Argentina near the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Lionel Messi is aiming to arrive in peak physical condition.

In just over three months, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world’s biggest sporting event, will begin. With most national teams already qualified—and the remaining teams competing during the March FIFA break—players are focused on reaching the tournament in the best possible shape. Lionel Messi is no exception, concentrating on achieving peak fitness ahead of the challenge with Argentina.

“Messi is taking his physical preparation very seriously this year,” journalist Federico Bueno said on Disney+. “During his vacation in Argentina, he traveled with a personal trainer to work specifically on that aspect in Rosario, and he trained at a facility owned by Maxi Rodriguez.”

This shows that, despite taking a vacation of more than a month between the MLS 2025 final against Vancouver Whitecaps on December 6 and the start of preseason on January 17, Messi did not spend the time resting and relaxing. Instead, he worked hard to maintain his physical condition.

And that plan continues now, during the club season. “He constantly asks the Inter Miami staff to provide him with statistics on his physical performance in matches and training, such as distance covered,” the report added.

Messi has a clear goal this year

These efforts reveal that Lionel Messi has a clear objective: to arrive in the best possible condition for the summer and ultimately confirm his place in the 26-man roster that coach Lionel Scaloni will select to represent Argentina at the World Cup.

In recent years, the forward has been cautious about his chances of playing in the FIFA tournament, which would be the sixth of his professional career, citing his age—he will turn 39 in June—as a factor that might prevent him from being physically ready. However, time has passed, and he continues to demonstrate a level high enough to participate.

Messi’s upcoming challenges

Before making a final decision, Lionel Messi will face several key tests. At the club level, he will play multiple matches in Major League Soccer as well as the Concacaf Champions Cup, which will help him gain match rhythm and assess his physical and sporting condition.

Even more importantly, he will soon have the chance to compete at the highest level with Argentina. On March 27 in Qatar, they will face Spain in the Finalissima, the tournament that brings together the champions of South America and Europe. An official match with a trophy at stake against one of the strongest national teams in the world, just over two months before the World Cup, will be a decisive test for Messi to determine whether he is ready to continue playing internationally.

Barcelona reportedly have a plan in place to pay Manchester United’s clause and secure Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal.

For months, Marcus Rashford has been the subject of speculation in Barcelona. The Spanish club has been pleased with his performances, but understands that keeping him long term will require paying Manchester United a significant fee this summer.

“The blaugrana side has virtually decided to keep the Englishman on a permanent basis,” Diario AS reports, citing Mundo Deportivo. “The €30 million purchase option would be paid in three annual installments of €10 million each” (approximately $11.8 million per installment).

This strategy would, of course, depend on Manchester United’s willingness to accept a deferred payment structure over two years for the forward. But that is not the only factor Barcelona must consider when mapping out Rashford’s future.

“The deal also depends on fitting his salary and contract length within La Liga’s financial fair play regulations,” Diario AS adds. Reports indicate that Rashford is willing to lower his current salary — estimated at around $17 million per year — a key development in negotiations.

Another issue involves La Liga’s player registration restrictions. In recent years, Barcelona’s financial struggles have created complications in this area, and making Rashford’s move permanent could force the club to offload one or more players from the roster to balance the books.

Marcus Rashford has exceeded expectations at Barcelona

When Barcelona moved to sign Marcus Rashford last summer, there were questions about how the forward would adapt to Spain. Not because his talent was in doubt, but because his most recent experiences in the Premier League, with Manchester United and Aston Villa, had fallen short of expectations.

Instead, Rashford has been a welcome surprise. Hansi Flick relies primarily on Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings, while Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres compete at center forward. Even in that crowded attacking picture, the Englishman has found ways to make an impact.

Whether coming off the bench or stepping in for one of the aforementioned stars due to injury, Rashford has posted 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances so far. That production makes him one of the team’s most efficient forwards and a reliable option for the coach — justification for the more than $30 million Barcelona appear ready to invest to secure him permanently.

Philippe Coutinho could decide to retire, although a move to Major League Soccer to join LA Galaxy is also among his options.

