Inter Miami face Nashville SC in the decisive Round of 16 clash in the Concacaf Champions Cup, with Lionel Messi as the main attraction.

This Wednesday will determine the fate of Inter Miami and Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. One of the two teams will advance to the quarterfinals, while the other will be eliminated. Lionel Messi will be the headline attraction at Chase Stadium.

The Argentine forward was rested by Javier Mascherano last Saturday, when the Herons visited Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. After the 0-0 draw in North Carolina, the coach explained the decision not to include Messi or Rodrigo De Paul in the squad: “We preferred they avoid the trip and get some rest.”

That means both Argentine stars are fully fit and expected to be part of the lineup this Wednesday, aiming for a win that would send them through to the next round of the continental competition.

However, Inter Miami cannot afford to relax. Nashville SC have proven to be a dangerous side, and they hold the advantage of not conceding at home in the first leg, which ended 0-0. Concacaf Champions Cup rules state that, in the event of a tie, away goals carry more weight. Therefore, if Nashville score tonight, a draw will not be enough for Inter Miami, who would then need to win the match.

Projected Inter Miami lineup

As head coach Javier Mascherano explained ahead of the match, the entire squad is available to face Nashville except for Maximiliano Falcon. The Uruguayan defender suffered an injury during the first leg at Geodis Park and will not be available.

With that in mind, Inter Miami’s projected XI is: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Noah Allen; Tadeo Allende, Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame.

Projected Nashville SC lineup

Head coach Brian Callaghan faces the challenge of setting up his team to contain Inter Miami’s attacking talent while also posing a threat going forward in search of a potentially decisive goal.

With that approach, Nashville‘s projected lineup is: Brian Schwake; Reed Baker-Whiting, Maxwell Woledzi, Jeisson Palacios, Andy Najar; Matthew Corcoran, Patrick Yazbek; Warren Madrigal, Hany Mukhtar, Cristian Espinoza; Sam Surridge.

Argentina have announced their roster for the March international break, with Lionel Messi included.

After weeks of speculation surrounding the Finalissima, which was ultimately cancelled, Argentina will spend the March FIFA break at home and play a friendly against Guatemala. Lionel Messi will be part of the squad, along with a few new faces.

On Wednesday, the official Argentina national team account on X released the list of 28 players called up by head coach Lionel Scaloni for the upcoming challenge, which is set to take place in just over a week.

As expected, Lionel Messi headlines the squad and is in full fitness at the start of the 2026 season with Inter Miami. Alongside several regular call-ups, two new names stand out: defenders Tomas Palacios and Gabriel Rojas.

Palacios is a 22-year-old center back who plays for Estudiantes de La Plata in the Argentine Liga Profesional de Futbol. He has been on loan there since the start of the year from Inter Milan. This season, Palacios has made eight appearances — seven as a starter — in the Apertura tournament.

#SelecciónMayor 📋Lista de convocados por el entrenador Lionel Scaloni para la Fecha FIFA de marzo.

¡Vamos Argentina! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/dzyWhNClTD

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 18, 2026

The other new addition is Gabriel Rojas, a left back for Racing Club, who also compete in the Argentine league. The 28-year-old defender brings extensive experience in his home country, as well as in Uruguay and Mexico, but has found his best form with Racing since 2023. Now, with less than three months to go before the World Cup, he has the opportunity to compete for a spot in the squad, in a position where depth is limited.

Prestianni once again included in Argentina squad

In addition to the first-time call-ups for Palacios and Rojas, another case deserves special mention. Gianluca Prestianni is part of Argentina’s squad, just as he was during the November 2025 international break, when he made his debut for the national team by coming on in the final minutes of the win over Angola.

The Benfica winger’s inclusion is particularly notable given the context: it comes just weeks after Prestianni was at the center of attention following a complaint made by Vinicius Junior over alleged racist remarks by the Argentine player, which resulted in a suspension imposed by UEFA.

Argentina absences for March international break

Lionel Scaloni’s squad for Argentina’s March 31 friendly against Guatemala at La Bombonera also features several notable absences. Injury issues have ruled out three players who are usually part of the team and are strong candidates to make the World Cup roster.

The most significant of them is Lautaro Martinez, who has not played for Inter Milan since February 21 due to a muscle injury. He is joined by Giovani Lo Celso, sidelined at Real Betis since January 25 for a similar reason, and Lisandro Martinez, who after returning in strong form for Manchester United following a serious knee injury, is now out again with muscle problems.

Franco Mastantuono’s situation is different. The Real Madrid winger featured for Argentina last year, even wearing the No. 10 shirt in Lionel Messi’s absence, but missed the October and November call-ups due to injury. Now fully recovered but having lost prominence with the Spanish side, Scaloni has opted not to include him.

CAF have awarded the AFCON 2025 title to Morocco, which had originally been won by Senegal.

Two months after that controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, CAF have overturned the result and awarded the match to Morocco, stripping Senegal of the title, despite their 1-0 victory on the field.

“The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Appeal Board decided today that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations… with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” CAF announced in a statement published on its official website this Tuesday.

This major decision stems from that final, in which Senegal’s players temporarily refused to continue playing after deeming a penalty awarded to Morocco during extra time illegitimate. Ultimately, Brahim Diaz missed the opportunity, and minutes later Pape Gueye scored the goal that saw Senegal emerge victorious and lift the trophy.

What do the AFCON regulations say?

After that controversial final, Morocco filed a complaint with CAF arguing that Senegal had violated the tournament’s regulations. Specifically, the claim pointed to the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Article 82 states: “If, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered loser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition.”

Article 84 establishes the sanction in the event that this violation is confirmed: “The team which contravenes the provisions of articles 82 and 83 shall be eliminated for good from the competition. This team will lose its match by 3-0 unless the opponent has scored a more advantageous result at the time when the match was interrupted, in this case this score will be maintained.”

Can Senegal appeal this decision?

The decision to overturn the result in favor of Morocco and award them the 2025 AFCON final, despite Senegal’s on-field 1-0 victory, comes from the highest continental sporting authority, the CAF Appeal Board. This means that within CAF’s internal hierarchy, there is no further avenue for appeal.

However, that does not mean Senegal’s case is completely closed. They now have the option to request a review of the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS is the world’s top sports tribunal and has the authority to issue a final ruling on soccer-related disputes such as this one.

After Lionel Messi did not play against Charlotte FC, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano addressed the situation ahead of the Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville SC.

Inter Miami drew 0-0 last Saturday against Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, a match highlighted by the absence of Lionel Messi. Now, with the Concacaf Champions Cup matchup against Nashville SC looming, head coach Javier Mascherano spoke about the situation.

At Tuesday’s press conference, shared by journalist Jose Armando on X, Mascherano was asked about Messi’s absence — as well as Rodrigo De Paul’s — in the previous match. “They didn’t travel, and it was a decision we made together with them,” he began. “We preferred they avoid the trip and get some rest.”

