Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti considers fellow countryman Lionel Messi to be “the essence of football” as he is capable of doing “crazy things”. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has proved as much over the course of his career, with the South American GOAT still going strong at the age of 38 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.
There is always a scramble to secure Lionel Messi’s shirt whenever he takes to the field for Inter Miami or Argentina, with the South American GOAT facing plenty of requests. Alan Cantero was the lucky recipient of an iconic No.10 jersey following Messi’s first outing of 2026. The Alianza Lima striker broke down in tears after landing a prized momento at the end of a friendly fixture.
Inter Miami endured a rough start to 2026, falling 3-0 in their preseason opener to Alianza Lima during Noche Blanquiazul in Peru. Paolo Guerrero led the way with a first-half brace, while Lionel Messi and company struggled to create clear chances in a disappointing night that set an early warning tone for the MLS side.
Inter Miami CF have signed goalkeepers Rocco Ríos Novo and Luis Barraza on permanent deals, terminating the contract of veteran Óscar Ustari in the process. Ríos Novo spent last season with the club and started in the MLS Cup final. Separately, defender Tomás Avilés will join CF Montréal on loan for more playing time.
Brooklyn Beckham’s former youth team coach at Queens Park Rangers has added his voice to the debate regarding how controlling ex-England captain Sir David and Spice Girls star Victoria can be when it comes to their children. Brooklyn has taken to speaking out against his famous parents following a family feud, with a “strange dynamic” admission now being made.
Inter Miami returned to training this week to begin preparations for the 2026 season, with head coach Javier Mascherano quickly addressing questions about Germán Berterame’s potential arrival and what it could mean for Luis Suárez’s role. New signing Facundo Mura also spoke for the first time as a Herons player, calling it a dream to share the locker room with Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami’s pursuit of Monterrey striker Germán Berterame followed an unsuccessful $13 million bid for LAFC star Denis Bouanga, according to The Athletic. The Herons’ cash offer for the Gabon international was turned down by Los Angeles, prompting a swift pivot in their winter rebuild. According to the same report, Bouanga wants to extend his contract with his current club.
Franco Mastantuono has hit back at his critics after scoring in Real Madrid’s 6-1 Champions League demolition of Monaco, insisting he is neither the "new Lionel Messi" nor the "worst signing" in the club's history. The Argentine teenager opened up on his difficult start to life in Spain following the victory, revealing he has "not forgotten" the harsh words said about him while issuing a passionate defence of team-mate Jude Bellingham.
Victoria Beckham is said to have been left "utterly broken" after son Brooklyn claimed she danced inappropriately on him at his wedding to Nicola Peltz. The family is in turmoil after Brooklyn released a statement on Instagram alleging his parents had tried to ruin his relationship. His father, Sir David Beckham, has claimed "children are allowed to mistakes" in his first interview since Brooklyn's outburst.
Sir David Beckham has responded to son Brooklyn's tirade against his parents in a new interview in the United States. The Manchester United and England legend says "children are allowed to make mistakes" after seeing his oldest son take to social media with a six-page statement that highlighted a host of grievances against his parents and made it clear he has no wish to reconcile with his family.
German Berterame has been warned that a move to join Lionel Messi at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami would be a “step backwards”. The Mexico international forward is said to be the subject of a transfer bid from South Florida, with discussions now taking place. He has, however, been advised to remain at Monterrey and make a decision on his future after the World Cup.
World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.
Sir David Beckham has been told, alongside his wife Victoria, that their “brand” should not “come before your kids”. A former Manchester United team-mate of the ex-England captain has reacted to an explosive statement from Brooklyn Beckham that savages his parents. Rebecca Loos, who once worked for the family, has also spoken up on social media.
The new men in charge at Newell’s Old Boys have reiterated how it remains the club’s “dream” to bring home-town hero Lionel Messi back to his native Argentina. Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez have taken the reins in Rosario and are preparing for their first season at the helm. Messi will not form part of those plans, as he remains tied to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, but an emotional return to his roots could be made at some stage.
Brooklyn Beckham has launched an astonishing attack on his parents Sir David and Victoria, insisting he "does not want to reconcile" with his family, and has accused his mother and father of trying to "ruin his relationship" with his wife Nicola Peltz.
Neymar to Inter Miami could still happen, former MLS star Kleberson has exclusively told GOAL, with Lionel Messi looking to bring “everyone” to the United States as he forms his own “private league”. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul have already joined the Argentine GOAT in Florida, with more marquee transfer deals - including Cristiano Ronaldo - being lined up.
Gerard Pique has addressed the possibility of former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi playing in the Kings League at some stage. Neymar, another iconic performer with ties to Camp Nou, has hinted that the Argentine GOAT would like to grace small-sided competition. Pique is leaving the door open for Messi, but is reluctant to speculate on whether the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will ever walk through it.
Inter Miami are chasing a “dream” that would allow Lionel Messi to enjoy a career first, with talks being opened regarding involvement in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The Argentine GOAT has never graced the most prestigious club competition in South America, but he has become an MLS Cup winner in the United States and could see the Herons handed a special invite.
Inter Miami have intensified their pursuit of Germán Berterame and are prepared to trigger the striker’s reported $15 million release clause. While no agreement has been finalized, both clubs have acknowledged ongoing talks. The move could see the Rayados star leave Liga MX for MLS, drawn by a new challenge and the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi.
On the Unfiltered Soccer podcast, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard praised Inter Miami’s front office for aggressively building a winning roster. From smart, low-cost moves in South America to the unmatched appeal of playing alongside Lionel Messi, the former USMNT stars explained why Miami has become one of the league’s most attractive destinations.
Benjamin Cremaschi has been recognized as U.S. Soccer's Young Male Player of the Year. The award comes as a result of a standout 2025 that saw Cremaschi become just the second U.S. player to claim a Golden Boot as the leading scorer at a major youth tournament. The midfielder, who came from the Inter Miami academy, is currently on loan at Parma.
Enzo Fernandez has explained how Lionel Messi is allowing him to live out a “PlayStation” dream. The Argentine midfielder looked up to an iconic countryman when seeking to forge his own professional career. Fernandez could never have imagined at that point what the future would have in store - with World Cup glory being savoured alongside Messi at Qatar 2022.
Sportico have released their annual highest-paid athletes list, with Cristiano Ronaldo sitting at the top of that chart. The Portuguese GOAT earned double what eternal rival Lionel Messi pulled in over the course of 2025, with the Al-Nassr forward making $260 million (£194m). There are 13 football players in the top 100, with Brazilian icon Neymar tumbling down the standings.
Bayern Munich’s teenage sensation Lennart Karl has left fans baffled and amused after a video surfaced showing him wearing custom shinpads adorned with an image of Lionel Messi. The 17-year-old, who recently sparked controversy by publicly declaring his desire to play for Real Madrid, seems to have forgotten the fierce rivalry between his "dream" club and the Barcelona legend he apparently idolises.
Inter Miami CF
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