Match Overview

With momentum and positioning in the early Brasileirao standings on the line, Corinthians head into a high-stakes weekend matchup holding 9 points and looking to cut into the gap above them. Standing in their way are Flamengo.

The Fla arrive with 13 points and firmly focused on keeping within striking distance of the league’s top spots, setting the stage for a hard battle between two contenders. Expect intensity, quality, and plenty of drama.

Despite inconsistency, Real Madrid managed to turn their situation around, putting together a positive run that led them to eliminate Manchester City from the Champions League. Following this, they now face Atlético Madrid, aiming for a key victory to close the gap in the LaLiga title race. However, Los Colchoneros arrive in top form, complicating Los Blancos’ intentions.

Atlético Madrid not only secured their place in the Champions League quarterfinals, but have also put together four consecutive wins in LaLiga. In addition, coach Diego Simeone has restored defensive solidity to his team, while also bringing back the best version of Julián Álvarez. Moreover, Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone have been dominant on the wings, ensuring competitiveness.

Led by Federico Valverde and Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid have been offensively dominant in recent matches. Alongside this, Thiago Pitarch has provided structure and creativity in midfield, balancing Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler. Furthermore, coach Álvaro Arbeloa has recovered Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to start and provide an offensive boost to break down Atlético’s solid defense.

Far from being a straightforward clash, both teams arrive with key absences. On one side, Los Blancos will be without Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Dani Ceballos. On the other, Los Colchoneros remain without Jan Oblak, Rodrigo Mendoza, and Pablo Barrios. As a result, both Diego Simeone and Álvaro Arbeloa will be forced to make adjustments.

Match Overview

With both clubs searching for early momentum, the Los Angeles Galaxy return home looking to rebound after a narrow 2-1 defeat against Sporting Kansas City, a result that left them sitting 10th in the Western Conference with just four points.

Meanwhile, the Portland Timbers arrive in a similar position, having collected only three points through their opening four matches. With both sides hovering near the bottom of the standings, this showdown carries added weight as a chance to gain ground in the play-in race.

Match Overview

One of the marquee showdowns on the European soccer calendar headlines the weekend as Real Madrid collides with city rival Atletico Madrid in a high-stakes derby with far more than three points at stake. Led by Kylian Mbappe, Madrid enter the clash chasing a pivotal win to strengthen its grip atop the La Liga standings.

But the challenge won’t come easy against a battle-tested Atletico Madrid side determined to play spoiler. While Atletico may sit outside the title picture, the team has every incentive to tighten the race and disrupt its fiercest rival, setting the stage for a tense, emotionally charged matchup that could have major implications in the title race.

NYCFC hosted Inter Miami at Yankee Stadium on Sunday for Matchday 5 of the 2026 MLS season. With Lionel Messi once again finding the net from a free kick, the Herons secured a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Inter Miami started fast, with Gonzalo Lujan pouncing on a rebound in the box to open the scoring in the third minute. NYCFC drew level in the 17th when Nicolas Fernandez delivered a stunning free kick that clipped the crossbar and bounced in, leaving Dayne St. Clair with no chance.

The home side completed their comeback in the 59th minute when Maxi Moralez slipped a clinical pass through for Agustin Ojeda, who kept his composure in a one-on-one with St. Clair to restore NYCFC’s lead. But Messi had other ideas, and just two minutes later, the Argentine curled a free kick off Fernandez and into the net, the deflection catching Freese completely off guard to make it 2-2.

The Herons completed the turnaround in the 74th minute when Noah Allen delivered a well-weighted cross to the back post for defender Micael to rise and head home the winner. The result not only ended NYCFC’s unbeaten run but also leveled the two sides on 10 points each in the 2026 MLS standings after five games.

With his free kick against NYCFC, Messi has now extended his own personal record to 71 career free kick goals, his second from set pieces in 2026 following the one against Orlando City. The Argentine sits just one goal behind third-place Juninho Pernambucano (72) on the all-time list, with the top spot held by Marcelino Carioca on 78 firmly in his sights.

After a highly successful campaign, Arsenal entered as the clear favorites to defeat Manchester City. However, Pep Guardiola completely outcoached the Gunners, relying on high pressing and numerical superiority in attack. Led by Nico O’Reilly and his brace, the Citizens were crowned 2026 Carabao Cup champions, neutralizing Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

With absence of Rúben Dias and the inability to count on Marc Guéhi, Manchester City came into the 2026 Carabao Cup Final significantly weakened. Nevertheless, Guardiola imposed an intense high press on the Gunners, shutting down their entire attacking output. In addition, Jérémy Doku and Antoine Semenyo created space for Nico O’Reilly to take control with a decisive brace.

Despite Kai Havertz’s return to midfield, the Gunners were completely disrupted, lacking offensive ideas. As a result, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard emerged as threats on the counter, but City’s defense shut down every attempt. Moreover, coach Mikel Arteta introduced Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli too late, leaving them little time to make an impact.

With the victory in the 2026 Carabao Cup, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City ended a three-year winless run against Arsenal, with their last victory dating back to April 25, 2023. They also secured their first title of the season, hoping it will serve as a boost in their pursuit of the Premier League lead, currently held by the Gunners.

Nico O’Reilly’s brace led Manchester City to a key victory

While Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki stood out as the top attacking performers, it was Nico O’Reilly who led Manchester City to victory. After a ball recovery, Bernardo Silva received possession, dribbled past Arsenal defenders and unleashed a powerful shot at Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, O’Reilly reacted to the rebound and finished first-time to score his first goal.

Just minutes after his opener, Jeremy Doku led an impressive run down the left flank. After beating his markers, he found Matheus Nunes free at the edge of the box, delivering the pass. The Portuguese then combined with Rodri in a quick one-two to break into space out wide and deliver a cross, which Nico O’Reilly confidently headed home to complete his brace.

Match Overview

Pressure is mounting in the Brasileiro as Santos and Cruzeiro prepare for a crucial showdown that could heavily influence the relegation picture. Cruzeiro arrive still searching for their first win of the campaign after managing just three draws alongside four losses, a run that has stalled any early momentum.

On the other side, Santos come into this matchup under pressure following a 2-1 home defeat against Internacional, leaving them stuck on six points and in urgent need of a turnaround. With both teams desperate to change the narrative of their seasons, this matchup carries massive implications.

Amid their instability, Real Madrid have managed to turn their situation around, putting together a strong run and securing their place in the Champions League quarterfinals. However, they face Atlético Madrid today, aiming for a win to extend their streak in LaLiga. In the midst of this uncertainty, Kylian Mbappé will indeed play today, as confirmed by head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.

Following getting minutes against Manchester City and being called up by France for the upcoming friendlies, Kylian Mbappé will see playing time today against Los Colchoneros, coach Álvaro Arbeloa stated in the latest press conference. While he has rejoined full team training, the Frenchman will not start in today’s clash.

Coupled with Mbappé, Real Madrid have also included Jude Bellingham in their squad to face Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, the Englishman will not start, though he might see some playing time. In his place, Thiago Pitarch will start for the sixth consecutive game. Alongside the Spaniard, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Arda Guler will compose the midfield.

Atlético Madrid arrive in top form to face Real Madrid. Not only have they secured a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals, but they also remain unbeaten in their last four LaLiga games. Moreover, coach Diego Simeone has revitalized Julian Álvarez, who is leading the scoring alongside Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone. Finally, Johnny Cardoso is expected to anchor the midfield.

Real Madrid lineup vs Atlético Madrid

While Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham have reentered on Real Madrid squad, they will have six key absentees: Thibaut Courtois, Raul Asencio, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, and Rodrygo due to injury concerns. With this in mind, coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be forced to make some changes in the lineup, including Andriy Lunin and remain Thiago Pitach in the midfield.

Considering this, Real Madrid will play as follows: Andriy Lunin; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia; Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch; Vinicius Jr, Brahim Diaz.

Atlético Madrid lineup vs Real Madrid

Like Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid also arrive with four key absentees: Jan Oblak, Matteo Ruggeri, Pablo Barrios and Rodrigo Mendoza. Nonetheless, coach Diego Simeone has reached to maintain a good streak, betting for Juan Musso as goalkeeper, David Hancko as left back and Johnny Cardoso and Marcos Llorente in the midfield. Moreover, the Colchoneros will bet for Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann as strikers.

With this in mind , the Colchoneros will lineup as follows: Juan Musso; Marcos Llorente, Jose Maria Gimenez, Robin Le Normand, David Hancko; Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Johnny Cardoso, Ademola Lookman; Julián Álvarez, Antoine Griezmann.

Match Overview

New York City FC have a prime opportunity to shake up the Eastern Conference standings as they enter this matchup with 10 points, knowing a win could lift them to 13 and potentially into first place, but Inter Miami stand in the way as they look to bounce back from a frustrating scoreless draw against Charlotte that halted their momentum.

Still dealing with the fallout from their Champions Cup exit, the Florida side will turn to Lionel Messi and their star-studded squad to reignite their push at the top, setting up a high-stakes early-season clash with major implications—don’t miss this one.

Match Overview

With silverware on the line, Manchester City and Arsenal are set to collide in the Carabao Cup final, a matchup featuring two of the Premier League’s top-performing sides this season. City arrive determined to salvage their campaign with a domestic title after falling short in Europe.

Meanwhile, Arsenal continue their surge as league leaders and fresh off booking a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals. Both teams bring elite form and urgency into this clash, setting the stage for an intense, high-tempo battle with no shortage of drama—miss a second!

2. Choose between the ‘Paramount+ Essential’ or ‘Paramount+ With Showtime’ options. If you want to save over 15% with an annual plan, click the Annual option. Then hit ‘Continue’ to move on.

3. Next, you’ll need to create a free Paramount+ account:

4. Enter your contact details, and click ‘Continue’ to move to the next step.

5. The following page explains the free 7-day trial:

6. Enter your payment details and then click ‘Start Paramount+’ to begin your free trial.

Match Overview

With a direct UEFA Champions League league-stage spot on the line, Feyenoord enter this high-stakes clash looking to solidify their grip on second place after falling well behind PSV in the title race. Every point matters at this stage, and protecting their advantage is the clear priority as the season winds down.

Meanwhile, Ajax come into this matchup under pressure after an inconsistent campaign, but they remain firmly in the hunt, sitting just five points back and fully aware that anything less than a win could seriously damage their chances.

Match Overview

All eyes turn to Barcelona as they continue their push to stay atop the La Liga standings, carrying serious momentum into this matchup after a dominant 5–2 victory over Sevilla. Holding a four-point advantage over Real Madrid, the Blaugrana know every result matters as they aim to maintain — or even extend — their lead depending on how their closest challengers perform.

Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano enter with urgency of their own, sitting on 32 points and trying to create more distance from the relegation zone, currently holding a six-point buffer. With Barcelona chasing the title and Rayo battling for security, this clash brings high stakes on both ends of the table—don’t miss a minute of the action.

Match Overview

With positioning in the Liga MX table beginning to tighten, Club America find themselves in seventh place on 17 points, fully aware that a strong result could be the difference between holding onto a playoff spot or slipping into a dangerous position.

On the other side, Pumas UNAM enters with 20 points and a clear opportunity to strengthen their push toward the top while delivering a statement win against its fiercest rival. That added urgency only intensifies what is already one of the most emotional fixtures in Mexican soccer—the Capital Derby—where pride, momentum, and bragging rights are always on the line.

Barcelona are looking for a reliable center back to pair with Pau Cubarsí. Finding a left-footed defender with technique for that role is not easy, since players like that are hard to come by. Their preferred option appears to be Inter‘s Alessandro Bastoni, and a new report suggests good news for Hansi Flick.

According to Diario Sport, Inter are already looking for defenders to replace Bastoni in the next transfer window. The publication says Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno, Roma’s Evan Ndicka and Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí are among the names they are considering as possible replacements if their star defender leaves.

This is great news for Barcelona, since a few weeks ago the possibility of Bastoni joining the club seemed too distant. He is a very important part of a team that wants to win every competition. With the player seemingly open to a move to Spain after liking posts related to his transfer on social media, this adds to the excitement of fans who want to see him wearing the Barcelona shirt.

Alternative to Bastoni

This negotiation does not seem easy, as Barcelona have struggled financially for many years. Every major name in the market appears out of reach for that reason, so the club needs backup plans.

The loss of Iñigo Martínez last year was strongly felt in a team that needs a very specific set of qualities from its defenders under Flick. The gap was covered with some solid performances from Gerard Martín, who is not certain to return to the team.

A player to keep an eye on is Marcos Senesi. The Argentine has become a dependable piece for Bournemouth with strong Premier League experience. His biggest advantage as an option for Barcelona, even if Bastoni is signed, is his price, since he could arrive on a free transfer.

Bastoni’s price tag

Inter will not let a key player leave easily for a team that competes with them in the Champions League. For now, there is optimism in Barcelona that they could reach an agreement with the Italians, possibly offering a player as part of the deal to lower the fee. His reported price tag is around $75 million, or 70 million euros, which could put the Spanish club out of the race.

Marcus Rashford’s future at Barcelona is now surrounded by uncertainty, amid reported concerns within the Spanish club over whether such a significant financial outlay is justified, combined with a recent dip in performances.

Since the start of the year, reports had indicated that Barcelona were firmly intending to trigger the €30 million (around $34 million) option agreed with Manchester United. However, time has passed and the deal has yet to be completed “because the sporting department wanted to evaluate his performances over the following months,” according to Sport.

And things have not gone in the English forward’s favor during that stretch. Rashford had recorded seven goals and 11 assists across all competitions in the first half of the season. However, since the start of 2026, those numbers have dropped significantly.

So far this year, Rashford has scored just one goal in the UEFA Champions League and two in La Liga, while adding only two assists. That amounts to just five goal contributions in 14 matches (0.35 per game), a sharp decline from the 18 he registered in his first 24 appearances (0.75 per game).

Coach Hansi Flick speaks on Rashford

Speaking at Saturday’s press conference ahead of the La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, Hansi Flick addressed Rashford’s recent lack of involvement. “He had some issues in recent days and we managed him carefully. Now he’s back at one hundred percent,” the coach said.

Regarding Rashford’s future—as well as Joao Cancelo, who is also on loan through the end of the season—Flick avoided making any definitive statements. “For me, this is not the time to say who I want. I need everyone at their best level. We’ll talk at the end and see what happens. Now is not the moment to say if I want this player or not. Anything can happen,” he added, according to Sport.

Alternative solutions for Barcelona regarding Rashford

Amid this uncertainty, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has addressed Rashford’s situation and raised the possibility of negotiating with Manchester United to keep the player without paying the full $34 million fee this summer.

“We could extend the loan further,” Laporta said recently. “There are formulas, such as completing part of the purchase option with Manchester United and the rest we will see later.” However, the club president made it clear that the final decision will depend on the sporting director: “It depends on what Deco wants.”

Athletic Club will be without a head coach at the end of the current La Liga season, as Ernesto Valverde announced earlier this week. Following that news, speculation has begun over his potential successor, with USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino among the names mentioned.

According to Diario AS, the leading candidate to take over the Spanish club for the 2026-27 season is Edin Terzic, former Borussia Dortmund head coach. However, Mundo Deportivo adds a broader list of options. “Among them are Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Iñigo Pérez (Rayo Vallecano), Claudio Giráldez (Celta de Vigo), and Mauricio Pochettino (United States),” the report states.

This is not the first time Pochettino’s future has been the subject of speculation. It is widely expected that he will remain with the USMNT through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he faces the major challenge of leading the host nation, but beyond that, his next step remains uncertain.

The Argentine coach was hired in 2024 and has since managed 22 matches, recording 13 wins, two draws, and seven losses. During that stretch, the USMNT finished as runners-up in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, losing to Mexico. Pochettino’s contract runs for two years and is set to expire following the World Cup.

Pochettino’s ties to La Liga

Pochettino being linked with a La Liga club comes as no surprise, given his long history in Spain. He was an icon for Espanyol during his playing career, making 318 appearances across 10 seasons in two different spells (1994 to 2000 and 2004 to 2006).

After retiring, Pochettino began his managerial career at Espanyol, where he worked from January 2009 to November 2012. He later moved to Southampton in the Premier League, and from there his career took off, leading him to Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea before arriving in the United States.

Real Madrid, another potential destination for Pochettino

Recently, Mauricio Pochettino has also been mentioned as a potential candidate to take over at Real Madrid, possibly replacing Alvaro Arbeloa. However, that possibility—like the Athletic Club link—would only materialize after the World Cup.

Many teams around the world see this next week as a problem in their schedules because their most important players are leaving to represent their countries. Barcelona has plenty of talent in that situation, but Hansi Flick does not see it as an issue for them.

Flick said: “We’ll train and give some rest to the players who stay, as always. I don’t think about what may happen to the international players, I don’t think about potential injuries. There’s a World Cup and everybody wants to play. It’s going to be good for them to disconnect from this routine and come back with more energy. It’s positive for us.”

Barcelona have most of their regular starters traveling around the world to represent their countries. Before that happens, though, they have an important match against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday to keep Real Madrid behind them in La Liga.

Flick on Rashford, Cancelo and Martín’s continuities

Three talking points for the summer in Barcelona involve current players who may leave the club. The main topic is Marcus Rashford, with the English forward’s dip in form making the purchase clause seem too high for the Spanish club.

Rashford arrived at Barcelona on loan from Manchester United, with €30 million as the price to make the move permanent. There have been reports of talks between the clubs about the fee, but the forward will need to improve if he wants to stay with Flick’s team.

About Rashford, João Cancelo and Gerard Martín, the manager said: “We need everybody until the end and then we’ll see. There’s a World Cup. I believe in my players. Cancelo, Rashford and Martín give us quality. We’ll talk at the end and we’ll see what happens. Now is not the time to say, ‘I want this one, I don’t want this one.’ Anything can happen.”

Flick on the number 9

One spot in the lineup that could change in the future is the number 9 position. With Robert Lewandowski nearing the end of his contract and Ferrán Torres not performing at the same level as his teammate, the question about the Spanish forward has come up.

Flick backed the younger player after being asked by the media: “The important thing is to be dynamic, to be active. Ferran was good in the training session. I see him with confidence. He’s making the effort to get back to his best level.”

The tension surrounding Neymar’s international future has reached a new level, with the Brazilian star once again omitted from the national team squad under Carlo Ancelotti. The decision has not only raised eyebrows across the soccer world but has also stirred strong emotions within the player’s inner circle.

While Neymar continues his efforts to regain top form at Santos, Ancelotti appears focused on building a competitive and balanced squad for the Brazil national team, even if it means making difficult and controversial decisions. The veteran’s absence from the squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia marks a significant moment in Ancelotti’s tenure. Out of five squad selections made by the Italian coach, Neymar has not been included in any, signaling a clear shift in approach.

Previously, the forward’s absence could be explained by injury concerns. However, now that he has returned to action at club level, the reasoning appears more tactical and performance-based. Ancelotti is prioritizing current form, match rhythm, and overall contribution over reputation, a philosophy that is reshaping the hierarchy within the Selecao.

This approach reflects a broader strategy. The coach is focused on building cohesion and consistency ahead of the World Cup, rather than relying on established stars. With a record of four wins, two draws, and two losses in his first eight matches, the experienced tactician is still fine-tuning his system and identifying the players best suited to execute it.

What did Neymar’s father say?

The underlying tension became more apparent midway through the unfolding story, when Neymar’s father publicly addressed the situation. His words, shared via social media, carried both encouragement and subtle criticism: “Not everything happens when we want it to, but everything has a purpose. Now it’s time to look ahead, focus on the present, and do what you love. We have to go through the process.”

This message, while framed as support, was widely interpreted as a response to the coach’s decision. It reflected frustration within Neymar’s camp, particularly given the player’s efforts to return from injury and re-establish himself.

The timing of the statement added further weight, coming just as the Brazil national team prepares for high-profile fixtures in the United States. For many observers, it highlighted the growing disconnect between the player’s expectations and the coach’s vision.

Shift in philosophy under Ancelotti

Ancelotti’s handling of Neymar’s situation underscores a broader transformation within the Brazil setup. The message is clear: no player is guaranteed a place based on past achievements.

Instead, the focus is firmly on performance and readiness. The 34-year-old forward, despite his status as the national team’s all-time leading scorer, is currently viewed as lacking the sharpness required at the highest level. He is still recovering consistency, rhythm, and peak physical condition, factors that are crucial in a team preparing for a major tournament.

The spotlight was firmly on Christian Pulisic and absentee Rafael Leao as Milan returned to action at San Siro, navigating both on-field pressure and off-field tension. The build-up to the clash with Torino had been anything but smooth, with internal friction, inconsistent form, and rising expectations all converging into one decisive evening. The match carried an air of intrigue, particularly around how the American would respond.

Milan’s 3-2 victory over Torino was anything but straightforward. The first half painted a picture of uncertainty and imbalance, with the home side struggling to impose control. Despite taking the lead through a stunning long-range strike from Strahinja Pavlovic, the performance lacked cohesion. Torino capitalized on this inconsistency, applying pressure and eventually equalizing just before halftime through Giovanni Simeone.

The early exchanges exposed Milan’s vulnerability, with the visitors appearing sharper and more aggressive. Defensive lapses and poor decision-making allowed the visitor to create multiple chances, forcing goalkeeper Mike Maignan into action. While Pavlovic’s goal was spectacular, it did not reflect dominance; it masked underlying issues that needed urgent correction.

Whatever was said in the dressing room by Massimiliano Allegri had an immediate impact. Milan emerged for the second half with renewed energy, sharper movement, and greater attacking intent. The tactical adjustments, particularly a shift in structure, allowed the team to control possession and create more meaningful opportunities.

Adrien Rabiot restored the Rossoneri’s lead early in the second half, before Youssouf Fofana quickly added a third, giving the impression that the game was slipping away from Torino. The tempo, precision, and confidence were markedly improved, highlighting a clear contrast between the two halves.

Watch Pulisic’s decisive contribution

It was in this crucial phase of the match that the mystery referenced before the game finally unfolded. Pulisic registered his first goal contribution of 2026, delivering a moment of quality that proved decisive.

The American positioned himself intelligently and delivered a dangerous ball into a high-risk attacking area often, allowing Rabiot to finish from close range. It was a subtle yet highly effective piece of play, showcasing awareness, timing, and technical execution.

This assist not only influenced the result but also marked a potential turning point in Pulisic’s season, which had been under scrutiny due to an 82-day goalscoring drought and inconsistent performances.

Tension with Leao and dressing room dynamics

Leading up to the match, tensions between him and Leao had escalated following Milan’s defeat to Lazio. Reports indicated frustration over decision-making in attacking situations, particularly a missed passing opportunity.

The Portuguese star was even heard expressing his dissatisfaction, saying, “He never passes,” highlighting the breakdown in communication between the two forwards. The disagreement reportedly continued off the pitch, requiring intervention from the coaching staff.

However, Allegri played down the situation publicly, emphasizing unity and perspective: “After an argument, there’s always peace. These things happen in football… The difference in football is the choice in the final pass.” He added reassurance regarding the incident: “He didn’t see you, otherwise he would have passed it to you.”

