Real Madrid took control of their UEFA Champions League playoff series against Benfica thanks to a goal from Vinicius, who has been a central figure in the series following his incident with Gianluca Prestianni.

After a week full of controversy surrounding the conflict between Vinicius and Gianluca Prestianni, Real Madrid set the tone in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoffs against Benfica.

Their 1-0 win in Portugal last week gave Real Madrid a slight edge heading into the home leg on Wednesday. However, they couldn’t take anything for granted, as Benfica had shown they had the tools to fight until the very end.

That became clear in the opening minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the visitors struck first through Rafa Silva. The forward capitalized on a rebound inside the box after a save from Thibaut Courtois and slotted home the opener, leveling the aggregate score.

But Benfica’s lead was short-lived. Moments after that goal, Aurelien Tchouameni stepped up for Real Madrid in a crucial moment, finishing with a precise right-footed strike to make it 1-1 and give the Spanish giants the advantage in the series once again.

¡NO PODÍA SER OTRO! 🇧🇷 ¡GOLAZO DE VINICIUS QUE FESTEJA BAILANDO EN EL BERNABÉU! 🕺⚽🔥#ChampionsEnUniMas pic.twitter.com/iwRwop3X4y

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) February 25, 2026

Vinicius closes out the series against Benfica

After those frantic minutes with goals at both ends, the match settled into a lull marked by mistakes that prevented many clear scoring opportunities. The most notable moment in that stretch was an Arda Guler goal that was disallowed for an earlier offside by Gonzalo Garcia.

In the second half, Vinicius showcased his immense talent once again. Just like in the first leg, the Brazilian winger scored a stunning goal that put Real Madrid at ease. He received the ball just past midfield, carried it a long distance into the box, and calmly finished past the goalkeeper.

What’s next for Real Madrid?

By defeating Benfica with a 3-1 aggregate score, Real Madrid secured their place in the Round of 32 of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. They now await Friday’s draw to learn their next opponent, which will be either Manchester City or Sporting CP.

A former Brazil national team player criticized Neymar over his recent performances with Santos.

Neymar is gradually returning to official action with Santos as he works toward regaining peak physical condition in hopes of playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In that context, a former Brazil teammate was highly critical of the forward’s recent displays.

“Neymar is the one who messes up the team tactically,” Luis Fabiano said in a recent interview with ESPN, as reported by Goal, following Santos’ 2-1 loss to Novorizontino in the Campeonato Paulista. “I watched a bit of Santos’ game. Every time he goes to get the ball from the defender’s feet, the midfielders, wingers, and forwards don’t know what to do.”

The former Brazil striker elaborated on how Neymar’s movement on the field can hurt the team’s structure. “He goes to get it there, the guys don’t know whether to move, stay, or stay close to him, and the play doesn’t develop.”

Luis Fabiano, who was Neymar’s teammate with Brazil from 2010 to 2013, was blunt in pointing out that the Santos star “isn’t 20 years old anymore.” He added: “When a player reaches a certain age, he thinks he’s still young, that he’s doing things he did at 20. He has to adapt to a new style of play. I think that’s what Neymar is missing.”

Finally, drawing from his experience as a former striker, Luis Fabiano offered advice on how Neymar should approach this stage of his career. “Staying up front and waiting. One chance doesn’t come, two don’t come, but he stays there, eventually it will come and he’ll be fresh enough to do it,” he said.

Santos coach Vojvoda confident in Neymar

After undergoing knee surgery in late 2025, Neymar missed Santos’ first matches of the year. That changed last week, when the forward played 45 minutes against Velo Clube and the full 90 against Novorizontino.

Despite the team’s loss and elimination, the Santos coach remained optimistic about what Neymar can contribute moving forward. “I have a lot of confidence in him. His game will flow and evolve game by game. And I am responsible for ensuring that confidence comes. I have a lot of confidence in him and I trust every player in the squad,” Juan Pablo Vojvoda said.

“Neymar is in great physical shape, he completes all the training sessions. He played the full 90 minutes for the first time this year,” the coach added. “He will motivate the players. Neymar will push himself to achieve the goals he has set for himself at Santos and with the national team.”

Neymar’s return to the Brazil national team increasingly unlikely

Beyond his desire to help Santos, it is clear that Neymar’s main goal right now is to return to the Brazil national team after an absence of more than two years. However, his chances of being called up by Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup appear increasingly slim.

According to ESPN, Ancelotti does not intend to include Neymar on the roster for the March international break friendlies against France and Croatia. If that decision is confirmed, the forward would have very little time left to make his case, as the next call-up would be for the final squad ahead of the World Cup at the end of May.

Real Madrid and Benfica are facing off in a crucial UEFA Champions League showdown. Rafa and Aurelien Tchouameni both found the net early in the match.

Real Madrid entered the game looking to protect the advantage earned in Portugal and secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Benfica struck first through Rafa, but Aurelien Tchouameni responded quickly to level the score at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Last week’s showdown left tensions running high between the two sides, with racism allegations directed at Gianluca Prestianni ultimately leading to his provisional suspension by UEFA. Benfica also issued a response regarding alleged misconduct by opposing players, incidents that went unpunished.

That turbulent backdrop appeared to affect Real Madrid in the opening minutes, as they were overwhelmed and unable to cope with the relentless attacks from the Portuguese side, which came out determined to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

The pressure paid off early. In the 14th minute, Rafa Silva capitalized on a rebound inside the box following a save by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and slotted home the opener, a goal that temporarily leveled the aggregate score between the two teams.

¡GOOOOL DEL BENFICA! 🔥 Courtois había salvado el autogol de Asencio, pero Rafa Silva no perdió la oportunidad de poner el 0-1 ⚽💥#ChampionsEnUnimas pic.twitter.com/DHQFCba8r7

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) February 25, 2026

Real Madrid waste no time responding

Rafa Silva’s goal, which put Benfica ahead on the night, did little to rattle Real Madrid. Instead, it seemed to spark them. The Spanish giants responded immediately and equalized just two minutes later through Aurelien Tchouameni, who finished with a precise right-footed strike.

