The reasoning ties back to his fitness. Dembélé returned late to training after an extended run with France at the World Cup, which ended in a fourth-place finish, and PSG have been cautious about rushing him back into a starting role.

The club reportedly built out a specialized physical and technical program specifically for players coming back from international duty on staggered schedules, and Dembélé’s recovery simply hasn’t lined up with the rest of the group in time for this match.

That’s not for a lack of desire on his part. Reports indicate Dembélé is determined to feature in the final and has been pushing to be involved, even moving up his return to training to try to be ready in time. Ultimately, though, the decision was left in Luis Enrique’s hands, and the Spanish coach opted for caution over risk.

PSG’s other returning internationals in similar limbo

Dembélé isn’t alone in that situation. PSG have several returning internationals — including Bradley Barcola, Fabián Ruiz and Lucas Hernández — dealing with similar staggered reintegration timelines, forcing Luis Enrique to balance fielding his strongest possible XI against the risk of pushing tired bodies too soon at the very start of the season.

Barcola’s case comes with an added layer, having been ill for a few days and unable to complete all of his training sessions, all while managing transfer speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool.

Fabián Ruiz and Lucas Hernández, meanwhile, only rejoined the squad in training two days before the match, leaving Luis Enrique with limited time to assess whether either is ready to feature.

Ruiz begins the match on the substitute bench against Aston Villa due to a tactical decision by head coach Luis Enrique. The Spanish international recently reported back to training following an extended post-World Cup vacation, leaving him with limited conditioning ahead of the seasonal opener.

The midfielder served as an indispensable contributor for Luis Enrique across the last two campaigns, helping PSG capture back-to-back Champions League titles. Despite suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for 16 matches between January and April during the 2025-26 season, Ruiz recovered in time for the stretch run, logging 34 appearances, two goals, and five assists across all competitions.

Ruiz started four matches during the 2026 World Cup under Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, earning a starting role over Pedri in the final. While Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez also featured in that final for Argentina on July 19, Ruiz returned to team activities on a delayed schedule, prompting Luis Enrique to ease him back into competition from the bench.

*Developing story…

Both clubs earned their place in Salzburg as continental champions. PSG lifted the Champions League after beating Arsenal on penalties in the final, while Aston Villa claimed the Europa League with a 3-0 win over SC Freiburg.

Fitness will play a major role in how both managers set up. PSG entered the match with several key names — including Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Fabián Ruiz, Lucas Hernández and Warren Zaïre-Emery — all listed as doubtful, yet some of them will play either from the start or from the Bench.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, will be without Leon Bailey, Chrislain Manzambi and André Onana entirely, while Emiliano Martínez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins are all ruled out, as they are resting after their World Cup campaigns.

PSG confirmed lineup

With so many first-choice options unavailable, Luis Enrique is expected to lean on a mix of squad depth and academy talent behind a settled backline.

The confirmed XI (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Akliouche, Doue, Kvaratskhelia.

Aston Villa confirmed lineup

With Martínez out for the game, Marco Bizot will start between the posts, while Brian Madjo will take the attack in place of Watkins.

The projected XI (4-3-3): Bizot; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Gomes, Hemmings; Buendia, McGinn, and Madjo.

On Monday, Alvarez reported to Atletico Madrid alongside several teammates to undergo routine pre-campaign medical evaluations. By Wednesday, it was time for the striker to return to training, roughly two months after publicly declaring during the World Cup that “the best decision was to seek an exit” from the club.

With Alvarez remaining fixated on joining FC Barcelona, the Colchoneros have refused to budge, as board members and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin reiterate that the forward will remain an Atletico Madrid player for the 2026–27 campaign under a contract that runs through June 2030.

On Monday, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that Alvarez informed the club “not to count on him” moving forward, as his sole priority is finalizing a transfer to Barcelona. He was initially unable to speak directly with executive leadership or Simeone while the manager was away in Ibiza, but a eventual sit-down took place Wednesday, leaving the player dissatisfied with the outcome.

Alvarez and Simeone hold tense, unresolved sit-down

Upon returning to team facilities on Wednesday, Alvarez and Simeone held a meeting prior to the scheduled training session. According to Argentina transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo, the forward reiterated his desire to sign with Barcelona during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Frame-by-frame, Alvarez explained to his manager that joining Barcelona would allow him to “fulfill a dream,” emphasizing that the Catalan club’s tactical style aligns best with his skill set. However, Simeone echoed his previous stance, stating that any transfer decision rests entirely with executive leadership, while reaffirming his own commitment to helping the striker develop at Atletico.

Last week during a press conference in Seoul, Simeone was asked about Alvarez’s future and offered a firm response: “The situation is very clear, the club made a decision that Miguel Angel explained very well. We’re very happy with Julian, and from a sporting standpoint we’ll help him keep growing.“

Alvarez’s inner circle, including agents Fernando Hidalgo and Sergio Diaz, who are actively seeking transfer avenues, were reportedly left deeply frustrated by the conversation. According to Merlo, Alvarez’s camp view Simeone as an influential figure who possesses the leverage to push front-office executives into approving a deal, rather than serving merely as a tactical advisor.

Emiliano Martinez is sitting out the clash against PSG because he remains on extended vacation. The goalkeeper concluded his campaign at the 2026 World Cup with Argentina on July 19, prompting head coach Unai Emery to grant him four full weeks of rest before rejoining squad activities.

The same policy was extended to England international duo Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins. The defender and striker wrapped up their World Cup participation in the third-place match against France on July 18, ruling them out for the seasonal opener as well.

When asked about the missing stars, Emery offered a direct explanation regarding why the trio were left out of the traveling squad against PSG: “Konsa, Watkins and Emiliano Martinez are not here because they finished their season on 19 July and I gave them four weeks to rest. It is completely necessary.“

While framing PSG as favorites for the Super Cup, Emery noted that having those key starters available would have boosted Aston Villa’s chances. “They are not here tomorrow. Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances. But at the same time, I think PSG are going to be in the same situation as us,” the coach added.

Martinez boasts nearly immaculate record in cup finals

Aston Villa and PSG previously met during the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, splitting the series with one win each while the French club advanced 5-4 on aggregate. While the matchup serves as a tiebreaker in their head-to-head history, missing Martinez, a keeper known for his big-game pedigree, represents a substantial blow for the English side.

Over his career across both club football and international duty with Argentina, Martinez has featured in eight cup finals, compiling an impressive 7-1 record. His first major trophies arrived in 2020 while playing for Arsenal, where he won both the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield.

He followed that with an iconic international run with Argentina, winning the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America. His seventh career victory came during the 2026 Europa League final with Aston Villa, before his streak ended in a 2026 World Cup final defeat against Spain.

Speaking at Villa’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Emery explained the decision directly: “They are not here – Konsa, Watkins and Martínez because they finished their season on 19th July and I gave them four weeks to rest, it’s completely necessary. They are not here tomorrow”.

The trio are missing not because of injury, but because they were given time off after extending their seasons deep into the 2026 World Cup. Both Watkins and Konsa went as far as the third-place match with England, while Martínez played all the way to the final, where Argentina fell to Spain.

The Villa boss acknowledged the absences will be felt on the pitch, but pointed out that PSG face a similar situation with their own World Cup contingent. “Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances. But, at the same time, I think PSG are going to be in the same situation like us,” Emery said.

Emery turns to the group that trained through preseason

Beyond the rest-related absences, Aston Villa also has a handful of players sidelined through actual injury. Leon Bailey is out with a muscular issue, while Chrislain Manzambi and André Onana are both dealing with knee problems.

With so many absences, the Spaniard coach plans to rely on the group that’s been training together over the past month, including several younger players who have featured throughout preseason.

“Tomorrow we are preparing this game with the players we started, even some young players, four weeks ago. And tomorrow I expect to compete and try to face them with our capacity and our possibilities as well to beat them,” he added.

PSG earned their place in the final after winning the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League over Arsenal. Following a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes, the Parisian club secured a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout to capture back-to-back Champions League titles, the second in franchise history.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa secured their spot in the Super Cup by defeating SC Freiburg to win the UEFA Europa League. The Villans posted a dominant 3-0 victory at Tupras Stadium, allowing manager Unai Emery to lift his fifth Europa League trophy across six final appearances.

PSG and Aston Villa have met twice before, making the Super Cup their third all-time clash. Their initial encounters came during the 2024-25 Champions League quarterfinals, where PSG took the first leg 3-1 before Villa won the second leg 3-2, allowing the French champions to advance 5-4 on aggregate.

What happens if PSG win against Aston Villa?

A victory for PSG against Aston Villa on Wednesday would crown the French club as UEFA Super Cup champions for the second consecutive year. Because the competition is a single-leg match since the 1998 edition, the Villans would not have an opportunity to overturn the result in a second leg.

Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain would become only the third club in history to capture back-to-back UEFA Super Cup titles. AC Milan became the first team to accomplish the feat by winning in 1989 and 1990, while Real Madrid joined the list by sweeping the 2016 and 2017 editions.

A win would also elevate Luis Enrique into a tie for the third-most UEFA Super Cup titles among managers, adding to his 2015 triumph with Barcelona and last year’s victory with PSG. Reaching three Super Cup titles would put the Spanish manager one behind Pep Guardiola for second place and two behind all-time leader Carlo Ancelotti, who holds five.

What happens if PSG draw against Aston Villa?

If PSG and Aston Villa remain tied at the end of 90 minutes of regulation, the winner will be decided directly via a penalty shootout. Under current UEFA Super Cup regulations, extra time will not be played.

As a result, the match will consist of two 45-minute halves plus stoppage time, with a penalty shootout serving as the immediate tiebreaker if neither club holds an advantage at the final whistle.

What happens if PSG lose against Aston Villa?

If PSG fall to Aston Villa, the English side will lift the UEFA Super Cup for the second time in franchise history, joining their 1982 triumph. Meanwhile, it would mark PSG’s first loss in a Super Cup final, bringing their all-time record in the event to 1-1.

Furthermore, a victory would deliver Unai Emery his first career UEFA Super Cup trophy. Although his five Europa League titles previously earned him five Super Cup appearances, four ended in defeats to reigning Champions League winners, leaving the Spanish manager searching for his breakthrough against PSG.

“Dad, I still can’t believe that you’ve gone. I don’t fall, or rather, I don’t want to fall. It’s very hard for me to imagine that I’m not going to see you anymore, that we’re not going to talk anymore. I know you were suffering and that it’s for the best, but you left too soon. We still had a lot left to enjoy together,” Messi wrote in the opening lines of his tribute.

In the comments, Cristiano Ronaldo posted a supportive message for the Argentine star: “Huge hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult moment, Leo. Stay strong.“

Lionel Messi played the 2026 World Cup for his father

Throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi was noticeably emotional whenever he scored or won a match with Argentina. In his farewell letter to his late father, Jorge Messi, the captain confirmed that his feelings were tied directly to his father’s deteriorating health in Rosario.

“You kept asking me so much to play this last World Cup, and just days before it started was when you got the worst. It was the first time you weren’t going to be at a tournament, but Mom told me you’d get better and be well enough to travel. I told you we were going to make it to the final so you could come,” Messi wrote.

“Every time a match ended, I waited for and missed your text. That was when I realized how bad things really were. Even so, I couldn’t stop thinking about going as far as possible, just to buy time so you could watch a match. We made it to the final and you couldn’t be there. I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one. I couldn’t; my legs just had nothing left to give. This time I tried to push through what my body could handle, but I couldn’t. I was never able to feel right.”

Is Lionel Messi retiring?

In the tribute, Messi revealed that his primary motivation for competing in the tournament was to give his father one final joy by attempting to bring home another trophy. He also admitted that he pushed his body past its physical limits during the competition, noting that his legs simply could not give any more.

While Messi has not formally announced his retirement, he confessed to having “serious doubts” about continuing his playing career following this personal tragedy.

Last Saturday, the soccer world was saddened by news of the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi. The star forward traveled to Rosario, Argentina, to bid farewell to his father and spend time with his family.

On Tuesday, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos revealed that there was no exact timeline for Messi’s return. His comments indicate the captain may not be available to face Club Leon, though other reports suggest he will return to Florida on Wednesday and could see minutes if needed.

Inter Miami’s projected lineup to face Club Leon

With Lionel Messi’s availability uncertain, Inter Miami could repeat their starting lineup from the match against CF Monterrey, where the Argentine superstar was unavailable.

Inter Miami projected XI (4-3-3): Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lovens Delinois, Daniel Pinter, Telasco Segovia.

Club Leon’s projected lineup to face Inter Miami

Club Leon secured a key victory against Orlando City on Matchday 2. That win keeps their hopes of advancing alive, with a victory against Inter Miami virtually securing a spot in the knockout stage without needing other results.

Club Leon projected XI (4-3-3): Oscar Garcia; Sebastian Vegas, Juan Guevara, Jhohan Romana, Ivan Moreno; Ivan Rodriguez, Fernando Beltran, Rodrigo Echeverria; Sebastian Santos, Daniel Arcila, Jordi Cortizo.

WHO: PSG vs Aston Villa
WHAT: UEFA Super Cup
WHEN: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT • Wednesday, August 12, 2026
WHERE: Fubo, Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, CBS Sports Network, Univision, TUDN, ViX.
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

The European season kicks off with a heavyweight clash as Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain take on Europa League winners Aston Villa for the UEFA Super Cup. For PSG, this is an opportunity to cement their status as the continent’s dominant force and secure back-to-back Super Cup titles, a feat not achieved since 2017. Under the guidance of serial winner Luis Enrique, the French champions aim to add another piece of silverware to their rapidly growing collection.

Standing in their way is an ambitious Aston Villa side, led by European specialist Unai Emery. Fresh off a triumphant Europa League campaign and a top-four Premier League finish, Villa are eager to prove they belong among Europe’s elite. With a Super Cup victory over Barcelona in their history from 1982, the English club has a pedigree of its own and will be determined to make a statement against the reigning kings of Europe.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This fixture pits two clubs on impressive trajectories against one another. PSG solidified their dominance last season by becoming only the second club in the modern era to win consecutive Champions League titles. Their high-powered offense scored more goals than any other team in the competition, consistently outperforming their expected goals and showcasing a ruthless finishing ability that is expected to continue this season.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, enjoyed a stellar season, capturing the Europa League trophy and securing a fourth-place finish in the Premier League. Their journey also included a narrow 5-4 aggregate loss to this same PSG side in the 2024/25 Champions League quarter-finals, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level. The tactical battle will likely see PSG’s possession-based, high-pressing style clash with Villa’s organized defense and lethal counter-attacking capabilities.

The motivations for both teams are clear. Luis Enrique and PSG are looking to start their season with a trophy and continue building their dynasty. For Unai Emery and Aston Villa, this match is a benchmark. A victory would not only add to their European honors but also serve as a powerful declaration that they are ready to challenge the continent’s established powerhouses on a consistent basis.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

The history between PSG and Aston Villa is brief but explosive. Their only two competitive meetings occurred during the 2024/25 Champions League quarter-finals, a tie that produced a thrilling nine goals. PSG ultimately advanced 5-4 on aggregate, but the two legs revealed a closely matched and highly entertaining contest.

The first leg saw PSG secure a crucial 3-1 victory at the Parc des Princes. However, in the return fixture at Villa Park, Aston Villa mounted a spirited comeback, winning the match 3-2. Though it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit, the result proved Villa could go toe-to-toe with the French giants and find the back of their net.

Statistically, the most significant trend is that both teams scored in each of their previous encounters. Villa holds a strong historical record against French opponents, with seven wins from 13 matches. PSG, conversely, is well-acquainted with English competition, having faced Premier League clubs 44 times, emerging with 18 victories. These trends suggest an open, attacking game is likely on Wednesday.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are contending with significant roster challenges as many key players are still recovering from an extended run at the 2026 World Cup.

For PSG, Luis Enrique is expected to be without several stars who need additional rest, including Ousmane Dembélé and Desire Doué. However, the Parisians received a boost as Marquinhos, Joao Neves, and Vitinha all gained valuable minutes in pre-season. The attack will likely be led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is well-rested and ready to make an impact.

Aston Villa’s situation is more complex, as Unai Emery is dealing with both post-World Cup absences and a list of injuries. Key figures like Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins are resting, while Leon Bailey, John McGinn, and new signing Johan Manzambi are all questionable due to injuries. The most significant blow is a long-term cruciate ligament injury to Amadou Onana, sidelining him for much of the season.

PSG Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Safonov; Boly, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Koukaba; Dro, Beraldo, Mayulu; Mbaye, Kvaratskhelia; Ayari.
With many regulars unavailable, this lineup relies on players who are match-fit. Kvaratskhelia serves as the central attacking threat, supported by the energetic Mbaye and Ayari, as PSG looks to control the midfield and unleash its potent, albeit rotated, forward line.

Aston Villa Projected XI (4-4-2): Bizot; Cash, Lindelöf, Torres, Maatsen; Hemmings, Kamara, Gomes, Buendía; Guessand, Madjo.
Unai Emery opts for a solid 4-4-2 to provide defensive stability against PSG’s attack. The midfield pairing of Kamara and Gomes will be crucial in disrupting play, while Buendía will be tasked with creating chances for the makeshift forward duo of Guessand and Madjo.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the PSG vs Aston Villa live stream exclusively on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles, as well as web browsers and mobile apps for iOS and Android.

A subscription to Fubo not only gives you access to the UEFA Super Cup but also features extensive coverage of other top soccer competitions. You can stream every match from the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. The platform is also the home for Italy’s Serie A and other global sports.

A monthly subscription costs just $64.99/month, offering incredible value for soccer fans looking for a comprehensive streaming package. This plan gives you access to the entire library of live and on-demand content.

For a complete schedule of upcoming matches, check out our Fubo soccer schedule.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

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

The Inter Miami forward shared an emotional letter dedicated to his father four days after his passing, offering the clearest look yet at how deeply the loss has affected him.

In the letter, Messi wrote: “I only played soccer, and now I have quite a few doubts that I will continue to do so for a long time to come.” He went on to add: “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to continue,” laying bare just how central his father’s presence had been to both his life and his career.

While Messi’s words stopped short of confirming an outright retirement, the tone of the letter has fueled speculation over how much longer he intends to keep playing.

Messi’s World Cup heartbreak, and the emotional promise behind it

Messi’s account carries even more weight given how his tournament actually went. At 39 years old, he delivered arguably the finest World Cup of his career, scoring eight goals and adding four assists across six appearances. In the letter, he revealed the promise that fueled him through it all: “I told you we’d reach the final so you could travel”.

That hope never came true. Jorge’s health worsened just before the tournament began, and as the messages Messi waited for after every game grew scarcer, he understood how serious the situation had become.

Argentina did reach the final but were beaten 1-0 in extra time by Spain, where Messi admitted to battling physical problems in a match in which he looked exhausted. “I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one. I couldn’t — my legs had nothing left,” he wrote.

Even with his career now hanging in the balance, Messi closed the letter the way he opened it — not as a player, but as a son. He signed off promising his father would remain present in his life beyond the game, especially in raising his own children, a quiet reminder that whatever comes next for his career, this chapter was never really about soccer at all.

The appointment carries extra weight given what Artan went through just months earlier. He was denied entry into the United States at Miami International Airport ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with U.S. authorities citing security concerns. The incident forced him out of officiating at the tournament and sparked outrage back home.

Reflecting on the experience, Artan told UEFA: “A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging“. On his Super Cup appointment, he added: “I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud“.

Artan’s refereeing record

Artan has built one of the most decorated résumés among African officials in recent years. He became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, a milestone for a country with limited footballing infrastructure, and was subsequently recognized as Africa’s leading referee for his performances that season.

His CV also includes the 2025 CAF Champions League final, one of the most prestigious club fixtures on the continent, before FIFA selected him for the 2026 World Cup — an appointment that never materialized due to his U.S. entry denial. Wednesday’s Super Cup final now stands as the biggest match of his career to date, and his first ever in Europe.

The full officiating team for PSG vs Aston Villa

Artan will be assisted on the touchline by Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed of Djibouti as first assistant referee and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe of Kenya as second assistant, while Slovenia’s Rade Obrenovič takes charge as the fourth official.

In the VAR booth, Marco Di Bello of Italy will serve as the Video Assistant Referee, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernández of Spain assisting him as AVAR — rounding out a team that, like Artan himself, reflects just how far UEFA has widened its pool of match officials for its showpiece fixtures.

On Tuesday, August 12, Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez publicly confirmed their marriage following an extended summer vacation following the conclusion of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup run. Taking to social media, the couple published a joint post showcasing matching gold bands with a brief caption that read, “I do.“

According to People, the civil ceremony embraced an intimate setting rather than a lavish public spectacle. Reports indicate the wedding took place in Cascais, an upscale coastal town west of Lisbon, Portugal, with attendance limited exclusively to the couple’s five children: Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., Eva Maria, Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

The marriage took place exactly one year after Ronaldo proposed to the model on August 11, 2025. “Yes, I do. In this life and in all my lives,” Rodriguez wrote at the time while displaying her oval-cut diamond engagement ring, valued at roughly €6 million (around $7.8 million USD), which also appeared in the background of their official wedding announcement.

Ronaldo set to miss first two Al Nassr fixtures

Following Portugal’s World Cup elimination on July 6, Ronaldo did not join his Al Nassr teammates for their preseason preparations. While Al Nassr completed their overseas training camp in Portugal before returning to Riyadh, the club captain did not attend a single session, with the competitive season commencing in less than a week.

According to a report from Al Riyadhiah, team sources confirmed that Ronaldo will sit out Al Nassr’s first two competitive fixtures of the 2026-27 campaign across two separate competitions.

Having been granted an extended leave of absence following international duty at the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo was absent from the club’s summer training program. The forward utilized the additional rest period to complete his marriage to Rodriguez in Portugal before traveling to Saudi Arabia to resume club activities.

Lacking full match fitness for the opening fixtures, Ronaldo will first miss Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al Fateh on Saturday, August 15, as the club begin their title defense. Al Nassr will then play their second fixture on Tuesday, August 18, facing Al Diriyah in the Round of 32 of the King’s Cup.

Based on those reports, Ronaldo is targeted to make his seasonal debut on Matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh on Friday, August 21. Until his return, new head coach Ange Postecoglou will need to adjust his attacking options to fill the central No. 9 role.

On Tuesday, August 11, Wrexham announced the signing of Patterson, who penned a long-term contract running through June 2030. The English goalkeeper was an integral figure in Sunderland’s recent promotion to the Premier League, logging 169 career appearances for the club.

After starting 45 matches across the EFL Championship and promotion playoffs to help Sunderland reach the top flight, Patterson served as the secondary option during the 2025-26 season behind Robin Roefs. Unable to secure regular playing time in the Premier League, he spent the second half of the campaign on a six-month loan with Millwall.