By the time of the Torino match, the issue had been addressed, with both players reportedly reconciling. Leao, sidelined through injury, watched from the stands, and his reaction to the assist quickly became a talking point among fans.

Match Overview

First place in the Brasileirao is up for grabs as São Paulo look to reclaim the top spot after slipping with a tough 1-0 defeat against Atletico Mineiro, a result that ended their stay at the summit and adds urgency heading into this clash.

Their response won’t come easy, though, with Palmeiras arriving in top form after grinding out a 2-1 victory over Botafogo, a result that kept them level on points but ahead in the standings thanks to goal difference. With both sides bringing momentum, expect a fast-paced, physical battle that could shape the title race.

Argentina will face the challenge this summer of defending the title they won in Qatar 2022. However, they will arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the midst of an extended run of matches against weaker opposition, raising questions about their current competitive edge.

This week, Argentina confirmed their opponents for the March international break, during which they will play two friendlies at Boca Juniors’ stadium in Buenos Aires. The first will be on Friday, March 27 against Mauritania, followed four days later by a match against Zambia.

The choice of opponents was not driven by a desire to face strong competition. Instead, it was tied to the need to find available teams after the cancellation of the Finalissima against Spain and the inability to schedule matches against Honduras and Guatemala, as originally planned, due to FIFA regulations.

Mauritania are currently ranked 115th in the FIFA rankings, while Zambia sit 91st. This highlights a trend that Argentina have repeated in recent years during nearly every international break.

Argentina tend to face lower-tier opponents

Considering both competitive matches and friendlies, since the 2022 World Cup final against France, Argentina have faced just one top-10 FIFA-ranked team: Brazil. They have played them twice, both in South American qualifiers, winning both matches (1-0 away and 4-1 in Buenos Aires).

During that same span, they have faced only two additional top-20 opponents: Colombia and Uruguay. The rest of their matches have come against teams ranked outside that range, in some cases significantly lower.

The trend is even more pronounced in friendlies. Between 2023 and 2026, Argentina’s list of opponents during international breaks has included Curaçao (81st in the FIFA rankings), Indonesia (122nd), El Salvador (99th), Guatemala (94th), Puerto Rico (156th), and Angola (89th). Mauritania and Zambia now join that list.

Can Argentina repeat their 2022 success?

Argentina are currently the reigning champions of every major senior competition available to them: the World Cup, Copa America, and the Finalissima. That places them among the favorites heading into the tournament in North America this summer.

However, the advancing age of some key players—such as Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 during the World Cup—along with a dip in form from others, raises doubts about their chances of repeating the feat of Qatar 2022. The lack of meaningful tests against high-quality opposition only adds to those concerns.

After taking Manchester City out in the round of 16 of the Champions League, Real Madrid look to finish a perfect week with another huge match. In La Liga the race is close, so the derby against Atletico Madrid is a hard obstacle to leave behind in their title chase. While Thibaut Courtois won’t be available, he’s not the only one out.

For this match, manager Álvaro Arbeloa won’t be able to put five players in the lineup. The main absence from the team logically comes in goal, as Courtois got injured in England last Tuesday, with a timetable for return of six weeks. Andriy Lunin replaced him a few days ago in a change that should be repeated.

The other four players have important names while not being usual starters for the manager. Rodrygo, Éder Militao, Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy are the players Arbeloa can’t put on the field or the bench in this heated match.

Huge return for Arbeloa

The list of absences seems important mainly because a top goalkeeper like Courtois can’t be present. However, the names that are returning clearly stand out, as several talented players have left injuries behind.

Fans may be thrilled to know that Jude Bellingham was already allowed to play again after a muscle injury that saw him on the stands for over a month. His presence in the midfield should give Real Madrid a boost.

Arbeloa has a pair of players that join Bellingham in the list of returns. A return that may be very noticeable is Álvaro Carreras’, while defender Raúl Asencio is also ready again, as they can give more flexibility to the manager in the last line of the team.

Real Madrid seek revenge

The standings say that Real Madrid sit four points behind Barcelona, which is the objective. Atletico Madrid are nine points behind, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous, especially considering what happened in their previous La Liga meeting, when Atletico Madrid demolished their rivals 5-2. Real Madrid won 2-1 in the Super Cup in January.

With just over two months remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup, Guillermo Ochoa has been recalled to Mexico’s squad. This puts him in a strong position to reach a record also coveted by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: the most appearances in the FIFA tournament.

Currently, Ochoa, Messi, and Ronaldo are part of a select group of players who have featured in five different World Cups. Other legends from the past include Germany’s Lothar Matthaus and Mexico’s Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Marquez, and Andres Guardado.

Having started his World Cup journey in Germany 2006, Ochoa, Messi, and Ronaldo also featured in South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. The Argentine forward and the Portuguese star appear likely to participate in North America 2026, putting them within reach of the historic record of becoming the first players to appear in six World Cups.

Ochoa, on the other hand, until just a few weeks ago seemed almost out of contention, having lost favor with head coach Javier Aguirre as one of Mexico’s goalkeepers. However, Luis Malagon’s serious Achilles tendon injury unexpectedly opened the door for his return.

Ochoa back with Mexico

This week, the Mexico national team officially announced its 26-player squad selected by Javier Aguirre for the FIFA March break friendlies against Portugal and Belgium. Guillermo Ochoa is listed as one of the three goalkeepers, alongside Carlos Acevedo and Raul Rangel.

For Ochoa, this marks his return to Mexico after several months away. He had not been included in the September, October, November, January, or February call-ups, and his World Cup hopes appeared uncertain.

His last call-up was for the 2025 Gold Cup, where he did not see any game time. To find the last occasion Ochoa played internationally, one must go back to November 2024, when he appeared against Honduras in the Concacaf Nations League.

Ochoa at club level

At 40 years old, it’s clear that Guillermo Ochoa’s prime days as a professional player are behind him. Nevertheless, he remains active in the Cypriot league: in the 2025-26 season, he has made 24 appearances—all as a starter—for AEL Limassol.

This Sunday, Inter Miami will take on New York City FC for Matchday 5 of the 2026 MLS season. In the final practice ahead of the clash, Rodrigo De Paul was missing, along with two other key players who did not train with the squad.

“Rodrigo De Paul is absent from this morning’s Inter Miami training,” reporter Jose Armando said via his official X account on Saturday. “Maxi Falcon and Sergio Reguilon will not be available against NYCFC.”

Falcon has been sidelined for over a week due to an injury sustained during the first leg of the Round of 16 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, when he had to leave the match in the opening minutes against Nashville SC at Geodis Park on March 11.

Reguilon’s absence is also injury-related. After recovering from a knee sprain suffered during preseason, the Spanish left-back made his official Inter Miami debut last week, starting against Charlotte FC in MLS. He started again on Wednesday against Nashville, assisting Lionel Messi for his 900th goal, but had to leave the field minutes later with another injury.

Amid these forced absences and uncertainty over Rodrigo De Paul’s availability for the NYCFC clash, there is good news regarding two of the team’s biggest stars. “Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are available,” added Jose Armando.

MLS now Inter Miami’s main focus

Following their elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup, Inter Miami now have two possible titles to chase this season: MLS and the Leagues Cup. The latter will take place after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning the Herons’ focus is currently on the league.

They sit in third place in the Eastern Conference standings with seven points, the result of two wins, one draw, and one loss. Their opponents this Sunday will be none other than the Conference leaders: NYCFC, who have 10 points and share the top spot with Nashville SC.

Mascherano reflects on Concacaf Champions Cup exit

As usual, Javier Mascherano held a press conference the day before the match and reflected on the impact of the Champions Cup elimination. “What happened, we can’t change it anymore, there’s no point in regretting it. We’re still in the process of accepting the disappointment of being knocked out, but it’s soccer and it can happen,” the coach said.

In looking to move forward, Mascherano addressed Inter Miami’s goals for the rest of the season: “It’s on us to show that what happened was just an accident. The best way to prove that is to focus on the league now.”

Real Madrid have been without Kylian Mbappe for most of their recent matches due to fitness concerns. Now, as he continues his recovery and gradually returns to action, the forward is set to join the France national team—something Alvaro Arbeloa addressed.

“It seems great to me,” the Real Madrid head coach said when asked about the situation during Saturday’s press conference, via Marca. “I don’t see any problem with him going to his national team. It’s good news.”

Arbeloa also offered reassurance regarding Mbappe’s physical condition. “He’s a player who is available to the coach, who has already played with us and who will definitely play tomorrow,” he added, referring to Real Madrid’s Matchday 29 La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid.

“Having many international players is positive because it means our players have a high level and quality. If they’re called up, it’s because they’re very good, which is good news for Real Madrid,” Arbeloa added.

Real Madrid players called up for the FIFA break

Mbappe’s situation is just one of several Real Madrid are dealing with ahead of the March international break. In total, 12 players from the squad will travel to join their respective national teams for international fixtures over the next week.

Mbappe, along with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, will join France, while Antonio Rudiger has been called up by Germany. Dean Huijsen will represent Spain, while David Alaba joins Austria. The other European call-ups are Jude Bellingham (England) and Arda Guler (Turkey).

In South America, Vinicius Junior has been included in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, while Federico Valverde will represent Uruguay. Franco Mastantuono was not initially included in Argentina’s squad but was added at the last minute by Lionel Scaloni. The final case is Brahim Diaz, who returns to Morocco after the controversial AFCON final against Senegal.

Several additional cases are also worth noting. Rodrygo and Eder Militao were not included in Brazil’s squad due to fitness issues, while Thibaut Courtois misses out for Belgium for the same reason. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also among the most notable absences from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

Santos faces a critical Brazilian Serie A clash against Cruzeiro, and all eyes were on Neymar and his role in the match. His availability has gained extra significance as Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti monitors his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Neymar, who recently returned to Santos following knee surgery in December 2025, has been struggling with consistency and injuries, making his availability a key talking point ahead of Brazil’s pre-World Cup friendlies. Although the Peixe is grappling with inconsistency this season, and Cruzeiro is yet to secure its first win, Neymar remains central to the club’s ambitions.

His presence on the pitch has been limited, but when fit, he has shown flashes of brilliance, scoring three goals in three league appearances so far. Yet, for the game against Cruzeiro, he will not play the full 90 minutes, as coach Cuca has chosen to manage his workload carefully.

Cuca confirmed Neymar’s absence, citing workload management as the reason. “I had a separate conversation with Neymar, and I can tell you now that he will be out of Sunday’s game because he played two matches and cannot play a third in seven days due to workload management. According to our physiology team, the chance of injury is very high, and we cannot take that risk,” the coach said.

This decision comes amid mounting pressure for the 34-year-old to showcase his fitness to Ancelotti, who is preparing Brazil for friendlies against France and Croatia at the end of March. The forward’s ongoing recovery from an ACL injury in October 2023, coupled with intermittent match fitness, has made him a risk in consecutive matches. While some fans were hoping to see Neymar in action, his cautious management is aimed at sustaining him for both Santos and the national team.

Why Santos’ decision makes sense

Research highlights the risks of congested schedules. According to a 2022 study in Frontiers in Physiology, soccer players are 2.5 times more likely to sustain injuries when playing matches within 72 hours of each other, reinforcing the manager’s cautious approach. This includes muscle strains, ligament injuries, and other overuse problems. The underlying reason is simple: the human body needs time to recover from physical exertion.

After a high-intensity match, muscles, tendons, and joints are fatigued, and micro-damages need repair. If players return to full competition too quickly, they don’t have enough time to rebuild strength and resilience, making injuries much more likely. Neymar’s ongoing fitness challenges and history of injuries, including an ACL tear in 2023, further justify the load management strategy.

What Neymar needs to do to prove he is 2026 World Cup-worthy

Neymar’s absence from Santos mirrors his omission from Brazil’s March friendlies, which are the last preparation games before Ancelotti finalizes his World Cup squad on May 18. The 34-year-old forward, the Selecao’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, expressed his disappointment candidly.

“I’m upset and sad for not being picked by Ancelotti for the two friendlies. But my focus remains, day after day, training after training, match after match. We will reach our goal, there’s still the final squad,” he said.

Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of physical readiness over technical ability. The Italian manager remarked, “Neymar is not at 100 percent, and therefore he is not on the list. If he can be at 100 percent physically, he can be there. Neymar could be at the World Cup. Neymar has to keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities, and maintaining good physical condition.”

The pre-World Cup friendlies will provide a platform for emerging talents such as Endrick, Igor Thiago, and Rayan, while veterans like Marquinhos, Vinicius, and Casemiro provide leadership. For Neymar, the challenge is clear: he must prove his fitness and form in the limited time left to earn a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Carlo Ancelotti continues his preparation for a new challenge. As Brazil’s manager, the only expectation is for the country to win the World Cup soon. With friendly matches ahead, he will not have his starting goalkeeper available because Alisson got injured.

The Brazilian Confederation confirmed the news, stating that his absence forced the player to withdraw from participation. This comes at an unideal time, as Brazil has the final window of matches next week.

Alisson being out of the list opened the door for a new call-up. The decision made by the Italian manager was to give his place to Hugo Souza. With Liverpool’s player injury still unknown, the Corinthians goalkeeper joins the team. The spot in the lineup could go to Bento (Al-Nassr) or Ederson (Fenerbahçe).

Brazil’s friendlies

Teams are ahead of a great opportunity to see players that may be on the biggest stage in a few months. There should be some more friendlies approaching the World Cup, but those may already have the squads set.

The next step for the Brazilians should be very important as they are seeing another huge team like France in a match coming next Thursday, March 26, in Boston, where Gillette Stadium is located.

Days later Brazil should have one more test against Croatia on Tuesday, March 31, in Orlando, with Camping World Stadium as the place where fans can enjoy some of the best players in the world.

Liverpool’s side of the injury

While Brazil may be affected by Alisson’s injury, the most interested one can be Liverpool. The English club looks at this situation with some worries as the goalkeeper just returned from an injury that kept him out of the first leg against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

There isn’t any clarity as to when Alisson can be available again for manager Arne Slot, as he missed the trip to Brighton. The important thing comes right after the international break for some teams. Liverpool has Manchester City in the FA Cup as their next challenge before seeing PSG.

The race for goals continues to intensify as Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney dominate headlines, not only for their scoring exploits but also for what lies ahead on the international stage. With both forwards thriving at the club level, attention has now shifted toward how their form translates into opportunities with the national team, especially as the road to the 2026 World Cup begins to narrow.

Toney’s rise in the Saudi Pro League has been nothing short of remarkable, placing him firmly among the most prolific strikers in world soccer. Yet, despite his extraordinary numbers, uncertainty continues to surround his international future with the England national team.

Playing for Al-Ahli, Toney is enjoying the most productive campaign of his career. The English striker has amassed 34 goals and eight assists in 38 matches in all competitions, an astonishing return that underlines his consistency and sharpness in front of goal. This output surpasses his previous best season at Brentford, where he scored 33 goals in 52 appearances.

Now, in the Middle East, he has elevated his game even further, averaging more than a goal contribution per match. His performances have also been decisive in key moments. In the Saudi King’s Cup, Toney delivered a dramatic late equalizer against Al-Hilal to force extra time.

Although his team was eventually eliminated on penalties, he still finished as the competition’s top scorer with six goals in just four matches. In the league, the Englishman continues to lead the scoring charts, with 25 goals at a rate of nearly one per game, putting him in direct competition with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr for the Golden Boot.

England’s decision revealed

However, despite his impressive club form, Ivan Toney has been left out of England’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. This decision represents a significant setback in his pursuit of a World Cup place, especially given the timing.

With limited international windows remaining before the tournament, every opportunity to impress becomes crucial. The omission highlights the intense competition within the squad and suggests that Thomas Tuchel is still exploring alternative options in attack. Despite the 29-year-old’s goal-scoring exploits, he has yet to secure a consistent role under the current manager.

How it could impact Toney’s World Cup ambitions

As the World Cup approaches, Toney finds himself at a critical juncture. His outstanding form in Saudi Arabia has placed him among the elite forwards of the season, yet international recognition has not fully followed.

Toney’s ultimate ambition remains clear: securing a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. The striker has already earned seven caps for his country and was part of the squad during their run to the Euro 2024 final.

However, competition for places is fierce, particularly with Harry Kane firmly established as the first-choice striker. The battle for the backup role has become one of the most intriguing selection dilemmas for England manager Thomas Tuchel.

The future of Inigo Martinez at Al-Nassr has captured the attention of fans and teammates alike, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who could feel the impact of the defender’s decisions on the club’s dynamics. Martinez’s contract situation carries significant financial and sporting implications, and the suspense surrounding his next move has added intrigue to the closing stages of the Saudi Pro League season.

Martinez has enjoyed a pivotal role in Al-Nassr’s campaign, contributing to a defence that has kept the team competitive across domestic competitions. His consistency and leadership at the back make his contractual decisions a key talking point for the club’s ambitions and for star teammates like Ronaldo.

According to reports from Arriyadiyah, Martinez is now just three league matches away from triggering a contract extension clause. His current deal expires on June 30, but the contract includes a provision allowing a one-year automatic extension if he participates in 80% of Saudi Pro League matches, alongside his own approval.

So far this season, the Spanish veteran has appeared in 25 league matches, and with eight rounds remaining, he is on the cusp of meeting the required participation threshold. Should he complete the necessary games, the clause will give him the right to decide whether to activate the new contract, which would see him earn $15 million per season.

This mechanism puts the player in the driver’s seat. Not only does he need to reach the participation requirement, but he must also notify Al-Nassr’s management of his intention to stay, effectively giving him the final say in his future.

What’s the twist in Martinez’s situation?

Here’s where the situation becomes particularly interesting: the extension is not automatic upon reaching 80% of matches. It only activates if two conditions are met simultaneously: the participation threshold and Martinez’s explicit agreement to remain at the club, Arriyadiyah suggests.

In practical terms, the 34-year-old could meet the 80% target yet still choose not to extend, leaving Al-Nassr, and potentially Ronaldo and the squad, uncertain about next season’s defensive backbone. This dual condition has added a layer of strategic planning, as Martinez evaluates his options amid interest from other clubs and the team’s objectives in both domestic and continental competitions.

How Martinez’s decision could impact Al-Nassr and Ronaldo

For Cristiano Ronaldo, Martinez’s decision could impact squad stability and defensive coordination. Al-Nassr relies on the partnership between its marquee attacking players and a solid backline to compete for the Saudi Pro League title. Knowing whether the former La Liga stalwart will remain could influence tactical setups, transfer plans, and the broader approach to maintaining the club’s competitive edge.

Beyond the financial reward, the clause also underscores Martinez’s value to Al-Nassr. His $15 million-per-season deal reflects the club’s recognition of his importance and offers him leverage in shaping his professional future.

Milan heads into its Serie A clash with Torino on Saturday with plenty at stake, and all eyes will be on Christian Pulisic’s possible presence as he looks to end an extended scoring drought. With the Rossoneri reeling from a 1-0 defeat to Lazio last weekend, a win at San Siro is crucial to maintain their push for a Champions League spot, especially as Napoli is closing in on second place. Pulisic’s form, or lack thereof, has become a talking point alongside the tactical decisions of manager Massimiliano Allegri.

The American winger has struggled to replicate his best performances this season, particularly in 2026, as Milan attempts to consolidate its place in Serie A’s upper echelon. His last goal came 82 days ago, and with the team’s slim title hopes effectively over, regaining his scoring touch is a pressing concern.

Massimiliano Allegri‘s players’ recent slump has threatened their UEFA Champions League ambitions, with two defeats in four matches following a 24-game unbeaten streak. Allegri has highlighted the importance of this game against Torino, emphasizing the need for improvements across all areas of the pitch.

“Now we have everyone available; to play, we need to wake up. Everyone. Whoever has the ball has to see who’s unmarked,” he said. “Pulisic is doing well; in terms of physical condition, he put in a good performance in Rome. He lacks accuracy in his shots, but he’ll find it again.”

Tensions within the squad also surfaced last week, with reports of a minor fallout between Pulisic and Rafael Leao over missed passes. The Italian manager has since calmed the situation, but the duo’s performances remain under scrutiny as Milan welcomes the Turin side at San Siro.

Will Pulisic play?

The biggest question surrounding this match has been whether Christian Pulisic will play and how he will be used. In fact, Pulisic will start alongside Niclas Fullkrug in attack.

The American winger’s calendar year has been below expectations. He has now gone 82 days without scoring, leaving fans eager to see him rediscover his form. Earlier this season, he impressed against Torino, scoring a brace in a 3-2 victory, which suggests he is capable of a repeat performance.

“It is unusual for Pulisic to struggle so much. Across his time at San Siro, he has never faced these issues,” notes Tuttosport. “Questions need to be asked of the cause, but the effect speaks for itself. A turnaround is needed soon.”

The upcoming fixture represents a critical opportunity for Pulisic to end his goal drought and reassert his value to Milan, especially in light of internal dynamics with Leao and the pressing need to secure Champions League qualification.

Milan vs Torino: Confirmed lineups

Milan confirmed XI (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Fullkrug.

Torino confirmed XI (3-4-1-2): Paleari; Coco, Ismajli, Ebosse; Pedersen, Prati, Gineitis, Obrador; Vlašić; Simeone, Zapata. 

This week, the soccer world was shaken by CAF’s decision to award the Africa Cup of Nations final to Morocco, handing Senegal a defeat. As a result, the FIFA Ranking could be reshaped, particularly impacting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

In the latest FIFA Rankings update, Morocco moved up three places to eighth, ahead of traditional powers such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and Croatia. However, that rise could become even more significant once the revised result of the AFCON final is factored in.

Going from runners-up to African champions will allow Morocco to gain an additional 26 points in the rankings. With a total of 1,763 points, they would climb three more spots into the top five for the first time in their history—and the first time for an African national team—trailing only Spain, Argentina, France and England.

That rise will come at the expense of some of the world’s top national teams. Vinicius’ Brazil (1,760), Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal (1,760) and the Netherlands (1,756) would all drop one place in the standings.

Senegal to lose points

Just as Morocco stand to benefit significantly from CAF’s decision in the FIFA Rankings, the opposite will be true for Senegal. Not only would they lose the AFCON title, but they would also fall in the standings.

In the latest update, Senegal had been one of the biggest risers, climbing seven spots to reach 12th place. However, much of that progress would be undone by the change in the final’s result.

The loss of 26 points from now being considered runners-up would see them drop several places in the FIFA Ranking. Their total would fall from 1,706 to 1,680 points, allowing Italy, Colombia and the USMNT to overtake them. Senegal, with that reduction, would slip to 15th place.

CAF decision could still be overturned

All of these potential changes in the FIFA Ranking depend, of course, on whether CAF’s ruling on the AFCON 2025 final stands. In that regard, Senegal still have a path to appeal, and reports indicate they plan to pursue it by taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland in an attempt to have the title reinstated.

Bruno Guimaraes was reportedly in talks to join Premier League giants Manchester United in a multi-million-dollar deal, but the move could collapse due to Real Madrid emerging as a potential competitor.

“Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes,” Reuters reported, detailing a fee close to €80 million (approximately $92 million). “But renewed interest from Real Madrid threatens to complicate the proposed move.”

The Red Devils are searching for a midfielder who can fill the void left by Casemiro, whose contract expires on June 30 and who has already stated he does not intend to renew for next season.

In fact, the former Real Madrid midfielder is reportedly behind Manchester United’s interest in Bruno, whom he knows well from their time together with the Brazil national team. “Casemiro has personally recommended Guimaraes as his ideal successor, citing his experience and leadership,” Reuters added.

Real Madrid also need midfield reinforcements

Just as Manchester United are set to lose Casemiro in the near future, Real Madrid are still looking to replace two legends who left the club in recent years: Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Adding to that is the potential departure of Eduardo Camavinga, for whom Los Blancos are reportedly willing to listen to offers.

“Guimaraes has long been admired by the Spanish side, dating back to the Carlo Ancelotti era. The Italian coach recommended him three years ago as a successor to Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in Real’s midfield and the player came close to joining the club,” Reuters reported.

That deal fell through in the summer of 2022, when Newcastle United paid more than $50 million to Olympique Lyonnais to sign the Brazilian midfielder. However, Guimaraes’ performances in the Premier League have reignited Real Madrid’s interest.

Guimaraes is a key piece for Brazil

Although the move to Newcastle United initially prevented Carlo Ancelotti from bringing Bruno Guimaraes to Real Madrid, the two were reunited with the Brazil national team. Since taking charge in the summer of 2025, the coach has given the midfielder a prominent role in his squad.

Guimaraes has been included in every roster selected by Carlo Ancelotti since June of last year, across both World Cup qualifiers and subsequent friendlies. In fact, he has started all eight of Brazil’s matches during that span, recording one goal and two assists. That makes him one of the virtually certain names in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

England has a major matchup this weekend between two of the country’s best teams. While the Premier League title race seems headed to London, Manchester City is looking to lift the Carabao Cup trophy on Sunday. At the pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola was asked about Arsenal’s tactics, especially on set pieces like corner kicks.

Guardiola said: “Dark arts? When someone does something like that, the referees must stop it. Or people behind stage. Look what happens in the world. We are in the middle of chaos, and nobody moves a finger. The world is going to collapse, and we are talking about whether a team uses dark arts. There are more important things than that.”

Manchester City could be one win away from its best chance at a title this season. It is still in the Premier League race, but trails Arsenal by nine points with one game in hand. The Champions League is no longer an option after its elimination against Real Madrid. In the FA Cup, it faces Liverpool in the quarterfinals.

Guardiola on his relationship with Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has become a key part of Arsenal’s future over the past few years, despite a rough start at the club. His team’s playing style is not exactly what he saw up close while working as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, which created a good match for fans.

The rivalry between these clubs has grown more intense every time they meet. Things between the Spanish managers do not seem especially warm either, though Guardiola kept things simple by praising Arteta’s team.

Guardiola said: “I don’t have time to go to London, and I don’t think he has time to come to Manchester with four competitions. They control many aspects of the game after years without titles. That has given them an edge. They are organized, they defend deep, they have a good build-up. They are an exceptional team.”

Guardiola on the AFCON controversy

This week also brought a different controversy in the sport. Senegal had been crowned AFCON champions after beating Morocco 1-0 in the final. However, the African Confederation decided to award the title to the losing team because the winning side had briefly left the field in protest.

Guardiola said: “It was a surprise. I don’t know the reason, but it seems the decision was taken behind the scenes, as happens everywhere. What we see happens all over the world. In soccer and in other places.”

This Friday, England announced their squad for the March FIFA international break and, although Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman was not included, head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted he is considering him for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“He’s a fantastic talent,” Tuchel said during Friday’s press conference, according to reporter Fabrizio Romano on his official X account. “We still have a chance to call him for the World Cup.”

However, the head coach clarified that he preferred not to include him at this stage: “At the moment he competes for minutes so he’s not a regular starter for Arsenal. He is in the best environment possible, he has to keep going. No need to call him up now and increase the pressure.”

The English attacking midfielder is currently one of the breakout stars in European soccer due to his performances with the Gunners. In fact, just a few days ago he became the youngest player to score a goal in Premier League history after netting in a 2-0 win over Everton.

Who are the youngest players to feature in a World Cup?

If Thomas Tuchel decides to include him in the 26-man squad that will represent England at North America 2026, Max Dowman would become the youngest player in history to appear in a FIFA World Cup.

By the time the Three Lions make their debut in the tournament this summer, on June 17 against Croatia, Dowman would be just 16 years and 169 days old. That would place him at the top of the all-time list by a significant margin.

At present, the record belongs to Norman Whiteside of Northern Ireland, who made his debut at the 1982 World Cup aged 17 years and 41 days in a match against Yugoslavia. He is followed by Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o (17 years, 99 days in 1998) and Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi (17 years, 101 days in 2002).

England’s squad for the March FIFA international break

Beyond Max Dowman’s situation, Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the matches against Uruguay and Japan in March includes a notable omission: Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has stood out in recent weeks with Real Madrid. The coach addressed the decision clearly: “I know what Trent can give us and I decided still to stick to the players with us,” Tuchel said, referring to Tino Livramento, Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah.

Among the main inclusions in the squad is the return of Jude Bellingham, who has been dealing with physical issues that affected his appearances for Real Madrid. Also included are Manchester United players Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, as well as Manchester City defender John Stones.

The military conflict in the Middle East led to the cancellation of the Finalissima that was set for Qatar. The match between Spain and Argentina, featuring Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, was expected to be a major showcase, but it was ultimately called off. Luis de la Fuente pointed to their opponents as the reason in a press conference.

De la Fuente said: “Everybody knows my disposition was to play the Finalissima. I have always said it. Playing against Argentina, winning a title. Me and the RFEF (Real Federación Española de Fútbol) were aligned to play this match. Two don’t play if one doesn’t and we wanted to play. We wanted to play in Doha, in Buenos Aires…”

Talks between the federations began once it was confirmed that the Middle East was not an option. Several European capitals were mentioned, but the executives did not agree on the conditions needed to make it happen.

Spain’s alternative plan

Once the Finalissima was confirmed to be off, the RFEF moved to give de la Fuente more opportunities to evaluate players. The European champions are set to face Serbia on March 27 as the replacement for the canceled match.

The manager had planned to use the pair of games to reconnect with the squad, since they have not been together since November. Another important African team, Egypt, completes the window on March 30.

De la Fuente said: “I want to thank the Federation for trying to play against Argentina and for the two matches we are playing now. It was a peculiar match. We wanted to play it with the players that are going to give us a chance in the World Cup. It was important to get this window back.”

De la Fuente on calling four goalkeepers

Spain have had a strong goalkeeper for some time, with Unai Simón giving the team confidence under the posts. The Athletic Club player was joined by Arsenal’s David Raya and Real Sociedad’s Álex Remiro recently, and Barcelona’s Joan García was also added.

De la Fuente said: “He’s a great goalkeeper that we have known for a long time. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He can provide confidence, work, professionalism, quality, competitiveness. He’s going to challenge the rest to give their best. I don’t see it as a problem. It’s great news.”

In recent weeks, Argentina faced uncertainty regarding their fixtures for the March international break, following the cancellation of the Finalissima. On Friday, the friendly against Mauritania was confirmed, likely marking Lionel Messi’s last game on home soil before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“The team led by Lionel Scaloni is beginning to say farewell to their fans before departing to defend the World Cup title. On Friday, 27 March, at La Bombonera, the Argentina national team will take on Mauritania,” the Argentine Football Association said in a statement published on its official website.

The choice of Mauritania came from the need to find an opponent on short notice, after the Finalissima against Spain was cancelled and efforts to arrange friendlies against Honduras and Guatemala fell through.

Argentina had planned to play those two Central American national teams during the March international break in Buenos Aires, but the fact that both Honduras and Guatemala were scheduled to play matches in Europe during the same window made it impossible. FIFA rules prohibit a national team from competing on two continents during the same international break.

One of Messi’s last matches in Argentina

As AFA noted when confirming that the friendly against Mauritania will serve as something of a farewell to the country before the World Cup, it will also be one of Lionel Messi’s final opportunities to play in front of local fans.

In fact, Argentina’s 3‑0 win over Venezuela in the World Cup qualifiers in September 2025 was his last official match on Argentine soil. Messi scored twice in that game in Buenos Aires, in what was widely described as his final competitive home appearance for the national team before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It’s likely that Scaloni’s team will not return to Argentina before the World Cup, as the next FIFA international break falls just before the start of the tournament and the squad will already be based in the United States for that period.

What about Mauritania?

It is clear that for Lionel Scaloni’s planning, facing Mauritania will not be the same as what the match against Spain in the Finalissima would have represented. Far from the level of challenge presented by playing the European champions, their newly confirmed opponent will pose a much smaller test.

Mauritania have never qualified for a World Cup. In fact, in the African qualifiers for this summer’s FIFA tournament, they managed only one win in 10 matches. Mauritania currently occupy 115th place in the FIFA rankings.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to redefine soccer greatness, now locked in a historic race toward the elusive 1,000-goal milestone. With both icons still active at the highest level, the possibility of seeing two players reach such a landmark has transformed the final years of their careers into a global spectacle.

The clubs they represent and the national teams they lead remain central to this story, as every goal adds weight to a legacy already unmatched in the history of the sport. Just before diving deeper into the numbers, one key detail has emerged: statistics suggest Lionel Messi could reach the 1,000-goal milestone toward the end of his current contract period, potentially around the late 2028 season or early 2029, depending on form and fitness.

The Argentine reached his 900th career goal during Inter Miami’s clash against Nashville, becoming only the second player in history to achieve the feat after Cristiano Ronaldo. The milestone came in the 7th minute, with a signature left-footed finish that once again highlighted his precision and composure in front of goal.

Despite the historic moment, the night ended on a bittersweet note. Inter Miami was eliminated from the competition after a 1-1 draw on aggregate, with Nashville advancing on away goals. His journey to 900 goals spans more than two decades.

He scored 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, 81 for Inter Miami, and 115 for Argentina, showcasing remarkable consistency across every stage of his career.  His former teammate and current coach Javier Mascherano reflected on the achievement: “The number we’re talking about is insane, and that’s why Leo is a one of a kind.”

Who hit 900 goals faster?

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the benchmark in goalscoring history. The Portuguese forward currently leads with 964 career goals, continuing his pursuit of the 1,000 mark while playing at the highest level.

Notably, the Portuguese superstar reached 900 goals in 1,236 matches, while Messi achieved the same milestone in just 1,142 appearances, nearly 100 games fewer. The rivalry between the two legends has shaped modern soccer. Although Ronaldo once stated that “the rivalry is gone,” their statistical battle continues to captivate fans worldwide.

When can Messi reach 1,000 goals?

The numbers suggest that Messi has a realistic path toward the historic milestone. Based on his current scoring rate of approximately 0.80 goals per game, he would need around 124 more matches to reach 1,000 goals. Since joining the Herons, Messi has averaged over 37 goals per year, maintaining elite productivity despite advancing age.

As per Marca’s recent analysis, if he sustains this level, he could reach the milestone within the next two to three years, making the dream increasingly tangible. However, variables remain. Injuries, playing time, and potential retirement decisions could all influence the timeline.

Meanwhile, ESPN suggests Messi will likely reach his 1,000th goal by the end of his contract in late 2028 if he continues his average goal threshold, as he has since joining Inter Miami. Given that the Argentine is almost two years and four months younger than Ronaldo, he has enough mathematical chance to pass him.

Match Overview

With the race for UEFA Champions League qualification heating up, Manchester United enter this matchup sitting third in the Premier League table, firmly in control of their own destiny. The Red Devils are coming off an impressive 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, a direct competitor in the top-four battle, and appear to be hitting their stride at a crucial point in the season.

Meanwhile, AFC Bournemouth arrive with 41 points and plenty still to play for, hovering in mid-table but within reach of the European qualification spots, setting the stage for a matchup with significant implications on both ends of the standings—don’t miss what promises to be a pivotal clash.

The cancellation of the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain continues to spark controversy, with conflicting accounts of the true reasons behind the failure to schedule the match. Now, the Conmebol president has made a statement targeting the European team.

During an interview with Radio La Red of Argentina, a journalist asked Alejandro Dominguez whether he thought it was a shame that the Finalissima had been canceled. “Why do you think it’s a shame?” replied the Conmebol president. “We are two-time champions of the Finalissima, they didn’t show up.”

With these words, Dominguez places the responsibility for the cancellation on Spain and UEFA, echoing comments previously made by Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, a few days earlier.

However, awarding the Finalissima title to Argentina is far from official. Formally, the match was suspended—with uncertainty about whether it will ever be played—and the trophy remains vacant. Regardless, Lionel Scaloni’s team remains the reigning champion following their victory over Italy in 2022.

Spain have a different version of what happened with the Finalissima

Almost simultaneously with Alejandro Dominguez’s interview, Luis De La Fuente held a press conference in Spain ahead of the FIFA March international break. Among other topics, he was asked about the Finalissima and provided conclusions that were completely different from those presented in South America.

“Two can’t play if one doesn’t want to, and we wanted to play. I’ve always said that,” said Spain’s coach, according to Marca. “You all know my willingness to play the Finalissima. I’ve always said it. Playing against Argentina, winning a title. Both I and the RFEF were aligned to play this match.”

De La Fuente added that, despite the forced changes in organization due to the inability to play in Qatar, Spain were always open to contesting the Finalissima: “I want to thank the Federation for trying to arrange the match against Argentina… We wanted to play in Doha, in Buenos Aires…”

Argentina and Spain’s plans in March

Following the suspension of the Finalissima and the cancellation of the friendlies originally scheduled in Qatar, Argentina and Spain adopted similar solutions: staying in their own countries and trying to organise new friendly matches there.

Spain will face Serbia on 27 March at the Estadio de La Ceramica in Villarreal, and four days later they will play against Egypt at the RCDE Stadium in Espanyol de Barcelona. Argentina, meanwhile, had plans to play Honduras and Guatemala in Buenos Aires, but these matches are in doubt due to the impossibility of both opponents playing in two different continents during the same international break, something prohibited by FIFA.

Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are at the center of attention as Real Madrid prepares for its crucial La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid. The stakes are high: Los Blancos sit just four points behind Barcelona, and any slip-up could intensify the pressure at the Bernabeu.

While Real Madrid’s squad has been heavily impacted by injuries, an encouraging update on Jude Bellingham gives hope for a boost in midfield, though the specifics of his availability remain under wraps.

After nearly six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Jude Bellingham has made a notable step in his recovery. “He did part of the training session with the rest of the group and is in with a chance of making the bench,” reports Diario AS.

This partial return marks a significant milestone, as Bellingham’s presence could provide both dynamism in attack and defensive stability against a typically compact Atletico side. However, caution remains. Los Blancos coach Alvaro Arbeloa is mindful of past lessons.

“While training with the group is a positive step, full match sharpness and resilience take time after a muscle injury,” he explained. The English midfielder previously made an accelerated comeback after shoulder surgery for a derby against Atletico, which ended in a 5-2 defeat, underscoring the risk of rushing players back too soon.

Injury woes still exist

Despite the positive updates, Real Madrid will be without several key players for the derby. Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, and Militao remain sidelined, although Militao’s return is imminent post-international break.

The Spanish boss will need to make careful decisions regarding starting lineups, especially with Bellingham’s match sharpness uncertain. While inclusion on the bench seems likely, a start could risk aggravating his thigh injury, and the team is unwilling to jeopardize the rest of the campaign.

Bellingham’s strategic implications for the Madrid derby

If the Englishman features, his vision and ability to arrive in key areas could be decisive in breaking down Atletico Madrid’s disciplined defensive setup. His return would also relieve the burden on other midfielders who have logged heavy minutes in recent fixtures.

Carreras and Asencio’s potential starts to strengthen Madrid’s defensive options, reducing reliance on a small core of players and allowing for better tactical flexibility.

As Arbeloa balances squad fitness with competitive necessity, the Madrid derby could see a blend of returning stars and cautious management, a strategy aimed at preserving form and avoiding setbacks ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures, including clashes against Mallorca and Bayern Munich.

The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as Roberto Martinez has provided clarity over his fitness ahead of a crucial international period. With Portugal preparing for key warm-up matches, concerns around the veteran forward’s injury have sparked widespread debate, especially given his importance to both the club and the national team setup.

Despite the uncertainty, the message from the Portugal camp remains cautiously optimistic, even as Ronaldo misses out on the upcoming fixtures. The absence raises questions, but it also reflects a broader strategy focused on long-term fitness rather than short-term risk.

Portugal will head into its upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States without its captain, as Ronaldo continues his recovery from a muscle injury sustained while playing for Al-Nassr. The injury, picked up at the end of February, forced the 41-year-old to undergo treatment in Madrid. As a result, he has not recovered in time to participate in the matches scheduled in North America.

These games represent the final opportunity for the Portugal national team to fine-tune preparations before the World Cup squad is finalized. Yet, the decision to leave Ronaldo out highlights a cautious approach from the coaching staff. Martinez explained the reasoning behind the squad selection and the absence of key players: “We have players who are not ready. We have Ruben Dias, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Nelson Semedo, players who are not medically fit.”

Martinez reassures fans over World Cup concerns

Despite the absence, Martinez was quick to calm fears about Ronaldo’s long-term availability. The Portuguese coach made it clear that there is no risk of the forward missing the World Cup, emphasizing the minor nature of the injury. “No, he’s not in danger,” Martinez stated. “It’s a minor muscle injury.”

He also highlighted Ronaldo’s physical condition throughout the season as a key reason for optimism: “Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape.” These comments underline the confidence within the Portugal camp that their captain will return stronger, rather than rushing him back prematurely.

What’s more, the Selecao boss confirmed that the veteran superstar will make a full recovery within one to two weeks, putting him firmly on track for upcoming club and international commitments. This timeline suggests that the decision to exclude him from the friendlies is purely precautionary, ensuring he avoids aggravating the injury ahead of more important fixtures.

Calculated pause, not a setback

Ultimately, Ronaldo’s absence from the upcoming friendlies is less about concern and more about careful planning. Portugal, guided by Martinez, is prioritizing long-term success over short-term risk.

With a clear recovery timeline and strong reassurance from the coaching staff, the situation appears firmly under control. As the World Cup approaches, all signs point to Ronaldo returning in time to once again lead Portugal on the biggest stage.

Portugal has reached a final call on whether Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in the March international window, as the national team prepares for high-profile friendlies against the United States and Mexico. The fixtures, set to be played in North America, are part of early preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with the national team facing two host nations in quick succession.

The decision comes amid uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s fitness after a recent injury sustained while playing for Al-Nassr. The forward has been a regular presence under head coach Roberto Martinez, but has not featured in recent matches, raising questions about his readiness for international duty. His last appearance for the national team dates back to November 2025, when he was sent off in a World Cup qualifier against Ireland.

Portugal’s upcoming matches will take place at iconic venues, first facing Mexico at Estadio Azteca before traveling to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to meet Christian Pulisic‘s USMNT. These games offer a crucial early look at how the Selecao may shape its squad ahead of the World Cup, particularly as it balances experienced stars with emerging talent.

The suspense surrounding Ronaldo’s inclusion has now been resolved. Portugal has opted not to include the veteran forward in its squad for the March friendlies, confirming that his recovery timeline will keep him sidelined for the trip. “Cristiano is injured. He is not currently playing with Al-Nassr and has also been unable to take part in recent matches”, Martinez had said earlier, leaving the door open before the final call was made.

Despite earlier optimism, the injury, initially described as minor, proved significant enough to rule him out. Reports from club level indicated a more serious issue than first expected, requiring rest and treatment abroad.

Injury concerns and club context

Ronaldo’s setback dates back to late February, when he picked up a muscle injury during a match with Al-Nassr. Since then, he has been absent from action, focusing on recovery. “After the tests he underwent, it became clear that it is a more serious injury than we were expecting,” said Jorge Jesus. “He will need rest and recovery.”

The absence interrupts what has otherwise been a remarkable international run. Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer in men’s international soccer, with 143 goals in 226 appearances, and continues to target participation in a sixth World Cup.

What comes next for Portugal

Portugal’s clash with Mexico is scheduled for March 28, followed by a meeting with the United States on March 31. Both matches will serve as key preparation fixtures against top-level opposition.

While Ronaldo’s absence will be felt, the decision prioritizes long-term fitness over short-term availability, ensuring the veteran forward has the best chance of returning fully fit for future competitions.

Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo are at the center of a heated debate after Wayne Rooney suggested that Neymar was “never world-class.” The former Manchester United star questioned Neymar’s legacy despite his success at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Brazil, igniting controversy across the soccer world. In response, Brazilian legend Cafu clapped back boldly, defending Neymar and placing him above both Messi and Ronaldo in one key area.

Wayne Rooney’s comments have divided opinion globally. “I like Neymar, but I’ve never seen him as a top, top player. Like Messi, Ronaldo, that kind of category. He was good at Barcelona, but he was still overshadowed by Messi,” Rooney told The Overlap podcast.

Despite Neymar’s career being packed with trophies, including a treble with Barcelona and numerous titles with PSG, the Englishman argued that consistency at the very top level defines true greatness. “For me, he was never world-class. He had talent, but being world-class is about doing it consistently at the very top level,” the former striker added.

Fans quickly took to social media to defend the 34-year-old Santos star, highlighting his performances during his prime. Clips of the Brazilian’s incredible goals and assists in La Liga, Ligue 1, and the UEFA Champions League circulated widely, with many asserting that his peak arguably rivaled or even surpassed several Premier League legends.

What did Cafu say about Neymar?

Amid the controversy, Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner and former Brazil captain, offered a powerful defense of his compatriot’s abilities. Speaking on the Brazilian podcast Podpah, the 55-year-old claimed Neymar surpasses even Messi and Ronaldo in one crucial aspect of soccer.

“In my opinion, Neymar is better than Messi. Maybe Messi’s commitment is different. But, of these latest generations, Neymar is better than everyone, than Messi, than Cristiano. [He] has more resources, without a doubt. His technical quality beats either of them,” Cafu stated.

The former defender emphasized that his comparison is rooted in pure ability rather than achievements, highlighting Neymar’s extraordinary skill set and creativity on the pitch. While the GOAT duo have defined an era through consistency and trophies, Cafu values the Brazilian forward’s capacity to produce moments of brilliance and unlock defenses in ways few can match.

The importance of being fit

Cafu also addressed Neymar’s ongoing absence from Brazil’s squad. He believes the forward’s inclusion is essential if he is fully fit. “If he’s doing well, he fits into any national team in the world. That’s a fact. There’s no debate about Neymar when he’s at his best,” Cafu explained.

He further highlighted the challenge Neymar faced over his international career: “For 15 years, he had no one at his level to share the responsibility.” Neymar’s fitness and form are now crucial, not just for club success at Santos, but for Brazil’s preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez once again find themselves at the center of global soccer attention, as Colombia’s latest squad decision sparks intrigue ahead of the 2026 World Cup preparations. With the Portuguese icon preparing for another major international stage and the Colombian playmaker navigating a difficult spell at club level, the spotlight intensifies on how both stars will shape the months leading up to the tournament.

