Alex Iwobi has explained what it is like to face all-time greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with the former having an “aura” while the latter boasts a “force field”. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast, former Arsenal midfielder Iwobi - who is now on the books of Fulham - has lifted the lid on how he became the unfortunate star of a Messi-themed compilation reel.
Former United States international Taylor Twellman has praised two exceptional teenage prospects currently making waves in Major League Soccer. However, the prominent analyst refused to burden these rising American stars with premature comparisons to legendary footballing figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while also outlining the established core needed for a successful 2026 World Cup campaign on home soil.
Thiago Alcantara has raised eyebrows by omitting Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah when naming the three best players he ever shared a pitch with. Despite playing alongside some of the greatest icons in modern football history, the former midfield maestro opted for a trio of stars that prioritised tactical intelligence and selflessness above raw goalscoring numbers.
Sergio Aguero has heaped massive praise on Lamine Yamal, sensationally claiming that the Barcelona sensation is already performing at a level that puts him above almost every other player in world football with the exception of a certain superstar. The Manchester City and Blaugrana legend also believes the teenager possesses a rare talent that has not been seen at Camp Nou since the departure of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
Despite being a leading figure at Santiago Bernabeu, Vinicius Jr is reportedly missing a vital ingredient required to join the pantheon of footballing greats. Former Brazil and Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda has offered a stinging appraisal of the Brazilian winger’s standing in the global game. The Real Madrid star has been told he is still a long way off reaching the legendary heights of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi played the role of the ultimate genie for interim manager Guillermo Hoyos, delivering a magical late goal to grant Inter Miami a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids. Hailing the Argentine's match-winning brilliance, Hoyos quipped that he simply "rubbed the lamp" to secure a crucial three points in the club's first game of the post-Javier Mascherano era.
Lionel Messi proved once again why he remains the most clinical player in world football, producing a moment of pure inspiration to secure all three points for Inter Miami. The Argentine maestro produced a moment of individual brilliance to settle a five-goal thriller, guiding his side to a dramatic victory in a high-stakes encounter against the Colorado Rapids.
Alan Shearer believes Harry Kane’s scoring form at Bayern Munich places him alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of consistency. The former England striker says the Bayern forward could reach 60 goals this season if his current run continues.
A Miami-based events company has filed a suit against Lionel Messi and the Argentine football federation after the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was rested in a friendly last year. Messi opted not to play in the exhibition against Venezuela, and VID Music Group claim that Messi promised to play a minimum of 30 minutes in the fixture - unless he was injured.
Lionel Messi has officially completed the purchase of Spanish club UE Cornellà. The Inter Miami superstar, who spent two decades in La Liga with Barcelona, has acquired full ownership of the Tercera RFEF side to further solidify his legacy in the region of Catalonia.
In the winter of 2022, under the lights of Lusail, Lionel Messi finally realised the dream he'd carried with him his entire life. After years of unrelenting pressure, bitter heartbreak and agonising near-misses, Argentina’s captain rose above expectation on football’s grandest stage to deliver his country the perfect ending - and to fulfill his own destiny. Welcome to the latest episode of Icons - a GOAL podcast that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life.
Kylian Mbappe has firmly etched his name into the history books of European football once again following a record-breaking night for Real Madrid. The forward took centre stage during the Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich to surpass a mark previously held by Lionel Messi.
It is not yet clear how much longer Manuel Neuer will continue to play. Should he stay at FC Bayern for another year, he stands to set a historic record.
Javier Mascherano has stepped down as head coach of Inter Miami, the club confirmed Tuesday afternoon. In a statement, Mascherano said he stepped away for "personal reasons." The Argentine, a close friend of star Lionel Messi, won MLS Cup with the Herons in 2025, a first in franchise history, and had been in charge since the end of 2024.
Former New York Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips has warned Cristiano Ronaldo against moving to Major League Soccer. Wright-Phillips believes the Al-Nassr forward may struggle to replicate the "magic" still shown by Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and could risk damaging his legacy.
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