Expanding on that explanation, the coach added: “We felt we had been traveling a lot, and it was a synthetic field — always a tough one in Charlotte. We’ve been on the road quite a bit over the past month and a half, between preseason and the start of the season.”

With that MLS match behind them, the Herons are now focused on the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they will face Nashville SC this Wednesday at Chase Stadium. It will be a decisive matchup, as they look to advance to quarterfinals after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

Regarding that game, Mascherano offered reassurance about the availability of both Messi and De Paul. “Leo and Rodrigo are in perfect condition, like everyone else except Maxi,” the coach said, referring to Maximiliano Falcon, who has been sidelined since last Wednesday. “Maxi is the only player unavailable.”

Inter Miami must be especially cautious against Nashville

Wednesday’s match will be Inter Miami’s most important of the year so far. They will be playing for a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals — the club’s primary objective this season.

After a scoreless draw in the first leg at Geodis Park, the Herons face a tricky situation heading into the decisive match at Chase Stadium. In this competition, away goals carry more weight when tiebreaking level series.

As a result, if the second leg also ends in a draw with goals (for example, 1-1 or 2-2), Nashville SC would advance. That means a single goal from the visitors would force Inter Miami to win the match.

Rafael Leao could be on his way out of AC Milan, with reports indicating that Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to bring him to Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo has inspired many top-level players to leave Europe and begin new chapters in the Saudi Pro League. Now Portugal star Rafael Leao could follow a similar path and join Al Nassr, amid an uncertain situation at AC Milan.

Leao was involved in an unusual episode this past weekend when he appeared visibly frustrated after being substituted for Niclas Fullkrug in the second half of Milan’s loss to Lazio in Serie A.

“After Leao’s latest episode, reacting angrily to being substituted, his future is once again in doubt,” Diario AS reported on Tuesday. “Cristiano is looking to take advantage of the situation. The Portuguese star wants to convince his compatriot to join him in Saudi Arabia next summer.”

If confirmed, this would be a blockbuster move in the soccer world. Despite dealing with a disappointing, injury-hit season, Leao remains one of the most impactful players in Italian soccer, and a move from Europe to Saudi Arabia would certainly turn heads.

Across Serie A and Coppa Italia, the winger has made 24 appearances for AC Milan in the 2025–26 season, including 20 starts. In those matches, he has recorded 10 goals and 2 assists, averaging 0.5 goal contributions per game.

AC Milan’s stance on Leao

Valued at €70 million (around $80 million) by the specialized website Transfermarkt, Rafael Leao is one of AC Milan’s biggest stars alongside Christian Pulisic. However, his future at the club remains uncertain. “Milan would be willing to listen to offers,” Diario AS added in the same report, regarding the possibility of Leao being transferred once the current season ends.

If that happens, Al Nassr would not be the only club interested. In fact, for weeks there have been rumors that two Premier League giants are closely monitoring Leao: Arsenal and Manchester United.

Another Portuguese teammate for Cristiano Ronaldo?

A potential move from AC Milan to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League would be a significant boost for Al Nassr. The club already boasts a star-studded attack, and the 26-year-old winger would be a strong addition to that group.

Alongside Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman, Al Nassr also feature two Portugal national team stars: Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix. The arrival of Rafael Leao would unite three key attacking players from Roberto Martinez’s squad and further strengthen Al Nassr’s push for the elusive Saudi Pro League title.

James Rodriguez made his Major League Soccer debut with Minnesota United, and Thomas Müller had some thoughts on the matter.

More than a month after his arrival at Minnesota United was announced, James Rodriguez made his MLS debut this past weekend. Facing him on the pitch was Thomas Muller, who shared his perspective on the Colombian midfielder joining the league.

James Rodriguez came on in the second half for Tomas Chancalay and played just over 30 minutes in Minnesota United’s heavy 6-0 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. Muller, who also appeared in the final minutes, offered an unusually candid observation.

“I was a bit surprised he chose Minnesota,” the German forward said about Rodriguez’s move to MLS, according to BeIN Sports. “I remember in Munich he always said he was freezing. And now he goes to Minnesota, which is probably the coldest place in the United States.”

At that point, Muller isn’t entirely wrong. Minnesota is known for its harsh winters, with temperatures that can drop to 0°F. That’s even colder than winters in Munich, which usually see lows around 25°F. And it’s a massive contrast to the temperatures Rodriguez is used to in Colombia. In his hometown of Cucuta, the year’s lowest temperatures rarely fall below 59°F.

Muller and Rodriguez know each other well

Thomas Muller made the joke about Rodriguez’s move to MLS based on the close relationship they share. The two were teammates between 2017 and 2019 at Bayern Munich, when the Colombian midfielder arrived on loan from Real Madrid.

During those two seasons, Rodriguez struggled to fully adapt to the Bundesliga, which led the German club to pass on making the deal permanent. Still, James appeared in 67 matches, scored 15 goals, and contributed to two league titles and one DFB-Pokal victory.

The next challenges for Muller and Rodriguez

Thomas Muller’s MLS reality differs greatly from that of James Rodriguez. The German forward plays for one of the league’s top teams: Vancouver Whitecaps have won all four of their games this season and currently lead the Western Conference standings alongside Los Angeles FC.

On the continental stage, however, they face the tough task of overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit in the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Seattle Sounders, who they will visit Wednesday night.

Minnesota United, by contrast, are fully focused on MLS. They started the season with one win, one draw, and two losses, leaving them near the bottom of the Western Conference. Their next match will also be against Seattle Sounders on Sunday.

After the Finalissima against Spain was cancelled, Argentina reportedly have plans in place for the March FIFA break.

The soccer world will miss out on what promised to be an unforgettable showdown between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal in the Finalissima. Following the cancellation of that match against Spain, Argentina now appear to have a clear plan for the March FIFA break.

“The Argentina national team will train in Argentina during the FIFA window,” national team insider Gaston Edul reported Tuesday via his official X account. “There will be no travel.”

That puts an end to speculation surrounding the path forward for Lionel Scaloni’s squad. Originally, Argentina were set to face Spain in the Finalissima on March 27 in Qatar, and four days later they were scheduled to take on the hosts in a friendly. That second match was intended as preparation for their World Cup clash with Jordan, given the similarities in level and style between the opponents.

With those Middle East fixtures no longer viable due to the region’s ongoing tensions, and after talks to relocate the Finalissima fell through, Argentina are now targeting a single friendly on home soil.

“FIFA break: Argentina vs. Guatemala on March 31. The stadium will be confirmed soon,” added Gaston Edul, also via X. This means Lionel Scaloni will have the opportunity to put his players into action, albeit against a lower-level opponent than Spain.

Argentina choose a completely different path than Spain

While Argentina are heading into the March FIFA break with just one friendly against a lower-level opponent and prioritizing extended training time, Spain have taken the opposite approach following the Finalissima cancellation.

