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

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

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

Ronaldo’s potential last season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Messi’s hat-trick record still stands alone

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

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

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

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

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

The unstoppable form behind Raphinha’s numbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scaloni reflects on coaching Lionel Messi one last time

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scaloni reveals his one major regret with Messi

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

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

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

The partnership that delivered the ultimate prize

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pulisic’s reported renewal demand revealed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nicolas Otamendi’s decorated Argentina career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New attacking hierarchy at Milan

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

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

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

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

Pulisic’s Milan renewal talks get key date

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ronaldo remains at top of international scoring charts

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

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

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

How many international goals does Messi have?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Ronaldo’s run compares with Messi

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

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

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

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

Two extraordinary careers took different paths

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

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

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

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

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

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

Confirmed Barcelona lineup vs Sevilla

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

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

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

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

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

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

Milan enters the picture

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

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

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

The advantage Milan has over its rivals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amorim needs answers after Benfica defeat

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

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

Pulisic expected to make his first Milan start of the season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The scandal behind the bans

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

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

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

Match Overview

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

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

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

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

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

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

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

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

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

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

Squad News & Projected Lineups

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 1,000-goal question finally gets revealing answer

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

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

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

Why the prediction matters for Ronaldo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

France’s full squad for this international break

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

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

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

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

France’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ballon d’Or reveals what voters must consider

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

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

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

What the criteria mean for Messi, Yamal and Mbappe

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

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

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

How the winner will actually be decided

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

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

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

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

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

The record Kane wants to match

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

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

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

What did Kane say about the possibile record?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jorge Jesus draws clear line for Ronaldo

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

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

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

Five Ballon d’Or awards will not guarantee starting XI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spain’s full squad for this international break

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ronaldo gets the answer he wanted from Jesus amid four changes

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

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

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

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

Portugal begins new era

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

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

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

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

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

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

When was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last trophyless year?

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

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

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

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

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

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

When did Messi reach 100 goals at Barcelona?

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

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

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

When did Messi hit 100 goals at Argentina?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How long did Mbappe need?

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

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

How does it compare to Messi?

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

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

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

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

Two milestones, two very different paths

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clear demand: Milan needs more speed and technique

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mbappe and the World Cup of the stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every trophy Messi has won with Inter Miami

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joan Garcia’s injury update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When was the last time this happened?

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

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

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

From four points to Saudi Pro League glory

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Ronaldo’s doubts grow over Al-Nassr project

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

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

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

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

Financial problems add to the uncertainty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urgent talks already took place

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

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

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

Crucial update on Amorim’s Milan future

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

De Paul on Messi’s farewell from Argentina

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manchester City’s confirmed lineup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The All-Star Game suspension may be another factor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cavan Sullivan, the most exciting inclusion

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

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

Pochettino’s 28-man roster

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

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

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

The evolution of soccer through Hitzlsperger’s eyes

“I always had this talent when I was a kid: I had the ability to shoot very hard. When you have this ability, and it stands out so early on in your life, you keep using it, because you know it separates you from everybody else,” stated Hitzlsperger in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “I kept practicing, and it kind of became my signature shot. That was good: I was very happy to have that. On the other hand, I was quite slow, so having that gift means you’re missing out on something else.”

“Anyway, I think the introduction of data, and nowadays, all the top clubs use a lot of data. Expected Goals have become so prominent, and I like xG. It kind of gives you a really good guidance of how the game is overall. It’s not everything, but I think it’s a good indicator. When you come to the conclusion that most goals are being scored in a certain area in the box, it makes sense. I guess in basketball, Steph Curry was kind of one of the first I can remember taking shots from a great distance, and if you practice this and you’re very good at it, then make this your weapon.

“It forces other teams to come up with new ideas, because if you defend deep, but then on the other team there’s somebody who can shoot from 30 yards out, then you have to change your tactics. I think that soccer is changing; the new added space is a big challenge, because not going in a straight line, and the game keeps evolving. This is the trend right now: xG, long-distance shooting, and that’s the fun part. That’s the part that I really enjoy. Those are the details where I think this is how soccer can evolve, but not some crazy stuff, like selling rights for World Cups, or overturning red cards, and those other things.”

The struggle to stay at a peak level

After joining Stuttgart in 2005, Hitzlsperger enjoyed the peak of his soccer career, scoring the equalizer on the final day of the 2006/07 season vs. Energie Cottbus. Had Stuttgart lost, Schalke would’ve won the title. Instead, Sami Khedira scored to complete the comeback and secure Stuttgart’s first Bundesliga title in 15 years.

He didn’t just make his legacy at the club level, but at the international level, making 52 caps for Germany and winning the silver medal at the 2008 Euros, as well as the bronze at the 2005 Confederations Cup and 2006 World Cup. Hitzlsperger left for Lazio in 2010, bouncing around from West Ham to Wolfsburg to Everton before deciding to hang up his boots in 2013.

“There are various factors why I retired early, but having played at the Bayern Academy for 11 years, and then Aston Villa for 5 years, Stuttgart for 4.5 years, I wanted to be in a place for a longer time, and suddenly I kept moving clubs every 6 to 12 months,” he added. “This was difficult because my life had changed, my perspective on life had changed, and I wasn’t the sought-after player anymore, and suddenly you are just a number 20 on the roster.

“You think, ‘Okay, whether I’m here or not, it doesn’t make a big difference, and that was difficult for me to handle and to deal with.’ I trained even harder, I tried more, and yet the outcome was worse, and that was very difficult. And then, when you move every 12 months, you have to make new friends, you have to let go of older friends, and I struggled. I really struggled, and then injuries came on top of it, and I thought, ‘Maybe I have to call it a day and do something different.”

Life after soccer

Four months after retiring, he became the first high-profile soccer player to come out as gay. It would take Jakub Jankto a decade to become the first active soccer player to come out. Since then, Hitzlsperger has kept busy with various different jobs, managing the London-based restaurant L’Escargot and expanding his media career with leading outlets like ESPN, Fox Sports, and Sky Germany.

He also returned to Stuttgart from 2019 to 2022, rising from Sporting Director to CEO, and he’s currently working with three clubs as a board member or co-owner: Aalborg, VVV-Venlo, and Hellas Verona. Above all, though, Hitzlsperger has used his platform to promote inclusiveness for gay athletes, demonstrating that homosexuality isn’t something to be ashamed of – it’s something to be proud of.

Pulisic eventually entered at halftime as Milan attempted to recover from Dodi Lukebakio’s opener. However, Benfica added a second through Jakub Kamiński early in the second half, leaving Milan with too much ground to make up.

Amorim made five changes to the side that had drawn with Lazio, choosing Filippo Terracciano, Ardon Jashari, Davide Bartesaghi, Omari Hutchinson and Alphadjo Cisse from the start. Pulisic was among the notable absentees, with his omission immediately attracting attention given his importance to Milan’s attack.

The American had only recently returned from a leg injury suffered during the World Cup, while he had also picked up a knock during his first Rossoneri training session. That background meant Amorim had to carefully manage his minutes as the season continued to gather pace.

Pulisic enters but Milan struggles

Pulisic was introduced immediately after halftime, giving Milan a more familiar attacking option as it looked for a way back into the contest. The change initially appeared to have an effect, with the home side starting the second period with greater urgency.

Milan should have equalized five minutes after the restart when Koni De Winter missed a huge opportunity with the goal open. Benfica then punished the mistake, with El Karouani cutting the ball back for Kaminski to make it 2-0 in the 52nd minute.

The 27-year-old still managed to create moments of danger. A short corner allowed Alexis Saelemaekers to find his run down the left side of the box, but Pulisic’s first-time effort went straight at Anatoliy Trubin before another low attempt forced a save from the Benfica goalkeeper.

Amorim explains the Pulisic decision

The Milan manager addressed the situation after the match, revealing that Pulisic was one of several players whose physical condition influenced his decisions. Speaking to Sky Italia, Amorim explained that the club was still being cautious with the American’s workload.

“With Rabiot we didn’t know if he was able to play the full 90 minutes. Same for Pulisic. Moreira had two days of rest due to a personal issue. Switch formation? If we have to adapt, we will.”

The comments provide the clearest explanation for Pulisic’s absence from the starting XI. Rather than indicating a major change in his standing within the squad, the decision reflected concerns about whether he was ready to play the entire match following his recent return.

That run hit a new milestone on Wednesday, when Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in the club’s 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final, heading in a cross from Luis Suárez in the 24th minute to help lift the club’s first-ever title in that competition.

The goal came in just 115 appearances, making it the fastest Messi has ever reached the 100-goal mark with any club he’s represented, well ahead of the 188 games it took him at Barcelona and even faster than the 174 matches he needed to hit the same number with the Argentina national team.

The milestone naturally invites a comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been on a similar scoring pace since joining Al Nassr in December 2022. The Portuguese forward actually got there quicker, reaching 100 goals for the Saudi club back in May in just 113 appearances, two fewer than Messi needed with Inter Miami.

With Ronaldo now 41 and Messi 39, the parallel numbers are yet another reminder of how their decade-long rivalry continues to play out on separate continents, even this deep into their careers.

Ronaldo’s four-club milestone stands out against Messi’s more selective scoring resume

While Messi’s run to 115 games set a new personal best, the gap between the two forwards widens when it comes to the number of clubs where they’ve each reached triple figures.

Messi has now done it with just two clubs, Barcelona and Inter Miami, while Ronaldo added Al Nassr to become the only player in history to score 100 goals for four different clubs, joining Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus on that list.

Messi’s path outside Barcelona, where he shattered every scoring record in the club’s history, has looked far more limited. His only other stint at a European giant came at PSG, where he managed just 32 goals in 75 appearances before moving to MLS.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, when the Herons host San Diego FC at Nu Stadium for the 2026 MLS. The Argentine star heads to the game after scoring his 100th goal with the club and delivering an assist in the 2-0 win over Cruz Azul to conquer the 2026 Campeones Cup.

As for his next game with Argentina, there is no game scheduled yet, but the next matchups will be in the upcoming extended international break in September-October. Still, Lionel Messi has already announced his retirement from the national team, marking the end of an era at the Albiceleste.

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

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

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

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

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

After capturing the 2025 MLS Cup, Inter Miami automatically qualified to contest the 2026 edition of the Campeones Cup against Mexico’s Campeon de Campeones winner. Cruz Azul earned the Mexican berth over Toluca, setting up Wednesday’s showdown at Nu Stadium.

Messi broke the deadlock with his 100th goal in Inter Miami colors, connecting on a header off a cross from Luis Suarez. The match MVP then sealed another dominant individual performance by delivering a corner kick to set up Casemiro’s header, securing the 2-0 result against the Mexican side.

The victory allowed MLS clubs to level the overall Campeones Cup series at 4-4 against Liga MX while securing the fourth major trophy in Inter Miami franchise history. For Messi, the win marked his fourth honor in South Florida and the 48th collective team title of his professional career.

Is the Campeones Cup an official title?

Debate surrounding the fixture focused on whether the Campeones Cup carries official competition status, given that it is organized jointly by MLS and Liga MX rather than directly by Concacaf or FIFA.

