Los Angeles Galaxy

The Los Angeles Galaxy are MLS champions once again.

The Galaxy claimed the MLS Cup for a league-record sixth time on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls.

LA GALAXY ARE CHAMPIONS OF MLS FOR A RECORD SIXTH TIME 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IZHArjxlt3

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 7, 2024

Saturday marked LA's first MLS championship since 2014.

The Red Bulls held possession for longer in the final but only managed three shots on net. LA was able to generate six shots on net and 12 attempts and only committed eight fouls.

All of the goals came in the first half, with the Galaxy getting started early.

JP2⃣8⃣ pic.twitter.com/dE5kfV2mo7

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 7, 2024

Joseph Paintsil was able to score in the ninth minute after a strong set and then Dejan Joveljic doubled the lead just a few minutes later.

Dejan Joveljić gives LA Galaxy a 2-0 lead after just 13 minutes then hits the Robbie Keane celebration 🤝

(via @MLSes) pic.twitter.com/eN8ahSlvge

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 7, 2024

New York would get on the board via a Sean Nealis goal in the 28th minute but were unable to solve Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy during the rest of the match.

The Galaxy were already the franchise with the most MLS championships but this victory extends the lead further. The Red Bulls were vying for the first championship in franchise history.

The Galaxy's run comes after the team went 19-7-8 and finished second in the Western Conference. Los Angeles knocked out the Colorado Rapids in the opening round, Minnesota United FC in the semifinals and the Seattle Sounders in the Conference Final.

Major League Soccer announced Saturday it will investigate a video posted by L.A. Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget that featured him using an anti-gay slur while speaking Spanish.

pic.twitter.com/SzjAdctXXE

— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) April 10, 2021

Cyd Zeigler and Dawn Ennis of OutSports reported the video, which was posted Friday on Instagram and later deleted, included Lletget calling Galaxy teammate Julian Araujo "puto."

Lletget, 28, issued a statement of apology to OutSports:

"I messed up. Earlier today, I posted a video that included me using a derogatory slur in Spanish.

"I have taken down a video from my Instagram story but want to address its impact and not hide from this. I take full responsibility and ownership on what was an extremely poor and ill-thought phrase and have no excuse for my actions. I am sorry and know the pain that this term has caused for so many.

"I want to be part of the solution—not part of the problem—and continue to be an advocate and an ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Those who know me know my character and heart. I will remain outspoken in my support and advocacy. My error doesn't change that.

"Thanks for your accountability. I need to do and be better."

The Galaxy also released a statement about the situation to OutSports: "The L.A. Galaxy do not condone homophobic or derogatory language of any kind. The club stands with the LGBTQ+ community and will address this matter internally."

Lletget, a member of the United States men's national team, most recently played for L.A. in Wednesday's 2-2 preseason draw with the Colorado Rapids. He scored a goal in the contest.

The Galaxy wrap up their exhibition slate Saturday night against Real Salt Lake before opening the 2021 MLS regular season April 18 on the road against Inter Miami.

Lletget has been with the club since 2015.

The L.A. Galaxy announced Tuesday they've signed 15-year-old midfielder Alex Alcala to their second team roster.  

"Alex is a young talent who we are pleased will develop in a professional environment," general manager Dennis te Kloese said. "We believe that the structure and resources that we will provide him will allow him to continue to grow as both a player and a person. We look forward to Alex representing our club."

Alcala is a California native who's represented Mexico at the youth international level as a dual citizen. He joined the L.A. Galaxy Academy in 2020.

The attacking midfielder previously gained experience training with Manchester City in England and Barcelona in Spain, two of the top clubs in Europe. He also spent time with Pachuca in Mexico.

"I'm super excited to announce that I've officially signed with the Galaxy2!!" Alcala wrote on Instagram. "I would like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way to reach my goals. All my family, friends and coaches. Special thanks to everyone at [Stockton] TLJ for letting me thrive and succeed along these past years there."

LA Galaxy II plays in the USL Championship, which is scheduled to begin its season in May. Alcala will join the club for preseason training that's already underway.

ESPN's Adriana Garcia reported it's possible the teenage phenom also earns some opportunities with the Galaxy's first team during the 2021 season.

The signing represents Alcala's first professional contract. 

The Los Angeles Galaxy have agreed to mutually part ways with midfielder Aleksandar Katai on Friday after his wife, Tea, made Instagram posts the team deemed "racist and violent."

Referencing the ongoing protests across the United States against police brutality and racial injustice, Tea Katai wrote in Serbian that authorities should "kill the s--ts" and called protesters "disgusting cattle," per the Associated Press' Greg Beacham.

The Galaxy issued a statement Wednesday addressing the post, writing the team "stands firmly against racism of any kind, including that which suggest violence or seeks to demean the efforts of those in pursuit of racial equality."