The reigning European champions moved quickly to line up two new friendlies for the upcoming international window. On March 27, they will face Serbia on Spanish soil, with the venue still to be confirmed. Four days later, they will take on Egypt, a team they were originally scheduled to face in Qatar.

Luis de la Fuente and Lionel Scaloni have opted for contrasting strategies amid the sudden changes. The Spain manager will have two matches to evaluate his squad before naming his final 26-man roster in late May, while his Argentine counterpart will benefit from extended training time to further refine his team’s on-field chemistry.

Days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi’s Argentina could play a friendly match in the United States.

While negotiations continue over the date and venue for the Finalissima against Spain, Argentina are also mapping out their path toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Just days before the tournament begins this summer, Lionel Messi and his teammates could play a friendly in the U.S.

“Negotiations to face Honduras ahead of the World Cup have progressed satisfactorily,” reported Deporte Total USA this Saturday. “The Argentina national team seems to be clarifying its plans for the June FIFA window.”

After the March FIFA break, during which the Finalissima remains uncertain, the national teams will not play any matches until coaches are required to submit their final 26-player World Cup squads at the end of May.

Once club competitions conclude, the national teams will begin pre-tournament training in North America. In the days leading up to their respective World Cup debuts, they will have the chance to play one or two friendlies during the June FIFA window.

Given the proximity to the World Cup, the top national teams usually select opponents of a lower level for these matches, minimizing unnecessary fatigue and potential injuries. In that sense, Honduras fit the criteria, currently ranked 65th in the FIFA Rankings.

Honduras bring good memories for Argentina

Playing Honduras ahead of the World Cup would not only give Argentina valuable match minutes and help them build competitive rhythm ahead of their opening group stage match against Algeria.

It would also, in a way, mirror the path Argentina took before the 2022 World Cup, which ended with the title after a penalty shootout victory over France. Back then, Argentina also played a friendly against Honduras in the United States: in September 2022, in Miami, Lionel Messi’s team won 3-0.

Less than four years later, Argentina could repeat that preparatory match and face Honduras on U.S. soil. The difference is that this time it would not be in Miami, but in Kansas City, where the team will be based during the tournament.

Inter Miami visit Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer and Lionel Messi is not part of the squad.

This Saturday, Charlotte FC face Inter Miami on Matchday 4 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season at Bank of America Stadium. As happens every time the Herons visit another city, the expectation is to see Lionel Messi, but this time fans will be disappointed.

The Argentine forward is not part of the starting lineup selected by head coach Javier Mascherano, nor is he on the bench. In fact, reports indicate that he did not even travel with his teammates to North Carolina for this match.

The reason for that absence reportedly has nothing to do with physical issues or tactical decisions by the coach, but rather with a precautionary choice. “Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will be absent from tonight’s match in Charlotte. The coaching staff decided to give them rest,” reporter Jose Armando wrote on his X account.

Inter Miami have a key Concacaf Champions Cup clash ahead next Wednesday against Nashville SC, and the idea was to avoid risking an injury that could rule Messi — as well as De Paul — out of that match.

Last Wednesday, the Herons visited Geodis Park for the first leg of the Round of 16 in the continental tournament, where they drew 0-0. Now everything will be decided in the second leg, which will be played at Chase Stadium. Considering that the team’s future in the Concacaf Champions Cup depends on that match, it makes sense that Mascherano preferred to rest his main star this Saturday.

Inter Miami lineup without Messi

It is not common for Inter Miami to play without Lionel Messi, especially while he is healthy. That forces Javier Mascherano to look for a different attacking setup, in order to find alternative ways to create chances compared to the ones the team usually rely on.

For this Saturday’s clash against Charlotte FC, nearly the entire Herons lineup will be different from usual. Up front, Luis Suarez will have the chance to play alongside Daniel Pinter, supported on the wings by Santiago Morales and Mateo Silvetti.

The confirmed Inter Miami lineup for the clash in North Carolina is: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Luján, Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilón; Mateo Silvetti, David Ayala, David Ruiz, Santiago Morales; Daniel Pinter, Luis Suárez.

Messi’s 900th goal still on hold

Last Saturday, Lionel Messi scored one of the goals in Inter Miami’s win over DC United. It was the Argentine forward’s 899th career goal, and it came during the first half of the match, which sparked speculation that his 900th goal might even arrive that same night in Baltimore.

However, the second half passed without Leo getting another opportunity to score. Something similar happened last Wednesday, when the Herons drew 0-0 against Nashville SC. With his absence from Saturday’s clash against Charlotte FC, the long-awaited 900th goal will now have to wait at least until next Wednesday, when Inter Miami play the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium.

Negotiations between Argentina and Spain continue with less than two weeks remaining before the Finalissima.

The organization of the Finalissima has been a headache for all parties involved. The need to find a venue to replace Qatar has forced a tense series of meetings between UEFA, CONMEBOL, Spain and Argentina that still have not produced a resolution.

In that context, Argentina reportedly have set two conditions for the match between the champions of Europe and South America to take place. “AFA’s last counteroffer to play the Finalissima: that it be played on March 31 and at a neutral venue, or it won’t be played,” journalist Gaston Edul wrote on his X account this Saturday.

This report highlights one of the issues that has sparked controversy in recent days: the venue. With Qatar ruled out due to the political tensions that have affected the region for weeks, the most viable alternative appears to be Europe, an option that satisfies all parties since the vast majority of the players are based there.

However, UEFA’s attempts to take the clash to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid have not been well received in South America, where officials believe it violates a key aspect of the Finalissima’s organization: the neutrality of the venue. Reports indicate that Argentina prefer other cities such as Rome, London or Lisbon.

This dissatisfaction with the proposal to play in Madrid even led the president of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia, to publicly state that his idea was to bring the match to Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. It has now become clear that this was a negotiation strategy, considering the venue is already booked on those dates for a series of AC/DC concerts.

Could the Finalissima change dates?

Differences over the venue are not the only source of tension right now between Argentina and Spain. With the delay in making a decision on that issue, the calendar has also become an obstacle to staging the match.

Originally, the Finalissima was scheduled to be played on Friday, March 27, a date that is now just 13 days away. That means deadlines are already extremely tight, considering logistical matters such as ticket sales, security operations and team organization.

That is why the reported request from the Argentine Football Association to move the match to March 31 could make sense, as it would provide more time to sort out the organizational details for the clash. The problem with that proposal is that it would force Argentina and Spain to change their plans for the FIFA break.

With the Finalissima scheduled for March 27, the clash between Argentina and Spain was supposed to be each national team’s first match of the international window. Days later, Lionel Scaloni’s team were set to play Qatar, while Luis de la Fuente’s squad were scheduled to face Egypt. If the date is changed, both teams would be forced to move those other matches earlier, if possible, or accept that they will not be played.

Inter Miami face Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi.