However, as a sanctioned competition governed by agreement between North America’s two top domestic leagues, the Campeones Cup counts as an official title in Messi’s overall record. Similar to the 2022 Finalissima won with Argentina, which operated outside direct FIFA jurisdiction, the trophy counts toward Messi’s career total rather than standing as a glorified exhibition.

Messi keeps extending his lead at the top

Following his 2025 MLS Cup victory, 2026 presented a challenging stretch for Messi, featuring early exits from the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup, a World Cup final defeat, and a distant standing in the Supporters’ Shield race. Securing the Campeones Cup offers a welcome addition to his resume while reinforcing his position as football’s most decorated player.

Holding 48 titles at the top of the chart, Messi expanded his advantage over PSG defender Marquinhos, who ranks second with 44 career trophies at 32 years of age. Retired former teammate Dani Alves ranks third with 43, leaving Messi comfortably clear atop the all-time list.

All 48 titles of Lionel Messi’s career

FC Barcelona

• La Liga (10): 2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, and 2018/19.
• Copa del Rey (7): 2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2020/21
• Spanish Super Cup (8): 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2018
• UEFA Champions League (4): 2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, and 2014/15.
• UEFA Super Cup (3): 2009, 2011, and 2015
• FIFA Club World Cup (3): 2009, 2011, and 2015

Paris Saint-Germain

• Ligue 1 (2): 2021/22 and 2022/23
• Trophee des Champions (1): 2022

Argentina national team

• U-20 World Cup (1): 2005
• Olympic Gold Medal (1): 2008
• Copa America (2): 2021 and 2024
• Finalissima (1): 2022
• FIFA World Cup (1): 2022

Inter Miami

• Leagues Cup (1): 2023
• MLS Supporters Shield (1): 2024
• MLS Cup (1): 2025
• Campeones Cup (1): 2026

Building out from the back, Inter Miami intercepted a Cruz Azul long ball to kickstart a quick transition sequence. Operating wide from his central position, Rodrigo De Paul slipped a through ball to Luis Suarez, who lifted his head and picked out Lionel Messi inside the 18-yard box.

Elevating over defender Willer Ditta, the 5-foot-7 playmaker snapped a firm header into the back of the net to open the scoring in the 24th minute. The finish also marked Messi’s 100th goal in Inter Miami colors, making him the first player in franchise history to reach the century milestone.

The Argentine Maestro was also key to seal the 2-0 win over Cruz Azul. Taking care of a corner kick in the 81st minute, Lionel Messi sent an accurate cross into the box that found Casemiro once again, who with another stunning header sealed the Campeones Cup for the Herons.

Cruz Azul, the backdrop for Messi’s 1st and 100th Inter Miami goals

Since his landmark arrival in 2023, Lionel Messi has maintained a prolific scoring rate for Inter Miami, reaching 100 goals with the Herons in just 115 appearances to average nearly a goal per match. By a remarkable twist of fate, Cruz Azul served as the opponent for both the beginning and the culmination of that historic century run.

Messi made his Inter Miami debut on July 21, 2023, entering as a second-half substitute for Benjamin Cremaschi in the 55th minute. With the match tied 1-1 in stoppage time, he stepped up to a 94th-minute free kick and curled home a dramatic game-winner to open his scoring account in South Florida.

That moment launched a record-breaking stretch for Messi in American soccer, shattering scoring marks across every competition he entered, including Major League Soccer. Over the following three years, Inter Miami and Cruz Azul did not cross paths in either the Leagues Cup or the Concacaf Champions Cup until meeting in the Campeones Cup, where Messi netted his 100th club goal to bring his tally full circle against the Mexican side.

Speaking at the World Football Summit on Wednesday, September 16, RFEF president Rafael Louzan addressed several high-profile topics, focusing on preparations for the 2030 World Cup and bidding for the tournament final. However, a central priority for La Roja remains securing De La Fuente’s long-term future, with Louzan expressing strong optimism regarding the partnership.

In comments reported by Diario AS, Louzan delivered a clear endorsement of De La Fuente’s new deal: “His results and his work back him up… and the public loves and admires him. I offered to extend his contract because he wasn’t among the top 10 in financial terms. He will be. We are finalizing the agreement so that he stays a few more years. He has been here for 14 years, and I want him to be able to finish his career here. He will be here until 2030… or a bit longer.“

Alongside the pay raise, Louzan signaled plans to keep De La Fuente involved with the federation beyond the 2030 World Cup cycle. While formal announcements remain pending, the manager is set to host a press conference Friday to unveil Spain‘s squad selection for the upcoming window, where details on an extension through 2032 are expected to be finalized.

De La Fuente climbing positions as one of the best-paid coaches

De La Fuente’s existing contract ran through 2028, but consecutive major titles at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup tipped the scales decisively in favor of a long-term commitment. Consequently, the upgraded deal provides a substantial financial raise, elevating him into the top tier of international managers.

According to reporting from Spanish outlet Cadena SER, De La Fuente’s new gross annual salary will sit between 4 million and 5 million euros ($4.5M-$5.6M USD) per season. Beyond his personal terms, the outlet revealed that De La Fuente also negotiated salary increases for his backroom coaching staff.

The contract creates a notable point of comparison with Lionel Scaloni, who executed a similar championship run with Argentina by capturing back-to-back Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup. However, Scaloni’s post-World Cup deal reportedly pays roughly 2.6 million euros ($2.9M USD) annually, meaning De La Fuente’s new terms will nearly double those of his Argentine counterpart.

Yet while the contract represents a significant raise, De La Fuente remains well behind Ancelotti at the top of the international pay scale. Having extended his contract with Brazil through 2030 prior to the World Cup, the former Real Madrid manager earns a reported 10 million euros ($11.2M USD) annually, a package that includes performance bonuses, private jet allocation, and luxury housing in Rio de Janeiro near CBF headquarters.

Top five best-paid coaches

Factoring in Luis De La Fuente’s new terms with Spain, the updated ranking of highest-paid international head coaches features the following annual figures:

1. Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil: 10.0M euros ($11.2M USD)
2. Jurgen Klopp, Germany: 7.0M euros ($7.8M USD)
3. Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT: 6.0M euros ($6.7M USD)
4. Thomas Tuchel, England: 5.8M euros ($6.5M USD)
5. Luis De La Fuente, Spain: 4.0M-5.0M euros ($4.5M-$5.6M USD)

Messi carries no injury designation and will start for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul. With a trophy on the line, having their captain on the pitch is crucial for the MLS side.

The match also marks a new chapter for Inter Miami, as Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez makes his managerial debut in a high-stakes fixture that could yield another trophy for Messi’s collection.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

Gonzalez did not make major tactical adjustments to the starting lineup, as he continues adapting to the squad and evaluating his roster depth.

Inter Miami confirmed XI: St. Clair; Mura, Falcon, Casemiro, Caicedo; Galarza, De Paul, Bright; Suarez, Berterame, Messi.

Cruz Azul confirmed lineup

Cruz Azul enter the clash fresh off a major Liga MX victory over Club America. La Maquina will field a full-strength lineup as they look to secure the title against the MLS powerhouse.

Cruz Azul confirmed XI: Mier; Marquez, Ditta, Orozco, Garcia, Rotondi; Paradela, Palavecino, Lira, Rodriguez; Ibanez..

First introduced in 2018, the Campeones Cup was created through a joint initiative between MLS and Liga MX to pit the defending champions of both leagues against each other in a single-match showcase. For the 2026 edition, the 2025 MLS Cup winner and the 2026 Campeon de Campeones winner are set to clash on South Florida soil.

Inter Miami and Cruz Azul earned their respective places as league representatives, with Nu Stadium selected as the host venue for the single-game fixture. While the absence of direct FIFA sanctioning leads some critics to characterize the match as an exhibition, both sides are expected to field marquee talent, including Lionel Messi and Jose Paradela.

Campeones Cup prize money

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement established between MLS and the MLSPA, players representing the MLS side in the Campeones Cup split a guaranteed $240,000 USD participation pool, as reported by Diario Marca. Liga MX’s internal compensation breakdown for participating clubs remains undisclosed.

In addition to the baseline participation distribution, the winner between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul will secure a $100,000 USD victory bonus. That money originates from the Team Bonus Pool, meaning the payout is distributed across the club rather than awarded as individual player checks.

By way of historical context, 2025 Campeones Cup winner Toluca earned approximately 2 million Mexican pesos (roughly $117,000 USD) following their victory over the LA Galaxy, though official club payout figures for the 2026 edition have not been published by organizing officials.

A minor prize pool compared to major international competitions

Despite star-studded lineups projected for both Inter Miami and Cruz Azul, debate continues regarding whether the fixture carries the weight of a true major title or operates primarily as an exhibition. That distinction aside, the total financial distribution remains significantly lower than other regional club competitions.

For context, the Concacaf Champions Cup, North America’s premier club tournament, awards its champion a $5 million USD winner’s purse, with cumulative performance incentives pushing potential team earnings even higher.

Similarly, the Leagues Cup, which features a full tournament draw between MLS and Liga MX clubs, awards a $2 million USD champion’s payout. Even domestic league playoffs generate larger prize pools, with Liga MX allocating approximately $4.1 million USD to its champion, according to Marca, while the 2025 MLS Cup champion earned $300,000 USD from the league’s playoff pool, placing the Campeones Cup lower on the regional financial ladder.

Months later, the wound still hasn’t closed for Thomas Tuchel. In a trailer for the FA’s upcoming documentary on England’s tournament, titled “Reflections: England’s World Cup Journey,” the German coach opened up about the pain of that night, admitting the loss remains something he carries personally rather than something time has settled.

“That is a very, very difficult road to go down that can torture you, and you can try to kill me here, but it’s my scar. It’s not your scar. I have to live with it…I am in charge here, and I take these decisions. It’s the players’ scar, and it’s my scar, and I have to live with it and keep on going,” Tuchel told former striker Daniel Sturridge, addressing the wave of criticism aimed at him.

The admission didn’t stop there. “No one is more hurt than me. No one wanted it more. And you can now endlessly torture you and think if I would have done a different substitution, then we would’ve won the match. You just don’t know it,” he added.

England had been just minutes away from reaching their first World Cup final since 1966, holding onto Gordon’s goal deep into the second half. But Argentina refused to let the moment slip, leveling through Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez completed the comeback deep into stoppage time, sending Messi’s side through instead.

Tuchel breaks down Argentina’s frantic comeback

Beyond the emotional toll, Tuchel also used the documentary to dissect the tactical chaos of Argentina’s fightback, marveling at the risks Lionel Scaloni was willing to take once his side fell behind.

“The level of madness Argentina brought, one change after another after another, one attacking substitution after the next. They never would have made those changes if they weren’t 1-0 down. It was a 3-1-6. Who plays with a 3-1-6?“ he said, referencing the ultra-attacking shape Argentina finished the match in.

Tuchel also pushed back on the idea that his own approach was overly cautious, pointing to a similar situation England had faced earlier in the tournament against Norway. “We could have done it and maybe lost 2-1, and people would have said, ‘Is he crazy? He did it against Norway, he finished the game with five at the back. Why didn’t he finish the game (against Argentina) with five?’ That was simply my solution to the problem. I was trying to help,” he explained.

Tuchel’s reflections make clear the Atlanta defeat remains an open wound, one he continues to revisit. Still, the pain hasn’t shaken his position with the federation, and with the bronze-medal finish behind them, he remains focused on leading England into Euro 2028 while carrying that scar with him.

