After Barcelona’s elimination against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Raphinha aimed strong criticism at the referee — and it could prove costly.

Barcelona’s exit against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League dealt a heavy blow to the Catalan side. And the fallout from that disappointment could extend into the future, with Raphinha now facing the possibility of a suspension after claiming that “the match was a robbery.”

According to Diario AS, UEFA is already reviewing those comments to determine whether the Brazilian winger deserves a sanction. If so, any punishment would only be served during his next appearance in European competition — most likely in the 2026-27 Champions League.

There are similar precedents that suggest an unfavorable outcome for Raphinha. During the 2018-19 season, UEFA sanctioned Neymar after he publicly criticized officiating following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League elimination against Manchester United.

“It’s a disgrace. They put four guys who don’t understand soccer to analyze a play,” Ney wrote at the time in a story on his official Instagram account. That led to a three-match suspension in European competitions for the Brazilian forward, which was later reduced to two by CAS.

🚨🏡 Raphinha to Atletico Madrid fans on DAZN cameras: “You’re going home [next round]”.@DAZNFutbol @DAZNFootball 🎥 pic.twitter.com/eaYRdTnVQT

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 14, 2026

Raphinha involved in another controversial incident

Despite not being able to play in the series against Atletico Madrid due to injury, Raphinha still drew attention for his actions after the match. In addition to his comments criticizing the officiating, the winger also made gestures toward opposing fans at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Several cameras captured the exact moment when Raphinha, on the pitch, gestured toward the crowd, signaling that Atletico Madrid would be eliminated in the next round of the Champions League. As in the previous case, there are precedents of players being sanctioned by UEFA for making gestures and directing offensive remarks at rival fans.

Raphinha apologizes to Atletico Madrid fans

Several hours after the final whistle — and likely with emotions having cooled — Raphinha reflected on his behavior at the Metropolitano Stadium and posted a message on his official Instagram account apologizing to Atletico Madrid fans.

“I apologize for my gesture, which does not reflect my values or my character. It was an act committed in a moment of tension, in response to a fan who was being disrespectful toward me,” the Barcelona star wrote.

Some Santos fans were involved in an unfriendly exchange with Neymar.

Santos are having serious trouble getting positive results this season, both domestically and continentally. In that context, Neymar was involved in a tense argument with some fans, who demanded a greater level of commitment to the club.

This Tuesday, Santos drew 1-1 against Recoleta FC in the Copa Sudamericana group stage and, after the final whistle, some people at Urbano Caldeira Stadium booed the Brazilian forward, who responded with gestures asking them to be quiet.

“I’m going to give you your minute of fame. Am I spoiled? I’m giving absolutely everything out here and you don’t respect that,” Ney said to one of the fans who criticized him. He then took aim at the fan’s physical appearance: “You should train more! You’re getting a little chubby!”

A few minutes after that tense exchange, Neymar gave an interview to ESPN in which he addressed his confrontation with the fans in the stands. “I understand fans who criticize our play, but when it becomes personal and they attack me in a different way, I can’t accept it,” he said.

“I can’t accept it because I’m a very consistent guy. I give my life for soccer and for this club. I even do more than I should, so they can’t treat me like this,” added the 34-year-old star. “I’m not saying they shouldn’t criticize my performances on the field, but I don’t accept criticism for what I do off it.”

Santos struggling to find direction

The fans’ animosity toward Neymar, while surprising, is understandable given that the team’s recent results have fallen well short of expectations. After avoiding relegation in the final matches of last year, they entered this season with hopes of competing for trophies, but so far that has not been the case.

In the Brazilian Serie A, Santos are in 15th place with just three wins in 11 matches, only three points clear of the relegation zone. Their Copa Sudamericana campaign has also been underwhelming: they lost their opener against Deportivo Cuenca and drew their second match against Recoleta FC, leaving them at the bottom of Group D for now.

Neymar needs to stand out at Santos

Santos’ slow start to the season certainly does not help Neymar. He has two months to try to show Carlo Ancelotti that he is in peak physical and competitive condition to be part of the 26-man roster that will represent Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Individually, however, he has shown consistent form. So far in 2026, Ney has recorded eight appearances for Santos, with seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists). Those are solid numbers, especially considering the difficult team context, which has included a recent coaching change.

Brazil former star Filipe Luis highlighted the importance of Carlo Ancelotti at this crucial moment.

With two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil are hopeful that Carlo Ancelotti can provide the national team with a tactical identity that allows them to compete for the title in North America. Filipe Luis expressed confidence that the Italian coach will get the job done in time.

“Ancelotti brings us many good things,” Filipe Luis said during a conference organized by Conmebol this week, according to Diario AS. “There are no guarantees we’ll win anything, but it’s the best that could have happened.”

The former Atletico Madrid defender pointed to the timing of Ancelotti’s arrival to take over the national team. In mid-2025, Brazil were coming off a heavy loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires and, with four matches remaining in the South American qualifiers, had not yet secured their place in the World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti delivered the results needed to achieve that goal and has since used every FIFA break to shape a team that had struggled to meet expectations since the departure of Tite after the 2022 World Cup at Qatar.

Filipe Luis believes in Brazil’s chances

The general consensus among fans and analysts lists Spain, France and Argentina as the top favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Despite being the most successful national team in the competition’s history, Brazil are not placed in that top tier, but rather in a second group alongside other powerhouses such as Germany, England and Portugal.

However, Filipe Luis warned those who might count Brazil out of the title race. “Brazil will always be one of the favorites, even when things aren’t going well,” said the former Flamengo manager, extending that view to Argentina as well.

To support his confidence in Ancelotti’s squad, Filipe Luis pointed to the team’s individual talent: “People don’t believe Brazil can win. But if you look at the five best players in the world, we have two: Raphinha and Vini Jr.”

Brazil’s path in the 2026 World Cup

Brazil are in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will open their campaign on June 13 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, before traveling to Philadelphia six days later to face Haiti. Their final group-stage match will be on June 24 in Miami against Scotland.

If everything goes as expected and Carlo Ancelotti’s side finish top of the group, they will advance to the Round of 16, where they would face the runner-up of Group F — made up of Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia — in Houston on June 29.

Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, earning a significant financial reward in the process.

On Tuesday, the first two clubs secured their spots in the semifinals of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Atletico Madrid lost 2-1 to Barcelona but still advanced thanks to their first-leg victory, while Paris Saint-Germain extended their advantage against Liverpool. Both clubs will receive a substantial financial prize for progressing to the next round.

Simply for reaching the Champions League semifinals, UEFA awards each club €15 million — approximately $17.6 million. While that alone represents a major boost for Europe’s top four teams, it is only part of the total revenue clubs generate from a deep run in the competition.

UEFA’s distribution system is made up of several components: participation bonuses, performance-based rewards, and milestone payments. As a result, each club’s total earnings vary depending on how far they advance and how they perform throughout the tournament.

The Champions League prize money structure

Each of the 36 clubs that participated in the UEFA Champions League league phase received a base payment of €18.62 million, roughly $22 million. From there, performance in that stage determines additional earnings.

Paris locked in for the semi-finals 🔒#UCL pic.twitter.com/O3eBTXtXCf

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 14, 2026

During the league phase, teams earn an extra $2.48 million for each win and $0.83 million for each draw. That is why the top-performing team in that stage — Arsenal — collected $19.8 million from eight wins, bringing their total to nearly $42 million when combined with the base payment.

How much do clubs earn for advancing in the Champions League?

Once in the knockout stages, teams also receive payments based on their position in the standings. On top of that, there are additional bonuses for advancing through each round: $13 million for reaching the Round of 16 and $14.7 million for making the quarterfinals.

As mentioned, the semifinals are worth an additional $17.6 million. Reaching the final brings in $21.8 million, and winning it adds another $7.6 million. That title also grants access to the UEFA Super Cup, which can be worth up to $5.9 million more.

Finally, each club receives a “value pillar” payment tied to broadcasting rights and other commercial revenues related to the UEFA Champions League. The amount varies by club, based on a coefficient that considers performances over the past 10 years.

Taking all these factors into account, the Champions League winner this season could earn around €150 million (approximately $175 million) in total, combining performance-based prizes and commercial revenue.

Barcelona managed to cut into Atletico Madrid’s lead in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, while Ademola Lookman scored for the hosts.

Barcelona took the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium with the urgency needed to overturn the 2-0 deficit Atletico Madrid built in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Lamine Yamal scored the opener in the early minutes, and Ferran Torres added a second, but Ademola Lookman responded for the hosts.

Yamal capitalized on a mistake by Clement Lenglet in the 4th minute of the first half. The defender attempted a back pass to goalkeeper Juan Musso, but the young Spanish winger intercepted it. The loose ball fell to Ferran Torres, who set up Lamine for the game’s first goal.

With that early strike, Barcelona showed they are very much alive in the tie, cutting the deficit to just one goal with most of the match still to be played at the Metropolitano Stadium. That goal increased the tension and sloppiness from the hosts, who were far from the level they showed a week earlier at Camp Nou.

LAMINE YAMAL GETS THE FIRST GOAL OF THE NIGHT 🔵🔴#UCL pic.twitter.com/N12YVqAk8K

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 14, 2026

Ferran Torres scores the second

In the minutes following Yamal’s opener, Barcelona tightened their grip on the match, controlling possession and creating several chances to double their lead. It came in the 24th minute, when Dani Olmo set up Ferran Torres, who finished calmly with his left foot in a one-on-one against Musso.

Moments later, Hansi Flick’s side nearly found a third that would have put them ahead in the tie for the first time. Yamal delivered a superb pass to Fermin Lopez, whose header was tipped away by Musso, who then accidentally struck Lopez in the face on the follow-through.

GAME ON IN MADRID 😤🔥

Ferran Torres levels the tie as he scores FC Barcelona's second goal! 💥⚽️#UCL pic.twitter.com/mvkiafqSG9

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 14, 2026

Lookman pulls one back for Atletico Madrid

Conceding twice early was a heavy blow for Atletico Madrid, but they responded in time to regain control of the tie. After Fermin Lopez’s chance, the hosts answered with a quick attack that ended in a surging run down the right flank by Marcos Llorente.

The Spanish defender drove into the box and delivered a precise cross that found Ademola Lookman arriving at the far post. Lookman met it in front of goalkeeper Joan Garcia and scored to make it 2-1, restoring Atletico Madrid’s cushion.

THIS. GAME. 🤯

Lookman pulls one back for Atlético de Madrid‼️#UCL pic.twitter.com/PST8DrBmWQ

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 14, 2026

Javier Mascherano stepped down as Inter Miami head coach, leaving Lionel Messi and his teammates in an unexpected situation.

This Tuesday, Inter Miami were hit with news that shakes their stability and raises questions about the future: Javier Mascherano has stepped down as head coach, leaving a void to fill for Lionel Messi and his teammates for the remainder of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

“Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano announced today his decision to step down as the Club’s head coach for personal reasons,” the club announced in a statement on its official website. “Mascherano departs the Club along with the coaching staff that arrived with him in January 2024.”

Mascherano’s departure comes as a surprise given the timing. Fewer than three months have passed since the start of the 2026 season, and there is still plenty left to play for, with Inter Miami still competing in MLS—currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference—and with the Leagues Cup yet to be played.

However, the Herons’ performances and results at the start of this year have fallen short of those in 2025. The early elimination against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup was a major blow for the club, and their recent showings in league play have also been underwhelming.

Javier Mascherano has decided to bring his tenure as Head Coach to an end. A champion who, together with his staff, will always be part of the @InterMiamiCF family and forever linked to our first star.

🔗 https://t.co/fHUABSFBhp pic.twitter.com/LFJ61zB6y3

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 14, 2026

Even so, Mascherano’s tenure at Inter Miami remains extremely positive overall. He led the club to its first MLS title last year, an achievement that had eluded them during Messi’s early years in the United States. In addition, they advanced to the knockout stages of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after defeating European giants Porto, in what stands as the most important victory in club history.

Mascherano explains his decision to step down from Inter Miami

In the same statement published on the club’s official website, Inter Miami shared comments from Javier Mascherano explaining the reasons behind his decision to leave the club in the middle of the 2026 season.

“I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF,” began the Argentine coach. “I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me… I also want to thank the fans and La Familia, because none of this would have been possible without them.”

On the impact Inter Miami have had on his life and career, he added: “I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the Club all the best moving forward. I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future. Sending you all a big hug, and thank you for everything.”

Who will replace Mascherano at Inter Miami?

With Mascherano’s departure confirmed, Inter Miami’s priority now is to refocus on their MLS campaign. Regarding the team’s immediate future, the Herons provided details on the steps they will take to replace the Argentine coach.

“Guillermo Hoyos will assume the role of First Team head coach for the upcoming matches,” the club announced in the same statement. “Hoyos is a former professional footballer with more than 20 years of playing experience, as well as a coach and sporting director with extensive international experience in the football world.”

Hoyos was already part of the Florida side’s sporting structure: “Since joining Inter Miami CF, he has been responsible for overseeing and advancing the Club’s professional pathway development structure, while also serving as sporting director up to now.” For now, his first challenge will be an away match against Colorado Rapids on Saturday in MLS.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kobe Bryant were praised by Neymar.

Neymar is not only one of the biggest soccer stars of this century, but also an athlete who regularly shows admiration for other greats. This time, he spoke highly of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kobe Bryant.

In a video posted on his official YouTube account, Ney showed his private collection of jerseys and trophies gathered throughout his professional career. The collection includes, of course, items he wore with the different clubs he has played for, as well as with the Brazil national team, along with pieces from athletes he admires.

One of the standout items in the collection is a Real Madrid jersey from the 2017-18 season with the number 7 on the back. “Cristiano Ronaldo… He is a beast!” Neymar said while showing that particular piece, alongside others such as a Zlatan Ibrahimovic jersey from AC Milan.

This is not the first time the Brazilian forward has expressed his admiration for Ronaldo. In fact, in a 2020 interview Neymar said: “I respect him a lot for the history he has made. He is the mirror I look into… He has been at the top for 10 years, like Messi, and we all want to be like them.”

Neymar facing Cristiano Ronaldo

Neymar’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo dates back to when he was a child watching him shine at Manchester United, and getting the chance to face him on the pitch has not changed that opinion.

Over the course of his professional career, Ney faced Cristiano Ronaldo eight times, all at club level. The first seven came in Clasicos between Barcelona and Real Madrid from 2013 to 2017, with four wins for Neymar, two for Ronaldo and one draw. The most recent meeting came in 2018, when Real Madrid defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Neymar admires several NBA stars

Soccer is not the only sport that interests Neymar. He has often shown his passion for basketball, particularly for several NBA stars. In his personal collection, the Santos forward owns jerseys from multiple American players.

“This is a Kobe Bryant jersey. The day he sadly passed away, I wore it as a tribute to him,” Neymar explained in the same video, about a Paris Saint-Germain jersey with the number 24 and Bryant’s name. “I’m a big fan of him—I even have a tattoo of him. He’s an inspiration to me, so this was a tribute.”

In addition, among his Kobe memorabilia, Ney also keeps a Los Angeles Lakers jersey with the number 24. Alongside that, he also owns one from another legend of the Purple and Gold: “The Man, LeBron James,” the forward said while showing a No. 23 jersey. Finally, he also displayed a Golden State Warriors item: “I’m going to put this jersey up here too. Curry. A jersey he wore that I managed to get.”

As he remains sidelined by San Diego FC in MLS, Hirving Lozano now appears set to be left out of representing Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a conversation with Javier Aguirre.

A meeting between head coach Javier Aguirre and Hirving Lozano appears to have been decisive in leaving the Mexico forward all but out of contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid his ongoing conflict with San Diego FC in MLS.

“There was a conversation between Javier Aguirre and Chucky Lozano a few months ago because of this whole situation he had in San Diego,” journalist Gibran Araige said this week on TUDN’s Insider.

“Vasco told him: ‘Look, I’m interested in you, I have you on my radar for the World Cup, but I need you to play,’” the reporter continued, outlining the Mexico head coach’s stance. However, Lozano’s response was not encouraging: “Chucky said no.”

Aguirre’s position appears reasonable. Hirving Lozano is a player with proven quality and experience at the European level, as well as a long track record with the Mexico national team. However, arriving at a World Cup after more than six months without playing time is difficult to justify.