With two wins and one loss in their first three matches of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, Inter Miami are gradually finding their best form. This Saturday they face another challenge against Charlotte FC, and as usual Lionel Messi is at the center of the spotlight.

This time, however, the Argentine forward is making headlines not for his performances on the field or potential records, but for his absence. Head coach Javier Mascherano decided that Messi would not be part of the starting lineup or the bench in order to preserve his fitness ahead of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville SC next Wednesday.

It is a significant loss for Inter Miami, as is the absence of Rodrigo De Paul, and it will likely impact their chances of securing a victory in North Carolina. So far, the team has recorded one defeat and two wins in the 2026 MLS season, placing them third in the Eastern Conference standings with six points.

On the other side will be Charlotte FC, who opened the season with a draw against St. Louis City SC, followed by a 3-0 loss to Los Angeles Galaxy and a victory last week against Austin FC. That places them sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with four points.

Confirmed lineup for Charlotte FC

Unlike most Inter Miami matches, in which opponents focus their efforts on neutralizing Lionel Messi, this time Charlotte FC’s task will be to take advantage of his absence and impose their own style of play.

With that in mind, the confirmed lineup for Charlotte FC against the Herons is: Kristijan Kahlina; Nathan Byrne, Morrison Agyemang, Tim Ream, Harry Toffolo; Brandt Bronico, Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel; Liel Abada, Idan Toklomati, Wilfried Zaha.

Confirmed lineup for Inter Miami

Saturday’s matchup against Charlotte FC comes at an awkward moment in the schedule for the Herons. They played just three days ago against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 — a 0-0 draw at Geodis Park — and will decide the series next Wednesday at Chase Stadium.

For that reason, head coach Javier Mascherano will be without key players in his starting lineup. In addition to the absences of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who are being rested, Maximiliano Falcon is out due to physical issues.

Inter Miami’s confirmed XI is: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilon; Mateo Silvetti, David Ayala, David Ruiz, Santiago Morales; Daniel Pinter, Luis Suarez.

Mauricio Pochettino wants Noahkai Banks to choose the USMNT over Germany.

It is increasingly common to see players whose personal background makes them eligible for multiple national teams. Globalization and migration trends mean different countries often have ties to rising soccer stars and want to secure them for the future. That is now happening with Noahkai Banks, whom Mauricio Pochettino wants to recruit for the USMNT ahead of Germany.

“Mauricio Pochettino is pushing for Noahkai Banks to play for the United States,” German journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed through his X account this week. “The two have already spoken on the phone.”

Banks is a 19-year-old defender born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in December 2006 who currently plays for FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga. He moved to Europe as a child and progressed through the German soccer youth system before turning professional in January 2025.

Since then, Noahkai Banks has gradually earned a place at Augsburg. In his first season he played eight Bundesliga matches, while in the current campaign his role has become much more regular: he has recorded 21 appearances — 18 as a starter — along with one goal and one assist.

Noahkai Banks must choose which national team to represent

Banks’ performances have not gone unnoticed in the soccer world, and the United States have already shown interest in bringing him into the national team setup. However, the possibility of representing Germany is also appealing, which has led the player to delay choosing a side.

“The 19 y/o centre-back top talent is still undecided and also has strong ambitions to play for Germany. So far, none of the senior officials at the DFB have contacted Banks,” Florian Plettenberg wrote on X.

“Because he has not made a decision yet, it is possible that he will not play any international matches in March,” the report adds. During the upcoming FIFA international break, the USMNT will play two friendlies at home against Belgium and Portugal, while Germany will face Switzerland and Ghana.

Can a player represent two different countries internationally?

Throughout the history of soccer, there have been numerous cases of players representing more than one national team. In the past, the rules were much more flexible than they are today, which even allowed some players to appear in World Cups for two different nations. The most famous example is Real Madrid legend Ferenc Puskas, who competed with Hungary at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland and with Spain at the 1962 World Cup in Chile.

Today, however, that is no longer allowed. A player may switch national teams once if he played no more than three official senior matches before turning 21. But even in those cases, a switch is not permitted if the player has already appeared for his previous national team in a World Cup or a continental tournament.

Joan Laporta raised the possibility that Marcus Rashford could remain at Barcelona without the club having to pay Manchester United the full amount of the purchase clause.

Barcelona decided some time ago that they want to keep Marcus Rashford for the long term. However, to make that happen they must negotiate with Manchester United, who expect to receive a considerable fee for the forward. Now Joan Laporta has provided details about a possible alternative to reach an agreement between all parties.

“We could extend the loan further, it depends on what Deco wants,” the presidential candidate said during a recent interview with Jijantes. The reference to sporting director Deco is also key, as it suggests the decision will not depend solely on the wishes of coach Hansi Flick, but rather on alignment among the club’s different decision-makers.

Regarding ways to reach an agreement to extend Rashford’s loan, Laporta spoke about one possibility. “There are formulas, such as completing part of the purchase option with Manchester United and the rest we will see later,” he said. That would mean negotiating a new loan while paying a certain amount as an advance toward the permanent transfer, which could be finalized at a later date.

Finally, Joan Laporta explained the reasons why Marcus Rashford’s continued presence would be desirable for Barcelona. In that sense, he pointed not only to the player’s performances on the field but also to his contributions off it. “He gives us good numbers in goals and statistics, a great atmosphere, and he’s very involved with the Foundation,” the presidential candidate said.

Rashford’s numbers at Barcelona

Barcelona’s decision to move forward with securing Marcus Rashford’s continuity next season is based on the performances the player has delivered during his first months with the Spanish side.

Across La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League, Rashford has recorded 38 appearances, 21 of them as a starter. So far he has contributed 10 goals and 13 assists, which equals 0.60 goal contributions per match.

Manchester United’s stance on Rashford

While Joan Laporta’s comments suggest optimism about a possible agreement with Manchester United to keep Marcus Rashford for another season without having to pay the nearly $35 million purchase clause, reports from England indicate a different position.

Manchester United reportedly are not willing to consider any concessions for Barcelona and have made it clear that Rashford will only remain there if the full clause is paid. In fact, there has been speculation that the Red Devils, given the forward’s performances, now believe they set the price too low.

Estadio Azteca will be reopened ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi could be present for the occasion.

On June 11, Mexico and South Africa will play the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca. The legendary venue has been renovated for the event and in the coming weeks it will host its first match in its new form. While the original idea was for Cristiano Ronaldo to be the main attraction there, Lionel Messi could now take that spot.

The initial plan was for Mexico to headline the reopening of Estadio Azteca during the March international break by playing a friendly against Portugal, with Ronaldo as the star presence. However, that plan faces a major obstacle: physical issues affecting the Al Nassr forward have put his participation in doubt.

Given this situation, another alternative has begun to be considered. “There is already a ‘Plan B,’ and it involves welcoming another international star: Lionel Messi,” Marca reported. “Everything is now in Club America’s hands for ‘La Pulga’ to have the opportunity to appear at the new Estadio Azteca, which they are aiming to return to after the FIFA international break.”

