According to Inter Miami insider Jose Armando, Fricio Caicedo and Cesar Abadia are confirmed absences for the match. Caicedo, an 18-year-old Ecuadorian defender who joined on loan, is dealing with a knee problem, while Abadia’s absence has not been detailed.

The pair join two other players who will not be available either. Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti have been ruled out for the rest of the season. The former Celta Vigo forward underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Barcelona and is listed with a season-ending injury on the club’s website.

On the other hand, the former Newell’s Old Boys forward, who recorded three goals and four assists in 14 MLS games before getting hurt, underwent surgery on his left shoulder after dislocating it, and the club said he will now focus on his recovery ahead of next season.

Despite the absences, coach Kily Gonzalez otherwise has a relatively healthy squad. The team already secured its place in the postseason, with second place in the Eastern Conference still at stake, while Messi, who arrives with 26 goals, four ahead of Petar Musa, will try to clinch his second straight Golden Boot.

Inter Miami’s possible playoff rivals

Inter Miami will finish the regular season either second or third in the Eastern Conference. The Herons hold second place with 59 points, one more than New England Revolution, which visits Orlando City at the same time Miami hosts Charlotte. A win against Charlotte guarantees second place, while a draw would be enough unless New England wins.

If Miami ends up second, it will face the seventh seed in Round One. Today that spot belongs to FC Cincinnati, which has 46 points and hosts Nashville SC, but Philadelphia Union (47), Columbus Crew (44) and Orlando City (43) are all in the race for the last direct spot, so the rival could change.

If Miami finishes third, it will meet the sixth seed, currently Philadelphia Union with 47 points and a home match against Toronto FC. Cincinnati and Columbus could also climb to that position, which means Miami’s opponent will not be known until all matches end at the same time on Saturday.

The first one is the Golden Boot. Messi arrives at the final match with 26 goals, four more than his closest pursuer, Dallas forward Petar Musa, and with the chance to become the first player in MLS history to win two consecutive scoring titles.

Several players have won the award more than once, among them Preki, Taylor Twellman, Jeff Cunningham, Chris Wondolowski and Bradley Wright-Phillips, but none has done it in back-to-back seasons.

The Argentine has been at the center of Inter Miami’s season once again. In 30 league matches, he has scored 26 goals and provided 14 assists, numbers that make him the main candidate for the individual awards this year.

Inter Miami closes the regular season on Saturday against Charlotte FC, and Messi will have one last chance to extend his advantage over Musa. If the Dallas striker does not close the gap, the Golden Boot will go back to the Argentine, and with it a record that has eluded some of the best scorers in the league’s history.

A third MVP in three seasons

The second record is the MVP award. Messi is the main candidate to win his third Most Valuable Player award in three full seasons with Inter Miami, something that no player has achieved in MLS history. He already holds two, and with a third he would stand alone in the history of the league’s most prestigious individual honor.

Beyond his numbers, the Inter Miami star has kept the team among the top contenders in the East, a combination of impact and consistency that has defined each of his MVP-caliber campaigns since he arrived in 2023.

The regular season ends this weekend, but the story will continue through the playoffs, which begin on Nov. 18. For Messi, the chance to leave his mark twice in the same year, with a second Golden Boot and a third MVP, would only strengthen a legacy in American soccer that no one has been able to match.

Messi has given his seal of approval to a video that defends De Paul. The Argentine star liked an Instagram clip from content creator @federacchi that praises the midfielder’s role in the national team. The video begins with a message that sums up its tone: “They judged him so much for what he chose off the pitch that they forgot everything he did on it”.

Oddly enough, most of the criticism De Paul has received during his time with the national team has focused on non-soccer matters, such as his way of dressing, his relationship and his personality, which led many to overlook his contribution.

That contribution is hard to ignore for Messi. The 32-year-old became a faithful partner to the former Argentina captain and a key piece in Lionel Scaloni’s project, with an important role in the titles Argentina won under the coach.

Messi himself said in a 2023 interview that De Paul was an important figure in integrating veterans and young players in the group, something that went beyond what he did on the field.

A delicate moment for De Paul with Argentina

The gesture comes at a delicate time for the midfielder, who was left out of Scaloni’s squad for the November FIFA window, the first without Messi. De Paul, who has been a constant in the national team for years, will not be part of the group that begins a new cycle for the Albiceleste, a decision that has put his future with the team under the microscope.

His absence could mark the end of his time with the national team, although it could also be that the coach wants to use this window to give more playing time to the younger players, as seen in a midfield that includes options such as Ezequiel Fernandez, Maximo Perrone, Valentin Barco and Nico Paz alongside the more experienced Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez.

For now, De Paul has the support of the man who knows best what he brought to the group. Away from the national team, the midfielder continues to share the pitch with Messi at Inter Miami, where they remain firmly in the fight to defend the MLS Cup title, with their place in the playoffs already secured.

The 41-year-old forward announced his Portugal retirement on November 5, 2026, ending a 23-year international career. He finished with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both men’s international records, but the circumstances surrounding his departure have placed renewed attention on his relationship with Jesus.

The retirement came less than a month after Ronaldo walked out of Portugal‘s training camp following a disagreement with Jesus. The incident occurred after the forward warmed up during the second half of the Nations League match against Norway on September 27 but remained an unused substitute.

Ronaldo reportedly felt that Jesus had broken his word over the possibility of bringing him onto the pitch. He subsequently left the camp ahead of the fixture against Denmark, prompting the Portuguese Football Federation to impose a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine, with the ban backdated.

The punishment meant Ronaldo would have been eligible for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales. However, his retirement announcement ended any possibility of another international appearance.

Jesus reveals he expected Ronaldo to return to Portugal

One of the more surprising details surrounding the announcement was that Jesus had expected to include Ronaldo in his latest squad. The coach claimed he had received no advance warning of the retirement and only discovered the decision when the forward shared it publicly. “I found out when we all did. Until then, I knew nothing about it. He was playing, he was scoring goals; he was one of the players on my squad list,” Jesus revealed.

He also admitted that he had anticipated speaking with Ronaldo and bringing him back into the national team setup. “Of course I thought he would come back, of course I thought I would call him up, of course I thought I would speak with him, but you have to respect him,” he told reporters.

The experienced manager confirmed that his selection and management decisions had always been guided by what he considered best for Portugal. “All my decisions were made with the team in mind. As a manager, I have always defended what was best for the team. I am at peace with my decision,” he insisted.

Jorge Jesus insists Ronaldo had already considered retirement

Speaking after announcing his squad for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, Jesus was asked whether he believed Ronaldo had retired because of him. The coach rejected the suggestion that he was responsible, while acknowledging that his decisions may have influenced the timing. “No, maybe I rushed things, but not because of me. It was in his head, more call-ups, fewer call-ups. We also talked about it a few times,” Jesus explained.

The Portugal coach added that Ronaldo’s departure was always likely to happen during his time in charge, regardless of the recent disagreement between them. “I don’t feel guilty about anything regarding his departure. I respect his decision,” he said.

Jesus also made it clear that he continues to hold Ronaldo in high regard despite the tension surrounding the end of their working relationship. “His story cannot be ignored. He will always be a symbol and I have built a strong friendship with him over this year and a half,” he added.

At 41, Ronaldo remains one of Al-Nassr‘s most important players, both on and off the pitch. However, speculation surrounding his next move has intensified, with reports indicating that the 2026-27 campaign could represent the final chapter of his spell at the Saudi giant.

The latest speculation comes shortly after the 41-year-old announced his retirement from Portugal on November 5, 2026. He ended his international career with 234 appearances and 146 goals, leaving behind a record that made him the highest-scoring player in men’s international soccer. His decision means he can now concentrate entirely on club soccer without the demands of international breaks.

Under coach Ange Postecoglou, Al-Nassr will hope to benefit from his continued availability as the club pursues domestic and continental honors. Ronaldo is also approaching another extraordinary individual milestone. Following a hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 5-3 victory over Al Kholood on October 29, he reached 985 official career goals, leaving him 15 short of the 1,000-goal target.

The possibility of retirement has already been discussed by the forward himself. In an August 2026 interview with Vogue, he described the ongoing campaign as “probably my last year of football”, while expressing his desire to leave behind a remarkable legacy.

Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr future takes dramatic turn

According to 365Scores, Ronaldo has informed Al-Nassr officials that the ongoing season could be his last with the club. The report claims that the hierarchy is keen to extend his contract beyond its current expiration date in June 2027.

Al-Nassr is reportedly exploring ways to persuade the forward to remain for another season, while also considering how to honor his contribution if he decides to leave. A potential farewell match and a major celebration are among the plans being discussed, although neither Ronaldo’s departure nor any formal tribute has been confirmed.

Since arriving in Riyadh in early 2023, the Portuguese ace has helped transform the Knight of Najd’s international profile and attracted considerable attention to Saudi soccer. He also played a major role in the club’s reported 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title triumph, scoring 28 league goals during the campaign.

When could Ronaldo make his final professional appearance?

While Ronaldo has yet to confirm whether he intends to retire after the current campaign, speculation has also emerged about when his final professional appearance could take place.

According to the official Saudi Pro League schedule, May 28, 2027, could become the date of Ronaldo’s final match if he decides to retire at the end of the season. The suggested occasion is particularly significant, as Ange Postecoglou’s players are scheduled to face fierce Riyadh rival Al-Hilal in the final round of the Saudi Pro League.

The potential farewell would take place at Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal’s home ground, giving Ronaldo the opportunity to end his career in one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest soccer rivalries. However, this remains an early speculative prediction rather than a confirmed retirement plan or official announcement.

For now, Al-Nassr is still hoping to convince their captain to extend his stay, and Ronaldo has several months remaining on his current contract. Whether he signs a new deal, pursues another challenge, or retires after reaching 1,000 goals remains uncertain, but his next decision could determine how one of soccer’s most remarkable careers comes to a close.

Ronaldo departs as the most-capped player and leading goalscorer in men’s international football, having represented Portugal 234 times and scored 146 goals. However, despite his extraordinary longevity, his final appearance count fell short of a target he had hoped to reach before walking away.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made his senior debut on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan, coming on as a substitute for Luís Figo at just 18 years old. He scored his first international goal less than a year later, against Greece at Euro 2004, where the Selecao eventually finished as runners-up.

His first major international triumph arrived at Euro 2016 in France. Although Ronaldo suffered a knee injury and had to leave the final early against the host nation, he continued encouraging his teammates from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1-0 victory after extra time.

He later added two UEFA Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025, completing a trophy collection that helped establish him as one of the most successful players in Portugal’s history. His international career also included six World Cup appearances, with goals at every tournament between 2006 and 2026.

The records Ronaldo leaves behind

Although the 250-cap target remained out of reach, Ronaldo’s international statistics are extraordinary. His 146 goals and 234 appearances are both men’s world records, while his 46 assists also make him Portugal’s leading provider. Other remarkable achievements include:

• 14 goals at the European Championship, the competition’s all-time scoring record.
• 10 international hat-tricks, the most in men’s international football.
• Goals at six different World Cups, from 2006 to 2026.
• 11 World Cup goals, making him Portugal’s leading scorer in the tournament.
• Three major international trophies: Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo also became the first European player to reach 100 international goals in 2020 and broke Ali Daei’s long-standing men’s international scoring record in September 2021.

The milestone Ronaldo failed to achieve

Despite collecting virtually every major individual international record, Ronaldo leaves Portugal without reaching 250 appearances for the national team. He finished his career with 234 caps, meaning he fell 16 short of the milestone he had hoped to achieve.

The forward’s final appearance came on September 24, 2026, in a 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales. His retirement announcement followed a difficult period involving head coach Jorge Jesus, including a disagreement over his playing time and his departure from the national team camp.

Ronaldo had initially appeared likely to continue representing Portugal after serving a short disciplinary suspension. However, the 41-year-old ultimately decided to end his international career before the November fixtures, leaving his appearance tally permanently at 234.

Ronaldo announced his retirement on November 5, 2026, bringing an end to 23 years with Portugal, 234 appearances and a record 146 international goals. His departure also leaves a significant leadership vacancy after he wore the captain’s armband for more than 18 years.

Replacing Ronaldo will be a considerable challenge given the length and success of his leadership. He first wore Portugal’s armband in a friendly against Brazil on February 6, 2007, before becoming the permanent captain in July 2008 under Carlos Queiroz.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner captained Portugal for more than 18 years, making 172 appearances as captain and leading the national team to its first European Championship title at Euro 2016. He also lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019 and 2025, establishing himself as one of the most influential figures in the country’s soccer history.

His final appearance as captain came in the Selecao’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on September 24, 2026. The retirement announcement followed a difficult period involving disagreements with Jesus, including the superstar’s frustration after being left on the bench against Norway and his subsequent departure from the national team camp.

Jorge Jesus outlines Portugal’s new captaincy structure

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s November Nations League fixtures, Jesus explained that the national team would continue following its traditional approach when selecting captains. The coach identified five experienced players who will form the leadership group following Ronaldo’s departure.

“In the national team, captains are selected based on the number of international appearances each player has made. There are currently five players at the top of that ranking, and interestingly, all five have previously played under my management at the clubs I have worked with,” Jesus explained.

He then confirmed that the existing selection principle would remain unchanged, revealing the player who leads the appearance ranking among those available after Ronaldo. “That principle will remain unchanged. The player with the most international appearances after Cristiano is Bernardo Silva, followed by Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves and Bruno Fernandes. Those are the five players.”

Bernardo Silva is therefore set to inherit Portugal’s captaincy, having accumulated 115 international appearances. The Real Madrid midfielder leads the remaining group, ahead of Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves.

The rule that determined Ronaldo’s successor

Jesus’ explanation makes the selection process straightforward: Portugal’s captaincy is determined by international appearances, with the most-capped available player taking priority. Rather than choosing someone based on reputation, position, or individual leadership qualities, the coach intends to preserve the seniority-based hierarchy. The five players identified by Jesus have the following international appearance records:

The order of the remaining leadership group could be adjusted depending on availability, but Silva is clearly ahead of his teammates in terms of international experience. Jesus also pointed out that all five players have previously worked under him at club level, giving him familiarity with their personalities and leadership qualities.

