Despite Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Marc Bernal shining in the 3-0 win, Barcelona fall short to complete the comeback in the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona hosted Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey semifinals on Tuesday at the Camp Nou. Despite starring performances from Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Marc Bernal, the Blaugrana fell agonizingly short of completing the comeback, winning 3-0 on the night but bowing out of the competition.

Atlético arrived as clear favorites to advance after their emphatic 4-0 victory in the first leg. Still, Barcelona took the game to them from the opening whistle, with an electric Lamine Yamal causing havoc on both flanks and the home side pressing relentlessly in search of an early goal.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute, when Yamal burst past Ademola Lookman on the right and delivered a pinpoint cross to the six-yard box for Marc Bernal to finish. Then, deep into first-half stoppage time, Pedri was brought down inside the area by Marc Pubill, and Raphinha stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and give Barcelona renewed hope at the break.

Atlético offered little going forward, and a composed Joan García ensured his goal remained intact whenever the visitors did threaten. Bernal then reignited the Camp Nou in the 72nd minute, converting from a João Cancelo cross to make it 3-0 on the night and bring the Remontada within touching distance.

Despite every effort, including coach Hansi Flick’s bold decision to deploy defender Ronald Araújo as an emergency striker, Barcelona could not find the fourth goal they needed, running into an Atlético side that defended resolutely and with numbers. With a 4-3 aggregate scoreline, the Colchoneros march on to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club.

The Saudi pro League has reportedly taken a key decision regarding the suspension of activities, one that'll be affecting Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and the rest of the clubs.

The escalation of the conflict in Saudi Arabia also sent shockwaves through the soccer world, particularly as a wave of rumors surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo emerged over the past several hours. Amid the uncertainty, the Saudi Pro League has reportedly reached a key decision regarding the suspension of its activities, one that directly affects Al Nassr and the rest of the league’s clubs.

Alarm spread after reports surfaced that Ronaldo’s private jet had departed Saudi Arabia in the middle of Tuesday night, with speculation mounting over whether the striker was on board. Those rumors were quickly put to rest, however, as Fabrizio Romano reported that Ronaldo remains in the country and is undergoing medical treatment for an injury.

Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs reports that the Saudi Pro League has decided to press ahead with its scheduled fixtures. Matchday 25 of the 2025-26 SPL season is set to get underway Thursday with Al Kholood vs. Al Qadsiah and Damac vs. Al Riyadh, and no official statement regarding a postponement or suspension of those games has been issued by league officials.

That said, as Jacobs noted, the situation remains fluid and could change depending on how events develop on the ground. The Saudi Ministry of Sport is coordinating closely with relevant authorities and monitoring the situation in real time, meaning a decision could come at any moment.

What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo?

On the continental front, Ronaldo has already seen one fixture affected by the unrest. Al Nassr had been scheduled to travel to Dubai to face Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Two quarterfinals on Wednesday, but the Asian confederation opted to postpone all international matches this week.

Domestically, action continues as normal, with Al Nassr expected to return to the pitch this weekend. Sitting atop the SPL standings with 61 points from 24 games, Jorge Jesus’s side will host Neom SC at Al Awwal Park, looking to extend what has been an impressive run of 10 consecutive victories.

The key question remains whether Ronaldo will be fit to feature in Saturday’s match on March 7. The Portuguese star was forced off in Al Nassr’s last game against Al Fayha with a hamstring injury, and while it is believed to be minor, neither the club nor the player will be in any rush to take unnecessary risks, particularly with the 2026 World Cup now just 100 days away.

Looking for the "Remontada" against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals, Lamine Yamal has suffered a huge squad blow at FC Barcelona.

Lamine Yamal has been rallying fans around the prospect of a “Remontada” (a comeback) against Atlético Madrid in the 2025-26 Copa del Rey. But the teenage star has been dealt a significant blow, with one of FC Barcelona‘s key players ruled out through injury for Tuesday’s second leg of the semifinal.

During the first leg on February 12, a combination of individual errors and clinical finishing from Atlético left Barcelona on the wrong end of a crushing 4-0 defeat, a result that has left the tie all but decided. Now facing the near-impossible task of overturning that deficit at the Spotify Camp Nou, Barca’s odds have taken yet another hit with the latest injury news.

Barcelona have confirmed that Robert Lewandowski will not feature in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atlético Madrid. The striker picked up an injury in the club’s most recent La Liga match against Villarreal and will not even be available as a substitute, as he was in the first leg.

According to a statement released by the club, tests carried out on Lewandowski revealed a fracture of the left eye socket. The Polish striker had come off the bench in the 67th minute of Saturday’s 4-1 win over Villarreal, even getting on the scoresheet in stoppage time, making the subsequent injury news all the more unfortunate.

Who will replace Lewandowski?

Losing Lewandowski is a blow for Barcelona, as the veteran striker has been one of the club’s most reliable contributors this season despite playing a more secondary role due to physical setbacks. He has still managed 14 goals and three assists in 32 appearances across 1,651 minutes (roughly 52 minutes per game) and head coach Hansi Flick will now have to look elsewhere up front.

With Lewandowski unavailable, Ferran Torres is the most likely candidate to lead the line alongside the attacking trio of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. The 26-year-old Spaniard has been in impressive form, contributing 16 goals in 35 games and offering Flick a versatile and dynamic alternative to his Polish striker.

Lamine Yamal eager for the ‘Remontada’

Despite the Lewandowski setback, Barcelona head into the Copa del Rey clash on the back of two dominant victories — a 3-0 win over Levante and the convincing 4-1 result against Villarreal. Yamal himself, who struggled in the first leg, arrives in red-hot form after scoring his first career hat-trick, raising hopes that the second leg could yet provide Atlético with an uncomfortable evening.

Following his hat-trick, Yamal sent a direct message to the Barcelona faithful: “It was time to react and give ourselves a push. We’re doing that now. And I want to tell our fans… come to the stadium against Atleti — magic can happen.” The sentiment was echoed across social media by the club and teammates including Raphinha, all rallying behind the now-viral message: “1% possibility, 99% faith.“

With his brace against Orlando City, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was honored by MLS, moving him closer to a record held by Landon Donovan.

Lionel Messi continues to raise the bar in MLS, and his starring role in Inter Miami‘s stunning comeback against Orlando City in the Florida Derby was no exception. After scoring a brace in the 4-2 victory, the Argentine received a league honor that moves him ever closer to a record held by USMNT legend Landon Donovan.

After a deflating 2026 MLS opener (a 3-0 defeat to LAFC) Inter Miami were desperate to respond on Sunday against Orlando City. The Lions led 2-0 at halftime, but the Herons pulled off a remarkable comeback, with Messi sealing the win and his brace with a clinical free kick.

Following his performance against Orlando City, Lionel Messi was voted MLS Player of the Matchday, earning the distinction as the standout star of Matchday 2. It marks the 13th time since joining Inter Miami that the Argentine forward has claimed the honor.

That tally is enough to move Messi into third place on the all-time list for the award. Last season he reached 12, drawing level with New York Red Bulls icon Bradley Wright-Phillips, and now, with his latest recognition, he has moved past the Englishman.

