 Leagues Cup, scoring in all seven matches to lead Inter Miami to the title over Nashville SC. Entering the 2024 MLS campaign, Messi hit the ground running following a full preseason in South Florida. He bagged a brace in a 5-0 derby victory against Orlando City early in the season, though he was narrowly edged out for the matchday recognition for that specific fixture. Messi’s first MLS Player of the Matchday award eventually arrived on April 13, 2024, following Matchday 9. He earned the accolade after registering a goal and an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-2 road victory over Sporting Kansas City in front of 72,610 fans at Arrowhead Stadium. From his debut against the Red Bulls, it took Messi 11 MLS matches to capture his first Player of the Matchday recognition. Since breaking through, however, he has cemented his league dominance by collecting a record 14 Matchday honors, including two already during the 2026 campaign.
Inter Miami are reportedly looking to pair up Kevin De Bruyne with Lionel Messi, while some other MLS clubs are also monitoring the Belgian's potential signing. Lionel Messi received a massive boost during the 2026 summer transfer window when Brazilian powerhouse Casemiro signed on to anchor Inter Miami‘s midfield. Now, a marquee target has resurfaced, with reports indicating the South Florida franchise wants to pair Kevin De Bruyne alongside Messi despite growing competition across Major League Soccer. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, De Bruyne could be granted an exit route from Napoli during the current transfer window. Following a Scudetto-winning campaign in his debut season, the 2025-26 stretch proved challenging for the Belgian playmaker, who missed significant time between late October and late February due to a leg flexor injury. A transfer during the current window represents Napoli’s cleanest path to securing a return on investment for De Bruyne, whose deal with the Italian side runs through June 2027. Under those terms, Mundo Deportivo reports that Inter Miami remains eager to pair the midfield maestro with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul. Back in June 2025, both Inter Miami and expansion side San Diego FC submitted inquiries regarding a potential move to MLS, a destination that remains attractive to the player. While De Bruyne chose to remain in Europe at the time, the 35-year-old coming off his final World Cup run in 2026 is increasingly open to a North American transition. Kevin De Bruyne #7 of Belgium applauds fans after the elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Inter Miami faces domestic competition for De Bruyne Sharing the pitch with Messi has emerged as Inter Miami’s ultimate recruitment tool, appealing to former Barcelona teammates like Suarez, international colleagues like De Paul, and former rivals like Sergio Reguilón and Casemiro. However, with all Designated Player spots currently occupied and General Allocation Money (GAM) capped, rival clubs are positioning themselves to swoop in. Mundo Deportivo reports that the Chicago Fire and San Diego FC are actively monitoring De Bruyne’s availability. Chicago holds an open Designated Player slot following the departure of leading scorer Hugo Cuypers, while San Diego could open a slot through a potential departure of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, giving both clubs a roster flexibility advantage over Miami. Inter Miami holds crucial regulatory edge Speculation surrounding De Bruyne intensified following reports from The Athletic that MLS owners are pushing for roster rule modifications, specifically moving toward a more flexible salary structure. While structural rule changes won’t offer immediate relief, the Herons still possess a major leverage point over their domestic rivals. Inter Miami currently controls De Bruyne’s MLS Discovery Rights, positioning the club to lead any negotiations should the Belgian decide to make the move stateside. Miami filed for those rights following his departure from Manchester City, meaning both Chicago and San Diego would have to trade for those rights with South Florida before making a formal contract offer to the player.
Poland striker scores double on his home MLS debutMessi returns as Inter Miami draw 2-2 with ColumbusRobert Lewandowski scored two goals on his home debut as the Chicago Fire eked out a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday. The win is Chicago’s first in Major League Soccer since the end of the international break.Lewandowski, signed in late June as a free agent, produced a vintage performance to help the Fire (9-6-2, 29 points) close an ever-narrowing gap with the Eastern Conference’s top three clubs. Charlotte (7-7-4, 25pts) has now lost four of its last five road matches. Continue reading...
Charlotte FC take on the Chicago Fire this weekend, with Dean Smith wanting to add silverware to the club's trophy cabinet this season. The post ‘We want to win trophies’ – Smith eyeing silverware with Charlotte appeared first on SoccerNews.
Desperately searching for a crucial MLS boost in the early hours of Sunday, New York will welcome Orlando to the Sports Illustrated Stadium this weekend. With the MLS firmly stealing centre stage, there are a host of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 4/9 Bookmaker: BetUS […] The post Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City appeared first on SoccerNews.