Silva’s appointment comes during an important period in his career, with the midfielder reportedly enjoying an increasingly influential role at Real Madrid. Jesus praised his performances and expressed confidence in his ability to handle the responsibility.

“He’s going through a good spell at Real Madrid, and it’s not easy to be a regular starter for a team like Real Madrid, one of the best in the world. I have no doubts about Bernardo’s ability,” the coach said. He added that Silva would be able to “contribute his experience and quality as a player” to the national team.

Speaking to former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, Carvalho discussed the challenges of coaching a player who remained determined to play every minute despite being 41. While Ronaldo’s fitness and competitive mentality were never in doubt, the former defender believes Portugal could have benefited from a different decision during certain matches.

Mikel directly questioned whether Martinez should have been braver and taken Ronaldo off for the benefit of the team. Carvalho agreed, making it clear that he would have handled the situation differently. “In my opinion, he [Roberto Martínez] should have taken him off,” he admitted.

He explained that Ronaldo’s personality made the decision particularly complicated, as the captain always believed he could produce something decisive. “If you know him, he’s a player who always wants to play. He was successful because he always wants to be there, because he feels he can score.”

Ronaldo’s confidence remained central to the situation. Whether presented with an opportunity from open play or a free kick, the forward continued to believe he could influence the result, making it difficult for Martinez to convince him that his involvement should end.

What made the decision more complicated

Carvalho also suggested that Martinez was influenced by everything Ronaldo had contributed to Portugal over the previous three or four years. The coach wanted to recognize the captain’s importance and allow him to continue pursuing personal and collective ambitions. “Roberto wants to pay him back,” Carvalho explained, referring to the manager’s apparent desire to reward Ronaldo for his service to the national team.

One example came during Portugal’s 5-0 group-stage victory over Uzbekistan, when Ronaldo had already scored twice, and Martinez considered substituting him. According to Carvalho, the captain was reluctant to leave because he wanted to add more goals to his tally. “I’ve only just started scoring goals; I want more,” Ronaldo reportedly told the coach.

That response reflected the mentality that has driven the forward throughout his career and his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone. However, Carvalho pointed out that Portugal also had other attacking players who needed opportunities, particularly with 26 players in the squad.

Carvalho reveals what he would have done differently

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid defender believes experience should have encouraged Martinez to recognize when Ronaldo’s energy was beginning to decline. Even if the forward still felt capable of making an impact, Carvalho argued that his physical condition could eventually affect his contribution.

“From my experience, when you get older, the later you come off, the worse it is, because you get more tired, you don’t arrive on time,” he explained. The ex-defender ultimately made his preferred approach clear, admitting: “I would have made the decision to substitute him. But it was up to Roberto to decide, and I think he’s happy with his choices.”

He also recalled that Portugal had substituted Ronaldo only once during that period, against Croatia, when Goncalo Ramos entered the match and scored. The situation highlighted the challenge of balancing the captain’s influence with the need to give other forwards meaningful playing time.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s LaLiga trip to Valencia, Mourinho first made clear that he did not want to dwell on the decision itself. “His decision must be respected, and I do respect it,” he said, before adding that he does not see it as a full retirement. “It is not retirement,” the Portuguese coach explained, drawing a line between the end of Ronaldo’s time with the national team and the rest of his career.

“He hasn’t ended his career, those who know him are aware that he still has goals,” Mourinho continued, before sharing a wish tied to the timing of the announcement: “The only thing I would like is for his retirement as a footballer to be on a different day than yesterday”.

His words carry extra weight given where Ronaldo stands today. The forward remains Al Nassr’s top scorer this season and is under contract with the club until 2027. He is also coming off a hat trick that took him to 985 career goals, just 15 short of the historic 1,000, and Mourinho appears to understand that Ronaldo’s story is still being written, even after leaving his international duty.

Could Ronaldo become a coach after retirement?

Mourinho was also asked whether he could picture Ronaldo following his path into coaching one day, but the Portuguese coach chose not to look that far ahead. “If I see him as a coach, I can’t say, I don’t know what may go through his head. It’s too early to even comment. He’s still a football player,” he said.

The answer reflects the same idea that ran through the rest of his comments: for Mourinho, Ronaldo’s retirement from Portugal is a closed chapter with the national team, not a step toward life after soccer. Speaking about his former player in the present tense, the coach made clear that the conversation about what comes next can wait.

For now, Ronaldo has plenty left to do on the pitch. The forward is defending the Saudi Pro League title he won last season, with Al Nassr currently third in the table, and his next test comes on Nov. 20 against Al Qadsiah. Whether he ends up on the bench someday remains an open question, but those who know him, as Mourinho said, are well aware that he still has goals.

WHO: PSG vs Troyes
WHAT: Ligue 1
WHEN: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT • Saturday, November 7, 2026
WHERE: Fubo
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

PSG turn to domestic obligations after their dominant display in Europe and a 6-0 win over Villarreal. The seemingly challenging duel for Les Parisiens without Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Marquinhos only revealed the quality of Luis Enrique’s system and confirmed their status as one of the best teams in Europe. PSG tore the Spanish outfit apart inside the opening 20 minutes, taking a 4-0 lead at halftime, and with a 6-0 win extended their winning streak to 10 matches across all competitions.

Troyes arrive in the capital buoyed by their most stable stretch of the campaign, having picked up four points from their last two Ligue 1 outings, as many as they managed from their previous seven matches. A resolute 0-0 draw away to Toulouse was followed by a 2-0 home victory against fellow promoted side Le Mans, lifting Stéphane Dumont’s men out of the automatic drop zone up to 16th place. Troyes is hoping to capitalize on fatigue and potential heavy rotations after PSG’s mid-week European clash, but the Villarreal duel only revealed Les Parisiens’ bench depth.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The dynamic of this clash hinges entirely on PSG’s ruthless attacking dominance, leaving little room for Troyes to play at their pace. Luis Enrique’s tactical approach prioritizes suffocating territorial control, high counter-pressing, and fluid wide overloads. PSG comfortably pace Ligue 1 across key attacking metrics: they have the division’s highest expected goals tally (23.96 xG), most total shots (178), most shots on target (71), and most goals (21). Even while rotating heavily to manage midweek Champions League commitments, PSG created chances at will from wide channels and half-spaces, taking 22 shots, 12 on target, in their Villarreal duel.

Troyes face a stark tactical hurdle in trying to contain PSG. The visitors have generated just 11.74 xG across nine games, the third-lowest tally in the division, and share the league’s lowest scoring output with just seven goals. While their shot volume of 13.67 attempts per 90 ranks a respectable sixth in Ligue 1, much of that total stems from chasing games late while trailing. Against PSG, Troyes cannot afford an expansive game; their 4-3-3 shape will inevitably collapse into a low 4-5-1 block to deny central space between the lines. Troyes rotated between the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1 system, but under PSG’s relentless pressure, it will likely become a 4-5-1.

Troyes’ primary tactical opening lies in PSG’s defensive vulnerability in transition. PSG average 10.4 PPDA (passes per defensive action allowed), the lowest average in the league, suggesting they are the most aggressive team when out of possession. Furthermore, Luis Enrique’s team has kept just two clean sheets in nine Ligue 1 matches this term, conceding an average of 1.11 goals per game. If Troyes striker Renaud Ripart can hold up possession against PSG’s aggressive press, the visitors could find rare counter-attacking spaces behind advanced full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Digne.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Paris Saint-Germain have enjoyed near-total dominance over Troyes in recent history, remaining unbeaten in their last 20 meetings across all competitions, with 16 wins and four draws. Troyes must look back to 2001 for their last victory over Les Parisiens, underscoring the scale of the challenge ahead.

The sides last met during the 2022/23 campaign before Troyes’ temporary drop down to Ligue 2. PSG took maximum points across both fixtures that season, winning 3-1 away at the Stade de l’Aube and edging a chaotic 4-3 thriller at the Parc des Princes.

However, despite the dominance, goals have been a trend when these two teams have met recently. The last five H2H meetings have averaged an impressive 4.0 goals per game, with both teams scoring in four of the last five.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Luis Enrique will once again manage minutes across his squad following a draining European schedule, but PSG’s depth gives them ample cover in every department. Meanwhile, Troyes face a single injury,

For Les Parisiens, Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembélé, and Nuno Mendes remain sidelined with ongoing injuries, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is out long term. Despite those absences, PSG’s rotational options impressed in Spain, with Senny Mayulu, Dro Fernández, and Maghnes Akliouche offering fresh legs and technical quality around experienced anchors Achraf Hakimi and Warren Zaïre-Emery. Five different PSG players scored in their Villarreal duel.

PSG Projected XI (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Lucas Hernández, Digne; Akliouche, Zaïre-Emery, Dro Fernández; Torres, Mayulu, Godts.

Luis Enrique is expected to use his squad depth again to keep his players fresh amid a demanding schedule. Despite missing key figures like Marquinhos, Mendes, and Dembélé, the expected front line of Ferran Torres, Senny Mayulu, and Mika Godts possesses more than enough firepower to overwhelm the visitors. Warren Zaïre-Emery will continue to dictate the tempo in midfield, while Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Digne will be tasked with providing the width to stretch Troyes’ low block.

Troyes Projected XI (4-3-3): Konaté; Maronnier, Monfray, Júnior Díaz, Gozzi; Mille, Diop, Karim; Ifnaoui, Ripart, N’Kada.

There are no fresh injury concerns for Stéphane Dumont following their hard-fought 2-0 victory over Le Mans, and he is expected to stick with a familiar lineup to maintain their recent defensive stability. The team has already adapted to the absence of Koné and Ouzenadji. Renaud Ripart will spearhead the attack, and his ability to hold up the ball will be vital in relieving pressure on a Troyes backline likely to face a barrage of Parisian attacks.

More details on how to watch

For those looking for the PSG vs Troyes game, the match will be broadcast live on Fubo. You can watch on your TV, computer, phone, or tablet through the Fubo app, which is compatible with most streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles.

A subscription to Fubo is a gateway to more than just the Ligue 1. It provides access to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions, such as Premier League and LaLiga.

Beyond the world of soccer, Fubo offers a vast library of entertainment. Subscribers can enjoy thousands of movies, exclusive TV series, and live coverage of other major sports, including NFL and MLB, making it an all-in-one entertainment hub.

SEE MORE: For a complete schedule of games, check out our Ligue 1 TV schedule page.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

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

WHO: Valencia vs Real Madrid
WHAT: La Liga
WHEN: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT • Saturday, November 7, 2026
WHERE: Fubo, ESPN+
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

Valencia secured its first win under Javier Aguirre in their last match, beating Elche 1-0 away from home, with Umar Sadiq scoring the decisive goal. The win was hugely important for Valencia, which was in danger of being marooned in the relegation zone, but it is now just one point from safety. Aguirre now has his sights set on delivering Valencia’s first home league win of the season.

Real Madrid triumphed over Racing Santander in its last league outing, winning 3-0 at the Estadio El Sardinero. The win puts Jose Mourinho’s side just three points off the top of La Liga after four consecutive league wins, including a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

These teams have vastly different goals this season. Real Madrid is attempting to win the La Liga title from a rampant Barcelona side that looks exceptional under Hansi Flick. Still, Real has recently found its stride under Mourinho, with the impressive counter-attacking display offering hope that Los Blancos can supplant the Blaugrana at the top. In contrast, Valencia is battling relegation, sitting 19th in the table after a dismal start to the season. However, Valencia has proven more difficult to beat under Aguirre, who joined the club at the end of September.

Real Madrid is superior to Valencia in every department, and that will be reflected in the balance of play. Mourinho’s team has scored the second-most goals in La Liga with 28, which is in line with its xG of 27.51. Valencia is conceding the second-most shots in the league, averaging 15.55 per game, while Real Madrid’s 17.17 shots per game is the second-highest in the division. There is also a disparity in possession, with Valencia averaging 44% in La Liga, compared to Real’s 52%. Javier Aguirre’s side will need to stay patient, absorb pressure, and look to hit Real on the counter.

There is hope for Valencia. It has looked stronger defensively since Javier Aguirre took charge, with an average of 1.16 xGA per league game. However, chance creation has been an issue, highlighted by their xG of 0.9 in the recent win over Elche. Valencia will need to be more creative and clinical to win here, and with three points potentially moving them out of the bottom three, motivation will be high. Real Madrid knows Barcelona rarely drops points, so building lengthy winning runs is vital to its chances in the La Liga title race.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Real Madrid won both meetings with Valencia last season, most recently a 2-0 win at the Mestalla in February, with Álvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappé scoring for Real Madrid. The head-to-head between these sides last season resulted in a 4-0 win for Los Blancos

Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid has dominated this fixture in recent years. Since the start of 2020, Real has won 12 of the 15 competitive meetings with Valencia, including the 4-3 penalty shootout win for Los Blancos in 2023, which followed a 1-1 draw. Real Madrid has been the odds-on favourite in the 1×2 market in 14 of those 15 matches. Valencia did manage to beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 2024/25 season, but its last win over Los Blancos at the Mestalla came in the 2022/23 campaign.

Last season was the first time that Valencia failed to score in a home league game against Real Madrid since 2023. Valencia has now scored in 12 of its last 13 La Liga matches against Real at Mestalla, averaging 1.62 goals per game and conceding 1.69.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

There are some players absent for both teams, but neither manager will be concerned with those who are missing thanks to options that they do have available.

Real Madrid has dealt well with Vinicius Jr.’s suspension, and that is due to Yan Diomande settling in at his new club. The left winger has scored three goals and registered an assist in four league matches since the last international break. Federico Valverde missed the 3-0 win over Racing Santander last weekend, but is expected to start this game. Jude Bellingham has been flourishing in this Real Madrid midfield of late, and that should continue here.

Valencia will be without Diego Lopez due to a knee injury. David Otorbi and Kayne van Oevelen are also set to miss out, but Javier Aguirre was never likely to call upon these players.

