Karim Benzema made his debut with Al Hilal just days after leaving Al Ittihad and addressed the move publicly.

In recent days, the Saudi Pro League has been under the spotlight following Karim Benzema’s move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal. After making his debut with his new club, the French striker was asked about the circumstances that led to the transfer and delivered an intriguing response.

Just days after the move was confirmed, Benzema made his official debut for Al Hilal. It came in a Matchday 20 clash against Al Akhdoud in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season, where the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner showcased his class, scoring a hat trick and leading his team to a dominant 6–0 victory.

During the post-match press conference, shared by Maan Alquiae on X, a reporter asked Benzema about the reasons behind his departure from Al Ittihad. The striker firmly replied, “Talk about the game,” forcing the reporter to change the question.

“It was a nice performance, I feel good with this kind of players, with this team. We play, we fight together, it’s good,” Benzema later said. When another reporter asked whether that meant his teammates at Al Hilal helped him more than those at Al Ittihad, the French star responded irritably: “I didn’t say that. I said I feel good. It’s different.”

Eventually, a question prompted Benzema to address his former club directly. A reporter asked why he had not sent a farewell message to his Al Ittihad teammates, to which Karim responded bluntly: “You know? You don’t know? Ask them,” hinting that the relationship may not have ended on good terms.

With Benzema, Al Hilal look unstoppable

Before Karim Benzema’s arrival, Al Hilal were already the top team in Saudi Arabia. They led the Saudi Pro League standings with a narrow advantage over Al Ahli and Al Nassr, built on an impressive winning streak that allowed them to overtake Cristiano Ronaldo’s team after a dominant start to the season.

The addition of one of the league’s — and the world’s — best strikers appears to have elevated the team even further. In his first match, and with only a handful of training sessions alongside his new teammates, Benzema scored Al Hilal’s first three goals against Al Akhdoud, setting the tone before Malcom and Salem Aldawsari, who scored twice, extended the lead.

That opening performance from the French forward seems to support reports of Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration upon learning that Al Hilal had signed Benzema. The belief surrounding the Portuguese star is that league leaders Al Hilal would significantly raise their level and gain a major edge in the title race, while Al Nassr were not given the same opportunities to reinforce their squad.

It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo’s frustration will fade in the coming days and lead to his return to action for Al Nassr after missing the last two official matches. Otherwise, CR7’s days in the Saudi Pro League could be numbered — and the dominance of Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal may become even more pronounced.

Al Nassr fans reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence in the clash against Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been under the spotlight this past week like never before since joining the Saudi Pro League in 2022. The Portuguese striker decided to miss Al Nassr’s last two matches, including Friday’s game against Al Ittihad, in protest over certain decisions made by the Public Investment Fund.

In this context, the question was how Al Nassr fans would respond to such an extreme move by CR7. But by the 7th minute of the match against Al Ittihad, that doubt was cleared: thousands of fans at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh held up signs featuring the number 7 and Al Nassr’s colors, showing their support for Ronaldo amid the recent controversies.

This is no minor detail. Just a few hours earlier, the Saudi Pro League had issued a strong warning to Ronaldo regarding the ongoing conflicts. “Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition… But no individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club,” a league spokesperson said in a statement released Thursday.

These words could be interpreted as a subtle indication that Ronaldo is placing his own desires above those of the Saudi Pro League, or even above Al Nassr’s best interests, by refusing to play in two key matches. Yet, rather than following that line of reasoning, fans have overwhelmingly sided with the player.

Minute 7 for the number 7 🐐 pic.twitter.com/JFQSuqXIOg

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) February 6, 2026

How are Al Nassr coping with Ronaldo’s absence?

Beyond the off-field conflicts, Ronaldo’s absence is a significant blow for Al Nassr on the pitch, considering he is the team’s biggest star. Missing the last two league matches has forced head coach Jorge Jesus to reorganize the lineup to make the team function without CR7.

Ronaldo’s decision to sit out this week coincided with Haroune Camara going on loan to Al Shabab. While Al Nassr bolstered the squad during the January transfer window by signing another center forward, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, the former Al Hilal player has yet to make his official debut.

In this context, Jorge Jesus faced the challenge of improvising the team’s attack. On Monday, he opted to field the three usual offensive stars — Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane — while including Abdulrahman Ghareeb, a winger, in place of Ronaldo. The experiment worked well enough for Al Nassr to secure a 1-0 victory.

For Friday’s match against Al Ittihad, the coach changed his approach, adding midfielder Abdullah Al-Khaibari in place of Ghareeb. This adjustment was designed to give the three offensive stars more freedom to make an impact closer to the opponent’s goal.

One of Lionel Messi’s teammates spent a long stretch unable to train with Inter Miami due to administrative issues that raised doubts about his participation in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami are nearing the end of preseason and beginning to fine-tune the final details ahead of the start of the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign. In that context, a key teammate of Lionel Messi received welcome news that will allow him to rejoin full team training.

“We’ve been told that Tadeo has received his visa, and I believe he’s getting his passport today. So he should be traveling in the next few hours,” Javier Mascherano said Friday during a press conference ahead of the trip to Ecuador for a friendly against Barcelona of Guayaquil, as shared by journalist Jose Armando on X.

The Inter Miami coach was referring to Tadeo Allende. The forward was one of the standout players for the Herons during the 2025 season, especially in the playoffs, where he scored crucial goals that helped fuel the club’s MLS title run.

After several weeks of speculation, Inter Miami agreed to purchase his transfer rights from Celta Vigo for a fee of around $5 million. Since then, nearly three weeks have passed during which the player was unable to join training sessions with his teammates due to administrative issues.

As a result, Allende missed the first two preseason friendlies against Alianza Lima and Atletico Nacional, and he will also be unavailable this Saturday in Ecuador against Barcelona. However, based on Mascherano’s comments, the expectation is that once the team returns to Florida, Tadeo will be able to resume training with the squad.

Berterame also dealing with administrative issues

Tadeo Allende’s case is not an isolated one. In fact, Inter Miami have faced similar difficulties with two other players on the roster. Micael, a signing brought in from Palmeiras to bolster the defense for the 2026 MLS season, was only able to begin training with his teammates a few days ago due to the same type of administrative delays.

At the moment, German Berterame finds himself in a similar situation. The Argentine striker, who represents Mexico internationally, was acquired by the Herons in a deal valued at around $15 million, but he has not yet been cleared to play for the club on U.S. soil.

“It’s a very strange situation. I mean, we have a player who can’t train with us,” Mascherano said during the same press conference on Friday. “He’s in Miami training on his own, following a plan that we’ve given him.”

Even so, the coach made it clear that Berterame will travel to Ecuador to be part of the friendly against Barcelona. “German will be included in the squad. He can’t train with us, but he will travel to Ecuador because outside the United States he is allowed to play,” Mascherano explained. “We can’t afford to waste time. We need him to be with his teammates to help with his adaptation.”