That is why the coach’s intention was for Lozano to do everything possible to leave San Diego FC and find another club where he could secure playing time during this stretch. However, the player chose to prioritize honoring his contract, continue earning his high MLS salary, and potentially give up the chance to play in the World Cup with Mexico.

What happened with Lozano at San Diego FC?

Earlier this year, San Diego FC announced that Hirving Lozano would not be part of head coach Mikey Varas’ plans for the 2026 MLS season, citing issues related to “style of play” and “environment” as reasons behind the decision.

The problems had begun months earlier during a match against Houston Dynamo, when Lozano was substituted at halftime and, according to The Athletic, had a verbal altercation with Varas that led to him being sidelined for a couple of matches.

Although Hirving Lozano was later reinstated and played four more matches for San Diego FC during the MLS playoffs, at the start of the new season the coaching staff and club executives opted to leave the forward out of their plans moving forward.

Mexico lose a key piece

Hirving Lozano has been one of Mexico’s standout players in recent years. Alongside his European career with PSV Eindhoven and Napoli, he has been a regular presence in the national team over the past decade.

The forward has appeared in two World Cups. At Russia 2018, he started all four matches for Mexico and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Germany, one of the most significant results in the history of the national team. At Qatar 2022, he also started all three matches, underscoring his importance over time.

Now, with his participation in the 2026 World Cup nearly ruled out, Lozano leaves a significant void in the Mexico national team, even if his recent involvement has already been limited due to injuries and coaching decisions.

Lamine Yamal reached 100 La Liga matches in record time, leaving Lionel Messi far behind.

Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise to global soccer stardom continues to gather momentum. This time, the Barcelona winger set another record by becoming the youngest player to reach 100 La Liga appearances, posting numbers that surpass those of Lionel Messi by a wide margin.

Yamal was in the starting lineup on Saturday as Barcelona earned a 4-1 win over Espanyol in the Catalonia derby. He scored once and provided two assists for Ferran Torres, while also marking his 100th La Liga appearance at just 18 years and 272 days old.

With that, the Spain star moved to the top of the all-time list for this milestone, surpassing Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez, who had held the record since 1997, when he reached 100 league appearances at 19 years and 284 days.

Iker Muniain ranks third on the list, having reached that mark at 19 years and 293 days with Athletic Club. The Basque side also produced another name on the list, shared with Real Sociedad, Joseba Etxeberria, who achieved the milestone at 20 years and 177 days. Interestingly, another current Barcelona player also appears in the top 10: Gavi sits sixth on the list, having reached 100 La Liga matches at 20 years and 243 days.

How long did it take Messi to reach 100 La Liga matches?

Although Lionel Messi had an early start to his professional career, breaking into Barcelona’s first team at 17 in 2004, he faced more challenges than Lamine Yamal when it came to establishing himself at the top level. The internal competition within that squad and his physical profile at the time are important factors when comparing the two players.

Messi reached his first 100 La Liga appearances during the 2008-09 season. By then, he had already spent five seasons playing professionally with Barcelona. The milestone came in a 4-3 loss to Atletico Madrid on March 1, 2009. At that point, the Argentine forward was 21 years and 250 days old.

Goal comparison between Yamal and Messi

The difference in how quickly Messi and Yamal reached 100 La Liga matches is clear. However, when it comes to their goal contributions over that span, the gap becomes much narrower.

At the time of his 100th La Liga appearance with Barcelona, Lionel Messi had recorded 48 goals and 29 assists, totaling 77 goal contributions. In the same number of matches, Lamine Yamal has posted 29 goals and 34 assists, for a total of 63 goal contributions.

LAFC will face Cruz Azul on Tuesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a matchup that could serve as a valuable test for Son Heung-min ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Son Heung-min will have a useful opportunity ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he travels to Mexico on Tuesday with LAFC to face Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup, under conditions similar to those he will encounter this summer with South Korea.

The clash between Cruz Azul and LAFC will be played at Estadio Cuauhtemoc in Puebla, a city located 7,005 feet above sea level. That makes for unusual match conditions, with differences in climate and oxygen levels that often impact players who are not accustomed to that environment.

This will represent an additional challenge for LAFC, considering they drew 0-0 at home in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series. They will now need to find a goal to gain an advantage and advance to the semifinals, though the task will not be easy.

However, for Son, there is also an opportunity to gain experience that could prove crucial ahead of the World Cup set to take place this summer in North America. South Korea are in Group A and will play all three of their group-stage matches on Mexican soil, where altitude will be a key factor to consider.

South Korea’s altitude challenges at the World Cup

Of South Korea’s three group-stage matches at the World Cup, one will be played against South Africa at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe. At just 1,600 feet above sea level, altitude should not pose a major issue for Son and his teammates.

However, the other two matches will present a very different scenario. Both South Korea’s opener against the Czech Republic and their following match against Mexico will be played at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, where altitude becomes a significant factor at 5,154 feet.

The match against the Czech Republic will be relatively even in that regard, as both teams will be dealing with unfamiliar conditions. But the real challenge will come in the second match, when they face the hosts, who are naturally far more accustomed to the environment. That is why Son Heung-min’s prior opportunity to play at altitude — and at an even higher elevation like Puebla — could be invaluable preparation for the World Cup.

Giovani Lo Celso, a key teammate of Lionel Messi with Argentina, is back from a lengthy injury just two months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In recent weeks, the news has not been positive for Argentina, with several players sidelined by injuries in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Giovani Lo Celso is the exception, returning after an extended spell on the sidelines with the goal of joining Lionel Messi in North America this summer.

Lo Celso was included in the 24-man squad selected by head coach Manuel Pellegrini for Real Betis’ match on Sunday against Osasuna in Pamplona. The call-up marks the midfielder’s return following a prolonged absence due to a muscle injury.

Gio’s last appearance came on January 22, when he played just six minutes in a UEFA Europa League clash against PAOK before suffering a significant tear in the rectus femoris of his right thigh that forced him to leave the match.

If he sees minutes against Osasuna this Sunday, Lo Celso will end an 80-day stretch without official match action. In total, he missed 15 matches at club level across La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Europa League.

Our squad list for #OsasunaRealBetis 📋#LALIGARETRO pic.twitter.com/Dbq4hMULvR

— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) April 11, 2026

Lo Celso aims to regain ground with Argentina

The muscle injury sustained at Betis also kept Giovani Lo Celso out of Argentina’s plans at the start of the year. He was left off Lionel Scaloni’s roster for the friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires during the March FIFA break.

With just two months until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lo Celso’s situation remains uncertain. For years, he has been a key piece of the squad and Lionel Messi’s primary creative partner. However, recurring injuries over the past few seasons have caused him to lose ground, while other players have risen in the manager’s pecking order.

At the moment, reports indicate that Scaloni is set on bringing several midfielders to the World Cup, including Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, and Nicolas Paz. Lo Celso is not currently part of that group and will need to deliver strong performances — and, above all, maintain his fitness — in the coming months with Betis to compete for one of the final roster spots.

Lo Celso has unfinished business at the World Cup

Despite being a regular part of the Argentina setup for most of the past decade, Giovani Lo Celso has yet to play in a World Cup. He was included in the squad for Russia 2018, but then-head coach Jorge Sampaoli surprisingly did not give him a single minute across Argentina’s four matches.

Four years later, Lo Celso was a clear starter in Lionel Scaloni’s plans heading into Qatar 2022, but an untimely muscle injury suffered weeks before the tournament while playing for Villarreal ruled him out of the squad. Now, he faces the challenge of earning a spot on Argentina’s roster for North America 2026 and finally settling that unfinished business.

Inter Miami are set to host New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer action, with all eyes on Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami are looking for their first win this Saturday at Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park following last week’s grand opening. Their opponent in this MLS matchup will be New York Red Bulls, with Lionel Messi once again leading the team.

The Herons currently sit tied for second place in the Eastern Conference standings with 11 points, level with New York City FC and Charlotte FC, after recording three wins, two draws, and one loss. At the top of the table are Nashville SC with 13 points.

Their opponent, New York Red Bulls, have had a similar campaign so far: they trail Inter Miami by just one point in the standings and will be motivated by the chance to make a statement with a win at Nu Stadium.

Confirmed Inter Miami lineup

Compared to last week’s match, head coach Javier Mascherano will introduce a couple of changes to the starting lineup against New York Red Bulls, taking into account recent performances and minor fitness concerns. Most importantly, Lionel Messi will remain in the starting XI.

The confirmed Inter Miami lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright; Mateo Silvetti, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; German Berterame.

Confirmed New York Red Bulls lineup

After defeating FC Cincinnati last weekend in MLS play, New York Red Bulls enter this matchup against Inter Miami in good form. However, head coach Michael Bradley knows that Saturday’s challenge against Lionel Messi and company will be far more demanding.

The confirmed New York Red Bulls lineup is: Ethan Horvath; Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Dylan Nealis, Robert Voloder, Matthew Dos Santos; Adri Mehmeti, Emil Forsberg, Ronald Donkor; Cade Cowell, Julian Hall, Jorge Ruvalcaba.

Barcelona have reportedly made an offer to Robert Lewandowski, who is also being closely monitored by AC Milan and Chicago Fire.

Robert Lewandowski’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time, with reported interest from AC Milan and Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer. In that context, Barcelona have reportedly submitted a formal offer.

“Robert Lewandowski (37 years old) already knows FC Barcelona’s offer,” Mundo Deportivo reported this Saturday. “His agent, Pini Zahavi, was in the Catalan capital this week to meet with club representatives and learn the details of the proposal.”

This update aligns with comments Joan Laporta made during his presidential campaign, when he stated his intention to keep the Polish striker for next season. However, that possibility is tied to the club’s financial limitations and the player’s advancing age.

Lewandowski will turn 38 before the start of the 2026-27 campaign, and it is clear that his peak years are behind him. In fact, his role at Barcelona has gradually diminished, with more minutes increasingly going to Ferran Torres at the center forward position.

Considering all these factors, reports indicate that Barcelona’s formal offer includes a significant salary reduction from his current deal, which is worth around $24 million per year. “The Pole’s priority was to remain at Barcelona, prioritizing the comfortable and happy life he has with his wife and two daughters in the Catalan capital, even if it means turning down more lucrative offers,” Mundo Deportivo added.

Lewandowski’s other options

The one-year renewal offer from Barcelona is not the only attractive option currently available to Lewandowski. In fact, earlier this week, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the striker expressed interest to AC Milan in a potential move this summer as a free agent.

Other alternatives include destinations outside Europe, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. On one hand, Chicago Fire have been linked for months with a potential marquee signing in MLS, while reports from the Saudi Pro League indicate that several clubs are interested in the striker—likely involving significantly higher salary offers than elsewhere.

Lewandowski’s numbers this season

Even at 37 and past his prime, Lewandowski is still producing numbers this season that justify the interest from multiple clubs. Across La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Champions League, he has recorded 17 goals in 39 appearances, along with 3 assists. That amounts to an average of more than 0.50 goal contributions per game.

Didier Deschamps, Kylian Mbappe’s head coach with the France national team, is reportedly among Real Madrid’s options.

As they continue competing in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid are focused on deciding who will be their next head coach. Didier Deschamps has reportedly emerged as a candidate—the current boss of Kylian Mbappe with the France national team.

“Didier Deschamps is on the final shortlist being considered by Madrid, which includes very few names,” Sport reports, citing Radio Monte Carlo. “Madrid have already made their interest known.”

Deschamps has spent a long time in international soccer. He was appointed France’s head coach in 2012 and has since overseen one of the most successful long-term projects in the game: the national team were World Cup champions in Russia 2018 and runners-up in Qatar 2022. They also reached the Euro 2016 final and won the 2021 UEFA Nations League.

After 14 years in charge, Deschamps’ tenure with France will come to an end following the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, which means the coach is expected to return to club soccer. He also brings solid experience at that level, with successful spells at AS Monaco (2001–05), Juventus (2006–07), and Olympique Marseille (2009–12).

The case for Deschamps as a Real Madrid candidate

The success Didier Deschamps has achieved throughout his managerial career is more than enough to justify his consideration. In addition to his two titles with France, he has also collected several trophies at club level—eight in total across his time with Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille.

But according to Sport, that’s not the only appealing aspect of Deschamps for Real Madrid. “The French coach is a winner both as a player and as a manager, and he has always stood up for his players and handled the pressure around the team. He runs a tight dressing room and doesn’t hesitate when tough decisions are required,” the report states.

And when it comes to relationships with his players, another key factor is his familiarity with several stars in the squad. “He has a very good relationship with Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, two players who will shape the club’s future,” Sport adds.

Zidane could replace Deschamps with France

While Didier Deschamps is being considered as an option for Real Madrid, his successor with France could be a legend of the Spanish side. Reports have long indicated that Zinedine Zidane is the man chosen by the French Football Federation to take over the national team after the 2026 World Cup.

The choice comes as no surprise, given Zidane’s credentials. He was a superstar for France during his playing career, leading the team to victory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. As a manager, he also excelled, winning 11 trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will visit Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer next week, and a record-breaking crowd is expected.

Next week, Colorado Rapids will play a historic match against Inter Miami as part of their 30th anniversary celebration in Major League Soccer. That occasion, combined with Lionel Messi’s presence, has helped the club reach a new ticket sales record.

“The race to history is on,” the club announced Friday in a post on its official X account. “We’ve surpassed 60,000 tickets for our 30th Anniversary Match!” This highlights the massive anticipation surrounding the matchup scheduled for Saturday, April 18.

This will be just the second time Colorado Rapids face Lionel Messi since his arrival in MLS in the summer of 2023. The only previous meeting was a 2-2 draw at Chase Stadium during the 2024 season, meaning Messi has yet to play an away match against Colorado with the Herons.

The arrival of the Argentine superstar is one of the main reasons this match is so special. Another is that the club has chosen this date to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its first MLS season, as Colorado Rapids were one of the league’s 10 founding teams in 1996.

The race to history is on 💪

We’ve surpassed 60,000 tickets for our 30th Anniversary Match! pic.twitter.com/fDV7jqf71r

— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) April 10, 2026

Venue change for Colorado Rapids vs Inter Miami

Aware of the significance of the match against Inter Miami, Colorado Rapids anticipated an unusually high attendance and decided to change the venue. The MLS Matchday 8 game will not be played at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, as is usually the case, but at Empower Field at Mile High.

The selected stadium is home to the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL) and has a significantly larger capacity. While Colorado Rapids typically host crowds of around 18,000 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Empower Field at Mile High can accommodate up to 76,000 spectators.

Colorado Rapids set ticket sales record

Until now, the highest-attended match in Colorado Rapids history took place on July 4, 2002, against Chicago Fire in MLS. On that occasion, the club also played at Empower Field at Mile High, with approximately 59,500 fans in attendance.

That mark has now been surpassed, with more than 60,000 tickets already sold and over a week remaining before kickoff. That figure is expected to continue rising, potentially bringing the stadium close to full capacity.

Arsenal star Mikel Merino could return from injury earlier than expected, boosting his chances of being available for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup getting closer, Spain are increasingly optimistic about the possibility of having Mikel Merino available. The Arsenal midfielder is progressing well in his recovery, and the initial timeline could be shortened.

“He’s out of his boot now. He’s doing quite a lot of exercises already. He’s reacted really well to the surgery. He’s got no pain,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Friday during his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth.

Merino underwent surgery in early February after suffering a fracture in his right foot during a training session with the Gunners. Initial reports pointed to a lengthy recovery process of around four months, ruling him out for the rest of the season with Arsenal and putting his World Cup participation in serious doubt.

However, his recovery has progressed very well so far, and the midfielder could return to the pitch sooner than expected. “It’s more for the medical staff to go a bit further on that. But I’m sure there is a chance to make that period shorter,” Arteta admitted.

“If there is a person who can do it, I’m sure that’s going to be Mikel again,” the Arsenal manager added, showing full confidence in Merino and assuring that he “is going to push every boundary.”

Merino is key for Arsenal

Mikel Merino’s injury came at the worst possible time, as he had been a key piece for Arsenal in their pursuit of both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles this season.

Before being sidelined in early February, the Spain international had recorded six goals and three assists in 33 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions. In addition, his versatility and attacking instinct led Arteta to deploy him not only as a midfielder, but also at times as a ‘false 9,’ providing solutions in crucial moments.