The club added it will speak with Katai and "determine the next steps."

A statement from the LA Galaxy on Tea Katai. pic.twitter.com/tfGDMUomIo

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 4, 2020

Katai addressed the matter on Instagram, writing his wife's posts "were unacceptable" and "not ones that I share and are not tolerated in my family.

"Racism, particularly toward the black community, is not only prevalent in the United States and Europe, but across the globe," he said. "I strongly condemn white supremacy, racism and violence towards people of color. Black lives matter."

Katai was in his first year with the Galaxy and made two appearances before the coronavirus pandemic forced MLS to suspend the 2020 season. The 29-year-old arrived in MLS in 2018 and spent two seasons with the Chicago Fire.

Lionel Messi won't be suiting up to ply his trade in Major League Soccer for LA Galaxy any time soon, according to the club's manager.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto downplayed the idea of his fellow Argentinian moving to California, per Katia Castorena of ESPN Deportes (h/t ESPN): "There is nothing to tell. Obviously [everybody would like to have Messi] and the fact of having a certain relationship with him also brings about the possibility but there has been no approach recently."

Rumours that Barcelona attacking talisman Messi would swap life at the Camp Nou for a stint in MLS gained some traction thanks to a report from Radio Continental (h/t ESPN). The station detailed how Barros Schelotto spoke to Messi's father a year ago about a potential deal.

At one time, Messi, whose contract expires in summer 2021, finishing his career with the Blaugrana was simply taken as a given. Things have changed, though, and Messi's future has become the source of intense speculation within the context of several issues surrounding the club.

First, the forward had a public falling-out with sporting director Eric Abidal regarding comments the Frenchman made on Instagram. Messi has also been caught up in the scandal growing around Barca's relationship with I3 Ventures.

The club has been accused of directing the contracted marketing consultant to change opinions toward prominent members of the club on social media. It was to be a campaign underpinned by negative posts aimed at Messi and Gerard Pique, among others, according to SER Catalunya and La Llotja del Que t'hi Jugues (h/t TalkSport's Josh Fordham).

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said Barca did hire I3 Ventures but denied allegations regarding the negative posts. Even so, Messi described the situation as "strange" during an interview with Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sport).

These events create the impression all is not right at Barcelona, particularly in relation to the club's star player. Yet Messi has moved to assure people he remains content to prolong his career in La Liga.

He told Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sid Lowe of the Guardian) how he's resisted the interest of clubs in the past and intends to continue doing the same. However, Messi added one key caveat:

"(But) I have also said many times that I would like the club to be in good shape, for the fans to be happy with the team we have, for there to be a winning project and for us to continue being candidates to win trophies like we always were. I want to win another Champions League, I want to keep winning league titles."

Messi remains central to Barca fulfilling those ambitions. He is still the most important player in the squad, a status he is underlining even during a trying campaign.

The 32-year-old has scored 19 times in all competitions while also being a reliable goal-creator:

Lionel Messi has now assisted Barcelona’s last six goals ✨

“Hello this is Leo, how may I assist you?" pic.twitter.com/FdVRQP1R34

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 15, 2020

Messi has stayed consistent even during a season where events on the pitch have been as fractious as those off of it. Barca have already replaced one manager after ditching Ernesto Valverde in favour of Quique Setien in January.

Injuries up front have also left Messi to plough a lone furrow in attack. Ousmane Dembele is out for the season with a ruptured tendon in his hamstring, while knee surgery has ruled Luis Suarez out until April.

The absence of Dembele and Suarez have been compounded by summer import Antoine Griezmann taking his time to get up to speed following his move from Atletico Madrid. Fortunately for Barca, there have been signs Griezmann is starting to get comfortable:

✨ @AntoGriezmann is quietly having a brilliant season in #LaLigaSantander.

💙 @FCBarcelona ❤️ pic.twitter.com/c4xIyCYPXB

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) February 17, 2020

Even so, the strain of so much upheaval does appear to have crept into Messi's performances:

❌❌❌❌

Lionel Messi is on his worst goalscoring form in La Liga for over six years.

The beginning of the end? 😮 pic.twitter.com/0UAvZFnoOd

— GOAL (@goal) February 16, 2020

A few games without a goal would be concerning for some players, but Messi's brilliance can almost be taken for granted. He will quickly refocus and remain the catalyst who determines whether Setien's team overturns a one-point deficit to overhaul rivals Real Madrid and retain the league title.

Whether Barca are loaded with enough marquee talent to win the UEFA Champions League this season remains open for debate. What is certain is that beyond this campaign, Barca have to do more to support the most gifted player of his generation.

It will demand hiring elite managers, getting more stable leadership at the top and making smarter use of the transfer market. Only then would Messi would be truly rewarded for sticking around.   

