Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits the long-running Lionel Messi saga, which started in 2021 when the Argentine GOAT left for Paris Saint-Germain, has made him "sad". He does, however, hope that a crossing of paths will take place at some stage, saying: "Hopefully we meet again." A fitting tribute to Messi, be that an exhibition game or statue, is still being planned.
A generational showdown is officially on the calendar as Spain and Argentina prepare to contest the Finalissima in Qatar, setting up a first-ever senior meeting between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi. With the European and South American champions colliding at Lusail Stadium, the one-off clash promises symbolism, history and World Cup-level intensity just months before the 2026 tournament.
Harry Kane is considered to be operating in the shadow of Bayern Munich wonderkid Lennart Karl, with the 17-year-old sensation being likened to Lionel Messi. He is, having made a stunning senior breakthrough at the reigning Bundesliga champions, also being challenged by Dietmar Hamann to match the levels of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi received an incredibly rare $1.1 million gift from an Indian billionaire during his 'GOAT Tour' of India. The Argentina and Inter Miami star, who recently won his maiden MLS Cup in the U.S., was in the country on a four-day visit which kicked off chaotically in Kolkata last Saturday. The 38-year-old travelled across four cities in India during his stay.
The winner of The Best FIFA Men's Player award for 2025 has been announced, with Paris-Saint Germain attacker and Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele once again scooping the top prize after an exceptional season. The voting for the awards has also now been revealed, showing who the biggest names in the sport picked as their top choices, including Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk, and England manager Thomas Tuchel.
New Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria has vowed to do "whatever it takes" to bring club legend Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou. The club are due to hold presidential elections in 2026, with Ciria having thrown his hat into the ring alongside current chief Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Xavi Vilajoana. Ciria claims Barcelona "need" Messi back but stopped short of clarifying what kind of role the Argentina star could take up.
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is reportedly 'open' to joining MLS side the Chicago Fire on a free transfer at the end of the season. The 37-year-old has held positive talks with the club about a potential move after his contract with Hansi Flick's side expires. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have also been credited with interest in Lewandowski but may now miss out on the goalscoring great.
Lionel Messi has seen a return to his roots in Argentina speculated on in the recent past, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner boasting emotional ties to Newell’s Old Boys. A presidential candidate there - ahead of elections being held - has explained what would need to happen in order for the Inter Miami superstar to leave MLS and head back home to Rosario.
Inter Miami will not be resting on their laurels after savouring a historic MLS Cup success, with domestic rivals being warned that Lionel Messi and Co have their “bar reset to a higher level” ahead of a bid for more major honours in 2026. The Herons are kings of North America for now, with the plan being to cement that status when going back-to-back.
Inter Miami are reportedly plotting a stunning swoop for Robert Lewandowski that would see the prolific Polish striker join forces with Lionel Messi. The Herons will be looking to defend their MLS Cup crown in 2026 and intend to make more marquee additions to their ranks. Co-owner Sir David Beckham is among those scouring the market, with Lewandowski registering on his recruitment radar.
Erling Haaland has been put in an exclusive club, with the Manchester City striker considered to be one of few players that are capable of chasing down Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to goal output. Messi and Ronaldo, who continue to dominate GOAT debates, are considered to have "changed the game" and put down serious markers for the next generation.
Hollywood superstar Timothee Chalamet has used Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to help promote his new film ‘Marty Supreme’, with the teenage forward living proof that you should always 'dream big'. Chalamet has shared an iconic image of teen sensation Yamal alongside Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi to help hammer home his point that anything is possible.
A long-standing Lionel Messi record at Barcelona has finally fallen after Pedri etched his name into Blaugrana history during a La Liga win over Osasuna. The 23-year-old became the youngest player ever to reach 150 La Liga appearances for the Catalan side, surpassing Messi, while once again pulling the strings in midfield under Hansi Flick in a 2-0 win.
Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour stop in Kolkata descended into chaos as overcrowding, security breaches, and pitch invasions left the Argentina icon "visibly uncomfortable" before he exited the Salt Lake Stadium after barely 20 minutes. Fans who had paid hefty prices were left furious as mismanagement plunged the event into disorder and forced authorities to launch an urgent inquiry.
Lionel Messi finally got to play in front of Indian fans after his India tour took a chaotic turn in Kolkata. The fans at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium were left fuming with the Argentina legend's brief 20-minute appearance as they ripped up seats and hurled objects onto the pitch. Messi, however, finally got to play in front of his fans in India during his second stop in Hyderabad.
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