Key performers such as FC Cincinnati playmaker Evander and Dallas striker Petar Musa are set to display their refined technical precision during the challenge. Creators like YouTube personality FaZe Rug and Belgian influencer Céline Dept bring extra energy to round out the field.

Competitors will test their abilities under an updated framework designed to show individual skills over running team points. Rather than relying on a cumulative score deciding the entire night, each challenge now crowns its own distinct champion.

Skills challenge format

The competition kicks off with precision tests including the Shooting Challenge, Passing Challenge, and Goalie Wars. Players rack up points by hitting high-value target zones inside the net before tackling timed distribution drills across the pitch.

• Shooting Challenge: Players test their shooting accuracy by targeting high-value point zones inside the net within a tight 60-second limit.
• Goalie Wars: Goalkeepers duel head-to-head in a fast-paced battle where they kick, throw, and punt to score while defending their net.
• Crossbar Challenge: Competitors launch direct strikes from the edge of the 18-yard box to hit the crossbar in a test of touch.
• Passing Challenge: Participants complete precise distribution drills across the pitch aiming for small targets against the clock.
• MLS vs. LIGA MX Relay Challenge: A timed team race combining elements from all preceding events to decide bragging rights between both leagues.

Roster and key absences

Noticeably missing from the skill challenge is Lionel Messi, alongside his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. Both superstars received an official league exemption to rest after competing through the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey.

MLS stars: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (NYCFC), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC).

LIGA MX stars: Juan Brunetta & Fernando Gorriarán (Tigres UANL), Elías Montiel & Carlos Moreno (CF Pachuca), José Paradela & Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Federico Pereira (Toluca CF), and Javier Ruiz (Club Necaxa).

MLS NEXT Pro players: Pedro Cruz (Houston Dynamo 2), Will Mackay (Huntsville City FC), and Edouard Nys (North Texas SC).

Celebrities: Danny Ramírez, Céline Dept, FaZe Rug, and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.

“Berterame is doing well,” Inter Miami’s statement read. “He was discharged from the hospital today and is returning home after spending the night under observation at Montreal General Hospital.

“He sustained injuries to his left shoulder and nose as a result of the hard blow he suffered during the match. He will begin the corresponding recovery process in the coming days under the supervision of the Club’s medical staff. His progress will determine the timeline for his return to physical activity.“

What happened to Berterame?

Challenging for a high ball near the 70th minute of the game, Berterame was hit from behind by CF Montreal defender Efrain Morales, whose header attempt caught the striker in the shoulder and the back of the head. Berterame landed headfirst on the pitch, which explains the nose injury, and appeared to lose consciousness.

Inter Miami’s medical staff came rushing onto the field as players from both sides reacted and helped the striker while the medics attended to him. Berterame had to be stretchered into an ambulance and was taken immediately to the nearest hospital to Montreal’s home stadium.

According to the club’s latest statement, Berterame is doing well and is out of danger. Still, the scary scenes in Quebec’s metropolis, combined with the fact that it was a head injury, mean the Herons must be patient and take every precaution before Berterame returns to action.

When does Inter Miami play next?

Inter Miami’s next game will be against Columbus Crew on August 1. The Herons will return home, hosting the visitors from Ohio at Nu Stadium. Inter Miami has won six games in a row, going back to May, and will look to make it seven straight against Columbus.

How to watch SJ Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy in the USA

Soccer fans won’t find this highly anticipated clash anywhere else, as Apple TV holds exclusive rights to broadcast the action live in its entirety.

The game will be available exclusively through Apple TV, delivering comprehensive live coverage from the opening kick through the closing moments.

Can I watch SJ Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy for free?

Viewers in the United States can stream the game live through Apple TV, which currently provides a complimentary 7-day trial for eligible new users.

With this promotion, fans can tune in and watch the action without paying upfront, then decide at the end of the trial period whether they would like to keep their subscription active.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

After suffering a surprising 4-0 defeat to Orlando City, the San Jose Earthquakes will look to quickly bounce back and reinforce their position among the Western Conference contenders.

Standing in their way are the LA Galaxy, who are also searching for answers after consecutive setbacks, including a 3-1 loss to St. Louis City SC and a 3-0 defeat against LAFC in the latest edition of the Los Angeles derby.

With both California rivals eager to put recent struggles behind them, this clash carries added significance as each side aims to return to winning form. Don’t miss what promises to be a highly competitive showdown.