Messi could play in Mexican territory soon

Club America are currently competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they eliminated Olimpia of Honduras in the opening round. In the first leg of the Round of 16, they defeated Philadelphia Union 1-0 this week and will play the decisive match in Mexico next week.

If they hold onto that advantage, America will advance to the quarterfinals of the continental competition, where they could face Inter Miami. The Herons made their tournament debut on Wednesday with a 0-0 draw against Nashville SC at Geodis Park, and will play the second leg next Wednesday at Chase Stadium.

If Club America and Inter Miami meet in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup, they will play their first match in Florida between April 7 and 9, before facing each other again in Mexico a week later. The plan is that, in that scenario, Lionel Messi’s visit would coincide with America’s return to Estadio Azteca.

“Club America’s board plans to return to their home after the Mexico vs. Portugal match, so they are targeting their Concachampions games there, as well as the rest of the Clausura 2026 season in Liga MX,” Marca reported.

Messi’s matches in Mexico

If the matchup between Club America and Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup becomes a reality, it would mark Lionel Messi’s fourth match in Mexican territory during his career and only the second official one.

The first two were friendlies. In 2011, Leo took part in an exhibition match featuring current and former players at Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City. A year later, in Cancun, he played another similar game for charitable purposes. The most recent precedent came in April 2024, when Inter Miami lost 5-1 to Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico will host matches in three cities: Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara. A total of 13 matches will be played there, highlighted by the tournament’s opening game as the most significant. Argentina will not play any of their group-stage matches in Mexico and are unlikely to play there in the knockout rounds.

Lionel Messi would only be able to play on Mexican soil during the World Cup in the unlikely event that Argentina finish third in their group. In that scenario, depending on a combination of results, they could play a Round of 16 match at Estadio Azteca.

Beyond the rumors linking him to Real Madrid, Jurgen Klopp could return to coaching elsewhere after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Since his departure from Liverpool in the summer of 2024, Jurgen Klopp has been linked with several clubs, including Real Madrid. So far those possibilities have been dismissed by the coach and his entourage, but now a more viable option could emerge after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Serving as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull since January 2025, Klopp has so far avoided a return to management. “A quick return to the sidelines of a top club is out of the question, according to sources close to Klopp,” Bild reported this week.

“However, another scenario is being discussed more and more loudly at RB – and is considered very conceivable: a move to the DFB and the role of national coach in the summer,” the report adds, referring to the possibility of taking charge of Germany after the 2026 World Cup.

According to Bild, executives at the DFB have contacted Klopp several times to offer him the job and, citing the words of Marc Kosicke, Jurgen’s advisor, “He feels more of an obligation, that he couldn’t always say no to the job.”

Germany have another coach currently in charge

The figure of Jurgen Klopp has long been linked with a potential stint with the Germany national team. This is obviously due to his nationality, along with the high profile he built as a coach, particularly with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, establishing himself as one of the best in the world and a natural option to lead Die Mannschaft.

However, that position is currently held by Julian Nagelsmann. The former Bayern Munich coach took over in September 2023 and has led the team through the entire cycle up to the World Cup that will be played this summer in North America.

During that span, results have been mixed. Nagelsmann has a 58% win rate with Germany, a respectable figure, and led the national team to qualification for the World Cup by winning Group A of the European qualifiers. However, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals of UEFA Euro 2024 at home against Spain and in the semifinals of the UEFA Nations League 2025 against Portugal.

This scenario could put Nagelsmann’s future in doubt depending on what happens at the World Cup. And that could open the door for Jurgen Klopp. “That this could happen in the summer, despite national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s (38) contract running until 2028, is considered very likely by a growing number of people at Red Bull,” Bild reported.

Two days before Barcelona’s elections, Joan Laporta and Victor Font are showing completely different positions regarding Lionel Messi.

Barcelona’s elections will take place this Sunday. There, Joan Laporta and Victor Font will compete to win the trust of the club’s members and take charge of the club for the next five years. The figure of Lionel Messi has sparked opposing strategies between the two candidates.

Over the past week, Laporta addressed the controversies that emerged about his alleged refusal to move forward with efforts to bring Messi back in 2023 after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain and before his agreement with Inter Miami.

The presidential candidate denied acting with that objective and lamented the missed opportunity. “It was a disappointment because we thought that having Leo for one or two years at Barça could help rebuild the situation, and we were excited about it. We accepted it with good sportsmanship. That’s what happened,” he said, according to ESPN.

However, Laporta later made it clear that Messi cannot be a priority in discussions about Barcelona’s future: “He is part of the past,” the candidate said. “Today Barcelona fans are excited about Lamine (Yamal), Pedri, Cubarsi… Flick on the bench and Deco in the offices.”

Regarding plans for the Argentine forward, Laporta acknowledged that his idea is to honor him as a former player of the club. “The issue with Messi is that we want to build him a statue and organize a tribute match when the stadium is finished,” Joan said.

Font considers Messi key to Barcelona’s future

While Joan Laporta considers the Lionel Messi chapter closed regarding Barcelona’s future and limits himself to the idea of a tribute for his history with the club, the other presidential candidate has a completely different vision of what to do with Leo.

During an interview with Sport this week, Victor Font was asked how the wound left by Messi’s departure in 2021 could be healed. “By reconciling with him. By apologizing on behalf of Barcelona fans,” the candidate replied. “It’s extremely important emotionally, but it’s also important economically and could even be important from a sporting perspective.”

Expanding on that idea, Font detailed his plans. “The Messi project we have developed has three pillars. The first is institutional: we would love to propose that he become the club’s honorary president,” Victor began. “The second is economic, where hundreds of millions are at stake if we are able to link the Messi and Barça brands, like Jordan with Nike or Federer with ‘On.’”

Finally, Font spoke about the aspect that may interest soccer fans the most. “The third is sporting: depending on how he sees himself, what the sporting department thinks and what Hansi Flick believes is best for the team, we would decide the most beautiful and exciting way to close this chapter,” the opposition candidate said. “A couple of months ago Flick was asked if he could see himself putting Leo in the team and he replied, ‘Why not.’ Well, ‘why not.’”

The staging of the Finalissima against Argentina appears increasingly complicated and, in that context, Spain are considering other options.

Over the past few weeks, serious doubts have emerged about the Finalissima taking place due to the need to find a venue to replace Qatar. UEFA and CONMEBOL have not yet reached an agreement and, in that context, Spain are beginning to consider alternatives in case the match against Argentina is canceled.

“With the cancellation getting closer, the Royal Spanish Football Federation is working to ensure De la Fuente has matches in the March window, the last ones before the World Cup roster,” Marca reported. “And that path leads to Serbia, with whom contact has already been made and progress achieved.”

