The football world has spent nearly two decades debating who is the greatest of all time, but the prospect of seeing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the same shirt once felt like a genuine possibility for Real Madrid. Former Los Blancos president Ramon Calderon has shed light on whether the club ever truly believed they could unite the two legendary figures at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Lionel Messi is preparing for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, but the player heading to the tournament is unrecognizable from the teenager who first burst onto the scene. While most elite stars adapt to decline, the Inter Miami talisman has spent two decades adapting to stay ahead of the game.
Real Madrid's star Kylian Mbappe has set the stage for a thrilling 2026 World Cup by making a series of bold predictions regarding the tournament's top marksmen. The France captain, who is looking to banish the memories of a painful final defeat in Qatar, has weighed in on the eternal debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi while asserting his own dominance.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal as a player who was "born for this," comparing the Barcelona sensation's natural talent to that of Lionel Messi. As La Roja prepare for the World Cup, the manager believes his young winger possesses a rare quality only seen in the game's true geniuses.
England have never come up against Lionel Messi, and Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect occasion in which to cross paths with the Argentine GOAT. The ex-Three Lions frontman says the 2022 champion should not scare Thomas Tuchel’s side, while a reunion with old adversaries Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal should also be embraced.
The MLS All Star initial XI has been revealed, and the big names have made it - along with a few well-deserved surprises. GOAL's writers break it all down in the latest Rondo.
Lionel Messi has been selected to the MLS All Star team, and highlights a stacked roster after the initial round of fan, player and media voting. LAFC star Son Heung-Min was also selected, while USMNTers Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter also earned selections. With the initial XI selected, head coach Dean Smith and Commissioner Don Garber will round out the roster.
Lionel Messi has added yet another illustrious trophy to his unparalleled collection after being named the winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The Inter Miami superstar succeeds tennis legend Serena Williams in receiving one of Spain's highest distinctions, sparking a wave of congratulations from across the globe, including from his former home at Barcelona.
Bayern Munich's rising star Lennart Karl has revealed the unique way he keeps his footballing idol close to him during every match. The Germany international, who is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about talents in the Bundesliga, has admitted to carrying a secret tribute to Lionel Messi onto the pitch.
At FC Bayern, Lennart Karl counts no fewer than three teammates as role models—most notably the player whose face the youngster has even etched onto his shin pad.
Cristiano Ronaldo does not want to win the World Cup “because of Lionel Messi”, Eric Djemba-Djemba has told GOAL, with the Portuguese GOAT driven by an insatiable desire to succeed. A global title on North American soil this summer would, however, complete the 41-year-old’s medal collection and see him emulate the achievements of his eternal rival.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed that Lionel Messi has full control over his retirement timeline. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the World Cup-winning boss explained the elite mentality that keeps the Inter Miami superstar playing at the highest level, insisting the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the absolute best because of his unquenchable thirst for success.
MLS will be represented by a record 44 active players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most of any league in the Western Hemisphere. The league also announced that 103 current and former MLS players will compete in the tournament, highlighting the growing impact of MLS clubs, academies, and MLS NEXT Pro on the global stage.
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is not convinced the 2026 World Cup will mark the end for veterans like 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, defending champion Lionel Messi, 38, and Luka Modric, 40. The Portuguese centre-back discussed the immense motivation his squad feels to capture the only major trophy their iconic captain has failed to win.
Argentina legend Lionel Messi is receiving special treatment at the team's training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. As he prepares to lead his nation in a record-breaking sixth tournament, the Inter Miami star has been granted a unique luxury not given to anyone else in the squad, allowing him to focus entirely on defending the crown they won in Qatar.
Lionel Messi may be widely regarded as the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of boots, but even the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had to pay his dues as a youngster. Former Barcelona teammate Andrea Orlandi has revealed the unique dynamic between the Argentine prodigy and the legendary Ronaldinho during their time together in Catalunya.
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