Messi moving closer to Donovan’s mark

Landon Donovan left an indelible mark on both the USMNT and MLS, with the league’s season award bearing his name as a testament to his legacy. But Messi’s sustained excellence in the competition is now threatening one of Donovan’s most celebrated records.

The USMNT icon holds the all-time record for MLS Player of the Matchday honors with 19, followed by Columbus Crew legend Jeff Cunningham with 14. Messi, now at 13, sits third — and firmly in the rearview mirror of both.

Since arriving at Inter Miami midway through the 2023 season, Messi has built considerable momentum, racking up 12 Player of the Matchday honors over his first two full seasons. In fact, he became the first player in league history to win the award six times in back-to-back seasons.

Doing the math, with one of the two Matchday honors already claimed this season (the other going to New York Red Bulls star Julian Hall), another six recognitions over the course of 2026 would be a realistic target for Messi. With his contract now running through December 2028, surpassing not only Cunningham but also Donovan’s storied record looks less like a question of whether, and more like a question of when — provided he can maintain his current form.

MLS have officially announced the 2026 edition of the MLS All-Star Game with Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, and Thomas Müller as the faces of the league.

The MLS All-Star Game, which brings together the top talent from across Major League Soccer, is back for another edition in 2026. The league has officially unveiled Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, LAFC’s Son Heung-min, Vancouver Whitecaps’ Thomas Müller and Charlotte FC captain Tim Ream as the faces of this year’s showcase.

On Monday, MLS announced that the fifth edition of the MLS All-Star Game between MLS All-Stars and LIGA MX All-Stars will take place on Wednesday, July 29. The venue will be Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

MLS Executive Vice President Camilo Durana spoke about the game on the league’s official website: “The 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime will feature a can’t-miss rematch between the best of MLS and LIGA MX. With the energy and momentum our Leagues will experience coming out of a historic World Cup on home soil, we are thrilled to showcase our All-Stars and put on a great show for fans in Charlotte and those watching around the world on Apple TV.“

In unveiling the game’s ambassadors, MLS paired the familiar faces of Messi and Ream, the Charlotte FC and USMNT captain, with two marquee newcomers. The high-profile arrivals of Son at LAFC and Müller at Vancouver have earned them prominent billing, signaling just how much weight the league is placing on its international stars heading into what promises to be a landmark event.

Son and Müller added to the roster: Will Messi finally show up?

Since arriving at LAFC and the Whitecaps respectively, Son and Müller have wasted little time making their mark on MLS, with the German even reaching the 2025 MLS Cup final. Both have quickly cemented themselves as marquee figures in the league, and their inclusion as faces of the All-Star Game reflects that standing.

The bigger question, however, surrounds Lionel Messi, the league’s most prominent name, who has missed both All-Star Game editions he could have appeared in. In 2024, a sprained ankle suffered in the Copa América final forced him out, but in 2025 he chose to sit out despite the game being mandatory, prompting MLS to issue a one-game suspension.

Messi ultimately missed the July 26 game against FC Cincinnati — a decision that nearly sparked an open conflict between the league and the Argentine, with Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas publicly questioning his future at the club. Messi, for his part, argued that the suspension dealt a significant blow to his fitness and contributed to a muscular injury in the second half of the season.

With that backdrop in mind, all eyes will once again be on what Messi decides to do, and how MLS responds to any potential absence. The July 29 date adds another layer of intrigue, coming just 10 days after the 2026 World Cup final. Should Argentina go all the way, serious questions will arise about whether Messi should be asked to take the field so soon after lifting the sport’s biggest prize.

With the 2026 World Cup in just a few months, Colombia star James Rodríguez has still yet to make his debut in the MLS with Minnesota United.

James Rodríguez has been one of the most high-profile signings of the MLS offseason, with the Colombian legend joining Minnesota United as he gears up for the 2026 World Cup. However, his league debut remains elusive after he was left on the bench in the team’s most recent match against FC Cincinnati.

After parting ways with Club León when his contract expired last year, Minnesota secured the signing of Rodríguez in early February on a five-month deal running through June 30 — meaning he will be with the Loons through the start of the World Cup. While excitement has been building around the veteran midfielder, he has yet to feature, either during the preseason friendlies or in the opening MLS matches.

Saturday presented the first real opportunity for Rodríguez to make his Minnesota debut. The Loons hosted FC Cincinnati and the Colombian was named in the squad for the first time, but he watched the entire 1-0 home victory from the bench without getting off it.

After the game, Minnesota head coach Cameron Knowles was asked about his decision to keep Rodríguez unused: “Hard game to come into. With the game being 1-0, and also having him sat there for 75 minutes, having not played and one week of full training, I don’t think that was the ideal circumstances to bring him into.“

As the New Zealand-born coach noted, Rodríguez is approaching four months without a competitive appearance. His last came on November 19 of last year, when he featured in León’s defeat against Club Puebla, and while he remains a central figure for Colombia, his fitness is a significant concern for coach Néstor Lorenzo and his staff.

What’s next for James Rodriguez?

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, giving Rodríguez less than four months to get back to his best. In such a tight window, earning regular minutes in the short term will be essential for the Cafeteros captain to arrive at the tournament in form.

On the club front, Rodríguez could make his long-awaited MLS debut on Saturday, March 7, when Minnesota travel to face Nashville SC on Matchday 3. The March international window is also fast approaching, with Colombia set to face Croatia on the 26th and France on the 29th, two high-quality tests that could go a long way in shaping the national team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.

With France pending on the situation with the 2026 World Cup looming, Real Madrid have finally released a medical report on star Kylian Mbappé's injury.

Kylian Mbappé had recently set off alarm bells at Real Madrid and within the France national team after his latest injury kept him out of a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Benfica. With the 2026 World Cup drawing closer, Los Blancos have finally released a medical report revealing the nature of Mbappé’s issue.

Ahead of the second leg of the UCL playoff against Benfica, Mbappé was ruled out after feeling discomfort during Tuesday’s training session. Reports pointed to his knee as the affected area, the same one that had already kept him sidelined for several matches earlier in 2026, but with no official medical report forthcoming from Real Madrid, concern and uncertainty among fans continued to grow.

On Monday, ahead of the La Liga match against Getafe, Real Madrid confirmed that Kylian Mbappé had suffered a sprain in his left knee. The Frenchman has been left out of the squad for the game, and no recovery timeline has been provided.

Real Madrid’s statement read as follows: “Following the tests conducted on our player Kylian Mbappé by French specialist doctors, under the supervision of Real Madrid’s Medical Services, the diagnosis of a sprain in the left knee and the suitability of the conservative treatment being followed are confirmed. Pending evolution.“

This marks the third time this knee issue has halted Mbappé’s prolific run in the 2025-26 season. The first instance came during the Champions League league phase against Manchester City, when he was left as an unused substitute.

The problem resurfaced toward the end of 2025 during a training session, prompting Real Madrid to release a statement confirming a knee sprain. Of the first four matches the Spanish side played in 2026, Mbappé featured in just one (a 14-minute cameo in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona) with his knee proving a persistent obstacle ever since.

Mbappé not to undergo surgery with World Cup on the horizon

The most pressing concern surrounding Mbappé is that Real Madrid have yet to provide a recovery timeline for his return. Despite the injury troubles, the Frenchman has been the top scorer in both the Champions League and La Liga this season, amassing an impressive 38 goals and six assists in 33 appearances.