¡LO EMPATÓ EL MADRID! 😍🤍 El Benfica seguía celebrando cuando Tchouaméni puso un gol que recordó a los que hacía Don Toni Kroos 🔥#ChampionsEnUniMas pic.twitter.com/j00mrYYLqA

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) February 25, 2026

Los Blancos then had a chance to take the lead when Arda Guler found the back of the net for what appeared to be the second goal, but VAR ultimately ruled it out for an earlier offside by Gonzalo Garcia, restoring Benfica’s realistic hopes of staying in the contest.

¡EL VAR ANULA EL SEGUNDO DEL REAL MADRID! ❌ Arda Guler había conseguido el 2-1 pero Gonzalo estaba adelantado 🔍#ChampionsEnUniMas pic.twitter.com/j02R7ivKRN

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) February 25, 2026

Spain tried to convince Lionel Messi to play for them instead of Argentina.

Lionel Messi has remained one of the world’s biggest soccer stars for more than two decades. He built his club career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, while continuing to shine with Argentina. However, things could have been very different if he had chosen to play for Spain.

Having moved to Barcelona at age 13 for treatment to stimulate his growth, Messi was eligible to represent the European country internationally—and he even had a concrete opportunity to do so.

During a recent interview with the Miro de Atras podcast, Messi acknowledged that he had contact with Spanish national team officials. “At one point it came to me. I was already playing at Barcelona, and they hinted at it,” he explained. “It’s normal, it happens with many kids, or at least it did back then.”

The forward added that representing Spain was not out of the question at the time. “Even though I’m Argentine, obviously, I went to Barcelona very young and spent most of my youth career there. So it was a possibility, it could have happened,” he admitted.

Indeed, Spain has had a clear influence on Messi’s life. After spending the first 13 years of his life in Rosario, Argentina, he moved to Barcelona and lived there continuously until age 34. Yet his roots ultimately weighed more in his decision. “Your desire was always for Argentina,” podcast host Nahuel Guzman remarked, to which Messi replied: “Yes, always.”

How many titles could Messi have won with Spain?

Lionel Messi made his debut with the Argentine jersey in a U-20 friendly in 2004. A year later, he became World Cup champion at that level and was named the tournament’s best player, while also making his official debut with the senior national team. The U-23 gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was followed by four senior titles: Copa America 2021, Finalissima 2022, World Cup 2022, and Copa America 2024.

During the same period, Spain won a large number of trophies. At the youth level, they earned gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics (where three overage players are allowed), while at the senior level, they were champions of UEFA Euro 2008, 2012, and 2024, as well as the 2010 World Cup and the 2023 UEFA Nations League.

In 22 years, Messi has won six titles with Argentina, counting both youth and senior trophies. Hypothetically, had he chosen Spain, the forward would have won a similar number: one at the youth level and five with the senior team.

Messi’s matchups against Spain

Lionel Messi first faced Spain at the U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands in 2005, when Argentina won 3-1 in the quarterfinals with a goal from Messi. At the senior level, they met in two friendlies: a 2-1 victory for Spain in 2006 and a 4-1 win for Argentina in 2010, again with a Messi goal.

The head-to-head record currently favors the Argentine forward with two wins and one loss. However, this year will add a new chapter, as Argentina and Spain are set to meet in the Finalissima, the tournament that brings together the reigning champions of South America and Europe.

Amid internal conflicts in Mexico, FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the country’s organization of the 2026 World Cup.

In recent days, Mexico has made headlines around the world for reasons unrelated to soccer. Internal unrest in the country has raised questions about its ability to stage an event as massive as the 2026 World Cup, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered a reassuring message on the matter.

“First of all, of course we are analyzing and monitoring the situation in Mexico at this time,” Infantino acknowledged during a press conference shared by El Chiringuito TV on X. “Mexico is a great country, a soccer country. As in every country in the world, things happen. We don’t live on the moon or on another planet, things happen. That’s why we have states, police forces, and authorities who guarantee order and security.”

The FIFA president then expressed strong confidence that everything will proceed as planned, allowing the World Cup to take place without issues. “From the beginning, we have full confidence in Mexico, in its President Sheinbaum, and in the authorities. We are convinced that everything will go in the best possible way,” he said.

Far from casting doubt on Mexico as a host of the FIFA tournament, Gianni Infantino also confirmed the upcoming events scheduled to take place in the country. “We have matches in a month in Mexico, the World Cup playoffs. And the Azteca Stadium will be inaugurated newly renovated,” he added.

“From my side and from FIFA, there is absolute confidence in President Sheinbaum in Mexico. We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities, and we continue to follow the situation closely,” Infantino concluded, expressing certainty that FIFA’s original plans will not need to be altered.

Upcoming events in Mexico

This Wednesday at Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro, Mexico will play its third friendly of 2026 against Iceland. Despite the recent unrest in the country, the match will go on as scheduled. The expectation is that the same will apply to the other upcoming events set to take place in Mexico.

During the March international break, Mexico will face Portugal at Azteca Stadium, while the intercontinental playoffs will be held simultaneously to determine two additional teams qualified for the World Cup. In Guadalajara, New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will compete for one spot, while in Monterrey, Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq will battle for the other.

And, of course, during the World Cup Mexico will play a major role. The country is set to host 10 group-stage matches, including the opening game on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa, in addition to three more matches in the knockout stages.

A Real Madrid player would be a great signing for Barcelona, according to Pedri and Ferran Torres.

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is one of the most significant in world soccer. Year after year, they compete for titles in Spain, have faced each other in European competitions, and routinely battle for top players in every transfer window. Now, Pedri and Ferran Torres have openly admitted there is a rival star they would like to have as a teammate.

