Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has launched a scathing attack on Joan Laporta, describing the broken relationship with Lionel Messi as "unforgivable" while promising a "three-pronged" offensive to bring the Inter Miami star back. The opposition leader claims to have knowledge that the Argentine legend would be open to a sensational return if the conditions were right.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he "doesn't have the genius" of fellow footballing greats such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Ronaldo Nazario by former Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello. The Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar is still going strong at the age of 41, and remains on track to score 1,000 career goals before he retires, but has been told he's still not one of the very best.
Neymar and Santos have sent signed No.10 shirts to Lionel Messi and his sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, highlighting the two stars' favoured shirt number. The duo starred together at Barcelona and later linked up again at French giants Paris Saint-Germain and they have remained good friends ever since. A social post from Santos praised both Messi and Neymar alongside all-time Brazil great Pele.
Inter Miami are now Major League Soccer’s most valuable club, valued at a league-high $1.45 billion, according to Sportico’s latest MLS valuations. The club leads five teams worth more than $1B, ahead of LAFC ($1.4B), as total MLS franchise value climbs to $23B across 30 teams, reflecting continued growth across the league.
MLS returns with a packed schedule and familiar chaos. From stars like Messi, Rodriguez, and Son Heung-Min to the teams you can avoid, here’s who’s actually worth your weekend watch.
Marc Anthony has addressed claims that he was partly responsible for the Brooklyn Beckham wedding drama that escalated a feud in one of Britain’s most famous families. Anthony is said to have invited Victoria, the wife of Manchester United legend David, on stage for a controversial dance that left daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz and son Brooklyn feeling embarrassed.
Lionel Messi continues to plan for a future in Barcelona, according to reports in Spain, with the Argentine GOAT intending to head back to Catalunya alongside wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons. Messi bid farewell to Camp Nou in emotional circumstances in 2021. He is now working on a contract through 2028 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi turned the clock back when scoring a stunning solo goal for Inter Miami in their latest pre-season friendly. The Argentine GOAT found himself lining up against Barcelona. He was not reunited with former employers from Camp Nou, but was in action on Ecuadorian soil. The all-time great gave those in the stands what they came for when dancing past defenders and hitting the back of the net.
Lionel Messi has made history by becoming a back-to-back MVP award winner in the United States, with Rob Earnshaw telling GOAL why everybody in MLS is powerless to prevent the Argentine GOAT from scooping that prize every year. The Inter Miami superstar is considered to be an “extraordinary” talent that will continue to defy all sporting and physical logic.
Why does Cristiano Ronaldo always have so much bad luck?!... First, Erik ten Hag didn't recognise his unrivalled ability at Manchester United, then Fernando Santos ruined his 2022 World Cup bid with Portugal. And now, the powers that be in Saudi Arabia are conspiring to make sure his trophy drought in the Middle East extends to three-and-a-half seasons. Give the guy a break!...
Sir David Beckham is being backed to become a Manchester United owner of the future, with Wes Brown claiming it would be a “dream come true” to see the former Red Devils winger back at Old Trafford. Beckham is currently involved with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, where he works with Lionel Messi, and League Two promotion hopefuls Salford City.
Newell's Old Boys vice-president Juan Manuel Medina has announced that the club are "working on" a 2027 homecoming transfer for Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami superstar took his first steps into football at youth level with the Argentine club, who are eager to bring him back as the face of a new "project for the city of Rosario".
Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has revealed the components of his "perfect" striker, selecting the elite traits of modern legends like Lionel Messi and Harry Kane. The veteran goalscorer also didn't shy away from self-praise, naming himself as the ultimate choice when it comes to the crucial attribute of player mentality.
Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham is being billed as “the one” to make a union between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo possible. Two all-time greats have competed against one another down the years, but have never graced the same team. That ultimate pact may yet happen, with CR7 seeing a move to MLS mooted on the back of his strike action at Al-Nassr.
Ezequiel Garay forms part of an exclusive group of players. The former Real Madrid and Argentina defender has worked alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That makes him well placed to pass judgement of which of the iconic forwards can be considered the GOAT. It comes as little surprise to find that the South American sides with his fellow countryman.
Lionel Messi has reportedly given the “green light” to a sensational transfer that would include a “no away games” stipulation. The Argentine GOAT has extended his contract at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 2028, but wants to ensure that he is ready for World Cup duty in 2026. That could mean returning to Europe on a short-term deal, with Galatasaray ready to throw open their doors.
Lionel Messi is yet to officially confirm his participation at the 2026, but Inter Miami boss and fellow countryman Javier Mascherano appears to have revealed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will form part of Argentina’s plans. The expectation has always been that Messi, who captured a global crown in 2022, will grace at least one more major tournament as captain of his country.
David Beckham and Fanatics have entered into a partnership that will see the former England international release exclusive memorabilia and signed cards. The agreement adds to an already burgeoning number of partnerships Fanatics has, including Premier League, UEFA Club Competitions, the Bundesliga, and Major League Soccer. Beckham's cards will be available starting Feb 5.
Lionel Messi is considered to be a “genius on our planet” and would, at 38 years of age, remain a world beater in any league across the globe. The Argentine GOAT has been starring in MLS with Inter Miami, helping them to historic titles, and Rob Earnshaw has told GOAL why the South American superstar could still do a job in Europe and on a Champions League stage.
Lionel Messi recreated an iconic scorpion kick with legendary goalkeeper Rene Higuita ahead of Inter Miami’s latest friendly outing. The Herons, fresh from their historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, are readying themselves for the start of a new campaign. Javier Mascherano’s side are working their way through a pre-season programme in South America.
An old Lionel Messi shirt sold for more than a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey as Chelsea legend John Terry parted with over 50 items in a recent auction. The pair are renowned as the two greatest players of their generation and have won a combined 13 Ballons d'Or, with Messi leading Ronaldo with eight of those awards. Terry reportedly sold items from across his career for just over $695,000, with a percentage of that figure going to the John Terry Foundation.
Inter Miami claimed a dramatic 2-1 friendly win over Atlético Nacional in Medellín, with Luis Suárez on the scoresheet and Germán Berterame making his first appearance for the club. Lionel Messi played 76 minutes, while a late own goal sealed Miami’s first preseason victory after a tough loss in Peru.
Mikel Arteta has compared Max Dowman's impact as a teenager at Arsenal to Lionel Messi's legendary start at Barcelona as a wonderkid. The Gunners academy product made his debut for the club as a 15-year-old and has broken a number of records for the north London outfit. And after signing a pre-contract with Arsenal, manager Arteta has waxed lyrical about the youngster and likened him to footballing royalty.