Barcelona fans mocked the delicate situation surrounding Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso is going through a difficult stretch in his first season as head coach of Real Madrid, with disappointing performances and results that have put his future in charge into question. In that context, Barcelona fans openly mocked the situation.

This Saturday, Los Blaugranas earned an important 2–0 victory over Osasuna at Camp Nou, a result that allowed them to remain at the top of the La Liga standings. Amid the celebrations over their team’s strong form, Catalan fans made reference to what is happening with their biggest rival.

“Xabi stay, Xabi stay,” Barcelona fans chanted from the stands at Camp Nou during the match against Osasuna. The chant, clearly delivered with irony, reflects the current perception surrounding Alonso: that his time at Real Madrid has been harmful to the team. That explains why Barcelona supporters would like his tenure to last as long as possible.

At the moment, Real Madrid are a considerable distance from the top of the La Liga standings. With Saturday’s win, Hansi Flick’s side extended its lead to seven points, although Los Blancos could cut the gap to four with a victory on Sunday against Deportivo Alaves. However, they are also at serious risk of losing second place, as Villarreal sit just one point behind with a game in hand.

Barça fans sing: "Xabi stay, Xabi stay" 😳🏟️

🎥 @NEKODeportes pic.twitter.com/4SJ3wzYlYu

— 433 (@433) December 13, 2025

El Clasico was the turning point for Real Madrid and Barcelona

The current situation of the two Spanish giants would have seemed unthinkable just a month and a half ago. On October 26, Real Madrid earned a solid 2–1 victory over Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, consolidating their lead in La Liga at the time and showing performances that pointed toward a smooth path to success.

Since then, everything has changed for both teams. Barcelona won their next seven league matches and now sit atop the table, while Real Madrid have won only two of their last six La Liga games. Including UEFA Champions League play, the numbers are even worse: three wins, three draws, and three losses over their last nine matches.

What will happen with Xabi Alonso?

Poor results have cast serious doubt over Xabi Alonso’s future. For weeks, rumors have circulated about a possible firing if results do not take a dramatic turn soon. So far, however, those speculations have not materialized.

In fact, last week it was rumored that Alonso’s continuity depended on the Champions League match against Manchester City. Real Madrid lost that game 2–1 at home, and ultimately nothing happened with the coach, although the rumors have not stopped.

In that context, several players from the squad have publicly voiced their support for Xabi Alonso. “We are 100% behind our coach,” Jude Bellingham said this week, according to ESPN. “It’s a difficult moment for us and for Xabi as well, things aren’t going our way. After my goal I went to hug him because I wanted to show that we are together and that we support our coach,” Rodrygo explained.

A former star of the Brazil national team, where he played alongside Neymar, has been forced into retirement because of health problems.

For months, Neymar has been at the center of attention amid speculation about a possible return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As one of the country’s biggest icons, he has played with many stars over the years. Now, one of his former teammates will be forced to step away from professional soccer due to serious health issues.

“This Friday morning, Oscar, from Sao Paulo, informed close friends that he will retire as a player at age 34,” O Globo reported. The news refers to the attacking midfielder who shined with Chelsea from 2012 to 2017 before embarking on a long stint in the Chinese league and returning to his home country earlier this year.

Just over a month ago, Oscar was rushed to a hospital after collapsing during a training session with Sao Paulo. Tests revealed vasovagal syncope, a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a drop in blood pressure and heart rate.

That episode followed an earlier incident in August, when cardiac abnormalities were detected during a medical check related to another injury. At the time, more serious measures were ruled out, but the situation has since escalated.

Although Oscar returned to training a few days ago, the discovery of this health condition has reportedly led him to decide to retire. The 34-year-old has “announced to close associates that he has decided to hang up his boots,” O Globo reported. “Sao Paulo are planning a meeting to settle the midfielder’s future, who has a contract with the club until 2027… The board is studying a project to bring Oscar into the club to work behind the scenes.”

Oscar’s unusual career path

Oscar’s career stands out as one of the most unusual of his generation. For several years, he was considered a world-class star, but unconventional career decisions caused him to lose that prominence at a relatively young age, culminating in this abrupt ending due to health concerns.

After breaking through with Sao Paulo and Internacional in the Brazilian league, Oscar was signed by Chelsea in 2012 for more than $30 million. He made his mark during four and a half seasons in London, scoring 38 goals in 203 appearances. He also won four trophies with the Blues, including two Premier League titles.

However, at the start of 2017, the midfielder made the surprising decision to leave Chelsea and begin a lengthy stint in the Chinese Super League. He spent eight years with Shanghai Port, registering 77 goals in 248 appearances between 2017 and 2024. Earlier this year, he returned to Brazil, but managed just 21 matches before his heart issues brought his career to a definitive halt.

The blemish on Oscar’s international career

Oscar’s status during his early years allowed him to earn a place with the Brazil national team. He was part of the squad at the London 2012 Olympic Games, where Brazil won the silver medal, and made his debut with the senior national team around the same time.

Gradually, the midfielder secured a regular role in the side ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, sharing creative responsibilities with Neymar. However, Ney’s injury in the quarterfinals left a void that proved impossible to fill, and Brazil suffered a historic 7–1 semifinal defeat to Germany. Oscar scored Brazil’s lone goal that day.

From that point on, things were never quite the same for the midfielder, nor for many of his teammates from that squad. In fact, that World Cup was the last major tournament Oscar played with Brazil. A handful of friendlies and World Cup qualifiers followed in 2015, before he ultimately fell out of the national team picture for good.

AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri used striking language when talking about Christian Pulisic.

Christian Pulisic is arguably enjoying the best stretch of his professional career. He has established himself as the undisputed on-field leader of AC Milan and one of the top stars in Serie A, earning widespread praise along the way. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri spoke about him and offered an unusual description.

“He’s diabolical when he’s in front of the goal,” Allegri said about the USMNT forward during the press conference ahead of Sunday’s match against Sassuolo. “In his private life, he’s very reserved, but he transforms on the pitch.”

The Milan coach’s words are backed up by the numbers. Pulisic is currently the top scorer in Serie A alongside Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez. He has scored seven goals in nine league matches, and when combined with his two assists, he is averaging one goal contribution per game. He has also added two goals in three Coppa Italia appearances.

Despite those performances placing him among the elite of Italian soccer, Massimiliano Allegri remains optimistic about the further progress Christian can make in the near future. “He still has room for improvement,” the coach explained, before clarifying exactly what he meant: “He still needs to find his best condition.”

That observation relates to the only blemish in Pulisic’s season so far: physical issues. The American star has missed five Serie A matches this campaign due to muscle injuries, which have also affected his availability for the national team.

Allegri discusses Pulisic’s role at Milan

In the 12 matches Pulisic has played for Milan this season, he has featured in virtually every attacking position. From attacking midfielder to center forward, as well as on both wings, Christian has adapted to the team’s needs and consistently found ways to make an impact.

“I don’t know if in the future he’ll have to play deeper,” Massimiliano Allegri said in response to a reporter’s question. “I’ll just say that we have to try to get Gimenez back, hopefully… Getting Athekame, Fofana and Leao back already gives us more options on the pitch; that’s why recovering Gimenez is important.”

Indeed, Pulisic is not the only player to deal with fitness issues this season. Rafael Leao, another key figure for the team, has spent significant time sidelined with a muscle injury, as have other Milan forwards such as Santiago Gimenez. That situation, however, has not hurt the club’s ability to compete in Serie A, where they currently sit atop the table alongside Napoli.

What’s next for Milan?

