Inter Miami CF

Javier Mascherano insists the team must "swallow the poison" after falling 2-1 to Nashville SC in the second game of the first round of the MLS Playoffs in GEODIS Park, before unleashing the anger in the final game of the best-of-three series.

Lionel Messi's thunderous late goal wasn't enough as Nashville SC scored a 2-1 home win over Inter Miami on Saturday to force a decisive Game 3 of their first-round MLS playoff series.

ESPN provides game-by-game analysis of the Lionel Messi's performances.

Herculez Gomez and Shaka Hislop debate the best duo in Major League Soccer.

Herculez Gomez reacts to Lionel Messi's comments about the spending rules in MLS.

Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi said the team must improve defensively in order to be considered contenders to win MLS Cup, adding that every player on the team is prepared to fight for the trophy.

LAFC's Son Heung-Min, a summer acquisition by LAFC, has guaranteed compensation of $11.2 million, while Lionel Messi remains the league's highest paid player at $20.4 million.

Inter Miami CF midfielder Yannick Bright has signed a three-year contract extension with the club through the 2028 MLS season with an additional option year for 2029.

Look at the MLS playoff field long enough and you can make a case that all 16 teams have what it takes to be contenders -- or that they're pretenders.