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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Manuel Neuer has received the ultimate praise as he celebrates his 40th birthday, with former manager Felix Magath ranking the goalkeeper alongside the greatest players to ever grace the pitch. The Bayern Munich captain, whose future remains a subject of intense speculation, has been categorised in the same bracket as multiple Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Lionel Messi has still not confirmed he will lead Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The national team boss was quick to deflect pressure away from the Inter Miami superstar, reiterating that the decision rests entirely with the player himself.
Brazil legend Zico has delivered an honest assessment of Neymar’s career, suggesting the Santos star has failed to match the professionalism of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite acknowledging his compatriot's immense natural ability, Zico believes off-field habits have hindered the forward’s longevity and consistency.
Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta believes a romantic Barcelona return for Lionel Messi is not out of the question. The Inter Miami star's ex-teammate has opened up on the unique leadership qualities that make the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner a "rare" talent.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has waded into the debate surrounding Neymar's legacy, directly challenging former team-mate Wayne Rooney’s recent suggestion that the Brazilian was never a "top, top player". Speaking on his podcast, the former England defender insisted that at his peak, Neymar possessed a level of flair and technical ability that rivalled Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While acknowledging Rooney's own greatness, Ferdinand argued that the Santos star was once the undisputed heir to the global throne.
Mohamed Salah has announced his emotional departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, sparking a massive race for his signature. While Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are heavily linked, Inter Miami are reportedly "willing" to make a blockbuster offer to bring the Egyptian icon to MLS and pair him with Lionel Messi in the United States.
He's only gone and done it again! A year after becoming the first player to win NXGN twice, Lamine Yamal has finished top of GOAL's annual list of the top teenagers in world football for the third time in a row. It's not as if the outcome of the 2026 vote was ever in any doubt either. Yamal is no longer just the most talented young player in the game today. He's also its most talented player, full stop.
Mauricio Pochettino has hit back at Thierry Henry, labelling the Arsenal legend's criticism of his Paris Saint-Germain tenure as "disrespectful". The current USMNT boss specifically addressed claims that he failed to utilize Lionel Messi correctly during his time at the Parc des Princes.
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