The narrative extends beyond individual form. The club situation and the national team expectation now collide, especially for Rodriguez, whose recent struggles have raised questions about his readiness for elite competition.

As the squad announcement became official, it was confirmed that James Rodriguez will return to lead Colombia in the upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies, signaling continued trust from the national team setup despite recent setbacks.

Rodriguez’s recent move to Minnesota United in Major League Soccer was initially seen as a fresh start. However, his debut turned into a nightmare as the club suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps, overshadowing his long-awaited return to competitive action. The Colombian midfielder entered the match late, with the result already beyond reach, limiting his ability to influence the game.

Concerns about his fitness have also persisted. Rodriguez had gone nearly four months without a competitive appearance before his return, raising doubts about his sharpness ahead of a crucial international window. Minnesota’s coach Cameron Knowles addressed the situation carefully, explaining, “Hard game to come into. With the game being 1-0, and also having him sat there for 75 minutes, having not played and one week of full training, I don’t think that was the ideal circumstances to bring him into.”

Colombia shows faith in its captain

Despite those struggles, Colombia’s head coach Nestor Lorenzo has made a decisive call by including Rodriguez in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Croatia and France. This move underscores the continued importance of the veteran midfielder to the national team.

The 34-year-old remains the symbolic and tactical leader of Colombia, a player whose experience and vision are still considered vital as the team builds toward the World Cup. Joining him in the squad are key attacking figures like Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez, forming a balanced group that blends experience with emerging talent. The matches against Croatia and France are expected to provide a strong test of Colombia’s readiness.

Race against time for fitness

The 2026 World Cup is already generating unprecedented global demand, with FIFA confirming over 500 million ticket requests during a single application phase. FIFA president Gianni Infantino highlighted the scale of interest, stating: “Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand – it’s a global statement.”

Among the most anticipated fixtures is the group-stage clash between Portugal and Colombia. This matchup, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez, has become the most requested game of the tournament, underlining the enduring appeal of both players.

With the World Cup fast approaching, Rodriguez faces a tight timeline to regain peak condition. The tournament begins in June, leaving him with limited opportunities to build rhythm and match fitness. At club level, the immediate focus is clear. He must secure consistent minutes with Minnesota United, starting with upcoming league fixtures, to prove he can still perform at the highest level.

Keylor Navas has been one of the standout performers at Pumas UNAM since signing with the club in July 2025, but with his current deal nearing its expiration, his future in Mexico is increasingly uncertain. Against that backdrop, reports have emerged linking the goalkeeper with a potential reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

With the Liga MX Clausura well underway, Navas has been one of the key reasons Pumas currently sit in playoff position in fifth place, averaging 4.3 saves per game and leading the league with 2.95 goals saved according to SofaScore. But with contract extension talks failing to gain traction with the club’s front office, the Herons have moved to take advantage of the situation.

According to Esto en Línea, Inter Miami are the frontrunners to sign Navas on a free transfer. The club’s goal is to bring in the three-time Champions League winner to add elite international experience to the goalkeeping department.

The move would also mark a reunion between Navas and Messi, who shared a locker room at PSG from 2021 to 2023 and built a strong relationship during that time. That personal connection could prove to be a significant factor in tipping the negotiations in Inter Miami’s favor.

Keylor Navas ‘has nothing to sign’

Since arriving at Pumas, Navas has been an ever-present between the posts, featuring in all 29 matches and establishing himself as one of the most important players in the squad. In an interview with Kery News on YouTube, the Costa Rican admitted to being happy in Mexico but revealed that he has yet to receive any concrete offer to stay:

“My contract expires at the end of the season. If it had been up to me—if they had approached me back in December—I would have signed a renewal without any problem. But the truth is, I have nothing to sign. The club has not made me any offer, nor have they even approached me to talk. So, I’m moving forward with my life and giving my best for Pumas because I am just another ‘Puma’; I identify with the team, the fans, and its culture,” Navas said back in late February.

Could Inter Miami land Navas?

With Inter Miami now eliminated from the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, MLS competition will be their sole focus in the first half of the season before the World Cup reshapes the calendar. For the second half, the Herons appear to have Navas firmly in their sights, with his contract expiring in June and the MLS secondary transfer window opening between July 13 and September 3.

The departures of goalkeepers Óscar Ustari and William Yarbrough last season left the club with openings to fill, and Inter Miami moved in the winter window to sign Dayne St. Clair and Luis Barraza alongside the permanent return of Rocco Ríos Novo. Adding Navas to that group would inevitably create a surplus, with St. Clair in particular under scrutiny after struggling to replicate the form he showed at Minnesota United.

From a financial standpoint, however, the move makes considerable sense. Inter Miami would not need to pay a transfer fee, and the club still holds the international roster slot acquired from the New England Revolution that is set to return for the upcoming window, meaning there is a clear and plausible pathway for the former PSG teammate of Messi to make his way to South Florida.

Beyond Galatasaray‘s elimination from the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, the tie was also marked by a deeply concerning injury to Noa Lang in his thumb. The episode against Liverpool has prompted the Turkish club to pursue legal action in search of compensation.

Wednesday’s second leg at Anfield saw Liverpool deliver a dominant 4-0 victory to complete the comeback in the Champions League. With the outcome largely settled, an incident in the 76th minute took a frightening turn when Lang lost his balance and tumbled over the advertising hoarding at the side of the pitch, catching his thumb on the board as he fell.

When reporters on the other side of the hoarding asked if he was okay, Lang was visibly in severe pain, prompting medical staff to rush onto the field to attend to him. In a moment that left fans watching in horror, the Dutch winger was given oxygen before being stretchered off and taken directly to hospital. The following day, he offered a relieved update on social media: “Surgery went well! Thanks for all the messages.“

The full extent of the injury turned out to be far more graphic than television viewers initially realized, as Liverpool and Netherlands teammate Jeremie Frimpong revealed after the final whistle. “When I went to check on him, several people told me half of his finger had been torn off. He was in a lot of pain,” Frimpong said.

Galatasaray looking for compensation after Lang’s injury

Galatasaray confirmed that Lang had undergone surgery for a severe laceration to his right-hand thumb, with the injury expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks. Given that the Turkish club brought Lang in on loan for the remainder of the season, losing him to injury for an extended period represents a significant sporting and financial blow, and the club is now moving to seek accountability for what it views as a venue-related failure.

Galatasaray sporting director Eray Yazgan outlined the club’s intentions in an interview with HTSpor following the elimination. “We filed a complaint with UEFA representatives after the match. They have also conducted their own investigations and will evaluate what happened.”

“We are in talks with lawyers. We will file a lawsuit for compensation with UEFA. We will ask for our victimization in terms of salary to be eliminated,” Yazgan added. TRTSpor journalist Özgür Buzbaş subsequently illustrated how the incident unfolded, highlighting the gap between the perimeter fence and the advertising boards and explaining how that specific setup contributed to the severity of the injury.

Galatasaray’s complaint is expected to cite UEFA’s Stadium Infrastructure Regulations in relation to Lang’s injury and the conditions that allowed it to occur. The ultimate determination, however, will rest with UEFA, which will need to assess whether the advertising board was defective or improperly installed, constituting negligence, or whether the incident was simply an unfortunate accident with no structural fault involved.

Neymar has once again been left out of the Brazil national team squad, this time for the March international window. Despite his exclusion from what amounts to the penultimate squad before the World Cup roster is finalized, Barcelona and Brazil star Raphinha publicly threw his weight behind Neymar’s chances of making the final cut for the tournament.

Following Monday’s squad announcement, Neymar admitted to feeling “upset” by Ancelotti’s decision but vowed to keep pushing for a place at the World Cup. His cause has been taken up not only by fans but by teammates who are eager to see the Santos legend back in the fold.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after Barcelona’s game against Newcastle United on Wednesday, Raphinha was asked whether he wanted to see Neymar at the 2026 World Cup and gave a warm, unequivocal response: “I hope to see him. He’s an exceptional player-no one doubts his quality on the field or what he can do. He can decide a game, even a World Cup. As a fan, both on and off the pitch, I hope to see Neymar wearing the Brazil national team jersey again and playing the World Cup with us.“

Raphinha and Neymar formed one of Brazil’s most productive attacking partnerships during Neymar’s final appearances for the Seleção in 2023, with Raphinha operating from the right flank while the then-Al Hilal forward pulled the strings in behind the striker. The contrast between the two today could hardly be more stark, with Raphinha firmly established as one of the best attackers in world football, while Neymar’s sole focus remains simply getting fit enough to be considered.

With Brazil set to face France and Croatia in the United States, Raphinha left no doubt about what he believes Neymar can bring to those kinds of high-stakes matchups. “I believe for these friendlies he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone about his talent, about what he can contribute to out national team. I believe that in the final call up he’ll be there with us so we can pursue our goal, which is the championship,” the winger stated.

Neymar faces shift at Santos ahead of World Cup preparation

In the game immediately following his Brazil snub, Neymar responded with a penalty goal against Internacional in Matchday 7 of the Brasileirão. However, Santos fell to a 2-1 home defeat, and the club’s executives moved swiftly afterward to relieve head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda of his duties.

On Thursday, March 19, Santos announced they had reached an agreement to bring in Cuca as their new head coach for the remainder of the season. The legendary Brazilian manager will be embarking on his fourth stint at the club, having previously led Santos in 2008, 2018 and across the 2020-21 campaign.

Under new management, Neymar faces a reshuffled environment at Santos, with 15 games remaining across all competitions before Ancelotti announces his final World Cup squad in May. As was the case last season, Santos find themselves in relegation trouble, currently sitting 16th in the Brasileirão with six points from seven games, and the club’s hierarchy is clearly hoping a change in the dugout can turn the tide, particularly with continental competition also on the agenda this year.

In the annals of the UEFA Champions League, few players have been as lethal in front of goal as Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Each has carved out a legacy not just with volume of goals, but with consistency against a wide array of opponents. Yet a closer look at the data reveals intriguing differences in which clubs have conceded to these stars and which have proven elusive.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski tops the list in terms of the sheer breadth of opposition, having scored against 41 different clubs in Europe’s premier competition. His goalscoring spread is remarkable, spanning powerhouse teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as clubs from smaller leagues such as Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) and Dinamo Zagreb.

Lewandowski’s consistency is evident not only in top-tier clashes but also in mid-tier European fixtures, reflecting his adaptability to different styles and defenses. This breadth gives him an edge over even Messi and Ronaldo when considering the variety of clubs scored against.

Messi: Close but with some blind spots

Lionel Messi has found the net against 40 different clubs, just one shy of Lewandowski’s total. The Argentine’s scoring has been weighted toward elite European competition.

However, Messi never scored against clubs such as Crvena Zvezda, Dinamo Zagreb, Olympiakos, or Salzburg, all of which Lewandowski has found the net against. Similarly, Messi has scored less frequently against certain elite sides, including Real Madrid (2 goals), highlighting that even the best can face selective resistance.

Ronaldo: Mix of volume and elite focus

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored against 38 clubs, slightly fewer than both Lewandowski and Messi. Yet the Portuguese star’s scoring has often been weighted toward high-profile opponents and repeated encounters in the latter stages of the Champions League.

Where Ronaldo diverges from Lewandowski is in the smaller or mid-tier clubs on his list. Clubs like Crvena Zvezda, Dinamo Zagreb, and Olympiakos, which Lewandowski has exploited multiple times, remain largely untouched by Ronaldo’s scoring.

Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have been included, while Kingsley Coman misses out, as Didier Deschamps names his France squad for the final pre-2026 World Cup friendlies. The decision has drawn significant attention, particularly given Mbappe’s recent injury struggles, but the France manager has shown confidence in his captain ahead of key clashes against Brazil and Colombia.

As France enters a decisive stage in its World Cup preparations, the squad reflects both continuity and calculated risk, blending experienced stars with emerging talents. Mbappe’s presence, alongside Dembele’s attacking flair, ensures firepower remains intact, while Coman’s absence marks one of the most notable omissions from the list.

Les Bleus will face Brazil and Colombia in the United States later this month, in what represents the final opportunity for Didier Deschamps to assess his squad before naming his official World Cup selection on May 13. These fixtures are not merely friendlies; they are crucial tests against elite opposition.

Mbappe, who recently returned from a knee injury, is expected to lead the line despite limited recent playing time. The Real Madrid forward had missed five consecutive matches before making a substitute appearance in the Champions League against Manchester City, signaling his gradual return to fitness.

Alongside him, Ousmane Dembele strengthens the attacking unit, while players such as Hugo Ekitike and Rayan Cherki provide additional depth. Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani earns a recall despite inconsistent club form, benefiting from injuries to other forwards.

What did Deschamps say about Mbappe?

Midway through the squad announcement discussions, Didier Deschamps addressed the biggest talking point: Mbappe’s inclusion despite fitness concerns. “The protocol was respected. I was in regular contact with Kylian,” the manager explained. “There was no obligation for him to be present, but from his side, it was clear he wanted to be there with us as a player.”

The France coach firmly dismissed any external pressure behind the decision, adding: “It’s not true that he was forced to come for marketing purposes, he wanted to be here for these matches.”

Deschamps emphasized that the 27-year-old’s condition will be closely monitored, especially following his club fixture against Atletico Madrid. “We’ll see what happens this weekend… how he feels, and based on that, we intend for all selected players to get minutes,” he added. This measured approach highlights the importance of balancing player fitness with competitive readiness, particularly as France aims to peak at the World Cup.

Key inclusions and notable omissions

Beyond Mbappe, the inclusion of Dembele reinforces France’s attacking depth, while the absence of Kingsley Coman stands out. Injuries and tactical decisions have reshaped the squad, opening doors for others to step in.

Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier’s selection has also raised eyebrows. Despite losing his starting place at Paris Saint-Germain, Deschamps has backed him to rediscover form. “It has happened to me often… to offer them a helping hand. It’s part of building trust,” the coach said. “This situation isn’t ideal for him, but he hasn’t lost his value.”

In defense, the return of Pierre Kalulu adds stability following injuries to other players, while the midfield remains anchored by established names like Eduardo Camavinga, N’Golo Kante, and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the center of attention as Al-Nassr weighs a major decision regarding Jorge Jesus’ future, with the Portuguese striker closely linked to the club’s long-term direction. As one of soccer’s most influential figures, Ronaldo’s presence continues to shape not only the team on the pitch but also its strategic planning behind the scenes. Alongside him, Jorge Jesus has been guiding the club with experience and ambition, creating a partnership that could define the next phase of Al-Nassr’s evolution.

The situation has sparked widespread speculation, not only within Saudi soccer but also across Europe, as both figures carry significant weight in the global game. Their professional paths could remain intertwined beyond club level, especially with discussions already emerging about potential roles after the 2026 World Cup.

At present, Cristiano Ronaldo leads the line for Al-Nassr while Jorge Jesus commands from the sidelines, forming a powerful duo that has elevated the club’s ambitions. Their collaboration has been seen as a key factor in Al-Nassr’s pursuit of domestic and continental success. However, the club’s long-term strategy appears deeply tied to Ronaldo’s own plans.

Earlier reports from Saudi Arabia suggest that nearly every major decision, ranging from squad planning to managerial stability, hinges on whether the Portuguese superstar remains at the club. This level of influence underscores Ronaldo’s unique role, extending far beyond his performances on the pitch.

The decision on Jorge Jesus revealed

Midway through the growing speculation, clarity has finally emerged regarding Jorge Jesus’ immediate future. According to Arriyadiyah, Al-Nassr has decided to renew Jorge Jesus’ contract for one additional season, ensuring continuity within the club’s structure. At the same time, the Portuguese manager has turned down an offer from Brazilian side Cruzeiro, choosing instead to remain in Saudi Arabia and continue his project with Al-Nassr.

This development reflects mutual trust between the club and the coach. By extending his stay, Jesus signals his commitment to the ongoing project, while the Riyadh side demonstrates confidence in his leadership. The decision also aligns with the broader strategy centered around Ronaldo, reinforcing stability at a critical moment.

Portugal ambitions loom in the background

While the immediate focus remains on Al-Nassr, Jorge Jesus’ long-term ambitions extend beyond club soccer. According to reports, the experienced manager has identified the Portugal national team as his ultimate goal following the 2026 World Cup. Currently, the national side is led by Roberto Martinez, whose tenure is expected to run through the tournament.

After that, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is likely to reassess its direction, potentially opening the door for a new managerial era. For Jesus, such an opportunity would represent the pinnacle of his career. After decades of managing clubs across multiple continents, leading Portugal would offer a chance to guide some of the world’s best players on the international stage, possibly including Cristiano Ronaldo, depending on his future with the national team.

Despite ongoing speculation about a possible move to the Portugal national team, there have been no formal negotiations between the 71-year-old manager and the Selecao, according to recent reports from the Middle East. This suggests that, for now, the focus remains firmly on Al-Nassr.

Barcelona rolled past Newcastle in the Champions League round of 16 with a 7-2 win that erased any doubt left after the first leg. In the match, Marc Bernal scored a goal that moved him ahead of Lionel Messi and put him just behind Lamine Yamal in a goalscoring record.

Bernal became the third-youngest player in Barcelona history to score in a knockout-stage match, doing it at 18 years and 296 days old. That puts him behind Yamal, who sits in second place after scoring at 17 years and 241 days.

The record for Barcelona’s youngest scorer in a Champions League knockout match may surprise some. That honor belongs to Bojan Krkic, whose early promise saw him score at 17 years and 271 days, still enough to keep the top spot.

Messi does not crack the top five

Messi broke almost every record there was to break, especially at Barcelona. His four Champions League titles were matched by 120 goals for the club in the competition. But his first goal in a knockout round came when he was 20 years and 241 days old, in a round-of-16 match against Celtic in which he scored twice.

The rest of the list includes some even more surprising names, with players ahead of major figures in the club’s history. In fourth place is Argentine Javier Saviola, who was 20 years and 119 days old when he scored his first knockout-stage goal.

Rounding out the top five is a player many may have forgotten because of his short spell at the club. That spot belongs to Cristian Tello, who scored at 20 years and 209 days for a team that has long been known for bringing through young talent.

Players who could join the list

La Masía is a global brand closely tied to Barcelona and the results speak for themselves, with academy products regularly reaching the first team. One current player who could move up the list is Pau Cubarsí, who is only 19. Roony Bardghji also looks like a name to watch at 20.

UEFA has called a meeting with the referee chiefs from Europe’s five major leagues (the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1) to reassess the application of VAR. The overuse of the technology is the main concern and will be the central focus of discussions.

“I believe that we forgot the reason why VAR was introduced,” said Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s head of refereeing, recently, according to BBC Sport. “In objective decisions, it is fantastic. For interpretations, subjective evaluation is more difficult. That’s why we started to speak about clear and obvious mistakes — clear evidence.”

Current concerns are focused on determining in which situations VAR intervention is justified and what level of strictness should be applied. The technology was originally introduced to eliminate clear errors that could change the course of a match — or even a tournament.

That is why the initial VAR guidelines were limited to the most decisive moments in soccer: whether the ball crossed the goal line, whether a penalty should be awarded, or whether a foul warranted a red card. However, over time, its scope has expanded, along with the growing expectation for greater precision in decision-making.

VAR continues to grow in influence across soccer

While UEFA appears focused on reducing VAR intervention to only the most important situations — and as minimally as possible — other governing bodies in soccer are moving in the opposite direction.

The International Football Association Board recently approved a series of rule changes set to take effect this year. Among them is an expansion of VAR usage into two situations that were previously outside its scope.

One involves second yellow cards leading to dismissals, which were originally not subject to review. VAR will now be allowed to check the second caution. The other involves corner kicks, which may now be reviewed in terms of whether they were correctly awarded, provided it does not cause excessive delays to the game.

European leagues with the highest and lowest VAR intervention rates

As UEFA looks to reduce VAR intervention, the Premier League appears to be the model to follow. England’s top flight has the lowest rate of VAR usage among Europe’s five major leagues, averaging 0.275 interventions per match. La Liga and the Bundesliga follow with 0.38. Serie A ranks fourth at 0.44, while France’s Ligue 1 records the highest usage, with VAR intervening 0.47 times per match.

The AFA appeared to have salvaged Argentina‘s March schedule with a pair of last-minute friendlies following the collapse of the Qatar tour and the Finalissima cancellation. But with fewer than 90 days until the World Cup kicks off, Lionel Messi and the Albiceleste have been left with nothing on the calendar, and the federation is now scrambling once again to find solutions.

Messi had been set to face Guatemala at La Bombonera on the 31st, with details of a potential second game against Honduras on the 27th also emerging in recent hours. However, since both Central American nations were already committed to friendlies in Europe during the same window, the arrangements ran into a FIFA regulation, and despite initial reports suggesting approval had been granted, both fixtures have now fallen through.

According to ESPN and Argentina insider Esteban Edul, both friendlies are officially off. While the specific reasons have not been disclosed, FIFA’s rule prohibiting a national team from playing on two different continents during the same international window appears to be the central sticking point.

In Guatemala’s case, Los Chapines had already arranged a friendly against Algeria, Argentina’s first-round World Cup opponent, to be played in Italy on March 27. Honduras, meanwhile, were set to travel to Spain to face Peru on the 31st. Both nations had one remaining slot available, which Argentina could theoretically have filled, but the intercontinental travel requirements made the logistics impossible under FIFA’s regulations.

What are the potential new rivals?

Back to square one, Argentina are set to begin their training camp at Ezeiza in the coming week with no friendly confirmed. Any new game would have to be played on home soil, which significantly limits the pool of available opponents given how many nations already have their schedules locked in.

According to Edul, AFA officials have now shifted their focus toward African national teams, racing against the clock to secure opponents for both March 27 and 31, with the players named in the squad set to begin arriving on Monday ahead of training.

One option that had been floated in local reports even before the Guatemala and Honduras deals fell through was a friendly against the Argentina Under-20 side. Messi’s national team did play against the youth squad on March 22, 2025, in a charity match held for fundraising purposes.

The prospect of the defending world champions being reduced to playing an internal game against their own Under-20 team, unable to arrange a fixture against any other national team, would represent a deeply uncomfortable moment for the AFA with the World Cup just around the corner.

Following his serious injury, Dani Carvajal does not seem to have fully recovered his level at Real Madrid, becoming a regular substitute. With his contract expiring, the Spaniard is expected to leave as a free agent. In response, Los Blancos are reportedly targeting Manchester United star Diogo Dalot and other two candidates to reinforce the right-back spot.

According to Alejandro Alcázar in Diario Sport, Real Madrid are targeting Diogo Dalot of Manchester United as one of their preferred options to reinforce the right-back position, with his transfer fee expected to be around €40 million. Alongside him, they are also considering Kyriani Sabbe, who has been shining at Club Brugge, with a potential fee of around €10 million.

Far from ending there, Los Blancos are also looking at Pedro Porro. However, the Spaniard would only arrive if Tottenham Hotspur are relegated, as he is considered untouchable by his current team, according to Diario Sport. Due to this uncertain scenario, the Portuguese propels as the main target.

