Brazilian footballer Neymar has shared that his relationship with French player Kylian Mbappé grew tense after Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Neymar explained that he initially had a good relationship with Mbappé and often admired his incredible football talent.
However, things reportedly changed between them when Messi transferred to PSG from Barcelona, starting a new chapter for the club.
👀 Neymar tells Romário: “Mbappé was not annoying! When Messi came, I think he became a little jealous…”.
“I had my things with him, we had a little fight. He was a boy that in the beginning was key, I used to call him ‘Golden Boy’, I was spoke to him, played around with him,… pic.twitter.com/sWpdU53omP
“Mbappé wasn’t annoying at first! When Messi arrived, I think he became a little jealous… We had a little fight. He was like a younger brother to me; I used to call him ‘Golden Boy.’ I spoke to him, played with him, and told him he’d become one of the best.
“I always helped and had conversations with him. When Leo arrived, he became a little jealous. He didn’t want to share me with anyone! [laughs] That’s how the fights started, and his behavior changed,” Neymar narrated, as shared by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X.
Inter Miami’s hopes of securing an MLS Cup title were dashed on Saturday evening as they were eliminated from the playoffs following a 3-2 defeat in the decisive third leg of their round one matchup against Atlanta United.
Despite winning the first leg, Miami’s loss in the second set up a do-or-die fixture that ultimately ended their playoff run.
The match saw plenty of action, with former Le Havre striker Jamal Thiare hitting the post in the 14th minute before Miami took the lead. Matias Rojas pounced on a rebound from a Messi shot saved by Brad Guzan, slotting in the opening goal. However, Thiare quickly turned the game around with two goals in just three minutes, one of which was a stunning strike from the edge of the box.
Miami had chances to level, with a Diego Gomez goal ruled out by VAR for offside and Messi’s effort saved by Guzan. The equalizer came in the 65th minute when Messi, surrounded by four defenders, rose to head home a goal from close range. But the decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when Bartosz Slisz scored a header while Miami appealed for a stoppage in play due to an injured defender.
Despite pushing for another equalizer, Miami’s efforts were thwarted as Atlanta held firm to secure a stunning upset. The defeat ended Messi’s second season in the United States in disappointment, with Inter Miami’s historic season—culminating in a record 73 points—ultimately falling short in the playoffs.
Inter Miami’s head coach Tata Martino reflected on the season, acknowledging both the successes and the disappointments, while Spain legend Jordi Alba expressed frustration at the playoff format. “It was a good season, but what we wanted was to win this more,” he said.
Lionel Messi made a triumphant return from injury, scoring twice and providing an assist to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union.
The 37-year-old Argentine star had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during Argentina’s Copa America final win against Colombia in July.
Messi’s absence saw him miss this month’s World Cup qualifiers and eight Major League Soccer (MLS) games, but his return was worth the wait. Despite Miami’s dominance in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, his presence was clearly missed on the pitch.
Philadelphia Union got off to a flying start, taking the lead just 58 seconds into the game with Mikael Uhre finding the net. However, Inter Miami equalized in the 26th minute when Messi collected a pass from Luis Suarez, beat a defender, and fired home. The goal was the result of strong teamwork, with Jordi Alba, another ex-Barcelona teammate, playing a key role in the buildup.
Just four minutes later, Messi struck again, this time finishing off an assist from Alba to put Miami ahead. In the dying moments of the game, deep into second-half injury time, Messi set up Suarez for Miami’s third goal, sealing the win.
Reflecting on his return, Messi, who now boasts 14 goals in 13 games this season, admitted he was feeling the effects of the match. “I really wanted to come back, I had been off of the field for a long time,” Messi said. “Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that’s why we decided that I would start, and I’m very happy.”
Elsewhere in MLS action, LA Galaxy staged an impressive comeback to defeat their Los Angeles rivals, LAFC, 4-2 in a top-of-the-table clash in the Western Conference.
For the first time since 2003,Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldowere excluded from the list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or, marking a significant shift in the football landscape.
Both players have dominated the prestigious award for nearly two decades, with Messi holding a record eight wins and Ronaldo five.
However, neither appeared among the 30 contenders announced on Wednesday for this year’s prize, which will be awarded on October 28.
This year’s nominees include notable talents such as Vinicius Junior, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.
Vinicius and Bellingham played pivotal roles in Real Madrid’s La Liga victory and their 16th Champions League title last season, while Haaland was the Premier League’s top scorer, and Kane achieved the same feat in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich.
Mbappé also completed a long-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid this summer after six seasons at PSG.
Messi, currently recovering from an injury at Inter Miami, took home the Ballon d’Or last year. His first win came in 2009, kicking off a four-year streak of dominance, and his name first appeared on the nominee list in 2006.
Ronaldo made his debut as a Ballon d’Or nominee in 2004. Together, they captured the award 13 times between 2008 and 2021, turning it into a two-man contest for most of their careers.
On the women’s side, five players from the U.S. national team—Lindsey Horan, Alyssa Naeher, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson—were nominated, following their triumph in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Spain, despite finishing fourth at the Olympics, has five players nominated: Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, Patri Guijarro, Salma Paralluelo, and Alexia Putellas.
Spanish players have won the Ballon d’Or Féminin for the past three years, with Bonmatí claiming it in 2023 and Putellas winning twice before that.
England, the runner-up in the2023 World Cup final,also boasts three nominees: Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, and Lucy Bronze.
Former Nigerian footballer Mikel Obirecently recounted a conversation he had with Lionel Messi after Nigeria’s loss to Argentina in the 2005 U-20 World Cup final.
Obi shared that he had played exceptionally well throughout the tournament and was hopeful of winning an individual award despite the defeat.
However, when Messi was awarded the Golden Ball, Obi felt disheartened and approached him to express his disappointment.
The former Chelsea star recalled accusing Messi of “stealing” the award, feeling that he was more deserving of the honor.
🎙️John Obi Mikel: “When we lost against Argentina in the U-20 World Cup, Messi won the Golden Ball and I won the Silver Ball.
At the end of the coronation, I told him, ‘You stole the Golden Ball from me. I deserved it, I was better than you’.
“When we lost against Argentina in the U-20 World Cup, Messi won the Golden Ball and I won the Silver Ball. At the end of the coronation, I told him, ‘You stole the Golden Ball from me. I deserved it; I was better than you’.
“Messi smiled and said to me, ‘I have nothing to do with the matter; the committee is the one who chooses,’” Obi said in a tweet shared by influencer Vince on X.
Argentina emerged victorious over Nigeria with a 2-1 win in the 2005 U-20 World Cup final, with Lionel Messi netting two penalties and being a key player in the match.
Although Nigeria fell short of claiming the title, their journey to the finals was a source of pride for many Africans.
In Marti Perarnau’s biography God Save Pep, it is revealed that Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, played a pivotal role in preventing Lionel Messi from joining the club.
According to the book, Messi, who was eager to reunite with his former coach, reached out to Guardiola in 2020 to explore the possibility of a transfer to Manchester City.
During a meeting at his home in Barcelona, Guardiola reportedly advised Messi that a move to Manchester City could be too demanding for him, given that he was 33 years old at the time.
Despite Messi’s enthusiasm and disagreement with this assessment, Manchester City ultimately did not pursue the transfer. Instead, Messi made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, which was completed later that year.
As of now, Messi is playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), marking a new chapter in his storied career.
Argentina secured their record 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia, but the match faced significant delays due to disturbances outside the Miami venue.
The kick-off was pushed back by 80 minutes as trouble erupted with ticketless fans trying to force their way into the Hard Rock Stadium.
This chaos left many fans waiting in the Miami heat, and clashes with police resulted in several arrests and some supporters needing medical attention.
On the field, Lautaro Martinez netted the decisive goal in the second half of extra time from a Giovani Lo Celso assist.
The match had few clear chances, with Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba hitting the woodwork in the first half. Argentina thought they had scored with 15 minutes remaining, but Nicolas Tagliafico’s goal was ruled out for offside.
Lionel Messi, who was forced to leave the game midway through the second half due to an injury, was in tears but celebrated Argentina’s third consecutive major tournament win at the final whistle.
The half-time break was also extended to 25 minutes due to a concert by Colombian popstar Shakira, which was criticized by Colombia’s manager Nestor Lorenzo.
Despite the interruptions and challenging conditions,Martinez emerged as the hero and secured the Golden Boot with five goals in the tournament.
James Rodriguez delivered an impassioned speech after surpassing Lionel Messi’s record and guiding Colombia to the 2024 Copa America final.