Los Angeles Galaxy striker Javier Hernandez has clarified comments he made about retirement on his YouTube channel. 

Per ESPN FC's Tom Marshall, Chicharito—who has just signed for the Galaxy from Sevilla—spoke to his parents on his YouTube show Naked Humans and said his Major League Soccer move is "the beginning of retirement."

However, at his unveiling press conference, he said of the comments:

"It's so simple. I think all over the world, but [especially] in my country we love and we are like obsessed with drama and excess.

"And so when you say 'retirement' it's like 'oh, tomorrow he's going to announce retirement.'

"They didn't really listen to what I said, 'the beginning of the retirement.' The retirement could last 10 years, you never know."

The perception of MLS as a league stars head to for retirement is one the organisation likely hopes to change. The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard ended their playing days in MLS after storied careers in European football.

Ageing high-profile players such as Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic—whom Hernandez is replacing—have also moved there late in their careers, although both have left the league to continue playing elsewhere.

As The Athletic's Pablo Maurer observed, Hernandez's reference to retirement was directed more at the end of his career in Europe:

There are scores of Galaxy supporters new and old welcoming him at the airport as we speak. If he stays healthy, he will tear this league up. So, you know, do your best to avoid being triggered by the "retirement league" thing. https://t.co/Mc4dEoKcWt

— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) January 23, 2020

Marshall shared further comments from Hernandez on his European career in his press conference:

Chicharito on his time in Europe: “I did everything that I could. There were people who didn’t play me and let me express myself as I would’ve liked, but it’s part of football. I come back as a Mexican football legend, as much as some may be bothered by that.” #ElTriEng #MLS

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) January 23, 2020

The 31-year-old left Chivas Guadalajara for Manchester United in 2010. He made a combined 344 appearances for the Red Devils, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United and Sevilla, scoring 127 goals.

Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl and former USWNT star Hope Solo praised the former Manchester United player for his openness in the video:

If you're focusing on Chicharito's "start of retirement" quote, you're living life wrong. Rare to see this kind of raw honesty from an athlete speaking to his parents at the end of a 10-year run in European soccer. pic.twitter.com/KpQAXE79nj

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) January 23, 2020

Beautiful and honest moment being showcased here as Chicharito ends his European career. Don’t let the full context be overshadowed by the “MLS is a retirement league” pull quote! https://t.co/LjghuFul0I

— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) January 24, 2020

Will Parchman of The Athletic took issue with his comments, though:

Communicating that you’re giving up on a dream to come to a league that considers you one of its highest profile signings in 25 years practically minutes after you sign... it’s just hilarious optics.

— Will Parchman (@WillParchman) January 23, 2020

Hernandez is Mexico's record goalscorer with 52 goals in 109 games, so he's sure to be a popular figure at the Galaxy.

Given his age, he could be an asset to the club and MLS for years to come. Ibrahimovic turned 38 in October, and he still managed to return 53 goals and 15 assists in 58 matches for L.A., even if his longevity does make him a slightly special case.

Hernandez hasn't been as prolific in European football as the Swede, but he's a clinical finisher, so he could have a similar impact back in North America.

Javier Hernandez has opened up on his decision to sign for Los Angeles Galaxy from Sevilla.  

Chicharito has signed a three-year deal with the Galaxy, and the move was officially announced Tuesday.

Imaginémonos cosas chingonas. pic.twitter.com/uYK2rxpmAH

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 21, 2020

Per Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times, he said: "Like when people describe me playing. You know, that he's always in the right place at the right time. It was the right time, the right opportunity." 

Hernandez's arrival in the United States has been highly anticipated, as former USA international Stu Holden observed:

“This is the biggest signing for @MLS since David Beckham”@stuholden reacts to @GrantWahl's report that Chicharito has signed for the @LAGalaxy. 👀🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/PlUht2bCRO

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 17, 2020

Football writer Zach Lowy expects him to have a significant impact on the Galaxy off the pitch:

You could make the argument that in terms of things like shirt sales, stadium attendance, TV numbers, Chicharito will make an even bigger splash than Zlatan. Surprised Chicago didn’t go for him.

— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) January 17, 2020

The 31-year-old, who has 52 goals in 109 games for Mexico, is looking forward to playing "in front of a lot of Mexican fans, Galaxy fans, American fans."

Most importantly, he's eager simply to get on the pitch:

"I'm going to be playing. That's what I want in my life. People are going to say it was because I couldn't make it [in Europe], but sometimes in football there are things that are not in your hands.

"The last two years, the managers decided on giving confidence to other players rather than me.

"And now, the L.A. Galaxy, the manager of the club and the league, are telling me, 'Look, Javier, we want to give you all the trust, all the confidence to help us,' and that's why I'm taking this opportunity."