While Dani Carvajal has been a standout at Real Madrid, he has not reached his usual performance level, and doubts have emerged about whether he can regain it. Nonetheless, Los Blancos are still waiting to see if he can return to his best over the remaining three months, so they are open to a short-term contract extension.

Trent Alexander-Arnold keeps disappointing at Real Madrid

Given Dani Carvajal’s veteran status, Real Madrid identified Trent Alexander-Arnold as their marquee reinforcement. However, the Englishman has not managed to establish as a solid full-back. Not only has he failed to make an impact offensively, but he has also struggled defensively, putting his starting role into question.

Unlike his time at Liverpool, the Englishman does not have an inverted full-back role, contributing in midfield. Instead, coach Álvaro Arbeloa looks for him to fulfill the same role as Carvajal: a full-back with wide range and defensive solidity. Therefore, Trent has stopped shining, as he is unable to adapt to his new role.

David Jimenez may emerge as an option for Real Madrid

Amid the injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid’s Álvaro Arbeloa turned to David Jiménez, an academy player, as a major alternative. At 22, the Spaniard delivered solid performances, but the veteran’s return sent him back to Real Madrid Castilla. However, he could reemerge as a key alternative.

If Los Blancos struggle to secure Dalot, Porro, or Sabbe, youngster Jiménez could again become a solid alternative at right-back, given his standout performances in LaLiga. Moreover, the Spaniard could even challenge Trent for the starting spot, as he contributes both defensively and offensively, reminiscent of Carvajal’s prime.

Real Madrid made a major investment when it agreed to pay $60 million for Endrick in a deal that became official in 2024. After a promising start, the Spanish club sent him on loan to Lyon so he could get more minutes.

Endrick explained the challenge of playing for Real Madrid in an interview with Winwin: “The sequence of matches is very important. It’s not the same to play 90 or 60 minutes as 30 or 15. It lets you take more risks and lowers the pressure of making mistakes. They always bring in young talent and fans want to see them right away, but sometimes that is not possible.”

Lyon were eliminated from the Europa League on Thursday in a surprising result against Celta. Even so, Endrick has been important to the team, including scoring a late goal in the first leg in Spain.

Endrick on his potential Real Madrid future

Signing a player like him from Palmeiras showed how much potential Real Madrid saw in him. That became even clearer when they loaned him to Lyon last December instead of selling him to several interested clubs.

The Brazilian has been a key player for manager Paulo Fonseca, with his movement across different positions in the lineup. He has scored six goals in 13 matches for his new club.

That suggests he may have a role when he returns to Real Madrid next season, but he is not thinking about that yet: “I haven’t talked to Álvaro Arbeloa. I’m focused on Lyon. I’m going to cheer for Real Madrid in the Champions League, but I’m committed to this club.”

Endrick’s chances with Brazil

Competition for a place in Brazil’s squad is fierce. High-profile names like Neymar may not even make the cut, while Raphinha and Vinicius appear to be locks. Even so, the forward trusts that his former manager Carlo Ancelotti will call him.

Endrick said about the Italian coach: “I learned a lot with him at Real Madrid. I scored in every competition we played. His job now is different, there is no day-to-day conversation, but I’m sure we can do something good. We can’t think about anything other than the title.”

Match Overview

FC Cincinnati took a decisive step toward advancing in this round of 16, dominating the first leg at home with a 3-0 victory over Tigres UANL. The result puts Cincinnati in the driver’s seat, but they’ll need to stay focused and disciplined to finish the job on the road.

Tigres UANL, meanwhile, heads into the second leg under pressure, counting on their home crowd to fuel a dramatic turnaround and keep their season alive. With so much at stake, this clash promises high drama—don’t miss a minute of the action.

Carlo Ancelotti’s decision not to call up Neymar for Brazil’s March international break friendlies has prompted a public response from the forward’s agent, who sent a message to the Italian coach ahead of the World Cup.

“I have big respect for Carlo Ancelotti, and I also know how hard Neymar is working in order to help Brazil at the World Cup,“ said Pini Zahavi, as reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano on his X account.

“I believe Ancelotti will not make this mistake to give up the heart of Brazil, which is Neymar Jr,” the agent added, warning the national team coach about the impact Neymar can have in a major tournament.

These comments came just days after Neymar himself publicly admitted he was disappointed not to be included in Brazil’s March squad. “I’m going to speak out here because I can’t just let this slide. Obviously, I’m upset and sad that I wasn’t called up,” the forward said.

Does Neymar have a chance to play in the World Cup?

The March international break had long been viewed as Neymar’s last opportunity to keep his World Cup hopes alive. This is because Brazil’s next squad announcement is expected to be the final roster for the FIFA tournament, which is set to be revealed in late May.

This means Carlo Ancelotti will not have another opportunity to experiment and evaluate players before that deadline. And considering Neymar has not featured for the national team since the coach began his tenure, it seems unlikely that will change directly at the World Cup.

However, Ancelotti himself left the door open. “Neymar can be at the World Cup if he is 100%,” the coach said when the March squad was announced. “Why haven’t I called him up now? Because he’s not at 100%, we need players who are at 100%.”

Problems for Neymar at Santos

While Neymar looks to regain full fitness and form, Santos are struggling to deliver the desired results. On Wednesday, they fell 2-1 at home to Internacional in Brazil’s Serie A, a result that led to the dismissal of the head coach.

“Santos FC announce the departure of head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda and his coaching staff. The club thanks them for their services and wishes them success in their future careers,” the Brazilian side said in a statement posted on social media.

Just a few hours later, Neymar’s new coach was confirmed. “Santos Futebol Clube confirmed this Thursday (19) the appointment of head coach Cuca for the remainder of the season,” the club announced. His debut will come on Sunday against Cruzeiro.

Amid uncertainty surrounding Luka Modric’s future, AC Milan have looked to strengthen their midfield, with Leon Goretzka as the main target to boost Christian Pulisic, reports Andrea Ramazzotti via La Gazzetta dello Sport. With only a few months left, the German is reportedly asking for $7 million per season, which could complicate his arrival to the Rossoneri.

According to Nicolò Schira, via X, formerly Twitter, Leon Goretzka is still available as a free agent since July 2026. To sign for a club, the German is reportedly requesting a net salary of €7 million per season, along with a €10 million signing bonus. Additionally, he is asking for a contract running until 2029.

While the German reportedly emerges as a priority for the Rossoneri, his salary demands could prevent his arrival. According to Capology, Adrien Rabiot, Christopher Nkunku, Mike Maignan and Rafael Leao are the club’s highest-paid players, earning €5 million net per season. With this, the German’s potential arrival could disrupt the team’s wage structure.

Despite his high demands, AC Milan still consider Goretzka a top priority to strengthen the midfield. They could explore alternatives such as performance-based bonuses to reach his desired salary. If they grant him the €7 million fix net, Pulisic or Maignan could become unsettled, as it would break the club’s wage structure.

Alongside his high salary demands, the Rossoneri face competition from Juventus and Arsenal, who are also pursuing his signing, as per Fabrizio Romano. For this reason, securing qualification to the Champions League, along with presenting a competitive sporting project, would be key to landing Goretzka.

Goretzka’s potential arrival could boost Pulisic impact

Throughout the season, Luka Modric’s continuity has been called into question. However, Leon Goretzka would not arrive to directly replace the Croatian, as Ardon Jashari or Youssouf Fofana would take his place. The German could compete with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, providing balance and unlocking the best version of Pulisic.

While the German contributes on both defensive and offensive levels, Christian Pulisic could operate with much more freedom, potentially increasing his output in assists or goals by reducing his defensive workload. In addition to this, he would bring solidity to the midfield, also helping in the event of a possible Modric departure.

Bayern Munich looked like the strongest team in the Champions League quarterfinals. The draw gave them a tough matchup against Atalanta, which they handled easily in the first leg. After the second leg, which pushed the aggregate score to 10-2, Harry Kane previewed the meeting with Real Madrid.

Kane said: “It’s going to be a tough match. Every time you see Real Madrid in the Champions League, you know you have to fight. We are prepared. We are not afraid of anyone, even if it is difficult. We will study their strengths and weaknesses. We have a style of play that does not change much depending on the opponent. In the quarterfinals, it will not be different.”

The 6-1 win in Italy ended the tie almost as soon as it started, but that did not stop Bayern Munich from continuing to dominate Atalanta. After scoring twice, including a brilliant goal of his own, the forward made it clear how his team plans to approach the next round.

Kane’s best goal yet

Kane has scored more than 500 goals in his career, so it is probably hard for him to remember which one was his best. Still, he chose his recent Bayern Munich goal against Atalanta as the best of his 50 Champions League goals.

The England striker reached that milestone with a superb finish after opening the scoring from the penalty spot. The move came inside the box, where he is at his most dangerous. A half-turn to get past Isak Hien and Ibrahim Sulemana put him in front of goal before he sent the ball into the back of the net.

Kane said: “It was probably my best goal in the Champions League. I am trying to think of others that come to mind, but it is one of my favorites of my entire career. The way the play developed, my movement, it was a combination of all my training and ability.”

Vincent Kompany’s comment on Kane’s goal

Vincent Kompany has helped Bayern Munich remain the best team in Germany while also competing impressively abroad. Kane has kept posting outstanding numbers, although the manager does not take credit for the player’s production.

Kompany said: “There is no credit for the manager. We have a player at a great stage of his life and career. He did what he has done in the past, but I must say I am just as happy with ugly goals. It does not always have to be like this. If the ball hits his leg and goes in, I feel the same.”

Argentina have found themselves in a difficult position following the Finalissima cancellation, left without a single confirmed match for the March international window. But with federations around the world already releasing their call-up lists, relief appears to be on the way, as the AFA is reportedly close to locking in two friendlies for Lionel Messi and his teammates.

In the immediate aftermath of the Spain and Qatar cancellations, the AFA moved quickly to arrange a friendly against Guatemala on March 31, a game that was briefly thrown into doubt due to a FIFA regulation. However, as reported by ESPN‘s Esteban Edul, AFA president Claudio Tapia attended a meeting to secure authorization for the match, which is now set to be played at La Bombonera at 8:15 p.m. local time.

In that same meeting, Tapia also requested authorization for a second friendly on home soil, this time on Friday, March 27, the date originally reserved for the Finalissima in Doha.

A rival for that game has yet to be officially confirmed, but local reports point to a Central American nation as the most likely opponent, with Honduras emerging as the leading candidate. The Albiceleste had been expected to face La Bicolor during the June window ahead of the World Cup, but those plans have since been shelved, and both federations are now looking to bring that fixture forward to March.

That game, also expected to be played at La Bombonera, faces the same rule and logistical hurdles as the Guatemala match. Honduras had been planning to travel to Madrid on March 23 for a training camp ahead of their only scheduled friendly against Peru on the 31st at the Municipal de Butarque stadium, meaning both federations will need a special FIFA permit for the game to be officially sanctioned.

Final details are still being discussed, but an official announcement is expected within hours. Edul also noted that if both friendlies are confirmed, the AFA may look to expand the squad list for the March window.

A chance for Messi to bid farewell to Argentine fans

The cancellation of the Qatar Football Festival, while a disappointment on one level, has inadvertently created an opportunity for Argentina to stage games on home soil, giving the team a chance to say goodbye to their fans before departing for North America and the 2026 World Cup. For Messi, it could represent one of his last meaningful appearances in his homeland.

Now 38 and set to turn 39 during the tournament itself, Messi’s time with the national team is inevitably drawing to a close, with a retirement announcement expected sooner rather than later. The manner of Ángel Di María’s exit serves as a cautionary tale of sorts, with the winger quietly stepping away after Argentina’s 2024 Copa América triumph without a formal farewell, despite being central to the team’s recent golden era. Those close to the current setup will be hoping Messi’s final chapter unfolds with the sendoff it deserves.

Despite the tightly contested first leg vs. Newcastle, Barcelona managed to dominate convincingly, scoring seven goals to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Following the standout performances of Raphinha and the other young players, Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale praised the ‘bright future’ of the team.

“What Barcelona did against Newcastle United was incredible. We saw a team play with a beautiful collective style, with harmony and coordination between the lines… Lamine Yamal was incredible and Raphinha had a great match. This team has a bright future, and the coach knows how to make the most of every strength,” Bale said, via Football on TNT.

Unlike previous seasons, coach Hansi Flick has managed to build a highly competitive team, while also keeping it remarkably young. According to Opta, Barcelona fielded the youngest starting lineup in their history in a Champions League knockout match, with an average age of 25 years and 18 days.

While the Blaugranas remain contenders to win everything this season, players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Fermín, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Bernal are all under 24 years old. For this reason, Bale warns about their impressive potential, as these players could continue to develop even further under the German coach.

Following Flick’s arrival, Barcelona have established as one of the most dominant teams. Not only do they shine offensively with Raphinha and Lamine, but Fermín, Pedri, and Marc Bernal also stand out in midfield. In addition, they have shown impressive squad depth, something that could lead them to win both LaLiga and the Champions League.

Experience and youth blend is ushering in a Barcelona golden era

Barcelona have managed to redirect their sporting project by investing in young players. While Hansi Flick has helped turn them into stars, it was Xavi Hernández who first established the club’s clear commitment to this approach. However, it is the blend of youth and experience that has made a significant difference in the team.

Amid the squad’s youth, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski have emerged as the team’s key veteran leaders. With them, the performances of Lamine, Pedri, and Fermín have improved, showing great maturity. The Brazilian, in particular, has established as the most important player in the attack, proving that his experience is crucial.

Considering the youth of the roster, the Blaugranas appear set to embark on a dominant era, as they would only need to make one signing in attack for the future. In addition, the young players are already gaining significant experience, making them a key asset to lead the project in the long term—something Hansi Flick has shown he knows how to balance.

While the final years of his career have been quite disappointing, Neymar Jr. has been regarded as one of the most brilliant players in history. He not only shined at Barcelona, but also competed head-to-head with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or. Despite this, Wayne Rooney admitted that he does not consider the Brazilian a top player.

In a recent Overlap podcast episode, Rooney participated in an unpopular opinion section, leading him to blast the Brazilian star: “I like Neymar but I’ve never seen him as a top, top player. Like, Messi, Ronaldo, that kind of category. He was good at Barcelona, but he was still overshadowed by Messi.“

Far from receiving support, many fans turned against Rooney. While the Brazilian never managed to match Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, comparing him to them is unfair. Both legends are contenders in the GOAT debate and have broken numerous records; few players in history can hold a candle to them, making Neymar’s legacy seem small, which isn’t entirely true.

Neymar Jr. may have never won a Ballon d’Or, but he did establish himself as one of the few players capable of approaching the level of Messi and Cristiano. He not only shined at Barcelona for several seasons, but also led PSG to their first Champions League final. For this reason, not considering the Brazilian a top player could be a major mistake.

Injuries put a halt to Neymar Jr.’s impressive progress

Although Neymar Jr.’s departure from Barcelona is considered a mistake by many, he did become a decisive player at PSG. Scoring 118 goals in 173 matches, the Brazilian impressed with his performances in Ligue 1, leading the team multiple times in the Champions League. However, injuries significantly limited his growth.

Since his arrival at PSG in 2017, he missed 135 matches due to injuries, with his ankle and adductor being the most affected areas. As a result, Neymar Jr. was forced to change his style of play, shifting from an explosive winger to a more creative midfielder. Due to his constant physical issues, the Brazilian moved to Al Hilal, where things turned out even worse.

Two months after his arrival at Al Hilal, the Brazilian suffered an ACL injury that ruled him out for the entire season. Far from recovering in the following campaign, he continued to face physical issues, which ultimately led to his departure from the club and a move to Santos FC. There, he appears to be regaining his level, but he did have to undergo meniscus surgery.

Neymar Jr. has had a legendary career

Neymar Jr. has built a truly legendary career, etching his name into the history books of Barcelona, Brazil, and PSG. As a key member of the ‘MSN’ trio, the Brazilian led the team to its most recent Champions League title and played a pivotal role in the historic comeback against PSG, cementing his place in the club’s history.

Along with this, the Brazilian established himself as the fourth all-time top scorer in PSG’s history, winning a large number of trophies. In addition, his impact went beyond statistics, delivering standout performances in Ligue 1 that cemented him as one of the most brilliant players to have played there.

Far from ending there, Neymar surpassed Pelé as Brazil’s all-time top scorer, netting 79 goals. While he has not won a Copa América or a World Cup title, he still produced outstanding performances, often standing out as the only elite player in a national team that rarely shined. For this reason, the Brazilian is indeed one of the most outstanding players of recent years.

Argentina confirmed this week that they will play a friendly against Guatemala during the upcoming international break, scheduled in Buenos Aires on 31 March. However, their opponents also have a match planned in Europe during the same window, something prohibited under FIFA regulations.

The agreement to face Guatemala was made at the last minute, as Argentina found themselves without fixtures for the March international break after the Finalissima against Spain, which was set to take place in Qatar, was canceled, along with the friendly against the hosts that was scheduled four days later.

However, Guatemala had already arranged a match against Algeria at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium in Genoa, Italy, on 27 March. This prevents them from traveling to South America for a second match, as FIFA forbids a national team from playing on two different continents during the same international break.

“The Guatemalan federation submitted a special request to the world football governing body to allow an exception to the rule and play in Italy, then four days later face the world champions at La Bombonera,” ESPN reported on Thursday.

Past cases do not bode well for the Argentina–Guatemala fixture

Despite the efforts Argentina and Guatemala are making to obtain special permission from FIFA, recent precedents suggest it will be difficult to keep the 31 March friendly in Buenos Aires on the schedule.

Argentina have already been affected by this rule during the November 2025 FIFA break. At that time, they traveled to Africa to play Angola, a match that ended in a 2-0 victory for Lionel Scaloni’s team. Originally, they were scheduled to travel to India for another friendly, but those plans had to be canceled because it would have involved playing on another continent.

A similar situation occurred this week. Following the cancellation of the Finalissima, Spain agreed to play a friendly against Serbia at home on 27 March and intended to add another against Egypt four days later. However, Mohamed Salah’s team is scheduled to play a match in China, making it impossible for them to travel back to Europe afterwards.

Argentina look for another friendly in March

While doubts remain over the 31 March match against Guatemala, Argentina are seeking another opponent to play four days earlier in order to make the most of the FIFA break, which will be the final one before the official squad for the 2026 World Cup must be confirmed.

Reports indicate that this search is proving difficult due to the limited time remaining. Most national teams already have their matches for the March international break finalized, meaning Argentina will almost certainly have to face a lower-level opponent.

After winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, Cristian Romero established as one of the best defenders in the world, shining in the Premier League. However, he has been surrounded by rumors of a possible departure from Tottenham Hotspur. In response, the 27-year-old star has come out to deny them, setting a clear objective instead.

“The truth is that I’m focused on the situation we’re in. I have a lot of respect and affection for the club and I want to finish the season in the best way possible. We’ll see later but the most important thing now is to recover energy to help Spurs,” Cristian Romero said, in the mixed zone interview.

While the Argentine did not rule out a possible departure from Spurs, he made it clear that he is not thinking about his future at the moment. Instead, he is focused on helping Tottenham move away from the relegation zone, as they are just one point above the bottom three. After that, he could assess his future depending on the direction the project takes.

Given his non-committal response, Romero could continue to attract interest from Barcelona and Atlético Madrid after the 2026 World Cup. As a result, he could pressure Spurs to make significant investments and redirect their project, or even force an exit. At 27 years old, he could be looking for a more competitive team.

Cristian Romero hold a tense relation with Spurs’ front office

Unlike in previous seasons, Tottenham Hotspur have not managed to put in a solid performance. After firing Ange Postecoglou, they have brought in Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, neither of whom has managed to improve the team’s performance. In light of this, Cristian Romero has spoken out about his strained relationship with the front office.

Following a loss to Manchester City, the Argentine posted a strong message on Instagram: “At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don’t – as has been happening for several years now. They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies.”

With this, Romero aimed to expose Spurs’ front office, as he remains the only one facing the fans’ criticism amid a disappointing season. Nonetheless, the team does not seem to be improving their performances, having gone 15 consecutive Premier League matches without a victory. If they fail to present an ambitious project, he could leave the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again made headlines, not on the pitch, but in the boardroom, this time sparking a global spotlight on Almeria. The Portuguese superstar’s recent acquisition of a stake in the Spanish club has immediately transformed its profile, drawing attention from fans, sponsors, and media around the world. Alongside him, La Liga president Javier Tebas has praised the strategic effect of CR7’s involvement, highlighting the wider impact of his global influence.

The Al-Nassr forward is no stranger to changing the game, and now he brings his vision and brand power into club ownership. Almeria, historically a modest side in Spanish soccer, has seen its international visibility soar, with social media followings surging and sponsor interest intensifying. This unique combination of sporting ambition and global appeal makes Ronaldo’s investment far more than just a financial transaction; it’s a statement of intent.

In a calculated step beyond his illustrious playing career, Ronaldo secured a 25% stake in Almeria through his company, CR7 Sports Investments. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been vocal about his desire to extend his influence beyond soccer’s pitch. As he explained, “I have long had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the pitch. UD Almeria is a Spanish club with a strong foundation and clear growth potential. I wish to work with the team leading the club to support it in its new phase of growth.”

This investment is not just symbolic. By taking an active role, the 41-year-old superstar positions himself as both an investor and a strategic partner, leveraging his reputation to accelerate Almeria’s evolution. The move signals a new era for the club, combining sporting ambition with commercial and digital growth.

What did Tebas say about Ronaldo’s transformative impact?

Now, La Liga president Javier Tebas has underlined the profound effect Ronaldo has had on Almeria. Speaking during the presentation of La Liga’s 2024-2025 economic report, Tebas emphasised the surge in digital presence triggered by Ronaldo’s involvement.

“At least on a media level, it has made Almeria increase their followers on social networks by 25 per cent, and if I am not mistaken, it has become the fifth or sixth club in Spain with the most followers. If that achieves an appropriate ‘engagement’, today, being in the field of social networks with many followers gives you a lot of value when looking for sponsors and everything that entails around it,” he explained.

Tebas also highlighted the commercial opportunities created by Ronaldo’s presence. “I believe that for Almeria, a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, as an investor and an ally, gives them a significant boost that I think they are going to take advantage of, because they are working on it, and I think it is an important part of the reason why Cristiano Ronaldo is at Almeria.”

The combination of a growing audience and interactive engagement has not only increased the club’s profile but also its marketability to international brands. For Almeria, this is a rare opportunity to convert sporting potential into tangible economic returns, amplifying their presence both on and off the pitch.

Sporting ambitions and La Liga return remain the priority

While off-field developments attract headlines, head coach Rubi remains focused on the on-field challenge. The Rojiblancos are currently locked in a fierce battle for automatic promotion from the Segunda Division, sitting third in the standings, level on points with second-placed Deportivo La Coruna. The ultimate goal remains clear: a return to Spain’s top flight by the final matchday.

