Match Overview

Club America vs Tijuana record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

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Summary

• Club America will face Tijuana on Wednesday, October 28, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• TUDN USA will carry the Club America vs Tijuana game in the United States.
• Club America lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati record

2026 MLS season standings

All upcoming 2026 MLS season games

Summary

• Inter Miami will face FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, October 28, for the 2026 MLS season.
• Apple TV will carry the Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati game in the United States.
• FC Cincinnati lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in 10 meetings.

It is the kind of result that goes straight into the competition’s list of great upsets. Fleetwood sit 18th in the fourth tier, just above the relegation zone, and arrived on the back of two defeats in their last three games. The Gunners, meanwhile, share the lead in the Premier League and had drawn 2-2 away at Bayern Munich in the Champions League only days earlier.

The hosts struck first in the 21st minute, when Aaron Loupalo-Bi outmuscled teenage defender Marli Salmon and poked the ball through Illan Meslier’s legs. Viktor Gyokeres leveled five minutes into the second half, scoring his first goal of the season, but the visitors could not find a winner despite outshooting their opponents 26-3.

The tie turned ugly in the closing minutes. Teenager Max Dowman was sent off with five minutes remaining for kicking out at a Fleetwood defender. In the shootout, Bruno Guimaraes saw his spot-kick saved, and Conor Haughey converted the decisive penalty to send the League Two side through.

Arteta had rotated heavily, handing starts to several academy graduates, before bringing on Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Bruno Guimaraes and Eberechi Eze after the break. The arrival of the regulars, however, did not help the Spaniard, as they failed to save the team from a disappointing exit.

The biggest shock eliminations in Carabao Cup history

• 1967, QPR 3-2 West Bromwich Albion: Third Division QPR, two tiers below the holders, came back from 2-0 down in the final.

• 1969, Swindon Town 3-1 Arsenal (aet): Third Division Swindon, two tiers below, won the final at Wembley.

• 2006, Southend United 1-0 Manchester United: Championship Southend, one tier below, beat the holders in the fourth round.

• 2010, Liverpool 2-2 Northampton Town (4-2 on penalties): League Two Northampton, three tiers below, won at Anfield in the third round.

• 2012, Bradford City 1-1 Arsenal (3-2 on penalties): League Two Bradford, three tiers below, won the quarterfinal.

• 2014, MK Dons 4-0 Manchester United: League One MK Dons, two tiers below, won comfortably in the second round.

• 2019, Colchester United 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur (4-3 on penalties): League Two Colchester, three tiers below, won in the third round.

• 2019, Oxford United 4-0 West Ham United: League One Oxford, two tiers below, won in the third round.

• 2025, Grimsby Town 2-2 Manchester United (12-11 on penalties): League Two Grimsby, three tiers below, won after a 26-kick shootout in the second round.

Speaking in an interview with the YouTube channel Los Edul, the defender named Atletico Madrid teammate Julian Alvarez as his choice to take over the shirt. Romero explained that his pick goes beyond football ability. “I see him with that profile of humility, family man, good kid. He has the qualities, I think it’s him,” he said, adding: “We have many very important players in the national team. I say Julian because I see all those things that are important to wear the 10“.

Romero did admit that his first idea would be different. “I would put it aside, put a mural up at AFA and that’s it, so that nobody has that responsibility,” he said, before accepting that it is not an option and saying he would give it to Alvarez.

The captain also revealed that he has already brought it up with the forward more than once, but that the player does not seem convinced. “I think he would like to wear it. I’ve told him many times, but he wants to keep his own,” Romero said.

Nico Paz is the other name emerging as a frontrunner for the No. 10. Local reports have pointed to the Como midfielder as the favorite to receive the shirt. However, no official decision has been announced, and Romero’s words show that the choice remains open.

Argentina cannot retire the No. 10 jersey

Romero’s idea of putting the shirt aside runs into a hard regulatory wall. FIFA rules require official squad lists for tournaments such as the World Cup and Copa America to use consecutive numbering from 1 to 26, with a number assigned to every player named to the roster.

That means the No. 10 cannot simply be left unused in official competition, no matter how symbolic the gesture would be. The number could theoretically go unused in a friendly, but in any official tournament, someone on the 26-man list would have to wear it.

It would not be the first time Argentina run into this obstacle. Ahead of the 2002 World Cup, the country tried to retire the No. 10 as a tribute to Diego Maradona, whose career had already cemented the number’s legendary status.

FIFA rejected the request outright, citing the same consecutive-numbering rule that stands in the way today. As a result, the shirt continued to be worn by later generations of Argentine players, eventually passing to Messi himself.

The situation comes at a delicate time for Postecoglou, who took charge in 2026 expecting to build a competitive team around established stars and emerging talent. With questions also surrounding Felix’s long-term future, the coming months could prove decisive for the manager and the club’s ambitions.

Ronaldo remains central to Al-Nassr’s sporting ambitions and global profile, but the club must now balance its immediate pursuit of success with the need to manage its finances responsibly. The Portuguese superstar’s presence has helped attract worldwide attention, although maintaining a competitive squad requires careful planning beyond individual star power.

According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr’s management is preparing to inform Postecoglou that significant reinforcements during the January transfer window will be extremely difficult to secure. The club remains under financial restrictions that limit its ability to register new players, forcing its leadership to reconsider how it strengthens the squad. The reported restrictions stem from a broader financial crisis, with the team’s accumulated debts, exceeding more than $213 million.

The scale of the liabilities has prompted intervention from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds a majority stake in the club. The recovery measures reportedly include tighter controls over executive spending, independent financial and legal advisers, and efforts to increase commercial revenue. New player registrations are also subject to stricter funding requirements, meaning the club may need to generate additional income before pursuing further transfers.

Could Postecoglou be forced to work with existing squad?

The financial situation presents a significant challenge for Postecoglou, whose teams have traditionally relied on clear tactical identities and carefully selected recruitment to improve performances. Without substantial spending power, the Australian manager may have to focus on maximizing the players already available to him.

365Scores Arabic adds that the Saudi champion intends to retain its current squad during the January window, with management reluctant to sanction departures when finding suitable replacements could prove difficult. That approach would protect the team’s depth but leave Postecoglou with limited opportunities to address weaknesses through the transfer market.

The manager has inherited a squad featuring Ronaldo, Felix and other established attacking players, giving him considerable talent to work with. However, injuries, fixture congestion and the need for tactical adjustments could make the lack of reinforcements particularly challenging as the season progresses.

Al-Nassr has also been exploring ways to strengthen its commercial position through sponsorships and other partnerships. Those efforts reflect a broader shift in Saudi soccer towards greater financial sustainability, with clubs increasingly expected to generate revenue rather than depend entirely on external funding.

Joao Felix’s contract situation raises further concerns

The financial restrictions could also affect Felix’s future, with negotiations over a contract extension reportedly stalling. The report also suggests that the situation has raised concerns within the club that the Portuguese forward could leave in the near future.

The Portuguese winger joined Al-Nassr from Chelsea in 2025 and quickly became an important part of the team’s attacking setup. His technical ability and creativity have complemented Ronaldo’s goal-scoring presence, making him a valuable member of the squad. There have been conflicting reports about his contractual future, however.

Other reports have suggested that Al-Nassr holds an option to extend his agreement by two seasons, potentially keeping him at the club until 2029 with improved financial terms. If that option remains available, it could provide Al-Nassr with greater control over the situation. Nevertheless, stalled negotiations and the club’s financial difficulties could complicate efforts to secure a longer-term commitment.

The club announced on X that the France winger took part in today’s training, his first session with the group since he suffered a hamstring injury in the AFC Champions League Elite match against Neftchi Fergana on Oct. 12.

His availability for the home match against Al Kholood in the 12th round of the league has not been confirmed, and it remains unclear whether the 30-year-old will start or even make the matchday squad. He missed the league games against Neom and Al Faisaly, and has made eight appearances this season, scoring once without registering an assist.

The same report said coach Ange Postecoglou has used a midfield duo of Abdullah Al Khaibari and Brazilian Angelo Gabriel in training, with the idea of pairing them in the starting lineup, while Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa will miss the game because of an accumulation of yellow cards.

A fit Coman would also be welcome news for Cristiano Ronaldo, who benefited from his creativity last season: five of the winger’s 12 assists in the Saudi Pro League title-winning campaign went to the Portuguese forward.

Al Nassr look to stay in the title race

Al Nassr enter the match second in the standings with 25 points, two behind leaders Al Hilal, and level on goal difference with third-placed Al Qadsiah, who have played one more match.

The defending champions have been one of the most consistent teams of the season, with eight wins, one draw and one defeat in their first 10 league matches, the only loss coming against Al Ittihad in September.

They arrive on a run of three straight league wins and with their sights set on retaining the title they won last season, which was also the first major trophy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at the club.

The match against Al Kholood is a chance for Al Nassr to build on that form and keep pressure on the sides above and around them in the table. Whether Coman can help in that push remains to be seen, but his return to training is a welcome sign for a team that wants to stay in the title race and defend its crown.

Yamal finished third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or voting, landing just behind Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich’s veteran marksman Kane. Rather than letting the outcome shake his confidence, the 19-year-old Spanish prodigy maintained that his career is only in its opening chapter, making a public pledge to return to the podium and compete for the sport’s highest individual honor year in and year out.

“It’ll come. Good things take time, and I trust the path I’m building. There’s no rush. I’m full of hope and confidence that one day my moment will come,” Yamal said. “Congratulations to the winners. My focus now returns to what really matters: helping Barcelona win again.”

Lamine Yamal had a stellar year, but it was not enough

Yamal’s near-miss serves as a reminder that winning the FIFA World Cup does not guarantee an immediate Ballon d’Or. While Yamal guided Spain to international glory on North American soil this past summer, voters determined that Kane’s campaign was more well-rounded over the full calendar cycle, powered by a bronze-medal finish with England and an astonishing 73-goal haul across club and country.