After Friday morning’s training session in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami will fly to Ecuador later in the day, where they will await their match against Barcelona of Guayaquil. The friendly is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha.

Barcelona’s presidential elections are approaching, and Lionel Messi remains a central figure in the debate.

Lionel Messi is indisputably the most important player in Barcelona’s history. That is evident in the fact that, despite leaving the club nearly five years ago, his name continues to be relevant in the club’s day-to-day discussions. With the presidential elections drawing closer, the role of the Argentine forward could be decisive, although he reportedly has a clear position.

“Messi does not want to enter this electoral process by supporting anyone,” Marca reported on Thursday. “The Argentine would carry a large number of votes if he publicly backed one of the candidates. However, that will not happen. As of today, Messi has no intention of getting involved in the process. His idea is to remain completely on the sidelines, without supporting anyone.”

Indeed, Messi’s influence at Barcelona is so significant that a public stance ahead of the vote could tilt the balance in favor of one candidate or another. In fact, he did something similar in 2021, when he openly supported the victory of Joan Laporta, who had been club president during the early years of his professional career.

Laporta ultimately won that election with 54 percent of the vote, but his relationship with Messi was far from smooth. Just months later, and despite campaign promises, the club chose not to renew the Argentine forward’s contract due to financial issues, forcing him to leave for Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi’s plans regarding Barcelona

Messi’s decision to stay out of Barcelona’s presidential election does not mean he lacks interest in the club’s future. On the contrary, reports suggest that sooner rather than later, he plans to return to Barcelona, although his role has not yet been defined.

“Messi intends to return to the club in the future. His return is fully decided, but it will not happen during this election,” Marca reported. “He will wait to see how it concludes and, from that point on, and once the World Cup is over, he will begin to think about his return to Barcelona.”

What Barcelona’s presidential candidates have said about Messi

Unsurprisingly, Messi’s name has featured prominently in debates among Barcelona’s presidential candidates. Opposition candidates, in particular, have emphasized that it was Joan Laporta who closed the door on the forward in the past.

“We have to embrace Leo Messi and do everything possible so that, as soon as possible, he has the role at Barca that he wants and that all fans would be excited about,” Victor Font said in November. “When I win the election, the first thing will be to pick up the phone and call him.”

Along the same lines, Marc Ciria said weeks later: “We want our legends to be able to return to the club. We will do everything possible to make that happen. Messi is an indispensable figure for this club. He must return with a strong support system and a solid structure.”

Finally, Laporta has been the most cautious when discussing a potential return for the Argentine star. “Out of respect for everyone, it is not realistic to talk about Leo Messi returning as a player. Speculating about a possible comeback is not appropriate,” said Barcelona’s current president.

Not even Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius can compete with Lamine Yamal in a key La Liga statistic.

In recent months, the eternal rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid has been embodied by two names: Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. They are the main stars of their respective teams and both wear the No. 10 shirt, placing them at the center of fan debates surrounding the two clubs. The young Spanish winger holds a clear edge in one specific La Liga ranking.

In the current 2025-26 season, Yamal is the player with the most dribbles attempted and completed in La Liga. Across the 22 matches played in the competition so far, he has attempted 201 dribbles against opposing defenders, successfully completing 98 of them.

That gives him a clear advantage over Mbappe. The French star ranks second, with 60 successful dribbles out of 125 attempts. Still, he is far from matching Yamal’s numbers. Third place belongs to another Real Madrid star, Vinicius Junior, who has recorded 53 successful dribbles from 155 attempts.

The top 10 does not include any other players from the two Spanish giants. Fourth place belongs to Osasuna’s Victor Muñoz (50), followed by Real Oviedo’s Hassan (46), Athletic Club’s Nico Williams (45), Elche’s Aleix Febas (36), Real Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea (35), Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu (33), and Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios (32).

Lamine Yamal’s dominance in this statistic reflects not only his immense talent in that specific aspect of the game, but also his growing influence on Barcelona’s play. That an 18-year-old player has attempted and completed such a high number of dribbles speaks to a collective structure that allows him that freedom, knowing it can generate clear benefits for the team.

Yamal’s and Mbappe’s numbers this season

Lamine Yamal’s clear advantage in total dribbles this season highlights his individual ability to unbalance defenses, making him one of the most decisive players not only in La Liga but in world soccer.

That does not mean Kylian Mbappe has been any less decisive. In fact, the Real Madrid forward is La Liga’s leading scorer this season, with an impressive 22 goals in 21 matches. In that ranking, Lamine Yamal sits sixth with nine goals.

At this point, however, it is important to consider the characteristics of each player. While Mbappe is a forward whose primary responsibility is scoring goals, Yamal is a more creative player who also takes on playmaking duties.

Lamine Yamal is currently La Liga’s top assist provider with eight. In that same category, Kylian Mbappe has recorded just four assists. As a result, when combining total goal contributions in the 2025-26 La Liga season, the Real Madrid star still holds a narrower advantage: 26 compared to 17 for the Barcelona winger.

Amid the conflict in the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr sent a birthday message to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Over the past few days, Cristiano Ronaldo has been under the spotlight, with his future in the Saudi Pro League in doubt. The Portuguese forward refused to play against Al Riyadh last Monday due to his disagreement with the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) transfer policy for Al Nassr. In that context, the club sent a heartfelt message to CR7.

On Thursday, February 5, Ronaldo turned 41—coincidentally sharing his birthday with Neymar, who turned 34—and unsurprisingly received congratulatory messages of all kinds from around the world.

Al Nassr did not fall behind and shared a birthday greeting for their most important player on social media. “The legend only grows. Your commitment, mentality, and leadership drive our dreams forward. Happy Birthday, Cristiano,” read the message posted on X on Thursday, accompanied by a goat emoji.

It is not a minor detail that the Saudi club specifically highlighted Ronaldo’s “commitment” and “leadership” at a time when the player is refusing to take part in key Saudi Pro League matches with the team.

The legend only grows. Your commitment, mentality, and leadership drive our dreams forward. 🟡🔵
Happy Birthday, @Cristiano! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/hOAu42yeK0

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 5, 2026

Criticism of Al Nassr’s birthday post for Cristiano Ronaldo

Although Al Nassr shared an optimistic message regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, the club was not immune to criticism. In particular, social media users expressed frustration over how late Al Nassr shared the birthday message for the Portuguese forward.

The post on X did not appear until 8:14 p.m. local time in Saudi Arabia, near the end of the day. “Al Nassr wishing the GOAT late birthday shows there are cracks in their relationship,” one user commented, echoing a sentiment shared by many other fans on social media.

Ronaldo’s remarkable longevity at 41

Beyond the current Saudi Pro League controversies that have dominated headlines, the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo has reached the age of 41 and remains one of the most relevant soccer players in the world deserves special recognition.

