Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha has weighed in on the eternal GOAT debate by choosing Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo. The former playmaker highlighted a fundamental difference in style, describing the Argentine icon as a natural genius.
The annual debate has officially ignited as EA Sports unveils the top-rated stars for the upcoming FC 27. In a move that reflects the shifting power dynamics of world football, two of the game’s most lethal marksmen are set to share the throne when the new title launches this September. While familiar faces remain at the summit, the latest data reveal has sent shockwaves through the community due to several high-profile upgrades and some surprisingly harsh downgrades for Premier League icons.
Lionel Messi’s return to the Inter Miami starting lineup turned into a nightmare as the Argentine icon missed his third consecutive penalty in a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC. The Herons were systematically dismantled at Geodis Park, failing to reclaim the top spot in the Eastern Conference on a night where nothing went right for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos has refused to confirm whether Lionel Messi will feature in Saturday's crucial MLS clash against Nashville. The Argentine star recently returned to action following the tragic passing of his father, but the club insists he will dictate his own playing schedule.
Jude Bellingham is “not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo” and cannot “win games by himself”, John Barnes has told GOAL, with the England and Real Madrid superstar considered to be more of a Bryan Robson-esque No.8 than a creative No.10. The all-action midfielder has often been pushed into a more advanced role, but his ability is maximised when operating in a deeper-lying berth.
Lionel Messi experienced a bizarre and heartwarming moment upon his return to action for Inter Miami following the death of his father. During a Leagues Cup match against Club Leon, Colombian defender Jhohan Romana stopped Messi's dribble before picking the Argentine legend up off the floor in a warm embrace.
Lionel Messi has shared a devastating public tribute following the death of his father, Jorge, suggesting that his legendary playing career could be nearing its end. The Inter Miami superstar admitted he is unsure how to continue in the sport without the man who guided him from his early days in Rosario to global superstardom.
Inter Miami have rallied around their club captain Lionel Messi following the tragic passing of his father, Jorge, who died in Argentina at the age of 68. The team honoured him during their recent Leagues Cup match, with players and staff offering emotional tributes as the forward returns to Rosario.
Harry Kane has been told that emulating Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by gracing the World Cup finals in the twilight of his playing career will be a “big ask”. Ex-Bayern Munich star Dietmar Hamann - who has been speaking to GOAL - is not convinced that the two-time Bundesliga title winner will, at 36 years of age, form part of England’s major tournament plans in the summer of 2030.
Rodrigo De Paul produced a moment of magic on the pitch and a touching gesture off it during Inter Miami’s recent Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey. The midfielder used his scoring moment to send a powerful message of support to his close friend and teammate Lionel Messi during a difficult period for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
While MLS has dominated the previous League Cup tournaments, this year's edition has shown some fightback from Liga MX sides as both Inter Miami and Orlando City suffered losses.
Jorge Messi, the father and long-time representative of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following a long illness. The businessman passed away on Friday in a hospital in his native Rosario, according to local reports.
Argentina football supremo Claudio Tapia has insisted that the national team will not place any pressure on Lionel Messi regarding his participation in the 2028 Copa America. The Inter Miami superstar remains the focal point of the national side, but his long-term future with La Albiceleste continues to be a topic of intense speculation as he enters the twilight of his career.
Lionel Messi has decisively dismissed speculation linking his eldest son, Thiago, with a return to Barcelona's La Masia academy. Ahead of Inter Miami's Leagues Cup fixture against Atletico San Luis, the Argentine legend delivered a blunt one-word response to clarify that the 13-year-old midfielder will remain in Florida to continue his development.
The future of Argentina national team hangs in the balance as Lionel Scaloni weighs up his continuation following a devastating 2026 World Cup final defeat. Despite the uncertainty, AFA president Claudio Tapia has made his stance clear, insisting there is no alternative to the man who led the Albiceleste to global glory four years ago.
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