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With several months between matches and a World Cup on the horizon, MLS players are finding different ways to stay sharp through the winter to ensure they get off to a strong start

Luka Modric has revealed that Tottenham’s refusal to sell him to Chelsea more than a decade ago ultimately shaped the most successful chapter of his career. He suggested that what once felt like a crushing setback became the twist of fate that carried him to Real Madrid and earned him footballing immortality. Tottenham rejected multiple bids, leaving the midfielder to complete another season in north London before earning a switch to the Spanish giants a year later.

Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac and Wrexham have been warned off a shock swoop for England international Raheem Sterling. The Premier League title winner currently finds himself stuck in the infamous ‘bomb squad’ at Chelsea. A January move is expected to be agreed, as Sterling gets his career back on track, with it being suggested that he could head to the Championship.

Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller meet in an MLS Cup final full of storylines, from farewells to uncertainty, driving what should be a strong match this Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi in the 2026 World Cup final would likely become a “retirement match” for two all-time greats, admits Pedro Mendes. A couple of GOATs are preparing for another shot at global glory, with Messi having already added that prize to his collection with Argentina. The end is approaching for both, and it could be that they enjoy the “perfect finish” next summer.

Craig Burley delivered an extraordinary on-air tirade aimed at Virgil van Dijk, accusing the Dutchman of shrinking from responsibility in the lead-up to Sunderland’s goal at Anfield. It was an equaliser that ultimately denied Arne Slot’s men two valuable points, and the former Chelsea player lashed out at the Liverpool skipper for his error in judgment.

More big names are expected to join Tom Brady at Birmingham, with Stephen Carr telling GOAL why marquee signings in the transfer market can be completed. The former Blues defender has also been discussing, in an exclusive interview, why plans for a new stadium - which could attract NFL games - and Premier League promotion dreams can come to fruition.

Ola Aina has responded to the viral video that shows him supposedly admitting to being at the “talking stage” with a fellow football player’s girlfriend. The Nigeria international has found himself at the centre of an online storm, but the Nottingham Forest defender is eager to point out that he was merely starring on a show that is “entirely scripted”.

Kobbie Mainoo is ready to leave Manchester United on loan in January after getting increasingly frustrated with his lack of opportunities under Ruben Amorim. The midfielder was an unused substitute during United's 1-1 draw with West Ham on Thursday, the fourth time he has remained on the bench in a Premier League game this season. The 20-year-old is still yet to start a league game this term.

Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped on Declan Rice's fitness after the Arsenal midfielder hobbled off during the midweek win over Brentford. The Gunners are fighting several fitness issues ahead of their trip to Villa Park this weekend, and the Spaniard refused to give any firm assurances when pressed on an update on the midfielder.

Inter Miami’s chief business officer, Xavi Asensi, has explained how Lionel Messi helped to deliver a “wonderful miracle” for MLS and Inter Miami alongside Manchester United and England legend Sir David Beckham. Argentine GOAT Messi moved to the United States in 2023 and has helped to grow the American game at a rate few could have predicted prior to his arrival.

Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to grace a seventh World Cup, with FIFA’s flagship event heading to Portugal - as one of several co-hosts - in 2030. If the all-time great were to make that event, then more history would be made. Nuno Gomes can see that prospect appealing to CR7, with a contract extension having already been signed at club level with Al-Nassr.

Jesse Lingard is set to be available as a free agent with the former Manchester United forward quitting FC Seoul. Lingard, now 32, confirmed that Wednesday’s AFC Champions League meeting with Melbourne City will mark his final appearance for the club he joined in February 2024, a move dubbed the biggest in K League history.

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe during the November international break, as 14 more countries booked their seat at next summer's festival of football in North America.

Arsene Wenger revealed his World Cup favourites and shared his verdict on England's chances of breaking their major tournament curse in 2026. In Wenger’s eyes, England stand on the cusp of something special, but does not deem them as outright favourites. For all the painful near misses of recent years, he believes a breakthrough is within touching distance.

Brandon Williams’ attempts to rebuild his career away from Old Trafford appear to be stalling once again, with Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic confirming that discussions are underway regarding a potential January departure. The 25-year-old, who arrived in East Yorkshire only in mid-August, has barely had the opportunity to make an impact, and already his short stay looks destined to end prematurely.

Barcelona have reiterated that they will not “fuel controversies or speculation” when it comes to a possible playing return to Camp Nou for Lionel Messi. The Liga giants are still planning the most “beautiful tribute” to their all-time leading goalscorer, but the Argentine GOAT is under contract in MLS with Inter Miami and appears unlikely to grace European football again.