There are very few examples of players still competing at that age. In most cases, they are goalkeepers, who tend to have more physical leeway due to their position. Even fewer remain at the elite level of the global game, but Cristiano Ronaldo will compete this year in the sport’s most demanding tournament, the FIFA World Cup, as a key figure for one of the title favorites, Portugal.

In August, Ronaldo will mark 24 years as a professional player, dating back to his debut with Sporting CP in 2002. Much has happened since then, and he has left an indelible mark at giants such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Still, there appears to be room for more achievements. The long-awaited 1,000th career goal is getting closer, and Cristiano seems determined to claim that record.

Amid conflicts with the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo’s future could take an unexpected turn with a return to a European club where he shined years ago.

For the past few days, Cristiano Ronaldo has been at the center of an unexpected dispute that puts his future in the Saudi Pro League at risk. The forward disagrees with decisions made by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) regarding Al Nassr’s transfer policy during the January window. This led him to miss the last match against Al Riyadh and could happen again against Al Ittihad this Friday.

In this context, it’s understandable that questions have arisen about Ronaldo’s plans beyond the 2025-26 season. “He has made clear behind the scenes that his return to action depends on the prompt reactivation of powers of Al Nassr’s management and, naturally, that the interference it suffered in the recently closed transfer window does not happen again in the middle of the year,” ESPN reports.

The Portuguese forward’s warning seems to be serious. Refusing to play for Al Nassr is a strong decision that reveals his level of dissatisfaction, and his stance could become even more extreme in the future. “If no changes are guaranteed in the coming weeks, Ronaldo will ask to leave in June,” the report adds.

If that scenario becomes a reality, the obvious question is what will happen next in CR7’s career. He has made it clear that he intends to keep playing at least for a while longer, so retirement after the 2026 FIFA World Cup does not appear to be a likely outcome.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential return to Europe

Ronaldo’s discontent at Al Nassr could lead to an unthinkable situation just a few weeks ago: the forward leaving the Saudi Pro League, ending a chapter that began in December 2022 and reshaped the global soccer landscape.

“The possibility of a Cristiano Ronaldo return to Europe has sparked huge anticipation. Among the potential destinations, Sporting CP stand out for reasons that go beyond soccer,” Fichajes reports.

This chance is clearly linked to CR7’s roots. He began his professional career there in 2002 and played just one year before being transferred to Manchester United. More than two decades later, a return to where it all began would be a poetic closure for the forward’s career.

Ronaldo has another major goal first

Although the future of his career is undoubtedly on Cristiano Ronaldo’s mind—especially amid the current tensions in Saudi Arabia—he is currently focused on an even more important goal: the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo has a strong chance—alongside Lionel Messi—of becoming the first player in history to participate in six World Cups. The difference compared to the Argentine star is that he has never won the title. At 41 years old, this will be his last opportunity to do so with Portugal. That is why all of his efforts are now focused on staying healthy and match-ready to approach the tournament in the best possible condition.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has reportedly made a decision about his future following the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

With just over four months to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many players are finalizing their futures with the tournament in mind. Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero is no exception, and according to reports, he has decided what to do with his career after representing Argentina in North America this summer.

“Cristian Cuti Romero has interest from Spain’s La Liga and another league,” Argentine journalist Gaston Edul said this week via his official X account. “He already had interest in the previous transfer window and was very close to a formal offer.”

The 27-year-old center-back is currently the leader of the Spurs on the field, having been established as the team captain following Son Heung-min’s departure to Los Angeles FC last season. However, his days at the London side appear to be numbered. “He is going to leave Tottenham in the next June transfer window,” the report adds.

Romero joined Tottenham in 2021 after standing out in Serie A and quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup thanks to his aggressive playing style. That earned him the fans’ affection and a contract extension, which runs through June 30, 2029.

However, the club’s limited competitiveness in recent years—currently sitting 14th in the Premier League and narrowly avoiding relegation last season—combined with tensions with executives, has reportedly contributed to Romero’s desire to move in the near future.

Romero’s main focus is now the World Cup

As happens every four years, the attention of most elite players is currently focused on arriving at the World Cup in peak form. For Cuti Romero, that also means a special challenge: trying to repeat Argentina’s success from Qatar 2022.

Lionel Scaloni’s team has remained competitive in recent years, winning the 2024 Copa America, and aims to continue its dominance in world soccer this summer. Even with uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi’s participation, Argentina retain the core of the team that won the title just over three years ago, with Romero as a key player.

Tottenham have a potential replacement for Romero

While losing Cristian Romero would be a major blow, Tottenham appear to have a Plan B. They are counting on the potential return of Luka Vuskovic, the 18-year-old Croatian center-back who joined the club last summer and, after featuring in the first three games of the season, requested a loan move to another team for more playing time.

Since August, Vuskovic has been playing with Hamburger SV in Germany, where his performances have exceeded expectations. The young defender has played 19 matches and scored four goals this season across the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. When his loan at Hamburger ends, he is expected to return to England and become a new defensive option for coach Thomas Frank.

A former player who was teammates with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo compared the two stars.

There is no doubt that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the biggest stars of this century’s soccer, and they hold a prominent place in the history of the sport. Both have left their mark on fans’ imaginations, who constantly debate who is the better player.

Ezequiel Garay has the rare distinction of having played alongside both Messi and Ronaldo. He played with Leo for years on the Argentina national team, and the two were finalists in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where they lost the title match to Germany. He also played alongside CR7 at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2011.

In a recent interview with DAZN, Garay was asked whether he considered Ronaldo the best player he had played with in his career. “No,” the former defender answered honestly. “He’s number two. Number one is Leo, and Cristiano is number two, without a doubt.”

Digging deeper into the comparison between the two superstars, Garay was clear in highlighting Messi in particular. “They are two very different players, but the one who has surprised me the most is Leo. I’ve been fortunate to play with both, and Leo is something else,” said the former center-back, who, like Messi, was born in Rosario and began his career at Newell’s Old Boys.

Garay highlights a key trait of Cristiano Ronaldo

Even though he chose Lionel Messi as the best player he played with, Ezequiel Garay did not hold back praise for Cristiano Ronaldo. He specifically highlighted a characteristic of the Portuguese forward that stood out during their years together at Real Madrid.

“It’s true what Carlos Tevez always says,” Garay explained during the same interview, citing another Argentine who played with Ronaldo. “He’s the first to arrive at six in the morning and the last to leave. He does his routine, his training, his physiotherapy. Everything to always be in the best condition.”

Which players have been teammates of both Messi and Ronaldo?

Ezequiel Garay belongs to a select group of players who have had the fortune of being teammates with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That list also includes other former Argentine Real Madrid players, such as Fernando Gago, Gonzalo Higuain, and Angel Di Maria.

The same logic works in reverse: Portuguese players who played with Messi at Barcelona and with CR7 on the national team. Examples include Deco, Nelson Semedo, and Andre Gomes.

