Mexico’s national team is finalizing its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With just four months until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, national teams are entering the final stages of their preparation. Mexico are no exception, with the added responsibility of serving as one of the tournament’s three host nations.

“The Mexican Football Federation has already finalized El Tri’s final three opponents,” Marca reported this week, citing a report from TUDN. “Mexico will face Australia, Ghana, and Serbia.”

The dates for those matches have not yet been announced, but they are expected to take place in the days leading up to the start of the tournament. Before that, Javier Aguirre’s team will play at least two additional friendlies. The first is scheduled for February 25 against Iceland at Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro.

Then, during the March FIFA international break, Mexico will face Portugal at Estadio Azteca. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be the main attraction, although it has not yet been confirmed whether the 41-year-old forward will take part in the match.

Following those games, Mexico will play the previously mentioned friendlies against Australia, Ghana, and Serbia. According to TUDN’s report, two of those three matches will be held in Mexico, though the venues have not yet been announced, while the remaining game will take place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Mexico’s opponents in the World Cup

Mexico will have the honor of kicking off the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament’s opening match is set for June 11 at Estadio Azteca, where El Tri will face South Africa in the Group A opener.

Javier Aguirre and his squad will return to action a week later. On June 18, this time at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico will face South Korea in their second group-stage match.

Group A play will conclude on June 24. On that day, South Africa and South Korea will face each other while, simultaneously, Mexico will play their third opponent. That team has yet to be determined and will emerge from a European playoff to be decided in March: Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or Ireland.

Lamine Yamal endured a painful defeat with Barcelona against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

On Thursday, Barcelona suffered their toughest blow of the 2025-26 season. Lamine Yamal’s side fell 4-0 to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, leaving them in a very difficult position heading into the return match.

For Yamal, the night at Estadio Metropolitano will go down as the worst defeat of his professional career. Since making his Barcelona debut in April 2023, the young Spanish winger had never lost a match by four or more goals. The loss marked an unwanted first in what has otherwise been a meteoric rise.

The closest comparison prior to Thursday’s defeat against Atletico Madrid came in another high-stakes clash against a domestic powerhouse. In the 2024 Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid handed Barcelona a 4-1 loss to lift the trophy.

Other notable defeats since Lamine became part of the first team include a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the current UEFA Champions League league phase and a 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2023-24 Champions League quarterfinals. In none of those matches was Yamal able to get on the scoresheet to alter the course of the game.

The remarkable 73-year streak Barcelona ended

Barcelona’s loss to Atletico Madrid will carry historical weight for several reasons. Chief among them was the blistering start by the hosts, who scored twice in the opening 14 minutes and built a 4-0 lead by halftime.

The last time Barcelona went into halftime trailing by four goals was 73 years ago. According to sports statistics account MisterChip on X, Real Madrid were the last team to achieve such a margin, leading 4-0 at the break during a 1953-54 La Liga match that eventually ended 5-0 in favor of Los Blancos.

A heavy defeat for Hansi Flick as well

Just as it is difficult to find a poorer first-half performance in Barcelona’s modern history than Thursday’s showing in the Copa del Rey, the same can be said for Hansi Flick’s managerial career.

Nothing similar had happened during his time at Barcelona, nor in his previous spells with Germany’s national team or Bayern Munich. The only comparable instance dates back to his early coaching days with Hoffenheim in Germany’s fourth division in 2005. That year, his team trailed 4-1 at halftime against Kickers Offenbach in a match that ultimately ended in a 6-2 defeat.

The draw for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League has been completed, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have reason to celebrate.

While the world’s top national teams are currently focused on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, other upcoming commitments are starting to emerge on the horizon. One of those is the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, where Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will aim to defend the title they won last year.

The European tournament will begin in September, during the first FIFA international break following the World Cup in North America. On Thursday, the draw was held to determine the groups for each of the four divisions.

Portugal were arguably the biggest beneficiaries of the draw, avoiding some of the toughest possible opponents. Spain, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Croatia all rank among the top 13 in the FIFA Rankings, making them formidable rivals.

Instead, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates were placed in Group A4, the only group without any of those top-ranked teams. Portugal will face Denmark (21st in FIFA rankings), Norway (32nd), and Wales (35th) as they compete for a spot in the quarterfinals.

How does the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 work?

All UEFA member nations participate in the Nations League. Teams are divided into four divisions based on competitive level and recent results, with promotion and relegation systems similar to club leagues.

In the top division, the most competitive teams are placed into four groups of four. In the first round, each team plays home-and-away matches against the others in their group. After six games, the top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals. The tournament is scheduled to conclude in the summer of 2027.

League A groups:

Group A1: France, Italy, Belgium, Türkiye

Group A2: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Greece

Group A3: Spain, Croatia, England, Czechia

Group A4: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Wales

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the Nations League?

Cristiano Ronaldo turned 41 last week. He remains a key figure in soccer despite his age and will be one of the main attractions at the 2026 World Cup. However, his international future after the tournament in North America is unclear. Similar to Lionel Messi, the next World Cup could be Ronaldo’s last major challenge with Portugal, as it is hard to imagine him starting a new four-year World Cup cycle at his age.

That said, the one-year duration of the UEFA Nations League could be enough motivation for him to continue. If he decides to participate, Ronaldo will be aiming for his third Nations League title, having previously won the tournament with Portugal in 2018-19 and 2024-25.

Robert Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain, with reported offers from AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Major League Soccer, among others.

Robert Lewandowski has been the subject of rumors and speculation for some time, with reported interest from clubs such as AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. In that context, the Polish striker has reportedly set a deadline to determine his future with Barcelona.

