Lionel Messi is seemingly ready to extend his association with Inter Miami, with a new contract being mooted that will keep the Argentine GOAT in MLS. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has, however, been told that the “God-given” physical attributes that he possesses would make him a star in MMA if he ever fancied swapping a rectangular football field for a fighting octagon.
Lionel Messi has been sent a retirement warning with his Inter Miami contract renewal yet to be confirmed. Messi’s future has been the subject of much speculation after it emerged that his first Inter Miami deal does not include a player option beyond 2025. The 38-year-old attacker, who initially signed with Miami in July 2023, will become a free agent in November unless fresh terms are hammered out.
Javier Mascherano took responsibility after Inter Miami turned in one of their worst performances of the season at Chase Stadium, falling 5-3 to the Chicago Fire. The setback leaves the Herons in a precarious spot in the Supporters’ Shield race - they sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 56 points, seven behind leaders Philadelphia Union.
The Chicago Fire are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but Inter Miami won't be thrilled the visitors' postseason ticket came at their expense in a 5-3 defeat at home. Luis Suarez rolled back the years with two goals, but his brilliance wasn’t enough to cover for the Herons’ season-long defensive frailties, as they shipped three before halftime.
Former Juventus winger and ex-Italy international Federico Bernardeschi chimed in on the Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi debate. The Bologna player heaped praise on the two icons and explained what makes the duo different from each other. While Messi was called "divine," Ronaldo was hailed as someone who "revolutionized football" and is admired by numerous athletes.
Manager Javier Mascherano lamented Inter Miami’s missed opportunity to climb in the Eastern Conference standings after a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC on Saturday night, just 72 hours after facing NYCFC. While his side still hold games in hand, the dropped points complicated their pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield amid a congested schedule.
Inter Miami let a first-half lead slip and were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC, a result that dealt a significant blow to their Supporters’ Shield ambitions. Javier Mascherano’s side looked tired as the match wore on, and though they left Canada with a point, the dropped opportunity highlighted their struggle to finish strong.
Ousmane Dembele revealed that Lionel Messi's 'direct message' after Ballon d'Or win 'really struck' him as the Frenchman claimed that his former Barcelona colleagues and coach congratulated him. Dembele beat Blaugrana sensation Lamine Yamal to win the Golden Ball earlier this week after starring for PSG in the 2024-25 campaign, where the French giants won the treble.
Following the release of EA Sports FC 26, GOAL's Front Three have stepped in to amend some player ratings, with Casemiro, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane's numbers all adjusted.
Lionel Messi has made more MLS history with Inter Miami as records continue to tumble around the Argentine GOAT. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has become the first MLS player to post 35 goal contributions in back-to-back seasons after netting twice and registering one assist in the Herons’ comfortable 4-0 victory over New York City FC in the Big Apple.
Following Inter Miami's 4-0 win over NYCFC Wednesday at Citi Field, manager Javier Mascherano highlighted that the team had accomplished their first objective of the season - securing a place in the MLS playoffs. He added that while some players will get rest, the Herons will also aim to finish as high as possible in the Eastern Conference standings.
By the time the fourth goal hit the back of the net, the crowd in Queens was euphoric. Many had been there to see Lionel Messi, admittedly. Fans got a look at Messi at his magical best - and they got a look at just how dangerous Inter Miami can be - as the Argentine star scored a brace and his club sealed a 4-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday.
The long-rumored clash between World Cup champions Argentina and Mexico is now set, according to AFA president Claudio Tapia. Tapia said in an interview that the teams will meet in early June, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off with Javier Aguirre’s El Tri playing their first match of the tournament at Estadio Azteca.
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has revealed that Lionel Messi was his childhood idol, while giving an ultimate compliment to former team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Netherlands international was hit with a series of questions about his career and some of the best players he has come up against. And in it, he sung the praises of some well-known faces over the years.
Lionel Messi's former team-mate, Diego Gomez, scored a contender for the Puskas Award with an insane 35-yard goal for Brighton in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley. The Paraguayan midfielder ripped the Tykes to shreds in the Carabao Cup, smashing home four goals in a performance that will find a place in the Seagulls' folklore.