Established in 2018, the single-match competition pits the defending champions of Major League Soccer and Liga MX against each other in a winner-take-all format. After capturing the 2025 MLS Cup, Inter Miami punched their ticket to the showcase, while 2026 Clausura champions Cruz Azul earned Mexico’s berth by defeating Apertura winners Toluca in the Campeon de Campeones.

The fixture carries a notable historical parallel for Lionel Messi, who faces the exact opponent from his landmark Inter Miami debut. During the 2023 Leagues Cup, Messi announced his arrival in South Florida as a second-half substitute against Cruz Azul, scoring a game-winning stoppage-time free kick to seal a 2-1 victory, a script he now aims to replicate with official hardware on the line.

How an Inter Miami win impacts the 2026 Campeones Cup

Should Inter Miami secure a victory over Cruz Azul, the Herons will claim the 2026 Campeones Cup. Despite taking place on domestic soil at Nu Stadium, the competition remains a single-elimination final, meaning a victory in front of the home crowd adds another piece of silverware to the club’s cabinet.

Since Lionel Messi’s arrival in South Florida, Inter Miami have expanded their trophy collection at a rapid pace. Following victories in the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup, a Campeones Cup title would mark the franchise’s fourth major honor, further fueling ongoing media debates regarding the trophy’s official standing within North American soccer.

A victory would also extend Lionel Messi’s record as the most decorated player in football history. The former FIFA World Cup winner currently holds 47 career team trophies, a career tally that includes his 2008 Olympic gold medal and his 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup title with Argentina.

How a draw impacts the 2026 Campeones Cup

If Inter Miami and Cruz Azul remain deadlocked after 90 minutes of regulation, the 2026 Campeones Cup winner will be determined immediately via a penalty shootout.

Tournament regulations eliminate the standard 30-minute extra-time period following regular play. Consequently, if the match ends level after two halves, Miami and Cruz Azul will proceed straight to spot kicks, utilizing a standard five-round format before entering sudden death if necessary.

How an Inter Miami loss impacts the 2026 Campeones Cup

In the event of an Inter Miami defeat, Cruz Azul will automatically lift the 2026 Campeones Cup trophy. A victory would mark the Cementeros‘ first title in the competition, following a 2-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew during their previous final appearance in 2021.

A win for Cruz Azul would also widen the competitive gap between Liga MX and MLS in the competition’s historical record. Through seven completed editions, Mexican clubs hold four titles compared to three for American teams, meaning a Cruz Azul victory would extend Liga MX’s overall series lead to 5-3.

U.S. Soccer is set to officially announce Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad on Thursday ahead of upcoming exhibition games against Chile, Peru, Canada and Mexico, so the decision has not yet been confirmed publicly.

Pulisic’s absence is a striking decision on its own, given that the winger has already recovered from the two fractured bones in his right leg suffered during the USA‘s 4-1 round-of-16 loss to Belgium at the World Cup.

Since returning to full fitness, though, Pulisic has struggled to reclaim a starting role at AC Milan, coming on as a substitute in each of Ruben Amorim’s first four matches in charge.

Pulisic’s reportedly strained relationship with Pochettino could also be weighing on the decision. According to McIntyre, the two have had friction since Pulisic skipped the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, a tournament the U.S. narrowly lost to Mexico, in order to be fresh for the World Cup, only to get hurt in the tournament opener and go scoreless across four appearances.

That tension, combined with his current spell on Milan’s bench, could help explain why Pochettino may be choosing to leave him off this squad, though the exact reasoning behind the decision remains unconfirmed.

Pochettino reportedly turns to a wave of young talent

Amid Pulisic’s potential absence, Pochettino is reportedly turning to 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who could become the youngest player in the 113-year history of the U.S. men’s national team since Freddy Adu set the record in 2006.

The Philadelphia Union midfielder has been in red-hot form, recording five goals and six assists over his last seven MLS matches, part of a breakout season that includes 6 goals and 11 assists in 23 appearances as the Union have gone unbeaten in 10 straight games.

Sullivan is not the only teenager set to join the squad, as 17-year-old Red Bull New York midfielder Adri Mehmeti is also reportedly poised to receive his first senior call-up. Meanwhile, Yunus Musah is expected to return to the fold after last featuring for the national team in March 2025.

The USA will open the international window against Peru on September 26 in Orlando, before facing Chile on September 29 in St. Louis, and closing out the FIFA-expanded window against Concacaf rivals Mexico and Canada in early October.

Through the first six matchdays of the league season, Raphinha and Yamal have combined for 16 goals between them, with Raphinha scoring nine and Yamal seven.

That tally surpasses the previous benchmark of 15 combined goals set by Messi and Fabregas back in 2011-12, a mark that had stood as the high point for a Barcelona scoring duo through six matchdays for a decade and a half.

Barcelona pairs had hit 13 or more combined goals in the first six matchdays of a season on only four occasions in the club’s history before this one: Mariano Martin and Cesar in 1943-44 (14), Cesar and Basora in 1948-49 (13), Cesar and Marcos Aurelio in 1950-51 (13), and Messi and Fabregas in 2011-12 (15). Raphinha and Yamal have now set a new high mark within that exclusive group.

Wednesday’s rout provided the decisive push. Raphinha scored a hat-trick, converting two penalties in the 25th and 67th minutes and adding a clinical finish in the 42nd off an assist from Dani Olmo, while Yamal capped the scoring in the 89th minute after a driving run and pass from Karim Adeyemi, despite missing a penalty of his own and striking the post earlier in the match.

Barcelona’s historic start to the season

Wednesday’s rout was just the latest chapter in what has been a remarkable start to the campaign for Barcelona, who remain unbeaten and have barely broken a sweat scoring goals in bunches virtually every time out.

Between LaLiga and Champions League, the club has now put together its highest-scoring stretch through the first seven official matches of a season in 92 years, according to MisterChip.

Several eyebrows were raised when Ancelotti released his 2026 World Cup roster. While supporters welcomed veteran superstar Neymar back into the fold following his extended absence since October 2024, Joao Pedro’s omission stood as one of the squad’s primary talking points given his outstanding club form at the time.

The forward enjoyed a seamless transition at Chelsea while helping lead the club to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, registering 20 goals and nine assists across 49 appearances in his debut campaign. After starting the 2026-27 season with three goals and three assists in five matches, he earned his way back onto Ancelotti’s team sheet.

However, on Wednesday, September 16, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Joao Pedro has been withdrawn from the upcoming international break. With the forward sidelined by an injury, coaching staff selected Fluminense midfielder Matheus Martinelli as his roster replacement.

The official statement from the CBF read as follows: “Fluminense player Martinelli was called up this Wednesday (16) by manager Carlo Ancelotti for the Brazilian national team’s friendlies against Australia and India in this upcoming FIFA window. The player will replace Chelsea forward João Pedro, who is injured.“

With Martinelli operating primarily in midfield, Ancelotti’s attacking group narrows to Endrick, Estevao, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, and Vinicius Junior. The adjustment leaves Endrick as the primary central striker option for Brazil‘s upcoming two-match series against Australia on September 25 and 29, followed by an October 3 clash against India at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

9 rookies in the Brazil squad

Ancelotti’s primary initiative centers on a comprehensive roster overhaul, moving on from several squad veterans to drop the team’s average age from 29.3 years at the 2026 World Cup to 24.9 years for the current window. Most notably, nine uncapped players are in line to make their senior international debuts during the upcoming trip.

With Martinelli’s late addition, Ancelotti’s squad features nine international newcomers. Joining the Fluminense midfielder as potential debutants are goalkeepers Pedro Morisco and Otavio, alongside defenders Arthur Dias, Jair, Mateuzinho, Mauro Jr, and Manchester City prospect Vitor Reis.

Milan entered the meeting with Benfica unbeaten domestically, having collected two wins and two draws in the opening four Serie A matches. The Europa League therefore offered Amorim’s side a different challenge, with Benfica arriving at San Siro after a strong start under new manager Marco Silva.

The USMNT forward was initially expected to play a major role in Amorim’s plans, particularly after making his first appearance of the season during the comeback against Lazio. Instead, the 27-year-old began the match at the San Siro on the bench before being introduced during the game, giving him another opportunity to show that he is ready to contribute following his difficult summer.

The record is finally revealed

This is where Pulisic’s achievement becomes particularly unusual. The Milan forward has now appeared in elite European continental competition for 11 consecutive seasons, covering the UEFA Champions League and Europa League without a break.

Even more impressively, that run has been maintained across three different clubs in three different countries: Borussia Dortmund in Germany, Chelsea in England and Milan in Italy. That makes the accomplishment considerably different from players who spent their entire streak at clubs that qualified for Europe almost every season.

Pulisic’s participation in Milan’s Europa League squad, according to Opta and UEFA, merely meant that he would undoubtedly extend the record to an 11th consecutive season, and his appearance on the field only confirmed it. The sequence began in 2015-16, when the American made three Europa League appearances for Dortmund. He then moved through Champions League campaigns with the German side and Chelsea before continuing the streak with Milan.

From Dortmund to Chelsea and Milan

The significance of Pulisic’s latest European appearance becomes clearer when looking back at where his journey began. He first appeared in UEFA’s elite club competitions as a teenager with Borussia Dortmund during the 2015-16 season, featuring in the Europa League against Porto at just 17 years old.

That campaign marked the beginning of an uninterrupted run through European competition. Pulisic subsequently became a regular Champions League player with Dortmund before moving to Chelsea, where he eventually lifted the Champions League trophy in 2021.

His move to Italy in 2023 added another country and another major chapter to the story. The Serie A giant immediately gave him a platform in the Champions League, and now his inclusion in the 2026-27 Europa League campaign has ensured that the streak continues.

Pulisic enters rare company

Pulisic’s achievement puts him alongside several legendary players who managed 11 or more consecutive European seasons, while changing clubs and countries. Zlatan Ibrahimovic compiled a 14-season Champions League streak from 2001-02 through 2014-15, playing for clubs including Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

Robert Lewandowski has also maintained a continuous European presence from 2011-12 through the current 2026-27 campaign, representing Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. His streak has now reached 16 seasons, illustrating the extraordinary longevity required to remain involved in elite continental football year after year.

Other players have produced even longer runs, including Arjen Robben and Mateo Kovacic, but Pulisic’s particular achievement stands out because of the combination of 11 consecutive seasons, three clubs, and three countries.

Match Overview

Inter Miami enter the 2026 Campeones Cup fixture as favorites thanks to home-field advantage. However, their recent lack of consistency and underwhelming Leagues Cup performance have raised significant doubts among supporters.

As for Cruz Azul, the Mexican side currently sits fourth in the Liga MX standings. They have been in strong form in recent matches, leading many to believe they will pose a formidable challenge for the Herons.

Amid the rout, a heated moment between Ronaldo and Al Ain’s Matias Palacios stood out, reviving a flashpoint between the two players that dates back nearly two years.

The incident occurred with Al Ain already up 2-0, as Ronaldo pushed forward looking to get into the box. Palacios moved to close him down, and the contact between the two escalated into a physical exchange that ended with both players on the ground, with the referee choosing not to intervene or issue a card.