This Sunday, AC Milan will host Sassuolo at home on Matchday 15 of the Serie A season. They will be looking for a win to stay at the top of the standings ahead of a crucial showdown: next Thursday, they will face Napoli in the semifinals of the Italian Super Cup, beginning their quest for the first trophy of the season.

A major African national team could be a potential opponent for Lionel Messi’s Argentina just before they face Spain in the Finalissima.

With less than six months to go until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, national teams are making preparations to arrive at the tournament in peak form. Argentina and Spain know they will face each other in the Finalissima in March, a crucial clash with a title on the line and the last big test before traveling to North America. Days before that match, Lionel Messi and his teammates could face an African opponent.

According to TyC Sports, Senegal have a chance to play against Argentina during the March international break. While the possibility is not yet confirmed, it was the Senegalese Football Federation itself that raised the idea when announcing its upcoming fixtures for 2026.

The African team, led by star player Sadio Mane, announced that it will face the USMNT on May 31, ahead of the World Cup in North America. The federation also noted that during the March FIFA break, they are considering a match against Argentina, with Saudi Arabia being another option.

This is not a minor detail. FIFA rules prevent national teams from playing matches on different continents during the same international break. The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain is set to be played at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, so the fact that Senegal are considering Saudi Arabia as an alternative opponent shows their intention to play in Asia during that period. If that happens, Lionel Messi could face Sadio Mane head-to-head.

Senegal could be an interesting test for Argentina

While Argentina’s main focus in March will be the Finalissima against Spain, a potential match against Senegal could be valuable for head coach Lionel Scaloni. By then, only three months will remain before the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and it could provide a useful test against a team with different characteristics.

Argentina were drawn in Group J alongside Austria, Jordan, and Algeria. The latter is one of the strongest African teams, a continent against which Lionel Messi and his teammates have not competed extensively in recent years. World Cup qualifiers and the demanding schedule have made such matchups difficult.

In fact, in the past six years, Argentina have played only one match against an African opponent. That came during the November 2025 FIFA break, when they defeated Angola 2-0. To find another example, you have to go back to March 2019, when they played a friendly against Morocco.

Senegal have other priorities besides the World Cup

While Senegal are also focused on the 2026 World Cup—where they will be in Group I with France, Norway, and the winner of the intercontinental playoff between Iraq, Bolivia, and Suriname—they will face another crucial challenge first.

On Tuesday, December 23, Sadio Mane and his teammates will make their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 debut against Botswana. That will be the first of their three group-stage matches, which also include DR Congo and Benin.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney lost an all-time Premier League record to Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.

The past few weeks have seen Mohamed Salah take center stage for a variety of reasons. He was at the heart of a public controversy after Liverpool coach Arne Slot left him out of the squad for a couple of matches, creating tension and uncertainty about his future. With things seemingly resolved, the Egyptian winger returned to play and surpassed Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney with a Premier League record.

After a conversation with Slot on Friday, Salah overcame the punishment that had kept him out of Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan, and on Saturday he was on the bench against Brighton & Hove Albion. However, in the 26th minute of the first half, he had to come on to replace the injured Joe Gomez, which allowed him to assist Hugo Ekitike for the second goal in the Reds’ 2-0 victory.

With that, Salah became the player with the most goal contributions for a single club in Premier League history. The Egyptian winger has spent nine seasons with Liverpool, scoring 188 goals and providing 89 assists in the English league, registering a total of 277 direct goal contributions.

Trailing Mo is Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United icon had been at the top of the ranking until the start of this season with 276 contributions. The third spot belongs to another Red Devils legend, Ryan Giggs, with 271. Further down the list are Harry Kane (259 with Tottenham Hotspur), Thierry Henry (249 with Arsenal), Frank Lampard (237 with Chelsea), and Sergio Aguero (231 with Manchester City).

Unsurprisingly, Salah is Liverpool’s all-time leader in Premier League goal contributions. In second place for the club is another legend: Steven Gerrard. The English midfielder, eighth on the league’s all-time ranking, recorded 212 goals and assists during his professional career.

Salah takes a break from Liverpool

Saturday’s match against Brighton was Mohamed Salah’s last for Liverpool before he travels to Africa. The winger will join the Egypt national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he will aim for his first continental title after losing finals in 2017 and 2021.

Before the tournament kicks off in Morocco, Egypt will play a friendly against Nigeria next Tuesday. On December 22, they will open their group stage campaign against Zimbabwe, followed by matches against South Africa and Angola as they aim to advance to the round of 16.

Mohamed Salah reportedly received a tempting offer from the Saudi Pro League that could place him above Cristiano Ronaldo.

Since his arrival at the beginning of 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo has been indisputably the main star of the Saudi Pro League. He is the highest-paid player in the world and has served as a beacon for a large number of players who followed his path from Europe. However, now Mohamed Salah could challenge that dominance.

The Egyptian winger is in an unusual situation at Liverpool, having lost his spot in the starting lineup under head coach Arne Slot. This sparked a controversy that included explosive statements from Salah, his subsequent absence in Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan, and a return as a substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.

In that context, Mo’s situation has drawn attention from Asia. “Arabia already wants Salah. The Saudi league wants to sign him in January, and if they don’t succeed, they will come back for him in the summer,” reported Diario AS on Saturday.

Knowing Salah’s prestige and how difficult it would be to convince him to leave the elite of European soccer, the offer to persuade him has to be massive. “From Arabia, they are offering him to be the highest-paid player in the league, ahead of Cristiano. In addition, 100% of his image rights, shares in the team he signs for, and a role as ambassador for the 20234 World Cup, to make the Egyptian golden,” AS added.

How much does Cristiano Ronaldo earn in Saudi Arabia?

Reports indicating that the Saudi Pro League is willing to make Mohamed Salah the highest-paid player in the country are significant. That would mean surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, who since joining Al Nassr is not only the highest-paid player in Saudi Arabia but in the world.

In July of this year, Ronaldo renewed his contract with Al Nassr for two more years, through the end of the 2026-27 season. Under that new deal, the Portuguese forward earns an impressive $244 million annually. That figure puts him well ahead of the second on the list, Lionel Messi, who earns around $110 million in total compensation at Inter Miami, according to Sports Illustrated.

If the rumors are confirmed and Salah agrees to move to Saudi Arabia for the reported figures, he would see an incredible boost in earnings. Spotrac reports that the Egyptian winger currently earns around $20 million annually at Liverpool, meaning his salary could multiply more than 12 times.

Salah could become the new face of the Saudi Pro League

Despite maintaining impressive scoring records on the field, Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t have much time left as a professional player. He will soon turn 41 and has acknowledged on multiple occasions that retirement is near.

With Karim Benzema in a similar situation, and even amid rumors of a possible departure from Al Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League may soon need a new superstar to represent the league globally, attract fans, and motivate players to follow a similar path.

Salah has the elements to fill that role. While his level of success and fame doesn’t yet match Cristiano Ronaldo, he has two major advantages. The first is age, as he is 33 and still has several years ahead as a professional player. The second is his origin: being Egyptian makes him a huge figure in the region. These factors could be decisive in convincing the Saudi Pro League to make the efforts necessary to sign him.

Tadeo Allende was, after Lionel Messi, the crucial piece for Inter Miami on their path to the Major League Soccer title. However, his future is now in doubt.

Lionel Messi was unquestionably the key player for Inter Miami during their 2025 Major League Soccer title run, earning the MVP award and finishing as both the league’s top scorer and top assist provider. But Tadeo Allende was not far behind, delivering decisive performances throughout the playoffs. Now, the Argentine forward’s future is uncertain.