The two players gave an extensive interview this week on the popular Spanish TV show El Larguero, where they discussed their team’s current situation and shared some behind-the-scenes details. For example, they were asked whether they have friends at Real Madrid despite the intense rivalry on the field.

Pedri answered honestly. “Yes, some. We get along well,” the young Barcelona midfielder began, before adding an important clarification: “We’re not calling each other every day, but we get along.”

The interviewer then asked if there was any Real Madrid player they would like Barcelona to sign, if it were possible. After thinking for a few seconds, Pedri responded: “Mbappe, right?” he said, looking toward Torres, who agreed: “Yes, Mbappe.”

The French forward would be an ideal addition for Barcelona, who have been surrounded for months by speculation regarding the futures of two of their most important forwards: Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford. Ironically, if such a deal were to happen, one of the main players affected would be Ferran Torres himself, who would likely move into a secondary role behind Mbappe.

How has Mbappe performed against Barcelona?

Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager with AS Monaco, Kylian Mbappe has been the subject of transfer rumors linking him to nearly every major club in the world. In Spain, however, Real Madrid always appeared to be his most likely destination rather than Barcelona — something that became reality in the summer of 2024.

Over the course of his career, Mbappe has faced Barcelona several times, initially in European competition and, over the past two seasons, also in Spanish domestic tournaments. So far, the overall record has been unfavorable for the French forward.

During his years at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe enjoyed his best results against Barcelona. The French side eliminated Barcelona twice in the UEFA Champions League, in 2021 and 2024, and on both occasions Mbappe stood out, scoring a combined six goals.

However, since joining Real Madrid, the results have not been as positive. Mbappe has won El Clasico only once — a 2-1 La Liga victory in October of last year. The other five matches have ended in defeats, including the 2025 Copa del Rey final and the 2025 and 2026 Spanish Super Cup finals.

Arsenal legend Alan Smith named the favorites to compete for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title. Lionel Messi’s Argentina made the list — but Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal did not.

With less than four months until the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off, the soccer world is closely watching what will unfold. Former players and legends are no exception, and among them is Alan Smith. The former Arsenal striker included Lionel Messi’s Argentina among his favorites to win the title, but left out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

“Argentina will be very keen to retain the trophy,” Smith said during an exclusive interview with Bolavip. He then mentioned other national teams he believes can also contend for the title: “Obviously, Brazil, Spain, Germany, England. We’ll see. I mean, there’s a lot of hope in England that we can lift it. But we’ll have to see.”

The former Arsenal player, who retired in 1995 and now works as a media commentator, elaborated on how Messi’s influence has been central to Argentina’s success. “I’ve covered a lot of Argentina games at the World Cup and you know, there were some where Argentina were a little flat, nothing was happening and then Messi just changed it entirely, it just looked like he was made to end up a winner and be the star,” Alan recalled.

Smith then drew a comparison with Portugal: “Can Ronaldo still do it? I mean, Ronaldo has been scoring fun in Saudi Arabia, obviously the standards are much different, but I think they’ll both see this as their last tournament, so they’ll be very keen to go out with a bang.”

Smith points to a key factor for the 2026 World Cup

Alan Smith’s selection of the teams he considers favorites to win the title this summer in North America is based on the qualities they have shown on the field in recent years, as well as the talent and experience within their squads. However, he acknowledged that other factors will also play a role.

“I think the weather will play a part and maybe not to England’s advantage. In New York, in the Club World Cup last year, I think it was 95 degrees or something,” Smith recalled. “So it might be the team like Spain or Argentina would be better suited to it. Spain are looking good. France still look strong. But yeah, yeah, a lot of factors can get in the way. But I think it’s the normal ones that you think of will be there again.”

Messi or Ronaldo? Alan Smith gives his verdict

In the same interview with Bolavip, Alan Smith was asked about the inevitable comparisons between Messi and Ronaldo. “I think they will be rated as the best two players of all time,” the former English player said. “Partly because of how long they’ve lasted, quite amazing. You can look at a lot of players like (Diego) Maradona, I mean Pele lasted a long time obviously, but a lot of top players haven’t gone for as long as Messi and Ronaldo and for that reason, you know, I think they are the top two.”

Finally, Smith was bold and chose his favorite between the two. “I’d probably just go for Messi,” the Arsenal legend said. “Well, he’s a world champion obviously, but maybe he thinks about the team a little more than Ronaldo does at times. Hasn’t quite got that ego, obviously has got an ego, but yeah, he’s just such an amazing player to watch. But they are both fantastic.”

Months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Mexico received a warning from Lionel Messi.

Mexico, the United States, and Canada will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world’s biggest sporting event. Hosting such a tournament is a great honor and could even be an advantage, but it also comes with significant challenges, as Lionel Messi explained.

The Argentine forward spoke in an interview on the Miro de Atras podcast, hosted by his former Argentina teammate Nahuel Guzman, who has been playing in Liga MX for several years. Among other topics, Leo discussed what the upcoming World Cup could mean for Mexico.

“Now there’s a nice opportunity coming for you and for the United States. Being the World Cup at home, for better or worse, it has an influence,” Messi began, speaking to the Mexican journalists who also participated in the interview. “If things go well, it can be a great opportunity, because playing at home makes a difference. Likewise, if things go badly for you, it will also be noticed.”

Messi knows what he’s talking about, as during his long international career with Argentina, he had the chance to play a major tournament at home: the 2011 Copa America. That was probably the toughest tournament of his entire national team career, largely due to fan criticism after disappointing results.

The pressure affected the team’s performance under then-coach Sergio Batista, which drew against Bolivia and Colombia in their first two matches and only secured a spot in the knockout stages in the final game against Costa Rica. The story ended bitterly, however, as Argentina were eliminated by Uruguay in the quarterfinals.

