“Nashville are a really good team,” Bradley said in response to Bolavip. “Obviously, by a lot of standards, you would say they’ve been the best team in the league so far this year. And so we’re excited for the opportunity to test ourselves against them.“

Nashville displayed a dominant performance on Saturday, handing Miami a 4-1 defeat to increase the gap with Messi and company to five points in the East.

“You know, obviously Miami is another really good team. That was a big match, and I thought on the night Nashville put a lot into it and really made the game hard for Miami,” Bradley added.

Bradley admires Nashville’s style of play

With 43 points in 19 games (W13, D4, L2), Nashville is also in pole position for the Supporters’ Shield title. Bradley is a big admirer of what B.J. Callaghan is doing in the Music City.

“I think Nashville’s football ideas, in terms of having guys in the center of the field, in between the lines, the understanding between their attacking players of how to be fluid and how to balance who wants the ball to their feet and who’s running deep and then how that gets complemented by fullbacks moving into the attack. I think that part is all pretty interesting,” Bradley said.

“So we’re going to continue to look really closely at them, make sure that our players are prepared in the best possible way, and be ready as always when the whistle blows to go after them and to go after the game in a really strong, aggressive way.“

Adri Mehmeti highlights veteran support for Red Bulls’ youngsters

Bradley, who was promoted this year after leading the reserve team to glory in the 2025 MLS Next Pro season, has been working with many young players making their first steps at the pro level.

17-year-old Adri Mehmeti, for instance, has been a sensation for the Red Bulls with one goal and three assists in 18 MLS games in 2026. When asked by Bolavip about Bradley and the veteran leadership on the team, Mehmeti stressed how important the seasoned players are for the younger members of the squad.

“Support has been great from everybody,” Mehmeti said. “I mean, all the staff, all the experienced players. Emil (Forsberg), (Eric Maxim) Choupo-Moting, all the vets, Tim (Parker), Dylan (Nealis). You have a lot of guys that have been helping all of the younger guys this season in a really good way, giving us the confidence when we go into games. We don’t shy away and we just play our football. We play free, and it’s really good that they have our back in every way possible.“

Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano could log his first minutes with LA Galaxy as they take on Dynamo today at Shell Energy Stadium in the restart of MLS following the Leagues Cup, though he is going to start on the bench, he is ready to play some minutes.

After remaining inactive throughout 2026, Lozano is closer than ever to returning to the pitch, thanks to LA Galaxy. ‘Chucky’ will join the list of Mexicans who have represented the club.

Lozano’s arrival in LA

Lozano arrived at LA Galaxy on loan from San Diego FC, a club that sidelined him following disagreements with head coach Mikey Varas. With the move, LA Galaxy added another Mexican player to their roster after Efrain Alvarez left the team.

LA Galaxy are going through an inconsistent stretch, having drawn their last two matches against FC Dallas (0-0) and San Jose Earthquakes (1-1). The squad suffered defeats against St. Louis City (1-3) and Los Angeles FC (0-3), though it managed a narrow 1-0 victory over America. With a record of 3 goals scored and 7 allowed in their last five games, LA Galaxy need the Mexican international to help them find the required level of play.

If he plays in the match, Lozano could reunite on the pitch with Hector Herrera, a player with whom he shared a locker room when Mexico national team featured both as top leaders at the time.

How Houston Dynamo enter the match

Houston Dynamo enter the match after stringing together a positive run with consecutive victories over New England Revolution (2-0), Sporting Kansas City (2-0), and a decisive win against Austin FC (3-0). Previously, they drew against DC United (1-1) and beat America de Cali (2-1) in a friendly, scoring 10 goals while allowing just 2 during this stretch.

Nashville currently occupy the top spot in the table with 40 points through 18 matchdays. However, Lionel Messi and company follow closely behind with 38 points, meaning a victory for the Herons in Nashville would elevate them to the top of the East.

A continental elimination left a bitter taste for Guillermo Hoyos’ squad. Now, the main objective is to remain near the top of MLS and reach peak form for the final stretch of the championship. A victory against Nashville would represent a statement win against one of their primary rivals for the top spot.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

Lionel Messi will start against Nashville SC. The Argentine put behind a difficult personal period that kept him off the pitch for several matches, returning as a substitute against Leon. Now with improved match fitness, Javier Hoyos is confirmed to return him to the starting XI for a crucial match in the fight for the MLS leadership.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup: Dayne St. Clair; Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilon, Gonzalo Lujan, Ian Fray; Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.