With the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game set to begin on Wednesday, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul are the two most notable absences for the event in Charlotte. The MLS All-Star team is set to square off against the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday, July 29, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for the eighth edition of the North American showcase match. As anticipation builds ahead of kickoff, the absence of Inter Miami superstars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul stands out as the most glaring omission from tonight’s rosters. Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not feature in the 2026 All-Star Game after receiving official load-management clearance from Major League Soccer. The decision stems directly from their grueling summer run at the 2026 World Cup, where the Argentine duo played through the final on July 19, leaving them without an adequate offseason recovery window. Having pushed through to the final against Spain, Inter Miami worked with league officials to coordinate an authorized rest period for the pair. Thanks to this special exemption, neither Messi nor De Paul will face disciplinary action or league-mandated suspensions, avoiding the situation Messi encountered last season following an unsanctioned absence. Having been granted time off from the midsummer exhibition, both Argentine stars received extended downtime following their international duties. Messi officially returned to Inter Miami’s training facility on Wednesday to begin his ramp-up period, while De Paul has yet to rejoin the squad under manager Guillermo Hoyos. POV: Morning greetings with the squad 😁☀️ pic.twitter.com/1ZAodv1BW4— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 29, 2026 With the superstars sitting out, rookie midfielder Yannick Bright will serve as Inter Miami’s sole representative on the MLS All-Star squad. Even without Messi, the roster boasts plenty of star power, headlined by LAFC’s Son Heung-min and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Muller making their All-Star debuts, alongside forwards Sam Surridge (Nashville SC) and Petar Musa (FC Dallas). Noteworthy absences for the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game Messi and De Paul lead a high-profile list of missing marquee names for tonight’s exhibition, particularly notable given that Messi has yet to participate in an All-Star Game since arriving in MLS in 2023. However, several other featured stars from both leagues will also sit out tonight’s contest. On the MLS side, Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was ruled out following his World Cup run with South Africa. Liga MX suffered notable hits as well: Pumas UNAM goalkeeper Keylor Navas will miss out due to a knee injury setback, while 17-year-old Tijuana prodigy Gilberto Mora was dropped from the squad without an official explanation from his club or the league.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will pit the best players from MLS against the best from Liga MX in Charlotte. The 2026 MLS All-Star Game takes place this Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, pitting the league’s best against a Liga MX all-star squad in a rivalry that continues to grow every year. This year’s edition arrives with plenty of storylines, from young breakout talents to World Cup-tested veterans on both sides of the border. One notable absence looms over the occasion: Lionel Messi won’t be suiting up for MLS. The Inter Miami captain is still working through his mandated rest period following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. His teammate Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in the same situation, also sidelined for the exhibition as part of that same post-tournament recovery window. Neither player will face any sanction over their absence, since the league was informed of their unavailability well in advance and both were left off the roster from the start. Their absence opens the door for other players to headline the occasion, and MLS has no shortage of star power to lean on. Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, and a mix of proven MLS regulars and rising prospects make up a 29-player squad selected through a combination of coach’s picks, commissioner’s selections, and fan voting. Our best. Their best. 🥊Watch the MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars at 8pm ET on Apple TV: https://t.co/9ojkoIf5TD pic.twitter.com/R0WmikKJT1— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2026 On the Liga MX side, the Mexican league has put together a 24-player roster under coach Antonio Mohamed, the reigning Coach of the Year, featuring five players who took part in the World Cup and a dozen Liga MX champions. MLS All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire). Coach: Dean Smith (Charlotte FC). Liga MX All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca). Defenders: Bruno Mendez (Toluca), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Garza (Tigres), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas). Midfielders: Alexei Dominguez (Pachuca), Elias Montiel (Pachuca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Jose Paradela (Cruz Azul), Fernando Gorriaran (Tigres), Juan Brunetta (Tigres), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Kevin Castaneda (Guadalajara). Forwards: Javier Ruiz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas), Salomon Rondon (Pachuca). Coach: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca).
New York Red Bulls and Charlotte FC will meet at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday evening, as both sides return to MLS action with playoff positioning in mind. The Red Bulls enter the match looking to respond after a 3-1 defeat to Philadelphia Union, while Charlotte arrives level on points with New York after a […] The post Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte FC appeared first on SoccerNews.
Lionel Messi will not be present for the MLS All-Star Game, missing the event for the second consecutive year. Lionel Messi will once again be absent from the MLS All-Star Game, set to take place on Wednesday, July 29, against Liga MX at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It marks another notable absence for the tournament’s biggest draw, as the Inter Miami captain remains the most influential player across both Concacaf leagues. Unlike last year, though, this absence was known well in advance. Messi is currently on an authorized vacation period, granted by his club after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate and fellow World Cup finalist, was left off the event for the same reason. Messi’s absence from the 2026 edition won’t result in any sanction, since the league was informed of his unavailability well ahead of time and he was never included on the official MLS roster in the first place. MLS Announces Additions to Roster for the 2026 @MLS All-Star Game presented by Chimehttps://t.co/o4H3NhF44U— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 25, 2026 Was Messi sanctioned at the 2025 edition? This isn’t the first time Messi has skipped the exhibition. He also sat out the 2025 edition, but under very different circumstances: back then, he had been named to the squad and pulled out at the last minute, citing muscle overload. Because that decision wasn’t backed by a confirmed injury from MLS medical staff, and was instead a precaution taken jointly by the player and then-manager Javier Mascherano’s coaching staff, the league handed Messi a one-match suspension. MLS roster for the 2026 All-Star Game Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).