Messi recalls the matches against Mexico

In the same conversation, Messi reflected on the matches he has played against Mexico with Argentina. “We’ve crossed paths a lot in important competitions. Aside from the last one in the group stage, the others were always knockout games,” the forward recalled.

Since Messi began his journey with Argentina in 2005, Mexico have been one of the teams he has faced most often in official tournaments. Both teams met in the 2007 Copa America and the 2006, 2010, and 2022 World Cups, all resulting in victories for Argentina.

The Qatar 2022 match was particularly important, even though it was in the group stage, because a loss would have meant Argentina’s elimination. “That game against Mexico was decisive for us and one of the ones we suffered the most. So much was at stake,” Messi recalled, scoring the opener in Argentina’s 2-0 win. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, he expressed his wish: “Hopefully we don’t face each other this time.”

Is it an advantage to be a World Cup host?

Being the host of a World Cup can add extra pressure to a national team, as Messi noted, but historically, results have varied. In six of the 22 editions, the host nation went on to win the tournament. This happened with Uruguay in 1930, Italy in 1934, England in 1966, West Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978, and France in 1998.

That success rate might seem low, but it’s important to consider that many host countries historically had little realistic chance of winning the tournament. Even so, host nations often performed above expectations.

In several cases, a team’s best performance came precisely when they hosted the World Cup. This includes Switzerland (fifth place in 1954), Sweden (finalists in 1958), Chile (semifinalists in 1962), and South Korea (semifinalists in 2002). The most emblematic case is Mexico, which has only reached the quarterfinals twice in its history—both times at home, in 1970 and 1986.

A Premier League player has been recorded as the fastest in the UEFA Champions League, even surpassing Kylian Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe is widely recognized today as one of the most dangerous players in Europe. He has shined all season with Real Madrid, both in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, leading the scoring charts in both competitions. However, a Premier League star tops him in a key statistic.

The CIES Football Observatory recently published a ranking of the fastest players in the 2025-26 Champions League, and the top spot went to Anthony Gordon. The Newcastle winger reached a top speed of 37.9 kilometers per hour, or about 23.5 miles per hour.

These results coincide with one of the English player’s brightest performances at the continental level. Last week, Gordon scored four goals before halftime in Newcastle’s victory over Qarabag in the first leg of the playoffs.

With that top speed, Gordon surpassed other Champions League stars in the ranking. Anthony Elanga, also a winger for the Magpies, is the second fastest according to the study, with a top speed of 22.7 miles per hour. Behind them are the two Paris Saint-Germain full-backs: Achraf Hakimi (22.6 miles per hour) and Nuno Mendes (22.4 miles per hour).

What is Mbappe’s top speed?

In the ranking of the fastest players competing in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Kylian Mbappe still holds a prominent place. The Real Madrid forward ranks ninth overall, with a recorded top speed of 22.18 miles per hour.

That makes him the fastest center forward in the European competition, ahead of stars like Juventus’ Lois Openda, Liverpool’s Hugo Etikite, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. This is also reflected in the scoring charts, where Mbappe tops the list with 13 goals in nine matches.

The fastest players in the Champions League by position

The CIES Football Observatory study includes a breakdown by player position. As mentioned, Kylian Mbappe is the fastest center forward in the Champions League, while Anthony Gordon is the winger/side midfielder who reached the highest speed.

Among central midfielders, Tottenham Hotspur’s Archie Gray ranks first, with a top speed of 21.6 miles per hour. PSG full-backs Hakimi and Nuno Mendes lead the rankings for their position, while the fastest center back in Europe, according to the study, is Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov, clocking 21.6 miles per hour.

Inter Miami fell 3-0 to LAFC in their 2026 MLS season opener.

Inter Miami suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against LAFC in their 2026 Major League Soccer season opener. Lionel Messi‘s team struggled to find inspiration, and their rivals capitalized with goals from David Martinez, Denis Bouanga, and Nathan Ordaz.

During the first half, the hosts clearly dominated the Herons. Backed by a solid defense that neutralized their opponents’ strengths, LAFC recovered the ball far from their own goal and used their attackers’ speed to create dangerous chances.

In that context, Son Heung-min came close to scoring when he faced goalkeeper St. Dayne one-on-one and got past him. However, the South Korean forward ran out of space to finish and passed to Denis Bouanga, whose shot was saved by the keeper. A few minutes later, David Martinez received a pass from Son and fired with precision to score the opener. He came close again soon after, but this time his shot went just wide.

After the break, coach Mascherano made changes to try to turn the team’s performance around, and he partially succeeded. The Herons were better organized on the field and imposed themselves, but lacked accuracy in front of goal and struggled against Bouanga’s speed, who scored the second goal in the 72nd minute after dribbling past goalkeeper St. Clair. In stoppage time, Nathan Ordaz added the third and final goal.

For Inter Miami, it was their first defeat of the 2026 season in their opening match. Their next challenge comes next Sunday against Orlando City. LAFC, meanwhile, will play the second leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup on Tuesday, looking to maintain their 6-1 advantage from the previous match against Real España.

Los Angeles FC face Inter Miami in the first match of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi.

More than two and a half months have passed since Inter Miami won the 2025 Major League Soccer title. Since then, many things have changed for the Herons, especially regarding their roster. This Saturday, they will begin their 2026 campaign visiting Los Angeles FC, with Lionel Messi as the main focus of attention.

Inter Miami have lost some key players from the squad that won the club’s first league title. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are no longer part of the team after deciding to retire, while there are many new faces, including Sergio Reguilon, German Berterame, and Dayne St. Clair.

LAFC, on the other hand, have kept their main stars from last season, including Denis Bouanga, who came close to a transfer to Brazil’s Serie A. For Son Heung-min, this will be his first full season with the Black and Gold, and he hopes to compete with Messi as the biggest star in MLS.