Valencia Projected XI (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Martinez, Tarrega, Pepelu, Gaya; Guerra, Rodriguez, Mayol, Rioja; Danjuma, Sadiq

There are no fresh injury concerns for Javier Aguirre, and the players that are absent aren’t a major loss, so Valencia has a strong squad available for this tough test. After scoring the winner against Elche, Umar Sadiq is set to partner Arnaut Danjuma up front, and the pair will be tasked with stretching a strong Real Madrid defence.

Real Madrid Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouameni, Silva; Guler, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappe

Real Madrid is expected to name a strong team here, with the most notable absentee being Vinicius Jr., who misses the game due to suspension. However, Yan Diomande has been flourishing on the left of Real’s attack of late, meaning Los Blancos should fare well without Vinicius. Federico could start at right-back, with Bernardo Silva and Aurelien Tchouameni acting as the base of the away side’s midfield.

More details on how to watch

For those looking for the Valencia vs Real Madrid game, the match will be broadcast live on Fubo. You can watch on your TV, computer, phone, or tablet through the Fubo app, which is compatible with most streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles.

A subscription to Fubo is a gateway to more than just the LaLiga. It provides access to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions, such as Premier League and Champions League.

Beyond the world of soccer, Fubo offers a vast library of entertainment. Subscribers can enjoy thousands of movies, exclusive TV series, and live coverage of other major sports, including NFL and MLB, making it an all-in-one entertainment hub.

SEE MORE: For a complete schedule of games, check out our LaLiga TV schedule page.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

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

WHO: Everton vs Coventry
WHAT: Premier League
WHEN: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 AM PT • Friday, 11 November, 2026
WHERE: Fubo
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

High-flying Everton welcome Coventry to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the game that opens matchday 10 in the Premier League on Friday 6 November. The hosts are in good form, having achieved back-to-back wins against Newcastle United in both the EFL Cup and the Premier League.

The Toffees have lost just two games this season in all competitions and sit seventh in the table, just three points behind Chelsea, who occupy fourth.

Newly promoted Coventry arrive in this game after a crucial 3-1 win over Sunderland. It was the third league success this season for Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues, helping them climb above the relegation zone. With nine points from 10 Premier League games, Coventry have genuine hopes of survival in their first top-flight season after a 25-year absence.

Yet, Everton are considered favourites to win this match, as they have once again proven extremely solid this campaign. In fact, since manager David Moyes returned to Everton in January 2025, only Arsenal (31) and Manchester City (28) have kept more clean sheets in the Premier League than the Toffees (20).

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

Coventry have the not insignificant advantage of having rested two extra days for this match compared to Everton. In fact, the Sky Blues played on Saturday at home and travel to Merseyside hoping to achieve their second win on the road of the season, after their 1-0 success over Nottingham Forest in mid-September.

Only Sunderland, four, have lost more away fixtures than Coventry in the Premier League this season, but Frank Lampard’s men have often given a good account of themselves away from home, even against stronger opposition such as Manchester City, whom they lost to 1-0, and Tottenham.

Overall momentum is with Everton, who remain one of the most effective teams in the division. In fact, they’ve only scored nine times, which is the third-worst record, but also conceded just nine goals, with only Arsenal, Brighton and Leeds doing better than them so far. Everton have a small squad this season, due to a lack of signings in the summer, and part of their success is due to their striker Thierno Barry. In fact, only Erling Haaland (13) has scored more goals among Premier League players in all competitions than Barry (eight). Last season Barry scored eight goals in 41 appearances; this season it’s taken him just 12 games to match that tally.

Coventry are unlikely to press high; their PPDA (passes per defensive action) ranks second-highest in the division with 18.3. But it’s equally unlikely that the visitors can simply play for the 0-0 on Friday. Frank Lampard’s men have only created 8.34 xG so far; that’s the lowest tally in the Premier League after nine games, so probably a low-scoring game is the most likely outcome.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Everton and Coventry have not faced each other since the 2000/01 Premier League season. Back then, Everton won 3-1 on the road, but lost 2-1 at their old ground, Goodison Park. However, that’s Everton only defeat in the past seven home matches, in all competitions, against Coventry.

Everton and Coventry have played 80 times so far, with 37 of those matchups going to Everton and 23 to Coventry. There have been 20 draws between the two.
In the last five games, both Everton and Coventry won two games apiece, with one game ending in a draw.

In the last five meetings between Everton and Coventry, both teams have scored in three of the five games. Everton and Coventry have scored an average of 2.4 goals a game in their last five meetings.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Jack Grealish is still unavailable to play for Everton due to an internal disciplinary suspension, while George has recovered from the small injury he recently suffered and should be ready to play. Manager David Moyes might make some alterations to the starting lineup that faced Newcastle on Monday. Rohl might slot in at left-back, with O’Brien replacing Jarrad Branthwaite at centre-back. Striker Thierno Barry will continue to lead the attack.

Coventry are missing a few players, including Eccles, Thomas, Woolfenden, Amenda and Wright, although most of them have been sidelined for some time. Taiwo Awoniyi will continue to play as centre-forward. Frank Lampard is not expected to make any changes to the starting lineup that played against Sunderland last weekend.

Everton Projected XI (4-5-1):
Pickford; Mykolenko, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Rohl; Armstrong, Garner; George, Dewsbury-Hall, Johnson; Barry

Everton look comfortable in their 4-5-1 formation with Dewsbury-Hall and Johnson roaming behind striker Barry. Branthwaite might rest for this match.

Coventry Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Rushworth; Dasilva, Pinnock, Mfuni, van Ewijk; Torp, Yurenkyi; Gboho, Rudoni, Sakamoto; Awoniyi

Frank Lampard is unlikely to change the starting lineup that played last weekend against Sunderland. Gboho, Rudoni and Sakamoto will be tasked with linking up play and creating scoring chances for the lone striker Awoniyi.

More details on how to watch

For those looking for the Everton vs Coventry channel, the match will be broadcast live on Fubo. You can watch on your TV, computer, phone, or tablet through the Fubo app, which is compatible with most streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles.

A subscription to Fubo is a gateway to more than just the Premier League. It provides access to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions, such as LaLiga and Champions League.

Beyond the world of soccer, Fubo offers a vast library of entertainment. Subscribers can enjoy thousands of movies, exclusive TV series, and live coverage of other major sports, including NFL and MLB, making it an all-in-one entertainment hub.

SEE MORE: For a complete schedule of games, check out our Premier League TV schedule page.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

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

Ronaldo shared an emotional video statement on social media, looking back on more than two decades representing his country. His message brought an end to months of speculation about how much longer he intended to continue playing international soccer.

The numbers underline the extraordinary scale of Ronaldo’s contribution for the Selecao. He has 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him the most-capped player and leading goalscorer in men’s international soccer history.

His international journey includes appearances at five World Cups and six European Championships, alongside some of the most important trophies in Portugal‘s history. Ronaldo captained the national team to the Euro 2016 title, followed by the 2019 UEFA Nations League triumph and another Nations League success in 2025.

His influence extends far beyond individual statistics. From his early years as an exciting winger to becoming Portugal’s captain and primary goalscoring threat, Ronaldo remained the defining figure of the national team for more than two decades.

What is Ronaldo’s decision?

Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international soccer after 23 years representing Portugal. In his farewell message, the Al-Nassr forward confirmed that he would no longer wear the national team’s famous number seven shirt, closing a career that began with his senior debut in 2003. “Today I finish my walk on the pitch with the national team. I leave with my head held high, with pride in the path I took, and with the awareness that I gave everything I had for Portugal,” Ronaldo said.

The Portuguese captain also reflected on the significance of representing his country, explaining that trophies and records eventually become part of history, while the connection with supporters remains. “The goals pass, the cups are in museums, the records end up being beaten. But there is something that time can never erase, the place we occupy in people’s hearts.”

He added that representing Portugal had ultimately become the greatest achievement of his career. “I spent my life working to be the best player in the world. Today I realise that the greatest victory was to have deserved to represent the best country in the world.”

In his farewell message, he thanked his teammates, coaches, family and supporters who followed him throughout the journey. “Thank you for these 23 years. Thank you for having believed in me,” he said, before delivering one final message to his country: “Portugal will always be in me. Forever.”

Jorge Jesus relationship added uncertainty to his future

Ronaldo’s announcement follows a turbulent period with Portugal under new head coach Jorge Jesus. The two had previously worked together at Al-Nassr, but their relationship became complicated after a disagreement over the forward’s playing time during the September international window.

The situation escalated when Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp after being left unused against Norway, despite reportedly expecting to feature. He subsequently apologized to his teammates and Portuguese supporters for his departure, while the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) imposed a 30-day disciplinary suspension, applied retrospectively.

Despite the controversy, the veteran had previously insisted that he remained available for selection. His inclusion in the preliminary squad for the November international window had also suggested that a return was possible, making his latest announcement particularly significant.

The timing is especially notable because Jesus is expected to announce Portugal’s squad on November 6, one day after Ronaldo confirmed his international retirement. The national team now faces its next chapter without the player who served as its captain and record goalscorer for 23 years.

Ronaldo announced his decision on November 5, 2026, ending a 23-year international career that produced 234 appearances and a record 146 goals. Jesus subsequently addressed the situation while discussing Portugal’s plans for the November Nations League fixtures, including how the timing of the retirement affected his own position.

Ronaldo and Jesus reportedly failed to resolve their disagreement

According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Ronaldo ignored Jesus’ attempts to contact him on three separate occasions before announcing his retirement. The report claims the Al-Nassr captain remained unwilling to accept a reduced role with Portugal, particularly after Jesus reportedly made it clear that the team’s attacking hierarchy would change. Goncalo Ramos was expected to become the first-choice striker, potentially leaving Ronaldo with limited opportunities to start.

The veteran reportedly understood that his position in the national team would be different under Jesus, but the two never directly discussed retirement. The report also suggests the coach anticipated the announcement after failing to reach the forward, although he had hoped to bring him back into the squad.

The disagreement followed a difficult September international window, when Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway. He subsequently left the national team camp without permission, later apologizing to his teammates and the Portuguese public before receiving a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation.

What would Jorge Jesus have done if Ronaldo delayed retirement?

Jesus addressed the situation at a press conference after announcing his squad for the November international fixtures. Asked whether he had attempted to contact Ronaldo and whether he felt responsible for the timing of his departure, the Portugal coach said he had made no effort to reach the forward. “I did not try to contact Cristiano,” Jesus stated.

He also acknowledged that Ronaldo’s retirement would inevitably be associated with his time in charge of Portugal, given that his contract with the federation runs until 2030. However, Jesus revealed that the forward would still have had a place in his plans if he had decided to continue his international career. “If he had not made this decision now and had felt that the right time to return was later, I would have backed him to remain part of my plans once again,” Jesus explained.

The coach added that Ronaldo could have returned at some point during the Nations League campaign, meaning he would still have been associated with the forward’s eventual departure. “This would have happened at some point during the Nations League campaign, and I would still have been associated with Ronaldo’s departure from the national team,” he said, before adding: “Unless, of course, he continued playing until 2030.”

Jesus also insisted he had not received advance notice of the retirement, explaining that he learned about it when Ronaldo published his announcement. “I found out about the decision at the same time as everyone else. I was informed of his decision yesterday, just as you were, after he published the video and statement announcing it. Until that moment, I knew absolutely nothing. He was playing and scoring goals, and he was one of the players included in my squad selection.“

The postponement comes at a significant moment for Ronaldo, who is closing in on one of soccer’s most remarkable individual milestones. With his next appearance now pushed back, supporters will have to wait longer to see him continue his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.

The postponement temporarily interrupts Ronaldo’s pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone. The Portuguese forward currently has 985 official senior career goals, leaving him just 15 away from a landmark no player has previously reached in official senior matches.

He moved closer to the target with a hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 5-3 victory over Al-Kholood on October 29. The 41-year-old subsequently missed the club’s 6-2 AFC Champions League victory over Uzbek side Pakhtakor on November 2, having been rested for the match.

Ronaldo also announced his retirement from international soccer on November 5, ending a 23-year career with Portugal. He leaves the national team as its record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 234 caps and 146 goals.

Why was Al-Nassr vs. Al-Hazem postponed?

The Saudi Pro League announced on Tuesday, November 3, that all Matchweek 13 fixtures in the 2026-27 season would be postponed. Al-Nassr’s scheduled meeting with Al-Hazem was among the affected games, and no replacement date has been confirmed. The decision followed the Asian Football Confederation’s announcement that the 2027 AFC Asian Cup had been rescheduled.

The tournament, which Saudi Arabia is due to host, was initially planned for January 7 to February 5, 2027, but will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, amid security concerns following attacks in the kingdom. The revised continental competition dates have created additional flexibility in the domestic soccer calendar, prompting the league to reconsider how its remaining fixtures should be distributed.

The Saudi Pro League explained: “The decision comes as part of a wider review of the 2026-27 RSL (Roshn Saudi League) fixture schedule, with the revised Asian Cup dates creating additional flexibility in the domestic football calendar.”

The league also stressed that the review would prioritize player welfare and a more balanced schedule, adding that it would organize a workshop with participating clubs to discuss proposed adjustments and collect feedback before finalizing the new calendar. “The review will focus on achieving a more balanced distribution of fixtures across the remainder of the season, while ensuring adequate rest and recovery periods for players,” the statement continued.

Al-Nassr will therefore not receive a defeat or lose points because of the postponement. The entire round has been rescheduled, meaning the clubs involved will retain their existing points until their matches are played.

When is Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game?

With the Al-Hazem fixture postponed and Ronaldo no longer expected to represent Portugal during the upcoming international window, his next scheduled opportunity to return is Al-Nassr’s meeting with Al-Qadsiah on November 20, 2026.

The Matchday 14 encounter is expected to take place at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, although the kick-off time has not been confirmed. Al-Nassr entered the postponed Matchweek 13 in third place with 28 points, having accumulated those points across its first 11 league matches.