Newcastle United's move for Aladji Bamba underlines a marked shift in transfer strategy for the Magpies. It is certainly hard to imagine the club spending £55m on a 29-year-old again like they did when they signed forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford last summer. Instead, Newcastle have targeted players aged 20 and under on the continent this time around.
Lamine Yamal made history by becoming one of the youngest players to ever win a World Cup during Spain's triumphant 2026 campaign. However, his former FC Barcelona teammate, and current Chicago Fire forward, Robert Lewandowski offered a candid assessment of the 19-year-old star: "We didn't see his best version in the World Cup." In an […] Lamine Yamal made history by becoming one of the youngest players to ever win a World Cup during Spain‘s triumphant 2026 campaign. However, his former FC Barcelona teammate, and current Chicago Fire forward, Robert Lewandowski offered a candid assessment of the 19-year-old star: “We didn’t see his best version in the World Cup.“ In an interview with ESPN, when asked about Yamal’s performance on soccer’s biggest stage, the Polish legend gave an honest review: “Honestly, we didn’t see his best version in this tournament. For me, his best form—the best Lamine—wasn’t last season, but from two seasons ago. That was, in my opinion, the absolute best version of Lamine Yamal.” Lewandowski pointed out that the youngster entered the World Cup lacking match fitness following a major injury layoff. “He’s young, and he came into the World Cup on the heels of an injury that sidelined him for about eight weeks. It’s difficult to sit out that long and then be expected to hit the ground running immediately in a World Cup,” he explained. Having shared the pitch with Yamal at Barcelona since 2022, Lewandowski has witnessed the winger’s meteoric rise firsthand. But regarding Spain’s World Cup victory, the new Chicago Fire striker emphasized that La Roja’s collective structure was the key to masking Yamal’s rustiness, allowing him to contribute to the team’s overarching success without carrying the entire burden alone. Lamine Yamal of Spain. Lewandowski backed Spain over Argentina The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was billed as a generational passing of the torch, featuring Yamal and Lionel Messi as the poster boys for two distinct eras. For Lewandowski, choosing a side in the final proved simple. The former Bayern Munich star revealed that he backed La Roja due to his deep ties with several players in the Spanish squad: “I know many of the Spanish players personally and spent a lot of time with them in Barcelona, so I was rooting for them quite a bit. From Argentina, I only really know Leo (Messi) personally, even though I know they won the previous World Cup. That’s why I supported Spain.” Yamal’s 2026 World Cup by the numbers Rehabilitating his injury on a tight deadline, Yamal missed Spain’s warm-up friendlies against Iraq and Peru. However, he recovered in time for the group stage opener and went on to feature in all seven of Spain’s matches during the tournament. While he scored just one goal—a group-stage strike against Saudi Arabia—and failed to log an official assist, his impact on the pitch extended beyond basic box scores. The 19-year-old drew the crucial penalty against France in the semifinals and set a tournament record for the most successful dribbles by a teenager in World Cup history.
Despite having the top scorer of the 2026 MLS season, Chicago Fire decided to make Robert Lewandowski their new star. Ahead of today's match against Inter Miami, fans are closely watching his status, hoping for his debut. Chicago Fire have excelled in front of goal in the current 2026 MLS season. Hugo Cuypers is leading the league’s top scorer, surpassing Lionel Messi by scoring 13 goals. However, they decided to strengthen their attacking power even further by signing Robert Lewandowski as their marquee star. Ahead of today’s match against Inter Miami, fans are closely monitoring the Polish striker’s status. Robert Lewandowski is starting for Chicago Fire today, as he has no injuries and has trained normally. As the team’s biggest star, head coach Gregg Berhalter could look to build the attack around him in order to maximize his goalscoring ability. It also remains to be seen how he will fit him into his tactical setup. Alongside Lewandowski, head coach Gregg Berhalter is keeping Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel as his attacking partners. However, Maren Haile-Selassie would have a bigger role in midfield, as he needs to be the central playmaker, distributing the ball and finding the Polish striker. Inter Miami will be without their biggest stars: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. After the 2026 World Cup, both players will take a few days off to avoid physical discomfort. As a result, all eyes will be on Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame, who will need to be at their best in front of goal. In addition, Micael and Gonzalo Luján could be responsible for providing defensive solidity to the team. Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami CF shoots during the MLS match vs Chicago Fire. Inter Miami confirmed lineup vs Chicago Fire As one of the best teams in MLS, Inter Miami return from the break looking for a convincing victory. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be forced to make changes to his starting lineup following the absences of Messi and De Paul. As a result, David Ruiz returns to the team, playing a key role alongside Yannick Bright. In addition, Luis Suarez and Germán Berterame lead the attack. The Herons lineup as follows: Dayne St Clair; Facundo Mura, Ian Fray, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti; German Berterame, Luis Suarez. Chicago Fire confirmed lineup vs Inter Miami Chicago Fire are looking for a victory that would bring them closer to the MLS Cup title. To achieve this, head coach Gregg Berhalter will rely on Robert Lewandowski. Therefore, the main challenge will be defensive, as they need to be more solid to keep the team balanced. In addition, they will face the Herons and their outstanding attack. With this in mind, Chicago Fire may play as follows: Christopher Brady; Jonathan Dean, Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Andrew Gutman; Anton Saletros, Dje Tah D’Avilla; Philip Zinckernagel, Jonathan Bamba, Maren Haile-Selassie; Robert Lewandowski.