Nashville confirmed starting XI

B.J. Callaghan’s team must quickly shift focus back to domestic competition, where it has maintained a high-level campaign with few roster changes. The match against Inter Miami presents a direct opportunity to extend its lead at the top of the East to five points. The main challenge will be recovering energy following a demanding week against a direct rival.

Nashville confirmed lineup: Brian Schwake; Andy Najar, Jeisson Palacios, Maxwell Woledzi, Reed Baker-Whiting; Elias Saad, Matthew Corcoran, Sandvik Tagseth; Cristian Espinoza, Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar.

“Well, Lionel Messi is a great player. He was named the world’s best many times, so I think that with him it’s a whole different story. I admire and respect him a lot,” Lozano said in response to Bolavip, before making it clear that he’d love to represent Mexico again.

“And of course, as long as I continue playing, I will be available for Mexico,” Lozano added. “If they believe it’s the best for the national team for me to be there supporting and helping the team, of course I will be there. I will never say no [to Mexico]. But well, this is a process.“

Lozano hopes to stay on Mexico’s radar with LA Galaxy move

Lozano, 31, joined the Galaxy on loan as a Designated Player through December 2026 with a permanent trade option. The winger hasn’t seen action since November 2025, as a fallout with the coaching staff ended his playing time in San Diego.

“Now that I’ll have the opportunity to play, I believe that they’ll see what I can do, how I find myself, and that way they’ll decide if it’s good having me on the national team or not,” Lozano continued. “I will work a lot to be there, I love to be with the national team, I’m passionate about it, but only time will tell.“

Lozano’s lack of minutes in 2026 cost him a spot on Mexico’s World Cup roster. Javier Aguirre decided not to call up the winger since he stayed with San Diego instead of leaving for a team where he could see the field.

Lozano’s last Mexico game: Will he make it to the 2030 World Cup?

Things may change now with Rafa Marquez replacing Aguirre and Lozano finally moving to a different club. The former PSV star’s last appearance for Mexico came in a November 2025 friendly against Uruguay (0-0), when he had to be subbed off right before halftime due to a muscle injury.

From then on, the team moved forward without him. Lozano will turn 35 in 2030, which suggests that it could be his final opportunity to play one last World Cup with Mexico before it’s too late.

In the meantime, Chucky isn’t closing the door on his country. On the contrary, one of the reasons he’s joining the Galaxy is to impress Marquez and prove he can still contribute on the international stage. As Lozano said, only time will tell us how this plays out.

The first step toward this potential move is already aligned thanks to current contractual schedules. Neymar is on track to become a free agent in January 2027, which would eliminate any transfer fee for the Florida club.

Meanwhile, Messi has a contract secured through the end of the 2028 season, setting up the perfect timeline for their paths to cross once more—an exciting prospect for everyone hoping to see them play together.

Strict MLS Rules and the designated player spot

The primary obstacle standing in the way of the Brazilian landing in Miami is found in the strict MLS Roster Rules and Regulations. MLS operates under a rigid salary cap, but permits a maximum of three Designated Players (DPs) per team. This exception allows clubs to pay unlimited salaries to three of their stars, ensuring that only a minimal fraction of those wages impacts the overall roster cap.

Currently, Inter Miami has its three coveted Designated Player spots fully occupied, with Messi serving as the immovable centerpiece of that structure. To sign a superstar of Neymar’s caliber, the Florida franchise faces a regulatory dead end: it is required to free up one of these spots before the start of the 2027 season, or the signing will be blocked by the MLS.

To clear a spot, management led by David Beckham and Jorge Mas will need to execute surgical moves in the transfer market. The only viable options are selling one of its current Designated Players to another league—with the remaining candidates being Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame—sending one out on loan, or injecting General Allocation Money (GAM) to lower their salary charge against MLS rules and reclassify them as a standard roster player.

Here, the most likely scenario, given what it means for the club, is that German Berterame would be the odd man out due to his poor performance since arriving and his limited contributions to the team.

Financial engineering and the feasibility of a reunion

Even if Inter Miami manages to open up a regulatory DP slot, the base salary the club could offer on payroll would not come close to what Neymar is accustomed to earning. To entice the Brazilian, the club would have to replicate the “Messi Formula”: structuring a contract that offsets salary with external commercial deals, a percentage of global broadcast revenue, and potential sponsorships tied to the new stadium complex.

