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Messi pays tribute to 'idol' Maradona as he picks out sporting GOATS

Lionel Messi has revealed his GOATS from basketball and tennis while describing Argentina legend Diego Maradona as his "greatest idol". The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the various icons who helped inspire his journey from a boy in Rosario to a global superstar. In his eyes, no one stands taller in the football world than Maradona, the legendary forward who inspired the Albiceleste to the 1986 World Cup.

Inter Miami CF v Nashville SC - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs

Messi calls for change to MLS transfer rules

Lionel Messi has urged MLS chiefs to overhaul the league's transfer rules to continue the rapid growth of the competition and bring more of the world’s best players to the United States. The Inter Miami star wants wide-sweeping changes to the Roster Rules, which are often seen as archaic and cumbersome, and have been accused of holding back MLS teams from buying top-tier world talent.

Puerto Rico v Argentina - International Friendly

Messi issues definitive statement on 2026 World Cup participation

Lionel Messi has revealed the key criteria that will determine whether or not he lines up for defending champions Argentina at next year’s World Cup. The virtuoso forward is enjoying life in America with Inter Miami, but will turn 39 during next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and his inclusion in the Argentina squad is not guaranteed.

The Rondo: Will Messi make his 18th FIFPRO Men's World 11?

GOAL US writers discuss FIFPRO World 11 nominees, with plenty of obvious selections shortlisted, but some big names missing

Ageless Messi & Ronaldo named as finalists for FIFPRO World 11

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to defy age and expectations after being named among the 26 finalists for the 2025 Men’s FIFPRO World 11 on Monday. The Argentina and Portugal superstars have been rewarded for their efforts in 2024-25 by being included on the star-studded list alongside Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

GFX Info Kylian Mbappe Lionel Messi Neymar

Why rivals preferred facing PSG of Messi, Neymar & Mbappe

Brest boss Eric Roy has explained why rivals preferred to face the Paris Saint-Germain of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe rather than Luis Enrique’s class of 2025. The Ligue 1 giants mimicked the ‘Galactico’ recruitment model of Real Madrid at one point, as they assembled a squad of superstars, but are now considered to be more of a complete unit.

Messi reunion & reforming MSN one of two options for Neymar

A reunion with Lionel Messi in MLS that could see Barcelona’s fabled ‘MSN’ strike force reformed at Inter Miami is one of two options available to Neymar as he mulls over his future. The Brazilian superstar is approaching the end of his current contract at Santos, with a big decision on what happens next needing to be made before 2025 comes to a close.

'Gives us extra motivation' - De Paul on Messi's extension

Following Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Nashville SC in Game 1 of the MLS Cup Playoffs, Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul - Messi’s longtime national team teammate - praised the captain’s influence and form. He added that Messi’s decision to remain with the Herons beyond this season has given the squad an extra spark heading into the postseason.

Lionel Messi David Beckham Inter Miami 2025

Beckham sends emotional message to Messi after Miami extension

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has penned a heartfelt message for Lionel Messi after the Argentine GOAT shut down speculation about his future by signing a new three-year contract with the MLS outfit. The forward has shown no signs of slowing down despite turning 38 in June and has already racked up a sensational 39 goals in 44 matches while setting up 19 more to inspire the Herons to an assured playoff spot.

Messi brilliance lifts Miami to Game 1 win over Nashville

Lionel Messi scored two goals, and Inter Miami took advantage of an admittedly sloppy Nashville SC to earn a 3-1 win and take a 1-0 lead in the first round of their MLS playoff series. The Argentine was short of his best, but opportunistic at the right moments, and the Herons' only real gripe can be that they didn't keep a clean sheet in their pursuit of an evasive MLS Cup.

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'Decision was easy' - Messi says lifestyle key to extension

Lionel Messi this week signed a three-year extension to stay with Inter Miami through 2028, and the Argentine says a major factor was the lifestyle in Florida. In addition to his family enjoying living in Miami, Messi told NBC Nightly News that he evaluated his mental and physical health and ultimately, the decision to remain in MLS was "easy."

Messi told the one reason why Ronaldo is the GOAT

Lionel Messi has been told the one reason why eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo is the GOAT, with Danny Simpson explaining that to GOAL during an exclusive interview. Premier League title winner Simpson worked with CR7 at Manchester United and considers him to boast unique qualities that separate him from any other player in history - including Argentine icon Messi.

Lionel Messi Marcus Rashford Barcelona Clasico

Rashford picks out Messi hat-trick as best Clasico memory

Marcus Rashford is looking forward to gracing his first Clasico, with the Barcelona loanee picking out his favourite memory from previous meetings between the Blaugrana and Real Madrid. Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi figures prominently as collective minds are cast back to iconic moments from the past - with the Argentine GOAT having often starred against the Blancos.

Mascherano confirms Messi fit to face Nashville SC

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed that Lionel Messi will be available for Friday’s MLS Cup Playoffs opener against Nashville SC, easing concerns after the Argentine missed training earlier in the week with a back injury. Mascherano said Messi returned to full training on Wednesday and Thursday, clearing him to feature at Chase Stadium.

Last dance? Messi, Barca band back together for playoff push

With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retiring and Luis Suarez' slowing, its time for Messi and Miami to deliver

The best FIFPRO Men's World 11s ever assembled - ranked

With 2025 marking the 21st edition of the FIFPRO Men's World 11, GOAL ranks the five best versions ever assembled

Frequently asked questions

: Jude Bellingham's strongest position on the pitch is as the central attacking midfielder in the #10 role; however, he has show tremendous adaptibility by playing either as a false 9 or as a central midfielder, while also occasionally functioning as a left midfielder.
: Jude Bellingham was born in Stourbridge, in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, West Midlands, in England.
: Jude Bellingham dons the No. 5 jersey at his current club Real Madrid. It was a dream come true moment when he was presented with the No. 5 shirt during his Real Madrid presentation as his idol, Zinedine Zidane, also wore the No. 5 shirt during his five-year stint at the club as a player.
: Jude Bellingham stands at 1.86m (6ft 1in). Despite his tall frame, he is adept at dribbling past opponents and often uses his physicality to shield the ball.
: Jude Bellingham weighs 75 kg (165 lbs). His low weight, combined with his height, allow him to be extremely agile.
: Jude Bellingham started his youth career at Birmingham City, the club he supported ever since he was a kid.
: Jude Bellingham turned 21 in 2024 and does not have any children yet.
: Jude Bellingham hasn't exchanged vows just yet, but he is believed to be dating Dutch fashion model Laura Celia Valk.

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