Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has revealed the components of his "perfect" striker, selecting the elite traits of modern legends like Lionel Messi and Harry Kane. The veteran goalscorer also didn't shy away from self-praise, naming himself as the ultimate choice when it comes to the crucial attribute of player mentality.
Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham is being billed as âthe oneâ to make a union between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo possible. Two all-time greats have competed against one another down the years, but have never graced the same team. That ultimate pact may yet happen, with CR7 seeing a move to MLS mooted on the back of his strike action at Al-Nassr.
Ezequiel Garay forms part of an exclusive group of players. The former Real Madrid and Argentina defender has worked alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That makes him well placed to pass judgement of which of the iconic forwards can be considered the GOAT. It comes as little surprise to find that the South American sides with his fellow countryman.
Lionel Messi has reportedly given the âgreen lightâ to a sensational transfer that would include a âno away gamesâ stipulation. The Argentine GOAT has extended his contract at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 2028, but wants to ensure that he is ready for World Cup duty in 2026. That could mean returning to Europe on a short-term deal, with Galatasaray ready to throw open their doors.
Lionel Messi is yet to officially confirm his participation at the 2026, but Inter Miami boss and fellow countryman Javier Mascherano appears to have revealed that the eight-time Ballon dâOr winner will form part of Argentinaâs plans. The expectation has always been that Messi, who captured a global crown in 2022, will grace at least one more major tournament as captain of his country.
Lionel Messi is considered to be a âgenius on our planetâ and would, at 38 years of age, remain a world beater in any league across the globe. The Argentine GOAT has been starring in MLS with Inter Miami, helping them to historic titles, and Rob Earnshaw has told GOAL why the South American superstar could still do a job in Europe and on a Champions League stage.
Lionel Messi recreated an iconic scorpion kick with legendary goalkeeper Rene Higuita ahead of Inter Miamiâs latest friendly outing. The Herons, fresh from their historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, are readying themselves for the start of a new campaign. Javier Mascheranoâs side are working their way through a pre-season programme in South America.
An old Lionel Messi shirt sold for more than a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey as Chelsea legend John Terry parted with over 50 items in a recent auction. The pair are renowned as the two greatest players of their generation and have won a combined 13 Ballons d'Or, with Messi leading Ronaldo with eight of those awards. Terry reportedly sold items from across his career for just over $695,000, with a percentage of that figure going to the John Terry Foundation.
Inter Miami claimed a dramatic 2-1 friendly win over AtlĂŠtico Nacional in MedellĂn, with Luis SuĂĄrez on the scoresheet and GermĂĄn Berterame making his first appearance for the club. Lionel Messi played 76 minutes, while a late own goal sealed Miamiâs first preseason victory after a tough loss in Peru.
Mikel Arteta has compared Max Dowman's impact as a teenager at Arsenal to Lionel Messi's legendary start at Barcelona as a wonderkid. The Gunners academy product made his debut for the club as a 15-year-old and has broken a number of records for the north London outfit. And after signing a pre-contract with Arsenal, manager Arteta has waxed lyrical about the youngster and likened him to footballing royalty.
Dayne St. Clair was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year after a career-best season for Minnesota United, yet surprised many when he left the club that drafted him to suit up for Inter Miami. But he has no regrets.
Lionel Messi is considered to already be acting like Inter Miamiâs owner, with former MLS star Bacary Sagna telling GOAL of why the Argentine icon has found the perfect home at this stage of his career. The eight-time Ballon dâOr winner continues to enjoy success on the field in the United States, while also enhancing his global brand away from the pitch.
Former Manchester United star Teddy Sheringham sees no reason why his fellow Red Devils legend Cristiano Ronaldo could not join Lionel Messi in MLS at some stage. The 1999 Treble winner has told GOAL when CR7 could go chasing the American dream, how far beyond the age of 42 the Portuguese GOAT will play, and whether his goals numbers will ever be repeated.
Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has dismissed comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi, labelling such talk as "crazy" and urging for the young forward to be allowed to forge his own path. Speaking ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Copenhagen, Olmo stressed the immense pressure that comes with being likened to arguably the greatest player in history.
Angel Di Maria admits that Cristiano Ronaldoâs professionalism is âby farâ greater than that of Lionel Messi, but the former Real Madrid star still considers his fellow Argentine to be the GOAT having been given âa gift from God to be the bestâ. World Cup winner Di Maria has also been discussing who he considers to be the finest player on the planet in 2026.
Fermin Lopez would love to see Lionel Messi welcomed back to Barcelona, even if that means dropping down to the bench. The 22-year-old has become one of the Blaugranaâs most consistent performers this season, but he would happily give up a playmaking post at Camp Nou if an eight-time Ballon dâOr winner could be returned to Catalunya for an emotional farewell tour.