Few cases in recent years compare to that of Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian midfielder was a superstar at Liverpool when Barcelona paid a massive fee to sign him in 2018. From that point on, however, things gradually went downhill, to the extent that he lost his place with the Brazil national team. In that context, Major League Soccer has emerged as a possible destination amid rumors linking him to LA Galaxy.

In recent days, details surfaced about the MLS team’s reported interest in signing Coutinho, whom they view as a potential replacement for Riqui Puig. With the Spanish midfielder ruled out for the entire 2026 season after undergoing a second knee operation related to his 2024 injury, Philippe could represent a valuable addition.

However, there is another option under consideration. “The midfielder’s future prospects are either to go to an MLS team in the United States, or even announce his retirement,” ESPN recently reported.

At just 33 years old, the end of Coutinho’s career might seem surprising, but his recent decisions and comments offer insight into his current mindset. “The truth is that I’m very mentally exhausted. I’ve always been very reserved, so saying this here isn’t easy, but I need to be honest,” the midfielder wrote on social media earlier this year after deciding to leave Vasco da Gama.

“With a heavy heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this cycle at Vasco,” he added in the same post. “My relationship with Vasco is one of love. And it will continue to be forever.”

Coutinho has another offer, though less appealing

Coutinho’s sudden departure from Vasco da Gama drew interest from several clubs intrigued by the talent of the 33-year-old. LA Galaxy appear to be an attractive option as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 MLS season, but there are other alternatives.

“Coutinho has received an inquiry from Russian club CSKA Moscow,” ESPN reported. However, the chances of that move materializing appear slim. “A source close to the player, however, told ESPN Brasil they would be surprised if Coutinho accepted an offer from Russian football,” the report added.

The decline of Coutinho’s career

The nearly $180 million Barcelona paid Liverpool for Coutinho in 2018 now feels like a distant memory. Over the years, the midfielder’s performances steadily declined, and his career has been marked by frequent club changes.

In 2019, Coutinho was loaned to Bayern Munich before returning to Barcelona a year later. Aston Villa became his next destination, where he spent just over a year and a half with limited success. He then moved to Al Duhail in Qatar before completing a long-anticipated return to Vasco da Gama in 2024.

Despite the excitement surrounding that move, things did not go as planned. In January of this year, the midfielder negotiated an early termination of his contract to become a free agent and determine the next step in his professional career.

A teammate of Lionel Messi with Argentina suffered a severe injury and has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just over three months away, players are now at a point where even a moderate injury can leave them out of the tournament. That is exactly what happened to an Argentina teammate of Lionel Messi after a serious knee problem.

“Valentin Carboni suffered a tear of the ligaments in his right knee, which will require a recovery period of at least eight months,” La Nacion reported Friday regarding the young winger who plays for Racing Club on loan from Inter Milan.

“In Friday’s training session, Carboni went down after a teammate fell on him and alarmed everyone present,” the report adds. “After the medical staff performed tests on the pitch, he was moved to a nearby center for imaging that confirmed the worst: he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.”

This is the second similar injury Carboni has suffered in about a year and a half. The previous one occurred in October 2024, during a training session with the Argentina national team ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

At that time, the winger was on loan at Olympique de Marseille from Inter Milan, where his performances had made him a regular option for Lionel Scaloni at the international level. However, that injury kept him out for about eight months, and he only returned to action with Inter in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Carboni is ruled out for the World Cup

With no place at Inter and a less successful loan spell at Genoa in the first half of the 2025–26 season, Valentin Carboni chose Racing Club to play this year in hopes of regaining his 2024 form and getting back into Lionel Scaloni’s consideration.

He had already been part of the squad at the 2024 Copa America, where he played one match on Argentina’s way to the title. However, things have been very different this time: the winger lost his place in the Racing starting lineup after several disappointing performances and now suffered this serious injury that definitively rules him out of both the Finalissima and the World Cup.

Second confirmed Argentina absence for the World Cup

The serious injury to Valentin Carboni is the second of this magnitude Argentina have suffered ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Just a month ago, Juan Foyth was also ruled out due to a rupture of his Achilles tendon while playing for Villarreal against Real Madrid in La Liga.

While neither Carboni nor Foyth was guaranteed a spot in Lionel Scaloni’s 26‑man World Cup roster, both had been included in recent call-ups and were considered viable options for the squad, having also been part of teams that won major tournaments.

