Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has revealed the components of his "perfect" striker, selecting the elite traits of modern legends like Lionel Messi and Harry Kane. The veteran goalscorer also didn't shy away from self-praise, naming himself as the ultimate choice when it comes to the crucial attribute of player mentality.
Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham is being billed as âthe oneâ to make a union between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo possible. Two all-time greats have competed against one another down the years, but have never graced the same team. That ultimate pact may yet happen, with CR7 seeing a move to MLS mooted on the back of his strike action at Al-Nassr.
Ezequiel Garay forms part of an exclusive group of players. The former Real Madrid and Argentina defender has worked alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That makes him well placed to pass judgement of which of the iconic forwards can be considered the GOAT. It comes as little surprise to find that the South American sides with his fellow countryman.
Lionel Messi has reportedly given the âgreen lightâ to a sensational transfer that would include a âno away gamesâ stipulation. The Argentine GOAT has extended his contract at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 2028, but wants to ensure that he is ready for World Cup duty in 2026. That could mean returning to Europe on a short-term deal, with Galatasaray ready to throw open their doors.
Lionel Messi is yet to officially confirm his participation at the 2026, but Inter Miami boss and fellow countryman Javier Mascherano appears to have revealed that the eight-time Ballon dâOr winner will form part of Argentinaâs plans. The expectation has always been that Messi, who captured a global crown in 2022, will grace at least one more major tournament as captain of his country.
David Beckham and Fanatics have entered into a partnership that will see the former England international release exclusive memorabilia and signed cards. The agreement adds to an already burgeoning number of partnerships Fanatics has, including Premier League, UEFA Club Competitions, the Bundesliga, and Major League Soccer. Beckham's cards will be available starting Feb 5.
Lionel Messi is considered to be a âgenius on our planetâ and would, at 38 years of age, remain a world beater in any league across the globe. The Argentine GOAT has been starring in MLS with Inter Miami, helping them to historic titles, and Rob Earnshaw has told GOAL why the South American superstar could still do a job in Europe and on a Champions League stage.
Lionel Messi recreated an iconic scorpion kick with legendary goalkeeper Rene Higuita ahead of Inter Miamiâs latest friendly outing. The Herons, fresh from their historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, are readying themselves for the start of a new campaign. Javier Mascheranoâs side are working their way through a pre-season programme in South America.
An old Lionel Messi shirt sold for more than a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey as Chelsea legend John Terry parted with over 50 items in a recent auction. The pair are renowned as the two greatest players of their generation and have won a combined 13 Ballons d'Or, with Messi leading Ronaldo with eight of those awards. Terry reportedly sold items from across his career for just over $695,000, with a percentage of that figure going to the John Terry Foundation.
Inter Miami claimed a dramatic 2-1 friendly win over AtlĂŠtico Nacional in MedellĂn, with Luis SuĂĄrez on the scoresheet and GermĂĄn Berterame making his first appearance for the club. Lionel Messi played 76 minutes, while a late own goal sealed Miamiâs first preseason victory after a tough loss in Peru.
Mikel Arteta has compared Max Dowman's impact as a teenager at Arsenal to Lionel Messi's legendary start at Barcelona as a wonderkid. The Gunners academy product made his debut for the club as a 15-year-old and has broken a number of records for the north London outfit. And after signing a pre-contract with Arsenal, manager Arteta has waxed lyrical about the youngster and likened him to footballing royalty.
Inter Miami have completed the signing of Mexican international GermĂĄn Berterame from CF Monterrey, adding another attacking weapon to their squad ahead of the 2026 season. The 27-year-old arrives as a Designated Player after a prolific spell in Liga MX and will reunite with Lionel Messi and company following a deal valued at around $15 million.
Dayne St. Clair was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year after a career-best season for Minnesota United, yet surprised many when he left the club that drafted him to suit up for Inter Miami. But he has no regrets.
Lionel Messi is considered to already be acting like Inter Miamiâs owner, with former MLS star Bacary Sagna telling GOAL of why the Argentine icon has found the perfect home at this stage of his career. The eight-time Ballon dâOr winner continues to enjoy success on the field in the United States, while also enhancing his global brand away from the pitch.
Inter Miamiâs preseason has suffered an early setback after the club confirmed that Spanish left back Sergio ReguilĂłn sustained a significant knee injury during the friendly against Alianza Lima. While surgery has been avoided, his availability for the MLS season opener remains uncertain as recovery timelines are evaluated.
MLS announced the launch of Walmart Saturday Showdown, a new weekly marquee matchup designed to create a must-watch Saturday appointment for fans throughout the 2026 regular season. The initiative will debut during the leagueâs Opening Weekend with one of the most anticipated matches of the season, as defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF face LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has dismissed comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi, labelling such talk as "crazy" and urging for the young forward to be allowed to forge his own path. Speaking ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Copenhagen, Olmo stressed the immense pressure that comes with being likened to arguably the greatest player in history.
Angel Di Maria admits that Cristiano Ronaldoâs professionalism is âby farâ greater than that of Lionel Messi, but the former Real Madrid star still considers his fellow Argentine to be the GOAT having been given âa gift from God to be the bestâ. World Cup winner Di Maria has also been discussing who he considers to be the finest player on the planet in 2026.
Fermin Lopez would love to see Lionel Messi welcomed back to Barcelona, even if that means dropping down to the bench. The 22-year-old has become one of the Blaugranaâs most consistent performers this season, but he would happily give up a playmaking post at Camp Nou if an eight-time Ballon dâOr winner could be returned to Catalunya for an emotional farewell tour.
Sir David Beckham and his wife Victoria have made a first public appearance since being on the receiving end of a shock outburst from their eldest son, Brooklyn. The Beckhams - with their other children Romeo, Cruz and Harper in tow - have attended Paris Fashion Week, with former Spice Girls star Victoria picking up a prestigious award at that event.
Mexico wrapped up their first short preparation tour of 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bolivia, giving manager Javier Aguirre two victories from two matches using an allâLiga MX squad. Playing in extreme heat and hostile conditions, El Tri faced a physical Bolivian side that pushed them to the limit before GermĂĄn Berterame delivered the decisive moment.
Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti considers fellow countryman Lionel Messi to be âthe essence of footballâ as he is capable of doing âcrazy thingsâ. The eight-time Ballon dâOr winner has proved as much over the course of his career, with the South American GOAT still going strong at the age of 38 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.
There is always a scramble to secure Lionel Messiâs shirt whenever he takes to the field for Inter Miami or Argentina, with the South American GOAT facing plenty of requests. Alan Cantero was the lucky recipient of an iconic No.10 jersey following Messiâs first outing of 2026. The Alianza Lima striker broke down in tears after landing a prized momento at the end of a friendly fixture.
Inter Miami endured a rough start to 2026, falling 3-0 in their preseason opener to Alianza Lima during Noche Blanquiazul in Peru. Paolo Guerrero led the way with a first-half brace, while Lionel Messi and company struggled to create clear chances in a disappointing night that set an early warning tone for the MLS side.
Inter Miami CF have signed goalkeepers Rocco RĂos Novo and Luis Barraza on permanent deals, terminating the contract of veteran Ăscar Ustari in the process. RĂos Novo spent last season with the club and started in the MLS Cup final. Separately, defender TomĂĄs AvilĂŠs will join CF MontrĂŠal on loan for more playing time.
Brooklyn Beckhamâs former youth team coach at Queens Park Rangers has added his voice to the debate regarding how controlling ex-England captain Sir David and Spice Girls star Victoria can be when it comes to their children. Brooklyn has taken to speaking out against his famous parents following a family feud, with a âstrange dynamicâ admission now being made.
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