SJ Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy: Predicted Lineups

SJ Earthquakes (4-2-3-1): Andrew Gunn; Jamar Ricketts, Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, Benji Kikanovic; Ronaldo Vieira, Beau Leroux, Nick Fernandez; Timo Werner, Ousseni Bouda; Preston Judd.

LA Galaxy (4-3-2-1): JT Marcinkowski; John Nelson, Emiro Garcés, Jakob Glesnes, Miki Yamane; Elijah Wynder, Justin Haak, Lucas Sanabria; Harbor Miller, Joseph Paintsil; Marco Reus.

What time is the SJ Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy match?

The match kicks off today, July 25, at 10:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 10:30 PM
Central Time: 9:30 PM
Mountain Time: 8:30 PM
Pacific Time: 7:30 PM

How to watch CF Montreal vs Inter Miami in the USA

Soccer fans won’t find this highly anticipated clash anywhere else, as Apple TV holds exclusive rights to broadcast the action live in its entirety.

The game will be available exclusively through Apple TV, delivering comprehensive live coverage from the opening kick through the closing moments.

Can I watch CF Montreal vs Inter Miami for free?

Viewers in the United States can stream the game live through Apple TV, which currently provides a complimentary 7-day trial for eligible new users.

With this promotion, fans can tune in and watch the action without paying upfront, then decide at the end of the trial period whether they would like to keep their subscription active.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Inter Miami enters this match on a high after a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Chicago Fire, a result that lifted the Herons to 34 points and within five of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.

Even without Lionel Messi, Miami has remained one of the conference’s strongest teams and will be aiming to extend its winning run with another valuable three points.

CF Montreal, meanwhile, is looking to recover from a 1-0 loss to Nashville and keep its postseason hopes alive, sitting four points outside the Eastern Conference play-in spots heading into this important clash.

CF Montreal vs Inter Miami: Predicted Lineups

CF Montreal (4-3-3): Sébastian Breza; Dawid Bugaj, Jalen Neal, Efraín Morales, Luca Petrasso; Fabian Herbers, Samuel Piette, Matty Longstaff; Hennadii Synchuk, Prince Owusu, Noah Streit.

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Ian Fray, Micael dos Santos Silva, Sergio Reguilón; Dániel Pintér, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti, Germán Berterame, Luis Suárez.

What time is the CF Montreal vs Inter Miami match?

The match kicks off today, July 25, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

How to watch New York City vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Apple TV will be the exclusive home for fans eager to watch this marquee showdown live from beginning to end.

This matchup will stream live only on Apple TV, where exclusive coverage brings every moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch New York City vs Chicago Fire for free?

Viewers across the United States can watch this match live on Apple TV, which is offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The offer lets viewers enjoy the match at no initial cost before deciding whether to continue with a subscription after the free trial ends.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With plenty at stake in the Eastern Conference standings, Chicago Fire and New York City FC are set for a pivotal showdown.

Chicago enters the matchup looking to keep pace with the conference leaders, while NYCFC is aiming to strengthen its grip on a playoff spot after an inconsistent stretch.

A victory would provide a significant boost for either side, but a defeat could prove costly as the postseason race tightens, setting the stage for an intense battle from kickoff to the final whistle.

New York City vs Chicago Fire: Predicted Lineups

New York City (4-2-3-1): Matt Freese; Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Birk Risa, Kevin O’Toole; Keaton Parks, Andrés Perea; Julián Fernández, Maxi Moralez, Hannes Wolf; Alonso Martínez.

Chicago Fire (4-2-3-1): Chris Brady; Allan Arigoni, Carlos Terán, Rafael Czichos, Andrew Gutman; Kellyn Acosta, Federico Navarro; Maren Haile-Selassie, Brian Gutiérrez, Jonathan Bamba; Hugo Cuypers.

What time is the New York City vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off today, July 25, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

How to watch LA Galaxy vs St. Louis City in the USA

Apple TV will be the exclusive home for fans eager to watch this marquee showdown live from beginning to end.

This matchup will stream live only on Apple TV, where exclusive coverage brings every moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch LA Galaxy vs St. Louis City for free?

