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Biggest winners & losers of the World Cup draw

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is finally over! After what seemed like an eternity, the real business finally got underway in Friday's ceremony in Washington DC, with Rio Ferdinand leading the way and sporting icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal and Wayne Gretzky teaming up to throw up some intriguing groups for next summer's tournament in North America.

McCarty on Suárez benching, Messi, Müller and who wins MLS Cup

Mic’d Up: McCarty breaks down the MLS Cup - why benching Suárez was a “career-defining” call, how Müller made Vancouver must-watch, and which side he thinks has the edge.

MLS Cup: Can Muller’s Whitecaps spoil Messi, Miami’s party?

Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller meet in an MLS Cup final full of storylines, from farewells to uncertainty, driving what should be a strong match this Saturday.

Ronaldo vs Messi ‘retirement match’: World Cup final claim

Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi in the 2026 World Cup final would likely become a “retirement match” for two all-time greats, admits Pedro Mendes. A couple of GOATs are preparing for another shot at global glory, with Messi having already added that prize to his collection with Argentina. The end is approaching for both, and it could be that they enjoy the “perfect finish” next summer.

Argentina v France: Final - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Messi expecting 'extraordinary' World Cup in United States

Lionel Messi has made it clear that he's anticipating the United States will be up to the task, along with the other host nations Mexico and Canada, of delivering an "extraordinary" World Cup. The Inter Miami superstar, who won the tournament with Argentina in 2022, is expected to play in what could well be his last major international tournament as North America takes centre stage in 2026 ⬆️

How Messi delivered ‘wonderful miracle’ for MLS & Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s chief business officer, Xavi Asensi, has explained how Lionel Messi helped to deliver a “wonderful miracle” for MLS and Inter Miami alongside Manchester United and England legend Sir David Beckham. Argentine GOAT Messi moved to the United States in 2023 and has helped to grow the American game at a rate few could have predicted prior to his arrival.

Barcelona won’t ‘fuel controversies’ with Messi return talk

Barcelona have reiterated that they will not “fuel controversies or speculation” when it comes to a possible playing return to Camp Nou for Lionel Messi. The Liga giants are still planning the most “beautiful tribute” to their all-time leading goalscorer, but the Argentine GOAT is under contract in MLS with Inter Miami and appears unlikely to grace European football again.

Garber opens door to pro-rel in state of the league address

In his annual State of the League address, Don Garber said MLS is ready to compete with the world’s biggest leagues and wouldn’t rule out promotion/relegation.

FC Cincinnati v Inter Miami FC - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs: Conference Semifinal

Messi embraces Muller showdown ahead of MLS Cup final

Lionel Messi is preparing for his first MLS Cup final as Inter Miami face the Western Conference champions, Vancouver Whitecaps. Reflecting on the matchup, Messi said he was excited to face Thomas Müller, whose arrival in Vancouver has added a new layer of intrigue to the league and the final.

Messi reveals shock 'childhood dream'

Lionel Messi has lifted the lid on a shock "childhood dream" that was scotched by his Barcelona debut. Messi’s life pivoted sharply when Barcelona chose to take a chance on him at a moment when Argentine clubs, including giants River Plate, backed away from the cost of treating his growth hormone condition.

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How to bet on Barcelona and Spain after Yamal’s injury blow

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Messi airs WC ‘hope’ & rules out Finalissima clash with Yamal

Lionel Messi has aired his 2026 World Cup “hope”, with there still a chance that he will grace that competition, but has ruled himself out of a meeting with Spain and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the next Finalissima. Argentina are hoping to have their talismanic captain available for the defence of a global title next summer, but will be without him if a clash with the reigning champions of Europe is confirmed.

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England stars will want to avoid Messi & Ronaldo until WC final

England stars will, if they are being honest, want to avoid Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for as long as possible at the 2026 World Cup, says Nigel Winterburn. The ex-Three Lions defender has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, been discussing the chances of bringing 60 years of pain to a close ahead of the group-stage draw taking place on December 5.

'He could contribute' - Barca chief addresses Messi homecoming

Barcelona sporting director Deco has addressed transfer speculation linking club legend Lionel Messi with a return to the Catalan club. The World Cup winner left the Catalan giants in acrimonious fashion back in 2021 as their financial woes meant he could not be offered a new contract, but the hope of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner returning to Camp Nou has not left Barca fans even with Messi turning 38 in the summer.

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Who is the all-time Champions League top scorer?

Who is in the lead in the race to become the all-time top scorer in Europe's leading club competition? We've taken a look at the top finishers.

Messi's ex-Argentina team-mate opens door to Miami transfer

A former team-mate of Lionel Messi has revealed how much he would love to join the Argentina icon at Inter Miami. The World Cup winner has recently extended his stay with the MLS side, penning a new contract at the club that will run through to the end of the 2028 MLS season. Messi will be 41 when his contract expires, meaning this could be the final club of his incredible career.

Will Neymar reunite with Messi? Inter Miami's final stance revealed

Inter Miami's final stance on potentially bringing in Neymar during the winter transfer window has been revealed. His return to Santos, which was intended as a short-term comeback in the comfort of his home city, has been overshadowed by familiar injury setbacks. After a difficult spell at Al-Hilal that included a torn ACL and a mutual contract termination, he now finds himself battling pain once more while Santos fight for survival in the Brazilian Serie A.

Frequently asked questions

: Almost nearing the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo is not quite the same dribbler that he was during his 20s, but he continues to find the back of the net at a consistently alarming rate by playing as an out and out striker.
: Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal on the island of Madeira in Portugal.
: When you mention the No. 7 in football, it's impossible not to think of Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Sporting CP boy wonder continues to sport the No. 7 jersey even after making the switch to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
: Cristiano Ronaldo stands at 1.87m (6ft 2in). During his prime, his height wouldn't prove to be a hindrance as he was easily among the fastest players in the world.
: The all-time top scorer in football history currently weighs 83kg (183 lbs).
: Between 1992 and 1995, Cristiano Ronaldo played for Andorinha, where his father was a kit man. Then, he switched to Nacional and continued his development for two more years, before finally being signed by Sporting CP.
: Cristiano Ronaldo is a father to five children: Cristiano Jr, Mateo, Eva, Alana Martina, and Bella. The latter two were given by birth by his current partner Georgina Rodriguez.
: Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in a relationship with Argentine-born Spanish model and influencer Georgina Rodriguez and they have been together since 2016. While they haven't publicly declared that they are married to each other, Ronaldo certainly sparked rumours regarding their status by referring to Georgina as "his wife" in an Instagram collaboration with sports brand Whoop in August 2024.

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