The former Real Madrid star, now playing for Sao Paulo in Brazil, has been a pivotal figure for his national team since his debut in 2011, accumulating over 100 caps while maintaining his creative prowess at the age of 32.
James is currently participating in his fourth Copa America, debuting in the tournament in 2015, and has now become the top assist provider in a single edition of the competition. This record dates back to 2011, when records were first officially kept.
James Rodríguez's is the first player on record (since 2011) with six assists in a single edition of a Copa America, surpassing Lionel Messi (five assists in 2021).#URUCOL#CopaAmericapic.twitter.com/MHDxmPyv28
Messi had previously set the benchmark with five assists in 2021, leading Argentina to a continental triumph, but James has surpassed that with six assists in 2024. His contributions have set up a final showdown against the reigning World Cup champions.
James told TyC Sports after teeing up Jefferson Lerma’s match-winning goal in a chaotic semi-final showdown with Uruguay: “We had an excellent game. The referee was not good. The boys who defended did well.
The game was very complicated, against a very tough opponent, but we won a well-deserved place in the final. I’ve been here for almost 13 years, wanting this. We’re happy.”
James has registeredsix assists through five games, while also finding the target himself from the penalty spot in a crushing 5-0 quarter-final win over Panama. He is now captain of his nation, with vast experience being put to good use.
Lionel Messi broke his goal drought, while Julian Alvarez also found the back of the net, leading Argentina to a commanding 2-0 victory over Canada and securing a spot in the Copa America final at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday night.
As the reigning champions, Argentina displayed their championship form against Jesse Marsch’s surprising semi-finalists, efficiently converting their chances and limiting Canada to just one shot on target.
Messi set the tone early, narrowly missing a long-range effort. Alvarez broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, connecting with Rodrigo de Paul’s incisive pass to score.
Messi came close to doubling the lead before halftime, but his shot went wide after an impressive dribble past two defenders.
Early in the second half, Messi ended his scoring slump by tapping in a deflection from Enzo Fernandez’s powerful strike, giving Argentina a two-goal cushion in the 51st minute.
Although Canada had several promising attacks in the second half, their hopes dimmed when Alphonso Davies exited with an ankle injury with 20 minutes left.
Argentina comfortably saw out the match, threatening on the counter and keeping Canada at bay, thus advancing to their third consecutive major tournament final.
In a thrilling Copa America semi-final clash, Lionel Messi guided Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Canada, securing their place in the tournament’s final.
The 37-year-old forward, playing for Inter Miami, showcased his brilliance by scoring a crucial goal six minutes into the second half.
Messi deflected a shot from Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, doubling Argentina’s lead after Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez had opened the scoring.
Alvarez’s goal came earlier in the match when he capitalized on a pass from Rodrigo de Paul of Atletico Madrid, slotting home from close range. This victory marks the sixth time in the last eight editions that Argentina, with their illustrious history of 15 Copa America titles, have reached the final.
The upcoming final, scheduled against either Uruguay or Colombia, holds special significance as it will mark Angel di Maria’s final appearance for Argentina before his international retirement. There are also uncertainties looming over Messi’s future with the national team.
Reflecting on the achievement, Messi expressed joy and emphasized the team’s collective effort, stating, “Let’s enjoy what we are experiencing as a national team, as a group. It is not easy to be in a final again, to compete again to be champions.”
Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, acknowledged the impending decisions of Messi and Di Maria regarding their international careers. “For Leo (Messi), it’s similar to Angel,” said Scaloni, indicating the team’s desire for both players to continue contributing if they choose to do so.
Despite Canada’s valiant efforts, led by MLS club Nashville winger Jacob Shaffelburg, who missed key chances early in the game, they were unable to break Argentina’s grip after Alvarez’s goal. Lille striker Jonathan David had a notable opportunity late in the first half, but his shot was saved by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Canada, ranked 48th globally, exceeded expectations in their debut appearance at the Copa America. Coach Jesse Marsch expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting their progress and the lessons learned from the tournament.
Looking ahead, Canada, set to co-host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and the USA, will compete for third place against the losing team from the other semi-final. Marsch emphasized the importance of expanding Canada’s player pool in the years to come to sustain their competitive edge.
The semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia is scheduled for Thursday, July 11, with the Copa America final slated for Monday, July 15.
Lionel Messi recently reflected on his intense rivalry with Sergio Ramos during their time facing off in El Clásico matches in Spain.
Messi, who played for Barcelona, often clashed with Ramos, the stalwart defender of Real Madrid, in heated encounters.
Despite their fierce competition on the pitch, their dynamic shifted unexpectedly when they became teammates at Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
In an interview on his nephew’s YouTube show, Messi recalled their battles, saying, “We fought a lot with Sergio Ramos.
In the Clásicos, we always had intense confrontations before becoming teammates.” Ramos, in turn, has praised Messi as “the best player football has ever produced.”
Meanwhile, Ramos’ recent departure from Sevilla was confirmed by the Spanish club on Tuesday.
The veteran defender, 38, returned to his childhood club last summer after a stint with PSG, where he scored seven goals in 37 appearances.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vEXprvNp81U
Despite turning down an extension with Sevilla, Ramos emphasised that he has no intention of retiring and remains eager to continue playing for at least another one or two years.
Ramos, a decorated player with Spain, including a World Cup and two European titles, is now rumoured to be considering a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), where he could potentially face off against Messi once again.
Messi, now captain of Argentina, joined Inter Miami in the MLS in July 2023 following the expiration of his contract with PSG.
“I haven’t taken a decision yet,” Ramos said. “I have not signed anything with any club. Fortunately, I have interesting options. I’ve earned the right to decide my future and that of my family.”
Ramos recently travelled to Dallas to support Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic during the NBA finals, leading to speculation that he could join an MLS club after leaving Sevilla.
“I am a great fan of the NBA and I have a good rapport with Luka Doncic from our time at Real Madrid,” Ramos said. “But I didn’t go to Dallas because of anything relating to my future.
The USA has always attracted me because of the quality of life but that has nothing to do with taking a big decision.”
Following Argentina’s victory over Guatemala in their final Copa América warm-up match on Friday, Lionel Messi cautioned his teammates that the road ahead would be far from easy.
Messi and Lautaro Martínez both netted twice in the 4-1 win at Fedex Field, Washington, D.C., overturning an early own goal by Lisandro Martínez that initially gave Guatemala the lead.
Reflecting on the match, Messi acknowledged the tough task ahead of defending the title they clinched in 2021. “It’s going to get harder and harder for us, nothing is going to be easy for us,” he said.
“But we’re going to try again. “We are working with the same desire as always, with the same intensity in each training session and facing these games as we always do.”
Argentina announced their official squad for the tournament on Saturday.
“I have decided which players will be left out, but first I am going to inform them,” head coach Lionel Scaloni said. “The decision always involves looking for the best for the team. This is the most difficult list of all because we have had complications.”
Scaloni emphasized that Messi is aware he will feature in all of the team’s matches “provided he remains in good health.” The Copa América commences on June 20with Argentina taking on Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Luis Suarez has showcased his acting talents in a humorous advertisement centred around Lionel Messi, which has left Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham thoroughly amused.
The experienced Uruguayan striker has reunited with his former Barcelona teammate in Florida, where Manchester United and England icon Beckham have played a key role in arranging significant deals.
Known for their close friendship, Suarez and Beckham have been enjoying their time together on the field throughout 2024.
As they prepare for Copa America with Uruguay and Argentina, respectively, Luis Suarez has taken time before the tournament to star in a comedic production that humorously depicts his relationship with Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
In the advertisement, Suarez is besieged by friends, neighbors, and even a taxi driver seeking autographs and tickets to watch Messi play.
The 37-year-old’s patience is tested as everyone focuses more on his connection to the famous colleague than his own abilities.
However, he finds solace in a refreshing beer, cooling off from the chaos.
David Beckham and others have enjoyed the lighthearted nature of the production, which once again features playful references to Messi as a “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time).
Beckham, particularly, hopes Suarez and Messi can reignite their successful on-field partnership upon their return to Chase Stadium following international commitments.
In a conversation with former Manchester United defender and pundit Rio Ferdinand, Mourinho recounted an incident where he nearly injured his leg in the Chelsea dressing room.
He also disclosed that he had wished to sign Lionel Messi but ultimately felt that coaching the exceptional talent was impractical, given Messi’s status as the standout player of his generation.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Mourinho said: “My favourite dressing room moment? One of my favourite moments in the dressing room was when I almost broke a leg at Stamford Bridge at halftime.
I wanted to kick the massage table and I hit something very hard. I had no shin pads [laughs] and I almost broke a leg.”