It capped off a frustrating night for Ronaldo, who had few clear chances to make an impact himself. He sent an overhead kick over the crossbar and later saw a free kick saved late in the match, unable to prevent what became one of Al Nassr‘s heaviest defeats since his arrival in Saudi Arabia.

The 2024 flashpoint between Ronaldo and Palacios

Tuesday’s clash was not an isolated case, either. Ronaldo and Palacios have a history of run-ins whenever Al Nassr and Al Ain meet, with the two players’ rivalry stretching back to a similar incident two years ago.

In November 2024, during another meeting between Al Nassr and Al Ain in the same competition, Palacios and Ronaldo were involved in a similar altercation, with the Argentine complaining about an alleged elbow before Ronaldo ended up holding onto him as the two grappled. That match had a very different outcome for Al Nassr, who won 5-1 with Ronaldo among the scorers.

Al Nassr’s upcoming AFC Champions League Elite schedule

After the defeat to Al Ain, Al Nassr will look to bounce back with seven matches remaining in the AFC Champions League Elite league phase. They host FK Neftchi Fergana on October 12, before facing Al Wasl on October 26 and traveling to Pakhtakor on November 2.

The schedule continues with a home date against Al Sadd on November 24 and a trip to Al Gharafa on December 8, before the campaign resumes in the new year with a home match against Al Shamal on February 8 and a closing fixture away to Shabab Al Ahli on February 15.

Mbappe scored in Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Elche on September 15, 2026, finally finding the net against the only La Liga opponent he had previously faced without scoring. The goal came in the 33rd minute, when Yan Diomande’s cross found the Frenchman, who squeezed his finish past goalkeeper Matias Dituro despite colliding painfully with the goalkeeper.

Elche had previously held Mbappe to a goalless outing, including a 2-2 draw during the 2025-26 season. That changed at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, with Mbappe not only scoring but later creating the decisive goal for substitute Carlos Espi in stoppage time.

With that strike, the Frenchman has now scored against all 23 La Liga teams he has faced since joining the Bernabeu outfit from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. The list includes Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club, Sevilla, Valencia, Villarreal, Real Sociedad, Real Betis, Celta Vigo and the other opponents he has encountered during his first years in Spain.

There is one important caveat. Mbappe has yet to face newly promoted Deportivo de La Coruña or Racing Santander in the 2026-27 campaign, meaning his list could grow before the season is over.

So, how many seasons did Mbappe need?

Mbappe completed his current 23-team scoring set at the start of his third La Liga season. He joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, scored 31 league goals in his first campaign and followed that with another 25 in 2025-26 before reaching seven goals in his first six league appearances this season.

That means the 27-year-old needed three La Liga seasons, including the opening part of his third, to score against every opponent he had actually faced. His overall league return has been extraordinary, with 63 La Liga goals across those campaigns and 94 goals in 110 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions by mid-September 2026.

Ronaldo’s remarkable comparison

Cristiano Ronaldo took a different route during his Real Madrid career. The Portuguese superstar needed three La Liga seasons to complete his own scoring set, achieving the feat during the 2011-12 campaign after arriving in Spain in 2009.

Ronaldo’s achievement became even more remarkable because he scored against all 19 opposing teams in a single La Liga season during 2011-12. Over his entire nine-season spell in Spain, he eventually scored against all 31 different La Liga teams he encountered.

That means both superstars required three seasons to reach the milestone, although the circumstances were different because the league’s list of opponents changed throughout Ronaldo’s nine-year spell. Ronaldo also had the advantage of facing some opponents multiple times before completing his full set.

Two extraordinary scoring records

Ronaldo’s 2011-12 campaign remains one of the most spectacular individual seasons in La Liga history. He scored 46 league goals that season as Real Madrid won the title, while his ability to find the net against every opponent highlighted how consistently dangerous he was regardless of the opposition.

Mbappe’s route has been similarly relentless. He won the Pichichi Trophy in each of his first two La Liga seasons, becoming the first player since Mario Kempes in the 1970s to win the award in both of his first two campaigns in Spain.

Mbappe is now chasing a third consecutive Pichichi, while his latest goal also moved him closer to another major personal milestone. The France captain has 94 goals for Real Madrid, leaving him only six goals short of 100 for the club.

Ronaldo’s trip comes shortly after Al-Nassr suffered a 4-0 defeat to Al-Ain in the opening match of the continental competition. The result was the heaviest defeat Ronaldo has experienced since moving to Saudi Arabia, adding to the pressure surrounding the Saudi outfit after a recent dip in form.

According to MousaQi on X (formerly Twitter)and Portuguese outlet A Bola, the experienced forward is spending five days in Madrid during a brief personal break before linking up with Portugal. The update, attributed to sources close to the situation and shared by the account, comes as Ronaldo prepares to switch from club responsibilities to international duty.

Madrid is a particularly meaningful destination for the Portuguese star. Ronaldo spent nine years with Real Madrid, establishing himself as the club’s all-time leading scorer and winning four UEFA Champions League titles during his extraordinary spell in the Spanish capital.

The short break gives Ronaldo an opportunity to recharge following a hectic period with Al-Nassr. The Saudi club has already begun its domestic campaign and AFC Champions League Elite journey, leaving the veteran forward with little time between competitive fixtures.

Portugal return date emerges

The latest update states that Ronaldo is scheduled to return to Portugal training next Monday, when preparations for the UEFA Nations League will begin. That date provides a clear indication of when the forward will move his focus back to the national team after his time in Madrid.

Portugal’s Nations League campaign begins in League A Group A4, giving Ronaldo another opportunity to represent the national team during a season that could prove significant at this stage of his career. The schedule starts with a home meeting with Wales before Portugal travels to Norway several days later.

The Selecao das Quinas will then face Denmark on October 1 before hosting Norway again on October 4. Further fixtures against Denmark and Wales are scheduled for November, giving the national team a packed autumn calendar.

Demanding period for Ronaldo

The timing of the break comes after an especially difficult night for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. Al-Ain scored four times through Houssine Rahimi, Soufiane Rahimi and Georgios Giakoumakis, while Ronaldo struggled to influence the match as his side was comprehensively beaten.

Ronaldo attempted five shots during the defeat, but three were blocked, one went off target, and only one required a save from Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa. The result also extended a difficult spell for Al-Nassr, which had managed only one victory in its previous four matches across all competitions.

The forward will now have the chance to reset before returning to the international environment. Portugal remains a major part of Ronaldo’s career, even as questions naturally continue to surround how long he intends to keep playing at the highest level.

The record for scoring in 94 consecutive matches that Ronaldo’s side set earlier this month belongs strictly to domestic league play. The true world record for scoring in consecutive matches across all competitions, however, belongs to a different club entirely, and Al Nassr lost their chance to challenge it with the defeat in the UAE.

Al Nassr‘s streak reached 94 straight Saudi Pro League matches with at least one goal following a 1-1 draw against Al Khaleej on September 12. That mark surpassed the 93 consecutive league matches scored in by River Plate between 1936 and 1939, a record that had stood for nearly 87 years.

River Plate’s full record, though, extends well beyond league play. Between September 1936 and June 1939, the Argentine club scored in 96 consecutive official matches across all competitions, a run that included 93 league games, two matches against Peñarol in a joint Argentina-Uruguay tournament, and one cup match against Rosario Central.

Al Nassr’s clash with Al Ain marked their first match outside the Saudi Pro League since the streak began, giving them a shot at extending their run toward that fuller, all-competitions mark. Instead, Ronaldo and company were shut out for the first time since the streak started, ending any chance of closing in on River Plate’s 96-game record.

Al Nassr can still extend their domestic record

While the loss to Al Ain ended any shot at River Plate’s all-competitions mark, it has no bearing on Al Nassr’s domestic scoring streak, since that run is tracked exclusively within the Saudi Pro League and Tuesday’s match was a different competition entirely. The 94-game streak remains very much alive and will resume when league play returns.

Al Nassr’s next Saudi Pro League fixture comes on October 9 at home against Al Diriyah, followed by a trip to face Al Ahli on October 15, a fixture that will pose a far tougher test, and another home game against Neom SC on October 20, giving Ronaldo and company more opportunities to keep stretching their domestic record further away.

The UAE side dominated from the opening stages, with Houssine Rahimi scoring twice before his brother Soufiane Rahimi and Georgios Giakoumakis completed the rout. For Ronaldo, now 41, it was the heaviest defeat he has suffered since joining Saudi soccer in 2023 and his worst result since Manchester United’s 4-0 loss to Brentford in August 2022.

Al-Nassr arrived in the United Arab Emirates with a squad packed with star names, but the Saudi Pro League champion struggled to make an impression against the two-time Asian champion. Houssine Rahimi opened the scoring in the 25th minute, doubling his tally shortly after halftime before Soufiane Rahimi added a third with 18 minutes remaining.

Giakoumakis then put the result beyond any doubt in the 85th minute, leaving Al-Nassr facing a difficult start to its continental campaign. Ronaldo attempted to provide a response, including an overhead kick and a late free-kick, but Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa dealt comfortably with his best effort.

The Portuguese forward finished with five shots, although three were blocked, one went off target, and only one required a save. Just three of his 29 touches came inside the penalty area, underlining how effectively Al-Ain managed to keep him away from dangerous positions.

Postecoglou takes responsibility

The defeat also produced a strong response from Postecoglou, who refused to blame his players for the performance. The Australian coach instead accepted responsibility for what had gone wrong on the night. “The players gave everything they had, and I do not place any responsibility on them… and the responsibility is my responsibility,” the manager said after the final whistle.

The manager was equally direct when assessing the collective display, adding: “Al-Nassr as a whole was poor.” His comments came after a difficult run in which Al-Nassr had recorded one win, one draw and two defeats in its previous four matches.

Postecoglou also defended Ronaldo when journalists questioned the forward’s contribution. He pointed to Ronaldo’s three Saudi Pro League goals and the limited preparation he had following the World Cup, while insisting that the veteran remained an example to his teammates.

Urgent meeting makes Al-Nassr’s position clear

The heavy defeat prompted Al-Nassr management to hold an urgent meeting with Postecoglou, according to 365Scores Arabic. The discussions reportedly examined the technical errors against Al-Ain, the team’s recent decline, and the immediate measures required to improve performances.

Crucially, however, the reports state that Postecoglou has not asked to resign or terminate his contract. Claims of disagreements between the Australian and Al-Nassr’s executive management over his future were also described as false, making the club’s immediate position considerably clearer.

The meeting therefore appears to have been focused on finding solutions rather than preparing for a change in the dugout. Postecoglou joined Al-Nassr in July on a two-year contract, replacing Jorge Jesus after the club won the Saudi Pro League for the first time during Ronaldo’s era.

The Portuguese superstar endured a frustrating evening as Al-Nassr was beaten 4-0 by Al-Ain on September 15, leaving the club at the bottom of the Western region’s league-stage standings after the opening round. Ronaldo managed five shots but only one tested goalkeeper Khalid Eisa, while his attempts to influence the contest repeatedly came to nothing.

Al-Nassr’s night in the United Arab Emirates quickly turned into a nightmare. Houssine Rahimi opened the scoring after 25 minutes before doubling Al-Ain’s advantage, while Soufiane Rahimi and Georgios Giakoumakis completed the rout in the second half.