A product of Sunderland’s youth academy, Patterson featured 169 times for the Black Cats, allowing 189 goals while recording 51 clean sheets. Carrying two career promotions on his resume, including one to the Premier League, he is expected to take over as the primary starter to guide Wrexham toward their first top-flight appearance.

Patterson becomes Wrexham’s record transfer acquisition

Since Reynolds and McElhenney officially completed their takeover in February 2021, their objective has centered on building a sustainable business while elevating Wrexham back into the professional leagues. While maintaining fiscal discipline in transfer spending, the Red Dragons have gradually expanded their budget, particularly heading into their second consecutive season in the EFL Championship.

In an official club statement, Wrexham announced Patterson’s arrival “for an undisclosed fee.” However, according to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, the fee agreed upon with Sunderland is £8 million (around $10.4 million USD), setting a new franchise record for the Welsh club.

The transfer surpasses the previous record established during the 2025-26 season with the acquisition of Nathan Broadhead, when Wrexham paid £7.5 million (around $9.75 million USD) to acquire him from Ipswich Town. Ben Sheaf sits third on the club’s all-time transfer list following his £6.4 million move from Coventry City.

Since Messi arrived at Inter Miami in 2023, critics questioned his physical conditioning and competitive edge playing outside the European spotlight. However, the forward defied expectations by delivering a standout performance at 39 years old following his preparation in MLS.

Speaking to reporters during his introductory press conference, Lozano was asked by Bolavip‘s Martin O’Donnell about a potential return to the Mexico squad after witnessing Messi’s longevity: “Well, Lionel Messi is a great player. He was named the world’s best many times, so I think that with him it’s a whole different story. I admire and respect him a lot.”

The forward made his intentions clear that earning a spot back with El Tri remains a primary goal at his new club. “Of course, as long as I continue playing, I will be available for Mexico. If they believe it’s the best for the national team for me to be there supporting and helping the team, of course I will be there. I will never say no (to Mexico). But well, this is a process,” Lozano added.

Lack of match fitness cost Lozano a World Cup roster spot

While injuries proved to be an obstacle in recent years, Lozano earned a recall to the Mexico national team in late 2025 while featuring for San Diego FC. However, internal friction with former head coach Mikey Varas and club executives left the forward sidelined, training individually throughout 2026 without making a single competitive appearance.

Lozano’s last appearance for San Diego FC came during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, and going months without game action led head coach Javier Aguirre to exclude him from Mexico’s 2026 World Cup roster. Now settled with the Galaxy, Lozano expects regular playing time to revive his international candidacy.

“Now that I’ll have the opportunity to play, I believe that they’ll see what I can do, how I find myself, and that way they’ll decide if it’s good having me on the national team or not. I will work a lot to be there, I love to be with the national team, I’m passionate about it, but only time will tell,” he added, noting that final squad selection rests with team management.

Extended fall window presents immediate opportunity for El Tri comeback

Lozano joined the LA Galaxy as a Designated Player on loan through December 2026, with an option to make the transfer permanent. During that stretch, he will have an immediate platform to prove his form to Mexico’s new manager, legendary defender Rafael Marquez.

El Tri‘s upcoming fixture list and Marquez’s touchline debut will take place during an expanded international window between September and October. Playing across a four-game tour in the United States, Mexico are scheduled to face Colombia (Sept. 26), Peru (Sept. 29), the USMNT (Oct. 3), and Chile (Oct. 6).

Amid a demanding schedule with minimal recovery time between matches, the autumn fixtures offer a natural environment for Lozano to regain match sharpness and rejoin the national team setup. His last appearance for El Tri came in November 2025 during a friendly against Uruguay, where he played the opening 45 minutes before exiting with an injury.

Melo made the claim on his television show, FMTV, saying: “I got in touch with a friend, and that friend told me that Neymar is going to leave Santos to play for Inter Miami starting in January“. No official talks have been confirmed by either party, but the report has quickly gained traction given the timing of Neymar’s contract situation.

Neymar’s current deal with Santos runs through December 31, 2026. Should he choose not to renew, he would become a free agent, opening the door for Inter Miami to sign him without having to negotiate a transfer fee — a scenario that would significantly simplify any potential move.

A reunion would revive the legendary “MSN” trio Neymar formed with Messi and Suarez at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, one of the most prolific attacking lines the sport has seen.

Together, the three combined for 363 goals and 173 assists across three seasons, including 131 combined goals in the 2015-16 campaign alone, with Messi and Neymar linking up for 56 direct goal combinations across 161 matches played together.

Would Neymar actually fit under MLS’s salary cap rules?

The league allows clubs operating under the three–Designated Player model — which Miami uses — to carry up to three DPs, players whose salaries can exceed the league’s maximum salary budget charge of $803,125 for 2026. Inter Miami currently appears to have all three of those slots filled, with Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame all holding Designated Player status.

If Miami wanted to bring in Neymar, the club would likely need to move one of its current Designated Players first — meaning any reunion, at least for now, depends on more than just Neymar’s willingness to sign.

Why a TAM deal wouldn’t work for Neymar

Could Inter Miami replicate the same trick they used with Suarez and bring in Neymar without touching a Designated Player slot? Unlikely. Each MLS club receives a Targeted Allocation Money pool of $2.125 million for the 2026 season, money designed to buy down the cap charges of upper-tier starters — not to disguise a global superstar’s salary as a non-DP contract.

Suarez’s deal was only workable because his compensation could be structured to fit within that pool; a contract commensurate with Neymar’s market value would fall far outside those limits. That gap is precisely why the Designated Player mechanism exists in the first place: to let clubs sign players whose salaries have no ceiling.

While Maresca has publicly stated that he expects Rodri to report back when Manchester City resume training, the midfielder’s long-term future appears to lie outside of England. After choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid, the Catalan club now need to strike an agreement with the Premier League champions on a fee expected to land near €55 million (around $60 million USD), with a player potentially included to finalize the deal.

Final details regarding Rodri’s departure remain unresolved, and the player is scheduled to report to training on Friday, just two days prior to the Community Shield clash against Arsenal. Nevertheless, his likelihood of leaving remains far higher than his chances of staying, and a departure would force Manchester City into the market to reinforce their central midfield.

Maresca pursuing reunion with Enzo Fernandez

According to Argentina insider Gaston Edul, Manchester City’s interest in Enzo Fernandez is “100% concrete” rather than exploratory. The driving force behind the potential move is Maresca, who previously managed the Argentine midfielder at Chelsea and wants to integrate him into Manchester City’s system.

Edul noted that Fernandez’s status at Chelsea remains fluid, with his immediate future expected to be resolved in the coming days. Under the current circumstances, reports suggest the Argentine favors a move to the Etihad Stadium over remaining at Stamford Bridge for another campaign.

Chelsea’s asking price for Fernandez is set at £120 million (around $156 million USD), a slight increase over the £107 million fee paid to Benfica to acquire him in January 2023. However, according to talkSPORT and transfer expert Ben Jacobs, that valuation could be negotiable as Chelsea are prepared to sell, though timing will prove critical with less than a month remaining in the transfer window and the Premier League season launching in two weeks.

Throughout their initial preseason fixtures, particularly during their summer tour in Seoul, South Korea, Manchester City deployed Mateo Kovacic and Tijjani Reijnders in a double pivot, with Nico Gonzalez providing depth. Losing Rodri would create a significant void in central midfield, making the acquisition of Fernandez a logical move to restore balance and provide a proven international replacement.

Relationship with Maresca a decisive factor for Fernandez

Chelsea’s defining characteristic in recent years has been instability on the touchline, with Fernandez playing under eight different managers since joining the club in January 2023. However, during that chaotic period, the Argentine midfielder established his strong rapport with Maresca.

During his tenure at Stamford Bridge beginning in July 2024, the Italian manager led Chelsea to titles in the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League and the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. However, following a string of poor domestic results and friction with club executives, Maresca resigned in December 2025 after less than 18 months in charge.

Following his departure, Fernandez published a heartfelt message on social media dedicated to his former manager. “Mister, thank you for everything we shared and experienced during this stage. I learned a lot and truly value every piece of advice and each experience… We won two titles together that I will never forget. Much success to all of you, and hopefully our paths will cross again in the future.” While current Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expects Fernandez in his squad, a chance to reunite with Maresca could prove to be the deciding factor in pushing the move through.

The U.S. president made his position clear in a post on Truth Social, defending Infantino’s leadership amid the growing revolt from some of football’s most powerful governing bodies.

In his post, Trump wrote: “FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino. He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!”

The backing comes in the middle of a crisis triggered by Infantino’s now-scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which would have sold private investors a 20% stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights for a reported $4.2 billion.

The proposal sparked accusations that Infantino was attempting to privatize a central pillar of the sport, and although FIFA has since abandoned the plan and admitted it mishandled the rollout, the fallout has only deepened divisions within soccer governing structure.

UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF jointly released a letter in response, stating that “trust” had been “broken through deception” and calling for new leadership at FIFA that serves football rather than commands it.

Argentina, Mexico and Africa’s CAF rally behind embattled Infantino

Not everyone within soccer governing bodies has turned against Infantino. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) issued a letter backing him directly, pointing to FIFA’s work over the past decade as having “centred on the development of soccer worldwide and institutional strength based on a clear, stable, and transparent governance model”.

Mexico’s federation broke ranks with its own regional confederation, CONCACAF, to back Infantino as well, saying it “supports President Infantino’s leadership in continuing to promote the development of football through institutional strengthening”.

That backing was reinforced by the African Football Confederation (CAF), which unanimously endorsed Infantino across its 54 member nations — a significant show of support led by CAF president Patrice Motsepe, long considered a close ally of the FIFA chief.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the Leagues Cup clash against Club Leon, Hoyos referred to the forward’s situation. “Berterame is recovered, we’re waiting on the timelines the federation determines, but we have a few more days,” the coach explained.

Berterame’s injury occurred on July 25 during Inter Miami’s MLS win over CF Montreal, when he collided with defender Efrain Morales while contesting a cross. The Mexican international was knocked unconscious and had to be stretchered off before being taken to a hospital. He missed roughly two weeks of action before returning to training with the club on August 7.

According to Hoyos, Berterame has now been cleared physically, but his official return to play still hinges on the federation’s own concussion protocol timeline rather than the club’s internal medical staff.

Unlike Lionel Messi‘s uncertain return date, which remains open-ended, Berterame’s case appears to be nearing its final stretch, with Hoyos suggesting the forward could be available again within days rather than weeks.

MLS’s concussion protocol: How the league handles head injuries

MLS activates a strict set of procedures whenever a player takes a blow to the head during a match. The league runs a Medical Spotter Program, in which trained medical staff monitor live video feeds throughout every game specifically looking for signs of a possible head injury.

If a Spotter identifies what the league classifies as a “Mandatory Observable Sign,” they immediately flag the incident to the Venue Medical Director, who is then required to review the footage before conducting an on-field assessment.

Crucially, a player cannot return to the match until the Venue Medical Director has both reviewed the available video and cleared them through that on-field evaluation.

From there, MLS relies on the HEADCHECK platform — described as the digital backbone of the league’s concussion policy — to track symptom checklists and monitor the player’s return-to-sport progress in the days and weeks that follow, which is the process Berterame has been working through since his collision with Montreal.

According to Argentine news outlet Todo Noticias, Messi is expected to arrive back in the United States on Wednesday. The forward will depart his hometown of Rosario in Santa Fe, Argentina, with his flight scheduled to take off at 10:30 p.m. local time.

The expectation is for Messi to arrive by Wednesday afternoon to gradually resume activities with Inter Miami. However, with the Leagues Cup matchup against Club Leon scheduled for that same night at 9:30 p.m. ET, his availability for the match remains in serious doubt.

When asked about a potential return ahead of the fixture against the Mexican side, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that he had “nothing” regarding the star’s exact timeline.

A return to South Florida alongside his family does not necessarily mean Messi will immediately rejoin squad activities. According to reports from Argentina, Inter Miami executives are granting their team captain full autonomy to manage his personal timeline before returning to the pitch.

Timeline of Messi’s time in Argentina

After receiving word of his father’s passing, Messi departed Fort Lauderdale on a private jet Saturday, August 8, landing at Islas Malvinas Airport in Fisherton before traveling directly to reunite with his brothers and close relatives. The Messi family gathered at El Prado private cemetery in Perez, a city adjacent to Rosario, to pay their final respects to Jorge Messi.

On Sunday afternoon, Messi left the memorial grounds to return to his residence in the gated community of Kentucky in Funes. Over the past several days, he has spent private time surrounded by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, their sons, and extended family.

What lies ahead for Inter Miami?

On the pitch, Inter Miami find themselves on the brink of elimination from the 2026 Leagues Cup while navigating a severe roster crunch along the frontline. Their crucial group stage match against Club Leon is set for Wednesday, August 12, and while the club are skating on thin ice in international play, the coming weeks will prove equally critical.

On Saturday, the Herons travel to GEODIS Park to square off against Nashville SC in a high-stakes clash for the top spot in the 2026 Supporters’ Shield standings. Nashville currently lead the Supporters’ Shield race with 40 points, while Inter Miami sit close behind in second place with 38 points. Following that marquee fixture, Inter Miami will remain on the road to take on the Philadelphia Union next Wednesday.

When the reporter followed up, asking specifically whether he had any information on a possible return date, Hoyos kept his answer short and direct: “Nothing,” he said, offering no further details or timeline for when Messi might be back with the squad.

Messi has been away from the team since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, last Friday, missing Inter Miami‘s Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey as he traveled to Argentina to be with his family. His absence has left a significant void both emotionally and on the field for a Miami side now fighting to keep its tournament hopes alive.

That fight continues Wednesday, August 12, when Inter Miami host Club Leon at Nu Stadium in what could already be a dead rubber. Miami risk being mathematically eliminated from the Leagues Cup as early as Tuesday, August 11, one day before that match, depending on results elsewhere in the MLS table — meaning they could take the field against Leon already out of contention for the knockout rounds.

When could Messi return?

If Messi doesn’t make it back for the Leon match, attention turns to Inter Miami’s next fixtures on the calendar: an MLS clash with Nashville SC on August 15, or the August 19 meeting with Philadelphia Union.

Miami’s own tournament situation could end up shaping that decision as much as anything else. Should the club already be eliminated from the Leagues Cup by the time they face Leon, there would be little competitive reason to rush Messi back for a match with nothing riding on it.

The Leagues Cup situation would potentially push his return even further out, toward Nashville or Philadelphia, once there’s an actual result on the line.

Messi did not feature in that defeat, sitting out following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, a day earlier. His absence left Inter Miami without their captain and top scorer as they dropped their second match of the tournament, a result that now puts their qualification hopes in serious jeopardy.

Miami sit on three points through two matches, having opened with a 4-2 win over Atletico San Luis before falling to Monterrey. That leaves them well behind the pace in the MLS table, where six clubs — Austin FC, Charlotte, Chicago Fire, Cincinnati, Columbus Crew and Dallas — already have six points apiece, with LAFC on five and Real Salt Lake on four.

Miami could be mathematically eliminated as early as Tuesday, August 11, one day before their scheduled clash with Club Leon on Wednesday, August 12 at Nu Stadium in Miami.

That elimination scenario would require Charlotte, Cincinnati and Columbus to all draw their matches — even if they go on to lose in penalty shootouts — while Real Salt Lake defeat Juarez, a combination that would leave Miami unable to climb into the MLS table’s top four regardless of how they perform against Leon.

How Leagues Cup qualification works

The tournament is built around two separate 18-team standings tables, one for MLS clubs and one for Liga MX clubs, with only the top four finishers in each table advancing to the knockout rounds.

Points are awarded on a tiered scale: a win in regulation is worth three points, while any match that finishes level after 90 minutes goes straight to penalties, with the shootout winner collecting two points and the loser one.

That system means goal difference and overall points accumulated across all three group-stage matches ultimately decide who advances, rather than head-to-head results within a smaller pool of teams — which is exactly why results from other MLS clubs on Miami’s off day could end their tournament before they even step onto the field against Leon.

The UEFA Super Cup is the annual single-leg showcase pitting the reigning winners of Europe’s top two club competitions: the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. First contested in 1973, the event has endured for over five decades, with Champions League victors holding a 30-20 historical edge over Europa League winners.

Paris Saint-Germain enter as the Champions League representative after defeating Arsenal in the final, seeking to claim back-to-back Super Cup titles. On the other side, Aston Villa qualified as the Europa League champion after securing a decisive 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in its final.

When and where are PSG and Aston Villa facing each other?

Following joint approval by European football governing bodies, the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa takes place on Wednesday, August 12, at 3:00 p.m. ET. With both Ligue 1 and the Premier League yet to start their domestic campaigns, this clash serves as the official 2026-27 opener for both clubs.

The host venue is the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. Opened in March 2003, the stadium hosted three group-stage fixtures during UEFA EURO 2008 and serves as the regular home of FC Red Bull Salzburg, an Austrian power with extensive European tournament experience.

What is the UEFA Super Cup prize money?

Following its Champions League triumph, PSG generated over €100 million across the entire tournament, while Aston Villa earned around €21.5 million during its successful Europa League run. However, as a standalone single-match exhibition, the Super Cup distributes a localized prize pool.

Mirroring the distribution model of previous seasons, the 2026 UEFA Super Cup awards a base appearance fee of €4 million to both participating clubs. The club that lifts the trophy in Salzburg will claim an additional €1 million winner’s bonus.

Who will referee the UEFA Super Cup?

Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa. Coordinates through a joint refereeing development partnership between UEFA and CAF, Artan becomes the first African match official in history to lead the head crew in a UEFA Super Cup final.

Artan generated global headlines in recent months after entry issues prevented him from officiating at the 2026 World Cup in the United States. In response, UEFA chose to recognize the referee’s elite credentials by entrusting him with one of the most prominent single-match finals on the European calendar.

Originally serving as Uruguay‘s Under-20 head coach, Forlan will step in as interim manager through March 2027, ahead of the Uruguayan Football Association’s upcoming presidential elections. The opening follows Marcelo Bielsa’s resignation after Uruguay’s group-stage elimination from the World Cup, a tournament where the Argentine manager notably excluded Suarez from his squad.

However, during his introductory press conference, Forlán made it clear that Suárez remains in his thoughts: “I have enormous affection for Luis and a lot of confidence in him. If he is eligible for selection—he is Uruguayan—so being able to have a player like Luis with that experience… He has goals in him and keeps showing it every weekend he plays, why not? That will be seen further down the line. Nobody is going to debate who Luis is.”

Suarez and Forlan famously headlined Uruguay’s memorable 2010 World Cup run to the semifinals, highlighted by Forlan’s Golden Ball performance and Suárez’s iconic goal-line handball against Ghana. The attacking duo also shared the pitch at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and led Uruguay to victory in the 2011 Copa América in Argentina, securing the country’s most recent major international trophy.

Suarez previously made his ceremonial farewell appearance for Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in September 2024. However, prior to the World Cup, the veteran forward left room for a potential return, stating, “I would never say no to the national team.” Ultimately, Bielsa opted to leave the Inter Miami striker off his roster for the tournament in North America.

When reporters reminded Forlan of Suarez’s willingness to return, the new interim coach reiterated his open-door policy for his longtime teammate. “Honestly, I didn’t know he had said that, but if he did, he is more than welcome,” he affirmed.

Suarez’s strong form could fuel international comeback

Suarez has reignited his form with Inter Miami after regaining a featured role under head coach Guillermo Hoyos. The 39-year-old forward has made 15 appearances across all competitions in 2026, delivering 10 goals and two assists while demonstrating impressive efficiency in front of the net compared to Uruguay’s current attacking options.

During the World Cup, Bielsa’s forward line struggled to generate offense, relying on Darwin Nuñez, Federico Viñas, and Rodrigo Aguirre, none of whom scored any of Uruguay’s three tournament goals. As a result, a potential Suarez return would be fueled not only by his strong club form, but also by Uruguay’s lingering need for proven goalscoring depth up front.

According to Chilean outlet El Deportivo of La Tercera, CF Montreal has finalized the signing of Sanchez, with only an official team announcement remaining. The veteran forward arrives in MLS as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with La Liga side Sevilla.

Sevilla reportedly pursued a one-year extension to retain Sanchez, but the former Arsenal star elected to end his 18-year European career to embrace the new project in Canada. The Chile icon will fill CF Montreal’s second Designated Player roster slot alongside Spanish midfielder Ivan Jaime in a two-year deal until 2028.

While the club has yet to issue a formal press release, final contract details are being wrapped up ahead of an official unveiling. On Monday, CF Montreal teased the arrival on social media, describing the acquisition as “one of the biggest names” in franchise history, while managing director Luca Saputo confirmed in a video clip that Sanchez will wear his signature No. 10 jersey.

When could Messi and Sanchez face each other again?

Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez were once dynamic attacking partners at FC Barcelona, sharing the locker room for three seasons between 2011 and 2014 before the Chilean forward departed for Arsenal. Since then, the two South American icons have clashed on numerous occasions in European competition and on the international stage, with a potential Major League Soccer matchup now on the horizon.

The next scheduled meeting between Inter Miami and CF Montreal is set for Saturday, August 29, at Nu Stadium for the 2026 MLS. However, with Messi currently on leave in Argentina following the death of his father and Sanchez lacking match fitness after missing preseason training, fans may have to wait until next season to see the two star forwards square off on a North American pitch.

Lionel Messi dominates the H2H against Alexis Sanchez

While they built a formidable partnership in Barcelona, both legends have frequently found themselves on opposite sides of the pitch, competing in high-stakes club fixtures and intense South American rivalries. When examining the historical head-to-head record, Messi’s statistical dominance over Sanchez becomes immediately clear.

Across 16 all-time meetings, Messi and Sanchez have faced off nine times in international matches between Argentina and Chile, alongside seven European club encounters. On the international stage, Messi has compiled six victories while three matches ended in draws, though two of those draws led to penalty shootout victories for Chile in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals.

In European club competitions, the two met seven times, with Messi’s Barcelona emerging victorious against Sanchez during his stints at Arsenal, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. Messi claimed six wins in those seven matchups, with Sánchez’s sole victory coming during the 2022-23 Coupe de France, when Olympique Marseille earned a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain.

On Sunday, August 9, Santos hosted Athletico Paranaense at the Vila Belmiro, suffering a costly 2-0 defeat that dropped the club to 17th in the standings, pushing them into the final relegation spot. Neymar missed the clash against third-place Athletico while serving a mandatory one-match ban for yellow card accumulation, marking his second yellow-card suspension of the 2026 campaign.

Following the setback, Santos head coach Cuca addressed the situation publicly, stating he intends to sit down with his superstar. “We are going to talk to Neymar. He is important and cannot miss crucial matches like today’s (Sunday). Our finishing power would certainly have been of higher quality,” Cuca noted during his postmatch press conference.