Ronaldo’s presence, however, offers more than prestige. His involvement brings credibility and resources that can support recruitment, training infrastructure, and strategic growth, potentially laying the foundation for Almeria to sustain top-tier soccer once they secure promotion.

Barcelona’s Wednesday night belonged to Raphinha, but it also echoed the legacy of Neymar, as Hansi Flick’s side delivered a stunning European performance that blended spectacle with history. In a match that saw the club overwhelm its opponent and surge into the latter stages of the competition, Raphinha emerged not just as the standout performer but as a record-matcher whose name is now etched alongside one of Brazil’s greatest exports.

The Blaugrana produced a breathtaking attacking display to dismantle Newcastle 7-2, sealing an emphatic 8-3 aggregate triumph and booking a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Catalan club turned what had been a tense tie into a one-sided spectacle, particularly in the second half, where its attacking firepower proved simply too much to handle.

Raphinha was at the heart of everything. He contributed directly to six goals: scoring twice, assisting twice, winning a penalty, and creating multiple chances in what can only be described as a complete attacking masterclass. Alongside him, Robert Lewandowski added a brace, while young talents like Lamine Yamal, Fermín Lopez, and Marc Bernal also found the net.

Despite a chaotic first half that ended 3-2, Barcelona shifted gears after the break, scoring four more goals in a devastating spell that completely buried the contest.

The historic milestone revealed

While the scoreline alone was impressive, the night carried even greater significance for the 29-year-old winger. Hidden behind the spectacle was a historic individual milestone that places him among the elite in Champions League history.

Raphinha has now reached 30 goal contributions (goals + assists) in just 33 matches, matching the exact benchmark set by Neymar; the fewest games needed to reach that mark among a select group of soccer’s most lethal attackers.

Matching Neymar, chasing greatness

Raphinha’s evolution at Barcelona has been remarkable. Once known primarily for his flair and unpredictability, the Brazilian has transformed into a complete forward capable of both scoring and creating at the highest level.

What’s more, to match Neymar in such a significant Champions League metric is no small feat. The Brazilian icon built his legacy on decisive contributions in Europe, and now Raphinha has proven he can operate at the same level of efficiency.

What makes this achievement even more compelling is the journey. Unlike Neymar, who burst onto the scene as a global superstar, Raphinha’s rise has been gradual: built on persistence, adaptation, and continuous improvement.

Despite Real Madrid securing their place in the Champions League quarterfinals, they have lost Thibaut Courtois due to injury concerns. The Belge has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the rectus femoris of his right quadriceps, the team reported. In his absence, Andriy Lunin emerges as the clear candidate to start vs. Atlético Madrid.

After the rectus femoris injury in his right quadriceps, the Belgian is set to miss several games with Real Madrid: vs. Atlético Madrid, RCD Mallorca, Bayern Munich — both legs —, Girona, Deportivo Alavés, and Real Betis, reports Melchor Ruiz via El Partidazo Cope.

In his absence, coach Álvaro Arbeloa could rely on Lunin, who has already shown he is capable of being Los Blancos’ first-choice goalkeeper, delivering standout performances on multiple occasions. Along with this, Los Blancos could rely on Fran González as the second-choice goalkeeper, who has been shining with Real Madrid Castilla.

Andriy Lunin faces a tough challenge with Real Madrid

Although Andriy Lunin has already proven his quality, he is under immense pressure. With only 315 minutes played this season, he needs to put in a solid performance against Atlético Madrid, who are in top form with, or the team could fall further behind the LaLiga leaders.

Coupled with this, the Ukrainian is preparing to face Bayern Munich, which has been the best attacking team in the world, with Luis Díaz, Michael Olise, and Harry Kane shining. For this reason, he might have more work on his hands than expected, and a poor performance could knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League.

Lunin could use Courtois’ absence to dispel doubts about his abilities and fight for a more prominent role at Real Madrid. If he shines, the Ukrainian could attract the attention of top European clubs, which might offer him not only a good salary but also a key role—a move that would give his career a boost.

Real Madrid could get some good news amid Courtois’ absence

Amid Thibaut Courtois’ injury, Real Madrid could receive good news for the upcoming matches. Not only have they recovered Kylian Mbappé, but they could also welcome back Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio and Éder Militão ahead of the quarterfinals vs. Bayern Munich.

With this in mind, coach Álvaro Arbeloa could regain strength in midfield, something essential to defeat the German side. In addition, the possible presence of Militão and Asencio could provide more solidity in defense, as they have been dealing with several inconsistencies with Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rüdiger.

Lamine Yamal made history for Barcelona while paying tribute to two of soccer’s modern greats, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, during the club’s emphatic UEFA Champions League win over Newcastle. The 18-year-old winger shattered Kylian Mbappe’s record as the youngest player to reach 10 goals in the competition, while celebrating in style to honor the Portuguese and Brazilian superstars. Barcelona cruised to a 7-2 victory at Camp Nou in the second leg of their last-16 tie, sealing an 8-3 aggregate triumph and booking their place in the quarter-finals.

The Catalan side’s attacking display was breathtaking. Raphinha dominated the evening, scoring twice and creating multiple assists, while Robert Lewandowski also netted a brace. Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez, and Yamal himself contributed to the scoring, with the teenager making the difference at key moments. While Barcelona’s offense was irresistible, their defense showed vulnerability, conceding twice despite the comfortable scoreline.

Barca opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Raphinha converted a low strike after a swift counter led by Fermin Lopez. Newcastle responded quickly through Anthony Elanga, who capitalized on Lewis Hall’s cross to level the game nine minutes later. Marc Bernal restored the Catalan lead from a Raphinha free kick, only for Elanga to score again in the 28th minute after Yamal’s attempted back-heel clearance went awry.

Yamal redeemed himself deep into first-half stoppage time, coolly converting a penalty kick, as the second half quickly turned into a procession. Fermin scored following a Raphinha through-ball, Lewandowski headed in from a corner, and then converted a precise Yamal assist for his second goal. The Brazilian winger sealed the rout, capping a dominant performance for the hosts.

Yamal makes Champions League history

The night was particularly historic for Lamine Yamal. At 18 years and 248 days, he became the youngest player to score 10 Champions League goals, surpassing Kylian Mbappe, who achieved the milestone at 18 years and 350 days during his time with Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.

Yamal hit the landmark with a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time, giving Barcelona a crucial 3-2 lead. The Spain international also became the youngest player to score in consecutive knockout games and reached another milestone by completing 30 Champions League appearances, all before turning 19.

Celebrating the legends: Ronaldo and Neymar

Following his historic goal, Yamal’s celebrations caught the eye of fans worldwide. Initially, he climbed up on the boards with his arms crossed in a move reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous celebration on advertising boards.

His next move was a samba-inspired tribute to Neymar, which he used to energize the Camp Nou audience.

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s recent injury has set off alarm bells not only at Al Nassr but within the Portugal national team, particularly with the 2026 World Cup fewer than 90 days away. As attention turns to the March international window, head coach Roberto Martínez has admitted he cannot guarantee that Ronaldo will be fit to participate in the tournament in North America.

Still recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained on February 28, Ronaldo’s availability for Portugal’s friendlies against Mexico and the USMNT remains very much in the air, with Martínez indicating that a decision will be made when he announces his squad next Friday.

In an interview with the Observador YouTube channel, Martínez was asked whether Portugal‘s medical staff had given him any assurance that Ronaldo would be fit for the World Cup. The Spanish coach offered no such comfort: “No one can provide that guarantee. If I had that guarantee, I would have called the player up now.“

Pressed on his earlier assessment of the injury as minor, Martínez was equally measured. “Cristiano currently has a minor injury, but he still has more matches with his club. Football is a contact sport, and I can’t guarantee that players won’t get injured.“

Beyond the March friendlies, where his involvement is already in serious doubt, Ronaldo has up to nine more matches scheduled with Al Nassr before the end of the 2025-26 season across the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League. That number could fluctuate depending on how the club manages his workload, but with the World Cup so close, his fitness will be a topic under daily review.

Portugal looking to avoid a repeat of 2014

At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Portugal had a disappointing campaign, bowing out in the group stage as Germany and the United States advanced from Group G. Ronaldo’s contribution was significantly hampered by a patellar tendinitis issue in his left knee, sustained after pushing through the Champions League final that season. He managed just one goal in the tournament, against Ghana, and the experience left a lasting mark on how his fitness heading into major competitions is assessed.

The parallels with his current hamstring injury and the risk of it being aggravated have inevitably raised concerns about history repeating itself. Asked directly whether a similar scenario could unfold at the 2026 World Cup, Martínez expressed confidence in his ability to handle the situation.

“It’s my responsibility to create the best possible environment for our team, so that all players in the dressing room enjoy representing Portugal and contributing at the World Cup. I have a lot of experience in this area,” he said, before drawing on a precedent from his time with Belgium. “For example, when I was with Belgium, I had a player who was only medically fit for the third match. At that point, it becomes a matter of making a decision.

“It’s a decision: either include the player or leave him out. The decision was the right one, we included the player, and he played in the third match. And then he was able to take part in the next four matches. What I can say is that we have an excellent relationship with our medical department which has extensive experience that allows it to gather all the necessary information to make the right decision.“

The coach was referring to his experience with Belgium captain Vincent Kompany, who suffered a groin injury in a friendly against Portugal in June 2018, just weeks before the World Cup in Russia. Martínez opted to include him anyway, and after sitting out the first two group games and featuring for 16 minutes in the third against England, Kompany went on to play the full 90 minutes across Belgium’s next four matches until the game for the 3rd place.

Inter Miami hosted Nashville SC in the second leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 at Chase Stadium on Wednesday. With a stunning crossed finish, Lionel Messi broke the deadlock and reached the historic milestone of 900 career goals in the process.

After a tightly contested first leg that ended goalless at Geodis Park, Inter Miami came out determined to take control of the tie from the opening minutes, breaking through in the seventh. Rodrigo De Paul drove forward and shifted the play to the left for Sergio Reguilon to deliver a cross into the box, where Messi brought the ball under control under pressure before whipping a crossed shot into the far corner.

Messi had entered the match on 899 career goals, having had the chance to reach the milestone in last week’s first leg at Nashville but failing to find the net. He then sat out the weekend’s MLS fixture against Charlotte FC to rest ahead of tonight’s decisive clash, a decision that paid off almost immediately.

Beyond the milestone itself, Messi has become only the second player in soccer history to reach 900 career goals across club and international soccer, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in that exclusive company. Notably, the Argentine appears to have reached the mark at a faster pace than the Portuguese legend did before him.

The road to the 1,000-goal mark

With 900 now in the rearview mirror, the next landmark is 1,000 career goals, a figure Cristiano Ronaldo is steadily closing in on with 965. Whether Lionel Messi, now 38 years old, can realistically get there is a more complex question.

Following his departure from Barcelona, Messi’s club output dipped considerably, managing just 11 and 21 goals across his two seasons at PSG. His first two years in MLS were similarly modest by his standards, with 11 goals in a partial 2023 season and 23 in 2024, a campaign disrupted by injury.

The 2025 season, however, represented a genuine turning point. Fully adapted to life in MLS, Messi registered 43 goals across all competitions with Inter Miami and added three more with the Argentina national team, for a combined total of 46 in a single calendar year. With four goals already in five games to start 2026, and his Inter Miami contract running through December 2028, sustaining anything close to that pace would put the 1,000-goal milestone within reach, a feat that not long ago would have seemed unthinkable for a player at his stage of career.

Wednesday’s clash on March 18, 2026, between Inter Miami and Nashville SC will be remembered for a long time—not for what it meant to the Concacaf Champions Cup or the ambitions of both teams, but for the milestone reached by Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward scored his 900th official goal, something only Cristiano Ronaldo had accomplished before.

Leo reached that milestone in the opening minutes of the match against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Sergio Reguilon delivered the assist from the edge of the box; he controlled the ball and, with a precise left-footed strike, scored the opener.

Messi now has 900 official goals in his career, spread across the three clubs he played for professionally and his international career. With Barcelona is where Leo did most of his work: he scored 672 goals in 778 matches there.

Then, during his brief two-year stint in France, the forward scored 32 goals in 75 matches with Paris Saint-Germain. After that less-than-happy experience, Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, and since then he has played 93 matches with 81 goals.

Finally, with the Argentina National Team Lionel Messi has logged 20 uninterrupted years. From his official senior debut in 2005 through his latest match on November 14, 2025, against Angola, the forward has recorded 115 goals in 196 appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the first to score 900 goals

To understand the magnitude of Lionel Messi’s achievement, it’s necessary to put that record into context. Until this Wednesday, only one player in soccer history had surpassed the 900-goal mark as a professional: Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 41-year-old forward, still active with Al Nassr and the Portugal National Team, is the all-time leading scorer with 965 goals. He reached that total through his years with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr and Portugal, beginning in 2002.

How long did it take Messi and Ronaldo to reach 900 goals?

The 900th goal of Lionel Messi’s career came this Wednesday in the match against Nashville SC. The Argentine forward reached that number at 38 years and 8 months old. In terms of matches played, he needed 1,142. That represents an average of 0.78 goals per game.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, reached 900 official goals on September 5, 2024, playing for Portugal against Croatia. At that time, the forward was 39 years and 7 months old and had played 1,238 matches, which represents an average of 0.73 goals per game.

Inter Miami drew 1-1 with Nashville SC and were eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg. Lionel Messi had given the Herons the lead with his 900th career goal.

Things got off to a perfect start for Inter Miami, as they took the lead just three minutes in through Messi. The Argentine forward received a precise assist from Sergio Reguilon on the left, controlled the ball inside the box, and unleashed a left-footed shot that beat the goalkeeper.

With that goal, Messi reached 900 in his professional career, counting his years with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team. Only Cristiano Ronaldo had previously reached that total, but Messi achieved it in less time.

However, things didn’t go entirely smoothly for the Herons. In the second half, Nashville pushed forward and found the goal they needed: in the 74th minute, Cristian Espinoza pounced on a rebound inside the box to score the 1-1 equalizer, sending the visitors through to the quarterfinals.

For Inter Miami, it’s a major disappointment. The Concacaf Champions Cup was their primary goal this season, and they were knocked out early. Now, all their efforts will need to focus on the MLS and the Leagues Cup, titles they have already won in previous seasons.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Rafael Leão’s continuity at AC Milan has been called into question. While the Portuguese has emerged as a solid scorer amid Christian Pulisic’s drop in form, he has not managed to shine outside the left wing. Following his surge under coach Massimiliano Allegri and his disappointing performances, former Rossoneri star Antonio Cassano delivered strong criticism of Leao, making a firm statement.

During an interview in Viva El Futbol, via YouTube, Antonio Cassano delivered strong criticism to Rafael Leao recent performances, leaving a strong statement: “Milan, in an easy league, Leão struggles massively. In my Real Madrid, he wouldn’t even play in training. Not even in that Milan with Ibra, Robinho, Pato, and Inzaghi.”

Unlike previous seasons, Leão has not looked entirely comfortable at the Rossoneri, as coach Allegri has deployed him as a second striker, far from his best version on the left wing. While he has managed to score 10 goals in 25 matches, he has not been able to impress the fans with his impact, often being substituted. In addition, the Portuguese had an outburst with Allegri after being taken off in the previous match vs. Lazio.

Far from being Cassano’s first criticism of Rafael, the Ex-Rossoneri made his dissatisfaction with the player clear back in 2023. “Leão made two or three runs, but never shot on goal and didn’t track back. Zero assists, zero goals, he misses the decisive play. Leão makes a few full-speed runs, pushes the ball forward and that’s it. But in these matches you have to make the difference,” he said, via Bobo TV.

Report: Rafael Leao’s AC Milan future in doubt

Massimiliano Allegri successfully transformed AC Milan, revitalizing them into a competitive force in Serie A. By focusing on a robust midfield and solid defense, he restored the team’s stability, albeit at the expense of their attacking prowess. Due to these lackluster offensive performances, the Rossoneri are preparing for a significant roster overhaul, which reportedly casts doubt on Rafael Leão’s position with the team.

According to Matteo Moretto, via X, AC Milan are open to Leão’s departure in the summer of 2026. However, they would only let him leave for a strong offer, meaning he is no longer considered untouchable within the squad. As a result, the Portuguese could be heading to the Premier League, where he has attracted interest from several clubs looking to maximize his best version as a left winger, which could make a move appealing to him.

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 has concluded, with eight teams eliminated and eight others punching their tickets to the quarterfinals. With the bracket predetermined, there is no need for a draw, and the quarterfinal matchups and schedule are already set.

The Round of 16 produced several stunning results, with a number of sides that had finished in the top eight during the league phase falling to opponents who had to come through the playoff round just to reach this stage.

Among the top-eight finishers who were eliminated are Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City, while Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Bodø/Glimt, Newcastle United, and Galatasaray also made early exits. Arsenal and Liverpool are the only two English club remaining in the competition.

Who is playing in the UCL quarterfinals?

When the Round of 16 draw was made, UEFA also mapped out the full path each side would need to follow to reach the Champions League final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. The quarterfinal matchups are as follows:

• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool
• Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich
• Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid
• Sporting CP vs. Arsenal

In the semifinals, the winner of Sporting CP-Arsenal will face the winner of Barcelona-Atlético Madrid, while on the other side of the bracket, the winner of PSG-Liverpool will take on the winner of Real Madrid-Bayern Munich.

When are the UCL quarterfinals?

The first legs of the quarterfinal ties will be played on Tuesday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 8, the week after the March international break concludes. On the 7th, Sporting CP will host Arsenal at Estádio José Alvalade, while Real Madrid welcome Bayern Munich to the Santiago Bernabéu. On the 8th, Barcelona host Atlético Madrid at the Camp Nou, and PSG welcome Galatasaray to the Parc des Princes.

The second legs follow the week after. On Tuesday, April 14, Atlético Madrid host Barcelona at the Metropolitano, and Galatasaray host PSG at their home ground. Then on Wednesday, April 15, Arsenal host Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium, and Bayern Munich welcome Real Madrid to the Allianz Arena.

Christian Pulisic continues a difficult 2026 at Milan, and tensions have boiled over with teammate Rafael Leao, sparking questions about the chemistry in the Rossoneri attack. The two forwards, both expected to drive Milan’s scoring output, have struggled to connect in Serie A, leaving the club with a combined tally of just two goals in 595 minutes when playing alongside each other. Their relationship came under scrutiny after Milan’s recent defeat to Lazio, where unseen tensions surfaced on the pitch and in the dressing room.

While the full story only emerged later, it was clear immediately after the Olimpico loss that something had gone wrong between the two forwards. Pulisic’s continued poor form in 2026 had already frustrated teammates, culminating in a moment that would later be revealed in dramatic detail on DAZN’s Bordo Cam program.

During the Rossoneri’s 1-0 defeat, footage captured by DAZN shows Pulisic missing two opportunities to pass Leao through on goal. After the second chance went unplayed, the Portuguese winger’s frustration boiled over. “Bloody hell, mate. Get it in, bro,” the Portuguese striker shouted, visibly furious. The outburst extended to the bench, where coach Massimiliano Allegri could be heard shouting: “Get it in! With that one, he’d have scored, oh, it’s already two! But already two!”

The episode escalated when Leao was substituted. He left the pitch slowly, prompting goalkeeper Mike Maignan to run halfway down the field in an attempt to hurry him along. Leao refused Allegri’s attempt at a consoling hug, instead venting his anger toward Pulisic. “He has to pass the ball, coach!” Leao said, shaking his head in frustration. On the bench, he kicked and threw his shin guards, muttering to himself: “He never passes it, and nobody says anything. It’s always like this.”

Allegri steps in to calm the storm

Despite the dramatic scene, Allegri later clarified the situation. “Leao was a little nervous because there were some situations where he could have had a better serve, so he was a little angry, but these things can happen during a match,” the Rossoneri manager explained. Allegri emphasized that the outburst was not directed at him but at the missed opportunities on the field, highlighting the high standards expected from his attacking duo.

The post-match tension reportedly continued into the dressing room, with the Portuguese still visibly upset at Pulisic’s lack of support. However, the Milan staff quickly took steps to restore unity. Video analysis sessions at Milanello allowed both players to reflect calmly on the incidents. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao apologized to Pulisic and the team, and the two symbolically shook hands on the pitch, marking a truce and a fresh start.

Struggling partnership

The challenges between Leao and Pulisic are not only interpersonal but also tactical. They have only started seven Serie A games together this season, partly due to injuries and individual form issues. Leao is currently in his longest goal drought since joining Milan in 2023, still without a goal in 2026, while the American has struggled to break his own scoring slump. Their combined lack of productivity highlights the need for better synergy if the club is to maintain its Champions League aspirations next season.

Despite these difficulties, Allegri remains focused on the bigger picture. Both players respect each other and have shown maturity in addressing the situation. “The only focus must no longer be on the defeat against Lazio, but on the goals that the team need to score against Torino to secure the three points,” the manager noted, signaling that on-field success is the priority.

Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup have been marked by both excitement and unexpected drama, as star forward Neymar confronted the harsh reality of missing out on the national team squad. With coach Carlo Ancelotti steering Brazil through the pre-World Cup friendlies, questions over squad selection and player fitness have captured global attention. While Neymar has been a central figure for both his club, Santos, and the Brazil national team, recent developments suggest a generational shift is underway in the Selecao.

The news of Neymar’s omission from the March friendlies was made even more poignant thanks to a candid video he shared on his YouTube channel. The clip, part of the series “48 hours unfiltered,” offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at his life as a professional player and his personal reaction to being left out of the squad.

In the footage, the 34-year-old forward can be seen watching the squad announcement on his phone while receiving a massage. Upon realizing that his name was not included, he turned to the camera and humorously yet heartbreakingly said, “Hey, Ancelotti. What about me?”

The remark encapsulated both his surprise and disappointment, highlighting the emotional toll of missing out on a team he has represented with distinction for over 15 years. With 128 caps and 79 goals, Neymar remains one of Brazil’s most decorated players, yet his absence reflects both persistent injury concerns and a broader strategy by Ancelotti to prioritize emerging talent.

From guaranteed starter to uncertainty

Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has managed Brazil since 2024, has consistently emphasized the importance of fielding fit players in the lead-up to the World Cup. Neymar’s omission is reportedly tied to persistent injury issues, particularly following his 2023 ACL tear, as well as inconsistent form at Santos.

As a result, Ancelotti has turned to younger players such as Endrick, Igor Thiago, and Vinicius, signaling a deliberate effort to balance experience with youth ahead of the 2026 tournament. In a pre-announcement discussion captured on video, Neymar confided to his teammate, goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao, “Back in the day, I knew I was going no matter what! Right?” His laughter belied a stark contrast with his current uncertainty, showing the emotional shift from a guaranteed national team place to competing for fitness and form.

Rarely visible vulnerable side

The video also captured Neymar’s vulnerable side, as he admitted feeling sad about missing the squad but reaffirmed his commitment to the Selecao, stating he would continue supporting his teammates and working hard for a 2026 World Cup spot.