A key Spain and Paris Saint-Germain player could miss the Finalissima against Argentina due to physical issues.

Exactly one month remains until the Finalissima. Argentina and Spain will face each other on March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, aiming to claim a new trophy and gain a crucial boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In that context, a Paris Saint-Germain player could be sidelined due to physical problems.

“Following his latest medical check-up, Fabian Ruiz will follow a tailor-made work schedule over the next few weeks in order to relieve his knee pain,” PSG reported Friday in a statement on their official website.

The Spanish midfielder has been out of action for more than a month due to a knee injury that has taken longer than expected to heal. His last official match was on January 20, in the 2-1 loss to Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League league phase.

Since then, Ruiz has missed eight matches across the European competition and Ligue 1, and that number is expected to grow in the near future. According to PSG’s statement, at least a couple more weeks will be needed before the 29-year-old Spanish player can return.

Medical update 📌@Aspetar

🔗 https://t.co/zqpyiPss41 pic.twitter.com/iVJiEFIMqN

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 27, 2026

This would rule him out of Ligue 1 matches against Le Havre and AS Monaco, as well as the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Chelsea, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.

The Finalissima in doubt for Ruiz

Even in the most optimistic scenario, Fabian Ruiz will need a couple of weeks to fully overcome the knee pain and return to regular training. After that, he will likely need additional time to regain match fitness.

These timelines put the midfielder in serious doubt for the Finalissima. With exactly four weeks remaining until March 27, it will be a tight window for Ruiz to recover, play a few matches with PSG, and convince Luis De La Fuente that he is ready for a demanding clash against Argentina.

Spain facing multiple challenges ahead of the Finalissima

Ruiz’s potential absence is not Spain’s only concern ahead of the Finalissima. In recent weeks, several national team players have suffered injuries that not only sidelined them at the club level but also put their availability against Argentina in question.

Marc Cucurella is one of the latest, after suffering a hamstring injury with Chelsea. Earlier, Nico Williams raised concerns due to a pubalgia, a condition with unpredictable recovery timelines. Additionally, two players have already been ruled out due to more serious injuries: Mikel Merino and Samu.

Neymar was involved in a heated exchange with a Vasco da Gama player during Santos’ 2-1 victory.

On Thursday, Neymar scored a brace in Santos’ 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama on Matchday 4 of the Brazilian Serie A. Beyond his standout performance, the forward found himself at the center of a heated confrontation with an opposing player.

“He’s an idiot,” Neymar said about Thiago Mendes during a halftime, on-field interview shared by Sport. “He’s always the one who starts trouble, he wants to act tough, he’s always like that. With all due respect, he’s an idiot.”

The Santos star then recalled that this was not the first time he has had issues with Mendes. “He injured me once at PSG and today he promised to do it again. Let’s see if he’s man enough to try to injure me again,” Neymar said.

Indeed, the two players clashed several times in Ligue 1 when Neymar was playing for Paris Saint-Germain and Thiago Mendes was with Lille and later Olympique Lyon. In 2020, the midfielder caused Neymar to suffer an ankle sprain that forced him to leave the match on a stretcher, earning Mendes a red card.

This time, however, the situation did not escalate further. Both players were booked during the match, but there were no red cards or injuries. What Santos did get were two goals from Neymar — his first of 2026 following knee surgery — which secured the victory.

Neymar addresses recent criticism

After the match against Vasco da Gama, Neymar spoke to the media again and addressed the criticism he received last week for his performance in Santos’ loss to Novorizontino in the Campeonato Paulista. “Soccer is like that: one day you’re the worst player in the world, you don’t belong and you’re retired,” the forward began.

“The next, you score 2 goals and you’re the best, you have to go to the World Cup, you’re the number 10,” Neymar added, aware that such praise would follow his two-goal performance Thursday. “I’m taking it day by day. I’m working to be in the best shape possible. It’s my second 90-minute match of the year. I’m working hard and pushing myself.”

What’s next for Neymar?

