Lamine Yamal scored two brilliant goals and Raphinha equalled a long-standing Lionel Messi goalscoring record as Barcelona secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday. The emphatic win means the Catalan side have opened up a crucial three-point gap at the top of the LaLiga table following Real Madrid's shock defeat against Real Betis on Friday.
The 16-year-old broke Freddy Adu's record and strengthened his USMNT case, while Antoine Griezmann, Josh Sargent and Breel Embolo delivered across MLS.
Lionel Messi has retired from international football with Argentina, but will he head in a similar direction at club level? The South American GOAT is tied to a contract at Inter Miami through 2028 and former MLS star Shaka Hislop has told GOAL why the evergreen 39-year-old is likely to honour that agreement before taking on a future ambassadorial role.
Argentina have scrapped plans for an Asian tour following Lionel Messi's international retirement, opting instead to stage a three-match homecoming series during the autumn international break. Lionel Scaloni's side are preparing to return to domestic soil between September 21 and October 6 following their 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted that football will always miss Lionel Messi following the Argentine's international retirement. Mourinho also addressed Julian Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid after a failed summer move.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced an unprecedented nationwide tribute to honor Lionel Messi following his emotional retirement from international football. Every domestic match across the country will come to a synchronised pause this weekend to celebrate the legacy of the greatest player to ever wear the Albiceleste shirt.
Lionel Scaloni has reportedly identified Nico Paz as the heir to Lionel Messi's iconic No. 10 jersey following the legend's retirement from international football. The 21-year-old playmaker is poised to inherit the historic shirt ahead of established senior stars if the World Cup-winning manager signs a contract extension through to 2030.
The Albiceleste captain ends his remarkable international career as a hero in his homeland, but he had to go through hell to win the love of his people
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has lavished praise on Rodri following the midfielder's high-profile switch from Manchester City to Barcelona this year. The national team boss proudly compared his midfield talisman to Lionel Messi, while also taking the opportunity to pay a glowing tribute to the legendary Argentine after his recent retirement from international football.
Lamine Yamal has once again rewritten the history books after reaching a sensational goalscoring milestone during Barcelona's emphatic victory over Rayo Vallecano. The 19-year-old sensation proved why he is considered the heir to the Lionel Messi throne at Spotify Camp Nou by outstripping the early-career achievements of football's biggest icons, including Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
Jose Mourinho has paid a heartfelt tribute to Lionel Messi following the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's decision to retire from international duty with Argentina. The Portuguese tactician, who frequently locked horns with the forward during his managerial career, praised his historic legacy after an extraordinary era at the highest level of world football.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