The result represented Ronaldo’s heaviest defeat since moving to the Middle East and his biggest loss since Manchester United suffered a 4-0 defeat against Brentford in August 2022. The setback also added to a difficult spell for the Knight of Najd, which had managed only one victory in its previous four matches across all competitions.

The 41-year-old was visibly frustrated during the contest, including an incident with Al-Ain midfielder Matías Palacios. The Portuguese appeared to use his elbow while attempting to escape Palacios’ challenge, although neither player was punished for the confrontation.

Saudi pundit delivers brutal Ronaldo verdict

The defeat was especially damaging because Al-Nassr entered the new campaign with major ambitions after finally winning the Saudi Pro League title in 2025-26, Ronaldo’s first league championship with the club. The AFC Champions League, however, remains a trophy that has escaped Al-Nassr during his time in Saudi Arabia.

That disappointment has now been followed by a much bigger question surrounding Ronaldo’s future. Former Al-Nassr spokesman and Saudi sports journalist Saud Al-Sarami has suggested that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could leave the club during the January transfer window.

Speaking during a discussion on Al-Arabiya FM, Al-Sarami delivered a particularly strong assessment, saying: “Cristiano has become an exhausted asset at Al-Nassr.” He also claimed that Ronaldo would not play a role in addressing the club’s technical problems during the winter window.

Al-Sarami went even further when discussing a possible departure, stating: “I do not rule out that he may leave the club in the winter transfer window, just as happened with Karim Benzema earlier, and this will happen entirely at his own desire.”

Ronaldo’s future comes into focus

The speculation arrives at an intriguing point in Ronaldo’s career. He has continued to produce goals since moving to Saudi Arabia, but the current season has already brought frustration, while Al-Nassr’s limited activity in the summer transfer market has raised questions about the squad around him.

The club made only one major signing during the recent window, bringing in Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa, amid reported financial constraints. Ronaldo has previously shown frustration when he believes Al-Nassr’s squad requires strengthening, making the club’s ability to compete for major trophies an important factor in his future.

There is also the question of Ronaldo’s own ambitions. The forward has already indicated that 2026-27 could be his final professional season, telling Vogue last month: “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”

Julian Alvarez will miss the match as he continues his recovery from a muscle overload picked up in training last week. It marks the Argentine’s second consecutive absence, having also sat out Atletico’s 3-0 win away at Real Sociedad, and his fourth missed match out of seven possible so far this season.

Simeone confirmed the decision during the press conference: “Based on what we’ve discussed with the medical staff, he’s still in recovery, so he won’t be able to join us tomorrow“. The Atletico manager did not disclose further details on the severity of the injury.

With an eye on Sunday’s Madrid derby against Real Madrid, the priority for Alvarez and the club’s medical staff is managing his recovery so that he is available for that fixture rather than rushing him back for a match against Osasuna.

Alvarez isn’t the only absence for Atletico Madrid

Alexander Sorloth is also unavailable for the game with a calf injury, while midfielder Pablo Barrios has been left out of Simeone’s squad with a calf issue of his own, rounding out three key absences for Atletico Madrid heading into the match.

In their absence, Jonathan David is expected to lead the line, with Lee Kang-in and Ademola Lookman among the options to fill out the rest of the attack and midfield.

Simeone used his pre-match press conference to call for patience with his squad as it continues to take shape, pointing to the scale of turnover at the club this summer. “The team is a work in progress,” Simeone said. “This summer, seven players left and five came in“.

The Atletico coach has leaned on rotation through the opening weeks of the season, which has produced a mixed run so far: three wins, one draw and one loss in LaLiga, good for 10 points and fourth place after five matchdays, alongside a disappointing start in Europe, where Atletico Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 loss at Liverpool.

WHO: Barcelona vs Racing Santander
WHAT: La Liga
WHEN: 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT • Wednesday, September 16, 2026
WHERE: Fubo
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

La Liga leaders Barcelona aim to continue their flawless start to the season as they host newly promoted Racing Santander at the Camp Nou. With a perfect record across all competitions, Hansi Flick’s side has been a dominant force, showcasing a potent attack that dismantled Levante 4-2 in their most recent outing. The Blaugrana are not just winning; they are making powerful statements and look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

For Racing Santander, this match represents the ultimate challenge in their return to Spain’s top flight. The club has enjoyed a respectable start, securing seven points from five games to sit comfortably in mid-table. Their recent 2-1 victory over Alavés provided a significant morale boost, but facing an in-form Barcelona at their fortress is an entirely different level of test. This high-stakes clash will reveal just how ready the newcomers are for life among the elite.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Barcelona has been a juggernaut, winning all six of their competitive fixtures while playing an exhilarating brand of attacking soccer. They sit atop the La Liga standings, already building a gap over their rivals. In contrast, Racing Santander’s return has been about grit and consolidation. Currently 10th, their goal is survival, and every point gained is a step toward that objective. This match pits the league’s most dominant title contender against a determined underdog.

The tactical battle is expected to be a classic case of attack versus defense. Barcelona leads La Liga with an average possession of 68.3%, and they will look to control the tempo from the opening whistle, using their quick passing and high press to pin Racing back. The visitors will likely adopt a compact, defensive shape, absorb pressure, and try to strike on the counter-attack. Racing’s intensity is notable—they lead the league in tackles per match (22)—but their goalkeeper has also been the busiest in the division, a statistic that will almost certainly rise at Camp Nou.

Motivation runs high on both sides, though for different reasons. Barcelona is driven by the necessity of maintaining its perfect record and reinforcing its status as the team to beat. For a club of its stature, anything less than a convincing home win is a disappointment. Meanwhile, Racing Santander is playing for pride and a historic result. While a victory is a tall order, earning a draw or even just scoring a goal at the Camp Nou would be a massive achievement and a huge boost for their season-long fight for survival.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been completely one-sided. In 101 meetings between the clubs, Barcelona has amassed 63 wins compared to just 17 for Racing Santander, with 21 matches ending in a draw. This dominance is even more pronounced in recent history, with Barcelona currently on an 18-game unbeaten streak against their opponents, a run that includes 15 victories.

Looking at the last five encounters, the pattern of Barcelona’s superiority is stark. The Blaugrana have won all five of those matches without conceding a single goal. Their most recent clash was a 2-0 victory in the Copa del Rey in January 2026. Prior to that, the teams hadn’t met in 12 years, but the dynamic remains unchanged. Racing Santander’s struggles in this matchup are profound; they have not scored a goal against Barcelona since 2009.

The statistical data paints a clear picture for this game. Over the last five head-to-head games, Barcelona has outscored Racing Santander 13-0. This clean sheet streak, stretching across six consecutive games, underscores the defensive and offensive gap between the two sides. The historical trends strongly suggest that Barcelona’s defense will be difficult for the visitors to breach, while their attack has consistently found ways to score multiple goals in this fixture.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are dealing with selection issues, though Barcelona’s deep squad provides far more cover than what is available to the newly promoted side. Hansi Flick will be without a few key players due to long-term injuries, but his team’s recent performances show they have more than enough quality to compensate. For Racing, injuries and a key suspension present a significant challenge ahead of their toughest match of the season.

Barcelona remains without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whose return is anticipated in October, as well as Jesse Bisiwu and Roony Bardghji. However, the team’s midfield has continued to dominate games, and the attacking trio has been in world-class form. Racing Santander will be without the suspended André Almeida, who was sent off in their last match. They are also missing the injured Simon Eriksson and Andrés Martin, further depleting their options for this daunting trip.

Barcelona Projected XI (4-3-3): J. García; E. García, Martín, Cubarsí, Espart; Rodri, Pedri, López; Yamal, Gordon, Raphinha.
Hansi Flick is expected to field his strongest available lineup, featuring the dynamic 4-3-3 formation that has overwhelmed opponents this season. The focus will be on the red-hot wingers, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who provide both goals and assists, while the midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri, and López will be tasked with maintaining complete control of possession and dictating the game’s rhythm.

Racing Santander Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala; Mantilla, Ramón, Belocian, Salinas; Prati, Castellanos; Vicente, Canales, García; Zabiri.
A pragmatic 4-2-3-1 formation is anticipated from the visitors, designed to stay organized and compact in defense. The two holding midfielders, Prati and Castellanos, will be crucial in shielding the backline. Their main attacking outlet will be striker Yasser Zabiri, whose impressive goal-scoring form will be tested as he leads the line and looks to capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Barcelona vs Racing Santander live stream exclusively on Fubo in the United States. The platform is compatible with a wide range of devices, ensuring you can catch the action on your preferred screen, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast, gaming consoles, and of course, web browsers on your computer and mobile devices.

A subscription to Fubo offers incredible value for soccer fans, as it’s the home for every single La Liga match throughout the season. Beyond the Spanish league, subscribers also get access to other top European competitions, including Bundesliga or Champions League.

The service is available for the competitive price of $14.99 per month or as part of a larger bundle that includes other sports and entertainment channels. This makes it a comprehensive solution for households that follow multiple sports.

In addition to world-class soccer, your subscription includes access to a vast library of movies, original television series, and live coverage of other major sports like the NFL and MLB, making it an all-in-one entertainment package.

SEE MORE: Complete La Liga TV schedule.

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WHO: Milan vs Benfica
WHAT: UEFA Europa League
WHEN: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT • Wednesday, September 16, 2026
WHERE: Fubo, Paramount+, DAZN, CBS Sports
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

AC Milan kicks off its Europa League campaign aiming to make a statement after a steady but uninspiring start to the Serie A season. While unbeaten under new manager Ruben Amorim, the Rossoneri have been stalled by consecutive draws against Juventus and Lazio. Their unusual pattern of failing to score in the first half of any match this season puts immense pressure on them to deliver a complete performance on the European stage.

In stark contrast, Benfica arrives in Italy as one of Europe’s most in-form teams. The Portuguese giants are on a remarkable 54-game unbeaten streak in their domestic league and have won their last seven matches in all competitions. The challenge for Benfica is to translate that overwhelming domestic dominance into a victory on the road in Europe, a setting where they have historically struggled.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

This match presents a fascinating clash of trajectories. Milan is still adapting to Amorim’s system, showing resilience but lacking the killer instinct to put games away early. Their season is just getting started. Meanwhile, Benfica has been playing competitive fixtures since late July, emerging as a fine-tuned machine that consistently scores, highlighted by striker Vangelis Pavlidis’ incredible goal-scoring form.

The tactical battle will likely be decided by tempo. Benfica, averaging over three goals per game under Marco Silva, will aim to press high and dominate from the opening whistle. Milan’s strategy will be to absorb that early pressure and exploit opportunities in the second half, where all seven of their goals have been scored this season. The key question is whether Milan’s defense, which has looked vulnerable, can hold firm against Benfica’s relentless attack.

For Milan, the motivation is to secure a crucial home win and build momentum after frustrating league results. A victory would validate their new project under Amorim. For Benfica, this is a chance to finally overcome their poor European away record and prove they belong among the continent’s elite. However, with a massive title clash against Porto looming next weekend, squad rotation could be a decisive factor.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

History heavily favors the Italian side in this fixture. Milan holds an impressive unbeaten record against Benfica across six official encounters, with four wins and two draws. This historic dominance is punctuated by two European Cup final victories over the Eagles, cementing a significant psychological advantage for the hosts at San Siro.