Will Lionel Messi play against LAFC?

After Messi’s muscle issues forced Inter Miami to reschedule their friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico last week, the Argentine forward’s availability for the MLS opener against LAFC was in serious doubt.

However, in the pre-match press conference, Javier Mascherano delivered a reassuring message. “Messi is fine, he trained with the group all week and felt really good. He’s ready, prepared like the whole team,” the coach said, according to reporter Jose Armando.

Projected Inter Miami lineup vs. LAFC

From Javier Mascherano’s comments, it appears likely that Lionel Messi will start tonight’s match against LAFC. Other notable updates to the team include some new faces, such as Dayne St. Clair, Micael, David Ayala, and German Berterame.

The Herons’ projected XI for Saturday is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; David Ayala, Rodrigo De Paul; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Mateo Silvetti; German Berterame.

Projected LAFC lineup vs. Inter Miami

Just as Inter Miami has world-class stars capturing fans’ attention worldwide, LAFC are no slouches. Several players with notable European experience are part of the squad and will be on the field Saturday, including World Cup winner Hugo Lloris, former Porto midfielder Eustaquio, and, of course, Tottenham legend Son Heung-min.

Coach Marc Dos Santos’ projected lineup to face Inter Miami is: Hugo Lloris; Sergi Palencia, Ryan Porteous, Nkosi Tafari, Ryan Hollingshead; Stephen Eustaquio, Marco Delgado, Timothy Tillman; David Martinez, Denis Bouanga, Son Heung-min.

Victor Font, a candidate for president of Barcelona, addressed the possibility of Lionel Messi returning as a player.

Barcelona’s presidential elections are drawing closer and, as expected, Lionel Messi’s name has been on the lips of every candidate. Victor Font is no exception, delivering a clear message about the viability of the Argentine forward’s return.

“If we win the election, Messi’s last dance is possible,” Font recently said, according to Diario AS, before adding an important clarification: “The only possible way for him to say goodbye the way he deserves, in shorts and on the field, is if Joan Laporta is not in charge starting March 16.”

The Barcelona presidential candidate then took aim at Laporta, who was president when Leo left the club and is also running in the upcoming election: “The reality is that reconciliation with Messi will never happen with Laporta.”

In 2021, Laporta returned to the club’s presidency after winning the election by a wide margin. At the time, Messi took an active role by supporting Laporta and even voting as a club member. However, things did not unfold as expected, and the Argentine forward was forced to leave after the club decided not to renew his contract.

“Leo’s departure is one of the worst things about this administration,” Victor Font said bluntly. “Messi is a reference point not only as a soccer player but as a person. Messi reflects who we are as culers. A hardworking, committed, honest leader who loves Barca.”

Font discusses Messi’s return as a player

In the same conversation, Victor Font emphasized the need for Lionel Messi to receive a proper farewell in Barcelona, unlike the press conference he held in 2021 before departing for Paris Saint-Germain. “Messi cannot end his time with Barca with a farewell in a closed room. It’s unthinkable. Messi must retire on the field,” Font said.

However, the club presidential candidate acknowledged that making that goal a reality would require careful planning. “Obviously, how it happens depends on his willingness and the situation he finds himself in at the end of 2026,” Font explained.

That potential return to Barcelona as a player faces a clear obstacle: his contract situation. Leo signed an extension with Inter Miami through December 31, 2028, when he will already be 41 years old. Any return to Barcelona would have to come sooner if Messi intends to do so while still in peak physical and competitive form. To make that happen, an agreement with the MLS club would obviously be required.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar formed an unforgettable trio at Barcelona, but Bayern Munich stars Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz could now take aim at one of their records.

Bayern Munich are enjoying an outstanding 2025-26 season, emerging as contenders in both the UEFA Champions League and the Bundesliga. Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz have been central to that success, putting up numbers that are approaching those posted by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar during their Barcelona peak.

So far this season, Kane, Olise and Diaz have combined for 115 total goal contributions across the Bundesliga, German Cup, German Super Cup and Champions League. That places them third in the all-time ranking among Europe’s top leagues at this stage of a season, trailing only two different Barcelona teams.

According to Marca, when comparing numbers through mid-February, the record belongs to Barcelona’s 2015-16 squad. At that point in the campaign, Messi, Suarez and Neymar had produced a combined 122 goals and assists — a mark that has never been matched before or since.

That leaves the current Bayern Munich trio just seven goal contributions shy of that record. Even closer is the second-ranked attacking trio: Barcelona in the 2010-11 season. Messi was, of course, part of that group as well, alongside David Villa and Pedro.

By mid-February 2011, that Barcelona front three had recorded 117 combined goal contributions in La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey — just two more than the current total of Kane, Olise and Diaz at Bayern Munich.

The numbers behind Kane, Olise and Diaz

Bayern Munich’s success this season has largely been driven by the performances of their three main attackers. Harry Kane leads Europe’s top leagues with 41 goals and five assists in 35 appearances.

He has been supported by the team’s wingers, whose primary role is to supply the England striker but who also make a major impact themselves. Michael Olise has tallied 13 goals and 25 assists, while Luis Diaz has added 19 goals and 15 assists.

For now, the MSN record remains safe

As impressive as the numbers from Kane, Olise and Diaz have been, they are still some distance away from matching the legendary MSN. Messi, Suarez and Neymar dominated Spanish soccer from 2014 to 2017, winning La Liga titles and capturing the Champions League crown in 2015 — still Barcelona’s most recent triumph in the competition.

Beyond the trophies, however, they left a lasting legacy through the brilliance they displayed on the field. The three South American stars formed an unstoppable attacking partnership that many consider the greatest front three in soccer history.

The statistics back up that claim: to surpass the overall totals achieved by MSN during their 2015-16 campaign, Kane, Olise and Diaz would need 83 more combined goal contributions before the end of the season — a difficult task, though not an impossible one.