“One player that I never signed but wished I had? In my generation, of course, I would say the little guy [Messi]. The little guy was not coachable but I have to say, in our generation, he was the best.”
Even though Mourinho has coached Cristiano Ronaldo, he has consistently praised Messi as the greatest, a sentiment he has expressed multiple times.
During his tenure at Real Madrid, Mourinho was involved in numerous encounters with the Argentine, including defeating Messi and Pep Guardiola to clinch the 2010 La Liga title.
Now embarking on his new role at Fenerbahce this summer, Mourinho is shifting his focusback to club football after a few months away from management.
Lionel Messi has tested his acting skills and spoken English in a promotional video for the upcoming film “Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die,” alongside Will Smith.
As the fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise prepares to hit cinemas worldwide, the promotional campaign is in full swing.
Will Smith and co-star Martin Lawrence have enlisted help from Miami’s finest to generate excitement for the release.
NBA superstar Jimmy Butler, a key figure for the Miami Heat, features prominently in the latest teaser video.
Lionel Messi is set tomiss the Florida derby as the Inter Miami star has been ruled out of action against Orlando City.
According to The Athletic, the Argentine will not travel with the Inter Miami squad to Orlando due to a knee injury sustained during the club’s 3-2 win over CF Montreal last week.
Until now, the World Cup-winning captain has missed four games for Inter Miami this season, all in March.
During that period, the David Beckham-owned team struggled, losing twice, drawing once, and securing just one win.
Despite his absence, Messi has been in exceptional form in his second MLS season, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists in nine league appearances.
He set an MLS record on May 5 against the New York Red Bulls, becoming the first player to notch five assists in a regular-season game.
After Thursday’s match against Orlando City, Gerardo Martino’s side will face DC United in an MLS clash on May 19.
Legendary manager Fabio Capello, who led Real Madrid to glory twice, has once again sparked the everlasting debate betweenLionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The duo’s dominance is staggering, with an astonishing 13 Ballon d’Or awards shared between them, Messi clinching a record-breaking eight.
With such remarkable success, opinions have perpetually been split on who truly deserves the title of the greatest of all time.
Capello has now joined the ranks of high-profile figures to weigh in on the GOAT debate.
Capello chooses between Messi and Ronaldo
While acknowledging Ronaldo’s immense talent, the legendary manager does not place the Portuguese on the same pedestal as the Inter Miami star.
“Ronaldo’s a phenomenal player, a goal-scoring machine. He’s stacked trophies and Ballon d’Ors, but he hasn’t reached Messi’s level of genius,” Capello declared via Sportskeeda.
“I saw Messi at the Gamper trophy, and within 25 minutes, I was asking Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard if I could loan him! He was a genius on the pitch,” Capello reminisced.
Lalas comments on Lionel Messi’s recent goals against Nashville as solid but not extraordinary, yet highlights Messi’s consistency as making Inter Miami a “must see” team.
Messi scored twice and assisted Sergio Busquets in a 3-1 victory over Nashville.
Lalas acknowledges the routine nature of Messi’s goals but emphasizes his ongoing productivity, likening it to the excitement he brought to Barcelona and Argentina.
“He is incredible,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “And this was such an interesting game because the goals that we have now started to associate him with MLS, we’ve been doing it for years with Barcelona and Argentina, we’re associating with these magical moments.
“And yet both of these goals were nothing. If it wasn’t Messi, we’d be like, yeah, okay, whatever, just scored a penalty and then a broken play that he did finish off.
“But, the greatness is in that Messi is doing this and he’s doing it consistently and for this team in pink, each and every time they go out, they must see TV. And more often than not, they are delivering. And individually, when it comes to Messi right now, he is on a torrid pace and if he were to keep this up, we would see a historic production.”
Messi has been in stunning form, tallying nine goals and five assists in just 724 minutes of play this year.
His contributions have propelled Inter Miami from being league contenders to clear favorites for the MLS Cup.
However, Lalas rightly points out the importance of keeping Messi fit, as minor injuries have limited his playing time since joining the team in Florida.
Despite this concern,Inter Miami remains at the top ofthe Eastern Conference standings after 10 matches, setting the stage for an intriguing clash against the struggling New England Revolution this weekend.
Alexis Mac Allister provided insight into how Argentina operates in the absence of Lionel Messi, acknowledging that opponents tend to be more apprehensive when the captain is present.
The Liverpool midfielder suggested that La Albiceleste strives to showcase greater strength when Messi is not on the field, indicating that rivals perceive them as a more formidable force with the 37-year-old involved.
Messi recently withdrew from international friendlies due to an injury sustained in a CONCACAF Champions Cup game for Inter Miami against Nashville.
Consequently, he missed subsequent matches for his club and opted not to join Lionel Scaloni’s squad for friendly fixtures.
Speaking to ESPN, Mac Allister said, “We always focus a lot on the group and the team. We know that when Leo is not there, we have to become even stronger because we don’t have that player who, when things go wrong, can save us.
“We know that when Leo is there, they (rivals) are a little more afraid; it is normal. We also have players who play for big clubs in Europe and when they see the Argentine National Team, they know that it is not going to be an easy match and that’s what we want. We want to do our best so that the rival has a difficult day.”
Following their 3-0 win over El Salvador, the reigning world champions are preparing to play against Costa Rica in their next friendly match, set for Wednesday.
Brazil forward Neymar said on Saturday that he would like to play again with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi in the future.
The two are good friends and played together at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but they will not face off in this summer’s Copa América after the Brazil international suffered a knee injury last October.
Since signing Messi in the summer of 2023, Miami has added his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez to the squad.
Asked about Messi bringing his friends to Inter Miami and if he would like to play with him again, Neymar told ESPN Argentina: “Hopefully we can play together again.
Leo is a great person, everyone knows him in football and I think he is very happy and if he is happy, I am too.” The Al Hilal forward, who is not expected to return to action until August, attended the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday.
Neymar and Messi achieved league titles during their tenure at PSG but fell short of securing Champions League glory for the club. The 32-year-old Neymar has described their time together at PSG as tumultuous, stating that they “endured hell.”
Both players departed the club in 2023, with Messi moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) and Neymar signing a two-year deal with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Neymar, Brazil’s highest-scoring player of all time, had previously shown interest in playing in the MLS while still at PSG.
Asked last year if he would like to retire in Brazil, Neymar, 30, said on the Fenômenos podcast: “I don’t know. I have some doubts about that. I don’t know if I’ll play in Brazil again.
“I’d love to play in the U.S., actually. I’d love to play there, at least for a season.”
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both scored twice as Inter Miami thrashed Orlando City 5-0 on Saturday night.
Suarez found the net twice within the opening 11 minutes, while Messi added a second-half brace following Robert Taylor’s strike for the hosts.
Recent signing Suarez, 37, said: “He [Messi] knows everything about me and I think we will continue to do so. I try my best every time I’m out on the pitch. Today we did a really good job and I hope the Miami fans are happy.”
Proposals have been put forward to name the gates of thenew Camp Nou after significant figures in the club’s history.
For instance, gate number 10 is slated to be named after Lionel Messi, while gate number 20 will honour Sergi Roberto, and so forth.
Camp Nou, the renowned home stadium of FC Barcelona, stands as one of the world’s most successful and beloved football arenas.
Originally opened in 1957, the stadium boasts a seating capacity of 99,354.
Presently, Camp Nou is undergoing a significant renovation initiative known as Espai Barça, aimed at modernising and enhancing the facility.
Upon completion, the renovated stadium will feature an expanded seating capacity of 105,000, along with amenities such as a retractable roof, a state-of-the-art 360-degree screen, solar panels, and other environmentally friendly features.
Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino has expressed confidence that Lionel Messi will be fit to face Real Salt Lake next Wednesday night.
This comes after a 1-1 draw against Newell’s Old Boys in Miami’s final pre-season friendly.
Martino said: “I see him fully recovered. It is true that we are playing him little by little. From what I saw today on the field, the way he teamed up and how he arrived in the area, I saw him very well.
“Tonight he played almost 60 minutes and the idea is that he arrives well prepared for the [league] debut on [February] 21. This game was important to have a good feeling for our season opener.”
Jose Mourinho has come to the defence of Lionel Messi’s 2010 Ballon d’Or win, countering claims made by his former player Wesley Sneijder, who deemed the decision “unfair.”
Sneijder, a former Dutch international, expressed his disappointment at not receiving the individual accolade in 2010, despite playing a pivotal role in Mourinho’s Inter Milan’s triumphant campaign in the Champions League, Coppa Italia, and Serie A.