Santos currently sit 17th in the Table, tied at 22 points with 18th-place Vasco da Gama and 19th-place Remo. Despite the dangerous position, safety remains within reach, as O Peixe sits just one point behind Internacional and Mirassol, who hover above the line with 23 points.

Compounding the pressure on Santos is the heavy workload of balancing domestic league struggles with the Copa Sudamericana. O Peixe will host Ecuadorian side Macara on Thursday before facing a high-stakes relegation battle against Vasco da Gama on Sunday, August 16, when Neymar is expected to return following his suspension.

Discipline issues overshadowing Neymar’s 2026 campaign

Last season, Neymar played the role of club savior, sparking a heroic late-season push to pull Santos out of the drop zone and earn Copa Sudamericana qualification while playing through a knee injury. Throughout the 2026 season, however, physical health has taken a backseat to discipline and on-field temperament.

Across 19 appearances for Santos this season, Neymar has already accumulated nine yellow cards. That total surpasses his entire 2025 mark, when he received eight bookings in 28 matches, including a second-yellow ejection against Botafogo in Brasileirao play.

In addition to missing Sunday’s match, Neymar previously served a card-accumulation suspension against Flamengo on Matchday 10 and now enters the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals one booking away from another ban following yellow cards against Coritiba and Remo. While Neymar remains the club’s second-leading scorer with eight goals and five assists in 2026, his frequent yellow cards are fueling Santos’ growing relegation fears.

Since making a public statement during the World Cup expressing his desire to leave Atletico Madrid, zero progress has been made toward a transfer, as the club maintains a firm stance that he remains part of its 2026-27 plans. Now, with the mandatory reporting date arriving, Alvarez has returned to Madrid with no deal in sight.

On Monday, August 10, Alvarez reported to the High Performance Sports Medicine Center in Madrid to undergo routine medical testing ahead of the new campaign. He arrived alongside Spanish World Cup champions Marcos Llorente and Alex Baena following their extended summer breaks.

With the squad returning from its preseason tour in Seoul, South Korea, players will receive two days of rest before training resumes on Wednesday, when Alvarez is expected to rejoin his teammates on the pitch. Heading into Friday’s final exhibition match against Marseille, the Argentine was treated as a full participant in Diego Simeone’s squad.

Alvarez frustrated by canceled meeting with Atletico executives

Atletico executives have reiterated that Alvarez remains an integral part of the team and will not be sold unless a club triggers his €500 million (roughly $578 million USD) release clause. With the striker holding a completely opposing view, a sit-down between both sides was expected upon his return.

According to Barcelona insider Gerard Romero of Jijantes FC, Alvarez and the board previously agreed during a phone call to meet on August 10 to discuss his future. However, the meeting never materialized, leaving the former Manchester City forward deeply frustrated by the club’s failure to honor its word.

Following his medical exams in Madrid, Romero reported that Alvarez met with his agency team, Fernando Hidalgo and Sergio Diaz. The session lasted over two hours as they mapped out their strategy for the coming days, with one clear goal in mind.

Romero, Argentina insider Gaston Edul, and Spanish outlets including Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo all align on the same conclusion: Julian Alvarez wants an immediate move to FC Barcelona during the 2026 summer transfer window. The next step will be forcing a direct meeting with Atlético Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin so the striker can directly express his position.

To this point, Alvarez has not indicated any intent to stage a holdout or breach his contractual duties. For now, the Argentine star is pursuing a diplomatic resolution to secure his exit, but with time running out in the transfer window, Atletico’s unyielding stance, and Barcelona’s urgent need for a marquee striker, the coming week will prove decisive for his future.

On Sunday, August 9, Diriyah FC announced that an agreement was finalized with Al Nassr to play their home fixtures at Al Awwal Park throughout the 2026-27 campaign, including games across the different competitions, and not only the Saudi Pro League.

Diriyah FC confirmed the partnership with an official statement: “A light has been shining for us for a long time… For a glory that stems from ‘the beginning,’ not just from recently. Al Awwal (Park) approved ‘our home’ to host Diriyah FC’s matches in the 26/27 Roshn League.”

After securing promotion through the playoffs in May against Al Ula, Diriyah FC became the third club promoted to the Saudi Pro League for the 2026-27 season alongside Abha and Al Faisaly. During its previous campaign in the Saudi First Division, the club played home matches at SGH Arena, home of Riyadh-based Al Shabab, before securing a new home for its top-flight return.

As a result, both Saudi Pro League clashes between Al Nassr and Diriyah FC, scheduled for September 17, 2026, and April 8, 2027, will take place at Al-Awwal Park. Furthermore, Ronaldo and Al Nassr will face their new venue partners in the King’s Cup Round of 32 on Aug. 18.

Al Nassr forced to share stadium due to ongoing financial constraints

Despite standing as one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship franchises, Al Nassr are navigating severe financial constraints, to the point that defensive midfielder Samu Costa remains the club’s sole summer acquisition. The stadium-sharing arrangement with Diriyah FC was orchestrated to generate crucial auxiliary revenue for a front office currently restricted from adding talent until existing transfer debts are settled.

According to Al Nassr insider Ali Alabdallh, allowing Diriyah FC to host matches at Al Awwal Park will inject a substantial sum into the club’s treasury, providing a vital financial boost as the organization works to resolve its balance sheet issues.

Published on August 10, 2026, Concacaf, the AFC, and UEFA authored an “Open Letter to the Football Family.” In it, they questioned FIFA’s current leadership and highlighted how recent commercial plans presented by Gianni Infantino have damaged the sport.

According to the letter, a “fundamental breach of trust” has been created between FIFA and the regional governing bodies. This rift developed following Infantino’s proposal to sell commercial stakes in major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.

Gianni Infantino under severe scrutiny

Throughout the letter, the three governing bodies explain why they felt deceived by FIFA regarding these commercial schemes. According to the statement, FIFA presented the plan on a compressed timeline to limit scrutiny and prevent member associations from properly reviewing the terms.

The federations rejected Infantino’s plan. While the FIFA president proposed an internal review of the situation, Concacaf, the AFC, and UEFA rejected that offer, asserting that an independent third-party investigation is necessary.  

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, and AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa all co-signed the letter. “There is silence where there should be accountability, distance where there should be openness,” the statement concludes.

While there is no direct call for Infantino’s immediate resignation, the statement significantly intensifies pressure and fuels rumors of a potential leadership change at FIFA.

Reports suggest that Montagliani is interested in running for the presidency if an election to replace Infantino materializes. The regional confederations are clearly dissatisfied with administrative decisions, ensuring that tension remains high at FIFA headquarters in Zurich.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, when the Herons host the game against Club Leon at Nu Stadium for Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup. It’s highly unlikely for the Argentine star to perform in the game as he traveled to his homeland after the passing of his father on the weekend.

Now, only one group stage match remains, set for Wednesday, August 12, at Nu Stadium against a formidable Club Leon side that won both of its opening fixtures against Nashville SC (1-0) and Orlando City (2-1). Facing a must-win situation with a depleted frontline, Inter Miami risk missing the knockout phase for the first time since Messi’s landmark arrival in South Florida.

As for his next game with Argentina, there is no game scheduled yet, but the next matchups will be in the upcoming international break in September. Still, his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste remains a question since he hasn’t spoken after the 2026 World Cup final over his future.

During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.

The Herons initially kicked off their campaign on the right foot with a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis. However, ahead of their Matchday 2 clash against Rayados, Messi received the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing and was granted compassionate leave to fly to Argentina. The loss deeply affected the squad, which held a moment of silence prior to Saturday’s kickoff.

With Messi in South America and Luis Suarez, German Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende all sidelined, Miami’s attacking depth was severely depleted. Young prospect Daniel Pinter shared frontline duties with Lovens Delinois, the Haitian forward called up from Inter Miami II to make his senior debut.

Rodrigo De Paul put the Herons ahead with a brilliant long-range strike in the 32nd minute, removing his match shirt to reveal Messi’s jersey underneath in a poignant tribute to his close friend and teammate. However, Hugo Cuypers netted the equalizer in the 47th minute, and Diego Rossi delivered a crushing blow with the game-winner in the 90th minute, leaving Inter Miami empty-handed at Nu Stadium.

Now, only one group stage match remains, set for Wednesday, August 12, at Nu Stadium against a formidable Club Leon side that won both of its opening fixtures against Nashville SC (1-0) and Orlando City (2-1). Facing a must-win situation with a depleted frontline, Inter Miami risk missing the knockout phase for the first time since Messi’s landmark arrival in South Florida.

What do Inter Miami need to avoid early elimination?

Under the expanded Leagues Cup format introduced for the 2025 tournament, only the top four clubs from the MLS table and top four from Liga MX advance to the quarterfinals. Cross-league matchups are determined by table standing, but to secure one of those coveted qualification spots, Inter Miami no longer control their own destiny.

Inter Miami currently occupy 11th place in the MLS Leagues Cup standings with three points, five goals scored, and four conceded, trailing ten clubs in the table. The top six sides, Charlotte FC, Austin FC, FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas, have swept their first two matches with a goal differential of at least +2 (+5 for leaders Charlotte and Austin), meaning Miami needs multiple top teams to lose badly while the Herons secure a blowout win over Leon.

Seventh-place LAFC sit on five points with a +1 goal differential, meaning Miami needs the Black and Gold to drop points or lose a potential penalty shootout following a draw. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake occupy eighth with four points, while Portland Timbers (9th) and Nashville SC (10th) remain tied with Miami on three points, making the Herons’ path to qualification mathematically possible, but statistically improbable.

Simeone has maintained a clear public stance, aligning with club leadership’s decision to retain Alvarez as a foundational piece for Atletico’s 2026-27 campaign. Following his participation in the 2026 World Cup, where he reiterated his intent to seek an exit to pursue a new challenge, Alvarez will return from vacation on Monday, August10, when the pivotal sit-down will take place.

According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, Julian Alvarez and Simeone will meet face-to-face on Monday to directly address the player’s future. However, the positions held by both parties remain firmly entrenched.

Per Edul, after consulting those in the striker’s inner circle, Alvarez considers his tenure at Atletico to be complete and no longer wishes to remain with the club. Conversely, Atletico executives maintain an unyielding position, refusing to negotiate a departure unless an interested club triggers his €500 million (roughly $578 million USD) release clause.

Simeone will attempt to persuade Alvarez to remain at the Metropolitano and commit to the club’s long-term vision. On the other hand, the forward aims to de-escalate tensions, which grew uncomfortable for him following the media reaction generated by the club’s public social media responses during the World Cup.

With triggering the full release clause ruled out by all suitors, Barcelona‘s reported strategy is to present a formal offer worth €120 million (roughly $138 million USD), which would represent the highest proposal submitted for the Argentine star. Whether Atletico considers the bid will depend heavily on the outcome of the discussions between player and coach, mirroring the process when Alvarez met with Pep Guardiola to facilitate his exit from Manchester City.

Barcelona remains preferred destination despite Arsenal and PSG interest

Alvarez has drawn interest not only from Barcelona, his preferred destination, but also from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, two clubs capable of financing a transfer of this magnitude. Nevertheless, the Blaugrana remains the top choice for the Argentine international.

According to Edul, even though Arsenal and PSG have submitted formal inquiries, moving outside of Spain remains a secondary option for the player. Alvarez chose to depart Manchester primarily for family reasons, making a return to England, more specific to London, an undesirable outcome for his personal situation.

Last week, Rodri’s representative disclosed that the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner elected to join Barcelona despite receiving an ‘unrefusable’ offer from Real Madrid. Now, the remaining hurdle is for the Catalan club to reach a financial compromise that satisfies Manchester City’s valuation before his contract enters its final year.

Following Manchester City‘s 3-1 preseason victory over Atletico Madrid in Seoul, South Korea, manager Enzo Maresca was asked whether he expects Rodri to rejoin the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign: “Yes, as of right now, he will report in Manchester on Wednesday. There are no further updates to report.”

Since anchoring Spain’s midfield during their World Cup title run ending on July 19, Rodri has not rejoined squad activities. As the team prepared to depart Asia for Manchester, Maresca later clarified the player’s reporting timeline. “On the 14th, he will be back,” the Italian manager confirmed.

The Citizens kick off their competitive season in high-stakes fashion, facing Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, in Cardiff, Wales. Joining his teammates just two days prior to kickoff, Rodri is unlikely to feature against the Gunners as he holds out hope of finalizing his move to Barcelona.

Where negotiations stand between Barcelona and Manchester City

While Real Madrid pursued Rodri following the World Cup, the opportunity to return to Spain with Barcelona proved to be the decisive factor for the former Atletico Madrid star. Personal terms between the player and Barcelona are fully finalized, leaving the two clubs to negotiate a final transfer fee.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Manchester City initially sought a fee between €70 million and €80 million, though talks have gravitated toward a package worth roughly €55 million (around $60 million USD) plus performance-based add-ons. Structuring the deal could potentially involve a Barcelona player moving in the opposite direction to push negotiations into the final stretch.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick hopes to integrate Rodri into squad training next week alongside returning World Cup stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri, who report back on Wednesday. The immediate priority will be preparing for the La Liga opener in two weeks, with Rodri expected to slide directly into the starting lineup.

Match Overview

Providence Park hosts the Matchday 2 clash between Club America and Portland Timbers. Both teams won their Phase One openers; the Mexican side defeated San Diego FC 3-1, while the MLS franchise topped Club Puebla 5-2.

Club America currently leads Liga MX with seven points, while Portland sits in 8th position in MLS Western Conference standings in pursuit of a playoff spot—with both clubs aiming to secure another victory to bolster their chances of advancing to the Leagues Cup knockout round.

In his former role as Italy‘s sporting director, Maldini was tasked by federation president Giovanni Malago with spearheading the search for a new head coach. While Carlo Ancelotti reaffirmed his commitment to Brazil, Guardiola, who had recently departed Manchester City, emerged as a viable candidate, leading to promising initial discussions.

In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Maldini reflected on how negotiations with Guardiola unfolded: “He is the manager who most embodies technical, attacking play. Through a few mutual friends, he had expressed an interest in managing a national team. We went to visit him in Barcelona, had lunch together, and talked for an entire day. He was very tempted. He came very close to accepting. He even started writing line-ups down on paper.“

Maldini and technical advisor Leonardo traveled to Barcelona for face-to-face talks with Guardiola, who had recently stepped down after a decade at Manchester City. Although reports suggested Guardiola demanded a €20 million annual salary (roughly $22 million USD), Maldini clarified that money was never a barrier. “Financial terms were never an obstacle. Pep made it clear: give me one euro less than the previous manager, and I am satisfied,” Maldini revealed.

When asked about the deciding factor behind Guardiola’s refusal, Maldini was candid: “Out of fatigue. Guardiola is coming off ten grueling years in the Premier League. He had back surgery. He wants to rest. But it was a very serious discussion; we went over the rosters, from the under-17s on up… So we went with Andrea. Malago knew everything; we kept him informed step by step.“

Since making his top-flight managerial debut with FC Barcelona in 2008, Guardiola took a single sabbatical year between 2012 and 2013 before taking over at Bayern Munich, followed by a ten-year reign at Manchester City from 2016 to 2026. While managing a national team remained a career goal, the Spaniard ultimately decided the timing was not right to take the helm of the Azzurri.

Maldini’s brief tenure and sudden resignation

An institutional crisis following Italy’s third consecutive missed World Cup prompted Malago to appoint Maldini as sporting director. However, after assuming the role on July 11, Maldini resigned just 16 days later on July 27 after the federation president blocked the hiring of Andrea Pirlo over alleged ties between the former midfielder and a Russian betting firm.

When asked whether those reported ties influenced the decision to override Pirlo’s appointment, Maldini defended his choice while addressing the controversy: “That definitely played a role. We didn’t know about it. The media did its job. But legally speaking, there was nothing that could have prevented Andrea from becoming the National Team head coach.“

Maldini emphasized that no legal impediments existed to block Pirlo’s appointment, arguing the situation was sensationalized beyond proportion. However, the disagreement prompted Malago to unilaterally alter the administrative structure, leading to an ultimatum that the AC Milan legend found unacceptable.

“He (Malago) called me and Leonardo to say: ‘In my view, we can no longer hire Pirlo. From today on, I decide the manager. From today, the rules change: I choose the head coach, and you endorse it.’ But if I have a role, if I have a responsibility, and I intend to exercise it, that is an unacceptable proposition. We took 24 hours and submitted our resignations, on a contract that had not even started yet,” said Maldini, whose agreement was set to begin on August 1st.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, PSG and Parma are set to seal a deal where Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki would join the French side for around $40 million (€35 million).

However, Suzuki’s role with PSG is yet to be determined. It will all depend on Lucas Chevalier, who has rotated starts with Matvey Safonov. Chevalier is rumored to leave, and if he does, Suzuki would fight for the starting role against the Russian keeper.

A ripple effect at PSG

Chevalier, 24, is currently followed by Juventus. The Italian side see it as a top priority to bring in a new goalkeeper—specifically a young yet experienced shot-stopper who has already played in a top European league.

If Chevalier stays, the alternative move involves Zion Suzuki. PSG reached an agreement for Parma’s goalkeeper to give Juventus options where the French club still secure a strategic advantage.

Under this scenario, Suzuki could remain in Italy to play for Juventus on loan from PSG. The Ligue 1 side still have to determine whether Chevalier stays to fight for the starting spot or if Suzuki is the better option to compete with Safonov.

On Sunday, August 9, Al Nassr officially announced Costa’s arrival, unveiling a cinematic social media teaser inspired by the hype surrounding Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film The Odyssey. “The odyssey begins. Samu has arrived to fight for you,” the club proclaimed in its announcement post.

According to Spanish outlet Diario Marca, Costa joins Al Nassr after the Saudi club triggered his €22 million buyout clause (roughly $24 million USD) with RCD Mallorca, a team currently competing in Spain’s second division. Under contract through June 2030, terms between all parties were finalized weeks ago, though Saudi financial regulations delayed the official announcement until now.

Costa represented Portugal at the 2026 World Cup alongside Ronaldo and Joao Felix, who will now serve as his teammates in Riyadh. During the 2025-26 campaign, the defensive midfielder recorded seven goals and two assists across 36 appearances in Spain, positioning him to fill the void left by departing veteran Marcelo Brozovic.

Al Nassr continues to navigate financial limits

While Costa marks Al Nassr’s first primary acquisition of the 2026 summer window, the front office has been equally active managing player departures. Constrained by strict spending caps imposed on the club’s operational budget, those financial restrictions remain firmly in place.

Per Saudi insider Nawaf Al-Tamimi, the heavy financial restrictions hovering over Al Nassr have not been lifted. Facing outstanding debts reported at SAR 800 million (roughly $214 million USD), requiring joint intervention from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and club leadership, Al Nassr remains subject to the League’s Recruitment Program oversight.

The club was allocated a specific budget ceiling for the current transfer window while undergoing a broader restructuring of team expenses. Approval for Costa’s acquisition was granted solely because the transaction utilized remaining capital earmarked within that designated recruitment framework.

However, utilizing that budget room has exhausted the club’s flexibility. According to Al-Tamimi, Al Nassr will be unable to acquire a replacement for forward Wesley following his loan to Cruzeiro, nor will management have the flexibility to enter contract renewal negotiations with key players such as Abdulrahman Ghareeb.

What’s next for Al Nassr in the transfer market?

Several exits have already been finalized to create financial relief under the league’s restrictions, including Brozovic’s free agency departure alongside moves for Jhon Duran and Wesley. Having finalized the deal for Costa, Al Nassr will not be permitted to sign additional players through the Recruitment Program, as board executives determined all remaining funds must go toward settling outstanding transfer debts.

The only remaining avenue for Ronaldo to see new additions would be through player swap deals involving zero net transfer expenditure. Furthermore, any incoming player in an exchange deal would need to accept a salary lower than the departing player’s wage, severely limiting the club’s ability to pursue further roster upgrades.

Match Overview

Both Cruz Azul and New York City FC arrive at this 2026 Leagues Cup duel after winning their first contest of the tournament. The Mexican side defeated Philadelphia Union 1-0, while the MLS club secured a 2-0 victory against Santos Laguna.

With several teams already sitting on six points, both clubs need another win to keep pace and secure a top position heading into the knockout rounds.

Real Madrid traveled to Budapest to square off against Ferencvaros at Groupama Arena, giving Mourinho an opportunity to evaluate his roster by deploying nine second-half substitutes. Stars including Vinicius Junior, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, and Silva entered the pitch for the second 45 minutes, but the Portuguese midfielder struggled to find his rhythm during his first action.

Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the final whistle, Mourinho addressed the midfielder’s importance while delivering a blunt assessment of his fitness level: “Bernardo is important, but the poor guy is another one who has had a vacation and he is the kind of guy whose head benefits from doing nothing during his vacation period, so he has reported at a significantly lower level of physical fitness and has to build himself up, but he is a tremendous player.”

Silva replaced Brahim Diaz at halftime, marking his first appearance on a football pitch since Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain at the 2026 World Cup on July 6. Returning from an extended post-tournament vacation, the midfielder produced a subdued debut performance, logging 32 touches, zero shots on target, four lost possessions, and two ball recoveries.

Mourinho went on to praise Silva’s tactical versatility while reiterating that the veteran is still far from peak match fitness. “He can help us build up play if he plays deeper, as a ‘six’ or an ‘eight’. But, during the match, I realized that he was lacking some physical strength, so I moved him forward to the ‘ten’ position. He can play in three or four positions,” the coach said.

Bernardo Silva reflects on his Real Madrid debut

After being heavily pursued by FC Barcelona over multiple transfer windows, Silva ultimately elected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City. Under contract through June 2028, the 31-year-old is expected to bring elite technical capability and veteran leadership to Los Blancos‘ midfield.

Following his debut, Silva acknowledged that substantial work remains as he works his way back into match shape. “It’s only the first week, but I’m very happy. There are still many things to improve, but the most important thing is to get into a rhythm to start the season well,” he stated to Real Madrid TV.

“It has been a tough week, but I am very happy to have started and to have made my debut with Madrid,” Silva concluded. Los Blancos will play two final tune-up matches against Deportivo La Coruña and Schalke 04 before opening their 2026-27 La Liga campaign on the road against Espanyol on August 22.

The 41-year-old has remained at the center of attention despite being away from the pitch, with his holiday, family life and future plans generating plenty of discussion. Now, however, a new report has provided a clearer picture of what Postecoglou and Al-Nassr have decided regarding Ronaldo’s return.

According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff, led by Postecoglou, have decided to give Ronaldo additional rest rather than rushing him back into competitive action.

The Portuguese forward is therefore expected to miss Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah. The decision means the 41-year-old will have more time to recover from what has been an unusually demanding year.