What is clear is that Mbappé will not undergo surgery to address the knee sprain, as an operation would require an extended recovery period and jeopardize his chances of representing France at the 2026 World Cup, now less than four months away. Instead, reports indicate he has opted for a more conservative treatment approach, making his situation one that will be assessed on a day-to-day basis.

Already ruled out against Getafe, Mbappé’s recovery will be critical for Real Madrid in the near term. Los Blancos are scheduled to face the first leg of their UCL Round of 16 tie on Wednesday, March 11, with the return leg on the 17th — a match the club is hopeful their star will be fit for.

With new venues reportedly emerging, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the situation ahead of the Finalissima against Lionel Messi's Argentina.

The staging of the Finalissima at the end of March has been thrown into serious doubt due to the ongoing conflict in Qatar, which could also put members of both the Spain and Argentina delegations at risk. As new venues have reportedly surfaced as potential alternatives, La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente weighed in on the uncertain situation surrounding the match against Lionel Messi‘s side.

The Qatar Football Association released a statement announcing the postponement of all tournaments, competitions and matches in the country, raising urgent questions about the fate of the Finalissima. However, FIFA, UEFA and CONMEBOL have yet to make a decision on postponement, opting to wait before acting in what remains a fluid and uncertain situation.

In an interview with TVE, coach De la Fuente offered his perspective on the clash between Spain and Argentina: “We know that talks are underway and negotiations are ongoing. First and foremost, obviously, as a society we want the conflict to end. We don’t really know how long it will last, but once everything is in motion, I understand that the solution—if the match can’t be played there—would be to look for another venue, if that’s possible.“

UEFA and CONMEBOL had originally agreed for the Finalissima to be played on Friday, March 27, at Lusail Stadium, the very venue where Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. However, the proximity of the fixture and the ongoing conflict have already set the governing bodies in motion, as De la Fuente acknowledged.

The Spanish boss also indicated that the primary intention from federation officials is to keep the match on its scheduled date. “That’s how I understand it. I think that’s basically the direction of all the negotiations and of everyone working on this at every level,” he added.

The original plan had both nations participating in the Qatar Football Festival 2026, where in addition to the Finalissima, Argentina were set to play a friendly against Qatar and Spain against Egypt in the days that followed. With tickets for the Messi-Lamine Yamal showdown already sold out, the federations are under pressure to act swiftly, whether that means relocating the game or keeping it in Doha.

Potential new venues for the Finalissima

Both Argentina and Spain claimed their respective continental titles in 2024 (the Copa América and the Euros) reigniting the prospect of a new Finalissima edition, but a congested international calendar had repeatedly pushed the fixture back. A consensus was finally reached to stage it during the March international window, but the situation in Qatar has once again put the federations in a difficult position.

As a result, Spanish outlet RNE Deportes reports that London, Miami, Rome, Madrid and Paris have all emerged as potential alternative venues. Negotiations are currently underway, with a resolution expected in the coming days.

The prospect of Doha remaining the host city is fading, particularly given how close the World Cup is on the horizon. As the outlet reports, both federations are intent on keeping the Argentina-Spain match on its original date, with postponement not a viable option given the absence of any available window afterward.

For the clash against Orlando City in the MLS, Inter Miami won't be counting with legendary striker Luis Suarez.

Inter Miami head to Inter&Co Stadium to face Orlando City on Matchday 2 of the 2026 MLS season Sunday, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 loss in their opener against LAFC. However, the Herons will be without one of their most recognizable stars in Luis Suarez.

Suarez will not take part in the match against Orlando City after suffering an injury. The Uruguayan striker was listed on Inter Miami’s injury report with a lower-leg issue that will sideline him Sunday, ruling him out not only of the starting lineup but also of the matchday squad.

Inter Miami have not released an official statement detailing Suarez’s condition or a timeline for his return. According to Claro Sports reporter José Armando, the veteran forward felt discomfort during Friday’s training session, which led to his absence from the game.

Despite falling out of head coach Javier Mascherano’s preferred starting XI following the arrival of German Berterame, Suarez remains an important depth option who brings experience and leadership to the roster. He joins Sergio Reguilon as the two Inter Miami players unavailable because of injury.

Luis Suarez praised by German Berterame

Late last MLS season, Suarez began to lose his place in Inter Miami’s lineups as Mateo Silvetti and Tadeo Allende impressed with strong performances. For 2026, the club not only retained Allende but also signed Berterame for a reported $15 million to fill a Designated Player slot, effectively pushing Suarez into more of a secondary role.

Still, the Uruguayan legend continues to leave an impression on newcomers. Speaking Friday, Berterame praised Suarez’s influence: “I watched him for years on television, all those matches and goals at Barcelona and with every team he played for.“

Despite now being the starting striker, the Mexico international said Suarez remains a valuable mentor. “I’ve also seen him here in Miami, and he never stops surprising us. Now that I’m by his side every day in training, I try to learn the best from him — his first touch, his finishing, and his patience inside the box. That’s invaluable,” he added.

With a starring Lionel Messi, Inter Miami claim the first Florida Derby against Orlando City in the 2026 MLS season.

Inter Miami traveled to Inter&Co Stadium to face Orlando City on Matchday 2 of the 2026 MLS season, with both Eastern Conference sides looking to bounce back after disappointing openers. Led by a starring Lionel Messi, who capped his performance with a stunning free kick, the Herons completed a remarkable 4-2 comeback in the first Florida Derby of the season.

Despite controlling possession for long stretches, Inter Miami ran into a sharp Maxime Crépeau early on, and their inability to break down a well-organized Orlando side left them exposed at the back. The Lions made them pay, first in the 18th minute when a misplaced pass from Rodrigo De Paul allowed Iván Angulo to whip in a cross for Marco Pašalić, who met it with a crisp half-volley to open the scoring.

Six minutes later, Martín “Tincho” Ojeda doubled the lead with a brilliant trivela after a slick combination with Griffin Dorsey. Trailing by two at halftime, with Orlando City comfortably sitting deep for much of the half and holding just 39% of the possession, Miami head coach Javier Mascherano made an attacking change at the break, sending on Mateo Silvetti in place of defender Noah Allen.

The gamble paid off almost immediately, as Silvetti, following a pass from Telasco Segovia, unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box to halve the deficit in the 49th minute. Then, in the 57th, Lionel Messi finally found the back of the net for his first official goal of 2026, curling a shot into the far corner that Crépeau had no answer for.

Dos veces MESSI 🔥⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Cu1x2fi2qH

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 2, 2026

As the game entered its final stages, Germán Berterame drove to the end line and delivered a cross to Messi, who laid it off to Segovia to complete the comeback in the 85th minute. Then, after drawing a red card from an ill-timed Guske foul, Messi stepped up to take the resulting free kick and curled a perfect effort that dipped just beneath Crépeau’s hands, sealing his brace and securing Inter Miami’s first three points of the MLS season.

With Lionel Messi expected to be one of the starters, Orlando City and Inter Miami will be clashing for Matchday 2 of the 2026 MLS.