Despite Messi’s achievements being limited to winning La Liga and experiencing Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final exit that year, Mourinho, the former Roma manager, has sided with Inter Miami’s Sneijder, offering support for his perspective.
On Rio Ferdinand’s Vibe with Five podcast, the Portuguese said, “I don’t like to say it robbed. Who won it? Messi? So, not robbed. But Wesley did the treble, the Champions League winner, and I think the World Cup final in the same season. So Wesley should be there at least in the top 3, but when in the last generation, when Cristiano [Ronaldo] and Messi win the Ballon d’Or, it’s never robbed.”
While there have been debates surrounding some of Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or victories, notably the 2023 award, where he scored fewer goals than Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain and Erling Haaland of Manchester City and played in the MLS, widely considered a weaker league, the 36-year-old’s legacy as one of the greatest players in history is unquestionable. His impact transcends individual accolades
Messi’s Miami team kicks off their 2024 MLS campaign with a home match against Real Salt Lake on February 22, followed by an away fixture against the LA Galaxy.
In contrast, Wesley Sneijder, his former teammate, retired from professional football in 2019.
Lionel Messi fans expressed frustration as the Argentine soccer star did not participate in a Hong Kong exhibition game, despite a sellout crowd of 40,000 fans who had paid to watch him play.
The match took place between a team of Hong Kong players and Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club Messi joined in the previous year.
Despite the disappointment, Inter Miami won the match 4-1, and videos from Hong Kong Stadium showed fans chanting “Refund!” and booing during David Beckham’s address to the crowd after the game.
The Hong Kong government, which has been trying to win the world back to the increasingly isolated Chinese territory, said it was “deeply disappointed” by Messi’s absence from the match and threatened to reduce the 16 million Hong Kong dollars ($2 million) in sponsorship it had provided.
Tatler Asia, a luxury media brand and the game’s commercial partner, announced on Monday that it would retract its funding request from the government.
The public’s disappointment with the match is a setback for Hong Kong officials attempting to revitalise the international financial hub. In recent years, Hong Kong’s reputation has suffered due to a government crackdown on dissent and stringent Covid-19 restrictions.
If the Hong Kong government wants to “make Hong Kong a big city with big events, how could they let this happen?” Gong said. Speaking to reporters on Sunday after the match, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino acknowledged fans’ disappointment but said he didn’t want to risk worsening the injuries of Messi, 36, and his teammate Luis Suárez of Uruguay, 37, who also sat out the game.
Inter Miami embarked on a global exhibition tour in preparation for its upcoming regular season, set to commence on February 21.
Lionel Messi and his teammates arrived in Hong Kong on Friday after participating in a game in Saudi Arabia. Following the exhibition match in Hong Kong, the team is scheduled to play again in Japan on Wednesday. Fans from mainland China and various parts of Asia attended the event, eager to witness Messi’s performance, marking his return to Hong Kong after a hiatus since 2014.
In a friendly match against Al-Hilal, Inter Miami showcased an improvement in their preseason performance by scoring three goals but suffered a 4-3 defeat.
The Saudi Pro League side, Al-Hilal, took an early lead with goals from Alexandar Mitrovic and Abdullah Al-Hamdan. Luis Suarez pulled one back for Inter Miami, but Michael extended Al-Hilal’s lead.
Inter Miami fought back with a Lionel Messi penalty and a goal from David Ruiz, leveling the scores. However, Al-Hilal secured the victory with a late goal from Malcolm.
Brad Friedel, expressing his views on Lionel Messi’s impact on Major League Soccer (MLS), emphasized that Messi has had an “enormous” influence on the league.
Friedel urged MLS officials to capitalize on the increased interest generated by Messi’s presence and ensure that it leads to sustainable growth for the league.
The former USA No1 told Livescore that “the second Messi signed, his face was everywhere, pink Inter Miami shirts were everywhere and on billboards. The impact has been enormous.
“Over here we’ve been struggling to get that large lucrative television contract so hopefully this can instigate more discussions.”
Argentine player Lionel Messi is one of the most celebrated athletes globally, thanks to his exceptional skills and successes in football. Fans’ admiration for Messi has soared, especially after he led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup.
Wherever the star player goes, he is greeted by large crowds and passionate fans seeking autographs or photos. In a recent incident, Messi found himself attending to a fervent fan while stuck in traffic. The fan, eager for an autograph, pleaded with Messi, who willingly obliged.
Amidst the traffic, the fan tossed his jersey into Messi’s car, requesting an autograph. Messi, without hesitation, grabbed a black marker and signed the jersey. He then handed it back to the fan, who extended a handshake in gratitude. After this close encounter, Messi drove off.
The fan, overwhelmed with joy, couldn’t believe his luck, and his excitement was audible as he screamed along with others in the vehicle.
Lionel Messi secured the Men’s Player of the Year accolade for a historic third time at The FIFA Best Awards ceremony held in London.
The 36-year-old Argentina captain clinched the title after a vote tie-break with Erling Haaland, where Messi received more first-choice nominations from national team captains, resulting in a tied total of 48 points for both players.
Despite a remarkable achievement by Manchester City striker Haaland, who set a record-breaking Premier League scoring total of 36 goals and contributed to the Citizens’ Treble victory, Messi’s contributions stood out.
Messi, who netted 16 goals and provided an equal number of assists for Paris Saint-Germain in the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season, later made a high-profile move to Inter Miami, where he lifted the Leagues Cup in August.
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati, the Ballon d’Or Feminin holder, was named the Best Women’s Player. The 25-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in Spain’s World Cup triumph last summer and also contributed to Barcelona’s victories in the Champions League and Liga F.
After being presented with the award, Bonmati said: “I am proud of being part of a powerful generation of women, part of changing the rules of the game, and the world.”
In other categories, Pep Guardiola was named the Best Men’s Coach for guiding Manchester City to the Treble last season, while England’s Sarina Weigman claimed the women’s coaching prize for the fourth time.
Mary Earps secured the Best Women’s Goalkeeper award for the second consecutive year, recognizing her stellar performances with England and Manchester United. Her outstanding campaign also earned her the BBC Sports Personality of the Year accolade.
Ederson received the men’s goalkeeper award in recognition of his impressive displays between the posts during Manchester City’s Treble-winning season.
Guilherme Madruga was awarded the Puskas Award, edging out Brighton’s Julio Enciso, thanks to his spectacular overhead kick during Botafogo’s match against Novorizontino in the Brazilian second tier.
The FIFA Fairplay Award went to Brazil’s men’s team for their solidarity gesture. They wore black kits in a friendly match against Guinea last June, showing support for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. after he was subjected to racist abuse in LaLiga.
The 2023 FIFPro Men’s World XI: Thibaut Courtois, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Vinicius Jr.
The 2023 FIFPro Women’s World XI: Mary Earps, Olga Carmona, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Alessia Russo, Lauren James, Ella Toone, Aitana Bonmati, Alex Morgan and Sam Kerr.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is facing allegations of attempting to sway the outcome of the Ballon d’Or in favour of Lionel Messi.
Le Monde reports that PSG officials tried to influence Pascal Ferre, the former editor-in-chief of France Football and Ballon d’Or organiser, by offering various favours.
The club is accused of seeking Ferre’s support with the aim of securing the Ballon d’Or for Messi during his tenure in Paris. The investigation is said to be centred around Jean-Martial Ribes, the former director of communications at PSG, according to Le Monde.
A report by the General Inspectorate of the National Police from November 2023 says: “Ribes requested to obtain tickets for PSG football matches by journalists, politicians, elected officials, members of ministerial cabinets or the presidency, artists.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r2TnbVINPs
Despite any attempts by PSG to influence Ballon d’Or officials, Lionel Messi did not secure the coveted trophy during his time at the club.
Messi, now with Inter Miami in MLS, clinched the Ballon d’Or for his exceptional 2022-23 season, notably leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar.
The investigation into PSG’s alleged actions is ongoing. Meanwhile, PSG is set to resume action in the French Cup round of 64 on Sunday.
Luis Suarez, aged 36, has officially signed a one-year contract with Inter Miami, reuniting with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.
The Uruguayan striker, coming off a highly successful stint with Gremio, where he scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in 33 league matches, narrowly missing out on the title to Palmeiras.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, eagerly welcomes Suarez as they prepare for a new chapter in domestic competition in Florida.
The South American icon said: “I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami.
“I can’t wait to get started and I’m ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great club a reality.
“I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition.
“I will give my all to bring joy to these great fans I’ve heard so much about while I wear Inter Miami colours, and look forward to reuniting with great friends and players.
“I’m also eager to meet my new team-mates and coaches.”