Ronaldo’s extended break follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The national team lost narrowly to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an emotional end to the striker’s international career and giving him another reason to step away from soccer before beginning preparations for the new club season.

Ronaldo’s comeback date finally comes into focus

The fresh 365Scores Arabic update provides the clearest indication yet of when supporters can expect to see Ronaldo back in an Al-Nassr shirt. His return is now expected to come against Al-Riyadh on August 21, meaning the club’s captain will surely miss the first two competitive fixtures before making his comeback.

The decision represents a change from earlier expectations that Ronaldo would return to training relatively soon after completing his post-World Cup recovery period. Instead, Postecoglou has opted to prioritize additional rest, allowing his biggest star to return when he is fully ready for the campaign ahead.

Al-Nassr’s preseason preparations have been taking place in Lisbon under Postecoglou, but Ronaldo is not expected to join the squad during the overseas training camp. The camp officially concluded on August 5, with the squad then scheduled to return to Riyadh.

That leaves Ronaldo with a relatively short period to work with his teammates before his eventual competitive return. Still, the club appears willing to sacrifice an early appearance from its captain in exchange for giving him the time needed to prepare properly.

Wedding reports create more confusion

Ronaldo’s extended absence has also been linked to his personal life, with reports claiming that the superstar had been granted leave to celebrate his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez.

However, those reports quickly became complicated after Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, publicly pushed back against claims that the couple was getting married. “Why do people think Ronaldo is getting married when he’s never even announced it himself?” she wrote on Instagram, before questioning why the media continued to speculate about the couple’s plans.

Ronaldo himself appeared to find the situation amusing. After a post claimed journalists were waiting in Madeira to photograph his supposed wedding, the Al-Nassr captain responded with a series of laughing emojis.

The confusion reached another level when hundreds of people reportedly gathered outside a church in Madeira expecting the player’s wedding to take place. The anticipated ceremony did not happen, adding another bizarre chapter to the ongoing speculation surrounding Ronaldo and Rodriguez.

For much of the summer, Al-Nassr’s transfer plans had been complicated by financial restrictions that prevented the club from formally completing previously agreed deals. That situation appears to have changed, with Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reporting that the club has completed the procedures required to lift the restrictions and resume its recruitment activity.

The breakthrough is particularly important because Al-Nassr had reportedly reached an agreement with Real Mallorca in July for Samu Costa. However, the transfer could not immediately be registered because of the financial monitoring imposed on the Saudi champion. According to Al-Riyadiyah, the restrictions have now been lifted, allowing the team to move forward with the registration of new players.

The development effectively removes the biggest obstacle standing between Costa and his move to Riyadh. The club’s financial problems had become a major issue during the offseason, with reports claiming that Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding $280 million. The restructuring process involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company, and efforts to reorganize existing financial commitments.

Samu Costa announcement date emerges

The latest update now gives a much clearer picture of when supporters could finally see the transfer made official. Former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie revealed that the league sent approval for Samu Costa on Sunday morning, meaning the club can now submit the documentation to the Professionalism Committee.

Al-Subaie also provided an indication of when the announcement could arrive. According to his update, Al-Nassr’s official account is expected to announce the Samu Costa deal within the next 72 hours.

That would bring the Portuguese midfielder closer to becoming the Knight of Najd’s first summer signing after the club finally overcame the financial restrictions that had delayed its recruitment plans. Another Saudi journalist, Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi, also reported that Costa is expected to arrive in Riyadh within the next two days.

The timing adds another layer of intrigue to the move, as Al-Nassr is already preparing for the start of the new campaign. The club begins its Saudi Pro League season against Al-Fateh, while it also has ambitions of defending its domestic crown and making another serious push in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Costa would fill major midfield vacancy

Costa’s arrival would address an important need in the squad following the departure of Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season, leaving the club with a significant vacancy in the center of the pitch.

Costa, who has established himself as an important midfielder at Real Mallorca, would offer another option in an area that needs greater depth. His arrival could become one of the first major pieces of Al-Nassr’s squad rebuild after the club’s financial restrictions were eased.

The Portuguese midfielder is also arriving at a fascinating point in the club’s development. Ronaldo remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project, while the club is looking to surround its captain with enough quality to compete on multiple fronts.

San Diego FC head coach Mikey Varas addressed the departure, making clear the club views the move as the right call for both sides. He described it as a mutual solution rather than a setback: “It doesn’t affect the group at all,” he told Bolavip during a Leagues Cup pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s August 9 clash against Tijuana, adding that the team had operated according to its plan.

Lozano’s brief spell in San Diego produced a season to remember followed by one to forget. The Mexican winger had seen his playing time evaporate entirely in 2026, failing to appear in a single MLS or Leagues Cup match for San Diego FC this season.

That drop-off marks a stark contrast to his 2025 campaign, when Lozano featured in 34 games for the club, scoring 11 goals and adding 8 assists— numbers that made him one of the club’s most productive attacking players in its debut MLS season.

Varas expanded on his stance further, framing the move as a positive outcome for everyone involved. “I’m happy that there’s a solution for the club and for [Lozano]. I’ve always said that he could continue his career,” Varas told Bolavip during Saturday’s Leagues Cup pre-match press conference.

Lozano won’t be gone for long, at least in terms of facing his old club — San Diego FC are set to host LA Galaxy on August 29, setting up a potential return to Snapdragon Stadium for the winger just weeks after his departure.

Alejandro Alvarado sends Lozano well wishes

Bolavip also asked San Diego FC midfielder Alejandro Alvarado for his reaction to Lozano’s departure, and the response was equally warm. “We are happy that he found somewhere he can play and just be himself,” Alvarado said, reflecting on his former teammate’s fresh start with the Galaxy.

Alvarado went on to praise Lozano’s character in the locker room, calling him “always a good teammate” and saying the squad was “excited for him” as he begins this new chapter, sending him their well wishes for the loan spell in Los Angeles.

Simeone didn’t mince words when addressing Alvarez‘s future at Atletico Madrid, delivering a blunt message during his pre-match press conference in Seoul. “The situation is very clear, the club made a decision that Miguel Angel explained very well. We’re very happy with Julian, and from a sporting standpoint we’ll help him keep growing,” Simeone said.

The comments came ahead of Atletico‘s friendly against Manchester City on August 8, with the manager backing the stance already laid out by club shareholder Miguel Angel Gil Marin: Alvarez is not for sale this summer, regardless of the player’s own wishes.

Alvarez himself wasn’t part of the squad in Seoul, still on vacation following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, with his return to training scheduled for August 10.

That timeline sets up a potentially tense reunion between player and club, given his public desire to leave Atletico this summer, with Barcelona long positioned as his preferred destination.

Despite that friction, Simeone struck a conciliatory tone toward his forward, praising his contributions over the past two seasons and pledging continued support to help him reach his best level, even as the club stands firm on keeping him beyond this transfer window.

The Griezmann precedent

Simeone didn’t shy away from drawing a direct parallel to a situation he’s lived through before. “We’ve been through situations like this before, we saw what happened with Griezmann, I see no other path than to work from the sporting side like it’s on us to do, and try to help like we have these past two years,” he said, pointing to Antoine Griezmann’s own saga at the club.

The Frenchman left Atletico for Barcelona in 2019 amid a similarly public transfer battle, only to return years later — first on loan in 2021, then permanently in 2022 — eventually becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer after working to rebuild trust with the fanbase.

Simeone’s message at the press conference was clear: even if Alvarez’s situation feels unresolved now, history suggests these sagas can still end in the player’s favor at Atletico.

Match Overview

Chivas are not in the best form in Liga MX right now, sitting in 12th place with just two points from their first three matches. However, they earned a point in their Leagues Cup 2026 debut after a 1-1 draw against LAFC, before falling 5-4 in the penalty shootout.

On the other hand, FC Dallas opened their tournament with a convincing 2-0 win over Queretaro. While the MLS side enters this fixture as the favorite, Chivas remain a formidable powerhouse following a strong 2025 campaign and cannot be taken lightly.

The post came after Inter Miami had remained largely silent on social media for much of Saturday following news of Jorge Messi’s passing, with the club also adding a black ribbon to its crest across its social profiles as a mark of mourning.

Jorge’s connection to Inter Miami ran deeper than being Lionel’s father — he played a central role in the nearly three-year negotiation that brought Messi to the club in 2023, according to owner Jorge Mas, even personally informing Barcelona president Joan Laporta of Lionel’s decision to leave for Miami.

As expected, Messi will not be part of Inter Miami’s squad for Saturday’s Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey, having traveled to Argentina to be with his family during this difficult time.

The tributes have extended well beyond Inter Miami, with messages of support pouring in from Argentina’s national team, Barcelona, Real Madrid, CONMEBOL and Newell’s Old Boys, among others, as the soccer world mourns alongside the Messi family.

When could Messi return?

Messi’s return to the pitch remains uncertain, with three upcoming matches floated as possible comeback points. Wednesday’s Leagues Cup clash with Club Leon on August 12 appears unlikely given the short turnaround, while Saturday’s MLS match against Nashville SC on August 15 is a more realistic possibility.

The August 19 meeting with Philadelphia Union, however, is widely seen as the most likely option, giving Messi more time with his family before returning to full training and competition.

The absence immediately changes the complexion of the matchup, especially with Inter Miami already dealing with several other attacking problems. Monterrey, meanwhile, enters the contest knowing that a victory could dramatically improve its chances of staying alive in the competition after losing its opening match to Orlando City.

Messi’s absence comes only days after one of his most impressive performances of the summer. The 39-year-old started Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atlético de San Luis and scored twice while also providing an assist in a 4-2 victory, directly contributing to three of the club’s four goals.

It was the Argentine’s first start for Inter Miami since returning from the 2026 World Cup with La Albiceleste, and his performance immediately reminded everyone why the club remains so dependent on him. He looked sharp throughout the match, constantly finding space between the lines and creating problems whenever he received the ball around the penalty area.

The result also gave the Herons an important early advantage in the revamped Leagues Cup format. With only three Phase One matches available and goal difference playing a major role in determining who advances, every goal can become valuable later in the competition. However, Messi will now have to watch from afar as Inter Miami takes on one of the strongest clubs from Liga MX.

Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing against Monterrey?

The reason behind Messi’s absence is deeply personal and far more significant than a routine injury, suspension or decision to rotate the squad. Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and longtime agent, died in Rosario at the age of 68, with his death confirmed on Saturday after he had been receiving medical treatment. The news has prompted tributes from various organizations and clubs, including the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Barcelona.

Messi has subsequently traveled to Argentina to be with his family during this extremely difficult period. Reports indicate that he is expected to reunite with his mother Celia Cuccittini, his siblings and other relatives in Rosario, where arrangements for a private ceremony are expected to take place.

The decision to leave Inter Miami at this moment is therefore completely understandable. Soccer has understandably taken a back seat as Messi returns home to mourn his father and support his family.

Painful moment overshadows a crucial match

There is an important soccer story developing around the Inter Miami-Monterrey meeting, but Messi’s absence puts everything else into perspective. The Leagues Cup remains important, particularly with both clubs fighting for a place in the knockout rounds, yet the circumstances surrounding the Argentine’s departure understandably dominate the conversation.

Miami enters the match with three points after its opening victory, while Monterrey has no points after its defeat to Orlando City. The Mexican club needs a result, while Inter Miami wants to strengthen its position before its final Phase One fixture against Club Leon.

The 39-year-old absence is made even more significant by the number of other attacking players unavailable to Inter Miami. Luis Suarez is suspended for the Leagues Cup, while Tadeo Allende, German Berterame and Mateo Silvetti have also been dealing with injury issues.

That leaves Inter Miami with an unusually depleted forward line against a Monterrey side that desperately needs a result. The club’s attacking responsibilities are therefore likely to fall on players who normally operate in different roles.

The latest achievement came during another memorable night for Inter Miami, where Messi produced the kind of performance that has become synonymous with his career. What makes the milestone particularly striking, however, is the speed at which he reached it and the age at which he achieved something that has taken Ronaldo considerably longer to accomplish.

Messi makes history in Miami

Messi reached the landmark on August 5, 2026, scoring twice as Inter Miami defeated Atletico de San Luis 4-2 in the Leagues Cup. The brace gave the Argentine another two goals to add to an already extraordinary career total and pushed him into a statistical category that had previously belonged to no one.

Messi became the fastest player in soccer history to score 920 official senior career goals, reaching the figure in only 1,166 matches. That number becomes even more impressive when compared with Ronaldo’s path to the same milestone.

Cristiano Ronaldo needed 1,259 matches to reach 920 goals, meaning Messi arrived at the same figure 93 games faster than his longtime rival. The comparison offers another fascinating twist to a rivalry that has dominated soccer statistics and individual awards for more than a decade.

The achievement also highlights the different ways the two superstars have built their enormous scoring records. Ronaldo has maintained an extraordinary longevity and currently leads the overall official career scoring charts, but Messi has consistently produced a superior scoring rate during the matches used for this comparison.

The stats that separate Messi and Ronaldo

The headline figure is impressive enough, but the circumstances surrounding it make Messi’s achievement even more remarkable. He reached 920 official senior goals at 39 years and 42 days old, becoming the youngest player ever to reach that number, as well as the fastest.

Ronaldo reached the same 920-goal mark at 39 years and 356 days, meaning Messi achieved the milestone more than 10 months earlier in terms of age. The distinction adds another layer to a rivalry that has repeatedly produced debates over goals, assists, efficiency and longevity.

The numbers also demonstrate how efficiently Messi has scored throughout his career. With 921 goals in 1,166 matches, he is averaging roughly 0.79 goals per game, while Ronaldo’s figures in the same comparison stand at 835 goals in 1,166 appearances, or around 0.72 goals per match.

That efficiency has been one of the defining characteristics of Messi’s career. His ability to score at an extraordinary rate while simultaneously creating chances for teammates makes his statistical profile unusually complete for a player who has spent so much of his career operating as an attacker and playmaker.

Messi’s goal total keeps climbing

Messi’s current total has moved beyond the 920 mark following his latest performances, with the supplied figures putting him at 921 official senior career goals. Ronaldo, meanwhile, remains comfortably ahead in the overall career scoring race and continues to chase the unprecedented 1,000-goal barrier.

The current numbers show Ronaldo with 976 career goals in 1,330 matches, compared with Messi’s 921 in 1,166 appearances. Ronaldo therefore retains an overall advantage of 55 goals, meaning the race between the two icons remains far from settled despite Messi’s historic advantage in reaching the 920 milestone.

That distinction is important because the fastest-to-920 record does not mean Messi has overtaken Ronaldo as the all-time leading scorer. Ronaldo still owns the higher overall goal tally, while Messi has reached the same major milestone more efficiently and in fewer appearances.

The possibility of both players reaching 1,000 career goals continues to provide another fascinating storyline late in their careers. Ronaldo remains closer to that figure because of his overall scoring lead, while Messi’s superior efficiency means every additional appearance carries the potential for another statistical milestone.

Match Overview

Inter Miami enter this match as the clear favorite. In their opening fixture, the Herons defeated Atletico de San Luis in a 4-2 comeback victory, powered by a brace from captain Lionel Messi.

On the other side, Monterrey failed to overcome Orlando City. The Liga MX side suffered a 2-1 loss against the MLS club, with Antoine Griezmann netting his first Leagues Cup goal for his new team.

The competition runs on two separate 18-team tables, one for MLS and one for Liga MX, with only the top four clubs from each advancing to the Round of 16. Miami currently sits second in the MLS table with three points and a plus-2 goal differential after their 4-2 win, with a Messi brace, over Atletico San Luis, trailing only Charlotte on goal difference.

Monterrey, meanwhile, sit at the bottom of the Liga MX table with zero points following their 2-1 opening loss to Orlando City, making Saturday’s match considerably more urgent for the Mexican side.

What happens if Inter Miami beat Monterrey

A victory in regulation would move Miami to six points, likely vaulting them into the top spot in the MLS table. It would also leave Miami needing just a positive result in their final group match to all but lock up a top-four finish and a spot in the knockout rounds for a fourth straight Leagues Cup.

For Monterrey, a loss would leave them on zero points through two matches, putting real pressure on their final outing to have any realistic shot at climbing into Liga MX’s top four.

What happens if Inter Miami and Monterrey draw

The Leagues Cup doesn’t allow for straight draws — any match tied after 90 minutes goes directly to a penalty shootout, with the winner awarded two points and the loser one.

Should Miami win the shootout, they’d move to five points, likely holding their position near the top of the MLS table, while Monterrey would collect one point but remain toward the bottom of the Liga MX standings.

If Monterrey instead win the shootout, Miami would sit on four points, still very much alive for the knockout rounds, while Monterrey would climb off zero points and keep their own qualification hopes within reach heading into the final matchday.

What happens if Inter Miami lose to Monterrey

A loss in regulation would leave Miami on three points, level with where they started the day, though a worse goal differential could see them slip several spots down the MLS table depending on other results. It wouldn’t be fatal to their knockout chances, but it would put considerable pressure on their final group-stage match to secure a top-four finish.

For Monterrey, meanwhile, a win would bring them to three points and go a long way toward reviving their own path to the knockout rounds after their rocky start to the tournament.

His role began long before the world took notice. Jorge served as Lionel’s first coach at Grandoli, a neighborhood club in Rosario, when his son was just four years old, laying the groundwork for the talent that would later catch the eye of Newell’s Old Boys.

He remained a constant presence through Lionel’s diagnosis with growth hormone deficiency, standing by him through an expensive and complicated treatment process the family struggled to afford.

It was Jorge who then made what’s often described as one of football’s riskiest decisions: uprooting the family to relocate to Barcelona, leaving behind stable work in Argentina. That gamble led directly to the club’s famous napkin agreement with Carles Rexach in December 2000, which secured both Lionel’s signing and the funding for his ongoing medical treatment.

As Lionel’s career took off, Jorge’s role evolved from guardian into full-time representative. He left his job at the steel factory to become his son’s sole agent for the next 22 years, negotiating every major contract renewal at Barcelona, orchestrating the move to PSG, and closing the historic arrival at Inter Miami.

Messi’s lifelong reliance on his father’s approval

In an interview with Luzu TV earlier this year, Messi opened up about just how much he relied on his father’s perspective throughout his career, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional weight behind Jorge’s role in his journey.

“On the sporting side, I was always my own harshest critic — I know when I did things well and when I did them badly. But I always needed my old man’s approval or opinion, ever since I was little. I’d finish a match and ask him about anything,” he said.

Among the tributes was a message from Argentina’s national team. “Stay strong, Leo Messi and family. We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our most heartfelt embrace,” the message read.

Messi has since reportedly traveled to Argentina to be with his mother, Celia, and his siblings, stepping away from his soccer commitments during this difficult time.

He is expected not to feature in Inter Miami’s squad for their Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey, and it remains unclear when he’ll return to action, with his comeback expected to depend entirely on his family’s needs in the coming days rather than any fixed timeline.

Barcelona also pay tribute

FC Barcelona also joined the wave of condolences, releasing an official statement on behalf of the club’s president and board of directors to honor Jorge Messi’s legacy and offer their support to the Messi family.

“Our deepest condolences. May Jorge Messi rest in peace. The President and the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of former Barça player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on behalf of the entire Barça family, extend their condolences to the Messi family,” the statement read.

“FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career,” it concluded.

Milan will face Chelsea on Saturday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, with the fixture serving as one of the final tests before the new season. The Italian club arrives after a 1-1 draw with Inter, while the Blues are looking to respond after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Juventus.

The match was always expected to carry extra significance because of the number of players with connections to the London club. Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christopher Nkunku could all feature for the Rossoneri against their former side, while Pulisic would have been another obvious storyline had he been available.

The 27-year-old American forward spent four seasons at Chelsea before moving to San Siro in 2023, establishing himself as one of the Italian club’s most important attacking players. His absence therefore leaves Milan without a player who could have provided both quality on the wing and plenty of personal motivation against his former employer.

The reason behind Pulisic’s absence

The reason Pulisic will miss the friendly is an injury suffered during the United States’ 2026 World Cup campaign. The American winger was hurt during the United States’ Round of 16 meeting with Belgium after attempting a shot and colliding with Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans.

According to reports from The Athletic, medical examinations subsequently revealed a bone bruise and microfracture around the tibia-fibula area of Pulisic’s right leg. The winger initially attempted to continue after the collision, but the discomfort eventually forced him out of the match. The injury ended his World Cup campaign and meant that his return to Milan preparations needed to be handled carefully rather than rushed.

Instead of joining the squad for the preseason tour of Australia, Indonesia and Poland, Pulisic remained at Milanello to continue his rehabilitation. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the club’s priority has been to avoid increasing the player’s workload too quickly after his injury.

The decision means he has missed the opportunity to face Inter and Chelsea during the overseas tour, but it could prove important in preventing the setback from becoming a longer-term problem. Pulisic returned to Milanello on July 30 after receiving additional time away following the World Cup and underwent medical checks before beginning individual training.

Pulisic’s recovery timeline offers Milan encouragement

Although the initial description of the injury understandably raised concerns, there has been some encouraging news surrounding Pulisic’s recovery. The expectation is that he will need weeks rather than months to recover, giving the club hope that he can return relatively early in the Serie A campaign.

The Rossoneri have therefore avoided taking unnecessary risks during preseason. A friendly against Chelsea can offer valuable preparation, but Ruben Amorim has little reason to gamble with one of his most important players when the competitive season is approaching.

Pulisic is currently targeting a return around the beginning of the new Serie A season, with Milan scheduled to face Torino on August 23. If his rehabilitation continues without complications, the American could have a realistic chance of being available for that fixture or returning shortly afterward.

For much of the transfer saga, Real Madrid looked like the natural destination for the Ballon d’Or winner. The Santiago Bernabeu side had shown strong interest in Rodri, while Barcelona‘s pursuit gathered momentum later in the summer, creating a fascinating battle for one of the most sought-after midfielders in European soccer.

Now, however, a new detail has emerged that could explain why the balance has shifted. A conversation involving one of the most influential coaches in Rodri’s career may have helped shape the midfielder’s thinking at a crucial stage of the negotiations.

Rodri’s future suddenly swings toward Barcelona

Rodri has spent the last several seasons at the heart of Manchester City’s midfield, becoming one of the defining players of Guardiola‘s era at the club. His contract is due to expire in the summer of 2027, meaning the current transfer window represents an important opportunity for City to either secure his long-term future or consider a major sale.

Real Madrid had been closely monitoring the situation and, according to reports, had even made contact with Manchester City about a possible transfer. The Spanish giants reportedly received an encouraging response before eventually making their interest more concrete.

For a period, Rodri appeared open to the possibility of joining Real Madrid. Guardiola himself had previously acknowledged the difficulty of rejecting an approach from a club of Madrid’s stature, making the midfielder’s eventual change of direction particularly striking.