Orlando City host Inter Miami for Matchday 2 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season Sunday at Exploria Stadium. With the first Florida derby of the campaign on tap, fans are set to see Lionel Messi back in action.

The Lions enter the match after a disappointing home opener against the New York Red Bulls, a 2-1 result in which the visitors dictated play with 13 shots on target, forcing goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau into a standout performance that prevented a heavier defeat. Following the departures of Alex Freeman and Rodrigo Schlegel, Orlando are counting on young Brazilians and newcomers Tiago, Luis Otávio, and Iago Teodoro to emerge as key contributors.

On the other side, Inter Miami head into their second official match of the season after a humbling 3-0 road loss to Los Angeles FC in a record-setting MLS clash. The Herons bounced back with a win Thursday against Independiente del Valle and will aim to carry that momentum into a game with points at stake.

Is Lionel Messi playing vs. Orlando City?

Lionel Messi is starting on Sunday’s Florida derby. The Argentine star featured in the second half of Thursday’s friendly against Independiente del Valle where he scored from the penalty spot, and after dealing with an injury prior to the season, completed Saturday’s training session and is available for selection.

Interestingly, this will mark his fifth meeting with Orlando City but only his third in MLS play. Messi missed one Florida derby in each of 2023, 2024, and 2025, appearing in just two league matches against the Lions, where he has split results with one win and one loss and will look to tilt that record in his favor.

Confirmed lineups for Orlando City and Inter Miami

Orlando City’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Maxime Crepeau; Griffin Dorsey, David Brekalo, Nolan Miller, Tahir Reid-Brown; Braian Ojeda, Colin Guske; Marco Pašalić, Martín Ojeda, Iván Angulo; Duncan McGuire.
Head coach: Oscar Pareja.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Maxi Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo de Paul, Yannick Bright; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; German Berterame.
Head coach: Javier Mascherano.

After being subbed last Saudi Pro League game due to an injury, Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo made a key decision to assess his fitness.

Cristiano Ronaldo raised concerns during Al Nassr’s latest Saudi Pro League match against Al Fayha after the Portuguese star was unable to finish the game and was substituted following what appeared to be an injury. With concern surrounding the veteran forward, he has reportedly made a key decision to further evaluate the issue.

The game did not start well for Ronaldo, who in the 11th minute, at 0-0 and tasked with taking a penalty, struck his shot off the post. After an own goal late in the first half, Al Nassr rallied for a 3-1 comeback, with goals from Sadio Mané, an Orlando Mosquera own goal, and Abdullah Al Hamdan.

However, the most worrying moment came late in the second half, when Ronaldo was seen limping with apparent muscle discomfort, prompting head coach Jorge Jesus to substitute him in the 81st minute. Sitting on the bench, the striker was examined by medical staff, who applied ice to his right leg. Although he later appeared in the mixed zone signing autographs and walking unassisted, concern among Al Nassr fans remained.

During the post-match press conference, Jesus addressed Ronaldo’s condition and sought to ease fears. “Ronaldo felt some muscle fatigue. After we went up 2-1, I didn’t want to take any risks, so I subbed him out. The medical department is going to evaluate his condition, but what he felt is nothing out of the ordinary—nothing serious or anything that will keep him sidelined for long. It was just muscle soreness,” Jorge Jesus said.

Cristiano Ronaldo to assess his injury

According to Saudi outlet Al Riyadiyah, Cristiano Ronaldo will undergo an MRI on Monday in a specialized medical center. Initial tests determined what was already suspected, that the Portuguese was suffering a discomfort on his right hamstring, proving to be a little bit more worrying than just a muscle fatigue.

The purpose of the scan is to determine the true severity of the injury and establish a recovery timeline so the club can plan accordingly around its star player. The results will be significant not only for the SPL title race, but also with the March international window approaching for the Portugal national team.

Following the Asian Football Confederation’s decision to postpone upcoming AFC Champions League quarterfinal matches, Al Nassr’s scheduled game Wednesday against Al Wasl will not be played. As a result, Jesus opted to give his squad a rest day Sunday before returning to training.

As for a recovery timeline, it will depend entirely on the diagnosis. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicates Grade I muscle strains typically require one to three weeks of recovery, a timeframe that could affect Ronaldo’s fitness for Portugal’s upcoming matches against Mexico and the United States men’s national team.

With Qatar's current situation, FIFA are reportedly set to wait on making a decision over the postponement of the 2026 Finalissima between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Lamine Yamal's Spain.

The 2026 Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, one of the marquee matchups of the year ahead of the World Cup, has once again been thrust into the spotlight amid the possibility of the game being suspended. However, reports have now surfaced that FIFA will wait before deciding on a postponement of the clash between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

After several months without an agreement on a date, FIFA, CONMEBOL, and UEFA had settled on staging the match in Qatar at Lusail Stadium on March 27. However, the situation in Qatar has put the country on alert, prompting security measures and the postponement of several sporting events nationwide.

On Sunday, the Qatar Football Association released a statement addressing the situation in Qatari soccer: “Qatar Football Association announces the postponement of all tournaments, competitions, and matches, effective from today and until further notice. The new dates for the resumption of competitions will be announced in due course through the Association’s official channels.“

The Finalissima still not suspended

Despite the statement released by the QFA, the Finalissima has not been officially suspended yet. The decision from the national federation applies only to competitions under its jurisdiction, while any ruling on international events such as the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain will be determined jointly by FIFA, UEFA, and CONMEBOL.

As reported by Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, the Finalissima is not officially suspended. CONMEBOL and UEFA have not held discussions with the Qatari government, meaning the match remains unresolved and is expected to be clarified in the coming days, with less than a month remaining before the scheduled date.

Edul also reported that the chances of the duel between Argentina and Spain not being played on the 27th “are very high.” Still, the governing bodies plan to remain cautious before making a determination, waiting to see whether the situation escalates before reaching a final decision.

What are the options for the Finalissima?

Taking into account the significant commercial agreement Qatar has to host the clash between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, it is rather unlikely the nation would relinquish hosting rights to another country on the same date. Under that scenario, only one realistic option remains.

As the Argentine insider reported, postponement is among the most likely outcomes, though it remains unclear whether that would mean days, weeks, or even months, especially given how close the World Cup is. FIFA, UEFA, and CONMEBOL are monitoring the situation before making a final call on a match that has already faced multiple delays.

With his knee injury resurfacing at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe is reportedly causing concern within the France national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe has become one of the players to watch ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where the striker, already considered one of the leading contenders with France, will have the chance to chase multiple records. However, his recent knee injury at Real Madrid is reportedly beginning to raise concern among Les Bleus ahead of the tournament.

The 2025-26 season began with Mbappe in outstanding scoring form, making him the top scorer in both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. But his run was interrupted by a knee injury suffered December 7 against Celta Vigo, an issue that has resurfaced in recent days.

According to L’Equipe, the France national team now fears Mbappe could reach the World Cup dealing with what was described as “unprecedented” knee discomfort. While Real Madrid had previously labeled the problem a sprain, his absence from the key Champions League match against Benfica reignited concerns that the injury could be more serious than initially thought.