The most recent clashes took place during the 2007/08 Champions League group stage. Milan secured a 2-1 victory at home before playing to a 1-1 draw in Lisbon, a pattern that reinforces their historical edge. Even in their last meetings nearly two decades ago, Benfica could not find a way to defeat the Rossoneri.

Interestingly, past encounters have been surprisingly low-scoring, averaging just 1.6 goals per game, with both teams finding the net in only two of the six matches. This historical trend stands in direct opposition to the current attacking form of both clubs, setting up a classic battle between long-term data and present-day momentum.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both squads arrive at San Siro with a clean bill of health, giving managers Ruben Amorim and Marco Silva full rosters to choose from for this European opener.

For Milan, manager Ruben Amorim is expected to make significant changes from the team that drew with Lazio. The plan is to inject fresh energy, with Gabbia and Tomori likely starting in defense. Musah and Bartesaghi are also poised to enter the lineup, while the entire front three could be rotated, giving Pulisic, Cissé, and the young Camarda a chance to shine.

Benfica manager Marco Silva also has one eye on his team’s massive upcoming domestic match against Porto and is likely to rotate his squad. Key midfielder João Palhinha is expected to replace Enzo Barrenechea to add steel. Up front, top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis may be rested, with Dodi Lukébakio starting, while Claudio Echeverri is a strong option to feature in the attacking midfield role.

Milan Projected XI (3-4-2-1):
Maignan; Gila, Gabbia, Tomori; Chukwueze, Musah, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Cissé; Camarda.
Amorim opts for heavy rotation, completely revamping his attack. The inclusion of USMNT stars Pulisic and Musah provides recognizable quality and dynamism, while the young striker Camarda is tasked with leading the line and breaking Milan’s first-half scoring drought.

Benfica Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Soares; Banjaqui, Araújo, Lenglet, Dahl; Barreiro, Palhinha; Silva, Echeverri, Schjelderup; Lukébakio.
Silva balances the need for a result with an eye on the upcoming Porto clash. Resting top scorer Pavlidis is a significant decision, with Lukébakio’s pace offering a different threat. Palhinha’s introduction is designed to control the midfield battle against a physical Milan side.

More details on how to watch

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

In addition to the Europa League, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to other top soccer competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and Serie A.

The subscription costs just $14.99/month, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans.

Beyond soccer, the platform also features a library of movies, TV shows, and other live sports, making it a complete entertainment solution.

SEE MORE: For the full Europa League schedule, check out our Europa 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.

Milan enters its European campaign unbeaten in Serie A after two wins and two draws, although the last two matches ended in draws against Juventus and Lazio. The comeback from 2-0 down against Lazio was particularly significant, with Diego Moreira scoring twice and Pulisic providing the spark after coming off the bench.

Pulisic made his first appearance of the season in Rome and immediately reminded Milan of what he can offer in the attacking midfield. His clever movement helped disrupt Lazio’s defensive structure, while his contribution to Moreira’s first goal showed the type of link-up play Amorim wants from his attacking players.

That performance initially appeared to strengthen the case for the 27-year-old forward to start against Benfica. Earlier reports even suggested that the American would finally return to the XI alongside Alphadjo Cisse behind Goncalo Ramos, who faces his former club.

Amorim’s plans changed dramatically

The latest team news, however, points in a different direction. Sky Italia and MilanNews reported that Amorim is preparing a heavily rotated Milan side for the Europa League opener, with Pulisic starting on the bench alongside Diego Moreira.

Omari Hutchinson will instead make his first start, joining Cisse behind Ramos in the 3-4-2-1 formation. Yunus Musah and Ardon Jashari are also set to come into midfield, while Filippo Terracciano and Davide Bartesaghi could receive opportunities from the start.

The change means Pulisic will have to wait for another opportunity from the bench, despite appearing to have earned a starting role with his Lazio performance. It also highlights just how much competition exists in the Rossoneri’s attacking positions, with Hutchinson, Cisse, Moreira and Pulisic all pushing for minutes.

The reason behind Pulisic’s absence

There is an important explanation behind Amorim’s cautious handling of Pulisic, and it goes back to the American’s difficult summer. Pulisic suffered a microfracture around his tibia during the United States’ World Cup campaign and then encountered another setback when he returned to Milan training. The Portuguese boss previously explained the situation clearly: “He had an injury in the summer, and then in the first training session he took a knock and stopped.”

That history helps explain why Pulisic was left unused during the club’s opening three Serie A matches, despite being included in the squad. The coach has repeatedly stressed that he will not rush a player back simply because of his reputation. “I won’t remove anyone who is doing well just to put a ‘name’ on the field. This is my way of managing the group,” Amorim added.

The decision to leave the USMNT star on the bench against Benfica should therefore be viewed alongside Amorim’s wider comments about the player. The Portuguese coach has made it clear that he values Pulisic and expects him to become an important part of Milan’s season.

Pulisic responded positively when he finally received his opportunity against Lazio. His first assist of the season, combined with his movement and attacking intelligence, gave Amorim another reason to keep him firmly in the rotation even if the Benfica match begins with him among the substitutes.

Prior to the World Cup, reports linked Real Madrid with a move for Rodri, though formal discussions remained quiet until the eve of the tournament. While Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and manager Jose Mourinho held direct talks with the midfielder, Barcelona ultimately executed the deal.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rodri reflected on his choice and provided context surrounding negotiations: “In the end, I made a decision based on the sporting side of things, on what made me a little more excited, and on understanding where I could win and grow more as a player. It wasn’t an easy decision at all; saying no to Madrid is not easy, especially since their behavior toward me was exemplary. Ultimately, the leadership of Deco and Hansi convinced me.“

In a deal reported by The Athletic to be worth up to 76.5 million euros ($87.8M USD), Barcelona acquired Rodri from Manchester City. Although Mourinho stated that Real Madrid offered an “unrefusable” financial package, the sporting project presented by Barcelona proved to be the decisive factor for the midfielder.

Rodri elaborated on how sporting director Deco influenced his decision through a measured approach during discussions. “At no point did they put any pressure on me whatsoever. Everyone expressed their desire to be able to count on me, to work together, and what I could bring to the team. I really liked the way they treated me and that they didn’t approach it with anxiety. It was simply about conveying the enthusiasm they had for me to join their project, and that they felt they needed that kind of figure. And above all, the naturalness with which they communicated it to me. I liked it a lot; it felt very familiar, like a family club, and that attracted me a great deal.“

Emphasizing that his decision was not intended as a slight toward Real Madrid, Rodri reiterated that his choice came down strictly to footballing alignment. “It was about what they understood I could contribute on and off the pitch, and I really liked that,” the midfielder concluded.

Rodri already the owner of Barcelona’s midfield

A deep World Cup run followed by a late-window transfer kept Rodri out of Barcelona’s preseason preparations, forcing him to miss the season opener before gradually building his match fitness. However, within a matter of weeks, the midfielder has established himself as an indispensable anchor in head coach Hansi Flick’s tactical setup.

During Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Levante, Rodri logged his first full 90-minute performance in a Barcelona shirt. Through his early appearances, the midfielder leads Barcelona in completed long passes per match (4.8) while maintaining La Liga’s highest pass completion rate among midfielders at 96 percent on 61.5 attempted passes per game.

On Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite, Al Nassr traveled to face Al Ain, with the UAE side handing Ronaldo one of his heaviest defeats since joining the Saudi Arabian club in 2022. Amid widespread team-wide struggles, the 41-year-old forward drew significant criticism due to his limited influence on the match.

During the post-match press conference, Postecoglou pushed back when asked whether Ronaldo’s presence hampers the team’s tactical structure: “Cristiano has already scored three goals, and he had a limited preparation. This isn’t about the players. The players have given me everything, and they are top players with great character. The responsibility lies with me, okay?“

The Australian manager continued to push back against the line of questioning, defending Ronaldo’s status and work ethic. “But you shouldn’t say that about someone who is still setting an example for everyone, and you need to be careful when speaking this way about people who built their careers by making every sacrifice to keep playing. You can criticize me, no problem,” he added.

Postecoglou was subsequently pressed on claims that Ronaldo contributed “nothing” across Al Nassr‘s last three fixtures. “Nothing? He has three goals in how many games? You obviously don’t watch the games or see the game how I see it. Thank you,” Postecoglou stated before exiting the press conference.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Al Nassr’s weakest link?

After opening the 2026-27 campaign with strong form, Postecoglou’s Al Nassr hit a rough patch following their first loss of the season against Al Ittihad. The 2-1 defeat in Saudi Pro League action snapped a five-match winning streak while raising broader questions regarding overall squad performance, including whether Ronaldo’s role in the attack limits the team’s potential.

Beginning with that 2-1 setback against Al Ittihad, Al Nassr managed a 2-1 win over Abha and a 1-1 draw against Al Khaleej in domestic play before suffering the 4-0 defeat to Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite debut. Across that four-match stretch, Ronaldo scored once against Abha while going scoreless in the remaining three fixtures.

However, fixture congestion has played a major role in the team’s dip in form. Starting with the Al Ittihad match on September 5, Al Nassr played four matches across an 11-day span, leaving the squad with an average of just two days of recovery between fixtures amid reports of team-wide fatigue.

According to match data, Ronaldo missed three big chances during this stretch, yet expected goals metrics reveal broader issues across the pitch. Al Nassr generated lower xG totals than their opponents in both defeats, trailing 1.65 to 1.84 against Al Ittihad and 1.19 to 2.01 against Al Ain. Conceding four goals off 2.01 xG against Al Ain highlights defensive vulnerabilities, indicating the club’s current struggles stem from a structural deficit rather than an individual issue.

On Wednesday, September 16, Inter Miami face off against Cruz Azul for the 2026 Campeones Cup, bringing together the reigning MLS Cup champions and Liga MX’s Campeon de Campeones winner. Public debate surrounding the fixture has questioned the trophy’s prestige, with opinions split on whether to treat the match as a major title-bearing fixture or an exhibition between league representatives.

During Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Suarez addressed the locker room’s mindset toward the match while dismissing online narratives surrounding the team: “We are approaching it like a final; it is a final. Social media does a lot of damage nowadays. If we lose the final tomorrow, they’re going to say, ‘yet another final that Messi, Suárez, De Paul, Inter Miami lose, another final lost with great players,’ but if we win, they say, ‘that cup doesn’t count.‘”

He elaborated on how media scrutiny shifts constantly based on individual goalscoring output. “It’s the same with goals: you score three goals and it’s, ‘oh, it’s easy to score three goals in MLS, you score goals even on one leg,’ and if you don’t score, ‘this player is a disaster, in the end he wasn’t even cut out for MLS.’ That’s criticism nowadays; what sells the most nowadays is always criticism,” Suarez added.

Compared to their record-setting 2025 campaign, Inter Miami have navigated inconsistent form in Major League Soccer, sitting out of the immediate Supporters’ Shield race while searching for their first trophy of the 2026 calendar year. Regardless of external debates over the trophy’s standing, the Herons are treating the midweek final with full competitive priority.

“We are professionals, and we are approaching tomorrow’s match like a final. It’s a very important trophy; we deserve it because we won MLS last year, Cruz Azul earned their spot in Mexico, and both teams are going to approach it as a final and a great spectacle,” Suarez concluded.

