The pair of friendlies mark Brazil’s first matches since their World Cup elimination, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side beginning a new cycle aimed at the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup.

The fixtures came together through the support of the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland, who helped Football Australia secure both matches as part of a broader push to bring elite international opposition to Australian soil.

Rather than a one-off exhibition, staging two matches in the same window allowed organizers to justify the cost of flying one of the sport’s most decorated national teams across the world for a single international break.

The price tag behind Brazil’s visit

Bringing a five-time World Cup winner to Australian soil doesn’t come cheap. Reports have placed Brazil’s asking fee at around $7.5 million per match, meaning the two-game series could run as high as $15 million when factoring in the broader logistics of the tour.

Splitting the visit across Townsville and Brisbane lets both cities share in the economic and tourism benefits of hosting a five-time World Cup winner, rather than concentrating the entire event, and its price tag, in a single city.

A rare test for the Socceroos

For Tony Popovic’s Socceroos, the double-header offers a rare chance to test themselves against top-tier opposition twice in the same window, something the coach has said he wants to make a regular occurrence moving forward.

The two nations have met 11 times since 1988, with Australia managing just one win, a 1-0 result in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup third-place playoff, along with two draws across their long history.

Building on their momentum from a solid 2026 World Cup campaign, Portugal capitalized on home-field advantage at the Estadio Jose Alvalade to secure a 1–0 victory over Wales in their 2026–27 UEFA Nations League opener.

Joao Felix proved to be the match-winner for A Seleção, breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a strike from distance following build-up play from Nuno Mendes. The goal sealed a successful debut for new manager Jorge Jesus in his first official match in charge.

Ronaldo started up front but was unable to add to his historic tally in the match, leaving him stuck on 979 career goals, still 21 shy of the 1,000-goal milestone. His total is split between 833 goals for his club sides, Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr, and 146 for the Portuguese national team.

Ronaldo came close early on, forcing a save with a left-footed effort from inside the box in the ninth minute before seeing a follow-up attempt deflected away by the Wales defense minutes later.

João Félix broke the deadlock for Portugal in the 21st minute, and Ronaldo appeared to have found the net himself later in the match, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

He was withdrawn before the final whistle with the scoreline still 1-0, closing the book on his chances of adding to his tally on the night. Portugal controlled the game throughout against a Wales side missing several regulars, opening their title defense with a win as they look to build toward another deep run in the competition they’ve won twice since 2019.

Ronaldo’s next chances to inch closer to 1,000 goals

Ronaldo will get another shot at the milestone soon, with Portugal’s Nations League campaign continuing on September 27 away to Norway at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.

The match comes just three days after this Wales clash, giving Ronaldo a quick turnaround to add to his tally against a Norway side that also opened its own group stage on Thursday.

From there, Portugal travel to Copenhagen to face Denmark at Parken Stadium on October 1, before closing out the window back on home soil against Norway once again on October 4, this time at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto. Between the three remaining fixtures, Ronaldo will have multiple opportunities to close the gap on 1,000 goals before Portugal’s Nations League group stage wraps up.

The Albiceleste coach addressed the topic while speaking to reporters during the national team’s first week of training ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin.

“I think a player like that deserves that. I personally did my part, I want to be at his farewell,” Scaloni said, explaining his motivation for pushing to have the send-off happen now rather than in a future window.

He went on to detail the conversations that led to Messi accepting the timing, acknowledging everything the forward was going through at the time. “We made an effort so he could be at this match, and we knew everything he was going through, and even so he showed the desire to come and say goodbye with his people. If there’s going to be a tribute, it has to be now, to feel the affection of everyone,” Scaloni added.

Scaloni closed by crediting both his own persistence and the AFA’s involvement in making the farewell happen. “We talked, I did my part to convince him that now was the time, that further down the road there was no telling what could happen, and he understood that. The AFA did its part too, and it’s something beautiful because he deserves it,” he said, with Messi set to bid farewell to the national team on October 6 against Benin at the Estadio Monumental.

Farewell doubles as a reunion for the 2022 World Cup champions

Messi’s send-off on October 6 will also double as a farewell for Nicolás Otamendi, who was specifically added to the squad list for that match despite having already retired from the national team.

But the tribute goes beyond the two of them: AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed that every member of Argentina‘s 2022 World Cup-winning squad was invited to attend alongside their families, regardless of whether they were called up for this window.

The full guest list includes World Cup champions such as Franco Armani, Gonzalo Montiel, Ángel Di María, Paulo Dybala, Marcos Acuña, and Guido Rodríguez, none of whom are part of the current squad.

Even Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, who are all still serving FIFA suspensions tied to the incidents following the lost final against Spain, will be present as part of the delegation, even though they won’t be able to take the field.

The pressure intensified after Al-Nassr suffered a 4-0 defeat to Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite, while the club is also dealing with a significant injury crisis. With Ronaldo still at the center of the project, Postecoglou has little room for a prolonged slump.

The Australian manager arrived at Al-Nassr in July 2026 on a two-year contract, replacing Jorge Jesus after the Portuguese coach led the club to its first Saudi Pro League title since 2019. The appointment brought together a manager known for attacking football and a squad featuring Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman.

The Australian initially looked to have made an immediate impact. Al-Nassr opened the campaign with five straight victories in all competitions, while Postecoglou was named the Saudi Pro League‘s Manager of the Month for August.

That momentum has since disappeared. A 2-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad ended the club’s perfect league start, followed by a 1-1 draw with Al-Khaleej and then the damaging Champions League defeat against Al Ain.

The Al Ain defeat changed the mood

The 4-0 loss to Al Ain represented a major setback for Postecoglou and Al-Nassr, particularly because of the expectations surrounding the club’s continental campaign. The result intensified scrutiny of the Australian’s tactics, squad management and handling of Ronaldo.

Postecoglou, however, refused to allow criticism of his captain to dominate the discussion. After the defeat, he strongly defended Ronaldo when a journalist questioned the forward’s recent contribution, saying, “The responsibility is mine… You shouldn’t say that about somebody who is still setting an example for everyone.”

The experienced coach has also pointed to the demanding schedule as a factor behind the recent dip. Al-Nassr has faced a congested run of matches in difficult conditions, leaving Postecoglou with limited recovery time and increasingly stretched resources.

Major concerns could complicate Postecoglou’s dismissal

Despite the growing speculation about Postecoglou’s position, Al-Nassr has another major issue to consider before making a decision: the financial consequences of ending his contract early.

According to 365Scores Arabic, the club’s management is carefully assessing the Australian’s future because dismissing him could create additional financial burdens and increase scrutiny from financial oversight bodies. Postecoglou only signed his two-year contract around two months ago, meaning a premature departure could carry significant compensation costs.

The financial concerns are particularly important because Al-Nassr has already faced pressure over its finances. Earlier reports placed the club’s liabilities at more than SAR 800 million (around $213 million), while tighter financial controls have affected its ability to operate in the transfer market.

The situation has been evolving for several weeks as a consortium seeks greater control of Al-Nassr. With the club facing financial pressure and questions surrounding its long-term direction, Ronaldo’s future involvement could become an important part of any agreement.

The Portuguese’s possible involvement in an Al-Nassr takeover first emerged in September, when reports linked him to a consortium that could include RedBird Capital Partners chairman Gerry Cardinale and several Saudi investors. The proposed structure was reported to involve contributions of around $100 million per member, potentially creating an investment package worth approximately $500 million.

However, the structure has never been finalized, and no binding agreement has been reached. Earlier reports from 365Scores Arabic suggested that the 41-year-old superstar was leaning toward stepping back because of concerns about Al-Nassr’s administrative problems and the lack of a sufficiently clear long-term vision.

Those concerns reportedly went beyond one isolated issue. Ronaldo was said to view the club’s management, finances, and overall direction as interconnected problems that would need to be addressed before a sustainable ownership project could move forward.

Investors make one major request

The latest development has now changed the picture. According to Asharq Business, as reported by Asharq Bloomberg, the investment consortium has specifically requested that Ronaldo be included as an investor in the Al-Nassr deal.

The request reportedly relates to a clause in Ronaldo’s contract that gives him priority to acquire a 20% stake if the club is open to private investment. That provision could provide a contractual route for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to become directly involved in the club’s ownership structure.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola had previously reported that Ronaldo had already joined the alliance. Under the reported proposal, each of the five members would invest at least $100 million, potentially taking the total investment to around $500 million.

Who is behind Al-Nassr’s investment group?

The consortium is reportedly being led by RedBird Capital Partners, the investment firm headed by Gerry Cardinale, who is also the owner of Christian Pulisic’s Milan and Toulouse. Saudi businessman Ibrahim Al Muhaidib, a former Al-Nassr president, and other Saudi partners are also understood to be involved in the discussions.

The group has reportedly held talks with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which currently controls Al-Nassr, as it explores the possibility of acquiring a stake in the club. Negotiations remain ongoing, with the parties reportedly targeting a potential agreement by the end of the current season.

That means Ronaldo’s inclusion is still part of a developing process rather than a completed transaction. No binding deal has been confirmed, and the final ownership structure will depend on negotiations between the investors and PIF.

De Jong’s absence traces back to a knee injury he suffered during the World Cup itself, when he was accidentally caught by a fall during a group-stage match, but initial tests cleared him to keep playing, and he featured in all of the Netherlands‘ matches through their round-of-32 exit to Morocco.

It was only after returning from the tournament that he was diagnosed with a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, a setback Barcelona have opted to treat conservatively rather than through surgery, with a recovery window of four to six months.

De Jong is not the only notable absentee for Xavi’s Netherlands, though, as Donyell Malen, Mats Wieffer, Justin Kluivert, and Matthijs de Ligt are also out through injury. On the other side, Klopp is dealing with a fitness issue of his own, with Leon Goretzka ruled out for Germany due to a knee problem.

Despite the lengthy absentee list, Xavi is expected to build his side around captain Virgil van Dijk, still the team’s defensive leader, as the Dutch look to open their new era under the Spanish coach with a positive result against their historic rivals.

Xavi shares encouraging update on Frenkie de Jong’s recovery

Xavi offered a positive update on De Jong’s recovery ahead of tonight’s clash, revealing the two remain in close contact throughout his rehabilitation from the knee injury. “I was talking with him, we have a very good relationship. He’s happy with how the recovery is going and has very good feelings about it. We’ll see, we’ll see,” Xavi said in comments to Catalan broadcaster 3Cat.

The Dutch coach added that the international break could mark a turning point in De Jong’s return to full training. “I think the key moment will be after this break, precisely to see if he rejoins the group and can feel good about returning to play at one hundred percent,” he said.

De Jong has been out for two months since being diagnosed with a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, and continues to follow a conservative treatment plan after surgery was ruled out.

The clash carries extra weight given the fresh starts on both sides, with the Netherlands and Germany sharing Group A2 alongside Serbia and Greece this cycle.

Both Ronald Koeman and Julian Nagelsmann were dismissed following underwhelming showings at the 2026 World Cup, and Xavi and Klopp were brought in to relaunch each nation’s project.

Xavi already notched an early win off the pitch by convincing Virgil van Dijk not to retire from international duty, and the defender will captain the Dutch against his former Liverpool manager.

Klopp, meanwhile, retains faith in Florian Wirtz despite a slow start to the season at Anfield, and leans heavily on his old Bayern Munich connections with Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Serge Gnabry, and Jamal Musiala all included.

Netherlands confirmed lineup

Xavi is expected to go with a lineup built around his Liverpool contingent and Van Dijk’s captaincy, with Justin Kluivert and Frenkie De Jong as the notable absentees due to injury.

Netherlands confirmed starting XI: Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven; Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders, Quinten Timber; Crysencio Summerville, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo.

Germany confirmed lineup

Klopp is set to hand Wirtz a starting role alongside his Bayern Munich stars, with Manuel Neuer and Antonio Rudiger both missing following their international retirements.

Germany confirmed starting XI: Marc-André ter Stegen; Philipp Treu, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown; Félix Nmecha, Joshua Kimmich; Kevin Schade, Jamal Musiala, Karim Adeyemi, Kai Havertz.

The match at the Estadio Monumental could mark Messi’s final appearance for La Albiceleste on home soil as the 39-year-old prepares to bring an extraordinary international career toward its conclusion. Dybala and fellow Roma player Nahuel Molina are both understood to be keen to accept Messi’s invitation, adding another emotional layer to what is expected to be a memorable occasion.

Dybala was not included in Lionel Scaloni’s latest Argentina squad for the upcoming international fixtures, but his absence from the official squad does not necessarily mean he will miss Messi’s farewell. The forward has instead been given a special invitation by the nation’s captain to be present for the Benin match.

The relationship between the two players carries particular significance because Dybala shared Argentina’s historic 2022 World Cup triumph with Messi in Qatar. While Dybala’s role in that tournament was limited, he was part of the squad that finally delivered the long-awaited World Cup title.

For the 32-year-old, being personally invited by Messi to participate in his farewell could therefore represent a deeply meaningful moment. Argentina is also scheduled to face Bolivia and Burkina Faso during the international window, but the Benin fixture is expected to carry the greatest emotional significance.

Roma’s concerns create problem

The complication comes from Dybala’s club commitments with Roma, with Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly preferring that the forward remain in Italy during the international break. The issue centers on the physical demands of making a long transatlantic journey to Argentina and returning to Europe shortly before an important Serie A fixture.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma would prefer to avoid Dybala making two intercontinental flights within a matter of days, particularly with the club scheduled to face Como on October 11. The club’s preference is for the Argentine to remain at Roma’s training ground, work with the main group and prepare for the next domestic match.

That creates an unusual situation for Dybala, who now has to balance a personal invitation from one of the most important figures in his career with the wishes of his club. The Giallorossi are reportedly concerned about fatigue and workload management at a crucial point in the Serie A season.

Molina faces exact same situation

Dybala is not the only Roma player caught in the middle of the situation. Nahuel Molina has also received an invitation from Messi to attend the special Argentina fixture, meaning Roma has two players potentially facing the same decision.

The club’s concerns therefore extend beyond a single player. Roma’s management is reportedly leaning toward keeping both players in Italy so they can continue their training program without the disruption of long-haul travel.

For Molina, the invitation is also significant because he was another member of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup alongside Messi and Dybala. The possibility of bringing that group together again for Messi’s farewell gives the event an added sense of nostalgia.

Dembele arrived at Barcelona in 2017 after emerging as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents with Rennes and Borussia Dortmund. He had extraordinary speed, dribbling ability and the confidence to take on defenders, but his approach was often built around entertainment and instinct rather than consistently making the most effective decision.

The player Dembele was at 20 is very different from the forward he has become at Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman remembers being obsessed with tricks, nutmegs and stepovers, particularly when he was trying to give supporters something to celebrate.

“When you’re 20, you want to pull off one, two, three nutmegs. Two, three step-overs, hear the crowd scream,” Dembele explained in his interview with the BBC. That mindset reflected the carefree soccer he had played as a youngster in Evreux, where creativity and spontaneity were central to his game.

But age and experience gradually changed his priorities. The Frenchman realized that producing a spectacular moment was less important than making the right decision repeatedly, and that shift eventually became one of the defining characteristics of his game.

The Messi lesson that changed Dembele

The turning point came during his years at Camp Nou, where Dembele had the opportunity to watch Lionel Messi operate at the highest level every day. Their lockers were reportedly next to each other, giving the Frenchman an unusually close view of how one of soccer’s greatest players prepared, moved, and made decisions on the pitch.

“Then afterwards I looked for efficiency, and I saw and played in Barcelona with the best players in the world,” Dembele said. He then explained exactly what stood out when he shared the dressing room with Messi: “I played with Lionel Messi, I saw how he played, and it was all about efficiency.”

That was the key lesson. Messi showed Dembele that the most effective players do not need to make every action spectacular; they need to make their actions count, whether that means taking on a defender, creating a chance, finding a teammate, or finishing an attack.

From showmanship to efficiency

Dembele has since embraced that mentality as his career has progressed, becoming far more focused on the end product. He acknowledged that the maturity that comes with age has changed the way he approaches every possession.

“As you get older—at 28—you become much more mature. You improve your game. I’m not the same player I was at 20, when I was at Dortmund,” he revealed further to the BBC. “Over the years, I’ve focused above all on being effective in everything I do on the pitch. And the most important thing remains helping the team.”

That evolution has been particularly visible at PSG, where the star forward has developed into a more complete and influential attacking player. His role has become increasingly central, while his goals, assists and overall involvement have helped him move far beyond the raw winger who first arrived at Barcelona.

Messi’s influence remains with him

Dembele’s transformation has also strengthened the respect between the two former teammates. After Dembele’s Ballon d’Or-winning campaign with PSG, Messi was among the players to congratulate him, with the Frenchman admitting that the message from his former captain “really struck” him.

Dembele has continued to describe Messi as the greatest player he has ever seen, while his comments about efficiency show how deeply the Argentine’s example influenced his own development. Watching the Argentine turn seemingly simple decisions into devastatingly effective actions gave Dembele a model he could eventually apply to his own game.

Portugal enters the Nations League as the two-time champion, having beaten Spain on penalties in the 2025 final. The national team has won 11 of its 14 home Nations League matches, suffering only two defeats.

Wales, meanwhile, returns to League A after an unbeaten promotion campaign in the previous edition. However, Bellamy’s side has struggled for consistency recently and has gone four matches without a win, making the opening assignment in Lisbon particularly demanding.

The Selecao das Quinhas has won three of the four previous meetings between the teams, with Wales’ only victory coming in a friendly in 1951. The most recent encounter was the Euro 2016 semi-final, when Ronaldo and Nani scored in Portugal‘s 2-0 victory on the way to the European Championship title.

Jorge Jesus begins his Portugal era

Jesus has inherited a squad packed with familiar names, including Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Felix and Joao Neves, while Wales returns to League A after earning promotion. The biggest question surrounding the hosts concerns the role Ronaldo will have as the 41-year-old enters another international campaign.

The match represents Jesus’ first game in charge of Portugal after replacing Roberto Martínez following the national team’s 2026 World Cup round-of-16 exit to Spain. At 72, Jesus will also become the oldest manager to take charge of Portugal, surpassing Fernando Santos’ previous record of 68.

The coach already knows Ronaldo well after working with him at Al-Nassr during the 2025-26 season, when the Saudi club won the Saudi Pro League. Jesus also has clear ideas about how he wants his Portugal team to play, with the coach emphasizing flexibility and asking players to adapt to his system.

“Each coach has their own ideas about the game, and I have mine about what I want for the National Team,” Jesus said. “Within my idea, there is more of a second striker than a third midfielder.”

Will Ronaldo start?

The mystery surrounding Ronaldo’s involvement has now been resolved. Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Ronaldo will start against Wales, giving the Portugal captain the chance to lead the team into the new era from the first whistle.

“And if nothing special happens, Cris will play tomorrow from the start,” Jesus said. He has also described Ronaldo as “our symbol”, underlining the importance the veteran still holds within the national team.

Ronaldo enters the match with 146 international goals in 233 appearances, while the Wales fixture could become his 234th cap. He is also continuing his pursuit of 1,000 official career goals, with the latest figures putting him at 979 goals.

Portugal vs Wales: Confirmed lineup

Portugal confirmed XI (4-3-3): Diogo Costa, Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Rúben Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Pedro Neto, João Félix, Ronaldo.

Wales confirmed XI (4-3-4): Ward; N.Williams, Cabango, B.Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, J.James, Sheehan; Brooks, Thomas, Johnson, Koumas.

“I had time to disconnect a bit, to let go of the disappointment of not being able to win (the World Cup final), which is the reality, but with the peace of mind that everything played out the way it did. Regarding my situation, there’s no news, I’ll meet with the president in the coming days. We’ll talk, there’s maximum willingness to sit down, and when we have to announce something, we will,” Scaloni said.

His comments come amid reports that talks over a potential renewal are already advancing, with Fabrizio Romano having reported that Argentina had offered Scaloni an extension running through the 2030 World Cup, structured around the 2028 Copa América with an option to continue beyond it.

Scaloni, however, was careful to downplay any of that reporting as premature. “Everything that comes out isn’t true, we’ll communicate when we have to. For now everything is as before, we’re working for these matches,” he said, before adding: “The desire to be here is there, but there are a lot of aspects we need to discuss with the president. Logically, after such an emotional tournament, one rethinks things, and I repeat, we’ll sit down to talk and see what we do”.

Scaloni explains the generational turnover behind Argentina’s new-look squad

Argentina‘s latest call-up list features plenty of new faces and a clear youth movement, with Scaloni bringing in six additional names from the Argentine league and three more from abroad, among them Leonel Flores, Tomás Palacios, Equi Fernández, Santiago Simón, and Valentín Gómez.

Addressing that broader roster turnover, Scaloni framed it as a natural step following the World Cup rather than a dramatic overhaul. “The signal behind the call-up list is what any coach would do, a World Cup just ended and we believe it’s the moment for turnover, because most of the group will remain and there are young players coming through,” he said.

He also drew a direct comparison to the start of his own tenure, insisting the approach hasn’t changed since he first took charge. “We’re doing the same thing as in 2018, we work for the national team, we don’t work for anyone personal and it’s something we had to do, which can pay off. Everything takes time, with the mindset that these kids can stick around,” Scaloni added.

With Messi’s farewell closing one era for Argentina, Scaloni’s message was clear: this window is as much about building the next group as it is about honoring the last one, giving the newer faces room to grow into a squad that will soon have to stand on its own.

As the current Nations League winner, Portugal is poised to defend its title in this match with a fully fit squad available, while Wales returns to League A after earning promotion from the second tier. The visitors have also gone four matches without a win, setting up an intriguing opening night at Estadio Jose Alvalade. The match marks the competitive start of the Jorge Jesus era in Portugal following Roberto Martinez’s departure after the 2026 World Cup.

The nation was eliminated by eventual champion Spain in the quarter-finals, bringing an end to Martinez’s tenure and prompting the appointment of the experienced Jesus. The former Al-Nassr boss is also attempting to defend the Nations League title that the team won in 2024-25, having previously lifted the trophy during the competition’s inaugural 2018-19 edition.

Wales, meanwhile, earned promotion after topping its League B group under Craig Bellamy, but its return to the top tier begins with one of the toughest possible away assignments. The national team has failed to win its last four international matches and arrives in Lisbon with several important players unavailable.

Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor, Nathan Broadhead and Isaak Davies are among the confirmed absentees, while Harry Wilson, Rubin Colwill and Karl Darlow have also been reported as unavailable in the wider squad updates. Those absences have forced Bellamy to make changes, particularly in defense.

What the opening result means for Group A4

Portugal and Wales are competing in League A, Group A4, alongside Denmark and Norway. The group phase consists of six matches for each national team, with the top two advancing to the League A quarter-finals, while third place enters a relegation play-off and fourth place is relegated to League B.

That makes the opening fixture important even though it is only Matchday 1. A win gives a team an immediate three-point advantage, while a draw leaves both sides with one point and allows the winner of the other group fixture to establish an early lead.

The opening match cannot determine who reaches the quarter-finals or who is relegated, but it can establish the starting gap between the four teams. With Portugal, Denmark, Norway and Wales all beginning the league phase on zero points, every result from Matchday 1 becomes part of the eventual race for the top two.

What happens if Portugal beats Wales?

A Portugal victory would give Jesus three points from his first competitive match and immediately put the defending champion in a strong position in the early table. Depending on the result between Denmark and Norway, Portugal could either sit outright at the top or share first place after the opening round.

Wales, meanwhile, would begin its return to League A with zero points, leaving Bellamy’s side needing results in its next fixtures to stay in touch with the teams competing for the quarter-final places. For Portugal, three points at home would provide an ideal platform before the next challenge away from Lisbon.

What happens if Wales beats Portugal?

A Wales victory would give Bellamy’s side three points and an immediate position near the top of Group A4, while Portugal would remain on zero. It would also produce a dramatic opening to Jesus’ competitive reign, especially given Portugal’s historical advantage in this matchup.

Portugal has won its most recent meetings with Wales, including the 2-0 Euro 2016 semi-final, while Wales’ last victory over Portugal dates back to 1951. A defeat would therefore leave the defending champion needing a response in the next round, particularly with Norway and Denmark also competing for the top two positions.

What happens if Portugal and Wales draw?

A draw would see Portugal and Wales collect one point apiece, leaving both sides potentially in the middle of the early standings depending on the Denmark-Norway result. Neither team would be eliminated from anything after Matchday 1, but the points dropped could become more significant later in a tightly contested group.

For Wales, taking a point away against the reigning champion would represent a valuable start to its return to League A. Portugal, meanwhile, would have to make up the difference elsewhere, particularly because dropping points at home can leave less room for error during the remaining five matches.

Portugal enters the fixture as the defending Nations League champion, having previously won the competition in 2019 and 2025. Wales, meanwhile, has returned to League A after earning promotion but arrives without a victory in its last four matches and with several important players unavailable through injury.

Jesus takes over from Roberto Martinez after Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup defeat to eventual champion Spain ended its tournament in the last 16. The new manager has inherited a squad filled with established stars, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Vitinha and 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo remains part of the national team despite retirement speculation following the World Cup. He is expected to lead the attack in Lisbon, with Fernandes operating behind him and Joao Felix and Pedro Neto providing additional creativity in the final third.

The Selecao’s home form also gives Jesus plenty of reason for optimism. The national team has gone unbeaten in its last 10 home matches, recording nine wins and one draw, while its wider recent run was only halted by Spain at the World Cup.

Wales faces major test in Lisbon

Wales returns to League A after topping its previous League B group under Craig Bellamy, but the current circumstances are considerably more difficult. The national team has gone four matches without a win, while injuries have removed several experienced options from Bellamy’s squad. Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and Karl Darlow are among those who have withdrawn, while Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor are also unavailable.