After suffering a setback in training the day before the Benfica clash, Mbappe decided, alongside head coach Alvaro Arbeloa and the medical staff, to sit out the match. Reports from the French outlet added that he had been playing “on one leg” for the Spanish side over the past six weeks, particularly struggling when accelerating.

To address the issue, Mbappe is set to undergo an accelerated treatment program aimed at avoiding a more serious injury or the need for surgery. Either scenario, with the World Cup less than four months away, could sideline the striker not only for a large portion of the season but also for the tournament itself.

France have been drawn into Group I for the World Cup and face a challenging path that includes Norway national team led by Erling Haaland and Senegal national team captained by Sadio Mane, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champion. The group will be completed by a nation from the intercontinental playoff between Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname, making Mbappe’s fitness crucial if France want to avoid any early surprises.

Real Madrid still unsure of the severity of Mbappe’s injury

With surgery currently ruled out, Real Madrid’s plan is to manage Mbappe carefully to prevent a more serious setback. However, that approach leaves the club uncertain about when he will be able to return.

Even before the Benfica match, Arbeloa addressed Mbappe’s condition in an interview with Movistar+: “We can call it an injury, but I hope it’s not very serious and that he can return in a few days or weeks. We’re very clear about what’s wrong with him, and we want him to recover.“

No official recovery timeline, or detailed medical statement, has been released by Madrid. Still, the striker is expected to miss at least the La Liga matches against Getafe CF (March 2) and Celta Vigo (March 7) as the club monitors his progress day by day.

With the lineups confirmed, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul won't be starting for Inter Miami in their friendly against Independiente del Valle.

Inter Miami are set to face Independiente del Valle on Thursday in a postponed preseason friendly in Puerto Rico, a match that generated major anticipation among fans on the island. However, eyebrows were raised when Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul were nowhere to be seen in the Herons’ starting lineup.

Messi and De Paul won’t start against Independiente del Valle due to a technical decision. Inter Miami’s head coach opted for heavy rotation for the friendly in Puerto Rico, leaving both Argentina stars on the bench.

The decision was also made with consideration for how close the friendly is within the team’s tight schedule. Inter Miami played their MLS opener against LAFC on Saturday, leaving only four days of rest before today’s friendly, in addition to the travel demands of the trip to Puerto Rico.

The team will also have its next MLS game away next Sunday, March 1, against Orlando City in the Florida derby, meaning just 72 hours between today’s friendly and their next match. In this situation, and with Messi still not at his best after recovering from a muscle strain, Mascherano has decided to keep the star on the bench for now.

Rodrigo De Paul llegando al estadio 🏟️ 🇵🇷 pic.twitter.com/vZtOgClRk1

— movimientodepaul7 (@movimentdepaul7) February 26, 2026

Still, Puerto Rican fans are eager to see Messi on the pitch, who’s likely to jump in for the second half. Even when arriving to the stadium, the Inter Miami star had a warm reception from local fans, showcasing how important it is his presence in the game.

Huge squad rotation in Inter Miami

Compared to the starting lineup in the MLS debut against LAFC, head coach Mascherano has made 9 substitutions, with only Ian Fray and Yannick Bright as the ones who survived the cut for Thursday’s friendly. During the pre-match press conference early today, the Argentine boss addressed his plan of rotating the squad to give minutes to players who have seen limited action so far.

“The match gives us the opportunity to give minutes to guys who perhaps haven’t seen as much action, both during the preseason and in our last league match. We’re going to try to get everyone on the pitch,” he stated. “We need to get minutes for the entire squad, while also being careful since we have a very important match against Orlando in just 72 hours,” he added.

After scoring his first goal in 2026 with Santos since his return from injury, Neymar paid a tribute to his teammate in the national team Vinicius Junior.

Neymar raised concerns last year after suffering a knee injury that could have affected his form just months before the World Cup with Brazil. Now the star forward has finally returned to the scoresheet in 2026 with Santos, celebrating with a tribute to teammate Vinicius Junior following recent events in the UEFA Champions League.

On Thursday, Santos hosted a 2026 league matchup against Vasco da Gama at Vila Belmiro, looking to bounce back after one draw and two losses in their first three games. Head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda included Neymar in the starting lineup, marking his second straight start, and the star delivered.

In the 25th minute, Santos launched a quick counterattack through midfield, and drifting in from the left, Moisés slipped a pass into space for Neymar to strike first time and score the opener. It was Neymar’s first goal of 2026 and his first since scoring against Juventude on December 3 in Matchday 37 of last season’s Brasileirão.

But Neymar was far from finished. After Vasco scored the equalizer in the 43rd minute, the superstar forward took center stage once again. Capitalizing on a defensive mistake that left him one-on-one with Leo Jardim, Neymar coolly chipped the keeper in the 61st minute, completing his brace and securing Santos’ first victory of the Brasileirao campaign.

Neymar missed Santos’ first 10 matches after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to address a meniscus issue late last year. With his stated priority being full fitness for the World Cup, the goal represents another step toward convincing Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti to include him in the squad.

Neymar and a tribute to Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior made headlines last week after alleging he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg against Benfica. The incident sparked widespread debate across the soccer world, with the Portuguese club denying the accusations and multiple figures weighing in publicly.

One notable voice who had not commented publicly was Neymar, one of Vinicius’ closest friends on the national team. Instead, the Santos forward chose to show support in his own way.

While celebrating his goal, Neymar first made a “silence” gesture toward the stands where some fans were booing him, then ran to the corner flag and recreated the same dance celebration Vinicius used in the Champions League match.

After a hefty debut in the 2026 MLS season, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas made things clear over potential new signings to boost the squad around Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami began its 2026 MLS title defense on the wrong foot after LAFC handed it a resounding 3-0 defeat in Los Angeles. Following the disappointing start, co-owner Jorge Mas addressed the possibility of additional signings to strengthen the roster around Lionel Messi.

After spending more than $40 million in transfer fees (per Transfermarkt), Inter Miami also acquired an international roster slot for the 2026 season from New England Revolution, raising expectations about another incoming player. The lopsided loss against a team featuring Son Heung‑min suggested the Herons are still far from settled, fueling speculation about a potential move.

Jorge Mas attended an event hosted by FIFA to open a museum in Miami on Wednesday, and in comments relayed by José Armando, the Inter Miami executive was asked about further additions: “The transfer market is open and some things are being considered. I’m not anticipating any more signings.”

Mas then highlighted several notable arrivals. “I think (German) Berterame is a great signing for the club, and obviously the return of Tadeo (Allende). His visa was delayed, but I think we’ll see him at 100% within the next two weeks. Mateo Silvetti; we expect very good things this year from David Ayala and Yannick (Bright),” he added.

After several departures from last season, Inter Miami needed an aggressive winter window, and Mas believes it was nearly flawless: “We entered the winter window with a goal. I’d tell you we were pursuing seven players, and of those seven we were able to acquire six.“

In addition to the names mentioned, Inter Miami also finalized deals for Rocco Ríos Novo, Dayne St. Clair, Facundo Mura, Luis Barraza, Micael dos Santos, Sergio Reguilón, and Dániel Pintér from Inter Miami II. Even without formally closing the door on more moves, the club appears set to rely on this group for at least the early portion of the 2026 campaign.