Spain closely monitoring Merino’s recovery

Like Arsenal, the Spain national team are closely monitoring Mikel Merino’s recovery. In Luis de la Fuente’s system, he is a key presence in midfield and, when fit, has consistently been part of the squad.

Merino started every match for Spain in the World Cup qualifiers and also played an active role in their run to the UEFA Nations League final, which they lost to Portugal. That momentum was interrupted by his foot fracture, which ruled him out of the March international break.

Lautaro Martinez suffered another injury, keeping Argentina concerned ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With a little over two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina are paying close attention to one of their stars, Lautaro Martinez, who suffered a new injury this week that will prevent him from returning to action in the short term.

“Lautaro Martinez aggravated his soleus muscle injury,” journalist Gaston Edul reported Friday via his official X account. The update, however, includes a positive detail compared to his previous muscle issue: “Not as serious.”

The striker has played just one official match in the last two months. In mid-February, he was sidelined by a muscle injury that forced him to miss Inter Milan’s UEFA Champions League playoff clash against Bodo/Glimt, as well as five Serie A matches and one Coppa Italia fixture.

After recovering from that setback last week, Martinez started in Inter Milan’s 5–2 win over AS Roma in Serie A on Sunday, where he scored twice. However, he has now suffered another setback that will force him to rest again. “He will be out for a few more days,” Edul added on X.

Argentina closely monitoring Lautaro Martinez’s situation

Although the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still over two months away, Argentina are closely monitoring Lautaro Martinez’s situation. The striker has been a key piece of Lionel Scaloni’s squad throughout his tenure as head coach and is expected to have a place in the 26-man roster heading to North America this summer.

However, the fact that Martinez is dealing with recurring physical issues so close to the tournament is a growing concern. In fact, he was left out of Scaloni’s latest squad during the March international break, when Argentina defeated Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires.

Lautaro Martinez still has unfinished business at the World Cup

Despite playing a decisive role for Argentina in recent years—such as scoring the winning goal in the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia—Lautaro Martinez did not have the same impact during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup title run in Qatar.

He started as the team’s main striker in that tournament, but an ankle injury prevented him from being at full fitness. After just two matches, he lost his place in the starting lineup to Julian Alvarez.

That led to a disappointing campaign, as he failed to score during the entire World Cup. For that reason, North America 2026 carries special importance for Martinez, who will be looking to settle that unfinished business and deliver for Argentina on soccer’s biggest stage.

Carlo Ancelotti’s son and assistant with the Brazil national team delivered an encouraging message for Neymar ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With a little over two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil still face a major question mark regarding Neymar’s potential inclusion in the squad. Now, Carlo Ancelotti’s son and assistant has delivered an encouraging message for the forward.

“Of course, he is the top scorer of the national team and he has a chance,” Davide Ancelotti said during a recent interview with BBC Sport. “He has time to do his best and try to get into the list.”

These comments make it clear that Neymar is still in the coach’s plans, but his inclusion will depend on his performances at club level over the coming months, as well as his physical consistency.

Davide also spoke about the timeline for finalizing the squad that will travel to North America. “The final list will be out on May 18,” said Carlo Ancelotti’s son, revealing that the roster will be announced even before FIFA’s official May 30 deadline. “At the end, it is a decision of the manager that he will take and he has time to take it.”

How many games does Neymar have left before the World Cup?

Since there will be no more FIFA international breaks before May 18, Neymar’s chances of making the World Cup squad will depend entirely on his club performances. In that sense, Santos will compete in three different tournaments over the next two months, giving the forward plenty of opportunities to impress.

On one hand, the club will continue its Brazilian Serie A campaign. The league has already completed 10 rounds, with Santos sitting 15th in the standings on just 10 points. Before the World Cup break, they will play eight more league matches. In addition, the club will also look to progress in the Copa do Brasil, where they will face Coritiba in the fifth round in a two-legged tie scheduled for April 22 and May 13.

Meanwhile, Santos are also competing in the Copa Sudamericana, where they opened their campaign with a 1–0 defeat against Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador. They still have five group-stage matches remaining. In total, that brings the count to 15 matches before the World Cup, during which Neymar will look to prove himself to Ancelotti.

Neymar’s importance for Brazil

It is not a minor detail that Davide Ancelotti highlighted Neymar’s status as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. Carlo Ancelotti’s son made it clear that they are fully aware of the forward’s historical importance at international level, and that experience could prove decisive in key moments.

Neymar has scored 79 goals in 129 appearances for Brazil from his debut in 2010 through his most recent match in 2023. That puts him at the top of the national team’s scoring chart, ahead of none other than Pele, who scored 77. The top five is completed by Ronaldo Nazario (62), Romario (55), and Zico (48).

Before facing Manchester City in the Premier League, Chelsea’s decision regarding Enzo Fernandez has been revealed.

Enzo Fernandez has been at the center of most Chelsea-related reports over the past week. After being punished for comments interpreted as a nod to Real Madrid, the midfielder appeared to get his situation at the club back on track. However, that will not be enough for him to return to the squad ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester City.

“He won’t play on Sunday,” Liam Rosenior announced during Friday’s press conference. This means that, despite the relationship between the parties having improved—as the player’s agent, Javier Pastore, stated earlier this week—the punishment will remain in place as originally decided.

The Argentine midfielder missed last weekend’s FA Cup match against Port Vale, in which the Blues cruised to a 7-0 win, and the same will be true for Sunday’s crucial clash against the Citizens at Stamford Bridge.

“I had three or four conversations with Enzo,” the Chelsea manager explained. “It was a serious meeting about something very serious. I’m not questioning Enzo’s character or who he is as a person. We’ve made a sanction, we made a decision – I made a decision – and what I want for Enzo is for him to come here and have an outstanding career.”

Rosenior delivers the latest team news ahead of Man City. 🎙️

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 10, 2026

Regarding Fernandez’s response after the punishment was handed down, Rosenior was clear: “He’s apologised to me, he’s apologised to the club, and we’ll deal with that after a massive game on Sunday… Hopefully after that he’ll be a massive part of the group moving forward.”

Major absence for Chelsea

It is clear that the decision to sanction Enzo Fernandez—and to keep that punishment in place despite the situation being clarified—reflects how seriously Chelsea have taken the matter, viewing it as a potential threat to squad harmony and the club’s collective objectives.

However, from a sporting standpoint, not having the Argentine midfielder available will be a significant disadvantage. The Blues did not need Fernandez to secure a comfortable win against third-division side Port Vale in the FA Cup, but things will be very different in Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.

Chelsea will be up against one of the strongest teams in England, currently second in the Premier League standings behind Arsenal, in a match that could prove crucial in the race to secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Without Enzo Fernandez, Liam Rosenior’s side will be missing not only one of their leaders and captains, but also a midfielder who has made a difference in key moments throughout the season. He has recorded 18 goal contributions (12 goals and 6 assists) in 46 appearances.

Claudio Gugnali, former assistant coach of Argentina, spoke with Lionel Messi and expressed confidence that he will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is getting closer to being resolved. All signs appear to point toward a positive outcome—something also sensed by former Argentina assistant Claudio Gugnali.

“For me, Messi will be at the World Cup, there’s no doubt. I felt it, and I saw him in great shape on the field,” Gugnali said in a recent interview with Radio Gol, following the friendlies Argentina played against Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires during the March FIFA break.

Gugnali served as assistant to head coach Alejandro Sabella between 2011 and 2014, when the national team reached the World Cup final in Brazil, where they lost 1-0 to Germany. Those years allowed him to build a close relationship with Messi, who was, of course, a key part of that squad.

With the forward’s visit to Buenos Aires during the international break, Gugnali had the opportunity to meet with him at the Argentine Football Association training facility and have a private conversation. “We talked about family and his time in Miami; he told me he’s very happy, not like in Paris, where he suffered,” Claudio revealed.

Finally, Gugnali made it clear that he has no doubts about Lionel Messi’s commitment to the Argentina national team and how much every international tournament means to him. “I saw him cry in Brazil and in Qatar; he truly cries for the national team,” the coach said, referring to the Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022 titles.

What will determine whether Messi plays in the 2026 World Cup?

During the celebrations after winning the title in Qatar, Lionel Messi said that it had been his last World Cup, adding that he wanted to “keep playing a little longer with Argentina as world champion.” That timeline, however, has gradually extended to include the entire South American qualifiers for 2026, as well as Copa America 2024.

With the tournament in North America approaching, the forward has yet to make an official decision about his participation, as he nears his 39th birthday and remains uncertain whether his physical condition will meet the demands of the most intense competition in soccer. “I’ll take it day by day, being honest and trying to be realistic and feel good,” he said in late 2025 in an interview with ESPN.

Messi has also expressed optimism that the MLS calendar could work in his favor: “Having a preseason in the middle, I think that changes everything for me… European players arrive at the end with so many matches on their legs. For us, it comes at a different point in the season.”

When does Messi have to make a decision?

Lionel Messi’s uncertainty cannot last much longer, as FIFA imposes strict deadlines for each national team to finalize its squad. In just over a month, on May 11, coaches of the 48 participating countries must submit a preliminary list of up to 55 players. The final deadline is May 30, when that list must be cut down to the official 26-man roster.

Paul Scholes and Marco Materazzi have delivered strong criticism of Manchester United’s transfer decisions.

The heavy investments made by Manchester United in recent years to sign players have not translated into satisfactory results on the field, prompting soccer icons like Paul Scholes and Marco Materazzi to weigh in on those transfer decisions.

In a recent appearance on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Scholes discussed the roster changes Manchester United need to make ahead of next season, stating that at least eight players in the squad should be moved on this summer and replaced with new talent.

Among those mentioned is Harry Maguire, who recently extended his contract through 2027. “I’m thinking about a Manchester United team you want to win the league and the Champions League… I’m not sure you’d do that with Maguire,” said the former English midfielder, who made more than 700 appearances for the Red Devils between 1993 and 2013.

Luke Shaw was also identified by Scholes as a player whose time at the club may be over. “When he was playing consistently, I don’t think there was a better left-back in the world, not just Europe. But if you’re asking me now… I’d sell him. He doesn’t play enough games,” he said.

That list also includes high-profile names such as Mason Mount—whom Scholes questioned due to his fit alongside Bruno Fernandes—as well as lower-profile players like Lenny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee.

Materazzi points to Manchester United’s ‘biggest mistake’

While Paul Scholes focused on the players Manchester United should move on from, Marco Materazzi pointed to a past decision: the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli in 2024 for around $34 million.

“McTominay is an incredible player from start to finish. I don’t understand how Manchester United sold him for almost nothing, because his value, in my opinion, is €60 to €70 million or more. It’s the biggest transfer market mistake we’ve ever seen, without a doubt,” said the 2006 World Cup champion with Italy during a promotional event, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Manchester United have spent a fortune on signings

The fact that Manchester United have gone 13 years without winning the Premier League and 18 without lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy can be explained not only by the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, but also by years of poor executive decisions that have impacted the team’s on-field performance.

Financially, the Red Devils remain one of the most powerful clubs in the world, but that has not translated into results. In fact, last summer they were among the biggest spenders in the transfer market.

Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Manchester United signed four players: Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens. The club spent close to $288 million on those deals—an enormous outlay that has yet to be justified by performances on the field.

After scoring against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, Julian Alvarez spoke about the influence of Lionel Messi.

Julian Alvarez scored a stunning free kick goal for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona this Wednesday, opening the scoring for his side in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Afterward, the Argentine forward credited Lionel Messi as his inspiration.

“When I’m with the national team, I always take time to watch how he does it, and then I try to replicate his technique in training sessions and matches here at Atletico,” Alvarez said in the postgame press conference following the 2-0 win, according to Infobae.

That goal broke the deadlock at Camp Nou, allowing Atletico Madrid to take the lead late in the first half and play with greater composure after the break. Eventually, Alexander Sorloth doubled the advantage, setting up a more favorable second leg next week.

Reflecting on his free kick, Julian added: “Many times, when you strike the ball, you can tell right away it’s a good hit. I felt that, and even before taking it, I was very focused and confident. Yesterday I practiced and took five or six, but didn’t score any — what mattered was today.”

Absolute brilliance from Julián Álvarez 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/SeyR3AjDrg

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 8, 2026

The comparison between Alvarez’s goal and a memorable Messi strike

Moments after Julian Alvarez scored for Atletico Madrid, social media was flooded with fans comparing his free kick to one of Lionel Messi’s iconic goals for Barcelona against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 semifinals.

There is one obvious difference between the two goals, related to each player’s stronger foot: while Messi scored with his left, Alvarez did so with his right. However, the similarities in the location of the foul, the ball’s trajectory, and the fact that both were struck into the same goal at Camp Nou are striking.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Lionel Messi's free kick against Liverpool has been voted as the greatest Free kick in Football history. 🤯🐐pic.twitter.com/TkSeveodD3

— MessiXtra (@MessiXtraHQ) April 8, 2026

“I’ve watched that goal many times — they show it often,” Julian Alvarez admitted in the same interview when asked about the resemblance to Messi’s free kick. However, he noted he hadn’t realized it was scored into the same goal: “I wasn’t aware it had been there.”

The teams on the receiving end of Alvarez’s free kicks

Against Barcelona, Julian Alvarez scored the seventh free kick goal of his career. This season, he had already netted two others, one of which came in a key match — a 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish capital derby, played at the Metropolitano Stadium in La Liga.

With Atletico Madrid, Alvarez have scored free kick goals against Espanyol, Real Betis and Sparta Prague, while his earlier ones came with Manchester City, against Wolverhampton and Red Star Belgrade. With Argentina, Julian has yet to score from a free kick — a logical outcome considering Lionel Messi is typically the team’s primary taker.

Alvaro Arbeloa spoke about Jude Bellingham ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Girona.

Jude Bellingham was a substitute last Tuesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. However, ahead of the La Liga match against Girona, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed that things will be different.

“Militao and Bellingham are going to start,” Arbeloa said during Thursday’s press conference, as reported by Diario AS. Both players are working to regain their best physical and sporting form, and the Girona match will be an ideal opportunity for them to log valuable minutes.

Bellingham suffered a hamstring injury in mid-February that kept him out of 10 Real Madrid matches. He returned to action at the end of March as a substitute, and although he joined the England squad during the March FIFA break, he did not play in the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Since then, the midfielder has played 31 minutes against Mallorca in La Liga last weekend, and 28 minutes against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. He delivered a strong performance, playing a key role in the team’s second-half comeback that reduced the two-goal deficit.

Inside our last training session before tomorrow's match! 👊 pic.twitter.com/g2VqGFSTo0

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 9, 2026

Militao also returns to the team

Eder Militao finds himself in a situation very similar to Bellingham’s. The Brazilian defender also suffered a muscle injury that sidelined him for an extended period—missing 24 matches across all competitions since December.

After returning for limited minutes against Mallorca, where he scored a goal, Militao also played 28 minutes against Bayern Munich and is now preparing to start for the first time this year.

Finally, another piece of good news for Real Madrid is the return of Ferland Mendy, who has only been able to play five matches this season due to a string of injuries. “Mendy will get minutes,” Arbeloa confirmed at the press conference.

Real Madrid have no margin for error in La Liga

While it is clear that Real Madrid’s priority right now is the UEFA Champions League, where they will look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich next Wednesday, that is not their only concern.

They know that in La Liga, there is no room for error if they want to remain in the title race against Barcelona. With eight matches remaining, the Blaugrana lead the standings by seven points over Los Blancos, so a poor result against Girona this Friday would leave them with almost no chance of winning the title.

The conflict between Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez appears to have reached a resolution.

Enzo Fernandez has been under the spotlight in recent days following Chelsea’s decision to sanction him for comments deemed inappropriate regarding a potential future at Real Madrid. However, things now seem to have been clarified, with the controversy resolved in a way that works for all parties.

“We’re on the same page with Chelsea. We made peace yesterday,” said Javier Pastore, Fernandez’s agent, in an interview published by Top Mercato on Thursday. “There were never really any problems. We cleared the air.”

The main controversy arose when the Argentine midfielder said that Madrid was his favorite city in Europe because it reminded him of Buenos Aires. That was interpreted as a nod toward a potential move to Real Madrid, which led Chelsea to sanction him by leaving him out of the FA Cup clash against Port Vale last weekend.