Despite the problems, midfielder Jordan James believes Wales still has a chance of causing an upset, describing the national team’s prospects as a “puncher’s chance.” The visitors will need a disciplined defensive performance against a side that possesses considerable quality throughout its lineup.

Portugal’s FIFA ranking revealed

The latest FIFA figures provide another piece of context ahead of the Nations League opener. Portugal is currently ranked 7th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with 1,787.85 points, according to the latest official ranking update following the 2026 World Cup.

That places Portugal comfortably inside the global top 10 despite its early World Cup exit. Wales is ranked 38th with 1,516.95 points, creating a sizeable gap between the two national teams before they meet in Lisbon.

The ranking difference reflects the contrasting positions of the sides on the international stage, although it does not determine what happens on the pitch. Portugal still has to translate its higher ranking and home advantage into a result against a Wales side returning to the competition’s top division.

WHO: Netherlands vs Germany
WHAT: Nations League
WHEN: 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT • Thursday, September 24, 2026
WHERE: Fubo
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

Two of European soccer’s greatest rivals begin a new era as the Netherlands hosts Germany in a blockbuster Nations League opener. Both nations are looking for a fresh start after disappointing Round of 32 exits at the 2026 World Cup and have turned to new, high-profile managers to steer them back to the top. For the Dutch, this is a chance to make a statement on home soil and prove their long unbeaten streak in competitive matches is no fluke.

Germany arrives in Amsterdam with equal urgency, ushering in the highly anticipated Jurgen Klopp era. After falling short of expectations in North America, the German FA has made a decisive change, and this clash against a historic foe serves as the first major test of Klopp’s tactical revolution. With both teams desperate to set a positive tone for their campaigns, expect an intense and fiercely contested battle at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This match represents a hard reset for two international powerhouses. Both the Netherlands and Germany are moving on from World Cup campaigns that ended prematurely, and the appointment of Xavi Hernández and Jurgen Klopp, respectively, signals a clear shift in direction. This opening Nations League fixture isn’t just about points; it’s about establishing a new identity and building momentum under new leadership. The pressure is on from day one to deliver a performance that validates these high-profile changes.

The tactical matchup promises a fascinating contrast in philosophies. Xavi’s Netherlands will likely aim to control the game through a possession-heavy, technical style, building attacks methodically from the back. In the other dugout, Klopp is renowned for his high-energy “gegenpressing,” where his teams relentlessly pressure opponents to win the ball back high up the pitch. The game will be decided by which side can impose its will—Germany’s aggressive press against the Netherlands’ composure on the ball.

Beyond tactical bragging rights, the core motivation for both squads is redemption. Drawn into a challenging group that also includes Serbia and Greece, neither team can afford to drop points, especially against their biggest rival. A victory here would not only provide a massive confidence boost but also a crucial head-start in the race to qualify for the quarter-finals. This fixture is a tone-setter for the entire campaign.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been tightly contested, but recent trends favor Germany. The Netherlands has not secured a victory over their rivals in this decade, with the last four encounters since 2020 resulting in two draws and two narrow German wins. This pattern suggests that even with home advantage, the Dutch face a significant challenge in breaking their winless streak.

The most recent meetings came in the 2024 edition of the Nations League. The match in the Netherlands ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, a game where Germany surprisingly dominated possession and created more significant chances despite being the away team. In the return fixture, Germany capitalized on their control, securing a disciplined 1-0 victory that ultimately helped them top the group.

Matches between these two nations consistently produce goals. The “Both Teams to Score” bet has been successful in six of their last seven meetings, indicating that defensive frailties are often exposed. Furthermore, five of those last seven clashes have also featured over 2.5 total goals, making this a fixture that bettors and neutral fans alike can expect to be full of attacking action and entertainment.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both teams enter this crucial encounter with new-look squads under fresh management but are fortunate to have no significant injury concerns to report.

For the Netherlands, new manager Xavi has already made his mark with some bold selection choices. He has notably omitted all-time leading scorer Memphis Depay, signaling a shift in attacking philosophy. Instead, he has promoted in-form Eredivisie talents like Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiël, injecting fresh energy into the squad.

Germany is also undergoing a major overhaul under Jurgen Klopp, who named an expanded 44-man roster to assess his options. Legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has retired from international football, paving the way for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to become the undisputed No. 1. A key tactical switch will see Joshua Kimmich move into a central midfield role, serving as the engine of Klopp’s system.

Netherlands Projected XI (4-3-3):
Verbruggen; Dumfries, van Dijk, van de Ven, Ake; Gravenberch, Veerman, Reijnders; Frimpong, Brobbey, Gakpo.
Xavi is expected to field a classic Dutch 4-3-3, built on the defensive leadership of Virgil van Dijk and the creative spark of Cody Gakpo. The midfield trio is designed to dominate possession and control the tempo, while the pace of Jeremie Frimpong on the wing adds a direct threat.

Germany Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Nubel; Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, Tah, Brown; Nmecha, Amiri; Musiala, Karl, Gnabry; Havertz.
Klopp will likely implement his signature 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kai Havertz leading the line as a versatile forward. The system will rely heavily on the creativity of Jamal Musiala in the attacking midfield role and the relentless energy of a midfield anchored by Joshua Kimmich to execute the high press.

More details on how to watch

You can watch Netherlands vs Germany on Fubo. The service is available on your computer, smart TV, and mobile devices, including iOS and Android, ensuring you can catch the action from anywhere.

In addition to the Nations League, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions. You can watch matches from LaLiga, Bundesliga, and key games from the UEFA Champions League, making it an essential service for soccer fans.

A subscription to Fubo costs $14.99 per month. You can also get it as part of a bundle, which provides even more value for sports and entertainment content.

Beyond the pitch, the platform offers a deep library of entertainment. Subscribers can enjoy blockbuster movies, acclaimed original series, and live coverage of other major sports.

SEE MORE: Schedule of Nations League games on US TV.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

WHO: Portugal vs Wales
WHAT: UEFA Nations League
WHEN: 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT • Thursday, September 24, 2026
WHERE: Fubo
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

Portugal enters a new era as they host Wales in the opening match of their Nations League campaign. After a disappointing exit at the hands of Spain in the Round of 16 of the World Cup, the Portuguese side is under new management with Jorge Jesus at the helm. This clash at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon is a crucial first test for Jesus, who will be desperate to make a statement and kick off his tenure with a convincing victory in front of a home crowd.

For Wales, this match represents a formidable challenge as they step up to League A. Having been promoted from the second tier, Craig Bellamy’s side must now prove they can compete with Europe’s elite. The Dragons are grappling with poor recent form and the bitter disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup. A positive result in Lisbon would be a massive boost for a team looking to build momentum for the upcoming Euro 2028 qualifiers.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The two nations arrive at this fixture on wildly different trajectories. Portugal is brimming with world-class talent, including Champions League winners and established stars, and is looking to reset after the World Cup. The appointment of Jorge Jesus signals a fresh start, with expectations remaining sky-high. In contrast, Wales is in a period of rebuilding, and their promotion to League A feels like a trial by fire, especially given their recent struggles and a string of injuries to key players.

The tactical battle will likely pit Portugal’s aggressive, high-pressing style against a resilient Welsh counter-attack. Jorge Jesus is known for implementing a high-tempo game, and his side will aim to dominate possession and apply relentless pressure. Wales will likely concede territory, stay compact defensively, and look to exploit the pace of forwards like Daniel James and Brennan Johnson in transition. The match could be decided by Portugal’s ability to break down a low block and Wales’ clinical execution on the break.

Motivation is clear for both sides. As the reigning Nations League champions, Portugal is under immense pressure to begin their title defense with a dominant performance. The players will also be eager to impress their new manager. For Wales, the primary goal is survival in League A. Every point is vital, and this tournament serves as a critical springboard to prepare and build confidence for the more significant Euro 2028 qualification campaign.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this has been a one-sided fixture. In the four occasions these nations have met, Portugal has emerged victorious three times, underscoring their long-standing dominance. Wales has managed only a single win, which came in a friendly match decades ago, highlighting the significant gap between the two sides over the years.

The most recent and meaningful encounter took place in the semi-finals of EURO 2016. In what was Wales’ furthest-ever run in a major tournament, their dream was ended by a 2-0 Portugal victory. That result propelled Portugal to the final, where they would lift the trophy. The other meetings were international friendlies, with the last Welsh win dating back to 1951.

The statistical trends heavily favor the home side. Across their four meetings, Portugal has scored nine goals while conceding just three. This offensive output, combined with their historical ability to secure wins in crucial moments, paints a clear picture. Wales has consistently struggled to breach the Portuguese defense in competitive settings, a trend they will be desperate to reverse in Lisbon.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Portugal enters this new cycle with a refreshed squad under new leadership, while Wales arrives significantly hampered by a growing injury list.

Under new manager Jorge Jesus, Portugal’s first squad selection blends established veterans with emerging talent. The controversial inclusion of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed headlines, but Jesus has also brought in new faces like goalkeeper Samuel Soares and forward Fábio Silva. Key players like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva retain their spots, though notable absentees include Matheus Nunes and Nelson Semedo.

Wales faces a much tougher situation, with manager Craig Bellamy’s options limited by injuries to several key starters. Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead, and Joe Rodon are all sidelined, forcing a tactical reshuffle. This crisis means Brennan Johnson, who typically plays wider, may be deployed as a makeshift striker, a testament to the selection challenges facing the Welsh side.

Portugal Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo.
This lineup reflects Jorge Jesus’ likely preference for technical quality and attacking firepower. Bruno Fernandes is expected to orchestrate the attack from the number ten role, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line as Portugal looks to assert dominance from the opening whistle.

Wales Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Ward; Williams, Cabango, Davies, DaSilva; Ampadu, James; Brooks, Wilson, James; Johnson.
Forced by injuries, this formation aims to provide defensive solidity while relying on the pace of its wide players for counter-attacking threats. Brennan Johnson’s role as the central forward will be crucial, as Wales will need to be efficient with their limited scoring opportunities.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Portugal vs Wales match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

In addition to the Nations League, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. You can stream matches from leagues such as LaLiga, Budesliga, and UEFA Champions League, providing comprehensive coverage for any soccer fan.

A subscription to the service costs just $14.99 per month, offering excellent value for the sheer volume of live sports content available. This plan ensures you won’t miss a moment of the action from Europe’s biggest international competitions.

Beyond soccer, the platform also features a deep library of movies, TV shows, and other live sports, making it a complete entertainment package for the entire household. From blockbuster films to exclusive series, there is always something to watch.

SEE MORE: Schedule of Nations League games on US TV and streaming

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

WHO: Norway vs Denmark
WHAT: Nations League
WHEN: 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT • Thursday, September 24, 2026
WHERE: Fubo
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

Norway enters the new Nations League campaign riding a wave of confidence after a remarkable run to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. Now promoted to League A, Ståle Solbakken’s side is eager to prove they belong among Europe’s elite. Led by the formidable attacking duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, the Norwegians possess the firepower to challenge any defense and will look to make a statement in their opening fixture on home soil.

For Denmark, this match is about redemption. A heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the playoff final saw them miss out on the World Cup, a major disappointment for a squad filled with talent. Under pressure to deliver, coach Brian Riemer knows that a strong start in a difficult group containing Portugal and Wales is essential. This Nordic derby presents a perfect opportunity for the Danes to reset and prove their quality against a surging rival.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The two nations arrive in Oslo on completely different trajectories. Norway’s impressive World Cup performance, where they went toe-to-toe with England, has established them as a legitimate threat. Their promotion to the Nations League’s top tier is a testament to their growth. In contrast, Denmark is in a rebuilding phase, needing to regain momentum after the psychological blow of failing to qualify for the summer’s main event.

The tactical battle will likely be decided by a clash of styles. Norway will lean on its high-octane offense, utilizing the creative genius of Martin Ødegaard to supply chances for the world’s most clinical striker, Erling Haaland. Denmark is expected to counter with a more structured and controlled approach. Their midfield, anchored by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Morten Hjulmand, will aim to disrupt Norway’s rhythm, control possession, and create opportunities in transition.

Motivation is high on both sides for this Group A4 opener. A positive result is crucial for survival and ambitions of advancing to the playoffs. For Norway, it’s a chance to solidify their status as a top-tier European team. For Denmark, it’s a critical first step in moving past their recent setbacks and re-establishing their credentials on the international stage.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, Denmark has had the upper hand in this rivalry. The Danes are unbeaten in their last seven encounters with Norway, securing four wins and three draws. This psychological edge could play a part, even though the teams’ current forms suggest a shift in the balance of power.

Looking at recent results, Denmark defeated Norway 3-1 in a friendly in June 2024 and also secured a 2-0 victory in a Euro qualifier back in 2011. However, many of their recent clashes have been tightly contested. The last competitive meeting in Norway ended in a 1-1 draw during the same Euro 2011 qualification campaign.

A significant trend emerges when these teams play in Norway: goals. All five previous head-to-head matches hosted by Norway have seen both teams find the back of the net. This aligns with Norway’s recent defensive record, as they have conceded at least one goal in 12 of their last 13 matches. While Denmark’s overall away form is a concern—just two wins in their last ten competitive road games—they have the offensive talent to exploit any Norwegian lapses.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers have nearly full-strength squads to choose from, with only a couple of notable absences affecting their selections for this crucial Nations League opener.

Norway will be without Alexander Sørloth and Jens Petter Hauge, but their core lineup remains intact. Manager Ståle Solbakken is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that brought them so much success during the World Cup, ensuring continuity and capitalizing on the established chemistry between his key players.

Denmark is missing Mathias Jensen and Mohamed Daramy, but coach Brian Riemer can still field a strong XI. He is also likely to opt for a 4-3-3 setup, relying on a robust midfield to control the center of the park and provide service for Napoli striker Rasmus Højlund, who will lead the attacking line.

Norway Projected XI (4-3-3): Nyland; Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer, Ryerson; Berg, Berge, Ødegaard; Schjelderup, Haaland, Nusa.

This lineup is built for dynamic, attacking soccer. The strategy is clear: get the ball to captain Martin Ødegaard, who will act as the creative engine, orchestrating play and feeding through-balls to the unstoppable Erling Haaland. Flanked by the pace of Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup, Norway’s front three possesses the speed and skill to overwhelm Denmark’s defense.

Denmark Projected XI (4-3-3): Hermansen; Bah, Christensen, Dorgu, Andersen; Bidstrup, Hjulmand, Højbjerg; Damsgaard, Højlund, Isaksen.

Denmark’s formation focuses on midfield dominance. The double-pivot of Morten Hjulmand and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg will be tasked with breaking up Norway’s attacks and launching counters. Rasmus Højlund provides a physical presence up front, and he will be the primary target for crosses and passes from wingers Mikkel Damsgaard and Gustav Isaksen.

More details on how to watch

You can watch Norway vs Denmark on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, as well as web browsers and mobile apps for iOS and Android.

In addition to the Nations League, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a massive library of soccer content. This includes other top European competitions such as LaLiga and Bundesliga, ensuring you can follow all the action throughout the season.

A subscription to Fubo costs just $14.99 per month. This plan offers incredible value, bundling live sports with a vast catalog of on-demand entertainment.

SEE MORE: Schedule of Nations League games on US TV

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.

The players ruled out are Thiago Almada and Juan Foyth, both left off the roster for the three matches that will close with Messi’s emotional send-off against Benin.

Almada suffered a muscle injury after being substituted early in River Plate’s match at the Argentine league, with initial assessments pointing to several weeks on the sidelines.

Foyth’s situation traces back further, as the Villarreal defender has been managing muscle discomfort since late August that never fully cleared up. Rather than risk him, the coaching staff opted to leave him out of all three friendlies.

With both players sidelined, Argentina will host Bolivia on September 30 at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba, before returning to the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires to face Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6, the date set for Messi’s farewell appearance in the Albiceleste shirt.

Argentina won’t call up replacements for Almada and Foyth

Following the injuries to Almada and Foyth, Argentina could bring in two other players as replacements, but it doesn’t appear to need them. That’s because head coach Lionel Scaloni had already added six players from the Argentine league and three from abroad to the original list, pushing the squad to 37 names.

Almada was one of the six local additions, joining Nicolás Otamendi, Santiago Beltrán, Tobías Andrada, Leonel Flores, and Tomás Palacios, while Equi Fernández, Santiago Simón, and Valentín Gómez were the players added from abroad.

With such a deep squad already in place, Scaloni can comfortably absorb the losses of Almada and Foyth without disrupting his plans for the farewell window. Otamendi’s case remains the one exception worth noting, as the defender was called up despite having already retired from the national team, brought back solely for his own send-off alongside Messi on October 6 against Benin.

In an interview with German outlet Bild from France’s training camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League A clash with Turkiye, Mbappe was asked directly whether he could see himself still representing his country at that same age.

“Me, like him, still playing and in the national team at 41? We have to be honest, considering the national team I play for, France will never allow me to play until I am 41,” Mbappe said, laughing off the comparison before turning serious.

The Real Madrid forward, who has long cited Ronaldo as his childhood idol, acknowledged the scale of what the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has managed to sustain at an age when most players have long since retired from the international stage.

“However, Cristiano shows that, if you are physically and mentally fit, it is possible to play at incredibly high levels for a long time. In my case, though, I do not think that will happen,” Mbappe added, framing Ronaldo’s longevity as an exception rather than a standard he expects to match.

Ronaldo’s role with Portugal shows no signs of fading

Cristiano Ronaldo was called up once again for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League A fixtures under new coach Jorge Jesus, continuing to hold his place in the roster at 41 despite the ongoing debate around his fitness and long-term role.

Far from being phased out, Ronaldo remains a central figure both on the pitch and in the dressing room, with Jesus himself publicly backing his continued involvement in the new setup.

Ronaldo has been candid about how long he intends to keep going, saying in a recent press conference that he plans to keep contributing to the national team for as long as he feels he still has something to offer, or until Portugal no longer needs him.

For now, though, that scenario looks far off: both Jesus and the Portuguese federation continue to rely on him as a key piece of the project, a trust reflected in his repeated call-ups even as questions persist about how much longer he can sustain this level.

“Allow me to weigh in on the discussion surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo here. I’ve noticed that what concerns you journalists most is how much longer he has left in his career, and whether he still has the physical fitness required to continue playing. Cristiano is an icon for Portugal and the national team. Of course, a player’s right to play in matches is a factor, but the final decision always rests with the coach,” Jesus said.

The coach went further, offering a concrete example of the impact Ronaldo still has on the national team beyond the pitch. “After spending a full year with him, I now fully understand the value Cristiano represents for Portugal. Let me give you a clear example: we played a match in Hong Kong at a stadium with a capacity of 55,000. When Cristiano didn’t play, only 3,000 people attended. When he played, the stadium was completely full with 55,000 spectators. That is the difference Cristiano makes,” he said.

The defense comes at a moment when Ronaldo himself has had to field repeated questions about his future, and it lines up with the broader picture painted throughout the same press conference: a coach and federation who continue to lean on him, and a player who insists he’ll only stick around for as long as that remains true.

Cristiano Ronaldo is used to critics

Jesus‘s comments came shortly after Ronaldo addressed the criticism himself, making clear it’s nothing new to him at this stage of his career. He acknowledged that certain outlets have made a habit of going after him over the years, brushing off any notion that the attacks have ever come close to affecting him, joking that he’s practically learned to dodge the bullets by now.

After more than two decades in the spotlight, Ronaldo said he’s simply grown accustomed to the noise, choosing instead to focus on the people who support him rather than those who don’t. “What I can control, I control. What I cannot control, I don’t control,” he said, summing up an approach that has clearly carried him through years of scrutiny without shaking his standing in the squad.

Ronaldo believes Jorge Jesus is the right coach for Portugal

Ronaldo was also asked whether Jesus, a manager he’s long been familiar with during their time at Al Nassr, is the right fit to get the best out of the national team at this stage of the rebuild. He didn’t hesitate, calling the appointment the perfect choice given everything the squad already knows about how the Portuguese coach operates.

He framed the new setup as a clean break from what came before, pointing to a different atmosphere, tactical approach, and even language in the dressing room, while noting that several of his teammates have already worked under Jesus and should help the transition move faster. “Therefore, we are all confident and hopeful that things will go well. It will be a long challenge; the manager will be here for many years, and I wish him all the best,” he said, closing his answer by framing the appointment as a long-term project.

With Ronaldo hinting that retirement is drawing near, the striker was questioned at a recent press conference about the 1,000-goal mark and whether it stands as his primary ambition before leaving the pitch.

“The goal is to achieve both, to reach 1000 goals and for the national team to try to win the Nations League,” Ronaldo said on press conference. “The competition starts tomorrow. It’s a new era. That doesn’t mean that what happened before wasn’t good; I think we did what we had to do.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has been outstanding for Portugal

Prior to Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival on the international stage, Portugal had never won a major international trophy. Under CR7’s leadership, the national team has claimed three major honors—one UEFA European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles—and the captain remains hungry for more.

Aiming to finish his international career on a high note, Ronaldo is targeting another trophy with Portugal, though the path ahead presents a stiff challenge.

Portugal face Wales, Denmark, and Norway in their 2026–27 UEFA Nations League group under new manager Jorge Jesus. While it represents a formidable group for the Seleção, another trophy run remains well within reach for Ronaldo and his star-studded squad.

Asked what specifically tipped the decision in favor of staying, Ronaldo pointed to conversations with the people running Portuguese fedration. “I spoke with the president of the federation and the coach, and they rely on me. And I still believe that I’m capable of helping the national team achieve what it wants,” he said.

He also framed his continued presence as being about more than just goals, positioning himself as a mentor figure for Portugal‘s next generation of players. “And I believe I can support the national team, not only through goals but also off the pitch. This is a new era, a young generation. But for me, the key is being able to score goals on the pitch and help the team win matches,” he added.

The numbers still back up that argument. Ronaldo arrives at this Nations League window with 233 caps and 146 goals for Portugal, both national records, and remains the squad’s most experienced player under new head coach Jorge Jesús, who takes charge of his first camp since replacing Roberto Martínez after the World Cup.

Ronaldo is ready to walk away if needed

Part of the reasoning behind Ronaldo’s decision to continue with the national team came up again when he was asked whether this Nations League campaign could double as an opportunity to start handing his role over to Portugal’s younger forwards, easing the transition to the next generation rather than making it abrupt.

His answer left no ambiguity about how he views his own place in the squad. “If the coach doesn’t need me, I can leave today; there’s absolutely no problem. When I feel like I’m not adding value, not contributing anything on the pitch, not scoring goals, or that I’m creating a negative atmosphere, or simply if they no longer want me here, I’ll be the first to leave. I won’t just take my boots; I’ll pack my bags and go,” he said.

For now, though, he made clear that isn’t where things stand. Ronaldo said the relationship remains mutual, with the coaching staff and the Portuguese federation still relying on him, heading into a Nations League window that sees Portugal face Wales on September 24, Norway on September 27, Denmark on October 1, and Norway again on October 4 to close out the group stage.

After winning five Ballon d’Or awards, multiple Champions League titles and major international honors while becoming the all-time leading men’s international goalscorer, Ronaldo appears increasingly comfortable with his place in soccer history.

Moreover, the veteran still has plenty of ambitions, including the pursuit of 1,000 career goals and continuing to contribute to Portugal. Yet his latest comments suggest that he no longer needs another trophy, record or performance to validate everything he has already accomplished.

A journalist pointed out that Ronaldo appeared unusually calm, spontaneous and relaxed compared with some of his previous media appearances. The question then turned personal, asking whether he was enjoying this chapter of his career more than ever and what he would tell the younger version of himself.

Ronaldo has learned to accept what he cannot control

Ronaldo’s response centered on something that has taken years of experience to develop. Rather than focusing on the constant scrutiny surrounding him, he explained that he has learned to understand himself and accept that some things in soccer will never change.

“As I often say, I’m comfortable with myself,” Ronaldo said. He acknowledged that criticism will always exist, regardless of whether a player is performing well or making mistakes, describing it as an unavoidable part of the sport.

“The criticism will always be there, and I can’t deny that. It’s normal. That’s football,” he explained. “Even when you do things right, people criticize you. So imagine when you do things wrong! That’s normal.”

Ronaldo reveals what has made him happier

The biggest insight into Ronaldo’s current mindset came when he explained what now matters most to him. He said his happiness comes from knowing who he is, understanding the work that took him to the top, and surrounding himself with people who trust him.

“I’ve learned to live with it, but for me, the most important thing is that I know who I am,” Ronaldo said. “I know what I do to be here. And I know what I’ve done to achieve the success I’ve achieved.”

That perspective appears to have changed the way he handles the inevitable noise surrounding his career. Ronaldo has spent years being judged against impossible standards, but he now seems more interested in the people who continue to support him than those who question him. “So I’m happy. I’m happy with myself, you know?” he added.

His message to the young Cristiano Ronaldo

The question about his younger self also revealed what Ronaldo considers to be one of the most meaningful parts of his legacy. While his career has been built around goals, trophies, records and individual awards, he highlighted the influence he has had on young fans who view him as a role model. “I know why young children, in particular, love Cristiano, because they see me as a role model. And for me, that’s the most important thing,” the veteran added.

He also suggested that this responsibility could continue long after his playing career ends. “And I’ll continue doing that even after I retire, even if that’s ten years from now,” he said, offering a glimpse into how long he believes he could potentially remain involved in soccer.

During the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season, Ronaldo flourished under his compatriot’s guidance as Al Nassr claimed the league championship. Now, manager and captain aim to replicate that domestic success on the international stage.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s opening match against Wales, Ronaldo was questioned about his reunion with Jesus and whether they can transfer their club synergy to the national team.