History offered an eerie precedent for Yamal’s podium finish. In 2018, a 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe hoisted the World Cup in Russia and collected the inaugural Kopa Trophy, yet only managed a fourth-place finish in the senior Ballon d’Or voting as Luka Modric walked away with the prize. Eight years later, Yamal mirrored Mbappe’s path—capturing his third straight Kopa Trophy and a World Cup winner’s medal, only to see the senior crown elude him.

A continental club title might have provided the decisive edge Yamal needed. Barcelona’s semifinal exit in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League left him without club soccer’s grandest piece of silverware. Yamal is well aware that the Champions League remains the premier trophy missing from his personal cabinet, and lifting it with Barça will likely be the definitive benchmark required to seal a future Ballon d’Or.

A looming era of Mbappe vs. Yamal

Both Yamal and Mbappe attempted to make their final statements just 24 hours prior to the gala during Sunday’s dramatic El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou. However, neither performance could sway the final ballot ahead of the deadline, as voters rallied behind Kane’s sustained record-breaking consistency over the entire 12-month window.

With Kane taking home his maiden award at 33, Yamal and Mbappe have cemented their standing as the immediate frontrunners for the 2027 edition. In an upcoming calendar year without a men’s World Cup to skew international narratives, the UEFA Champions League is poised to serve as the ultimate proving ground and carry the heaviest weight when the voting ballots reopen next autumn.

The result also provided a timely response to Milan’s disappointing midweek defeat to Bournemouth, demonstrating the squad’s ability to recover despite several injury absences. With a demanding schedule approaching, Amorim now has an opportunity to take his early success a step further and pursue an even more remarkable achievement.

The Rossoneri secured a 2-0 win over Udinese last Sunday, with Pulisic opening the scoring before Omari Hutchinson sealed the result in the second half. The victory moved the club back into the Serie A top four and restored momentum ahead of a busy week that includes Bologna and the Milan derby.

Pulisic struck after just six minutes, timing his run perfectly to meet Luka Modric’s clever lofted free-kick. The American controlled the ball superbly before finishing past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, producing a goal that highlighted his movement and technical quality.

Hutchinson then scored his first goal for Milan after Ardon Jashari’s low effort was parried into his path. The winger reacted quickly to convert the rebound, rewarding Amorim’s decision to give him a starting opportunity. However, Pulisic was particularly influential, earning player-of-the-match recognition and continuing his recent return to form.

Amorim equals Milan record not seen for seven decades

The victory carried historical significance for Amorim, who extended his unbeaten start in Serie A to eight matches, joining an exclusive group of Milan managers. The Portuguese coach has recorded five wins and three draws during that run, establishing an encouraging foundation early in his tenure.

According to Opta, “Ruben Amorim is the third coach to remain unbeaten in each of his first eight matches in charge of Milan in Serie A, after Hector Puricelli in 1955 (eight as well) and Luis Carniglia in 1963 (unbeaten in his first 13).”

Puricelli was the first to achieve the eight-match milestone in 1955, while Carniglia subsequently set a higher standard with his extended unbeaten run beginning in 1963. Amorim’s achievement therefore places him among managers who made an immediate impact at one of Italy’s most successful clubs.

The record is particularly encouraging given the challenges Milan have faced with injuries and tactical adjustments. Amorim has shown a willingness to adapt his system to the available players, allowing the team to maintain its competitive edge even when key options are missing.

One legendary milestone remains

Although Amorim has now matched Puricelli’s achievement, Luis Carniglia’s record of 13 consecutive unbeaten Serie A matches at the beginning of his Milan tenure remains the next milestone. Amorim needs five more league matches without defeat to equal that mark and establish himself alongside another significant figure in the club’s history.

The upcoming fixtures will provide a serious test, with Bologna arriving before the highly anticipated derby against Inter. Milan must also manage a demanding schedule while dealing with injuries, making consistency and squad rotation essential.

Amorim’s tactical flexibility has already helped Milan navigate difficult moments, although there remains room for improvement. The victory over Udinese demonstrated the team’s attacking potential, but its defensive concentration and ability to control matches for the full 90 minutes will be equally important in the coming weeks.

Pulisic’s resurgence has been another positive development for Amorim. After enduring a lengthy league scoring drought, the American has scored twice in his last four Serie A appearances, including goals against Lecce and Udinese.

After finishing in fifth position, the Argentine became the third-oldest player ever to finish inside the top ten of the Ballon d’Or. Only Gianluigi Buffon and Stanley Matthews, the winner of the first edition, were older when they reached that mark.

Buffon was 39 years and 10 months old when he reached the top ten in 2017, just a few months older than Messi now, while Matthews was 41 years old when he won the inaugural award in 1956.

Harry Kane won the award, with Kylian Mbappe second, Lamine Yamal third and Rodri fourth, one place ahead of Messi. The Argentine’s fifth place came after a standout World Cup in which he scored eight goals and added four assists, won the Silver Ball and led Argentina to the final. With eight Ballon d’Or trophies already in his collection, he remains the most decorated player in the history of the award.

How Cristiano Ronaldo compares

For comparison, the last time Cristiano Ronaldo finished among the top ten players in the Ballon d’Or was in 2021, when he placed sixth while playing for Manchester United. The Portuguese forward was 36 years and nine months old when the ceremony took place in November of that year, more than two and a half years younger than Messi is now.

That remains the last time the five-time winner cracked the top ten. He has remained outside it in every edition since, while Messi, who won the award in 2021 and again in 2023, has returned to the top five at an age when Ronaldo was no longer in the conversation for the award.

Every Ballon d’Or finish of Lionel Messi

Messi’s fifth-place finish in 2026 is his 17th appearance in the Ballon d’Or voting, a career that includes eight wins, the most in the history of the award. These are all of his results:

Match Overview

Genoa vs Juventus record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• Genoa will face Juventus on Wednesday, October 28, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Fubo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo will carry the Genoa vs Juventus game in the United States.
• Juventus lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in 5 meetings.

Match Overview

AC Milan vs Bologna record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• AC Milan will face Bologna on Wednesday, October 28, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Peacock will carry the AC Milan vs Bologna game in the United States.
• AC Milan lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

Match Overview

Venezia FC vs Inter Milan record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• Venezia FC will face Inter Milan on Wednesday, October 28, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Fubo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo will carry the Venezia FC vs Inter Milan game in the United States.
• Inter Milan lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 5 meetings.

The development comes as Pulisic rediscovers his scoring touch under manager Ruben Amorim, strengthening his position within the squad. With several reports pointing towards an imminent announcement, Milan appears ready to make a significant statement about their ambitions and the players they want to build around.

The American improved form has strengthened the case for a renewal after a difficult period affected by injuries and inconsistent performances. The 28-year-old suffered a bone injury to his right lower leg during the United States’ World Cup campaign and missed a significant part of the team’s preseason preparations. His return has brought encouraging results, with two goals in his last four league appearances.

He scored against Lecce before opening the scoring in Milan’s 2-0 victory over Udinese, ending a lengthy league scoring drought. Amorim has also played an important role by deploying Pulisic closer to goal, often in a central attacking position rather than on the wing. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the pair “share the same footballing vision,” while the coach has won the American over by giving him a more advanced role.

That tactical adjustment has allowed Pulisic to use his movement, close control and ability to exploit spaces between the opposition’s defensive lines. His combination with Luka Modric was particularly effective against Udinese, where the Croatian midfielder helped create the opportunity for Pulisic’s opening goal.

Pulisic and Milan reach agreement in principle

According to multiple outlets, such as Sky Italia, La Gazzetta dello Sport, journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, and Fabrizio Romano, Milan and Pulisic have reached an agreement in principle on a contract extension. The final details are reportedly being resolved, with the official announcement expected in the coming days.

The proposed agreement would extend Pulisic’s stay at San Siro until June 2031, giving the club greater security over one of its most influential attacking players. His existing contract was due to expire in 2027, although the Rossoneri had an option to extend it by another season.

Renewal discussions have taken considerable time, with previous negotiations reportedly encountering difficulties. However, Milan has remained determined to reach an agreement, and the latest progress suggests that both parties are ready to move forward together.

The new salary reflects his importance

The financial details underline the significance of the expected extension. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic is set to earn €5 million ($5.5m) per season, plus bonuses, increasing his current reported salary of €4 million ($4.5) annually.

The improved terms would place the American among Milan’s highest-paid players and reflect his contribution since arriving from Chelsea in 2023. He has recorded 44 goals in 141 appearances for the Italian club, establishing himself as a key figure in its attack.

The contract also represents a long-term commitment from owner Gerry Cardinale, who reportedly views Pulisic as essential to the Italian giant’s present and future. Calciomercato has also reported that the club intends to build its project around the forward, particularly following Rafael Leao’s departure.

Milan send clear message about their future

The anticipated renewal carries significance beyond the contract itself. Milan expect Pulisic to become a central figure in the club’s long-term project, with Cardinale’s reported confidence reinforcing the forward’s importance to the team.

Pulisic has previously acknowledged that he is not the most vocal personality in the dressing room, but he prefers to lead through his performances. After the Udinese match, he explained: “There are many leaders in the team. I don’t talk much, but I want to show it on the pitch.”

His recent goals have demonstrated that approach, helping the team collect valuable points during a demanding period marked by several injuries. The club will hope that his renewed confidence translates into consistent performances throughout the campaign.

The controversy began with a video, reportedly filmed in April and shared by the French podcast The Bridge, in which Mbappe was asked about his favorite meme. He said the funniest one he had seen put his face on “some guy,” adding “I think he’s a Chinese dictator”.

He did not name him, but the comment was widely read as a reference to a popular meme that places the forward’s face on an image of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China.

“My comment was ill-judged and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” the French star wrote. He explained that he “reacted to an image of myself” and added: “I apologise to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry”. The message was published in French, Mandarin, and English.

Backlash in China reaches LaLiga and Mbappe’s sponsors

According to The Paper, a state-backed Chinese outlet, state broadcaster CCTV suspended broadcasts of LaLiga matches and of games involving Mbappe starting Monday night, Oct. 26, citing sources linked to the public broadcaster.

The report also said all advertisements and videos featuring the forward were removed. The decision has not been officially confirmed by CCTV, and the league’s streaming deal with Migu, renewed through the 2029-30 season, has reportedly not been affected.