Additionally, during Ronaldo’s time at Manchester United, he was teammates with Argentine players Gabriel Heinze and Carlos Tevez, as well as Gerard Pique, who later returned to Barcelona and won multiple titles with Messi. Other examples include Paulo Dybala, Miralem Pjanic, and Henrik Larsson.

The CEO of Al Hilal spoke about the potential arrival of Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid to the Saudi Pro League.

Vinicius Junior has been in the spotlight over the past few months, along with several of his Real Madrid teammates, due to the team’s disappointing results this season. That situation has fueled rumors of a possible move for the Brazilian winger, with the Saudi Pro League as one of the most tempting destinations.

Until now, however, most of these speculations were based on rumors and media reports. But now an official voice has confirmed interest in Vini, which could completely change the scenario for the future.

Esteve Calzada, CEO of Al Hilal, gave an interview this week to Cadena SER, where he was asked about the chance of Vinicius Junior leaving Real Madrid to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps in Asia. “In our case there are no conversations, but the CEO of the Saudi league, whenever asked, says that if he is available, they will try to bring him,” Calzada said.

These words may be no more than an expression of desire, but the track record of the Saudi Pro League makes it a statement worth taking seriously. Currently, the world’s highest-paid player, Cristiano Ronaldo, earns a reported annual salary of over $200 million at Al Nassr. Karim Benzema, recently transferred to Al Hilal, also ranks among the highest-paid players globally, and Neymar was on that list until early 2025.

Vinicius’s contractual situation at Real Madrid

Vinicius is under contract with Real Madrid until the end of the next season, meaning June 30, 2027. While there is still time before that date, clubs usually begin renewal talks well in advance to avoid undesirable situations in the months leading up to the contract’s end.

In this case, however, Vini’s renewal has reportedly caused tensions, leaving the winger’s future uncertain. It is also notable that he has a release clause of €1 billion (approximately $1.18 billion). That amount was set to prevent the player from leaving without the club’s consent, as it is virtually impossible for another team to meet that figure.

However, the massive spending by some Saudi Pro League clubs in recent years has approached that amount. In fact, a few weeks ago, the president of Al Ittihad revealed that in 2023 he made an offer to Lionel Messi. “I contacted him before, when his contract with PSG ended. I offered him €1.4 billion. He rejected such a big offer for the sake of his family,” Anmar Al Haili said according to NIBC.

Another option for Vinicius

Alongside the growing speculation regarding the Saudi Pro League, Vinicius has also been a topic of discussion at Flamengo, the club where he began nearly a decade ago and which now dominates South American soccer after winning the 2025 Copa Libertadores.

“Now, what comes next is to talk about Vinicius Junior. When does his contract end, president? We won’t have to pay anything to Real Madrid,” Flamengo sporting director Jose Boto said during the press conference introducing Lucas Paqueta, another star of the Brazil national team, who joined the team this week.

Concacaf has released its updated club rankings, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami emerging as the top Major League Soccer team.

Inter Miami’s success last year in MLS has cemented them as the best team in the United States. However, that has not been enough for Lionel Messi‘s team to lead the overall Concacaf rankings, where clubs from other countries sit above them.

This week, Concacaf shared on its official website the updated rankings for clubs, leagues, and national teams, based on results from recent months. Messi’s team ranks third on the list, ahead of every other MLS club.

It’s clear that Inter Miami’s position is largely based on their recent MLS success, but it’s not the only factor. They were also Leagues Cup finalists and Concacaf Champions Cup semifinalists, in addition to participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they reached the round of 16.

The top spot in the Concacaf rankings belongs to Deportivo Toluca, who won the last two Liga MX titles, Clausura 2025 and Apertura 2025. In second place is another Mexican team, Cruz Azul, after claiming the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup title with a 5-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.

Thomas Muller’s team is the next highest MLS club in the ranking, placing fifth behind Tigres UANL. Other MLS clubs in the top ten include Columbus Crew, Los Angeles FC, and Seattle Sounders.

How the Concacaf rankings work

The Concacaf club rankings are calculated using a complex system that evaluates each club’s results, considering not only recent performance but also previous seasons. Performances in domestic leagues, national cups, continental tournaments, and global competitions are all taken into account.

“The updated ranking is based on the difference between the match’s outcome and its expected outcome,” the official Concacaf website explains. “Before the match, the expected outcome is calculated using the Concacaf Club Ranking scores of both teams and the home team’s advantage… The difference between actual and expected outcomes determines the number of points clubs earn or lose, with wins over stronger opponents resulting in greater increases. This self-correcting system ensures fairness.”

Other rankings published by Concacaf

In addition to the continental club rankings, Concacaf also released updates for other rankings. One is the league rankings, where Liga MX unsurprisingly remains at the top, reflecting the dominance of its clubs. MLS ranks just below, with a close point gap. Following them are the leagues of Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Another update presented by Concacaf is the national team rankings. Mexico sit at the top, supported by success in the 2025 Gold Cup despite some disappointing results in recent friendlies. Canada and Panama complete the top three, while the USMNT ranks fourth.

Amid reported interest from Manchester United in bringing Marcus Rashford back, reports indicate the forward is willing to do whatever it takes to stay at Barcelona.

Marcus Rashford has exceeded expectations in his first months at Barcelona, prompting the Spanish club to consider keeping him beyond this season. His strong performances have also reignited Manchester United’s interest in re-signing him.

A few days ago, Telegraph Sport reported that Michael Carrick intends to bring Rashford back if he becomes Manchester United’s permanent head coach, impressed by what he has seen from the forward in Spain this season.

That possibility, however, depends on several factors. The first is whether Barcelona exercise their purchase option for Rashford, reportedly around $40 million. The second, of course, is the player’s own willingness—and that is where one of the main hurdles lies.

“Marcus Rashford has no intention of returning to Manchester United from Barcelona this summer,” The Mirror reported Tuesday. “And Rashford wants his long-term future resolved before England head to the 2026 World Cup in North America.”

But that’s not all. Knowing Barcelona’s financial challenges, which could complicate a permanent move, the English forward is even ready to make a personal sacrifice to help the deal go through. “Rashford is willing to renegotiate his annual wages and accept reduced terms, if it helps seal a deal with Barca,” the report adds.

Manchester United not an option for Rashford right now

Marcus Rashford’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent months, with all kinds of rumors circulating. However, there is one point on which all reports agree: the forward wants to stay at Barcelona beyond the one-year loan. “Rashford is loving life in Spain—and has told Barca he wants to remain at the Nou Camp,” The Mirror reports.

Still, the English star is aware that this desire may not become reality, especially given Barcelona’s financial constraints. Even in that scenario, a return to Manchester remains unlikely.

“It’s understood that even if Barca failed to meet the asking price, Rashford would look to join another club, rather than go back to United,” The Mirror adds, making it clear that Marcus has no intention of rejoining the Red Devils at this stage of his professional career.

Amid speculation surrounding his future at Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior has been mentioned in connection with a potential return to Flamengo.