“I think he was the perfect choice, considering the qualities we all know Coach Jorge Jesus possesses,” Ronaldo said. “The past is the past. And I’ll say it again: it’s a new era, a different atmosphere, different ideas, different tactics, and a different language.

“So, all I hope is that things go as well as possible. (…) It will be a long journey. The coach will remain for many years, and I wish him all the best. I’m sure he was the best choice.”

A new and final chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo

This year, Ronaldo has hinted that the 2026–27 campaign could mark the final season of his professional career. While he has not retired from international duty, the curtain appears to be closing on his iconic career.

The 41-year-old captain remains determined to add more silverware to his collection, with the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League title standing as his primary objective as he looks to secure further glory with Portugal.

Although retirement looms, Ronaldo’s relentless competitive drive leaves open the possibility of extending his playing days even further—perhaps even aiming for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, where Portugal will serve as co-hosts.

A demanding path in the Nations League

Portugal face a rigorous start to their Nations League campaign in a group that features Wales, Denmark, and a dual fixture against Norway.

Many observers view this group as one of the most challenging Portugal has encountered in the tournament. Norway, following a breakout performance at the 2026 World Cup, are widely regarded as top contenders to capture the Nations League crown in this edition.

Jesus has already made it clear that reputation alone will not determine his selections. The coach, who previously worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and guided the Saudi club to the Saudi Pro League title, is preparing Portugal for a demanding run of Nations League fixtures beginning against Wales.

Jesus has previously stressed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s name will not guarantee him a place in the starting XI. The new Portugal coach has said that current performances will determine his decisions, despite recognizing the extraordinary career Ronaldo has had.

“Cristiano is a player like all the others. If he performs well, he plays. If he doesn’t, he won’t,” Jesus said. “He has a different status and has won five Ballon d’Or awards, but does that influence my decisions? No.”

That approach creates an interesting dynamic between the two men. Jesus knows Ronaldo well from their time together at Al-Nassr, but his first international squad suggests that the veteran’s place will be judged alongside every other player.

Ronaldo leaves the decision in Jesus’ hands

With Portugal facing Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, Ronaldo was asked about his role and whether he would be prepared to accept a different position within the team. His response revealed a willingness to put the coach’s decisions ahead of his own desire to start. “I’m completely ready to play. If the coach wants me to start the match on the bench, I’m ready for that too,” Ronaldo told reporters on Wednesday.

The Portugal captain went even further, insisting that he would have no issue with being left out of the match entirely. “Even if I don’t play in the match, there won’t be a problem. It’s about managing the squad, and that’s the coach’s responsibility,” he added.

That admission is particularly notable given Ronaldo’s status with Portugal. The forward has been a near-constant presence for the national team for more than two decades, but he now appears prepared to accept whatever role Jesus believes is best for the squad.

Ronaldo accepts the need for rotation after two decades with the national team

The veteran explained that the compressed schedule makes rotation inevitable, especially with Portugal facing several matches in a short period. Ronaldo acknowledged that it would be unrealistic to expect every player to complete 90 minutes in every game.

“We haven’t discussed it much, but I understand that things will work this way given the short amount of time and the fact that it’s impossible for every player to play the full 90 minutes,” he said. Ronaldo’s final message was equally clear. “So, I’m ready. Whenever the national team needs me, as has been the case throughout my career of more than 20 years with the team, I’ll make my contribution.”

The comments underline how the 41-year-old views his international future at this stage of his career. He remains determined to contribute, while accepting that Jesus will ultimately decide when and how he is used.

The Nations League represents another opportunity for Ronaldo to add to his international legacy. Portugal enters the competition as the defending champion, having beaten Spain on penalties in the 2025 final to become the first two-time winner of the tournament. There is also the personal pursuit of 1,000 career goals, although Ronaldo has repeatedly indicated that the milestone is not an obsession.

Pulisic played his part as Milan produced a convincing 3-0 victory over Lecce, giving Amorim another important result after a difficult spell. The Portuguese coach’s first five Serie A matches have now produced a statistical landmark that stretches back almost half a century.

Amorim‘s first five league matches have produced three wins and two draws, giving him 11 points from a possible 15. Milan began with victories over Torino and Venezia before drawing against Juventus and Lazio, then returned to winning ways against Lecce.

The sequence has kept the Rossoneri unbeaten in Serie A under the Portuguese manager, despite the pressure that followed a difficult run of results. The 3-0 win over Lecce was particularly important after its 2-0 Europa League defeat to Benfica and consecutive league draws.

Pulisic was among the players to benefit from the tactical adjustments Amorim made for the Lecce match. The American has become an important attacking option as the coach continues to find the right balance within his new squad.

Amorim shatters record that stood for 47 years

The Lecce victory confirmed the historic achievement. Amorim became the first Milan manager since Massimo Giacomini in 1979-80 to remain unbeaten through his first five league matches in charge. That means 47 years had passed since another Milan coach had opened a league tenure with five consecutive games without defeat. Giacomini’s start consisted of two wins and three draws, while Amorim has recorded three wins and two draws.

The Portuguese coach has also joined an even more exclusive group. Only Luis Carniglia and Nils Liedholm had previously guided the club through their first five Serie A matches without suffering defeat, with both achieving the feat during the 1963-64 season.

Amorim’s 11-point haul is impressive, but one historic start remains ahead of him. Liedholm collected four wins and one draw across his first five matches, which translates to 13 points under the modern three-points-for-a-win system.

Carniglia also recorded three wins and two draws, giving him the same 11-point total as Amorim when converted to today’s scoring system. Amorim has therefore matched Carniglia’s points haul while falling two points short of Liedholm’s extraordinary opening.

Pulisic could become important to Amorim’s project

For Pulisic, the changes could provide an opportunity to establish himself as one of Amorim’s key attacking players. The American has been used in more central attacking areas, giving him opportunities to influence matches from positions where he can combine his movement, creativity and finishing.

The Lecce victory therefore carried significance for both player and coach. Pulisic contributed to a result that moved Amorim into rare Milan territory, while the manager’s tactical adjustments offered another indication of how his project could develop.

The moment came when a journalist asked him about Jorge Jesús’s ability to lead the national team to a World Cup or European Championship title, before slipping in a far more personal follow-up about when he plans to retire. Ronaldo, clearly amused, asked the reporter to pick just one question to save time for the rest of the room.

When pressed on the retirement question anyway, Ronaldo made clear he wasn’t going to give a straight answer, admitting he genuinely doesn’t know. “I wish I could answer that question, but I can’t, because I don’t know. I learned something when I was just past 30: live in the moment and don’t think about tomorrow. And that’s how I’ve lived my life ever since. I don’t know,” he said.

Asked directly whether retirement is something that could realistically happen, Ronaldo didn’t rule it out, but stopped short of putting a timeline on it. “Is it possible? Yes. Is it very likely? Yes. But will it happen? No, I don’t know,” he said, leaving the door open without committing to anything concrete.

What he did commit to was how the news would eventually come out, and to whom. When the journalist asked whether he’d tell the Portuguese public first, Ronaldo pushed back on the framing entirely. “Why? Am I the Portuguese people?” he said, before clarifying that any announcement wouldn’t be limited to his home country. “I’ll tell the world, not just the Portuguese,” he added, promising that whenever the moment comes, everyone will find out at once.

Portugal’s Nations League schedule this window

Ronaldo and Portugal open their 2026-27 Nations League campaign against Wales on September 24 at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, before facing Norway away on September 27.

The group continues on October 1 against Denmark, and closes out the window on October 4 back at home against Norway, this time at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, as Jorge Jesús’s side looks to open his tenure with a strong run through League A.

Salah scored three times and added an assist as Trabzonspor secured a remarkable 4-0 victory over Galatasaray. The performance continued his outstanding start to life in the Super Lig, with the 34-year-old now leading the scoring charts after only six league appearances.

Salah’s hat-trick was the highlight of a dominant performance from Trabzonspor. The Egypt captain produced two excellent solo efforts before completing his treble, while his assist added another contribution to an unforgettable evening.

The result was particularly striking given Galatasaray‘s recent domestic dominance. The club had won the previous four Turkish league titles under Okan Buruk, but it had no answer for Salah as Trabzonspor produced one of its biggest statements of the season.

The Egyptian has quickly found his rhythm following his summer move from Liverpool after nine years at the English club. He has now scored seven goals in his first six Super Lig matches, making him the league’s leading scorer at this stage of the campaign.

Salah joins Ronaldo in exclusive 21st-century list

The significance of Salah’s three goals goes beyond the result. He became only the seventh player since 2000 to score a hat-trick against Galatasaray, joining a select group that includes Ronaldo. Ronaldo achieved the feat during his Real Madrid years in 2013, scoring three times as the La Liga giant demolished Galatasaray 6-1 in the Champions League. More than a decade later, Salah has now matched one of the most prolific scorers in soccer history.

The list is particularly exclusive because Galatasaray has faced some of the biggest names in European soccer during that period. Yet only seven players have managed to score three times against the Turkish outfit in a single match since 2000. The Portuguese superstar’s performance against Galatasaray came during Real Madrid’s 2013-14 Champions League campaign.

He scored a hat-trick in Istanbul as Real Madrid cruised to a 6-1 victory, with Karim Benzema also scoring twice and Isco adding another. It was another reminder of Ronaldo’s extraordinary ability to produce on Europe’s biggest stage. His three goals helped the club make an emphatic start to the Champions League campaign and added another memorable hat-trick to his already enormous collection.

The feat has remained rare since then. Only Rodrygo has also scored a hat-trick against Galatasaray while representing Los Blancos, doing so in a 6-0 victory in 2019.

Who else has scored a hat-trick against Galatasaray?

The seven-player list stretches across several competitions and clubs. Emanuel Adebayor appears twice, having scored hat-tricks for Istanbul Basaksehir in April and November 2017. Danny Welbeck also reached the milestone in 2014, while Stanislav Sestak did so in 2011. Eran Zahavi became the most recent player to accomplish the feat before Salah, scoring three times for PSV in 2021 Champions League qualifying.

Salah’s inclusion therefore puts him alongside an unusual mixture of Premier League stars, Real Madrid legends and players who made their mark in Turkish soccer. Ronaldo remains the biggest name on the list, but Salah has now added his own remarkable chapter.

Jesus took over as Portugal coach in July 2026, replacing Roberto Martinez after the team’s World Cup last 16 exit. His appointment immediately created interest because he already knows Ronaldo and Felix well from their time together at Al-Nassr.

Portugal’s UEFA Nations League title defence provides Jesus with his first competitive opportunity to put those ideas into practice. Portugal faces Wales on September 24, before also meeting Norway and Denmark during the international window. Thus, the nation’s new coach was asked whether he could fit Joao Palhinha, Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo into the same tactical setup.

Rather than focusing on where the players currently operate for their clubs, Jesus stressed that he has the freedom to use them differently. “Every coach has their own system. As for the players I have at my disposal, I can play them in different positions from those they play in for their clubs“, he said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The answer offered an early glimpse into how Jesus intends to approach his new job. Instead of building the Selecao around the exact roles players occupy at club level, he appears prepared to adjust their positions according to his own tactical ideas.

Ronaldo and Felix set to move into different roles

The biggest potential change concerns Felix, who has previously been used in several attacking positions throughout his career. Jesus has already indicated that he does not see Felix as a natural winger in his system, preferring to use his technical ability and finishing closer to the center.

“Joao Felix is never for the wing with me,” Jesus reportedly said, highlighting his belief that the attacker is better suited to playing as a second striker or central forward. That could have major implications for how Portugal‘s attack is constructed around Ronaldo.

Jesus also has a clear view of Ronaldo’s place in the squad. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the Selecao’s captain and all-time leading scorer, but the coach has repeatedly emphasized that his status will not automatically determine his minutes. “His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count. His performances will determine the decisions I make in training and in matches.”

The tactical plan finally becomes clearer

Jesus’ comments point toward a system in which Palhinha operates as the deeper midfielder, Felix moves into a central attacking role, and Ronaldo remains the main goalscoring threat.

That structure would allow Jesus to bring three very different profiles onto the pitch without simply copying their club positions. Palhinha provides defensive security and physicality, Felix can operate between the lines, while Ronaldo can focus on occupying dangerous areas closer to goal.

The coach’s familiarity with Ronaldo and Felix could also make the transition easier. Jesus worked with both players at Al-Nassr during the 2025-26 season, helping the club win the Saudi Pro League title.

Messi scored in Inter Miami‘s 2-2 draw with San Diego FC, curling a free kick into the net during Matchday 27. The goal took him to 20 MLS goals in 2026, while also extending his extraordinary run of production since moving away from European soccer.

The Argentine’s latest goal came shortly after another major moment in his Herons career. Just days earlier, Messi scored his 100th goal for the club in all competitions during a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the 2026 Campeones Cup.

His free kick on Monday then moved him to 101 goals for Inter Miami, accompanied by 58 assists in 116 appearances across all competitions. The 39-year-old has continued to produce at a remarkable level despite being well into the latter stages of his career.

The latest strike was also Messi’s 75th career free-kick goal, putting him second among players in soccer history for goals from direct free kicks. More importantly for his MLS record, it brought him to another 20-goal season.

Messi joins Bouanga in an exclusive MLS club

That 20th goal revealed the significance of what Messi had accomplished. He became only the second player in MLS history to score 20 or more goals in three consecutive regular seasons, joining LAFC’s Denis Bouanga. The Gabonese achieved the feat first, scoring 20 goals in 2023, 20 in 2024, and 24 in 2025.

Messi has now matched him after recording 20 goals in 2024, 29 in 2025, and 20 so far in 2026. It is an especially impressive achievement considering the Argentine’s first partial MLS season. After joining Inter Miami in July 2023, he scored only one regular-season goal in six appearances before exploding into life over the following three campaigns.

Bouanga deserves plenty of credit for establishing the record before Messi joined him. The LAFC forward became the first MLS player to produce three consecutive 20-goal regular seasons, beginning with his Golden Boot-winning campaign in 2023. His numbers remained remarkably consistent, with 20 goals in 2024 and 24 in 2025.

The 31-year-old forward has continued to score in 2026 as well, although his current campaign is still ongoing. The achievement places the two forwards in rare territory. While several MLS stars have produced individual 20-goal seasons, maintaining that level for three consecutive campaigns requires an entirely different level of consistency.

Messi’s MLS numbers have been extraordinary

Messi’s production since his first full MLS season has been remarkable. He scored 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 games in 2024, followed by 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 appearances in 2025. His 2026 campaign is already approaching those levels, with 20 goals and 13 assists in 23 matches.

That gives Messi 33 goal contributions, putting him at the top of the league’s goalscoring charts while also making him one of its leading creators. The consistency is particularly striking because Messi has continued to combine goalscoring with playmaking. Across his Inter Miami career, his ability to create for teammates has remained just as important as his finishing.

Kane reached his Bundesliga century in only 98 appearances, scoring his 100th goal from the penalty spot during Bayern’s 7-0 victory over Union Berlin. He added another goal in the same match, taking his tally to 101 and becoming the fastest player in Bundesliga history to reach the landmark.

The English striker’s achievement was extraordinary because he destroyed a record that had stood since the 1970s. Dieter Muller needed 129 Bundesliga appearances to score 100 goals, meaning Kane reached the milestone 31 games earlier.

The England captain’s numbers have been exceptional since joining Bayern from Tottenham in 2023. He has averaged roughly one Bundesliga goal every 78 minutes, with 101 league goals at an average of 1.03 per appearance. Yet despite becoming the fastest player ever to 100 Bundesliga goals, Kane could not quite match Ronaldo’s mark from his extraordinary Real Madrid years.

Ronaldo reached 100 goals even faster

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the fastest player ever to score 100 goals in one of Europe’s top five leagues, needing only 92 La Liga appearances to reach the landmark. Ronaldo achieved the feat for Real Madrid on March 24, 2012, scoring twice during a 5-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu. His second goal of the night took him to 101 La Liga goals after just 92 matches.

That means Kane’s 98-game Bundesliga century leaves him six appearances behind Ronaldo’s pace. The difference may seem small, but scoring 100 goals in fewer than a century of league matches shows an extraordinary level of consistency, and Ronaldo remains the only player to do it in fewer than 93 games among Europe’s traditional top-five leagues.

The Portuguese superstar established this record during one of the most prolific periods of Ronaldo’s career. After joining Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, he quickly developed into an even more relentless goalscorer, scoring 26 La Liga goals in his first season before winning the Pichichi Trophy with 40 goals the following campaign.

By the time he reached his 100th league goal, Ronaldo was producing numbers that were beginning to redefine what was possible at the highest level. He eventually finished the 2011-12 La Liga season with 46 goals, while Los Blancos won the Spanish title.

Kane has come remarkably close to Ronaldo

Kane’s achievement becomes even more impressive when the numbers behind his century are compared with Ronaldo’s. The Bayern striker has averaged around 79 minutes per goal during his Bundesliga career, while Ronaldo’s first 100 La Liga goals came at a similarly extraordinary rate.

Kane has also contributed 23 assists alongside his first 100 Bundesliga goals, giving him 124 direct goal contributions during that period. His efficiency has placed him alongside the most prolific scorers of the modern era, even if Ronaldo’s 92-game benchmark remains out in front.

The England captain’s form has continued well beyond the landmark, too. Kane entered this season after scoring a career-best 61 goals in 2025-26, while he has already found the net 44 times for club and country in 2026.

Germán Berterame (Mexico), Dayne St. Clair (Canada), Matías Galarza (Paraguay), Fricio Caicedo (Ecuador), and Lovend’s Delinois (Haiti) will all report to senior national team duty, while Daniel Pinter and Alexander Shaw have been called into the United States’ U-20 and U-19 squads, respectively.

The timing lines up with one of the most significant windows on the international calendar this year, one that will also mark the end of an era for Argentina. Messi is set to play his final match for the national team on October 6 against Benin at the Monumental, closing out an international career that began over two decades ago.

Despite both being named in Argentina’s squad for this window, Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will still be present for the Columbus Crew match, since the national team has only cleared them to join up for the farewell fixture against Benin, skipping the earlier friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.

A shorthanded Inter Miami squad

The absences don’t stop at the international call-ups. Inter Miami will also be without Mateo Silvetti and Tadeo Allende, both ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery, along with Santiago Morales, who continues to nurse a quad injury.

Ian Fray adds to the list after exiting the draw with Nashville SC with a groin problem, leaving the club to navigate the Columbus Crew match with a squad stretched thin on multiple fronts.

On top of that, new signing Riquelme Fillipi remains unavailable as well, still waiting on his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa before he can be cleared to play.

With so many pieces missing at once, the Columbus Crew match will be as much a test of Inter Miami’s depth as anything else, coming right before Messi departs for what will be his final send-off with Argentina.

The goal was Messi’s 75th career free-kick, pushing him past Brazil’s Jair, who had 74, and into outright second place on the all-time list of free-kick scorers in football history. The strike also brought his overall career total to 930 goals across club and country.

The only player still ahead of him is Marcelinho Carioca, the retired Brazilian who scored 78 over the course of his career, meaning Messi needs just four more to set a new record. The rest of the all-time top five rounds out with Roberto Dinamite in fourth on 73 and Juninho in fifth with 72.

Inter Miami are next in action against Columbus Crew on Sunday, after which Messi will link up with the Argentina squad for the international break, when he’ll play his final match for the national team against Benin on October 6.

A weapon spread across four clubs

Over more than two decades, Messi has turned the free-kick into one of his signature weapons, spreading his tally across every stop of his career rather than piling it up at a single club.

The bulk of them, 50, came during his time at Barcelona, with another 12 scored for Argentina at the international level. Inter Miami accounts for 11 of his free-kick goals since he joined MLS, while his brief spell at Paris Saint-Germain produced 2.

Messi’s race to 1,000 with Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi’s 930 career goals still leave him well behind the pace set by his longtime rival. Cristiano Ronaldo sits on 979 official career goals for club and country, just 21 shy of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000.

At his current scoring rate, Ronaldo remains the heavy favorite to get there first, with Messi needing 70 more just to catch up. Ronaldo has scored 24 or more goals in all but one of the past 22 seasons, a level of consistency that makes reaching the milestone well within reach even at 41 years old.

Asked directly about his view of the sport’s most prestigious individual award, Yamal made clear he doesn’t think it should be tied to goal totals. “The Ballon d’Or, as you say, is the trophy that rewards the best player of the year, the exceptional player, the one you enjoy watching so much that you’d watch a match just for him… It has nothing to do with how many goals he scores or anything like that. When I think about the Ballon d’Or, I think of Messi, Ronaldinho, players like them, who are different and who make you smile when you watch them play,” he said.

That answer speaks to a broader point Yamal has made about his own game. Rather than leaning on numbers to justify his standing among the sport’s elite, he prefers to let his style speak for itself, the same quality he associates with the players he considers Ballon d’Or-worthy.

“I think every football fan knows my strengths. I go out on the field, I enjoy myself, I play well, and I play my way. Luckily, I’ve also been able to win a lot of titles with Barça, and on top of that I won the most important title, the World Cup, with my national team. But beyond that, I think my style of play is my greatest strength; it’s what makes me different,” Yamal added, tying his own game back to the same philosophy.

Kane and Mbappe, Yamal’s biggest rivals in the goals department

If style is Yamal’s calling card, sheer goal output is what separates his two most likely competitors for the award. Harry Kane enters this Ballon d’Or cycle off a historic run, having scored 73 goals last season, the second-most prolific single season by any player this century, trailing only Messi’s 82-goal haul from 2011-12 and surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record of 69.

That tally was enough to earn Kane his second career European Golden Shoe, on top of a World Cup in which he broke Gary Lineker’s record to become England’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament, finishing joint-fifth on the competition’s all-time scoring list.

Kylian Mbappe’s case is built on a similarly relentless scoring pace. The Frenchman led the 2026 World Cup with 14 goal involvements, edging out Messi for the tournament’s top spot, and in the process became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 career goals. He’s carried that form into the new season, already sitting on seven goals in LaLiga through Real Madrid’s first seven matches.

Between Kane’s Golden Shoe-winning volume and Mbappe’s World Cup-topping tally, Yamal’s argument that style should outweigh stats faces its toughest test against two players who have plenty of both.

The statement came in direct response to comments Tebas made on his personal account on X, where he dismissed claims that referees have been directed against Real Madrid.

The dispute traces back to Real Madrid’s controversial 2-1 loss to Atlético Madrid in Sunday’s derby at the Metropolitano, after which José Mourinho and the club voiced strong criticism of the officiating, arguing that at least one Atlético player should have been sent off.

Tebas responded publicly, writing that claiming referees are “directed against Real Madrid is living in another galaxy,” and adding that a refereeing mistake doesn’t prove the existence of a conspiracy.

Real Madrid didn’t let that comment go unanswered. In their statement, they called it “particularly serious and incomprehensible” that Tebas would weigh in on their “sporting strategy” in response to an article by an independent journalist, calling the intervention inappropriate and irresponsible for someone in his position.

Real Madrid closed their statement by arguing that Spanish football “urgently” needs new leadership at LaLiga, one capable of managing the competition with neutrality.

Real Madrid’s full statement

“In light of the statements made by LaLiga President Javier Tebas Medrano, Real Madrid C.F. wishes to state the following:

Our club considers it intolerable for the LaLiga President to use his institutional position to repeatedly disparage and attack Real Madrid in the manner he does in every one of his public statements. It is deeply concerning that the person responsible for representing and protecting the interests of all LaLiga clubs remains obsessively fixated on Real Madrid, making our club a constant target of his public attacks.

His latest intervention is particularly serious and incomprehensible—unbecoming of a responsible administrator—as it involves commenting on an article by an independent journalist in a digital media outlet. Yet, he reacts against our club by taking the liberty of critiquing our sporting strategy—an utterly absurd and irresponsible move.

It is astonishing that the LaLiga President devotes his time and personal channels to publicly discrediting Real Madrid, rather than using his position to foster trust in the institutions charged with guaranteeing the competition’s impartiality. In doing so, he continues to damage the image of our competition and of Spanish football worldwide.

Given this persistent and inappropriate behavior, we believe that professional football in Spain urgently needs a leader capable of managing the competition and unlocking its full potential while upholding the fundamental duty of neutrality. It needs someone who understands the nature of the role; the LaLiga President is not the owner of the competition, but an administrator serving the clubs that comprise it and have entrusted him with its leadership. We, the clubs, need someone who will honestly serve this mission”.

The forward had endured a difficult 2026, with injuries disrupting his rhythm and leaving him without a competitive goal for Milan this calendar year. His return to the scoresheet against Lecce, however, arrived at an important moment as the team prepares to make decisions about several key players.

Pulisic’s goal against Lecce ended a remarkable 266-day wait for a competitive goal, especially at San Siro. His previous goal for Milan had come against Verona on December 28, while his only other goal in 2026 before Sunday had arrived in a friendly for the United States.

The goal itself was a moment of genuine quality. After Strahinja Pavlovic’s pinpoint long pass sailed over the visitors’ defense, Pulisic controlled the ball brilliantly before producing a first-time side-footed finish beyond the opposing goalkeeper.

La Gazzetta dello Sport described the strike as “truly spectacular”, while Pulisic admitted afterward that the difficult period had taken its toll. “It’s been a difficult 2026 for me and the team,” he told DAZN, before joking: “I ran too much! I’m very tired.”

Milan has set deadline for Pulisic’s renewal

The goal also continued a promising run for Pulisic since returning from injury. He assisted Diego Moreira against Lazio before featuring against Benfica, and he finally made his first Milan start of the season against Lecce.