The Saudi Pro League has caught the attention of a World Cup winner with Germany, who admitted his interest — especially in Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

The Saudi Pro League has been the fastest-growing league in world soccer over the past decade. Cristiano Ronaldo has played a major role in that rise, as his move to Al Nassr encouraged many other stars to follow the same path. Now, a World Cup winner with Germany has weighed in.

During a recent interview on MBC, as reported by Diario AS, Mario Gotze discussed the recent growth of the Saudi Pro League. “The development of Saudi soccer is positive, and there are many young players who want to play there; this will increase the pace of the matches and the technical level,” the midfielder explained. “It’s important to give young players the opportunity to become professionals and experience new things.”

In the same conversation, Gotze was asked which club he would like to join if a move to the Saudi Pro League were to happen. He did not hesitate: “If it were up to me, I’d choose Al Nassr.” He immediately explained why: “Because Cristiano Ronaldo plays there.”

Gotze’s comments highlight the impact CR7 has had in recent years. He remains the main attraction for dozens of players who are even willing to leave the comfort of Europe to try a new experience in Saudi Arabia — along with the lucrative salary offers, of course.

Where is Mario Gotze now?

At 33, Mario Gotze’s career has not quite lived up to the expectations many had a decade ago. He burst onto the scene with Borussia Dortmund, delivering performances that earned him a transfer to Bayern Munich for more than $40 million and a call-up to the Germany national team.

On the international stage, Gotze authored the most iconic moment of his career when he scored the goal that gave Germany a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. That moment cemented him as one of the brightest talents in world soccer, but much of what followed marked a gradual decline.

Inconsistent performances and health issues significantly impacted the German midfielder’s career. After three seasons, he left Bayern Munich to return to Borussia Dortmund, where things also failed to fully click. That led to moves to PSV Eindhoven and later Eintracht Frankfurt. Since joining the German side in 2022, Gotze has recorded 146 appearances and 12 goals.

Gotze discusses his priorities at this stage of his career

After experiencing both the highest peak and the difficult downturn that followed, Mario Gotze now has a clear understanding of what truly matters to him in the years he has left as a professional player. “Winning titles is no longer my primary goal. What matters now is enjoying the game and staying physically ready to perform at my best on the pitch,” he said in the same interview.

In that context, it remains to be seen whether those priorities align with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League to make that possible partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr a reality. For now, at least, the club appears well covered in that area of the field, with stars such as Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mane and Joao Felix.

A Manchester United player with a decorated UEFA Champions League past could soon join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

As they prepare to begin their 2026 Major League Soccer season, Inter Miami are already looking ahead. Lionel Messi’s team could sign a Manchester United star who is a five-time UEFA Champions League winner.

According to SunSport, Casemiro is being considered by the Herons as a potential reinforcement this summer. “Miami are one of several clubs weighing up a move for the former Real Madrid midfielder,” the report states.

That interest, apparently, is mutual. “Casemiro, who turns 34 next week, was spotted enjoying a mini winter break in Miami with wife Anna this week,” SunSport added, before claiming that the midfielder “was in Florida to scout the area as he weighs up his options after the World Cup in the summer.”

Casemiro is under contract with Manchester United through June 30 of this year and, although he had the option to extend it for one more season, he recently announced his decision to leave the English side at the end of the current campaign. At that point, he will become a free agent and be free to negotiate with any club in the world.

Inter Miami would benefit from Casemiro’s arrival

It makes perfect sense that Inter Miami would be interested in signing Casemiro. At the end of last year, they lost one of their biggest stars, Sergio Busquets, who decided to retire after winning the MLS title in early December.

That departure left a major void in central midfield, a key position for any team, and one that will not be easy to fill. During the current transfer window, the Herons signed a player in that role: David Ayala, a 23-year-old Argentine midfielder who stood out over the past four seasons with Portland Timbers.

Ayala’s contribution will undoubtedly be valuable, considering his MLS experience and his youth, which provides more physical range than Busquets offered. However, the young midfielder lacks the European pedigree and overall quality of Busquets, and that difference could become evident over time.

Given that scenario, Casemiro’s profile would be a natural fit in Miami. Like Busquets, he brings vast experience at the highest level of European soccer, having played a key role in five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and remaining a prominent figure in the Premier League with Manchester United.

Inter Miami face competition for Casemiro

Naturally, a player of Casemiro’s caliber becoming a free agent will attract interest from multiple clubs. Beyond Inter Miami’s reported pursuit, other teams are said to be targeting the 33-year-old Brazilian star.

“The five-time Champions League winner has also drawn interest from FC Porto and Sao Paulo, who he joined as a schoolboy and turned pro,” The Sun reports. “Sao Paulo are set to offer Casemiro a two-year deal with an option to work for the club at the end of his contract.”

Emotional ties could ultimately play a decisive role in Casemiro’s decision. In that regard, Sao Paulo and Porto may hold an advantage, as the midfielder previously played for both clubs. Other options reportedly include a move to Saudi Arabia, as well as interest from LA Galaxy, Inter Miami’s MLS rival.

Amid rumors about a possible move to Barcelona, Julian Alvarez has been praised by Pau Cubarsi.

Speculation over Barcelona’s center forward position for next season has been a hot topic for months. Julian Alvarez has been linked to the role, and now Pau Cubarsi has given his explicit approval regarding the Argentine’s qualities.

During an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Cubarsi was specifically asked about Alvarez and didn’t hesitate to share his opinion. “Julian, as everyone knows, is a spectacular player. I’ve played against him a lot and had to mark him,” the center-back began. “He’s a top-level striker, and I think he’s Barça level.”

Indeed, Cubarsi and Alvarez have faced each other several times, always in matches between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. They have met six times across La Liga and Copa del Rey, with three victories for Los Blaugranas, two for Los Colchoneros, and one draw. In those encounters, Alvarez scored three goals.