Viewers across the United States can watch this match live on Apple TV, which is offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The offer lets viewers enjoy the match at no initial cost before deciding whether to continue with a subscription after the free trial ends.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The race for an MLS play-in spot heats up as the Los Angeles Galaxy and St. Louis City SC square off in a matchup with major postseason implications.

The Galaxy are eager to rebound after a tough loss to LAFC in the latest edition of the Los Angeles derby, while St. Louis enters with momentum following a 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City.

Sitting on 19 points, just one behind the Galaxy, St. Louis can leapfrog its Western Conference rival with a victory. Los Angeles, meanwhile, knows a response is essential as both clubs battle to strengthen their playoff hopes.

LA Galaxy vs St. Louis City: Predicted Lineups

LA Galaxy (4-3-3): Mićović; Yamane, Glesnes, Nelson; Cerrillo, Sanabria, Haak; Reus, Wynder, Thommy, Paintsil.

St. Louis City (3-4-3): Lundt; MacNaughton, Totland, Baumgartl; Wallem, Löwen, Hartel, Polvara; Edelman, Becher, Jeong Sang-bin.

What time is the LA Galaxy vs St. Louis City match?

The match kicks off today, July 22, at 10:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 10:30 PM
Central Time: 9:30 PM
Mountain Time: 8:30 PM
Pacific Time: 7:30 PM

How to watch LAFC vs Real Salt Lake in the USA

Fans across the United States will have multiple options to watch this exciting match live, with several platforms offering complete coverage of the action from start to finish.

The game will be available on Apple TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, and Hulu + Live TV, with FS1 and FOX Deportes airing the TV broadcast.

Can I watch LAFC vs Real Salt Lake for free?

Fans in the United States can stream the game live on Fubo (free five-day trial) or Apple TV (free seven-day trial for eligible users).

Available nationwide, both streaming services provide complete coverage of the action, from the opening kick until the match comes to an end.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With playoff positioning becoming increasingly important, LAFC and Real Salt Lake are set for a pivotal Western Conference showdown. LAFC heads into the matchup riding high after an impressive rivalry win over the LA Galaxy and will look to build on that momentum.

Real Salt Lake, meanwhile, enters with confidence after a convincing 4-1 victory over Burnley in a friendly, hoping to carry that form into a crucial league result as both clubs battle to move up the standings.

LAFC vs Real Salt Lake: Predicted Lineups

LAFC (4-3-3): Hugo Lloris; Sergi Palencia, Ryan Porteous, Nkosi Tafari, Yevhen Smolyakov; Malik Tillman, Mark Delgado, Mathieu Choinière; David Martínez, Son Heung-min, Denis Bouanga.

Real Salt Lake (4-4-2): Rafael Cabral; DeAndre Yedlin, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, Alexandros Katranis; Noel Caliskan, Emeka Eneli, Braian Ojeda, Diego Luna; William Agada, Zavier Gozo.

What time is the LAFC vs Real Salt Lake match?

The match kicks off today, July 22, at 10:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 10:30 PM
Central Time: 9:30 PM
Mountain Time: 8:30 PM
Pacific Time: 7:30 PM

How to watch Charlotte vs Atlanta United in the USA

Fans across the United States will have multiple options to watch this exciting match live, with several platforms offering complete coverage of the action from start to finish.

The game will be available on Apple TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, and Hulu + Live TV, with FS1 and FOX Deportes airing the TV broadcast.

Can I watch Charlotte vs Atlanta United for free?

Fans in the United States can stream the game live on Fubo (free five-day trial) or Apple TV (free seven-day trial for eligible users).

Available nationwide, both streaming services provide complete coverage of the action, from the opening kick until the match comes to an end.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Charlotte FC and Atlanta United meet in a key Eastern Conference showdown with valuable points on the line. Atlanta has managed just 11 points this season and sits near the bottom of the standings, making a win essential to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Charlotte, meanwhile, holds a postseason spot with 21 points but remains under pressure from several teams close behind, leaving little room for mistakes. With plenty at stake for both sides, this rivalry is one you won’t want to miss.

Charlotte vs Atlanta United: Predicted Lineups

Charlotte (4-2-3-1): Kristijan Kahlina; Nathan Byrne Cleary, Idan Toklomati Agyemang, Henry Kessler, Andrew Privett; Ashley Westwood, Djibril Diani; Kerwin Vargas, Pep Biel, Wilfried Zaha; Idan Toklomati.