Allende joined the Herons this year on a season-long loan from Celta Vigo. That deal expires on December 31, meaning he is scheduled to return to the Spanish side for the second half of the 2025–26 La Liga season. Whether that will actually happen remains unclear, and there are even rumors linking him to other clubs.

At the same time, Inter Miami clarified the contractual situation of every roster player through an official statement released on Thursday. “The Club is in ongoing negotiations with… Tadeo Allende (loan expired),” the statement explained, making clear the team’s intention to extend the forward’s stay in MLS.

Allende himself was asked about the matter this week in an interview shared by journalist Jose Armando on his X account. “I’m anxious,” Allende admitted. “I have the same information as you. Now I’m going on vacation to disconnect, so we’ll see what happens after that. The day-to-day well-being of my family is the priority.”

Allende’s intriguing response to River Plate rumors

In addition to Inter Miami’s desire to extend Tadeo Allende’s loan for next season, speculation has surfaced about the possibility of the forward returning to his home country to play for one of South America’s biggest clubs: River Plate.

Reports indicate that the Argentine team’s coach, Marcelo Gallardo, is interested in adding Allende to strengthen the attack for next season, and has reportedly given approval to move forward with negotiations with Celta Vigo.

In the same interview, Allende was asked whether playing for River is his dream. “I cannot answer that,” Tadeo replied, smiling. His evasive response to a direct question only fueled further speculation about what comes next.

Allende’s key contributions to Inter Miami

During the MLS regular season, Tadeo Allende played an important role for the team, scoring 11 goals and providing 2 assists in 31 matches. He added 4 more goals across 17 appearances in other competitions: the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

However, when Inter Miami needed him the most, Allende delivered a breakout stretch that made him absolutely decisive. In the MLS playoffs, the Argentine forward stood out with 9 goals and 2 assists in 6 matches, leading the team through its championship run.

Those performances—including his goal in the victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final—cemented Tadeo Allende’s status as an essential player for the Herons. That’s why extending his stay with the club for 2026 has become a crucial topic in recent days.

Just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Brazil national team has reportedly reached a firm decision regarding Carlo Ancelotti.

Brazil are navigating the months leading up to the start of the 2026 World Cup with the mission of strengthening the squad to arrive as one of the main contenders for the title. In that context, Carlo Ancelotti’s role has become hugely important—so much so that South American officials have reportedly made a significant decision.

According to Diario AS, Ancelotti “will soon sign a new agreement that will keep him in charge of the Brazilian national team until 2030… The understanding with the CBF is total and absolute. There has been no doubt whatsoever, neither regarding financial terms nor the length of the contract.”

This is massive news for Brazil, considering the impact the head coach has had in his short time in charge. He was hired in May of this year, after the tough 4–1 defeat against Argentina in March and at a time when qualification for the World Cup was in serious jeopardy.

Ancelotti’s arrival completely changed the outlook. Without making major tactical changes but establishing a clear foundation regarding which players should form the core of the team, he brought calm and gradually improved performances and results until securing a place in the 2026 FIFA tournament.

With the Italian coach at the helm, Brazil have played eight matches between qualifiers and friendlies. The balance is positive: four wins, two draws, and two losses, with 14 goals scored and five conceded. This equates to an effectiveness rate of 50%.

Ancelotti will remain the highest-paid national team coach in the world

Carlo Ancelotti’s status as an elite soccer coach naturally comes with a salary to match. “The contract of the former Real Madrid manager will keep him at the top of the economic ranking of national team coaches worldwide,” reported AS.

Indeed, Ancelotti is currently the highest-paid national team coach in the world, leading the list with an estimated salary of $11.15 million, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Far behind him are England’s Thomas Tuchel ($6.9 million) and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann ($5.7 million).

Curiously, the managers of the two most dominant national teams today sit much lower on the pay scale. Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni ranks 10th with a salary of $2.7 million, while Spain’s Luis De La Fuente does not even crack the top ten with his $2.1 million.

What awaits Brazil at the 2026 World Cup?

Beyond Brazil’s intention to extend Carlo Ancelotti’s contract through 2030, the top priority right now is the 2026 World Cup. The coach has six months—and just one remaining FIFA break in March—to give the squad its final shape.

Brazil will face a difficult challenge in North America. The team will be part of Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. The latter is clearly the weakest opponent in the group and should not pose a major threat to Ancelotti’s squad, but the other two nations present considerable challenges.

Arne Slot spoke publicly about Mohamed Salah and his situation at Liverpool, offering hints that the direction of the controversy may be shifting.

The controversy between Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot has captured the attention of millions of fans worldwide, all watching closely to see what happens next for one of soccer’s biggest stars. With uncertainty still surrounding the Liverpool winger’s future, the coach’s latest comments may point toward a different outcome than many expected.

“What I need is a conversation with him, and I think the next time I speak about Mo should be with him and not in here,” Slot said during Friday’s press conference—shared by Liverpool on their official website—ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion.

“I will have a conversation with Mo this morning, and the outcome of that conversation determines how it will look tomorrow,” the coach added. This line marked a significant update, considering Salah’s strong criticism following last week’s match against Leeds United seemed to signal a broken relationship between the two.

“I have no reasons not wanting him to stay,” Slot later said, offering another positive sign that helped cool speculation about a potential departure for the Egyptian winger, who remains under contract with Liverpool through the summer of 2027.

A positive outcome for Liverpool regarding Salah?

The conversation Arne Slot promised to have with the Liverpool star finally took place and, according to reports, produced a satisfying outcome for all sides. “Mohamed Salah is back and has been called up today for tomorrow’s Premier League match against Brighton,” reported Marca.

“The decision comes after the player and Arne Slot, the coach, spoke on Friday following the winger’s non-selection for Tuesday’s match against Inter Milan,” added the Spanish outlet. Indeed, after that harsh disciplinary measure, the passing days appear to have cooled tensions, and all signs now point to Salah at least taking a place on the bench for the upcoming match.

Liverpool will lose Salah regardless

Even though Salah’s return is excellent news for Liverpool, it won’t last long. Even if his relationship with Arne Slot fully recovers and the winger regains his undisputed spot in the lineup, the team will still be without him for an extended stretch.

This is because on Monday, Salah will leave England to join Egypt’s national team for preparations ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The continental tournament will be held in Morocco beginning December 21, forcing many clubs to release their African stars.

Egypt are part of Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Their debut is set for December 22, with the final group-stage match taking place one week later. The knockout stage begins on January 3, with the final scheduled for January 18. That means Liverpool will be without Salah for anywhere between two and seven matches.

Inter Miami have reportedly reached an agreement to sign an Argentine defender to join Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami are in the midst of rebuilding their roster following the conclusion of the 2025 season, which ended with the club winning the Major League Soccer title. With the goal of surrounding Lionel Messi with players who complement him, the club has reportedly agreed to sign an Argentine defender.

“Facundo Mura and Inter Miami have reached a verbal agreement,” reported journalist German Garcia Grova on Friday via his X account. Mura is a 26-year-old right-back—although he has occasionally played on the left—who has spent his entire career in Argentina’s domestic league.

A product of Estudiantes, where he debuted at 19 in 2019, Mura had a brief stint at Colon before joining Racing Club in 2022. At Racing, the defender enjoyed his best performances, becoming a key player with 12 goals, 15 assists, and two titles in 147 matches.

“He will join the team as a free agent,” Garcia Grova added regarding the terms of the agreement between Mura and Inter Miami. “Once his time at Racing concludes, they will finalize the deal for a three-year contract.”

Inter Miami shape their new squad

The arrival of Facundo Mura addresses one of the first challenges facing coach Javier Mascherano ahead of the 2026 season. This past year, Ian Fray and Jordi Alba were the team’s primary full-backs, with Marcelo Weigandt serving as the first alternative.