Inter Miami searching to level the record for MLS

Over recent weeks, Inter Miami have experienced a challenging stretch marked by three consecutive draws, extending a run that includes just one victory, four draws, and two defeats across their last seven fixtures. Throughout that span, Messi has posted seven goals and four assists, while Suarez has added two goals and one assist, though the team now focuses on leveling the historical series record for MLS clubs in the event.

Since its inception in 2018, seven editions of the Campeones Cup have been completed, with Liga MX sides winning four titles compared to three for MLS teams. In the most recent 2025 edition at Dignity Health Sports Park, Deportivo Toluca earned a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Campeones Cup history

• 2018: Tigres UANL 3-1 Toronto FC.
• 2019: Atlanta United 3-2 Club America.
• 2021: Columbus Crew 2-0 Cruz Azul.
• 2022: New York City FC 2-0 Atlas FC.
• 2023: Tigres UANL 0-0 (4-2) Los Angeles FC.
• 2024: Club América 1-1 (5-4) Columbus Crew.
• 2025: Deportivo Toluca 3-2 LA Galaxy.

The 34-year-old’s participation at the tournament had already been uncertain because of his fitness problems. He ultimately made only two substitute appearances, but his final tournament appearance still produced one of the most emotional moments of his international career.

Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16, with Neymar scoring from the penalty spot before Norway turned the game around through Erling Haaland. Afterward, Neymar appeared to hint that his international journey was over, saying in an interview with Globoesporte TV: “I tried and tried. It’s over now. I started here and finished here.”

The defeat meant the experienced forward ended his World Cup career without winning the trophy. At 34, his decision to step away leaves Brazil facing a future without the player who had been one of the defining figures of the previous generation.

Ancelotti confirms final Neymar decision

Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar does not intend to return to the Brazil national team, bringing an end to hopes that the Santos star could make another appearance in the famous yellow shirt. The decision comes after a difficult World Cup for both player and national team, with Brazil eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16.

Speaking to CNN Esportes, Ancelotti made it clear that Neymar’s decision came from the player himself while also stressing how difficult his absence will be to overcome. “He deserved to be there because of his quality. Neymar has already confirmed that he does not want to return to the national team. Neymar cannot be replaced because he was an extraordinary and unique talent. So, an irreplaceable player,” the Italian said.

Neymar finished his Brazil career as the team’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances. He also became only the second Brazilian after Pele to score at four different World Cups, appearing at the tournaments in 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.

Ancelotti reveals Brazil’s new direction

With Neymar’s decision confirmed, Ancelotti has outlined a different path for Brazil. The manager and national team director Rodrigo Caetano are beginning a rebuilding process focused heavily on developing players who can form the core of the squad heading toward the 2030 World Cup.

Ancelotti explained that the next phase will place greater emphasis on younger players rather than attempting to recreate the previous generation. “I think we need to proceed step by step. Now we need to focus on the young players who could be the future, the players born in 2004, 2005, and 2006,” he said.

The coach also pointed toward an even younger group already attracting attention. “We have young players born in 2008 with a lot of quality, who aren’t playing yet, but who can play. Now is the time to look at them, taking their age into account and respecting it,” Ancelotti added.

Brazil wants stronger team identity

The shift goes beyond simply replacing Neymar with another attacking player. Ancelotti wants Brazil to develop a collective identity in which the team’s structure and cooperation matter more than relying on one individual to produce a decisive moment.

“Of course, if you have great individual talent, you have a greater chance of winning, but modern football doesn’t tolerate a lack of teamwork,” Ancelotti said. “We are working to build a strong team for the future, not to rely on a single great individual talent.”

That philosophy could become increasingly visible during the upcoming international break. Brazil is scheduled to face Australia twice and India once, giving Ancelotti opportunities to assess emerging players and determine which ones can become important pieces of the next cycle.

Ronaldo, wearing the captain’s armband, struggled to make an impact throughout and saw a late free kick saved, leaving him without a goal to show from the club’s heaviest defeat since his arrival in Saudi Arabia.

While Ronaldo went without a goal, the race for the competition’s Golden Boot already has three players tied at the top after the opening round. Aleksandar Cavric put on a show for Kashima Antlers, scoring a first-half hat-trick in a 7-1 rout of Newcastle Jets.

Prince Ampem, on loan at Shanghai Port from Eyupspor, also struck three times inside the opening 45 minutes as his side won a thriller away at Ratchaburi. That same wild match in Thailand produced the tournament’s third hat-trick, with Njiva Rakotoharimalala coming off the bench for Ratchaburi and scoring three times in the final 20 minutes, including a goal in stoppage time, in a losing effort as Shanghai Port ultimately won 6-4.

A tough opener given his history in the competition

The scoreless outing is a particularly rough way for Ronaldo to begin this campaign, given his track record in the competition. Across his first two seasons with Al Nassr, Ronaldo scored 14 goals and added two assists in 17 AFC Champions League Elite appearances.

Opening his third campaign with a blank and a lopsided defeat is, in that context, about as poor a start as he could have had to this year’s Golden Boot race, especially with Cavric, Ampem and Rakotoharimalala already three goals clear of him after just one matchday.

Ronaldo and Al Nassr will now have seven more matchdays to close that early gap, starting with a home fixture against FK Neftchi Fergana on October 12, as they look to rebuild both their group stage position and their captain’s Golden Boot chances.

The potential takeover is part of broader privatization discussions surrounding Al-Nassr. According to A Bola and other Saudi reports, Ronaldo is part of a five-investor consortium negotiating to acquire a stake in the Saudi club. The group reportedly includes Gerry Cardinale, the founder of RedBird Capital Partners and owner of Milan, alongside Ronaldo and three Saudi investors.

The consortium is said to be negotiating with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which currently holds the majority of Al-Nassr. No final agreement has been announced, and the reported investment figures and ownership percentages remain unconfirmed. The negotiations therefore remain a developing story rather than a completed takeover.

Ronaldo’s relationship with Al-Nassr could already extend beyond his playing contract. Various reports have claimed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds a minority stake in the club, with figures around 5% frequently cited, although reports have differed over the exact percentage.

The Portuguese forward has also been building a growing portfolio of soccer investments. In February 2026, Ronaldo acquired a 25% stake in Spanish second-tier club Almería, adding another major soccer ownership interest to his business activities.

Ronaldo could have another bigger role at Al-Nassr

According to 365Scores Arabic, the proposed arrangement could allow Ronaldo to hold an ownership stake in Al-Nassr while also taking an executive position within the soccer department. The role would be focused on the first team and sporting operations rather than giving Ronaldo responsibility for running the entire club.

The report claims there is currently no fundamental obstacle to combining the two positions, although that could change if the relevant authorities introduce specific conditions. The takeover itself also remains under negotiation, meaning the final structure could still look different from the current proposal.

The guarantees surrounding the anticipated acquisition are reportedly still being finalized. Meanwhile, the leading candidate for the club presidency is said to be willing to inject funds for the upcoming season, but only if he receives an ownership stake in exchange for the financing.

The proposed roles are more specific than CEO

The reports do not suggest Ronaldo would become Al-Nassr’s CEO or take control of the club’s overall administration. Instead, his potential executive position would be specifically connected to soccer operations and the first team.

That distinction is important because it would allow Ronaldo to remain closely involved with sporting decisions without becoming responsible for every aspect of the club. If the proposal is approved, the arrangement would create an unusual situation in which an active player also has a formal influence over the soccer department.

The Portuguese’s current contract with Al-Nassr runs into 2027, meaning such an arrangement could potentially overlap with the latter stages of his playing career. It could also give him a pathway toward a more formal position within the club once his playing days eventually come to an end.

If the proposal eventually becomes reality, Ronaldo would occupy an unusual position in modern soccer. He could remain an active Al-Nassr player while simultaneously holding an ownership stake and a specialized soccer executive role.

With voting approaching its conclusion, the competition for soccer’s most prestigious individual award has become increasingly intense. France Football released the 30-player shortlist on September 8, with the winner set to be announced at the ceremony in London on October 26.

The timing is especially significant because the 2025-26 season included both the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup, giving candidates opportunities to strengthen their cases on the biggest stages. The Africa Cup of Nations will also be considered, adding another major international tournament to the equation. Yamal finished runner-up to Ousmane Dembele in 2025 and has since developed into one of the leading contenders for the prize.

His 2025-26 campaign included 26 goals and 21 assists, while Barcelona won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, and Spain lifted the World Cup. The 19-year-old has been increasingly vocal about his Ballon d’Or ambitions, and one recent interview provided a revealing glimpse into how he views the competition.

Rather than discussing every major contender, Yamal narrowed the conversation considerably. “For me, Mbappe and I, we’re the two best players in the world,” the Spaniard told Movistar Plus. “I honestly think that, as the best in the world, maybe there are two of us, and this year I deserve it because of what I’ve won.”

Yamal’s clever Ballon d’Or strategy is revealed

According to French journalist Walid Acherchour, Yamal’s decision to frame the race as a contest between himself and Mbappe could be deliberate. The journalist believes the Barcelona star understands that reducing the number of serious alternatives could strengthen his own position.

“Lamine Yamal has understood everything. He wants to make the Ballon d’Or debate about him and Kylian Mbappe,” Acherchour explained on X (formerly Twiter). “He wants to take the PSG players and Harry Kane OUT of the debate.”

That would mean placing Dembele and Kane outside the main narrative, leaving Yamal and Mbappe as the two dominant names in the public conversation. Acherchour believes Yamal could see that head-to-head comparison as particularly favorable to his own case because of his combination of individual performances, trophies, World Cup success and popularity.

“He knows that Ousmane Dembele and Harry Kane are dangers to him,” the journalist added. “It’s very good communication from Lamine Yamal because he’s thinking: ‘If it’s me against Mbappé, I’m going to WIN the Ballon d’Or.’ That’s my opinion. I’m convinced of it.”

Why Mbappe is the obvious rival

Mbappe has arguably the most eye-catching individual statistical case among the leading contenders. His 10 World Cup goals earned him the Golden Boot, while his 22 career World Cup goals moved him past the competition’s greatest historical scorers.

His case is also strengthened by his performances for Real Madrid throughout the season. Even without major team trophies, Mbappe produced extraordinary individual numbers and became the leading scorer across several of soccer’s biggest competitions.

That creates an intriguing contrast with Yamal. Mbappe can point to overwhelming individual production, while Yamal can point to major trophies with both Barcelona and Spain, alongside his own attacking numbers.

The Frenchman enjoyed an extraordinary season, finishing as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup. Mbappe scored 58 goals and provided 13 assists in 61 matches for club and country, while his 10 World Cup goals earned him the Golden Boot. That tournament also took his career World Cup tally to 22 goals, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer according to the supplied figures.

Those numbers give the Frenchman a compelling argument even without major team silverware. His challenge is that Kane and Yamal have built equally strong cases, meaning even a spectacular individual campaign may not guarantee victory.

Real Madrid has plan for Mbappe

Real Madrid is reportedly preparing to use its enormous influence to strengthen Mbappe’s case in the weeks leading up to the Ballon d’Or ceremony. According to L’Equipe, the club could call upon former legends and prominent figures connected with Madrid to publicly explain why its current superstar deserves the individual prize.

