Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will return to the starting line-up for Tuesday's friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera. The veteran forward’s inclusion comes as the coaching staff looks to finalise their 26-man roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Scaloni eventually left his press conference while holding back tears after addressing an injury blow for one of the nation's rising stars.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly trying to convince ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro to join him at Al-Nassr instead of heading to MLS to link up with Lionel Messi. The Brazilian has been strongly linked with a summer move to Inter Miami as he approaches the end of his contract at Old Trafford.
Mohamed Salah has, as he prepares to leave Liverpool as a free agent, been warned off a move to join Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi in MLS. The Egyptian forward has been told that he would be “too far out of the spotlight” in America, with the director of his national team informing the 33-year-old forward that he should instead consider a switch that sees him follow Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.
Three-and-a-half years ago, Lionel Messi 'completed football' by leading Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It was a joy for every neutral to see the Barcelona legend finally lift the one trophy that had eluded him for so long, capping an amazing career that will almost certainly never be emulated.
Former Barcelona and Manchester United star Gerard Pique has weighed in on the eternal debate between his legendary former team-mates. While maintaining that Lionel Messi possesses unmatched natural talent and is the greatest footballer ever, Pique concedes that Cristiano Ronaldo is peerless when it comes to work rate.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has opened up on the decision to let Lionel Messi leave in 2021, insisting the move was a necessity for the club's future. Speaking in an expansive interview, the Camp Nou chief reflected on the institutional shift that defined his second term in office.
Javier Saviola has named the “fantastic captain” that should replace Lionel Messi as Argentina skipper when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner walks away from international football. That could happen after this summer’s World Cup in North America, with Messi yet to confirm whether he will be chasing down a second global title with the Albiceleste.
Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has explained who was to blame for Lionel Messi’s stunning departure in 2021, with a new contract for the Argentine GOAT considered to have been “possible”. Messi bid a teary farewell to Camp Nou when heading to Paris Saint-Germain, with financial struggles in Catalunya leading to him leaving as a free agent.
Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool, with the Reds prepared to let the Egyptian superstar go as a free agent in the summer of 2026, but does a move to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami beckon? A switch to MLS for Salah has been mooted, amid links to big-spending teams in the Saudi Pro League, and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on that transfer speculation.
Inter Miami have reportedly made their first move to secure the signing of Manchester United veteran Casemiro, opening talks with the midfielder's representatives over a sensational summer switch to Major League Soccer. The Brazilian is said to be "open" to the project in Florida, which would see him link up with former rival Lionel Messi.
Nico Paz announced himself on the international stage with a moment of pure magic during Argentina’s friendly clash against Mauritania at La Bombonera. The 21-year-old playmaker left even the legendary Lionel Messi watching in awe from the bench as he whipped a sublime free-kick into the back of the net.
Lionel Messi remains the biggest attraction in world football, as evidenced by the chaotic scenes following Argentina's latest friendly outing against Mauritania. Despite the competitive nature of the match, the full-time whistle sparked a dash from the opposition to secure a permanent memory with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Manuel Neuer has received the ultimate praise as he celebrates his 40th birthday, with former manager Felix Magath ranking the goalkeeper alongside the greatest players to ever grace the pitch. The Bayern Munich captain, whose future remains a subject of intense speculation, has been categorised in the same bracket as multiple Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Lionel Messi has still not confirmed he will lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The national team boss was quick to deflect pressure away from the Inter Miami superstar, reiterating that the decision rests entirely with the player himself.
Brazil legend Zico has delivered an honest assessment of Neymar’s career, suggesting the Santos star has failed to match the professionalism of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite acknowledging his compatriot's immense natural ability, Zico believes off-field habits have hindered the forward’s longevity and consistency.
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