“We explained to the player that, even though he hadn’t done anything wrong, he shouldn’t have said that,” Pastore added. “He naturally apologized to the club, his teammates, the coach, the sporting director, everyone. We’re all on the same page. We simply had to clear up the misunderstanding.”

At the same time, the agent and former Paris Saint-Germain star made it clear that Fernandez’s focus is 100% on performing at the highest level with Chelsea: “Enzo still has six years left on his contract and we need to work together, which is what we’re doing.”

Will Chelsea lift Enzo Fernandez’s sanction?

When Liam Rosenior addressed the Fernandez situation during a press conference last week, he said the sanction involved leaving the midfielder out for the next two matches: against Port Vale in the FA Cup—where the Blues won 7-0—and against Manchester City in the Premier League.

That match is still on the horizon: it will take place on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. With the latest updates regarding the peace reached between the club and the player, the question now is whether Rosenior and the executives will reconsider and lift the sanction early.

This could be decisive for Chelsea’s chances, as Enzo Fernandez is one of the team’s top performers, and his presence on the field would provide a significant boost. The stakes are even higher considering Manchester City are direct rivals in the fight for a UEFA Champions League spot.

Enzo Fernandez’s other major goal

Beyond his desire to reintegrate with Chelsea and contribute to the team in Premier League and FA Cup, one of Fernandez’s key motivations to resolve the conflict quickly is his international career.

“Enzo needs to play because he has a World Cup coming up,” Javier Pastore said in the same Top Mercato interview. With just over six weeks until Lionel Scaloni announces Argentina’s final roster, the midfielder seems likely to make the squad—but he cannot afford to miss game time at such a crucial stage.

Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo.

Marcelo is well qualified to speak about many of the biggest soccer stars of this century. He was teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and with Neymar on the Brazil national team, but he picked Lionel Messi—whom he faced numerous times while playing against Barcelona.

During a recent conversation on Romario’s YouTube channel, Marcelo was asked which player was the toughest to face, specifically between Ronaldo and Messi. The former left back did not hesitate: “Messi. He was, and is, extraordinary.”

Marcelo then explained the reasoning behind his choice of the Argentine forward. “He understands everything very well. Every position on the field,” the 37-year-old said. “When the ball is coming to him, he already knows where to go and what to do… Messi is incredible, very difficult.”

The matchups between Marcelo and Messi

During his years with Real Madrid and Brazil, Marcelo faced Lionel Messi on numerous occasions. In fact, Messi is the opponent he faced most often in his professional career: 33 matches, with the defender winning 10, drawing seven, and losing the remaining 16.

This matchup was especially demanding for Marcelo given their positions on the field. Messi typically starts his runs on the right side before cutting diagonally toward the center, which often puts him up against opposing left backs—who, if left-footed, must defend him using their weaker right foot.

That was exactly the situation the Brazilian defender found himself in during his battles with Messi, and it clearly left a lasting impression. “I’m still looking for him to this day, damn it,” Marcelo joked, recalling the moments when Messi would dribble past him.

Marcelo also praises Cristiano Ronaldo

In the same conversation, Romario asked Marcelo who the best teammate of his career was. “Cristiano. I played with Gaucho (Ronaldinho), with Roberto Carlos, with Ronaldo (Nazario), with many players. But Cristiano surprised me with his consistency. If he scored 30 goals one year, the next he scored 40,” the former left back said.

He then added that Cristiano Ronaldo is the most professional player he has ever seen: “He is. It’s unbelievable. And it’s not just about arriving earlier or leaving later. No, he’s professional in everything—every aspect shows dedication. Sleep, training, recovery, the game—everything.”

Tadeo Allende, a key teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, was absent from Wednesday’s training session ahead of the Major League Soccer clash against New York Red Bulls.

On Saturday, Inter Miami will face New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer, a crucial matchup as they look to stay among the top spots in the Eastern Conference. Three days before that game, a key partner of Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende, was not present at training.

“The big absence from this morning’s training session is Tadeo Allende,” journalist Jose Armando reported on Wednesday in a post on his official X account. “Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul trained without any issues.”

Allende, alongside Messi, was Inter Miami’s most decisive player during last season’s playoffs, scoring nine goals in six matches that proved crucial in helping the club win its first MLS title. That prompted a significant investment in him, estimated at around $5 million to secure his transfer from Celta Vigo.

However, since then, the Argentine forward has struggled to replicate the level he showed at the end of 2025. In fact, this season Allende has yet to register a single goal contribution: he has played eight matches across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup without scoring or providing an assist.

Two pieces of good news for Inter Miami

Despite Tadeo Allende’s absence, Wednesday’s training session brought two positive updates for Inter Miami regarding other players who had recently been dealing with physical issues: Facundo Mura and Sergio Reguilon.

“Mura returned to train with the rest of the group,” Jose Armando reported. The Argentine right back missed the last match against Austin FC at Nu Stadium due to an ankle issue. That forced Javier Mascherano to start Ian Fray in that role, but his performance fell short, leading to Gonzalo Lujan coming on at halftime.

The other player who was able to train with the squad is Reguilon. The Spanish left back had also missed last Saturday’s match for the Herons due to muscle issues and is now aiming to return to the team.

Upcoming challenges for Inter Miami

This Saturday at 7:30 PM (ET), Inter Miami will play their second match at the newly inaugurated Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, looking for their first win there after a 2-2 draw against Austin FC last weekend. Their opponent will be New York Red Bulls, who sit one point behind them in the standings. Following that match, the Herons will travel to face Colorado Rapids one week later.

Atletico Madrid took the lead over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League thanks to Julian Alvarez.

One of the most intriguing matchups in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals is the clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. In the first leg at Camp Nou, Los Colchoneros took the lead thanks to a brilliant goal from Julian Alvarez.

It is a showdown between two of Spain’s giants, who have faced each other in crucial matchups across multiple competitions this season. In La Liga, Los Blaugranas hold the edge and, in fact, took a major step toward the title by defeating Atletico Madrid over the weekend. That result served as a measure of revenge after Atletico Madrid knocked them out in the Copa del Rey semifinals.

On Wednesday, the match remained level until just minutes before halftime, with both teams creating scoring chances—especially the hosts. However, the deadlock was broken when VAR intervened, prompting referee Istvan Kovacs to upgrade a yellow card shown to Pau Cubarsi to a red.

From that foul on the edge of the box came the moment that changed the match. Julian Alvarez, who had drawn the foul, stepped up and delivered a superb free kick, curling his shot into the top-left corner past Joan Garcia, who had no chance to stop it.

Absolute brilliance from Julián Álvarez 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/SeyR3AjDrg

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 8, 2026

In the second half, Barcelona controlled possession but lacked the precision to find an equalizer, while Atletico Madrid stayed compact defensively and capitalized on their lone clear opportunity. In the 70th minute, Alexander Sorloth scored after a cross from the left by Matteo Ruggeri, sealing the 2-0 result.

Julian Alvarez perfects his free kicks

The goal he scored this Wednesday against Barcelona was not the first free-kick goal of Julian Alvarez’s professional career. On the contrary, in recent years he has refined that skill, turning it into a valuable weapon to break open tightly contested matches.

That ability, however, did not always define the Argentine forward, who failed to score a single free-kick goal during his four years with River Plate. Alvarez’s first free-kick goal came in September 2023—five years after his professional debut—in a match between Manchester City and Red Star Belgrade.

Since joining Atletico Madrid, Julian Alvarez has scored five free-kick goals in fewer than two seasons. In fact, during this campaign, he had already found the net from a set piece in another crucial match, against Real Madrid in La Liga.

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior was heavily criticized by Rafael van der Vaart following the loss to Bayern Munich.

The 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu left Real Madrid on the brink of elimination in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Vinicius Junior came under heavy criticism after the match from Rafael van der Vaart.

“Vinicius is horrible,” the former Dutch midfielder said during an appearance on Ziggo Sport following Tuesday’s Champions League match in Spain. “He annoys me to no end when I see him.”

Van der Vaart went on to explain the reasons behind his criticism of the Brazilian winger. “As soon as he gets a little push, he throws himself down, hoping to see a red card for the opponent, and then gets up as if nothing happened,” he said.

However, the former Ajax and Real Madrid player did not hesitate to acknowledge Vinicius’ talent on the field. In fact, he emphasized how that behavior detracts from his ability: “That’s the part that I find sad about him. I find it incredibly sad because he’s a fantastic player.”

Vinicius’ performances this season

Criticism of Vinicius is common, and in most cases it is not related to his performances on the field or his ability on the ball, but rather to his behavior. The 25-year-old winger has often drawn the frustration of opponents, who believe he does not always conduct himself with respect.

However, Vinicius’ on-field production is beyond question, and that is reflected in his numbers. Even in a season in which Real Madrid have posted disappointing results and gone through a coaching change, the Brazilian has stood out: Vinicius has recorded 17 goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances.

Van der Vaart knows what he’s talking about

Criticism of Vinicius Junior coming from Rafael van der Vaart carries added weight compared to most opinions. The former Dutch international speaks from experience, having played for Real Madrid and understanding the club’s culture and its fanbase.

Van der Vaart began his professional career at Ajax in 1999 before moving to Hamburger SV six years later, where his performances prompted Real Madrid to pay around $15 million for him. In Spain, he spent two seasons with the club between 2008 and 2010, making 73 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and winning one title.

The performance of Manuel Neuer with Bayern Munich against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League has sparked debate in Germany over whether he should be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals was built, in part, on Manuel Neuer’s performance. That put the veteran goalkeeper back in the spotlight, fueling debate over whether he should return to the Germany national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“This version of Neuer is world-class; he belongs in the national team,” said legend Lothar Matthaus after the match, according to Marca. He also sent a message to the Germany head coach: “I hope Nagelsmann watched the match. I would love to see Neuer in this kind of form at the World Cup… but I also know that won’t happen. Nagelsmann won’t open that door.”

That push comes nearly two years after Neuer’s retirement from international soccer. He chose to close that chapter of his career following Germany’s elimination from UEFA Euro 2024 in the quarterfinals against Spain.

In that way, the goalkeeper said goodbye to Germany after 15 years, having first been called up in 2009. During that span, he played in four World Cups and four European Championships, and won the sport’s biggest prize at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. In total, he made 124 international appearances and recorded 54 clean sheets.

“The best players have to go to the World Cup, and Manu is by far the best goalkeeper in the world,” said former star Benedikt Howedes, who was Neuer’s teammate at the 2014 World Cup. Even a current Germany and Bayern Munich player, Aleksandar Pavlovic, shared his view: “I would never say no to Manu, no matter his age. He is still an exceptional goalkeeper.”

What did Neuer say about a possible return to Germany?

Those calls for Manuel Neuer’s return to the Germany national team generated enough speculation that the 40-year-old goalkeeper addressed the topic himself after the match against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

“Everything has already been said about it,” Neuer replied when asked about a potential appearance at the 2026 World Cup. Instead, he chose to focus on his club objectives: “What matters now is finishing the rest of the season with Bayern. I’m enjoying my time with the team, at the club, with the coaching staff. It’s true that I’m 40 years old, but I’m still here.”

How have Germany replaced Neuer?

Since Manuel Neuer’s international retirement, Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to test different options in goal for Germany. Over the past two years, the coach has used three different goalkeepers in official matches and friendlies.

The most-used has been Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, with a total of 11 appearances. Behind him is Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has managed just four matches due to injury issues during his time with Barcelona, which have also kept him sidelined at Girona. The third goalkeeper selected by Nagelsmann is Stuttgart’s Alexander Nubel, who has featured in three matches.

Italy legend Dino Baggio shared his opinion on why Diego Maradona is considered even better than Lionel Messi.

Approaching the end of his professional career, Lionel Messi is regarded by many as the greatest player of all time. However, in that debate, other heavyweights come into play, such as Diego Maradona, whom Italy icon Dino Baggio considered the number one.

During an interview with Diario AS, the former Juventus and Parma midfielder was asked about his view of modern soccer, particularly Serie A, comparing it with the 1980s and 1990s. Baggio acknowledged that it was more difficult to play in Italy back then: “Perhaps Messi could have had problems here in his day.”

That led the conversation toward the differences in soccer over the years. Dino based his opinion on the fact that a few decades ago referees were more lenient when it came to physical contact, resulting in a harsher sport for talented players.

“Today, fouls are called before contact, practically,” Baggio noted, before highlighting who he considered the best player in the world during those years. “Maradona, in modern times, would score a thousand goals per season. You can’t imagine what they would hit him with when he was at Napoli,” said the 1994 FIFA World Cup finalist.

Immediately, Dino Baggio compared the two Argentine superstars and pointed out the difference between them: “Messi, back then, would have been equally brilliant, but completely, absolutely crushed. That’s why I say Diego was the greatest. The God of world soccer.”

Comparisons between Messi and Maradona

Dino Baggio is not the first to highlight the contrast between the leniency of the past and the extreme caution of modern soccer. This is usually one of the arguments used to place stars from previous decades, like Diego Maradona, Pele, or Alfredo Di Stefano, above modern geniuses like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

Some statistics support this view. FIFA shared an analysis on its official website a few years ago regarding the number of fouls committed in each edition of the World Cup (with records starting in Chile 1962) and the players who were most frequently fouled.

There is an indisputable leader in the rankings. Diego Maradona is the player who received the most fouls in World Cup history, totaling 152 across his four tournaments (1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994). He doubles the second player on the list, Lionel Messi, who was fouled 75 times across his five tournaments from 2006 onwards. Further down are Brazil’s Jairzinho (64), Neymar (60), and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (58).

The most astonishing fact is that Maradona ranks first, second, and third for the most fouls received in a single World Cup. In Mexico 1986, he was fouled 53 times; in Italy 1990, 50 times; and in Spain 1982, 36 times. Only in fourth place does another player appear—curiously also Argentine—Ariel Ortega, with 33 fouls in France 1998.

Kylian Mbappe scored for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich and joined stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in a select UEFA Champions League group.

On Tuesday, Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Kylian Mbappe scored for the Spanish side, joining Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an elite group: players who have scored the most goals in a single edition of the competition.

In the 74th minute, Real Madrid were down 0-2 and Bayern Munich had chances to extend their lead, which would have all but sealed the tie. In that context, a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold found the French forward inside the box for Los Blancos’ goal.

That was Mbappe’s 14th goal in this season’s European campaign. So far, only six players had scored that many or more in a single Champions League edition since its creation in 1955, according to statistics expert Mister Chip on his X account.

Top scorers in a single Champions League edition

The first player to score 14 goals in a single Champions League edition was Jose Altafini, an AC Milan legend, who reached that mark in 1963 while leading the Italian side to its first European title. That record stood until 2003, when Ruud van Nistelrooy matched it with Manchester United.

Real Madrid are back in the tie 👊

Kylian Mbappé with a fine finish from an incredible assist by Trent Alexander-Arnold ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/9wFJWh4XVk

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 7, 2026

From that point on, several other players have reached – and surpassed – the 14-goal mark: Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star holds a special place on this list, as he is the only player to achieve it on three separate occasions.

Mbappe can keep making Champions League history

Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu does not mean the tie is settled in Bayern Munich’s favor. The teams will meet again next week in Germany, where anything can happen.

Kylian Mbappe will not only look to help his team reach the semifinals but also continue adding to his goal tally. At best, he could have up to four more matches left in the Champions League if Real Madrid reach the final.

That could allow him to challenge Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most goals in a single edition of the competition. The Portuguese forward set the mark in 2013-14, scoring 17 goals during Real Madrid’s title run. Mbappe is just three goals away from that record, and at his current pace, he could realistically reach it.

At the same time, the French star is climbing the all-time scoring charts in European competitions. On Tuesday, he matched Filippo Inzaghi with 70 goals, placing him seventh on the list. His next target is another active player, Harry Kane, who has 75. Above them are Raul Gonzalez (76), Karim Benzema (92), Robert Lewandowski (117), Lionel Messi (132), and Cristiano Ronaldo (145).

Enzo Fernandez’s situation at Chelsea could change after he was disciplined by the club.

Enzo Fernandez made headlines last week after Chelsea decided to discipline him following comments that opened the door to a possible transfer to Real Madrid. However, that situation may be short-lived, with things potentially returning to how they were before.

“Chelsea are open to Enzo Fernandez captaining the side again this season and hope to reintegrate the midfielder after his comments over his future,” The Guardian reported on Tuesday. This means the midfielder would not only return to the team but could do so as one of the squad’s leaders.

