Lionel Messi has seen many tributes throughout his legendary career, but his latest monument in Argentina truly stands above the rest. Ahead of his 39th birthday, the Inter Miami star has been immortalised with a staggering 85-foot statue in the Patagonian town of Cutral Co.
Luis Suarez has lauded Lionel Messi following his record-breaking exploits for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami striker expressed his joy at seeing his close friend perform at the highest level after Messi became the outright top scorer in World Cup history. Suarez insisted that watching Messi play remains an absolute pleasure as the team target tournament glory.
France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has opened the door to a future move to Major League Soccer, admitting he has long admired American culture and its sense of limitless ambition. The 27-year-old also joked that Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has already started trying to recruit him to the U.S.
An Argentine television presenter has resigned from her position after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had passed away during a live broadcast. The shocking claim was made during the World Cup, leading to widespread condemnation and an immediate apology from the broadcaster and production staff involved.
Casemiro's proposed move to Inter Miami has hit an unexpected obstacle due to MLS roster regulations. The departing Manchester United midfielder is reportedly keen on a switch to Florida, but a dispute over discovery rights with LA Galaxy is preventing the deal from being finalised as the Brazilian weighs up the next step in his career.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has backed his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi to spearhead another successful World Cup campaign for Argentina. Despite the legendary forward turning 38, the French attacker insists that Messi's unparalleled quality remains undiminished.
Former Barcelona and England striker Gary Lineker has once again weighed in on the eternal Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate, insisting that placing the Argentine above the Portuguese is simply a matter of footballing fact rather than a personal insult. Lineker also revealed how his unwavering stance on the GOAT debate caused a personal rift with the Al-Nassr and Portugal superstar.
Algeria attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza has confidently targeted a historic victory over Argentina in their upcoming 2026 World Cup opening match. The 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen prospect arrived in the United States ahead of the tournament and immediately shared his fearless ambitions, dismissive of the reigning world champions' psychological tactics.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we dive into the rise of the Lionel Messi in the United States, the emotional connection that transformed Miami, his seismic impact on U.S. soccer, and the possibility that the upcoming World Cup might offer him the most fitting stage of his career - one built around comfort, belonging, and a crowd that treats him like their own hero.
Lionel Messi is preparing for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, but the player heading to the tournament is unrecognizable from the teenager who first burst onto the scene. While most elite stars adapt to decline, the Inter Miami talisman has spent two decades adapting to stay ahead of the game.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Former Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi has reportedly made his Parma move permanent, after the Serie A club picked up his buy option for just under $5 million. The American made nine appearances for the Italian side before suffering a season-ending meniscus injury in March. His permanent departure would seem to open roster flexibility for the Herons.
Marcus Rashford has taken his World Cup preparations to the United States, linking up with Inter Miami’s state-of-the-art facilities ahead of the tournament. The England international is getting a head start on his teammates by acclimatising to the Florida heat following specific instructions from Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has admitted that captain Lionel Messi will not be "fully fit" when he joins up with the national team for their 2026 World Cup defence. The Inter Miami superstar picked up a hamstring issue in his latest MLS outing, sparking panic among Argentina fans just weeks out from the summer tournament in North America.
Inter Miami provided an update on Lionel Messi after the 38-year-old was substituted Sunday against the Philadelphia Union due to physical discomfort. Following further tests Monday, the club said Messi’s initial diagnosis showed “overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” with his return to activity dependent on his “clinical and functional progress.”
Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.
Doubts have been cast over whether a stunning GOAT union could take place in the United States as Cristiano Ronaldo joins eternal rival Lionel Messi in MLS. Philippe Senderos has told GOAL that two all-time greats remain on “different paths”, but the American game is being backed to create its own superstars as “football culture” continues to grow.
Lionel Messi has sparked major injury fears just weeks before the 2026 World Cup after asking to come off during Inter Miami's chaotic 10-goal thriller against Philadelphia Union. The Argentina captain headed straight for the tunnel with a suspected muscle issue, prompting the Herons boss to deliver a crucial update on his star player's fitness.
Lionel Messi exited Inter Miami's MLS match against the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute of the Herons' 6-4 win after grabbing the back of his leg while walking down the tunnel. The Argentina captain appeared to signal for a substitution moments earlier and was replaced by Mateo Silvetti with 20 minutes remaining. Argentina's World Cup camp begins June 1.
Inter Miami came from behind in a frenetic 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union but suffered a major injury scare when Lionel Messi exited in the second half. Luis Suarez scored three as Miami showed resilience in the second-highest scoring match in MLS history. Attention now turns to Messi’s health with fewer than three weeks until the World Cup.
Inter Miami CF
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