Despite being one of the best players in the world, Vinicius Junior has seen his role at Real Madrid diminish in recent months. This is partly due to Kylian Mbappe, who has emerged as the team’s undisputed star and pushed the Brazilian into a secondary role. In that context, Flamengo have emerged as an unexpected option.

This week, the Brazilian club officially presented Lucas Paqueta, who returned to Flamengo after eight years following his transfer from West Ham United. During his introductory press conference, Vinicius’ name was brought up as a potential future target.

“Now, what comes next is to talk about Vinicius Junior,” Flamengo sporting director Jose Boto said, according to ESPN, before addressing Real Madrid president Florentino Perez directly. “When does his contract end, president? We won’t have to pay anything to Real Madrid.”

Those remarks, while delivered in a joking tone, reflect a genuine ambition from the Brazilian giants: to continue strengthening their squad with top-level signings in order to move closer to competing with Europe’s elite clubs.

When does Vinicius’ contract with Real Madrid expire?

The idea of Flamengo seriously pursuing Vinicius may seem far-fetched, but in the not-so-distant future it could become more realistic. The Brazilian winger is under contract with Real Madrid until June 30, 2027, with a release clause set at €1 billion (approximately $1.18 billion).

That figure makes an early departure virtually impossible unless Real Madrid are willing to negotiate his exit for a lower fee. However, if uncertainty continues over time, anything could happen. While there have been reports of potential contract extension talks, no agreement has been reached so far.

As the deadline approaches, Real Madrid will likely move decisively in one of two directions: either convincing Vinicius to sign an extension or actively negotiating a transfer to another club in order to secure a significant fee. But if the player holds firm, he could leave as a free agent in mid-2027.

Flamengo excited about Paqueta’s return

Beyond the speculation surrounding Vinicius, Flamengo have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. The club has secured the return of Lucas Paqueta, another homegrown star who remains in his prime and is aiming to be part of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Without Paqueta’s willingness, this transfer would have been impossible, no matter how strong our financial situation is,” Boto said at the same press conference. “Everything he did with his staff to be here was crucial. That shows how much he loves Flamengo. At this price, there were 10 or 15 European clubs that wanted him.”

Barcelona face Albacete in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, and Raphinha will not be part of the squad.

With more than half the season already gone, Barcelona are one of the few teams in Spain still competing on all three fronts: La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and Copa del Rey. The latter is reaching its decisive stages, and this Tuesday the Blaugranas will aim for a spot in the semifinals when they take on Albacete. Despite the importance of the match, Raphinha will be absent.

“Raphinha is suffering from an overload in the adductor muscle of his right leg,” Barcelona announced Monday in a statement on social media. “As a precaution, he will miss tomorrow’s match against Albacete, and his recovery period is expected to be one week.”

This leaves Hansi Flick without one of his most decisive players. The Brazilian winger has been a key part of the team since the German coach’s arrival in 2024, forming a fearsome attacking trio alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.

In fact, this season Raphinha has stood out with 13 goals and 5 assists in 22 matches across all competitions. However, physical issues—especially a hamstring injury—have sidelined him for 10 games this campaign.

Other injured Barcelona players

Raphinha’s absence is a big blow for Barcelona, considering the winger’s importance to the team and his goal contributions. However, he is not the only key player missing for the Albacete clash.

Another star of the squad, Pedri, will also be unavailable for the Copa del Rey match. The Spanish midfielder has been recovering for 14 days from a right hamstring injury sustained on January 21 against Slavia Praha in the Champions League. Joining him on the sidelines are Gavi and Andreas Christensen, both out with more serious injuries.

Who will replace Raphinha against Albacete?

As has happened in previous matches without Raphinha, his spot on the left wing will be taken by Marcus Rashford. The English forward has adapted well in his first year at the club and has stats that would make him a guaranteed starter on almost any other European team, giving coach Flick full confidence in him.

Barcelona’s confirmed lineup against Albacete in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals is: Joan Garcia; Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin; Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford.

𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐔𝐏 ️🔵🔴#AlbaceteBarça pic.twitter.com/syEvaoCgEe

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 3, 2026

A teammate of Lionel Messi in Argentina will likely miss the Finalissima against Spain due to injury.

Argentina are entering a crucial period in their road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Next month, they will compete for a title when they face Spain in the Finalissima, the tournament that brings together the champions of Europe and South America. In this context, a key teammate of Lionel Messi could be sidelined due to injury.

“Giovani Lo Celso suffers a myotendinous injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh,” Real Betis reported on Tuesday in a statement published on their official website. “The Argentine player has suffered a moderate proximal myotendinous injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh as a result of an accidental collision during the match against PAOK.”

The injury occurred nearly two weeks ago during a UEFA Europa League match on January 22 in Greece. Initially, the expectation was that the 29-year-old midfielder would miss just a couple of games before returning to action, but medical tests revealed a much more complex situation.

“His return to the squad will depend on how the injury progresses,” Betis limited themselves to stating. However, reports suggest the timeline could be significantly longer. “Gio Lo Celso suffered a muscular injury that will take him at least a month to recover from,” Argentine insider Gaston Edul said on his X account.

Lo Celso has suffered a myotendinous injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh.

Get well soon, @LoCelsoGiovani! 💚

➡ https://t.co/puMi6QBXFV pic.twitter.com/khXsZTCmea

— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) February 3, 2026

“At Betis, they anticipated a possible absence of some duration for Lo Celso,” Diario AS reported, predicting an even more pessimistic timeline than the one shared by Edul: “His absence could last just over two months.”

Lo Celso almost ruled out for the Finalissima

The news of Giovani Lo Celso’s injury is far from ideal for Lionel Scaloni, as it inevitably casts doubt over the midfielder’s participation in Argentina’s next challenge: the Finalissima against Spain, scheduled for March 27 in Doha, Qatar.

If the most optimistic forecasts hold true, Lo Celso could recover by early or mid-March, giving him roughly two weeks to regain his best form and rejoin the Argentine squad. In other words, it would be a tight timeline.

If reality aligns more with the pessimistic forecasts and the midfielder needs at least two months to return, his presence in the Finalissima will be ruled out, and he would not play again until April.

Another injury complicates Lo Celso’s career

In recent years, injuries have been a nightmare for Giovani Lo Celso. In fact, this was one of the main reasons Tottenham let him go before his return to Real Betis. In Spain, he has struggled to maintain consistent performance for the same reasons.

The start of this injury streak came in the weeks leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At that time, Lo Celso was a key player for Argentina and Messi’s main creative partner on the field. But a serious muscle injury while playing for Villarreal kept him out of that tournament, depriving him of the chance to become a world champion. Now, a similar situation again puts his future with Argentina in doubt.

Inter Miami defeated Atletico Nacional of Medellin 2-1 in their second friendly of the year. Lionel Messi played more than 70 minutes and was involved in one of the goals.

