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Now’s the time! Why historic Messi meeting shouldn’t scare England

England have never come up against Lionel Messi, and Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect occasion in which to cross paths with the Argentine GOAT. The ex-Three Lions frontman says the 2022 champion should not scare Thomas Tuchel’s side, while a reunion with old adversaries Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal should also be embraced.

The Rondo: Did Son Hueng-Min deserve to be on All-Stars XI?

The MLS All Star initial XI has been revealed, and the big names have made it - along with a few well-deserved surprises. GOAL's writers break it all down in the latest Rondo.

Messi, Son among star-studded MLS All-Star XI for ASG clash

Lionel Messi has been selected to the MLS All Star team, and highlights a stacked roster after the initial round of fan, player and media voting. LAFC star Son Heung-Min was also selected, while USMNTers Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter also earned selections. With the initial XI selected, head coach Dean Smith and Commissioner Don Garber will round out the roster.

Barca congratulate Messi on prestigious Spanish award

Lionel Messi has added yet another illustrious trophy to his unparalleled collection after being named the winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The Inter Miami superstar succeeds tennis legend Serena Williams in receiving one of Spain's highest distinctions, sparking a wave of congratulations from across the globe, including from his former home at Barcelona.

Lennart Karl's special Messi tribute revealed

Bayern Munich's rising star Lennart Karl has revealed the unique way he keeps his footballing idol close to him during every match. The Germany international, who is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about talents in the Bundesliga, has admitted to carrying a secret tribute to Lionel Messi onto the pitch.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup European Championship

‘Not because of Messi’ - Ronaldo’s WC-winning mindset explained

Cristiano Ronaldo does not want to win the World Cup “because of Lionel Messi”, Eric Djemba-Djemba has told GOAL, with the Portuguese GOAT driven by an insatiable desire to succeed. A global title on North American soil this summer would, however, complete the 41-year-old’s medal collection and see him emulate the achievements of his eternal rival.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winners Arrive to Buenos Aires

Retirement plan? GOAT Messi will ‘play as long as he wants’

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed that Lionel Messi has full control over his retirement timeline. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the World Cup-winning boss explained the elite mentality that keeps the Inter Miami superstar playing at the highest level, insisting the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the absolute best because of his unquenchable thirst for success.

MLS sends record 44 active players to 2026 World Cup

MLS will be represented by a record 44 active players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most of any league in the Western Hemisphere. The league also announced that 103 current and former MLS players will compete in the tournament, highlighting the growing impact of MLS clubs, academies, and MLS NEXT Pro on the global stage.

Portugal v Hungary - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Dias not convinced 2026 will be 'last dance' for Ronaldo & Messi

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is not convinced the 2026 World Cup will mark the end for veterans like 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, defending champion Lionel Messi, 38, and Luka Modric, 40. The Portuguese centre-back discussed the immense motivation his squad feels to capture the only major trophy their iconic captain has failed to win.

Argentina v Mauritania - International Friendly

Revealed: Unique perk that Messi enjoys in Argentina squad

Argentina legend Lionel Messi is receiving special treatment at the team's training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. As he prepares to lead his nation in a record-breaking sixth tournament, the Inter Miami star has been granted a unique luxury not given to anyone else in the squad, allowing him to focus entirely on defending the crown they won in Qatar.

Hernan crespo - Exclusive interview Part 2

Crispo tells Koora (Part 2 of 2): "Al Ahly are the biggest club in Africa… I won't coach Messi, and here's my stance on the Roshen League."

Lionel Messi Ronaldinho Barcelona 06102007

‘You're not Ronaldinho’ - Brazil star kept Messi grounded with coffee-making duty

Lionel Messi may be widely regarded as the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of boots, but even the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had to pay his dues as a youngster. Former Barcelona teammate Andrea Orlandi has revealed the unique dynamic between the Argentine prodigy and the legendary Ronaldinho during their time together in Catalunya.

Messi completed football - so why play another World Cup?

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni included Lionel Messi in his 2026 World Cup squad on Thursday, even though his captain isn't "fully fit". Of course, neither revelation was particularly surprising. Messi was widely expected to be a part of his the Albiceleste's title defence - just as it was always unlikely that he'd been in optimal physical condition.

RANKED: Top 10 World Cup Golden Boot contenders

After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. The best players in the world are beginning to descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada with dreams of lifting the most prestigious trophy in global football ahead of the action getting under way on June 11.

Argentina v Zambia - International Friendly

Farewell tour: Messi all smiles as he checks in with Argentina

The reigning world champions have officially touched down in the United States as they begin the final countdown to their title defence. Lionel Messi led the Albiceleste squad into Kansas City on Sunday, sparking a frenzy of excitement and inevitable questions about whether this summer represents his international swan song.