Beyond the praise for Julian, Pau Cubarsi also emphasized that Barcelona’s current options at center forward — Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres — are up to the task. “Rober and Ferran are also at a spectacular level. They’re doing very well and help us in every aspect,” the 19-year-old defender explained.

The future of Julian Alvarez

Although Julian Alvarez’s current season is far from his best since arriving in Spain — registering 13 goals and six assists in 35 appearances — that hasn’t stopped his name from being linked to several major European clubs.

In addition to rumors of a possible return to the Premier League with Arsenal, the most persistent reports point to Barcelona’s interest. Even the interim president of the Catalan side commented on Alvarez’s potential signing. “There has already been some rapport. We have known everyone for years, and so one day, as always, it will be very nice,” Rafael Yuste said last week.

Cubarsi also talks about Lionel Messi

In the same interview with Mundo Deportivo, Pau Cubarsi also mentioned another star from the Argentina national team besides Julian Alvarez. In a rapid-fire Q&A segment, the Barcelona defender was asked who he would like to take a photo with, and he didn’t hesitate: “Messi.”

Finally, when asked about a dream he still wants to achieve, Cubarsi surprisingly didn’t mention winning the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona or the World Cup with Spain. Instead, he pointed to a goal much closer in time. “Well, the Finalissima. Trying to be there and play alongside Messi,” said the young defender.

Columbus Crew have signed a former Barcelona teammate of Lionel Messi ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

Official action for the 2026 Major League Soccer season kicks off this Saturday with the matchup between Los Angeles FC and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. However, some clubs are still making moves in the transfer market to complete their rosters. Columbus Crew are among them, finalizing the signing of a former Barcelona player.

“The Columbus Crew have acquired free agent midfielder André Gomes, who most recently played for Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille and has competed with SL Benfica, Valencia CF, FC Barcelona, Everton, plus Portugal’s national team,” the MLS club announced in a statement on their official website.

“Gomes is signed through June 2027 with a club option for the 2027-2028 MLS season,” the Crew added, before clarifying: “He will occupy an international roster spot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.”

André Gomes aims to relaunch his career in MLS

The last stop in André Gomes’ professional career was in Ligue 1 with Lille. He initially joined the club on loan from Everton for the 2022-23 season, then returned to the Premier League for a year before moving back to France permanently, where he played the last two seasons.

Bem-vindo Maestro André Gomes 🎩🪄

The Crew have acquired free agent midfielder André Gomes, who most recently played for Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille and has competed with SL Benfica, Valencia CF, FC Barcelona, Everton plus Portugal’s national team.

📰: https://t.co/a8ejGgNXa7 pic.twitter.com/WMQFum9Hdp

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) February 20, 2026

However, the Portuguese midfielder has struggled recently, seeing almost no action this season. Gomes played just seven minutes for Lille across two Ligue 1 matches. In five other games, he was on the bench but did not enter, and in the remaining 25 matches, he was not even called up.

Given this situation, his departure as a free agent from France was expected, as he looked for new opportunities. Joining Columbus Crew will give him a chance to relaunch his career and play an important role again, even if the competitive level of MLS is far below what he experienced in Europe.

From teammates to rivals: Gomes and Messi

Andre Gomes joins a growing list of players leaving Europe to try their luck in MLS. Lionel Messi is obviously part of that group, having arrived in the summer of 2023 from Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi and Gomes were teammates for two seasons at Barcelona. The Portuguese midfielder joined the Catalan side from Valencia in 2016 in a deal worth around $65 million, including add-ons. During that time, Andre played 78 matches and scored 3 goals alongside Leo, winning La Liga 2017-18, Copa del Rey 2016-17 and 2017-18, and the Spanish Super Cup 2016.

Now in MLS, Andre Gomes will face Lionel Messi again — this time as rivals in the Eastern Conference. The first matchup of the season between Inter Miami and Columbus Crew is set for August 1 at Miami Freedom Park.

As he gradually begins to log more minutes with Santos, Neymar opened up about the possibility of retirement.

This year could be very special for Neymar for several reasons. After multiple consecutive seasons dealing with injuries, he appears determined to fully recover with Santos in order to return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But it could also mark the end of his professional career, as he himself admitted.

“This year is very important for Santos and for the Brazil national team because of the World Cup, so for me it is as well. It’s a very big challenge,” Ney said during a recent interview with CazeTV, making it clear that his goal is to reach top form again on the field.

However, the 34-year-old forward was brutally honest when discussing his future beyond the current season. “Right now, I’m taking things year by year. I don’t know what’s going to happen from here on out. I don’t know what will happen next year,” he acknowledged before delivering a striking line: “By December, I might want to retire. I don’t know. It will be whatever my heart decides.”

This is not the first time Neymar’s retirement has been part of the conversation. In fact, his father revealed that the Brazilian star seriously considered that possibility a few months ago, when his physical issues became unbearable. “I don’t even know if it’s worth operating. For me, that’s it,” were the words Ney himself reportedly said at the time, according to his father.

Neymar focused on returning to full strength with Santos

While it is clear that Neymar’s main goal this year is to represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup in North America, he understands that in order to secure a spot on Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man roster, he must first deliver consistent performances with Santos and prove he is fully healthy.

“I wanted to return this season at 100 percent, which is why I held back in some matches and took extra care of myself. I know a lot of people say a lot of nonsense, but they don’t know what happens day to day. They don’t know what it’s like,” Ney explained in the same interview. “Santos had a very good plan, and that helped me a lot in that sense.”

That is exactly how it played out. After missing the club’s opening matches of 2026, Neymar played 45 minutes and recorded an assist in Santos’ win over Velo Clube in the Campeonato Paulista on Monday. “Obviously I wanted to come back and help my team in the best way possible, but I ended up waiting a little longer to return at 100 percent — without pain, without fear, without anything — and I was able to come back very well in this last match,” the forward said.