The reaction has also hit the player’s commercial deals. Beverage group Dongpeng, which said it has a “zero-tolerance policy” toward behavior that offends national sentiments, ended its contract with Mbappe with immediate effect, and dairy companies Mengniu and Milkground also cut ties.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said words and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people “will naturally be met with joint opposition from all sectors of Chinese society”.

Javier Tebas apologizes on behalf of LaLiga

LaLiga has also responded to the controversy, issuing a statement in which the league “deeply regrets” the offense caused among Chinese fans and stressing that Mbappe’s comments “were made in a personal capacity and do not represent LaLiga”.

The organization apologized on behalf of the competition and all its clubs. President Javier Tebas went further in his own words: “We fully understand and respect the sensitivity of the Chinese people and sincerely regret any harm these statements may have caused,” he said, extending his apologies “to all those who have felt offended.”

Tebas highlighted the league’s long-standing ties with the country and warned against letting the episode damage them. “A relationship built over so many years cannot be damaged by a single episode,” he wrote on X, adding that LaLiga is “taking the measures within our reach and working directly with our partners and interlocutors in China to overcome this situation”. The league also announced it will develop a sensitivity and communication protocol together with clubs and players.

Milan heads into Wednesday’s match after a convincing 2-0 victory over Udinese, while Bologna also arrives on the back of a 2-0 win against Cagliari. However, with several players dealing with fitness problems and a demanding schedule taking its toll, Amorim may have to make significant changes.

The Rossoneri responded impressively to their disappointing European defeat against Bournemouth, where they suffered a 3-0 loss, by securing three points in Udine. Pulisic opened the scoring before Omari Hutchinson added a second, giving Amorim’s side a much-needed boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures. It remains among the few teams yet to lose in Serie A this season and is looking to extend its strong domestic run.

The Red and Blacks’ players also have an opportunity to reduce the gap to city rivals Inter, who currently lead the standings, when the teams meet in Saturday’s derby. San Siro has been a particularly encouraging venue for Milan, who have won their home league matches this season.

Their historical record against Bologna is also favorable, with just one defeat in their previous 21 Serie A meetings. The Rossoblu, meanwhile, have shown signs of improvement since Raffaele Palladino took charge. It secured consecutive away victories against Lecce and Cagliari.

Pulisic’s role could change against Bologna

The biggest question surrounding Milan’s predicted lineup concerns Pulisic and whether Amorim will use the American from the start or preserve him for the derby. The forward has recently rediscovered his scoring touch, and his goal against Udinese continued a promising run of attacking contributions.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Amorim is considering resting Pulisic against Bologna, with Alphadjo Cisse potentially replacing him in an advanced attacking role behind Goncalo Ramos. The decision would allow the coach to manage Pulisic’s workload ahead of Saturday’s high-profile meeting with Inter.

The American’s recent form makes the situation particularly interesting. He has registered four goal contributions in his last seven Serie A appearances, matching the total he produced across his previous 20 league matches, according to the supplied match preview.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his involvement could prove important against a Bologna side that has struggled to contain Milan away from home. Amorim must decide whether the immediate opportunity to secure another league victory outweighs the benefits of keeping one of his most dangerous attackers fresh for the derby.

Modric and several injured players add to Amorim’s dilemmas

Pulisic is not the only player whose minutes could be managed. Luka Modric is also tipped to receive a rest, with Yunus Musah potentially stepping into the midfield alongside Ardon Jashari as Milan attempt to maintain their intensity without overworking key players.

Milan’s options remain limited by several absences. Mario Gila, Diego Moreira and Adrien Rabiot are expected to remain unavailable, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek has reportedly suffered a thigh injury that could keep him out until after the international break.

Samuel Chukwueze, Mattia Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Filippo Terracciano are also listed among the unavailable players in the supplied reports. These absences leave Amorim with fewer opportunities to rotate, particularly in defence and midfield.

The England captain enjoyed a phenomenal season with Bayern Munich and his national team, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings. His goalscoring numbers, however, tell an even more remarkable story, connecting him with one of Messi’s most iconic campaigns.

Kane was crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, becoming the first Englishman to receive soccer’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001. The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of Mbappe in second place and Barcelona youngster Yamal in third, while Messi placed fifth. The award recognized the striker’s outstanding performances throughout the 2025-26 season, during which he scored 73 goals for club and country.

His prolific form helped Bayern secure domestic silverware and reinforced his reputation as one of the most consistent and clinical forwards in world soccer. Speaking after receiving the award in London, Kane struggled to put the achievement into words. “I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it extra special – that made it a good omen for me,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year. There are some world-class players in the room tonight.”

The victory represented the culmination of a long journey for the Englishman, who worked his way through several loan spells early in his career before establishing himself among the world’s elite. His perseverance and sustained improvement ultimately brought him the individual recognition that had previously eluded him.

The record that connects Kane with Messi

The most striking detail of Kane’s season is the rarity of his goalscoring achievement. According to Opta, only two players from Europe’s top-five leagues have scored at least 70 goals across club and international soccer in a single season during the 21st century: Lionel Messi and Harry Kane.

Messi established the benchmark in 2011-12, scoring 82 goals, while Kane followed with 73 during the 2025-26 campaign. The statistic underlines the extraordinary level of consistency required to maintain such production across an entire season.

Although Kane did not match Messi’s total, reaching 70 goals remains an exceptional accomplishment in an era of demanding schedules, organized defences and intense competition.

How Messi set the benchmark in 2011-12

Messi’s 2011-12 campaign remains one of the most extraordinary individual seasons in soccer history. The Argentine scored 82 goals, setting a standard that few players have come close to matching, even among the sport’s most celebrated attackers.

His achievement formed part of an era in which Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo repeatedly pushed the boundaries of individual performance. Messi’s record-setting season demonstrated how a forward could combine creative influence with extraordinary finishing output, making him a reference point for future generations.

Kane’s achievement now gives that historic campaign a new point of comparison. While the England captain fell nine goals short of Messi’s total, his 73-goal haul places him in an exceptionally exclusive statistical category.

This comes after the Portuguese Football Federation handed him a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine for leaving the national team’s training camp on September 30. The suspension was backdated to the date of the incident, making him eligible for selection during the November international break.

The incident followed a disagreement over Ronaldo’s playing time, particularly after he was left on the bench against Norway. The Al-Nassr forward reportedly believed Jesus had promised him a chance to play, but the coach did not follow through.

Ronaldo also expressed frustration over a press conference before Portugal’s match against Denmark, claiming that Jesus had failed to address points they had previously agreed upon. His departure from the camp triggered widespread speculation about whether the dispute could bring his international career to an abrupt end.

Ronaldo apologised but insisted he was not retiring

The Portugal captain later addressed the controversy publicly, apologizing to supporters and his teammates for his behavior while accepting that disciplinary action could follow. Despite the tension, he made it clear that the incident did not represent his decision to retire from international soccer.

In October, Ronaldo also discussed the possibility of a future farewell with Portugal, explaining that his priority remained competing rather than arranging a ceremonial departure. “I can promise all my fans, naturally and especially all Portuguese people, that we will have one or more farewell matches; there will be time for that,” Ronaldo said. “But when I think of the national team, what I really think of is competing.”

Will Jorge Jesus include Ronaldo in November squad?

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed that Ronaldo is included in the country’s preliminary squad for the upcoming fixtures. However, his place in the final selection remains uncertain, with Jesus expected to announce his squad on November 6.

Portugal faces Denmark in Braga on November 14 before travelling to Wales for its final group-stage match on November 17. Ronaldo’s presence on the preliminary list keeps the possibility of his return open, but it does not guarantee that he will be selected or feature in either match.

The final decision rests with Jesus, whose relationship with the veteran forward has come under scrutiny following their disagreement. The coach must now weigh Ronaldo’s experience and international achievements against the team’s recent results and the need to maintain harmony within the squad.

For the 41-year-old veteran, a November call-up would offer an opportunity to move beyond the controversy and resume his pursuit of further international milestones. The November 6 squad announcement will determine whether Portugal’s captain is ready to return to competitive action or whether his absence continues into the Nations League knockout stage.

Ronaldo’s case dates back to Al Nassr’s 3-1 win at Al Faisaly in matchweek 11. The Portuguese appeared to head home the second goal in the 49th minute from a Joao Felix free kick, and he celebrated it as the fifth goal of the season and the 982nd of his career.

Replays, though, suggested the ball may have come off the head of defender Andrei Girotto, and the league ultimately recorded it as an own goal by the opponent instead of crediting him with a header.

Toney’s situation is almost identical. The England striker headed Al Ahli into the lead in the 11th minute of their 4-1 win over Al Khaleej, a goal that was reviewed by VAR for several minutes over a possible offside interference from a teammate and contact with defender Mohammed Khabrani before referee Abdullah Al-Shahri confirmed it.

Now the league has taken the goal away from him as well, recording it as an own goal and dropping his tally to 12 despite his stoppage-time penalty in the same match.

Saudi Pro League’s own numbers contradict each other

The reclassification has created an unusual contradiction within the league’s own data. While the standings now reflect the goals as own goals, the official match statistics still credit both of them to Ronaldo and Toney, leaving the two sets of records pointing in opposite directions.

The adjustment does little to change the top of the Golden Boot race. Toney remains comfortably in front with 12 goals, five clear of Mateo Retegui and Youssef En-Nesyri, who have seven each, while Ronaldo, on four, now sits well down the list.

Statistics sites such as Transfermarkt still credit the goals to Ronaldo and Toney, but the Saudi Pro League’s official website does not, leaving the two strikers with one fewer goal in the records that matter most for the Golden Boot race. Unless the league reverses its decision, the official figures will be the ones that count as the season goes on.

Messi was not present at the London Palladium. While initial rumors suggested he might attend to present one of the evening’s major honors, his presence was ruled out before the event, as the grueling transatlantic flight from Miami to London made an in-person appearance today impossible.

“Lionel Messi will not be presenting a trophy to any of the winners at the Ballon d’Or, as he has not been invited to do so,” the soccer insider wrote on X about Messi’s possible attendance.

