Lionel Messi scored twice to spark Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, seizing the lead in Major League Soccer's scoring table in a key victory for the Florida club.

An official announcement is expected within the next two weeks.

Lionel Messi's Panenka penalty miss in Inter Miami's 3-0 defeat against Charlotte FC in an MLS encounter on Saturday reignited comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Thomas Muller scored a hattrick on his birthday and Emmanuel Sabbi added two goals of his own for the Vancouver Whitecaps, who dismantled the visiting Philadelphia Union 7-0 in an MLS encounter on Saturday night.

The Seattle Sounders stunned Lionel Messi and Inter Miami 3-0 on Sunday to win the Leagues Cup, completing their collection of North American trophies in front of a record crowd at Lumen Field.

Lionel Messi's status for Inter Miami's Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City will be a game-day decision after the Argentine star trained with his teammates, the MLS squad announced Tuesday.

Thomas Mueller made his Major League Soccer debut on Sunday as a second-half substitute for Vancouver Whitecaps in a 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo that left the Germany great with "mixed feelings" after he had a goal disallowed for offside.

The 35-year-old German superstar, who arrived mid-week to sign with Vancouver, is set to see his first Major League Soccer action when the Whitecaps (13-6-6, 45 points) play host to the Houston Dynamo (7-11-7, 28 points) on Monday morning.

Lionel Messi is ready to return for Inter Miami when they host the Los Angeles Galaxy in a Major League Soccer clash that will launch a key stretch for the Florida club, coach Javier Mascherano said Friday.

Sources report the value as $26.5 million, which would be an MLS record for a player transfer.

Former Germany and Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller has signed a season-long deal with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Vancouver Whitecaps, the Canadian club said on Wednesday.

South Korean star Son Heung-min has not even been officially announced as joining Los Angeles FC of MLS, but excited fans are already waiting to welcome him.

Mascherano: "He usually recovers very well from injuries."

An Inter Miami team missing the suspended Lionel Messi missed the chance to gain ground on Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati after being held to a 0-0 draw in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

Lionel Messi was left disappointed after he and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba were suspended for skipping Major League Soccer’s (MLS) All-Star Game last Wednesday, and Inter Miami co-owner fears the decision may affect their efforts to keep the World Cup winner at the club beyond this year.

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber refused to be drawn on whether the league planned to sanction Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami and Argentina superstar was a late withdrawal from Wednesday's All-Star game.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mate Jordi Alba could face a suspension after withdrawing from Major League Soccer's All-Star game, multiple US media reports said on Wednesday.

Messi increased his total goals in MLS games to 18 this season and has contributed on 27 scores.

Four days after he became the first player ever to score multiple goals in four straight MLS matches, Messi delivered his fifth brace in five MLS games.

The 38-year-old Argentine star has scored two goals in each of his last four MLS games to become the first MLS player to score multiple goals in four straight games.