Chris Burton

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 d’Or winner will form part of Argentina’s 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.

Lamine Yamal has made a huge statement on his future at Barcelona, with the teenage wonderkid revealing that he hopes to be a one-club man as he stays at Camp Nou “forever”. There is every chance of that happening, having quickly achieved icon status, but Lionel Messi has shown that not everybody gets their wish when it comes to career-long stints in Catalunya.

Viktor Gyokeres has explained how his iconic goal celebration came about, with a nod being offered to DC Comics star Bane, while discussing his start to life in the Premier League at Arsenal. The Sweden international striker admits that a stint in the Premier League has been challenging, but he is delighted to form part of a Premier League title bid at Emirates Stadium.

Lionel Messi is considered to be a “genius on our planet” 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.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence in the Saudi Pro League is reportedly impacting three high-profile deals that were being lined up late in the winter transfer window. Portuguese GOAT CR7 is frustrated at how things are playing out at Al-Nassr and is looking to flex his muscles when it comes to business being done by domestic rivals in the Middle East.

Jude Bellingham left the field in tears after picking up an untimely injury in Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. The England international crumpled to the turf clutching at his hamstring, with immediate fears being raised regarding how long he could be sidelined for. According to reports in Spain, the 22-year-old has avoided a serious setback and will only be out for around a month.

Arsenal may be ruing their decision to let Ethan Nwaneri leave on loan, with Mikel Merino picking up an untimely injury, but the Gunners academy graduate will not be beating a hasty retreat to Emirates Stadium from Marseille. Mikel Arteta has lost a midfield option, and is scouring the transfer market for cover, and would have found a place for Nwaneri in his plans had the youngster remained in north London.

Sandro Tonali has generated talk of interest from Arsenal on transfer deadline day, but surprising reports have been quickly shot down. The Gunners are said to be in the market for midfield reinforcements after losing Mikel Merino to injury. Italy international Tonali would be a Premier League-proven option, but he is unlikely to leave St James’ Park.

Sonia Bompastor has sensationally opened the door to a Chelsea exit, saying she would be “happy to go” if the reigning WSL champions decided that she is no longer the right person to take the club forward. The Blues, who enjoyed domestic dominance last season, suffered a humbling 5-1 defeat to Manchester City last time out and sit a long way off the title-chasing pace.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has launched into a furious tirade against Premier League match officials and VAR, claiming “they don’t want us to win”. The Ballon d’Or winner cut a frustrated figure, alongside his manager Pep Guardiola, after seeing the Blues drop more precious points in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham - with one particularly big decision going against the visitors in north London.

Arsenal are reported to have asked about a stunning deadline day deal for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Gunners have lost Mikel Merino to an untimely injury, with Mikel Arteta eager to ensure that he is not left short on options in an ongoing Premier League title bid. Italy international Tonali would be another proven addition to the ranks at Emirates Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo could refuse to play for Al-Nassr in their next Saudi Pro League fixture, according to reports in his native Portugal. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is said to be cutting a frustrated figure in the Middle East. With that in mind, the evergreen 40-year-old is considering ruling himself out of contention for selection in a derby date with Al-Riyadh.

Jamie Carragher has performed a dramatic U-turn in his assessment of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro and invited the experienced Brazil international to shame his punditry skills. Back in 2024, Liverpool legend Carragher claimed that “football had left” Casemiro and he was destined to end up in MLS or the Saudi Pro League. The South American has enjoyed an impressive upturn in form this season.

Liverpool have reportedly beaten Premier League rivals Chelsea to the signing of highly-rated Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. The Reds are said to have a £60 million ($82m) deal in place. The talented 20-year-old is considered to be a long-term addition at Anfield, with a big-money agreement set to be completed in the summer transfer window.

Michael Carrick is reportedly keen to have Marcus Rashford back at Manchester United next season if he stays on as Red Devils boss, but Barcelona hold the most important trump card in any transfer battle. The Liga giants took the England international forward on loan ahead of the current campaign and boast a purchase option that can be triggered in the summer of 2026.

AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez has jokingly declared that he is prepared to “kill” club colleague Christian Pulisic if Mexico cross paths with the USMNT on 2026 World Cup duty. The pair have struck up quite the bond at San Siro, as they regularly watch NFL action together, but friendship will be put to one side if they lock horns in the international arena.

Dominic Solanke scored a stunning scorpion kick goal for Tottenham as they battled back from two goals down to level matters against Manchester City. The England international striker was responsible for digging Spurs out of a hole in that contest, with his second effort of the game seeing the ball flicked home despite it dropping behind him.

Manchester United hero Benjamin Sesko, fresh from netting a dramatic winner in a five-goal thriller with Fulham, admits that Michael Carrick has improved “work rate” in the Red Devils ranks - allowing an impressive run of results to be enjoyed. United edged out Fulham 3-2 at Old Trafford and have now taken maximum points from three games under their interim head coach.