Lamine Yamal helped Spain add the World Cup to the European Championship title they won in 2024, but he did not display his best form. The post World Cup did not see best version of Yamal, says ex-Barcelona team-mate Lewandowski appeared first on SoccerNews.
Inter Miami returns to Major League Soccer action on Wednesday with plenty of attention surrounding the club, but Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not be part of the squad for the clash against the Chicago Fire. Inter Miami returns to Major League Soccer action on Wednesday with plenty of attention surrounding the club, but Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not be part of the squad for the clash against the Chicago Fire. Their absence comes only days after Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Spain, leaving supporters wondering why two of the club’s biggest stars are unavailable. The timing is particularly intriguing because the match also marks Robert Lewandowski’s long-awaited MLS debut for the Chicago Fire, creating one of the league’s biggest fixtures of the season. While Messi and De Paul remain away from the action, both clubs still have plenty at stake as they resume league play following the World Cup break. The World Cup pause officially ended this week, with MLS restarting its schedule before the upcoming All-Star Game and Leagues Cup. The Herons enter the second half of the campaign in second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Fire sits just behind in third, making Wednesday’s meeting a crucial contest despite the missing stars. Before the break, Inter Miami had built excellent momentum by winning four consecutive league matches, scoring goals freely and strengthening its position near the top of the standings. However, the return to domestic competition arrives under unusual circumstances after several players represented their countries during the World Cup. Back home tomorrow. Let’s go! 🩷🌴🎟️ https://t.co/wW5XqtvdAB pic.twitter.com/bWPlsScpje— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 21, 2026 The real reason Messi and De Paul are unavailable The dilemma surrounding Messi and De Paul’s absence comes down to mandatory recovery following their demanding World Cup campaign with Argentina. Both players featured in Sunday’s World Cup final, where Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time, with Messi playing the full 120 minutes. According to multiple reports, including the Miami Herald and ESPN, Inter Miami decided to give both players time away from soccer following FIFA and FIFPRO recommendations regarding player welfare after major international tournaments. The current guidance recommends a minimum 21-day offseason recovery period, with at least 72 hours between matches throughout the calendar. Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammate Rodrigo De Paul. FIFA explained: “There is a consensus that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and that players should have a rest period/holiday of at least 21 days at the end of each season.” The governing body also stressed that “This period should be managed individually by each club and the respective players also depending on their match calendars and taking into account applicable collective agreements.” Un Mundial para estar orgullosos. Con los nuestros, siempre 🩷🖤 pic.twitter.com/FlECxBqGt2— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 20, 2026 What did Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos say? Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos made it clear that resting Messi and De Paul takes priority over rushing them back into league action. After Argentina’s emotional run to another World Cup final, the coach believes both players deserve time with their families before returning to club soccer. Hoyos said: “The World Cup ended just hours ago, and what they need now more than anything is to rest, to be with their loved ones, in their homes.” He also praised the reception Argentina received after returning home, adding: “They will take whatever time they need.” “Yo creo que no tiene 39” 🗣️🐐Guillermo Hoyos, entrenador del Inter Miami, destacó el extraordinario estado físico de Lionel Messi. ⚽🔥 pic.twitter.com/9MFHMqu0TX— Tigo Sports (@TigoSportsPY) July 22, 2026 Without his two Argentine leaders, Hoyos acknowledged replacing them will b
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Looking to make it back-to-back Leagues Cup victories in the early hours of Monday, Chicago will welcome Santos Laguna to Soldier Field. With Europe’s elite domestic leagues set to make their respective returns over the next fortnight, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Chicago Fire win Best Odds: 2/3 Bookmaker: BetUS […] The post Prediction: Chicago Fire vs Santos Laguna appeared first on SoccerNews.
