Lionel Messi could have represented Brazil instead of Argentina, according to a three-year historical investigation into his maternal lineage. The Inter Miami star, who inspired La Albiceleste to the 2026 World Cup final before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Spain, was also eligible to play for Italy and Spain during his iconic career.
Juan Roman Riquelme has hailed Lionel Messi following Argentina's run to the 2026 World Cup final, even suggesting the captain may have surpassed Diego Maradona. The Boca president also praised Lionel Scaloni before offering his verdict on Argentina's defeat to Spain.
Lionel Messi's playing days for Argentina may be drawing to a close, but a leading South American football journalist believes the icon could stick around in a different "Master Yoda" capacity, guiding heir apparent Nico Paz through the transition as the Albiceleste's next generation takes shape.
Karim Adeyemi has officially joined the Hansi Flick project at Barcelona, arriving as the club’s second high-profile signing of the summer following Anthony Gordon. The Germany international has wasted no time in setting his sights on Champions League glory while offering a fascinating perspective on his new team-mate Lamine Yamal.
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.
