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.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted that football will always miss Lionel Messi following the Argentine's international retirement. Mourinho also addressed Julian Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid after a failed summer move.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced an unprecedented nationwide tribute to honor Lionel Messi following his emotional retirement from international football. Every domestic match across the country will come to a synchronised pause this weekend to celebrate the legacy of the greatest player to ever wear the Albiceleste shirt.
Lionel Scaloni has reportedly identified Nico Paz as the heir to Lionel Messi's iconic No. 10 jersey following the legend's retirement from international football. The 21-year-old playmaker is poised to inherit the historic shirt ahead of established senior stars if the World Cup-winning manager signs a contract extension through to 2030.
The Albiceleste captain ends his remarkable international career as a hero in his homeland, but he had to go through hell to win the love of his people
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has lavished praise on Rodri following the midfielder's high-profile switch from Manchester City to Barcelona this year. The national team boss proudly compared his midfield talisman to Lionel Messi, while also taking the opportunity to pay a glowing tribute to the legendary Argentine after his recent retirement from international football.