With a brace against Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire brand new star Robert Lewandowski claimed the Player of the Matchday award in his third MLS game, prompting questions on how much it took for Lionel Messi to achieve his first one. Robert Lewandowski has already made an immediate splash in Major League Soccer, earning MLS Player of the Matchday honors in just his third appearance with the Chicago Fire. By securing the award so quickly into his tenure, the Polish superstar naturally invited comparisons to how long it took Lionel Messi to claim his first matchday honor with Inter Miami. Following back-to-back frustrating losses (a 3-2 defeat against Inter Miami and a 3-1 setback against NYCFC in which Lewandowski was held off the scoresheet), the Fire returned home to face Charlotte FC. Although the visitors opened the scoring in the 18th minute, the Polish legend stepped up to spearhead a quick comeback. In the 20th minute, Lewandowski netted the equalizer following a crisp team buildup, hitting a low shot from the edge of the box to log his first official MLS goal. He then completed his brace in the 68th minute, capitalizing on a sequence that originated with goalkeeper Chris Brady to coolly finish past the Charlotte keeper. Marking his home debut at Soldier Field, Lewandowski’s two-goal performance propelled the Fire to a comeback victory and three valuable points, lifting Chicago to fourth place in the standings. In the process, he became the first Fire player to win Player of the Matchday since Tom Barlow and the first Polish international to earn the honor since Karol Swiderski in 2022. Already lighting up the league. 🤩Robert Lewandowski wins Player of the Matchday pres. by @MichelobULTRA! pic.twitter.com/qiLKmklMVQ— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 3, 2026 Messi’s road to his first Player of the Matchday honor Arriving as a marquee free-agent signing following his stint at FC Barcelona, Lewandowski needed just three matches to assert his superstar status in MLS. Lionel Messi has reigned as the undisputed face of the league since his arrival in 2023, but his journey to his first domestic matchday award took longer than expected. Messi made his official MLS debut on August 26, 2023, against the New York Red Bulls, appearing in only six league matches during the second half of that campaign due to nagging injuries. The Argentine legend made his biggest initial mark in the 2023 Leagues Cup, scoring in all seven matches to lead Inter Miami to the title over Nashville SC. Entering the 2024 MLS campaign, Messi hit the ground running following a full preseason in South Florida. He bagged a brace in a 5-0 derby victory against Orlando City early in the season, though he was narrowly edged out for the matchday recognition for that specific fixture. Messi’s first MLS Player of the Matchday award eventually arrived on April 13, 2024, following Matchday 9. He earned the accolade after registering a goal and an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-2 road victory over Sporting Kansas City in front of 72,610 fans at Arrowhead Stadium. From his debut against the Red Bulls, it took Messi 11 MLS matches to capture his first Player of the Matchday recognition. Since breaking through, however, he has cemented his league dominance by collecting a record 14 Matchday honors, including two already during the 2026 campaign.
Inter Miami are reportedly looking to pair up Kevin De Bruyne with Lionel Messi, while some other MLS clubs are also monitoring the Belgian's potential signing. Lionel Messi received a massive boost during the 2026 summer transfer window when Brazilian powerhouse Casemiro signed on to anchor Inter Miami‘s midfield. Now, a marquee target has resurfaced, with reports indicating the South Florida franchise wants to pair Kevin De Bruyne alongside Messi despite growing competition across Major League Soccer. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, De Bruyne could be granted an exit route from Napoli during the current transfer window. Following a Scudetto-winning campaign in his debut season, the 2025-26 stretch proved challenging for the Belgian playmaker, who missed significant time between late October and late February due to a leg flexor injury. A transfer during the current window represents Napoli’s cleanest path to securing a return on investment for De Bruyne, whose deal with the Italian side runs through June 2027. Under those terms, Mundo Deportivo reports that Inter Miami remains eager to pair the midfield maestro with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul. Back in June 2025, both Inter Miami and expansion side San Diego FC submitted inquiries regarding a potential move to MLS, a destination that remains attractive to the player. While De Bruyne chose to remain in Europe at the time, the 35-year-old coming off his final World Cup run in 2026 is increasingly open to a North American transition. Kevin De Bruyne #7 of Belgium applauds fans after the elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Inter Miami faces domestic competition for De Bruyne Sharing the pitch with Messi has emerged as Inter Miami’s ultimate recruitment tool, appealing to former Barcelona teammates like Suarez, international colleagues like De Paul, and former rivals like Sergio Reguilón and Casemiro. However, with all Designated Player spots currently occupied and General Allocation Money (GAM) capped, rival clubs are positioning themselves to swoop in. Mundo Deportivo reports that the Chicago Fire and San Diego FC are actively monitoring De Bruyne’s availability. Chicago holds an open Designated Player slot following the departure of leading scorer Hugo Cuypers, while San Diego could open a slot through a potential departure of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, giving both clubs a roster flexibility advantage over Miami. Inter Miami holds crucial regulatory edge Speculation surrounding De Bruyne intensified following reports from The Athletic that MLS owners are pushing for roster rule modifications, specifically moving toward a more flexible salary structure. While structural rule changes won’t offer immediate relief, the Herons still possess a major leverage point over their domestic rivals. Inter Miami currently controls De Bruyne’s MLS Discovery Rights, positioning the club to lead any negotiations should the Belgian decide to make the move stateside. Miami filed for those rights following his departure from Manchester City, meaning both Chicago and San Diego would have to trade for those rights with South Florida before making a formal contract offer to the player.
Poland striker scores double on his home MLS debutMessi returns as Inter Miami draw 2-2 with ColumbusRobert Lewandowski scored two goals on his home debut as the Chicago Fire eked out a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday. The win is Chicago’s first in Major League Soccer since the end of the international break.Lewandowski, signed in late June as a free agent, produced a vintage performance to help the Fire (9-6-2, 29 points) close an ever-narrowing gap with the Eastern Conference’s top three clubs. Charlotte (7-7-4, 25pts) has now lost four of its last five road matches. Continue reading...