Fernandez had been a key figure for Chelsea throughout the season, first under Enzo Maresca and then under Liam Rosenior. In fact, he has recorded 12 goals and 6 assists in 46 appearances for the Blues across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup.

Two additional stats highlight Enzo’s importance to Chelsea. First is his involvement: of the 46 matches he has played this season, 43 have been as a starter. He has also captained the team in 17 of those games, particularly in the absence of Reece James.

Chelsea downplay Enzo’s captaincy role

Despite those strong numbers, reports about the possibility of Enzo Fernandez regaining the captaincy have been reportedly downplayed by Chelsea. “The situation is regarded as more nuanced. Fernandez was never officially made vice-captain and is viewed as one of several co-captains,” The Guardian reports.

With Enzo unavailable due to disciplinary action in Saturday’s FA Cup match against Port Vale, combined with the injury that sidelined Reece James, Cole Palmer wore the captain’s armband. And Moises Caicedo is expected to be the captain next weekend in the Premier League clash against Manchester City.

What did Enzo Fernandez say?

The punishment imposed by Chelsea was explained by Liam Rosenior last Friday. “I have got no bad words to say about him but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build,” said the coach. “It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way.”

The decision stemmed from a series of public comments by Fernandez regarding a potential move to Real Madrid. He initially said he did not know what would happen with his career after the World Cup, despite being under contract with Chelsea. Days later, he described Madrid as his favorite city in Europe and admitted he would feel more comfortable there than in London due to language reasons.

Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak will miss the UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona.

This week, the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals get underway, and one of the most important matches will be Wednesday’s meeting between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Jan Oblak will be absent for that game.

On Tuesday, Atletico Madrid announced their 22-man squad for the trip to Camp Nou via social media, highlighting the absence of the Slovenian goalkeeper, who will miss the match due to physical issues.

Oblak has missed Atletico Madrid’s last four matches – as well as the FIFA break with Slovenia – due to a muscle injury suffered nearly a month ago. He was hurt on March 13 during training ahead of the game against Getafe, forcing him to sit out three La Liga matches and one UEFA Champions League match.

Wednesday’s clash with Barcelona will mark the fifth consecutive match Atletico Madrid will have to play without their star goalkeeper. This has impacted the team’s results, as they have lost three of the previous four games (including defeats to Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga) and won just one.

Los convocados para Barcelona 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/OX6MBu7EUI

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) April 7, 2026

Oblak’s replacement

In Jan Oblak’s absence, the goalkeeping duties will fall to Juan Musso. The 31-year-old Argentine has appeared in 11 matches this season for Atletico Madrid across La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, recording seven wins and four losses. Backup goalkeepers Salvi Esquivel and Mario de Luis were also included in the squad.

For Musso, this is a key opportunity, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching in the next two months. The goalkeeper was part of Lionel Scaloni’s most recent squad during the March international break after over a year away and has a chance to be included in the final 26-man roster.

Other Atletico Madrid injuries

In Atletico Madrid’s  squad for the Barcelona match, there are two additional notable absences besides Jan Oblak. Midfielders Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso are both sidelined due to physical issues.

With these absences, coach Diego Simeone will need to explore alternatives to shape his starting eleven. According to Marca, the main options to fill the gaps are Koke and Marcos Llorente, though players like Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas also have a chance to feature.

Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti reportedly reached an agreement to extend his contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

As Brazil prepare to face the major challenge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer in North America, they are already planning their future for the next four years. Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly agreed to a contract renewal, securing the continuity of his cycle.

“Carlo Ancelotti will be the coach of the Brazilian National Team until the 2030 World Cup. The intention to renew the current contract – valid until the end of July this year – has already been verbalized by the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) and the Italian coach himself,” ESPN Brazil reported on Tuesday.

With the agreement already in place, the official confirmation only depends on both parties meeting and signing the paperwork, which is expected to happen in the coming days. “The confederation finalized the details of the new contract earlier this week and sent the draft to Ancelotti,” the report adds.

The coach himself has been clear about his intention to continue in the role, when asked about it during a press conference in the March FIFA break. “CBF has no problem renewing, and I have no problem either. When we have something we want to pursue, I think there’s no problem,” said Ancelotti.

According to the same report, the contract between Ancelotti and Brazil will follow an unusual format: it will be divided into two phases. The first will be for two years, until the summer of 2028 (presumably coinciding with the end of the Copa America that year), with an automatic renewal clause for an additional two years, until the 2030 World Cup.

Ancelotti’s record salary in Brazil

With the signing of the new contract, Carlo Ancelotti will maintain the salary he has earned since joining the Brazil National Team in the summer of 2025. He currently earns – and will continue to earn through 2030 – €10 million per year (around $11.5 million), making him a record-breaking coach for two reasons.

Ancelotti is the highest-paid coach in the history of the Brazil National Team, according to ESPN. In addition, he is the highest-paid national team coach in the world, far surpassing his main competitors: second is England’s Thomas Tuchel with $6.8 million, and third is Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann with $5.6 million.

Ancelotti’s first major challenge is near

Beyond having his long-term future secured, Carlo Ancelotti knows that in just two months he will face his first major international challenge. He will aim to improve Brazil’s World Cup performances, where they have gone 24 years without a title and reached only one semifinal in that span.

Brazil will debut in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey against Morocco. Six days later, they will play Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and they will close their group-stage campaign on June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami against Scotland.

Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Austin FC in the Nu Stadium opener, with goals from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Austin FC on Matchday 6 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored for the Herons, who were unable to secure a win in the inaugural match at Nu Stadium.

Things did not start well for the Herons. Pre-match expectations and nerves affected the team, and in the opening minutes, they were outplayed by their opponents. In fact, Austin FC needed just six minutes to open the scoring, with a header from Guilherme Biro following a corner kick.

That setback seemed to wake Inter Miami, who did not need long to level the score. Messi launched an attack with a pass to Telasco Segovia, who in turn set up Tadeo Allende. A cross from the right found Messi’s head, and he scored his first goal at Nu Stadium.

In the following minutes, both teams had chances to take the lead but were unable to convert, either due to lack of precision or strong performances from the opposing goalkeepers. Mateo Silvetti had the clearest chance for the Herons after a brilliant run by Messi, but his shot was cleared off the line. For the visitors, Facundo Torres came closest with a shot that struck the post.

In the second half, Austin struck first again, with Jayden Nelson scoring in the opening minutes. Messi then led Inter Miami in pursuit of the equalizer, creating several opportunities, but was unable to make the difference. It was Luis Suarez who scored the second goal, capitalizing on a rebound inside the box just minutes after coming on.

In the final minutes, Inter Miami made massive efforts to secure the victory and had multiple chances to do so, but lacked precision. As a result, they had to settle for a draw in the inaugural match at Nu Stadium.

On the official opening night of Nu Stadium, Inter Miami are set to face Austin FC, with all eyes on Lionel Messi.

The opening of Nu Stadium marks a long-awaited milestone for Inter Miami, years in the making, and it will finally become a reality this Saturday in their Matchday 6 clash of the 2026 Major League Soccer season against Austin FC. Given the magnitude of the occasion, Lionel Messi will start for the Herons.

Inter Miami have structured their schedule this season with the stadium opening as a focal point. As a result, their first five MLS matches were played on the road while construction was completed at Miami Freedom Park. The day has finally arrived and, despite some last-minute complications related to administrative permits for Nu Stadium, everything is now set for the grand opening.

Beyond the occasion, the match also carries clear sporting significance. The Herons currently sit third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with three wins, one draw, and one loss, and are aiming to close the gap on the leaders, Nashville SC.

On the other side, Austin FC have endured a disappointing start to the season, managing just one win, two draws, and two losses in their first five matches. That record leaves them in 11th place in the Western Conference standings.

Confirmed lineup for Inter Miami

Last week, Inter Miami were without several players who left to join their national teams during the March FIFA international break. That included Lionel Messi, who played 45 minutes for Argentina against Mauritania last Friday and the full 90 against Zambia on Tuesday. Despite the workload, head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi is in good physical condition.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo de Paul, David Ayala, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Mateo Silvetti, Tadeo Allende.

Confirmed lineup for Austin FC

Austin FC face the dual challenge of improving on recent performances—they have taken just one point from their last nine available—while also finding a way to neutralize Inter Miami, one of the strongest sides in MLS.

With that in mind, head coach Nico Estevez will opt for the following lineup: Brad Stuver; Guilherme Biro, Brendan Hines-Ike, Oleksandr Svatok, Jon Gallagher; Joseph Rosales, Ilie Sanchez, Nicolas Dubersarsky, Facundo Torres; Myrto Uzuni, Christian Ramirez.

The numbers posted by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are being overshadowed by the performances of Erling Haaland.

This Saturday, Manchester City advanced to the FA Cup semifinals after a 4-0 win over Liverpool, in a match that once again had Erling Haaland as its standout performer. The Norwegian striker scored three goals, adding to his growing list of hat tricks and putting him ahead of the pace set by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age.

At 25 years and 257 days old, Haaland has already recorded 27 hat tricks across his professional career at both club and international level. That total slightly surpasses what Messi had achieved at the same age and far exceeds Ronaldo’s numbers at that stage of his career.

Haaland first scored three or more goals in a single match just before turning 18. At the time, he was playing for Molde FK and netted four goals in a league match against SK Brann in Norway’s Eliteserien.

From that point on—across his stints with Molde FK, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester City—Haaland has tallied 21 hat tricks, including five matches with at least four goals. With the Norway national team, he has added another six.

The hat tricks of Lionel Messi

Looking at the career of Lionel Messi through age 25 years and 257 days—the same age Haaland is now—the Argentine forward posted similar numbers. Messi scored his first hat trick at 19, in a Clasico against Real Madrid.

From there, with Barcelona, Messi scored three or more goals in 22 matches, including five games in which he surpassed that mark. That means, at the club level, the Argentine forward actually edged Haaland’s current total at the same age.

The difference in Haaland’s favor comes at the international level. With the Norway national team, he has six hat tricks, while by age 25 Messi had only recorded two with Argentina. As a result, Messi had a total of 24 hat tricks at that point in his career. Over time, he added significantly to that number: Messi now has 60 hat tricks.

The hat tricks of Cristiano Ronaldo

In this comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most disadvantaged. At 25 years and 257 days old, he had recorded just two hat tricks in his career. That can largely be explained by his role early on, when he played primarily as a winger and was less focused on goal-scoring.

After his early years with Sporting CP and Manchester United, CR7 evolved into a prolific scorer at Real Madrid, where his numbers surged dramatically. In total, Ronaldo now has 65 hat tricks across his club career and with the Portugal national team.

Los Angeles FC head coach Marc Dos Santos spoke about Son Heung-min and compared him to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were cited as comparable examples to Son Heung-min by Los Angeles FC head coach Marc Dos Santos when he was asked about the struggles the South Korea forward has been facing recently.

Son has just one goal — a penalty in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Real Espana — so far in the 2026 season, including his appearances with the South Korea national team during the March international break.

However, the LAFC coach does not see it as a major issue and instead offered a tactical assessment of Son’s role within the team. “There’s his role with LAFC and his role with the national team that are kind of similar. He went from almost in his early career being a winger, to now being more central,” said Dos Santos during Thursday’s press conference, shared by the club on YouTube. “That happens a lot with players getting at a certain age, it’s normal.”

The coach then pointed to several examples. “You saw it even with Cristiano Ronaldo, playing more wide and now more central. You saw at some stage in his career with Gareth Bale,” Marc began. “You see it a lot with Messi, a lot in his big years in Barcelona drifting from the right side inside, and now being more central. And it’s happening the same with Sonny.”

Following that explanation, a reporter asked Dos Santos whether that meant Son’s role had changed compared to last season — when he scored 12 goals in 13 matches. “He was a number 9 with us last year. He is a number 9 with us this year,” said the coach. “Nothing changes.”

LAFC coach confident Son will return to scoring form

Beyond the tactical explanation, Dos Santos acknowledged that certain aspects of Son Heung-min’s performances differ from the version he showed last year: “I don’t think he’s a robot. He’s not a machine. He had a different and challenging preseason that nobody was expecting. And maybe things are coming slower and we have to manage it.”

In particular, he highlighted specific difficulties the South Korea forward is facing. “Last year, sometimes when he would beat a player, he would get the extra half yard to release the shot. And now it seems that a lot of shots are being blocked,” Marc said.

Still, the coach struck an optimistic tone looking ahead. “He wants to score, he wants to do well… I know that at the right moment, he’s going to be ready. I trust him, I know he performs well,” said Dos Santos. Son’s next opportunity to end his drought will come this Saturday, when LAFC host Orlando City.

Kylian Mbappe spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Recently, Kylian Mbappe named Lionel Messi as the best teammate he has trained with throughout his professional career, even placing him above Neymar. However, when discussing his role model, he did not hesitate to choose Cristiano Ronaldo.

During an interview on The Bridge Show, which also featured Aurelien Tchouameni and Achraf Hakimi, the players were asked about those who inspired them as children and whom they have tried to emulate throughout their careers.

“At first it was Zidane, then Cristiano,” Mbappe said. His first choice is clear: a French legend who led his country to their first World Cup title in 1998 and starred for Real Madrid. However, Ronaldo later emerged as Kylian’s main inspiration.

“I think for a striker, he’s shown everything possible, because he played in different styles,” Mbappe added, referring to Cristiano’s versatility throughout his career. “He knows how to do everything, and he’s done everything.”

The evolution of Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo began as a winger whose main strengths were speed and dribbling. That style of play took him from Sporting CP to Manchester United and helped him become the best player in the world after winning the Ballon d’Or in 2008.

Following his move to Real Madrid in 2009, however, he began a gradual transformation into the center forward he is today at Al Nassr. That shift is reflected in his numbers, with his goal-scoring output increasing as his role moved from the wings to a more central position.

The similarities between Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo

When Kylian Mbappe speaks about the different styles Cristiano Ronaldo has adopted throughout his career, he is also, in a way, describing a path that could apply to his own development as a soccer player.

Early in his career at AS Monaco, he was also a forward who spent more time operating near the wings than in the center of the box. This continued during his early years at Paris Saint-Germain and even with the France national team.

In fact, during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia, Mbappe primarily played as a right winger, with Ousmane Dembele or Blaise Matuidi on the left, and Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud occupying central attacking roles.

However, over time, Kylian has gradually transitioned into a central striker. That transformation began at PSG while playing alongside Neymar and Messi, and has now been completed at Real Madrid. Since his arrival in Spain, there is little doubt that Mbappe’s natural position is inside the box, and his numbers speak for themselves: 38 goals in 35 matches with the Spanish side this season.

Despite being two of the Premier League’s top performers, Argentina midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister are facing uncertainty regarding their futures.

With two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister have their spots secured with Argentina. They earned that status in part thanks to their performances in the Premier League, but their situations at club level are now far from certain.

This Friday, Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior revealed that Enzo Fernandez has been disciplined by the club and will not be part of the squad for the next two matches, against Port Vale in the FA Cup and Manchester City in the Premier League. The decision stems from comments made by the midfielder regarding his future that were not well received within the club.

Fernandez recently admitted that he is unsure whether he will still be playing for Chelsea next season, while also fueling rumors of a potential move to Real Madrid by stating that the Spanish capital is his favorite city in Europe.

“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way,” Rosenior said Friday, according to BBC Sport. “I have got no bad words to say about him but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”

The Chelsea coach later revealed that the decision was made collectively within the club. “It’s not all about me, or the sporting directors. The ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision,” Rosenior said. However, he shared an optimistic message regarding Fernandez’s future: “The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed.“

Alexis Mac Allister also faces uncertainty at Liverpool

Another Premier League standout in recent seasons is Alexis Mac Allister, a key figure for Liverpool during last year’s league title run. However, the current season has not been as successful at the team level, which could lead the club to make significant decisions in the near future.

“Liverpool are preparing changes, and Salah will not be the only departure. Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister and Federico Chiesa are all on the transfer list,” Spanish outlet Diario AS reported Friday. “The inclusion of the Argentine midfielder is particularly surprising.”

Indeed, a restructuring at Liverpool following the departure of Mohamed Salah would signal a shift into a new era. However, Mac Allister’s potential exit is unexpected, given his importance in recent years and his continued role under coach Arne Slot.

