Chris Burton

Questions are being asked of whether Lionel Messi fever in MLS has peaked, with Inter Miami’s GOAT roadshow being likened to the travelling WWE extravaganza. Audiences will flock to watch superstar performers when that particular sporting circus passes through their town, but is mass appeal retained over a long period of time? Former USMNT star Kasey Keller believes Messi-mania may have plateaued in the United States.

Wrexham captain Dominic Hyam has explained how the club ensures that documentary cameras do not become a distraction during a Premier League promotion push, with “celebrities” being asked to “get out the dressing room”. Famous faces pass through the Racecourse Ground on a regular basis, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac at the helm, but Phil Parkinson’s squad have learned how to block out the “noise”.

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s costly error in the 2026 Carabao Cup final has seen Arsenal highlight how selection promises can cause “real problems”. The Gunners goalkeeper quite literally dropped a clanger against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, having been assured of his League Cup spot by Mikel Arteta. Respect has been retained at Emirates Stadium, but did that come at the cost of a major trophy?

A unique quality possessed by Max Dowman has been used as a reason why the 16-year-old Arsenal wonderkid should be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The talented teenager is yet to start a Premier League fixture, but has become that division’s youngest goal-scorer during one of three outings off the bench. Bryan Robson is among those that believe Dowman could be a useful wildcard for England this summer.

Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Mauricio Pochettino will never have been open to the idea of a “dual job” that saw him coach both Tottenham and the USMNT. Spurs recently found themselves back in the market for a new manager after bringing Igor Tudor’s ill-fated 44-day tenure to a close. Former fan favourite Pochettino saw a return to north London speculated on, but he has World Cup plans to focus on this summer.

NBA superstar Klay Thompson has explained how Lionel Messi and Barcelona helped to inspire the dynasty enjoyed in basketball circles by Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Argentine GOAT Messi starred for the Catalan giants alongside the likes of Ronaldinho and Neymar, with Pep Guardiola introducing ‘tiki-taka’ to the world. Similar principles have been embraced in California, allowing major silverware to be secured.

Elliot Anderson continues to generate plenty of transfer speculation, amid links to Manchester rivals United and City, but Chris Waddle can see the England international returning to his roots at Newcastle. Nottingham Forest are expected to field plenty of offers for the classy midfielder this summer, with it possible that an emotional homecoming could be taken in by the highly-rated 23-year-old.

Manchester United have been told they would be “silly” not to rekindle interest in England captain Harry Kane if exit doors do open up at Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions are reluctant to part with their prolific No.9, but concede that big-money offers could force their hand. Kane has previously seen a move to Old Trafford mooted, and fresh transfer talks may be lined up.

Reports of the purchase option in Marcus Rashford’s loan agreement at Barcelona expiring have been addressed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. It has been suggested that the €30 million (£26m/$35m) buyout clause in the winger’s deal at Camp Nou is no longer valid, with parent club Manchester United therefore in a position to dictate what happens in the summer window.

Former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow believes that the Reds are agreeing to let Mohamed Salah leave as a free agent as they discovered there “wasn’t a market” for the 33-year-old Egyptian. Despite his exploits across nine seasons in England, Salah is not considered to be of the Cristiano Ronaldo mould and would have found it difficult to find a suitor willing to part with a big-money transfer fee.

Morgan Rogers has been warned against a transfer to the “graveyard” that Manchester United have become, with the Aston Villa playmaker also being advised to ignore any interest shown by Chelsea. The 23-year-old England international has become one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents. Dean Saunders believes Rogers’ ongoing development would be best served in his current surroundings.

Anthony Martial has seen his faltering career hit a new low, with the former Manchester United forward reportedly being banished by Mexican outfit Monterrey. The ex-France international has struggled for a professional spark across several years, with fresh questions of his future being asked in Central America following a petulant substitution strop.

England boss Thomas Tuchel stands accused of insulting Harry Maguire with his claim that the Manchester United defender could be fifth-choice centre-half in his 2026 World Cup plans. Maguire has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for international friendly action, but has been warned that he may struggle to earn another major tournament spot.

Kylian Mbappe appreciates that he cannot expect to be immune from criticism at Real Madrid, with questions having previously been asked of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alfredo Di Stefano. France international Mbappe is now head ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu, with his goal output delivering on expectations, but he does not consider himself to be untouchable.

Ex-Arsenal and Spain star Santi Cazorla has explained why he prefers Pedri to Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The two-time European Championship winner admits to having a “huge crush” on Barca’s classy midfielder. He is also a big fan of Yamal, who continues to wow global audiences, but will always side with ball players over goal scorers.

Ester Exposito, one of the stars of Netflix show ‘Elite’, has broken her silence on a supposed romantic relationship with Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. The 26-year-old actress was spotted enjoying VIP hospitality at the recent Madrid derby date between Real and Atletico at Santiago Bernabeu. She has previously been seen heading to Paris with World Cup winner Mbappe.

A stunning move to Wrexham for Cristiano Ronaldo is being ruled out as the Portuguese superstar does not need Ryan Reynolds’ assistance in order to achieve his Hollywood dream. CR7 has stated a desire to get into the movie business, leading to surprising transfer talk being sparked, but James Chester cannot see the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend heading to North Wales.

Ronald Araujo admits that Uruguay may require divine intervention when facing Lamine Yamal and Spain at the 2026 World Cup, telling his international colleagues: “If they know how to pray, they better.” Araujo knows all about the threat that the teenage wonderkid will pose when they lock horns on the grandest of stages at a major tournament this summer.