Is Lionel Messi nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

Yes, Lionel Messi features on the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or—a stark contrast to longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who was omitted from the nominations after voters concluded his calendar year was not strong enough to warrant a spot among the finalists.

The shortlist features the game’s brightest modern stars. While Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona stand as the definitive frontrunners following their decisive domestic and international campaigns, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and other continental standouts have also garnered strong support among the voting panel.

1. Lionel Messi – Argentina | Inter Miami
2. Kylian Mbappé – France | Real Madrid
3. Lamine Yamal – Spain | FC Barcelona
4. Harry Kane – England | Bayern Munich
5. Jude Bellingham – England | Real Madrid
6. Rodri – Spain | FC Barcelona
7. Erling Haaland – Norway | Manchester City
8. Vinícius Júnior – Brazil | Real Madrid
9. Lautaro Martínez – Argentina | Inter Milan
10. Michael Olise – France | Bayern Munich
11. Vitinha – Portugal | Paris Saint-Germain
12. William Saliba – France | Arsenal
13. Declan Rice – England | Arsenal
14. Ousmane Dembélé – France | Paris Saint-Germain
15. Pau Cubarsí – Spain | FC Barcelona
16. Bruno Fernandes – Portugal | Manchester United
17. Luis Díaz – Colombia | Liverpool
18. Achraf Hakimi – Morocco | Paris Saint-Germain
19. Gabriel Magalhães – Brazil | Arsenal
20. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia | Paris Saint-Germain
21. Fabián Ruiz – Spain | Paris Saint-Germain
22. Marc Cucurella – Spain | Real Madrid
23. Marquinhos – Brazil | Paris Saint-Germain
24. João Neves – Portugal | Paris Saint-Germain
25. Dayot Upamecano – France | Bayern Munich
26. Ferran Torres – Spain | Paris Saint-Germain
27. Nuno Mendes – Portugal | Paris Saint-Germain
28. Willian Pacho – Ecuador | Paris Saint-Germain
29. Sadio Mané – Senegal | Al-Nassr
30. Julián Quiñones – Mexico | Al-Qadsiah

What would happen if Lionel Messi wins the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

If Messi were to claim the 2026 Ballon d’Or in absentia, protocol dictates that the trophy would likely be accepted on his behalf by an event host or club representative, followed by a pre-recorded video acceptance speech thanking the global panel of journalists for their votes.

Lifting the award would mark an unprecedented ninth Ballon d’Or in Messi’s legendary career, adding to his historic triumphs in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and most recently in 2023 following Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar.

Ronaldo failed to make the 30-man cut after the voting panel determined his campaign was not sufficiently dominant to rank among the world’s elite over the qualifying period. While he enjoyed a prolific individual season with Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League continues to face skepticism from global voters regarding its relative competitiveness.

By contrast, Julian Quinones of Mexico did earn a nomination while playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al Qadsiah, having finished the domestic campaign as the league’s top scorer. Quinones also anchored Mexico’s attack during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing as his nation’s top marksman and leading El Tri on a historic knockout-stage run on home soil.

When was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last Ballon d’Or nomination?

Ronaldo was last nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2022. He finished 20th in the global voting that year, an edition that saw former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema capture the first and only Ballon d’Or of his career.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023. While his scoring output for the Saudi side has remained remarkably consistent, his inability to deliver major silverware at club level alongside more subdued tournament showings with the Portugal national team have seen him omitted from the shortlist in four consecutive editions: 2023, 2024, 2025, and now 2026.

Since falling out of contention for the shortlist, Ronaldo has publicly dismissed the significance of individual accolades. The veteran striker has noted on several occasions that subjective voting bodies—composed of journalists and media figures whom he feels harbor personal biases—undermine the true sporting credibility of the award.

How many Ballons d’Or has Cristiano Ronaldo won?

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed five Ballon d’Or awards across his illustrious career. He holds the all-time record for career nominations with 18, with his most recent triumph arriving in 2017.

Ronaldo lifted the coveted trophy in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Now in the twilight of his playing days, the forward has shifted his ambitions away from gala podiums and onto the pitch, channeling his full focus toward surpassing the unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals before hanging up his boots.

Propelled by a clinical brace from Kylian Mbappe—who reached the historic milestone of 100 goals in a Real Madrid shirt—Los Blancos marched into Spotify Camp Nou and walked away with three vital points in hand. Nevertheless, Madrid remain third in the La Liga standings, and Mourinho is acutely aware that his players must keep their feet firmly planted on the ground if they hope to lift silverware at the end of the season.

“In my view, Real Madrid do not play to win at the Camp Nou… Real Madrid play to win LaLiga,” Mourinho said after the game. “This must be the mentality. We need to continue like this and don’t go over the moon after this win.”

Real Madrid locked in a vital win on Matchday 10

Entering Sunday’s showdown, Real Madrid trailed the Blaugrana by six points in the table. This away triumph allowed them to slash the deficit to just three points, keeping alive their ambitions of overtaking both Barcelona and second-place Atletico Madrid to claim the top spot before the mid-season winter break.

Achieving this victory without the suspended Vinicius Junior and starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois—who was sidelined on Sunday morning with a severe flu—showcased the squad’s tactical maturity and proved they do not rely solely on individual star names. With a healthier, deeper bench, Real Madrid are once again being viewed as genuine contenders both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League, where they maintain a strong European campaign.

Last season, recurring injuries severely undermined Real Madrid’s consistency and depth, limiting their ability to challenge on all fronts. If Mourinho can keep his core squad fit and firing over the grueling winter schedule, this Madrid team possesses every ingredient required to restore the dominant standard expected at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I wanted to apologize to our people for my words during the World Cup. They were a mistake on my part, both the way I said them and the timing, and above all I understand people’s anger,” Alvarez said. “As a fan, I would have been angry too, especially considering how they have always supported me over all these years and these last few weeks, when they have been very generous. I value that a lot”.

His comments during the tournament expressed a desire to leave the club, which did not sit well with the fans. The forward was heavily criticized by the supporters after his remarks, who made their frustration clear with boos at every home game and even demanded that he leave the team.

Even so, he kept working to find his best form again, and it was only against Stuttgart in the Champions League that he scored his first goal of the season. Against Deportivo La Coruna, he then became the hero by scoring his side’s only goal to secure three valuable points.

Alvarez also said he is feeling better on the pitch. “Little by little I’m feeling good. I thank all my teammates because they have supported me a lot during this time,” he said, adding that he feels sharper both with the ball and physically. “When you feel good in life, it shows on the pitch. It’s everything: family, I’ve spent a lot of time at home doing other things, and it all matters, but I feel good and ready to compete for everything.” Asked whether the whistles could turn into applause, he answered: “I hope so, with work and humility”.

The World Cup comments that sparked the backlash

The controversy began at the World Cup, when Alvarez spoke with Argentine media in the mixed zone after Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria. The forward, who had reportedly been upset with how his club handled Barcelona’s $116 million bid, which went unanswered, confirmed that he wanted to leave.

“I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about this, but I can’t hide or pretend otherwise either. I try to be an honest person. I spoke with the people at the club, with those I needed to talk to,” Alvarez told a reporter. “I think a transfer is best for everyone, and I want to fulfill my dream”.

The comments left the Argentine in an uncomfortable spot, with the club’s supporters turning on him and the pressure building at every home game. His transfer never materialized, though, and he stayed in Madrid to face the consequences. Now, after finally finding the net again, he has chosen to own his words and ask the fans to turn the page.

Mbappe has been an indispensable asset for Real Madrid since arriving in the summer of 2024. His match-winning display at Spotify Camp Nou took him to 100 goals in just 115 competitive appearances. While a remarkable feat of elite consistency, it leaves him just behind the benchmark set by his childhood idol.

Ronaldo reached his first century of goals for Real Madrid in an astonishing 105 matches. The Portuguese icon achieved the milestone in 10 fewer games than Mbappe, cementing his position alongside legendary forward Ferenc Puskás among the most lethal finishers in club history.

It couldn’t arrive at a better time

While Mbappe’s hyper-competitive drive might have craved breaking Ronaldo’s record outright, the milestone could not have arrived at a more opportune moment. Delivering it against Madrid’s fiercest rivals on hostile territory added poetic justice to a victory that trimmed Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga from six points to just three.

Mbappe’s relentless hunger was on full display throughout the contest. By reaching this landmark while deciding El Clasico, the Frenchman provided the exact psychological catalyst Real Madrid required to re-establish their domestic title credentials and signal that the championship race is wide open.

Real Madrid now sit third in the table, having leapfrogged Real Betis and closed in on both second-place Atletico Madrid and leaders Barcelona. Armed with consecutive statement victories across La Liga and the Champions League, Los Blancos head toward the winter break looking every bit like genuine frontrunners on both fronts.

On Matchday 8, Vinicius was sent off during Real Madrid’s 1–0 win over Villarreal. The Brazilian winger pulled Nathan Saliba’s hair during a counter-attack that initially culminated in a goal of his own; however, a VAR review identified the violent conduct, prompting the referee to disallow the strike and show him a straight red card.

An initial one-match suspension was widely expected for the forward. However, the Spanish Disciplinary Committee determined that his subsequent protests toward the officiating crew were excessively aggressive, extending the sanction to four matches and ruling him out of the trip to Catalonia.

Who will replace Vinicius Junior against Barcelona?

Real Madrid retain ample attacking depth to compensate for Vinicius Junior’s absence. For the clash at Spotify Camp Nou, Yan Diomande will occupy the left flank of the frontline.

In their previous La Liga fixture against Sevilla, manager Jose Mourinho deployed Endrick, Kylian Mbappe, and Yan Diomande as the starting attacking trident, securing a commanding 4–1 victory. Mbappe led the line with a brace, Diomande added a clinical solo effort, and Arda Guler scored from an advanced midfield role to cap an electric performance.

While Mourinho has publicly maintained that Vinicius will reclaim his starting spot once his suspension concludes, the convincing displays of Endrick and Diomande have generated debate regarding the Brazilian’s automatic inclusion. Tactical cohesion between Vinicius and Mbappe has been an ongoing focal point in recent seasons, and in the winger’s absence, the Frenchman has produced some of his most fluid, dominant performances of the campaign.