Jorge Mas going all-in for 2026 season

Winning MLS Cup had been a primary objective for Inter Miami’s ownership since Messi’s arrival, and after lifting the trophy in 2025, the focus has shifted toward international success, specifically the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Despite heavy investment ahead of 2026, the 3-0 loss served as a wake-up call that the team has yet to rediscover the form it showed late last season.

Still, Mas expressed full confidence in the squad’s potential. “We’re very happy with the club’s roster. We aspire not only to win the league, but the Supporters’ Shield, Leagues Cup, Champions (Cup), and MLS Cup. We’re very satisfied,” the club co-owner stated.

Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle are clashing in a postponed friendly in Puerto Rico, with huge expectations from local fans to see Lionel Messi in action.

Inter Miami have traveled to Puerto Rico to face Independiente del Valle on Thursday, February 26, at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium. With the 2026 Major League Soccer season already underway, fans are eager to see Lionel Messi making his first appearance on the island.

The Herons enter the match after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat in their MLS opener against LAFC, beginning their title-defense campaign on the wrong foot. Independiente del Valle, meanwhile, have also had their schedule interrupted. The Ecuadorian first division kicked off last weekend, with El Negriazul coming off a 2–0 win over Guayaquil City in their opener.

The game was originally scheduled for Friday, February 13, as part of the Champions Tour before the MLS season began. However, Messi’s hamstring injury against Barcelona SC in Guayaquil disrupted those plans, forcing both clubs to find a new date, with Feb. 26 ultimately selected.

Is Lionel Messi playing?

After the postponement, Lionel Messi will be starting the game against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico on the subs bench. Following Thursday’s training session, which was open to fans, head coach Mascherano decided to leave the Argentina star out of the starting lineup.

In his pre-match press conference, head coach Javier Mascherano explained that his plan is to rotate minutes, especially for players who have seen limited action so far: “The match gives us the opportunity to give minutes to guys who perhaps haven’t seen as much action, both during the preseason and in our last league match.“

The Argentine manager also has one eye on the upcoming MLS fixture against Orlando City on March 1. “We’re going to try to get everyone on the pitch. We need to get minutes for the entire squad, while also being careful since we have a very important match against Orlando in just 72 hours,” he stated.

“Regardless of the loss the other day, for those of us who have been here at Inter Miami for a while, the next game is always the most important—and it’s always the one you have to win,” Mascherano concluded, emphasizing that the mentality remains unchanged despite the uneven start.

Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Rocco Rios Novo; Facundo Mura, Ian Fray, Gonzalo Luján, Ezequiel Abadia-Reda; David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, Alexander Shaw, Santiago Morales; Luis Suárez, Daniel Pinter.
Head coach: Javier Mascherano.

Independiente del Valle’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Guido Villar; Juan Viacava, Daykol Romero, Mateo Carabajal, Layan Loor; Matias Perello, Jordy Alcivar, Patrik Mercado, Júnior Sornoza; Djorkaeff Reasco, Emerson Pata.
Head coach: Joaquín Papa.

Al Hilal star Ruben Neves has reportedly inspired Cristiano Ronaldo's new 'basketball' celebration after his jab to Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siu” celebration became a global phenomenon that spread beyond soccer into other sports. Recently, however, the Portuguese forward unveiled a completely different celebration that resembled a basketball slam dunk, a gesture that was reportedly inspired after Al Hilal star Ruben Neves appeared to take a jab at Al Nassr.

With Al Nassr traveling to face Al Najma on Wednesday, Ronaldo had a prime opportunity to add to his goal tally against the team sitting at the bottom of the Saudi Pro League standings. He did just that in the 7th minute, stepping up to take a penalty that he blasted into the top corner for the opener.

After scoring the game’s first goal, Ronaldo ran toward the corner to celebrate, but instead of performing his trademark “Siu,” he opted for something new. Looking toward the sideline, he mimicked a basketball-style slam dunk motion with his right hand.

Al Nassr went on to cruise past Al Najma with a dominant 5-0 victory, though Ronaldo didn’t score again. Still, much of the postgame attention centered on what might have inspired the celebration change, with local reports suggesting Neves may have played a role.

What did Ruben Neves say?

Tensions have been rising recently between Ronaldo and Al Hilal, beginning with their league meeting on January 12, when the forward appeared to gesture toward a camera implying Al Nassr had been robbed in that match. Controversy resurfaced again when Ronaldo reportedly opposed Karim Benzema’s potential move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, adding another chapter to the rivalry.

Now the standings have shifted, with Al Nassr sitting first in the SPL and Al Hilal dropping to third after two straight draws. Following a 1-1 result against Al Taawoun on Tuesday, Neves spoke candidly about the league’s competitiveness:

“I think we need to value this league because it’s one of the leagues in the world where four teams are fighting for the title. We’re almost in March and there are four teams fighting for the title. It’s been very competitive, but we need everyone to be in the same level, because what we see in some games and what we see in others is completely different,” the Portuguese midfielder stated.

He then added another pointed remark, without naming a specific club, suggesting that some teams have recently benefited from officiating decisions. “We want all to play the same games. I’ve seen players playing almost basketball and volleyball inside the box, where the referees go to the screen and still don’t give the penalty,” he stated in a post-match interview.

Local reports interpreted Neves’ comments as a reference to Al Nassr, who played the following day. Shortly after hearing the remarks from his Portugal national team teammate, Ronaldo appeared to respond subtly with the basketball-style celebration, widely seen as a playful nod to Neves’ quote.

Now at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi shared his honest opinion on the growth of the MLS and the USMNT, comparing it with the Liga MX and Mexico.

Mexico’s soccer culture and international pedigree have historically surpassed that of the United States in North America’s regional rivalry, but the gap appears closer than ever. Now witnessing that evolution firsthand with Inter Miami CF, Lionel Messi offered his candid assessment of the growth of Major League Soccer and the USMNT compared to Mexico national team and Liga MX.

With Inter Miami competing internationally, Messi has faced not only MLS-based U.S. internationals but also Liga MX standouts. While Mexican dominance remains evident, he believes the margin has narrowed. Speaking on YouTube channel Miro de Atrás with Nahuel Guzmán and Gonzalo Iglesias, the Tigres UANL goalkeeper noted the shrinking gap, prompting Messi to weigh in:

“Well, I think part of that is also what’s happened at the national team level, right? Because I think the United States and Mexico are very even right now. The U.S. national team has done a great job in recent World Cups too, and I think MLS clubs have grown a lot. When Mexican teams come here to play, it’s tough for them,” Messi stated.

The Argentine also pointed to a key contrast between playing environments in Mexico and the U.S., emphasizing factors behind Mexican clubs’ continued edge, especially in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. “Also, when MLS teams go to Mexico, it’s an advantage for Mexican sides playing at home. In some places you have altitude, stadiums filled with 60,000 or 70,000 people, and whether you like it or not, that plays a role. Home-field advantage is strong — that’s why Mexican teams have usually won the Champions Cup,” he added.

To contextualize his point, since the competition’s launch in 1962, Mexican clubs have won 40 titles and finished runner-up 20 times. U.S. sides, meanwhile, have claimed the trophy just three times, with five runner-up finishes. Since 2022, each final has featured an MLS club against a Liga MX side, but only once did the MLS representative prevail, Seattle Sounders FC.

