EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLionel Messi and his Inter Miami team continue to lead the way as the average MLS salary rose 9.7%, according to the latest MLS player salary data released by the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) Thursday.Messi, who is under contract through the end of 2025, has an annual guaranteed compensation of $20.4 million, factoring in only the Argentina forward's…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Emma Hayes era of the U.S. women's national team got off to a fairy-tale start this summer, when the Americans returned to the top of the podium in Paris for the program's fifth Olympic gold medal. Now comes Hayes' primary assignment.She was hired as head coach to win the 2027 World Cup. That is why U.S. Soccer…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThibaut Courtois has been ruled out of this weekend's El Clásico (live on ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET) against Barcelona due to an "adductor injury in his left leg" that could keep him out for three to four weeks, sources have told ESPN.The Real Madrid goalkeeper initially suffered the injury during the 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid on…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSpain's national police have arrested four people responsible for a hate campaign against Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.The investigation began following three complaints filed by LaLiga ahead of Madrid's 1-1 league draw at Atlético Madrid on Sept. 29.Police confirmed to ESPN that those arrested "incited fans through social media to go to the [Metropolitano] stadium to utter insults…