Lionel Messi will once again be the notable absentee from the MLS All-Star Game this week in Charlotte, but the Inter Miami superstar is set to avoid the disciplinary action that followed his withdrawal last year. Despite being named to the roster for the showpiece event against the Liga MX All-Stars, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been granted special leave alongside international team-mate Rodrigo De Paul.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have taken in their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats featured at the 2026 event, as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.
Luis Suarez stepped up in the absence of Lionel Messi to score twice and guide Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire, spoiling Robert Lewandowski's MLS debut. After the match, Herons manager Guillermo Hoyos praised the Uruguayan veteran, comparing his tactical intelligence to that of his iconic Argentine team-mate.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have never been team-mates, but Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL that it would “make sense” for two GOATs to be kept apart in MLS if CR7 were to join his eternal rival in the United States. There has been talk of a remarkable union being pieced together at Inter Miami, but not everybody is convinced that a couple of iconic figures should grace the same team.
Inter Miami have secured the blockbuster free transfer of Casemiro, but Major League Soccer have immediately launched a formal investigation into the deal. The league is actively reviewing allegations of tampering made by LA Galaxy, who held the initial discovery rights for the Brazilian midfielder, casting a significant shadow over his highly anticipated arrival in the United States.
Lionel Messi and Argentina were left heartbroken after losing the World Cup final to Spain, but the Argentine captain quickly received an emotional show of support from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Her heartfelt tribute praised his resilience, character and enduring legacy despite the painful defeat.
Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have been granted a mandatory recovery hiatus following their intense World Cup run with Argentina. Inter Miami's star duo will reportedly sit out upcoming league encounters and the MLS All-Star Game, ensuring they receive crucial rest after starring on the global stage.
When Lionel Messi was pushed onto his weaker foot by Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence on the right side of the box in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, England fans held their breath in unison. The Three Lions had four of their tallest players hovering around the six-yard area, and the Argentina captain needed a perfect delivery to reach Lautaro Martinez at the back post (his only realistic target) - but as we all know, Messi can conjure up perfection at any moment.
MLS returns from its World Cup break with Lionel Messi facing an uncertain timeline, Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann arriving, and Nashville SC setting the pace.
David Beckham is officially making his highly anticipated debut in the popular video game Fortnite. The former Manchester United midfielder will be available as a playable character, joining a star-studded lineup of global icons that already includes famous faces from the worlds of sport and music. Fans can expect to see his digital avatar in the game very soon.
Lionel Messi has proven he is a superhero on the pitch for decades, but the legendary Argentine has now taken things a step further by appearing alongside Tom Holland in a viral crossover. The Inter Miami star features in a hilarious new teaser for the upcoming Marvel blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Luis Suarez has urged fans to stop comparing Lamine Yamal with Lionel Messi, insisting the pair are different players despite sharing similar qualities. The Inter Miami striker praised the Spain teenager's maturity under pressure while backing him to one day reach the same level as the Argentina legend.
Lionel Messi has seen many tributes throughout his legendary career, but his latest monument in Argentina truly stands above the rest. Ahead of his 39th birthday, the Inter Miami star has been immortalised with a staggering 85-foot statue in the Patagonian town of Cutral Co.
Luis Suarez has lauded Lionel Messi following his record-breaking exploits for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami striker expressed his joy at seeing his close friend perform at the highest level after Messi became the outright top scorer in World Cup history. Suarez insisted that watching Messi play remains an absolute pleasure as the team target tournament glory.
France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has opened the door to a future move to Major League Soccer, admitting he has long admired American culture and its sense of limitless ambition. The 27-year-old also joked that Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has already started trying to recruit him to the U.S.
An Argentine television presenter has resigned from her position after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had passed away during a live broadcast. The shocking claim was made during the World Cup, leading to widespread condemnation and an immediate apology from the broadcaster and production staff involved.
Casemiro's proposed move to Inter Miami has hit an unexpected obstacle due to MLS roster regulations. The departing Manchester United midfielder is reportedly keen on a switch to Florida, but a dispute over discovery rights with LA Galaxy is preventing the deal from being finalised as the Brazilian weighs up the next step in his career.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has backed his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi to spearhead another successful World Cup campaign for Argentina. Despite the legendary forward turning 38, the French attacker insists that Messi's unparalleled quality remains undiminished.
Former Barcelona and England striker Gary Lineker has once again weighed in on the eternal Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate, insisting that placing the Argentine above the Portuguese is simply a matter of footballing fact rather than a personal insult. Lineker also revealed how his unwavering stance on the GOAT debate caused a personal rift with the Al-Nassr and Portugal superstar.
Algeria attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza has confidently targeted a historic victory over Argentina in their upcoming 2026 World Cup opening match. The 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen prospect arrived in the United States ahead of the tournament and immediately shared his fearless ambitions, dismissive of the reigning world champions' psychological tactics.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we dive into the rise of the Lionel Messi in the United States, the emotional connection that transformed Miami, his seismic impact on U.S. soccer, and the possibility that the upcoming World Cup might offer him the most fitting stage of his career - one built around comfort, belonging, and a crowd that treats him like their own hero.
Lionel Messi is preparing for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, but the player heading to the tournament is unrecognizable from the teenager who first burst onto the scene. While most elite stars adapt to decline, the Inter Miami talisman has spent two decades adapting to stay ahead of the game.
The MLS All Star initial XI has been revealed, and the big names have made it - along with a few well-deserved surprises. GOAL's writers break it all down in the latest Rondo.
Inter Miami CF
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