Interestingly, as in Fernandez’s case, speculation surrounding Mac Allister’s future has also linked him with a move to Real Madrid. The Spanish side are known to be targeting midfielders capable of providing a similar level of quality to what Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have delivered, and the Argentine players appear to fit that profile.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the match between Al Nassr and Al Najma in the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action this Friday after more than a month out with injury in the Saudi Pro League clash between Al Nassr and Al Najma. He needed less than 75 minutes on the field to find the net twice and move closer to the 1,000-goal milestone.

With the match tied 2-2 at the start of the second half, the Portuguese striker took a free kick from the edge of the box. The ball struck the arm of an opposing defender, prompting the referee to award a penalty, a decision later confirmed by VAR.

As usual, Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty and converted it without issue. In the 56th minute, he scored Al Nassr’s third goal with a powerful right-footed strike that left goalkeeper Victor Braga with no chance, despite having guessed the direction of the ball.

Pressure, what pressure 🐐 pic.twitter.com/JShqCpG6ZH https://t.co/wBo6Oy0yBI

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) April 3, 2026

Just a few minutes later, Cristiano extended his team’s lead after receiving a pass inside the box from Sadio Mane. The 41-year-old star took his time to control the ball, settle himself, and unleash a powerful, high shot that was impossible for the goalkeeper to stop.

The best ever. pic.twitter.com/BQQv6jCTCz https://t.co/VYbrYgWEeR

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) April 3, 2026

Al Nassr maintain top spot in the Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr did not get off to a strong start, as Rakan Rajeh Altulayhi opened the scoring in the 44th minute for the visitors. In first-half stoppage time, however, Al Nassr turned the game around thanks to goals from Abdullah Al Hamdan and Sadio Mane. Still, the visitors equalized again after the break through Felippe Cardoso.

Then came Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace, which proved decisive for Al Nassr, as well as the fifht goal from Mane. With that, they surged toward a victory that allows them to remain the sole leaders in the Saudi Pro League standings. They now have 70 points, six more than Al Hilal, who are set to play on Saturday against Al Taawoun.

Ronaldo closes in on 1,000 goals

After a month sidelined with a muscle injury, Cristiano Ronaldo made up for lost time by adding two more goals to his tally. He now has 10 goals for Al Nassr so far this year and 967 in his professional career, just 33 shy of the 1,000 mark.

In addition, Saturday’s brace helps Ronaldo climb closer to the top of the Saudi Pro League scoring chart. Ivan Toney of Al Ahli leads the rankings with 25 goals, followed by Julian Quinones of Al Qadsiah with 24. Cristiano now sits third with 23 goals, with seven matches still remaining in the season.

Inter Miami will host Austin FC on Saturday in Major League Soccer at Nu Stadium, but bureaucratic issues have emerged.

This Saturday, Inter Miami will play their first match at Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, in Matchday 6 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season against Austin FC. However, in the hours leading up to the game, complications with the venue have arisen.

“Inter Miami’s match on Saturday may have to take place under a ‘limited event permit… with restrictions and additional precautions’ if Nu Stadium does not receive a temporary certificate of occupancy, city officials say,” reporter Andy Slater wrote on his X account Friday.

The core of the issues Inter Miami are facing ahead of the Austin match relates to the stadium’s construction and the subsequent administrative permits. In particular, the problem involves the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), a document issued by local authorities that allows partial or temporary use of a facility before final inspections are completed.

“The city is working diligently with the representatives of Nu Stadium to issue the TCO by April 4th’s inaugural game,” Slater’s post on X added. “However, if the TCO is not issued there is an avenue to proceed under a limited event permit, which is limited to that day, with specific hours, restrictions, and additional precautions. This is a recourse often used in these situations.”

🗣️ Leo Messi: “Nu Stadium is truly impressive. It’s going to be a beautiful day.” pic.twitter.com/sXeBbpe9V2

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 3, 2026

Despite these last-minute administrative permit complications for the use of Nu Stadium, there are no reports suggesting that the Inter Miami vs Austin FC match will be postponed or rescheduled to a future date.

Inter Miami have been waiting for this moment for a long time

The construction of the new stadium at Miami Freedom Park has been a priority for the Herons practically since Lionel Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023. As the construction progressed, the issue gained increasing importance in the club’s day-to-day operations.

In fact, Inter Miami executives coordinated with MLS to schedule this season’s fixtures so that the team’s first home game would occur after the completion of Nu Stadium. That’s why the Herons played their first five league matches away from home, with Saturday’s match against Austin FC marking their first as hosts.

The only exception they couldn’t avoid was in the Concacaf Champions Cup. There, they had no choice but to host Nashville SC in the second leg of the Round of 16 at Chase Stadium on March 18, where they were eliminated after a 1-1 draw.

Bayern Munich could be without Harry Kane for their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

This Tuesday, Bayern Munich will play the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals against Real Madrid, a crucial matchup for their ambitions this season. However, they could find themselves without their main star, Harry Kane.

The striker suffered an ankle injury during training with the England national team over the FIFA March international break, and his availability for upcoming club matches is in serious doubt.

“That will affect tomorrow’s match, and he won’t be available,” Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said during Friday’s press conference ahead of the Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg.

“Nevertheless, I’m optimistic about Tuesday’s match,” Kompany added in reference to the Champions League clash against Real Madrid, though he admitted: “Of course it’s not an ideal situation—I would have liked him to play against Freiburg—but given the current situation, that won’t be possible.”

The impact of Harry Kane on Bayern Munich

Since arriving in Germany from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, Harry Kane has established himself as Bayern Munich’s undisputed leader on the field. His numbers make that clear, and this season has been no exception.

Across the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup and UEFA Champions League, the English striker has made 40 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. He has scored an impressive 48 goals, along with five assists, averaging 1.32 goal contributions per match.

How have Bayern Munich dealt with Harry Kane’s absence before?

This season, Harry Kane has missed just two matches for Bayern Munich. Both came in March due to a calf issue. Coach Vincent Kompany replaced him on both occasions with Nicolas Jackson, who scored in each match against Borussia Monchengladbach and Atalanta.

Real Madrid have the highest salaries in La Liga, ahead of Barcelona, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at the top.

It’s no surprise that Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate the La Liga salary rankings. What stands out, however, is the gap between the two clubs, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as the highest-paid players in Spanish soccer.

L’Equipe published an analysis this Wednesday of the highest salaries in Europe’s top leagues. When focusing specifically on La Liga, they created a top-five list that shows the dominance of one club: four of the five highest-paid players in the Spanish league play for Real Madrid.

At the top of the ranking, for now, are Mbappe and Vinicius, both with a gross monthly salary calculated at €2,670,000 (around $37 million per year). However, this parity between Real Madrid’s two stars could change soon, as Vinicius’ contract includes a raise starting next season.

It’s worth noting that when additional earnings beyond the fixed salary are included, Mbappe holds an advantage. “The French national team captain (27 years old) remains, however, the highest-paid player at the Madrid club, thanks to bonuses included in his contract, which runs until June 2029,” L’Equipe notes.

The top three in La Liga salaries is completed by another Real Madrid player: David Alaba, with a gross monthly salary of €1,880,000. Next is the first player from another club, Robert Lewandowski, who earns about €1,730,000 at Barcelona. Finally, tied for fifth are Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, both at €1,670,000.

Salary rankings in other top European leagues

In addition to calculating the highest salaries in La Liga, L’Equipe performed the same analysis for Europe’s other top leagues. Across all of them, the only player approaching the numbers of Mbappe and Vinicius is Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has a reported monthly salary of €2,630,000 (around $36.4 million per year).

Haaland clearly leads the Premier League ranking, followed by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (€2,000,000), Manchester United’s Casemiro and Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk (both €1,750,000), and finally Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (€1,500,000).

In Italy, the numbers are more modest. Dusan Vlahovic leads with €1,850,000 at Juventus, followed by Lautaro Martinez with €1,390,000 at Inter Milan and Paulo Dybala with €1,080,000 at AS Roma.

Finally, France presents a unique case: the highest salary is not a player, but a coach. “With his upcoming contract extension worth around €20 million annually, PSG coach Luis Enrique will soon be the highest-paid figure in our league,” L’Equipe reports. Ousmane Dembele follows with €18 million per year.

England have strong competition at the attacking midfielder position, which could put Phil Foden’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at risk, according to Thomas Tuchel.

Thomas Tuchel was candid in discussing Phil Foden’s chances of making the England national team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, given the fierce competition in that area of the field.

“Phil tried everything. I would say he was excellent in camp but he struggles to show it on the pitch,” Tuchel admitted, according to The Guardian, following the March friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan. “He struggles to have the full impact.”

Tuchel was then asked whether a player going through this kind of period in their career could still be considered for the World Cup roster. “I can,” he responded, but then clarified: “The question would be if we will. It’s not a guarantee that he will come.”

On Foden’s recent club performances, the coach offered his analysis: “He didn’t have a lot of minutes for City recently.” Yet he praised the midfielder’s attitude: “Then he came to camp with the brightest smile and was so good in training, and I thought he would just surprise us and play with the same verve and excitement.”

Foden not at his best

At Manchester City, Phil Foden appears to have lost some of the prominence he had until a few months ago. He has 10 goals and 5 assists in 41 matches this season, but in the last 10 games he has started only twice. He even remained on the bench without playing in four of those matches.

That did not stop Thomas Tuchel from calling him up for the March FIFA break and giving him minutes in both England games. Foden started against Uruguay and played 56 minutes before being replaced by Cole Palmer. A similar situation occurred against Japan, with Dominic Solanke coming on for him in the 59th minute.

England have plenty of options in that area

Questions about Foden’s inclusion in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad are not only related to his current form at Manchester City but also to the wide array of options Tuchel has at the position.

In recent call-ups, the attacking midfielders included Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Eberechi Eze. Tuchel has even left the door open for 16-year-old Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman.

It’s clear that England will not have room for everyone. In fact, the coach was asked months ago about the possibility of including five No.10s in the roster. “I don’t see how this will help us,” he replied, making it clear that some players will inevitably be left out of the World Cup. That makes the next two months of club competition crucial in determining who claims the coveted spots.

Raphinha suffered an injury while playing for Brazil, prompting a response from Barcelona president Joan Laporta directed at FIFA.

Raphinha sustained a right hamstring injury during the match between Brazil and France a few days ago, which will sideline him for several weeks. The situation was not well received at Barcelona, and president Joan Laporta has now addressed FIFA over the issue.

“Raphinha’s injury is a shame,” Laporta said during a recent interview with Mon Esport. “It’s a friendly match, and one of the team’s best players suffers an injury. Of course it’s annoying… It’s infuriating!”

The Barcelona president was quick to make clear that Raphinha was not at fault. “You can’t blame the players. They are professionals and they give their all for their country,” he explained.

Instead, Laporta pointed to where he believes the main responsibility lies in these situations. “The problem is the crowded schedule, in the time of the season where we are playing for everything,” he said. “FIFA must make their calendar considering that these players play for big clubs.”

Raphinha will miss key Barcelona matches

Barcelona’s complaints are understandable given, as Laporta noted, the timing of Raphinha’s injury. This Saturday, they will face Atletico Madrid in a crucial La Liga clash that could be decisive in maintaining their lead with nine matches remaining.

And that’s not all: just four days later, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will meet again in an even more significant matchup. They are set to play the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the Camp Nou, with the decisive second leg scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, in Madrid.

By then, Raphinha will have been recovering from his hamstring injury for just over two weeks—a timeframe typically insufficient for a full recovery from this type of issue. As a result, Barcelona are effectively ruling out the winger for the entire series against Atletico Madrid, representing a major setback for Hansi Flick.

The FIFA calendar

While Joan Laporta’s complaints are understandable given the impact on Barcelona, his criticism does not fully reflect how the FIFA calendar is structured. Most leagues around the world run from September through May, with the early months of the year typically representing the most decisive stretch of the season.

During that period, FIFA schedules only one international break—the March window. It is the first of the year, with the next not coming until June, after club competitions have concluded. In contrast, the bulk of international fixtures takes place in the second half of the year, aligning with the early stages of the club season, when overall demands are lower.

Javier Mascherano spoke about Lionel Messi ahead of the clash between Inter Miami and Austin FC.

Inter Miami are set to face Austin FC this Saturday in the opening of the Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, for Matchday 6 of Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi’s availability was addressed by coach Javier Mascherano.

The Argentine forward did not join Thursday’s training session with his teammates, raising concerns about his participation in Saturday’s game. However, the coach offered a reassuring explanation.

“We had it already planned that way,” Mascherano began during the press conference, shared by reporter Jose Armando on X. “Leo is fine. We’re simply taking the usual care with him, as we do with everyone.”

Mascherano then explained that the differentiated exercises Messi completed during training, alongside Noah Allen and Alex Shaw, were due to their recent game load during the March FIFA break: “They are the three players who played on Tuesday and had the most minutes. Less than 48 hours have passed since they finished playing; we just wanted them to move a little in a regenerative way.”

Inter Miami receive good news

The situation with Messi, as well as Allen and Shaw, does not raise any concerns for Inter Miami ahead of upcoming matches. Additionally, the other players who represented their national teams during the FIFA break in recent days are also in perfect condition.

“The rest of the players who played had fewer minutes. Or, like in the case of Telasco (Segovia), they played on Monday,” Javier Mascherano explained in the same press conference. “All of them are in good condition.”

With that in mind, the Herons have positive prospects ahead of Saturday’s clash against Austin FC. According to reporter Jose Armando, two of the players who had recent physical issues—Maximiliano Falcon and Sergio Reguilon—participated in Thursday’s session alongside the rest of the squad. The only player missing full training was Facundo Mura, who completed differentiated exercises.

Falcon has been out of action since March 11, when he was substituted in the opening minutes of the first leg against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Reguilon, meanwhile, had to leave in the first half of the second leg on March 18 and had not played since.

After becoming one of the owners of Almeria, Cristiano Ronaldo now faces a claim from Flamengo.

In February of this year, Cristiano Ronaldo announced the purchase of a stake in Union Deportiva Almeria, a second-division club in Spain. That move could now cause a headache for the forward, following a claim from Flamengo.

“Almeria owes Flamengo around €1.8 million for 590 days. In February, the athlete Cristiano Ronaldo acquired 25% of the Spanish club,” Flamengo said in a statement published on its official website this week.

According to the Brazilian giants, the situation stems from the transfer of Lazaro in August 2022. The left winger was transferred at the time from Flamengo to Almeria in a deal reported to be around $8 million. As part of that transfer, the Brazilian side had to cover taxes applied in Spain and has since been seeking reimbursement from Almeria for those expenses.

“Even after Flamengo was compelled to bear such amounts — totaling over €1.5 million — and following a formal FIFA decision fully recognizing its right to reimbursement, Almeria chooses not to fulfill its obligation,” the statement added. “The debt after 590 days of default exceeds €1,800,000.00.”

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

ALMERÍA HAS OWED FLAMENGO AROUND € 1.8 MILLION FOR 590 DAYS

In February, the athlete Cristiano Ronaldo acquired 25% of the Spanish club

Clube de Regatas do Flamengo hereby publicly expresses its vehement repudiation of the conduct adopted by the Spanish…

— FL4MEN9O (@Flamengo_en) April 1, 2026

Flamengo outline next steps

After providing context for the claim against Almeria, Flamengo detailed the steps it plans to take in its attempt to recover the more than $2 million it had to pay at the time for Lazaro’s transfer.

“Flamengo trusts that the competent bodies, particularly the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), will provide the appropriate response to this behavior, ensuring compliance with the decisions already issued within FIFA and the observance of the commitments undertaken,” the official statement said.

Almeria’s debt predates Ronaldo’s arrival

As made clear by Flamengo’s account of events, the claim originated long before Cristiano Ronaldo became one of the owners of Almeria. Between Lazaro’s purchase in August 2022 and Ronaldo’s appearance as the owner of 25% of the Spanish club, three and a half years elapsed.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo’s new role in Almeria’s structure necessarily makes him involved in this conflict, which could become a headache for him in his first foray into this type of ownership activity.

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez could be the chosen replacement for Antoine Griezmann at Atletico Madrid following his move to MLS.

Antoine Griezmann will join Orlando City in Major League Soccer once the 2025–26 European season concludes. That will force Atletico Madrid to find a replacement, with Argentina star Lautaro Martinez emerging as one of the leading candidates.