Of those three, only Fray will continue next season, as Alba retired from professional soccer and Weigandt is set to return to Boca Juniors after his loan ends. Mura will compete with Fray for the right-back position while also providing an option on the left if needed.

Another Argentine teammate for Lionel Messi

Since the Herons secured Lionel Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023, the club has made deliberate efforts to surround its star with familiar faces both on and off the field. That included signing former Barcelona teammates and friends of Messi such as Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez.

But that’s not all. Inter Miami have focused on signing Spanish-speaking players, particularly Argentines, to create an environment conducive to Messi in terms of language and culture.

From the squad that won the 2025 MLS title, ten players—besides Messi—are Argentine or have Argentine roots: Oscar Ustari, Rocco Rios Novo, Marcelo Weigandt, Tomas Aviles, Gonzalo Lujan, Rodrigo De Paul, Santiago Morales, Tadeo Allende, Baltasar Rodriguez, and Mateo Silvetti. Some, like Weigandt, will not continue in 2026, but Mura is the first of the new arrivals to share that Argentine connection.

Karim Benzema offered his assessment of Real Madrid’s current struggles, particularly regarding stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham.

Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham are three of the best players in the world right now. Yet, despite having them in the squad, Real Madrid have struggled this season to deliver consistent performances and results. Karim Benzema weighed in on the issue.

“What they lack is simply a connection—between Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham, and Rodrygo. Each one needs to know what to do on the field,” Benzema said in a recent interview with L’Equipe. “As long as everyone knows what to do on the field, that’s it. Because we’re talking about players who are among the top ten in the world, and they’re all on the same team.”

The five-time UEFA Champions League winner immediately suggested that this connection is not happening at Real Madrid right now. “Bellingham needs to understand that he is the attacking midfielder, not the goalscorer. Mbappe is the goalscorer, not the attacking midfielder. Vinicius is not a defensive midfielder, he is a left winger,” Karim explained.

Benzema’s comments highlight how, despite the undeniable individual quality of the roster, the Spanish side has yet to click as a reliable and cohesive team, with clearly defined roles and complementary skill sets.

This is reflected in the results, with just two wins in the last eight matches across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, as the standings show. In Spain’s top flight, Los Blancos have lost first place and are now second, four points behind Barcelona. In Europe, only goal difference keeps them inside the automatic qualification zone for the Round of 16.

Benzema discusses Xabi Alonso’s responsibility

In the same interview, Karim Benzema commented on the role of head coach Xabi Alonso during this challenging period. “The coach can’t do anything,” the Real Madrid legend said. “He has the names; it’s about choosing the player who plays best. After that, it’s up to the players.”

The Al Ittihad striker added that the stars must set aside their egos to strengthen the team. “If your teammate is better than you, you have to accept it. The problem is not accepting that the one in front of you scores more goals,” Benzema said. “That’s why you have issues when you have five or six top players together. Everyone contributes something.”

Benzema on Kylian Mbappe

Criticism of the coach and some Real Madrid stars such as Vinicius has not extended to Kylian Mbappe. The 26-year-old forward has been the team’s undeniable star at the start of the season, and his performances arguably make him the most decisive player in the world right now.

“He scores a lot of goals and will continue to do so,” Benzema said about his former France teammate. “But the most important thing for Mbappe is that Real Madrid signed him to win matches in key moments. And he’s capable of doing that… He’s the one who has to lead Real Madrid to titles. But not alone—he has to do it with the others. That’s why I spoke about the connection.”

Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, particularly for the final, have sparked negative reactions and sharp public criticism.

With less than six months to go before the 2026 World Cup—the first edition to be hosted simultaneously by three countries—anticipation continues to build. But alongside the excitement, criticism is mounting regarding several FIFA decisions, particularly the organization’s approach to ticket pricing.

According to BBC Sport, seats for the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 will cost up to seven times more than tickets for the Argentina vs. France final at Qatar 2022.

The championship match will feature three ticket categories. The ‘Supporter value tier’ will be the most affordable, starting at $4,185. A step above sits the ‘Supporter standard tier,’ priced at $5,560. And the most expensive option, the ‘Supporter premium tier,’ will carry a staggering price of $8,860.

The contrast with Qatar 2022 is striking. Tickets for that final were available for far lower amounts, starting around $600. BBC Sport also reports that the upcoming edition will not offer separate pricing for children or other specific groups.

2026 World Cup ticket prices will vary depending on the national team

Another new feature of this World Cup is that ticket prices will fluctuate depending on the teams involved in each match. In other words, games at the same stage of the tournament may carry very different price tags if one of the national teams is deemed especially attractive.

Criticism of FIFA over 2026 World Cup ticket prices

The reported prices for the 2026 World Cup final will likely make attending the tournament’s decisive match an experience accessible only to a wealthy minority. That reality has triggered widespread criticism, particularly among fans.

“In the price tables gradually and confidentially released by FIFA, tickets allocated to national associations… are reaching astronomical levels,” Football Supporters Europe began in an official statement. The organization is a fan association recognized by institutions including UEFA and the Council of Europe.

“Adding insult to injury, the lowest price category will not be available to the most dedicated supporters through their National Associations, as FIFA chose to reserve the scarce number of category 4 tickets to the general sales, subject to dynamic ticket pricing,” the statement added. “This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is.”

The Football Supporters’ Association also spoke out on the issue. “We back Football Supporters Europe in calling for a halt in ticket sales and we are calling on the Football Association to work with fellow FAs to directly challenge these disgraceful prices,” they said in a statement.

“We call on all national associations to stand up for your supporters, without whom there would be no professional game,” the FSA added. With growing backlash over FIFA’s ticket pricing decisions, it remains to be seen whether the organization will reconsider and respond to fans’ demands.

Inter Miami will pay a fortune to secure Rodrigo De Paul permanently following their Major League Soccer title.

Celebrations over the Major League Soccer title haven’t stopped Inter Miami from focusing on planning for next season. One key area is roster building, with Rodrigo De Paul as one of the main figures.

The Argentine midfielder joined the team in mid-2025 on a loan deal from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season, with an option to make the move permanent. This Thursday, the Herons announced via a statement on their official website that they will exercise that contractual option.

That means Inter Miami will pay Atletico Madrid the necessary fee to keep De Paul permanently, in what will become one of the most expensive transfers in MLS history. “Inter Miami announce their roster decisions, including picking up Rodrigo De Paul’s purchase option. Fee around $17m,” reported Tom Bogert via his X account.

The massive financial effort by the club is justified by De Paul’s impact on the field. Since arriving in Miami in July, he has played in 23 matches across the MLS regular season, playoffs, and Leagues Cup, registering 2 goals and 7 assists.

De Paul will be a Designated Player

By deciding to purchase Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami not only secure one of their most important players but will also elevate the midfielder’s status. “De Paul will be a DP,” Tom Bogert reported.

The season’s end allows the Herons to reconfigure their roster. With Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets retired and uncertainty surrounding Luis Suarez’s future, Lionel Messi will need new teammates to help lead the team.

De Paul will clearly be one of those players, now solidified as a long-term member of the club and occupying one of the Designated Player slots alongside Leo. “Miami still has one DP spot open,” added Bogert. That could be reserved for Suarez if he agrees to stay or for another superstar signing during the transfer window.

De Paul makes MLS history

Once the purchase option with Atletico Madrid is finalized, Rodrigo De Paul will leave a lasting mark on American soccer: the Inter Miami midfielder will become the second-most expensive signing in Major League Soccer history.

