The upcoming MLS 2027 season raises the question: how will the new format affect the league and its players? The answer lies in the introduction of the ‘MLS Sprint Season’, which will see all 30 teams play 14 regular-season matches from February to April.

This new campaign structure will culminate in the MLS Cup playoffs, where the top eight teams from both the Eastern and Western conferences will compete for the championship. The final is scheduled for May 2027, and the season will also determine qualifiers for the 2028 CONCACAF Champions Cup and the 2028 Leagues Cup.

Leading up to this moment, the current MLS season, which runs from February to December 2026, will conclude with the MLS Cup final on December 18. This transition marks a significant shift in how the league operates, aiming to enhance competition and fan engagement.

In addition to the structural changes, the league is buzzing with the potential arrival of French star Antoine Griezmann, who is reportedly likely to sign with MLS club Orlando City. Griezmann has been linked to the club for several weeks and intends to play in MLS, expressing his admiration for American sports.

At 35 years old, Griezmann has had a prolific career, scoring 44 goals for the French national team and winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His move to MLS may occur at the end of the European football season, despite the primary transfer window of MLS being officially closed.

Griezmann’s presence in the league would undoubtedly elevate its profile, as he is considered one of the best players in the world. He has often been seen attending NBA basketball matches, showcasing his interest in American sports culture.

As the MLS prepares for this new chapter, fans are eager to see how these changes will unfold and what impact Griezmann’s potential signing will have on Orlando City and the league as a whole. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline of his transfer.

The post MLS 2027 Season Update: Antoine Griezmann’s Potential Move to Orlando City appeared first on newscri.

“We have to fill the void of Griezmann, who is certain to leave the team and head to Orlando City in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) after this season,” stated a representative from Football Espana, highlighting the significance of Antoine Griezmann’s impending departure from Atlético Madrid.

In a recent UEFA Champions League match, Griezmann scored as Atlético Madrid triumphed over Tottenham Hotspur with a score of 5-2. The team showcased an impressive performance, netting four goals within the first 22 minutes of the match, with Julián Álvarez contributing a brace.

Griezmann’s role at Atlético Madrid has been pivotal, making him a symbol of the club. His expected exit marks a significant transition for the team, which is now looking to secure a replacement.

Lee Kang-in has emerged as Atlético’s top target this summer, with negotiations reportedly underway for his transfer. The South Korean player’s transfer fee is estimated to be between 40 million euros and 50 million euros, indicating the club’s commitment to finding a suitable successor.

The potential signing of Lee Kang-in reflects Atlético Madrid’s strategy to maintain competitiveness in the wake of Griezmann’s departure. As the club navigates this transition, the focus will be on integrating new talent while honoring the legacy left by Griezmann.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Atlético Madrid adapts to the changes in their roster. Griezmann’s contributions to the team will be missed, but the club is poised to move forward.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline of Griezmann’s departure and the completion of Lee Kang-in’s transfer, but the situation is developing rapidly.

The post Antoine griezmann appeared first on newscri.

FIFA demonstrates its backing for Mexico as a host nation for the 2026 World Cup, despite the ongoing cartel-related violence in Guadalajara, as stated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Messi Shines in Second Half

It felt like Lionel Messi and Inter Miami had turned on a light switch.

Inter Miami experienced a challenging first half in Orlando, trailing 2-0 before the break — this followed a 3-0 defeat against Los Angeles FC the previous week. However, Messi and the Herons emerged from halftime and delivered an outstanding performance in the second half. Inter Miami surged back to secure a remarkable 4-2 win over Orlando City on Sunday, March 1. This victory marked the first occasion that Inter Miami triumphed at Orlando City’s Inter&Co Stadium.

Messi netted two goals during the match. The first was a stunning strike from beyond the 18-yard box that leveled the score at 2-2, marking Inter Miami’s comeback. Later in the game, Messi added a free kick goal, sealing the victory for Inter Miami with flair.

Inter Miami’s Comeback Victory

In an effort to energize his squad’s offensive play, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano brought on forward Mateo Silvetti shortly after the break. This decision quickly proved fruitful, as Silvetti netted Inter Miami’s inaugural goal of the 2026 MLS season just four minutes into the second half. Following Messi’s equalizer, Telasco Segovia secured the lead for Miami in the 85th minute.

Orlando City, which had been a playoff contender for the last six seasons, has started 2026 with two consecutive losses. In contrast, Inter Miami has managed to secure three points from their initial two matches, as the Herons prepare for five away games in MLS before debuting their new venue, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4.

USA TODAY Sports offered updates and highlights regarding the clash between Orlando City and Inter Miami:

FIFA’s Support for Mexico

After a foul committed by Colin Guske of Orlando City, who received a second yellow card and was sent off, Inter Miami was awarded a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 90th minute.

Lionel Messi seized the moment and expertly converted the free-kick, increasing Inter Miami’s advantage and nearly guaranteeing that the Herons will leave Inter&Co Stadium with all three points.

Inter Miami has rediscovered its championship-winning prowess. Telasco Segovia scored the opening goal in the 85th minute during a second half that was predominantly controlled by Inter Miami. Along with his goal, Segovia contributed two assists, enhancing his performance stats for this match.

Match Highlights and Analysis

Lionel Messi is unstoppable.

The legendary soccer player netted his inaugural goal of the 2026 MLS season during the 57th minute, leveling the match at 2-2.

Outside the 18-yard box, chaos ensued as Inter Miami maintained possession, striving for a clear opportunity to score. The moment arrived when Messi received the ball and skillfully netted the equalizer.

The excitement is palpable in Orlando as MLS presents an exciting matchup for its “Sunday Night Soccer” feature on Apple TV.

Mateo Silvetti quickly made his mark during the Florida Derby. In the 49th minute, he unleashed a powerful strike from beyond the 18-yard box, sending the ball past a diving Maxime Crépeau, the goalkeeper for Orlando City.

Silvetti has scored his first goal in a regular-season MLS match. Previously, he netted two goals during the playoffs while helping Inter Miami secure the MLS Cup.

In an effort to strengthen their offensive play, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano opted for a substitution right after halftime. This bold decision sees Inter Miami shifting to a formation with three defenders, as they replaced defender Noah Allen with forward Mateo Silvetti.

Inter Miami is set to visit President Donald Trump and the White House to commemorate its 2025 MLS Cup victory prior to an upcoming match against D.C. United, a source from the club disclosed to USA TODAY Sports. The individual requested anonymity as the team had not yet revealed the details.

Prior to the Orlando City vs Inter Miami game, take a moment to review this Messi update from the previous week:

During the final moments of a rescheduled match in Puerto Rico on Thursday, February 26, several pitch invaders caused a disruption, including one individual who embraced Messi and brought him down as a security guard attempted to intervene.

Messi emerged unscathed from the incident and completed the match. He netted a penalty in the 70th minute, securing a 2-1 victory over Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle.

The game came after Inter Miami’s season opener, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat against LAFC on Saturday, February 21.

Can Lionel Messi guide Inter Miami to back-to-back league titles, thereby becoming the first MLS Cup champion to repeat since the Los Angeles Galaxy achieved it in 2011-12? Which teams pose the greatest threat to Miami’s dominance in the league? Who will take home the league MVP award? Which player will net the most goals and secure the Golden Boot?

Experts from the USA TODAY Network share their selections.

The post Orlando city vs inter miami: Messi’s Brilliance Secures Comeback Victory appeared first on newscri.