The striker signed with Sevilla from West Ham United in the summer, but he made just 15 appearances in all competitions, a total of 795 minutes of playing time.

Hernandez has arrived as the replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish striker left at the expiration of his contract last season, having racked up 53 goals and 15 assists for the Galaxy in 58 appearances.

Chicharito struggled to hold down a place at Sevilla, and his time with the Hammers—where he scored 17 goals in 63 games—wasn't especially memorable, either.

However, in 157 games for Manchester United—of which only 85 were starts—he contributed 59 goals and 20 assists. He also made 33 appearances in a loan spell for Real Madrid and returned nine goals and as many assists despite starting just 12 of those games.

The forward was a regular starter at Bayer Leverkusen and racked up 39 goals and nine assists in 76 appearances.

In Major League Soccer, a player as clinical as Hernandez stands an excellent chance of replicating similar goalscoring feats to Ibrahimovic.

The Los Angeles Galaxy reportedly have completed the signing of Sevilla striker Javier Hernandez, who will become the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer. 

Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times reported the Galaxy have agreed a three-year deal to sign Hernandez as a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who left at the end of last season and has rejoined AC Milan. The deal will reportedly make Hernandez the best-paid player in the league.

DiGiovanna mentioned Ibrahimovic was the highest-paid player in MLS last season on $7.2 million (£5.5 million) per year, with Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley second in the list on a $6.5 million (£5 million) salary.

Mexico team-mate Carlos Vela—who joined rival Los Angeles FC in January 2018—has spoken highly of his compatriot ahead of the move, per DiGiovanna: "He is a scoring machine—he's always there looking to score goals—and he does a really good job defending for his team. I think the Mexican fans would be excited."

Hernandez, 31, has scored three times in 15 appearances for Sevilla across all competitions this season, failing to win a leading role in Julen Lopetegui's plans since he joined from West Ham United in September.

ESPN's Taylor Twellman praised the Los Angeles outfit for their ability to attract headline names:

No matter the year nor the rules, the @LAGalaxy continue to be the trendsetter in @MLS with finding the NAME that will move the needle.
Campos, Beckham, Zlatan and now Chicharito. #MLS #LAGalaxy

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) January 15, 2020

Chicharito scored 59 goals in 157 outings for Manchester United between 2010 and 2015. This transfer sees him return to North America for the first time since he left Chivas Guadalajara for Old Trafford a decade ago.

Sportswriter Manuel Veth forecast a hugely successful career in the United States for Mexico's all-time record scorer (52 goals in 109 caps):

Agree. Has the potential to be bigger than Beckham. I think a lot of people outside North America don’t understand how massive Chicharito is.

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) January 15, 2020

Hernandez—who will take the vacant marquee spot in the Galaxy attack—has the task of replacing Ibrahimovic, who netted 53 goals in 58 games for the club.

Manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto led the Galaxy to the Western Conference semi-finals in the 2019 MLS campaign, when they suffered a 5-3 derby defeat to LAFC.

Supporters will hope the acquisition of two-time Premier League winner Hernandez will improve their chances in similar clutch fixtures in future and catapult their silverware prospects.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time with the LA Galaxy has come to an end. 

The club announced Wednesday that they would be mutually parting ways with the dynamic striker ahead of the 2020 season. That news didn't come as a major surprise after Ibra hinted at the divorce earlier in the day with a truly memorable tweet.:

I came, I saw, I conquered. Thank you @lagalaxy for making me feel alive again. To the Galaxy fans - you wanted Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan. You are welcome. The story continues...Now go back to watch baseball pic.twitter.com/kkL6B6dJBr

— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) November 13, 2019

Only Ibra could tell a group of fans "you're welcome" for gracing them with his presence before telling them to go watch baseball, a sport that will be in its offseason until March 26.

Ibrahimovic's stint in Major League Soccer was memorable. In 56 games with the Galaxy, he scored 52 goals and added 17 assists, making him one of the league's most dynamic attacking players and an MLS Best XI selection both seasons. Not too shabby for the 38-year-old.

LA Galaxy president Chris Klein thanked him for his tenure with the club in a statement:

"We would like to thank Zlatan for his contributions to the LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer. Since his arrival in 2018, Zlatan has positively influenced the sport of soccer in Los Angeles. We are grateful for his work ethic and passion. We thank Zlatan for his professionalism and immeasurable impact on the Los Angeles community and the soccer community in North America as a whole."

The one thing Ibra couldn't check off his list in Los Angeles, however, was winning a title with the Galaxy. He's now a free agent, and with reported interest in Europe ahead of the January transfer window, it appears he'll be bidding Los Angeles, and the MLS, adieu.