MLS News Roundup: Lionel Messi extension, Wild Card matches, Timo Werner links

Tom Weber

• Updated: 24 Oct 2025 09:14 CDT
• 4 min read

News

The Major League Soccer playoffs are about to kick off in earnest after the midweek Wild Card games.

The two bottom-seeded teams in each Conference squared up to determine who would face the top-seeded teams in the best-of-three first round of the playoffs.

In the East, the Chicago Fire hosted Orlando City and comfortably ran out 3-1 victors in what was their first post-season appearance since 2017. Incredibly, it was also the Fire's first win in the playoffs since 2009.

Over in the West, the Portland Timbers welcomed Real Salt Lake to Providence Park. Despite not having won a game since mid-September, the Timbers performed when it mattered most and also won their game 3-1.

Chicago will face Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia, while the Timbers will travel to San Diego, who are coming off the best expansion season in MLS history. However, they may be without star attacker Hirving Lozano due to a dressing room altercation, according to The Athletic.

Messi extends Miami contract

In other MLS news, Lionel Messi has finally inked a new contract with Inter Miami. The Argentine legend's terms were due to expire at the end of the year, although it had been clear for some time that he would continue playing for David Beckham's franchise.

What is a slight surprise, however, is the length of Messi's new contract. He has signed on for a whopping three years, which would see him continue playing until age 41.

2026 will be a big year for Miami and Messi. Not only is the World Cup coming up for the 38-year-old, but he will also be present to inaugurate the Herons' new soccer-specific stadium, Freedom Park.

Transfer news

Planning for the 2026 season is in full swing, and not just at the teams that missed out on the playoffs. Roster decisions are being announced, and some franchises are really cleaning house. Sporting KC, for example, have just 12 players under contract as things stand.

Sky Germany reports that former Chelsea attacker Timo Werner has had a change of heart and is ready to seek a transfer away from RB Leipzig in the winter. The ex-Germany international turned down the chance to join the New York Red Bulls in the summer.

The German outlet has also revealed that Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Muller is pushing for a move to MLS. The 34-year-old lost his place to Dortmund loanee Diant Ramaj over the summer and wants a new challenge.

Muller has been a brilliant servant to Heidenheim, so the club are willing to let him leave for free even though his contract runs until 2027. It is not yet clear which MLS sides would be interested in him.

TEAMtalk reports that three MLS clubs - LAFC, Vancouver and Montreal - are interested in Australia international Mohamed Toure, who plays for Randers in Denmark and clocked 30 minutes against the USMNT earlier this month. Chelsea owners BlueCo are also scouting him.

Speaking of the USMNT, The Athletic reports that San Diego are in talks with star midfielder Luca de la Torre. They are ready to trigger their purchase option in his loan deal from Celta Vigo, but need to agree a new contract with him. He also has European suitors.

The same outlet reports that Minnesota United are in contract talks with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who is fielding interest from England, Belgium and France. There is optimism that he will continue his successful spell with the Loons.

Lastly, Open Cup winners Nashville SC have made an offer for Maxwell Woledzi. The Ghanaian defender came through the Right to Dream academy and signed with affiliate club Nordsjaelland in 2019. The 24-year-old is now with Norway's Fredrikstad after a stint at Vitoria Guimaraes.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•App Store