The Catalans, meanwhile, intensified their pursuit as the summer progressed. Reports from Sky Sports and Spanish media suggested that the Blaugrana had significantly stepped up its efforts to sign Rodri, with the player’s preference becoming increasingly important to the outcome.

Guardiola’s advice changes picture

The most intriguing development concerns Guardiola’s role in the saga. According to reports from COPE and Spanish journalist Miquel Blazquez, Rodri spoke with his former manager about the choice between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Guardiola advised him to choose the Catalan club. Rodri had reportedly asked Guardiola which destination would be the better fit, with the former Barcelona coach recommending the Blaugrana.

That advice reportedly came down to one major reason: Barcelona’s style of play is considered much closer to what Rodri has experienced throughout his Manchester City career under Guardiola. The midfielder has spent years operating in a possession-heavy system built around controlling matches, dictating tempo and dominating the central areas of the pitch.

That familiarity could be hugely important for a player entering the next major chapter of his career. Rather than having to adapt completely to a new tactical environment, the 30-year-old would be moving into a system that shares many of the principles he has mastered at City.

How Barcelona’s soccer offers Rodri familiar environment

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s qualities have been closely associated with Guardiola’s positional soccer. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, dictate the rhythm of a match and provide security in front of the defense has made him an ideal fit for City’s approach.

Barcelona could offer a similar environment. The club’s possession-based philosophy and emphasis on controlling games through midfield could allow Rodri to continue playing the type of soccer in which he has become one of the world’s best players.

The presence of several Spain teammates could also make the transition easier. Reports have suggested that Rodri is attracted by the prospect of sharing a dressing room with players such as Pedri and Dani Olmo, creating an environment that could feel familiar to the midfielder.

That factor could carry more weight than it initially appears. Rodri already understands many of the players and principles associated with Spain’s style, meaning a move to Barcelona could combine the familiarity of international soccer with the tactical concepts he has learned at Manchester City.

The timing could hardly be more important for Al-Nassr. The club is preparing for the start of a new campaign in which it will be expected to defend its Saudi league crown while also challenging for the AFC Champions League Elite, and strengthening the midfield has been one of its priorities.

For several weeks, however, the club’s recruitment plans had been complicated by circumstances away from the pitch. An agreement for Costa had reportedly been reached in July, but the Saudi side was unable to formally complete the transfer while it worked through a regulatory process connected to its finances.

Al-Nassr finally clears the path for new signings

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Nassr has completed the procedures required to end the financial monitoring imposed on the club, allowing it to move forward with registering new players and completing transfers for the upcoming season.

The report indicates that the club has submitted the necessary documentation to the relevant authorities as it works toward formally lifting the remaining restrictions. That development represents a major breakthrough for Al-Nassr, which had effectively been prevented from turning previously agreed transfer deals into official registrations.

The process has reportedly involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company and the restructuring of existing financial commitments. New commercial agreements with HUMAIN and Aroya Cruise Saudi have also reportedly formed part of the measures used to strengthen the club’s financial position.

Specialized consulting firms were brought in to help Al-Nassr improve its financial, administrative, legal and commercial operations. The broader aim has been to establish tighter spending controls and create a more sustainable structure for the club moving forward.

The $280 million hurdle finally comes into focus

The scale of the problem becomes clearer when looking at the figures involved. Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding 800 million Saudi riyals, with estimates placing the overall burden at around $280 million, creating serious complications for the club’s ability to operate freely in the transfer market.

Reports cited by various outlets linked the financial pressure to years of aggressive spending, major player salaries and expensive recruitment. Cristiano Ronaldo’s enormous contract has inevitably been part of the discussion, although it would be unfair to attribute the club’s entire financial situation to the Portuguese superstar.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after leaving Manchester United, and his arrival transformed the Saudi football landscape. His presence helped attract other global stars to the league and gave Al-Nassr unprecedented worldwide visibility, but his reported earnings have also made the club’s wage bill considerably heavier.

Reports have claimed that the superstar has earned around $625 million in wages during his time at Al-Nassr, although figures surrounding player contracts and commercial arrangements can vary between sources. The club has also invested heavily in other high-profile players, adding further pressure to its finances.

The Saudi club’s situation eventually led to intervention from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which placed greater scrutiny on its financial operations and restricted spending that lacked sufficient backing. The restructuring process has now apparently reached a stage where Al-Nassr can return to the transfer market with fewer restrictions.

Samu Costa move can finally move forward

That breakthrough directly affects the future of Samu Costa, who is now expected to become Al-Nassr’s first signing of the summer transfer window. Reports indicate that the club reached an agreement with Real Mallorca for the Portuguese midfielder for a fee between $10.4 million and $22 million.

The deal had been held up because Al-Nassr could not formally register the player while the financial restrictions remained in place. With those restrictions now lifted, Costa’s transfer can finally be completed, and the midfielder can join the squad’s preparations for the new season.

Al-Riyadiyah reported that the midfielder has already received the necessary approvals and is set to participate in Al-Nassr’s training sessions. Costa’s arrival would give the club an important new option in midfield after Marcelo Brozovic departed when his contract expired at the end of last season.

The 25-year-old Portuguese midfielder therefore arrives at a particularly important moment. Al-Nassr needs to maintain the quality of its midfield while simultaneously managing a squad built around one of football’s biggest stars.

And for Ronaldo, the development provides another reason for optimism. With the $280 million financial hurdle apparently cleared and Costa edging closer, Al-Nassr can finally concentrate on building the squad it needs for another season of domestic and continental ambitions.

The Spanish Super Cup has become one of the most recognizable examples of Spanish soccer taking a domestic competition abroad, with the tournament spending the majority of recent years in Saudi Arabia. That arrangement will be interrupted in 2027, however, as Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host the AFC Asian Cup during the same period.

The scheduling conflict has forced the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to examine alternative destinations for the four-team competition. The 2027 edition is expected to be played in February instead of January, with several international locations now being considered as the federation looks for a venue capable of replacing Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has hosted the Spanish Super Cup for seven consecutive years, with matches taking place in cities including Jeddah and Riyadh. The tournament has only departed from that broader overseas strategy once since 2018, when the 2021 edition was moved to Morocco because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to look elsewhere also highlights how important the Super Cup has become commercially. Taking the competition abroad gives the Spanish Football Federation access to new audiences, major stadiums and international markets while allowing the biggest clubs in Spain to showcase their stars on a global stage.

The leading candidate emerges

While Istanbul was initially reported as a possible destination, Miami has now emerged as the leading candidate to host the 2027 Spanish Super Cup, according to Diario AS. Istanbul remains in contention, while Qatar is also being considered as the federation weighs its options.

AS reported that Miami currently sits at the top of the list, followed by Istanbul and Qatar, with the RFEF’s delegated commission expected to discuss the potential venues. A decision is expected after the federation evaluates the logistical and commercial advantages of each location.

The possibility of staging the tournament in Miami would represent another major step in Spanish soccer’s push into the United States. The city already has a strong connection with the global soccer market, and the presence of Real Madrid and Barcelona would give the event enormous international attention.

Miami had previously been considered as a potential destination for the Women’s Spanish Super Cup. That proposal ultimately failed to materialize after one of the participating clubs opposed the move, but the city has now returned to the conversation for the men’s competition.

Turkiye remains serious alternative

Istanbul has also emerged as a strong contender and was described as the frontrunner in an earlier report from Spanish journalist Alfredo Martínez. According to Martínez, the tournament could be staged in the Turkish city during the first week of February 2027.

Alfredo Martínez of Onda Cero reported that the 2027 Spanish Super Cup is expected to take place in early February and could be held in Istanbul. However, the situation remains fluid, and no official announcement has yet been made by the Spanish Soccer Federation.

Istanbul would provide an attractive setting for the competition because of its long history of hosting major European soccer events. The city has previously staged Champions League finals, UEFA Super Cup matches and other major fixtures, giving it the infrastructure and soccer culture required for a tournament involving four elite Spanish clubs.

Qatar is the other major option currently being discussed, although it appears to sit behind Miami and Istanbul in the race. The final decision will ultimately depend on the federation’s assessment of scheduling, stadium availability, commercial opportunities and the overall organization of the event.

Real Madrid and Barcelona could meet in another El Clasico

The location of next year’s tournament is only part of the story because the sporting lineup has already created the possibility of another huge showdown. Real Sociedad will face Real Madrid in one semifinal, while Barcelona will meet Atletico Madrid in the other.

That means an El Clasico could once again decide the Spanish Super Cup if Real Madrid and Barcelona overcome their respective semifinal opponents. Such a final would bring Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal into the same spotlight, potentially giving the two young superstars another stage on which to shape one of Spanish soccer’s biggest rivalries.

Real Madrid’s semifinal against Real Sociedad will pair the club with a difficult opponent, while Barcelona will have to overcome Atletico Madrid to reach the final. The Final Four format means there is no guarantee of an El Clasico, but the possibility is enough to generate significant interest before the tournament even begins.

The managerial battle could make a potential final even more compelling. Jose Mourinho will lead Real Madrid, while Hansi Flick is in charge of Barcelona, meaning an El Clasico final in Istanbul or Miami could provide a highly-expected meeting between the two experienced coaches.

The Australian manager arrived in Saudi Arabia with plenty to prove after taking charge of Al-Nassr on a two-year contract. Yet one of the biggest attractions of the job is obvious: the opportunity to coach one of soccer’s greatest-ever goalscorers and one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet.

Postecoglou‘s appointment represents a major change for Al-Nassr after the departure of Jorge Jesus. The former Celtic manager has left European soccer behind for a new challenge in the Middle East, where expectations will immediately be high given the club’s ambitions and the presence of Ronaldo.

On the other hand, the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project. His reputation, goalscoring record and experience at the highest level mean that any manager taking charge of the club will inevitably face questions about how he plans to maximize Ronaldo’s contribution.

Postecoglou has already made it clear that Ronaldo will have a central role in his plans. The manager’s first public assessment of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner also offered an early indication of how highly he values the veteran forward.

Ronaldo’s delayed return does not concern Postecoglou

Ronaldo has been given additional time away from the squad after representing Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. Rather than rushing him back into training, Postecoglou believes the extended break is important after another demanding season for a player who has spent much of his career operating at an extraordinary physical and competitive level.

The pair met at Al-Nassr’s pre-season base in Portugal, where Ronaldo attended the club’s friendly against Almeria. It was the first public meeting between the new manager and his biggest star since Postecoglou took charge, even though Ronaldo had yet to fully rejoin the group.

That delay appears to have caused no concern for the Australian. Instead, Postecoglou stressed that Ronaldo’s professionalism and desire to return will ensure he is ready when the new campaign begins.

Postecoglou reveals what Ronaldo told him

Speaking about his first conversation with Ronaldo, Postecoglou described the Portuguese forward as a hugely important player and admitted that working with him is an honor. “Cristiano Ronaldo is a very important player, and it is certainly an honour for me to share a dressing room with him and the other players feel the same way,” Postecoglou said, via Glasgow Times.

The manager also revealed that Ronaldo had personally reassured him about his condition and readiness for the upcoming campaign: “I had a conversation with Cristiano, and he confirmed to me his readiness for the new season”.

That message should reassure the Knight of Najd’s supporters. Despite his age and delayed return to training, Ronaldo has apparently made it clear to his new manager that he remains fully committed to preparing for another demanding season.

The manager clearly understands the importance of allowing Ronaldo to manage his workload carefully. Rather than treating the extended break as a problem, Postecoglou sees it as a necessary period of recovery following an exhausting schedule. “He deserves more rest, and he will soon return to the team’s camp to prepare for the campaign ahead,” the Australian manager added.

The deal is structured as a season-long loan that includes an option, but not an obligation, for Liverpool to sign Araujo permanently at its conclusion. That setup allows the Reds to evaluate his fitness and form, which dipped following a 2024 injury setback, before committing to a longer-term deal, while also giving Barcelona breathing room on their salary cap to register the rest of their squad for the season.

Araujo‘s departure comes after he fell down Barcelona’s defensive pecking order despite being one of the club’s four captains. Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, and Pau Cubarsi have established themselves as Hansi Flick’s preferred center-backs, while Jules Kounde remains first-choice at right-back.

The 27-year-old, who debuted for Barcelona in 2019 and has made 213 appearances with 14 goals, still holds a contract at the club through 2031 after renewing in January 2025.

For Liverpool, the move addresses an urgent need at the back. The club lost Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid on a free transfer, and head coach Andoni Iraola has been dealing with injuries to Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet, prompting him to request defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes.

Barcelona looking to reinforce defense after Araujo’s exit

Araujo’s departure could coincide with Barcelona strengthening the very position that pushed him down the pecking order in the first place. The club is reportedly closing in on a two-year deal for Joao Cancelo, who would arrive from Al-Hilal for around €10 million.

Should the move go through, Flick would have two established options at right-back between Cancelo and Kounde, further reducing the need for Araujo as defensive cover on that side and reinforcing the logic behind sending him out on loan.

Rodri, 30, has reportedly made clear that his priority is a move to Barcelona, with City already rejecting an opening offer from the Catalan club. Talks between the two sides remain ongoing, with Spanish media putting the total package in the region of €60 million, including a €45 million upfront payment.

Maresca, who worked closely with Fernandez during his time at Stamford Bridge, sees the Argentine as possessing the leadership, passing range, tactical intelligence and on-pitch personality needed to control matches from the center of the park.

Chelsea, however, are firmly opposed to selling, viewing the 25-year-old as a cornerstone of their project. He remains under contract until 2032 and is valued at over £100 million, with a direct move to a Premier League rival likely to inflate that figure further.

The more advanced alternative: Ayyoub Bouaddi

While Fernandez remains Maresca’s dream pick, Manchester City‘s most concrete route to replacing Rodri runs through Lille’s young star Ayyoub Bouaddi.

According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations for the 18-year-old Moroccan are moving into their final stages, with City already in agreement with the player on personal terms over a five-year deal, and reports placing the fee around €100 million.

Unlike Fernandez, who profiles more as a forward-driving midfielder, Bouaddi operates as more of a tempo-setting playmaker — a style that matches with Rodri’s attributes at the midfield. Still, while City have the Bouaddi deal almost wrapped up, that doesn’t mean they won’t still try to go after the Argentine midfielder.

The reigning Premier League champions turned to Romero after William Saliba suffered a serious back injury during France’s World Cup campaign, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side short at the back with the transfer window nearing its close. Arsenal had already seen an earlier approach for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa rejected before shifting their attention to the Tottenham captain.

Spurs, however, wasted no time shutting the door. Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal made inquiries this week but that Spurs prefer to sell abroad, while a separate report from The Athletic stated that Tottenham’s hierarchy have categorically ruled out selling Romero to Arsenal under any circumstances.

That stance has left the door wide open for Atletico Madrid, who have emerged as the clear favorites for Romero’s signature. The Spanish club has already opened formal negotiations with Tottenham, seen an initial bid rejected, and is preparing a new offer, with Romano placing Atletico Madrid well ahead of Inter Milan in the race for the Argentine.

Inter, meanwhile, had reached a €40 million agreement with Tottenham but saw the move stall after failing to sell Benjamin Pavard to fund it and after Romero himself held off on agreeing personal terms — with reports suggesting the defender has a clause favoring a move to one of Spain’s traditional “big three” clubs.

Romero hinted earlier at a LaLiga move

Romero’s links to a Spanish move aren’t new. Speaking to Los Edul a few months ago, the defender admitted that a switch to LaLiga was something he’d long considered. “Growth is always on my mind, going to new places to keep growing. Playing in LaLiga is something I’m missing out on. I would love that, honestly,” he said at the time.

Those comments now look particularly timely given how close he appears to Atletico Madrid. While Romero has been consistently linked with a move to Spain over the past year, his own words suggest the interest runs both ways.

The development has quickly become one of the most intriguing stories of the summer transfer window. Paredes, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, is currently the captain of Boca Juniors, making any potential departure far more complicated than a routine transfer.

According to Martin Arevalo of ESPN Argentina, Milan has already submitted an offer to Boca Juniors for the 32-year-old midfielder. While no financial details have been disclosed, multiple reports from Argentina and Italy agree that the Rossoneri have taken concrete steps toward trying to bring the experienced ace back to Serie A.

Journalist Martin Arevalo reported that Milan has made a “significant offer” for the Argentine international, although he admitted that he did not know the transfer fee involved or the player’s intentions.

The reported interest comes as the Italian outfit continues evaluating options to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes. Ruben Amorim has publicly prioritized adding another central midfielder, and previous targets have proven difficult to secure, opening the door for unexpected alternatives.

Possible move depends on one factor

Paredes returned to Boca in the summer of 2025 from Roma for a reported fee of around $3.5 million. He remains under contract until the end of 2028, leaving the Xeneize in a strong negotiating position if Milan decides to pursue the deal aggressively.

The transfer also depends on the Serie A giant creating room within its current squad. According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Rossoneri are expected to offload several midfielders before completing another signing.

Warren Bondo has reportedly been made available for transfer, while Yunus Musah is not expected to play a central role under Amorim. The club is also believed to be willing to evaluate suitable offers for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana, Ardon Jashari and Samuele Ricci if opportunities arise before the market closes.

Meanwhile, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and promising youngster Christian Comotto are considered the midfielders most likely to remain at San Siro when the new campaign begins.

Decorated career could return to Serie A

Paredes would arrive with extensive experience at the highest level of European soccer. Before returning to Boca, he represented clubs including Roma, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus while establishing himself as one of Argentina‘s most reliable midfielders.

His international résumé is equally impressive. The 32-year-old played a significant role in La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph alongside Lionel Messi, adding another major honor to a career that also includes Copa América success.

That experience is precisely what could appeal to Amorim. Milan already possesses youthful energy throughout its squad, and adding another proven winner in midfield could provide valuable balance during a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.

According to Al Nassr Zone, it is expected that Cristiano will miss the opening round of the league, with reports now pointing to his wedding as the driving factor behind the delay.

The Sun reports that Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are set to marry on Saturday, August 8, at Funchal Cathedral in Madeira, Ronaldo’s hometown. The timing leaves him barely a week to prepare before Al Nassr‘s title defense kicks off on August 15 at Al Awwal Park, a tight turnaround between the wedding and a return to full training in Riyadh.

The wedding caps off what has already been a lengthy break for Ronaldo, who has been away from the club since Portugal’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup.

In the weeks since, he posted vacation photos from Mallorca with his family, skipped Al Nassr’s preseason training camp in Lisbon, and was absent when the squad returned to Riyadh on August 6 and resumed domestic training two days later.

Under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Al Nassr have reportedly requested physical tests before fully clearing Ronaldo to rejoin preseason work, as the club looks to carefully manage his workload for another demanding season across multiple competitions.

King’s Cup opener also in doubt

Ronaldo’s absence could extend beyond the Saudi Pro League opener. Al Nassr Zone also reported that Ronaldo is potentially missing the Al Diriyah match in the King’s Cup, with the team set to open its campaign in the Round of 32 on August 18— just days after the Al Fateh clash.

With such a condensed turnaround between the two fixtures, and now a wedding factored into his calendar, the club may opt to continue easing Ronaldo back gradually rather than risk his fitness across both.

The fallout follows FIFA‘s abandoned proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other competitions through a new subsidiary. While Europe continues to challenge Infantino’s leadership, several influential soccer associations have decided to move in a different direction, leaving the international soccer community more divided than at any point in recent years.

The controversy began after FIFA withdrew its proposal to sell up to a 20% stake in its commercial rights business, a plan that reportedly sought around $4.2 billion from private investors. FIFA later admitted mistakes had been made in how the proposal was presented and apologized to its 211 member associations, promising to review its internal processes.

Despite that apology, the backlash has continued to grow. European soccer governing body UEFA continues to insist that confidence in Infantino has been lost and has kept alive the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions unless meaningful governance reforms are introduced.

Croatia, England, Wales, Finland, Sweden, Serbia, and Albania have already withdrawn support for Infantino’s re-election campaign, while world players’ union FIFPRO has also criticized FIFA’s leadership.

Argentina speaks out on Infantino

While Europe continues its opposition, Argentina and Mexico have officially thrown their support behind Infantino, strengthening the FIFA president’s position before next year’s election in Morocco.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) praised Infantino’s decade in charge, highlighting what it described as global soccer development and stronger institutional governance. Although the AFA acknowledged that the commercial rights proposal had created uncertainty, it argued that FIFA’s willingness to admit mistakes demonstrated accountability.

“On behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and its Executive Committee… we express our support for the work carried out over the last 10 years, which has centred on the development of football worldwide and institutional strength based on a clear, stable and transparent governance model,” AFA president Claudio Tapia wrote.

The federation also welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon the proposal: “We must acknowledge the Administration’s decision to withdraw a proposal which, from the outset, generated far more uncertainty than certainty within the football family.” Argentina concluded that the best path forward is to continue working under Infantino’s leadership ahead of the 2027 FIFA Congress.

Mexico breaks away from CONCACAF’s position

Mexico’s decision has attracted particular attention because it differs from the stance adopted by CONCACAF, the regional governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean. Earlier, CONCACAF had demanded what it called a “comprehensive reckoning” of Infantino’s presidency after criticizing the handling of the investment proposal. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF), however, decided to support the FIFA president instead.

“The FMF will neither recognise nor approve any process convened outside of that institutional framework, and it joins the call made … by President Infantino to collectively continue developing football for the benefit of the 211 member associations,” the federation said.

It added: “The FMF supports President Infantino’s leadership in continuing to promote the development of football through institutional strengthening.” That decision places Mexico alongside Argentina, Paraguay and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has already offered unanimous backing to Infantino.

The Los Angeles club is working to close the signing as quickly as possible, with Roberto set to begin a new chapter after two seasons at Como, where he made 37 appearances under Cesc Fabregas, scoring once and adding an assist. The Catalan midfielder did not reach an agreement to renew his contract with the Italian club, leaving him a free agent.

Should the move go through, Roberto would reunite with a pair of familiar faces at Galaxy: Riqui Puig, his former Barcelona teammate and Hirving Lozano, who recently arrived on loan from San Diego FC. The Galaxy currently sit 12th in the Western Conference and are banking on both additions to provide an immediate boost in their push for a playoff spot.

At 34, Roberto arrives in MLS as a decorated veteran and a Barcelona icon, forever remembered for scoring the goal that completed the club’s stunning 6-1 comeback against PSG in the 2016-17 Champions League Round of 16.

He had once been strongly linked with a reunion with Messi at Inter Miami, but that move never materialized — and now, rather than sharing a locker room with his old captain, he could be facing him from the opposite dugout.

A decade together in Barcelona

The Spanish defender and Messi were Barcelona teammates for roughly 11 years, from Roberto’s first-team debut in November 2010 until Messi’s departure for PSG in August 2021.