At around $17 million, De Paul surpasses Kevin Denkey, who joined FC Cincinnati from Cercle Brugge in 2024 for $16.2 million. Behind them are Thiago Almada ($15.8 million), Gonzalo Martinez ($15.8 million), and Esequiel Barco ($13.4 million).

However, De Paul will remain short of the top spot. The most expensive MLS signing remains Emmanuel Latte Lath, who joined Atlanta United from Middlesbrough this year for the staggering sum of $22 million.

Mohamed Salah is in conflict with Liverpool, and in that context, a Major League Soccer club has reportedly shown interest in signing him.

The soccer world has been closely watching Mohamed Salah’s situation for weeks. The Egyptian winger has been sidelined in recent matches by Liverpool coach Arne Slot, leaving his future at the club uncertain. In that context, a Major League Soccer club appears to be eyeing him.

“Connections between Salah and San Diego’s ownership,” reported MLS insider Tom Bogert on Thursday via his official X account. However, the reporter quickly clarified the current status of those talks: “Highly unlikely for now.”

Salah’s caliber as one of the best wingers in the world for years makes him a tempting target for any club. Reports have linked him to teams in the Saudi Pro League in what would be a blockbuster transfer almost on par with Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr.

Far from that financial power and the competitive level of European soccer, MLS clubs appear to be at a disadvantage in that race, as Bogert confirmed: “It is not a main focus nor realistic for San Diego FC to attempt to sign Mohamed Salah from Liverpool in January.”

MLS commissioner discusses a move for Salah

Even though the supposed talks between Mohamed Salah and San Diego FC’s ownership haven’t led, at least for now, to a real transfer possibility, the MLS aims to position itself as a serious option for players of his caliber.

MLS commissioner Don Garber spoke on the matter this week. “I’ve seen some rumors about Mo Salah,” he said during a press conference. “Obviously, if he ever decides he wants to come to Major League Soccer, we welcome him with open arms.”

Garber also explained how recent arrivals of stars like Lionel Messi can influence other elite players considering a move to MLS. “I would say that he should reach out to Leo and reach out to Thomas Muller, and see how happy they’ve been and how successful they’ve been, and how much they’ve really embraced being in Major League Soccer,” the commissioner said.

What’s next for Salah?

After eight seasons as a key player for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah is facing an unprecedented situation this year. Coach Arne Slot decided to bench him in the last three Premier League matches, which led to controversial statements from the winger after last week’s game against Leeds United.

This also resulted in Salah being completely left out of the squad for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan, further fueling speculation about his future. In this context, Salah will now join the Egypt national team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, meaning he will be absent from Liverpool for up to a month. Time will likely cool tensions, and perhaps by the time he returns to England, the situation will be clearer.

A rival of Lionel Messi in the World Cup qualifiers revealed a nickname the Argentine star had years ago.

Being one of the biggest sports stars of the past two decades, it would be logical to assume everything about Lionel Messi is already known. He has been under the spotlight since he was a teenager playing his first games with Barcelona, yet there are still details that slowly come to light. Now, a rival of Leo’s in the World Cup qualifiers has revealed a never-before-heard nickname.

Hernan Galindez recently gave an interview to ESPN and recalled his early days playing in youth tournaments in Rosario, the same city where Messi was born. “We faced each other many times,” said the Argentine goalkeeper, who later became a naturalized Ecuadorian. “He played for Abanderado Grandoli, a club very close to my house and my grandparents’ house. That’s where we ran into each other.”

Even back then, as just a kid, Messi stood out for his unusual talent. “He was a beast. There are videos that show it, and that’s exactly how he was. It was striking that, at that age, someone could control the ball like that,” Galindez recalled. “The first memory I have as a goalkeeper, of a goal, he scored it on me. He dribbled past five teammates, including me.”

The young Lionel’s ability to make a difference on the field earned him a certain reputation, although at the time he was known by a nickname that has since disappeared. “People mentioned him,” the goalkeeper explained. “They always called him ‘The redhead who wears the No. 10.’ If you heard that, you were already starting the game down 3–0.”

Over the years, Messi has picked up countless nicknames — from Leo to Pulga (Flea), Enano (Midget), and El Diez (The No. 10) — but Hernan Galindez’s comments introduce a new one to that list. “Redhead” may not seem like a fitting label for the current Inter Miami superstar, yet that’s exactly what he was called back then.

Messi and Galindez crossed paths again decades later

After those early youth soccer tournaments, Hernan Galindez took a path very different from that of Lionel Messi. While the forward left Newell’s Old Boys to join Barcelona as a teenager, the goalkeeper joined the youth ranks of Rosario Central until eventually becoming a professional.

Galindez later played briefly for Quilmes in Argentina, before moving to Ecuador in 2013 to play for Universidad Catolica and Aucas. His excellent performances over more than a decade allowed him to become a naturalized Ecuadorian citizen and earn a call-up to the national team in 2020.

With Ecuador, Galindez faced Lionel Messi again at the 2021 Copa America. There, Leo scored a goal in Argentina’s 3–0 quarterfinal win. Over the years, they met three more times in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies. In their head-to-head record, Messi leads Galindez with three wins and one draw, having scored twice.

Galindez talks about facing Messi

In the same ESPN interview, Hernan Galindez discussed what it means for him to face Messi at the international level and recalled a particular story about one of their matches against Argentina.

“My son, who is 8 years old, told me: ‘I want Messi’s jersey.’ I explained to him that it was difficult,” the goalkeeper began. “I told Leo Campana (Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami at the time) to bring me a jersey. Later he wasn’t called up for the game, but he told me to talk to Messi after the match and that I could swap jerseys with him.” That brief story shows how, despite having known him since childhood and now being rivals, Galindez still holds enormous admiration and respect for Messi.

A player in La Liga is in conflict with his club over prioritizing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The World Cup is the most important tournament in soccer and arguably the most significant sporting event on the planet. It’s normal for players to focus on this goal in the months leading up to the tournament. However, one La Liga player has taken this to unusual levels, entering into a conflict with his club over the 2026 FIFA tournament.

Dominik Livakovic was one of the standout stars for Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. There, the goalkeeper was decisive in penalty shootouts against Japan and Brazil, helping the European side reach the semifinals, where they were eliminated by Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

That performance boosted Livakovic’s profile in European soccer, leading to a transfer from Dinamo Zagreb to Fenerbahce for approximately $8 million. After two years in Turkey, he was loaned to Girona in Spain at the start of the current season, but things have not gone as planned.

Livakovic has not played a single minute since arriving at Girona, neither in La Liga nor in the Copa del Rey, as head coach Michel has prioritized Paulo Gazzaniga in goal. As a result, the Croatian star decided to seek a move to another club during the January transfer window to ensure he maintains his place in the Croatia national team ahead of the World Cup.

The conflict came to a head last week when Gazzaniga came down with the flu and was unable to train normally. In that situation, coach Michel intended to play Livakovic in the Copa del Rey match against Ourense FC. However, the Croatian goalkeeper refused, saying he wanted to focus on securing a transfer during the winter window. With this scenario, Gazzaniga had to play anyway, and Girona lost 2-1 to their third-division opponents, resulting in elimination from the tournament.

Coach Michel speaks on Livakovic

The controversy in Girona has become public in recent days, and Michel addressed it during Thursday’s press conference. “Livakovic wants to leave. He doesn’t want to play here, his priority is the World Cup,” the coach said, according to Fabrizio Romano on X. “Gazzaniga had to play while he was ill… because Livakovic doesn’t want to play. I’m very angry about this situation.”