Charlotte FC take on the Chicago Fire this weekend, with Dean Smith wanting to add silverware to the club's trophy cabinet this season. The post ‘We want to win trophies’ – Smith eyeing silverware with Charlotte appeared first on SoccerNews.
Desperately searching for a crucial MLS boost in the early hours of Sunday, New York will welcome Orlando to the Sports Illustrated Stadium this weekend. With the MLS firmly stealing centre stage, there are a host of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 4/9 Bookmaker: BetUS […] The post Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City appeared first on SoccerNews.
With the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game set to begin on Wednesday, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul are the two most notable absences for the event in Charlotte. The MLS All-Star team is set to square off against the Liga MX All-Stars on Wednesday, July 29, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for the eighth edition of the North American showcase match. As anticipation builds ahead of kickoff, the absence of Inter Miami superstars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul stands out as the most glaring omission from tonight’s rosters. Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not feature in the 2026 All-Star Game after receiving official load-management clearance from Major League Soccer. The decision stems directly from their grueling summer run at the 2026 World Cup, where the Argentine duo played through the final on July 19, leaving them without an adequate offseason recovery window. Having pushed through to the final against Spain, Inter Miami worked with league officials to coordinate an authorized rest period for the pair. Thanks to this special exemption, neither Messi nor De Paul will face disciplinary action or league-mandated suspensions, avoiding the situation Messi encountered last season following an unsanctioned absence. Having been granted time off from the midsummer exhibition, both Argentine stars received extended downtime following their international duties. Messi officially returned to Inter Miami’s training facility on Wednesday to begin his ramp-up period, while De Paul has yet to rejoin the squad under manager Guillermo Hoyos. POV: Morning greetings with the squad 😁☀️ pic.twitter.com/1ZAodv1BW4— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 29, 2026 With the superstars sitting out, rookie midfielder Yannick Bright will serve as Inter Miami’s sole representative on the MLS All-Star squad. Even without Messi, the roster boasts plenty of star power, headlined by LAFC’s Son Heung-min and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Muller making their All-Star debuts, alongside forwards Sam Surridge (Nashville SC) and Petar Musa (FC Dallas). Noteworthy absences for the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game Messi and De Paul lead a high-profile list of missing marquee names for tonight’s exhibition, particularly notable given that Messi has yet to participate in an All-Star Game since arriving in MLS in 2023. However, several other featured stars from both leagues will also sit out tonight’s contest. On the MLS side, Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was ruled out following his World Cup run with South Africa. Liga MX suffered notable hits as well: Pumas UNAM goalkeeper Keylor Navas will miss out due to a knee injury setback, while 17-year-old Tijuana prodigy Gilberto Mora was dropped from the squad without an official explanation from his club or the league.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will pit the best players from MLS against the best from Liga MX in Charlotte. The 2026 MLS All-Star Game takes place this Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, pitting the league’s best against a Liga MX all-star squad in a rivalry that continues to grow every year. This year’s edition arrives with plenty of storylines, from young breakout talents to World Cup-tested veterans on both sides of the border. One notable absence looms over the occasion: Lionel Messi won’t be suiting up for MLS. The Inter Miami captain is still working through his mandated rest period following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. His teammate Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in the same situation, also sidelined for the exhibition as part of that same post-tournament recovery window. Neither player will face any sanction over their absence, since the league was informed of their unavailability well in advance and both were left off the roster from the start. Their absence opens the door for other players to headline the occasion, and MLS has no shortage of star power to lean on. Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, and a mix of proven MLS regulars and rising prospects make up a 29-player squad selected through a combination of coach’s picks, commissioner’s selections, and fan voting. Our best. Their best. 🥊Watch the MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars at 8pm ET on Apple TV: https://t.co/9ojkoIf5TD pic.twitter.com/R0WmikKJT1— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2026 On the Liga MX side, the Mexican league has put together a 24-player roster under coach Antonio Mohamed, the reigning Coach of the Year, featuring five players who took part in the World Cup and a dozen Liga MX champions. MLS All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire). Coach: Dean Smith (Charlotte FC). Liga MX All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca). Defenders: Bruno Mendez (Toluca), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Garza (Tigres), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas). Midfielders: Alexei Dominguez (Pachuca), Elias Montiel (Pachuca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Jose Paradela (Cruz Azul), Fernando Gorriaran (Tigres), Juan Brunetta (Tigres), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Kevin Castaneda (Guadalajara). Forwards: Javier Ruiz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas), Salomon Rondon (Pachuca). Coach: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca).
New York Red Bulls and Charlotte FC will meet at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday evening, as both sides return to MLS action with playoff positioning in mind. The Red Bulls enter the match looking to respond after a 3-1 defeat to Philadelphia Union, while Charlotte arrives level on points with New York after a […] The post Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte FC appeared first on SoccerNews.