The Belgian international was fully expected to anchor Los Blancos‘ back line in Catalonia, but acute viral symptoms struck the veteran shot-stopper on the morning of the match. With a high fever and physical exhaustion rendering him unfit to compete at maximum intensity, the club’s medical staff determined that Courtois should remain isolated and resting at the team hotel rather than risk worsening his condition.

Courtois’ sudden withdrawal creates an untimely tactical challenge for Real Madrid in a fixture that could dictate the trajectory of the La Liga title race. Arriving alongside Vinicius Junior’s absence, losing an undisputed defensive cornerstone just hours before kickoff places heightened pressure on Madrid’s defensive unit against a prolific Barcelona attack.

Lunin steps up under the Camp Nou spotlight

With Courtois unavailable, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will take over between the posts for this marquee encounter. Lunin is well accustomed to high-pressure emergency duty, having repeatedly demonstrated his composure on major stages during previous injury crises, earning the complete trust of the dressing room in both domestic and European fixtures.

Despite Lunin’s proven pedigree, stepping in cold against Barcelona’s free-scoring frontline at Spotify Camp Nou represents an immense assignment. The Ukrainian shot-stopper will need to command his penalty box with authority and maintain sharp distribution, organizing a back line that must contain the creative menace of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

A standout performance this afternoon would once again validate Lunin’s standing as one of the most reliable and capable second-choice goalkeepers in world soccer. For Real Madrid, keeping Barcelona’s high-octane attack at bay and preserving their hopes of narrowing the league deficit will hinge largely on whether Lunin can deliver another resolute display under the Catalan spotlight.

Match Overview

Santa Clara Azores vs Benfica record

2026-27 Primeira Liga standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Primeira Liga games

Summary

• Santa Clara Azores will face Benfica on Monday, October 26, for the 2026-27 Primeira Liga.
• Fubo, beIN SPORTS CONNECT will carry the Santa Clara Azores vs Benfica game in the United States.
• Benfica lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 4 meetings.

Udinese projected lineup

AC Milan projected lineup

Barcelona confirmed lineup

Real Madrid confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Barcelona vs Real Madrid record

2026-27 LaLiga standings

All upcoming 2026-27 LaLiga games

Summary

• Barcelona will face Real Madrid on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 LaLiga.
• Fubo, ABC will carry the Barcelona vs Real Madrid game in the United States.
• Barcelona lead the head-to-head with 7 wins in 10 meetings.

Manchester United confirmed lineup

Bournemouth confirmed lineup

Liverpool confirmed lineup

Albion confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Club America vs Pachuca record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

Summary

• Club America will face Pachuca on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• TUDN USA will carry the Club America vs Pachuca game in the United States.
• Club America lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Queretaro vs Cruz Azul record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

Summary

• Queretaro will face Cruz Azul on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• ViX will carry the Queretaro vs Cruz Azul game in the United States.
• Cruz Azul lead the head-to-head with 6 wins in 10 meetings.

Gonzalez’s choice appears to be about rest. Messi traveled to Oviedo to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on Oct. 23 and flew back to the United States right after the ceremony, leaving him little time to recover or train with the team before the match at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

The context of the match also made the decision easier for Gonzalez. Inter Miami have already clinched a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, and Nashville SC have already secured the Supporters’ Shield, which leaves Miami with no chance of competing for it. The team’s priority now is to finish second in the Eastern Conference and prepare for the postseason as defending MLS Cup champions.

Messi is still available to play and is expected to get minutes off the bench in the second half, although there is a chance he may not play at all. “We should feel proud that he, through his own initiative, wants to be with us and wants to play,” Gonzalez said of the captain, who scored twice in Miami’s previous match, a 3-1 win over Atlanta United.

Inter Miami and Red Bull New York confirmed lineups

In Messi’s absence, Fillipi Riquelme gets the nod in the attack and Luis Suarez will wear the captain’s armband, with German Berterame completing the front line.

Inter Miami arrive in search of a fourth straight win and second in the Eastern Conference with 56 points, while Red Bull New York, managed by Michael Bradley, are 10th in the league table with 36.

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Gonzalo Lujan, Casemiro, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, David Ayala, Matias Galarza; Fillipi Riquelme, Luis Suarez (C), German Berterame.

Red Bull New York (4-3-3): Ethan Horvath; Dylan Nealis (C), Julian Bazan, Tim Parker, Devin Padelford; Mohammed Sofo, Adri Mehmeti, Ronald Donkor; Cade Cowell, Julian Hall, Jorge Ruvalcaba.

Red Bulls projected lineup

Inter Miami projected lineup

Al-Nassr’s latest result has brought the club closer to another landmark in its remarkable goalscoring journey. With Ronaldo still playing a central role in the attack, the question now is how much further the Riyadh side can push a record that has already surpassed some of soccer’s most enduring achievements.

The reigning Saudi champion continued its impressive campaign with a 3-1 victory over Al-Faisaly on October 23, 2026, extending its streak to 97 consecutive Saudi Pro League matches with at least one goal. Abdullah Al-Hamdan opened the scoring, Ronaldo added a second with a powerful header, and Angelo Gabriel secured the victory after Theo Bongonda had briefly reduced the deficit.

Ronaldo’s contribution carried significance beyond the three points, as the veteran forward continues to deliver goals at 41. His latest strike also brought his reported career tally to 982 goals for club and country, leaving him increasingly close to the widely discussed 1,000-goal milestone.

However, the club’s extraordinary scoring sequence reflects a collective achievement rather than the work of one player alone. Al-Nassr has consistently found ways to score across different competitions within the league, maintaining its momentum through changing circumstances and challenging fixtures.

How Al-Nassr broke record that stood for decades

The streak began on December 8, 2023, when Al-Nassr responded to a 3-0 defeat against Al-Hilal by beating Al-Riyadh 4-1. From that match onwards, the club has scored in every Saudi Pro League fixture included in the sequence, as confirmed by official league metrics.

Its achievement eventually surpassed Al-Hilal’s previous league record of approximately 88 consecutive scoring matches. Al-Nassr then moved beyond a historic benchmark associated with Argentine giant River Plate, whose run of 93 consecutive domestic league matches dated back to the 1930s.

Al-Nassr reached 94 consecutive scoring matches in September 2026, breaking the long-standing mark according to contemporary reports. Its subsequent results have extended that record further, with the victory over Al-Faisaly taking the total to 97 consecutive league games with at least one goal.

The remarkable aspect of the run is its consistency, even when Al-Nassr has struggled to win. Draws and difficult away fixtures have not stopped the club from finding the net, allowing the sequence to continue across multiple seasons.

When could Al-Nassr reach 100 consecutive scoring games?

With the record now standing at 97 matches, Al-Nassr needs to score in three more consecutive Saudi Pro League games to reach the 100-match milestone. Every fixture between now and that target represents another opportunity to extend a streak that has already made soccer history.

According to the reported fixture projection, Al-Nassr’s 100th consecutive scoring game could come against Al-Qadsiah on November 20, 2026, provided the club scores in each of its intervening league matches. That date remains a projection rather than a guaranteed record-breaking occasion, since the streak must continue uninterrupted.

Reaching a century would provide another extraordinary landmark for the Saudi club. Few teams have maintained such consistency over an extended period, and Al-Nassr’s run has already established a benchmark that future sides will find difficult to match.

With his latest strike against Al Faisaly, which the Saudi Pro League credited to him in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win, Ronaldo reached 135 goals for Al Nassr in all competitions. At Manchester United, he scored 145 across his two spells, 118 in the first and 27 in the second, leaving him 10 goals shy of matching that tally.

The count comes with a caveat, as several data providers recorded the goal against Al Faisaly as an own goal by defender Andrei Girotto. However, the Saudi Pro League credited the strike to the Portuguese star, which takes his official career tally to 982 goals.

Most of his goals for Al Nassr have come in the Saudi Pro League, where he has scored 107, and he has also found the net in the AFC Champions League, the Arab Club Champions Cup and domestic cups.

Ronaldo’s scoring rate has doubled since leaving Manchester United

The comparison shows how Ronaldo’s scoring rate has changed. Over two spells at Manchester United, he scored 145 goals in 346 appearances, an average of 0.42 goals per game.

At Al Nassr, entering the match against Al Faisaly, he had 134 goals in 159 appearances, roughly double the rate at 0.84 goals per game, while scoring one every 103 minutes compared with one every 183 at United.

Ronaldo has also scored more often from the penalty spot in Saudi Arabia, with 32 of his goals coming from penalties compared with 21 at United, and he has scored 17 headers for Al Nassr compared with 24 for the English club.

Match Overview

Udinese vs AC Milan record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• Udinese will face AC Milan on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Fubo, Telemundo will carry the Udinese vs AC Milan game in the United States.
• AC Milan lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in 5 meetings.

Speaking about his experiences with the two superstars, Carvalho recalled a conversation with a young Mbappe at Monaco that left a lasting impression on him. The former defender also explained why the similarities between the Frenchman and Ronaldo do not tell the whole story.

Comparisons between the two players remain inevitable because of their shared career path, ambition, goalscoring ability, and status among soccer’s biggest stars. The France captain has frequently been viewed as part of the generation expected to carry the sport forward, while Ronaldo’s career provides a benchmark for sustained individual excellence.

Ricardo Carvalho explains the similarities between Ronaldo and Mbappe

Carvalho, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid and with Portugal, later witnessed Mbappe’s emergence at Monaco. Having seen both players up close, he believes the French forward displayed exceptional qualities from an early age, including the self-belief required to succeed at the highest level. “Football-wise, it was always clear that he was different. He had that arrogance that is normal for someone who wants to be very good,” Carvalho said in an interview with La Vanguardia.

The former centre-back also revealed that Mbappe looked up to the Portuguese superstar during his formative years. “He loved Cristiano Ronaldo,” Carvalho explained, acknowledging why fans frequently draw comparisons between the two forwards.

Despite those similarities, the former defender believes their approaches to confidence and ambition developed differently. His comments offer a perspective shaped by personal experience rather than comparisons based solely on statistics, trophies or playing styles.