Beckham added: “We are delighted to have a player of Luis’ quality and passion for the game join our club.
“He joins a squad that is inspiring the next generation and we look forward to seeing him take to the field with both former team-mates and young players from our academy.”
In addition to reuniting with Messi in Miami, Suarez will have the opportunity to play alongside two other former Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The Leagues Cup holders are set to kick off the 2024 Major Soccer League season on February 22, hosting Real Salt Lake. Ahead of the competitive season, Gerardo Martino’s side has scheduled warm-up friendlies against Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Vissel Kobe, and Newell’s Old Boys in the coming weeks.
Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo has expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of welcoming Lionel Messi to the competition.
Despite being overlooked for Major League Soccer earlier this year, Messi noted that he had contemplated a move to Saudi Arabia before eventually joining Inter Miami in MLS.
In response, Emenalo said, “The reasons that he ended up in MLS is something that I don’t have answers to. If he decides next season that he wants to come here, we will be happy to welcome him.”
Messi told TIME that “I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league, where I know the country and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.”
“It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me,” the 36-year-old added.
Lionel Messi has revealed that he contemplated the possibility of joining the Saudi Pro League before finalizing his move to Inter Miami in July.
The 36-year-old Argentine superstar was strongly associated with Al-Hilal, who ultimately secured his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar during the summer transfer window.
Messi’s decision to pursue his playing career in Major League Soccer came after recognizing that a return to Barcelona was no longer a viable option.
The World Cup winner told Time: “The truth is that fortunately, I had several options on the table that were interesting.
“I had to analyse them and think, even weigh them up with my family, before making the final decision to come to Miami.
“My first option was to return to Barcelona but it was not possible. I tried to return, and it did not happen.”
Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or in October
He added: “It is also true that later I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league, where I know the country. They have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.
“As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me, especially because I’ve enjoyed everything I have visited, because of how football is growing in the country and because of the effort they are putting into creating a top competition.
“It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me.”
Despite passing up the chance to face his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East, Messi quickly became a sensation in Miami. He scored 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup matches, helping the Florida-based team secure the trophy.
However, under Gerardo Martino’s management, the team fell short of securing a place in the MLS playoffs. Their next competitive match is scheduled for the start of the 2024 season in February.
Brazilian striker Rodrygo (22) revealed that he has been subjected to racist messages on his social media accounts following a disagreement with Argentina’s captainLionel Messi (36) before their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
The 1-0 loss for Brazil against Argentina in Rio de Janeiro, marking the five-time world champions’ third consecutive defeat, was marred by violence.
Clashes between police and visiting fans at the Maracana stadium led to a half-hour delay in the match.
Messi, who accused local police of brutality, engaged with Brazil captain Marquinhos (28) and exchanged heated words with Rodrygo.
The 22-year-old striker disclosed that he received numerous messages featuring emojis of monkeys and bananas, highlighting the disturbing aspect of racism associated with the incident.
“Racists are always on duty. My social networks were invaded with insults and all sorts of nonsense,” Rodrygo wrote on Instagram on Thursday.
“If we don’t do what they want, if we don’t behave as they think we should, if we wear something that annoys them, if we don’t lower our heads when they attack us, if we occupy spaces they think are theirs alone, the racists will act out their criminal behaviour,” he added.
“Bad luck for them. We won’t stop.”
Brazil forward Vinicius Jr (23), who missed the Argentina game due to injury,supported his team mate.
“We will not stop,” he wrote on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter.
Lionel Messi might soon find himself without his World Cup-winning mentor, Lionel Scaloni, as the Argentina boss hinted at a surprising resignation.
Scaloni had recently orchestrated a significant victory over rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifying, guiding his team to a 1-0 win in challenging circumstances.
The match faced considerable delays due to police violence against Albiceleste supporters, setting the stage for an intense battle on the pitch.
Despite Nicolas Otamendi’s decisive goal securing the win, Scaloni appeared contemplative after the final whistle.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the World Cup-winning coach said: “I have to think a lot about what to do. It’s not goodbye but the bar is very high. This group demands you permanently. This team needs a coach who has all the energy possible and be well. “
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C65BJntJySM
The statement is undeniably surprising. Following the disappointment against Uruguay in their previous outing, Scaloni’s Argentina demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
Currently leading their World Cup qualifying group, they have a substantial eight-point advantage over Brazil in sixth place.
Any potential change in Scaloni’s leadership position raises uncertainties about Argentina’s prospects in the upcoming Copa America and World Cup defenses, with possible implications for Lionel Messi’s future with the national team.
However, it’s important to note that Scaloni’s words, while impactful, do not constitute a definitive resignation statement at this point.
The reasons behind his reaction, whether influenced by the off-the-scenes violence at Brazil’s Maracana stadium, are yet to be clarified.
The Argentina supporters will be optimistic that their World Cup-winning coach is not departing anytime soon.
Messi, the extraordinary talent from Argentina, secured his eighth Golden Ball on Monday, thanks to his remarkable performances for Paris Saint-Germain and the national team.
Inter Miami, his current club, revealed their plans on Friday to mark this historic achievement by scheduling a friendly match. On November 10, Miami will go head-to-head with New York City FC, a fellow team in the Eastern Conference, in a “night full of festivities.”
Noche d’Or 💫 8️⃣
Come join us as we celebrate history at @drvpnkstadium!
Next Friday, Nov. 10th we will commemorate Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or with a night full of festivities featuring a friendly match against New York City FC, and an afterparty by @fiestabresh!… pic.twitter.com/mNAPBEm6C2
The decision to pay tribute to Messi is a relief for Miami fans, who were uncertain about seeing the 36-year-old in action earlier this week.
The team, under the leadership of David Beckham, had to cancel their China tour on Wednesday due to apparent “commercial and bureaucratic issues.” Now, the gap in their schedule will be filled by the upcoming ‘Noche d’Or’ event.
Since his arrival inMiami in July, Messi has made a remarkable impact with 11 goals and eight assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.
Despite playing in only half of the campaign, he finished second in the MLS Newcomer of the Year award.
The eagerly anticipated tour of Inter Miami, featuring the iconicLionel Messi, to China has already encountered turmoil even before it commences.
Soccer enthusiasts across Asia were thrilled at the prospect of witnessing the legendary Messi’s presence once again, especially following what is anticipated to be his eighth Ballon d’Or win in 2023.
The Argentine icon is poised to add another Golden Ball to his collection during the glamorous ceremony scheduled for October 30 in Paris.
Shortly after this prestigious event, Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Inter Miami had plans to embark on a tour to China, where they were slated to play a series of friendly matches.
Originally, their itinerary included a match against Qingdao Hainiu on November 5, followed by a game against Chengdu Rongcheng three days later.
According to the South China Morning Post, the second of those fixtures has been cancelled, with “various reasons” being cited for the late change in plans.
Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi expected to be a part of their travel contingent, are still scheduled to compete against Qingdao.
Nevertheless, there have been adjustments made to the schedule, relocating the match from the initially planned 50,000-seat Qingdao Youth Football Stadium to the 41,500-capacityWuyuan River Stadium in Haikou.
There have been conflicting statements from event organisers regarding the ticket sale date, and now there is only one game for fans to look forward to.
This has left disgruntled supporters expressing their discontent on social media, as their initial feelings of joy and anticipation have turned into frustration and bewilderment.
Messi played a pivotal role in leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar, while Haaland’s remarkable performance saw him score 52 goals in 53 matches, contributing to City’s triumphant season with a Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble.
As the award ceremony is set for October 30, Messi and Haaland are considered the top contenders, and Guardiola affirmed that both players have earned the recognition.
“Always, I said the Ballon d’Or should be in two sections: one for Messi, then another one so Haaland should win, yes,” Guardiola told a news conference on Friday.
“We won the treble; he scored a million goals. The worst season for Messi is the best for the rest of the players. Both deserve it. Realistically, I want Haaland to have it because he helped us achieve what we achieved. I would love it. But Messi won the World Cup.”
During the international break, Erling Haaland netted two goals for Norway in a 4-0 victory over Cyprus. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is optimistic that this performance will serve as a catalyst for Haaland’s return to top form with the club, especially after a three-game goal drought.
Brighton is scheduled to visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, and Guardiola has confirmed the availability of John Stones. Despite concerns over Stones featuring in both of England’s international matches during the break, given his limited playing time for City this season, he is ready for selection.
“We were a little bit concerned,” Guardiola added. “We spoke with Gareth [Southgate], and we have an incredible relationship. We were concerned because Stones didn’t play one minute in the last two months and then played for the national team. He was so important and we could not use him.