“I’ll always root for my Brazilian teammates and look to keep working hard to find a place in the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Neymar explained in the video. Brazil’s March 2026 friendlies against France and Croatia represent crucial preparation ahead of the World Cup. With Neymar unavailable, Ancelotti will rely on a blend of emerging stars and experienced players to simulate tournament conditions.

Match Overview

Philadelphia Union travel to Mexico needing a response after dropping the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 matchup, a 1–0 defeat at home that felt like a missed opportunity but still leaves the series within reach.

Club America, meanwhile, carry a slim advantage after earning that valuable road victory, putting Las Aguilas in control as the decisive second leg approaches. With only one goal separating the sides and a quarterfinal spot on the line, everything remains up for grabs—so don’t miss this crucial showdown.

Robert Lewandowski scored a brace on Wednesday against Newcastle to reach a historic milestone in the UEFA Champions League, surpassing the previous record held by Lionel Messi and putting Cristiano Ronaldo even further behind.

Barcelona secured an emphatic victory over the Magpies at Camp Nou. They needed a win to advance to the quarterfinals of the European competition following the 1-1 draw in the first leg in England, and they delivered in style, winning 7-2.

Lewandowski started the match and only needed 66 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Ferran Torres. In that time, he scored two goals that not only helped his team secure the victory but also made him the player who has scored against the most clubs in Champions League history.

Newcastle became the 41st European club to fall to the Polish striker, a total that even Lionel Messi could not reach. The Argentine star previously held the record with 40, while Cristiano Ronaldo is further back on the list with 38.

Lewandowski can continue to extend his record

While stars like Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe are achieving great things in the Champions League, they still have a long way to go before they can compete for the record Robert Lewandowski just set.

And it’s not just that. The Polish striker still has room to extend those numbers as long as Barcelona remain alive in the competition. In fact, in the quarterfinals there will still be two clubs he has yet to score against in the Champions League: Sporting CP — who could be Barcelona’s semifinal opponents — and either Galatasaray or Liverpool, depending on who advances from the Round of 16.

Can Lewandowski challenge Messi and Ronaldo’s Champions League goal record?

Robert Lewandowski has not only taken the record from Lionel Messi for scoring against the most different clubs in Champions League history; he is also the main threat to the Argentine forward on the competition’s all-time scoring table.

At the moment, Lewandowski is the active player in Europe with the most goals in Champions League history, with 109. In the all-time ranking, he sits third, 20 goals behind Lionel Messi. At the top remains Cristiano Ronaldo, currently the undisputed leader with 141 goals.

Lamine Yamal continues to rewrite the record books in the UEFA Champions League, with the competition emerging as his latest stage for history-making ahead of the World Cup. The Spanish winger has now become the youngest player in the history of the tournament to reach 10 goals, prompting a natural comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the two greatest scorers the competition has ever seen.

Barcelona hosted Newcastle United in the second leg of the Round of 16 at the Camp Nou following a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park. The game produced a thrilling opening, with Raphinha, Marc Bernal and Anthony Elanga, who scored twice, making it 2-2, before Yamal stepped up just before halftime to convert a penalty and give Barcelona a 3-2 lead, his tenth Champions League goal in the process.

With that penalty, Yamal became the youngest player in Champions League history to reach 10 goals, achieving the milestone at just 18 years old. He has been remarkably consistent in the competition, scoring five goals in the 2024-25 season before adding five more in the current 2025-26 campaign.

The record he surpassed belonged to Kylian Mbappé, who had reached 10 Champions League goals at 19 years old, split across his time at AS Monaco and PSG. Besides, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, Yamal also became the youngest player ever to score in back-to-back Champions League knockout matches, having also netted from the spot in the first leg at St. James’ Park.

How were Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo performing at Yamal’s age?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the two greatest scorers in Champions League history, sitting first and second on the all-time list with 140 and 129 goals respectively. Yet when it comes to their early years in the competition, Yamal has already left both legends well behind at the same age.

Ronaldo made his Champions League debut for Manchester United in October 2003 at 18 years old, but did not score his first goal in the competition until April 2007, when he netted a brace against AS Roma at the age of 22.

Messi’s debut came even earlier, at just 17 years old against Shakhtar Donetsk in December 2004. His first Champions League goal followed in November 2005 against Panathinaikos, the only goal he managed in the competition at age 18. That leaves Yamal with a nine-goal advantage over Messi at the same stage of his career, and a ten-goal lead over Ronaldo, a gap that underlines just how extraordinary his early development has been.

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

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

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

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

Confirmed Inter Miami lineup

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

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

Confirmed Nashville SC lineup

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

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

Match Overview

A spot in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup will be decided when Inter Miami host Nashville SC for the second leg of their Round of 16 series. The matchup arrives perfectly balanced after the opening leg ended in a hard-fought 0–0 draw, leaving everything to be settled in this decisive clash.

With Lionel Messi leading Miami’s push for a place in the next round and Nashville already showing it can stand toe-to-toe with one of the tournament favorites, the return leg promises drama, intensity, and plenty at stake—so make sure you don’t miss a minute of this pivotal showdown.

Neymar has once again missed out on a Brazil squad call-up for the March international window, leaving him fewer than 90 days to convince Carlo Ancelotti to include him in the final World Cup roster. While holding on to his dream of featuring in North America this summer, the Santos forward spoke candidly about the possibility that this could be his final chapter with the national team.

At 34 years old and having spent extended periods on the sidelines over recent years, questions have grown louder about whether Neymar can still force his way back into the Seleção picture. The forward, however, remains optimistic that the 2026 World Cup can serve as a fitting final act in one of the most celebrated international careers in Brazilian history.

In a video posted to his official YouTube channel, prior to Monday’s squad announcement, Neymar offered a remarkably candid reflection on what lies ahead: “Obviously it is my last World Cup… I don’t know it’s my last year in the national team. But it’s coming to an end and we have to know that. I always tell my family and friends: Enjoy it as much as you can, keep watching the games because it will end.“

Despite having been absent from the national team since October 2023 and operating far from the European spotlight, Neymar insists he still has something to offer to Brazil. “I can help the national team. I can help in any way. I know the qualities that I have and I know the power that I have on the field, and I know I can add to the team. Obviously I want to go to the World Cup. Obviously this moves me too,” he added.

At his press conference, Ancelotti left the door firmly open, reiterating that Neymar could still earn a place at the World Cup provided he reaches full fitness. The Italian coach made clear that the only deciding factor is physical condition, and that Neymar’s quality on the ball is beyond question.

Neymar’s reaction to Ancelotti’s snub

When Ancelotti named his squad for the friendlies against France and Croatia on Monday, Neymar’s name was once again absent, with the coach citing his fitness as the determining factor. The omission hit the forward hard, though he made clear he has not given up on making the final list to be announced in May.

The moment played out in real time. In the video, Neymar was shown undergoing a muscular recovery session the day after the Santos-Corinthians derby, watching the press conference live as Ancelotti ran through the squad. As the coach concluded his list of forwards without mentioning his name, Neymar’s reaction said everything.

“Hey Ancelotti, what about me?” he said as the list was read out. “The national team squad has just been announced. We were not called up. I’m sad, obviously, that’s what I said yesterday: I’ll always root for the national team, right? And everything’s fine, now it’s time to keep working, keep improving in everything. And if there’s an opportunity, be prepared.“

Speaking on his way to Santos’ training facility, Neymar struck a defiant tone, channeling his disappointment into motivation. “I was upset, you know, I was sad. But that’s what I say: Now I’m sad but for me is a done deal. Tomorrow I have to stop being sad. I need to work, train, play… so if an opportunity arises to be at the World Cup, I’m prepared,” Neymar added.

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

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

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

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

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

Prestianni once again included in Argentina squad

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

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

Argentina absences for March international break

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

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

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

Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken an intriguing turn, as head coach Roberto Martinez addressed growing speculation surrounding the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo for the upcoming international friendlies. With fixtures against the United States and Mexico on the horizon, uncertainty looms over whether the iconic forward will be part of the national team squad. The situation has sparked widespread discussion, particularly given Ronaldo’s importance to both his club, Al-Nassr, and the Portugal national team, as well as his enduring legacy in international soccer.

Ronaldo’s current situation stems from a hamstring injury sustained during a recent Saudi Pro League match. The injury has sidelined the veteran forward at a crucial juncture in the season, raising doubts about his readiness for international duty. His club confirmed the setback in an official statement, saying, “Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day.”

The lack of a clear recovery timeline has only intensified uncertainty, especially with Portugal’s March fixtures forming a key part of its World Cup preparation. These matches are not merely friendlies; they are designed to simulate tournament conditions and finalize tactical decisions ahead of the global showpiece set to begin in June 2026.

Despite the injury, Ronaldo has remained included in preliminary considerations, reflecting both his stature and the cautious optimism within the Portuguese camp. However, the final call has been left deliberately open.

What did Martinez say about Ronaldo’s availability?

The mystery surrounding Ronaldo’s involvement was addressed directly by Martinez, who provided a measured but revealing update midway through preparations. Speaking about the situation, the Portugal boss stated in an interview with Observador, “Cristiano is injured, he’s not playing for Al-Nassr right now, and he hasn’t been able to participate in the recent matches either. We still have a few days to make a decision.”

He further added, “We’ll make the decision on Friday. Currently, Cristiano has a minor injury.” This confirmation places the 41-year-old’s participation firmly in doubt, though it stops short of ruling him out entirely. Martinez emphasized the importance of physical readiness, noting that only players in peak condition would be selected for the upcoming FIFA window.

In another clarification, he explained, “It’s a minor injury being treated by the medical staff.” This suggests that while the issue is not severe, the coaching staff is unwilling to take unnecessary risks with a player of Ronaldo’s age and importance.

Crucial friendlies ahead of the World Cup

Portugal’s upcoming fixtures are strategically significant. Matches against international opposition, including the USMNT, are part of a broader plan to acclimatize the squad to North American conditions, where the World Cup will be held.

These games serve as a testing ground for squad depth and tactical flexibility, particularly in Ronaldo’s potential absence. Martinez has already hinted at experimenting with alternative attacking options, with several forwards vying for a place in the final World Cup squad. The uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo has opened the door for emerging talents and returning players to stake their claim.

However, none can replicate the experience and leadership that the veteran forward brings. For now, the situation remains unresolved. The Selecao’s coaching staff continues to monitor the superstar’s recovery closely, with the final decision expected to hinge on medical assessments in the days leading up to the squad announcement.

Following an underwhelming draw in the first leg, Barcelona and Newcastle United met in an exciting second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Needing to deliver offensively, both teams put on a five-goal spectacle in the first half. However, coach Hansi Flick managed to unsettle the English side in the second half, leading an imposing attacking display with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski scoring crucial braces.

Newcastle United dominated the first half. Taking advantage of the Blaugranas fullbacks’ weaknesses, they constantly attacked down the wings, where Lewis Hall, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Elanga stood out. However, defensive lapses led to them conceding three goals, and while they looked set to mount a comeback in the second half, Fermin Lopez’s goal and Sandro Tonali’s injury threw the game off balance.

Taking advantage of the English side’s imposing high press, Gerard Martín threaded a through ball to Raphinha. Rather than holding onto the ball, the Brazilian played a first-time pass to Fermín López, who was making a solo run into Newcastle’s defense. With his pace, the Spaniard beat his markers and went through on Aaron Ramsdale, scoring a magnificent goal. After this, coach Eddie Howe’s plans were completely disrupted.

Over the course of the game, Barcelona showed their scoring power, with Raphinha, Marc Bernal, and Lamine Yamal finding the net in the first half. However, they continued to struggle defensively, something they adjusted in the second half. In addition, Sandro Tonali’s exit unsettled Newcastle United, who then conceded another goal from Raphinha to complete his brace, along with a brace from Robert Lewandowski, ending his goal drought.

Raphinha and Lewandowski put on a masterclass for Barcelona

Raphinha managed to establish himself as the most influential player for Barcelona. After scoring in the early minutes, the Brazilian opened the scoring and led the team’s attack, distributing play for his teammates. Far from slowing down offensively, he went on to score a brace. Intercepting a misplaced pass from Jacob Ramsey, he found himself in a one-on-one situation, beating Aaron Ramsdale.

Unlike the Brazilian, Robert Lewandowski had a fairly limited first half, where he mainly linked up play for his teammates. However, the Pole regained his importance in the second half, as Newcastle United’s drop in pressure gave him more space to shine. After converting a penalty, he secured his brace following a corner from Raphinha, beating Tino Livramento in the air to score.

Match Overview

Few expected much drama when Bayern Munich met Atalanta BC in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, but the opening leg turned into one of the most lopsided results of the round. Bayern overwhelmed the Italian side with a stunning 6–1 victory in Bergamo, leaving Atalanta with a nearly impossible deficit to overcome.

Now back in Germany, the Bundesliga giants are poised to formally secure their place in the quarterfinals, while Atalanta’s focus shifts to restoring some pride and delivering a far stronger performance in the return leg. Don’t miss this Champions League showdown as Bayern aim to finish the job and Atalanta attempt to close the tie on a much better note.

Match Overview

The return leg arrives with plenty of tension after a dramatic first meeting between Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid, where the Spanish side surged to a commanding 5–2 win. What initially looked like one of the round’s most balanced matchups quickly turned chaotic when Spurs manager Igor Tudor made a stunning early call.

He pulled his starting goalkeeper just minutes into the game after two costly errors—an abrupt move that rattled the English club and helped swing momentum firmly toward Atletico. Now Tottenham must attempt a massive comeback while Atletico aim to close out the series and secure a place in the quarterfinals, making this decisive clash one fans won’t want to miss.

2. Choose between the ‘Paramount+ Essential’ or ‘Paramount+ With Showtime’ options. If you want to save over 15% with an annual plan, click the Annual option. Then hit ‘Continue’ to move on.

3. Next, you’ll need to create a free Paramount+ account:

4. Enter your contact details, and click ‘Continue’ to move to the next step.

5. The following page explains the free 7-day trial:

6. Enter your payment details and then click ‘Start Paramount+’ to begin your free trial.

Match Overview

With their backs against the wall, Liverpool FC return home needing a response after dropping the first leg of the series. The English side will welcome Galatasaray to Anfield after the Turkish club secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory in Istanbul, a result that reflected the physical and tightly contested nature many expected from the matchup.

While Galatasaray carries a narrow advantage into the return leg, the tie remains wide open, especially with Liverpool counting on the energy of their home crowd to spark a comeback and extend their run in the competition—making this decisive showdown one fans won’t want to miss.

2. Choose between the ‘Paramount+ Essential’ or ‘Paramount+ With Showtime’ options. If you want to save over 15% with an annual plan, click the Annual option. Then hit ‘Continue’ to move on.

3. Next, you’ll need to create a free Paramount+ account:

4. Enter your contact details, and click ‘Continue’ to move to the next step.

5. The following page explains the free 7-day trial:

6. Enter your payment details and then click ‘Start Paramount+’ to begin your free trial.

After the drop in form of Christian Pulisic, AC Milan have been quite exposed in terms of goalscoring, struggling to close out wins. Neither Niclas Füllkrug nor Christopher Nkunku have managed to shine, forcing them to consider reinforcements for next season. While several names have emerged, the Rossoneri have reportedly decided to include a €50 million Italian striker among their priorities, but one issue is blocking his arrival.

According to Tuttosport, AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare has met with the agents of Mateo Retegui, an Al-Qadsiah player, in an attempt to move closer to an agreement for a summer transfer. Although he arrived in the Saudi Pro League for €68.25 million, they would be open to letting him leave for €45–50 million, a fee that would be well within the Rossoneri’s budget. However, a problem has emerged and could be blocking the move.

After arriving as a marquee signing at Al-Qadsiah, the Italian striker earns a salary of around €16 million per season, something quite difficult for Christian Pulisic’s side. Instead, the Rossoneri are reportedly willing to offer him €5 million per season and a contract running until 2031. For that reason, Retegui would have to significantly lower his demands, complicating his return to Serie A.

While Mateo Retegui currently plays in the Saudi Pro League, he has remained one of the most productive players, scoring 15 goals in 25 matches and ranking as the team’s second top scorer. In addition, he continues to be Italy’s starting striker, netting five goals in the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Due to his scoring ability and versatility, the 26-year-old striker would be an ideal partner for Christian Pulisic in attack.

Report: AC Milan also have another Italian striker in pole position

Despite the interest in Mateo Retegui, he would not be willing to force his exit from Al-Qadisiyah, as he feels quite comfortable, reports Tuttosport. For this reason, Massimiliano Allegri’s team could have a very difficult time securing his arrival. Given this, AC Milan keep another Italian striker on their list of priorities, reportedly looking for ways to reduce his cost for a summer transfer.

Moise Kean remains one of the Rossoneri’s priorities to strengthen the attack. However, they would have to pay his €62 million release clause to Fiorentina, which is high for the club’s intentions. According to Nicolò Schira in Tuttosport, the Rossoneri are looking to include a player in the negotiations to lower the Italian’s value. In addition, coach Massimiliano Allegri keeps him as the top priority, as he knows him very well from his time at Juventus.

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is beginning to shape careers and decisions long before a ball is kicked, and few players embody that tension more than Christian Pulisic. At a time when expectations are rising and form is fluctuating, the situation surrounding the American star has become one of the most intriguing contract stories in European soccer.

Pulisic’s campaign has been defined by contradiction. While he remains a central figure in Milan’s attacking structure, his recent performances in 2026 have dipped, with injuries, particularly chronic bursitis, playing a significant role in disrupting his rhythm.

Despite this, his overall contribution remains undeniable. In over 120 appearances for the club, Pulisic has produced more than 60 combined goals and assists, underlining his importance in the system. Within the club, he is still viewed as a cornerstone of the long-term project. Yet, as the season progresses into its decisive phase, both the player and the club have opted to delay critical decisions about his future.

The current status of negotiations reveals a delicate balance. The USMNT international is under contract until 2027, with the Rossoneri holding an option to extend it further, giving the club a strong negotiating position. At the same time, discussions over a long-term renewal, potentially until 2031, have been temporarily paused.

This pause is not necessarily a sign of tension. Instead, it reflects a mutual understanding. The reasoning is clear: both sides want to avoid distractions during a crucial stretch of the campaign, keeping the focus entirely on on-field objectives.

The encouraging update revealed

Despite the temporary halt in negotiations, Milan is actively pushing to secure Pulisic’s long-term future as quickly as possible, Corriere della Sera reports. Internally, there is a strong desire to tie him down to a new deal and make him one of the faces of the club for years to come.

This urgency stems from multiple factors. First, his consistent impact since arriving in Italy has restored his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players. Second, growing interest from abroad, particularly from the Premier League, has raised the stakes. Clubs are monitoring closely, with reports suggesting potential bids reaching significant figures.

The situation is further complicated by interest from former surroundings. The winger’s past at Chelsea still lingers, and there are indications that a return to England could appeal to him. Meanwhile, clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on his availability, prepared to test Milan’s resolve with a major offer. This growing external interest adds pressure on the Serie A side to act decisively, ensuring it does not risk losing one of its most valuable assets.

The World Cup factor

Hovering above everything is the looming World Cup on home soil. For the 27-year-old, the tournament represents a defining moment in his career. It is no surprise, then, that he has chosen to prioritize performance over paperwork.

“I think Pulisic will stay. There’s the big stage of the World Cup, which is probably influencing him a bit and will affect his summer. In my opinion, he’ll start again from Milan. And logically, the contract renewal talks will open after the World Cup rather than before”, said La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin.

Throughout the Barcelona‘s presidential election process, Joan Laporta faced constant attacks from candidates such as Xavier Vilajoana, Marc Ciria, and Victor Font regarding the handling of Lionel Messi’s departure. Despite this, the fans once again re-elected him to lead the sporting project. Following this, the elected president decided to reveal key details about Messi’s possible return to the Blaugranas, making it clear that there is a plan in place for it.

During the campaign process, Font accused Laporta of being responsible for Lionel Messi’s departure. He even urged the Argentine to speak out and reveal everything: “I hope he (Messi) tells the truth so that the socis don’t go to the polls misled by Laporta and blinded by the smoke screen of hope generated by Hansi Flick and the young players,” he said, as per ESPN. Despite this, the legend did not comment on the matter, and Joan already has a plan for his return.

“Leo will be linked to Barcelona in whatever way he wants to be… He deserves a tribute (match) and also a statue. That would be hugely significant. Only Ladislao Kubala and Johan Cruyff have statues at the stadium…The doors at Barça are always open to him, whenever he wishes, so that he can continue to strengthen and bring greatness to this institution,” Joan Laporta said, via TV3.

While Laporta has admitted that his relationship with Messi is quite strained, he does not seek to create a direct conflict with him. Instead, the president is aiming for the Argentine to reconnect with the team, as he has not set foot in the stadium in front of cameras since August 8, 2021, when he held his farewell press conference. He not only wants a tribute to be made, but also envisions Messi taking an active role within the club.

Messi eyes Barca return, but Laporta re-election may block it

After his departure in August 2021, Lionel Messi has only returned to the Spotify Camp Nou stadium once, in November 2025. Far from being a large-scale event, the Argentine did so at night, without the presence of the board of directors or club members. While he appears to be upset with Joan Laporta over his handling of his departure, he has expressed his deep desire to return to the stadium and to Barcelona.

“I imagined myself, as I said, playing my entire career in Europe, at Barcelona, and then, yes, coming here like I did (Inter Miami)… I really want to go back there; we miss Barcelona a lot—my kids constantly, and my wife—we always talk about things from Barcelona, the idea of living there again. We have our house, everything, so that’s what we want. I’m really eager to return to the stadium once it’s finished,” Lionel Messi said, via Diario Sport.

With construction on the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium set to be completed in 2027, Messi could make his return to the venue under Laporta’s leadership. However, the president does not have the best relationship with the Argentine, as reports suggest the legend felt betrayed when he left. If they fail to resolve their differences, Joan’s presence could keep Lionel away until 2031—a scenario the board of directors seeks to avoid, opening the door for him.

Match Overview

The Round of 16 battle now shifts to Spain, where Barcelona will attempt to capitalize on home advantage and secure a place in the quarterfinals, but Newcastle United arrive confident they can deliver a stunning upset and complete a historic qualification.

The first leg turned out to be far more competitive than expected, as Barcelona—despite entering as clear favorites—struggled away from home and required a late equalizer to escape with a draw after nearly suffering defeat, leaving everything to be decided in this decisive second meeting that fans won’t want to miss.

2. Choose between the ‘Paramount+ Essential’ or ‘Paramount+ With Showtime’ options. If you want to save over 15% with an annual plan, click the Annual option. Then hit ‘Continue’ to move on.

3. Next, you’ll need to create a free Paramount+ account:

4. Enter your contact details, and click ‘Continue’ to move to the next step.

5. The following page explains the free 7-day trial:

6. Enter your payment details and then click ‘Start Paramount+’ to begin your free trial.

Al-Nassr’s campaign in the Saudi Pro League has been dealt a fresh setback, with news emerging that Inigo Martinez has suffered an injury just as the club continues to manage the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spanish defender, who joined the Riyadh-based club from Barcelona last summer, has been confirmed out of action, and the timeline for his return has been revealed, adding a new layer of concern for manager Jorge Jesus.