“Until April, once the club’s presidential elections on March 15 have passed, he will not make a decision,” Mundo Deportivo reported Thursday. That timeline makes sense, considering that the call on whether to offer him a new contract will fall to whoever wins the election, creating as many possible scenarios as there are presidential candidates.

What appears clear is the main factor that will guide Lewandowski’s decision. “At this stage, money is not the most important thing for the Polish player, as he is seeking stability and family happiness,” the report adds. “For that very reason, he will prioritize Barcelona if the renewal offer, even at a reduced salary, reflects the level of a striker of his caliber.”

The 37-year-old offered a similar response some time ago when asked about his professional ambitions for next season. “It’s not about cutting my salary in half. A lot depends on the club’s plan and what I want,” Robert said during an appearance on the High Performance podcast.

Lewandowski’s options if he leaves Barcelona

If Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona fail to reach an agreement on a contract extension, he would be free to negotiate with any club in the world. However, any deal would only become official on July 1, when he officially enters free agency.

It is well known that Chicago Fire made a formal offer to Lewandowski to join MLS this year, although that is just one of several options available to him. “Milan, Atletico, Fenerbahce and Saudi Arabia are also on the horizon, though with less certainty,” Mundo Deportivo reported.

Atletico Madrid and AC Milan would undoubtedly be the most attractive options from a sporting standpoint, as both are major clubs competing in top European leagues. Fenerbahce also offers the opportunity to compete in the UEFA Champions League, a factor that could influence his final decision.

The Saudi Pro League represents a completely different scenario. There, financial power has been the primary recruiting tool, with salary offers far beyond what most other leagues can provide. If that approach was enough to lure stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar in the past, it would not be surprising if it also appealed to Robert Lewandowski.

Real Madrid are preparing to face Real Sociedad in La Liga, and all eyes are on Kylian Mbappe.

Amid a challenging stretch marked by disappointing results across multiple competitions, one of the few bright spots for Real Madrid this season has been Kylian Mbappe. However, the French forward is now a concern heading into the La Liga matchup against Real Sociedad.

“Mbappe stayed inside the training facilities for the second consecutive day and is doubtful for the match against Real Sociedad,” Marca reported Thursday. “The Frenchman is still dealing with discomfort in his left knee and is following a specific plan to finally resolve the issues that have lingered since the end of last year.”

Indeed, the forward has not been able to train normally this week due to a lack of full fitness. On Thursday, just as he did Wednesday, he did not participate in on-field training with his teammates and instead worked separately in the gym.

Knee problems have been a concern for Mbappe in recent months. For that reason, he missed a La Liga match against Real Betis in early January, as well as the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atletico Madrid and the Copa del Rey matchup against Albacete, which ended in Real Madrid’s elimination.

How have Real Madrid fared without Mbappe this season?

There is no need to dig too deeply into the numbers to understand Kylian Mbappe’s importance to Real Madrid. He is the team’s leading scorer this season, with 38 goals in 31 matches. Add his five assists, and he is averaging 1.38 goal contributions per game.

That importance is reflected not only in his individual statistics but also in the team’s overall results. Over the course of the season, Mbappe has been absent for four Real Madrid matches, one in each competition.

In those games, Los Blancos recorded two wins (against Real Betis in La Liga and Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup) and two losses (against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League and against Albacete in the Copa del Rey). That means without Mbappe, Real Madrid have secured just 50 percent of the available points.

Mbappe needs to be managed carefully

Given Mbappe’s impact, it would be logical for Real Madrid to do everything possible to have him on the field for Saturday’s clash against Real Sociedad. However, the situation is not that simple.

While La Liga remains a major objective for the Spanish side, which currently sits one point behind leaders Barcelona in the standings, the bigger picture cannot be ignored. Next week, Real Madrid will play a crucial first-leg Champions League playoff match against Benfica. Mbappe’s contribution could be even more vital in that contest, which may prompt coach Alvaro Arbeloa to rest him this weekend in league play.

Inter Miami will not play the friendly they had scheduled for this Friday in Puerto Rico, and Lionel Messi has explained why.

Inter Miami’s 2026 preseason had been going well, despite some administrative issues with certain players that prevented them from joining training under coach Javier Mascherano. However, that all changed on Wednesday, when news broke that Lionel Messi’s physical issues led to the postponement of the friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico.

Minutes after the Herons confirmed the news through their official social media accounts, Messi himself shared a video on Instagram explaining the reasons behind the sudden decision, just two days before the friendly.

“Hello everyone. I wanted to send this message to the people of Puerto Rico, both those who were going to come to the training and to the game,” Leo began. “The truth is that in the last match in Ecuador I finished with a discomfort, which is why I left before the match ended,” the Argentine forward explained about last Saturday’s clash against Barcelona SC, in which he was substituted in the 57th minute.

“Together with the club and the organizers, it was decided to suspend this match, so I hope it can be rescheduled, that we can see each other, and that we can visit you soon,” the Inter Miami player added.

🩺 Injury Update presented by @BaptistHealthSF for Leo Messi.

🔗 https://t.co/rXn1xgSI0K pic.twitter.com/cPMNZds9XU

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 11, 2026

Finally, Messi closed his message with a warm greeting to the fans in Puerto Rico. “I want to send a big hug to all of you, and thank you for the love, because I know all the tickets were sold and we were going to see each other. I hope we can do it later. Sending you a big hug and all the best,” the Argentina star said.

New date set for Messi’s visit to Puerto Rico

Moments after sharing that message, Messi posted a new Instagram story with some great news for Puerto Rico fans: the rescheduled match against Independiente del Valle will now take place on Thursday, February 26, at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium.

