After a record MLS playoff run, Tadeo Allende opens up on Messi’s leadership, new competition from Berterame, and why he committed his future to Inter Miami.

Inter Miami claimed a dramatic 2-1 friendly win over Atlético Nacional in Medellín, with Luis Suárez on the scoresheet and Germán Berterame making his first appearance for the club. Lionel Messi played 76 minutes, while a late own goal sealed Miami’s first preseason victory after a tough loss in Peru.

Inter Miami returned to training this week to begin preparations for the 2026 season, with head coach Javier Mascherano quickly addressing questions about Germán Berterame’s potential arrival and what it could mean for Luis Suárez’s role. New signing Facundo Mura also spoke for the first time as a Herons player, calling it a dream to share the locker room with Lionel Messi.

Mohamed Salah has reached an international goal milestone quicker than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Liverpool superstar is currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt. He has helped to fire them into the semi-finals of that competition. During a last-eight showdown with the Ivory Coast, Salah found the target and reached 100 goal contributions for his country.

January is often described as the grimmest month of the year, but it can also be a time of renewal, a moment to make a fresh start. And for football clubs, the opening of the January transfer window provides an opportunity for clubs to breathe new life into their disappointing campaigns and invest for the future.

The Uruguayan legend can still offer value, but only if he accepts a reduced role to justify his contract extension.