MLS growth also a positive sign for Mexico, says Messi

Last season, both leagues attracted major names: MLS drew stars like Son Heung‑min and Thomas Müller, while Liga MX welcomed Sergio Ramos, James Rodríguez, and Keylor Navas. Still, the Liga MX arrivals have largely struggled to match the impact of those who joined MLS.

Even so, Messi believes MLS’s rise could ultimately benefit Mexican soccer: “I think MLS’s growth is worth highlighting, and I think it’s good for Mexico too, right? Because it puts them on alert. I don’t think it should be seen negatively, but rather positively — competing against MLS helps them keep improving, keep competing, and try to surpass them again and stay on top. In a way, it should help, not bother them.“

Historically, Mexico has asserted regional dominance through the CONCACAF Gold Cup, with a record 13 titles. Yet over the last 13 editions (since 2002), Mexico has won seven while the USMNT has captured the other six, now being in a situation where both national teams are sharing that domination.

“I think the same thing happens with the national teams, right? The rivalry has always been United States vs. Mexico. The last one was won by Mexico, but before that the United States had won — they’re right there. I don’t know, I think everything has become much more competitive and balanced overall,” Messi concluded.

With only two open dates, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal has officially confirmed the first pre-2026 World Cup friendly.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have his final chance to win the World Cup in 2026 when the tournament in North America kicks off on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico. As preparations ramp up for that golden opportunity, Portugal have officially confirmed their first friendly ahead of the competition.

After finishing atop Group F in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers and securing a spot in the tournament, Portugal cleared its schedule to organize additional friendlies as part of the team’s preparations. With the March international window already filled with matches against United States and Mexico, only two open dates remained in May and June before the start of the World Cup.

As announced by the Portuguese Football Federation on Wednesday, the Seleção will face Chile on June 6, just days before the tournament begins. According to the federation, the match is “part of its training camp” and will focus on preparing the squad for the competition in North America.

It will be the first meeting between Portugal and Chile since their clash at the FIFA Confederations Cup. On that occasion, the reigning champions of the Copa América and the UEFA European Championship met in the semifinals, playing to a scoreless draw before Chile advanced 3-0 on penalties.

While Chile failed to qualify for the World Cup, finishing last in CONMEBOL qualifying, the match should still serve as a valuable test for Portugal’s preparations. With a historical record of two wins and two draws against La Roja, Ronaldo and company will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten mark in the fixture.

Only one friendly remaining to be confirmed

Despite confirming the opponent and date, Portugal has not yet announced the venue for the friendly against Chile. Still, all indications point to the match being staged in Europe, allowing the squad to play both warm-ups before departing for North America for the World Cup.

In its announcement, the federation added that “the team coached by Roberto Martínez will also play a second warm-up match scheduled for June 10 in Leiria.” That suggests the national team is likely to hold both pre-World Cup friendlies on home soil.

After Al Nassr’s record-breaking 5-0 win in the SPL, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a three-word message to his teammates.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues making headlines even after turning 41, moving closer to the elusive 1,000-goal milestone, a feat never achieved in soccer history. As Al Nassr set a club record in the Saudi Pro League with a 5-0 victory over Al Najma, the Portuguese icon shared a three-word message for teammates and supporters.

On Wednesday, February 25, Al Nassr traveled to face Al Najma, who entered the match bottom of the SPL table with just eight points. Heavy favorites from kickoff, the visitors asserted control early when Cristiano Ronaldo converted a seventh-minute penalty for his 965th career goal.

Kingsley Coman (31st minute), Inigo Martinez (42′, 80′), and Sadio Mane (52′) also found the net to seal a dominant 5-0 result. With the three points from Unaizah, Al Nassr moved to the top of the league standings with 58 points from 23 matches, two clear of Al Ahli.

After the win, Ronaldo took to social media to post a brief message: “Keep it going!” With a nine-match league winning streak, Al Nassr next travel to face Al Feiha on Saturday the 28th, where the veteran striker will look to extend his scoring run to six straight games.

Al Nassr break club defensive record

After a strong start to 2026, Al Nassr have found rhythm on both ends of the field, pairing Ronaldo-led attacking production with disciplined defending. Most recently, the club matched its record for most consecutive clean sheets in Saudi Pro League play.

The 5-0 win over Al Najma pushed that streak to seven straight league shutouts, the longest in club history. The previous mark was six, recorded between October 2014 and February 2015.

Asked about the run of defensive form, head coach Jorge Jesus praised his squad’s execution. “My team has implemented the defensive ideas we’ve worked on since the beginning of the season. Now the players are applying them with great discipline, and that’s due to their strong commitment,” the Portuguese said in the post-match press conference.

That solidity has extended across competitions: counting both SPL and continental matches, Al Nassr are now on a nine-game clean-sheet streak. The last goal they conceded came in a 2-1 win over Damac on January 21, meaning the run has lasted more than a month.

With Vinicius Junior and Aurelien Tchouameni as the goalscorers, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League playoffs.

Real Madrid and Benfica faced off Wednesday, February 25, at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for the second leg of the 2025-26 Champions League playoffs. With Vinicius Junior once again finding the net alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni, Los Blancos punched their ticket to the Round of 16.

Needing at least one goal to force extra time, Benfica started fast and struck in the 14th minute. After a cross from Vangelis Pavlidis, Raúl Asencio deflected the ball toward his own net, forcing Thibaut Courtois into action, but Rafa Silva pounced on the rebound inside the box to open the scoring.

The visitors’ lead didn’t last long. In the 16th minute, after a layoff from Federico Valverde, Tchouaméni struck first time with a superb finish to level the match. Already ahead on aggregate, Vinícius sealed the win with a composed finish off another Valverde through ball, celebrating with a dance similar to the one that stirred controversy in the first leg.

The match ended 2-1 (3-1 aggregate), sending Real Madrid through to the Champions League Round of 16 after a series filled with tension and drama. Next up, Los Blancos will be drawn against either Sporting CP or Manchester City.

With Real Madrid having a key UEFA Champions League clash against Benfica, Kylian Mbappe will be one of the most notable absences.

Kylian Mbappé has arguably been Real Madrid‘s most important player in a 2025-26 campaign in which the team has struggled to meet expectations set at the start of the season. With Wednesday’s clash against Benfica shaping up as a decisive game that could determine Los Blancos’ fate in the UEFA Champions League, questions have arisen about why Mbappé has been left out.

Kylian Mbappé will not play for Real Madrid against Benfica after suffering an injury setback in his left knee. Reports revealed that the French star was unable to complete a training session, and after undergoing tests, the results showed his knee was far from fully healed.

The striker has been dealing with knee discomfort since last year, with an MRI later revealing damage to the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee. After missing two matches, Mbappé was able to return to the team, particularly for the Spanish Super Cup final, but the issue has resurfaced and now rules him out of the Benfica game.

The injury has become a major concern after Real Madrid released its squad list for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Benfica without Mbappé included. That means the Frenchman, in order to avoid further risk, won’t even be available off the bench.