In his quest to return to peak physical and competitive form, Neymar will not be lacking opportunities to play. Brazil’s packed soccer calendar this year is even more demanding than usual due to the interruption domestic competitions will face because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Santos will return to action next Tuesday when they visit Mirassol for Brazilian Serie A Matchday 5. On March 15, they will face a tough home test against Corinthians, and just three days later they will take on Internacional.

Lionel Messi scored in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Independiente del Valle.

Inter Miami played their final friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico and came away with a 2-1 victory. Santiago Morales opened the scoring for the Herons, Patrick Mercado equalized, and in the second half, Lionel Messi converted a penalty to give Miami the lead.

During the first half, Inter Miami were the more active side, despite fielding a largely rotated lineup. Luis Suarez was one of the standout performers, providing multiple key passes to teammates and even coming close to scoring from a free kick.

It was Suarez who set up Santiago Morales for the opener, with the young midfielder dribbling past the goalkeeper and a defender before finishing with composure. However, that lead was short-lived, as Independiente del Valle quickly responded with an equalizer from Patrick Mercado.

After the break, the fans got what they came to see: Lionel Messi entered for the second half and showcased his brilliance. He scored the Herons’ second goal from the penalty spot after a handball in the box. That goal was enough to seal the win in Inter Miami’s final friendly.

Liverpool and Real Madrid could be planning a star swap involving Rodrygo Goes.

With just about three months remaining until the end of the 2025-26 season, the world’s top clubs are already planning their next moves. That includes major player signings and departures — something Real Madrid and Liverpool are reportedly working on. Rodrygo Goes could be part of a potential swap deal between the two clubs.

“Liverpool and Real Madrid have overlapping interests that could lead to a high-voltage exchange. Both clubs have key players who fit as complementary pieces in projects aiming to innovate without losing competitiveness,” Fichajes reported this week.

“Real Madrid continue to scout the market for a midfielder who can bring dynamism, scoring ability, and the capacity to break lines. In this scenario emerges Dominik Szoboszlai,” the report added, referring to the 25-year-old Hungarian star who has established himself as a key figure for the Reds in recent seasons.

This campaign, Szoboszlai has impressed on both ends of the pitch. He has started every match for Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, Community Shield, and FA Cup, missing only two Premier League games due to suspension. So far, he has recorded 10 goals and 7 assists in 36 appearances.

This isn’t the first time Szoboszlai has been linked to a move to Real Madrid. Recently, Marco Rossi, manager of the Hungarian national team, revealed the midfielder’s desire to join the Spanish side. “For the close and direct relationship I have with him since he started playing football as a kid, Real Madrid has always been his dream,” Rossi told WinWin in an interview cited by Diario AS.

Rodrygo could be useful for Liverpool

The other piece of the puzzle is a potential move of Rodrygo to Liverpool. “At Anfield, his addition is seen as a strategic solution in case of a potential departure of Mohamed Salah,” Fichajes reported.

Speculation about Salah’s future has been ongoing in England, and his departure seems increasingly likely once this season concludes. One of the main reasons appears to be Arne Slot’s vision for the team, particularly regarding the role he expects Salah to play.

The Dutch coach seems to prefer building an attacking duo with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, which would leave limited room for a pure winger like Salah. In contrast, Rodrygo’s versatility, youth, and skill set could allow him to fit more naturally into this projected tactical system.

How much are Rodrygo and Szoboszlai worth?

If negotiations between Liverpool and Real Madrid move forward, the valuation of each player will be a key factor. While Rodrygo has a release clause of €1 billion, his actual market value is far lower. According to Transfermarkt, the Brazilian forward is valued at around €60 million (approximately $70 million).

Dominik Szoboszlai, on the other hand, currently appears to have a higher market value, boosted by his strong performance this season. The Liverpool midfielder is estimated by specialized websites at around $100 million.

Vinicius surpassed Neymar in an impressive milestone in the UEFA Champions League.

This week, Vinicius Junior was under the spotlight following his clash with Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff between Real Madrid and Benfica. However, the Brazilian winger also made headlines for his performance on the ball, breaking a record previously held by Neymar.

With his late goal in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Benfica at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Vinicius became the Brazilian player with the most goals in Champions League knockout-stage history. Vini reached 14 goals in those European elimination matches — a mark no other Brazilian had previously achieved.

