Latest news

Scaloni backs Messi for 1,000 career goals and World Cup last dance

Lionel Scaloni has thrown his support behind Lionel Messi to potentially reach the historic 1,000 career goals milestone, while insisting the Argentina captain does have the "desire" to play at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after a dominant friendly victory against Zambia, the Albiceleste boss emphasized that the Inter Miami star still possesses the hunger to compete at the very highest level despite already achieving his ultimate dream in Qatar.

Messi shines as Argentina thrash Zambia in emotional La Bombonera farewell

Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance at La Bombonera, recording a goal and an assist as Argentina dismantled Zambia 5-0 in their final home fixture before the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami icon captained the world champions to a dominant victory in what is expected to be the last home game he plays for his country.

'Made me feel part of it' - Aguero on 2022 WC, Messi's future

After a 36-year wait, Argentina returned to the summit of world football with their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. Though he didn’t feature, Sergio Aguero told GOAL it remains one of the greatest moments of his life, while backing the current squad to carry that same hunger, identity, and competitive edge into the 2026 tournament.

Will Messi play vs Zambia? Emotional Scaloni issues update

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will return to the starting line-up for Tuesday's friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera. The veteran forward’s inclusion comes as the coaching staff looks to finalise their 26-man roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Scaloni eventually left his press conference while holding back tears after addressing an injury blow for one of the nation's rising stars.

Real Sociedad v Manchester United: Group E - UEFA Europa League

Ronaldo trying to convince Casemiro to snub Messi link-up for Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly trying to convince ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid team-mate Casemiro to join him at Al-Nassr instead of heading to MLS to link up with Lionel Messi. The Brazilian has been strongly linked with a summer move to Inter Miami as he approaches the end of his contract at Old Trafford.

Salah warned off MLS move to join Messi in CR7-themed advice

Mohamed Salah has, as he prepares to leave Liverpool as a free agent, been warned off a move to join Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi in MLS. The Egyptian forward has been told that he would be “too far out of the spotlight” in America, with the director of his national team informing the 33-year-old forward that he should instead consider a switch that sees him follow Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.

Even with Messi, Argentina's World Cup hopes look bleak

Three-and-a-half years ago, Lionel Messi 'completed football' by leading Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It was a joy for every neutral to see the Barcelona legend finally lift the one trophy that had eluded him for so long, capping an amazing career that will almost certainly never be emulated.

Pique puts Ronaldo above Messi as football's hardest worker

Former Barcelona and Manchester United star Gerard Pique has weighed in on the eternal debate between his legendary former team-mates. While maintaining that Lionel Messi possesses unmatched natural talent and is the greatest footballer ever, Pique concedes that Cristiano Ronaldo is peerless when it comes to work rate.

Laporta makes 'did what I had to' admission about Messi's Barca exit

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has opened up on the decision to let Lionel Messi leave in 2021, insisting the move was a necessity for the club's future. Speaking in an expansive interview, the Camp Nou chief reflected on the institutional shift that defined his second term in office.

‘Fantastic captain’ picked as Messi successor with Argentina

Javier Saviola has named the “fantastic captain” that should replace Lionel Messi as Argentina skipper when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner walks away from international football. That could happen after this summer’s World Cup in North America, with Messi yet to confirm whether he will be chasing down a second global title with the Albiceleste.

Betting spotlight

World Cup 2026 Golden Ball Odds: Best Player Predictions

See more betting articles

Ex-Barca president reveals who was to blame for Messi exit

Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has explained who was to blame for Lionel Messi’s stunning departure in 2021, with a new contract for the Argentine GOAT considered to have been “possible”. Messi bid a teary farewell to Camp Nou when heading to Paris Saint-Germain, with financial struggles in Catalunya leading to him leaving as a free agent.

Is Salah in talks to join Messi at Inter Miami? Transfer update

Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool, with the Reds prepared to let the Egyptian superstar go as a free agent in the summer of 2026, but does a move to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami beckon? A switch to MLS for Salah has been mooted, amid links to big-spending teams in the Saudi Pro League, and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on that transfer speculation.

Casemiro 'open' to Inter Miami as transfer talks begin

Inter Miami have reportedly made their first move to secure the signing of Manchester United veteran Casemiro, opening talks with the midfielder's representatives over a sensational summer switch to Major League Soccer. The Brazilian is said to be "open" to the project in Florida, which would see him link up with former rival Lionel Messi.

📽️ | Messi looks stunned as Paz scores free-kick banger

Nico Paz announced himself on the international stage with a moment of pure magic during Argentina’s friendly clash against Mauritania at La Bombonera. The 21-year-old playmaker left even the legendary Lionel Messi watching in awe from the bench as he whipped a sublime free-kick into the back of the net.

📽️ | Messi mobbed for selfies after Argentina win

Lionel Messi remains the biggest attraction in world football, as evidenced by the chaotic scenes following Argentina's latest friendly outing against Mauritania. Despite the competitive nature of the match, the full-time whistle sparked a dash from the opposition to secure a permanent memory with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

A World Cup without Messi? Argentina’s national coach makes waves

With months to go before the opening match, there still appears to be a question mark over Lionel Messi’s participation in the World Cup.

Frequently asked questions

: Lamine Yamal plays as a right winger as he is a left-footed player who cuts in from the flank, although he is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, too. He is a prolific creator and also possesses a keen eye for goal.
: Lamine Yamal was born in Esplugues de Llobregat, a municipality in the Barcelona metropolitan area, in Spain.
: Lamine Yamal currently wears the No. 19 jersey at Barcelona, which was worn by his idol Lionel Messi between 2005 and 2008.
: Lamine Yamal stands at 1.78m (5ft 10in). He loves taking on his opponents and is mature beyond his years, even though he's just 17.
: The record-breaking Lamine Yamal weighs 66kg (145 lbs).
: Lamine Yamal spent two years at local club La Torreta, before being scouted being Barcelona in 2014. The teenage sensation then joined the Catalans as a seven-year old and rose through the ranks before making his first-team debut in the 2022-23 season.
: No, Lamine Yamal does not have any children.
: Lamine Yamal went public with influencer girlfriend Alex Padilla as recently as the Euro 2024 final, but the duo have since unfollowed each other on Instagram after the latter was spotted sitting on someone's lap during a livestreamed video, which went viral.

Newer Latest Older

LionelMessi

Lionel Messi news