The club will now have additional time to prepare for its next domestic assignment, while the league works with its teams to finalize the revised schedule. For Ronaldo, the wait also means a little more time before he can resume his pursuit of the historic 1,000-goal mark.

Asked if he would change anything about how he handled the situation with Ronaldo, Jesus left no room for doubt. “I wouldn’t change anything, absolutely nothing. I made a decision as a coach, putting the interests of my team and the Portuguese national team first,” he said. He added that he is “convinced” he did not do anything to cause what happened, and described himself as “perfectly calm” about his decision.

The coach also explained how he experienced the news. Jesus said he learned of Ronaldo’s decision at the same time as everyone, following the video and statement the forward published, and that until then he had no knowledge of his intention to leave.

He even revealed that Ronaldo was among the players he was considering for the squad. “If I just said I was thinking of calling him up, it’s because I believed Cristiano Ronaldo would continue with this Nations League project. There are no hard feelings,” Jesus explained. He did acknowledge, however, that the dispute between the two may have rushed things.

Jesus closes the chapter and looks ahead

Jesus had no interest in letting the Ronaldo debate take over the rest of the week. After answering several questions about the forward’s departure, the coach tried to close the subject and turn the page toward what comes next. “This subject has already been addressed and I’m not going to talk about it again. That topic is closed,” he said, while insisting that he must respect Ronaldo’s decision.

His message was also directed at the squad. Jesus said it is time to talk about the group and the new players, and noted that the captain’s armband will go to one of the team’s most experienced players: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, the five with the most appearances, according to the coach.

With that in mind, the coach’s focus shifts to a squad that faces Denmark on Nov. 14 in Braga and Wales on Nov. 17, and to a new era without the player who defined the national team for 23 years.

Portugal’s squad for UEFA Nations League games

Jesus announced a 28-player squad for the final two group games, with Ronaldo’s absence being the biggest change.

• Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting), Samuel Soares (Benfica).

• Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Alberto Costa (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Tomas Araujo (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Antonio Silva (Bournemouth), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Tavares (Lazio).

• Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Benfica), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francisco Trincao (Al-Ahli), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United).

• Forwards: Carlos Forbs (Club Brugge), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Rafael Leao (Galatasaray), Geovany Quenda (Chelsea), Rodrigo Mora (Roma), Goncalo Ramos (AC Milan), Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Gustavo Varela (Monza).

The first is the goals record, in which the striker is the all-time top scorer for a national team. Ronaldo finished with 146 for Portugal, a total built over more than two decades that he kept growing until his final World Cup, where he scored his last international goal from the penalty spot against Croatia in the round of 32. The record has been his since 2021, when two goals against the Republic of Ireland took him to 111 and past Iran’s Ali Daei, who held it with 109.

The gap he leaves is enormous. Lionel Messi, the closest player on the list, ended his Argentina career with 126 goals, 20 fewer than Ronaldo, and since he retired in October after his farewell match against Benin, that total will not grow. Daei is long retired, and so is India’s Sunil Chhetri, who sits fourth on the list with 95 goals.

That leaves the active players with a mountain to climb. Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, 33, has 94 goals and Poland’s Robert Lewandowski, 38, has 92, which puts both more than 50 goals short of Ronaldo. Given their ages, it is hard to imagine either of them catching up, and no one else is close enough to threaten the record.

234 caps: a mark that may be even harder to reach

The appearances record tells a similar story. Ronaldo finished with 234 caps for Portugal, a figure that makes him the most-capped player in the history of men’s international soccer. He broke the previous record of 196, held by Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, in 2023, and he was the first player to reach 200 appearances, a milestone he hit against Iceland in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Behind him, the list is shorter on active players than it looks. Messi finished second with 208 caps, 26 fewer than Ronaldo, but he has already retired. The only name in the top five who could still add to his total is third-placed Luka Modric, with 206 caps for Croatia. At 41 years old, however, he would need more than 30 additional appearances to challenge Ronaldo, something that looks highly unlikely.

In the end, both records speak of the same thing: longevity and consistency at the highest level. To catch Ronaldo, a player would have to score at an elite rate and stay on the national team for more than two decades, without serious injuries or a drop in form.

With Messi, Daei and the rest of the list already gone, and the active names far behind, the numbers that Ronaldo leaves behind, 146 goals and 234 caps, may stand for generations.

According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Messi’s No.10 will not be used by any other player in the upcoming international break. The decision was made by head coach Lionel Scaloni, who is waiting to pick the “next” number 10 for Argentina.

The gesture is possible because the November matches are friendlies, where FIFA does not require squads to use consecutive numbers. That allows Scaloni to leave the shirt untouched for now, a symbolic tribute to the player who retired as the national team’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

The answer for official competition, however, is different. FIFA rules require World Cup and Copa America squad lists to use consecutive numbers from 1 to 26, with a number assigned to every player on the roster. That means Argentina cannot leave the No.10 unused or retire it for official tournaments, no matter how symbolic the gesture would be.

The Diego Maradona precedent

This is not the first time Argentina has run into this wall. Ahead of the 2002 World Cup, the AFA tried to retire the No.10 as a tribute to Diego Maradona, whose career had already turned the shirt into much more than a number. The federation even proposed a squad numbered up to 24 that would skip the No.10, but FIFA rejected the request, citing the consecutive-numbering rule.

As a result, the shirt kept being worn by later generations of Argentine players, with Ariel Ortega wearing it in 2002, until it eventually reached Messi. With the same regulation still in place, any renewed push to retire it in his honor would face the same outcome.

Who could inherit the No.10?

The bigger question will arrive when Argentina returns to official competition: who takes the shirt next? Nico Paz is the name most often mentioned, as the Como 1907 playmaker operates in a similar position to Messi and wears the same number at his club. The doubt is whether a 22-year-old can handle the weight of that number so early in his international career.

His performances this season suggest he can. Paz has been one of the standouts of the 2026-27 campaign, with six goals and eight assists in 13 appearances across Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.

Still, Argentina has other options. Some believe the shirt might be better suited to a proven World Cup winner, with Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez floated as alternatives who already have the pedigree and experience to carry that responsibility. For now, Scaloni appears in no rush: by leaving the shirt without an owner, he buys time before making one of the most symbolic decisions of the new era.

The club shared the message on its official account on X, accompanied by an image of Ronaldo surrounded by his goal celebrations and the league trophy they won last season. “Your name still echoes through our home. Our ambitions still reach beyond the horizon and the story of Cristiano and Al Nassr still has the world turning pages,” the club wrote.

Ronaldo is still the face of Al Nassr’s project, and his time at the club is far from over. The forward signed a two-year extension in June 2025 that ties him to the team until mid-June 2027.

The Portuguese star is also firmly in the race to become the first player in history to reach 1,000 career goals, and everything points to him achieving it in Saudi Arabia. He currently sits at 985, after a hat trick in Al Nassr’s 5-3 win over Al Kholood, and he is the team’s top scorer this season with nine goals.

A story that is still being written

The club’s words also reflect how much the relationship has changed since Ronaldo arrived in early 2023. For more than three years, the Portuguese star went without an official title in Saudi Arabia, with his only trophy being the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, a tournament not officially recognized by FIFA. That wait ended in May 2026, when Al Nassr secured the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League crown with a 4-1 win over Damac, with Ronaldo scoring a brace.

Now, the challenge is to prove that the title was only the beginning. Al Nassr are trying to defend their crown this season and currently sit third in the Saudi Pro League with 28 points, two points behind leaders Al Hilal.

On the continental stage, Ronaldo is still chasing his first AFC Champions League Elite title with the club. Al Nassr are seventh in the West Region standings with six points from three matches, inside the qualification zone and with a game in hand over most of their rivals.

Now, with Portugal in the past, Al Nassr sees its captain as the center of a story that still has chapters to write. His contract runs through 2027, and nothing has been announced beyond that date, but the message from the club suggests that its ambitions, and his, are far from over.

But the news does not mean the end of the road for the forward, who still has unfinished business at club level in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo remains under contract with Al Nassr, as he signed a two-year extension in 2025, keeping him in Riyadh until mid-June 2027.

That timeline gives the campaign extra weight, and Ronaldo seems to know it. Free from the demands of the national team, he arrives at this new stage in the best possible shape, fresh off a hat trick in Al Nassr’s 5-3 win over Al Kholood that took his career tally to 985 goals, just 15 away from the historic 1,000.

It was the perfect reminder that, at 41, his appetite for goals has not faded: he has scored nine times in 12 appearances this season, with eight of those goals coming in just 10 Saudi Pro League games and another in the AFC Champions League.

What could come after 2027?

How Ronaldo’s career ends is still an open question, and not even he seems to have the answer. Ahead of Portugal’s Nations League opener against Wales in September, the forward was asked directly about retirement and chose humor over clarity.

He admitted he simply does not know, explaining that since his early thirties he has lived in the moment rather than planning for tomorrow. He did not rule retirement out, acknowledging it was possible and even likely at some point, but refused to put a date on it.

What he did promise was how the news would arrive. When a reporter asked whether the Portuguese public would be the first to know, Ronaldo pushed back on the idea, saying: “I’ll tell the world, not just the Portuguese”.

The next question is about his club’s future. The forward could extend his stay at Al Nassr once more, look for a last challenge elsewhere or hang up his boots when his current contract expires. At the moment, nothing has been confirmed on any of those paths.

What does seem clear is that his retirement from Portugal frees up his schedule and his body. Without the long international breaks and the pressure of the national team, Ronaldo can focus fully on Al Nassr and on reaching the 1,000-goal mark.

AC Milan confirmed lineup

Ferencvaros confirmed lineup

The Rossoneri return to San Siro on Thursday, November 5, encouraged by their 3-1 win over their city rivals. However, the team still has considerable work to do in Europe, while its Hungarian opponent arrives with a perfect record after winning their opening three league-phase matches.

Milan enjoyed an excellent evening against Inter, claiming a 3-1 victory in the Derby della Madonnina. Pulisic opened the scoring, before Adrien Rabiot and Diego Moreira added to the advantage and helped Amorim’s side secure another important result against their city rivals.

However, the Rossoneri have struggled to reproduce that form in the Europa League. Defeats against Benfica and Bournemouth, with a 4-0 victory over Salzburg in between, have left the Italian side with just three points from their first three matches.

That return places Milan 24th in the league-phase standings, currently occupying the final play-off position. With five fixtures remaining, Amorim needs his players to deliver more consistent performances to avoid making their route towards the knockout stages unnecessarily difficult.

Ferencvaros arrives with impressive European record

Ferencvaros present a difficult challenge for Milan, having won all three of their Europa League matches so far. Victories over Celtic, Viktoria Plzen and Torreense have earned Balazs Borbely’s side nine points and a place among the competition’s leading teams, putting them in contention for direct qualification to the last 16.

Their domestic form has also been impressive, with the Hungarian club reportedly going 20 consecutive matches without defeat across all competitions. Kristoffer Zachariassen and Dele Yusuf have been particularly important in attack, while Veljko Birmancevic provides another threat in the final third.

Thursday’s encounter will be the first competitive meeting between Milan and Ferencvaros. The Italian club has faced Hungarian opposition in previous European campaigns, but the two teams have never played each other in a competitive fixture.

Why is Pulisic not starting against Ferencvaros?

Despite scoring against Inter, Pulisic will begin the Ferencvaros match on the bench, with Amorim preparing to rotate his squad following the derby and ahead of Sunday’s domestic trip to Genoa.

The decision appears to be tactical rather than related to the American’s performance or fitness. The Red and Blacks coach wants to distribute playing time across his squad, creating opportunities for younger players while preserving some regular starters for the demanding schedule ahead.

According to the official lineup, Omari Hutchinson and Alphadjo Cisse will feature in the wide positions, with Rabiot operating behind Goncalo Ramos. Pulisic is therefore among the experienced players who could be introduced from the bench if the club needs a different attacking dimension during the game. His derby contribution should keep him firmly in Amorim’s plans, even if he does not start this particular European fixture.

At 41, Ronaldo has decided to end his 23-year international career, leaving behind records, trophies and a legacy that will be difficult to surpass. His announcement came on Thursday, November 5, following a turbulent period involving Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo confirmed his retirement through a five-minute video message shared on social media, reflecting on the privilege of representing his country since making his senior debut in August 2003. “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world,” he said.

The Portuguese forward also acknowledged that the decision was difficult, explaining that his international journey had changed his life. He leaves Portugal with 234 appearances and 146 goals, holding the men’s world records for both international caps and goals.

His departure follows a disagreement with Jesus after the coach left him on the bench against Norway, despite reportedly discussing a potential 30-minute appearance beforehand. Ronaldo subsequently left the national team camp, bringing renewed attention to his relationship with the coach and his international future.

Trophy collection that changed Portugal’s history

Ronaldo’s influence extended far beyond individual records. He captained Portugal to its first European Championship title at Euro 2016, before adding UEFA Nations League trophies in 2019 and 2025.

His international career also included appearances at six European Championships and six World Cups. He became the European Championship’s all-time leading scorer with 14 goals and Portugal’s leading World Cup scorer with 11.

The Portuguese Football Federation responded to his announcement with “deep gratitude and immense admiration”, describing him as an inspiration to generations of young players. It also confirmed plans to organize a tribute so supporters can celebrate his contribution to the national team.

Ronaldo vs. Eusebio: How do their numbers compare?

The comparison between Ronaldo and Eusebio highlights two different forms of greatness. Ronaldo holds the advantage in overall appearances, goals, World Cup participation, and international trophies, while Eusebio maintains a slightly better international scoring rate.

Ronaldo’s 146 goals came across more than two decades of international soccer, while the legendary striker scored 41 times in just 64 appearances. The legendary Benfica forward therefore holds a marginally higher goals-per-game average, demonstrating how dangerous he was in front of goal during his era.

Eusebio’s greatest international achievement came at the 1966 World Cup, where he scored nine goals to win the Golden Boot and helped Portugal finish third. His four-goal performance against North Korea in the quarter-finals remains one of the tournament’s most memorable displays.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, scored 11 goals across six World Cups, becoming the first player to score at six different editions. Although his tournament record spans a much longer period, Eusebio’s extraordinary 1966 campaign remains a benchmark for Portugal’s World Cup history.