Neymar targeting the World Cup

Getting back to full fitness was the first step Neymar needed to take this year in his pursuit of returning to the Brazil national team ahead of the World Cup. Now the next step is to show his best level on the field again, and he is confident he can do it.

“With a lot of training and a lot of perseverance, which is what drives me, I’ll be able to reach 100 percent. That’s what I want,” Ney explained. He now has roughly three months of club competition ahead, during which he will need to stay healthy and perform at a high level to convince Carlo Ancelotti that he deserves another opportunity with Brazil.

The 2029 Club World Cup could undergo another format change following last year’s edition, with the reported positions of FIFA and UEFA now coming into focus.

Last summer, the soccer world was shaken by the launch of the expanded Club World Cup, which for the first time featured multiple representatives from each confederation. With plans to stage the tournament every four years, FIFA is now reportedly considering another format shift—one that also hinges on UEFA’s stance.

Reports indicate that FIFA’s intention is to mirror what it did with the World Cup and expand the next Club World Cup to 48 teams instead of 32. Such a move would not only increase qualification opportunities, but above all ensure the participation of Europe’s biggest clubs. It’s worth noting that in 2025, giants such as Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United failed to qualify for the tournament.

“UEFA is ready to back FIFA’s proposed expansion of the Club World Cup to 48 teams for the next edition in 2029,” The Guardian reported this week, adding that the decision is seen as “a sign of improving relations between their respective presidents, Aleksander Ceferin and Gianni Infantino.”

If confirmed, the report would ease tensions between the two organizations, which in recent years have clashed over differing visions for the future of soccer, as well as the defense of their respective interests.

“The European football governing body had opposed plans to grow the Club World Cup over concerns an expanded tournament could threaten the status of the Champions League, but UEFA is now willing to back FIFA in return for an undertaking that the competition will not be held every two years,” The Guardian added.

Soccer’s increasingly crowded calendar

As has become clear, tensions among soccer’s governing bodies are tied to each organization’s plans to grow and expand its own competitions. After decades of maintaining relative balance in the structure of global tournaments, the sport’s marquee events have undergone significant changes in recent years.

The World Cup had kept the same 32-team format from 1998 through 2022, but beginning with the next edition it will expand to 48 teams with a revamped structure. Meanwhile, similar changes are being discussed for the Club World Cup, which had already introduced a new format in 2025.

At the European level, there have also been major adjustments. A decade ago, UEFA created the UEFA Nations League, giving European national teams a structured calendar of competitive matches against one another. As a consequence, other top national teams such as Brazil and Argentina now struggle to find high-quality opponents for friendlies during FIFA international breaks.

At the club level, the Champions League was also revamped last year after decades under the same structure. The number of qualified teams was increased, the traditional group stage was replaced by a league phase, and a playoff round—effectively a round of 32—was added. In some cases, clubs now play up to four more matches per season than they previously did.

Players are not happy with the changes

While FIFA and UEFA continue to seek ways to increase the scale and frequency of their tournaments to boost revenue, other stakeholders have been far less enthusiastic. For years, several players have spoken out to express their concerns.

They argue that the recent changes, along with future expansion plans, have led to an excessive rise in the number of matches. The result, they say, is greater physical wear and tear on players and, ultimately, a higher risk of injury. Even if that position appears reasonable, it has so far gained little traction at the decision-making level.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing closer, Carlo Ancelotti addressed his future with Brazil.

Carlo Ancelotti faces the enormous challenge of leading Brazil in pursuit of its first World Cup title in 24 years. This summer’s FIFA tournament in North America will mark his first major test since taking over the national team, but he is already thinking about what comes next.

“I think I’m going to renew for four years with Brazil,” Ancelotti said during a recent interview with former Real Madrid icon Jorge Valdano on Movistar Plus. “It’s a new job, and I really like it.”

The Italian coach took over Brazil in May 2025 to finish the World Cup qualifiers after previous managers Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior were dismissed due to poor results and performances. Ancelotti secured qualification and later had the opportunity to coach several friendlies, experimenting with different options ahead of this year’s FIFA tournament.

Initially, his contract was set to expire after the 2026 World Cup. However, his work in the first months appears to have satisfied the executives at the Brazilian Football Confederation, who had reportedly been negotiating an extension for months — something Carlo has now confirmed himself.

Ancelotti is the highest-paid national team coach in the world. He currently tops the list with a salary of €10 million per year (approximately $11.8 million), ahead of England’s Thomas Tuchel ($6.9 million) and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann ($5.7 million).

Ancelotti speaks about Vinicius

In another portion of the same interview, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Vinicius Junior, whom he coached for years at Real Madrid and now again with Brazil. “Brazilians are very humble; they are very different. The Vini who comes here is very different from the one at Real Madrid, speaking from a human perspective,” the coach said.

Those differences have also been noticeable on the field, and on more than one occasion they have drawn criticism toward the winger. Much like what happened for years with Lionel Messi in Argentina, Vinicius has been slammed for not delivering the same performances with Brazil that he does with Real Madrid.

The numbers support that narrative. While Vini ranks among the 17 leading scorers in Real Madrid history with 117 goals in 358 appearances, he has found it more difficult to stand out internationally. With Brazil, Vinicius has scored just eight goals in 45 appearances since making his debut in 2019.

Ancelotti comments on Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid

Beyond being Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti remains a major figure at Real Madrid, where he managed in two separate stints and won three UEFA Champions League titles. During the interview with Jorge Valdano, the Italian coach addressed the recent departure of Xabi Alonso.

“Xabi encountered difficulties,” Ancelotti acknowledged, before pointing to a key aspect that Alonso may have struggled to establish. “The ability to adapt is a very important component in a coach’s job. Trying to recreate an environment takes time, and you can’t always achieve it.”