The footballing world stood still as Lionel Messi bid an emotional farewell to international football at the Estadio Monumental, but the conversation has already shifted to his next move. While the legendary playmaker remains tied to Inter Miami, the dream of a homecoming to his boyhood club is being kept alive by one of South America's most powerful figures.
The Benin football federation has reportedly been left furious over their treatment following Lionel Messi's international farewell in Buenos Aires. Discontent has surfaced after claims emerged that the visiting African delegation were blocked from swapping shirts, taking photographs, or receiving financial incentives despite featuring in the high-profile exhibition.
Lionel Messi has received formal recognition from River Plate following his final international appearance on domestic soil against Benin. The Argentine heavyweights marked the historic occasion by presenting the iconic playmaker with club honours inside the Estadio Monumental, celebrating his enduring bond with the nation's premier football cathedral.
Cristiano Ronaldo has put years of sporting rivalry aside to pay a touching tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine’s final appearance for his national team. The Portuguese superstar took to social media to celebrate his long-time contemporary, acknowledging the indelible mark Messi has left on the international stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been locked in a career-long rivalry, with GOAT status up for grabs, but do they keep an eye on what the other is doing? CR7’s former Manchester United team-mate Anderson has told GOAL that two global superstars do “care” about the record-shattering numbers that continue to be posted on opposing sides of a fierce divide.
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has opened up about the immense difficulty of competing against Lionel Messi throughout their storied careers in Spain and on the international stage. Following the former Barcelona captain's decision to retire from international duty with Argentina, the current AC Milan midfielder offered a heartfelt tribute to his long-time rival.
Former MLS star Shaka Hislop has explained to GOAL why an ‘MSN’ reunion for Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami may not be beneficial to the North American game as a whole. There have been plenty of rumours to suggest that a Brazilian superstar could link up with a couple of former Barcelona team-mates in South Florida when becoming a free agent.
The Philadelphia Union teenager's movement and pressing show why his USMNT breakthrough is about more than one spectacular goal. The challenge is balancing freedom with restraint.
Former Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin believes Lionel Messi deserves to collect the 2026 Ballon d'Or following his heroic exploits for club and country. The Russian icon feels handing the Inter Miami talisman another golden ball would offer a poetic conclusion to his career at the highest level, citing his talismanic run to the World Cup final.
Lionel Messi is preparing to bring an extraordinary 21-year international career to an emotional close when Argentina host Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night. The 39-year-old icon completed his final training session at Ezeiza, taking time to reflect on his impending farewell as Lionel Scaloni's men gear up for an unforgettable occasion at Estadio Monumental.
Tart cherry juice has become a staple in the NFL, Premier League and MLS. Nutritionists explain its appeal for athletes seeking better recovery, better sleep and an extra edge.
Lionel Messi has linked up with the Argentina national squad at Ezeiza ahead of Tuesday's monumental farewell friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is preparing to pull on the Albiceleste shirt for the final time, bringing the curtain down on an unmatched 21-year international career on his own terms.
Cavan Sullivan made history, Julian Hall made it three in three, and Mexico had no answers as Mauricio Pochettino’s young USMNT stormed to a 3-0 rivalry win.
Lionel Messi has returned to Argentine soil as he prepares to say a final, emotional goodbye to the national team. The legendary number 10 landed in Rosario via private jet on Friday morning, marking the beginning of the end for one of the most storied international careers in the history of the beautiful game.
Federico Higuaín is gone, but the bigger issue remains. His treatment of a female official - and the response that followed - showed why women in soccer are still too often asked to tolerate behavior that should never be normalized.
Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez has admitted that the squad is bracing for a highly emotional evening as the era of Lionel Messi draws to a close. Following a dominant friendly victory over Bolivia, the Inter star turned his focus toward the upcoming tribute match for the national team's greatest ever player.
German veteran Thomas Muller has committed his future to Vancouver Whitecaps by penning a new contract extension through to the conclusion of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season. The 37-year-old attacker had been facing the expiration of his previous terms this coming December but has now agreed to prolong his highly successful stay on Canadian soil.
Lionel Messi’s brilliance was cancelled out as Inter Miami fell to a 2-1 defeat against Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. A late capitulation, punctuated by Santiago Morales’ dismissal, allowed the hosts to snatch all three points in stoppage time.
Los Angeles FC have parted ways with head coach Marc Dos Santos less than a year into his first season as full-time head coach. Dos Santos, who was promoted from assistant to head coach in January, has overseen a difficult campaign that has seen the projected Western Conference favorites slip down the standings.
Alexis Mac Allister has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi to add yet another Ballon d'Or to his record-breaking trophy cabinet. While the Liverpool midfielder prepares for a new era with Argentina, he insists that the Inter Miami superstar remains the standard-bearer for world football despite his advancing years.
Inter Miami showed why they might still be OK, Mauricio Pochettino's teenaged USMNT call-ups shine, but LAFC continue to frustrate in a compelling week of MLS
Lionel Messi continued his phenomenal scoring run with a trademark free-kick, but Inter Miami were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against San Diego FC. New manager Kily Gonzalez was left frustrated by his team's defensive errors as the Herons missed the chance to climb up the Eastern Conference table.
Pep Guardiola made a headline-grabbing appearance as guest of honor for New York City FC during their Hudson River Derby clash against the New York Red Bulls. However, his pre-match pep talk could not prevent a 1-0 defeat at Yankee Stadium.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