With the American star beginning to rediscover his form, Milan is also preparing for a major decision over his future. According to MilanNews, the club wants to finalize new contracts for Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot before the winter transfer window.

The target is to reach agreements before the end of 2026, giving the Rossoneri clarity before the club enters the next stage of its squad planning. Pulisic’s current contract expires on June 30, 2027, although the club has an option to extend it by another year.

The Serie A giant reportedly does not want to simply activate that option without first reaching an agreement with the player. Milan’s preference is to negotiate a new contract that satisfies both sides and avoids the kind of uncertainty that can emerge when a player enters the final stages of his existing deal.

Pulisic viewed as key figure in Milan’s new project

The American’s importance extends beyond his performances. Owner Gerry Cardinale reportedly considers Pulisic a key player both sportingly and commercially, particularly because of his profile in the United States.

That makes the renewal particularly significant as Milan attempts to establish greater stability under Amorim. Cardinale has publicly backed the new coach and appears prepared to give the project time to develop, unlike the uncertainty that surrounded previous managerial regimes.

Pulisic is therefore becoming an important piece of that wider project. Milan has already seen the 28-year-old’s value on the field, while his popularity in the United States gives the club another reason to want a long-term agreement.

The American returned to the scoresheet spectacularly against Lecce, producing a moment of quality that immediately changed the mood around him. After months of injuries, missed opportunities and uncertainty with the national team, Pulisic finally had something positive to celebrate.

Pulisic’s breakthrough came just 14 minutes into Milan‘s 3-0 victory over Lecce on September 20. Strahinja Pavlovic launched a long ball over the rival’s defense, and Pulisic raced into the box before controlling it brilliantly and firing a first-time finish past Wladimiro Falcone. What’s more, the goal carried even greater significance because of what had come before it.

The 28-year-old forward had been waiting months for another competitive goal with the Rossoneri. He had also returned to the starting lineup for the first time under Ruben Amorim, making his performance even more encouraging. He continued to threaten throughout the match and was eventually named Player of the Match after an influential display.

The numbers behind Pulisic’s long wait

Pulisic’s previous Milan goal had arrived against Hellas Verona on December 28, 2025. His goal against Lecce therefore ended a 266-day club scoring drought, during which he went through roughly 19 matches without scoring for Milan.

The American had taken 39 Serie A shots without finding the net before finally converting his 40th attempt against Lecce. He had also gone through the first half of 2026 without scoring for the Red and Blacks, with injuries repeatedly disrupting his momentum.

Pulisic admitted that the period had been difficult after the game. “It’s been a difficult 2026 for me and the team,” he told DAZN, before adding with a smile: “I ran too much! I’m very tired.”

When did Pulisic last score for the USMNT?

The answer came several months before his Milan breakthrough. Pulisic last scored for the USMNT on May 31, 2026, when he found the net in a 3-2 friendly victory over Senegal in Charlotte.

Pulisic also registered an assist in that match, ending an international scoring drought that had stretched back to November 2024. It was an important performance at a time when he was still searching for consistency with both club and country.

His international form then became more complicated during the 2026 World Cup. Pulisic featured in the United States’ tournament matches but did not score, recording one assist before his campaign was disrupted by injury.

His post-World Cup drought with USMNT continues after latest snub

Following the Senegal friendly, Pulisic failed to score in the United States’ subsequent matches against Germany, Paraguay, Australia, Turkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina. That left him with a current international scoring drought of 114 days and five games as of September 22.

He missed the Round of 16 meeting with Belgium because of the injury he suffered during the tournament. Pulisic was then left out of the national team’s September camp, despite returning to action for Milan.

Mauricio Pochettino offered no specific explanation for the omission. “The 28 players that are going to be involved in these four games, for different circumstances, are the best players that — or the players that we want to see, and we want to work (with), and that’s it,” the USMNT coach said.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has offered Scaloni a new long-term deal running until July 2030. The federation is reportedly open to structuring the extension through the 2028 Copa América with an option to continue all the way to the 2030 World Cup, with the final decision left in Scaloni’s hands.

Accepting that offer would allow Scaloni to lead Argentina into a third World Cup, following Qatar 2022 and this year’s tournament in North America, closing out what would become one of the longest managerial tenures in the national team’s history.

The report lines up with comments Scaloni made in a separate interview with the Asian broadcaster MiGu, in which he spoke about giving opportunities to the next generation of players without ruling himself out of the process, remarks that, taken together with Romano’s reporting, point toward the coach staying on to oversee that transition himself.

Scaloni makes room for Argentina’s next generation

Lionel Messi’s international retirement leaves Argentina facing its first real generational shift since Scaloni took over in 2018, with the team’s greatest player no longer walking through the door.

His farewell match is set for October 6 against Benin at the Monumental, for which he’ll wear a specially made jersey, closing out that chapter and forcing a new cycle regardless of who ends up coaching it, exactly the kind of shift Scaloni addressed when asked about the younger players beginning to break into the squad.

Speaking to MiGu about the new faces entering the squad, Scaloni made clear he sees himself guiding that generation forward. “It’s very important for the new kids to be able to join our style of play. We’ve always done that, and now a nice parenthesis will probably open,” he said, adding that “an era to trust these kids knocking on the door” was beginning, regardless of age, “as long as they perform for their clubs”.

That description fits several of the newer names called up for this window, among them Franco Mastantuono, Nico Paz, Gianluca Prestianni, Matías Soulé, Santiago Castro, Valentín Gómez, Santiago Simón, and Román Vega, all of whom will get their chance to make an impression as Argentina begins building toward its next cycle.

Zidane is preparing for his first match in charge of France against Turkiye on September 25, with the new manager already considering changes to his attacking setup. For Mbappe, that could mean a significant adjustment to the role he has occupied for much of his time at Real Madrid.

Zidane has already hinted that he does not necessarily see Mbappe as a permanent center-forward for France. When asked about the Real Madrid star’s position, the new France coach made it clear that he values his versatility. “I don’t think so, he can play in all three positions, I really like him on the left,” the coach said, according to RMC Sport.

The comment is particularly significant because the Frenchman has spent much of his career at the Bernabeu operating through the middle after previously establishing himself as one of the world’s most dangerous left-wingers. Zidane appears willing to return him to a position where he has already enjoyed considerable success with Les Bleus.

Mbappe could return to the left wing

According to reports from RMC Sport, Zidane has told Mbappe that he wants him to return to the left wing, the position he occupied during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph. That would represent a major change from the central role he has increasingly played at Real Madrid.

The adjustment could also allow Ousmane Dembele to operate through the middle, with the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner having demonstrated his ability to play as a central forward during his time with Paris Saint-Germain. Esteban Lepaul is another option Zidane could consider for the position.

For Mbappe, the move would be a return to familiar territory rather than an entirely new experiment. His pace, ability to attack from wide areas and tendency to cut inside have long made the left flank one of his most natural positions.

France’s new setup could expose Real Madrid’s biggest dilemma

That is where Zidane’s decision becomes particularly interesting for Real Madrid. Vinicius is the established left-sided attacker at the club, while Mbappe has increasingly occupied the central position to allow the Brazilian to remain on his preferred flank.

The issue was exposed again during Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, when the movement of both forwards showed how easily they can drift into similar areas. According to Marca, Vinicius operated primarily from the left while Mbappe, despite starting as the center-forward in Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1, repeatedly moved toward the same side.

The Spanish newspaper described the overlap as “the presence of both players in almost the same areas, which reduced the effectiveness of each of them and weakened Real Madrid’s attacking variety.”

The derby numbers highlighted the problem

The tactical concerns were reflected in Real Madrid’s attacking output against Atletico. Mourinho‘s team recorded only 0.32 expected goals, its lowest figure in a La Liga match since February 2015, Opta data has confirmed.

Mbappe managed only one shot during the 90 minutes, while Vinicius registered two attempts before Mourinho substituted him in the 54th minute. Their limited impact added to questions over whether Real Madrid has found the right structure to maximize both forwards simultaneously.

Marca has also added that the same problem has appeared under Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and Mourinho, with each coach facing the challenge of balancing the positions of Mbappe and Vinicius.

The 16-year-old Ronaldo Jr. scored both goals in Al-Nassr U17’s 2-1 comeback victory over Al-Ahli Jeddah U17 on September 20, 2026. His father later shared clips of the performance on social media, adding clapping and star-struck emojis as he celebrated his son’s display.

Al-Ahli started stronger, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Marwan Abdullah Al-Muwallad headed home from a free-kick. Ronaldo Jr. responded only five minutes later, producing a moment of individual quality that brought Al-Nassr level.

The teenager collected the ball around the halfway line and immediately drove into the space ahead of him. He accelerated away from two defenders, rounded the advancing goalkeeper and calmly finished into an empty net, showing the composure to complete a difficult move.

The second goal arrived shortly before halftime, around the 44th minute. Ronaldo Jr. again used his pace to create room before controlling the ball and firing a low right-footed effort from the edge of the box into the far corner.

The celebration that made the video go viral

After both goals, Ronaldo Jr. recreated his father’s famous “Siuuu” celebration, jumping and turning before landing with his arms outstretched. The familiar celebration immediately became one of the most shared parts of the footage, adding another layer to the growing “like father, like son” storyline around the teenager.

The celebration itself has a long connection to Cristiano Ronaldo. The senior Ronaldo first performed the now-iconic celebration in August 2013, after scoring for Real Madrid against Chelsea during a preseason match in Miami.

Ronaldo Jr. has now adopted the same celebration while beginning to establish his own identity at youth level. The highlights also show qualities beyond the goals, including acceleration, direct running, ball carrying and confidence when attacking defenders.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts with pride

Cristiano Ronaldo was not at the match but followed his son’s performance closely. Afterward, he shared amateur footage of both goals on his Instagram Stories, publicly celebrating the latest milestone in Ronaldo Jr.’s development.

The younger Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr’s youth setup in 2023 after previously spending time in the academies of Juventus and Manchester United. He progressed through the age groups before joining the U-17 side, where he has continued to attract attention for his physical development and attacking qualities.

His father has previously spoken about the teenager’s progress and the importance of his mentality. “He’s a good kid. Honest, a good kid,” the 41-year-old said in a clip shared by Netflix Sports, before adding that his son was already bigger and stronger than he had been at the same age.

“When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger. I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me…” Ronaldo added, while also stressing that physical attributes alone would not determine his son’s future because “hunger is the most difficult.”

Could father and son eventually play together?

The brace will inevitably renew speculation about Ronaldo Jr.’s path toward senior football, particularly because his father remains an important figure at Al-Nassr. Some fans have imagined the possibility of the pair eventually sharing the pitch, although the teenager’s development remains the priority at this stage.

Ronaldo Jr. is still 16 years old, meaning there is considerable time for his game to develop before any decision about senior football becomes necessary. Reports have also suggested that a future move to Europe could be considered, so a first-team debut alongside his father should remain a possibility rather than an expectation.

For now, the teenager can focus on building his record with Al-Nassr’s youth setup. The two-goal comeback against Al-Ahli, followed by two “Siuuu” celebrations and a proud reaction from Cristiano Ronaldo, provided another memorable chapter in one of football’s most closely watched father-and-son stories.

In recent days, several candidates have publicly stated why they deserve the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but Mbappe has been among the most active in making his case. The Real Madrid forward spoke out again regarding his odds, pointing to his individual goal-scoring record—particularly at the 2026 World Cup—and asserting that no player produced better numbers over the past year.

“I had a great individual year, and I know that is the most important criterion for the Ballon d’Or,” Mbappe told RFI. “I was the top scorer in all major competitions. Deep down, I feel this could be a good year for me. I would be disappointed if I don’t win it. When a competitor doesn’t win, he feels disappointed. My competitive spirit would be hurt.”

Who Could Win the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

With the shortlist of finalists officially announced, Mbappe features alongside several global stars in one of the most competitive races in recent memory:

• Lionel Messi: Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone named Messi as his top pick for the award. Despite Argentina finishing as World Cup runners-up, Simeone argued that the 39-year-old’s peak performance on the biggest stage should carry major weight with voters.
• Lamine Yamal: At just 19 years old, the breakout superstar led Spain to the World Cup title. His crucial role in Spain’s triumph has made a compelling case for voters looking to honor championship silverware.
• Ousmane Dembele: The winger stands as a strong contender among the elite group of finalists vying for the top spot after securing back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles.
• Kylian Mbappe: The Real Madrid striker continues to push his narrative of raw statistical supremacy, insisting that individual performance should define the decision after scoring 10 goals in the World Cup.

This sets up a compelling clash of philosophies ahead of the ceremony: whether individual brilliance or major trophies will tip the balance in the final voting.

The Inter Miami forward, who had already announced his retirement from the national team, was called up specifically for this last of three friendlies on Lionel Scaloni’s schedule.

Messi confirmed through Instagram on Monday that a special jersey has been made for the occasion. “Last match… A jersey for life,” he wrote alongside a video showing the back of the shirt he’ll wear against Benin.

Over more than two decades, Messi made 207 appearances for Argentina, scoring 125 goals and adding 68 assists, making him the national team’s all-time leader in caps, goals, and assists, and breaking dozens of records along the way. His legacy was cemented with the World Cup title in Qatar in 2022, a tournament in which he was the unquestioned central figure.

His international trophy case includes five different titles: Olympic gold at the 2008 Games, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup, a haul that makes his October 6 send-off the closing chapter of one of the most decorated careers in the sport’s history.

Nicolas Otamendi will have his farewell too

Messi won’t be the only one saying goodbye that night. Nicolas Otamendi, who retired from the national team following the World Cup final loss to Spain in July, was also included in the squad specifically for the October 6 match, giving the River Plate defender his own farewell at the same stadium his club calls home.

Over 139 caps across four World Cups, Otamendi won the 2022 World Cup, back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima, closing out a career nearly as decorated as the one Messi is wrapping up alongside him.

Argentina’s schedule for this FIFA window

Argentina will play three friendlies during this international break. The team opens against Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, before moving to Buenos Aires to face Burkina Faso on October 3 and close out the window against Benin on October 6, both at the Monumental.

During his press conference, the Real Madrid manager displayed printed images of two fouls by Atletico players that he argued deserved direct red cards, accusing the refereeing staff of lacking the stature to manage high-stakes fixtures and questioning their integrity.

Hours later, Los Colchoneros fired back on social media with a video featuring a printer churning out an image of Mourinho holding his printouts, overlaid with the bold caption “Stop referee harassment now”—a direct rebuke of the manager’s pressure campaign against officials.

Atletico Madrid neutralized Real Madrid

While potential red-card decisions dominated post-match headlines, Los Colchoneros delivered a disciplined tactical performance to neutralize Real Madrid over the entire 90 minutes.

Underlining Atletico’s defensive strength at home, Vinicius Junior extended his scoreless streak at the Metropolitano Stadium to nine consecutive matches as the host side limited Real’s attacking threat.

The victory secures three vital points for Atletico Madrid, elevating them to second place in the LaLiga standings behind leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid, meanwhile, sit in fourth place heading into the international break, searching for solutions before domestic play resumes.

After defeating Real Madrid 2–1 at the Metropolitano Stadium, Simeone was questioned about the LaLiga title race and Atletico‘s main rivals, placing Barcelona on a tier above the rest of the contenders.

“It seems Barcelona is playing a different sport from the one we’re playing,” Simeone told ESPN. “They didn’t have a number 9 striker, then Raphinha showed up and scored 12 goals. And Yamal, if I’m not mistaken, scored 7

“They press you in your own stadium and steal your time, and they don’t fear taking risks and conceding a goal. They are the best now.”

Barcelona found the right formula for success

During the summer, Barcelona lost both Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski. Failing to sign an elite natural striker to replace them raised significant doubts about how their attack would function without a traditional number nine.

Manager Hansi Flick responded by moving Raphinha into a central attacking role. The decision has paid huge dividends, with the Brazilian—as Simeone highlighted—performing at a peak level this season.

While Barcelona initially targeted Julian Alvarez as Lewandowski’s successor, Raphinha has proven to be a seamless solution, with summer signing Gabriel Jesus providing valuable depth whenever called upon.

When will Barcelona face Atletico Madrid?

Following their derby victory over Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid’s next major domestic test will come against Barcelona, the current league leaders and fellow title favorites.

The two sides are scheduled to meet on November 8 for the first time this season at the Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico remain formidable on home soil and will need to capitalize on that advantage against Flick’s high-flying Barcelona squad.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, when the Herons visit the Columbus Crew for the 2026 MLS. The Argentine star heads to the game after scoring his 101st goal with the club against San Diego FC.

Regarding his international schedule, Messi’s next appearance with Argentina will come during the upcoming autumn FIFA window, more specifically on October 6th against Benin. Having formally announced his pending international retirement, the fixture will mark the final chapter of a historic two-decade tenure with the Albiceleste.

During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 23 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 20 goals with 12 assist registered thus far.

Lionel Messi’s end of an era in Argentina

Messi signaled the conclusion of an era by confirming his approaching retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing an end to an international career that began in 2005. He delivered the announcement on September 1, nearly two months after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain, publishing an emotional letter across his personal channels.

“After taking time to reflect since the final, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team,” Messi wrote. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts to my core, but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave my all—not just during these recent years when we won everything, but long before as well. I always fought and left everything on the pitch for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football.“

The legendary forward will make his official farewell appearance during the autumn international window, specifically in Argentina’s scheduled match against Benin on October 6. Hosted at Estadio Monumental, the largest venue in Latin America, AFA officials are organizing a nationwide send-off for the country’s greatest icon.

Trailing 1–0 at home, Inter Miami earned a free kick on the right flank near San Diego FC’s penalty area. Messi stepped up to take the set piece and immediately made his mark.

The captain whipped a dangerous cross toward Casemiro, but the ball evaded everyone in the box. Misjudging the trajectory, goalkeeper CJ dos Santos failed to intercept the delivery, allowing the ball to bounce all the way into the back of the net to bring Inter Miami level.

Lionel Messi still wants more

When Lionel Messi announced his international retirement, many fans assumed he might ease up on his competitive drive with Inter Miami. Well, they were wrong.

A few days after his announcement, Messi conquered the 2026 Campeones Cup with Inter Miami, demonstrating that he remains as hungry as ever for success at the club level.

Under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, Messi can still add plenty more trophies to his storied career, with the Herons currently locked in a fierce pursuit of the Eastern Conference crown and the MLS Cup.

The Rossoneri return to San Siro today, Sunday, just days after losing 2-0 to Benfica in the Europa League. Milan has collected eight points from its opening four Serie A matches, while Lecce arrives with six points after beating Monza 3-2.

Amorim’s team has made an inconsistent start despite remaining competitive in the league. Milan opened its campaign with consecutive victories before drawing against Juventus and Lazio, followed by the unexpected Benfica loss, which was the coach’s first competitive loss.

There is an especially encouraging statistic for Pulisic heading into the match. Lecce is his favorite Italian opponent, with the American having scored five goals in five appearances against the Apulian club, including a brace in March 2025.

Lecce, however, has started the new season reasonably well after narrowly avoiding relegation last year. Eusebio Di Francesco’s team has won two of its first four league games, including a 3-2 thriller against Monza, although injuries to Medon Berisha and Omri Gandelman could affect its midfield options.

Pulisic’s difficult 2026 continues

Pulisic has endured a frustrating year, with injuries disrupting his rhythm and keeping him away from the starting XI. His last Milan start was on April 26 against Juventus, while he also spent more than a month sidelined after suffering a micro-fracture during the World Cup.

The American has yet to score an official goal for either Milan or the United States in 2026, with his only goal this calendar year coming in a friendly against Senegal. His absence from the latest USMNT squad means he will remain in Italy during the international break, giving him additional time to work with Amorim.

Pulisic has still made an impact since returning, including a second-half appearance against Lazio and another outing against Benfica. His recent performances have strengthened the case for a more prominent role as the Rossoneri search for greater attacking quality.

Will Pulisic start?

That opportunity now appears to be arriving. Pulisic will make his first Milan start of the season against Lecce, ending a wait that has stretched back to the final weeks of the previous campaign. The formation is a 3-4-2-1, with the 28-year-old operating behind Goncalo Ramos alongside Adrien Rabiot.

For Pulisic, though, the biggest storyline is his return to the starting lineup. After months of injuries, uncertainty, and a lack of official goals, Lecce gives him an immediate opportunity to change the narrative around his 2026 campaign and help Milan head into the international break on a positive note.

Milan vs Lecce: Confirmed lineups

Milan confirmed XI (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Musah, Moreira; Pulisic, Rabiot; Ramos.

Lecce confirmed XI (4-3-3): Falcone; Veiga, Siebert, Gabriel, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ilic, Maleh; N’Dri, Stulic, Monteiro.

In desperate need of a victory given Barcelona’s blistering form, Real Madrid visited the Metropolitano Stadium for a grueling clash against Atletico Madrid, only to leave empty-handed.

One heavily criticized player was Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian winger continues to struggle at the Metropolitano Stadium and was substituted in the 54th minute, extending his scoreless streak at Atletico’s home ground.

Vinicius Junior struggles at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium

Real Madrid always expect monumental performances from their star players—the ones labeled as “clutch.” Nevertheless, Vinicius Junior has fallen far short of those expectations when facing Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium.

The Brazilian winger, who recently signed a lucrative contract extension, failed to find the back of the net on Sunday, extending his goal drought at Atletico’s home ground to nine consecutive matches, according to Spanish statistician MisterChip.

Beyond the lack of goals, his underlying numbers are far from what Real Madrid envision. In nine appearances at the Metropolitano, Vinicius Junior has registered just two assists, 14 shots (five on target), a 33% dribble success rate (15/45), and a 33% duel win rate (37/105).

Atletico Madrid continue to be one of the toughest opponents for the winger. Across 21 official matches against Los Colchoneros, Vinicius has scored just three goals—all coming away from the Metropolitano.

LaLiga title race becomes complicated for Real Madrid

MisterChip also noted that Real Madrid’s derby defeat leaves Los Merengues six points behind Barcelona, the current LaLiga leaders after seven matchdays.

In club history, Real Madrid have overcome a deficit of six or more points to win the league title only once. During the 2006–07 season, Real Madrid trailed Barcelona by six points on Matchday 24, but eventually finished level on 76 points at the end of the campaign to claim the title via their superior head-to-head record.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next fixture with Portugal is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, when the Selecao host Wales on Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign, with formal squad selections expected shortly. The forward’s most recent international appearance came on July 6, when Spain eliminated Portugal in a tight 1-0 World Cup Round of 16 clash.

On the domestic side, Ronaldo’s next match with Al Nassr takes place on Friday, October 9, when the Saudi club host Al Diriyah for Matchday 8 of the Saudi Pro League season at Al Awwal Park. The Portuguese star enters that fixture looking to rebound after going scoreless during a heavy 4-0 defeat against Al Ain in their AFC Champions League Elite debut.

Across the 2026-27 campaign, which Ronaldo hinted could represent his final year as a professional, the Portuguese icon has logged three goals in seven appearances for Al Nassr, while adding five goals in five UEFA World Cup qualifiers and three goals during the 2026 World Cup, bringing his official career tally to 979 goals.

Ronaldo’s potential last season

In an interview with Vogue magazine, Ronaldo offered a direct appraisal regarding his timeline for retirement: “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. I have my future all mapped out. I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.“

The veteran forward added that he intends to “have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel,” while enjoying the achievements of his decorated playing career. In the interim, his final campaign presents a closing window to add to his trophy collection before officially hanging up his boots.

Having captured the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr during the 2025-26 season, Ronaldo and his teammates enter the domestic campaign as defending champions, alongside an active pursuit of Asian glory in the AFC Champions League Elite. At the international level, his inclusion for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League group stage sets up what is projected to be his final competitive tournament with Portugal.

The feat in question was a so-called “perfect hat-trick,” meaning all three goals came with different parts of the body: one header, one strike with his right foot, and one with his left. Messi scored a record 36 hat-tricks across his 17 seasons in LaLiga, more than any player in the competition’s history, yet none of them checked all three boxes in the same match.

The three goals came in a wild afternoon at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, where Sevilla had taken an early lead through Youssouf Fofana before Raphinha took over, scoring in each half to complete the turnaround and keep Barcelona’s perfect record intact through eight games across all competitions this season.

It’s the second hat-trick in seven games for the Brazilian, who had also scored three times just days earlier in a 7-2 rout of Racing Santander, taking his tally to 12 goals and putting him atop LaLiga’s scoring charts, further cementing his status as the man carrying Hansi Flick’s side through the opening stretch of the campaign.

The other Barcelona players to record a perfect hat-trick in LaLiga

Perfect hat-tricks have been a rare sight even across Barcelona‘s long history in the competition. Before Raphinha, the club had seen it happen only five times, with Julio Salinas, Iván de la Peña, Patrick Kluivert, and Luis Suárez the only other names on that list.

Kluivert stands out as the only other Barcelona player to have done it more than once, having pulled off the feat twice during his time at the club. Raphinha’s version arrives more than a decade after the last one, with Suárez the most recent Barcelona player to manage it back in 2015, making the Brazilian just the sixth player in the club’s history to check every box in a single match.

Messi’s hat-trick record still stands alone

The perfect hat-trick may have eluded him, but Messi’s overall numbers in that department remain untouchable. His 36 hat-tricks in LaLiga are not only a Barcelona record, they’re the most by any player in the competition’s history, comfortably ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 34 for Real Madrid.

The Brazilian’s treble came in a 3-1 win at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, where he canceled out an early Youssouf Fofana goal for the hosts before completing the turnaround in the second half.

The performance pushed Raphinha‘s tally to 11 goals through Barcelona’s first seven LaLiga matches of the season, the best start to a league campaign by a Barcelona player in more than eight decades.