Mbappé, the biggest absence Real Madrid could suffer

In a season in which Xabi Alonso was already dismissed from his role as head coach, Kylian Mbappé has often been the lone player providing solutions with a consistently elite level of performance. His goal contributions have become a major talking point, with fans and media suggesting the team has grown dependent on him, and the numbers support that claim.

Of the 22 goals Real Madrid have scored in their Champions League campaign, 13 have come from Mbappé, making him the competition’s current top scorer. He also recorded an assist in the first leg against Benfica, bringing his total goal contributions to 14, more than 60% of Los Blancos’ goals in the tournament so far.

Who will replace Mbappé?

With Kylian Mbappé completely sidelined for the match, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will have to find a solution to replace Real Madrid’s leading scorer this season. While it won’t be easy, the most obvious option appears to be Vinícius Júnior paired with Gonzalo García in attack, filling Mbappé’s spot.

Although they are very different striker profiles (Mbappé more mobile, García more of a traditional box finisher) Gonzalo García has already stepped in for Mbappé before. The 21-year-old has replaced him in the starting XI five times this season (including matches against Atlético Madrid and Barcelona in the Super Cup), producing six goals and one assist, showing strong efficiency when given a starting opportunity.

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami learns their rivals for the debut round in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Lionel Messi will be targeting the CONCACAF Champions Cup as one of his primary objectives for 2026 after capturing the MLS Cup last season. With the tournament already underway, Inter Miami have now learned their opponent for their debut in this year’s continental competition.

Inter Miami will face Nashville SC in the Champions Cup Round of 16, with the first leg set for March 11 at GEODIS Park and the return leg scheduled for March 18 at Chase Stadium. Because the Herons won the MLS Cup in 2025, they earned direct passage into this stage rather than starting in the opening round like most clubs.

For the first round of the competition, Inter Miami’s opponent was determined by the winner of the tie between Nashville and Atlético Ottawa. The MLS side seized control of the matchup with a comfortable 2-0 road victory in the first leg, putting them in firm position to close out the series at home.

Nashville and Atlético Ottawa met again Tuesday at GEODIS Park. Despite rotating the squad and resting several stars like Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge following their league opener, the hosts still rolled to a dominant 5-0 victory, with Alex Muyl, Jordan Knight, Woobens Pacius, Jack Maher and Ahmed Qasem as the goalscorers of a one-sided performance.

Interestingly, the Round of 16 showdown between Inter Miami and Nashville marks a rematch from two years ago. In 2024, the clubs played to a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Nashville (with Messi scoring once) before Miami secured a 3-1 win in the return leg to advance, fueled by a goal and an assist from the Argentine star.

Lionel Messi’s strong track record vs. Nashville

Since arriving at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has faced Nashville SC more often than any other U.S.-based opponent across multiple competitions. Four of those meetings have come in Major League Soccer play, three in last season’s playoffs, two in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and one in the Leagues Cup.

Across those 10 matchups against the Boys in Gold, Messi has seven wins, two draws, and just one loss. They’ve also become one of his favorite opponents statistically, with the Miami star recording 15 goals (an average of 1.5 per game) along with four assists, underscoring his consistent dominance in this matchup.

Inter Miami set for farewell at Chase Stadium

The Champions Cup series will also carry added significance for Inter Miami beyond the international stakes, as it is set to be the club’s final match at Chase Stadium before relocating to its new home.

Back in January, Inter Miami confirmed the Round of 16 second leg would be staged at the Chase Stadium, with tickets released for the March 18 date. The Herons are scheduled to open Miami Freedom Park on April 4 against Austin FC, which will mark the team’s first MLS home match at the new venue.

With the 2026 MLS season already underway, questions are being raised about when Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will play his next game.

Lionel Messi is still making history at 38 years old, remaining a cornerstone and captain for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. With the 2026 Major League Soccer season now underway, fans are wondering when they’ll see the forward back in action.

Lionel Messi’s next match is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, when Inter Miami face Independiente del Valle in a friendly in Puerto Rico. The game, originally set to be played before the season began, was rescheduled after the Argentine star dealt with an injury.

As for international duty with Argentina national team, Lionel Messi is set to return to action during the March international window. La Albiceleste will face Spain national team in the Finalissima on Friday the 27th, followed by a friendly against Qatar national team on Tuesday the 31st.

The 2026 MLS campaign has only just begun for Messi, who has featured in one official match so far without recording a goal or assist. The opener came against LAFC, who handed Inter Miami a 3-0 defeat in front of a packed crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.

Neymar is reportedly facing a major setback in his bid to return to Brazil’s national team, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti shapes his plans for the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar’s potential role in the 2026 World Cup has become a major talking point not only within the Brazil national team setup but across the country, with fans openly calling for his inclusion. However, with less than four months until the tournament begins, the Brazilian star is reportedly facing a setback as head coach Carlo Ancelotti shapes his plans for the competition.

One of the recent headlines in Brazil came after Neymar suggested he could retire when his contract with Santos FC expires in December 2026. With that timeline in mind, his focus has shifted to the short term, prioritizing a return to the national team, especially with the March international window approaching, but those ambitions may not align with the coaching staff’s current strategy.

According to ESPN Brasil, Ancelotti’s plan is not to include Neymar on the squad list for the March fixtures. That would rule him out of friendlies against France and Croatia, leaving his next opportunity to return dependent on the final roster announcement in May, when Brazil is scheduled to play two additional warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup in June.

Santos were recently eliminated by Novorizontino in the Campeonato Paulista, but that result, win or lose, was not expected to influence Ancelotti’s decision. In fact, despite being monitored by the CBF, the plan was never for Neymar to feature in the final matches before the definitive squad announcement.

Ancelotti to wait for Neymar to recover fitness

Neymar’s form late last season, combined with his return from knee surgery in mid-February, raised hopes of a comeback to peak condition, but the tight timeline has complicated matters. As ESPN reported, the idea was always for him to return gradually, regain match rhythm after injury, and continue building sharpness with Santos before being reconsidered for the Brazil national team.

Ancelotti has repeatedly emphasized that the door remains open, provided Neymar proves he is physically ready. Even though he has yet to play under the Italian coach with the national team, how he fits tactically is not in question; instead, the staff plans to evaluate in May whether he is capable of performing at the level Brazil will require in the World Cup.

Neymar urges Santos to ‘improve’

After helping rescue the club from relegation last season, Santos’ 2026 campaign has started poorly. With only three wins in 12 matches across all competitions (and still none in Brazil’s top flight) the team suffered another blow with the loss to Novorizontino, which was just Neymar’s second appearance of the year and saw him complete the full 90 minutes.

“Sadness. Simply sadness. We have to improve,” Neymar said briefly after the match. Now focused on turning their form around, Santos will face Vasco da Gama next Thursday at Vila Belmiro, aiming for their first win of the new league season.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be facing a long break due to FIFA calendar until his next game with Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, when Al Nassr will be hosting Neom SC for Matchday 25 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park. The Portuguese heads to the game after suffering a hamstring discomfort last game against Al Fayha, and with his personal account in 965 career goals.

Regarding the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return during the March international break. After having his suspension lifted ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the veteran forward will be available for selection for Portugal’s two friendlies, one against Mexico, and the other one against the USMNT.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 22 goals and provided 4 assists in 26 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.

With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.