Over 14 seasons at the club in total, Roberto won 25 trophies — including two Champions Leagues and seven LaLiga titles — with the vast majority of that haul coming during the years he shared a dressing room with Messi, then the driving force behind Barcelona’s golden era.

Belgium boss Rudi García’s exit following the expiry of his contract on July 31 took the number of managerial departures to 17 this summer.

Read on as we look at which managers have left their roles this summer, before assessing some of the noteworthy appointments to replace them.

International managerial exits: Summer 2026

• Didier Deschamps (France) – Ended his 14-year spell in charge after the World Cup.
• Roberto Martínez (Portugal) – Resigned after Portugal’s round of 16 defeat to Spain.
• Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – Quit after Germany were beaten by Paraguay in the round of 32.
• Rudi García (Belgium) – Exited following Belgium’s run to the quarter-finals.
• Zlatko Dalić (Croatia) – Ended his tenure following Croatia’s round of 32 exit against Portugal.
• Javier Aguirre (Mexico) – Resigned after Mexico lost against England in the round of 16.
• Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – Left after the Netherlands exited in the round of 32.
• Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador) – Resigned after Ecuador’s round of 32 elimination.
• Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay) – Stepped down after Uruguay’s World Cup campaign.
• Steve Clarke (Scotland) – Resigned after Scotland failed to progress beyond the group stage.
• Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) – Left after South Korea’s early exit.
• Sabri Lamouchi (Tunisia) – Sacked after Tunisia’s opening 5–1 defeat at the tournament.
• Miroslav Koubek (Czechia) – Stepped down following Czechia’s group-stage elimination.
• Pape Thiaw (Senegal) – Had his contract terminated after Senegal’s exit.
• Carlos Queiroz (Ghana) – Resigned after Ghana were eliminated in the round of 32.
• Jamal Sellami (Jordan) – Left his position after Jordan’s early exit.
• Vladimir Petković (Algeria) – Exited following Algeria’s disappointing campaign.

Zidane & Klopp headline new managerial appointments

Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp are the standout names on the list of replacements announced by international federations to date.

Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021.

The 54-year-old has now been tasked with building on the foundations laid by Deschamps. He will lead France through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

“I’ve often said it – there’s nothing greater than the French national team,” Zidane said. “So, it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team.

“It’s also a responsibility. I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff.

“I also have a special thought for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.”

The German Football Association’s decision to turn to Klopp was no real surprise given the lack of viable alternatives.

The 59-year-old previously re-established Liverpool as a force in English football, before joining Red Bull GmbH as Head of Global Soccer in January 2025.

He will now work to restore the fortunes of a team which has struggled to live up to its billing since last winning the World Cup in 2014.

Portugal will embark on a new era after Martínez stepped aside. Jorge Jesus has replaced him after spending the last three years in the Saudi Pro League.

Jesus must determine how best to handle veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has given no indication that he will retire from international football.

Martínez made the mistake of pandering to Ronaldo at the World Cup, and his decision ultimately resulted in them making an early exit from the tournament.

Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season, has suggested that the 41-year-old will be part of his upcoming squad.

“As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team,” Jesus said.

“I haven’t spoken with Ronaldo yet. He is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me.

“I had great pleasure working with him this past year – it’s easy to work with him.”

Mark van Bommel has replaced García as Belgium manager. He was previously in charge of PSV Eindhoven, VfL Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp.

He boosted his managerial reputation in Belgium by winning a league and cup double with Antwerp in 2023. That was their first league title since 1957.

Croatia have reappointed former defender Slaven Bilić as their manager. His first spell in charge of his country was from 2006 to 2012.

“I have complete confidence in our players, and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ambition and determination to ensure that Croatia remains among football’s elite,” Bilić said.

“I am genuinely happy to start this challenge and I feel fully prepared for it – as a more mature and experienced coach than in 2006, yet with the same motivation and desire to see Croatia stay powerful, bold and successful.”

According to Cadena SER reporter Nil Sola, Rodri opened the door to joining Barcelona during the 2026 summer transfer window. Even though Real Madrid actively pursued his signature following the World Cup, with manager Jose Mourinho and club president Florentino Perez directly involved in recruiting efforts, Barcelona entered the race late to secure the high-profile commitment.

Following a discussion with Pablo Barquero, Rodri’s agent, journalist Anton Meana shared details on why the midfielder ultimately selected Barcelona over Real Madrid: “The offer is really good; both the agent and Rodri appreciate the class, dignity, respect, and manner with which Madrid handled the negotiations.”

Barquero highlighted just how invested Real Madrid’s front office was in landing his client. “Real Madrid made an unrefusable offer to Rodri after the World Cup. Madrid were serious about going after Rodri and put everything on the table so that he would play for Madrid. From their president down to the general director, everyone worked so that Rodri could play for Real Madrid,” he added.

Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Manchester City were eager to retain Rodri as a cornerstone of its squad, but the midfielder’s contract situation, entering its final year through June 2027, forced the Premier League club to either secure an extension or sell him before losing him for free. With Rodri determined to return to Spain, Real Madrid launched a major bid for the World Cup champion, only for the player to lean toward their fiercest rivals.

Despite Madrid’s persistent interest and lucrative package, Rodri’s camp officially communicated his choice to Los Blancos. “The conversations were positive and they have been negotiating over these past two weeks, but Rodri has made the decision to choose another offer, and he’s told them his decision,” the agent concluded.

Final financial hurdles remain before official unveiling

Rodri’s decision is reportedly finalized, and at 30 years old, the Spanish star is set to make his return to La Liga with Barcelona as his destination. According to Diario AS, personal terms are fully agreed upon, with the midfielder expected to sign a four-year contract featuring a €30 million (around $33 million USD) gross annual salary, though one final detail remains before finalizing the move.

An official agreement on the transfer fee between Barcelona and Manchester City has yet to be finalized. Diario AS reports that the acquisition will cost roughly €60 million (around $66 million USD), a sum Barcelona can now accommodate after parting ways with high earners such as Robert Lewandowski, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marcus Rashford, freeing up significant payroll flexibility to invest in a marquee signing like Rodri.

Following a heartbreaking loss in the 2026 World Cup final, Scaloni cast doubt on his continuation during an emotional press conference that he was forced to cut short after breaking down in tears. A broader roster overhaul looms for the Albiceleste, which featured one of the oldest squads in the tournament, and the AFA remains determined to have Scaloni direct that transition.

In an interview with TyC Sports, Tapia expressed his unwavering desire for Scaloni to spearhead the next cycle: “Without a doubt, I want him to stay, we all want him to stay. We have spoken, and he has even expressed it himself as well, that the conversations were very advanced. I am a grateful guy, and that’s why I think we have to let him meditate, make the right decision, and we have to respect it.“

Tapia emphasized that he would give the manager full autonomy to evaluate his future without added pressure. “I can’t keep the ‘Gringo’ (Scaloni) chained up if he feels he doesn’t have the desire or doesn’t have a better projection. I want him to be well, and we should all want the same, even if it hurts us,” Tapia added.

With Scaloni’s contract expiring in December 2026, the AFA is eager to secure the manager’s long-term future. However, when pressed on whether the federation had prepared a backup option in the event of his departure, Tapia delivered a direct answer: “No, my Plan A, B, and C is Scaloni.“

Since his debut against Guatemala in 2018, Scaloni has compiled an extraordinary resume, amassing over 75 wins and just nine defeats while capturing two Copa America titles, a Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup. As the federation sets its sights on the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup, executives remain convinced that Scaloni is the sole candidate for the position.

Family support could play key role in Scaloni’s decision

Scaloni’s emotional post-match remarks underscored the immense burden of leading the national team, noting that a full reset requires “building a group like this all over again… which will be hard to ever replicate. And it hurts me to my very soul.” However, the national team may have a crucial factor working in its favor to sway his decision.

According to TyC Sports journalist Rodolfo Cingolani, who conducted the interview with Tapia, he was told in an off-the-record conversation that Scaloni’s wife strongly supports his continuation at the helm. Based in Mallorca, Spain, with their family, Elisa Montero reportedly encourages him to remain in the position, believing the joy the Albiceleste brings him, paired with his trusted coaching staff, makes staying on the bench the right path forward.

In an interview with TyC Sports, Tapia was asked about Messi’s future with the Albiceleste following another memorable World Cup run, delivering a candid response: “It is purely and personal to him, we have to leave him in peace. It was a great World Cup by Leo, we enjoyed it a lot. We have to feel proud, and I enjoyed every moment I could because I saw him on the pitch. Without a doubt, he was the flag bearer of the group in this World Cup, just as he was in every competition where he led this group.”

Tapia went on to highlight Messi’s extraordinary track record since Lionel Scaloni assumed control of the bench. “Out of 5 finals, he won 4, and out of 103 matches, 76 won, 19 drawn, 8 lost. If you count from World Cup to World Cup, from 2022 to 2026, we lost two matches: the first one in Qatar against Saudi Arabia, and the last one against Spain. If you sit down and analyze the World Cup he had, for me, the best player in the World Cup final was him. And he was breaking records match after match,” he added.

Since Scaloni’s managerial debut against Guatemala in 2018, Argentina has netted 190 total goals, with Messi directly involved in 79 of them, racking up 60 goals and 26 assists to remain the focal point of this golden era. Lautaro Martinez trails him with 40 goals, while Julian Alvarez sits third with 15, emphasizing how vital the Inter Miami superstar remains to his country.

Looking ahead, the team’s primary focus shifts toward the 2028 Copa America, the next major competition on Argentina’s calendar. While Messi will still be under contract with Inter Miami through December of that year, the fact that he will turn 41 during the tournament casts uncertainty over his participation, let alone his availability for the 2030 World Cup.

“It is his decision, pure and exclusive to him. He has to feel the desire like he felt (before)… In 2022, you didn’t know if he was going to be here in 2026. He said ‘this is match by match,’ and I think we saw a great version, if not the best version of Leo in this World Cup. I believe we have to leave him in peace, let him keep enjoying what he likes, which is playing football, and let us also keep enjoying, and let him make the decision he believes is right,” Tapia concluded.

Comparing Messi’s timeline to Di Maria’s send-off

Angel Di Maria established himself as arguably the second most influential player of the Scaloni era, delivering iconic goals in major finals before closing out his international career after the 2024 Copa America. While Messi has yet to announce a final decision, Tapia emphasized that the captain will evaluate his own physical state rather than rushing into retirement.

Reflecting on the fitness of Di Maria, who currently plays for Rosario Central, Tapia noted. “Fideo scored important goals, and I saw him play in the local tournament, and he was easily fit to play (in the World Cup). I don’t get into the decisions of the coaching staff, but he also made clear that he was retired from the national team. So one has to be respectful of everything. He felt he was fulfilled.“

When asked whether Messi still possesses that unquenchable drive to keep competing for Argentina, Tapia referenced a shared moment between the two. “I was talking with him about that in a series, about never giving up—he said it in a mixed zone. But it depends on him; here, the doors are always open,” Tapia added, referencing Messi’s admiration for the Rafael Nadal documentary series, a personality the captain noted he deeply identifies with.

On Thursday, August 6, Barcelona issued an official statement announcing that a planned friendly in Tangier, Morocco, has been scrapped. The Blaugrana was scheduled to travel to North Africa for a final overseas fixture, and though an opponent had not been formally locked in, the event was officially canceled.

The club statement read: “FC Barcelona informs that the men’s first team friendly match in Tangier potentially scheduled for 15 August has been ruled out. In light of the current uncertainty and circumstances, FC Barcelona considers playing the match would be inappropriate.“

Barcelona were expected to face local club IR Tanger at the 75,000-seat Tangier Grand Stadium, a venue renovated for last year’s Africa Cup of Nations. The decision marks the second friendly Barcelona has canceled this preseason, following the cancellation of a behind-closed-doors match against Preston North End in England.

That match, originally set for last Monday, was called off after the Lilywhites failed to field enough first-team players to meet roster requirements. Preston offered to play using its Under-21 squad, but Hansi Flick ultimately elected to conduct a closed training session instead.

What remains on Barcelona’s preseason schedule?

Following a brief preseason swing through England, Barcelona returned to thir Ciutat Esportiva training facility to continue work ahead of the season opener. Key stars who participated in the 2026 World Cup, including Lamine Yamal and Pedri, are scheduled to report back to the squad on August 12 as preparations pick up.

On Saturday, August 8, Barcelona will compete in a triangular exhibition in Udine, Italy, squaring off against Nottingham Forest and Udinese. The tournament format features 45-minute matches against both English and Italian opponents in the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup.

With a full squad available following the return of its World Cup stars, Barcelona will conclude its preseason slate with the annual Joan Gamper Trophy on August 19. The Blaugrana will host Egyptian giant Al Ahly at Spotify Camp Nou before kicking off its La Liga season against Elche on Sunday, August 23.

That form was on full display in Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis, where Messi scored a brace in a 4-2 comeback win. After the Mexican side struck inside four minutes, Messi equalized in the 13th and put Miami ahead for good in the 32nd, as they rallied at Nu Stadium. The brace also made him the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 14 goals, surpassing Denis Bouanga.

After Messi’s outstanding performance against Atletico San Luis, Almeyda was asked about the display put on by his side’s next Leagues Cup opponent. “Yes, I watched the match… And well, what can I say? He’s [Messi] a machine. He truly keeps amazing, despite his age: so much talent, so much desire to play,” the coach said in a press conference.

Faced with the Argentine’s brilliant form, Almeyda joked that he could have stayed on vacation to avoid facing him. “Today I was just telling my teammates: ‘Didn’t he feel like staying on vacation a bit longer? I don’t know, going on a boat, being with the family,’” he joked.

The coach also praised Messi’s enduring passion for the game, saying he’s grateful players like him still exist and that, unlike most, Messi “doesn’t want vacations, he wants to play“.

A pivotal Matchday 2

Saturday’s meeting is the second matchday of the Leagues Cup 2026 group stage, and the two sides arrive in very different form. Inter Miami sit second in the MLS group with three points after their 4-2 comeback win over Atletico de San Luis, while Monterrey have zero points following their 2-1 loss to Orlando City in their opener.

The stakes differ accordingly. A win would leave Inter Miami one step away from securing a spot in the knockout rounds for a fourth straight edition of the tournament, while also extending their strong home record in the competition.

Monterrey, on the other hand, face a must-win scenario: they’ve dropped two of their last three matches across all competitions and haven’t beaten MLS opposition in normal time in their last seven meetings, meaning another defeat would leave their hopes of advancing badly compromised.

Match Overview

Club America host San Diego FC in an intriguing 2026 Leagues Cup Phase One clash at Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca) in Mexico City on Thursday, August 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM local time), with both squads entering the tournament in contrasting form.

Domestic powerhouse Club America enter in top form, leading the Liga MX Apertura standings with seven points through their opening three matches. In contrast, MLS side San Diego FC arrive seeking momentum mid-season, sitting 13th in the Western Conference with 21 points as they trail in the playoff race.

On Thursday, August 6, Real Madrid released an official statement confirming the acquisition: “Real Madrid C.F. and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Yan Diomande, who will be linked to our club for the next seven seasons, until June 30, 2033.“

Following a sensational breakout season in the Bundesliga with Leipzig and a stellar performance for Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup, Diomande emerged as one of the most coveted young talents in Europe. While Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid led the bidding war, the French champions ultimately bowed out due to Leipzig’s steep valuation, leaving Los Blancos to clear the hurdle and secure his signature.

While Real Madrid did not publicly disclose the specific financial details, sources including ESPN confirm that the Spanish titan committed to a total package worth €140 million, eclipsing Jude Bellingham as the costliest transfer in club history. The fee includes a guaranteed base of €125 million, complemented by €10 million in easily achievable performance incentives and €5 million in more complex stretch bonuses.

Diomande still trails record sums paid for Neymar and Mbappe

With Mbappe firmly locked in and Vinicius Junior recently signing an extension through 2032, Diomande is projected to complete a formidable front line from the right flank for the next seven years. Real Madrid’s willingness to make such an extraordinary financial commitment reflects complete conviction in his world-class potential, though his price tag still trails the historic sums spent on Neymar and Mbappe.

Neymar continues to occupy the top spot on the all-time list after Paris Saint-Germain triggered his €222 million buyout clause to pry him away from FC Barcelona in 2017, more than doubling the previous world record fee. A year later, Mbappe made a high-profile move from AS Monaco to PSG for €180 million, structured as an initial loan before activating an obligatory purchase clause to navigate Financial Fair Play parameters.

Behind the two historic PSG moves, the top three is rounded out by Alexander Isak, whom Liverpool acquired from Newcastle United for €144 million in 2025. With his full package factored in, Diomande now slides into fourth place on the all-time transfer leaderboard with his €140 million valuation.

Top 10 most expensive signings in soccer history

When evaluating total transfer packages including structured add-ons, the list of the highest transfer fees in global soccer history ranks as follows:

Match Overview

Cruz Azul and the Philadelphia Union meet in the 2026 Leagues Cup. The Liga MX side just lost in their local tournament to Atlante, while the MLS club enters this fixture with a lot of confidence after a comeback win against Atlanta United.

Cruz Azul enters this match as the favorite, although not playing at home could complicate things for them. Philadelphia is not carrying great momentum, but the international competition could be key to turning things around.

One of the defining sagas of the summer window centers on Cristian Romero, the Tottenham Hotspur captain who made his desire to depart North London clear at the end of the club season. Coming off a standout campaign in the World Cup that earned him a nomination for defender of the tournament, the star center back is now closing in on his next destination.

As reported by transfer insider Nicolo Schira and ESPN Argentina‘s Esteban Edul, Romero has agreed to personal terms with Atletico Madrid. While Inter Milan pursued his signature, valuation hurdles stalled talks, allowing Los Colchoneros to strike an agreement on a €6 million annual salary through 2030 with a club option for 2031. Final club-to-club negotiations with Tottenham are expected to wrap up between €40 million and €45 million.

Meanwhile, transfer reporter Cesar Luis Merlo reported that Thiago Almada will leave Atlwtico Madrid to sign with Argentine power River Plate. The versatile forward, who opened the World Cup as a starter before seeing his minutes drop as the tournament progressed, will sign a three-and-a-half-year contract in a €20 million deal for 100% of his rights, with Atletico retaining a €40 million buyback clause.

Finally, French outlet L’Equipe revealed that Bayer Leverkusen reached a verbal agreement with Marseille to acquire Facundo Medina for €23 million plus €2 million in add-ons on a five-year deal. Naturally a central defender, Medina filled in capably at left back following Nicolas Tagliafico’s injury, cementing his status as one of the most reliable anchors along La Albiceleste’s back line.

More Argentine stars featured in transfer speculation

While Argentina’s collective output fell just short of repeating its 2022 championship triumph, the squad’s individual stars continue to command massive interest across Europe. Although Emiliano Martinez’s rumored move to Juventus has officially fallen through, several other marquee names remain linked to potential departures.

The headline story involves Julian Alvarez, with Barcelona making a push to acquire the star striker, who has publicly signaled his intent to leave Atletico Madrid. Barcelona sporting director Deco traveled to Madrid this week to meet with Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, as the Catalan club prepares its final proposal, even while Atlético continues to demand his full €500 million release clause.

Elsewhere, reporter Fabrizio Romano indicates that English side Ipswich Town and Bundesliga club RB Leipzig are actively pursuing midfielder Exequiel Palacios, with negotiations ongoing. Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo reports that AS Roma is pushing to sign Nicolas Gonzalez, who returned to Juventus after a loan stint with Atletico Madrid; Juventus values the winger at €30 million, while Roma’s initial valuation sits closer to €20 million.

Two additional transactions are also entering the final stages. Right back Nahuel Molina is finalizing the remaining details of his move to Roma, while teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono, who has already worn Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt, is set to join Fiorentina on loan from Real Madrid, with only final contract signatures remaining before the deal becomes official.

At that Wednesday summit, Infantino formally withdrew the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal and received public backing from FIFA’s leadership, including secretary general Mattias Grafström and the organization’s management board.

FIFA subsequently issued a statement acknowledging that “mistakes” had been made and apologizing to its council and member associations, committing to ensure such errors do not happen again.

UEFA, however, was unmoved, according to Ben Jacobs of Talk Sport. The confederation laid out two conditions for lifting its boycott threat: that the proposal to sell off FIFA’s major competitions be fully withdrawn, and that guarantees be given that such attempts “to disfigure the game” will never be repeated.

“These conditions have not been met,” UEFA said, adding that internal backing for Infantino from FIFA staff “whose careers depend on his favour changes nothing.” The confederation reiterated that it has “lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency” and that the position remains unchanged.

The pushback extends well beyond UEFA

Concacaf’s member federations have also voiced overwhelming loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership, the English FA formally withdrew its support, and the Asian Football Confederation opposed the original proposal as well.

UEFA has gone as far as serving FIFA with a document preservation letter to safeguard potential evidence, and the first real test of its boycott threat looms on September 5, when the FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup kicks off in Poland.

Infantino’s current term as FIFA president runs until March 2027, but without UEFA’s cooperation, the organization risks losing access to most of the sport’s biggest footballing nations.

The crisis has grown beyond the original controversy surrounding FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the proposed company that would have allowed private investors to purchase a stake in future World Cup commercial revenues. While the plan has been withdrawn, the damage to Infantino’s relationships with several important stakeholders appears far from resolved.

FIFA crisis deepens after abandoned World Cup investment plan

Infantino faced intense criticism after his proposal to create a new commercial entity and raise around $4.2 billion through private investment triggered opposition from multiple soccer organizations. The plan would have involved selling approximately 20 percent of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company designed to oversee commercial rights connected to competitions such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

The proposal quickly became one of the biggest political challenges of Infantino’s presidency since he took over FIFA in 2016. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Soccer Confederation all expressed concerns about the lack of consultation, with UEFA describing the initiative as a “shabby, back room, opaque deal.”

Although Infantino eventually abandoned the project, UEFA made it clear that the decision alone was not enough to repair the damage. “First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again. These conditions have not been met,” UEFA said in a statement.

The European governing body has maintained that it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership and has even discussed possible future action, including a potential boycott of FIFA competitions.

England FA reveals positon on Infantino’s re-election bid

The biggest development came when the English Football Association formally withdrew its support for Infantino’s candidacy for another term as FIFA president. The decision means England will no longer back Infantino’s attempt to remain in charge from 2027 to 2031.

The FA’s position followed similar moves from Wales, Serbia, Sweden and Finland, with several national associations distancing themselves from the FIFA president after the failed investment proposal. The English federation reportedly decided that Infantino’s apology and FIFA’s internal response did not change its concerns.

“The FA has sent a letter withdrawing its support for Infantino in reaction to the plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors,” BBC Sport reported.

The decision represents a major setback for Infantino because England remains one of the most influential national associations in world soccer. While the number of federations publicly opposing him remains limited compared with FIFA’s 211 members, the growing criticism from established soccer nations has increased pressure ahead of the election.