“Unfortunately, I got injured in the last match, but we were really looking forward to seeing you, so together with the club we found an alternative date to play in Puerto Rico,” Messi wrote alongside the announcement. “We know how excited you are to see an Inter Miami match, and it will be really nice to do it soon.”

New Date! 🗓️

The final match of the 2026 preseason Champions Tour will be postponed until February 26. Shifting the match will allow for the best experience for our fans in Puerto Rico.

🔗 https://t.co/WXIkSeDiI3 pic.twitter.com/mndIsxWlxV

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 11, 2026

Inter Miami need to take care of Messi

Lionel Messi’s physical issues come at an extremely inconvenient time. Inter Miami went through almost the entire preseason without any problems involving the Argentine forward, who now will need to be carefully evaluated ahead of the official season opener.

The Herons will debut in the 2026 Major League Soccer season on Saturday, February 21, against Los Angeles FC in California, in the league’s opening match. With just ten days until that game, it’s understandable that the club chose to postpone the Puerto Rico friendly, as their top priority from now on will undoubtedly be Messi’s recovery and condition.

France star Ousmane Dembele had harsh words for an Argentina player in Ligue 1, adding another chapter to the rivalry that emerged between the two national teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina and France delivered one of the most thrilling World Cup finals in history at Qatar 2022. The drama of such a high-stakes showdown also fueled tensions between the two sides, with several heated individual battles. Now, Ousmane Dembele has found himself at the center of a curious exchange with a Ligue 1 rival.

Over the weekend, Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille faced off in another edition of Le Classique, the marquee matchup between the two biggest clubs in French soccer. Luis Enrique’s squad showcased its quality in a dominant 5-0 victory, maintaining sole possession of first place in the standings.

Dembele stood out with two goals and an assist, but he also drew attention for a tense exchange with an opposing player. Television cameras caught the moment the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner approached Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to criticize a Marseille teammate.

“Balerdi, he’s rubbish! You know it,” Dembele said, according to Ligue 1’s official account on X. The PSG winger then covered his mouth and continued speaking to the Marseille midfielder, who chose not to respond. “You know it,” Ousmane repeated. “He’s always mouthing off.”

« VÉRITÉ » : le film Ligue 1+ de Paris SG/OM 🍿

Des images 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 à retrouver vendredi, à 18h, sur Ligue 1+ avant Rennes – Paris SG ! pic.twitter.com/MB1RYWs4KB

— L1+ (@ligue1plus) February 11, 2026

Ousmane is key for France, Balerdi fighting for a spot with Argentina

The gap between PSG and Marseille in their weekend clash mirrors the contrast in the international outlooks of Ousmane Dembele and Leonardo Balerdi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The winger appears to have a secure place with the France national team after being part of Didier Deschamps’ squads at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. His new superstar status — following his success with PSG and his Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards — has made him one of the team’s most important players.

Balerdi’s situation is very different. He has made just 11 appearances for Argentina, across friendlies and World Cup qualifiers, since his 2019 debut. Last year, head coach Lionel Scaloni showed considerable faith in the defender, giving him minutes in nine of the team’s last 13 matches. Still, competition for a roster spot is fierce, and the return of Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez from injury could push him out of World Cup contention.

The Argentina-France rivalry was born in recent years

Until 2018, Argentina and France had met only twice in World Cup history — once in the inaugural 1930 tournament and again in the group stage in 1978 — with the South Americans winning both. Nothing particularly significant had defined the matchup until then.

That changed at Russia 2018, when the teams met in the Round of 16 in a pulsating match that ended in a 4-3 victory for France, powered by a Kylian Mbappe brace. With that recent history in place, Argentina and France faced off again in the Qatar 2022 final, where the rivalry reached another level.

Argentina’s penalty shootout victory was followed by taunts not only from fans but also from players, including Emiliano Martinez. The fallout affected Lionel Messi, who was playing for PSG at the time, and contributed to his departure from the club months later.

The lingering resentment was underscored recently by former France player Djibril Cisse in an interview with L’Equipe. “I only feel hatred toward them,” he said of Argentina, referring to the post-title celebrations. “After seeing those images, I was even angry. I feel a lot of hatred toward them. Clearly, today they are our main enemy.”

Real Madrid continue to benefit from Kylian Mbappe’s scoring production, as his numbers are now approaching those of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Much like last season, Kylian Mbappe’s individual performances during the 2025-26 campaign have not necessarily translated into collective success for Real Madrid. While the team has struggled on multiple fronts, the French forward is putting up scoring numbers that place him close to Cristiano Ronaldo.

After scoring late in a 2-0 La Liga victory over Valencia, Mbappe reached an impressive 82 goals in his first 90 matches with Real Madrid. That remarkable average of 0.91 goals per game ranks him among the top three most prolific scorers at the start of a Real Madrid career.

Just ahead of the French striker is Cristiano Ronaldo. After arriving in Spain in the summer of 2009, the Portuguese star had scored 86 goals through his first 90 appearances, an average of 0.95 goals per match.

However, neither Mbappe nor Cristiano Ronaldo can match the leader in this category. Ferenc Puskas has held the top spot for more than 60 years, having recorded 96 goals in his first 90 matches for Real Madrid. In this metric, the Hungarian legend remains the only player in club history to average more than one goal per game over that span.

Behind Puskas, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mbappe are several other icons in Real Madrid history who made their mark early in their careers with the club. Among them are Alfredo Di Stefano (73 goals), Hugo Sanchez (63), Ruud van Nistelrooy (62), and Ronaldo Nazario (61) through their first 90 appearances.