Two legends, two different legacies

Eusebio became Portugal’s first global soccer superstar, winning the 1965 Ballon d’Or and establishing himself as a Benfica icon. His 1966 World Cup performances introduced the country to a worldwide audience, laying the foundations for future generations.

Ronaldo took that legacy to another level through unprecedented longevity and a collection of international records. Most importantly, he delivered major trophies that had eluded Portugal throughout Eusebio’s playing career.

The debate over which player deserves the title of Portugal’s greatest will likely continue for generations. However, their contributions remain inseparable from the country’s soccer history, with Eusebio opening the door and Ronaldo building on that legacy through an extraordinary 23-year international career.

The announcement came hours after the 41-year-old confirmed his retirement from international soccer on November 5, bringing an end to 23 years representing the Selecao. Ronaldo departs as the men’s international record holder for both appearances and goals, leaving behind a legacy that the federation believes deserves a fitting farewell.

The federation expressed its gratitude to Ronaldo in an emotional statement, highlighting his leadership, dedication and influence across generations. It described him as an exceptional athlete whose contribution extended far beyond his performances on the pitch. “More than an exceptional athlete, our captain was an inspiring leader, an example of dedication and the ultimate symbol of the soul of our national team,” the FPF said.

The governing body also recognized the significance of his achievements, pointing to 234 international appearances and 146 goals. It credited the five-time Ballon d’Or winner with carrying the country’s hopes, breaking records and leading Portugal through some of the most memorable moments in its soccer history.

The statement also emphasized his influence on young Portuguese supporters and the international recognition he brought to the country. FPF president Pedro Proenca echoed that appreciation, describing Ronaldo as “more than a player. Man, athlete, reference, hero, leader. Our captain.”

Federation reevals plans for special farewell

The FPF made clear that Ronaldo’s retirement would not pass without an official celebration. It intends to organize an event worthy of his extraordinary career, with supporters and the Portuguese public invited to applaud their former captain once again. “The Portuguese Football Federation refuses to let this farewell take place without the tribute it deserves,” the statement read.

The federation added that it has a “firm and enormous desire” to organize and actively participate in a celebration that reflects Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese soccer. However, the exact date, venue and format have not yet been confirmed.

When could Ronaldo’s Portugal tribute happen?

Although the FPF has yet to announce a schedule, March 2027 is one possible window for the celebration, particularly if the federation wants to organize a farewell match during an international break. That period would offer an opportunity to arrange a high-profile friendly at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon or the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, and bring together supporters, former teammates, and other soccer figures.

Another possibility is June 2027, after the club season, when the superstar could have greater flexibility depending on his commitments with Al-Nassr. His current contract with the Saudi club runs until June 2027, making the summer a potential opportunity for a standalone testimonial or ceremonial event. If he decides to retire from club action altogether in the summer of 2027, the event could serve as a dual celebration of his entire career.

The FPF could also consider linking the celebration to Ronaldo’s pursuit of another extraordinary career milestone. Because the FPF explicitly highlighted his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone in their statement, they might wait for a timeline that honors this achievement. However, these are potential scenarios rather than confirmed plans, and supporters must wait for the federation to reveal its decision.

The Portuguese superstar is approaching another important stage of his career, with his pursuit of 1,000 goals still unfinished. However, supporters will have to wait a little longer to see him back on the pitch after a recent fixture announcement in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo announced his international retirement on November 5 through an emotional video shared on social media, ending a 23-year journey with Portugal.

He finished with 234 appearances and 146 goals, holding the men’s world records for both international caps and goals. “The day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world,” he said.

His departure followed a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus after being left on the bench against Norway during the previous international window. Ronaldo subsequently left the national team camp, but his retirement announcement confirmed that his international career was over.

The forward will continue playing for Al-Nassr, where he remains under contract until June 2027. He is sitting on 985 career goals, leaving him 15 short of the historic 1,000-goal milestone.

Saudi Pro League postponement delays Al-Nassr’s return

Ronaldo’s next club appearance has been affected by a wider adjustment to the Saudi Pro League calendar. The league announced that all Matchweek 13 fixtures in the 2026-27 season would be postponed following changes to the schedule of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia is due to host.

The continental tournament has been moved from its original January-February window to December 2027, prompting the league to review its domestic calendar. The Saudi Pro League confirmed that replacement dates would be announced after discussions with clubs and other relevant stakeholders. “New dates for Matchweek 13 will be announced once the review is complete and the updated calendar has been agreed in coordination with all relevant stakeholders,” the league stated.

One of the affected fixtures is Al-Nassr’s scheduled meeting with Al-Hazem, which has been postponed without a confirmed replacement date. The change adds to Al-Nassr’s disrupted schedule, with previous matches against Al-Ahli and Al-Wasl also having been postponed.

When will Cristiano Ronaldo play again?

With his international retirement confirmed, Ronaldo will no longer be involved in Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales. His next scheduled opportunity to return to competitive action is therefore Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Qadsiah on November 20, 2026.

The match is expected to take place at Al-Awwal Park, although the kick-off time remains unconfirmed. The 41-year-old’s availability has also yet to be officially established.

The postponement of the Al-Hazem fixture means the Portuguese forward would face an extended break before returning to club soccer. If no additional matches are arranged, the November 20 meeting with Al-Qadsiah will mark his next opportunity to take the field.

Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal in November, following a 23-year international career, while Messi had already played his final match for Argentina in October. Their departures leave behind two remarkable legacies, although the statistics reveal some important differences in how they made their mark.

Messi’s emotional farewell to Argentina

Messi’s final appearance for Argentina came on October 6, 2026, in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. La Albiceleste won 3-0, with the captain scoring a penalty and providing two assists before receiving an emotional farewell from supporters. The 39-year-old finished his international career with 208 appearances, 126 goals and 67 assists.

His 21-year journey included the 2022 World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. Messi also captained Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where the national team lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. His departure marked the beginning of a new chapter under Lionel Scaloni, with the national team leaving him out of its November squad.

Ronaldo ends his 23-year Portugal career

Ronaldo announced his international retirement on November 5, 2026, through a video message shared on social media. His final appearance for Portugal had come in a 1-0 victory over Wales, before a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus accelerated his departure. “The day has come to return the number 7 shirt of the National Team of all of us. I never felt it was exclusively mine,” the nation’s captain said in his farewell message.

The 41-year-old leaves with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both men’s international records. He also captained Portugal to its first European Championship in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo vs. Messi: What do the international numbers show?

The statistical comparison highlights Ronaldo’s advantage in appearances and goals, while Messi finished with more assists and total goal contributions.

Ronaldo scored 20 more international goals and played 26 more matches than Messi. However, Messi recorded ten more goal contributions overall despite making fewer appearances, averaging approximately 0.93 goals or assists per match compared with Ronaldo’s 0.78.

The difference becomes even clearer when looking at their major international honors. Messi won the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles and the 2022 Finalissima, while Ronaldo collected Euro 2016 and two Nations League trophies with Portugal.

World Cup achievements separate their international stories

Messi’s World Cup record includes 21 goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances, alongside the 2022 triumph that completed his collection of major international honors. He also became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Ball twice.

Ronaldo appeared at a record six different World Cups, scoring 11 goals in 27 matches. Although he never lifted the trophy, he made history by scoring at all six tournaments and helped Portugal reach the semi-finals in 2006.

Their careers therefore represent two different paths to international greatness. Ronaldo’s legacy is built around longevity, goalscoring records and Portugal’s first major senior trophies, while Messi’s includes greater overall goal contributions and the World Cup title.

Both changed the history of their national teams, and their retirement in the same year brings one of soccer’s greatest individual rivalries to a close.

Ronaldo confirmed his retirement through an emotional video shared on social media, while Messi‘s departure had already been followed by Argentina’s first squad announcement without its legendary captain. Their exits leave two national teams preparing for the future without the players who became their greatest goalscorers and most recognizable figures.

Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal after 23 years, bringing an end to a career that began with his senior debut in 2003. The 41-year-old finished with 234 appearances and 146 goals, records that place him at the top of men’s international soccer in both categories. In his five-minute farewell video, titled OBRIGADO, PORTUGAL [THANK YOU, PORTUGAL], the veteran reflected on the responsibility of wearing the famous number seven shirt.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team. I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.” He also expressed his pride in representing the Selecao, adding: “The number 7 shirt will remain. The pride of having worn it will be mine forever. Portugal will always be a part of me.”

Meanwhile, Messi’s international career with Argentina also ended after more than two decades. He retired with 208 appearances, 126 goals and 69 assists, having won the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, and the 2022 Finalissima. La Albiceleste captain’s final appearance came in a farewell friendly against Benin, where he scored a penalty and provided two assists in a 3-0 victory. Like Ronaldo, Messi leaves behind a record that will be difficult for the next generation to approach.

Duo previously disappeared from international play together

Despite the significance of their retirements, this is not the first time Ronaldo and Messi have been absent from international soccer during the same period. Following the 2018 World Cup in Russia, both players stepped away from their respective national teams for the remainder of the calendar year, as confirmed by The Mirror.

Their departures from that tournament happened on June 30, 2018, when Argentina and Portugal were both eliminated in the Round of 16. France defeated Argentina 4-3, while Uruguay knocked out Portugal with a 2-1 victory, leaving both superstars facing an early end to their World Cup campaigns.

Neither player returned for the September, October or November international windows. Both missed six matches for their countries before making their comebacks on March 22, 2019, bringing an unusual period of simultaneous absence to an end.

Their returns did not produce the results supporters had hoped for. Portugal drew 0-0 with Ukraine in a European qualifier, while Argentina lost 3-1 to Venezuela in a friendly, with Messi subsequently missing the next match through injury.

New international era begins without soccer’s defining duo

The latest departures carry greater significance because they appear to close the international careers of two players who dominated world soccer for an entire generation. Between 2008 and 2023, Ronaldo and Messi won 13 of the 15 Ballon d’Or awards, maintaining an extraordinary level of individual success alongside their international achievements.

Argentina has already begun preparing for life without Messi, announcing a 28-player squad for November friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica. Portugal must now move forward without Ronaldo as Jorge Jesus prepares to build a team around the players who will lead the next chapter.

Both superstars continue their club careers, with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and Messi at Inter Miami. Their international journeys, however, have reached their conclusions, leaving behind records, trophies, and memories that will remain central to soccer history for years to come.

Alexis Mac Allister said he has not completely processed Messi’s retirement, comparing it to the feeling after winning the World Cup, when some big moments take time to fully absorb. “Just like when we won the World Cup, there are still some huge things that we struggle to fully take in. I think we still haven’t really realized that Leo won’t be with us anymore,” the midfielder said in an interview with Los Edul.

The Liverpool player also added a hopeful note. While he said he understands the decision and everything that surrounded it, he said that he still feels “there’s a little door open” for Messi to return at some point. “Of course, I understand everything that happened, the decision he made, and everything surrounding it. But I don’t know, I still feel like there’s a little door open for him to return at some point,” Mac Allister added.

The midfielder was also clear that he respects Messi’s choice, and he highlighted how impressive it is to see him in such great physical shape and still performing at a high level. Messi said goodbye to the national team on Oct. 6 in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental, and Lionel Scaloni has since named his first squad without him, while the Argentine continues to lead MLS with Inter Miami.

A record book that will be hard to match

Messi’s career with Argentina closed after 21 years with a record book that no other player in the history of the national team can match. He leaves with 208 caps, 126 goals and 69 assists, which makes him the most-capped player, the all-time leading scorer and the player with the most assists in the history of the national team.

His total is more than twice the 56 of Gabriel Batistuta, the player he passed as Argentina’s top scorer during the 2016 Copa America Centenario, and only Cristiano Ronaldo, with 146 for Portugal, has scored more international goals.

His marks in the World Cup are just as striking. Over six tournaments, he holds the records for matches played (34), wins (23) and assists (12), and his 21 goals rank second all-time, behind only Kylian Mbappe’s 22.

In South America, his 36 goals in World Cup qualifying are the most ever scored in the competition, and his 39 matches across seven editions of the Copa America are the most in the history of the tournament.

After losing finals in 2007, 2015 and 2016, he finally won his first senior title with Argentina in 2021 and then added the 2022 Finalissima, the World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa America. Counting the 2005 Under-20 World Cup and the 2008 Olympic gold medal, he won six titles in an Argentina shirt, a legacy that goes beyond the numbers.

After 21 years of carrying the armband and the expectations of an entire country, Messi leaves behind a career that changed how Argentina is seen in world football, and a record book that will take generations to challenge.

Mbappe scored in his sixth consecutive Champions League match, which ties the best streak of his career, set with PSG in 2022. The run includes goals against Bayern Munich (twice), Inter, Roma, Leipzig and now AEK Athens.

Until now, only one Real Madrid player had scored in six or more consecutive matches in the history of the competition: Ronaldo, who did it in 11 straight matches, from the final in Cardiff in 2017 until April 2018.

With six matches in a row, Mbappe is now five away from tying Ronaldo’s mark of 11, a streak that will be hard to match. The Frenchman is also having a standout season in general, with 16 goals and three assists in 15 matches across LaLiga and the Champions League.

In Spain, he has scored 12 goals in 11 matches, while in Europe he has scored in all four of Real Madrid’s matches, for four goals and one assist. Each match gives him a new chance to extend a run that has already earned him a place beside one of the club’s greatest legends.

Mbappe’s path to catching Cristiano Ronaldo

To equal Ronaldo’s mark of 11, Mbappe needs to score in five more consecutive Champions League matches, and the schedule gives him four chances in the league phase.

According to Real Madrid’s official schedule, Real Madrid host PSV in Matchday 5, visit Arsenal, last season’s runner-up, in Matchday 6, host LASK in Matchday 7, and close the phase against Shakhtar Donetsk on Jan. 27 in London, the city where the Ukrainian side plays its Champions League home matches.