Atlanta United (5-4-1): Ethan Hoyos; Matthew Edwards, Noah Jacob, Enea Mihaj, Ronald Baez; Tristan Muyumba; Luke Brennan, Edwin Mosquera Sanchez, Ajani Fortune, Xande Silva Lobjanidze; Aleksei Miranchuk.

What time is the Charlotte vs Atlanta United match?

The match kicks off today, July 22, at 8:15 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 8:15 PM
Central Time: 7:15 PM
Mountain Time: 6:15 PM
Pacific Time: 5:15 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Apple TV will be the exclusive home for fans eager to watch this marquee showdown live from beginning to end.

This matchup will stream live only on Apple TV, where exclusive coverage brings every moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire for free?

Viewers across the United States can watch this match live on Apple TV, which is offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The offer lets viewers enjoy the match at no initial cost before deciding whether to continue with a subscription after the free trial ends.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

A key Eastern Conference showdown is on tap as Inter Miami meets the Chicago Fire in a match with major playoff implications.

In a strong first half of the campaign led by Lionel Messi, Miami remained among the MLS elite to sit five points behind conference-leading Nashville SC. However, Lionel Messi won’t be playing against Chicago today, as he’s getting time to rest after making it all the way to the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina.

Chicago, third in the East with 26 points, has the opportunity to close the gap on both Nashville (33) and Miami (31) with a statement victory on the road. All eyes will be on Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to make his MLS debut with Chicago today.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off today, July 22, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

The Leagues Cup once again brings together clubs from Major League Soccer and Liga MX, creating a month-long tournament featuring many of the biggest stars on the continent.

Inter Miami, which lifted the trophy in 2023, enters the competition hoping to capture another title with a star-studded squad led by Lionel Messi. However, there might be a catch.

When does Inter Miami play in the 2026 Leagues Cup?

Inter Miami will open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico de San Luis on August 5. The club will then face Monterrey on August 8 before wrapping up the group stage against Leon on August 12.

All three matches are scheduled to be played at Nu Stadium in Miami, giving Inter Miami home-field advantage throughout the opening phase of the tournament.

Will Lionel Messi play in 2026 Leagues Cup?

That remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the tournament. After leading Argentina through another demanding World Cup campaign, Messi is expected to receive a period of rest before returning to club action.

Inter Miami have not yet confirmed whether the Argentine captain will be available for the opening Leagues Cup matches, and his participation could depend on how much recovery time the club grants him following the World Cup.

Supporters will be watching closely over the coming weeks, as Messi’s availability could significantly influence Inter Miami’s chances of making another deep run and competing for a second Leagues Cup title.

According to an official league statement, “Major League Soccer is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF. The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete. While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the Discovery Priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.”

The investigation centers on MLS discovery rights, a mechanism that grants clubs exclusive negotiating priority for certain players. Inter Miami and the LA Galaxy reached an agreement that allows Miami to acquire Casemiro’s discovery rights, but MLS will not disclose the compensation package until the review is complete.

The veteran midfielder joins Miami after leaving Manchester United, adding another high-profile international star to the club’s roster. Casemiro is expected to strengthen a squad that already features some of the biggest names in world soccer as Inter Miami resumes their MLS campaign.

Inter Miami has faced MLS sanctions before

This isn’t the first time Inter Miami has found itself under league scrutiny. In 2021, MLS sanctioned the club after an investigation concluded that it had violated the league’s salary budget rules by underreporting player compensation. The penalties included a $2 million fine, suspensions for club executives, and significant reductions in allocation money over multiple seasons.

More recently, Inter Miami also clashed with the league after Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were suspended for missing the MLS All-Star Game without documented injuries, prompting public criticism from club owner Jorge Mas.

Casemiro brings elite experience to Miami

Despite the ongoing investigation, Casemiro is eligible to join Inter Miami after signing a short-term contract through the summer of 2027, with an option that could extend the agreement until 2029.

The 34-year-old arrives following a strong final season with Manchester United, where he scored nine goals. Before moving to England in 2022, Casemiro established himself as one of the most decorated midfielders in modern soccer during an extraordinary spell with Real Madrid, winning five UEFA Champions League titles.

Whether the league’s investigation results in any sanctions remains to be seen, but Casemiro’s arrival further reinforces Inter Miami’s ambition to remain one of MLS’s marquee clubs both on and off the field.