Where Mbappe ranks on Real Madrid’s all-time scoring list

Despite having spent just over a year and a half at the club, Kylian Mbappe has made a meteoric rise up Real Madrid’s all-time scoring chart. He currently ranks 28th with 82 goals, just one behind Hector Rial, who is immediately ahead of him on the list.

To put that into perspective, the French forward has already surpassed several legends who spent more time at Real Madrid, including Roberto Carlos, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Luis Figo, Jorge Valdano, and Zinedine Zidane.

Mbappe is also the fifth-most productive active player in the club’s all-time scoring rankings, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo (450), Karim Benzema (354), Vinicius Junior (114), and Sergio Ramos (101). Of those players, only Vinicius remains at the club, giving him the opportunity to continue climbing the list.

Inter Miami are preparing for their final preseason match, with questions over Lionel Messi’s availability.

Inter Miami are approaching the start of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, where they will look to defend the title they won last year. Before that, they face one last challenge: a friendly on Friday against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. Ahead of that matchup, it is unclear whether Lionel Messi will be available.

“Lionel Messi was absent from the first 15 minutes open to the media,” reporter Jose Armando wrote on X on Wednesday during the Herons’ training in Fort Lauderdale. “Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul trained without issue.”

The absence of the Argentine forward in exercises under coach Javier Mascherano is notable, as Messi typically trains alongside his teammates unless physical issues prevent him from doing so. This raises questions about his availability in the near future.

“Inter Miami travel to Puerto Rico this Thursday. They will have an evening training session on the island before Friday’s match,” Jose Armando added regarding preparations for the friendly against Independiente del Valle. “We are waiting for updates on Lionel Messi and his availability.”

Messi is not the only player missing for Inter Miami

While all eyes are on Lionel Messi, other key players could also miss Friday’s friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. “Telasco Segovia is also absent this morning due to a visa issue,” Jose Armando reported Wednesday morning. He immediately added details on two other stars: “Berterame has not yet received his visa, and along with Maxi Falcon (awaiting his green card), they would be unavailable for the match in Puerto Rico.”

If these absences are confirmed, it would pose a significant challenge for coach Javier Mascherano. In addition to Messi, Berterame, Segovia, and Falcon were starters in the last friendly against Barcelona SC in Ecuador. Berterame, who joined this year from Monterrey, even scored one of the goals.

The good news for the Herons is the return of Tadeo Allende

Amid these concerns, the Herons have a reason to celebrate. After several weeks of waiting, Tadeo Allende has finally resolved administrative issues that had prevented him from joining training and is now available to coach Javier Mascherano for the start of the 2026 season.

“I was anxious and wanted to start as soon as possible. The delay had me worried at home. I’m very happy to be here and start again with my teammates,” Allende said in an interview shared by Inter Miami on social media. “The goals are the same as last season: compete for everything in front of us. We have a great group.”

La ilusión intacta. Las palabras de Tadeo tras su vuelta. 💗💬 pic.twitter.com/yjHyaJh8XL

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 11, 2026

Before facing Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick sent a pointed message about Real Madrid.

Barcelona are on the verge of another final, as they will take on Atletico Madrid this Thursday in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Ahead of that matchup, head coach Hansi Flick delivered a message with a subtle jab at Real Madrid.

During the pre-match press conference against Los Colchoneros, shared by Marca, the coach was asked whether he agreed with those who thought Barcelona had an overly easy path to the semifinals, having not faced any La Liga teams up to that point.

“Ask Real Madrid,” Hansi Flick replied with a smile and a slight shrug, prompting silence in the conference room followed by some laughter from reporters at the German coach’s cheeky response.

Flick was, of course, referring to the fact that Real Madrid had a similar path but still failed to reach the decisive stages of the tournament. They narrowly overcame Talavera, a third-division Spanish team, 3-2, and then were eliminated in the round of 16 by second-tier club Albacete.

Barcelona’s path in the 2025-26 Copa del Rey

Beyond Hansi Flick’s remark, which aimed to underscore that any opponent can be dangerous if underestimated, it’s undeniable that Barcelona reached the Copa del Rey semifinals without facing any team even remotely comparable in quality to theirs.

Their tournament debut came against C.D. Guadalajara, a third-division Spanish team, which they defeated 2-0. In the round of 16, they faced Racing de Santander from the second division, again winning 2-0.

In the quarterfinals, the Blaugranas met Albacete, the team that had eliminated Real Madrid in the previous round. As in that earlier matchup, the second-division club posed a tough challenge for Barcelona, who managed a narrow 2-1 victory.

Barcelona face tough challenge against Atletico Madrid

Those matches against lower-division opponents are now behind them, and Barcelona now face an extremely difficult challenge against Atletico Madrid in the semifinals, which will now be played over two legs. They also know that if they advance to the final, they will face another La Liga team, either Athletic Club or Real Sociedad.

Ahead of Thursday’s first leg against Los Colchoneros at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Flick will have to cope with the absence of Marcus Rashford, sidelined due to a knee issue. At the same time, Raphinha is not at full fitness, leaving questions about who will start on the left wing.

Chicago Fire are reportedly accelerating negotiations for Robert Lewandowski, and now a Major League Soccer player and teammate of the striker in Poland has weighed in.

For months, Robert Lewandowski has been linked to rumors and speculation about potential moves to clubs across different continents. One of the more concrete possibilities appears to be Major League Soccer, with Chicago Fire at the center of talks. A Poland national team player shared his thoughts on the matter.

This week, journalist Nicolo Schira reported on X that Lewandowski received a formal offer from Chicago Fire to move to MLS once his contract with Barcelona ends on June 30 of this year. The proposal reportedly includes a two-year deal, an appealing detail considering the player’s advanced age.