Inter Miami completed their second preseason friendly this Saturday, securing a 2-1 victory over Atletico Nacional in Colombia in a match that delivered drama until the final minute. The hosts had taken the early lead, but Lionel Messi’s team turned the game around in the second half.

During the first half, Inter Miami were outplayed by their opponents. Atletico Nacional were the more aggressive side in attack and created numerous scoring opportunities. In that context, Juan Manuel Rengifo made the difference, opening the scoring with a superb shot from outside the box.

However, things changed drastically after the break. Atletico Nacional made almost a full lineup change for the second half, and the Herons capitalized on it. Messi led his team, which controlled possession and, after several missed chances, equalized through Luis Suarez. Then, in the dying minutes, an own goal by Rivero handed the MLS side the victory.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano used this friendly to give some of the team’s new players valuable minutes. German Berterame came on in the second half to replace Luis Suarez, while Micael also made his first appearance in defense.

Timothy Weah had voiced his opinion on ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino made it clear that he disagrees with those comments.

Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been a source of controversy in recent weeks, and the topic has now drawn attention within the United States men’s national team. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed remarks previously made by Timothy Weah.

“It is too expensive… Football should still be enjoyed by everyone. It is the most popular sport. This World Cup will be good, but it will be more of a show,” Weah said in an interview with Le Dauphine several weeks ago.

Pochettino was later asked about those comments during a press conference and offered a very different perspective from the winger. “Players need to talk on the pitch playing football. It’s not his duty to evaluate the price of the ticket,” the coach said bluntly when addressing Weah’s remarks.

“It’s not about us to provide our opinion. Our responsibility is to play and perform on the pitch,” Mauricio added, including himself in that stance. “My duty is to prepare the team in the best way to perform. We are not politicians; we are sports people. We can talk about our jobs.”

Pochettino shows confidence in FIFA’s decisions

While making his disagreement with Tim Weah’s position clear, Mauricio Pochettino not only avoided criticizing FIFA’s decisions, but also expressed satisfaction with how the sport is being managed globally. “FIFA is doing an amazing job around the world, uniting people,” the coach said.

“If FIFA does something or makes some decision, they know why and it is their responsibility to explain why. I think for sure you need the media to ask directly to FIFA,” Pochettino added. “We need to be focusing on the sports side and trust in the organization that is in charge of soccer or football around the world that they are going to do the right things.”

Tim Weah under coach Pochettino

Since the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino, Timothy Weah’s involvement with the USMNT has been inconsistent. The winger was not included in the coach’s first call-ups after taking over in September 2024 and only returned to the squad in November of that year, when he appeared against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League.

After a couple of appearances in early 2025, Weah was left out of the Gold Cup and only returned for friendlies in September and October. However, Pochettino did not include him in the November FIFA international window. Those ups and downs hardly guarantee Weah a spot at the 2026 World Cup, and it remains to be seen whether this recent controversy will have any impact.

Manchester United coach Michael Carrick reportedly has plans regarding Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona.

The situation at Manchester United has drastically changed in recent weeks. The dismissal of Ruben Amorim initially caused uncertainty, but the results under Michael Carrick have brought stability to the club. In this context, Carrick is reportedly planning to bring Marcus Rashford back to Old Trafford, ending his loan spell at Barcelona.

According to Telegraph Sport, Carrick intends for the Red Devils to recall Rashford and reintegrate him into the squad for the 2026-27 season, effectively ending his time at Barcelona. Of course, this depends on Carrick being confirmed as the permanent head coach, something that has yet to happen.

Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona until the end of the 2025-26 season, but the Catalan club has the option to make the move permanent this summer by activating the €35 million ($41 million) buyout clause. If Barcelona decide to do so, Manchester United would have no say in the forward’s permanent departure.

Reports suggest Barcelona are satisfied with Rashford’s performances so far, having scored 9 goals and provided 12 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. However, in Hansi Flick’s mind, he is a backup option, behind Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha. The question remains whether Barcelona will be willing to pay over $40 million for a player who is not even a starter.

Rashford would be a valuable addition for Manchester United

The improvement in Manchester United’s performances under Michael Carrick has been linked to strong contributions from several key offensive players. Bryan Mbeumo has been pivotal, scoring goals, including against Manchester City and Arsenal. Additionally, players like Matheus Cunha, despite not always being a starter, Amad Diallo, Benjamin Sesko, and Patrick Dorgu have all stood out.

In this context, bringing Marcus Rashford back would further elevate Manchester United’s attack, adding a new offensive option to compete with the aforementioned stars. Furthermore, the English forward’s experience could be crucial when aiming for major objectives.

Carrick knows Rashford well

Michael Carrick’s positive evaluation of Marcus Rashford is not just based on the forward’s recent performances at Barcelona. It’s also rooted in Carrick’s first-hand knowledge of Rashford, having played alongside him years ago.

Rashford made his professional debut for the Red Devils during the 2015-16 season, when Carrick was still a player at the club. In fact, the former midfielder remained with Manchester United for the next two seasons, allowing him to closely observe Rashford’s abilities. That familiarity could weigh heavily in Carrick’s decision to bring him back to the club.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami play their second preseason friendly this Saturday against Atletico Nacional of Medellin.

Inter Miami continue to ramp up preparations for the 2026 Major League Soccer season, using preseason matches to build fitness and sharpen their competitive edge. This Saturday, they will face Atletico Nacional of Medellin, with all eyes once again on Lionel Messi.

For the Herons, this will be their second preseason friendly after a 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima in Peru one week ago. Head coach Javier Mascherano is still awaiting the arrival of several players whose administrative clearances have not yet been approved, meaning a number of key squad members will be unavailable.

On the other side stands one of Colombia’s most successful clubs, who have already begun their 2026 Apertura tournament campaign with a dominant 4-0 win over Boyaca Chico and are also preparing to compete in the Copa Sudamericana. The anticipation surrounding Lionel Messi’s visit is expected to result in a sellout crowd of nearly 45,000 spectators.

Projected lineup for Atletico Nacional

Despite being in the middle of official competition, Atletico Nacional are expected to field most of their star players against Inter Miami on Saturday. This includes Colombia national team goalkeeper David Ospina, a former Arsenal player and former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

Head coach Diego Arias is expected to line up his team as follows: David Ospina; Milton Casco, William Tesillo, Andres Roman, Simon Garcia; Juan Zapata, Andres Sarmiento, Edwin Cardona; Juan Rengifo, Marlos Moreno, Dairon Asprilla.

Projected lineup for Inter Miami

As was the case last week in Peru, head coach Javier Mascherano is expected to start a lineup largely made up of players who were already part of the roster last season, though the team will be missing notable names such as Tadeo Allende. Several new signings are also absent from the starting XI, including Micael, Sergio Reguilon, and German Berterame.

Inter Miami’s projected lineup to face Atletico Nacional of Medellin is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen, Facundo Mura; Rodrigo de Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Mateo Silvetti.