It also matches the total Messi put up with Barcelona in 2017-18, leaving only Ronaldo‘s record of 13 goals in seven games, set with Real Madrid in 2014-15, still out of reach.

Closing that two-goal gap would hand Raphinha an outright record, and with Barcelona yet to drop a single point through seven league matches, he’ll have no shortage of chances to keep pace with that kind of scoring rate as the season continues.

The unstoppable form behind Raphinha’s numbers

Raphinha’s individual explosion is very much a reflection of the team around him. In LaLiga specifically, the Brazilian’s hat-trick pushed him to 12 goals in seven appearances, putting him five clear of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, who are tied for second in the race for the Pichichi Trophy with seven goals apiece.

That run of matches without a loss also means Raphinha won’t have to wait long for another shot at Ronaldo’s record. Barcelona host Getafe on October 10 before a visit to Real Betis, and El Clásico against Real Madrid at Camp Nou on October 25, giving him a string of high-profile chances to find the two goals that would push him past the Portuguese’s mark.

Asked directly about his continuity following the World Cup final defeat to Spain, the coach revealed that matching everything the team has already achieved will undoubtedly be difficult, but he didn’t rule out trying, leaving the door open for a possible renewal and the start of a new cycle built around the next generation.

“We will try, whether we’re there or not,” Scaloni said about the national team’s future. He downplayed the significance of his own decision throughout the interview, instead steering the conversation toward the team and the next generation of players looking to break in.

That next generation was clearly on his mind. “They really deserve it, that’s our intention in the upcoming games: to give young players who can join our style of play a chance. Now an important, beautiful parenthesis opens, a time to trust in these kids who are knocking on the door,” he said, adding that age wouldn’t determine who stays and who’s brought in, only performance at the club level.

Whoever ends up leading that transition will be following one of the most successful spells in the program’s history. Scaloni has been in charge of Argentina since 2018, winning the 2022 World Cup, back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima, while posting a 77% win rate across more than 100 matches in charge.

His current contract runs through December 31, 2026, and while a verbal agreement with AFA president Claudio Tapia to extend his stay through the 2030 World Cup was reportedly reached before this year’s tournament, the formal signing was pushed back until after the competition, leaving the door open for renewal talks that, according to reports out of Argentina, are already underway.

Scaloni reflects on coaching Lionel Messi one last time

On the eve of the last match in which he’ll coach Lionel Messi for Argentina — October 6 against Benín at the Monumental — Scaloni once again praised the forward, admitting that while the version of Messi he got to manage was brilliant and gave him plenty, he wishes he could have had him in his younger years.

“The Messi of 22, 23 years old was a unique player. He also played well with us, but I would have liked to have had him when he was young. He was unique, he is unique. He felt comfortable with us. We put everything we had at his disposal so that he and everyone else felt comfortable,” the coach said.

With Messi’s Argentina career set to end on October 6, Scaloni’s comments captured the strange duality of this moment for the national team: closing the book on its greatest player while its coach, the man who built the era around him, weighs whether to stay on and start writing the next one.

Argentina has confirmed a three-match friendly schedule that will see the national team face Bolivia on September 30, Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6. The final fixture at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires is expected to provide the 39-year-old superstar with the farewell that Argentine supporters have been waiting for.

Messi has been included in Scaloni’s squad for the upcoming international window, paving the way for his expected final appearance in the famous blue-and-white shirt. The 39-year-old is set to face Benin on October 6, with the Argentine Football Association preparing a special celebration for the captain.

The occasion will come after an international career spanning more than two decades. Messi leaves Argentina as its all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having won the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

Scaloni reveals his one major regret with Messi

Amid the farewell celebrations, Scaloni has now offered a particularly personal reflection on his relationship with Messi. The Argentina boss admitted that he wishes he had been able to coach Messi during the earlier stages of the superstar’s career.

“The Messi of 22 or 23 years old was a unique footballer. He also played well with us, but I would have loved to have coached him when he was young. He was unique… he is unique,” Scaloni told Tyc Sports.

The coach’s comments highlight just how highly he regards the version of Messi that emerged in his early 20s. By the time Scaloni took charge of Argentina in 2018, Messi was already an established global superstar, meaning the coach never experienced the teenage and early-20s version that had taken Barcelona and world soccer by storm.

The partnership that delivered the ultimate prize

Scaloni also explained that his priority throughout their time together was creating an environment in which Messi and his teammates could perform comfortably. “He felt comfortable with us. We put everything we had at our disposal toward making sure that he, and everyone else, felt comfortable,” he added.

That relationship became central to Argentina’s success under Scaloni. Messi finally lifted the World Cup in 2022, while the national team also won the Copa America and Finalissima during their time together.

The partnership also helped reshape Messi’s international story after years of disappointment. The player who had once faced intense scrutiny over the national team’s failures eventually became the captain who led the national team to its greatest prize.

Pulisic’s situation is particularly intriguing after a difficult 2026, with injuries limiting his involvement and his place in Ruben Amorim’s team still developing. Milan wants clarity over his future, while the player’s camp is reportedly seeking terms that would represent a significant change from his current agreement.

His first competitive appearance came from the bench against Lazio, where he immediately provided an assist for Diego Moreira in a 2-2 draw. That contribution offered an encouraging reminder of the attacking quality that made Pulisic one of Milan’s most productive players during his earlier seasons.

Still, his last start with the Red and Blacks had come on April 26 against Juventus, while his 2026 goal tally for club and country remained surprisingly low. His only goal during the year had come for the United States in a friendly against Senegal, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his renewal.

Where does Pulisic currently rank among Milan’s highest earners?

According to Calcio e Finanza, Milan’s estimated 2026-27 net salary bill is around $76 million, with Goncalo Ramos, Mike Maignan and Mario Gila leading the ranking at approximately $5.9 million net per season each.

Pulisic currently sits one tier below that group ot around $4.7 million net per year, alongside Samuel Chukwueze and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, Fikayo Tomori and Alexis Saelemaekers are listed at roughly $4.1 million net, showing how tightly packed the Rossoneri’s wage hierarchy is.

The figures are estimates and exclude bonuses, but they underline Pulisic’s importance within the squad. The 28-year-old is already among Milan’s better-paid players, although he does not currently occupy the very top bracket.

Pulisic’s reported renewal demand revealed

That could change dramatically if the latest reports prove accurate. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Pulisic’s representatives have requested a new contract worth around $9.4 million net per season, effectively doubling his current salary of approximately $4.7 million.

Such a figure would immediately place Pulisic among Milan’s highest earners and could fundamentally reshape the club’s wage hierarchy. The reported demand is tied to a potential long-term renewal, with the club able to extend his current agreement through 2028 while also considering a new deal that could run until 2031.

The two sides are expected to discuss the situation further, with a meeting involving owner Gerry Cardinale and Pulisic’s representatives reportedly planned. Milan wants to retain the American, but the financial terms could become one of the central issues in negotiations.

The call-up was part of a broader update to Argentina‘s roster for the September-October window, which saw six additional players from Argentine football included, bringing the full squad to 37 names.

Along with Otamendi, Thiago Almada, Santiago Beltrán, Tobías Andrada, Leonel Flores, and Tomás Palacios were also added to the list ahead of the games against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benín.

It’s also worth noting that Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso will only join the squad for that final friendly against Benín, skipping the earlier matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. From abroad, Equi Fernández, Santiago Simón, and Valentín Gómez were also added to the roster for this international window.

Nicolas Otamendi’s decorated Argentina career

Otamendi announced his international retirement just days after that defeat, closing out a career that spanned 139 appearances across four World Cups. Along the way, the defender won the 2022 World Cup, back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima against Italy, cementing his place as one of the most decorated players in Argentina’s history.

Argentina’s full 37-man squad for the September-October friendlies

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea), Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid), Gerónimo Rulli (Manchester City), Santiago Beltrán (River Plate).

• Defenders: Agustín Giay (Palmeiras), Leonardo Balerdi (Roma), Cristian Romero (Atlético Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Facundo Medina (Bayer Leverkusen), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Román Vega (Zenit), Santiago Simón (Toluca), Valentín Gómez (Real Betis), Nicolás Otamendi (River Plate), Tomás Palacios (Estudiantes de La Plata).

• Midfielders: Enzo Fernández (Manchester City), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Valentín Barco (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Ipswich Town), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como), Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina, on loan from Real Madrid), Matías Soulé (Roma), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Tobías Andrada (River Plate), Thiago Almada (River Plate), Equi Fernández (Bayer Leverkusen).

• Forwards: Nicolás González (Juventus), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Santiago Castro (Roma), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Leonel Flores (Boca Juniors).

Pulisic’s immediate focus is on returning to action, with Sunday’s meeting against Juventus potentially offering his first opportunity to make an impact. However, behind the scenes, Milan is preparing for an important conversation that could shape the next stage of the player’s career at San Siro.

The 27-year-old has been included in the squad for Milan’s opening two Serie A matches against Torino and Venezia, but he has yet to play a single minute. His absence comes after a difficult summer in which he was forced to deal with a bone oedema at the junction between the tibia and fibula in his right leg.

The injury ruled him out of pre-season and forced him to train separately when he returned to Italy on August 2. Although the physical problem has now been resolved, Pulisic is still working his way back to full match fitness after only around a week of team training.

Ruben Amorim made it clear that the American’s current situation is primarily about managing his return rather than questioning his quality. “He has great talent. I simply have to manage my players’ workloads, and I understand that at this moment we need to win and to put more tempo into every match,” Amorim recently told reporters.

New attacking hierarchy at Milan

Pulisic is expected to be on the bench against Juventus, with a second-half appearance considered the most likely scenario. A starting place is currently out of reach, particularly with Alphadjo Cisse and Ruben Loftus-Cheek ahead of him in terms of physical condition.

Milan is eager to have Pulisic back because his attacking production remains extremely important. With Rafael Leao now gone, Pulisic is the club’s leading player for combined goals and assists, making his return particularly significant as Amorim searches for a new attacking hierarchy.

The competition for places has changed considerably, with Milan possessing a mixture of experience, youth, physicality and creativity in the attacking midfield positions. Adrien Rabiot, Cisse, Loftus-Cheek, Diego Moreira and Alexis Saelemaekers all offer different qualities, meaning Pulisic cannot simply expect to walk straight back into the starting XI.

The American also endured a complicated summer away from the pitch, with Premier League side Tottenham and MLS side New York City FC reportedly attempting to bring him back to their respective leagues. Milan refused to open the door, however, highlighting how important Pulisic remains to Gerry Cardinale’s sporting and commercial project.

Pulisic’s Milan renewal talks get key date

That importance will now be tested in the boardroom, with a key meeting between Cardinale and Pulisic’s representatives scheduled for the middle of next week. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and Calciomercato.com, the meeting will involve Pulisic’s entourage, including his father and agent.

The timing is significant because the winger’s current contract expires in 2027, while Milan has an option that can extend the agreement until 2028. The club is expected to exercise that option, but discussions will also focus on a much longer deal that could keep the American at Milan until 2031.

The financial side of the negotiations could prove more complicated. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Pulisic’s representatives are seeking to double his salary from $4.6 million net per season to $9.2 million net. However, a compromise between the two sides remains possible.

Milan reportedly wants more evidence on the pitch before committing to the biggest financial terms. That makes Pulisic’s return particularly important, because the coming weeks could determine whether the club views him as an essential long-term leader or simply an important player whose future requires further discussion.

Messi is expected to make his final Argentina appearance against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary international career. Ronaldo, meanwhile, remains involved with Portugal after being selected by Jorge Jesus, who is beginning a new era following the national team’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

The Argentine superstar was included in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for three upcoming friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, with the latter expected to be his farewell appearance. The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international action in August after La Albiceleste reached the 2026 World Cup final, where it lost to Spain.

Ronaldo remains at top of international scoring charts

Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, maintaining a significant advantage at the top of the all-time men’s international scoring list. The 41-year-old has continued to find the net deep into his career, with his longevity becoming one of the defining features of his international record.

His total includes goals across World Cup and European Championship qualifying, major tournaments and the UEFA Nations League. The 41-year-old is also the leading scorer in European Championship history, adding another layer to a record that has been built over more than two decades.

The next major milestone is already obvious: 150 international goals. Ronaldo needs only four more strikes to reach the landmark, although whether he gets there will depend on future selection, fitness and his decision about how long he wants to continue representing the Selecao das Quinas.

How many international goals does Messi have?

The answer is 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, leaving the Inter Miami star 21 goals behind Ronaldo on the all-time list. Whether or not the Argentine can add to his already impressive scoring record in the forthcoming friendly matches will determine how he ends his international career.

Messi’s final years with Argentina were filled with major achievements, including the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He also helped the nation win the 2022 Finalissima, completing a remarkable transformation from years of international disappointment to sustained success.

There is another important distinction between the two legends. Messi finished with more World Cup goals than Ronaldo, while Ronaldo holds the overall international scoring record by a considerable margin.

Jesus selected Ronaldo for Portugal’s opening 2026-27 UEFA Nations League matches against Wales, Norway and Denmark. The call-up comes after Portugal appointed Jesus following the departure of Roberto Martinez, with the veteran continuing to play a major role despite questions surrounding how much longer his international career can continue.

Ronaldo first broke into the senior national team setup in 2003, shortly after making his international debut. Since then, he has remained a regular presence through an extraordinary succession of generations, managers and tournaments. His latest selection means that Ronaldo has now been called up for Portugal for 24 consecutive seasons, covering every campaign from 2003-04 through 2026-27.

The sequence stretches from his teenage years through his 30s and into his 40s, making the longevity of his international career particularly striking. The 41-year-old superstar has now continued his impressive 24-game season streak by earning a spot in Jesus’ first Portugal team.

How Ronaldo’s run compares with Messi

The comparison with Lionel Messi makes Ronaldo’s longevity milestone even more striking. Ronaldo’s current run stands at 24 consecutive seasons, while Messi’s comparable international span covers roughly 22 seasons from his Argentina debut in 2005 through the 2026 World Cup cycle.

Messi made his senior international debut in August 2005 and went on to become the national team’s record appearance-maker and scorer. However, his international career included periods away from the team, including his brief retirement announcement following the 2016 Copa America final defeat to Chile before he reversed that decision six weeks later.

The 39-year-old has now reached the end of his international career as a regular La Albiceleste player. He announced his retirement following the 2026 World Cup, although he received a farewell call-up for a friendly against Benin scheduled for October.

That distinction is important when comparing the two records. Ronaldo remains an active competitive international player for Portugal, while Messi’s latest selection is intended as a farewell appearance rather than the continuation of a regular international career.

Two extraordinary careers took different paths

Ronaldo’s advantage in consecutive seasons comes partly from starting earlier. His senior international debut arrived in 2003, two years before Messi made his first appearance for Argentina, giving him an immediate head start in a longevity comparison between the two superstars.

Messi’s career still features an extraordinary level of consistency despite those interruptions. He has accumulated more than 200 Argentina appearances and over 120 goals, while leading Argentina to major international success including the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles.

Ronaldo has also collected major international silverware, most notably Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph and the 2019 Nations League title. His continued presence at international level into his 24th consecutive season, however, gives him a distinctive longevity record when the metric is specifically consecutive squad selections.

Medical tests carried out on Thursday confirmed the injury and ruled out the need for surgery, with Garcia expected to be sidelined for around three weeks. Notably, this is not the same knee that required an operation last season, a detail that has offered some relief to Barcelona’s medical staff given the less serious nature of the current issue.

The timing has actually worked in Barcelona’s favor. Garcia’s recovery window overlaps with the upcoming international break, meaning the Sevilla clash is set to be his only absence before he’s expected to be available again for the visit of Getafe at Camp Nou on October 10.

The injury comes at an inconvenient time given how well Garcia had been playing. Across his five starts this season, the goalkeeper had conceded just four goals while recording 11 saves, and his three clean sheets are tied for the most of any goalkeeper in LaLiga.

Confirmed Barcelona lineup vs Sevilla

In Garcia’s absence, Flick has turned to Dominik Livaković, who will make his Barcelona debut between the posts ahead of veteran Wojciech Szczęsny, the goalkeeper who had deputized for Garcia off the bench against Racing Santander just days earlier.

Barcelona confirmed its starting XI for the trip to face Sevilla: Livaković; João Cancelo, Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, Eric García; Pedri, Rodri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Anthony Gordon; Raphinha.

Szczęsny starts on the bench alongside Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Gabriel Jesus, Xavi Espart, Karim Adeyemi, Gerard Martín, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Jules Koundé, Abdelkarim, and Iker Rodríguez.

Gyokeres arrived in London after an extraordinary spell at Sporting Lisbon, where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances, but his second season at Arsenal has begun very differently. The 28-year-old has struggled for minutes and failed to make an impression in his recent opportunities, while Kai Havertz has established himself as Mikel Arteta’s preferred option through the middle.

The contrast with last season is difficult to ignore. Gyokeres scored 21 goals in all competitions during his debut campaign and helped Arsenal win the Premier League title while reaching the Champions League final, yet he has started only two of the club’s opening six matches this season.

His latest opportunities against Napoli, Ipswich, and Brighton have done little to change the situation. Gyokeres managed only nine touches against Napoli and 18 against Ipswich, completing the entire 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup without scoring, leaving questions about whether he can force his way back into Arteta’s plans. Even worse, he only played for 17 minutes of the second half of the Gunners’ shocking loss to Brighton on Saturday.

Milan enters the picture

Despite Arsenal having no current intention of actively selling Gyokeres, reports suggest the forward’s representatives have begun exploring possible alternatives. The Daily Briefing reports that Milan has held initial talks with Gyokeres’ representatives, although the discussions remain at an early stage.

The Rossoneri are reportedly considering a loan move rather than a permanent transfer, while Juventus and Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad have also been linked with the Sweden international. There is currently nothing advanced with any of the interested clubs, meaning Arsenal still has considerable control over the situation.

Gyokeres’ representatives are understood to be concerned about his reduced role, particularly after he scored 21 goals last season. The striker is reportedly unhappy with his current situation, although Arsenal continues to value him and could still rely heavily on him during a demanding campaign.

The advantage Milan has over its rivals

This is where Milan could offer something the other interested clubs cannot. A move to San Siro could reunite Gyokeres with Ruben Amorim, the coach who previously brought the best out of him at Sporting CP.

The pair worked together in Portugal during one of Gyokeres’ most prolific periods. The Swede scored 66 goals and registered 23 assists in 68 appearances under Amorim, making their previous partnership a major part of the appeal behind Milan’s interest.

For Amorim, bringing in a striker who already understands his tactical demands could also make sense as he continues to build his Milan project. Gyokeres would arrive with knowledge of the manager’s methods, while Pulisic and Milan’s other attacking players could potentially benefit from having a proven goalscorer leading the line.

Milan welcomes Lecce at San Siro on Sunday for Serie A’s fifth matchday, looking to respond after a 2-0 Europa League defeat to Benfica. The Rossoneri have collected eight points from their opening four league games, while the visitor enters the match on six points after beating Monza 3-2 last week.

While several Milan players are expected to leave after the Lecce game for international duty, Pulisic will remain in Italy after being left out of Mauricio Pochettino’s latest United States squad. Pochettino selected a 28-man group for upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, with the 28-year-old forward among the most notable omissions.

Several outlets, such as ESPN and Fox Sports, point to a combination of fitness concerns and roster-selection preferences behind the decision. Pulisic suffered a hairline fracture during the World Cup and has yet to start for Milan since returning, while Amorim has repeatedly indicated that his No. 11 is still working his way back to full fitness.

Pochettino has also left out established USMNT players including Folarin Balogun, Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson. Instead, the coach has incorporated younger players as he looks ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, while Yunus Musah earned a recall after making a strong start to the season with Milan.

Amorim needs answers after Benfica defeat

Pulisic’s absence from the international break could now prove particularly useful for Milan. Amorim needs to improve a side that has failed to score in the first half of any Serie A match this season, while the Benfica defeat intensified questions about whether his team is developing as quickly as expected.

Milan has only one defeat in its last five matches, but three consecutive games have ended with the Rossoneri conceding. The 1-1 draw against Juventus, 2-2 draw against Lazio and the 3-2 win over Torino have all highlighted different problems, while the Benfica loss exposed the consequences of Amorim’s heavy rotation.

Pulisic expected to make his first Milan start of the season

That is where the biggest development involving Pulisic comes into focus. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Pulisic is expected to make his first start for Milan this season, returning to the lineup after beginning the campaign with appearances from the bench.

The last time the American started for the Rossoneri was April 26 against Juventus, making the upcoming Lecce clash a significant moment for a player who has spent much of 2026 dealing with physical setbacks. He has also gone without an official goal for the Red and Blacks or the national team this calendar year, with his only strike coming in a friendly against Senegal in May.

His return could give Amorim the established attacking presence Milan has been missing. Pulisic has the versatility to operate between the lines and in the half-spaces, while his ability to create and shoot quickly makes him particularly suited to the attacking-midfield role in Amorim’s system.

There is another reason for optimism around Pulisic’s return: Lecce is his favorite Serie A opponent, with the USMNT star having scored five goals in five appearances against the Apulian side.

Argentina will face Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, before closing out the window in Buenos Aires against Burkina Faso on October 3 (venue still to be officially confirmed) and Benin on October 6 at the Monumental.

Beyond marking Messi’s send-off, these games will also serve as the vehicle for several suspended teammates to finally clear their bans from the chaotic ending of the 2026 World Cup final.

At one point, it wasn’t clear those suspensions would even apply to these fixtures. The bans stemmed from a post-match brawl after Spain beat Argentina in the final, and under the original ruling they were tied to official competitive matches, meaning the suspended players risked carrying their punishments all the way into 2027 World Cup qualifying or the 2028 Copa América before getting a chance to serve them out.

According to the AFA, CONMEBOL classified Argentina’s upcoming friendlies as Level 1 fixtures, the designation that allows the suspended players to begin working off the bans they picked up following the tournament in North America.

The scandal behind the bans

The suspensions trace back to a post-match brawl following Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final, and FIFA handed down significant punishments for each player involved, on top of a $321,000 fine for the AFA as an institution.

Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension for grabbing Eric García by the neck, Nahuel Molina was hit with a seven-match ban following a clash with Rodri, Thiago Almada was given a one-match suspension, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala was barred from the bench for three games.

WHO: Sevilla vs Barcelona
WHAT: La Liga
WHEN: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT • Saturday, September 19, 2026
WHERE: Fubo
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

Sevilla enters this clash in strong form, sitting fourth in the La Liga table after securing back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since last season. Fresh off a disciplined 1-0 away win against Deportivo La Coruña, García Plaza’s side is looking to make a statement and prove they can challenge the league’s elite, especially after defeating Barcelona 4-1 at home last season.

Meanwhile, league leaders Barcelona arrive at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán with a perfect record. Hansi Flick’s squad has been unstoppable, winning all six of their league matches and scoring an incredible 28 goals. With a three-point lead over rivals Real Madrid, the defending champions are playing with ruthless efficiency and will be determined to maintain their flawless start to the campaign.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This match pits two teams on an upward trajectory against each other. Barcelona is continuing the domestic dominance that won them the title last season, setting club records for their best-ever start to a season. Sevilla, however, is enjoying its finest start since the 2021/22 campaign, extending their unbeaten streak to three games and looking like a much-improved defensive unit.

The tactical battle will be fascinating. Sevilla is expected to deploy an aggressive midfield press to disrupt Barcelona’s build-up play and cut off their supply lines. In contrast, Barcelona’s fluid, high-tempo attack excels at exploiting any space left behind. While their offensive power is undeniable, Hansi Flick’s side has shown vulnerability on the counter-attack, conceding in high-scoring wins over Racing Santander and Levante.

Motivation is high on both sides. For Barcelona, the objective is clear: maintain their perfect start and keep their distance from Real Madrid at the top of the table. For Sevilla, this is a chance to secure a signature win against a Spanish heavyweight, re-establish the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán as a fortress, and prove they belong in the title conversation.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, Barcelona has overwhelmingly dominated this fixture. In 204 all-time meetings, the Catalan giants have secured 119 victories compared to Sevilla’s 46, with 39 matches ending in a draw. This long-term trend underscores the challenge facing the home side.

However, recent encounters have been far more competitive and high-scoring. Barcelona has won four of the last five meetings, but Sevilla’s lone victory was a memorable 4-1 thrashing at this very stadium last season. The subsequent match saw Barcelona get revenge with a 5-2 win at Camp Nou, highlighting the fixture’s potential for goals.

Data from the last five head-to-head clashes reveals a consistent pattern of offensive fireworks. Both teams have scored in all five of those games, which have produced an incredible average of 5.2 total goals per match. Barcelona forward Raphinha has been particularly lethal, scoring four goals in his last three appearances against Sevilla.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Barcelona arrives with a relatively clean bill of health, while Sevilla will have to navigate a couple of key absences for this crucial showdown.

Sevilla’s depth will be tested, as midfielder Ruben Vargas is unavailable and defender Arouna Sangante remains questionable after missing the trip to Deportivo. Manager García Plaza will need to adjust his setup to compensate, likely relying on the disciplined structure that has earned them two consecutive shutouts.

For Barcelona, the injury list is minimal. Long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain out, but the core of the squad is fit. A minor concern is the status of first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who is questionable. If he is unable to play, Dominik Livaković is expected to make his La Liga debut for the club.

Sevilla Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Iglesias, Lopez, Salas, Suazo; Agoumé, Fofana; Sierra, Guridi, Correia; Stassin.
This formation provides a solid defensive base with Agoumé and Fofana shielding the backline. Sevilla will look to stay compact and hit on the counter through the creativity of Guridi and the pace of Correia, with academy graduate Miguel Sierra providing a threat from the wing.