The key difference in their personalities

Carvalho made his distinction clear when discussing how each player approached the self-belief needed to reach the top of the game. “It is normal to see similarities, but it was very different at the beginning. Ronaldo always had this ego. Mbappe molded it,” he explained.

In Carvalho’s assessment, Ronaldo’s ego was already a defining part of his personality, while Mbappe developed and shaped his own confidence with a clear sense of direction. The observation does not suggest that one approach was necessarily better, but rather that the two superstars followed different paths in developing the mentality associated with elite players.

Ronaldo built his reputation on relentless self-belief, demanding standards and an extraordinary drive to improve throughout his career. Mbappe, meanwhile, demonstrated an ability to understand his ambitions early and deliberately shape his development around the goals he wanted to achieve. Carvalho’s strongest example came from a conversation during their time together at Monaco, when the former defender was considering renewing his contract.

The young French forward had already formed a clear picture of how he wanted his career to progress. “He knew perfectly well where he wanted to go. I remember a conversation I had with him at Monaco, when I wanted to renew my contract. He told me he wanted to play there first and then move to a big club. He already knew what he wanted back then,” he recalled.

Atletico Madrid projected lineup

Deportivo projected lineup

His goal against Al-Faisaly was also at the center of a dispute between the Saudi league’s official records and international statistics providers. While the controversy raised questions about how goals are credited, the decision has kept Ronaldo’s pursuit of soccer history firmly in the spotlight.

Al-Nassr defeated Al Faisaly 3-1 away from home, with Ronaldo scoring in the 49th minute after connecting with a free-kick delivery from fellow Portuguese international Joao Felix. Abdullah Al-Hamdan had opened the scoring earlier, while Theo Bongonda reduced the deficit before Ângelo Gabriel secured the victory.

Ronaldo appeared to score again shortly after his first goal, but his second effort was ruled out following a VAR review. When asked about the situation, the forward reportedly responded humorously: “Only one counted.” The debate continued because several international statistics platforms reportedly attributed the 49th-minute strike to an own goal by rival defender Andrei Girotto.

However, the match referee, Abdullah Al Owaidan, credited Ronaldo with the goal in his official report, a decision reflected in the Saudi Pro League’s records. Saudi media have confirmed that the final decision on goal attribution rests with the Referees Committee of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The league relies on the referee’s official report rather than automatically adopting the figures published by independent statistics providers.

Ronaldo’s latest goal takes him to 982 career strikes

With the Saudi Pro League recognizing the goal, Ronaldo’s official career tally stands at 982 goals for club and country. The achievement moves the Al Nassr forward closer to another landmark as he continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.

The discrepancy highlights how different organizations can record the same incident differently. Although independent data providers may maintain their own assessments, the Saudi competition has backed the referee’s attribution in this case.

For Ronaldo, the distinction matters because every officially credited goal contributes to his personal record. His latest strike therefore carries significance beyond Al Nassr’s three points, adding another milestone to a career already filled with individual achievements.

How close is Ronaldo to Jimmy McGrory’s headed-goal record?

Ronaldo’s latest header has also brought attention to a separate historical achievement: the record for the most headed goals in soccer history. According to Wikipedia‘s historical compilation, citing the International Football Association Board (IFAB)‘s metrics, Celtic legend Jimmy McGrory leads the list with 162 headed goals, while Ronaldo has reached 159.

That leaves the Portuguese forward three headed goals short of McGrory’s reported total, following his strike against Al Faisaly. Based on the cited tally, Ronaldo needs three more headed goals to equal McGrory’s 162 and four to surpass him outright.

McGrory established his reputation as a prolific goalscorer during his Celtic career between 1921 and 1937. However, historical goal records from that era are difficult to standardize because complete match records and consistent statistical methods were not always available.

With the ceremony scheduled for Monday, October 26, in London, the latest assessments have intensified the spotlight on the leading candidates. One striker, in particular, has strengthened his case through prolific scoring and international success, while Yamal and Mbappe continue to make their own arguments.

Yamal has enjoyed another impressive year with Barcelona, helping the club win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup before contributing to Spain’s World Cup triumph. The 19-year-old recorded 24 goals and 18 assists across all competitions during the campaign, including eight goals in the Champions League. His achievements place him among the leading candidates for the main award, following consecutive Kopa Trophy victories in 2024 and 2025.

The Spanish teenager finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, making another strong result a realistic possibility. Mbappe, meanwhile, delivered an extraordinary individual campaign despite Real Madrid failing to collect major silverware. He scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for the Spanish club and claimed the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer according to the supplied reports.

France did not reach the final, losing to Spain in the semifinals, before falling to England in the third-place match. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old’s scoring numbers have kept him firmly in the conversation.

Harry Kane strengthens Ballon d’Or case

Despite the duo’s impressive numbers, Harry Kane has emerged as a serious contender after an outstanding campaign for Bayern Munich and England. The striker’s scoring record, Bundesliga performances and contribution to England’s third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup have helped elevate his standing ahead of the ceremony.

Kane reportedly scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern during the 2025–26 season, helping the German club win the Bundesliga. He also scored five times at the World Cup, where England secured its best finish since winning the tournament in 1966.

However, speculation about the winner remains unconfirmed. Kane himself has acknowledged the difficulty of waiting for the announcement, explaining that the decision is beyond his control. “From my point of view, of course, I’d love to know to just kind of see and not have to wait throughout the whole night. But it is their decision, I can’t control that. We’ll have to just enjoy it and try not to stress out too much,” the 33-year-old striker said.

The latest odds reveal a change in the race

Oddschecker prices put Harry Kane ahead, giving the England captain a significant advantage in the latest assessment. However, the news is that Mbappe has risen to the position of second favorite, dealing a heavy blow to Yamal. The latest published odds list Kane at 3/10, Mbappe at 3/1 and Yamal at 5/1, with Lionel Messi at 40/1 and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at 100/1.

Other reported prices differ considerably between bookmakers, underlining that these figures are estimates rather than confirmation of the eventual winner. PokerStars’ quoted odds also favour Kane, with Yamal second and Mbappe further back.

A separate ranking published by Spanish newspaper Marca, compiled with contributions from more than 200 former players, journalists and analysts, placed Kane first, Yamal second and Mbappe third among its top 100 players of the 2025-26 season. Rodri and Kvaratskhelia completed the top five.

Al-Nassr claimed a 3-1 win over Al-Faisaly at Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium, strengthening its position in the Saudi Pro League standings. Abdullah Al-Hamdan opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Ronaldo doubled the advantage shortly after half-time.

Al-Faisaly responded through Theo Bongonda in the 66th minute, but Ângelo Gabriel restored Al-Nassr’s two-goal cushion with a strike in the 79th minute. Ronaldo also appeared to score again shortly after his first goal, although his effort in the 52nd minute was disallowed following a VAR review, leaving him with one goal officially credited during the match.

The controversy centered on Ronaldo’s 49th-minute strike, which several international statistics providers reportedly recorded as an own goal by Al-Faisaly defender Andrei Girotto. Platforms including Opta, SofaScore, FotMob and Flashscore initially differed from the Saudi league’s reported attribution, creating uncertainty over whether the Portuguese forward would receive credit.

The distinction matters because Ronaldo’s career tally now stands at 982 goals according to the Saudi Pro League’s official record, leaving him 18 short of the widely anticipated 1,000-goal milestone. With every goal closely tracked by supporters, even a disputed deflection has become significant in the debate surrounding his historic pursuit.

Ronaldo delivers cheeky response

When asked about whether he had scored twice, Ronaldo responded with a short remark that appeared to acknowledge the controversy surrounding the match. “Only one counted,” the forward said, offering a lighthearted response to the confusion over his goals.

The comment reflected the difference between celebrating an apparent second strike and having it officially recognized. Although Ronaldo found the net again during the match, VAR ruled the effort out, meaning it could not be added to his career total.

Why the Saudi league’s decision matters

According to reports shared by Saudi sports journalists, referee Abdullah Al Owaidan credited Ronaldo with Al-Nassr’s second goal in his official match report. The Saudi Pro League reportedly follows the referee’s documentation for goal attribution, with the Referees Committee of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation holding responsibility for reviewing disputed decisions.

Al-Riyadhiah further explained that the league does not simply adopt goal tallies published by international data providers such as Opta. Instead, the referee’s report serves as the official record, and any discrepancies can be referred to the committee for review and possible correction.

The league’s reported decision therefore supports Ronaldo’s 982-goal tally, even though some independent platforms have classified the strike differently. Whether those providers will eventually amend their records remains unclear.

Match Overview

Lecce vs Juventus record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• Lecce will face Juventus on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Fubo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo will carry the Lecce vs Juventus game in the United States.
• Juventus lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

Milan travels to the Bluenergy Stadium on Sunday, October 25, hoping to respond after a 3-0 Europa League defeat to Bournemouth. Its opponent is also under pressure, having suffered five consecutive league defeats and fallen towards the relegation zone.

The Rossoneri’s European setback followed a difficult evening in England, where an early red card for goalkeeper Mike Maignan contributed to the 3-0 loss. The result interrupted the Rossoneri’s momentum, although their domestic campaign has been considerably more encouraging under Amorim.

Milan has collected 15 points from its opening seven Serie A matches, recording four wins and three draws without losing. A victory against Udinese would strengthen their position among the leading sides and provide a timely boost before a demanding run of fixtures.

The visitors can also draw confidence from their recent away record, having lost only three league matches on the road since the beginning of last season. However, three consecutive Serie A away draws show that the San Siro outfit must find a way to turn solid performances into victories.

Three major absences complicate Amorim’s plans

Milan has confirmed that Mario Gila, Adrien Rabiot and Diego Moreira will miss the trip to Udinese because of physical problems. Gila is dealing with inflammation in his left ankle following overload, while Rabiot has fatigue in his right calf and Moreira has a similar issue affecting his left hamstring.

Their absence adds to an already stretched squad, with Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Samuel Chukwueze also unavailable. The growing list of injuries leaves Amorim with fewer options as the team prepares for a busy schedule that includes a midweek meeting with Bologna and the upcoming derby against Inter.