When asked about these rumors, a teammate of the Polish star expressed excitement about the possibility. “Yeah, I saw some news and maybe he will come. I think it’s a very good opportunity, you know?” said Houston Dynamo midfielder Mateusz Bogusz during a recent interview shared by Deporte Total USA on X.

The 24-year-old midfielder will return to MLS this season after a short stint in Liga MX with Cruz Azul. It will be his second spell in the United States, having played over 90 matches with Los Angeles FC in 2023 and 2024.

“The MLS is growing, the organization here is very good, you know?” Bogusz reflected during the same interview. “So, that’s a very good step. Not only for the old players, but for the young players who want to come here.”

What’s Lewandowski’s situation right now?

Speculation about Robert Lewandowski’s future has only intensified over time, as the calendar has become a key factor in the decision. From January 1, 2026, the Polish striker will be free to negotiate and sign a contract with any club in the world, taking effect in the second half of the year.

This is because FIFA rules allow players with less than six months remaining on their contracts to negotiate freely. Lewandowski is tied to Barcelona until June 30, and if he does not agree to an extension, he will become a free agent after that date.

While there have been rumors that Barcelona could offer Lewandowski an additional year, there are currently no reports of concrete negotiations. In fact, speculation around potential offensive reinforcements for Barcelona, such as Dusan Vlahovic or Julian Alvarez, only adds to the uncertainty.

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in two Premier League stars who were FIFA World Cup champions with Argentina.

Real Madrid’s disappointing performance this season will undoubtedly have consequences going forward. Despite still facing the decisive stages of La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish club is already considering its future options, with two Argentina World Cup winners currently excelling in the Premier League emerging as reported targets.

“It is well known that Real Madrid are looking for a center back for next season, and in recent months several names have already surfaced as potential options. The latest to join that long list is current Tottenham defender Cristian Gabriel Romero, 27,” Mundo Deportivo reported on Tuesday.

The Argentine center back is a key figure for Spurs and is, in fact, the club’s captain. However, he has made headlines this season due to controversies with club executives, as well as for hurting his team by receiving a red card just 29 minutes into last weekend’s match against Manchester United.

This is not the first time Cuti Romero has been linked with a move to a Spanish giant. Last summer, Atletico Madrid were close to signing him, while in recent weeks he has also been mentioned as an option for Barcelona. The Catalan club, like Real Madrid, is searching for a top-level center back, and the Argentine fits that profile.

Alexis Mac Allister could also be an option for Real Madrid

Cristian Romero is not the only Argentine player who could leave the Premier League next summer to move to La Liga. “Mac Allister is one of the midfielders who has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid,” Diario AS reported. The Liverpool midfielder has delivered outstanding performances in recent seasons in England, fueling speculation about his future.

However, Alexis’ father and agent urged caution when addressing those rumors. “I have to be cautious. He is playing for Liverpool right now. In the future, if the opportunity arises and it is appropriate, he will have to make his own decisions,” Carlos Mac Allister said, according to Diario AS. “What I can say for now is that Alexis is focused on Liverpool and the current season. Alexis is very happy and comfortable at Liverpool.”

Romero and Mac Allister face a major challenge ahead

Regardless of what happens with their respective club careers, Cristian Romero and Alexis Mac Allister currently have a major challenge ahead: defending the title Argentina won at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina will arrive at the 2026 World Cup in North America as one of the favorites to lift the trophy, based on their recent success and on a generation of players that blends youth, experience, and talent. That group also includes Enzo Fernandez, another star linked to Real Madrid in recent rumors, along with Paris Saint-Germain.

Mauricio Pochettino could leave the USMNT after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a major Premier League club emerging as a potential destination.

The USMNT will face perhaps the biggest challenge in its history this year. The team will have the responsibility of representing the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as tournament hosts and, unlike in 1994, they will do so with a highly competitive squad. In that context, Mauricio Pochettino’s work will be crucial to achieving the desired goals. However, the coach could see his future in the Premier League after the summer.

Reports indicate that Tottenham Hotspur could be Pochettino’s destination in the near future. “Former incumbent Pochettino is ready to return to the role he left in 2019,” TeamTalk reported this week.

Indeed, Spurs enjoyed a highly successful period with Pochettino as head coach between 2014 and 2019. He arrived after standing out at Southampton and, during his more than five years at the London club, built an extremely competitive team that came close to winning major honors.

Tottenham never finished lower than fifth in the Premier League under Pochettino, and they were runners-up in the 2016–17 season. They also enjoyed their best run in European competition, reaching the final of the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League.

Tottenham fans want Pochettino back

Those achievements earned Mauricio Pochettino the affection of Tottenham fans, who dream of seeing him return as soon as possible. In fact, during recent matches, supporters at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have frequently chanted songs referencing the Argentine coach.

That sentiment comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the team’s results, which has put Thomas Frank’s future in doubt. Under his leadership, Spurs came close to winning the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, a title that slipped away in a penalty shootout after Tottenham had led for much of the match.

Since then, performances have been inconsistent. In the Premier League, the team finds itself in a difficult position, sitting 15th in the standings and just six points above the relegation zone. However, in the UEFA Champions League, Spurs finished fourth in the standings and qualified directly for the round of 16, placing them in a very strong position in that competition.

What is Pochettino’s situation with the USMNT?

Mauricio Pochettino arrived in the United States to take over the national team in late 2024, replacing Gregg Berhalter. Since then, he has coached 22 matches, posting a record of 13 wins, two draws, and seven losses. His biggest test so far was the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, where the team lost the final to Mexico.

