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Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2025

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 ⬆️

Lionel Messi Barcelona

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.

Lionel Messi Barcelona 2007 El Clasico

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.

Lionel Messi World Cup trophy

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.

Harry Kane Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2025

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.

Lionel Messi Barcelona Inter Miami 2025

'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.

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

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.

Neymar Lionel Messi 2025

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

Martin Odegaard captains Arsenal and plays either as a central attacking midfielder or as a right-sided interior in the central midfield.

Martin Odegaard was born in the city of Drammen, located in the Buskerud county of Norway.

Martin Odegaard dons the No. 8 jersey at Arsenal, previously worn by legends like Freddie Ljungberg and also by his current coach Mikel Arteta.

Martin Odegaard stands at 1.78m (5ft 10in) and is among the best midfielders in the world.

Martin Odegaard weighs 68kg (150 lbs). He's got incredible work-rate off the ball, and is blessed with eagle-eyed vision that helps him find teammates via line-breaking passes.

From 2005 to 2009, Martin Odegaard played for local club Drammen Strong, before joining the Stromgodset academy.

Martin Odegaard is yet to become a father, but he announced on social media in August 2024 that he is expecting his first child with partner Helene Spilling.

Martin Odegaard isn't married yet, but has been in a relationship with Helene Spilling, a dancer who won Norway's Strictly Come Dancing show in 2021.