There is some positive news regarding Gonçalo Ramos, who has returned to training after dealing with a calf problem. The Portuguese striker is expected to lead the attack, giving Milan a familiar focal point despite the disruption elsewhere in the squad.

Will Pulisic start against Udinese?

Despite the selection problems, Pulisic is expected to return to Milan’s starting lineup, providing an important attacking option as the club looks to rediscover its rhythm. The American is projected to operate alongside Ramos and Omari Hutchinson in a front three, with the lineup offering a blend of movement, creativity and finishing ability.

According to MilanNews and Sky Italia, Amorim could use a 4-3-3 formation, with Pulisic occupying a position on the left side of the attack. The expected starting XI is Maignan in goal; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlović and Bartesaghi in defence; Musah, Modric and Loftus-Cheek in midfield; and Hutchinson, Ramos and Pulisic up front.

Pulisic’s inclusion would give Amorim another established attacking presence as Milan looks to respond after its European disappointment. With Rabiot and Moreira unavailable, the forward line could carry additional responsibility for creating chances and securing the three points.

Asked about Lamine Yamal, Mourinho made it clear that Real Madrid will not tailor their approach to the young winger. “He’s a great player, and great players are respected,” he said. “One thing is respecting, another is changing plans, changing structures, forgetting your own essence. We won’t do that with him or with any other super-quality opponent we play, not just in this match, but in many matches“.

The former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager kept a conciliatory tone toward his rivals throughout the news conference. He said he could not find a single player who isn’t very good at either Real Madrid or Barcelona, and he praised Hansi Flick, calling the German coach “a great coach” who is “doing an excellent job.”

Barcelona arrive at El Clasico as clear LaLiga leaders, with a perfect record of nine wins from nine matches and 27 points. The defending champions had won their first 11 games across all competitions, a run that ended with a 4-2 defeat at PSG in the Champions League in their latest fixture.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, sit third with 21 points after winning seven league games and losing two, and they arrive on the back of 4-1 wins over Sevilla in LaLiga and Leipzig in the Champions League.

Kounde and Vinicius ruled out of El Clasico

Barcelona will be without Jules Kounde, who suffered a sprained left ankle in last weekend’s win over Real Betis and also missed the Champions League defeat at PSG.

The club had hoped to have the French defender back for the Clasico, but Hansi Flick confirmed that it will not happen. “Jules won’t be there tomorrow, we don’t want to risk him, he isn’t arriving at the right moment, but we have to accept it,” the German coach said.

Real Madrid will also have to cope without a key attacker, as Vinicius Junior is serving a four-game ban after his red card against Villarreal for pulling an opponent’s hair.

The Spanish federation’s disciplinary committee gave him two games for the offense and two more for his protests to the referee. The suspension has already kept him out of the win over Sevilla and will also rule him out of the matches against Racing Santander and Valencia.

Chelsea confirmed lineup

Tottenham confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Manchester United vs Bournemouth record

2026-27 Premier League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Premier League games

Summary

• Manchester United will face Bournemouth on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Premier League.
• Fubo, NBCSN will carry the Manchester United vs Bournemouth game in the United States.
• Manchester United lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Liverpool vs Albion record

2026-27 Premier League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Premier League games

Summary

• Liverpool will face Albion on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Premier League.
• Fubo, NBCSN will carry the Liverpool vs Albion game in the United States.
• Liverpool lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

Arsenal confirmed lineup

Everton confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Inter Milan vs Fiorentina record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• Inter Milan will face Fiorentina on Sunday, October 25, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Fubo, CBS Sports Network will carry the Inter Milan vs Fiorentina game in the United States.
• Inter Milan lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

Aston Villa confirmed lineup

Manchester City confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Pumas UNAM vs Tigres record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

Summary

• Pumas UNAM will face Tigres on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• Fubo, CBS Sports Network will carry the Pumas UNAM vs Tigres game in the United States.
• Tigres lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Monterrey vs Chivas record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

Summary

• Monterrey will face Chivas on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• TUDN USA will carry the Monterrey vs Chivas game in the United States.
• Chivas lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

The MLS club shared a message on X congratulating its captain on the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. “Congratulations, captain, on receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. Your talent makes history. Your values leave a mark that goes far beyond soccer,” the post read.

Messi received the distinction from Princess Leonor at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, where he was greeted by a standing ovation. The jury recognized him for being the player with the most titles in soccer history, as well as for his talent, his humility and his charity work promoting education and health care for children. Messi did not give a speech at the ceremony and became the third soccer player to win the award, following Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez in 2012.

During her address, the princess described Messi as someone who “turned the extraordinary into routine” while putting the collective game above ego. The 39-year-old will now return to the United States, where Inter Miami visit the New York Red Bulls on Oct. 24, before his attention turns to the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Oct. 26, where he is among the nominees.

Messi dedicates the award to his late father

Messi did not give a speech at the ceremony, but he spoke with the news agency EFE about what the award meant to him, remembering his father, Jorge Messi, who recently passed away. “My father was extremely excited about this award,” the Inter Miami star said.

Messi explained that the trip was complicated by his match schedule, but that his father had always insisted he make the journey. “We knew it would be difficult because of my match schedule, but he really insisted that we come, that I travel here to spend these days and receive the award,” he said. “This award goes beyond what you do on the pitch or what I’ve achieved throughout my career. He was very happy about this recognition, and that’s why I’m sure he’s enjoying it too”.

The award adds another honor to a career that has already collected nearly every major distinction in the sport, but this one carried a deeper personal meaning for Messi.

Keeping his father’s wish in mind, he spent 36 hours in Oviedo and then skipped the post-ceremony cocktail to head straight back to the United States, a reminder that, even on one of the most emotional weeks of his life, soccer remains at the center of everything he does.

The three forwards dominated defenses across Europe and led the club to a historic treble in 2015, winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Even so, Neymar feels his best version did not come during that stage of his career.

The Brazilian made that clear while speaking with Argentine streamer Davoo Xeneize in a video on the creator’s YouTube channel, where he named Paris Saint-Germain as the club where he reached his prime.

“For me, the prime was at Paris Saint-Germain, when I played there. People remember Barcelona because of the MSN (Messi, Suarez, Neymar), but as a player I think PSG was my prime because I had strength, speed and intelligence there, I already knew the whole pitch, and for me that was my best version,” he said.

The answer stands out given Neymar’s four seasons in Catalonia between 2013 and 2017, before his move to PSG that summer. In Paris he won four Ligue 1 titles, and his reasoning has more to do with his maturity as a player, with the physical and tactical knowledge he had gained, than with trophies.

Barcelona vs PSG: how Neymar’s two eras compare

The statistics help explain Neymar’s view. With Barcelona, he scored 105 goals in 186 official matches, with 2014-15 standing out as his best campaign, when he netted 39 times in 51 games. In Paris, he scored 118 goals in 173 matches, a better goals-per-game rate than in Spain, and became the club’s fourth all-time top scorer.

The trophy cabinets tell a different story. Neymar won ten major trophies at Barcelona, including two LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and the Champions League, all of them alongside Messi. At PSG he collected 13 domestic trophies, led by five Ligue 1 crowns, but never won a European title.

Whether his prime came in Catalonia or in Paris, Neymar’s career leaves little doubt about his talent, and the debate over which era was his best is likely to continue among fans. Now back at Santos, the club where it all began, the Brazilian can at least say he has chosen his own answer.

Match Overview

Red Bulls vs Inter Miami record

2026 MLS season standings

All upcoming 2026 MLS season games

Summary

• Red Bulls will face Inter Miami on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026 MLS season.
• Apple TV will carry the Red Bulls vs Inter Miami game in the United States.
• Inter Miami lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

The Inter Miami forward shared his thoughts in an interview with EFE in Oviedo, Spain, ahead of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sport ceremony on October 23. His message looked beyond the numbers and achievements that have shaped his reputation, placing the emphasis on a quality that remained constant throughout his career, even when the results did not go his way.

His return to Spain marked a special occasion for the former Barcelona captain, who spent the most influential years of his career at the Catalan club before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and subsequently joining Inter Miami. The Princess of Asturias Foundation recognized both his extraordinary achievements on the pitch and his ongoing charitable work supporting access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children.

The honor added another distinction to an already remarkable collection of accolades, which includes eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles with Barcelona and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. Messi has also won two Copa America titles with his national team, finally achieving sustained international success after years of disappointment in major finals.

However, the Argentine’s reflections suggested that his legacy cannot be measured entirely through medals, goals or individual recognition. When asked how he would like people to remember him, he delivered an answer that captured the mindset behind his longevity at the highest level.

What Messi hopes people remember about him forever

Speaking to EFE, Messi explained that he hopes his reputation will reflect his determination to pursue his ambitions, regardless of whether every attempt ended in success. “A great athlete who always fought to achieve his goals and dreams,” the Argentine said.

He expanded on that thought by acknowledging that even a career filled with historic achievements inevitably includes setbacks and unfulfilled ambitions. “Sometimes I succeeded in achieving what I wanted, sometimes I didn’t… but I never stopped trying to win everything that was in front of me,” Messi added.

The statement offers a glimpse into how the Inter Miami star views his journey, placing persistence at the center of his story. Rather than focusing exclusively on what he won, Messi wants to be remembered for continuing to strive for success, even when the outcome was uncertain.

World Cup triumph came after years of heartbreak

Messi’s career provides plenty of examples of the perseverance he described, particularly during his international journey with Argentina. Before lifting the Copa America in 2021, he endured several painful final defeats, including Argentina’s loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.

Those disappointments eventually gave way to some of the defining moments of his career, as Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. For the 39-year-old forward, winning soccer’s biggest prize fulfilled a lifelong ambition and completed a journey that had brought both extraordinary highs and difficult setbacks.

His experience has also shaped his perspective on the sport itself, where success is never guaranteed, even for the most gifted players. As he explained in his reflections on soccer, “In football, winning is very difficult, and you have to appreciate the journey, because only one team can win.”

Messi has also stressed the importance of accepting mistakes and learning from defeat, recognizing that setbacks are an unavoidable part of competing at the highest level. That perspective helps explain why he places such importance on the effort invested in pursuing a goal, rather than judging everything by the final result.