Lionel Messi will not be present for the MLS All-Star Game, missing the event for the second consecutive year. Lionel Messi will once again be absent from the MLS All-Star Game, set to take place on Wednesday, July 29, against Liga MX at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It marks another notable absence for the tournament’s biggest draw, as the Inter Miami captain remains the most influential player across both Concacaf leagues. Unlike last year, though, this absence was known well in advance. Messi is currently on an authorized vacation period, granted by his club after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate and fellow World Cup finalist, was left off the event for the same reason. Messi’s absence from the 2026 edition won’t result in any sanction, since the league was informed of his unavailability well ahead of time and he was never included on the official MLS roster in the first place. MLS Announces Additions to Roster for the 2026 @MLS All-Star Game presented by Chimehttps://t.co/o4H3NhF44U— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 25, 2026 Was Messi sanctioned at the 2025 edition? This isn’t the first time Messi has skipped the exhibition. He also sat out the 2025 edition, but under very different circumstances: back then, he had been named to the squad and pulled out at the last minute, citing muscle overload. Because that decision wasn’t backed by a confirmed injury from MLS medical staff, and was instead a precaution taken jointly by the player and then-manager Javier Mascherano’s coaching staff, the league handed Messi a one-match suspension. MLS roster for the 2026 All-Star Game Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).
Newcastle United's move for Aladji Bamba underlines a marked shift in transfer strategy for the Magpies. It is certainly hard to imagine the club spending £55m on a 29-year-old again like they did when they signed forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford last summer. Instead, Newcastle have targeted players aged 20 and under on the continent this time around.
Lamine Yamal made history by becoming one of the youngest players to ever win a World Cup during Spain's triumphant 2026 campaign. However, his former FC Barcelona teammate, and current Chicago Fire forward, Robert Lewandowski offered a candid assessment of the 19-year-old star: "We didn't see his best version in the World Cup." In an […] Lamine Yamal made history by becoming one of the youngest players to ever win a World Cup during Spain‘s triumphant 2026 campaign. However, his former FC Barcelona teammate, and current Chicago Fire forward, Robert Lewandowski offered a candid assessment of the 19-year-old star: “We didn’t see his best version in the World Cup.“ In an interview with ESPN, when asked about Yamal’s performance on soccer’s biggest stage, the Polish legend gave an honest review: “Honestly, we didn’t see his best version in this tournament. For me, his best form—the best Lamine—wasn’t last season, but from two seasons ago. That was, in my opinion, the absolute best version of Lamine Yamal.” Lewandowski pointed out that the youngster entered the World Cup lacking match fitness following a major injury layoff. “He’s young, and he came into the World Cup on the heels of an injury that sidelined him for about eight weeks. It’s difficult to sit out that long and then be expected to hit the ground running immediately in a World Cup,” he explained. Having shared the pitch with Yamal at Barcelona since 2022, Lewandowski has witnessed the winger’s meteoric rise firsthand. But regarding Spain’s World Cup victory, the new Chicago Fire striker emphasized that La Roja’s collective structure was the key to masking Yamal’s rustiness, allowing him to contribute to the team’s overarching success without carrying the entire burden alone. Lamine Yamal of Spain. Lewandowski backed Spain over Argentina The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was billed as a generational passing of the torch, featuring Yamal and Lionel Messi as the poster boys for two distinct eras. For Lewandowski, choosing a side in the final proved simple. The former Bayern Munich star revealed that he backed La Roja due to his deep ties with several players in the Spanish squad: “I know many of the Spanish players personally and spent a lot of time with them in Barcelona, so I was rooting for them quite a bit. From Argentina, I only really know Leo (Messi) personally, even though I know they won the previous World Cup. That’s why I supported Spain.” Yamal’s 2026 World Cup by the numbers Rehabilitating his injury on a tight deadline, Yamal missed Spain’s warm-up friendlies against Iraq and Peru. However, he recovered in time for the group stage opener and went on to feature in all seven of Spain’s matches during the tournament. While he scored just one goal—a group-stage strike against Saudi Arabia—and failed to log an official assist, his impact on the pitch extended beyond basic box scores. The 19-year-old drew the crucial penalty against France in the semifinals and set a tournament record for the most successful dribbles by a teenager in World Cup history.