Regarding the Croatian goalkeeper, Michel was clear. “Livakovic has a different timeline than the team because he needs to play for the World Cup, not for Girona,” the coach explained. “He told me, and he’s honest. But so am I. We haven’t reached an agreement. In the last conversation, I already told him it’s not a problem; he didn’t have to decide.”

Finally, Michel acknowledged his frustration with the situation: “I don’t like to reveal private conversations, but sometimes it drives me crazy. I have a goalkeeper available, and Gazzaniga played the Copa with flu and a fever, but I’m the one paying for it. What if something happens to Gazzaniga? We need to find a solution in the winter transfer window.”

Livakovic is key for Croatia

While he has not found a place at Girona, Dominik Livakovic remains a key figure for the Croatia national team. He has played nearly every match for his country over the past three years, including the victorious European qualifiers campaign, where they dominated their group with seven wins and one draw.

Now Croatia are focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to improve on their last two performances, where they reached the final and semifinal stages. In last week’s draw, they were placed in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Ghana.

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates have scheduled two friendly matches in South America for early 2026.

After winning the 2025 Major League Soccer championship, Inter Miami are already looking ahead. Alongside roster updates, including the departure of key players and negotiations for new signings, Lionel Messi and his teammates are gradually becoming familiar with the schedule they will face during the first months of next year.

MLS action will not resume until late February, with the round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup taking place a few weeks later. That means the Herons will have more than two months without official competition, giving them the chance to undertake an extensive preseason.

In addition to conditioning work, Inter Miami will play several friendly matches during this period to build match fitness and prepare as best as possible for the start of the season. The first confirmed matches for 2026 have now been announced.

Messi and his teammates will embark on a South American tour beginning on Saturday, January 31, in Colombia. On that day, they will face Atletico Nacional de Medellin at Estadio Atanasio Girardot in front of more than 40,000 spectators.

Exactly one week later, Inter Miami will play another match, this time against Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador at Estadio Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil, which has a capacity of nearly 60,000 fans. The South American tour could also include a match in Peru, although that possibility has not yet been confirmed.

The impact of Messi’s visit to South America

Following the confirmation of the matches that Inter Miami will play in South America early next year, some of the organizers involved in the friendlies discussed what Lionel Messi’s visit will mean.

“Facing Inter Miami and hosting in our home stadium players who have made history in world soccer is an opportunity to show, once again, that Atletico Nacional is a club of international caliber,” said Sebastian Arango, president of the Colombian club, according to TN.

“Perhaps it will be the last time fans see Messi playing in Ecuador as a World Cup champion,” said Daniel Molina, one of the organizers of the agreement between Inter Miami and Barcelona Sporting Club, according to One Football. He also explained that the choice of Estadio Banco Pichincha for the match was “to reach the largest number of people in the country, because fans will come from all over,” highlighting the significance of Messi’s visit.

Messi needs a strong preseason

Beyond organizing friendly matches, the core purpose of the preseason will be the physical conditioning of Inter Miami’s players. They will face a demanding year with three simultaneous competitions, but some will have another goal in mind: the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Only three months of MLS competition will precede the FIFA tournament, making it essential to avoid injuries that could jeopardize the participation of the top stars. Lionel Messi, in particular, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of proper preparation during these months to maintain peak physical condition and ultimately confirm his participation in the World Cup with Argentina.

Antoine Griezmann surprised many by not choosing Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest player in the history of La Liga.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo starred in unforgettable battles for nearly a decade in La Liga, while also setting all kinds of records. Antoine Griezmann played during the same era as both of them, yet he still leaned toward another legend as the greatest player in the history of the Spanish league.

In an interview shared by ESPN FC on X, Griezmann took part in a rapid-fire Q&A in which he was asked for his opinions on different topics. In one of the questions, he had to choose the best player in La Liga history, and after a laugh, he went with Johan Cruyff.

The Dutch legend certainly earned a place in that debate. He played five seasons with Barcelona between 1973 and 1978, scoring 48 goals in 143 matches and winning the league title in 1974. Later, as a manager, Cruyff had an even longer run with the Blaugrana, working there from 1988 to 1996 and winning four La Liga trophies.

However, other icons who achieved even more impressive accomplishments were left out of Griezmann’s choice. In fact, Lionel Messi is the all-time leading scorer in La Liga with 474 goals, and he also holds the record for the most league titles (13), all of them with Barcelona.

When it comes to matches played, Messi ranks 12th in La Liga history with 520. The top spot is shared by Joaquin and Andoni Zubizarreta, both with 622 matches. Antoine Griezmann is fifth on that list with 546 matches and is the highest among active players in the Spanish league.

Griezmann picks his GOAT

In the same interview, Griezmann also answered specific questions about his favorite players. He chose Didier Drogba as the best finisher, Andres Iniesta as the best playmaker, and Marcel Desailly as the best defender. Gianluigi Buffon is, according to the Atletico Madrid forward, the greatest goalkeeper of all time.

Griezmann then selected Ronaldinho as the best dribbler and his compatriot Zinedine Zidane as the player with the most aura. Finally, he faced the biggest question of all: who is the greatest soccer player of all time? There, Griezmann gave an expected answer—he chose Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, avoiding picking one over the other.

Griezmann knows Messi and Ronaldo well

Over his extensive professional career, Antoine Griezmann has faced the two players he considers the greatest of all time on countless occasions. Against Lionel Messi, he played 28 matches at club and international level, with the Argentine forward winning 17, six ending in draws, and five won by Griezmann. In those meetings, Messi produced 28 goal contributions, while the French star had 12.

Against Cristiano Ronaldo, Griezmann has played even more often. In total, they have met 34 times, including several matches between France and Portugal, with a very balanced record: 13 wins for CR7, 12 for Antoine, and nine draws. The big difference comes in individual production—Ronaldo scored 25 goals in those matchups, while Griezmann scored only six.

Robert Lewandowski is close to matching a UEFA Champions League record held by Lionel Messi, but his scoring drought has prevented him from doing so.

Lionel Messi is one of the most remarkable players in the history of the UEFA Champions League, having shined for nearly two decades in European soccer. That allowed him to set numerous records, one of which Robert Lewandowski is close to surpassing. However, the Barcelona forward’s drought has kept him from achieving it so far.

Messi is the player who has scored against the most opponents in Champions League history. Between 2004 and 2023, playing for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, he found the net against 40 different rivals—more than any other player since the competition was created.

Lewandowski is very close to that mark. From his years with Borussia Dortmund, then with Bayern Munich and now with Barcelona, 38 different clubs have conceded goals to him in the Champions League. That means that with just two more goals against opponents he has never scored on, the Polish striker would join Messi in that elite group.

However, that milestone has been delayed. Lewandowski reached the number 38 during the 2024-25 edition, but since then, his luck has turned. In the current season, Barcelona have faced three teams Robert had never scored against, but he could not break the streak.

Against Newcastle United, the Polish forward played 70 minutes and failed to score before being replaced by Andreas Christensen. Then, against Club Brugge, he came on in the second half for Ferran Torres and also did not score. And on Tuesday, Lewandowski again could not find the net against Eintracht Frankfurt during the 66 minutes he was on the pitch.

Lewandowski’s Champions League drought

Robert Lewandowski’s numbers this season are unusual. He is one of the top scorers in La Liga 2025-26 with eight goals, but in the Champions League he has not scored even once in the five matches he has played. Adding the final games of last season’s edition, the Polish striker is now sitting on a seven-match scoreless run in European competition.

However, in the final two games of the league phase, Lewandowski could not only end that negative streak, but also reach Lionel Messi’s record. Barcelona still have matches against Slavia Prague and Copenhagen to close out their participation in this stage of the Champions League, and those are two opponents Robert has never scored against. Should he do so, he will equal the Argentine forward.