From a strictly sporting and organizational standpoint, the operation also carries a risk that the club must weigh carefully. The Brazilian’s medical history, marked by severe injuries in recent seasons, will force Inter Miami to evaluate whether committing a resource as valuable as a DP spot is worth it for a player who might not guarantee physical consistency through the grueling American schedule.

Melo revealed that Neymar expressed a desire to join Inter Miami. “I got in touch with a friend, and that friend told me that Neymar is going to leave Santos to play for Inter Miami starting in January,” Melo said on FMTV (Felipe Melo TV).

For now, there is no official announcement or publicly confirmed negotiation from Inter Miami, keeping the scenario as a potential market move looking ahead to 2027. Reports point to the American club as one of the most likely destinations for an eventual final chapter in the Brazilian’s career.

A reunion filled with magic

The scenario centers on the forward’s contractual situation. Neymar is under contract with Santos until December 31, 2026. If a renewal is not reached, he would become a free agent to decide the next step of his career. That status could facilitate an eventual arrival in MLS without Inter Miami needing to negotiate a transfer fee with the Brazilian club.

Messi, Suarez, and Neymar shared the attack for three seasons at Barcelona. Between 2014 and 2017, they generated 363 goals and 173 assists, figures that turned MSN into one of the most productive attacking trios in soccer history.

In the 2014-15 season, they scored 122 goals across all competitions. A year later, they elevated that number to a record 131, while in their final season together, they combined for another 110 goals.

Messi contributed 153 goals across those three seasons (58, 41, and 54). Suarez scored 120 (25, 59, and 36), while Neymar completed the output with 90 goals (39 in the first campaign, 31 in the second, and 20 in the last).

The Messi-Neymar connection

The connection between Messi and Neymar also produced extraordinary numbers. The two shared the pitch in 161 matches and combined directly for 56 goals, with Neymar assisting Messi 36 times and the Argentine returning the favor on 20 of the Brazilian’s goals.

“It’s clear that it’s a disadvantage; you don’t have to be [Albert] Einstein to realize it. The home team is waiting for you at their own place, with their own beds, meals and schedules. Obviously, it takes a physical toll,” Abreu said in response to Bolavip during a press conference on Saturday.

Although San Diego is only across the US-Mexico border for Tijuana, the Xolos first had to travel to Texas to play Austin in their debut at the 2026 Leagues Cup. Needless to say, it wasn’t a good start, as it put Abreu’s team with its back against the wall.

Abreu wants Tijuana to be cautious

Only a win will do for Tijuana against San Diego FC as the Xolos are playing for survival in the 2026 Leagues Cup. After losing to Austin in the opener, the Xolos can’t afford another defeat, and even a tie could be enough to eliminate them.

With everything on the line, Abreu still wants his team to be wary, as there is a long Liga MX season ahead. Perhaps because the tournament lacks prestige or Mexican teams believe they are at a disadvantage, the Xolos’ head coach didn’t show much urgency.

“We have to take precautions for when domestic league play resumes, but we should enjoy it and, above all, let the young players gain these experiences, which are fantastic for them,” Abreu stated in response to Bolavip.

Tijuana’s Leagues Cup schedule

After the 2-0 loss in the debut against Austin, Tijuana take on San Diego FC (Aug. 9) on the road before closing the first round of the 2026 Leagues Cup on Aug. 13 when they visit the Portland Timbers. Only days later, Liga MX action will resume and the Xolos are scheduled to go head to head with Cruz Azul on Aug. 17.

• Tijuana at Austin: 2-0 loss
• Tijuana at San Diego FC (Aug. 9)
• Tijuana at Portland Timbers (Aug. 13)

How to watch Toluca vs Seattle Sounders in the USA

Toluca vs Seattle Sounders will be available to watch in the United States through multiple TV and streaming options. It will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), while Spanish-language coverage will be available on TUDN USA and UniMás.

For fans who prefer to stream the match, the game will be available on Apple TV through MLS Season Pass, along with Fubo, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App and FOX One.

Can I watch Toluca vs Seattle Sounders for free?

