Cesc Fabregas claims that Como sensation Nico Paz is getting Lionel Messi-esque treatment from Serie A rivals. World Cup winner Fabregas once played alongside Messi at Barcelona, with opponents eager to keep the ball away from him as much as possible. Paz is, much like his Argentina international team-mate, considered to be another match-altering talent.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been named “Golden Ball” winner by CIES Football Observatory, with Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe claiming the runner-up spot. There is no place in the top five for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele despite the World Cup-winning France international being favourite to land the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2025.
Sergio Busquets is reportedly set to call time on his legendary career at the end of Inter Miami’s 2025 Major League Soccer campaign. The 37-year-old midfielder, who has lifted 32 trophies with Barcelona and earned 143 Spain caps, has decided to hang up his boots two years after following Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi surprisingly stood aside after seeing Inter Miami awarded a penalty against D.C. United, with Mateo Silvetti being allowed to step up to the spot. He fluffed his lines when hitting the crossbar, but Messi still had the final say when wrapping up a crucial victory for the Herons in their ongoing bid to secure a place in the MLS play-offs.
Despite a 3-2 win over D.C. United that strengthened Inter Miami’s playoff position, head coach Javier Mascherano admitted that defensive lapses remain a key area to improve. The Argentine stressed the need to maintain composure when falling behind and to correct mistakes in transitions as the Herons enter the decisive stretch of the MLS season.
At 38, Lionel Messi can still learn new tricks. In a rare flash of direct play, the Argentine’s two goals and clever assist set the tone in a 3-1 win over a stubborn D.C. United on Saturday night, giving Inter Miami their first winning streak in MLS since July. Still, it wasn’t straightforward, with Christian Benteke making things interesting in the second half.
Though Lionel Messi is reportedly close to signing a multi-year contract extension to remain with Inter Miami, manager Javier Mascherano struck a cautious tone on Friday, choosing his words carefully ahead of the Herons’ matchup against D.C. United at Chase Stadium. “I’m certainly not the one who should make that announcement,” he said.
Lionel Messi is being urged to follow David Beckham's example and become an owner when his playing career in MLS is over. A new contract for the Argentine superstar at Inter Miami is being speculated on, with American soccer eager to see the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remain part of their brand for the foreseeable future. It could be that he stays on for many years to come.
Lamine Yamal's Spain have stormed back to the summit of international football, claiming top spot from Lionel Messi's Argentina in the latest FIFA men's world rankings for the first time since 2014. Their rise comes after victories over Turkey and Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying, ending the world champions' two-year reign at the top, as they slip to third following a costly defeat to Ecuador, with France moving up to second.
Lionel Messi has been sent "it's done" advice after choosing to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and extend his remarkable playing career. With CR7 extending his Al-Nassr contract at 40 years of age, Argentine icon Messi is expected to tread a similar path by agreeing fresh terms with Inter Miami in MLS. Neither of the all-time greats are ready to consider retirement any time soon.
Erling Haaland is being backed to rise above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League goal stakes, making more history in the process. The prolific Manchester City striker has become the fastest man to 50 efforts in elite European competition, with Pep Guardiola expecting the Norway international to go on and set a new all-time benchmark.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s one-time Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has great admiration for the Portuguese superstar, but admits that he prefers to talk about Lionel Messi. American-born Rossi - who spent time in England, Spain and the United States during his playing days - has offered a slightly different take on the long-running GOAT debate.
Inter Miami have reportedly got the answer they wanted after putting various contract questions to Lionel Messi, with the Argentine GOAT ready to sign a “multiyear” extension with the MLS outfit. His current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2025 campaign, but the South American superstar is poised to end any speculation regarding his future.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami close to finalizing multiyear deal to extend his stay in South Florida, according to ESPN. The eight time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with moves to a number of other clubs, but appears set to extend his MLS career. His current deal, signed in 2023, expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Timmy Abraham, the brother of former Chelsea striker Tammy, is set to play in front of Lionel Messi in a 1v1 tournament founded by the Inter Miami and Argentina star. Timmy will be hoping to impress Messi when he heads to Miami, alongside semi-professional female footballer Che Thomas, to compete against 'ballers' from all over the world in the hope of being crowned the world’s best.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have enjoyed a long-running rivalry after dominating world football for two decades. Both superstars are now entering the twilight of their careers, with former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen claiming the 40-year-old Portugal international is now in better physical condition than Inter Miami's World Cup winner.
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