Barcelona Projected XI (4-3-3): Livaković; Cancelo, Christensen, García, Martín; Pedri, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Adeyemi, Raphinha.
Hansi Flick is expected to field his devastating front three, with Raphinha operating as a false nine. The Brazilian is in career-best form, leading the league’s scoring charts. He’ll be supported by Lamine Yamal and Karim Adeyemi, with a world-class midfield of Pedri, Rodri, and Dani Olmo pulling the strings.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Sevilla vs Barcelona channel on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast, as well as web browsers and mobile apps for iOS and Android.

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A subscription to the platform costs $[Insert Price]/month, giving you access to every single La Liga game throughout the season. You can also opt for an annual plan to save on the monthly cost.

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The decision comes only months after Portugal’s last-16 elimination from the 2026 World Cup, when Ronaldo was left visibly emotional at the final whistle. He had already confirmed that the tournament would be his last World Cup, while his recent admission that “this is probably my last year of football” has added further uncertainty.

For now, however, Ronaldo has no immediate plans to walk away from the national team. Jesus selected him for Portugal’s opening UEFA Nations League fixtures against Wales, Norway and Denmark, giving the forward another opportunity to add to his remarkable international record.

The 41-year-old has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, making him the most prolific scorer and most-capped player in men’s international football. His greatest success with the national team came at Euro 2016, followed by Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.

Jesus is also well acquainted with his veteran striker. The 72-year-old previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, where the pair helped the club win the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title before Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez as Portugal head coach.

The 1,000-goal question finally gets revealing answer

Behind the international debate is Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of 1,000 career goals. He currently has 979 official goals for club and country, leaving him 21 strikes short of the extraordinary milestone.

Ronaldo has also suggested that the 2026-27 campaign could be his final season, making the timing particularly significant. If he does retire at the end of the campaign, every remaining appearance for Al-Nassr and Portugal could become part of a race against the clock.

Jesus was then asked whether he could imagine Ronaldo reaching the landmark during the Nations League. His answer provided perhaps the clearest indication yet of where the coach believes the milestone is most likely to arrive. “I don’t know, but I think he’s more likely to score his 1,000th career goal with Al-Nassr than with the Portugal national team,” the coach told the reporters.

Why the prediction matters for Ronaldo

Jesus’ comment does not mean Ronaldo is being pushed toward international retirement. In fact, his inclusion in the squad confirms that Portugal’s new coach still considers him available for selection, while the performance-based warning applies to every player in the group.

However, the prediction highlights a potentially different path for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s final chapter. With Al-Nassr providing far more club fixtures than Portugal has international matches, the Saudi side naturally offers Ronaldo more opportunities to find the 21 goals he needs.

The Selecao’s immediate schedule gives him four Nations League opportunities: Wales on September 24, Norway on September 27, Denmark on October 1, and Norway again on October 4. Those matches could add to his total, but Jesus clearly expects the majority of the remaining goals to come at club level.

The Argentine’s brilliance came up as one of the central topics when Yamal sat down with Jorge Valdano for an extensive interview on Universo Valdano, which also touched on the Ballon d’Or race and his own performance at the World Cup.

“For me, he was the best player of the World Cup for everything he is and everything he generated. Nobody expected that a player at Leo’s age, even if it was Leo, could do things at that level,” Yamal said.

The numbers back up that admiration. At 39 years old, Messi scored eight goals across the tournament, including two assists in Argentina’s dramatic comeback win over England in the semifinal, and carried his team all the way to the final.

Yamal never directly criticized Rodri or FIFA’s decision, but by singling out Messi as the tournament’s true best performer, he left little doubt about who he believed actually deserved the recognition, regardless of which trophy his own national team ended up lifting.

Yamal admits he wasn’t satisfied with his own World Cup

Beyond his praise for Messi, Yamal turned surprisingly self-critical when reflecting on his own tournament, even though his contribution helped Spain lift the trophy in extra time.

“I didn’t come out happy after winning the World Cup. The injury thing is true, but it has nothing to do with it. If the World Cup happened again at another point, I’d feel the same way, even without the injury,” he told Valdano.

He went further, breaking down exactly what left him unsatisfied: “I did a lot of things people didn’t see. For the coach, it’s incredible to have a player who drags three defenders with him, but based on my performance, I know I could have done more”.

It’s a level of self-demand that stands out even for a teenager who just won the World Cup, and it helps explain why Yamal continues to push himself toward the Ballon d’Or conversation rather than settling for the trophy already in hand. If this is the standard he holds himself to after arguably one of the best seasons of his young career, there’s little reason to think he’s anywhere close to a ceiling.

The 23-man squad will report for the opening window of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, with matches against Turkey, Belgium twice, and Italy, and it leaves out 11 players who were part of France’s run at the tournament.

Several of the absences are tied to injuries. William Saliba, Marcus Thuram, and Jean-Philippe Mateta are all out with fitness issues, while Aurélien Tchouaméni was left out as a precaution, with Zidane opting not to rush his minutes after the midfielder himself only recently returned from a muscle injury at Real Madrid.

N’Golo Kanté’s absence, meanwhile, comes down to retirement rather than form or fitness. The 35-year-old announced he was stepping away from international duty after the World Cup, and Zidane pointed to bringing in fresh blood as part of his broader plan to evolve the squad going forward.

The rest of the omissions were simply Zidane’s call as he begins to stamp his own identity on the team. Lucas Hernández, Theo Hernández, Maghnes Akliouche, Lucas Digne, and Malo Gusto were all left out without an injury or retirement behind it, and the same goes for goalkeeper Brice Samba, who was passed over in favor of Guillaume Restes between the posts.

France’s full squad for this international break

• Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Robin Risser (Lens).

• Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

• Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Como), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG).

• Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Estéban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich).

France’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures

Zidane will kick off his tenure away from home, with France traveling to face Turkey in Kocaeli on September 25. Les Bleus then head to Brussels three days later, on September 28, to take on Belgium at their place.

The schedule flips for the second half of the window, with France hosting both remaining games at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Italy visit on October 2, before Belgium returns for a rematch on October 5, closing out Zidane’s first international break in charge.

The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 26, 2026, at London’s Palladium Theatre, marking the first time the event has been held outside Paris since 2019. The judging period covers August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026, meaning both the 2025-26 club season and the 2026 World Cup are part of the assessment.

The official 30-man shortlist was announced on September 8, with several players able to make a strong case for the award. Harry Kane enters the conversation after scoring 73 goals for club and country, while Yamal, Mbappe, Rodri, Ousmane Dembele and Messi all arrive with different achievements behind them.

Yamal is among the youngest candidates after another spectacular campaign with Barcelona and Spain, while Mbappe has established himself as one of the central figures of the race with Real Madrid and France. Messi, meanwhile, remains on the shortlist after another productive period with Inter Miami and an impressive run with Argentina at the World Cup.

The variety of candidates is what makes this year’s contest particularly intriguing. Some have outstanding individual numbers, others have collected major trophies, while several can point to both.

Ballon d’Or reveals what voters must consider

The mystery surrounding how those different cases will be compared becomes clearer when looking at the three official criteria used to determine the winner. As per France Football’s Ballon d’Or regulations, they are individual performance, collective achievements and titles, and class and fair play.

The first criterion focuses on what the player actually produced individually throughout the evaluation period. That includes consistency and decisive moments, with goals, assists, and other influential performances forming part of the broader assessment.

The second looks at team success, including trophies won with the club and national team. However, the player’s importance to those achievements also matters, meaning simply being part of a successful squad does not automatically settle the argument. The final criterion concerns fair play and behavior, taking into account a player’s attitude and conduct both on and off the pitch.

What the criteria mean for Messi, Yamal and Mbappe

Those rules create different paths for the leading candidates. Yamal can point to individual performances and major success with Spain and Barcelona, while Mbappe has his own case built around his production and international achievements with France.

Messi’s candidacy is similarly shaped by both his individual contribution and Argentina’s World Cup campaign. His presence on the shortlist at 39 years old also gives the 2026 race another historic dimension, although the award is decided on the defined judging period rather than career reputation.

Other contenders have their own combinations of strengths. Kane’s extraordinary goalscoring figures, Rodri’s midfield influence and World Cup Golden Ball, and Dembele’s achievements with Paris Saint-Germain demonstrate why the shortlist contains such varied profiles.

How the winner will actually be decided

The winner is chosen by 100 journalists representing the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, with each voter selecting their top 10 players from the 30 nominees. The points system awards 15 points for first place, 12 for second, 10 for third, and continues down to one point for 10th place. Those points are then added together, with the player collecting the highest total crowned the winner.

If two candidates finish level, the number of first-place votes is used as the initial tiebreaker, followed by second-place votes and so on if necessary. The voting deadline is September 28, leaving the final weeks for voters to assess the candidates against the established criteria. The result will finally be announced in London on October 26.

The Englishman’s pursuit comes after another remarkable campaign in Germany. The England captain finished the 2025-26 Bundesliga season with 36 goals, earning 72 points in the European Golden Shoe standings and finishing ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

That performance also helped Bayern claim three trophies: the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Supercup. Kane‘s scoring form was central to that success, while his overall output across club and country reached an extraordinary 73 goals during the campaign.

The striker has already established himself among Europe’s elite scorers since joining Bayern from Tottenham in 2023. His consistency has now opened the door to a statistical milestone that has previously belonged to only two of soccer’s most decorated superstars.

The record Kane wants to match

Kane’s target is now clear: winning the European Golden Shoe for a third time this season. Doing so would make him only the third player in the history of the award to reach three victories, joining Messi and Ronaldo in an exclusive club. Messi has won the award six times, while Ronaldo has claimed it on four occasions, making them the only players to reach at least three victories.

His previous two wins came with Bayern. Kane scored 36 Bundesliga goals in 2023-24 and then matched that total in 2025-26, making him the leading scorer across Europe’s top domestic leagues on both occasions.

The 2025-26 campaign was particularly impressive because Kane finished ahead of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Shoe race. Haaland scored 27 Premier League goals, while Mbappe finished with 25 La Liga goals, leaving Kane at the top after his prolific Bundesliga season.

What did Kane say about the possibile record?

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, the 33-year-old acknowledged the significance of the players he is attempting to join. “Messi and Ronaldo dominated football for an entire generation. They are two of the best in history,” he said. “To be part of that conversation is already something special. It is an objective.”

The Bayern forward also explained that individual awards are not his sole motivation, even though they remain an important source of ambition. “As a striker, I am expected to score goals. The Golden Boot is not my only objective, but, of course, I know that, if I win it, I will also be helping the team,” Kane told Marca.

He then made it clear that winning once only makes him want the trophy again. “Every time I win one, I want another, and then another, and this time will be no different,” he said, before adding: “I hope to be there again this season, scoring as many goals as I can in the Bundesliga, and we will see if I can get another one.”

Ronaldo’s future with the national team had been uncertain following Portugal’s last-16 defeat to Spain at the 2026 World Cup, with the veteran visibly emotional after the final whistle. He had already confirmed that the tournament would be his last World Cup, while his recent comment that “this is probably my last year of football” only added to the speculation surrounding his next move.

For now, retirement is not on the immediate agenda. Ronaldo has been selected for Portugal’s Nations League fixtures against Wales, Norway and Denmark, meaning he will continue his remarkable international career more than two decades after making his debut in August 2003.

The Al-Nassr forward is the nation’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having registered 146 goals in 233 appearances. His greatest international achievement remains the Euro 2016, while a World Cup title has remained the major prize missing from his collection.

What’s more, Jesus is a familiar figure to the 41-year-old. The Portuguese coach worked with him at Al-Nassr from July 2025 until mid-2026, guiding the Saudi club to the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title before taking over from Roberto Martinez as the Selecao’s head coach.

Jorge Jesus draws clear line for Ronaldo

That previous relationship, however, does not mean Ronaldo has been handed special treatment. Jesus was asked directly whether the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s extraordinary career influences his selection decisions, and his answer was emphatic. “His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count. His performances will determine the decisions I make in training and in matches,” Jesus said at his press conference.

The coach acknowledged that the veteran forward occupies a unique position in soccer, but insisted that his reputation will not dictate what happens on the pitch. “He has a different status and has won five Ballon d’Or awards, but does that influence my decisions? No. But is he a different player? Absolutely.”

That message became even clearer when Jesus explained exactly how Ronaldo will be treated within the squad: “Cristiano is a player like all the others. If he is performing well, he will play. If he isn’t, he won’t.

Five Ballon d’Or awards will not guarantee starting XI

Jesus pointed out that 13 players in the current Portugal squad have previously worked with him, meaning familiarity alone will not determine his choices. He also stressed that he has no fixed rules when selecting his team, with performances in training and matches ultimately carrying the greatest weight.

The comments represent a significant reality check for Ronaldo, even though there is no suggestion that Jesus has lost faith in him. Being selected at 41 confirms that Ronaldo remains part of the coach’s plans, but his place in the starting XI will have to be earned on the same terms as everyone else.

Portugal also has several attacking options competing for places. Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, Fabio Silva, and Joao Felix are among the forwards included, while Ronaldo will also have to compete for minutes as the new coach assesses the squad.

The 26-man roster will report for Spain’s opening Nations League fixtures, with four matches on tap against Croatia twice, England, and the Czech Republic in Group 3 of League A.

Of the 26 players called up, 22 return from the World Cup-winning squad, but four champions were notably left off the list, one from each area of the field: goalkeeper Joan García, right-back Marcos Llorente, midfielder Gavi, and forward Borja Iglesias.

García’s absence is tied to a knee injury, while Gavi will miss out due to a suspension stemming from an altercation with Argentina’s Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes in the World Cup final. De la Fuente called up Josep Martínez and Fermín Lopez to fill those two spots, respectively.

Llorente and Iglesias, meanwhile, both announced their retirements from the national team shortly after winning the World Cup, prompting De la Fuente to turn to Dean Huijsen and Roberto Fernández as their replacements.

Spain’s full squad for this international break

• Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Josep Martínez (Inter Milan).

• Defenders: Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Eric García (Barcelona), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Alejandro Grimaldo (Atlético Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid).

• Midfielders: Rodri (Barcelona), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Fabián Ruíz (PSG), Fermín Lopez (Barcelona), Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid).

• Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Víctor Muñoz (Liverpool), Roberto Fernández (Espanyol), Ferrán Torres (PSG), Dani Olmo (Barcelona).

These four changes speak more to circumstance than any shake-up in philosophy from De la Fuente. Between an injury, a suspension, and two surprise retirements, the Spain boss was essentially forced into adjusting his roster, and had it not been for those factors, there’s a strong chance the group that conquered North America would have remained fully intact for this next chapter.

Despite the heartbreak for the English captain, the match ended with a visible show of mutual respect between the two, embracing on the pitch once the final whistle blew. Months later, Kane revisited that moment in an interview with Marca, reflecting on what he saw in Messi that day and throughout his career.

Asked about that embrace, Kane pointed to the specific trait he believes separates Messi from the rest: “He has always put the team ahead of himself, and I think that’s one of the reasons Argentina had the success they did“.

Messi’s numbers throughout the tournament backed up that reading of him as a team-first player. The Argentine captain finished the World Cup with 12 goal involvements (eight goals and four assists), second only to Kylian Mbappe’s 14, while pushing his career World Cup goal tally to 21, the second-highest total in the competition’s history, all while directing Argentina’s run to the final.

Looking back on how he handled the defeat, Kane made clear that showing respect in that moment mattered to him just as much as the result. “That day, after losing, I tried to keep my head held high and show respect for the other team. I think that was important, especially towards Leo, for how incredible he’s been in football for so many years,” he said, closing the chapter on one of the World Cup’s most talked-about individual moments.

Kane recalls the embrace and what he told Messi after the final whistle

Amid the immediate disappointment of England’s elimination, Kane still made a point of seeking Messi out on the pitch once the match ended, sharing a personal moment with the Argentine captain before either side had even left the field.

“I remember hugging him and wishing him good luck for the final. It wasn’t our World Cup in the end, but that’s what a World Cup is about: the best players facing off on the biggest stage, and of course, there’s always going to be a loser,” Kane said.

For Kane, the gesture was less about the result and more about recognizing what he’d just witnessed, a reminder that even in defeat, sharing the stage with a legend was something worth acknowledging in the moment rather than letting the loss overshadow it.

Messi is set to make his expected final appearance for Argentina against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Ronaldo, meanwhile, is still part of the conversation surrounding Portugal as the national team begins its first competitive campaign under Jesus following the 2026 World Cup.

The Argentine was included in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the upcoming international window, which will feature three friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin. The final match is expected to become the 39-year-old’s farewell appearance after he announced his retirement from international action in August.

Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia confirmed the plans, describing Messi as the country’s captain and an icon of the national team. “We made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves on October 6 here in Argentina,” Tapia said.

Messi has scored 125 goals in more than 200 appearances for Argentina, winning the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. His final major tournament ended with La Albiceleste losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain, bringing an extraordinary international career closer to its conclusion.

Ronaldo gets the answer he wanted from Jesus amid four changes

Ronaldo’s situation could hardly be more different. The 41-year-old has officially been included in Jorge Jesus‘ first Portugal squad, meaning he will continue his international career despite the uncertainty surrounding his future after the World Cup. Jesus knows Ronaldo well after coaching him at Al-Nassr during the 2025-26 season, when the Saudi club won the Saudi Pro League title.

The Portuguese coach had already indicated that Ronaldo would remain an option provided his performances justified selection. The biggest headline may be Ronaldo’s inclusion, but Jesus has also made four notable changes to the Selecao squad as he begins reshaping the national team after Roberto Martinez’s departure.

Samuel Soares, Nuno Tavares, Joao Palhinha and Fabio Silva have been brought into the squad, while several players who were part of Portugal‘s World Cup group have been left out. The selection still contains plenty of familiar faces, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao and Joao Felix.

Ronaldo remains the standout name among the forwards, alongside Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Francisco Conceicao, Francisco Trincao and Fabio Silva. His inclusion means Jesus is choosing continuity while also beginning to introduce fresh options.

Portugal begins new era

Jesus replaced Martinez after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup round of 16, and his first Nations League squad provides the first glimpse of how he intends to move forward.

Portugal will open the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League against Wales in Lisbon on September 24, before travelling to Norway three days later. Denmark follows on October 1, with Portugal then hosting Norway on October 4.

Ronaldo and his teammates enter the competition as the reigning Nations League champions, having defeated Spain on penalties in the 2025 final. Jesus therefore begins his tenure with a team expected to compete for another major trophy while also managing the transition beyond the World Cup generation.

By capturing the 2025 MLS Cup, Inter Miami earned the right to contest the 2026 Campeones Cup against Mexican champions Cruz Azul. Having suffered early exits from the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup while trailing Nashville SC in the Supporters’ Shield standings, the midweek fixture represented a vital opportunity for the Herons to claim silverware in 2026.

Posting one goal and one assist, Messi proved decisive in the 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul. The win delivered the 48th trophy of Messi’s career, extending his lead over all pursuers on the all-time list while preserving his streak of winning at least one title per calendar year since joining Inter Miami in 2023.

Messi’s last completely trophyless calendar year came in 2020 during his penultimate season at FC Barcelona. The forward went without international hardware for Argentina, while Barcelona finished runner-up in La Liga, lost in the Supercopa de Espana semifinals to Atletico Madrid, suffered a Copa del Rey quarterfinal exit against Athletic Bilbao, and endured a historic 8-2 quarterfinal defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.

When was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last trophyless year?

Ronaldo recently made headlines with Al Nassr by capturing the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, securing his first official league championship since moving to the Middle East. However, in terms of annual hardware, the Portuguese forward navigated a barren stretch in the not-too-distant past.

Ronaldo’s last trophyless calendar year occurred in 2024. With Al Nassr, he suffered an AFC Champions League quarterfinal exit against Al Ain, lost two Saudi Super Cup fixtures, fell in the King’s Cup final, and finished runner-up to Al Hilal in the domestic league standings.

His search for silverware that summer extended to international duty with Portugal at Euro 2024. However, the Selecao suffered a quarterfinal elimination against France, ending the legendary forward’s hopes of lifting an international trophy in 2024.

As an individual highlight, Ronaldo reached his historic 900th career goal in September 2024 during a UEFA Nations League match against Croatia. He subsequently snapped his team trophy drought in 2025 by captaining Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title with a victory over Spain in the final.

Competing in the 2026 Campeones Cup against Cruz Azul, Messi once again tilted the scales in Inter Miami’s favor. The Argentine legend scored the opening goal with a header to notch his 100th club goal, before serving up an assist for Casemiro to secure a 2-0 victory.

The performance marks the third time Messi has scored 100 goals for a single team, joining his totals with FC Barcelona and Argentina, while leaving Paris Saint-Germain as the lone exception where he finished with 32 goals in 75 matches. Yet despite entering the twilight of his career, his goalscoring rate with Inter Miami established a new personal speed record.

When did Messi reach 100 goals at Barcelona?

A product of La Masia who developed as a technical winger, Messi did not begin his senior career at Barcelona as a volume goalscorer. Emerging initially as a primary dribbler and playmaker, his goal output exploded following his tactical repositioning under Pep Guardiola, flourishing as a false nine.

That shift accelerated his scoring timeline following his 2004 senior debut, allowing him to hit 100 goals for Barcelona on January 16, 2010, requiring 188 appearances with the Blaugrana. On Matchday 18 of the 2009-10 La Liga season, he scored twice in a 4-0 win over Sevilla, connecting on a cross from Dani Alves for his 100th goal while becoming the youngest player in club history to reach the milestone at 22 years, 6 months old.

During his early seasons at Barcelona, Messi’s goal ratio remained under 0.50 goals per match. However, by the 2009-10 campaign, his production surged to elite historical levels, closing that season with 47 goals across 53 matches in all competitions.

When did Messi hit 100 goals at Argentina?

After winning the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup, Messi had long surpassed Gabriel Batistuta’s previous Argentina national team scoring record of 56 goals. However, the playmaker continued to build on his international tally until reaching the 100-goal mark.

He scored his 100th international goal for Argentina on March 28, 2023, needing 174 caps with the Albiceleste to reach the milestone. The captain opened the scoring in a friendly against Curacao to log his 100th goal, before completing a first-half hat trick to finish the 7-0 victory with 102 career international goals.

Across all three teams where he reached triple digits, Messi’s run at Inter Miami stands as his fastest century, taking just 115 games. Argentina ranks second at 174 caps, while Barcelona sits third, requiring 188 matches to hit 100 goals.

Mbappe scored during Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Elche this midweek, finally finding the net against the only La Liga opponent he had previously faced without scoring. The goal arrived in the 33rd minute, with the forward putting his body on the line as he collided with goalkeeper Matías Dituro, before later assisting Carlos Espí’s stoppage-time winner.

Elche had been the final holdout for Mbappe. He had already faced the club during the 2025-26 season, when Real Madrid drew 2-2, but the Frenchman failed to score on that occasion.

That changed at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero. With his latest goal, Mbappe has now scored against all 23 La Liga opponents he has faced since joining the Whites in 2024, although he has yet to encounter newly promoted Deportivo de La Coruna and Racing Santander.

The achievement has come remarkably quickly considering how recently Mbappe arrived in Spain. He has already scored 63 La Liga goals across his first three campaigns and has registered 94 goals in 110 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions.

How long did Mbappe need?

Mbappe completed his current 23-team scoring set during the early part of his third La Liga season. In other words, the France captain needed three seasons, including the opening weeks of his third campaign, to score against every opponent he had actually faced.

His progress has been particularly impressive because he has maintained an extraordinary scoring rate throughout the period. Mbappe scored 31 league goals in 2024-25, followed that with 25 in 2025-26, and has already scored seven goals in his first six league appearances this season.

How does it compare to Messi?

Messi’s story is different. The Argentine achieved the extraordinary feat of scoring against every active La Liga opponent in a single season during the 2012-13 campaign, but he reached that point nine seasons after making his senior Barcelona debut.

By then, Messi had already developed from a teenage winger into one of the most devastating forwards in soccer history. His ninth season in Barca’s first team produced one of the greatest scoring runs La Liga has ever seen.

The Argentine scored against all 19 opposing teams consecutively, producing goals in 21 straight league matches between November 2012 and March 2013. He scored 33 goals during that 21-game sequence, completing the remarkable sweep when Barcelona faced Celta Vigo on March 30, 2013.

Messi found the net in the 73rd minute against Celta, converting a cross from Cristian Tello as the Blaugrana drew 2-2. That goal completed a run in which he had scored against every other team in the division without a single break in the sequence.

Two milestones, two very different paths

The comparison makes the contrast between the two forwards particularly interesting. Mbappe needed three seasons to score against every La Liga opponent he had faced, while Messi reached the equivalent single-season milestone in his ninth season, doing so by scoring against every active opponent in one uninterrupted sequence.

There is also an important difference in the definition of the achievement. Mbappe’s current record covers 23 teams he has personally faced, whereas Messi’s 2012-13 feat involved all 19 opposing clubs in the entire La Liga season.

Dodi Lukebakio opened the scoring after 16 minutes, before Jakub Kaminski doubled Benfica’s advantage in the second half. Pulisic entered at the break and offered some of Milan‘s more promising attacking moments, although Anatoliy Trubin kept him from getting on the scoresheet.

The defeat extended the Rossoneri’s difficult start under Amorim, with the club now three games without a win in Serie A and Europe after draws against Juventus and Lazio. The coach made five changes to his starting XI against the Eagles, but the opening 45 minutes again highlighted problems with possession, tempo and creativity.

