Robert Lewandowski is set to call time on his Barcelona career this summer, with the veteran striker determined to find a club where he remains the undisputed main man. The Polish icon has seen his minutes restricted at Camp Nou this season and is now looking to follow the blueprint laid out by the game’s greatest ever players.

From Alaska to Austin, MLS stars are opening up about the surreal experience of evolving from childhood fans to on-field rivals of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s "Barcelona quartet". USMNT forward Brandon Vazquez and Atlético Madrid’s Obed Vargas shared how lining up against their idols felt like a "FIFA console dream" come to life - and how they had to overcome the "out-of-body experience" to actually beat them.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been informed of what needs to happen in order for him to become a Ballon d’Or contender in 2026, while Ruud Gullit has told GOAL why a ninth triumph for Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi cannot be ruled out. The title of best player on the planet will likely be bestowed upon a superstar performer that illuminates this summer’s World Cup.

GOAL looks at the biggest names in MLS to watch at the World Cup this summer, and the list expands far beyond the reigning MVP winner

Global superstars Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi have won it. Surprise winners are Oliver Kahn, Salvatore Schillaci & Diego Forlan.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would be “very complementary” in the same team, Rene Meulensteen has told GOAL, with CR7 being backed for a move to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami if he lands the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese GOAT is closing in on another crown in the Middle East, which could lead to him exploring future options elsewhere.