Serbia are one of the strongest European national teams that have definitively missed out on the World Cup. They finished third in Group K of the qualifiers behind England and Albania, which left them without any chance of even competing in the playoffs.

In addition, the suspension of the matches that were scheduled to take place during the March international break in Qatar has also affected them. Serbia were scheduled to face the hosts on March 26 and Saudi Arabia four days later. But the uncertainty surrounding those games has left them available to arrange other commitments on those dates.

Talks about a potential match between Spain and Serbia have been ongoing for some time, including discussions between the managers of both national teams. “On February 12 in Brussels, during the Nations League draw, Paunovic and De la Fuente spoke about a possible friendly in the future,” Marca revealed.

Spain and Serbia could face each other regardless of what happens with the Finalissima

The cancellation of the matches that were supposed to be played later this month in Qatar has put into question all the fixtures national teams had planned for the March FIFA break. In addition to the match against Argentina, Spain were also scheduled to play a friendly against Egypt, also in Qatar, three days later.

That now seems less likely. “Even if the Finalissima ends up being played in Europe, Spain would face Serbia instead of the friendly against Egypt scheduled for March 30,” the Marca report added. “As for the possible venue, the RFEF is considering taking the match to southern Spain.”

Finalissima at serious risk due to venue disagreements

All these developments are mainly related to the possibility that the Finalissima could be canceled. The inability to stage the match in Qatar would affect commercial commitments that make the game less attractive for the associations involved, particularly Argentina, while disputes over the choice of a new venue have also contributed to rising tensions.

While Spain and UEFA proposed the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid as the ideal venue, Argentina made an unexpected counterproposal by insisting on bringing the match to Buenos Aires, at Monumental Stadium. With this tug-of-war, the chances of reaching an agreement satisfactory to all parties appear increasingly remote.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are reportedly interested in Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate on the Portugal national team.

For years, Inter Miami have targeted top-level players to strengthen the squad and surround Lionel Messi with the best possible talent. In that search, their next target could be Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate with the Portugal national team.

It appears increasingly likely that Silva will not continue with Manchester City once this season ends, as negotiations over a contract extension that expires on June 30 have not progressed. “The decision to leave Pep Guardiola’s club has already been made, and his powerful agent, Jorge Mendes, has already moved to find him a new home in Europe and Saudi Arabia,” reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The midfielder’s expected departure from England has attracted the attention of several major clubs. The report claims Juventus are among them: “There has already been some contact with CEO Damien Comolli and sporting director Marco Ottolini.”

Alongside the Italian giants, at least two other European clubs have reportedly shown interest, as well as the reigning Major League Soccer champions. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, there is interest from “Galatasaray (recently capable, thanks to favorable taxation, of attracting champions like Osimhen and Sane), Inter Miami and Benfica, who dream of bringing the prodigal son home after 12 years.”

Bernardo Silva’s current situation

At 31 years old, Bernardo Silva remains a key player for Manchester City. He has played 39 matches this season—32 as a starter—across the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, recording two goals and five assists.

In addition to competing for the biggest trophies of the season with Manchester City, Silva has the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a major personal objective. He is a key piece in Roberto Martinez’s squad and faces the major challenge of trying to secure the first World Cup title in Portugal’s history.

Considering Bernardo Silva’s age, the tournament in North America this summer could be his last chance to achieve that goal, as well as for an entire generation that includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Cancelo.

Bernardo Silva would be a major signing for Inter Miami

If the reports are accurate and Inter Miami pursue Bernardo Silva, he would be a major addition to the team. They currently have several top-level players to support Lionel Messi, such as Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Reguilon, and Luis Suarez, but they still feel the void left by the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Silva, with very different characteristics, could become an ideal partner for Messi on the field. Both are left-footed players who often operate closer to the right flank, which could allow them to connect and become the creative engine of the team while supplying chances for their teammates.

Real Madrid’s victory against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League allowed Vinicius to match a record set by Cristiano Ronaldo.

On Wednesday, Real Madrid secured a decisive win against Manchester City thanks to a hat trick from Federico Valverde, putting them in a strong position ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Vinicius also made his contribution to the result, matching a record held by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazilian winger started the play for Valverde’s second goal, dribbling from the left wing toward the center and delivering a pass to his teammate, who then scored with a precise left-footed shot.

With that goal contribution, Vinicius became the player with the most assists for Real Madrid in Champions League history, matching Cristiano Ronaldo. The two stars now share the top spot in the ranking with 31 assists in the European competition while playing for Los Blancos.

The advantage Vinicius holds in this comparison is his efficiency. He has played significantly fewer Champions League matches for Real Madrid than Ronaldo did during his years at the club. The Brazilian player has recorded 31 assists in 79 matches, an average of 0.39 per game, while CR7 needed 101 matches to reach the same total, an average of 0.30.

Where does Vinicius rank in the all-time Champions League assist table?

Vinicius’ numbers have not only allowed him to match Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid’s historical statistics—and likely surpass him in the near future—but they have also placed him among the elite in the competition’s rankings.

At the moment, Vini sits fifth on the Champions League’s all-time assist list. His 31 assists leave him just behind Neymar, who recorded 33. The top three spots belong to Lionel Messi (40), Angel Di Maria (41), and Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads the ranking with 42 assists.

Other Vinicius numbers in the Champions League

At just 25 years old, Vinicius has already earned a central role in world soccer, and the Champions League is where he seems to produce some of his best performances. In addition to being one of the five players with the most assists in the tournament’s history, he is also climbing other rankings.

The Brazilian winger ranks 30th among the top scorers in Champions League history with 32 goals, tied with David Trezeguet and Arjen Robben. He is also the 14th active player with the most goals in the competition. And despite his young age, he already has two Champions League titles, with strong prospects of adding more in the years ahead of his professional career.

Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font spoke about the chances of signing Erling Haaland, in contrast with Real Madrid.

Barcelona will hold presidential elections this Sunday, with Victor Font competing against Joan Laporta for control of the club. In the days leading up to the vote, the potential battle with Real Madrid to sign Erling Haaland in the future has become a major talking point.

“Erling loves Spain. I know Real Madrid want him too. We are working so that he ends up with us and we are looking for a preferential option for the future. I am convinced we will achieve it,” Font said during an interview with SER Catalunya.

“Real Madrid won’t be able to sign Haaland, we will,” the Barcelona presidential candidate later added. To justify his claim, he pointed to the close relationship between the Norwegian striker and Carles Planchart, one of the members of Font’s technical team who would be responsible for decisions related to soccer.

“Haaland considers Planchart his second father. They saw each other before the match,” Font revealed, referring to the hours before Wednesday’s clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid in Spain, which ended in a 3–0 victory for Los Blancos in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Font acknowledges it will not be easy to take Haaland from Manchester City

Despite the optimism he showed regarding the potential signing of Erling Haaland if he is elected Barcelona president, Victor Font admitted negotiations with Manchester City would not be simple. “They do not want to sell Haaland, but they recognize it will be difficult to keep him in the medium or long term,” the candidate began.