“We’re happy he got minutes but what if he gets injured? So he plays some minutes and comes off. They love to play for their countries, and I never say not to go there. Thankfully, everything was right and he’s ready for the next games.”
Former Barcelona forward, Kevin-Prince Boateng, has confessed that he falsely claimed Lionel Messi was the world’s best player in order to secure a spot with the Catalan club.
The former Ghana international disclosed that he had previously regarded Cristiano Ronaldo as the superior player but was pressured to endorse Messi as the best during a press conference in order to join the Spanish giants.
Boateng joined Barcelona on loan in January 2019, primarily serving as a backup striker for the latter part of the season and making just three appearances during his tenure.
“I supported Hertha Berlin where I was born and then, sorry Blaugrana, Barcelona fans will hate me now but Real Madrid,” he told FIVE UK.
“I couldn’t say that at the press conference because they told me you can’t say that, otherwise we can’t play you. Two years earlier when I was playing for Las Palmas, I said in a press conference that the best player in the world is Ronaldo and in the galaxy Messi.
“They say who is the best player in the world, you say Messi,” he said, drawing a hilarious reaction from Rio Ferdinand and the crew.
“This is one of the biggest lies because I usually say the truth, but this one I had to lie because I wanted to put on the shirt for one time at Camp Nou,” he added.
Lionel Messi recently participated in an interview on ‘Olga Live,’ where he discussed his current life in a relaxed manner.
This comes after his move to Inter Miami, following the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, marking the end of his European journey.
The Argentine football icon has been residing in the United States’ MLS for several months now. Messi inked a two-year deal with Inter Miami, extending until December 31, 2025. Reflecting on his age, he acknowledged that “time passes for everyone.”
When questioned about his future plans, Messi confessed to being uncertain, although he did share some of his professional aspirations.
“I haven’t thought about it and I don’t want to think about it either. I want to continue enjoying what I do. I took an important step leaving Europe behind. I don’t want to think about the next step, I want to enjoy what I like most, which is playing. It’s a job that I love, I’m lucky. I have responsibilities.
“I don’t know what I will do, I like everything related to football, I like being with kids, teaching, also being a sporting director, but I don’t know where I’m going to go”, he explained.
Asked if the option of returning to Argentina was on the table, Messi did not hide and was sincere: “Personally, I always had the idea of being able to enjoy Argentinian football, and even more so after being world champions, of being able to play for Newells. When I was a kid I used to go to their stadium,” he said.
Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland chief the list of 30 nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award, as announced by France Football magazine. Messi’s nomination comes after being left off the shortlist last year.
If he secures the men’s Ballon d’Or this year, it would mark his eighth win, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo with five wins. In February, Messi also claimed his second Best FIFA Men’s Player award.
Notably, Ronaldo, currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, was excluded from the list for the first time since 2003.
The award recipient will be unveiled at a ceremony at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30.
Messi guided Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in December, a significant achievement that had eluded him throughout his 21-year career. At club level, Messi had a mixed year.
While at Paris Saint-Germain, the French side was eliminated from the Champions League at the round-of-16 stage for the second consecutive season. Nonetheless, he contributed to PSG securing their 11th Ligue 1 title.
This summer, Messi left Paris to join Inter Miami on a free transfer, where he made an immediate impact, assisting the team in winning the Leagues Cup and securing a place in the U.S. Open Cup final.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland has also received a nomination and could present strong competition for the award. The Norwegian striker notched an impressive 52 goals in 53 games across all competitions as Manchester City clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
In his debut campaign in England, the 23-year-old broke the Premier League’s single-season scoring record with 36 goals.
Haaland also received several individual accolades for his outstanding performances, including the PFA Player of the Year, the Premier League’s Player of the Season, and Football Writers’ Association’s Men’s Player of the Year.
Unsurprisingly, players from Manchester City and Argentina dominate this year’s list of nominees. Seven players who contributed to City’s treble-winning season are included in the shortlist, along with four Argentine players, including Messi, who played a pivotal role in Argentina’s third World Cup triumph.
Full list of men’s Ballon d’Or nominees: André Onana – Manchester United/Cameroon Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City/Croatia Karim Benzema – Al Ittihad Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich/Germany Mohamed Salah – Liverpool/Egypt Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid/England Bukayo Saka – Arsenal/England Randal Kolo Muani – Paris Saint-Germain/France Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City/Belgium Bernardo Silva – Manchester City/Portugal Emiliano Martínez – Aston Villa/Argentina Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Napoli/Georgia Rúben Dias – Manchester City/Portugal Nicolo Barella – Inter Milan/Italy Erling Haaland – Manchester City/Norway Yassine Bounou – Al Hilal/Morocco Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal/Norway Julián Álvarez – Manchester City/Argentina Ilkay Gündogan – Barcelona/Germany Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid/Brazil Lionel Messi – Inter Miami/Argentina Rodri – Manchester City/Spain Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan/Argentina Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid/France Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona/Poland Kylian Mbappé – Paris Saint-Germain/France Kim Min-jae – Napoli/South Korea Victor Osimhen – Napoli/Nigeria Luka Modric – Real Madrid/Croatia Harry Kane – Bayern Munich/England
Cristiano Ronaldo recently shared his sentiments about his legendary rivalry with Lionel Messi while representing the Portugal national team. Ronaldo, now 38 years old, expressed nostalgia as he reflected on their illustrious careers.
During his discussion, Ronaldo was asked about Messi’s current stint with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and his own prolific goal-scoring performances for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Both players continue to capture headlines outside of Europe as they enter the twilight of their remarkable careers.
Ronaldo, known for his professionalism, displayed immense respect for Messi, who is 36 years old. Their mutual admiration for each other has always been evident, despite the worldwide debate over whether one must choose between the two football icons.
In his response, Cristiano Ronaldo also added a touch of self-praise by discussing himself in the third person, a characteristic that has become synonymous with CR7. Some things, it seems, never change.
“The rivalry is over,” Ronaldo said. “It was good, a healthy rivalry that spectators liked a lot. Whoever likes Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have to hate Messi or vice-versa because they’re both very good. They changed the history of football, and they keep on doing it.”
“We are respected throughout the world, that’s the most important thing. He makes his way, I make mine, even if we are playing outside Europe. He has done well, from what I’ve seen, and so have I. It’s about continuing. The legacy continues. The rivalry, I don’t see things like that. I’ve already said, we’ve shared the stage for 15 years and we ended up being, I wouldn’t say friends, because I never dined with him, but we are professional colleagues and we respect each other.”
While Ronaldo and Messi may not engage in the debate, the discussion over who holds the title of the greatest of all time (GOAT) will persist indefinitely.
Why? Because throughout their careers, these two football icons have been polar opposites. Messi, the cerebral maestro who embodied Barcelona, and Ronaldo, the mechanical marvel who epitomized Real Madrid, played the game in entirely distinct ways, both achieving dominance on their own terms.
There’s an abundance of admiration for both Messi and Ronaldo when it comes to their on-field performances, and it’s entirely possible to appreciate and love both of them and their unique playing styles simultaneously. There’s no need to make an exclusive choice.
Yet, for most individuals, choosing one or the other as the GOAT remains inevitable. However, it’s essential to recognize that you don’t have to make that choice. This is the message Cristiano Ronaldo is conveying.
The compelling nature of this rivalry stems from the fact that these two players have coexisted and reigned supreme simultaneously. Unlike Pele and Diego Maradona, whose careers didn’t overlap, the fact that these two GOAT contenders have not only coexisted but continue to do so is what draws us to compare and contrast.
It’s akin to having Tom Brady and Joe Montana playing in the same era and attempting to pick a favorite. People will inevitably make their choices, but you don’t have to. Instead, sit back and savor the remarkable journey, even as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi now ply their trade on opposite sides of the globe as they bring their incredible careers to a close.
Erling Haaland added an unexpected twist when he won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award on August 31.
The Manchester City player claimed the award during an extravagant ceremony held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. This event happened to coincide with the draw for the 2023/2024 season’s Champions League group stage.
This marked his second consecutive individual award in as many weeks, following his recent victory as the PFA Men’s Player of the Year in the English Premier League.
It’s a clear acknowledgment of the incredible statistics he achieved last season, contributing significantly to his team’s historic treble.
However, the Norwegian has his sights set on an even bigger prize: the Ballon d’Or award, which will be announced at the end of next month. This could be his first win at the age of 23.
He will be up against Lionel Messi, whose outstanding performances for Argentina during the Qatar World Cup at the end of last year have positioned him as a strong contender for an unprecedented 8th Ballon d’Or title, despite his public indifference to the award.