After that, Real Madrid, who have won all four of their league-phase matches so far, will move on to the knockout phase, and that is where the streak would be decided.

In this way, the league phase alone would not be enough for Mbappe to catch Cristiano. Even if he scores in each of Real Madrid’s four remaining matches, he would reach 10 consecutive games with a goal, one short of the Portuguese star’s 11. The knockout phase will have the final word, and only a goal in the first match of that stage would put the Frenchman level with one of the club’s greatest legends.

Match Overview

2026-27 UEFA Europa League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Europa League games

Summary

• AZ Alkmaar will face Juventus on Thursday, November 5, for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League.
• Paramount+, DAZN USA will carry the AZ Alkmaar vs Juventus game in the United States.

Match Overview

Benfica vs Lech Poznan: last 2 meetings

2026-27 UEFA Europa League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Europa League games

Summary

• Benfica will face Lech Poznan on Thursday, November 5, for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League.
• Paramount+, DAZN USA will carry the Benfica vs Lech Poznan game in the United States.
• Benfica lead the head-to-head with 2 wins in their last 2 meetings.

According to the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo has been named Man of the Match more times than any other player so far this season. He has won the award five times, in Al Nassr’s 5-3 win over Al Kholood, the 3-1 win at Al Faisaly, the 3-0 win over Diriyah, and the 2-1 victories over Abha and Al Taawoun.

The comparison with Lionel Messi is natural, but the awards are not the same. In the Saudi Pro League, the Man of the Match is given to the best player of each individual game, while MLS names one Player of the Matchday for the whole round, chosen from all the games played that weekend through a vote that combines media and fans. That makes the MLS award harder to win, so the totals cannot be compared one to one.

With that in mind, Messi has been named MLS Player of the Matchday three times in 2026 with Inter Miami, in Matchdays 2, 8 and 23. The most memorable came in Matchday 23, when he scored four goals and added an assist in a 7-1 win over CF Montreal. That award was the 15th of his career, which moved him ahead of Jeff Cunningham for the second-most in league history, behind only Landon Donovan.

Two seasons at opposite points

The comparison also comes at very different moments for each player. Ronaldo’s season is just beginning. He has eight goals in 10 Saudi Pro League matches, plus one more in two AFC Champions League appearances, for nine goals in 12 games with Al Nassr. Ronaldo’s eight goals place him among the top scorers in the Saudi Pro League, five behind Ivan Toney, who leads the race with 13.

Messi, at 39, is closing his campaign. He has scored 26 goals in 30 MLS matches and leads the race for the Golden Boot by four over FC Dallas’ Petar Musa, who has 22.

Inter Miami are second in the Eastern Conference with 59 points after beating New England 2-1 on Nov. 1, and they have already secured a spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Both forwards remain decisive well into their careers, but at different stages. Ronaldo, who has 985 career goals, is building toward his 1,000th with most of the season still ahead, while Messi, who has 936, is preparing for the playoffs after finishing as the top scorer in the regular season.

RB Leipzig confirmed lineup

Manchester City confirmed lineup

Slavia Praha confirmed lineup

Arsenal confirmed lineup

The Rossoneri return to San Siro encouraged by their latest domestic result, although their European position leaves little room for another setback. Ferencvaros, meanwhile, arrive in Italy with a perfect record after winning their opening three league-phase matches.

Milan produced an impressive display against Inter at the weekend, securing a 3-1 victory in the Derby della Madonnina. Pulisic opened the scoring, before Adrien Rabiot and Diego Moreira added to the advantage and helped Amorim’s side claim another important result against their city rivals.

However, the Rossoneri have struggled to reproduce that form in the Europa League. Defeats against Benfica and Bournemouth, with a 4-0 victory over Salzburg in between, have left the Italian side with three points from their opening three matches.

That return places Milan 24th in the league-phase standings, occupying the final play-off position. With five fixtures remaining, Amorim needs his players to deliver more consistent performances if the club is to avoid an unnecessarily difficult route towards the knockout stages.

Ferencvaros arrive with impressive European record

Ferencvaros present a difficult challenge for Milan, having won all three of their Europa League matches so far. Victories over Celtic, Viktoria Plzen and Torreense have put the Hungarian side on nine points and fifth place in the standings, giving Balazs Borbely’s team a genuine opportunity to qualify directly for the last 16.

Their domestic form has also been impressive. The Greens have reportedly gone 20 consecutive matches without defeat across all competitions, while their recent attacking performances have made them one of the most dangerous sides in the competition.

Thursday’s encounter will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides. The Italian giants previously faced Hungarian opposition in European competition, meeting Gyori in the 1967-68 Cup Winners’ Cup and Szombathelyi Haladas in the 1982 Mitropa Cup.

Will Pulisic feature against Ferencvaros?

Despite scoring against Inter, Pulisic is expected to be among the substitutes when Milan faces Ferencvaros. Amorim is preparing to rotate his squad after the derby and ahead of the upcoming domestic fixture against Genoa, with several younger players in contention for opportunities.

MilanNews’ predicted starting XI suggests that Omari Hutchinson and Alphadjo Cisse could feature in the wide positions, while Adrien Rabiot is expected to operate behind Goncalo Ramos. Francesco Camarda is another option in attack, although Ramos appears to be the preferred choice to lead the line.

Pulisic’s expected absence from the starting XI would therefore appear to be a selection decision rather than a consequence of his performance against Inter. His contribution in the derby has strengthened his case for regular involvement, but Amorim has other priorities as he manages the squad across multiple competitions.

Milan will also have to cope with several absences. Mike Maignan is suspended following his red card against Bournemouth, meaning Lorenzo Torriani is expected to start in goal, while Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Samuel Chukwueze remain unavailable.

Ronaldo’s situation has improved since his departure from the previous Portugal camp, but questions remain over whether Jesus is ready to bring the captain back into his plans. The upcoming announcement will finally provide clarity on where the Al-Nassr forward stands.

The controversy began during the September international window, when Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal‘s Nations League match against Norway. Unhappy with his lack of playing time and believing that previous agreements had been broken, the forward reportedly left the national team’s camp in Copenhagen before the subsequent fixture against Denmark.

The 41-year-old later expressed his frustration publicly, although he also apologized to his teammates and supporters for the way he handled the situation. Jesus denied making any explicit promises about the forward’s playing time, leaving the disagreement as a major talking point around the Selecao.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) subsequently imposed a 30-day disciplinary suspension and a €255 fine. The punishment was applied retrospectively, meaning Ronaldo has already served the suspension and is eligible to return to international soccer.

Jorge Jesus prepares to make his final decision

Despite the fallout, the possibility of a reunion has remained open. Jesus previously indicated that Ronaldo could return if he wanted to, while the forward’s inclusion in Portugal’s preliminary selection pool suggested that the relationship had not reached an irreversible breaking point.

The Al-Nassr captain has also apologized for his reaction, allowing both sides to move forward. Ronaldo’s name is among the 55 players included in the preliminary pool, although that does not guarantee a place in the final squad.

When will Portugal announce the squad?

The final decision is expected on Friday, November 6, at 12:00 PM Portuguese time, when Jesus will reveal his selection for the upcoming Nations League matches. Portugal will face Denmark on November 14 in Braga before travelling to Cardiff to meet Wales three days later, on November 17.

The two fixtures offer an opportunity for Ronaldo and Jesus to put their differences behind them, particularly with Portugal already having secured qualification for the quarter-finals. The team has enjoyed a strong campaign, winning its opening four matches and establishing itself as the leader of Group A4.

The two-legged tie will mark the team’s first competitive assignment since its disappointing World Cup exit against Belgium. Pochettino will be looking to build on the momentum generated by four consecutive victories in September and October while continuing to shape his squad for the next World Cup cycle.

Pochettino announced a 25-player roster on Wednesday, with Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie among the most notable returnees. They missed the previous international window, during which the United States defeated Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.

Balogun returns after a difficult few months involving his World Cup suspension controversy and a failed transfer to Everton. The Monaco striker struggled for regular minutes at the beginning of the season but has recently featured more consistently, giving the manager another attacking option.

McKennie, meanwhile, missed the previous camp because of fatigue and is back after returning to regular involvement with Juventus. Their inclusion gives the United States three experienced players who could prove important in the knockout tie against Haiti.

Has Pulisic received his international recall?

The biggest question surrounding Pulisic has now been answered, with the Milan forward included in Pochettino’s 25-man squad for the November fixtures. His return is particularly significant after missing four consecutive friendlies while recovering from the injury he sustained at the World Cup.

Pulisic’s absence came while he recovered from a serious lower-leg injury sustained during the World Cup’s round-of-16 defeat against Belgium. The Milan forward suffered a microfracture involving his right tibia and fibula but has since returned to action at club level.

The 28-year-old forward has gradually regained his fitness and form with the Rossoneri, making his return to the national team an important step ahead of the next international cycle. However, competition for places in Pochettino’s attack remains strong, with Balogun joining Justin Ellis, Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan among the selected forwards.

Pochettino has also stressed the importance of creating competition within the squad rather than relying exclusively on familiar names. “It’s very important for us to add more options, more players with the possibility to challenge the familiar faces,” the coach said during an online news conference.

United States prepares for two matches against Haiti

The United States will face Haiti twice in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals, with the first meeting scheduled for November 14 in Miami. Although Haiti is officially the home team, ongoing security concerns in the Caribbean nation mean the match will take place at Nu Stadium.

The return fixture will be played on November 17 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, with the aggregate winner advancing to the Nations League semifinals in March 2027. The winner will also secure automatic qualification for the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Match Overview

2026-27 UEFA Europa League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Europa League games

Summary

• AC Milan will face Ferencvaros on Thursday, November 5, for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League.
• Paramount+, TUDN USA will carry the AC Milan vs Ferencvaros game in the United States.

The most likely reason is physical. Valverde felt discomfort in the first half of Real Madrid’s win over Barcelona in the Clasico and came off in the second half. Initial assessments ruled out a serious injury, but he was unable to train normally with the squad and missed the 3-0 win over Racing Santander, as the coaching staff decided against risking him.

The decision also fits with how the week was managed. Valverde returned to training with the first team on Nov. 2, so the Portuguese manager decided not to risk him from the start of the match.

Mourinho made it clear before the match that the absence has nothing to do with a lack of confidence in him. “I see Fede as an extremely important player for the team,” the manager said, adding that being captain makes him look at things differently and that he would play wherever the team needs him.

Valverde has been used as the preferred right-back in recent matches, but Trent Alexander-Arnold played the full game in that position against Racing. Both are available from the bench against AEK.

Real Madrid’s confirmed lineup

Mourinho has confirmed his XI for the match in Athens, with Vinicius Junior wearing the captain’s armband in Valverde’s absence. Real Madrid’s starting XI: Courtois, Dumfries, Militao, Rudiger, Cucurella, Camavinga, Bernardo, Bellingham, Yan Diomande, Vinicius Junior (C), Mbappe.

The bench includes Valverde, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Endrick, Brahim, Thiago, Huijsen, Konate and Carreras, along with goalkeeper Lunin and youngsters Mestre, Espi and Sergio Martinez.

With Valverde’s status uncertain, Mourinho has the captain available if the match requires him. Real Madrid want to keep their perfect record in the Champions League after winning all three of their matches so far, and the priority is clear: take three more points in Athens while making sure the Uruguayan arrives healthy for the stretch of matches ahead.

Fenerbahce confirmed lineup

Liverpool confirmed lineup

MLS released its list of the best-selling jerseys of 2026 so far, and Messi is at the top for the fourth consecutive season, according to online sales from Jan. 1 to Oct. 30.

Behind him, Son Heung-min of LAFC finished second, followed by Thomas Muller of the Vancouver Whitecaps in third place, while Robert Lewandowski of the Chicago Fire was fourth and Antoine Griezmann of Orlando City rounded out the top five.

That means Messi left behind three World Cup champions in the top 10: Muller (2014), Griezmann (2018) and his own Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul (2022), along with a group of high-profile names. The list also includes Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union, Denis Bouanga of LAFC and Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC.

There is also a twist in the numbers. According to ESPN, Lewandowski’s Chicago jersey has outsold Messi’s since the Polish striker arrived in MLS, though the Argentine still leads the ranking for the year. Even so, no one has managed to take the No. 1 spot from him in four seasons, a sign of the huge impact Messi has had since arriving in the United States in 2023.

Inter Miami leads the league with three players in the top 10

Beyond Messi’s reign, the ranking shows how much weight Inter Miami has in the league’s market. The club has three players in the top 10, with Messi at No. 1, Luis Suarez at No. 8 and De Paul at No. 10, more than any other team in the league.

LAFC follows with two representatives, Son Heung-min in second place and Denis Bouanga in seventh. Together, the numbers show that star power is concentrated in a few clubs, and Inter Miami is the one that benefits the most.

With Messi leading the way and two teammates alongside him, Inter Miami has turned its jersey sales into another sign of its global reach. As the league continues to grow, the Herons’ presence at the top of the list shows that their impact goes beyond the pitch, and it remains to be seen whether any other club can challenge that dominance in the years to come.

Bayern travelled to Madrid looking to strengthen their position in the Champions League league phase, while Atletico hoped to use their home advantage to secure a valuable result. Instead, the German side produced a disciplined performance to claim a 2-0 victory, with Lennart Karl and Konrad Laimer scoring the decisive goals.

Kane did not find the net, bringing an impressive European scoring sequence to an end. However, the Bayern forward still played an important role by providing the assist for Laimer’s second-half strike, helping his team collect all three points.

The result was particularly encouraging for the Bavarians after a frustrating 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. The 33-year-old Ballon d’Or winner had also endured a difficult individual performance in that match, missing a penalty and hitting the crossbar.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record remains untouched

Kane entered the Atletico encounter having scored in 10 consecutive Champions League appearances, putting him within reach of one of the competition’s most remarkable individual records. A goal against Simeone’s team would have allowed him to equal Ronaldo’s benchmark of scoring in 11 successive matches.

