The Argentine national team has been plunged into a state of absolute uncertainty as a series of off-field scandals and internal disputes threaten to derail the squad. Reports from Italy suggest that a combination of legal battles involving federation leadership and simmering resentment over unpaid bonuses has created a toxic atmosphere ahead of the upcoming international break.
Inter Miami and Chicago Fire played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at Soldier Field in front of a record-breaking crowd of 63,094 fans. Robert Lewandowski's acrobatic opener was cancelled out by a Casemiro header, while Lionel Messi secured his place in MLS history with another incredible milestone.
Liga president Javier Tebas has reacted to reports suggesting Lionel Messi could purchase Spanish second-division side CD Eldense. The league chief admitted he was unaware of the exact details but welcomed the prospect of the Argentine legend investing in Spanish football.
The “shared legacy” that exists between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi means that both men will want to reach 1,000 competitive career goals, former MLS star Shaka Hislop has told GOAL. CR7 is closest to hitting that milestone at present, while turning out for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but a fellow GOAT on the books of Inter Miami is not far behind.
Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane has offered an emphatic endorsement of Lionel Messi in the race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, insisting the veteran forward remains unmatched. Highlighting the Argentine's extraordinary longevity and decisive influence on the world stage, the French legend claimed that any debate regarding football's greatest ever is now settled.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to purchase Spanish second-tier outfit CD Eldense in a landmark takeover bid. The Argentine icon is set to acquire 100 per cent of the club's shares, cementing his growing business footprint across Spanish football ahead of his anticipated eventual return to live in Catalonia.
With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
Lautaro Martinez has sent a defiant message to the rest of Europe, insisting that winning the Champions League is a concrete objective for Inter this season. Speaking ahead of a heavyweight opening clash against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, the Nerazzurri captain made it clear that the Italian giants are no longer just dreaming of continental glory.
Amid the speculation suggesting that Neymar could reform Barcelona’s fabled ‘MSN’ strike partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Gus Poyet has told GOAL “there is a rule for MLS and one for Inter Miami”. The former Uruguay international is among those keen to see if a legendary fellow countryman will be joined in the United States next season by a Brazilian icon.
Lamine Yamal scored two brilliant goals and Raphinha equalled a long-standing Lionel Messi goalscoring record as Barcelona secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday. The emphatic win means the Catalan side have opened up a crucial three-point gap at the top of the LaLiga table following Real Madrid's shock defeat against Real Betis on Friday.
The 16-year-old broke Freddy Adu's record and strengthened his USMNT case, while Antoine Griezmann, Josh Sargent and Breel Embolo delivered across MLS.
Lionel Messi has retired from international football with Argentina, but will he head in a similar direction at club level? The South American GOAT is tied to a contract at Inter Miami through 2028 and former MLS star Shaka Hislop has told GOAL why the evergreen 39-year-old is likely to honour that agreement before taking on a future ambassadorial role.
Argentina have scrapped plans for an Asian tour following Lionel Messi's international retirement, opting instead to stage a three-match homecoming series during the autumn international break. Lionel Scaloni's side are preparing to return to domestic soil between September 21 and October 6 following their 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain.
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