The decision now lies in the hands of a panel of experts and international journalists. They must choose between a player who achieved a treble in his debut season in arguably the world’s toughest league and another player who scripted a football fairytale in a truly remarkable fashion.
Currently, it seems to me that Messi still holds an advantage over Haaland.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that winning the UEFA Men’s Best Player of the Year doesn’t guarantee success in the Ballon d’Or race. In recent years, dating back to 2011, there have been four instances where different players won these prestigious awards.
For instance, in 2011, Lionel Messi claimed the Ballon d’Or, while his Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta received the UEFA Award. Cristiano Ronaldo secured the Ballon d’Or in 2013, while Franck Ribery was honored by UEFA. In both 2019 and 2021, Messi won the Ballon d’Or ahead of UEFA’s Players of the Year, Virgil Van Dijk and Jorginho, respectively. The 2013 case is often cited as a notable example of a Ballon d’Or upset.
The recurring theme here is that winning the UEFA Award doesn’t necessarily foreshadow the outcome of the Ballon d’Or vote. Messi himself has triumphed over the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year three times in his career, so it’s entirely possible he could do it again.
Now, let’s explore why Messi might have the upper hand in the 2023 Ballon d’Or race.
In addition to leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in December last year, Messi’s pursuit of an eighth Ballon d’Or title further bolsters his position. Winning the World Cup is a significant achievement that can greatly influence the Ballon d’Or vote.
Furthermore, Haaland’s perceived inconsistency in big games, despite his impressive record of 52 goals in 53 appearances last season, could work against him. The World Cup’s global stage also puts Messi at an advantage, as this competition carries substantial weight in the eyes of voters.
Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a triumphant victory in the cup on Saturday night, cementing his status as the most decorated player in the history of the sport.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Messi now boasts an official count of 44 titles. His initial taste of victory dates back to 2004.
Claiming the Leagues Cup, this achievement marks his inaugural success on American soil, a mere month following his arrival in South Florida.
In the previous year, Messi’s illustrious career reached new heights as he secured the World Cup after multiple attempts, guiding his team to victory over France in a gripping final.
Among his extensive collection of trophies are remarkable achievements: 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League triumphs, seven Copa Del Rey victories, eight Spanish Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, the FIFA World Cup, the Finalissima, the Copa America, an Olympic Gold, a U20 World Cup, two Ligue 1 titles, and a Trophée de Champions.
Inter Miami’s victorious finale has been reported by Goal.com.
With this recent win, Inter Miami has engraved the first chapter of success into their trophy archives. Mere weeks prior, this accomplishment might have seemed beyond reach, given their position as one of the less successful teams in MLS. The idea of them prevailing over every competitor en route to a championship? It appeared implausible.
But in a matter of weeks, a game-changing factor emerged: Lionel Messi.
True to form, Messi once again seized the spotlight as Inter Miami clashed with Nashville SC at Geodis Park. His stunning goal ignited the match, which eventually concluded 1-1 after regular play. The goal was a classic Messi maneuver: maneuvering within tight space, he unleashed a curling shot that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.
Although a scrappy goal allowed Nashville to stay in the contest, even as the match extended to a penalty shootout, Messi and his teammates held the upper hand. The shootout proved historic, with all 22 players taking turns at the spot. Messi, serving as Miami’s first shooter, naturally converted his shot. However, it wasn’t until Nashville SC goalkeeper Elliot Panicco’s shot was blocked by Drake Callendar that Miami could officially bask in their victory.
While various players contributed to the outcome, Messi remained the linchpin. Although the match had few defining moments, and Callendar emerged as the match’s hero, Messi once again played the decisive role. A new team, but a familiar outcome: Messi clutching a trophy in his hands.
Leo Messi called over Yedlin to lift the trophy with him- the team’s original captain before he signed
Lionel Messi, celebrated as the “best in the world,” continued his remarkable form by scoring his 10th goal in seven games, helping Inter Miami secure their inaugural trophy.
The 36-year-old Argentine maestro unleashed a sensational shot from outside the box, finding the top corner of the net, granting Miami the lead in the Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC.
In the second half, Fafa Picault equalized, forcing the game into a penalty shootout. In the dramatic shootout, Miami clinched a 10-9 victory when Drake Callender saved a penalty from Nashville’s goalkeeper, Elliot Panicco.
Prior to the arrival of World Cup-winning forward Messi last month, along with former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Miami had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season.
However, they have since gone undefeated in seven games, culminating in their Leagues Cup triumph. This tournament features both MLS and Mexican Liga MX clubs.
This victory marked a significant milestone for the club, which was established in 2020. Their success continues as they have the opportunity to reach another final when they face Cincinnati in the semi-finals of the US Open Cup on Wednesday.
Co-owner David Beckham said the former Barcelona trio were instrumental in the club’s change in fortunes: “It is like a movie, you watch these players play and, emotionally, everything about their play is beautiful.”
Spain midfielder Busquets added: “The team is growing by leaps and bounds and we are very happy.
“We are making a solid team – and then we have Leo, who makes a difference because he’s the best in the world.”
The win also meant seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – who was named player of the tournament – has now won 44 trophies, more than any other player.
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has said that he follows the “incredible” Lionel Messi’s performances at Inter Miami and that he still intends to finish his career playing in Major League Soccer.
Messi, 36, has scored nine goals in six games for Inter Miami, including a 4-1 victory at Philadelphia Union on Tuesday to go to the Leagues Cup final. He has done this in each of his outings for Inter Miami thus far.
Griezmann, a former Barcelona colleague of Messi‘s, has long been a fan of American sports and culture and has made no secret of his desire to live in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Griezmann acknowledged following Messi during a virtual news conference LaLiga and ESPN held to celebrate the beginning of the new LaLiga season. “Leo is the greatest ever. He is winning games, packing stadiums, and scoring a lot of goals.
He is great, and in terms of marketing and football, I believe bringing in Leo was the best move made by MLS.
Griezmann, 32, was one of LaLiga’s top players last season, helping Atletico Madrid finish third in the league behind Barcelona and Real Madrid while scoring 15 goals and dishing out a league-high 16 assists.
While the France international made it clear that his ultimate goal is to “make history” at Atletico, he also expressed a desire to test his luck in America.
Griezmann stated, “I’ve always said it. “My goal is to get there, playing in MLS and enjoying myself, being able to win things, and being at my best, with everything that I adore about American sports.
“First and foremost, I want to win trophies at Atleti and establish history here. Then, we’ll see… I believe the league will benefit from Leo Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba’s addition. The best thing the league can do is that, along with bringing in younger players, particularly from South America.
Griezmann said that he would have to discuss it with his family and children if he were to follow the exodus of famous athletes to Saudi Arabia. They’re really high [income] figures, they may give you security, but he stated he’s currently focused on helping Atletico Madrid contend for the LaLiga championship, a prize he has yet to take home.
Griezmann stated, “I want to get better, score goals, be significant, win the league, and compete for the Champions League.” “You have all these goals, but for me personally, it’s about improving on last year and becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 16 or 17 goals. That is something that interests me.
Griezmann expressed sympathy for teammate Joo Félix, who was jeered by Atletico supporters prior to their 3-1 victory over Granada on Monday after making it known that he wanted to go with Barcelona.
When he left for Barca in 2019, he commented, “I experienced it.” I damaged the club. The greatest thing I could have done was to remain quiet, put in a lot of effort, and try to re-enter Diego Simeone’s and the club’s plans. I can only say that.
“Let’s hope it can be resolved for everyone, including the team, Joo, and the rest of us in the locker room, so we can go forward. You can see that it can’t be simple for him.
Head coach Tata Martino has officially confirmed that Lionel Messi will take on the role of captain at Inter Miami.
Messi already donned the captain’s armband during his debut in the Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul. Making a remarkable start, Messi sealed his first appearance for the MLS team with an injury-time free-kick, securing a victory in the game.
As Inter Miami prepares to face Atlanta United on Tuesday, Messi’s leadership and exceptional skills are expected to play a crucial role in the team’s performance.
Asked if Messi would continue to captain Miami, Martino said: “The other day he was, when he entered. Yes, he will be.”
Earlier this season, Gregore held the position of club captain for Miami, but due to an injury, he is currently unavailable. During the match against Cruz Azul, DeAndre Yedlin handed over the captain’s armband to Lionel Messi when he came on as a substitute.
In the upcoming match against Atlanta, there is a possibility that Messi will be included in the starting lineup, alongside his former Barcelona teammate, Sergio Busquets, who also made a substitute appearance in the previous game.
The combination of these two talented players is eagerly anticipated by fans and could prove to be a formidable force for Inter Miami.
