MLS round-up: All the latest news as Messi named Athlete of the Year

Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami has handed Major League Soccer a huge boost and LiveScore is the place to be for all the big talking points from the United States. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Watch the MLS live on Apple TV+ with an MLS Season Pass

Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has added another award to his trophy cabinet after being named TIME's Athlete of the Year.

The Argentina captain inspired Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy in 2023, scoring 10 goals in seven matches during the club's successful run in the Leagues Cup.

He also aided David Beckham's franchise in a late play-off push in Major League Soccer but the Florida-based outfit fell just short.

LAFC have their eyes set on back-to-back MLS Cup titles after setting up a showdown with Colombus Crew in the final.

The Californian outfeat beat Houston Dynamo 2-0 thanks to a Ryan Hollingshead strike and Franco Escobar own goal.

Now they have the chance to become the first reigning champions to defend their crown since neighbours LA Galaxy managed the feat in 2011 and 2012.

The winner-takes-all clash will take place on Saturday with Crew toppling FC Cincinnati 3-2 to book their place.

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami will face the El Salvador national team in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign.

The friendly at Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador will take place on January 19, with the regular MLS season expected to kick off in late February.

Messi mania continues to grip the Sunshine State ahead of his first full season for the Herons, with the club revealing 2024 season tickets have already sold out.

FC Cincinnati forward Luciano Acosta has been named the 2023 MLS MVP.

The Argentinian ace, 29, took a whopping 60.37% of the votes to eclipse LAFC star Denis Bouanga, who finished second with 14.97%.

Acosta racked up 31 goal contributions during the regular season to inspire his side to their first Supporters Shield triumph.

Cincinnati face Colombus Crew on December 2 as they look to go all the way in the play-offs.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham says he used to arrive at training at 7am just to watch Lionel Messi in the weeks after the Argentine's arrival.

He told The Times: "It was important for me to enjoy this moment after all the hard work.

"I wanted to see him [Messi] come in, see him go about everything he does so professionally, setting an example to all the young kids here. He is a superstar, but the most humble superstar. And I just love to watch him train."