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Lionel Messi Barcelona 2018

Rakitic insists Messi 'deserves' proper Barcelona tribute

Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has called for the club to finally honour Lionel Messi with a fitting tribute, while expressing his hope that the Argentine superstar continues his career at the highest level for "a few more years". Speaking on his 38th birthday, the Croatian reflected on the impact his former team-mate has had on the sport, noting that Messi's influence transcends club rivalries and borders.

GFX Xavi Lionel Messi Joan Laporta

Ex-Barca director backs Xavi in Messi return row

The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's failed return to Barcelona in 2023 has not yet died down. Former sporting director Mateu Alemany has publicly supported Xavi Hernandez's explosive claims that the club had league approval to re-sign the Argentine star. This directly contradicts the official narrative from incumbent president Joan Laporta and La Liga chief Javier Tebas ahead of the elections.

LIonel Messi Barcelona

Font urges Messi to 'explain the truth' about failed Barca return

Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has challenged Lionel Messi to reveal the "truth" about his failed return to the club in 2023. With the election just days away, Font has claimed members are being misled by Joan Laporta’s "smokescreen" regarding the club’s greatest icon, on the back of explosive comments from former manager Xavi.

GFX Joan Laporta Xavi

Laporta hits back at Xavi and Messi claims

In a fiery presidential debate ahead of the March 15 elections, Joan Laporta has sensationally hit back at former manager Xavi. Addressing recent claims that he deliberately sabotaged Lionel Messi’s return to Camp Nou, painted a picture of a coach who was struggling under the weight of the job. Laporta didn't hold back when discussing the legendary midfielder's departure, suggesting a lack of professional focus was the primary issue.

SPORTEL Monaco 2025 - Global Sports Media & Technology Convention - Day Two

Tebas denies Barca 'green light' for Messi

Javier Tebas has vehemently denied the explosive allegations that La Liga approved Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona in 2023. The league president's rebuttal comes amid a public feud that has erupted between Xavi Hernandez and Joan Laporta just days before the club's presidential elections, with the latter brutally dismissing the former coach's tenure while defending his own decisions.

Messi - Laporta - Xavi

Xavi claims Laporta BLOCKED Messi's Barca homecoming

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has dropped a massive bombshell, claiming that Joan Laporta deliberately vetoed Lionel Messi's return to the club in 2023. Despite securing La Liga approval to re-sign the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner that summer, Laporta allegedly blocked the transfer, shattering fans' dreams.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2026

Kimpembe explains why 'crazy' Messi ranks above Ronaldo

Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe has weighed in on the eternal GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Frenchman has explained exactly why he believes that Argentine genius Messi operates on a completely different level, citing his natural talent and unmatched technical superiority.

Inter Miami CF v Nashville SC - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs

Mascherano 'taken for granted because he coaches Messi'

Inter Miami continued their strong start to the 2026 MLS season with a vital 2-1 victory over D.C. United. While Lionel Messi grabbed the headlines once again with another spectacular goal, former USMNT star Sacha Kljestan believes the real architect of the club’s dominance, head coach Javier Mascherano, is currently operating in the shadows of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

D.C. United v Inter Miami CF

Revealed: How Messi is paid $80m a year by Inter Miami

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has pulled back the curtain on the staggering financial package that keeps Lionel Messi in South Florida, revealing the Argentine icon takes home between $70 million and $80 million per year. The eye-watering figure, which includes the World Cup winner's ownership shares, highlights the unprecedented investment required to bring the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient to Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2026

MLS urged to ditch Messi playbook when Argentine GOAT retires

MLS is being urged to ditch its Lionel Messi playbook when the Argentine GOAT retires, with the division being advised to focus more on youth development. Global superstars have been crucial to the development and promotion of domestic soccer in the United States, but Giuseppe Rossi has told GOAL why a culture shift needs to take place in order for the game to truly thrive.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo David Beckham

Ronaldo warned Messi link-up at Inter Miami would be 'weird'

Cristiano Ronaldo has been warned that a link-up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami would be “weird”, but the Portuguese is being urged to rekindle his rivalry with a familiar foe in MLS. Giuseppe Rossi, who once played alongside CR7 at Manchester United, has told GOAL why the evergreen frontman still has plenty of football left in him as questions are asked of his future at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Frequently asked questions

Erling Haaland is an archetypal striker, a proper fox in the box, and relishes being fed while he uses his intelligent off the ball movement inside the penalty area.

Although he is a Norwegian, Erling Haaland was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, in England, given that his father, Alfie Haaland was plying his trade for Leeds United at the time.

Erling Haaland has been wearing the No.9 jersey for Manchester City, mainly featuring as a traditional striker for the Premier League giants.

Erling Haaland is among the tallest forwards in the top five European leagues, standing at 1.95m (6ft 4in). Inspite his tall frame, he is renowned for his speed.

The mighty Norwegian forward weighs 88kg (194 lbs), and yet he is arguably the fastest out and out striker in the business at the moment.

Erling Haaland moved to his hometown, Bryne, at the age of three and joined the academy of Bryne at the age of five in 2005. He spent almost the entirety of his youth career at Bryne.

No, Erling Haaland doesn't have any children yet.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker is yet to marry, but he is currently in a relationship with Isabel Haugseng Johansen, who is a woman footballer herself. The duo reportedly started dating when Haaland was playing for Borussia Dortmund.