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LIonel Messi Barcelona

Font urges Messi to 'explain the truth' about failed Barca return

Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has challenged Lionel Messi to reveal the "truth" about his failed return to the club in 2023. With the election just days away, Font has claimed members are being misled by Joan Laporta’s "smokescreen" regarding the club’s greatest icon, on the back of explosive comments from former manager Xavi.

GFX Joan Laporta Xavi

Laporta hits back at Xavi and Messi claims

In a fiery presidential debate ahead of the March 15 elections, Joan Laporta has sensationally hit back at former manager Xavi. Addressing recent claims that he deliberately sabotaged Lionel Messi’s return to Camp Nou, painted a picture of a coach who was struggling under the weight of the job. Laporta didn't hold back when discussing the legendary midfielder's departure, suggesting a lack of professional focus was the primary issue.

SPORTEL Monaco 2025 - Global Sports Media & Technology Convention - Day Two

Tebas denies Barca 'green light' for Messi

Javier Tebas has vehemently denied the explosive allegations that La Liga approved Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona in 2023. The league president's rebuttal comes amid a public feud that has erupted between Xavi Hernandez and Joan Laporta just days before the club's presidential elections, with the latter dismissing the former coach's tenure while defending his own decisions.

Messi - Laporta - Xavi

Xavi claims Laporta BLOCKED Messi's Barca homecoming

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has dropped a massive bombshell, claiming that Joan Laporta deliberately vetoed Lionel Messi's return to the club in 2023. Despite securing La Liga approval to re-sign the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner that summer, Laporta allegedly blocked the transfer, shattering fans' dreams.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2026

Kimpembe explains why 'crazy' Messi ranks above Ronaldo

Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe has weighed in on the eternal GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Frenchman has explained exactly why he believes that Argentine genius Messi operates on a completely different level, citing his natural talent and unmatched technical superiority.

Inter Miami CF v Nashville SC - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs

Mascherano 'taken for granted because he coaches Messi'

Inter Miami continued their strong start to the 2026 MLS season with a vital 2-1 victory over D.C. United. While Lionel Messi grabbed the headlines once again with another spectacular goal, former USMNT star Sacha Kljestan believes the real architect of the club’s dominance, head coach Javier Mascherano, is currently operating in the shadows of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

D.C. United v Inter Miami CF

Revealed: How Messi is paid $80m a year by Inter Miami

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has pulled back the curtain on the staggering financial package that keeps Lionel Messi in South Florida, revealing the Argentine icon takes home between $70 million and $80 million per year. The eye-watering figure, which includes the World Cup winner's ownership shares, highlights the unprecedented investment required to bring the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient to Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2026

MLS urged to ditch Messi playbook when Argentine GOAT retires

MLS is being urged to ditch its Lionel Messi playbook when the Argentine GOAT retires, with the division being advised to focus more on youth development. Global superstars have been crucial to the development and promotion of domestic soccer in the United States, but Giuseppe Rossi has told GOAL why a culture shift needs to take place in order for the game to truly thrive.

Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo David Beckham

Ronaldo warned Messi link-up at Inter Miami would be 'weird'

Cristiano Ronaldo has been warned that a link-up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami would be “weird”, but the Portuguese is being urged to rekindle his rivalry with a familiar foe in MLS. Giuseppe Rossi, who once played alongside CR7 at Manchester United, has told GOAL why the evergreen frontman still has plenty of football left in him as questions are asked of his future at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Inter Miami CF v Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final

Why Beckham skipped Inter Miami's White House visit

Inter Miami have made their historic visit to the White House to celebrate their 2025 MLS Cup triumph, but the club’s most famous owner was a notable absentee. While Lionel Messi and his team-mates were honoured by United States president Donald Trump, David Beckham was forced to remain in Europe due to a long-standing personal commitment. The former England captain’s scheduling conflict meant he missed a landmark moment for the franchise he built.

Lionel Messi Donald Trump

Messi, Inter Miami visit White House after 2025 MLS Cup win

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were honored during a visit at the White House following an invitation from President Donald Trump on Thursday afternoon. MLS commissioner Don Garber was also present as the Cup champions celebrated their 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final. This is the second visit from a multiple Ballon d'Or winner in six months, as Cristiano Ronaldo met with President Trump in November last year.

Frequently asked questions

Almost nearing the age of 40, Cristiano Ronaldo is not quite the same dribbler that he was during his 20s, but he continues to find the back of the net at a consistently alarming rate by playing as an out and out striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal on the island of Madeira in Portugal.

When you mention the No. 7 in football, it's impossible not to think of Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Sporting CP boy wonder continues to sport the No. 7 jersey even after making the switch to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo stands at 1.87m (6ft 2in). During his prime, his height wouldn't prove to be a hindrance as he was easily among the fastest players in the world.

The all-time top scorer in football history currently weighs 83kg (183 lbs).

Between 1992 and 1995, Cristiano Ronaldo played for Andorinha, where his father was a kit man. Then, he switched to Nacional and continued his development for two more years, before finally being signed by Sporting CP.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a father to five children: Cristiano Jr, Mateo, Eva, Alana Martina, and Bella. The latter two were given by birth by his current partner Georgina Rodriguez.

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in a relationship with Argentine-born Spanish model and influencer Georgina Rodriguez and they have been together since 2016. While they haven't publicly declared that they are married to each other, Ronaldo certainly sparked rumours regarding their status by referring to Georgina as "his wife" in an Instagram collaboration with sports brand Whoop in August 2024.