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Ballon d'Or 2026: How Messi could guarantee ninth Golden Ball

World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.

'Dream' Messi transfer talked up by newly appointed Newell's coach

The new men in charge at Newell’s Old Boys have reiterated how it remains the club’s “dream” to bring home-town hero Lionel Messi back to his native Argentina. Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez have taken the reins in Rosario and are preparing for their first season at the helm. Messi will not form part of those plans, as he remains tied to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, but an emotional return to his roots could be made at some stage.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Neymar 2025-26

Neymar & Ronaldo? Messi wants MLS ‘dream team’ in Miami

Neymar to Inter Miami could still happen, former MLS star Kleberson has exclusively told GOAL, with Lionel Messi looking to bring “everyone” to the United States as he forms his own “private league”. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul have already joined the Argentine GOAT in Florida, with more marquee transfer deals - including Cristiano Ronaldo - being lined up.

Pique addresses possibility of Messi playing in Kings League

Gerard Pique has addressed the possibility of former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi playing in the Kings League at some stage. Neymar, another iconic performer with ties to Camp Nou, has hinted that the Argentine GOAT would like to grace small-sided competition. Pique is leaving the door open for Messi, but is reluctant to speculate on whether the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will ever walk through it.

Messi in Copa Libertadores! Inter Miami chasing 'dream'

Inter Miami are chasing a “dream” that would allow Lionel Messi to enjoy a career first, with talks being opened regarding involvement in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The Argentine GOAT has never graced the most prestigious club competition in South America, but he has become an MLS Cup winner in the United States and could see the Herons handed a special invite.

Inter Miami CF v Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final

'Rest of the league has to be furious' - Donovan praises Miami’s retool

On the Unfiltered Soccer podcast, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard praised Inter Miami’s front office for aggressively building a winning roster. From smart, low-cost moves in South America to the unmatched appeal of playing alongside Lionel Messi, the former USMNT stars explained why Miami has become one of the league’s most attractive destinations.

Why Messi return to Camp Nou remains ‘complicated’ for Barca

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has explained why an emotional return to Camp Nou for Lionel Messi remains “complicated”. He has also addressed the speculation surrounding the respective futures of prolific Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, head coach Hansi Flick and German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with there always a lot going on in Catalunya.

Enzo Fernandez Lionel Messi Argentina World Cup

How Messi is allowing Fernandez to live ‘PlayStation’ dream

Enzo Fernandez has explained how Lionel Messi is allowing him to live out a “PlayStation” dream. The Argentine midfielder looked up to an iconic countryman when seeking to forge his own professional career. Fernandez could never have imagined at that point what the future would have in store - with World Cup glory being savoured alongside Messi at Qatar 2022.

Ronaldo doubles Messi’s earnings to top highest-paid chart

Sportico have released their annual highest-paid athletes list, with Cristiano Ronaldo sitting at the top of that chart. The Portuguese GOAT earned double what eternal rival Lionel Messi pulled in over the course of 2025, with the Al-Nassr forward making $260 million (£194m). There are 13 football players in the top 100, with Brazilian icon Neymar tumbling down the standings.

Karl to Barca?! Bayern star wears Messi shinpads despite Madrid 'dream'

Bayern Munich’s teenage sensation Lennart Karl has left fans baffled and amused after a video surfaced showing him wearing custom shinpads adorned with an image of Lionel Messi. The 17-year-old, who recently sparked controversy by publicly declaring his desire to play for Real Madrid, seems to have forgotten the fierce rivalry between his "dream" club and the Barcelona legend he apparently idolises.

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Neymar reveals Messi could PLAY at Kings League World Cup

Neymar has revealed that Lionel Messi has expressed an interest in playing in the latter stages of the 2026 Kings League World Cup Nations tournament. The Kings League was set up by Messi and Neymar's former Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique, and has regularly featured some huge stars.

adidas brings back a classic as F50 Tunit Messi makes iconic return

One of the most legendary speed boots in football history is back, as adidas reintroduces the F50 Tunit Messi, a limited-edition remake inspired by the boot that launched a GOAT.

Mohamed Salah Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2026

Salah hits goal milestone quicker than Messi & Ronaldo

Mohamed Salah has reached an international goal milestone quicker than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Liverpool superstar is currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt. He has helped to fire them into the semi-finals of that competition. During a last-eight showdown with the Ivory Coast, Salah found the target and reached 100 goal contributions for his country.

‘Until he retires’ - Why Messi will remain ‘best in the world’

Lionel Messi remains “the best in the world” and will hold that title “until he retires”, claims the Argentine’s former Barcelona team-mate David Villa. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 38 years of age, but he is showing no sign of slowing down and continues to enhance his standing as the most decorated player of all-time while turning out in the United States for Inter Miami.

World Cup decision? What Messi discussed in private meeting

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni admits to holding a private meeting with Lionel Messi, with the topics of discussion during that chat being revealed. The Albiceleste are busy piecing together plans for their World Cup title defence. Having captured a global crown at Qatar 2022, the intention is to go back-to-back in 2026. All-time great Messi is expected to form part of that trophy bid.

Jude Bellingham Lamine Yamal adidas Predator F50

Bellingham vs Yamal: adidas launches Predator vs F50 battle

Jude Bellingham and Aitana Bonmati are locking horns with Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Trinity Rodman as adidas launches the Predator vs F50 battle and invites fans and players around the world to “choose one”. Two iconic boot designs are being reimagined for 2026, with superstar performers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Miami and the USWNT already picking their sides.

Frequently asked questions

: Martin Odegaard captains Arsenal and plays either as a central attacking midfielder or as a right-sided interior in the central midfield.
: Martin Odegaard was born in the city of Drammen, located in the Buskerud county of Norway.
: Martin Odegaard dons the No. 8 jersey at Arsenal, previously worn by legends like Freddie Ljungberg and also by his current coach Mikel Arteta.
: Martin Odegaard stands at 1.78m (5ft 10in) and is among the best midfielders in the world.
: Martin Odegaard weighs 68kg (150 lbs). He's got incredible work-rate off the ball, and is blessed with eagle-eyed vision that helps him find teammates via line-breaking passes.
: From 2005 to 2009, Martin Odegaard played for local club Drammen Strong, before joining the Stromgodset academy.
: Martin Odegaard is yet to become a father, but he announced on social media in August 2024 that he is expecting his first child with partner Helene Spilling.
: Martin Odegaard isn't married yet, but has been in a relationship with Helene Spilling, a dancer who won Norway's Strictly Come Dancing show in 2021.

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