Ronaldo entered the top 10 after his header in Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory, his fifth league goal of the season and the 982th of his career. At that point he was part of a large group of players level on five goals, trailing only Ivan Toney, Youssef En-Nesyri and Mateo Retegui.

However, the rest of the day’s matches changed the picture. Toney scored a brace in Al Ahli’s 4-1 win over Al Khaleej to move to 13 goals, while his teammate Francisco Trincao, Al Ittihad’s George Ilenikhena and Al Hilal’s Gabriel Martinelli all moved past Ronaldo, reaching six tallies. Retegui also found the net for Al Qadsiah to move up to seven.

Ronaldo will get a chance to climb back up the scoring chart when Al Nassr host Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Oct. 29. Before that, however, the team has a continental date to take care of.

That match comes on Oct. 26, when Al Nassr welcome Al-Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite. The Saudi side will look to keep its winning run going in the competition after beating Neftchi Fargona 3-1 in its last outing.

Saudi Pro League top 10 scorers after Matchday 11

The Golden Boot race is far from settled, but it is Toney who has taken control. The Al Ahli striker leads the chart with 13 goals in nine matches, six clear of Mateo Retegui and Youssef En-Nesyri, while Ronaldo is among a crowded group on five goals, listed 13th. This is how the scoring chart looks after the day’s matches:

Among the new names in the top six, Martinelli’s numbers stand out the most. The Al Hilal winger has scored six goals in just six matches, a rate of one per game that no other player in the top 10 comes close to matching. With Toney in a league of his own and a pack of strikers closing in, Ronaldo will need a hot streak to climb back into the conversation in the Golden Boot race.

Al-Nassr had to work for the three points despite taking an early lead, with Al-Hamdan making an immediate impact and Al-Faisaly threatening to fight back in the second half. However, the match’s most heartwarming moment came after the action had ended, when Ronaldo made a decision that surprised supporters and left his teammate with a special memory.

Al-Hamdan justified his place in Ange Postecoglou’s starting lineup by opening the scoring in the fourth minute, firing a low shot from outside the box. The Saudi forward made the most of his opportunity in an attack featuring stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.

Ronaldo then doubled the team’s lead in the 49th minute, heading home Felix’s free-kick delivery for his 982nd career goal. However, Al-Faisaly threatened a comeback when Theo Bongonda pulled one back in the 66th minute with a header from Mohammad Al-Shanqiti’s cross. Angelo Gabriel restored Al-Nassr’s two-goal advantage in the 79th minute with a composed finish from outside the box, sealing a 3-1 victory.

The result took the Saudi giant to 25 points and temporarily to the top of the league, while Al-Hamdan impressed with a goal and an assist for Angelo’s decisive strike. His overall contribution made him one of the standout performers in a match that required Al-Nassr to withstand a determined challenge.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo makes classy gesture that surprises his teammate

The biggest surprise came after the final whistle, when Ronaldo was named Man of the Match but chose to hand the award to Al-Hamdan instead. The Al-Nassr captain personally presented the trophy to the Saudi forward and posed for photographs with him, recognizing his teammate’s contribution to the victory.

The gesture quickly attracted attention among supporters, many of whom praised Ronaldo for sharing the individual recognition rather than keeping it for himself. For Al-Hamdan, receiving the award from one of football’s most celebrated players made an already memorable performance even more meaningful.

Al-Hamdan singles out what makes Ronaldo a legend

Speaking to Thmanyah after the match, Al-Hamdan explained what playing alongside Ronaldo meant to him. “It is a great honor for me to be alongside a legend of the legends of football, and I hope this will be a motivation for me to offer more,” he said.

Al-Hamdan also highlighted the example Ronaldo sets for younger players, pointing to the Portuguese forward’s influence both during matches and away from the pitch. “He is a great player, he produces strong levels on and off the pitch, and we learn a lot from him. He is also keen to teach the young players before the senior ones, and I hope we can achieve things together that please the Al-Nassr fans.”

Although Patricio did not mention Ronaldo by name, his remarks about stepping aside for the next generation have drawn attention given the uncertainty surrounding the veteran forward’s international situation. The timing has raised questions about whether the former goalkeeper’s message carries a wider significance for Portugal’s captain.

Ronaldo’s relationship with the national team has come under intense scrutiny following his departure from the training camp in Copenhagen on September 30, 2026. The incident followed a reported disagreement with Jesus over playing time after Ronaldo was left on the bench against Norway.

On October 19, the Portuguese Football Federation handed the 41-year-old a 30-day suspension and a €255 ($286) fine for his unauthorized departure. The Al-Nassr sueprstar acknowledged the incident and apologized to his teammates and supporters, while the suspension was backdated so that it would expire before the Selecao’s next international fixtures in November.

Despite the controversy, the 41-year-old veteran has previously indicated that he intends to continue playing for Portugal while he believes he can contribute. He remains the national team’s all-time leading scorer, with 146 international goals in 234 appearances, and his eventual return will depend on selection and the relationship with the coaching staff.

Rui Patricio reflects on losing his Portugal starting place

Patricio, Portugal’s former first-choice goalkeeper and a key figure in the country’s Euro 2016 triumph, discussed how he accepted losing his starting position to Diogo Costa. Speaking on A Bola’s 90+3 show, he explained that he viewed the transition as a natural part of soccer rather than something to resent. “I stopped playing so that Diogo Costa could play. When we realize this, it’s not worth sulking,” Patricio said.

The former goalkeeper also recalled how former shot-stopper Eduardo had supported him earlier in his own international career, setting an example he wanted to follow. “When Diogo became the starter, I told him to give his best and that we were there for him,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of supporting teammates even when personal circumstances change.

The message behind Patricio’s comments

Patricio’s reflections underline his belief that every player eventually has to accept a changing role as younger talent emerges. He explained that the same transition would eventually happen to Costa, reinforcing his view that international soccer operates through successive generations. “One day Diogo will stop playing and another goalkeeper will take over. When we understand that, there’s no point in sulking and complaining,” Patricio said during the interview.

Although the 38-year-old goalkeeper did not explicitly direct his comments at Ronaldo, the timing has encouraged some observers to draw parallels between the two former teammates. Patricio accepted losing his place to a younger goalkeeper, while Ronaldo’s recent dispute with Portugal’s coaching staff has raised questions about how he will respond to a reduced role.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s circumstances are more complicated because of his status as Portugal’s captain and one of the most influential players in soccer history. Nevertheless, Patricio’s comments have renewed the debate over whether even the greatest players must eventually accept that their responsibilities and minutes can change.

Yamal has emerged as one of Barcelona’s most exciting young players, achieving milestones at an age when many players are still developing in academy systems. His rapid rise has naturally prompted comparisons with Lionel Messi, who spent years establishing himself before becoming one of the most dominant players in soccer history.

Mbappe and Haaland have followed similarly remarkable paths, becoming prolific goalscorers and central figures for their respective clubs while still relatively young. Their achievements suggest they have the talent to define the next era, but it raises a different question: how long can they maintain their current standards?

The modern soccer calendar places enormous demands on elite players through domestic leagues, continental competitions, international fixtures, and expanded tournaments. Reaching the top early can mean facing years of physical and mental pressure before many previous generations had even reached their peak.

Lewandowski questions the longevity of soccer’s next generation

Lewandowski shared his perspective in an interview with The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio, reflecting on the differences between his generation and the teenagers already competing at the highest level. The Polish striker believes modern players reach elite status much earlier, creating challenges that may become more apparent as their careers progress. “For the future it will be impossible to stay on the top for the long term, as we did or we are doing,” Lewandowski said.

He explained that young players now have access to opportunities and rewards much earlier than previous generations, leaving them with less time to develop gradually. “Our generation, to get something, we needed more time, we need to be more patient,” he added. “Now it’s too fast for the young player… they’re starting much earlier.”

The stark prediction behind Lewandowski’s warning

The Chicago Fire forward believes the rapid rise of young talents could eventually affect their motivation to remain at the summit of the sport. His prediction is that players who achieve success too easily and too early may eventually lose the hunger required to stay at the top.

“Even though they are amazing players, they reach faster the highest level than our generation did, but probably because of this also it will be more tough for them staying on the top level,” the 38-year-old striker explained.

He also stressed that the challenge extends beyond mentality, pointing to the physical demands of a long career at the highest level. “It’s not easy to play on the top level so many years,” he said, suggesting that the combination of early success and accumulated fatigue could make sustained excellence increasingly difficult.

Match Overview

Gil Vicente vs Porto record

2026-27 Primeira Liga standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Primeira Liga games

Summary

• Gil Vicente will face Porto on Saturday, October 24, for the 2026-27 Primeira Liga.
• Fubo, beIN SPORTS en Español will carry the Gil Vicente vs Porto game in the United States.
• Porto lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will be without midfielder Samu Costa for the league clash against Al Kholood, as the Portuguese player has been suspended for accumulating yellow cards.

Costa picked up his fourth booking of the season in the win over Al Faisaly, which triggers an automatic one-match ban. His previous yellow cards came in the league games against Al Ittihad, Al Khaleej and Neom.

The midfielder has been a regular presence in the team this season, making nine league appearances, eight of them as a starter, and scoring three goals. He was left out of the squad for the trip to Al Riyadh in August for squad management reasons.

Who could replace Costa in Al Nassr’s midfield?

Costa has formed a midfield partnership with Abdullah Al-Khaibari in recent matches, so Ange Postecoglou will have to find a new partner for the Al Kholood clash. One option is Angelo, who started alongside the pair in the 1-0 win over Neom and came off the bench against Al Faisaly.

The Brazilian would give the team a more attacking profile, as he usually operates from midfield toward the opposing goal. Playing him in Costa’s place would add more creativity and forward movement, though it could come at the cost of some of the balance Costa provides.

If Postecoglou prefers to keep a similar profile to Costa’s, he could instead turn to Sami Al-Najei and Hayder Abdulkareem, two midfielders who were among the substitutes against Al Faisaly. Costa will remain available for Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Al-Wasl on Oct. 26, as his ban only covers the next league fixture.