Former Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin believes Lionel Messi deserves to collect the 2026 Ballon d'Or following his heroic exploits for club and country. The Russian icon feels handing the Inter Miami talisman another golden ball would offer a poetic conclusion to his career at the highest level, citing his talismanic run to the World Cup final.
Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.
The presence of Lionel Messi offers Inter Miami plenty of advantages, with team-mate Dayne St. Clair pointing out that one of those is often having “more supporters than the home team” when heading out on the road. The Herons are taking in five successive away games at the start of their 2026 MLS campaign, but intimidating atmospheres are in short supply.
MLS’s opening weekend delivered surprise results and standout performances - but also plenty of drama and controversy, even from its biggest star, Lionel Messi.
Kumait
