Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits that the club’s relationship with Lionel Messi became 'strained' after an unfortunate financial crisis led to the Argentine superstar having to leave Catalonia. Bridges have, however, been rebuilt since then and an emotional return to a spiritual home for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be discussed - potentially in an exhibition match at the recently upgraded Camp Nou.

Kylian Mbappe has opened up on what it was like to play with Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain and also revealed why he 'wants to thank' the Inter Miami star. Mbappe played alongside Messi for two seasons in the French capital after the Argentina captain moved to the Ligue 1 giants on a free transfer after leaving boyhood club Barcelona in the summer of 2021.

Lionel Messi has made more history in MLS, with the Argentine GOAT pulling clear of legendary Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was at his brilliant best for Inter Miami when helping them to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United. He bagged a brace in that contest, registering his ninth multi-goal performance of the season - a new record in MLS competition.

Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist, while Jordi Alba also found the net as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 win over Atlanta United on Saturday night. Messi was a threat from the start, skipping Argentina duty to feature for the Herons - and showing exactly why that decision paid off. Miami remain in the hunt for the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami are considering an audacious swoop for Santos' Neymar as they weigh up the merits of reuniting the famous former Barcelona attacking trident. The winger still has a couple months remaining on his deal at his boyhood club in Brazil, but may be looking to move on. The MLS could prove an interesting proposition given next summer's World Cup will be held in the US.