Thiago Alcantara has raised eyebrows by omitting Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah when naming the three best players he ever shared a pitch with. Despite playing alongside some of the greatest icons in modern football history, the former midfield maestro opted for a trio of stars that prioritised tactical intelligence and selflessness above raw goalscoring numbers.

Sergio Aguero has heaped massive praise on Lamine Yamal, sensationally claiming that the Barcelona sensation is already performing at a level that puts him above almost every other player in world football with the exception of a certain superstar. The Manchester City and Blaugrana legend also believes the teenager possesses a rare talent that has not been seen at Camp Nou since the departure of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.

Despite being a leading figure at Santiago Bernabeu, Vinicius Jr is reportedly missing a vital ingredient required to join the pantheon of footballing greats. Former Brazil and Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda has offered a stinging appraisal of the Brazilian winger’s standing in the global game. The Real Madrid star has been told he is still a long way off reaching the legendary heights of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lionel Messi played the role of the ultimate genie for interim manager Guillermo Hoyos, delivering a magical late goal to grant Inter Miami a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids. Hailing the Argentine's match-winning brilliance, Hoyos quipped that he simply "rubbed the lamp" to secure a crucial three points in the club's first game of the post-Javier Mascherano era.

Lionel Messi proved once again why he remains the most clinical player in world football, producing a moment of pure inspiration to secure all three points for Inter Miami. The Argentine maestro produced a moment of individual brilliance to settle a five-goal thriller, guiding his side to a dramatic victory in a high-stakes encounter against the Colorado Rapids.