The timing of Martinez’s setback is particularly sensitive for Al-Nassr, who are leading the league with 67 points, just three ahead of title rivals Al-Hilal. The club has been navigating injuries to key players, including Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, both of whom are recovering from minor fitness concerns. Despite these challenges, Al-Nassr maintained its dominant form with a resounding 5-0 victory over Al-Khaleej, showcasing depth and resilience across the squad.

In the aftermath of the game, medical examinations confirmed that Martinez suffered a hamstring tear, a development that sidelined the former Spanish international. “Medical tests undergone by Inigo Martinez revealed that he has suffered a hamstring tear. Martinez began a treatment and rehabilitation program in Madrid today,” reported Arriyadiyah.

This injury represents a significant short-term setback for Al-Nassr’s defense, which has relied heavily on the Spaniard’s experience alongside stars like Ronaldo. While the club will manage in the short term, concerns linger due to the defender’s history of muscle issues. The experienced centre-back has previously dealt with muscle-related issues, including a notable hamstring absence during the 2023-24 season. While not alarming on its own, it introduces a level of caution around his recovery and long-term fitness.

The injury comes at a delicate moment, with the Knight of Najd’s title ambitions in sharp focus. The squad has had to cope with recent absences of Ronaldo and Mane, both pivotal to the club’s attacking output, making Martinez’s defensive presence even more vital.

The recovery timeline revealed

Arriyadiyah’s report suggests that Martinez is projected to be sidelined for approximately 10-14 days, a relatively short spell in isolation but one that initially raised fears of missed fixtures during a critical phase of the season. However, context is everything.

The timing of the injury coincides with a two-week international break, significantly easing the pressure on both player and club. As a result, the recovery period is expected to overlap almost entirely with the pause in domestic competition, minimizing its direct impact on match availability. Crucially, he is likely to return in time for the league clash against Al-Najma on April 3, provided there are no setbacks in his rehabilitation.

From a purely sporting perspective, the situation could have been far worse. Jorge Jesus’ side does not have an immediate fixture during the 34-year-old’s recovery window, meaning the defender is unlikely to miss competitive matches if his rehabilitation progresses as planned. This transforms what could have been a damaging blow into a manageable setback.

The return of Ronaldo, Mane, and now Martinez will be crucial as Al-Nassr approaches the final eight matches of the Saudi Pro League season. Ronaldo’s leadership and Mane’s attacking dynamism, combined with Martinez’s defensive experience, will be key components as the Riyadh-based side aims to secure a historic double crown.

As Lamine Yamal continues to emerge as one of soccer’s brightest young stars, his presence looms large over a finely poised clash between Barcelona and Newcastle. With the tie delicately balanced and tensions rising, the spotlight naturally falls on the teenager whose last contribution in this competition changed everything.

The first encounter at St. James’ Park delivered intensity, chaos, and late drama in equal measure. Newcastle appeared set for victory after a late goal from Harvey Barnes, only for Barcelona to snatch a lifeline in the dying seconds. Yamal converted a stoppage-time penalty to secure a 1-1 draw, ensuring the tie would return to Spain on level terms.

The result, however, only told part of the story. The Magpies’ high-energy approach unsettled Barca throughout, exposing weaknesses and forcing errors. “We didn’t make a good game… we lost too many balls, easy mistakes.” Those words from the Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick reflected a performance that fell short of expectations, yet still ended with a crucial away result.

As kickoff approaches, the narrative becomes clear. This is a tie that could be decided by one moment, one mistake, or one player. For Barcelona, that player may well be Yamal, whose ability to deliver under pressure has already altered the course of this matchup once. For Newcastle, it is about resilience, execution, and seizing the chances that eluded them in the first leg. In a contest where margins are razor-thin, the stage is perfectly set.

Will Yamal play?

As speculation intensified in the build-up, the answer to the central question gradually became clear. Lamine Yamal will start for Barcelona in the second leg. After dealing with illness in recent days, the teenager returned to action as a substitute in the previous match and is now poised to feature from the beginning.

This is no ordinary inclusion. At just 18, the Spaniard is on the verge of equaling records set by Kylian Mbappe for Champions League goals before turning 19, underlining his extraordinary rise. More importantly, his influence extends beyond statistics. He has already delivered 20 goals and 14 assists across competitions this season, and his ability to produce decisive moments makes him central to Barcelona’s ambitions.

Barcelona vs. Newcastle: Confirmed lineups

Barcelona confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Cancelo, Marc Bernal, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, Lewandowski.

Newcastle confirmed XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Joelinton; Ramsey, Elanga, Barnes; Gordon.

The Argentina FA has managed to arrange a last-minute friendly against Guatemala in what will serve as the final international break before the national team heads to North America to defend the World Cup title. With that mission firmly in mind, Lionel Messi and the Albiceleste are set to replicate the same pre-tournament farewell formula that preceded their triumph in 2022.

After the Finalissima against Spain was canceled alongside the planned clash with Qatar, Argentina found themselves in a difficult spot, left without a single match for the March window with fewer than two weeks to go before the scheduled dates. With most nations’ calendars already full, Messi and company appeared destined to simply train at Argentina’s Ezeiza facility, with some reports even suggesting a potential internal game against the Under-20 side.

Then, on Tuesday, came the confirmation that the AFA had secured a friendly against Guatemala on March 31, the very date the South American federation had originally proposed for the Finalissima against Spain. While kickoff times are yet to be announced, the venue has already been identified.

As confirmed by AFA, the Argentina-Guatemala match will be held at La Bombonera, Boca Juniors’ iconic stadium in Buenos Aires, which holds approximately 57,200 fans. The game will give Messi the chance to say farewell to the home supporters before the squad departs for the World Cup, with no friendlies currently scheduled in the May/June window either.

Argentina typically plays home matches at El Monumental, River Plate’s ground, given its far larger capacity of more than 85,000. However, rock band AC/DC will be occupying the venue as part of their Power Up Tour 2026, leaving the AFA with no choice but to find an alternative.

Argentina repeating the farewell formula from the 2022 World Cup

While the Finalissima’s cancellation and the need to scramble for a last-minute game against a nation that did not even qualify for the World Cup like Guatemala was far from ideal, it has opened up an unexpected opportunity for Argentine fans to send their players off at home. And with that chance now in hand, the AFA appears set to recreate the pre-tournament ritual that preceded their greatest triumph in a generation.

Before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Argentina’s final home game was a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in the CONMEBOL qualifiers on March 26, played at La Bombonera. From there, Messi completed the remaining qualifiers, traveled to London for the Finalissima against Italy, and then played four more friendlies, all on foreign soil, before lifting the trophy in Doha.

Heading into 2026, the Albiceleste are now poised to begin that journey in exactly the same place, a coincidence that, whether superstition or not, the Argentine faithful will be only too happy to embrace.

Vinicius Junior was the standout performer for Real Madrid in their Champions League clash against Manchester City, proving decisive in the 2-1 victory with a match-winning brace. In doing so, the Brazilian has climbed to second place on the all-time list of non-European scorers in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, trailing only Lionel Messi.

Forced to chase the game after their 3-0 first-leg defeat, Manchester City pushed forward in search of the improbable. But their hopes were effectively extinguished early, first by Bernardo Silva’s red card and the subsequent Vinícius penalty, and then by the Brazilian’s stoppage-time tap-in to complete a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium and book Real Madrid’s place in the quarterfinals.

The brace moved Vinicius level with Senegalese legend and former Liverpool star Sadio Mané on 15 goals in the Champions League knockout stages, making the pair the joint-second highest non-European scorers in the competition’s history in that phase.

In doing so, Vinicius surpassed former Chelsea and Ivory Coast icon Didier Drogba, whose tally of 14 knockout stage goals included his iconic header against Bayern Munich in the 2011-12 final, as well as a goal in the quarterfinals against Real Madrid during a brief stint with Galatasaray.

Vinicius’ overall Champions League tally now stands at 34 goals in 80 games, with nearly half of those (44%) coming in the knockout stages rather than the group phase. Having recently matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s assist record for Real Madrid in the competition with 31, the Brazilian continues to rewrite the record books, now measuring himself against the very greatest names in the sport.

Messi, a difficult mark for Vinicius to surpass

When it comes to Champions League goals, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi stand alone at the summit, the competition’s two greatest ever scorers and the defining figures of their respective nations in the tournament. But even for a player of Vinícius’ caliber, closing the gap on Messi in the knockout stage rankings will be an enormous task.

Messi holds the record for most knockout stage goals by a non-European player with 49, leaving a gap of 34 between himself and Vinícius. In the competition overall, the Argentine’s tally stands at 129 goals including the group stage, with 38% of those coming in the knockout rounds, underlining just how consistently he elevated his game when it mattered most.

Crucially, all 49 of those knockout stage goals were scored while Messi was at Barcelona, before his departure in 2021. During his time at PSG, he featured in two Round of 16 series, against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively, but the French side were eliminated on both occasions and Messi failed to add to his tally. That record, then, remains frozen in time, and while Vinícius is still very much in his prime and adding to his own count, catching Messi still appears a monumental, if not impossible, task.

Tension can sometimes define a season as much as results. And for Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, a moment of visible frustration has sparked questions that go far beyond a single match. Milan’s shock defeat to Lazio was not just another setback in the title race; it became a flashpoint. A narrow 1-0 loss at the Stadio Olimpico exposed deeper frustrations within the squad, particularly in the attacking unit.

At the center of it all was Leao, who reacted angrily after being substituted in the 67th minute, visibly unhappy as he left the pitch. His slow walk off the field drew attention, even prompting teammate Mike Maignan to physically urge him off. On the sidelines, Leao rejected an attempt from coach Massimiliano Allegri to calm him down, further underlining his frustration.

After the match, Allegri attempted to ease concerns: “He was a bit nervous because there were situations where he could have been served better and he wasn’t. There were two potential scoring chances, and he stayed a bit upset about that. These things happen during a game.”

What really happened between Pulisic and Leao

The real story, however, unfolded away from the cameras. According to various reports coming from Italy, the Portuguese forward’s frustration was not primarily about being substituted, but about his teammate’s decisions on the pitch. Specifically, he was angered by two moments where Pulisic, in possession, chose not to play decisive through balls that could have put him through on goal.

“I was amazed that despite some excellent shots from Leao, Pulisic never gave it to him. Captain America preferred to give it to others and made that clear. I was making the same gestures as Leao: ‘Give it to him, give it to him!’” said Alessandro Costacurta on Sky Calcio Club.

That tension did not end with the final whistle. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Leao continued venting his frustration in the dressing room, directing it toward Pulisic in what was described as a “more lively than usual request for clarification between teammates.” The situation escalated to the point where Allegri had to intervene and separate the two players to prevent further conflict.

Deeper issue in Milan’s attack

Beyond the emotional reaction lies a more concerning reality. The partnership between Pulisic and Leao has struggled to deliver consistently, raising tactical and structural questions for Milan. The numbers are telling. The duo has started together just seven times in Serie A this season, producing only two goals as a team in those matches. Injuries have limited their time together, but even when available, their chemistry has appeared inconsistent.

Pulisic’s own struggles add another layer to the issue. The American has yet to score a single goal in 2026, a drought that may have influenced his decision-making in key moments. Instead of playing the final pass, he may have been more inclined to take responsibility himself, searching for a breakthrough goal. Meanwhile, Leao’s reaction highlights a different perspective, a player demanding better service and more trust in decisive situations.

Resolution behind closed doors

The timing of the incident could not be worse. Milan now sits eight points behind league leader Inter with just nine games remaining, a gap that significantly complicates the Rossoneri’s title ambitions. At the same time, Napoli is closing in from behind, increasing the pressure to secure a top position.

However, despite the tension, there are signs that the situation has been addressed internally. According to Sky Italy, the issue was resolved at Milanello after a detailed video analysis session. The two players reportedly discussed the incident, shared their perspectives, and shook hands, with the atmosphere described as “serene.”

Match Overview

One of the most anticipated matchups of the Round of 16 delivered right away in the opening leg, as Cruz Azul edged Monterrey 3–2 in a thrilling first encounter that lived up to the hype. Los Cementeros now return home with a valuable advantage after claiming a road victory, putting them in a strong position heading into the decisive second leg.

Still, the job is far from finished. Monterrey, a battle-tested club with plenty of international experience, knows a one-goal deficit is far from insurmountable and will arrive determined to flip the script in what promises to be another high-intensity showdown.

The international calendar often brings glamour fixtures and global attention, but sometimes the biggest stories are shaped by decisions made behind the scenes. As Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal prepared for potential high-profile encounters, an unexpected twist emerged. 

In the build-up to the March 2026 international break, Argentina and Spain both explored the possibility of arranging friendlies against Senegal. These matches would have offered elite-level preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all teams already qualified and looking to fine-tune their squads. For La Albiceleste in particular, the approach came after the cancellation of a much-anticipated Finalissima clash against Spain. In search of a replacement opponent, the world champion turned its attention to Senegal—one of Africa’s strongest and most respected sides.

At the same time, Spain also expressed interest in organizing a friendly, recognizing Senegal as a valuable test against a physically and tactically disciplined opponent. On paper, these were opportunities difficult to refuse. The reasoning behind Senegal’s choice, however, only becomes clear when looking deeper into the timeline. The African nation rejected both Argentina and Spain’s proposals because they had already committed to other fixtures, most notably a scheduled match against Gambia.

According to Saikou Seydi, a respected Senegalese sports journalist, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) made contact just days before the international window, hoping Senegal could step in and replace the Gambia fixture. But the response from Dakar was immediate and firm. “We can’t do that to Gambia. We will keep our match.”

This stance was echoed across multiple reports and reinforced by federation leadership, who emphasized that the agreement with Gambia had been finalized weeks earlier and would not be broken. In addition to that fixture, Senegal had already arranged another friendly against Peru, meaning their schedule was effectively complete.

Matter of principle over prestige

What makes this decision remarkable is not just the rejection itself, but the reasoning behind it. Senegal chose respect, commitment, and integrity over the global appeal of facing Argentina and Spain.

From a sporting perspective, matches against teams led by stars like Messi or featuring emerging talents like Yamal would have provided immense exposure and competitive value. Financial incentives and global attention would also have followed.

Yet, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) prioritized honoring an existing agreement. “We cannot do that to our brothers in Gambia… We will honor our match with them.” This key detail highlights a powerful message: in soccer, credibility and trust can outweigh even the biggest opportunities.

What now for Spain and Argentina?

Senegal’s decision does not signal a lack of ambition—far from it. The team remains one of Africa’s top-ranked sides and continues its structured preparation for the 2026 World Cup. By maintaining its planned schedule, Senegal ensures continuity, logistical stability, and a focused approach to development under coach Pape Thiaw. Rather than chasing prestige fixtures at the last minute, the federation has chosen long-term planning and reliability, ensuring players and staff can prepare without disruption.

From Argentina and Spain’s perspective, the rejection represents a missed opportunity to face a top-tier African opponent. For Lionel Scaloni’s players, it also reflects the ripple effect of the cancelled Finalissima, which forced the federation to seek alternatives on short notice. Despite their status as reigning world champions, even a global powerhouse cannot always secure last-minute arrangements. Luis de la Fuente’s side, similarly, must now look elsewhere for high-level preparation.

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

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

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

What do the AFCON regulations say?

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

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

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

Can Senegal appeal this decision?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inter Miami must be especially cautious against Nashville

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

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

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

Match Overview

The decisive second leg of this tightly contested series is shaping up to deliver plenty of drama. Los Angeles FC entered the matchup as clear favorites, but the opening game proved far more complicated than expected, as the MLS side settled for a 1–1 draw at home against Alajuelense.

That result leaves the tie wide open and gives the Costa Rican club a historic opportunity to punch its ticket to the quarterfinals while knocking out a high-profile MLS opponent. With the aggregate score locked at 1–1 heading into the decisive clash, the margin for error is slim—and the outcome remains completely up for grabs.

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

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

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

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

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

AC Milan’s stance on Leao

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

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

Another Portuguese teammate for Cristiano Ronaldo?

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

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

After a disappointing performance in the first leg, Chelsea faced PSG at Stamford Bridge, hoping for a major comeback. However, the Blues put in a disappointing performance, making serious individual errors that cost them the game. In contrast, the French side shone both offensively and defensively, with Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola, and Senny Mayulu standing out as scorers in the Champions League round of 16.

Without Wesley Fofana in the defensive line due to fitness issues, Chelsea did not reach to deliver consistency. Mamadou Sarr and Marc Cucurella individual mistakes, lead them to lose confidence, being overpassed by Luis Enrique’s team. Moreover, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos failed to stop the French side offense, ruling out any chance to overcome the three goal difference.

Chelsea consistently sought to play an attacking style, with Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, and João Pedro remaining quite active. However, PSG’s high press left them with no space to control the ball or make decisions, forcing them to commit several errors and take ineffective shots. Although coach Liam Rosenior tried to adjust the offense by bringing in Liam Delap and Alejandro Garnacho, it was already too late to turn the game around.

Unlike the Blues, Paris Saint-Germain held an impressive performance along the Champions League Round of 16 two legs. Not only they shined in the first game, but also dominated in the second game. Betting for a high press, they cut Chelsea’s offense ideas, and Vitinha quickly delivered the ball to Kvaratskhelia or Barcola to make the difference. Later, Senny Mayulu concluded with an impressive goal.

Luis Enrique’s PSG delivered an offensive masterclass

Both Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain started the match with a highly dominant offensive approach. However, Luis Enrique’s team managed to capitalize just five minutes into the first half. After a through pass from Matvey Safonov, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia received the ball and controlled it first-time, easily dribbling past Mamadou Sarr. The Georgian then found himself one-on-one with Robert Sánchez, whom he beat to score the opening goal.

Far from lowering their offensive rhythm, Paris Saint-Germain remained highly dominant, forcing a second goal just over nine minutes later. After a loss of possession by Andrey Santos in midfield, João Neves recovered the ball and found Achraf Hakimi running down the flank. The Moroccan then picked out Bradley Barcola, who finished first-time, beating Robert Sánchez.

Although Chelsea FC started the second half in strong form, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia continued to dominate the defense of coach Liam Rosenior. After controlling the ball on the wing, the Georgian found Achraf Hakimi, who failed to get his shot off. However, Senny Mayulu struck first-time, scoring a stunning goal against the Blues and sealing any chance of a comeback.

Manchester City hosted Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, March 17, for the second leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16. A brace from Vinicius Junior ensured the Citizens could not complete the comeback, as Los Blancos sealed a 2-1 victory on the night and advanced on aggregate.

The game opened with chances at both ends, but it was Real Madrid who broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute under controversial circumstances. Bernardo Silva blocked a Vinicius Junior shot with his arm inside the box, earning a red card in the process, and the Brazilian stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, sending Donnarumma the wrong way.

Despite being reduced to ten men, City responded with spirit and drew level in the 41st minute when Jeremy Doku whipped in a cross that the Madrid defense failed to deal with, leaving Haaland with a simple tap-in. However, Vinicius Junior had the final word, prodding home in the 90th-plus-third minute to restore the advantage and, combined with the emphatic 3-0 first-leg result, seal Real Madrid’s place in the quarterfinals.

Los Blancos will now await the outcome of the Bayern Munich-Atalanta tie to learn their quarterfinal opponent in the Champions League. The German side took a commanding 6-1 lead from the first leg in Italy and are expected to wrap up qualification when they host the return fixture at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

Arsenal are bidding for a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal spot against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium. But fans hoping to see the Gunners at full strength will be disappointed, with Martin Odegaard absent from the squad entirely.

Odegaard will play no part in the second leg of the Round of 16 against Leverkusen due to a knee injury. Head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed as much at Monday’s pre-match press conference, ruling out the Norway captain alongside Jurrien Timber, another key figure who will miss the game.

The midfielder has been managing the knee issue since late February, making his last appearance in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, where he lasted just 13 minutes. Since that February 22 outing, Odegaard has sat out Arsenal’s last five matches, including the first leg against Leverkusen.

The Norwegian addressed his situation in his pre-match program notes ahead of the Everton fixture: “I’m desperate to get back to playing as soon as I can. It’s been difficult for me with the knee injury lately, but I’m working as hard as I can to get back to full fitness now. The main thing is to be 100% again, and make sure I can properly help the team.“

The first leg at the BayArena ended in a 1-1 draw, with Robert Andrich and Kai Havertz getting on the scoresheet. With home support behind them at the Emirates, Arsenal will be confident of advancing, though they will need to do so without one of their most influential players.

Arsenal aiming to have Odegaard back for City

Beyond Tuesday’s Leverkusen clash in the Champions League, Arsenal face another major occasion on the horizon, with the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City scheduled for Sunday, March 22. For that showpiece, Arteta is hopeful of having Odegaard available.

Speaking at Monday’s press conference, the Spanish coach offered a cautiously optimistic update: “So we’re really pushing, he really wants to try to be available, but we’ll have to wait and see in the next few days when he trains with the team how he feels. We know the game that we’re going to be playing in a few days again, and the more players that we have the better.“

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

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

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

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

Muller and Rodriguez know each other well

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

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

The next challenges for Muller and Rodriguez

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

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

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

At Milan, a subtle tension is beginning to emerge beneath an otherwise productive season. While Christian Pulisic continues to struggle in attack, the spotlight has shifted toward a teammate whose situation reflects a deeper tactical dilemma under Massimiliano Allegri. The midfielder in question has been delivering numbers, influencing matches, and adapting to new demands. However, behind the scenes, frustration is growing.

His role, reshaped by the coach and the club’s evolving system, may be costing him something far greater than club recognition. And as the international calendar edges closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the consequences are becoming impossible to ignore. The player at the center of this story is Youssouf Fofana, a midfielder whose performances have quietly made him one of Milan’s most effective creators, yet whose international future now hangs in the balance.

Since the start of 2024, he has registered 13 assists across all competitions, placing him at the very top of the club’s creative charts alongside Rafael Leao. Just behind them is Pulisic with 12, as per Sofascore. These numbers underline a key detail: a central midfielder is driving the Rossoneri’s chance creation. Rather than simply recycling possession, the Frenchman has developed into a player capable of delivering decisive final passes, turning structured buildup into tangible attacking output. His influence extends across competitions, reflecting both tactical intelligence and technical precision.

Despite his productivity, Fofana’s evolution at Milan has come at a cost. Under Allegri, he has been deployed in a more advanced, right-sided midfield role, far removed from the deep-lying position that once defined his game. While the change has improved his tactical awareness, it has also altered how he sees and interacts with the pitch.

“When you’re told you’ll play higher up the pitch, at first you’re even happy. In the end, I realized it’s not necessarily what I want,” he admitted in an interview with L’Equipe. “I do it for the team, but I really liked being at the origin of plays, controlling the team’s tempo, recovering balls.” The shift has forced him to adapt quickly: playing faster, reading situations differently, and dealing with more physically demanding duels. Yet, even as he grows, there is a sense that he is moving away from his natural identity.

The World Cup consequence