Looking ahead, it is clear that the culmination of his work will be the 2026 World Cup, where the USMNT will face the pressure of playing in front of home fans with the eyes of the soccer world upon them. While much could change depending on how things unfold, that tournament could represent Pochettino’s final challenge with the national team.

The Argentine coach’s contract expires this summer, at the conclusion of the World Cup. If things go well for the USMNT, Pochettino could receive an offer to continue for the next World Cup cycle. However, he would also be free to pursue other opportunities, and that is where a return to the Premier League emerges as a tempting option.

Neymar gave Lionel Messi a gift that also includes a reference to three-time World Cup winner Pele.

Neymar and Lionel Messi are close friends and never miss an opportunity to show their bond. In this case, the Brazilian forward gave the Argentine star a gift that also pays tribute to the FIFA World Cup icon Pele.

On Tuesday, Santos shared a photo on their official social media accounts showing Messi posing with the No. 10 Santos jersey featuring Neymar Jr’s name, accompanied by his sons Thiago and Mateo, who also received identical gifts.

“From Neymar Jr to Lionel Messi. From the Prince to the Genius,” the Brazilian club wrote in the post. “The Sacred Jersey, of immeasurable value, with the number eternalized by the King. 10 of Neymar. 10 of Messi. 10 of Pelé. An infinite legacy in the history of football. Greetings from Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi!”

Indeed, it is a jersey with a glorious history. Pele was, of course, the most important player to wear it between 1956 and 1974, achieving six Brazilian Serie A titles, two Copa Libertadores, and two Intercontinental Cups. During that period, Pele also established himself as the most important player of his generation, leading Brazil to three World Cup titles in 1958, 1962, and 1970.

De Neymar Jr para Lionel Messi. Do Príncipe para o Gênio.

O Manto Sagrado, de valor imensurável, com o número eternizado pelo Rei. 10 de Neymar. 10 de Messi. 10 de Pelé. Um legado infinito na história do futebol.

¡Saludos desde Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi! 🇦🇷🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/4hkGJbp0j6

— Santos FC (@SantosFC) February 10, 2026

In more recent years, other stars have worn the No. 10 at Santos, including Robinho, Diego, Paulo Ganso, and Gabriel Barbosa. Neymar wore the No. 11 during his first spell at the club, but upon his return in early 2025, he assumed his superstar status and finally took the jersey that Pele wore for nearly two decades.

The friendship between Messi and Neymar goes beyond the present

Neymar and Messi first crossed paths on the field during the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, when Barcelona beat Santos 4-0 to claim the title. Two years later, the Brazilian forward was signed by Barcelona and began a successful four-year spell alongside Messi.

That time together helped forge a deep friendship that endured even after Neymar’s controversial move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Four years later, Messi followed a similar path, and they were teammates in France for two more seasons.

Their friendship has remained strong since then, despite often being rivals at the international level. In fact, after defeating Neymar’s Brazil in the final of the 2021 Copa America, Messi briefly stepped away from Argentina’s celebrations to spend time talking with his friend on the sidelines.

Will Messi and Neymar meet again on the field?

Messi seems destined to finish his career with Inter Miami, where his contract runs until December 31, 2028, when he will be 41. Neymar, meanwhile, likely has several years left as a professional, having just turned 34. However, his future beyond this season remains uncertain.

Given the unlikely scenario of Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. crossing paths again at the club level again—either as teammates or rivals—their next possible encounter may be at the international level.

Neymar’s main goal is to regain his best physical and sporting form to return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the same time, while Messi has not confirmed it, everything indicates he will play his sixth World Cup with Argentina this summer. If both teams win their respective groups, Argentina and Brazil could meet in the semifinals.

Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo and his goal of reaching 1,000 career goals.

Despite having just turned 41 a few days ago, Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most relevant figures in world soccer. He is shaping up to be one of the main attractions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals. On that topic, Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos shared his thoughts.

During a recent interview with O Jogo, Roberto Carlos was asked whether he believes Ronaldo could realistically reach that goal during the World Cup with Portugal. “For those who love Cristiano and soccer, seeing him continue to make history and break records is wonderful,” the former Brazilian defender said to begin his answer.

However, he made it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo would not be the first striker in soccer history to reach that mark. “The only player to have scored 1000 goals was Pele, but Cristiano could join the list,” Roberto Carlos stated.

That claim, however, did not diminish the praise the former Real Madrid left back had for CR7. “I see him happy and confident in the Saudi league. I’m absolutely certain he’ll reach that milestone. He never gets injured. He continues to play well, he’s a role model, Portugal deserve congratulations.”

Finally, Roberto Carlos said he hopes Ronaldo extends his professional career indefinitely so fans can continue to enjoy his magic on the field. “Cristiano can’t stop, ever. If he ever decides to stop playing, I’ll call him and tell him not to stop,” joked the 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil. “He should never stop playing soccer, even if it’s just with one leg or crawling. He transmits a lot of strength and energy to any boy who wants to start.”

Did Pele reach 1,000 goals?

For some time now, Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted on his goal of reaching 1,000 career goals in order to become the first player to surpass that mark in soccer history. However, there is no universal agreement regarding those statistical conclusions. Brazilian fans have argued for decades that at least two players from their country surpassed that milestone.

Unofficial records indicate that Pele scored 1,282 goals in 1,363 matches, which would place him alone at the top of the all-time scoring list. Those figures, however, are heavily disputed because they include goals from youth matches, friendlies, and exhibition games.

Official data places the Brazilian legend much lower. According to FIFA, Pele recorded 757 goals between his debut with Santos in 1956 and his retirement with the New York Cosmos in 1980, in addition to his years with the Brazil national team.