UEFA considers next steps as Infantino fights to stay in power

UEFA now faces a difficult challenge in trying to remove Infantino before the 2027 election. A vote of no confidence would require support from a majority of FIFA’s 211 members, meaning European opposition alone would not be enough.

Another possibility would be finding a rival candidate capable of challenging Infantino during the election. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has been mentioned as a potential option, although no official challenger has emerged.

The latest achievement adds to an already glittering resume that spans nearly two decades, but this one carried special significance in a competition that has become increasingly important across North America. By the final whistle, Messi had once again placed himself at the center of the soccer conversation after another night where his quality made the difference.

Inter Miami opens with statement victory

Inter Miami kicked off its Leagues Cup journey by defeating Atletico San Luis 4-2 in an entertaining contest that featured six goals, dramatic momentum swings, and another masterclass from Messi. Despite conceding within the opening minutes, the MLS side quickly recovered and seized control before halftime.

David Rodríguez handed the Mexican club an early advantage after just four minutes, briefly silencing the home crowd. The response, however, came almost immediately, as Messi equalized in the 11th minute with a composed finish after being found by his teammates in space.

The comeback continued midway through the first half when Telasco Segovia completed the turnaround, giving Inter Miami a deserved lead. Messi then struck again shortly before halftime, before defender Micael added a fourth goal in stoppage time, putting the match well beyond Atletico San Luis before the interval.

Although Rafa Llorente reduced the deficit during the second half, Inter Miami comfortably protected its advantage to secure all three points. The victory also extended the club’s unbeaten run and immediately established it among the tournament favorites.

Messi reaches another historic milestone

The two goals did far more than secure victory for Inter Miami. Messi’s brace officially made him the Leagues Cup‘s all-time leading goalscorer, taking his tally to 14 goals in just 12 appearances.

Entering the night, the Argentine was level with LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, but his first-half double moved him into first place on his own. Later in the evening, Bouanga also found the net to draw level again on 14 goals, but the Argentine superstar did it in fewer games.

The milestone continues a remarkable run since Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival transformed the club’s fortunes almost immediately, leading it to its first Leagues Cup title before guiding it back to another deep run in subsequent editions.

The battle has become one of the defining stories of modern soccer, with several of the game’s most decorated strikers continuing to deliver goals well into the later stages of their careers. While their paths have taken them to different clubs and competitions, they all remain connected by the possibility of achieving a feat no player has ever managed before.

The mystery surrounding Ronaldo’s next campaign centers on a chance to become the first player in official soccer history to reach 1,000 career goals. The Portuguese superstar currently sits on 976 official goals, leaving him just 24 strikes away from the unprecedented milestone.

That target suddenly appears realistic considering Ronaldo’s remarkable consistency throughout his career. Even at 41 years old, he continues to score regularly for Al-Nassr and remains one of the Saudi Pro League‘s biggest attractions heading into the new season.

Reaching four digits would add another extraordinary achievement to a career already filled with records. Ronaldo has collected five UEFA Champions League titles, the UEFA Euro 2016 trophy, multiple domestic league championships in England, Spain and Italy, and remains international soccer’s all-time leading goalscorer for Portugal.

Messi remains Ronaldo’s closest challenger

Although Ronaldo leads the race, Lionel Messi continues to apply pressure from Inter Miami. The Argentine icon currently owns 921 official career goals, meaning he requires 79 more to join the exclusive four-digit club.

Messi’s season is already underway in Major League Soccer, giving him additional opportunities to reduce Ronaldo’s advantage before Al-Nassr begins its Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15. Every appearance gives the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner another chance to edge closer to the historic landmark.

His résumé remains unmatched in many areas of the game, featuring eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League crowns, ten La Liga titles, two Copa América triumphs, and two FIFA World Cup victories.

Lewandowski continues remarkable scoring form

Robert Lewandowski also remains firmly in the conversation despite sitting further behind the two long-time rivals. The Polish striker has reached 728 official career goals and recently enjoyed an impressive start to life with Charlotte, scoring twice in his MLS debut.

The veteran forward has built his reputation through relentless consistency rather than spectacular moments alone. His scoring record across Germany, Spain, and now North America demonstrates why he remains one of soccer’s greatest finishers.

Lewandowski’s honors include ten Bundesliga titles, one Champions League trophy, multiple European Golden Shoes, two La Liga championships, and two FIFA Best Men’s Player awards.

Suarez still finding the net

Luis Suarez may be approaching the closing stages of his career, but the Uruguayan striker continues to prove he remains a dangerous finisher. He currently owns 600 official career goals after recently adding another for Inter Miami.

Playing alongside Messi once again has allowed Suarez to continue contributing at the highest level in North America. While the 1,000-goal target appears far more distant for him, his longevity continues to impress.

His career includes one Champions League title, five La Liga championships, one Copa América trophy, two European Golden Shoes, and league titles across Uruguay, the Netherlands, England, Spain, and North America.

Benzema keeps adding to his legacy

Completing the list is Karim Benzema, who currently sits on 517 official career goals while leading the line for Al-Hilal. The French striker continues to produce consistently despite entering the later years of his playing career.

Although Benzema trails the other leading contenders, his achievements already place him among the greatest forwards of his generation. His elegant style and intelligent movement have allowed him to remain productive for well over a decade.

His collection of honors features the 2022 Ballon d’Or, five Champions League trophies, four La Liga titles, four Ligue 1 championships, and five FIFA Club World Cups.

After spending nine trophy-filled seasons at Liverpool, Salah has arrived at Trabzonspor as one of the biggest signings in Turkish soccer history. His arrival has transformed expectations around the club, while fans have turned every training session and public appearance into a celebration worthy of one of the game’s modern greats.

Even before making his debut, Salah has experienced scenes rarely witnessed during his career. Thousands of Trabzonspor supporters gathered to welcome the Egyptian forward after he landed in Turkiye to complete his move, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that immediately highlighted his status. Fans followed his arrival throughout the night, with many waiting hours simply to catch a glimpse of their new star.

Salah himself admitted the reception caught him completely by surprise during his official unveiling: “I did not expect this reception. It is an experience I have never had before in my career, and I would like to thank everyone who was present and welcomed me in this wonderful way”.

The Egyptian captain also made his ambitions perfectly clear from the outset. “My goal is to win every possible championship with Trabzonspor, and I will do everything I can to make the fans happy and repay the love I felt from the first moment. I also thank the club president for his trust,” he added.

When Salah could finally make his debut

Although Trabzonspor has not officially confirmed the exact date of Salah’s competitive debut, the most likely opportunity is expected to arrive in the club’s opening Super Lig fixture against Kasimpasa on August 15, 2026.

If he is registered and declared fit in time, that match could mark Salah’s first official appearance in Trabzonspor colors. The club’s opening fixtures include:

The Egyptian has only recently joined his new teammates following his World Cup campaign with Egypt, meaning the coaching staff is carefully managing his integration into the squad. He has already taken part in his first training session under head coach Fatih Tekke, suggesting preparations are progressing as planned.

If he is not introduced during the league opener, Trabzonspor will have several other opportunities later in August. European competition could even provide an alternative stage, with the club preparing for its UEFA Europa League playoff matches alongside domestic fixtures.

Salah’s possible first matches for Trabzonspor

While his exact debut date depends on final squad decisions, the key early fixtures to watch are:

• Trabzonspor’s opening Süper Lig match — possible competitive debut
• Early home matches at Papara Park — likely target for his first appearance in front of supporters
• UEFA Europa League playoff fixtures — another potential stage for Salah’s first minutes if he is registered in time

The plan in question, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, was a commercial initiative pushed by Infantino that sought to sell stakes in World Cup rights and other FIFA-organized competitions to private investors.

The proposal aimed to boost annual funding to member federations from $8 million to $20 million, a 150% increase, starting in January 2027. But it quickly drew criticism over its rushed timeline, the absence of review by FIFA’s own governing bodies and concerns that handing commercial control of the game’s biggest events to private interests could compromise the sport’s integrity.

Opposition mounted fast. UEFA threatened that none of its national teams would take part in FIFA competitions while the plan remained on the table, while Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation soon joined that resistance.

Together, the three confederations represented 136 of FIFA’s 211 member federations, well past the 106 votes needed to block the initiative. Facing that unified front, Infantino withdrew the proposal on July 31, saying it had generated divisions and would not move forward regardless of the level of support it still had.

CONMEBOL joins the discussion

CONMEBOL‘s statement, issued days later, did not mention Infantino by name but left little doubt about where it stands. “Football always comes first,” the council said, while stressing that the sport’s future can only be built on respect for institutionality, governance and democratic procedures.

The confederation added that those responsible for running football’s organizations must always prioritize dialogue and adherence to the rules, effectively aligning itself with UEFA and the other confederations that forced Infantino to abandon the project.

“CONMEBOL’s council calls for preserving the unity of football’s family, acting with institutional responsibility, strengthening dialogue and fully respecting governance mechanisms,” the statement closed.

For much of the transfer window, Leao appeared destined to leave Milan as interest arrived from Turkiye, while Premier League clubs were also mentioned as possible destinations. At the same time, Pulisic has remained a key figure in the club’s plans under new head coach Ruben Amorim, making the latest developments even more intriguing.

Galatasaray has recently intensified its efforts to sign Rafael Leao, opening negotiations with the Italian side and submitting an official bid for the Portugal international. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the Turkish champion offered around $40 million for a permanent transfer, but the proposal was immediately rejected because Milan continues to value the winger at between $58 million and $69 million.

Thus, Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia and MilanNews respond that Milan has no intention of accepting a discounted fee and will only consider a permanent transfer if their valuation is met. The club also rejected previous ideas involving loan deals, making it clear they are only interested in a full sale.

Despite the failed opening offer, Galatasaray is said to be preparing an improved proposal that could approach $46 million, although that still falls short of the Rossoneri’s asking price. Turkish media also claim Leao has shown interest in the move, while other reports suggest his position is becoming increasingly complicated.

Leao reportedly changes his stance

Just weeks ago, Leao openly admitted he wanted a new challenge after spending seven seasons with Milan. His comments appeared to signal the end of his time at San Siro, especially after missing out on Champions League action.

However, recent reports suggest the situation has changed dramatically. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Portuguese forward has begun reconsidering his future after returning for pre-season, feeling welcomed once again by teammates and encouraged by the atmosphere under Ruben Amorim.

According to the newspaper, the 27-year-old has realized that leaving is no longer his only option. Instead, he is reportedly open to repairing his relationship with the club and continuing his career in Italy if the right transfer proposal never arrives.

Further reinforcing that idea, Pietro Mazzara of MilanNews reported that Leao has informed Milan he wants to stay for now, even though the club remains willing to listen to offers that match its valuation.

Why Leao staying could directly affect Christian Pulisic

The biggest consequence of Leao remaining at Milan concerns Christian Pulisic’s role under Ruben Amorim. Earlier this summer, reports suggested Amorim viewed Pulisic as his first-choice option in the left-sided attacking midfield role within his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, with the American expected to operate between the lines rather than as a traditional winger.

During his unveiling, Amorim made his admiration for Pulisic perfectly clear. “Pulisic is truly a very talented player. He got injured at the World Cup, we’ll have to understand. But he’s perfect for the way Italian football is… I have clear ideas about how I want to see him play… I want him between the lines… He’s very important for us.”

Those comments fueled speculation that there might be little room for Leao in the new tactical setup if Pulisic occupied the same space on the pitch. However, if Leao ultimately stays, Amorim could face one of his first major selection dilemmas, with two of Milan’s biggest attacking stars potentially competing for similar areas in the system.

That uncertainty explains why Leao’s transfer saga has become particularly important for Pulisic, whose tactical role appeared much clearer only a few weeks ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, when they host Al Fateh for Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season at Al Awwal Park. However, the Portuguese star’s presence remains to be a major question as he hasn’t been present in any single preseason friendly of the team.

The icon’s 2026-27 international campaign with Portugal following the 2026 World Cup is set to begin on Thursday, September 24, when they host Wales for Matchday 1 of the of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The forward’s last World Cup game came on July 6th, where Spain beat the Selecao in the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win.

In the 2025-26 season, the Portuguese icon scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers and 3 in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal, with his personal account in 976 career goals.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.

With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

“There will come a moment when Leo is no longer playing… It would be reckless not to think about the post-Leo era,” Asensi said, adding that Messi, more than anyone, has earned the right to walk away from soccer whenever he chooses. That “post-Leo” planning, according to Asensi, already includes a concrete role for the World Cup winner within the organization once his career comes to an end.

That role would see Messi become part of Inter Miami‘s ownership group. “The idea is that, once he stops playing, he’ll have an option with Inter to invest his time… once he’s no longer an active player, he’ll become part of Inter Miami’s shareholding group,” he explained.

Under current MLS statutes, Messi cannot legally hold an ownership stake while still an active player, meaning the shareholding role would only take effect once he formally retires.

For now, though, that moment remains on hold. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs through the end of 2028, and he has already returned to action this season following a vacation after Argentina’s World Cup campaign.

Messi’s grand return

Messi’s comeback began at the MLS, coming off the bench in the 53rd minute of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew on August 1, just days after leading Argentina to their second straight World Cup final appearance. Despite not starting, he immediately looked sharp, leading the match with four shots and five touches inside the box.

Four days later, Messi was back in the starting XI for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis, and he delivered in style. After San Luis struck first inside four minutes, Messi equalized in the 13th and put Miami ahead for good with his second of the night in the 32nd, as Inter Miami rallied to a 4-2 win at NU Stadium. The brace also made him Leagues Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 14 goals in the competition, surpassing Denis Bouanga.

The Ballon d’Or winner has long been admired across Europe, but recent events have complicated what once looked like a straightforward return to La Liga. While Manchester City continues to hope Rodri will stay, the midfielder now faces one of the biggest decisions of his career as interest from Spain intensifies.

Rodri’s past two seasons have been filled with highs and setbacks. A serious knee injury limited him during the 2024-25 campaign before a hamstring problem interrupted parts of the following season, yet he responded spectacularly by helping Spain lift the 2026 World Cup and collecting the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

His celebrations were short-lived, however, after undergoing minor back surgery that ruled him out of most of Manchester City‘s pre-season preparations. With his contract situation unresolved, attention has quickly shifted toward where he could play next.

The midfielder previously admitted that discussions over his future would resume after the World Cup. Now, with his recovery continuing, several elite clubs are waiting for the next step.

Real Madrid’s pursuit encounters an unexpected obstacle

For much of the summer, Real Madrid appeared to be leading the race for Rodri’s signature. The Spanish giant viewed him as the ideal player to strengthen midfield following Toni Kroos’ departure, while reports suggested new manager Jose Mourinho had personally identified the 30-year-old as a priority.

However, negotiations have stalled over financial disagreements, according to Fichajes. Multiple reports claim Manchester City values Rodri between $70 million and $86 million, while Los Blancos have reportedly been reluctant to match those demands.

Personal terms have also become a sticking point. The Spaniard is believed to be seeking a long-term contract and a salary package that Real Madrid has yet to match, leaving the transfer in limbo as the summer window enters its decisive stage.

Barcelona senses an opportunity

As Real Madrid’s talks slowed, Barcelona stepped into the picture. According to several reports from Spain, sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick have intensified efforts after Frenkie de Jong suffered a serious knee injury that could keep the Dutch midfielder sidelined for months.

SPORT reported that Flick personally contacted Rodri to explain his sporting vision and convince the midfielder that he would be central to Barcelona’s long-term project. That conversation appears to have had an impact, with several outlets now claiming Rodri is open to negotiating with the Catalan club.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via Jijantes’ Gerard Romero, also reported that Rodri has opened the door to Barcelona for the first time, informing the club of his willingness to discuss contract terms while delaying a final decision involving Manchester City.

Spain teammates play their part

Reports suggest Barcelona’s recruitment effort has extended beyond executives and coaches. Several Spain internationals have reportedly spoken to Rodri during recent national team gatherings, encouraging him to consider Camp Nou.

Lamine Yamal has reportedly been among the players discussing the club’s ambitious project with Rodri, highlighting the atmosphere inside the dressing room and Flick’s plans for the future. Those conversations may prove influential as the midfielder evaluates where he wants to continue his career.

Should Rodri choose the Catalan outfit, he would reunite with several teammates who recently celebrated World Cup success together while immediately strengthening one of Europe’s most talented midfields.

After making his return to action as a substitute against the Columbus Crew over the weekend, Messi rejoined Guillermo Hoyos’ starting lineup for the midweek fixture. David Rodriguez stunned the home crowd by heading in a fourth-minute opener, but the early deficit sparked the Herons, particularly Messi, into an immediate response.

Hunting for an equalizer as Atletico San Luis sat deep in its defensive shell, Inter Miami orchestrated a crisp buildup through the midfield. Casemiro spotted Noah Allen wide on the left flank, and the defender whipped in a sharp cross to a trailing Messi, who redirected the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box in the 11th minute.

Shortly after, in the 26th minute, Telasco Segovia completed the first-half turnaround by tapping the ball into an open net following another precise delivery from Allen just before the hydration break. As the Mexican side pushed for a result, Messi appeared again to put the away side on its heels.

Messi dropped into the middle of the pitch to collect a pass from Casemiro, and after a quick one-two with Yannick Bright, he opened the play wide to Allen. Once again, the defender delivered a pinpoint cross for Messi as he crashed the box, taking a quick touch before finishing calmly to complete his first-half brace in the 44th minute.

The second half concluded with Messi playing a corner kick that found defender Micael inside the box to score the fourth goal for the Herons, and to add an assist for the Argentine ace.

Messi takes top spot on Leagues Cup goalscoring leaderboard

In his 2023 debut campaign with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi made an immediate impact by scoring 10 goals during his first Leagues Cup appearance to lead the Herons to the title. Following back-to-back seasons interrupted by injuries, Messi marked his return to the tournament by surging to the top of the competition’s all-time scoring charts.

With his first-half brace, Messi brought his total to 14 goals in 12 all-time Leagues Cup matches, surpassing LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (13) to become the single highest goalscorer in tournament history. Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo, and former Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez remain tied for third on the all-time list with seven goals apiece.

Real Madrid’s front office has been working to lock up Diomande’s signing, though several obstacles surfaced over recent weeks, with Leipzig executives even publicly denying that an agreement had been reached. As negotiations resumed, momentum shifted, and widespread reports now indicate that a formal agreement has been struck between both clubs.

According to The Athletic‘s Mario Cortegana and Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, Real Madrid will pay a base fee in the neighborhood of €125 million for Diomande. However, with an additional €15 million included in performance-based add-ons, the full package could reach €140 million, establishing the Ivorian winger as the single most expensive signing in Los Blancos history.

A week ago, Leipzig announced that Diomande would not travel to the team’s training camp in Saalfelden, Austria, citing an illness that sparked intense speculation regarding his transfer status. When the German club subsequently confirmed he had rejoined the squad for preseason activities following his recovery, questions arose over whether contract talks had stalled.

Now back on track, The Athletic reports that Diomande is expected to receive clearance to travel to Madrid for medical examinations before finalizing his contract. The 19-year-old phenom is set to sign a five-year deal through 2031, completing a blockbuster transaction that could rewrite the financial record books at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Diomande projected to surpass Bellingham’s benchmark

Back in 2023, Real Madrid made a similar marquee investment in a teenage superstar, acquiring a 19-year-old Jude Bellingham. While initial reports suggested his transfer fee would fall below Eden Hazard’s record mark, post-deal disclosures revealed a far higher ultimate price tag.

In an interview with Diario AS, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed the transfer structure exceeded the initially reported €103 million base. “If it had been 103 million, we would have negotiated poorly. It was quite a bit more,” the German executive stated.

According to Borussia Dortmund’s financial disclosures, Real Madrid agreed to a guaranteed €103 million fee alongside potential incentive clauses worth up to 30% of that base (€30.9 million). Those performance add-ons bring Bellingham’s maximum total fee to €133.9 million, leaving his mark just shy of the potential overall valuation for Diomande.

Real Madrid most expensive signings

Taking into account the total amount of the deals for Diomande and Bellingham (including add-ons), the ranking of the most expensive Real Madrid signings goes as follows:

The match between Inter Miami and Atletico San Luis was delayed due to a severe lightning storm in the Miami area. As rain began pouring onto the pitch, a nearby lightning strike prompted referees to stop play in the 67:50 minute and send both squads to their respective locker rooms.

The video board inside Nu Stadium displayed a venue-wide notice: “Weather Delay. Attention please, a weather delay is currently in effect. Please remain in your seats and await furher instruction. We will provide updates as conditions develop.“

The stoppage follows the strict weather safety protocol mandated by the Leagues Cup in the event of severe weather. Under tournament rules, a match is automatically suspended whenever a lightning strike is detected within an 8-to-10-mile radius of the stadium.

Once halted, the safety protocol requires a mandatory 30-minute countdown, which resets completely to zero with every subsequent lightning strike detected in the monitored zone. Beginning at 9:10 p.m. local time, play resumed at 9:40 p.m.

The former Barcelona captain has not played a La Liga match since 2021, yet his numbers remain untouched by the players who followed him. According to data shared by Squawka, Messi’s extraordinary attacking output over the last decade still stands above every other player in Spain’s top flight.

The record that has survived Messi’s absence is his incredible tally of combined goals and assists in La Liga over the last 10 seasons. Messi leads the ranking with 226 goal contributions in only 172 appearances, creating a gap that has proven almost impossible for others to close.

Behind him sits Iago Aspas, who has recorded 200 goal contributions in 334 matches, while Antoine Griezmann follows with 195 contributions in 348 appearances. The numbers highlight Messi’s advantage, as he needed almost half the number of matches compared with some of the closest challengers to reach the top spot.

The complete top five shows the level of attacking talent Messi surpassed during the period. Karim Benzema finished with 180 goal contributions in 224 games, while Luis Suarez registered 167 in 196 appearances, meaning even two of the most dangerous forwards of their era could not match the Argentine’s production.

The hidden strength behind Messi’s record

While the total number itself is impressive, the most remarkable part of Messi’s achievement is the efficiency behind it. The Argentine averaged approximately 1.31 goal contributions per La Liga match, a figure that places him in a completely different category compared with the rest of the list.

Benzema averaged around 0.80 contributions per game, while Suarez produced approximately 0.85. Both figures are outstanding by normal standards, but they still fall well short of the incredible pace Messi maintained during his final years with Barcelona.

Squawka’s comparison showed that Messi’s advantage was built through both consistency and extraordinary productivity, allowing him to remain at the top despite leaving Spain years ago.

The ranking also demonstrates two different paths to success. Players like Aspas and Griezmann built their totals through incredible durability and hundreds of appearances, while Messi reached an even higher mark through unmatched attacking influence every time he stepped onto the pitch.

