Riyad Mahrez has revealed that his ultimate footballing ambition was to pull on the famous Barcelona shirt and line up alongside Lionel Messi. The Algerian winger, who eventually became a hero at Manchester City, has opened up on how close he came to a different path during his rise to the top.
Lionel Messi's impact on North American culture continues to reach unprecedented heights as the Inter Miami superstar has been honoured with his own street name. In a move that highlights his massive influence ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a local township in New Jersey has officially designated a stretch of road as "Leo Messi Way."
Austin FC has cleaned house ahead of the World Cup break as the club announced on Monday that both head coach Nico Estevez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell have been dismissed. The decision comes amid a poor start to the season that currently sees the club sitting 13th in the Western Conference following yet another loss this past weekend.
Lionel Messi was caught on camera appearing to scold Inter Miami supporters after the club’s hardcore fans staged a silent protest during their MLS victory over the Portland Timbers. The Argentine icon was seen gesturing toward the stands as the atmosphere turned sour despite lofty expectations at the Nu Stadium.
Lionel Messi scored and assisted in the first half, and Inter Miami kept a valuable clean sheet in a convincing 2-0 win over Portland to secure their first home win at Nu Stadium. They leaned on their star Argentine for attacking quality in the big moments and were defensively resolute in a comfortable victory against a spirited Portland side.
Columbus have let go of head coach Henrik Rydstrom after the Swedish manager oversaw a run of just three wins in 14 games to open the season. Top assistant Laurent Courtois will step in as head coach, while two members of Rydstrom's backroom staff were also removed from their roles. Columbus are 13th in the Eastern Conference and have already lost seven games this season.
Lionel Messi might be entering the twilight of his legendary career, but the Inter Miami superstar has no intention of slowing down ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His club and international team-mate Rodrigo de Paul has revealed that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently undergoing a gruelling physical transformation to ensure he is in peak condition for Argentina's title defence.
From Alaska to Austin, MLS stars are opening up about the surreal experience of evolving from childhood fans to on-field rivals of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s "Barcelona quartet". USMNT forward Brandon Vazquez and Atlético Madrid’s Obed Vargas shared how lining up against their idols felt like a "FIFA console dream" come to life - and how they had to overcome the "out-of-body experience" to actually beat them.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would be “very complementary” in the same team, Rene Meulensteen has told GOAL, with CR7 being backed for a move to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami if he lands the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese GOAT is closing in on another crown in the Middle East, which could lead to him exploring future options elsewhere.
Obed Vargas has opened up about his memorable on-field confrontation with Lionel Messi, admitting he was overwhelmed by the absurdity of being targeted by his childhood idol. The former Seattle Sounders midfielder explained that his laughter during the 2025 Leagues Cup clash was a product of disbelief rather than a lack of respect.
Sir David Beckham has made history by becoming Britain’s first billionaire sportsman following the release of the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. Alongside his wife Victoria, the Manchester United legend has seen his net worth soar to record levels, driven by lucrative brand endorsements and his successful ownership stake in MLS side Inter Miami.
Philadelphia Union’s season has gone sideways, but Cavan Sullivan’s first MLS goal offered a glimpse of why the club’s patient approach with its teenage star may still pay off.
Zavier Gozo wants Europe, and clubs are watching. But sources tell GOAL RSL’s huge asking price and a potential USMNT World Cup push could shape what comes next.
Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to a dramatic comeback victory against FC Cincinnati, yet he was controversially denied a 61st career hat-trick by Major League Soccer officials. Despite seemingly finding the net three times during the match, a technical ruling regarding a late deflection saw the league credit the decisive third strike as an own goal instead.
Red Bull New York academy product Julian Hall became the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat trick at 18 years and 50 days old, passing Ricardo Pepi’s previous mark of 18 years and 196 days. Hall now has nine goals and two assists this season, emerging as a major bright spot for a Red Bulls team that has found new life under first-year head coach Michael Bradley.
Cavan Sullivan’s first MLS league goal is another milestone in one of American soccer’s most-watched young careers. The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union standout helped spark a late rally against Orlando City SC, adding to a resume that already includes a pro contract at 14 and two CONCACAF Champions Cup goals earlier this year against Defence Force F.C. Despite his efforts, the Union suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat.
Kylian Mbappe’s dream move to Real Madrid has quickly hit a rocky patch, leading to intense speculation regarding his long-term future in the Spanish capital. Finance experts have now revealed the eye-watering figures required to sign the Frenchman, suggesting only a few destinations on earth could facilitate such a deal.
Lionel Messi is set to make a league record $28.3 million this year, more than all but two MLS clubs' total payroll, the MLSPA revealed in its release of salary data Tuesday afternoon. The Inter Miami star's intake has increased nearly 40 percent since last year. Other top earners included LAFC's Son Heung-Min, Miami's Rodrigo De Paul, and San Diego's Chucky Lozano.
The full extent of Lionel Messi’s financial impact on Major League Soccer has been laid bare following the latest release of official salary data. While the Argentine superstar continues to dominate on the pitch for Inter Miami, the figures confirm he remains in a league of his own when it comes to compensation in North America.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami team-mate Sergio Reguilon is preparing to pay a massive $135,000 to fly his beloved pet dog to Florida on a private jet. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid defender, who joined the 2025 MLS champions in January, is determined to reunite with his furry companion in the United States, valuing his pet above all else.
Former France defender Frank Leboeuf has harshly criticised Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting that an impending Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr cannot match Lionel Messi's transformative impact at Inter Miami. The pundit claims heavy club investments, rather than individual brilliance, are truly responsible for any Middle Eastern silverware the Portuguese veteran secures.
James Rodriguez says he has no intention of retiring after representing Colombia at this summer's World Cup. Reports had said that the veteran midfielder would call it quits after the upcoming tournament, but Rodriguez, who started the MLS season with Minnesota United on a short-term deal, says he expects to play on.
Lionel Messi has thrown his weight behind former team-mate Neymar, insisting the Santos superstar "deserves" to be part of Brazil's World Cup squad despite his recent struggles with injury. The Inter Miami captain described his close friend as a "very special" talent who remains one of the finest players on the planet.
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