Similarly, Romario has also claimed to have scored more than 1,000 goals during his career and says he reached that mark on May 20, 2007, while playing for Vasco da Gama. However, for the same reasons as in Pele’s case, FIFA officially credits Romario with 772 goals.

How many goals does Cristiano Ronaldo need to reach 1,000?

When it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo’s numbers, there is no debate or controversy. He has scored 961 official goals during his professional career at both club and international level. That places him at the top of the all-time scoring rankings and very close to becoming the first player to reach 1,000 goals. To do so, he needs just 39 more goals, something that could happen as soon as this year.

Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Barcelona SC in Ecuador, with Lionel Messi scoring one of the goals.

Inter Miami drew 2-2 in their third preseason friendly, facing Barcelona SC in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Lionel Messi played 57 minutes and was key for his team, scoring one goal and providing an assist to German Berterame. The hosts’ goals came from Joao Rojas and Tomas Martinez.

During the first half, Inter Miami dominated their opponents. They controlled possession smoothly and created the clearest chances, with opportunities falling to Mateo Silvetti, Micael, and Telasco Segovia. The opener arrived in the 30th minute, when Messi received the ball in the attacking half, advanced freely into the box, and finished with a brilliant left-footed strike.

However, Barcelona SC surprised their rivals in the final minutes of the first half with a header from Joao Rojas, who capitalized on a mistake by Dayne St Clair and connected perfectly on a corner kick. The hosts’ joy was short-lived, as German Berterame quickly restored Inter Miami’s lead with a left-footed shot that took a slight deflection off a defender, leaving the goalkeeper wrong-footed.

Those minutes proved to be the most exciting of the match, as the intensity dropped in the second half for both teams. Messi was substituted in the 57th minute for Luis Suarez, which further shifted the balance. Inter Miami could not hold on to their advantage, and Tomas Martinez scored the late equalizer to make it 2-2.

Lamine Yamal is following in Lionel Messi’s footsteps with an impressive milestone at Barcelona.

Since his debut at just 15 years old, Lamine Yamal has shown extraordinary talent that allowed him to establish himself at Barcelona despite his young age. Now, after several seasons as a professional, the Spanish winger is making giant strides in his career, putting him on par with icons like Lionel Messi.

This Saturday, Yamal scored one of Barcelona’s goals in a 3-0 win over Mallorca in matchday 23 of La Liga. His goal came in the 61st minute, when he received a pass from Dani Olmo and struck powerfully from outside the box with his left foot, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance. Robert Lewandowski and Marc Bernal scored the other goals.

Yamal’s goal not only helped Barcelona secure the victory over Mallorca, which consolidates their position at the top of the La Liga standings, but it also marked his 40th goal for the club in 136 appearances—an impressive figure considering he is only 18 years and 204 days old.

His first goal came on October 8, 2023, in a La Liga match against Granada. Since then, he has scored 24 goals in the Spanish league, 7 in the Copa del Rey, and 9 in the UEFA Champions League. Unsurprisingly, this season is his most prolific yet, with 14 goals and 13 assists in 29 matches across all competitions.

How long did it take Messi to score 40 goals for Barcelona?

To put Lamine Yamal’s numbers into perspective, it’s worth comparing them with Lionel Messi’s early career. At 18 years and 204 days—the same age Yamal is now—the Argentine forward had only played 23 matches and scored 3 goals for Barcelona.

Messi had to wait much longer to reach his first 40 goals for the club. He achieved the milestone on February 20, 2008, when he scored a brace in Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Celtic in the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League. At that time, Messi was 20 years and 241 days old.

Comparing Yamal and Messi on the international stage

Lamine Yamal’s early impact at Barcelona also extends to the Spanish national team. He is now a regular in coach Luis De La Fuente’s call-ups and played a key role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 title at just 17 years old.

In this regard, Yamal also has a clear advantage over Messi. So far, the Barcelona winger has 23 appearances, 6 goals, and 12 assists for Spain, along with the European title. Messi, by comparison, had played only 5 matches for Argentina at the same age, with two assists and no goals.

Inter Miami are playing their third preseason friendly against Barcelona SC, with all eyes once again on Lionel Messi.

Just two weeks separate Inter Miami from the start of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, which will see them open the campaign against Los Angeles FC in California. With the goal of being fully prepared for that challenge, Lionel Messi and his teammates are using these exhibition matches to build fitness and match sharpness. Saturday’s game against Barcelona SC will be their third of the preseason.

Results for the Herons during the preseason have been mixed. They opened the year with a heavy 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima in Peru, a performance that exposed flaws not typically associated with the reigning MLS champions. That image improved significantly last Saturday, however, when they earned a 2-1 win over Atletico Nacional in Colombia.

Inter Miami’s next opponent will be Barcelona SC, one of the most important clubs in Ecuador. The Guayaquil-based side has won the domestic league 13 times, most recently in the 2020 season.

Like the Herons, Barcelona SC are also in the final stretch of their preseason, during which they played two friendlies against Guayaquil City. On February 18, they will face their first official test of the year, opening their Copa Libertadores qualifying campaign against Argentinos Juniors.

Projected Inter Miami lineup

As in the previous two friendlies, Inter Miami will enter Saturday’s match without several key players. The most notable absence is Tadeo Allende, who has yet to train with the team this year due to administrative issues related to the approval of his visa.

Lionel Messi is expected to be part of the starting lineup once again. He has featured in both preseason matches so far — in each case being substituted in the second half — and is gradually regaining full match fitness. Another important note is that German Berterame, one of the club’s marquee signings this year, is expected to start on the bench.

Javier Mascherano’s projected lineup to face Barcelona SC is: Dayne St Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen, Facundo Mura; Rodrigo De Paul, David Ayala, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Mateo Silvetti.