Benzema and Suarez came closest to challenging Messi

Among the players who appeared capable of threatening Messi’s position, Benzema and Suarez were the strongest candidates. Both enjoyed historic careers in Spain and delivered some of the best attacking seasons La Liga has seen.

Benzema became Real Madrid’s main attacking leader after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure and eventually won the Ballon d’Or in 2022. His 180 goal contributions in 224 matches underline his brilliance, but he still finished 46 contributions behind Messi despite playing more games during the same period.

Suarez’s numbers are equally impressive considering his role as one of Barcelona’s greatest forwards. The Uruguayan formed the legendary MSN attacking trio alongside Messi and Neymar before later starring for Atletico Madrid.

However, even one of the most complete strikers of the modern era could not match his former teammate. Suarez’s total of 167 contributions in 196 appearances shows his quality but also emphasizes the extraordinary level Messi reached.

Vinicius Junior faces difficult challenge

The modern generation of La Liga stars has also struggled to approach Messi’s benchmark. Vinicius Junior represents one of the most exciting attacking players in world soccer, but his current numbers show the size of the challenge ahead.

The Brazilian winger has recorded 118 goal contributions in 242 La Liga matches, placing him ninth on the decade-long ranking. While Vinicius has become a key figure for Real Madrid and continues to improve, he remains more than 100 contributions behind Messi’s total.

For Vinicius or any future superstar to surpass Messi, they would need years of elite scoring and creative output while maintaining exceptional fitness. The Argentine’s record combines goals, assists, consistency, and availability at a level rarely seen in soccer history.

The excitement surrounding Salah went far beyond the transfer itself. During his first public appearance in Trabzonspor colors, a small detail on the back of his shirt immediately caught supporters’ attention and sparked widespread curiosity, prompting questions about whether it would become his official squad number.

Trabzonspor supporters extraordinarily greeted Salah after he landed on a private jet before traveling to Trabzon for his official presentation. Hundreds of fans first welcomed him at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport before thousands more gathered in Trabzon, creating an atmosphere usually reserved for major trophy celebrations.

Videos of supporters chanting his name, waving club colors and setting off flares quickly spread across social media. Before boarding his flight, Salah sent a short message directly to the supporters: “Trabzon, are you ready? I can hear you. See you very soon.” He also delighted fans by using the club’s famous motto, “Bize Her Yer Trabzon [For us, everywhere is Trabzon].”

The mysterious No. 61 shirt and why it means so much

One of the biggest talking points during Salah’s unveiling was the No. 61 shirt he wore instead of the famous No. 11 associated with his Liverpool career or the No. 10 he regularly wears for Egypt.

The unusual number immediately fueled speculation among supporters, with many wondering whether the Egyptian forward had decided to begin the next chapter of his career with an entirely different identity. The explanation, however, carried far greater meaning than many expected.

The No. 61 shirt was chosen as a tribute to the city of Trabzon itself. In Turkiye, 61 is the official vehicle registration code for Trabzon Province, making the number one of the city’s strongest symbols of local pride and identity. It appears throughout daily life, from businesses and social media accounts to merchandise and fan culture.

The connection also extends to matchdays, when Trabzonspor supporters traditionally transform the 61st minute of every home match into a celebration, filling the stadium with chants, fireworks and confetti. Several former Claret-Blues’ players have proudly worn the symbolic number over the years, making Salah’s decision a respectful nod to the club’s traditions before even kicking a ball.

Salah’s official squad number revealed

Although the No. 61 shirt generated enormous attention, Trabzonspor does not expect it to become Salah’s permanent matchday number. As later confirmed by the club, the Egyptian star will wear the No. 10 shirt during official matches, the same number he currently represents with Egypt.

The report adds that the club had originally prepared a No. 11 shirt for Salah, reflecting the number he famously wore throughout most of his Liverpool career. However, as per the Turkish newspaper Sabah, the veteran forward requested No. 10 before the transfer was finalized, prompting Ernest Muci to give up the number so Salah could continue wearing the shirt most closely associated with his international career.

For this crucial game, Lionel Messi will start. The Argentine returned from the World Cup off the bench in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew last weekend, and coach Guillermo Hoyos will now hand him his first start since the tournament, alongside Rodrigo De Paul, who is also in the lineup after working his way back from international duty.

Hoyos will have to make do without two key attacking pieces for the opener. Luis Suárez is unavailable for the entire tournament, serving the first match of a six-game Leagues Cup suspension stemming from his conduct in last year’s final against Seattle Sounders.

Germán Berterame is also out, still recovering from the hard collision he suffered against CF Montreal that required an overnight hospital stay, leaving Mateo Silvetti as the likely option to partner Messi up front.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

With Suárez, Berterame and also Tadeo Allende, who is recovering from knee surgery, ruled out for this match, Hoyos will feature a very different attack, but with Messi as starter.

This is Miami’s confirmed starting XI: Ríos-Novo; Caicedo, Fray, Silva, Allen; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul, Segovia; Messi, Pinter.

Atletico San Luis confirmed lineup

Atletico San Luis arrive in a very different moment. The Mexican side has yet to find its footing in the Apertura, and this Leagues Cup opener gives them a chance to salvage some momentum against a strong Miami side.

This is San Luis’ confirmed starting XI: Sánchez; Bambu, Álvarez, Águila; Torres, Salles-Lamonge, Macías, Esteves; Rodríguez, Flores, Llorente.

The latest move has raised eyebrows across the league, especially as Al-Ittihad moved quickly to strengthen its squad while Al-Nassr is still waiting to complete its first major signing of the transfer window. Ronaldo’s investment outside Saudi Arabia has now played an indirect role in helping one of the club’s biggest domestic competitors.

Al-Ittihad has officially completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria, making him the club’s first overseas arrival of the summer transfer window.

According to reports from Al-Riyadiah and several other outlets, the 24-year-old signed a long-term contract after the Tigers agreed to pay approximately $15 million, with the transfer fee scheduled to be paid in installments. The deal also reportedly includes a 10% sell-on clause in favor of Almeria should Lopy be transferred again in the future.

The Saudi club confirmed the transfer through an announcement on its official social media channels, although it did not disclose the financial details.

Ronaldo’s Almeria investment creates unexpected link

The transfer carries an unusual twist because Almeria is partially owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier in 2026, Ronaldo acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish club, expanding his soccer portfolio while continuing his playing career with Al-Nassr.

That investment means one of Ronaldo’s clubs has now completed a profitable sale to Al-Ittihad, a direct Saudi Pro League rival that continues to challenge Al-Nassr for domestic honors. The timing has attracted attention because Al-Ittihad has already secured its first major foreign signing, while Al-Nassr has yet to bring in a new player during the current transfer window.

The Senegal international joins Al-Ittihad following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season. Lopy primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a deeper central role.

His versatility is expected to provide additional balance in midfield as the club prepares for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. Since arriving at Almeria from Stade Reims in 2023, Lopy made 105 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing six assists across all competitions.

Tansfer that benefits everyone

The midfielder built a reputation in Spain through his physical presence, defensive awareness and ability to recover possession. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured regularly in midfield while also contributing going forward with three goals and two assists in league competition.

Statistical reports highlighted his impact in defensive situations, including strong numbers for tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries and aerial duels. His passing range also made him an attractive option for a possession-based side looking to strengthen its midfield.

For Al-Ittihad, the signing addresses an important gap left by Fabinho’s departure while adding an experienced international midfielder entering the prime years of his career.

For Almeria, the transfer delivers a significant financial return, and for Cristiano Ronaldo, it marks another notable moment since becoming a soccer club owner. Although the Portuguese icon remains focused on Al-Nassr’s ambitions on the pitch, one of his investments has unexpectedly helped strengthen one of his club’s biggest domestic rivals ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season.

The ban traces back to the chaotic scenes that followed Inter Miami‘s 3-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders in the 2025 Leagues Cup final. In the aftermath of that loss, Suarez was caught spitting at a member of the Sounders’ coaching staff during a post-match brawl near midfield.

Days later, the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee handed down its punishment: a six-match ban for Suarez, along with lesser suspensions for teammates Tomas Aviles and Sergio Busquets.

That means Suarez, despite being in excellent form for Inter Miami in MLS play this season, simply is not an option for head coach Guillermo Hoyos as the club begins its title chase in the competition. He remains available for MLS matches, but the Leagues Cup ban applies strictly to this tournament, keeping him out of every fixture Inter Miami play in it.

Inter Miami’s forward crisis for the Leagues Cup opener

Suarez’s absence leaves Hoyos short-handed up front, and he isn’t the only forward missing out. German Berterame is also unavailable, still recovering from the hard collision he suffered against CF Montreal that required an overnight hospital stay, while Tadeo Allende remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from knee surgery undergone back in May.

With three of Inter Miami’s attacking options unavailable in one stretch, Hoyos is expected to lean on Mateo Silvetti alongside Lionel Messi to carry the attack against San Luis, a considerably thinner frontline than the one that has powered the club’s recent MLS form.

The move marks a clear escalation in a saga that has dragged on since June, when Alvarez first went public about his desire to leave during the 2026 World Cup, saying a transfer was “the best thing for everyone” and that he wanted to fulfill his dream.

That declaration infuriated Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who accused Barcelona of disrespecting the club and announced formal complaints to both FIFA and the RFEF, alleging illegal contact with the player during a protected period.

None of that has slowed Barcelona down. Sporting director Deco traveled to Madrid this week to meet with Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, and the club is preparing what it considers its definitive offer, even as Atletico continues to demand the player’s full €500 million release clause and refuses to negotiate a lower figure.

With Atletico standing firm and the financial gap between the two clubs still enormous, Alvarez appears to be betting that a direct, personal ultimatum can do what months of public pressure and Barcelona’s offers have not.

Could a Ferran Torres’ potential exit fund Barcelona’s push for Alvarez?

Adding another layer to Barcelona’s attacking plans, Ferran Torres’s own future at the club remains unresolved. Speaking to NBC’s Today Show, the Spanish forward left the door open when asked about his situation.

“I have a contract with Barcelona, but in football you never know. I’m waiting to make the right decision,” he said. Asked about his dream destination, he avoided naming a club altogether, offering only, “my dream is to be happy“.

Barcelona want Torres to stay at the club unless the forward himself asks to leave. Renewal talks, however, remain stalled, and the forward could still depart if an offer arrives for him in Catalonia.

The one scenario that could shift their approach is Paris Saint-Germain tabling an offer above €50 million — a bid significant enough that Barcelona would consider letting him leave.

Should that scenario play out and Torres depart, it would only add urgency to Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez, giving Flick’s attack an even more pressing need alongside the gap already left by Lewandowski’s exit — and giving the club further reason to push hard once Alvarez delivers his message to Simeone.

The latest data also underlines how dramatically the sport’s salary landscape has evolved in recent years. Players representing the Saudi Pro League now occupy several places among the world’s best-paid players, while stars from Europe’s biggest leagues continue to feature prominently.

According to salary figures compiled by Capology, via Planet Football, Cristiano Ronaldo earns an estimated £3.42 million per week in base salary at Al-Nassr, keeping him at the top of world soccer’s wage rankings.

The report states: “Cristiano Ronaldo still ranks as the highest-paid player in the Saudi Pro League and world football, earning a whopping £3.4 million per week with Al-Nassr.”

Those figures are based solely on base wages and do not include bonuses, image rights, signing fees or commercial endorsements, meaning Ronaldo’s overall annual earnings are significantly higher.

Messi returns to the rankings

The latest list also marks Lionel Messi’s return to the global weekly salary rankings following his move to Inter Miami.

Messi is ranked 13th with an estimated weekly base salary of £360,876, leaving a remarkable financial distance between the longtime rivals. While both remain among soccer’s biggest global icons, the latest figures illustrate how Ronaldo’s Saudi contract has transformed the earnings race.

The comparison also reflects the different career paths taken by the two superstars during the latter stages of their playing careers, with Ronaldo moving to Saudi Arabia while Messi chose Major League Soccer.

Saudi Arabia dominates the highest earners

One of the biggest takeaways from the rankings is the growing financial strength of the Saudi Pro League. Six Saudi Pro League players appear among the world’s 15 highest-paid players, confirming the league’s ability to attract elite talent through record-breaking contracts.

Karim Benzema sits second after Ronaldo with an estimated £2.01 million per week, while Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ivan Toney and Ruben Neves also feature on the list. Their presence reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in world-class soccer with clubs competing for domestic and continental success.

Top 15 highest-paid players by weekly base salary

• Cristiano Ronaldo — £3,421,039
• Karim Benzema — £2,010,107
• Sadio Mané — £656,629
• Kalidou Koulibaly — £569,626
• Erling Haaland — £525,000
• Kylian Mbappé — £512,992
• Sergej Milinković-Savić — £418,765
• Ivan Toney — £418,765
• Vinícius Júnior — £410,393
• Harry Kane — £410,393
• Jamal Musiala — £374,771
• Darwin Núñez — £368,533
• Lionel Messi — £360,876
• Virgil van Dijk — £350,000
• Rúben Neves — £343,417

The latest reports have fueled debate across the global game, with the issue emerging just months before the next FIFA presidential election. While the controversy continues to unfold, the national team preparing to co-host the centenary tournament remains at the heart of the discussion, as officials and governing bodies offer sharply different accounts of what took place behind closed doors.

According to The Times, Infantino allegedly sought Morocco‘s public backing for his 2027 re-election campaign by offering the country the opportunity to stage the 2030 World Cup final at the under-construction 115,000-seat Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca.

The report stated that the FIFA president traveled to Morocco for emergency meetings after losing support from several major soccer associations. It also claimed that Saudi Arabia, traditionally one of Infantino’s strongest allies, had yet to publicly endorse his candidacy, increasing the importance of securing support elsewhere.

Multiple reports suggested that Infantino met senior officials from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) during his stay in Rabat as he attempted to reinforce political backing ahead of the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 2027.

Infantino’s presidency under growing pressure

The allegations arrive during what many observers describe as the most difficult period of Infantino’s presidency. His leadership has been heavily criticized following the collapse of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a controversial proposal that sought to sell up to 20% of the commercial rights associated with the FIFA World Cup to private investors in a deal reportedly worth $4.2 billion.

The proposal triggered widespread opposition from soccer stakeholders across the world, who argued that it risked commercializing the tournament beyond acceptable limits and undermining FIFA’s traditional non-profit model. Following intense backlash, FIFA abandoned the proposal, but criticism of Infantino continued to grow rather than disappear.

FIFA firmly rejects the allegations

As the story gathered momentum, FIFA released an official statement denying that any promises had been made regarding the 2030 World Cup final. The governing body stated: “It is false and misleading to claim the FIFA president has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 final. A decision will be made by FIFA in due course.”

The statement directly contradicted reports suggesting the hosting rights had become part of political negotiations surrounding the presidential election. Spanish soccer officials also insisted they had received no indication that plans for the final had changed, while Morocco’s federation reportedly denied knowledge of any formal agreement.

Spain continues to expect the final

The controversy also revived the long-running debate over where the 2030 World Cup final should be played. Spain has consistently argued that the showpiece match belongs on its soil, with Spanish Football Association (RFEF) president Rafael Louzan repeatedly insisting that the country remains the leading candidate to stage the centenary final.

Spanish federation sources later reiterated that they did not know about the alleged offer, while several local reports quoted FIFA’s official denial as evidence that no decision has been taken. The 2030 tournament will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will stage the opening commemorative matches to celebrate the competition’s 100th anniversary.

Match Overview

LAFC and Chivas Guadalajara clash in a high-stakes 2026 Leagues Cup opener on Wednesday, August 5. The MLS side will host the marquee matchup at BMO Stadium, aiming to secure three points at home in the first-ever official meeting between the two clubs.

While Chivas are seeking momentum following a slow start to their LIGA MX Apertura 2026 campaign, LAFC enter as favorites behind formidable home form. The Black & Gold reside near the top of the MLS Western Conference standings with 34 points through 19 matches.

Josimar Jose Evora Dias, universally known as Vozinha, attracted interest from multiple clubs following Cape Verde’s run in North America before Colo-Colo secured his signature. However, Article 36 of the ANFP (Chilean Football Federation) regulations explicitly states: “For the personal identification of players, the paternal and/or maternal surname must be printed on the upper back of the shirt… Nicknames, aliases or codenames will not be allowed.“

Under a strict reading of the rulebook, Vozinha would have been forced to display “Dias,” “Evora,” or “Evora Dias” on his kit. Violations carried stiff penalties, noting that, “the offending player shall be sanctioned with an administrative yellow card and the offending club shall be sanctioned, for each infraction, with a fine of 20 UF, according to the assessment made by the Autonomous Disciplinary Tribunal.”

Vozinha granted special exemption

After signing a six-month contract with Colo-Colo on Monday, Vozinha received welcome news regarding his uniform. According to BBC Sport, Colo-Colo successfully petitioned league authorities to allow the veteran keeper to suit up under his renowned nickname.

The impasse required direct intervention from the Chilean federation, with the ANFP convening an emergency meeting among top-flight club presidents to vote on a resolution. The executive board ultimately ruled in the goalkeeper’s favor, authorizing him to sport the same name he wore throughout Cape Verde’s World Cup run.

During a news conference ahead of his formal unveiling, Vozinha reflected on the deep personal meaning behind his shirt name: “It is the name I have used my entire life. In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well. If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute.“

Vozinha waiver sets latest precedent

Vozinha expressed his excitement during his introductory press conference, calling Colo-Colo “the biggest club in Chile,” and securing league approval for his jersey serves as a testament to his star power following the World Cup. However, this is not the first time Chilean soccer authorities have navigated a uniform exemption request.

Back in 2021, winger Fabian Nuñez requested special dispensation to wear “Zombie” on his back, referencing a childhood nickname he had carried throughout his career. Then playing for Deportes Copiapó, the forward was granted a one-year exemption by the league’s disciplinary board.

The move follows a smaller but similar gesture back in July, when the Brazilian swapped his profile photo for a plain black square and scrubbed any mention of Real Madrid from his bio, a change widely read at the time as a signal of frustration over his stalled contract talks.

The timing has fueled two very different readings of what Vinicius is trying to say. On one hand, the gesture lines up neatly with swirling reports linking him to Arsenal, who have reportedly readied a package worth around €100 million plus €20 million in add-ons and are said to be willing to hand him the exact salary bump he originally asked Real Madrid for.

On the other hand, a total social media reset is just as easily read as a blank slate — the kind of clean break some players make right before turning the page toward a new long-term commitment rather than an exit.

Vinicius himself has done little to fuel exit talk directly: in his first public comments since the Arsenal rumors intensified, he told Real Madrid TV he was focused on preseason training under the club’s new manager, saying nothing about his contract situation or his online purge.

Where things stand on a new deal with Madrid

Those talks, according to Fabrizio Romano, have been described by both sides as “very positive.” Real Madrid’s latest proposal reportedly guarantees Vinicius a €22 million net annual salary through 2031.

That falls short of the €30 million he was initially asking for — the same figure Arsenal are said to be ready to match — but Real Madrid are increasingly confident of receiving the final green light from Vinicius Jr on a new contract.

The gap between the two offers is exactly why Vinicius’s account going blank has been read in such opposite directions. Whether it turns out to be the prelude to a dramatic farewell or simply noise ahead of a five-year renewal, the timing of his Instagram wipe has made it the center of the conversation around his future.

After months without reaching a breakthrough, Real Madrid‘s front office has intensified efforts to finalize Vinicius’ extension. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that recent discussions between the club and Roc Nation (the agency representing the player) were described as “very positive” by both sides.

However, the team’s proposal remains well below the winger’s original asking price. According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Vinicius sought a net annual salary of €30 million (around $33 million USD), a figure turned down by Real Madrid. The club’s counteroffer stands at €22 million (around $24 million USD) annually through 2031 on a five-year extension, which the player’s camp has rejected.

Under his previous contract, Vinicius earned a net salary of €18 million per season, scaled up from an initial €10 million base over time. The latest terms offered by the Spanish giants sit at €22 million, with performance incentives that could push the total to €24 million based on milestones such as winning the UEFA Champions League, the Ballon d’Or, and La Liga titles.

A €24 million total package would place Vinicius among the club’s highest earners, yet it still trails Mbappe’s full earnings. The French forward commands a net base salary of approximately €15 million per season (translating to a gross fixed base of around €31.25 million annually or €600,000 per week).

The true financial distinction lies in Mbappe’s signing bonus, which ranges between €100 million and €125 million linked to performance clauses after arriving on a free transfer. Divided into annual installments over his five-year deal, that bonus brings Real Madrid’s total outlay for Mbappe to roughly €35 million net (around $38.5 million USD) per year.

Arsenal willing to meet Vinicius’ wage demands

The possibility of Vinicius entering the final year of his deal has opened the door for rival European clubs to launch ambitious bids. Arsenal has emerged as the most aggressive suitor, with Cadena SER reporting that the Gunners are prepared to offer a transfer package worth €100 million plus €20 million in performance add-ons.

Crucially, Arsenal are reportedly willing to grant Vinicius the exact salary increase he requested from Real Madrid. With manager Mikel Arteta eager to make the Brazilian the focal point of his attack, contract talks remain ongoing between Real Madrid and the player while the Premier League club continues to monitor the situation.

Match Overview

Inter Miami take the stage for another Leagues Cup tournament. The MLS side won’t have Luis Suarez available, yet they remain favorites to win this opening Phase One duel against LIGA MX club Atletico de San Luis.

Nu Stadium will host the marquee matchup. Inter Miami enter as the current runners-up of the tournament after falling to the Seattle Sounders in the 2025 final.

“I could write 10,000 words on the problems at FIFA. But the solution needs only three: Infantino must go,” the Portuguese great wrote on Daily Mail, describing the FIFA president’s conduct as “the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour” he had witnessed in football.

The criticism stems from a scrapped plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights to private equity investors through a proposed entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise.

The proposal triggered fierce backlash across the sport, with UEFA, CONCACAF and other continental confederations warning it threatened the “soul and governance” of football, forcing Infantino to abandon the plan altogether.

Figo did not hold back in assigning blame, accusing Infantino of trying to push the changes through purely for personal gain. “He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game,” he wrote, adding that Infantino “has lost the support of his senior staff, his closest advisers, the vast majority of people who devote their lives to this sport“.

The failed plan cost Infantino dearly in trust

That loss of trust has been building for weeks. UEFA has publicly declared it no longer has confidence in Infantino, while federations including England and Wales have withdrawn their support for his re-election bid.

Senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, calling the privatization plan “a bad business for football,” and council members opposed to Infantino were already said to be in double figures before the investment controversy fully erupted — with at least 19 of FIFA’s 37 council members needed to force an extraordinary general meeting that could formally challenge his leadership.