The MLS Cup will be decided on Saturday, December 7 when the The New York Red Bulls take the field against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
The game is scheduled to start at 4pm EST and will be broadcast FOX and FOX Sports. Fans who want to watch can do so FuboTVwhich offers $30 off the first month or DirecTV Streamwhich offers a free trial. SlingTV does not offer a free trial, but has other promotional offers available.
The Galaxy and Red Bulls haven’t played since 2021. Their last three games all went 3-2 with New York winning two and LA winning the most recent matchup.
The Galaxy are playing in their 10th MLS Cup final and first since 2014, when they won their fifth title. The Red Bulls have only been in 2008, when they lost 3-1 to the Columbus Crew.
WHO: LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls
When: Saturday, December 7th at 4pm EST
Where: Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
Transmission: FuboTV; DirecTV Stream (free trial); Sling
What is FuboTV?
FuboTV is an Internet TV service that offers more than 200 sports and entertainment channels, including Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. From the UEFA Champions League to the WNBA to international sports tournaments, there are plenty of options available at FuboTV, which offers $30 off the first month for new customers.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream it offers pretty much everything that DirecTV offers, except for a remote control and a streaming device to connect to your TV. Sign up now and enjoy three free months of premium channels included MAX, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Starz.
What is SlingTV?
SlingTV offers a variety of live programs ranging from news and sports and from as little as $20 per month for the first month. Subscribers also get a free month of DVR Plus if they sign up now. Choose from a variety of sports packages with no long-term contracts and easy cancellation.
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Lionel Messi wins MLS MVP award, the latest trophy in a long list of honors for the Inter Miami star
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – It was a rare case of Lionel Messi stepping onto a soccer field and having no idea what was going on.
There they were, more than 250 players from the Inter Miami academy, a lot of kids lined up in the middle of the field in a formation that spelled out three letters: MVP. And when Messi saw his children, he noticed that they were carrying a trophy.
That’s how Messi found out he was the best player in Major League Soccer in 2024.
Messi is the MLS MVP, even after a season in which he missed 15 of Inter Miami’s 34 regular-season games with injuries or commitments to the Argentina national team. He had a league-high 36 goals, scored 20, assisted 16 more, the highest rate per 90 minutes in MLS history.
“Truly, it’s an honor for me to receive this award from all of you,” Messi told the academy players.
MLS revealed the results of the vote on Friday. Messi edged out Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez for the award, which is determined based on a poll of players, club coaching staff and select members of the media. Club voters preferred Hernández to Messi by a slight margin; Messi was the choice of 41% of the players and 43% of the media.
“Unless you’re living in the world of global soccer, it’s hard to imagine the general appeal and huge popularity and fame that Leo Messi has,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber, who was also at the stadium. of Inter Miami for the surprise presentation of the MVP. which happened on Wednesday night. “I mean, it’s Michael Jackson meeting Taylor Swift, and he plays in our league.”
Messi finished with 38.4% of the average vote, while Hernandez got 33.7%. Portland Timbers midfielder Evander (9.2%), DC United’s Christian Benteke (7.1%) and Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez (2.2%) rounded out the top five in the voting.
Messi’s win capped a 2024 campaign where he led Inter Miami to the Supporters Shield and the best regular season record in MLS history, as well as captaining Argentina to the Copa America. Inter Miami fell in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, to be able to play in the MLS Cup final next Saturday,” Messi said. “But it’s also football, getting over yourself every day. We had a big dream to be MLS champions this year. It didn’t happen, but next year we’ll come back stronger to try again.”
The MLS MVP, named by Landon Donovan, is another entry in Messi’s absurdly long list of career honors. He was an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, eight-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner, seven-time Spanish League MVP, past UEFA Player of the Year, past La Liga Player of the Season Champions, World Cup Ballon d’Or winner, Club World Cup Ballon d’Or winner, and the list goes on and on and on from there.
Best player ever? It’s hard to argue. Some of the Academy players even addressed Messi at the trophy presentation, telling him why he is their MVP.
“Hey Leo, you’re my MVP because you’ve been my idol since I was little and seeing you here in person every day is really amazing,” Inter Miami U19 player Victor Fung told him. “Thank you for giving us so many unforgettable memories… thank you for everything.”
Messi surprised many in the soccer world when he chose Inter Miami last year, instantly turning the franchise into one of the biggest brands in the game. Winning the League Cup shortly after Messi’s arrival gave Inter Miami its first trophy, and his No. 10 shirt has been MLS’s best-selling jersey since basically the moment the most decorated player never chose Miami.
“I will say it exceeded my expectations,” Garber said. “I love what he’s done for MLS and I hope Leo stays healthy and is in the league for a long time.”
Messi, 37, is under contract until the end of the 2025 season, and Inter Miami have made no secret that they want him to stay until at least 2026, when the club plans to open a new stadium near the Miami International Airport.
“I would love to see Leo in our league for the rest of the time,” Garber said. “I chatted with his wife (Wednesday) night and said hi to his kids. They look really happy here. That’s good. To see a player and his family really happy is what it’s all about.”
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas was asked this week how he feels about the club’s unprecedented investment: Messi’s contract with the team is worth at least $150 million in total value, and his salary annual MLS payroll is more than MLS team payroll combined. worked so far
“Just one word,” Mas said, perhaps briefly unaware that describing anything about Messi usually requires more than one word. “It’s been an amazing run and there’s more to come.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.