Fubo offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new users, which can provide access to FS1 and other sports channels included in its plans during the trial period. After the trial ends, a paid subscription is required to continue watching.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

This is one of the most anticipated games of the opening phase of the 2026 Leagues Cup. It features back-to-back Liga MX champions Toluca against the defending Leagues Cup champions Seattle Sounders, marking the first Leagues Cup match ever played in Mexico.

The tournament’s new format also awards three places in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, making every Phase One match crucial. Seattle arrive looking to defend the title they captured in 2025, while Toluca enter the competition after an outstanding domestic run that included consecutive Liga MX championships.

With only the top four clubs from each league-specific table advancing to the knockout stage, an opening victory could prove decisive in the race for qualification. The clash also represents another chapter in the growing rivalry between MLS and Liga MX.

Since the tournament adopted its interleague format, MLS clubs have dominated the competition, while Mexican teams continue searching for their first title under the current structure. That storyline adds even more significance to Wednesday night’s showdown in Toluca.

Toluca vs Seattle Sounders: Predicted Lineups

Toluca (4-2-3-1): Luis Garcia; Jesus Gallardo, Federico Pereira, Haret Ortega, Mateo Simon; Franco Romero, Victor Arteaga; Alexis Vega, Roberto Diaz, Jesus Angulo; Ivan Lopez.

Seattle Sounders (4-2-3-1): Andrew Thomas; Nouhou Tolo, Stuart Hawkins, Kee-hee Kim, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi; Snyder Kingston, Paul Brunell; Paul Rothrock, Albert Rusnak, Jesus Ferreira; Osaze De Rosario.

What time is the Toluca vs Seattle Sounders match?

The match kicks off on Wednesday, August 5, at 10:00 PM ET. For viewers across the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time (ET): 10:00 PM
• Central Time (CT): 9:00 PM
• Mountain Time (MT): 8:00 PM
• Pacific Time (PT): 7:00 PM

How to watch LAFC vs Chivas Guadalajara in the USA

The match will be available exclusively on Apple TV. No traditional U.S. television channel has been assigned to this fixture, making Apple TV the only official way to watch the game live in the United States.

Can I watch LAFC vs Chivas Guadalajara for free?

There is currently no way to watch LAFC vs Chivas Guadalajara for free in the United States. The match is part of the exclusive Leagues Cup package available on Apple TV, which requires a paid subscription. The service offers a free trial, but then the paid subscription becomes active.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

LAFC open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with one of the marquee matchups of the tournament, hosting Liga MX powerhouse Chivas Guadalajara at BMO Stadium. Under the competition’s format, each club plays three Phase One matches against teams from the opposite league, with only the top four MLS clubs and the top four Liga MX clubs advancing to the quarterfinals.

That makes every opening match critical, especially in a field where goal difference and regulation wins could determine who moves on. Beyond the trophy, the tournament also offers three berths in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, raising the stakes from the very first game.

For LAFC, the match is an opportunity to capitalize on home advantage and build momentum after an encouraging MLS campaign that has kept the club among the contenders in the Western Conference.

Chivas, meanwhile, arrive eager to reverse Liga MX‘s recent struggles in the competition after MLS clubs captured the last three Leagues Cup titles. With one of Mexico’s biggest clubs facing one of Major League Soccer‘s premier teams, the contest is expected to be one of the standout attractions of the opening round.

LAFC vs Chivas Guadalajara: Predicted Lineups

Los Angeles FC (4-3-3): Hugo Lloris; Yevhen Cheberko, Aaron Long, Ryan Porteous, Ryan Hollingshead; Timothy Tillman, Eddie Segura, Mathieu Choiniere; Denis Bouanga, Heung-min Son, Jacob Shaffelburg.

Chivas Guadalajara (3-1-4-2): Raul Rangel; Daniel Aguirre, Jose Castillo, Luis Romo; Fernando Gonzalez; Bryan Gonzalez, Jordan Carrillo, Erick Gutiérrez, Richard Ledezma; Armando Gonzalez, Roberto Alvarado.

What time is the LAFC vs Chivas Guadalajara match?

The match kicks off on Wednesday, August 5, at 10:30 PM ET. Here are the start times across the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 10:30 PM
• Central Time (CT): 9:30 PM
• Mountain Time (MT): 8:30 PM
• Pacific Time (PT): 7:30 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Atletico San Luis in the USA

The match will stream live exclusively on Apple TV. No traditional U.S. television channel has been assigned to this fixture, making Apple TV the only official platform for viewers in the United States.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Atletico San Luis for free?