Projected Barcelona SC lineup

As with Inter Miami, Saturday’s friendly represents one of Barcelona SC’s final opportunities to experiment ahead of the start of official competition in 2026. As a result, head coach Cesar Farias is expected to field most of his top players.

Barcelona SC’s projected starting lineup against Inter Miami is: Jose David Contreras; Byron Castillo, Jhonnier Chala, Luca Sosa, Anibal Chala; Jesus Trindade, Leonai Souza; Jhandry Gomez, Joao Rojas, Braian Oyola; Dario Benedetto.

With four months to go until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Harry Kane’s England are facing an unexpected obstacle.

Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, England are firmly among the group of favorites to lift the trophy. With Thomas Tuchel at the helm and a roster packed with stars such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, they will be aiming to replicate the success of 1966. However, at the moment, they are dealing with an unforeseen issue in their tournament preparations.

At the draw held in December, England were placed in Group L, the final group of the tournament, alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. While that might seem like a minor detail, it carries significant implications when it comes to pre-tournament planning.

That is because Kane and his teammates will be among the last teams to begin World Cup play. Their tournament debut is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. As a result, they will not play an official match until nearly a week after the tournament begins.

To ensure his team arrives in peak competitive rhythm, the head coach wants England to play friendlies in the days leading up to the World Cup. “Thomas Tuchel wants final preparation games as close to his team’s tournament kick-off as possible,” The Guardian reported. But that is where the schedule has become an unexpected obstacle.

“The Football Association is experiencing difficulties in securing suitable opposition for England’s World Cup warm-up games owing to their late start to the expanded 48-team tournament,” the report added. “Tuchel is understood to have requested friendlies near England’s pre-tournament training camp in Florida on June 6 and June 10 — the night before the World Cup starts — and finding high-caliber opponents for the latter date is proving particularly challenging.”

England’s options for World Cup warm-up friendlies

Under these circumstances, England do not have many options when it comes to selecting opponents for those friendlies, particularly the second one, which would take place almost simultaneously with the start of the World Cup, scheduled for June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa.

One possibility would be to target national teams in a similar situation to the Three Lions — those placed in groups that begin several days later. However, that approach comes with another complication: FIFA regulations prohibit teams from playing friendlies in the final five days before their World Cup debut.

As a result, potential opponents for a match on June 10 are limited to teams in Groups I, J, and K. Group I includes France, Senegal, Norway, and one winner from the intercontinental playoffs. Group J is made up of Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, while Group K features Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the other intercontinental playoff winner.

“With its options limited, New Zealand, who have qualified, and Costa Rica, who have not, are understood to be under consideration,” The Guardian added. Facing teams that will not be competing at the World Cup could offer a solution for England, though it would mean settling for opponents who are, at least on paper, of a lower level.

Barcelona have reportedly made a decision on the $35 million they would need to pay Manchester United to secure Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal.

Since arriving at Barcelona, Marcus Rashford has delivered performances that have helped relaunch his career. He had not stood out during his final years at Manchester United or in his brief spell with Aston Villa, but in Spain he appears to have found the ideal environment to rediscover his best form.

With more than half the season now complete, the one-year loan agreed last summer between Barcelona and Manchester United is approaching its end, forcing the Catalan club to decide whether to activate the purchase option worth 30 million euros (just over $35 million).

“Both the sporting department and the coaching staff are fully satisfied with the English winger’s performances and adaptation, and the consensus decision is unanimous: Barca will activate the 30 million euro purchase option to secure the player permanently,” Sport reported on Friday.

Given Barcelona’s ongoing financial difficulties, there had been speculation that the club would attempt to negotiate a lower fee for Rashford. However, that option now appears to be off the table. “There will be no negotiations, as Manchester United will not reduce the fee by a single euro,” the report added.

That stance does not seem to have discouraged Barcelona. “At the club, the fee is considered affordable and reasonable given the player’s quality and the astronomical valuations of similar players in the same position who could come onto the market,” Sport explained.

Rashford reportedly willing to do whatever it takes to stay at Barcelona

In Rashford’s case, both the player and Barcelona appear aligned on what should happen once the loan deal expires. Just as the club is prepared to commit a significant sum to keep the forward, Rashford himself may also be willing to make sacrifices if needed.

“Marcus Rashford has no intention of returning to Manchester United from Barcelona this summer,” The Mirror reported this week. “Rashford is willing to renegotiate his annual wages and accept reduced terms, if it helps seal a deal with Barca.”

Rashford’s numbers at Barcelona

Barcelona’s willingness to make Marcus Rashford’s move permanent, even at a cost of more than $35 million, is backed by the English forward’s on-field production during his short time in Spain this season.

In La Liga, Rashford has made 20 appearances so far — 12 of them as a starter — registering four goals and eight assists. He has added five goals and four assists in eight UEFA Champions League matches, along with one goal and one assist across five appearances in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey. With 23 goal contributions in 33 matches, the English forward has done more than enough to justify Barcelona’s interest in keeping him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

With Benzema, Al Hilal look unstoppable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How are Al Nassr coping with Ronaldo’s absence?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Berterame also dealing with administrative issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Messi’s plans regarding Barcelona

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

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

What Barcelona’s presidential candidates have said about Messi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yamal’s and Mbappe’s numbers this season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 5, 2026

Criticism of Al Nassr’s birthday post for Cristiano Ronaldo

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

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

Ronaldo’s remarkable longevity at 41

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential return to Europe

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

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

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

Ronaldo has another major goal first

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romero’s main focus is now the World Cup

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

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

Tottenham have a potential replacement for Romero

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

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