“We look beyond Barça in the short term. We are talking about one of the best strikers in the world. In the short term he cannot be signed, but these ten-year contracts are difficult to fulfill,” Font added.

Indeed, Erling Haaland signed an unusually long contract extension with Manchester City in January 2025, extending his relationship with the English side until June 30, 2034. By then, the striker will be nearly 34 years old, so it is reasonable to think that a move to another top club would likely occur before that date.

Barcelona need a center forward

That Erling Haaland has become a topic of discussion in the days leading up to Barcelona’s elections is no coincidence. For months, signing a new center forward has been a key issue for the Catalan side, considering that Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires this summer and that, even if he renews, his advanced age forces the club to begin thinking about a replacement.

In addition to Haaland, the other name frequently mentioned is Julian Alvarez. Rumors about his possible arrival at Barcelona date back years, but they have intensified considerably recently. And the Argentine striker’s own response when asked about his future has only fueled those speculations.

“Maybe yes, maybe no, you never know,” Alvarez said this week when asked about his future with Atletico Madrid. “I’m very happy here. It’s a question that keeps coming up, but I’m happy… I never said anything bad about the club. I’m very grateful. The people showed me their affection, and I’m very happy.”

After Madrid was proposed as a possible venue for the Finalissima, the president of the Argentine Football Association spoke about another option for the clash against Spain.

The Finalissima has been at the center of the global soccer stage for days, ever since the conflicts in the Middle East seriously called into question the viability of hosting the match in Qatar, as was originally planned. In this context, Spain and Argentina have different ideas regarding the new venue to be selected.

Details have recently emerged about the idea that UEFA and Spain proposed during meetings aimed at reaching a solution. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, is the venue preferred by the Europeans, but Argentina and CONMEBOL reportedly rejected that option because it would not be a neutral venue.

In this scenario, the president of the Argentine Football Association spoke about the issue during an interview with the media on Thursday in Buenos Aires. “We’re going to get to work because Spain want the Finalissima to be played in Spain, and I want it to be played at the Monumental,” said Claudio Tapia.

The Monumental is the stadium of River Plate, one of Argentina’s most important clubs. Located in Buenos Aires, it is usually the home of the national team—most of their World Cup qualifier matches were played there—and it has a capacity of 85,000 spectators.

Is Buenos Aires a possible venue for the Finalissima?

Since the chance of playing in Qatar began to be questioned, there has been much speculation about potential alternatives to host the Finalissima. Aside from Miami, most rumors pointed to European cities. Madrid progressed the most in those negotiations, but other cities such as Paris, Rome, and London were also mentioned.

Until Thursday, when Claudio Tapia brought it up, Buenos Aires had not been considered among the options. This would involve a complete logistical change for the match, considering that almost all players from Spain and Argentina play in Europe and would need to organize a long trip to South America for the game.

At the same time, this would require finding alternatives for the second friendly that both national teams will play during the March international break. These logistical challenges suggest that Tapia’s comments may not express a genuine desire but rather serve as a method to apply pressure in negotiations and definitively rule out the idea of playing the Finalissima in Madrid.

Argentina’s current priority

Amid speculation and proposals regarding the venue for facing Spain, the Argentine staff’s priority was revealed by Pablo Aimar, an icon of the national team and assistant to head coach Lionel Scaloni.

“We still don’t know,” Aimar admitted regarding the location of the Finalissima, during a recent interview with Cadena 3. However, the former Valencia midfielder made clear Argentina’s main concern at the moment: “Wherever it is safe. We want to play it, as long as it can happen.”

Pablo Aimar, an icon of the Argentina national team and assistant to coach Lionel Scaloni, spoke about the venue for the Finalissima against Spain.

Days are passing and the calendar is beginning to create pressure regarding the selection of the venue for the Finalissima between Spain and Argentina. In that context, Pablo Aimar, Lionel Scaloni’s assistant, shared details about the main concern the staff have regarding the staging of the match.

The Finalissima was originally scheduled to be played on Friday, March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar. However, the political conflicts in the Middle East in recent weeks have cast doubt on the viability of organizing a sporting event of that magnitude there right now.

Amid speculation about a possible change of venue, Aimar gave an interview to Cadena 3 during an Argentine Football Association event and was asked about where the clash with Spain will be played.

“We still don’t know,” admitted the former midfielder and current Scaloni assistant. Regarding Argentina’s preference among the potential venues, Aimar delivered a clear message: “Wherever it is safe. We want to play it, as long as it can happen.”

Those comments reveal Argentina’s main concern at the moment: the safety of both national teams, as well as the fans who attend the match, is above any other consideration, even sporting ones, that might be made right now.

Argentina reportedly rejected a possible venue

Beyond Pablo Aimar’s comments, negotiations between Argentina and Spain, which obviously also involve CONMEBOL and UEFA, have been complicated so far. With Qatar now almost ruled out for the reasons mentioned earlier, Europe appears to be the main alternative.

In particular, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is the proposed option with the best chance of hosting the match. However, reports indicate that Argentina have rejected the possibility of playing Spain at Real Madrid’s stadium. The reason seems clear: it would not be a neutral venue, so they prefer other options outside Spain.

Aimar says it’s not time to think about the World Cup yet

During the same interview with Cadena 3, Pablo Aimar was asked whether Argentina already have their minds set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins in three months in North America and will see them face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the group stage.

“There’s still time for that,” Aimar admitted. “There are matches, leagues and things happening minute by minute in soccer. So nobody is thinking about anything else. Things keep happening and, when the World Cup comes around, it will come.”

Inter Miami drew 0-0 with Nashville SC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. Lionel Messi was unable to score his 900th goal.

IInter Miami drew 0-0 with Nashville SC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, meaning the series will be decided next Wednesday at Chase Stadium. Lionel Messi was unable to score his 900th goal and will have to wait at least until Saturday.

During the first half, Nashville SC were the superior team. They didn’t always control possession, but they were more intense than their opponents and, above all, more dangerous. The hosts had several chances to score but were met with strong interventions from Dayne St. Clair.

The Inter Miami goalkeeper was key in keeping a clean sheet before halftime, making important saves from Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge. In addition, the English forward had another clear chance with a shot that went just wide, while Warren Madrigal also came close with a header that went off target.

Things changed after the break, as Inter Miami came onto the field with more conviction to impose their style and control the ball. They did so for nearly the entire second half, but struggled to create serious scoring opportunities. The clearest chance was a right-footed shot from Messi, saved by goalkeeper Brian Schwake, who spilled the rebound that Berterame was unable to convert.

The hosts, less prominent than in the first half, again created the majority of the chances. Hany Mukhtar came close with a shot that went just wide, while Madrigal also tried on a couple of occasions.