According to Diario AS, the consolidation of Apollo Sports Capital as Atletico Madrid’s majority shareholder this year will allow the club to make a major investment to strengthen the squad. In that context, signing a forward to replace Griezmann has become a top priority.

Martinez has been on Atletico Madrid’s radar since his days at Racing Club in the Argentine league. At the time, negotiations were advanced, but in 2018 Inter Milan completed his signing for $25 million.

Since then, Lautaro has developed into one of Serie A’s top stars, scoring 171 goals in 370 appearances for Inter, but Atletico Madrid’s interest has never faded. Now, with his Argentina teammate Julian Alvarez already in the squad, the two could form a formidable attacking partnership.

However, any move for Lautaro Martinez will not be easy, given his importance to Inter and his high market value, estimated at €85 million ($98 million) by Transfermarkt. “An insatiable goalscorer, but very difficult to prise away from Inter, where he is captain and under contract until 2029,” Diario AS reports.

Other alternatives to replace Griezmann

If a deal for Lautaro Martinez does not materialize, Atletico Madrid have reportedly been monitoring another Argentina forward: Joaquin Panichelli, who plays for RC Strasbourg in France.

Panichelli has impressed this season, scoring 20 goals in 39 appearances across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa Conference League. Those performances earned him call-ups from Lionel Scaloni for the FIFA international breaks in November 2025 and March 2026.

That had put him in strong contention to be Argentina’s third striker at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, behind Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. However, a serious knee injury has ruled Panichelli out, something that likely also impacts any potential move to Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish side could also opt for players with different profiles and, instead of a traditional striker, target more versatile options. Among them are 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star Ibrahim Maza, an attacking midfielder, as well as Olympique Marseille forward Mason Greenwood and Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-in.

Alessandro Bastoni could arrive at Barcelona after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This week, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, and Alessandro Bastoni played a regrettably pivotal role in that failure. The fallout from it could help Barcelona in negotiations for the defender.

Italy’s elimination in the European playoffs came via penalties after a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, things had started well for the Azzurri, who took the lead through a goal from Moise Kean. Bastoni, though, was sent off in the 41st minute of the first half, severely hurting the team’s chances.

With the result decided, Bastoni became the focal point of criticism. The Italian press singled him out as one of the main culprits, labeling his red card as “stupid.” In addition, La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: “Bastoni and a disastrous 2026.”

Italian fans also made their frustration clear, flooding his social media posts with aggressive comments. According to Mundo Deportivo, the player’s latest post received more than 13,000 comments, prompting Bastoni and his wife to restrict interactions on their Instagram accounts to stop the harassment.

Barcelona are interested in Bastoni

The difficult situation surrounding Alessandro Bastoni, amid widespread criticism from both media and fans in Italy, could prove decisive for his future. In that context, Barcelona are circling, waiting for the right opportunity to open negotiations.

“At the club, they believe they can land Bastoni for a fee capped at €55–60 million, and Italy’s elimination along with the public backlash could ease the player’s exit,” Mundo Deportivo report.

It is well known that Barcelona are in the market for a left-footed center back to fill the void left by Inigo Martinez, who joined Al Nassr at the start of the season. Bastoni is considered one of the top priorities, although he faces competition from other targets such as Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi.

Bastoni left out of the World Cup again

Despite being one of the most sought-after defenders in the world, Alessandro Bastoni’s international career has been far less accomplished than expected. At 26, he has yet to play in a World Cup, with Italy having missed the tournament since 2014.

Bastoni made his international debut in 2020 and, a year later, won the UEFA Euro 2020 with Italy, defeating England on penalties. However, in World Cup qualifiers, he has been unable to help his national team secure qualification for 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

At best, Bastoni could make his World Cup debut in 2030 at age 30, a situation similar to that of other stars from the country such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Barella and Moise Kean.

Brazil’s squad list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not yet finalized, Carlo Ancelotti admitted.

Carlo Ancelotti spoke after Brazil’s matches during the March international break and addressed the process of selecting the 26-player squad that will compete in this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, acknowledging that he has increasing doubts about it.

After giving playing time in friendlies against France and Croatia to several players who had not previously been considered, the coach was candid in admitting: “The new players have contributed a lot, they’ve taken their opportunity and, obviously, it increases the doubt over the final list.”

These remarks only add to the uncertainty in Brazil, with just over two months remaining until the start of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. And considering that the deadline to submit the roster is May 30, the timeline is even tighter.

Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the team’s performances. “The idea was to play like this. There are things to improve, obviously, but we’re on the right track,” he said, according to TyC Sports. “Everyone contributed, which is a positive sign for the team.”

Regarding the next steps in the coming months, the coach was clear: “Now we will continue evaluating what happens in the European leagues and in the Brazilian league… We have a good team structure, a good atmosphere, we’re working very well; for now, we’re calm.”

Endrick fights for a place in Brazil

Among the players who were given their first opportunity under Carlo Ancelotti during this March FIFA international break is Endrick. The Real Madrid forward, on loan at Olympique Lyon, did not feature in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to France but did see minutes in the match against Croatia.

Endrick came on in the 76th minute to replace Luiz Henrique and played a key role: he won the penalty that led to the second goal and assisted Gabriel Martinelli on the third. “He played very well,” Ancelotti said when asked about the young forward.

In addition, other players also earned their first minutes in this cycle and made positive impressions. Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos scored one of the goals against Croatia, while Brentford forward Igor Thiago featured in both matches during the international break and also found the net.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup now has all of its national teams confirmed, with notable absences including Robert Lewandowski.

The March international break brought confirmation of the final spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Robert Lewandowski is one of the biggest stars who will miss this summer’s tournament in North America.

Poland failed to overcome Sweden in one of the European playoffs, losing 3-2 at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. This was their last chance to secure a spot in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

As a result, Robert Lewandowski missed the opportunity to take part in what would almost certainly have been his last World Cup. By 2030, he will be nearly 42 years old, making it unlikely he will still be competing internationally.

“It’s hard to say anything after a match like that. I don’t know if the words I find would reflect what we feel. Soccer can be cruel,” Lewandowski admitted after the defeat to Sweden. Asked about his future with Poland, he was completely honest: “I don’t know. I need to think carefully, reflect.”

North America 2026 would have marked Lewandowski’s third World Cup, having led Poland in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. Alongside the Barcelona forward, other top stars will also miss this summer’s FIFA tournament.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper was at the center of another disappointment for Italy, who lost on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs and failed for the third consecutive time to reach the World Cup. At 27, Donnarumma has yet to play in a World Cup, a situation shared by other Italian stars such as Sandro Tonalli, Nicolo Barella, and Alessandro Bastoni.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Another PSG star who has not yet found the same level of success with his national team. Kvaratskhelia was unable to help Georgia even reach the European playoffs, as they finished third in their group behind Spain and Turkey.

Victor Osimhen

One of the most surprising absences for the 2026 World Cup is Nigeria, one of Africa’s strongest teams in recent decades. They failed to secure a spot for the second consecutive time, having also missed the Qatar 2022 edition. Victor Osimhen, the national team’s star, has yet to play in a World Cup at 27 years old.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Despite being one of Liverpool’s top stars in the Premier League, Szoboszlai could not guide Hungary to the 2026 World Cup. They were eliminated in the early stage of the European qualifiers, finishing behind Portugal and Ireland in Group F. Although Hungary were twice runners-up (1938 and 1954), they have now gone 40 years without appearing in a World Cup.

Stars missing the World Cup due to injury

In addition to players whose teams failed to qualify for North America 2026, several stars will miss the tournament due to injury. This group includes Brazil’s Rodrygo Goes, who is sidelined with a serious knee injury. Also absent are England’s Jack Grealish, Japan’s Takumi Minamino, and Argentina’s Juan Foyth and Joaquin Panichelli.

Lionel Messi reached an impressive milestone with Argentina, but Cristiano Ronaldo still holds the edge.

Argentina played their final home match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Tuesday. They cruised to a 5-0 win over Zambia in Buenos Aires, with a goal from Lionel Messi. The forward reached a remarkable international milestone, but it still isn’t enough to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the 43rd minute of the first half, Messi pounced on a rebound inside the box and, from a very tight angle, fired a left-footed shot to make it 2-0 for Argentina. That goal was his 116th at international level in 198 appearances, and his first of 2026.

Messi has now scored in 21 consecutive years for Argentina, placing him second on the all-time list in this category. The top spot, unsurprisingly, belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored in 22 straight years for Portugal.

In that ranking led by Cristiano Ronaldo (22) and followed by Lionel Messi (21), other stars have also left their mark. The top three is rounded out by Edin Dzeko, who has scored in 20 consecutive years for Bosnia and Herzegovina between 2007 and 2026. Further down the list are Ireland’s Robbie Keane (19) and Poland’s Robert Lewandowski (19).

Messi’s numbers with Argentina

Messi made his senior national team debut on August 17, 2005, in a friendly against Hungary, where he was sent off just one minute after coming on. He failed to score in his six appearances that year, so his first international goal came in March 2006, in a friendly against Croatia.

Since then, there hasn’t been a single year in which Messi has failed to score for Argentina, whether in friendlies or official competitions. His best year came in 2022, when he scored 18 goals — including seven at the World Cup in Qatar — followed by 2012, when he netted 12.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s numbers with Portugal

As impressive as Lionel Messi’s numbers with Argentina are, they still fall short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s production with Portugal. He has scored 143 goals in 226 appearances for his national team and has done so across 22 consecutive years.

After making his international debut in 2003 in a friendly against Kazakhstan, CR7 scored his first goal the following year at UEFA Euro 2004 against Greece. From that point on, he began a streak that has, for now, extended through 2025. He has yet to play internationally this year, but will have the chance to extend that run in the coming months.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s most prolific year with the Portugal national team came in 2019, when he scored 14 goals. Most of them came in European qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League, a competition Portugal went on to win.

Mexico and Belgium drew 1-1 in an international friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Mexico and Belgium played to a 1-1 draw in the final friendly of the March FIFA international break at Soldier Field in Chicago. Jorge Sanchez opened the scoring for Javier Aguirre’s side, while Dodi Lukebakio later equalized for the European side.

In the first half, Mexico were the absolute dominators of the game. They controlled possession, neutralized their opponents’ strengths, and created a significant number of goal-scoring opportunities.

Julian Quinones was the team’s most dangerous player, with several shots and key passes for his teammates. In that context, the opener came in the 19th minute, when, following a corner kick, Jorge Sanchez pounced on a rebound inside the box and calmly pushed the ball past the goalkeeper.

In the following minutes, Javier Aguirre’s side had plenty of chances to extend their lead but were undone by their own inefficiency—a mistake that would later prove costly. At the start of the second half, Belgium created their first clear chance and made it count: Dodi Lukebakio scored a brilliant goal to level the match at 1-1.

For the remainder of the game, the intensity from both teams dropped as the coaches made substitutions that slowed the pace. Mexico ended the March international break with positive results and performances, competing head-to-head with two top-ten European national teams. Belgium impressed against USMNT and secured a draw with Mexico, leaving them in strong form ahead of the World Cup.

Congo DR secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, as well as Uzbekistan and Colombia.

This Tuesday marks the final step before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The last remaining spots are being decided through the European and intercontinental playoffs, and the tournament groups are now being finalized. Congo DR secured their place in Group K, where they will face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, as well as Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Pathway 1 of the interconfederation playoffs held its final this Tuesday. There, Jamaica (who advanced to this stage after defeating New Caledonia) faced DR Congo. The match at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, ended in a 1-0 victory for the African side.

Now Congo DR will join Group K of the World Cup, where they face the difficult challenge of opening their campaign against Cristiano Ronaldo. That matchup against Portugal is scheduled for June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Six days later, they will take on Colombia at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara—coincidentally the same venue where they secured their historic qualification. Finally, the Group K finale will take place on June 27, when Congo DR will face Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

How many times have DR Congo played in a World Cup?

With Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Jamaica, DR Congo have earned the right to play in their second World Cup in history. Their only previous appearance came at Germany 1974, when they competed under the country’s former name at the time: Zaire.

On that occasion, they were drawn into Group 2 alongside Brazil, Yugoslavia and Scotland. Their performance fell well short of expectations, as they lost all three matches, conceding 14 goals and scoring none. They were beaten 2-0 by Scotland, 9-0 by Yugoslavia and 3-0 by Brazil.

A new experience for Cristiano Ronaldo

In his 23 years with the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo has never faced DR Congo, either in friendlies or in official competitions. At the World Cup level, he has played six matches against African national teams, recording four wins, one draw and one loss.

In each of his World Cup appearances, Ronaldo has faced at least one African opponent in the group stage. In 2006, it was a 1-0 win over Angola, while in 2010 he played to a 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast. Four years later, he faced Ghana and won 2-1, while at Russia 2018 it was a 1-0 victory over Morocco. At Qatar 2022, Portugal faced two CAF opponents: they defeated Ghana 3-2 in the group stage before falling 1-0 to Morocco in the quarterfinals.

Mexico and Belgium face off in the final match of the March FIFA international break.

This Tuesday marks the end of the March FIFA window, with Mexico and Belgium headlining one of the most intriguing friendly matchups of the slate. With their spots already secured for the 2026 World Cup, both national teams are looking to build top form ahead of that challenge.

[Watch Mexico vs Belgium online in the US on Fubo]

Mexico face added pressure as one of the host nations of next summer’s FIFA tournament, and are especially focused on delivering strong performances to avoid disappointing their fans. Their most recent outing met expectations, as they played to a 0-0 draw against Portugal at the Estadio Azteca.

After passing that test against one of the world’s top national teams, Javier Aguirre’s side now look to take another step forward on Tuesday and push for a win against another strong European opponent, albeit one with fewer stars than Portugal.

Belgium are currently ranked No. 9 in the FIFA rankings and aim to be contenders at the next World Cup, just as they were at Russia 2018. Their latest performance supports that ambition: a 5-2 win over USMNT in which they delivered a dominant and efficient attacking display.

Confirmed Mexico lineup

Mexico’s performance against Portugal just three days ago appears to have satisfied Javier Aguirre, meaning several players from that match will retain their spots in the starting XI on Tuesday.

Mexico’s confirmed XI to face Belgium is: Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jorge Sanchez; Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Orbelin Pineda; Julian Quinones, Raul Jimenez, Brian Gutierrez.

Confirmed Belgium lineup

While Javier Aguirre had reason to be pleased with his team’s previous performance, Rudi Garcia can be even more encouraged. However, following the emphatic win over USMNT, the French coach will change much of his starting XI.

Belgium’s confirmed lineup is: Matz Sels; Timothy Castagne, Koni De Winter, Nathan Ngoy, Maxime De Cuyper; Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne; Dodi Lukébakio, Mika Godts, Lois Openda.

Mexico and Portugal played to a 0-0 draw at Estadio Azteca in a match where Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was felt.

Portugal were unable to make the difference, settling for a 0-0 draw against Mexico in the reopening of Estadio Azteca. Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez’s side struggled to create danger in the opponent’s box.

From the first half, it was clear that Portugal would face a tough challenge. Mexico set up with a physically intense and tactically disciplined strategy, making it difficult for stars like Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix to stand out. In that context, Portugal’s clearest chance came from Goncalo Ramos, who controlled the ball inside the box but fired wide.

Mexico tried long-range shots but lacked the precision to trouble goalkeeper Rui Silva. In the second half, their best opportunity came when Armando Gonzalez met a cross from the left with a header, but sent it over.

Roberto Martinez’s side brought on other stars in the second half, including Pedro Neto, Vitinha, Joao Cancelo, and Diogo Dalot, but they were unable to make an impact. Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was obvious, as his presence in the box has been a key weapon for Portugal in recent years.

For Mexico, the next challenge comes on Tuesday, when they face Belgium in another friendly. Portugal will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, to take on the USMNT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

This Saturday night, Mexico and Portugal face off at Estadio Azteca.

Portugal will kick off their North American friendly tour on Saturday night. During the March FIFA break, they are scheduled to play two matches: the first comes tonight at Estadio Azteca against Mexico, followed by a clash next Tuesday against the USMNT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Unfortunately for Mexican and American fans, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of these matches. The Al Nassr forward was not included in coach Roberto Martinez’s squad as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for exactly one month.