He first scored in a knockout game against Liverpool in the quarterfinals of the 2020-21 season. The following year, he found the net again against the same opponent, delivering what was arguably the most important goal of his career: the lone strike in Real Madrid’s 1-0 win in the final. In 2024, he scored in another final, this time against Borussia Dortmund.

Vinicius’ rise in this ranking pushed Neymar into second place. The Santos star had held the record for most goals by a Brazilian in Champions League knockout matches, thanks to his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, with a total of 13.

Who are the top scorers in Champions League knockout stages?

Vinicius Junior’s numbers with Real Madrid are impressive, but they remain far from the historic marks set by some of the competition’s all-time greats. In fact, the Brazilian winger is not yet among the top 25 scorers in Champions League knockout-stage history.

The top spot, unsurprisingly, belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo, the competition’s all-time leading scorer. Ronaldo netted 67 goals in knockout matches — 18 more than Lionel Messi, who sits second with 49. Alfredo Di Stefano (49), Eusebio (47) and Ferenc Puskas (36) round out the top five.

Further down the list is the first player who still has an opportunity to add to his tally. Robert Lewandowski ranks sixth with 34 knockout-stage goals, tied with Karim Benzema and Gerd Muller. The next active player in Europe is Kylian Mbappe, who sits 12th with 24 goals.

Vinicius climbs the all-time Champions League scoring list

At just 25 years old, Vinicius Junior’s overall production is remarkable. Combining group-stage and knockout-stage matches, the Brazilian winger ranks among the top 30 scorers in UEFA Champions League history. With 32 goals, he is tied with Juventus legend David Trezeguet and Bayern Munich icon Arjen Robben.

Among players still active in European leagues, Vini ranks inside the top eight. Only Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Antoine Griezmann and Edin Dzeko have scored more Champions League goals.

The showdown between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Lamine Yamal’s Spain in the Finalissima will be played in front of a packed house in Qatar.

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will headline one of the most intriguing matchups leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina and Spain are set to meet in March in the Finalissima, and the game is already generating massive anticipation around the world.

Tickets for the Argentina-Spain clash, scheduled for Friday, March 27, went on sale this week, and fans snapped them up in just two hours. As a result, Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, will be at full capacity, with more than 88,000 spectators expected in attendance.

The excitement surrounding the Finalissima is fueled by several factors. For starters, it features the reigning champions of South America and Europe, who also occupy the top two spots in the FIFA rankings based on their performances in recent years. That status makes them leading contenders to lift the World Cup this summer in North America.

It will also be a compelling individual battle. On one side stands Lionel Messi; on the other, Lamine Yamal — the global icon nearing the twilight of his career against the young prodigy widely viewed as a potential heir to his throne. Adding another layer to the storyline are the similarities in their playing styles and the shared distinction of wearing Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 jersey.

The next challenges for Argentina and Spain

The Finalissima will mark the first official match of the year for both national teams and the start of a demanding road to the World Cup. After facing Argentina, Spain will remain in Qatar for another friendly just three days later against Egypt.

In the weeks leading up to their debut in North America, Luis De La Fuente’s squad will host Iraq on June 4 in a home send-off match, followed by another friendly against Peru in Mexico on June 8. That will serve as Spain’s final tune-up before opening its World Cup campaign against Cape Verde one week later.

Argentina, meanwhile, will face Qatar in Doha on March 31, four days after the Finalissima. In June, Lionel Scaloni will reconvene his squad and finalize the 26-man roster for the FIFA tournament, along with two friendlies in the days leading up to their opener against Algeria, with opponents yet to be determined.

The March FIFA break will be crucial

The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina will be one of the marquee matchups of the March international break — but not the only one. Several other national teams will be competing for an equally important objective: securing their place in the World Cup.

The intercontinental playoffs will take place in Mexico, where two spots will be up for grabs. New Caledonia, Jamaica and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will battle for one berth, while Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq will compete for the other.

At the same time, Europe will determine its final four qualifiers. Italy, Denmark, Turkey and Ukraine will vie for one spot; Poland, Wales, the Czech Republic and Slovakia for another; Ireland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo will compete in their own path; and Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia and Northern Ireland will contest the final berth.

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.”