However, the Englishman was unable to extend his streak, meaning Ronaldo remains the only player to have scored in 11 consecutive Champions League games. The Portuguese forward established the record with Real Madrid during the 2017-18 campaign, when the Spanish club went on to win its third consecutive European title.

Ronaldo’s remarkable sequence began with a brace against Juventus in the 2017 Champions League final. He subsequently scored in all six group-stage matches before finding the net in both legs of Real Madrid’s round-of-16 and quarter-final ties.

His run eventually ended against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, when he failed to score. Nevertheless, Real Madrid progressed and later defeated Liverpool in the final to complete another memorable European campaign.

How Harry Kane built his 10-match scoring streak

Kane’s pursuit of Ronaldo’s record began during the 2025-26 Champions League campaign. He scored twice against Union Saint-Gilloise before finding the net against PSV in his following appearance.

The England international then continued his impressive run after returning to the starting lineup against Atalanta, scoring twice in the second leg of Bayern’s round-of-16 tie. He subsequently scored in every European appearance until Bayern’s campaign ended against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.

The Englishman carried that momentum into the current season, scoring against Bodo/Glimt, Viking FK and Arsenal. His penalty against Arsenal on matchday three took his streak to 10 consecutive matches, leaving him just one goal away from matching Ronaldo.

Despite missing out against Atletico, Kane remains second on the all-time list, ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robert Lewandowski, who each recorded scoring streaks of nine consecutive Champions League appearances.

Jesus de Miguel Alameda died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after suffering a serious medical emergency during Tenerife’s Segunda Division match against Andorra the previous evening. The incident happened in stoppage time, with the score level at 2-2, when the forward attempted to reach a long ball near the halfway line.

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono rushed out of his penalty area to challenge for the ball, but collided heavily with De Miguel, striking him in the chest with his knee. The forward initially remained on his knees before collapsing, prompting medical personnel to rush onto the pitch and provide emergency treatment.

De Miguel was taken to hospital in critical condition after suffering cardiac arrest. Although medical staff initially managed to resuscitate him, his condition deteriorated overnight, and Tenerife confirmed that he had passed away on Tuesday morning.

The match was abandoned during stoppage time, while Owono received a straight red card following the collision. Spanish police have since opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible involuntary manslaughter, although this does not establish criminal responsibility.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi share emotional messages

The tragedy prompted an immediate reaction from some of soccer’s biggest names, with Ronaldo and Messi among those expressing their condolences to De Miguel’s family and friends. The Al-Nassr captain shared a photograph of the Tenerife striker on social media alongside a brief but emotional message. “Such a tragedy. Lost for words… Sending strength to the family. May he rest in peace,” Ronaldo wrote.

Messi also paid tribute to the 30-year-old, sharing his condolences through Instagram. “There are no words… My deepest condolences and lots of strength to his entire family and friends. May he rest in peace,” the Inter Miami star posted.

Kylian Mbappe, another prominent soccer figure, reacted to the news with a short message expressing his sadness. “So much sadness. There are no words,” the Real Madrid forward wrote. Former Barcelona defender and current FC Andorra owner, Gerard Pique, also joined the tributes, sharing his grief over the loss. “I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesus,” he posted.

Soccer clubs unite to honour Tenerife forward

The reaction extended well beyond individual players, with clubs across Europe expressing their condolences. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool were among those who paid their respects, while Andorra also issued a statement acknowledging the devastating loss.

Pique’s club expressed its sympathy towards De Miguel’s family, teammates and everyone associated with Tenerife. “We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,” FC Andorra stated.

Tenerife also released an emotional statement confirming the death of its player and describing the pain felt throughout the club. “There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can ease this profound sorrow. We stand beside his heartbroken family, his loved ones, and the entire tinerfenista community who mourn this cruel loss today,” the club said.

The Spanish soccer community also responded with gestures of remembrance, including moments of silence and postponed events. The Spanish soccer federation postponed two Copa del Rey matches and one Copa de la Reina fixture scheduled for Tuesday, while other clubs cancelled planned activities as a mark of respect.

Ronaldo has maintained his reputation as one of soccer’s most prolific finishers, even as he approaches the later stages of his career. His performances for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Elite have continued to produce goals, with the Portuguese forward remaining a central figure in the club’s attacking plans.

The 2026-27 season statistics show that Ronaldo has scored eight goals in nine Saudi Pro League appearances, alongside another goal in two AFC Champions League Elite matches. His contribution in front of goal remains significant, but his numbers reveal a different picture when it comes to creating goals for teammates.

The same pattern can be seen in his international performances. Ronaldo scored three times for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, although he did not register an assist during the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2026 numbers reveal surprising change

The statistic attracting attention is that Ronaldo has registered only one assist across all official club and international matches during the 2026 calendar year, according to Opta figures.

His lack of assists for Al-Nassr has been particularly noticeable, with the forward yet to record one in the Saudi Pro League or AFC Champions League Elite during the current campaign. His only recorded assist for the year came while representing Portugal, making the figure even more unusual considering the number of matches he has played.

Ronaldo’s career assist record remains impressive

Although the current calendar-year figure stands out, Ronaldo’s overall record demonstrates that he has contributed considerably to his teammates throughout his career. Opta-based statistics credit the Portuguese superstar with 261 career assists, a total that places him ahead of legendary midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andrés Iniesta under the same statistical methodology.

There is, however, some disagreement over the exact number. Different statistical providers report higher career totals, sometimes exceeding 290, because assist records can vary depending on whether secondary assists, particular competitions and alternative definitions are included.

For that reason, the figure of 261 should be understood as an Opta-based count rather than a universally agreed total. The comparison with Xavi and Iniesta also needs the same qualification, as the three players occupied very different roles throughout their careers.

Lionel Scaloni named 28 players for Argentina’s November friendlies against Uruguay on Nov. 13 at La Bombonera and Costa Rica on Nov. 17 in Cordoba. It is the first squad since Messi retired from international duty last month. The former captain said goodbye with a goal against Benin during the last international break, and the team now moves forward without him.

The notable absences are Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, two historic players of the Scaloni cycle. According to reports, the main reason is that the coaching staff is looking to push a generational change, and both midfielders are currently behind in that plan. Scaloni also built the list with an eye on the future, giving more game time to younger players such as Ezequiel Fernandez, Maximo Perrone and Valentin Barco.

The decision is not new. Neither De Paul nor Lo Celso were called up in the previous international window, and they were present only for Messi’s farewell against Benin.

Their absences make some noise because both were part of Scaloni’s first squad in September 2018 and became regulars since then. However, they should not be ruled out for good, as their return will depend on their performances at their clubs and on the coach’s consideration.

The other big absences in Scaloni’s list

Beyond De Paul and Lo Celso, the other absences are forced ones, either through injury or suspension. Lautaro Martinez is still recovering from a strain in his left thigh that has kept him out of Inter’s last five matches. Cristian Romero suffered an adductor strain in the match between Atletico Madrid and Nicolas Gonzalez is dealing with a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg.

Two more players are unavailable for a different reason. Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are still serving suspensions for their role in the incidents that followed the last World Cup final against Spain. Paredes has five matches left to serve, while Molina has two, keeping both away from the national team as Scaloni begins to shape a new era.

With these absences, Scaloni’s first list of the post-Messi era shows a team in transition. Some names are out by choice, others by injury or suspension, but the message is clear: the national team is opening space for a new generation while the veterans of the previous cycle wait for another opportunity.

Match Overview

Porto vs Napoli: last 4 meetings

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Porto will face Napoli on Wednesday, November 4, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Fubo, CBS Sports Network will carry the Porto vs Napoli game in the United States.
• Porto lead the head-to-head with 2 wins in their last 4 meetings.

Match Overview

RB Leipzig vs Manchester City: last 6 meetings

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• RB Leipzig will face Manchester City on Wednesday, November 4, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, DAZN USA will carry the RB Leipzig vs Manchester City game in the United States.
• Manchester City lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in their last 6 meetings.

Match Overview

Slavia Praha vs Arsenal: last 5 meetings

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Slavia Praha will face Arsenal on Wednesday, November 4, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, ViX will carry the Slavia Praha vs Arsenal game in the United States.
• Arsenal lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in their last 5 meetings.

Ronaldo was left out of the travelling squad for Monday’s match alongside Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan. The decision was reportedly influenced by a congested fixture schedule, the demands of travelling to Uzbekistan and the need to manage the players’ workload.

The 41-year-old had recently delivered a hat-trick in Al-Nassr’s 5-3 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Kholood, taking his career tally to 985 goals, just 15 away from the long-awaited 1,000-goal milestone. With several important domestic and continental fixtures approaching, Postecoglou had reason to give his captain additional time to recover.

There was also a wider security backdrop surrounding the trip. Al-Nassr’s previous continental fixtures had been affected by regional concerns, while Al-Wasl’s postponed visit to Riyadh after refusing to travel added to the uncertainty surrounding matches in the region.

Joao Felix leads Al-Nassr’s attacking display

While Ronaldo watched from a distance, fellow Portugal international Joao Felix delivered an outstanding performance in Tashkent. The forward finished with two goals and two assists, demonstrating his importance to Postecoglou‘s attacking options.

Felix helped Abdullah Al-Hamdan open the scoring in the 15th minute before finding the net himself twice, in the 17th and 32nd minutes. Pakhtakor managed to respond through Flamarion, but Al-Nassr maintained control after the break.

Abdulelah Al-Amri extended the advantage in the 53rd minute, with Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Angelo also getting on the scoresheet. Dostonbek Khamdamov added another goal for the hosts, but the Saudi side comfortably secured a 6-2 victory.

What did Postecoglou say about Ronaldo’s absence?

Al-Nassr’s emphatic victory inevitably brought questions about whether the team benefits from playing without its biggest star. Pakhtakor coach Kamoliddin Tajiev had reportedly suggested before the match that the Saudi side could pose a greater threat without Ronaldo.

Postecoglou, however, quickly dismissed that suggestion, pointing to the team’s previous performance with the Portuguese forward leading the attack. “But Cris played the last game and we scored five goals. If Cris plays, doesn’t play, what is the most important is the players who played today performed at a very strong level,” the Australian explained.

He also insisted that Al-Nassr’s attacking quality would remain just as impressive with Ronaldo involved. “We know the opposition have done very well against the other Saudi teams so it wasn’t going to be easy. But our attacking play in general was very, very good. I’m sure if Cris was here, it would’ve been very good too.”

When will Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr again?

Ronaldo’s next appearance remains an important question as he continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. His immediate schedule could depend on whether he receives a call-up to the Portugal national team for the upcoming international fixtures.

If Ronaldo is not selected by Portugal, his next scheduled opportunity to play will come on November 20, when Al-Nassr face Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League. That would give him another chance to add to his 985 career goals after missing the continental trip to Uzbekistan.

Ronaldo has been spotted making an “M” with his fingers after scoring for Al Nassr lately, although nobody knows exactly what it means. The gesture has no official explanation, and the player has not publicly addressed it, so the interpretations so far come from fans.

According to the sports social media account 433, the most popular theory is that the “M” stands for 1,000, since it is the Roman numeral for that number. The idea makes sense given the context: Ronaldo is chasing a historic milestone of 1,000 career goals, a number he has described in the past as one of his biggest objectives.

For now, the meaning of the gesture remains an open question, and only Ronaldo can confirm whether the theory is correct, along with perhaps Al Nassr CEO Jose Semedo, who has also celebrated with the Portuguese star using the same gesture.

What is certain is that each goal he scores brings him closer to a number no player in football history has reached, and fans will be watching closely to see if the “M” appears again when the milestone gets closer.

Can Cristiano reach 1,000 career goals before 2026 ends?

Ronaldo currently has 985 career goals, which leaves him 15 away from the historic mark. Reaching it before the end of the year does not look like an easy task for the Portuguese striker, who has eight matches left in 2026 after the 6-2 win over Pakhtakor. That count does not include the match against Al Hazem, which was postponed and has no new date yet.

In the Saudi Pro League, he will play five matches against Al Qadsiah, Al Shabab, Al-Fayha, Al Hilal and Al-Fateh, while Al Nassr will also face Al Kholood in a King’s Cup tie on Dec. 1.

In international competition, Al Nassr have two AFC Champions League Elite matches, against Al Sadd and Al-Gharafa. If the team qualifies for the knockout round, those matches would be played from 2027.

With eight matches left and 15 goals needed, scoring only one goal per game would not be enough for Ronaldo. However, if the Al Hazem match is rescheduled before the end of the year, he would have one more chance to add to his tally. And if he does not reach the legendary mark in 2026, he will likely finish close enough to get there in the first days of 2027.

The Champions League encounter represents an important opportunity for both clubs as they look to improve their positions in the league phase. Bayern entered the match with five points from their opening three games, while Atletico Madrid had collected four, making the result particularly significant for their ambitions of reaching the knockout rounds.

Atleti have the advantage of playing at home, where Simeone’s team have been particularly difficult to beat. The Spanish side have also enjoyed an impressive run of domestic results, including seven consecutive La Liga victories and a 2-0 win over Levante in their most recent outing.

Bayern, meanwhile, arrive in Madrid after a 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker. The German side have also shared the points with Arsenal and Viking FK in their previous Champions League fixtures, making Tuesday’s match another demanding test.

Why is Vincent Kompany missing against Atletico Madrid?

The reason for Kompany’s absence is a health issue that forced him to step away from his managerial responsibilities in late October. The Bayern coach collapsed during a training session involving the club’s reserve team on October 23 and was subsequently taken to hospital.

Following medical examinations, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl confirmed that Kompany had been diagnosed with meningeal irritation. The condition involves irritation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, requiring the Belgian coach to rest and receive treatment.

Kompany was discharged from hospital on October 28 and has continued his recovery at home. However, Bayern have taken a cautious approach, making it clear that his return to the dugout will depend on his health rather than a fixed deadline.

The club has also instructed its coaching staff to avoid discussing football matters with him during his recovery. The intention is to ensure that Kompany can concentrate on his health and family without worrying about tactics, team selections or upcoming matches.