Even so, Portugal will field an extremely competitive side, with most of their stars available. Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes will be one of the main attractions, alongside other top-level players such as Ruben Neves, Joao Felix, and Nuno Mendes.

On the other side are Mexico, who remain in the process of building a clear playing identity. Head coach Javier Aguirre knows he faces the difficult task of shaping his squad into a serious contender ahead of a World Cup that will be especially meaningful, as they are one of the hosts. That makes this test against one of the world’s top national teams, Portugal, particularly valuable.

Confirmed Mexico lineup

While facing Portugal will require Mexico to be more cautious than they typically are against Concacaf opposition, Javier Aguirre will not sacrifice attacking firepower. Key players such as Raul Jimenez and Roberto Alvarado will feature in the starting lineup.

Mexico’s confirmed XI: Raul Rangel; Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Jesus Gallardo, Israel Reyes; Erick Lira, Obed Vargas, Alvaro Fidalgo; Brian Gutierrez, Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez.

Confirmed Portugal lineup

In addition to Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, Roberto Martinez must also cope with missing key players such as Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias during this March international break. However, that will not prevent him from naming a lineup filled with top-tier talent.

Portugal’s confirmed XI to face Mexico: Rui Silva; Matheus Nunes, Renato Veiga, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes; Samu Costa, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Joao Felix, Francisco Conceicao, Gonzalo Ramos.

Portugal are facing Mexico at Estadio Azteca, and Cristiano Ronaldo is not part of the squad.

Physical issues will keep Mexican fans from enjoying Cristiano Ronaldo’s magic tonight at Estadio Azteca. The Portugal forward was left out of Roberto Martinez’s squad for the March FIFA international break, which is why he will not play against Mexico this Saturday or against the USMNT next Tuesday.

Ronaldo has been out of action for exactly one month. He last played an official match for Al Nassr on February 28, in a 3-1 win over Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro League. Following that performance, the forward was diagnosed with a hamstring injury that he is still recovering from.

This physical issue forced CR7 to miss his club’s last two league matches, but it has had an even bigger impact at the international level. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was unable to include him in the squad for the March FIFA international break, during which the national team is facing Mexico and the USMNT.

That means Ronaldo will not return to action with Portugal before Martinez finalizes the 26-man roster that will represent the country at the 2026 World Cup, a decision that must be made by May 30. While this does not affect the forward’s chances of making the squad, it does represent a setback in the team’s preparation, as they will be without their biggest star at a key stage on the road to the FIFA tournament.

O 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼 𝗡𝘂́𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝟭 da nossa preparação para o Mundial 📍🗺️ #VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2N8YKnRar3

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) March 28, 2026

Possible return date for Cristiano Ronaldo

At the time Ronaldo’s injury was confirmed in early March, Al Nassr avoided providing a specific timeline for his return, instead stating that “he started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day.”

Days later, Jorge Jesus was candid in acknowledging that the situation was not encouraging. “After tests, we see the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo was more serious than expected,” said the Al Nassr coach.

Several weeks have passed since then, and Ronaldo has shown positive signs of nearing a full recovery with an optimistic message. “Good to be back! Looking good,” he said in a social media post. Based on that latest update, reports now indicate that CR7 could return on April 3, when Al Nassr face Al-Najma in the Saudi Pro League.

Who will replace Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal?

For Saturday night’s matchup vs. Mexico at Estadio Azteca, Roberto Martinez faces the challenge of finding a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports indicate that Goncalo Ramos will take the center forward role in the starting lineup, supported in attack by Joao Felix and Pedro Neto.

Emiliano Martinez admitted that Argentina could have run into trouble if they had faced Spain in the Finalissima.

The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain was scheduled to be played this Friday, but it was canceled days ago due to disagreements between the two countries’ associations over the organization of the match, which was originally set to take place in Qatar. Now, Emiliano Martinez has admitted he is relieved the clash was called off.

“Good thing it wasn’t played,” Martinez said when asked about the scrapped matchup against Spain in an interview with TyC Sports following Friday’s 2-1 win over Mauritania in Buenos Aires. “If we played like that, we would have lost.”

The goalkeeper was visibly frustrated with Argentina’s performance in the friendly, in which they barely secured a narrow win against an opponent ranked No. 115 in the FIFA Rankings and one that failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“It was one of the worst friendlies we’ve played. We lacked intensity, buildup play, speed, and defensive solidity. It’s something we have to analyze,” Martinez admitted. “Every time we put on the national team shirt, we have to do a little better—we need to show more heart.”

𝑫𝒊𝒃𝒖 🧤 pic.twitter.com/QQYjsTCImQ

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 27, 2026

Dibu Martinez confident in Argentina ahead of the World Cup

Despite his criticism of Argentina’s performance against Mauritania, Emiliano Martinez expressed confidence heading into the 2026 World Cup. In particular, he was asked about the opinion of some Spanish journalists, who argued after the Finalissima cancellation that Lionel Scaloni’s side are unlikely to advance beyond the quarterfinals this summer in North America.

“The last World Cup was similar—we didn’t play many big matches beforehand and still had a great tournament,” said the Aston Villa goalkeeper, before delivering a pointed message toward Spain: “It’s one game at a time. We have experience going deep in the World Cup—they don’t.”

What’s next for Argentina?

Following the 2-1 win over Mauritania, Argentina will now have several days to rest and train before their next challenge. On Tuesday, they will face Zambia, also in Buenos Aires, in what will be their final home match before the 2026 World Cup.

By late May, Lionel Scaloni will have to finalize the 26-man roster that will represent Argentina in this summer’s FIFA tournament. During the June international break, they will play two friendlies in the United States before their group-stage opener. One of those matches will likely be against Serbia, as Scaloni acknowledged earlier this week.

Kylian Mbappe’s France have climbed the FIFA rankings, leaving Lionel Messi’s Argentina behind.

Almost four years after that World Cup final in Qatar, Kylian Mbappe has earned a small measure of satisfaction at the expense of Lionel Messi. In the latest FIFA rankings update, France moved up one spot to overtake Argentina.

On Friday, FIFA released the updated ranking of the world’s top national teams. The biggest news is that France jumped from third to second, pushing Messi and his teammates slightly further from the top, though they remain in the top three.

France’s victory over Brazil in the first friendly of the March international break was decisive in this shift, giving the Europeans an extra 3.96 points. With that addition, Mbappe’s side now has 1,873.96 points, just ahead of Argentina’s 1,873.33.

Spain remain at the top. The European champions hold first place with 1,879.12 points, a small but significant margin over their closest rivals. England sit fourth with 1,832.62 points after their 1-1 draw against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium.

Portugal also climb in the rankings

France’s victory over Brazil this week not only boosted Kylian Mbappe and his teammates to second place, it also negatively impacted Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Brazil lost 3.96 points as a result of the match, dropping them from fifth place. Portugal took advantage of this and, even before their game against Mexico this Saturday, moved into the top five with 1,760.38 points.

Top 10 FIFA rankings after the latest update:

1- Spain – 1,879.12

2- France – 1,873.96

3- Argentina – 1,873.33

4- England – 1,832.62

5- Portugal – 1,760.38

6- Netherlands – 1,759.42

7- Brazil – 1,756.49

8- Morocco – 1,753.07

9- Belgium – 1,730.71

10- Germany – 1,728.49

England and Uruguay drew 1-1 at Wembley Stadium.

England and Uruguay drew 1-1 at Wembley Stadium, in one of their final important tests ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Benjamin White scored for the hosts, while Federico Valverde netted the equalizer in added time.

During the first half, there were few moments when the teams were able to get their game flowing. England took the initiative and tried to control possession, but they lacked the clarity to create dangerous chances. Dominic Solanke had the clearest opportunity, with a shot saved by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Uruguay focused on solid defending and looking for counterattacks, but they were only able to do so a few times, with shots from Agustin Canobbio outside the box that were off target.

After the break, things didn’t change much. Constant interruptions due to physical issues and substitutions made it difficult for both teams to find a rhythm. This was reflected in the flow of the game, with clear chances being scarce, except for a header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin that went wide.

However, just when it seemed the match would end goalless, England created an attack from a corner kick. After a series of rebounds inside the box, Benjamin White pounced on the ball and slotted it home to score the opener. Minutes later, a foul on Federico Viñas led to a VAR review and a penalty award, which Federico Valverde converted to seal the 1-1 draw.

England face Uruguay in an international friendly, with attention focused on Harry Kane.

One of the most compelling clashes of the March international break features England and Uruguay. This will be one of the last matches ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Harry Kane will not be included in the squad.

The Bayern Munich striker, along with other squad stars such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, are likely to feature in England’s second friendly during the March FIFA break, next Tuesday against Japan.

For Friday, however, head coach Thomas Tuchel will give players who have yet to secure their spot for the 2026 World Cup a chance to compete against a strong opponent like Uruguay and prove their worth for the 26-man roster.

On the other side, Uruguay likely face their final major test before traveling to North America. Coach Marcelo Bielsa, known for his demanding style, will aim for his team to perform at the highest level against one of the world’s top national teams as preparation for the big challenge this summer.

Your #ThreeLions for the first time in 2026 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4K19bU4QWE

— England (@England) March 27, 2026

Confirmed England lineup

The absence of Harry Kane and other English stars from the starting XI this Friday does not mean the Three Lions will field a weak team. On the contrary, several top-level players will be included in the XI against Uruguay, such as Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.

Thomas Tuchel’s confirmed lineup for England is: James Trafford; Tino Livramento, Fikayo Tomori, Harry Maguire, Djed Spence; James Garner, Jordan Henderson; Noni Madueke, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford; Dominic Solanke.

Así va el equipo de Marcelo Bielsa frente a Inglaterra ✍🏼 pic.twitter.com/mwC9Qw7g1K

— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) March 27, 2026

Confirmed Uruguay lineup

Unlike England, Uruguay will field their key stars for this match. That means Federico Valverde of Real Madrid will be one of Tuchel’s main concerns, given his recent form at club level.

Marcelo Bielsa’s confirmed XI is: Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araujo, Matias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez; Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Giorgian De Arrascaeta; Agustin Canobbio, Rodrigo Aguirre, Maximiliano Araujo.

Joaquin Panichelli suffered a serious injury and will not be able to join Lionel Messi with Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The March FIFA international break got off to a disastrous start for Argentina, as Joaquin Panichelli suffered a serious injury during Thursday’s training session that will sideline him for an extended period. As a result, Lionel Messi loses another teammate ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“The tests carried out today on forward Joaquin Panichelli confirmed a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee,” Argentina announced Friday through their official X account. “Stay strong, Joaco! We’re with you.”

This represents a blow not only for the March friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires, but also for his upcoming club and international commitments. The knee injury will require Panichelli to undergo surgery and begin a lengthy recovery process expected to take at least six months.

As a result, the striker has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season with RC Strasbourg in Ligue 1, as well as the early months of the following campaign. More importantly, it will also keep him out of the 2026 World Cup.

Joaquín Panichelli has suffered a right ACL tear.

Stay strong, Joaco! We’re with you 💪🩵 pic.twitter.com/qxwoDyfhT1

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 27, 2026

Scaloni’s options to replace Panichelli

Joaquin Panichelli was part of a group of players competing in recent months for one of the final spots on the 26-man roster set to represent Argentina in North America this summer. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez are the two center forwards whose places, barring any unexpected issues, are all but secured. However, a third option at the position still needs to be determined to provide depth if needed during the tournament.

Panichelli was among those in contention, earning consideration thanks to his performances with RC Strasbourg. He received his first call-up and made his debut for Argentina in November 2025, coming on in the final minutes of a 2-0 win over Angola. He was looking to solidify his place during the March friendlies. With his injury, the leading candidate to fill the third striker role for the World Cup is Palmeiras star Jose Lopez.

Third absence for Argentina ahead of the World Cup

Panichelli’s situation mirrors that of two other Argentina players who suffered serious injuries in recent months. On January 24, defender Juan Foyth ruptured his Achilles tendon during a La Liga match between Villarreal and Real Madrid.

A month later, during a Racing Club training session, Valentin Carboni tore the cruciate ligaments in his right knee—similar to Panichelli—and was also ruled out of the 2026 World Cup.

In all three cases, the players were competing for a spot on the 26-man roster that will represent Argentina in North America this summer. None were expected starters in Lionel Scaloni’s plans, but they were viable options depending on each match’s needs.

Albania’s defeat to Poland in the UEFA playoffs has left Brazil without a record it had held since the very first FIFA World Cup.

Albania lost 2-1 to Poland on Thursday in the European playoff semifinals, eliminating their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This also marks the end of an impressive streak that Brazil had maintained uninterrupted since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1930.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history without a single Brazilian coach. With the national team being led by a foreigner for the first time in a major tournament—Italian Carlo Ancelotti—Albania had represented the last hope, as their coach is former Barcelona player Sylvinho.

However, that chance has now disappeared, and barring a last-minute change among the national teams already qualified, there will be no Brazilian representation among the 48 head coaches competing for the title in North America 2026.

Brazil’s perfect World Cup coaching record

Brazil’s unbroken streak of having at least one Brazilian coach at every World Cup from Uruguay 1930 to Qatar 2022 was largely driven by the performances of their own national team. Brazil is the only country to have competed in all 22 World Cups held over the last 92 years, and in each edition, a Brazilian coach was on the sidelines—usually leading Brazil themselves.

In many editions, there were even more Brazilian coaches. In 1998, for example, there were four: Mario Zagallo led Brazil to the final against France, while Carlos Alberto Parreira managed Saudi Arabia, Paulo Cesar Carpegiani coached Paraguay, and Rene Simoes was in charge of Jamaica.

The same happened in 2006. Carlos Alberto Parreira managed Brazil, while three other Brazilians coached other teams in the tournament: Luiz Felipe Scolari at Portugal, Alexandre Guimaraes at Costa Rica, and Zico at Japan.

How many foreign coaches will lead teams at the 2026 World Cup?

With the final six spots still to be decided in the UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs during the March FIFA break, 42 teams have already qualified to compete this summer in North America.

The split between teams led by native-born coaches and those with foreign managers is currently very close. Twenty of the 42 qualified teams have head coaches born in their own country, including Argentina with Lionel Scaloni and France with Didier Deschamps.

On the other side, 22 national teams will compete with foreign coaches. Notable examples include Brazil with Carlo Ancelotti, England with Thomas Tuchel, and the United States with Mauricio Pochettino.

In the clash between France and Brazil, Kylian Mbappe scored the opener with a brilliant goal.

France and Brazil headlined one of the most attractive matchups of the March FIFA break, facing off in a friendly at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, where Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with a superb finish in a 2-1 victory.

The Real Madrid forward, who had been at the center of attention this week due to concerns over his fitness, was ultimately named in Didier Deschamps’ starting lineup and quickly made his quality felt.

In the 32nd minute of the first half, Mbappe received an excellent assist from Ousmane Dembele, allowing him to get past the Brazilian defenders and enter the box. One-on-one with Ederson, Mbappe showed composure, delicately lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

This goal reflected the balance of play between the two teams. France had been the better side in the first half, a trend that became even more evident after the opener. Brazil, meanwhile, despite featuring stars such as Raphinha and Vinicius, struggled to impose their style.

MBAPPÉ CHIPS EDERSON TO OPEN THE SCORING AGAINST BRAZIL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/T9Oo9n6q7j

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 26, 2026

In the opening minutes of the second half, head coach Didier Deschamps decided to rest Mbappe and replaced him with Marcus Thuram. That substitution, along with those of other stars such as Dembele, did not affect France, who extended their lead through Hugo Ekitike. However, late in the match, Brazil pulled one back through Bremer.

Mbappe adds to his numbers with France

Thursday’s goal against Brazil was Kylian Mbappe’s first for France in 2026. With it, the forward has now scored in ten consecutive years for his national team, a streak that began with his senior debut in 2017.

Mbappe is also now closing in on equaling Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer. The 27-year-old forward reached 56 goals, just one behind his former teammate from the 2018 World Cup-winning squad in Russia. In addition, Mbappe has recorded 40 assists, bringing his total to 96 goal contributions in 95 international appearances.

France’s next challenge

After the match against Brazil in Massachusetts, Kylian Mbappe and his teammates are set for another friendly on U.S. soil. This Sunday, they will face Colombia at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Meanwhile, Brazil will take on Croatia on Tuesday in Orlando.