Lewandowski’s favorite victims in the Champions League

As the third-highest scorer in Champions League history—behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—it is no surprise that Robert Lewandowski is close to multiple records in the competition.

Among the 105 goals he has scored in Europe’s top club tournament, Lewandowski’s favorite victim is Benfica. He has scored nine goals against the Portuguese side, while he has found the net seven times against Red Star Belgrade. Behind them are Real Madrid and Salzburg, with six. In addition, Robert has scored against other European giants such as Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.

In the middle of his conflict with Liverpool, Mohamed Salah received unexpected advice from Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber regarding Lionel Messi.

During the last few weeks, the soccer world has closely followed Mohamed Salah’s situation, as he remains locked in a conflict with head coach Arne Slot that casts doubt over his future with Liverpool. In that context, Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber spoke about the possibility that the Egyptian winger could follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps.

Speaking to the media after presenting the Argentine forward with the 2025 MVP award, Garber was asked about Salah’s situation and the chances of seeing him in United States soccer in the near future. “I’ve seen some rumors about Mo Salah,” the commissioner acknowledged, before striking a cautious tone.

“We very much believe in the sanctity of a contract. That’s an American business dynamic that might not be as thoughtful in the rest of the world,” explained Garber. “Mo’s under contract to Liverpool, people we know, and it’s a great team.”

However, the MLS executive later entertained the possibility of having Salah in the league, making clear what it would mean to add a star of that caliber. “Obviously, if he ever decides he wants to come to Major League Soccer, we welcome him with open arms,” Garber said.

And finally, he even went on to suggest that Salah should speak with Lionel Messi about his experience in MLS. “I would say that he should reach out to Leo and reach out to Thomas Muller, and see how happy they’ve been and how successful they’ve been, and how much they’ve really embraced being in Major League Soccer,” said Garber.

Another superstar to MLS?

Mohamed Salah was not the only player Don Garber was asked about during Tuesday’s press conference. Sergio Ramos also came up in the conversation, considering his imminent departure from Monterrey of Mexico and the rumors about his future, including speculation about a possible move to MLS.

“Ramos is an unbelievable player. Seeing him playing against us in the Leagues Cup and the Champions Cup is frustrating,” Don Garber admitted, drawing laughter from the reporters in attendance. However, the MLS commissioner then made it clear that the rumors, at least for now, are nothing more than that. “I don’t know, I haven’t heard anything about it.”

More and more stars choose MLS

While several big-name players have arrived in MLS over the past decades—such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic—the arrival of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami in 2023 accelerated that trend, opening the door for more and more stars to join the league.

The Herons counted for two years on Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, and added a reigning World Cup champion in Rodrigo De Paul just a few months ago. Vancouver Whitecaps raised their level with the arrival of Thomas Muller, while Los Angeles FC enjoy the brilliance of Son Heung-min.

In this context, the arrival of a player of Mohamed Salah’s stature does not seem impossible, even though current rumors link him more strongly to the Saudi Pro League than to MLS. The case of Sergio Ramos, considering his age and recent circumstances, might be somewhat more likely.

Real Madrid and Manchester City face off in an important match in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.

The league phase of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League is approaching its decisive stage. After this week, only two matches remain for each team, making every point crucial for determining which clubs will advance. In this context, the clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City stands out as one of the most attractive fixtures.

At the moment, Los Blancos are one of the eight teams in the direct qualification zone for the Round of 16. They have earned 12 of the 15 points available, with four wins and only one defeat against Liverpool. That’s why they know that a victory would almost guarantee their passage to the next phase.

However, Real Madrid are not free from pressure. Despite the team’s strong performance in the Champions League, some poor results in La Liga and rumors of internal conflicts have put head coach Xabi Alonso in a delicate situation, to the point that Wednesday’s match could be decisive for his future.

On the other side is Manchester City. They have had an irregular performance in the group stage, with three wins, one draw, and one defeat, which currently places them 12th in the standings, in the playoff zone. To improve their position and aim for direct qualification to the Round of 16, the Citizens will need a victory at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Cofirmed Real Madrid lineup

Amid a tense atmosphere, Xabi Alonso has faced a difficult week due to physical problems affecting several key players in the squad. Kylian Mbappe experienced muscle issues that prevented him from training normally, so he will be on the bench. On the other hand, players such as Eduardo Camavinga, Dean Huijsen, Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Trent Alexander-Arnold were left out of the squad.

The Real Madrid lineup to face Manchester City is: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras; Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham; Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, Rodrygo.

Confirmed Manchester City lineup

Xabi Alonso’s problems are not shared by Pep Guardiola. The Manchester City coach has practically his entire squad available for the match at the Santiago Bernabeu, with a few exceptions such as Mateo Kovacic.

Consequently, the Manchester City lineup to visit Real Madrid is: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly; Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva; Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first goal for Al Nassr against Al Wahda in a friendly game.

Al Nassr are facing Al Wahda in a friendly on Wednesday. There, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared as usual to score the opener for his team with a precise right-footed finish following a well-executed team move.

The Saudi Pro League is currently on a break. Al Nassr played their last match in the league on November 23, when they defeated Al Khaleej 3-1, and they will not return to action there until December 21, when they face Al-Najma Saudi on Matchday 10.

That gives the team nearly a month to rest and focus on training under coach Jorge Jesus. Wednesday’s friendly is a great opportunity to maintain competitive rhythm against a team like Al Wahda, which is currently in second place in the UAE Pro League standings.

Aware of the value of this opportunity, the coach decided to field most of the squad’s stars. In addition to Cristiano Ronaldo, the starting lineup includes Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, Marcelo Brozovic, and Inigo Martinez.

It just had to be him.

The GOAT puts Al Nassr ahead.

pic.twitter.com/Rife3FUFkH

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) December 10, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo scores the opener

It took just 12 minutes for Al Nassr to open the scoring against Al Wahda. Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo had come close with a shot that was blocked inside the box, but following a corner from Marcelo Brozovic that included a beautiful combination between Coman and Sultan, CR7 finished with a precise right-footed strike that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.

Al Wahda, however, put up resistance and reached the equalizer just ten minutes later through Fakoundo. Kingsley Coman restored Al Nassr’s lead in the 30th minute with an impressive strike, but Dusan Tadic once again leveled the score moments later from the penalty spot.

What a goal from Kingsley Coman.

pic.twitter.com/uEYpk7KV3Q

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) December 10, 2025

Al Nassr’s upcoming challenges

Beyond Wednesday’s friendly against Al Wahda, Al Nassr are focused on the challenges ahead. Official competition resumes on Sunday, December 21, when they face Al-Najma Saudi in the Saudi Pro League. Just three days later, they will close out their participation in the opening round of the AFC Champions League Two, taking on Al Zawraa.

A key teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami is generating uncertainty about his future, with a South American club reportedly interested in him.

Lionel Messi cemented his place as the most decorated player in soccer history after winning the Major League Soccer title last Saturday. Now Inter Miami are fully focused on shaping their roster for the upcoming season, and one of the team’s core players is reportedly being closely monitored by a South American club.

“Tadeo Allende was offered to River,” journalist German Garcia Grova said, as cited by El Intransigente, regarding the Argentine forward who shined for the Herons during 2025. “The response was positive. The 26-year-old player is appreciated by Marcelo Gallardo,” the reporter added, referring to the River Plate head coach.

Allende was one of the most important players for Inter Miami on their path to the MLS title. He scored 24 goals in 54 matches across all competitions and was especially decisive during the postseason: he delivered nine goals and two assists in six matches, including the title-clinching goal in the final against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“His rights belong to Celta Vigo, who acquired him for $4.5 million from Godoy Cruz. He is on loan at Inter Miami and must resolve his situation in Spain,” Garcia Grova added regarding the Argentine forward’s status.