Martino said: “It is very likely that both Messi and Busi [Sergio Busquets] will play longer, even from the beginning.
“Everything will depend on how they feel. It’s just their second game.”
Asked if he was surprised at the way Messi decided the game against Cruz Azul, Martino said: “It is something habitual from him, and because it is habitual, we try to normalize things that are not common.”
He added about Messi’s impact at the club: “What was seen of Messi in the game trying to order his team-mates, is what he has been doing in the training sessions.
“He helps and talks about football with his team-mates.”
Reports suggest that Lionel Messi might not be the only former Barcelona teammate joining Inter Miami.
Luis Suarez, currently playing for Gremio, is reportedly willing to repay all the wages he has received in 2023 and make additional payments to secure an exit from the club.
The possibility of Suarez’s move to Inter Miami has been boosted by the club’s acquisition of an extra international roster slot, creating a potential opportunity for another signing.
If all goes as planned, the reunion of Messi and Suarez at Inter Miami could be an exciting prospect for both the club and their fans.
Lionel Messi made a spectacular start to his Inter Miami career, impressing as he secured a stunning free-kick victory against Cruz Azul in stoppage time during his debut match.
Months after leading Argentina to World Cup glory, all eyes in the footballing world were fixed on Florida, eagerly anticipating the first appearance of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi’s arrival in Miami had been long-awaited and highly anticipated, and he certainly didn’t disappoint. The match saw some thrilling moments, with Robert Taylor scoring an excellent goal to open the scoring, but Cruz Azul’s Uriel Antuna equalized.
In the dying moments of the game, the 36-year-old football magician stepped up and delivered a brilliant strike, sending DRV PNK Stadium into a frenzy and securing an unforgettable 2-1 victory in the Leagues Cup.
The evening was a dream come true for fans of all ages, with many sporting ‘Messi 10’ shirts. The sold-out stadium was packed with expectant supporters, and numerous stars like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and, notably, David Beckham were also present, with the proud Miami co-owner closely watching from a box beside the dugout.
Though the early exchanges were a bit nerve-wracking for Miami, looking like a team struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Messi’s incredible performance turned the tide and gave Inter Miami a triumphant start to what promises to be an exciting journey with their new star player.
Inter Miami initially faced a challenging start as Cruz Azul launched an early offensive, but they managed to weather the storm. Just before halftime, Robert Taylor’s exceptional low strike found the net off the post, much to Lionel Messi’s delight, as Inter took the lead.
Throughout the match, Messi received cheers and applause from the excited crowd. When he was brought on in the 54th minute, he took the captain’s armband while Sergio Busquets made his debut alongside him. The addition of Jordi Alba to the team, joining their former Barcelona coach Tata Martino in Miami, further strengthened their squad.
However, Cruz Azul fought back and deservedly equalized through Uriel Antuna. As the clock wound down, the Mexicans came close to securing a victory, but it was Messi’s night to shine.
In stoppage time, the 36-year-old maestro won a crucial free-kick, and there was a sense of inevitability as he gracefully curled the ball into the top left-hand corner, lighting up the sky with fireworks. This historic moment marked a significant occasion for Major League Soccer and North American football, reminiscent of Pele’s New York Cosmos debut 48 years earlier and David Beckham’s LA Galaxy debut exactly 16 years ago.
Throughout the match, fans enthusiastically chanted Messi’s name. Despite an initially shaky start from the hosts, Taylor’s goal provided a spark of magic. When Messi was subbed on, the atmosphere reached an electric level, and he demonstrated flashes of brilliance.
Cruz Azul continued to pose a threat, and they eventually found an equalizer through Antuna’s well-placed strike. The game swung from end to end as both teams searched for a winner.
Messi had a few opportunities, but the opposing goalkeeper denied his attempts. Josef Martinez looked to have secured the win, but Messi was ruled offside during the build-up. On the other end, Christian Tabo was brilliantly stopped by Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender.
As the match seemed destined for a penalty shoot-out, Messi had other plans. Fouled by Carlos Salcedo, he seized the chance for a thrilling finish, delivering a memorable free-kick goal to secure an unforgettable debut victory for Inter Miami.
Following Lionel Messi’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has issued a stern warning to the squad.
Kylian Mbappe, who could potentially be the next high-profile player to leave PSG this summer after Messi’s exit, and he is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Al-Khelaifi addressed the potential changes within the squad during a pre-season training huddle, expressing concerns about turnover and sending a clear message to the current players.
“It is important to tell you that the manager has the power to do as he pleases, it is he who decides,” he is quoted as saying by L’Equipe.
“All together, we need to go in the same direction and show pride to play for this club, this shirt, for PSG, as well as showing happiness and most of all loyalty.
“The club is bigger than anyone here, even me. I expect you to be at 200% during training. Look, you have the best training ground in the world.
“You have everything to succeed here. There is no excuse not to. You lack nothing. You have to work hard. I want to enjoy watching my team.“
It appears to be a firm message to the playing staff at the Parc des Princes after a number of years of underperformance, particularly in the Champions League, by PSG.
It may also signal a change of approach in the transfer market, with the club potentially moving away from signing marquee names as they’ve done in the past with Mbappe, Messi, Neymar and others.
A recent interview with Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked a surge of online discussions, placing him and his perceived rival Lionel Andres Messi as the top trends on the social media platform, Twitter.
Ronaldo’s comments in the interview, which many interpreted as a slight against Messi, have ignited a Twitter battle between the two football icons. Published late on Monday, July 17, 2023, the interview saw Ronaldo asserting that the Saudi league surpasses America’s Major League Soccer in terms of quality.
During the interview, Ronaldo credited himself as a major catalyst for the growing interest of footballers in the Saudi Arabian league. He highlighted how his presence and influence in the league have enticed some of the sport’s biggest stars to choose the Middle East over European football.
“My decision to join Saudi clubs was 100% crucial to bring in new top players. It’s a fact. When I joined Juventus, Serie A was dead and then after I signed… it was revived. Wherever Cristiano goes he generates higher interest”.
“Saudi league is better than MLS. I’m 100% sure I won’t return to any European club. I opened the way to Saudi league… and now all the players are coming here”, he said.
As expected, Cristiano Ronaldo’s statement has sparked intense debates on social media, with many perceiving it as a direct jab at Lionel Messi, who recently made a move to the MLS side Inter Miami.
Fans of both footballers have engaged in passionate arguments on various social media platforms regarding Ronaldo’s claim. Messi’s supporters view Ronaldo’s statement as petty and unworthy of his stature as a football icon.
On the other hand, Ronaldo’s fans stand by his assertion, believing that the Saudi League currently outshines the MLS.
In other news, Ronaldo’s club, Al Nassr, suffered a 5-0 defeat against Celta Vigo in a pre-season friendly match.
Ronaldo thinks players are joining the Saudi Pro League cos he's there, lolz. He's truly one of the best in the game, but he d!dn't open the league or influence anyone. Just like him, people are moving to Saudi due to the higher pay & opportunities. The league !sn't even a Top 5.
This is the type of character I love none of that midget fake pretending humble image in front of media he is as real as it gets 🐐 LOVE HIM. https://t.co/5jzCTohUzX
Ronaldo is right. The way the Saudi League is growing it will be better than the MLS soon. The simple fact is they are buying top players in their prime where as the MLS model is to buy those at the end of their career.
Cristiano Ronaldo🗣️: "Saudi league is better than MLS".
His team just lost 5-0 to Celta Vigo he is worried about MLS because Messi is there. I genuinely tried to like this man, but I can never like such a jealous and petty individual. pic.twitter.com/ZalZsLflf8
Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentina national team and a World Cup winner, has openly acknowledged that he is uncertain about when he will ultimately retire from international football.
“Even I don’t know when. It’ll happen when it happens,” the 36-year-old said in an interview broadcast on Argentine television on Wednesday.
“After winning everything I want to enjoy the moment and wait for time to tell me when it’s the moment,” said the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Logically, given my age, one would expect it to be soon, but I don’t know for sure.
“Now that we are American champions (Argentina won the 2021 Copa America) and world champions we have to enjoy that.”
Messi restated his previous statements that it was unlikely for him to be part of Argentina’s squad in their defense of the World Cup title in 2026.
The interview took place in China last month, where Messi achieved the fastest goal of his career, scoring within 79 seconds during a friendly match against Australia in Beijing.
Recently, Messi arrived in Florida to finalize his transfer to the US Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, from Paris Saint-Germain.
The signing of a two-and-a-half year contract, reportedly valued at $60 million per year, is anticipated, and he is set to be officially presented to fans during a stadium event on Sunday.
&w=707&quality=100)