Benfica‘s aggressive pressing repeatedly forced Milan into uncomfortable situations, while Amorim admitted afterward that his players were sometimes creating more danger for themselves when they had the ball. “This conversation of my idea is to play football,” he told Sky Italia. “To do that, we need to play the ball, but we are creating more problems for ourselves when we have the ball than when the opponent has it.”

The coach also acknowledged that the team’s approach needs to evolve depending on the opponent. “I change all the time, we need to start with a base, we have two months of work,” Amorim said, adding: “We lost tonight, but we will find the solutions to adapt to these games.”

Clear demand: Milan needs more speed and technique

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Amorim’s plans involve significant technical and tactical changes, with the coach looking to accelerate the transformation of his squad. The report suggests that Milan’s ideal version under Amorim will be faster, more technical and better equipped to play through pressure.

That could have major implications for Pulisic, the report adds. The American is among the players whose profile appears particularly suited to the changes Amorim wants, with the coach reportedly favoring technically gifted attackers who can combine quickly, operate between the lines and create space around the centre-forward.

Pulisic’s involvement against Lazio and Benfica has already provided an indication of what he can offer. After coming on at halftime against Lazio, he assisted Diego Moreira’s goal, while against Benfica he tested Trubin twice after replacing Omari Hutchinson.

Where does Pulisic belong in the new-look attacking midfield?

The reported tactical shift is especially significant because Pulisic has endured a frustrating start to the season. An injury suffered during the United States’ World Cup campaign delayed his return, while he was left unused from the bench in Milan’s opening three Serie A matches. Now, however, the circumstances appear different.

With the 41-year-old boss searching for more technical quality and greater attacking speed, Pulisic has exactly the characteristics that could earn him more opportunities in the starting XI, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests. Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system requires two attacking midfielders behind the striker who can operate in tight spaces and combine quickly.

The report identifies Pulisic, Alphadjo Cisse and Hutchinson among the players capable of competing for those positions, while Diego Moreira, Samuel Chukwueze and Alexis Saelemaekers also offer different attacking qualities. The idea is to surround Goncalo Ramos with players capable of creating chances and opening gaps rather than leaving the centre-forward isolated.

Pulisic’s ability to receive between the lines, cut inside and produce a final pass or finish makes him a natural candidate for that role. Amorim has previously explained why he likes the 27-year-old star in that area. “Especially here in Italy, sometimes with the teams defending so well, between the lines he’s a player who can make the difference,” he said.

Since Mbappe’s global emergence at the 2018 World Cup, Les Bleus have hoisted the trophy that summer, reached the final in 2022, and advanced to the semifinals in 2026. While that sustained run reflects a golden generation in French football, their recent setback against Spain exposed tactical limitations when facing elite possession systems.

In an interview with Diario AS director Jose Felix Diaz, Mbappe reflected candidly on the 2-0 semifinal defeat to Yamal’s squad: “They won, and in football, when you win, you’re right. I think we failed with our initial game plan, and afterwards, against a team that likes to keep the ball and hold possession, being a goal down is always harder. It wasn’t a good day, and in the World Cup it’s not like in the Champions League—there is no home and away leg. We didn’t play the match we needed to play, simple as that, and I think it was a missed opportunity for us, but we are going to work to have other opportunities.“

Controlling tempo through dominant possession, Spain neutralized a French attack that had entered the semifinals averaging nearly three goals per match across six fixtures. However, against Spain, Les Bleus were held scoreless for the first time in the tournament, managing just three shots on target without forcing a single save from Unai Simon.

When pressed on whether France still hold the mantle of global dominance given their sustained deep tournament runs, Mbappe gave a direct evaluation. “I always say that the one who dominates is the one who wins, and right now the team that dominates is Spain, because they won and we have to accept it,” he candidly stated. “We have quality, a team, players, but you have to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and the team that won is Spain, who is the best team in the world. Right now, Spain is the best,” he added.

Spain displayed total control throughout their championship campaign, conceding just once across the entire tournament in a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium. Following a final victory over Argentina, Yamal and La Roja firmly established themselves as international football’s premier side, a status they look to reaffirm in the upcoming UEFA Nations League group stage.

Mbappe and the World Cup of the stars

Mbappe has actively made his case for the upcoming Ballon d’Or, maintaining that no player compiled a stronger individual resume over the past year. Regarding the World Cup itself, while declining to single out an individual player of the tournament, he praised how football’s premier talents elevated the competition for global viewers.

The race for the Golden Boot produced one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines, with Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland locked in a tight battle through the group stage. The French captain ultimately captured the scoring title with 10 goals, edging Messi’s eight in a high-stakes race that escalated through the knockout rounds.

Reflecting on the star-studded competition, Mbappe shared his perspective on performing on the global stage: “A lot of players stepped up. It’s a good thing because, in the end, the World Cup is the most important competition in the sport. The competition that the entire world watches and is going to remember. When you see this, when you see the best players in the world stepping up and making history, it’s something that people are going to remember for years.“

The first is the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the club with the best regular-season record across the entire league rather than just a conference. Miami’s form has cooled at the wrong time to make a serious push for it, sitting third in the standings and nine points adrift of leaders Nashville SC after going winless in their last three MLS outings.

The more realistic target is the MLS Cup. Miami don’t need to top the table, or even finish first in the Eastern Conference, to get there, just crack the top eight to secure a playoff spot, with the eighth and ninth seeds meeting in a single wild-card game before the bracket opens up. From there, it’s simply a matter of winning it out, something the club have already proven they can do.

Inter Miami have lifted both trophies before, claiming the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup a year later, a run that also punched their ticket into this year’s Campeones Cup.

Winning the MLS Cup again in 2026 would send them back to the Campeones Cup in 2027, setting up a shot at a back-to-back title no club has ever managed, and handing Messi a fifth trophy with the Herons in as many seasons since his 2023 arrival.

Every trophy Messi has won with Inter Miami

Messi’s collection with the Herons started almost immediately. Just weeks after his 2023 arrival, he inspired a last-to-first turnaround in the Leagues Cup, capped by that unforgettable stoppage-time free kick against Cruz Azul in his debut, and Miami went on to lift the trophy without him ever tasting defeat in the tournament.

The following year, they set the all-time MLS record for regular-season points (74) to claim the Supporters’ Shield, only for a shock playoff exit to leave the bigger prize just out of reach.

That disappointment didn’t last long. In 2025, Inter Miami turned the page and won their first MLS Cup, finally translating their regular-season dominance into the league’s biggest trophy.

Now, with the 2026 Campeones Cup added to the résumé after Wednesday’s win over Cruz Azul, Messi has delivered a different piece of silverware in each of his three full seasons in Miami, and the club are chasing a fourth this year with the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup both still on the table.

Since arriving from Espanyol last season, Garcia has established himself as Barcelona‘s undisputed starter between the posts, featuring in every match across all competitions. Head coach Hansi Flick selected him in the starting XI for Matchday 6 against Racing Club, though his evening was cut short unexpectedly.

On a rain-soaked night in Barcelona, Garcia slipped on the turf outside the boundary lines while retrieving the ball for a goal kick. Although he didn’t fall entirely, the sharp, awkward movement immediately raised concern among coaching staff regarding potential joint damage.

While Garcia finished out the opening 45 minutes, he remained in the locker room at halftime as backup goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny readied himself to enter the match. It was later confirmed that Garcia suffered a knee tweak during the incident, though initial details regarding the severity were withheld pending scans.

Joan Garcia’s injury update

On Thursday morning, Barcelona issued an official medical update confirming the results of Garcia’s imaging tests. “First team player Joan Garcia is experiencing mild discomfort in his right knee. His evolution will determine his return,” the club statement read.

While any knee concern causes anxiety, the prognosis brought relief to the club, as tests confirmed the issue does not involve the surgically repaired knee from his previous season. Scans revealed localized bone edema without structural meniscus involvement, offering an optimistic outlook for his recovery timeline.

Nonetheless, attention turns to when the 25-year-old goalkeeper will return to first-team action. Barcelona return to La Liga play on Saturday, September 19, against Sevilla for Matchday 7, with Garcia expected to sit out as a precautionary measure.

With the international break approaching, Garcia, who serves as Spain’s secondary options behind Unai Simon and David Raya, will likely remain sidelined to undergo treatment rather than joining La Roja for UEFA Nations League fixtures. Barcelona anticipate having Garcia fully fit for their return to domestic action on Sunday, October 11.

The sequence has produced one win, one draw and one defeat, leaving Ange Postecoglou and his players with 16 points from their opening seven league matches. The results have also come after a perfect start to the domestic campaign, making the sudden change in momentum particularly noticeable.

The current run began on September 5, when Al-Nassr suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Al-Ittihad. Ronaldo and his teammates responded four days later by beating Abha 2-1, but the momentum stalled again when Al-Nassr was held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Khaleej on September 12.

Thus, the three matches have produced four points from a possible nine. Despite the dip, Al-Nassr remains near the top of the Saudi Pro League table, with five victories, one draw and one defeat from seven matches.

The timing has made the sequence more concerning because Al-Nassr then suffered a 4-0 defeat to Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite. Ronaldo played the full match but managed only one shot on target from five attempts, while Al-Nassr’s overall performance left coach Ange Postecoglou acknowledging that the team had been well below its standard.

When was the last time this happened?

There is, however, a striking reason for Al-Nassr supporters to look back at the previous season before concluding the current run. The club produced exactly the same one-win, one-draw and one-loss sequence across three league matches in May 2026, taking four points from nine at a crucial stage of its title-winning campaign.

On May 3, 2026, Al-Nassr lost 3-1 away to Al-Qadsiah before recovering with a 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab on May 7. Five days later, the club drew 1-1 with Al-Hilal, completing the same four-point sequence that has now appeared again at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign.

ESPN‘s results data records the three-match sequence, while the previous season’s overall results show that Al-Nassr eventually finished with 28 wins, two draws and four defeats. The temporary stumble therefore did little to prevent the club from achieving its ultimate domestic objective.

From four points to Saudi Pro League glory

The biggest difference is what happened immediately afterward. Al-Nassr recovered from that May sequence and sealed the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title on the final day, ending a seven-year wait for the championship.

The title was secured with a 4-1 victory over Damac on May 21, with Al-Nassr finishing the campaign on 86 points. The club’s overall record demonstrated how little the late-season dip ultimately mattered to its championship campaign.

That history provides useful context for Ronaldo’s current situation. A three-match sequence featuring four points is certainly a decline from a perfect start, but the same statistical pattern previously appeared during a season that ended with Al-Nassr lifting the league trophy.

The latest development comes after reports in September linked Ronaldo to a potential consortium seeking greater control of Al-Nassr. The proposed group was reportedly set to include Ronaldo, Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, and three Saudi investors, with reports suggesting that the partners could each commit around $100 million toward the project.

The structure of the potential takeover has never been finalized, however, and there has been no official confirmation that a deal has been completed. Earlier reports suggested that the consortium could seek a controlling stake from the Public Investment Fund, which currently oversees Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo becoming involved would represent a major change in his relationship with the club. Since joining Al-Nassr in early 2023, he has been its most recognizable figure, but an ownership role would potentially give him a direct financial and strategic interest in how the club is run.

Why Ronaldo’s doubts grow over Al-Nassr project

According to 365Scores Arabic, Ronaldo is currently leaning toward stepping back from the idea, although no final decision has been made. The report suggests that the situation remains fluid and that further developments could still change his thinking.

The latest report indicates that the veteran does not view the club’s difficulties as something that can be solved by addressing one isolated problem. Instead, he reportedly sees several interconnected administrative issues that would need to be resolved before a long-term ownership or investment project could move forward.

That reportedly includes concerns over the Saudi side’s management structure, financial situation, and the absence of a sufficiently clear long-term vision. For Ronaldo, continued instability could make it difficult to establish the kind of sustainable project that would be required if he were to move from being Al-Nassr’s star player to becoming involved in its ownership.

As a result, the possibility of stepping away from the acquisition idea is now being seriously considered. The proposal has therefore lost some of the momentum it appeared to have earlier, even though Ronaldo has yet to completely close the door.

Financial problems add to the uncertainty

The Saudi Pro League champion’s administrative situation has become particularly important because of its reported financial pressures. Reports have placed the club’s debts above $200 million, while tighter financial controls have affected its ability to operate freely in the transfer market.

Those restrictions have already had an impact on squad building, with Al-Nassr making relatively limited additions during the summer and facing difficulties registering certain players. The situation has contributed to wider questions about whether the club can provide the level of sporting infrastructure Ronaldo expects as he continues his career at 41 years old.

The recent sporting results have added another layer of frustration. Al-Nassr suffered a 4-0 defeat to Al-Ain in the opening AFC Champions League Elite match, following a run of inconsistent domestic results, increasing scrutiny around the club’s overall direction.

Messi’s header also made him the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goals with a single club across all competitions. He got there in just 114 appearances, a tally that includes 55 assists for a combined 155 goal contributions with the Herons, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The mark shatters the previous record, which belonged to Josef Martínez, who needed 125 games to reach 100 goals with Atlanta United. That record had itself broken an earlier standard set by Robbie Keane, who scored 100 goals for the LA Galaxy in 156 appearances.

Messi’s run to the milestone continues to redefine what’s possible in MLS, and it comes at a moment when Inter Miami are still chasing more silverware in 2026. Since his arrival in July 2023, the Argentine has already delivered the Leagues Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, the MLS Cup, and now the Campeones Cup, cementing his status as the most decorated player in franchise.

Beckham, Casemiro, and De Paul make the case for Messi’s ninth Ballon d’Or

Messi’s milestone night with Inter Miami also reignited the conversation around this year’s Ballon d’Or, an award still up for grabs after neither Spain’s World Cup triumph nor PSG’s Champions League run produced a clear favorite. In the aftermath of the Campeones Cup win, several people close to Messi didn’t hold back on where they stand.

Speaking to Apple TV, club co-owner David Beckham didn’t hesitate when asked about Messi’s case, saying “he was the best player in this tournament at 39 years old“. Teammate Casemiro, who spent years facing Messi with Real Madrid from the other side of El Clasico before joining him at Inter Miami, was just as supportive in his own postmatch interview: “I can’t decide who wins the Ballon d’Or, but as his teammate, I certainly hope he takes it“.

Rodrigo De Paul went even further in comments to TUDN, saying “no one will ever do what he did in this World Cup at 39 years old“. The endorsement carries weight despite Spain lifting the trophy and Rodri walking away with the tournament’s Golden Ball, since Messi still finished with 12 goal involvements at the World Cup, second only to Mbappe’s 14, numbers his teammates keep pointing to as proof his Ballon d’Or case is far from a sentimental one.

Milan suffered a 2-0 defeat to Benfica at San Siro on September 16, the club’s first loss of the 2026-27 season and Amorim’s first competitive defeat since taking charge. The result also extended its difficult run to three matches without a win, following draws against Juventus and Lazio.

The defeat has intensified criticism of Amorim‘s team selection, particularly after the coach made several changes to his starting lineup. Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, Christian Pulisic, Mario Gila and Diego Moreira were all left on the bench, while the Italian side once again struggled badly during the opening 45 minutes.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera described the starting XI as “incomprehensible” and criticized Amorim for excessive rotation. Milan has now gone through five competitive matches without establishing a consistent identity, with the poor first-half performances becoming one of the biggest concerns surrounding the project.

The situation was particularly frustrating because the Rossoneri had already shown signs of improvement after halftime against Juventus and Lazio. Against Benfica, however, those adjustments failed to produce another comeback, while the Portuguese outfit doubled its advantage early in the second half and controlled the match.

Urgent talks already took place

The defeat has also raised questions about the relationship between Amorim and the Milan hierarchy. Cardinale is reportedly disappointed with the team’s performances across the last three matches, with the owner and coach having already discussed the situation and examined the problems that have emerged.

There is also frustration over Amorim’s seemingly contradictory comments about the squad. Only around 10 days earlier, the Portuguese manager rated Milan’s transfer window 10/10, yet before the Benfica match he admitted that the squad was not perfectly suited to his preferred style of play.

Amorim said: “Is the squad poorly suited to my style of play? Partly, yes. I don’t have the perfect characteristics because it’s impossible to arrive at a new club and have everything ready.”

Crucial update on Amorim’s Milan future

Despite the criticism and meeting with Cardinale, the latest reports provide an important clarification about Amorim’s immediate future. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and Calciomercato, Amorim is not currently at risk of being dismissed after only five matches of the season.

Matteo Moretto, speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel and relayed by MilanNews, also reported that Cardinale continues to support the Portuguese manager, despite concerns about his decisions and Milan’s recent performances.

Moretto said: “There are several doubts surrounding Amorim. It is striking that he keeps changing the starting XI, and that the team cannot perform as well in the first 45 minutes as it does towards the end of matches.” He added that Amorim’s relationship with some senior players is “not exactly ideal,” but stressed that Cardinale chose and continues to defend the coach.

Moretto further explained that there is “understanding, harmony and a desire to move forward” between Amorim and the ownership, with Milan’s long-term project built around the Portuguese manager. Amorim has a contract through 2029, with an option for 2030, reportedly worth $4.6-5.7 million per year, reinforcing the scale of the commitment Milan has made to him.

Although PSG captured the UEFA Champions League and Spain won the 2026 World Cup, neither squad produced an undisputed singular frontrunner for the award. Instead, the surrounding debate has centered on Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Lamine Yamal, with Messi late-entering the conversation behind his international performance.

Speaking with TUDN after lifting the Campeones Cup, De Paul offered a direct endorsement when asked about his Ballon d’Or vote: “We haven’t talked about it that much, but I assume you must already know my opinion. For me, there is no debate whatsoever. In a World Cup year, no one will ever do what he did in this World Cup at 39 years old.“

Beyond his production in Major League Soccer, De Paul emphasized Messi’s individual brilliance at the 2026 World Cup, where the forward shattered tournament records at 39 years of age. While Spanish midfielder Rodri earned the Golden Ball after leading Spain to the title, supporters and pundits alike lauded Messi’s defining influence throughout the competition.

Messi served as Argentina‘s primary engine, combining goalscoring output with critical playmaking, including two assists during the semifinal victory against England. He finished second in total goal involvements with 12 (eight goals, four assists), behind only Mbappe’s 14, while elevating his career World Cup tally to 21 goals to rank second all-time.

Navigating the offset schedules between European seasons and North America, Messi’s cumulative numbers across the 2025-26 window place him atop global production charts. Featuring 53 goals and 32 assists, his 85 goal contributions edge Kane’s 81 (73 goals, 8 assists) and Mbappe’s 71 (58 goals, 13 assists).

De Paul on Messi’s farewell from Argentina

Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Messi formally announced his upcoming retirement from the Argentina national team in an open letter. However, federation officials confirmed he will feature in a final home appearance during the October international window.

Asked by Argentine journalist Gaston Edul regarding the approaching farewell, De Paul reflected on the emotional weight of the occasion: “I haven’t really stopped to think about it. Nor do I want to think too much about that day, because I feel it’s going to be very emotional. We are going to say goodbye to a player who left his mark on us forever, who made us dream, and gave us hope. It is very difficult for human beings to live with hope, and Argentina had it for 20 years.“

Messi is scheduled to make his final international appearance on October 6 against Benin at Estadio Monumental. An official statement from AFA indicated that De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will also participate in the match, signaling potential international farewells for both midfielders as well.

Enzo Maresca confirmed his XI a little over an hour before kickoff, with the Argentine among the substitutes. It’s a rare absence for the World Cup winner, who has been a regular fixture in the side since his arrival.

The decision is purely tactical, with Maresca opting to rest several of his regular starters following City’s derby win over Manchester United. Fernandez will wait for his chance and could see minutes in the second half if needed.

The rotation also opened the door for Geronimo Rulli to make his Manchester City debut in goal, while Allan, the Brazilian midfielder signed from Palmeiras, will make his first appearance for the club as well.

Manchester City’s confirmed lineup

Maresca sent out a heavily rotated side for the Etihad Stadium clash, with several regulars given the night off ahead of a busy stretch of fixtures. The City boss turned to a mix of squad players and young talent, trusting the group to get the job done without leaning on his usual first-choice XI.

Manchester City’s starting lineup: Gerónimo Rulli; Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Nico O’Reilly; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Mateo Kovačić; Allan, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri; Foyd Samba.

The Argentine opened the scoring with a header in the 24th minute, the same goal that made him reach 100 goals for the club, and later set up Casemiro for the clinching goal in the 81st minute. It marked the 48th trophy of Messi’s career and the fourth different title he’s won with Inter Miami since arriving in July 2023.

The celebration, however, had an awkward moment that stole some of the spotlight. Cameras caught Don Garber, the league’s commissioner, approaching Messi on the field during the trophy ceremony, only to get a cold reception.

Part of the tension appears to trace back to comments Garber made in a July interview with Daniel Roberts. Garber was asked about his relationship with Messi and recalled the aftermath of Argentina’s World Cup semifinal win over England, refereed by American official Ismail Elfath.

“After a game, the president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, its executive director, and I went down to the referees’ locker room, waited for Ismail, one of our referees, to come out, and thanked him for having refereed probably the toughest match of his career. I don’t think Leo was very happy during that match,” Garber said.

Garber went further in the same interview, acknowledging that Messi likely holds him personally responsible for how officiating went during the World Cup. “I’m not sure he sees me as the guy who picks the referees; I don’t, but he has to complain to someone. I accept it,” he added.

The All-Star Game suspension may be another factor

Garber’s comments about the World Cup may not be the only source of friction. The strain between the two also appears to stem from the one-game suspension MLS handed Messi and Jordi Alba in 2025 for skipping the All-Star Game without league approval, a decision that left Inter Miami’s ownership publicly frustrated and reportedly didn’t sit well with Messi either.

The two won’t have to deal with much more of each other going forward, though. Garber is set to step down as MLS commissioner on December 31, a role he’s held since 1999, with LAFC co-owner Larry Berg taking over starting in 2027.

Garber will stay on with the league as chairman, but Wednesday’s frosty exchange could end up being one of his last public moments with Messi before handing over the position.

Following a minor injury sustained after the 2026 World Cup, Pulisic missed extended time during the opening stages of AC Milan’s 2026-27 Serie A campaign. While returning to team matchday squads, manager Ruben Amorim has used the American sparingly, featuring him twice in league play against Lazio and logging 45 minutes in a midweek UEFA Europa League fixture against Benfica.

During Thursday’s press conference, Pochettino addressed questions regarding the absence of several key figures from the 2026 World Cup team, outlining his overarching rationale for the selection process: “The 28 players that are going to be involved in these four games, for different circumstances, are the best players we want see and we want to work with. That’s it.“

Despite serving as foundational pieces during the 2026 World Cup, Pulisic and Balogun were omitted from Pochettino’s autumn squad. A combination of recent club inactivity and a desire by the coaching staff to evaluate younger prospects in high-leverage international environments influenced the decision to leave both stars out of camp, though Pochettino declined to discuss individual players in depth.

Aligned with that developmental focus, 12 uncapped players received their inaugural USMNT call-ups, earning opportunities to make their senior international debuts for the Stars and Stripes. Additionally, the roster features the return of AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah, who re-enters Pochettino’s plans after opting out of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup squad.

Cavan Sullivan, the most exciting inclusion

Among the roster’s new additions, Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan represents the most highly anticipated prospect included by Pochettino. The 16-year-old phenom enjoyed a breakout 2026 MLS campaign, recording nine goals and nine assists across 29 appearances in Chester.

However, with his 17th birthday falling on September 28, two days after the USMNT open their tour against Peru on Saturday, September 26, Sullivan will not eclipse the program’s all-time record as the youngest senior debutant. That milestone remains held by Freddy Adu, who made his senior USMNT debut in January 2006 at 16 years, 234 days old.

Pochettino’s 28-man roster

• Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Diego Kochen, and Brian Schwake
• Defenders: George Campbell, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Peyton Miller, Neil Pierre, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty, and Frankie Westfield
• Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Mathis Albert, Sebastian Berhalter, Zavier Gozo, Adri Mehmeti, Yunus Musah, Brooklyn Raines, Gio Reyna, and Malik Tillman
• Forwards: Cole Campbell. Justin Ellis, Julian Hall, Ricardo Pepi, and Cavan Sullivan.

Born in Munich, West Germany, Hitzlsperger started off with VfB Forstinning before spending a decade at Bayern Munich’s academy. He left in 2000 and joined Aston Villa, and following a brief loan spell at second-tier Chesterfield, he started to make his presence felt in the Premier League.

Hitzlsperger racked up 12 goals and 14 assists in 114 appearances for Villa, earning the nickname ‘Der Hammer’ for his powerful, left-footed strikes from long distance, the highlight of which was a last-minute, 30-yard strike to secure a victory over rivals West Bromwich Albion.

The evolution of soccer through Hitzlsperger’s eyes

“I always had this talent when I was a kid: I had the ability to shoot very hard. When you have this ability, and it stands out so early on in your life, you keep using it, because you know it separates you from everybody else,” stated Hitzlsperger in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “I kept practicing, and it kind of became my signature shot. That was good: I was very happy to have that. On the other hand, I was quite slow, so having that gift means you’re missing out on something else.”

“Anyway, I think the introduction of data, and nowadays, all the top clubs use a lot of data. Expected Goals have become so prominent, and I like xG. It kind of gives you a really good guidance of how the game is overall. It’s not everything, but I think it’s a good indicator. When you come to the conclusion that most goals are being scored in a certain area in the box, it makes sense. I guess in basketball, Steph Curry was kind of one of the first I can remember taking shots from a great distance, and if you practice this and you’re very good at it, then make this your weapon.