A player who won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid has criticized Kylian Mbappe.

The past few weeks have been turbulent for Real Madrid. A coaching change, elimination from the Spanish Super Cup, and several poor results in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League have dealt heavy blows to Kylian Mbappe and his teammates.

In that context, Mbappe offered strong comments about Real Madrid’s current situation following the loss to Benfica, which forced Los Blancos into the Champions League playoff round instead of direct qualification to the round of 16: “We aren’t being consistent in our play. We have to solve that. We can’t do it one day and then not another. A team of champions doesn’t do that… It’s about having more desire than your opponent.”

Days later, Predrag Mijatovic gave an interview to Cadena SER and shared a blunt assessment of Real Madrid’s current problems. “I think more than lacking players, what’s missing is a leader. I don’t know, a Sergio Ramos, a Modric, a Benzema, a Fernando Hierro,” said the former Yugoslavia striker. “This current Real Madrid team doesn’t have a leader figure who, in difficult moments, grabs you by the collar and asks, ‘What are you doing?’”

When asked whether the French star could fill that role as the team’s main reference point, Mijatovic was clear. “Mbappe is not a leader,” he said without hesitation. “All of Mbappe’s goals do not make him a leader. Being a leader is something else: it can be a player with less quality, but with personality and character, someone who is the coach on the field and whom the players listen to.”

However, Predrag did acknowledge Mbappe’s qualities. “He’s a tremendous player,” he admitted, before immediately offering an example to explain his point: “You know that Zidane with the French national team was never the leader—Deschamps or Blanc were. He was the best player, but not the leader.”

Who is Predrag Mijatovic?

There is no doubt that Predrag Mijatovic’s harsh words carry significant weight given who they come from. The Yugoslavia striker was a star of European soccer for years, scoring 176 goals in 534 club appearances.

After standing out in the Yugoslav league, Mijatovic arrived in La Liga in 1993 and quickly made his mark at Valencia. That led to a move to Real Madrid, where he played from 1996 to 1999, making 118 appearances, scoring 36 goals, and winning four titles, including the 1997–98 UEFA Champions League. He later continued his career with Fiorentina and Levante, retiring in 2003.

Mijatovic points the finger at Real Madrid’s players

In the same conversation with Cadena SER, Predrag Mijatovic also offered a diagnosis of who he believes is responsible for Real Madrid’s disappointing season. “We have to start asking whether this can really be fixed by a coach,” he said. “The president is not to blame. I think the players need to wake up a bit and ask themselves how they can improve.”

In that way, the former Montenegro forward made it clear that speculation about Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, or potential new coaches such as Jurgen Klopp or Unai Emery matters little if the players fail to rise to the level required to meet the challenges ahead.

A Premier League striker could become Christian Pulisic’s teammate at AC Milan.

AC Milan are enjoying a strong season in Serie A, battling Inter Milan for the top spot in the standings. However, club executives and head coach Massimiliano Allegri know that adding more talent will be necessary in the long term to further elevate stars such as Christian Pulisic. In that context, a Premier League striker has emerged as a key target.

“Jean Philippe Mateta has agreed personal terms with AC Milan, his favorite option,” Fabrizio Romano reported Friday in a post published on his official X account. Under this scenario, the only missing piece is an agreement between the clubs to complete the transfer.

“AC Milan have advanced in talks with Crystal Palace for the summer but trying to complete the agreement now; if CPFC give their green light,” Romano wrote. “Talks underway.”

However, while the initial expectation pointed to a possible move ahead of next season, developments could accelerate. “Mateta has informed Crystal Palace board about his decision to join AC Milan. He wants AC Milan now, immediately even if initial agreement was for June 2026,” the report added.

As a result, the English side made an important decision regarding the striker: leaving him out of the squad for Sunday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. The move is aimed at protecting the French forward amid a potential transfer agreement to Italy.

Mateta could be a strong complement to Pulisic

Jean-Philippe Mateta has spent five years in England. He arrived in early 2021 from Germany’s Mainz 05 and has since delivered solid performances, totaling 56 goals in 186 matches across all competitions. This season has been particularly strong, with 10 goals and two assists in 34 appearances.

Those performances have caught Milan’s attention, as the club has long been searching for players capable of raising the overall level of the squad. The signings of Christopher Nkunku earlier in the season and, more recently, Niclas Fullkrug have not produced the expected results so far.

Looking ahead, the Italian giants hope to further strengthen their attack by building around Christian Pulisic, who has delivered the best performances of his professional career this season despite ongoing fitness issues. If they can also add a top-level striker such as Mateta, their chances of competing seriously both domestically and in continental competitions would be significantly boosted.

Mexico national team striker German Berterame has been announced as the newest addition to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

After several weeks of negotiations, Inter Miami reached an agreement to sign a key attacking player ahead of the 2026 season. Mexico national team striker German Berterame was officially announced as Lionel Messi’s new teammate.

The roster rebuild following the 2025 Major League Soccer title focused primarily on adding defensive-minded players, including goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, defenders Facundo Mura, Micael, and Sergio Reguilon, and central midfielder David Ayala.

However, the Herons were also in need of a new attacking option, especially given the increasingly limited role of Luis Suarez, who finished last season coming off the bench, with young Mateo Silvetti taking over the center forward position.

“Inter Miami CF announced today that it has signed Mexican international forward Germán Berterame from Liga MX powerhouse CF Monterrey,” says the statement published Friday on the club’s official website. “Berterame will occupy a Designated Player slot and will remain under contract through the 2028-29 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with an extension option for 2029-30.”

Mexican forward Germán Berterame joins as a Designated Player, bringing a proven goal-scoring pedigree ⚽ Welcome to Miami!

Details: https://t.co/CBJatdte0z pic.twitter.com/IlIoaBuAbc

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) January 30, 2026

German Berterame’s background

German Berterame joins Inter Miami following a successful spell in Liga MX. He arrived in Mexico in 2019 after playing for San Lorenzo and Patronato in Argentina. His first club in Mexico was Atletico San Luis, where he scored 31 goals in 93 appearances. That form caught the attention of Monterrey, who paid more than $8 million to sign him in 2022.

With Monterrey, Berterame produced the best performances of his professional career, recording 66 goals and 15 assists in 148 matches. That run put him on the radar of the Mexico national team, and in 2024, after concluding that he would not have opportunities with Argentina, he completed the naturalization process to become eligible to represent El Tri.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just four months away, German Berterame has a strong chance of earning a spot on Mexico’s 26-man roster, having been included in each of the last four call-ups by head coach Javier Aguirre.

German Berterame’s first words at Inter Miami

Moments after announcing Berterame’s signing, Inter Miami shared a video in which the Mexico national team forward delivered a message to the club’s fans. “Hello everyone. I want to tell you that I’m very happy to be joining the Inter Miami family,” German said at the start of the video. “I’m coming in with a lot of excitement, anticipation, and pride to wear this jersey and bring many moments of joy to all the fans. I hope to see you soon. Sending you a big hug.”