When will Kompany return to Bayern’s bench?

With Kompany unavailable, assistant coach Aaron Danks will lead Bayern from the touchline against Atletico. The Englishman is not taking over as the club’s permanent manager, but has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the team until Kompany is ready to return.

The Bavarians have not provided an exact date for Kompany’s return, although reports indicate that he is unlikely to resume his touchline duties before the November international break. The Belgian is expected to miss the Champions League clash against Atletico, as well as the Bundesliga matches against Borussia Dortmund and Mainz.

According to BILD, Kompany will continue his rest and treatment during the international break, with a return potentially coming later in November. Bayern’s next scheduled Bundesliga fixture after the break is against Cologne on November 20, although his availability for that match will depend on his recovery.

Manchester United confirmed lineup

Roma confirmed lineup

Both injuries took place in the same match. During PSG’s 4-2 win over Barcelona in Matchday 3, Ousmane Dembele pulled up in the 19th minute while sprinting and grabbed his left thigh, with the club’s medical staff later pointing to a muscle injury.

He had been in outstanding form, with four goals and six assists in ten competitive matches this season, including six goal contributions in just two Champions League games.

On the other hand, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered a more serious blow in the same game. After almost an hour, the Georgian twisted his knee in a fair challenge by Barcelona’s Xavi Espart and landed awkwardly on the turf, needing help to leave the pitch. PSG later confirmed that he has torn his cruciate ligament, an injury that will keep him out for months, and he is still recovering.

A long injury list for Luis Enrique

Dembele and Kvaratskhelia are not the only absences for PSG. Captain Marquinhos, who also went off injured against Barcelona, is missing with a hamstring strain, while Nuno Mendes and Alessandro Longoni are out with leg injuries. The list leaves Luis Enrique with fewer options on the wings and in defense than he would like.

Even so, the French club has the depth to keep competing at the top. The preview expects Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Desire Doue to lead the attack, while Achraf Hakimi, who scored a hat trick in the 5-1 win over Le Havre, arrives in strong form on the right side.

With so many players unavailable, PSG will need their depth to make the difference at Estadio de la Ceramica. Luis Enrique’s side has shown this season that it can win with different faces, and Villarreal, who have struggled for consistency, will try to take advantage of a team that is missing some of its biggest names.

Match Overview

AEK Athens vs Real Madrid: last 2 meetings

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• AEK Athens will face Real Madrid on Wednesday, November 4, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, TUDN USA will carry the AEK Athens vs Real Madrid game in the United States.
• The head-to-head record is level at 0 wins apiece with 2 draws in their last 2 meetings.

Match Overview

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Fenerbahce will face Liverpool on Wednesday, November 4, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+ will carry the Fenerbahce vs Liverpool game in the United States.

The Saudi Pro League has officially postponed every Matchweek 13 fixture as part of a wider review of the 2026-27 season schedule. The decision follows the Asian Football Confederation’s announcement that the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia will be moved from its original January-February window to December 2027. The league explained that the fixture changes are intended to create a more balanced calendar and provide players with adequate recovery time.

It will also organize a workshop with clubs to discuss the proposed adjustments before confirming the revised schedule. “New dates for Matchweek 13 will be announced once the review is complete and the updated calendar has been agreed in coordination with all relevant stakeholders,” the Saudi Pro League stated in its official announcement.

One of the affected fixtures is Al-Nassr’s scheduled meeting with Al-Hazem, which will now take place at a later date. No replacement date has been confirmed, leaving Ronaldo and his teammates waiting to discover when they will return to domestic league action.

The postponement also adds to a growing list of disrupted fixtures for Ange Postecoglou’s players this season. The club has already seen its matches against Al-Ahli and Al-Wasl postponed, making the Al-Hazem encounter its third affected fixture.

Portugal could provide Ronaldo’s next opportunity

The postponement means attention now turns to Portugal, where Jesus is preparing to announce his squad for the final UEFA Nations League group-stage fixtures. The official squad announcement is scheduled for Friday, November 6, with Portugal set to host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17.

If selected, the veteran could return to the national team for the Denmark match in Braga. The Selecao has already secured its place in the Nations League quarter-finals after winning its first four group matches, but the upcoming fixtures still offer an opportunity to maintain its momentum.

The possible call-up is particularly significant given the events surrounding Ronaldo’s previous international camp. The 41-year-old left the squad after being left out of the starting lineup against Norway, subsequently receiving a 30-day suspension and a fine from the Portuguese Football Federation.

His suspension is expected to have expired before the November fixtures, meaning the disciplinary issue should no longer prevent his selection. Ronaldo has also reportedly been included in the preliminary list, although his place in the final squad remains dependent on Jesus’ decision.

When will Ronaldo play again if Portugal does not call him up?

If Jesus leaves Ronaldo out of the Portugal squad, the forward’s next scheduled opportunity will be Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against Al-Qadsiah on November 20. That would leave him facing an 18-day gap between competitive appearances, assuming no other fixture is added to his schedule.

A Portugal selection would bring that wait to an end earlier, with the Denmark match on November 14 potentially becoming his next appearance. The second international fixture against Wales would follow three days later.

Luis Diaz will not play against Atletico Madrid because he is recovering from a muscle injury in his left hamstring. The Colombian winger suffered the injury in Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Matchday 3 of the Champions League on Oct. 21.

He came on in the 68th minute but had to leave the field in stoppage time after feeling discomfort, and the club confirmed Diaz had suffered a minor tear in his left hamstring after medical examinations.

Bayern have not announced an official return date, but Sky Sport Germany reported that Diaz could be sidelined for four to six weeks. There was some encouraging news, when the 29-year-old completed his first individual training session with the ball since the injury. However, he was still working separately from the rest of the group, and a return to full team training is a necessary step before he can be considered for selection.

Bayern Munich travel to Madrid with a short squad

Bayern Munich are in a delicate situation regarding their squad, as they have called up only 19 players for the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

The particular detail is that three of them are goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich and Jonas Urbig. With one goalkeeper starting, Bayern’s bench will have only six outfield players available to enter the match if necessary, along with two backup goalkeepers.

The list is short because of the number of absences. Beyond Diaz, Jamal Musiala, Ismael Saibari and Serge Gnabry are also injured and did not make the trip. With so many players unavailable, the Belgian coach has little room to rotate, and the list includes several younger options such as Lennart Karl, Tim Binder, Tom Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., 16, has been included in head coach Filipe Ramos’ 23-man squad for the opening round of qualifying matches for the 2027 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. The Al-Nassr academy forward has already represented Portugal at Under-15 and Under-16 level, but this promotion marks another important milestone in his development.

The teenager has gradually worked his way through Portugal’s youth system since making his international debut in May 2025. He has recorded 13 appearances and five goals across the Under-15 and Under-16 teams, scoring twice in four matches at U15 level before adding three goals in nine appearances for the U16 side.

His performances have also attracted attention at club level, where he continues to develop in Al-Nassr’s academy in Saudi Arabia. According to Portuguese outlet Zerozero, Ronaldo Jr. has scored three goals in seven appearances for the club’s youth team this season.

The latest call-up gives him another opportunity to demonstrate his potential against international opposition. However, the attention his famous surname brings will likely attract far more scrutiny than that of many other players in the squad.

When could Cristiano Jr. make his Portugal U-17 debut?

Portugal will begin its European Championship qualifying campaign against Andorra on November 11, giving Ronaldo Jr. a potential opportunity to make his first appearance at U17 level. Filipe Ramos’ side will then face Bulgaria on November 14 before completing the group schedule against Serbia on November 17.

All three matches will take place at the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF)’s Cidade do Futebol training centre in Oeiras. Portugal must finish among the top two teams in its group to progress to the next qualifying stage, making every fixture important for Ramos’ squad.

The selection also creates a possible family reunion at the national team’s training facilities. If he receives a call-up for the Selecao’s upcoming senior international fixtures, Cristiano Ronaldo could be in the same environment as his son, although the two players will have separate schedules and commitments.

Remarkable connection with Cristiano Ronaldo’s own career

There is another reason why this particular call-up has attracted attention among Portugal supporters. Ronaldo Jr. is following a remarkably similar international timeline to his father, who made his Portugal U17 debut 25 years earlier.

The senior Ronaldo subsequently progressed to the first team, making his senior Portugal debut just two years after that youth-level milestone. He went on to become the leading goalscorer in men’s international soccer, with 143 goals in 225 appearances for Portugal. The comparison is striking, although his son still has a long way to go before establishing a career of his own.

Cristiano Ronaldo has previously made clear that he does not want his expectations to become an unnecessary burden on the teenager. “We’ll see if he’ll be a great player. He’s not yet,” Ronaldo previously said, acknowledging his son’s potential while emphasizing that talent must be supported by hard work and dedication.

UEFA has confirmed that a minute’s silence will be observed before every match it organizes this week, including the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, following the passing of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel Alameda.

The forward passed away on Nov. 3 at the age of 30, after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest when he was hit in the chest by the knee of FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono in the 98th minute of a 2-2 Segunda Division match. De Miguel was treated on the pitch, regained his pulse and was taken to intensive care at a hospital in Tenerife, where he lost his life hours later, according to CD Tenerife.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement that the organization was “heartbroken” by the news and had “searched for words and found only silence”. CD Tenerife said there are “no words of comfort,” while the player’s family asked for privacy at this difficult time. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also expressed its condolences to his relatives, friends and the club’s supporters.

A career built on perseverance

Jesus de Miguel, known in football as “Demi,” was born in Madrid on Sept. 21, 1996, and began his career in the youth ranks of CDE Lugo Fuenlabrada and CD Leganes.

After making the jump to Leganes B in 2015-16, he spent several seasons in the lower divisions of Spanish football, with stops at Internacional de Madrid, CF Fuenlabrada and Union Adarve. His first major success came with Internacional de Madrid, where he scored nine goals in the 2017-18 season and helped the club earn promotion to Segunda Division B.

The goals kept coming at CDA Navalcarnero, where he scored in the promotion playoff that took the club to Segunda B, and then at Unionistas de Salamanca, where he netted 12 goals with four assists in 2021-22.

That form led CD Castellon to sign him in 2023, and in 2023-24 he helped the club win its Primera Federacion group and earn direct promotion to Segunda Division. De Miguel made his professional debut at 27 against Eibar in 2024, and scored his first goals in the category a month later, with a brace against Almeria. He finished his time at Castellon with 25 goals in 88 matches.

In July 2025, De Miguel joined CD Tenerife, which had just been relegated to the third tier. He scored seven goals in the first six matchdays and finished the season with 11, helping the club win its group and return to Segunda Division.

Jesus de Miguel never built a career around big clubs or major trophies, but his story was one of perseverance and love for the game. His legacy will live on in the promotions he celebrated with every team he joined, in the goals that gave supporters reason to dream, and in the long road he traveled from the lower divisions to fulfill his dream of playing professional football.

There is no question that Messi and Ronaldo defined an entire era in modern soccer. Having headlined the FIFPRO World 11 for over a decade and a half, both icons now look to reclaim their places in the ultimate lineup, demonstrating their enduring influence even while competing outside Europe’s traditional top leagues.

Messi returns to the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 shortlist for the first time since 2023, while Ronaldo stages an emphatic comeback to the nominees after last featuring in 2021. Their simultaneous inclusion reaffirms that within the international dressing room, the sport’s greatest rivalry remains as respected as ever.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead all-time FIFPRO honors

Messi stands as the undisputed all-time benchmark in FIFPRO history with 17 selections, holding the record after making the final World 11 every single year from 2007 through 2023 without interruption.

Ronaldo follows closely behind in second place with 15 career selections. Like Messi, the Portuguese forward began his unbroken run in 2007, maintaining his spot through 2021 before a brief hiatus following his transition to Saudi Arabia.

Unlike media-driven accolades, the FIFPRO World 11 is determined exclusively by the players themselves. For the 2026 edition, 19,806 professional soccer players across 73 countries cast their ballots, placing Messi and Ronaldo at the forefront of the global shortlist alongside the next generation of superstars:

2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 – 26-Man Shortlist:

• Lionel Messi – Argentina / Inter Miami
• Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal / Al Nassr
• Thibaut Courtois – Belgium / Real Madrid
• Emiliano Martinez – Argentina / Aston Villa
• David Raya – Spain / Arsenal
• Pau Cubarsi – Spain / Barcelona
• Marc Cucurella – Spain / Chelsea
• Virgil van Dijk – Netherlands / Liverpool
• Gabriel – Brazil / Arsenal
• Achraf Hakimi – Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain
• Nuno Mendes – Portugal / Paris Saint-Germain
• William Saliba – France / Arsenal
• Dayot Upamecano – France / Bayern Munich
• Jude Bellingham – England / Real Madrid
• Bruno Fernandes – Portugal / Manchester United
• Enzo Fernandez – Argentina / Chelsea
• Pedri – Spain / Barcelona
• Declan Rice – England / Arsenal
• Rodri – Spain / Manchester City
• Vitinha – Portugal / Paris Saint-Germain
• Erling Haaland – Norway / Manchester City
• Harry Kane – England / Bayern Munich
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia / Napoli
• Kylian Mbappe – France / Real Madrid
• Michael Olise – France / Bayern Munich
• Lamine Yamal – Spain / Barcelona

Match Overview

Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich: last 5 meetings

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Atletico Madrid will face Bayern Munich on Tuesday, November 3, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, TUDN USA will carry the Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich game in the United States.
• Bayern Munich lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in their last 5 meetings.

Match Overview

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Barcelona will face Aston Villa on Tuesday, November 3, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, DAZN USA will carry the Barcelona vs Aston Villa game in the United States.

Match Overview

Feyenoord vs Inter Milan: last 4 meetings

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings before Matchday 4

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Feyenoord will face Inter Milan on Tuesday, November 3, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo will carry the Feyenoord vs Inter Milan game in the United States.
• Inter Milan lead the head-to-head with 2 wins in their last 4 meetings.

Match Overview

Manchester United vs Roma: last 9 meetings

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings before Matchday 4