“It forces other teams to come up with new ideas, because if you defend deep, but then on the other team there’s somebody who can shoot from 30 yards out, then you have to change your tactics. I think that soccer is changing; the new added space is a big challenge, because not going in a straight line, and the game keeps evolving. This is the trend right now: xG, long-distance shooting, and that’s the fun part. That’s the part that I really enjoy. Those are the details where I think this is how soccer can evolve, but not some crazy stuff, like selling rights for World Cups, or overturning red cards, and those other things.”

The struggle to stay at a peak level

After joining Stuttgart in 2005, Hitzlsperger enjoyed the peak of his soccer career, scoring the equalizer on the final day of the 2006/07 season vs. Energie Cottbus. Had Stuttgart lost, Schalke would’ve won the title. Instead, Sami Khedira scored to complete the comeback and secure Stuttgart’s first Bundesliga title in 15 years.

He didn’t just make his legacy at the club level, but at the international level, making 52 caps for Germany and winning the silver medal at the 2008 Euros, as well as the bronze at the 2005 Confederations Cup and 2006 World Cup. Hitzlsperger left for Lazio in 2010, bouncing around from West Ham to Wolfsburg to Everton before deciding to hang up his boots in 2013.

“There are various factors why I retired early, but having played at the Bayern Academy for 11 years, and then Aston Villa for 5 years, Stuttgart for 4.5 years, I wanted to be in a place for a longer time, and suddenly I kept moving clubs every 6 to 12 months,” he added. “This was difficult because my life had changed, my perspective on life had changed, and I wasn’t the sought-after player anymore, and suddenly you are just a number 20 on the roster.

“You think, ‘Okay, whether I’m here or not, it doesn’t make a big difference, and that was difficult for me to handle and to deal with.’ I trained even harder, I tried more, and yet the outcome was worse, and that was very difficult. And then, when you move every 12 months, you have to make new friends, you have to let go of older friends, and I struggled. I really struggled, and then injuries came on top of it, and I thought, ‘Maybe I have to call it a day and do something different.”

Life after soccer

Four months after retiring, he became the first high-profile soccer player to come out as gay. It would take Jakub Jankto a decade to become the first active soccer player to come out. Since then, Hitzlsperger has kept busy with various different jobs, managing the London-based restaurant L’Escargot and expanding his media career with leading outlets like ESPN, Fox Sports, and Sky Germany.

He also returned to Stuttgart from 2019 to 2022, rising from Sporting Director to CEO, and he’s currently working with three clubs as a board member or co-owner: Aalborg, VVV-Venlo, and Hellas Verona. Above all, though, Hitzlsperger has used his platform to promote inclusiveness for gay athletes, demonstrating that homosexuality isn’t something to be ashamed of – it’s something to be proud of.

Pulisic eventually entered at halftime as Milan attempted to recover from Dodi Lukebakio’s opener. However, Benfica added a second through Jakub Kamiński early in the second half, leaving Milan with too much ground to make up.

Amorim made five changes to the side that had drawn with Lazio, choosing Filippo Terracciano, Ardon Jashari, Davide Bartesaghi, Omari Hutchinson and Alphadjo Cisse from the start. Pulisic was among the notable absentees, with his omission immediately attracting attention given his importance to Milan’s attack.

The American had only recently returned from a leg injury suffered during the World Cup, while he had also picked up a knock during his first Rossoneri training session. That background meant Amorim had to carefully manage his minutes as the season continued to gather pace.

Pulisic enters but Milan struggles

Pulisic was introduced immediately after halftime, giving Milan a more familiar attacking option as it looked for a way back into the contest. The change initially appeared to have an effect, with the home side starting the second period with greater urgency.

Milan should have equalized five minutes after the restart when Koni De Winter missed a huge opportunity with the goal open. Benfica then punished the mistake, with El Karouani cutting the ball back for Kaminski to make it 2-0 in the 52nd minute.

The 27-year-old still managed to create moments of danger. A short corner allowed Alexis Saelemaekers to find his run down the left side of the box, but Pulisic’s first-time effort went straight at Anatoliy Trubin before another low attempt forced a save from the Benfica goalkeeper.

Amorim explains the Pulisic decision

The Milan manager addressed the situation after the match, revealing that Pulisic was one of several players whose physical condition influenced his decisions. Speaking to Sky Italia, Amorim explained that the club was still being cautious with the American’s workload.

“With Rabiot we didn’t know if he was able to play the full 90 minutes. Same for Pulisic. Moreira had two days of rest due to a personal issue. Switch formation? If we have to adapt, we will.”

The comments provide the clearest explanation for Pulisic’s absence from the starting XI. Rather than indicating a major change in his standing within the squad, the decision reflected concerns about whether he was ready to play the entire match following his recent return.

That run hit a new milestone on Wednesday, when Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in the club’s 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final, heading in a cross from Luis Suárez in the 24th minute to help lift the club’s first-ever title in that competition.

The goal came in just 115 appearances, making it the fastest Messi has ever reached the 100-goal mark with any club he’s represented, well ahead of the 188 games it took him at Barcelona and even faster than the 174 matches he needed to hit the same number with the Argentina national team.

The milestone naturally invites a comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been on a similar scoring pace since joining Al Nassr in December 2022. The Portuguese forward actually got there quicker, reaching 100 goals for the Saudi club back in May in just 113 appearances, two fewer than Messi needed with Inter Miami.

With Ronaldo now 41 and Messi 39, the parallel numbers are yet another reminder of how their decade-long rivalry continues to play out on separate continents, even this deep into their careers.

Ronaldo’s four-club milestone stands out against Messi’s more selective scoring resume

While Messi’s run to 115 games set a new personal best, the gap between the two forwards widens when it comes to the number of clubs where they’ve each reached triple figures.

Messi has now done it with just two clubs, Barcelona and Inter Miami, while Ronaldo added Al Nassr to become the only player in history to score 100 goals for four different clubs, joining Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus on that list.

Messi’s path outside Barcelona, where he shattered every scoring record in the club’s history, has looked far more limited. His only other stint at a European giant came at PSG, where he managed just 32 goals in 75 appearances before moving to MLS.

After capturing the 2025 MLS Cup, Inter Miami automatically qualified to contest the 2026 edition of the Campeones Cup against Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones winner. Cruz Azul earned the Mexican berth over Toluca, setting up Wednesday’s showdown at Nu Stadium.

Messi broke the deadlock with his 100th goal in Inter Miami colors, connecting on a header off a cross from Luis Suarez. The match MVP then sealed another dominant individual performance by delivering a corner kick to set up Casemiro’s header, securing the 2-0 result against the Mexican side.

The victory allowed MLS clubs to level the overall Campeones Cup series at 4-4 against Liga MX while securing the fourth major trophy in Inter Miami franchise history. For Messi, the win marked his fourth honor in South Florida and the 48th collective team title of his professional career.

Is the Campeones Cup an official title?

Debate surrounding the fixture focused on whether the Campeones Cup carries official competition status, given that it is organized jointly by MLS and Liga MX rather than directly by Concacaf or FIFA.

However, as a sanctioned competition governed by agreement between North America’s two top domestic leagues, the Campeones Cup counts as an official title in Messi’s overall record. Similar to the 2022 Finalissima won with Argentina, which operated outside direct FIFA jurisdiction, the trophy counts toward Messi’s career total rather than standing as a glorified exhibition.

Messi keeps extending his lead at the top

Following his 2025 MLS Cup victory, 2026 presented a challenging stretch for Messi, featuring early exits from the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup, a World Cup final defeat, and a distant standing in the Supporters’ Shield race. Securing the Campeones Cup offers a welcome addition to his resume while reinforcing his position as football’s most decorated player.

Holding 48 titles at the top of the chart, Messi expanded his advantage over PSG defender Marquinhos, who ranks second with 44 career trophies at 32 years of age. Retired former teammate Dani Alves ranks third with 43, leaving Messi comfortably clear atop the all-time list.

All 48 titles of Lionel Messi’s career

FC Barcelona

• La Liga (10): 2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, and 2018/19.
• Copa del Rey (7): 2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2020/21
• Spanish Super Cup (8): 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2018
• UEFA Champions League (4): 2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, and 2014/15.
• UEFA Super Cup (3): 2009, 2011, and 2015
• FIFA Club World Cup (3): 2009, 2011, and 2015

Paris Saint-Germain

• Ligue 1 (2): 2021/22 and 2022/23
• Trophee des Champions (1): 2022

Argentina national team

• U-20 World Cup (1): 2005
• Olympic Gold Medal (1): 2008
• Copa America (2): 2021 and 2024
• Finalissima (1): 2022
• FIFA World Cup (1): 2022

Inter Miami

• Leagues Cup (1): 2023
• MLS Supporters Shield (1): 2024
• MLS Cup (1): 2025
• Campeones Cup (1): 2026

Building out from the back, Inter Miami intercepted a Cruz Azul long ball to kickstart a quick transition sequence. Operating wide from his central position, Rodrigo De Paul slipped a through ball to Luis Suarez, who lifted his head and picked out Lionel Messi inside the 18-yard box.

Elevating over defender Willer Ditta, the 5-foot-7 playmaker snapped a firm header into the back of the net to open the scoring in the 24th minute. The finish also marked Messi’s 100th goal in Inter Miami colors, making him the first player in franchise history to reach the century milestone.

The Argentine Maestro was also key to seal the 2-0 win over Cruz Azul. Taking care of a corner kick in the 81st minute, Lionel Messi sent an accurate cross into the box that found Casemiro once again, who with another stunning header sealed the Campeones Cup for the Herons.

Cruz Azul, the backdrop for Messi’s 1st and 100th Inter Miami goals

Since his landmark arrival in 2023, Lionel Messi has maintained a prolific scoring rate for Inter Miami, reaching 100 goals with the Herons in just 115 appearances to average nearly a goal per match. By a remarkable twist of fate, Cruz Azul served as the opponent for both the beginning and the culmination of that historic century run.

Messi made his Inter Miami debut on July 21, 2023, entering as a second-half substitute for Benjamin Cremaschi in the 55th minute. With the match tied 1-1 in stoppage time, he stepped up to a 94th-minute free kick and curled home a dramatic game-winner to open his scoring account in South Florida.

That moment launched a record-breaking stretch for Messi in American soccer, shattering scoring marks across every competition he entered, including Major League Soccer. Over the following three years, Inter Miami and Cruz Azul did not cross paths in either the Leagues Cup or the Concacaf Champions Cup until meeting in the Campeones Cup, where Messi netted his 100th club goal to bring his tally full circle against the Mexican side.

Speaking at the World Football Summit on Wednesday, September 16, RFEF president Rafael Louzan addressed several high-profile topics, focusing on preparations for the 2030 World Cup and bidding for the tournament final. However, a central priority for La Roja remains securing De La Fuente’s long-term future, with Louzan expressing strong optimism regarding the partnership.

In comments reported by Diario AS, Louzan delivered a clear endorsement of De La Fuente’s new deal: “His results and his work back him up… and the public loves and admires him. I offered to extend his contract because he wasn’t among the top 10 in financial terms. He will be. We are finalizing the agreement so that he stays a few more years. He has been here for 14 years, and I want him to be able to finish his career here. He will be here until 2030… or a bit longer.“

Alongside the pay raise, Louzan signaled plans to keep De La Fuente involved with the federation beyond the 2030 World Cup cycle. While formal announcements remain pending, the manager is set to host a press conference Friday to unveil Spain‘s squad selection for the upcoming window, where details on an extension through 2032 are expected to be finalized.

De La Fuente climbing positions as one of the best-paid coaches

De La Fuente’s existing contract ran through 2028, but consecutive major titles at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup tipped the scales decisively in favor of a long-term commitment. Consequently, the upgraded deal provides a substantial financial raise, elevating him into the top tier of international managers.

According to reporting from Spanish outlet Cadena SER, De La Fuente’s new gross annual salary will sit between 4 million and 5 million euros ($4.5M-$5.6M USD) per season. Beyond his personal terms, the outlet revealed that De La Fuente also negotiated salary increases for his backroom coaching staff.

The contract creates a notable point of comparison with Lionel Scaloni, who executed a similar championship run with Argentina by capturing back-to-back Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup. However, Scaloni’s post-World Cup deal reportedly pays roughly 2.6 million euros ($2.9M USD) annually, meaning De La Fuente’s new terms will nearly double those of his Argentine counterpart.

Yet while the contract represents a significant raise, De La Fuente remains well behind Ancelotti at the top of the international pay scale. Having extended his contract with Brazil through 2030 prior to the World Cup, the former Real Madrid manager earns a reported 10 million euros ($11.2M USD) annually, a package that includes performance bonuses, private jet allocation, and luxury housing in Rio de Janeiro near CBF headquarters.

Top five best-paid coaches

Factoring in Luis De La Fuente’s new terms with Spain, the updated ranking of highest-paid international head coaches features the following annual figures:

1. Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil: 10.0M euros ($11.2M USD)
2. Jurgen Klopp, Germany: 7.0M euros ($7.8M USD)
3. Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT: 6.0M euros ($6.7M USD)
4. Thomas Tuchel, England: 5.8M euros ($6.5M USD)
5. Luis De La Fuente, Spain: 4.0M-5.0M euros ($4.5M-$5.6M USD)

Messi carries no injury designation and will start for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul. With a trophy on the line, having their captain on the pitch is crucial for the MLS side.

The match also marks a new chapter for Inter Miami, as Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez makes his managerial debut in a high-stakes fixture that could yield another trophy for Messi’s collection.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

Gonzalez did not make major tactical adjustments to the starting lineup, as he continues adapting to the squad and evaluating his roster depth.

Inter Miami confirmed XI: St. Clair; Mura, Falcon, Casemiro, Caicedo; Galarza, De Paul, Bright; Suarez, Berterame, Messi.

Cruz Azul confirmed lineup

Cruz Azul enter the clash fresh off a major Liga MX victory over Club America. La Maquina will field a full-strength lineup as they look to secure the title against the MLS powerhouse.

Cruz Azul confirmed XI: Mier; Marquez, Ditta, Orozco, Garcia, Rotondi; Paradela, Palavecino, Lira, Rodriguez; Ibanez..

First introduced in 2018, the Campeones Cup was created through a joint initiative between MLS and Liga MX to pit the defending champions of both leagues against each other in a single-match showcase. For the 2026 edition, the 2025 MLS Cup winner and the 2026 Campeon de Campeones winner are set to clash on South Florida soil.

Inter Miami and Cruz Azul earned their respective places as league representatives, with Nu Stadium selected as the host venue for the single-game fixture. While the absence of direct FIFA sanctioning leads some critics to characterize the match as an exhibition, both sides are expected to field marquee talent, including Lionel Messi and Jose Paradela.

Campeones Cup prize money

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement established between MLS and the MLSPA, players representing the MLS side in the Campeones Cup split a guaranteed $240,000 USD participation pool, as reported by Diario Marca. Liga MX’s internal compensation breakdown for participating clubs remains undisclosed.

In addition to the baseline participation distribution, the winner between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul will secure a $100,000 USD victory bonus. That money originates from the Team Bonus Pool, meaning the payout is distributed across the club rather than awarded as individual player checks.

By way of historical context, 2025 Campeones Cup winner Toluca earned approximately 2 million Mexican pesos (roughly $117,000 USD) following their victory over the LA Galaxy, though official club payout figures for the 2026 edition have not been published by organizing officials.

A minor prize pool compared to major international competitions

Despite star-studded lineups projected for both Inter Miami and Cruz Azul, debate continues regarding whether the fixture carries the weight of a true major title or operates primarily as an exhibition. That distinction aside, the total financial distribution remains significantly lower than other regional club competitions.

For context, the Concacaf Champions Cup, North America’s premier club tournament, awards its champion a $5 million USD winner’s purse, with cumulative performance incentives pushing potential team earnings even higher.

Similarly, the Leagues Cup, which features a full tournament draw between MLS and Liga MX clubs, awards a $2 million USD champion’s payout. Even domestic league playoffs generate larger prize pools, with Liga MX allocating approximately $4.1 million USD to its champion, according to Marca, while the 2025 MLS Cup champion earned $300,000 USD from the league’s playoff pool, placing the Campeones Cup lower on the regional financial ladder.

Months later, the wound still hasn’t closed for Thomas Tuchel. In a trailer for the FA’s upcoming documentary on England’s tournament, titled “Reflections: England’s World Cup Journey,” the German coach opened up about the pain of that night, admitting the loss remains something he carries personally rather than something time has settled.

“That is a very, very difficult road to go down that can torture you, and you can try to kill me here, but it’s my scar. It’s not your scar. I have to live with it…I am in charge here, and I take these decisions. It’s the players’ scar, and it’s my scar, and I have to live with it and keep on going,” Tuchel told former striker Daniel Sturridge, addressing the wave of criticism aimed at him.

The admission didn’t stop there. “No one is more hurt than me. No one wanted it more. And you can now endlessly torture you and think if I would have done a different substitution, then we would’ve won the match. You just don’t know it,” he added.

England had been just minutes away from reaching their first World Cup final since 1966, holding onto Gordon’s goal deep into the second half. But Argentina refused to let the moment slip, leveling through Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez completed the comeback deep into stoppage time, sending Messi’s side through instead.

Tuchel breaks down Argentina’s frantic comeback

Beyond the emotional toll, Tuchel also used the documentary to dissect the tactical chaos of Argentina’s fightback, marveling at the risks Lionel Scaloni was willing to take once his side fell behind.

“The level of madness Argentina brought, one change after another after another, one attacking substitution after the next. They never would have made those changes if they weren’t 1-0 down. It was a 3-1-6. Who plays with a 3-1-6?“ he said, referencing the ultra-attacking shape Argentina finished the match in.

Tuchel also pushed back on the idea that his own approach was overly cautious, pointing to a similar situation England had faced earlier in the tournament against Norway. “We could have done it and maybe lost 2-1, and people would have said, ‘Is he crazy? He did it against Norway, he finished the game with five at the back. Why didn’t he finish the game (against Argentina) with five?’ That was simply my solution to the problem. I was trying to help,” he explained.

Tuchel’s reflections make clear the Atlanta defeat remains an open wound, one he continues to revisit. Still, the pain hasn’t shaken his position with the federation, and with the bronze-medal finish behind them, he remains focused on leading England into Euro 2028 while carrying that scar with him.

Established in 2018, the single-match competition pits the defending champions of Major League Soccer and Liga MX against each other in a winner-take-all format. After capturing the 2025 MLS Cup, Inter Miami punched their ticket to the showcase, while 2026 Clausura champions Cruz Azul earned Mexico’s berth by defeating Apertura winners Toluca in the Campeon de Campeones.

The fixture carries a notable historical parallel for Lionel Messi, who faces the exact opponent from his landmark Inter Miami debut. During the 2023 Leagues Cup, Messi announced his arrival in South Florida as a second-half substitute against Cruz Azul, scoring a game-winning stoppage-time free kick to seal a 2-1 victory, a script he now aims to replicate with official hardware on the line.

How an Inter Miami win impacts the 2026 Campeones Cup

Should Inter Miami secure a victory over Cruz Azul, the Herons will claim the 2026 Campeones Cup. Despite taking place on domestic soil at Nu Stadium, the competition remains a single-elimination final, meaning a victory in front of the home crowd adds another piece of silverware to the club’s cabinet.

Since Lionel Messi’s arrival in South Florida, Inter Miami have expanded their trophy collection at a rapid pace. Following victories in the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup, a Campeones Cup title would mark the franchise’s fourth major honor, further fueling ongoing media debates regarding the trophy’s official standing within North American soccer.

A victory would also extend Lionel Messi’s record as the most decorated player in football history. The former FIFA World Cup winner currently holds 47 career team trophies, a career tally that includes his 2008 Olympic gold medal and his 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup title with Argentina.

How a draw impacts the 2026 Campeones Cup

If Inter Miami and Cruz Azul remain deadlocked after 90 minutes of regulation, the 2026 Campeones Cup winner will be determined immediately via a penalty shootout.

Tournament regulations eliminate the standard 30-minute extra-time period following regular play. Consequently, if the match ends level after two halves, Miami and Cruz Azul will proceed straight to spot kicks, utilizing a standard five-round format before entering sudden death if necessary.

How an Inter Miami loss impacts the 2026 Campeones Cup

In the event of an Inter Miami defeat, Cruz Azul will automatically lift the 2026 Campeones Cup trophy. A victory would mark the Cementeros‘ first title in the competition, following a 2-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew during their previous final appearance in 2021.

A win for Cruz Azul would also widen the competitive gap between Liga MX and MLS in the competition’s historical record. Through seven completed editions, Mexican clubs hold four titles compared to three for American teams, meaning a Cruz Azul victory would extend Liga MX’s overall series lead to 5-3.

U.S. Soccer is set to officially announce Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad on Thursday ahead of upcoming exhibition games against Chile, Peru, Canada and Mexico, so the decision has not yet been confirmed publicly.

Pulisic’s absence is a striking decision on its own, given that the winger has already recovered from the two fractured bones in his right leg suffered during the USA‘s 4-1 round-of-16 loss to Belgium at the World Cup.

Since returning to full fitness, though, Pulisic has struggled to reclaim a starting role at AC Milan, coming on as a substitute in each of Ruben Amorim’s first four matches in charge.

Pulisic’s reportedly strained relationship with Pochettino could also be weighing on the decision. According to McIntyre, the two have had friction since Pulisic skipped the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, a tournament the U.S. narrowly lost to Mexico, in order to be fresh for the World Cup, only to get hurt in the tournament opener and go scoreless across four appearances.

That tension, combined with his current spell on Milan’s bench, could help explain why Pochettino may be choosing to leave him off this squad, though the exact reasoning behind the decision remains unconfirmed.

Pochettino reportedly turns to a wave of young talent

Amid Pulisic’s potential absence, Pochettino is reportedly turning to 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who could become the youngest player in the 113-year history of the U.S. men’s national team since Freddy Adu set the record in 2006.

The Philadelphia Union midfielder has been in red-hot form, recording five goals and six assists over his last seven MLS matches, part of a breakout season that includes 6 goals and 11 assists in 23 appearances as the Union have gone unbeaten in 10 straight games.

Sullivan is not the only teenager set to join the squad, as 17-year-old Red Bull New York midfielder Adri Mehmeti is also reportedly poised to receive his first senior call-up. Meanwhile, Yunus Musah is expected to return to the fold after last featuring for the national team in March 2025.

The USA will open the international window against Peru on September 26 in Orlando, before facing Chile on September 29 in St. Louis, and closing out the FIFA-expanded window against Concacaf rivals Mexico and Canada in early October.

Through the first six matchdays of the league season, Raphinha and Yamal have combined for 16 goals between them, with Raphinha scoring nine and Yamal seven.

That tally surpasses the previous benchmark of 15 combined goals set by Messi and Fabregas back in 2011-12, a mark that had stood as the high point for a Barcelona scoring duo through six matchdays for a decade and a half.

Barcelona pairs had hit 13 or more combined goals in the first six matchdays of a season on only four occasions in the club’s history before this one: Mariano Martin and Cesar in 1943-44 (14), Cesar and Basora in 1948-49 (13), Cesar and Marcos Aurelio in 1950-51 (13), and Messi and Fabregas in 2011-12 (15). Raphinha and Yamal have now set a new high mark within that exclusive group.

Wednesday’s rout provided the decisive push. Raphinha scored a hat-trick, converting two penalties in the 25th and 67th minutes and adding a clinical finish in the 42nd off an assist from Dani Olmo, while Yamal capped the scoring in the 89th minute after a driving run and pass from Karim Adeyemi, despite missing a penalty of his own and striking the post earlier in the match.

Barcelona’s historic start to the season

Wednesday’s rout was just the latest chapter in what has been a remarkable start to the campaign for Barcelona, who remain unbeaten and have barely broken a sweat scoring goals in bunches virtually every time out.

Between LaLiga and Champions League, the club has now put together its highest-scoring stretch through the first seven official matches of a season in 92 years, according to MisterChip.

Several eyebrows were raised when Ancelotti released his 2026 World Cup roster. While supporters welcomed veteran superstar Neymar back into the fold following his extended absence since October 2024, Joao Pedro’s omission stood as one of the squad’s primary talking points given his outstanding club form at the time.

The forward enjoyed a seamless transition at Chelsea while helping lead the club to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, registering 20 goals and nine assists across 49 appearances in his debut campaign. After starting the 2026-27 season with three goals and three assists in five matches, he earned his way back onto Ancelotti’s team sheet.

However, on Wednesday, September 16, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Joao Pedro has been withdrawn from the upcoming international break. With the forward sidelined by an injury, coaching staff selected Fluminense midfielder Matheus Martinelli as his roster replacement.

The official statement from the CBF read as follows: “Fluminense player Martinelli was called up this Wednesday (16) by manager Carlo Ancelotti for the Brazilian national team’s friendlies against Australia and India in this upcoming FIFA window. The player will replace Chelsea forward João Pedro, who is injured.“

With Martinelli operating primarily in midfield, Ancelotti’s attacking group narrows to Endrick, Estevao, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, and Vinicius Junior. The adjustment leaves Endrick as the primary central striker option for Brazil‘s upcoming two-match series against Australia on September 25 and 29, followed by an October 3 clash against India at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

9 rookies in the Brazil squad

Ancelotti’s primary initiative centers on a comprehensive roster overhaul, moving on from several squad veterans to drop the team’s average age from 29.3 years at the 2026 World Cup to 24.9 years for the current window. Most notably, nine uncapped players are in line to make their senior international debuts during the upcoming trip.

With Martinelli’s late addition, Ancelotti’s squad features nine international newcomers. Joining the Fluminense midfielder as potential debutants are goalkeepers Pedro Morisco and Otavio, alongside defenders Arthur Dias, Jair, Mateuzinho, Mauro Jr, and Manchester City prospect Vitor Reis.