No. There is currently no official way to watch Inter Miami vs Atletico San Luis for free in the United States. The match is part of the Leagues Cup broadcast package and requires access through Apple TV. The service offers a free trial before the paid subscription becomes active though.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Inter Miami begin their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with a home clash against Atletico San Luis, looking to make a strong start in a tournament that has become one of the club’s top priorities. Lionel Messi is expected to start against Atletico San Luis today.

The Herons lifted the inaugural expanded Leagues Cup trophy in 2023 with Messi leading the way, but they fell short in the 2025 final against the Seattle Sounders.

With only the top-performing teams advancing from Phase One, every point is crucial, making an opening victory especially valuable before tougher tests against Monterrey and Club Leon later in the stage. A win, tie or loss will have different implications for Inter Miami today.

The match also marks Inter Miami’s return to cup action following the 2026 FIFA World Cup break, with Messi back in the squad after helping Argentina defend its world title. However, head coach Guillermo Hoyos will have to cope without striker Luis Suarez, who isn’t playing today as he’s facing a six-game Leagues Cup suspension after disciplinary action stemming from last year’s Leagues Cup final.

Atletico San Luis, meanwhile, arrive eager to pull off an upset against one of MLS’s biggest clubs and boost their chances of reaching the knockout rounds in a tournament that once again pits MLS and Liga MX sides against one another from the very first matchday.

Inter Miami vs Atletico San Luis: Predicted Lineups

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Rios Novo; Mura, Caicedo, Micael, Allen; De Paul, Casemiro, Bright; Pinter, Silvetti, Messi.

Atletico San Luis (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; Aguila, Bambu, Garcia; Esteves, Macías, Salles-Lamonge, Torres; Rodriguez, Llorente; Flores.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Atletico San Luis match?

The match kicks off on Wednesday, August 5, at 7:30 PM ET. Here are the start times across the United States:

Eastern Time (ET): 7:30 PM
Central Time (CT): 6:30 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 5:30 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 4:30 PM

How to watch Monterrey vs Orlando City in the USA

Fans in the United States can watch Monterrey vs Orlando City live with Apple TV, which carries every Leagues Cup match without local blackouts.

The service is available through the Apple TV app on smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile devices and web browsers.

Can I watch Monterrey vs Orlando City for free?

Unfortunately, there is no free streaming option available for Monterrey vs Orlando City in the United States. However, Apple TV offers a free trial before the paid subscription becomes active.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Monterrey and Orlando City open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign knowing that every result is crucial in the tournament’s new Phase One format.

Unlike previous editions with traditional group play, clubs now face three scheduled opponents, earning points that determine whether they advance to the knockout rounds. A winning start can provide a major advantage in the race for qualification.

For Orlando City, playing at Inter&Co Stadium offers an excellent opportunity to begin the competition with home support against one of Liga MX‘s strongest clubs. Before the game, Bolavip asked Robin Jansson about Antoine Griezmann’s impact in Orlando.

The Lions have developed into one of MLS‘ most consistent teams and will be eager to make a statement against a continental heavyweight before facing Leon and Atletico de San Luis later in the competition.

Monterrey, meanwhile, enter the tournament with high expectations after assembling another talented squad capable of competing for international silverware.

Rayados know that taking points on the road would strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage before upcoming meetings with Inter Miami and Nashville SC, making this one of the standout fixtures of the opening matchday.

Monterrey vs Orlando City: Predicted Lineups

Monterrey (3-5-2): Luis Cardenas; Gerardo Arteaga Salcedo, Victor Guzman, Johan Rojas Acevedo; Lucas Ocampos, Jordi Cortizo Rodriguez, Sergio Canales Corona, Oliver Torres, Luca Orellano; Tolu Arokodare Cuypers, Diego Rossi.

Orlando City (4-4-2): Maxime Crepeau; Adria Marin, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel Brekalo, G. Dorsey; Tiago Andrade, Martin Ojeda, Eduard Atuesta, Ivan Angulo; Ramiro Enrique Ellis, Antoine Griezmann.

What time is the Monterrey vs Orlando City match?

The Monterrey vs Orlando City Leagues Cup match kicks off on Wednesday, August 5, at 7:30 PM ET. For fans across the United States, here are the local kickoff times:

Eastern Time (ET): 7:30 PM
Central Time (CT): 6:30 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 5:30 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 4:30 PM