Joao Felix assisted Cristiano Ronaldo for Al Nassr’s opener against Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League.

Al Nassr are looking to regain ground in the Saudi Pro League standings after a poor run that left them behind Al Hilal. On Friday against Al Kholood, Cristiano Ronaldo scored for his team following a setup from Joao Felix.

After a historic start to the season with 10 consecutive wins, Al Nassr struggled to maintain that momentum, allowing Al Hilal to overtake them at the top of the table and build a lead of up to seven points. However, in recent weeks, Jorge Jesus’ team has secured three straight victories, putting them back in contention.

In that context, Friday’s clash against Al Kholood was crucial for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates. Taking advantage of two consecutive draws by Al Hilal, they could move within just three points of the top with a win.

Despite facing one of the weakest teams in the Saudi Pro League—Al Kholood sit 14th with only five wins in 18 matches—Al Nassr had a tough task. In fact, during the first half, they couldn’t break through and went into the break goalless.

That was Cristiano’s 18th goal in all competitions for Al Nassr this season!pic.twitter.com/tC79bNdrxX

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) January 30, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 961st career goal

Al Nassr’s struggles to find an advantage against Al Kholood disappeared after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, they built a brilliant team move involving Kingsley Coman, Angelo Gabriel, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane.

Finally, after receiving a perfect pass from Angelo, Felix found himself inside the box, one-on-one with goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani. The young Portuguese forward chose not to shoot and instead set up Cristiano Ronaldo, who was positioned just outside the box.

CR7 had all the time and space he needed to open the scoring with a gentle right-footed touch that left the defenders trying to cover the goal with no chance to react. With this strike, Al Nassr’s forward reached his 17th goal of the current Saudi Pro League season and the 961st of his professional career.

What’s next for Al Nassr?

After extending their lead with goals from Mohamed Simakan and Kingsley Coman, Al Nassr secured a valuable 3-0 victory over Al Kholood, bringing them very close to reclaiming the top spot in the Saudi Pro League standings. They are now just three points behind Al Hilal, with 16 games still remaining.

Jorge Jesus’ team will next face Al Riyadh on Monday, February 2, followed by a crucial matchup against the reigning champions, Al Ittihad, four days later. After that, they will begin their campaign in the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Two against FK Arkadag.

Amid speculation surrounding his future at Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski’s wife has shared details on the matter.

Robert Lewandowski’s future has drawn the attention of soccer fans over the past few months. Against a backdrop of widespread rumors and speculation about what lies ahead for the Barcelona forward, his wife spoke publicly on the subject and made an important revelation.

“We’ll see how the season goes in Barcelona this year because, let’s say, it will probably be my husband’s last one here,” Anna Lewandowska said during an interview with Plejada. “So we squeeze it like a lemon. We enjoy every moment, every match with the fans, because we know that one day we won’t have any of this.”

Those remarks are revealing when it comes to the player’s current stance. Lewandowski is under contract with Barcelona until June 30 of this year, and it remains unclear whether the club will offer him an extension.

Under this scenario, Robert is in a position to negotiate freely with any other club in the world. FIFA regulations allow players who are in the final six months of their contracts to do so. That means that if Lewandowski were to receive a convincing offer, he could sign immediately and commit to joining a new team for the start of the 2026–27 season.

Possible destinations for Lewandowski

Uncertainty surrounding Robert Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona has fueled rumors about interest from clubs in different countries ahead of next season. Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League have emerged as potential destinations, especially considering the number of stars who have followed the paths of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent years.

However, when asked about what comes next, Anna Lewandowska did not offer a definitive answer. “What’s next? We don’t know, but that’s the path of a great athlete, especially a great sportsman, and we’re prepared for it,” she said in the same interview.

Lewandowski still has major challenges ahead

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future beyond June, Lewandowski still faces major challenges that will require his full focus. At the club level, he will aim to repeat—or even surpass—the success Barcelona achieved last season. The team has already won the Spanish Super Cup and will look to do the same in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, while the main objective remains the UEFA Champions League.

At the international level, the challenge is even greater. Poland failed to secure direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will therefore have to compete in the European playoffs. In March, they will face Albania, and if they advance, they will play for a World Cup spot against either Ukraine or Sweden.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta praised a young Premier League player with a subtle comparison to Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest talents in the history of soccer, particularly of the 21st century. That status has turned him into a reference point and a benchmark for many young players who draw attention early on because of their performances. Now, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta alluded to that idea while speaking about a rising Premier League star.

“We are delighted to announce that Max Dowman has signed a pre-contract agreement with the club that will lead to him signing professional terms when he turns 17 in December,” Arsenal announced Friday through their official social media accounts.

Asked about Dowman during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League clash against Leeds United, Arteta made his high regard for the English midfielder clear, comparing him to other young talents he has seen during his years as both a player and a coach.

“Certainly one of the best. What he’s done with us at the age of 15, me personally, I haven’t seen it before,” the Spanish coach began, before adding a clarification: “Only with a guy who used to play in Barcelona, but maybe not even that.” That final remark was an obvious reference to Lionel Messi, even though Arteta did not explicitly name him.

We are delighted to announce that Max Dowman has signed a pre-contract agreement with the club that will lead to him signing professional terms when he turns 17 in December.

Read more below 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 30, 2026

“He certainly has not only that. He has a certain charisma as well and personality that he doesn’t get overwhelmed, whether it’s by the situation, or the stadium or the opposition, and that’s a huge quality to have,” Arteta added about Dowman.

Arteta knows Messi well

Mikel Arteta’s words about Max Dowman and the comparison to Lionel Messi carry special weight. The current Arsenal coach enjoyed a long professional playing career and witnessed firsthand the rise of the Argentine forward from his early days to the pinnacle of world soccer.

Arteta began his career at Barcelona, playing for the club’s reserve team in Spain’s third division between 1999 and 2000. That period coincided with Messi’s arrival at the club from Newell’s Old Boys, making it likely that Arteta had the chance to see Leo display his talent on the field even at that early stage.

Years later, the two crossed paths on multiple occasions. After leaving Barcelona, Arteta played for Paris Saint-Germain and Rangers before returning to Spain to join Real Sociedad for the 2004–05 season, Messi’s first as a professional. Over time, they met again several times, most notably in UEFA Champions League matchups between Barcelona and Arsenal.

Who is Max Dowman?

Although many players in recent years have been compared to Lionel Messi—and none have reached that level so far—Max Dowman has undoubtedly shown qualities that help explain those parallels with the Argentine star.

The English midfielder holds the record as the second-youngest player to debut in the Premier League. He did so on August 23, 2025, coming on as a substitute against Leeds United at 15 years and 235 days old. He is also the youngest starter in Arsenal history and the youngest player ever to appear in a UEFA Champions League match.