Messi was unable to score his 900th goal

Beyond the team objective of securing a good result in Nashville to decide the series favorably at Chase Stadium next week, Lionel Messi also had the chance on Wednesday to reach a historic milestone in his career.

The Argentine forward scored his 899th professional goal last weekend in MLS play against D.C. United, counting his club career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, as well as his years with the Argentina national team.

He now had the opportunity to score his 900th goal and become only the second player in soccer history—after Cristiano Ronaldo—to reach that mark. However, he had just one real chance throughout the entire match and was unable to achieve the milestone. His next opportunity will come on Saturday, when the Herons visit Charlotte FC in MLS.

Federico Valverde scored a hat trick for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, sparking comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Round of 16 of the Champions League features a marquee showdown between Real Madrid and Manchester City. In that clash, Los Blancos took a valuable lead at home thanks to a hat trick from Federico Valverde, sparking comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Valverde scored three goals during the first half against the Citizens at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, allowing his team to head into halftime in a promising position. On an individual level, the Uruguayan midfielder reached a milestone that very few players had achieved before.

Only four times in Champions League history had a player scored a hat trick in a knockout-stage match before halftime, according to statistics expert Mister Chip on X. Lionel Messi is on that list, alongside Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, and Anthony Gordon. Valverde has now joined that exclusive group as well.

What makes the achievement by the Real Madrid player especially impressive is that he is the only member of this select group who is not a forward, but a midfielder. And not only that. His profile is often more associated with work rate, tactical discipline, and defensive responsibilities, to the point that he has occasionally been used as a full-back.

Gordon and Haaland have special records

Within the group of five players who have scored hat tricks in the first half of a knockout match, Anthony Gordon stands out for being the only one who scored not just three but four goals before halftime.

That happened in this same edition of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, during the playoff series in which Newcastle United defeated Qarabag FK. In the first leg played in Azerbaijan, the English winger scored four goals in the first half and helped his team secure a 6-1 win, which later translated into a 9-3 aggregate victory.

Another player with a unique detail in this comparison is Erling Haaland. He is the only player on this list to have scored a first-half hat trick in the Champions League on two different occasions. One of those came during the group stage, when Red Bull Salzburg faced KRC Genk in the 2019-20 season. Later, with Manchester City against RB Leipzig in 2022-23, he achieved the same feat in the knockout stages.

The Messi–Ronaldo comparison

It is no coincidence that the three players with the most goals in Champions League history are also the ones who have scored the most hat tricks in the competition. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo share the lead with eight each, although the Argentine forward holds a particular advantage.

On one of those occasions, Messi scored all three goals before halftime. It happened in the 2009-10 season, when Barcelona defeated Arsenal 4-1 at Camp Nou in the quarterfinals. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has never scored a hat trick in the first half of a Champions League match. Finally, Robert Lewandowski achieved the feat once with Bayern Munich, against Red Bull Salzburg in the 2021-22 season.

Nashville SC and Inter Miami face off in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup, with all eyes on Lionel Messi.

After an uncertain start to the 2026 Major League Soccer season, Inter Miami have improved their performances and put together two consecutive wins. Now it is their turn to make their debut in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville SC, with Lionel Messi once again at the center of attention.

The Argentine forward was decisive in recent victories against Orlando City and D.C. United, recording three goals and one assist combined. Now he faces the challenge of delivering similar performances on the continental stage and leading Inter Miami into the tournament’s quarterfinals.

The challenge, however, will not be easy. Nashville SC have proven to be a tough opponent and know the Herons well. Last year, the two teams met in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and Nashville forced a decisive third match to settle the series.

While Inter Miami’s match this Wednesday at Geodis Park marks their debut in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup after qualifying directly by winning the 2025 MLS Cup, Nashville SC had to advance through an earlier round. They defeated Atletico Ottawa with a 7-0 aggregate score.

Confirmed lineup for Nashville SC

Considering the importance of Wednesday night’s matchup, head coach B. J. Callaghan will field the strongest possible lineup, setting aside any fatigue from Saturday’s MLS match against Minnesota United FC.

The confirmed XI for Nashville SC against Inter Miami is: Brian Schwake; Reed Baker-Whiting, Maxwell Woledzi, Jeisson Palacios, Andy Najar; Matthew Corcoran, Patrick Yazbek; Warren Madrigal, Hany Mukhtar, Cristian Espinoza; Sam Surridge.

Confirmed lineup for Inter Miami

The Herons also played their MLS Matchday 3 match last Saturday against D.C. United in Baltimore. With just over three days of rest, however, head coach Javier Mascherano will keep most of the usual starters.

The confirmed XI for Inter Miami in their visit to Nashville SC is: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Tadeo Allende, Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame.

Vinicius Júnior’s Real Madrid and Erling Haaland’s Manchester City meet in the UEFA Champions League with a curious trend hanging over the tie.

The showdown between Real Madrid and Manchester City is, without a doubt, the most attractive matchup of the Champions League Round of 16. Without Kylian Mbappe but with Vinicius Junior leading the attack, the Spanish side will try to take advantage at home in the first leg. However, they must be cautious of the ever-dangerous threat posed by Erling Haaland.

Beyond the significance of this match and the quality of both teams, recent history adds another intriguing layer to the matchup. Real Madrid and Manchester City have faced each other in the knockout stages of the Champions League in five of the last six editions.

Although the winning side has varied each time, with three victories for the Spaniards and two for the English club, one unusual statistic has remained constant: the team that scored the first goal of the series ended up being eliminated.

That pattern even repeated itself in the match they played during this season’s league phase at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. On December 10, 2025, Real Madrid took the lead through a goal from Rodrygo, but the Citizens turned the score around with goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland.

Recent history between Real Madrid and Manchester City

The run of frequent meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League began in the 2019-20 season. In that tie, the Spanish club scored the first goal through Isco, but they were eventually eliminated after losing both matches in the Round of 16.

In 2021 the two sides did not face each other, although they came close. Manchester City reached the final against Chelsea, who in the previous round had eliminated Real Madrid with a 3-1 aggregate score. That was the only edition in the last seven in which the two clubs did not meet.

Real Madrid won the title in the 2021-22 season. On their way to the trophy, they had to eliminate Manchester City in the semifinals, doing so with a 6-5 aggregate score. The series had started in favor of the English side with a goal from Kevin De Bruyne, but they were unable to hold onto that advantage.

In 2023, the trophy was lifted by Manchester City for the first time in their history. In the semifinals, they got their revenge and defeated Los Blancos, who had opened the scoring in the series thanks to a goal from Vinicius. The 4-0 win in the second leg showed the dominance of Pep Guardiola’s side that year.

In the 2023-24 season, it was Real Madrid who advanced on penalties, even though that quarterfinal series had started with a goal from Bernardo Silva. And a year later, Haaland put Manchester City ahead early in the first leg of the playoff round, but the series ended with a convincing 6-5 aggregate victory for the Spanish side.