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.
Lionel Messi has added yet another illustrious trophy to his unparalleled collection after being named the winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The Inter Miami superstar succeeds tennis legend Serena Williams in receiving one of Spain's highest distinctions, sparking a wave of congratulations from across the globe, including from his former home at Barcelona.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed that Lionel Messi has full control over his retirement timeline. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the World Cup-winning boss explained the elite mentality that keeps the Inter Miami superstar playing at the highest level, insisting the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the absolute best because of his unquenchable thirst for success.
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is not convinced the 2026 World Cup will mark the end for veterans like 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, defending champion Lionel Messi, 38, and Luka Modric, 40. The Portuguese centre-back discussed the immense motivation his squad feels to capture the only major trophy their iconic captain has failed to win.
Argentina legend Lionel Messi is receiving special treatment at the team's training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. As he prepares to lead his nation in a record-breaking sixth tournament, the Inter Miami star has been granted a unique luxury not given to anyone else in the squad, allowing him to focus entirely on defending the crown they won in Qatar.
Former Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi has reportedly made his Parma move permanent, after the Serie A club picked up his buy option for just under $5 million. The American made nine appearances for the Italian side before suffering a season-ending meniscus injury in March. His permanent departure would seem to open roster flexibility for the Herons.
Marcus Rashford has taken his World Cup preparations to the United States, linking up with Inter Miami’s state-of-the-art facilities ahead of the tournament. The England international is getting a head start on his teammates by acclimatising to the Florida heat following specific instructions from Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.
On the same day that fellow countryman Olwethu Makhanya and The Union defender was selected for the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad, the 49-year-old reigning MLS coach of the year discovered his services were no longer required following a disastrous start to the current campaign that has left the club at the bottom of the table.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has admitted that captain Lionel Messi will not be "fully fit" when he joins up with the national team for their 2026 World Cup defence. The Inter Miami superstar picked up a hamstring issue in his latest MLS outing, sparking panic among Argentina fans just weeks out from the summer tournament in North America.
Inter Miami provided an update on Lionel Messi after the 38-year-old was substituted Sunday against the Philadelphia Union due to physical discomfort. Following further tests Monday, the club said Messi’s initial diagnosis showed “overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” with his return to activity dependent on his “clinical and functional progress.”
Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.
Doubts have been cast over whether a stunning GOAT union could take place in the United States as Cristiano Ronaldo joins eternal rival Lionel Messi in MLS. Philippe Senderos has told GOAL that two all-time greats remain on “different paths”, but the American game is being backed to create its own superstars as “football culture” continues to grow.
Lionel Messi has sparked major injury fears just weeks before the 2026 World Cup after asking to come off during Inter Miami's chaotic 10-goal thriller against Philadelphia Union. The Argentina captain headed straight for the tunnel with a suspected muscle issue, prompting the Herons boss to deliver a crucial update on his star player's fitness.
Lionel Messi exited Inter Miami's MLS match against the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute of the Herons' 6-4 win after grabbing the back of his leg while walking down the tunnel. The Argentina captain appeared to signal for a substitution moments earlier and was replaced by Mateo Silvetti with 20 minutes remaining. Argentina's World Cup camp begins June 1.
Inter Miami came from behind in a frenetic 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union but suffered a major injury scare when Lionel Messi exited in the second half. Luis Suarez scored three as Miami showed resilience in the second-highest scoring match in MLS history. Attention now turns to Messi’s health with fewer than three weeks until the World Cup.
Ex-Barcelona winger Pedro has disclosed that he actively tried to persuade former team-mates, including Lionel Messi and David de Gea, to join Lazio. Following an emotional final match for the Serie A club on Saturday, the 38-year-old Spanish winger reflected on his efforts to reunite with star names in the Italian capital, highlighting a desire to share the fans' passion with them.
Luiz Felipe Scolari opened up about the eternal rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, revealing previously unknown details of his relationship with the Portuguese captain. The former national team coach explained the emotional and professional reasons behind his choices in the polls for the best player in the world.
Lionel Messi has officially reached billionaire status, joining his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in one of the most exclusive clubs in world sport. The Inter Miami and Argentina icon has seen his net worth soar past the $1 billion mark following a career defined by record-breaking contracts and savvy off-field investments.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has confirmed that Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has played his final match for the club following a sentimental farewell at Old Trafford. Casemiro, who has been heavily linked with a move to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, will not be part of the squad for the Red Devils' season finale against Brighton.
Inter Miami are closing in on a sensational deal to bring Casemiro to Major League Soccer following his departure from Manchester United. The legendary Brazilian midfielder has reportedly chosen South Florida as his preferred destination, setting the stage for a mouth-watering reunion with several former rivals and friends in the United States.
Riyad Mahrez has revealed that his ultimate footballing ambition was to pull on the famous Barcelona shirt and line up alongside Lionel Messi. The Algerian winger, who eventually became a hero at Manchester City, has opened up on how close he came to a different path during his rise to the top.
Lionel Messi's impact on North American culture continues to reach unprecedented heights as the Inter Miami superstar has been honoured with his own street name. In a move that highlights his massive influence ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a local township in New Jersey has officially designated a stretch of road as "Leo Messi Way."
Lionel Messi was caught on camera appearing to scold Inter Miami supporters after the club’s hardcore fans staged a silent protest during their MLS victory over the Portland Timbers. The Argentine icon was seen gesturing toward the stands as the atmosphere turned sour despite lofty expectations at the Nu Stadium.