Inter Miami’s reported stance on Allende

Tadeo Allende joined Inter Miami at the start of this year on a one-season loan. His performances exceeded expectations, which now makes the decision about his future a key issue for the Herons. In that context, the club appears to have a clear intention.

“Negotiations are underway for Tadeo Allende’s future as the striker returns to Celta Vigo after excellent season at Inter Miami with 24 goals in total,” reporter Fabrizio Romano wrote on his X account on Tuesday. “Inter Miami want to keep Allende as talks are ongoing about deal conditions, club very happy with his contribution.”

Inter Miami must resolve their forward situation

Winning the MLS title also marked the end of an era for Inter Miami. Several key players, such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, will not continue with the club beginning in 2026. At the same time, the status of other stars remains uncertain.

Along with the negotiations for Tadeo Allende, the situation of Luis Suarez is also a major issue. The Uruguayan forward will become a free agent on January 1, and his future is still unknown. Rumors of a possible return to Nacional have gained momentum in recent days, which would mark his third stint with the Uruguayan side.

However, the possibility of Suarez staying at Inter Miami remains open. His 17 goals in 50 matches in 2025 make him a valuable player, even after losing his starting spot to Mateo Silvetti. Additionally, his close friendship with Lionel Messi could play a key role in his decision.

Amid his conflicts at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah could win an award previously earned by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Recent weeks have been turbulent at Liverpool. Poor results combined with head coach Arne Slot’s surprising decision to bench Mohamed Salah for the past few matches sparked major controversy involving the team’s biggest star. In that context, the Egyptian winger could win an award that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both received in the past.

On Tuesday, the nominees for the different categories of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 awards were announced. There, Salah was named one of six finalists for the prestigious World Sport Star trophy, which is given to a non-British sportsperson whose global impact on sports is considered especially significant during the year.

The Liverpool winger shares the category with five stars from different sports: Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal and Spain women’s soccer player), Terence Allan Crawford (American boxer), Armand Gustav Duplantis (Swedish pole vaulter), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (American hurdler and sprinter), and Shohei Ohtani (Japanese player for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball).

Salah has had a highly unusual 2025. In the first half of the year, he was the Premier League’s standout star, leading Liverpool to the title while finishing as both the league’s top scorer (29) and top assist provider (18). Those achievements were enough to place the Egyptian star among the most outstanding athletes of the year, despite the second half of the year being completely different for him both individually and collectively.

At the start of the 2025–26 season, Mo has registered only five goals and three assists in 19 matches across all competitions. That drop in form has also affected the Reds, who sit in 10th place in the Premier League and 13th in the UEFA Champions League.

Individual awards won by Salah

If he wins the World Sport Star 2025, Mohamed Salah would add another trophy to his already extensive collection of individual honors. Throughout his career, he has not only enjoyed great success at club and international level but has also been recognized with a wide range of awards for his performances.

Among Salah’s trophies are: Globe Soccer Fans’ Player of the Year 2022, Golden Foot 2021, Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award 2021, FIFA Puskas Award 2018, Premier League Golden Boot 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2025, and African Footballer of the Year 2017 and 2018.

Messi and Ronaldo have won the World Sport Star award

The BBC created the World Sport Star award in 1960, originally known as the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year. Since then, numerous soccer stars have won the trophy, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Argentine forward won it in 2022 after capturing the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while CR7 received the honor in 2014. Other soccer stars who have earned the World Sport Star award include Erling Haaland, Ronaldo Nazario, Pele, and Eusebio.

Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has recently come under scrutiny for his performances, and Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo spoke out on the matter.

Atletico Madrid made an investment of around €95 million (approximately $110 million) to sign Julian Alvarez in mid-2024, hoping he would become the club’s next big star. The Argentine forward had delivered excellent performances since then, but his level has dipped recently, drawing some criticism.

Alvarez has gone five consecutive La Liga matches without scoring, an unusually long drought for him, which has affected the team’s results: the Colchoneros have suffered back-to-back defeats against Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, leaving them in fourth place in the standings, nine points off the top.

“He’s not at the level he should be,” Enrique Cerezo admitted candidly during a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Atletico Madrid’s clash with PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, as reported by Marca.

However, Cerezo quickly expressed optimism that Alvarez can turn his poor run around and help the team achieve positive results. “That doesn’t mean he can’t have the game of his life today,” the president said. “Players are human beings, not machines—you can’t just tighten a screw and expect them to work.”

Alvarez maintains strong form in Champions League

While Julian Alvarez’s La Liga numbers have fallen short of expectations for a player of his status, he has been performing better in the Champions League. The Argentine forward has recorded three goals and two assists in four group-stage matches, scoring in the last two games against Union Saint-Gilloise and Inter Milan.

Those performances have been key for Atletico Madrid to recover from a poor start—with two defeats in their first three matches—and climb the standings. Currently, they sit in 12th place with nine points, just one point shy of a direct qualification spot for the round of 16.

What’s next for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League?

This Tuesday, Atletico Madrid face a crucial Champions League clash, visiting PSV Eindhoven at Philips Stadion, a direct rival in the fight to advance to the next phase of the tournament. The hosts have just one point fewer in the standings and share the same objective.

After Tuesday’s match in the Netherlands, Atletico Madrid have only two more group-stage games remaining: on Wednesday, January 21, they will visit Galatasaray in Turkey, and a week later, they will host Bodo Glimt.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi was selected as the 2025 Most Valuable Player of Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami closed out an exceptional 2025 by winning the Major League Soccer title after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final. Lionel Messi was the team’s undisputed star, earning him the league’s MVP award and a record never before achieved in MLS history.

“Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi has been named the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive seasons,” the league announced on Tuesday in a statement published on its official website.

Leo secured the trophy with a commanding lead over his competitors in the voting process, which included technical staff members from Major League Soccer clubs, media members, and current MLS players. A total of 70.43% of the votes went to Lionel Messi, while San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer finished far behind with 11.15%, followed by Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga with 7.27%.

The award for the Argentine forward is justified not only because he was the leader of the championship-winning team but also due to his remarkable numbers. He recorded 48 goal contributions during the regular season (29 goals and 19 assists), the second-highest total in league history.

The trophies just keep coming for Leo. 🏆

After a regular season to remember, Messi is the 2025 MLS MVP. pic.twitter.com/LYTlNR4M9N

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 9, 2025

In addition, those numbers allowed him to finish as both the league’s top scorer and top assist provider simultaneously, a feat previously achieved by only one other player in Major League Soccer: Italian forward Sebastian Giovinco in 2015 with Toronto FC.

Messi keeps breaking records in MLS

The MVP award is the second consecutive one Lionel Messi has received since his arrival in Major League Soccer. In 2024, he had led Inter Miami on a historic run, becoming the team with the most points in a single regular season in league history. The Herons’ failure in the playoffs did not prevent Leo from winning his first MVP trophy.

With this second award, Messi joins a select group of stars who have won the MVP more than once. Until now, the only player to achieve that feat was Serbian midfielder Predrag Radosavljevic, better known as Preki, who won the trophy with the Kansas City Wizards in 1997 and 2003.

However, no player had ever won the MVP in consecutive years—until the arrival of Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward has completely transformed Major League Soccer with his talent and winning mentality, and in just two and a half years, he has shattered countless league records.

With his contract recently extended through December 2028, Messi now has three more seasons ahead to continue improving his numbers. If he maintains his current level of performance, he could become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the MVP award three times.