Despite having the top scorer of the 2026 MLS season, Chicago Fire decided to make Robert Lewandowski their new star. Ahead of today's match against Inter Miami, fans are closely watching his status, hoping for his debut. Chicago Fire have excelled in front of goal in the current 2026 MLS season. Hugo Cuypers is leading the league’s top scorer, surpassing Lionel Messi by scoring 13 goals. However, they decided to strengthen their attacking power even further by signing Robert Lewandowski as their marquee star. Ahead of today’s match against Inter Miami, fans are closely monitoring the Polish striker’s status. Robert Lewandowski is starting for Chicago Fire today, as he has no injuries and has trained normally. As the team’s biggest star, head coach Gregg Berhalter could look to build the attack around him in order to maximize his goalscoring ability. It also remains to be seen how he will fit him into his tactical setup. Alongside Lewandowski, head coach Gregg Berhalter is keeping Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel as his attacking partners. However, Maren Haile-Selassie would have a bigger role in midfield, as he needs to be the central playmaker, distributing the ball and finding the Polish striker. Inter Miami will be without their biggest stars: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. After the 2026 World Cup, both players will take a few days off to avoid physical discomfort. As a result, all eyes will be on Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame, who will need to be at their best in front of goal. In addition, Micael and Gonzalo Luján could be responsible for providing defensive solidity to the team. Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami CF shoots during the MLS match vs Chicago Fire. Inter Miami confirmed lineup vs Chicago Fire As one of the best teams in MLS, Inter Miami return from the break looking for a convincing victory. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be forced to make changes to his starting lineup following the absences of Messi and De Paul. As a result, David Ruiz returns to the team, playing a key role alongside Yannick Bright. In addition, Luis Suarez and Germán Berterame lead the attack. The Herons lineup as follows: Dayne St Clair; Facundo Mura, Ian Fray, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti; German Berterame, Luis Suarez. Chicago Fire confirmed lineup vs Inter Miami Chicago Fire are looking for a victory that would bring them closer to the MLS Cup title. To achieve this, head coach Gregg Berhalter will rely on Robert Lewandowski. Therefore, the main challenge will be defensive, as they need to be more solid to keep the team balanced. In addition, they will face the Herons and their outstanding attack. With this in mind, Chicago Fire may play as follows: Christopher Brady; Jonathan Dean, Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Andrew Gutman; Anton Saletros, Dje Tah D’Avilla; Philip Zinckernagel, Jonathan Bamba, Maren Haile-Selassie; Robert Lewandowski.
Lamine Yamal helped Spain add the World Cup to the European Championship title they won in 2024, but he did not display his best form. The post World Cup did not see best version of Yamal, says ex-Barcelona team-mate Lewandowski appeared first on SoccerNews.
Inter Miami returns to Major League Soccer action on Wednesday with plenty of attention surrounding the club, but Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not be part of the squad for the clash against the Chicago Fire. Inter Miami returns to Major League Soccer action on Wednesday with plenty of attention surrounding the club, but Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not be part of the squad for the clash against the Chicago Fire. Their absence comes only days after Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Spain, leaving supporters wondering why two of the club’s biggest stars are unavailable. The timing is particularly intriguing because the match also marks Robert Lewandowski’s long-awaited MLS debut for the Chicago Fire, creating one of the league’s biggest fixtures of the season. While Messi and De Paul remain away from the action, both clubs still have plenty at stake as they resume league play following the World Cup break. The World Cup pause officially ended this week, with MLS restarting its schedule before the upcoming All-Star Game and Leagues Cup. The Herons enter the second half of the campaign in second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Fire sits just behind in third, making Wednesday’s meeting a crucial contest despite the missing stars. Before the break, Inter Miami had built excellent momentum by winning four consecutive league matches, scoring goals freely and strengthening its position near the top of the standings. However, the return to domestic competition arrives under unusual circumstances after several players represented their countries during the World Cup. Back home tomorrow. Let’s go! 🩷🌴🎟️ https://t.co/wW5XqtvdAB pic.twitter.com/bWPlsScpje— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 21, 2026 The real reason Messi and De Paul are unavailable The dilemma surrounding Messi and De Paul’s absence comes down to mandatory recovery following their demanding World Cup campaign with Argentina. Both players featured in Sunday’s World Cup final, where Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time, with Messi playing the full 120 minutes. According to multiple reports, including the Miami Herald and ESPN, Inter Miami decided to give both players time away from soccer following FIFA and FIFPRO recommendations regarding player welfare after major international tournaments. The current guidance recommends a minimum 21-day offseason recovery period, with at least 72 hours between matches throughout the calendar. Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammate Rodrigo De Paul. FIFA explained: “There is a consensus that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and that players should have a rest period/holiday of at least 21 days at the end of each season.” The governing body also stressed that “This period should be managed individually by each club and the respective players also depending on their match calendars and taking into account applicable collective agreements.” Un Mundial para estar orgullosos. Con los nuestros, siempre 🩷🖤 pic.twitter.com/FlECxBqGt2— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 20, 2026 What did Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos say? Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos made it clear that resting Messi and De Paul takes priority over rushing them back into league action. After Argentina’s emotional run to another World Cup final, the coach believes both players deserve time with their families before returning to club soccer. Hoyos said: “The World Cup ended just hours ago, and what they need now more than anything is to rest, to be with their loved ones, in their homes.” He also praised the reception Argentina received after returning home, adding: “They will take whatever time they need.” “Yo creo que no tiene 39” 🗣️🐐Guillermo Hoyos, entrenador del Inter Miami, destacó el extraordinario estado físico de Lionel Messi. ⚽🔥 pic.twitter.com/9MFHMqu0TX— Tigo Sports (@TigoSportsPY) July 22, 2026 Without his two Argentine leaders, Hoyos acknowledged replacing them will b
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