Those voices could appear in interviews, television appearances and conversations with supporters, creating a sustained message around Mbappe’s achievements. The strategy would keep the Frenchman at the center of the Ballon d’Or debate as voters make their final assessments.

Madrid has used this approach before, and that is where Cristiano Ronaldo’s successful 2013 Ballon d’Or campaign becomes particularly relevant. The club reportedly believes the same type of coordinated support could once again help its leading candidate in an extremely competitive race.

How Ronaldo provided the blueprint

The clearest example came in 2013, when Madrid figures including Alfredo Di Stefano, Emilio Butragueno, Carlo Ancelotti, Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos publicly backed Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward was competing against Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben after a season in which Bayern had won the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, had not won a major team trophy that year. Madrid instead placed enormous emphasis on his individual achievements, helping ensure his performances remained at the heart of the discussion.

The strategy ultimately worked. Ronaldo won the 2013 Ballon d’Or with 27.99% of the vote, finishing ahead of Lionel Messi on 24.72% and Ribery on 23.36%.

Bayern also faced a different situation because Robben was another contender from the club, meaning Ribery did not have the same unified institutional backing Ronaldo enjoyed. Madrid’s experience appears to be the reason the club now sees value in repeating that formula for Mbappe.

The decision came after a conversation between Tapia and head coach Lionel Scaloni, with Messi himself accepting the proposal to close out his international career on home soil.

Announcing the news, Tapia said: “To all the fans of the national team, to all Argentines, I want to let you know that after a conversation with the head coach of the senior national team, Lionel Scaloni, we have made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves on October 6, right here in Argentina“.

Tapia also revealed that the AFA will invite every member of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, along with their families, to be present for the occasion, though he did not confirm which players have accepted so far.

Describing the significance of the tribute, Tapia called it “the last tango of the best in the world,” adding that the match will be unforgettable for Argentine fans everywhere.

Argentina’s friendly schedule for the September-October window

Messi’s farewell caps a series of three friendlies for Argentina during the upcoming international break, all played on home soil. The Albiceleste will first host Bolivia on September 30 in Cordoba, before returning to Buenos Aires to face Burkina Faso on October 3 and closing out the window against Benin on October 6, both at El Monumental.

Argentina’s call-ups for this FIFA window

Lionel Scaloni made several changes to the squad he used at the 2026 World Cup ahead of this window of friendlies, handing opportunities to a number of new faces.

Among the standout additions are Roman Vega, Santiago Castro and Matias Soule, none of whom were part of the World Cup squad but have earned their call-ups on the back of strong form at their respective clubs.

Full list

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Chelsea), Juan Musso (Atletico de Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Manchester City).

• Defenders: Cristian Romero (Atletico de Madrid), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Facundo Medina (Bayer Leverkusen), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon), Agustin Giay (Palmeiras), Leonardo Balerdi (Roma), Valentin Barco (Chelsea), Roman Vega (Zenit).

• Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez (Manchester City), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Giovani Lo Celso (Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Ipswich Town), Nicolas Paz (Como).

• Forwards: Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina), Matias Soule (Roma), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico de Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Santiago Castro (Roma), Julian Alvarez (Atletico de Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Internazionale), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).

While speculation previously persisted regarding Messi extending his international career through the 2028 Copa America, his formal retirement announcement put an end to those rumors. Yet while the legendary playmaker remains firm in his decision, it appears the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain will not serve as his final appearance in an Albiceleste shirt.

In the list published on Tuesday, September 15th, Lionel Messi features on Lionel Scaloni’s squad submission for the upcoming international window. The captain is one of the 20 players that have taken part of the 2026 World Cup roster to make their return, in Messi’s case to play one last game with the Albiceleste before bidding farewell.

The objective centers on providing Messi a proper farewell match on domestic soil, allowing Argentina supporters the opportunity to honor the icon following a run that yielded three World Cup final appearances across four tournament cycles.

Following weeks of negotiations with potential opponents, federation officials have been seeking confirmation from FIFA regarding Tier 1 “Class A” status for the fixtures. With the extended window opening September 21 and Scaloni finalizing his selections, Messi will end up playing one last game with the Argentina national team before his international retirement.

Argentina’s friendlies officially confirmed

In an official statement released Tuesday, September 15, the Argentine Football Association confirmed three friendly fixtures for the upcoming expanded autumn window. However, the AFA has also confirmed in the squad list announcement that Messi, alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will only be participating in the friendly for October 6.

AFA confirmed the national team will face Bolivia on Wednesday, September 30, at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba. The Albiceleste will then return to Buenos Aires for fixtures against Burkina Faso on Saturday, October 3, and Benin on Tuesday, October 6, with both matches hosted at Estadio Monumental.

Cordoba’s Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium offers a 57,000-seat capacity for supporters outside the capital, while River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires accommodates 85,018 fans as the largest stadium in South America. The AFA has secured this massive venue for Messi to bid farewell to home in the last game.

Milan enters Wednesday night’s match unbeaten after four Serie A games, collecting two wins and two draws against Torino, Venezia, Juventus and Lazio. The 2-2 comeback against Lazio was particularly significant because Amorim saw several substitutes change the game after Milan struggled during the opening half.

Pulisic was among those who made an immediate impact. After being left unused during the team’s first three Serie A matches, he entered at halftime against Lazio and supplied an assist for Diego Moreira as Milan recovered from 2-0 down.

The timing could hardly be more interesting. The Rossoneri now begin their European campaign against a Benfica side that has been scoring freely, while Amorim continues to work out which combination gives his team the best balance in attack.

Will Pulisic start against Benfica?

Despite his impressive return against Lazio, Pulisic is now expected to begin the Benfica match on the bench, as per Sky Italia. Journalist Peppe Di Stefano has revealed that Amorim is considering several changes to his XI, with Omari Hutchinson potentially operating behind Goncalo Ramos and Alphadjo Cisse also competing for a place.

That decision does not necessarily represent a setback for Pulisic. The American only recently returned from a serious World Cup injury, and Amorim has repeatedly emphasized that he will select players according to form, fitness and tactical requirements rather than reputation. Amorim said: “He picked up an injury in the summer, and then took a knock in his first training session, which set him back.”

The Portuguese coach also made his selection philosophy clear after Pulisic’s delayed start to the campaign. “I won’t drop players who are performing well just to accommodate a ‘big name’. This is how I manage the group, and I will stick to these principles.”

His Lazio cameo changed the conversation

Pulisic’s performance against Lazio nevertheless reminded everyone why Milan values him so highly. He needed only 45 minutes to register his first assist of the season, delivering a dangerous cross that Moreira converted during Milan’s second-half comeback.

Moreira eventually scored twice, while Yunus Musah also played an important role in the equalizer. The American’s contribution was particularly encouraging because it came in his first competitive appearance since the 2026 World Cup, following a microfracture around his tibia that disrupted his summer preparation.

Amorim has also suggested that Pulisic’s frustration can be a positive force. “Pulisic is important and will play many matches,” the Milan coach said, indicating that the American remains an important part of his plans despite the cautious approach to his return.

One reason Pulisic can afford to wait for another opportunity is the emergence of several alternatives. Alphadjo Cisse has impressed, Moreira announced himself with his brace against Lazio, and Hutchinson has shown enough quality since arriving from Nottingham Forest to push for meaningful minutes. That competition has given Amorim more flexibility in the attacking midfield positions.

Two and a half weeks after reaching an initial agreement with Inter Miami, Gonzalez received his U.S. work visa, paving the way for his official unveiling. The South Florida club held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to present the new manager ahead of their midweek cup final.

Asked about managing Messi after previously sharing the pitch alongside him, Gonzalez offered a grounded perspective: “I have a very special relationship with him, so it feels more natural to me. But imagine my coaching staff; they were absolutely buzzing. Because of how he is, and when you see him, I think this is what Leo represents to everyone, not just in football, but in the world.“

Gonzalez and Messi previously shared the pitch for the Argentina national team during Messi’s early international career. The newly appointed Inter Miami manager was part of the squad for Messi’s senior international debut in 2005, famously consoling the teenager following his red card against Hungary.

Spotted alongside club co-owner David Beckham at training, Gonzalez outlined his approach to managing both Messi and the rest of the roster. “I try to be who I am, the way I have always been with him, beyond the fact that today I am his manager. We have a very frequent dialogue, fluid in every sense. I am a person who likes to talk a lot with the players, not just with Leo, and I’ve already felt that connection, and not just with him. Today, when I saw him, I gave him a hug, I squeezed him tight, but it was like that with all the players as well,” Kily added.

He concluded by outlining his primary objective for Messi during his tenure in South Florida: “Having him day-to-day fills me with excitement and a commitment to make him feel good and make him happy, beyond the results—so that he always smiles, continues to enjoy himself, and keeps bringing joy to us football fans.“

Kily Gonzalez: Messi’s last career coach?

With his appointment, Gonzalez becomes only the third person to share the pitch with Messi as a teammate before subsequently serving as his head coach, joining Lionel Scaloni and Javier Mascherano. Furthermore, the timing of his deal creates a realistic framework for Gonzalez to serve as Messi’s final manager in professional football.

In a formal statement released Tuesday, September 15, Inter Miami confirmed that Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez signed a contract running through June 2028. The deal places the Argentine manager in charge as the Herons navigate MLS’s calendar transition, moving to a autumn-to-spring schedule running from July 2027 through May 2028.

Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs through December 2028, aligning with the middle of the 2028-29 MLS campaign. Should Gonzalez fulfill his current contract and secure a subsequent extension, he could potentially oversee the final matches of Messi’s playing career, at which point the legendary forward will be 41 years old.

The most likely explanation behind the decision is squad management ahead of a decisive week. Real Madrid travel to face Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby this Sunday, September 20.

Giving Bellingham a rest makes sense, as the English midfielder has carried a heavy workload this season, starting in all five of Real Madrid’s league matches so far and contributing three goals and three assists.

Resting him against a struggling Elche side gives Mourinho the chance to have him fresh for the derby without risking fatigue or injury in a fixture considered more manageable on paper.

The rotation comes with Aurelien Tchouameni and Yan Diomande stepping into the XI in place of the usual starters, while Real Madrid arrive at the match sitting fourth in the table with 9 points.

Real Madrid’s confirmed lineup vs Elche

Real Madrid remain without three regulars through long-term injury: center-back Eder Militao (hamstring), left-back Ferland Mendy (thigh) and forward Rodrygo (knee) were all left out of the squad entirely for this fixture.

This is Mourinho’s starting XI to face Elche: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouameni, Valverde; Arda Guler, Vinicius Junior, Diomande; Mbappe.

The Colombian Football Federation committed to continuity ahead of the 2030 World Cup cycle, renewing head coach Nestor Lorenzo’s contract through the end of that tournament. Questions lingered over the immediate status of veteran captain James Rodriguez at 35 years of age, particularly regarding potential participation in the 2028 Copa America, though those timelines have now been cut short.

On Tuesday, September 15, Rodriguez posted a three-minute video on social media announcing his formal decision to step away from the Colombia national team. The announcement comes shortly after the playmaker finalized a return to Colombian club football, signing with Atletico Nacional after 17 years competing abroad.

“The time has come. Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear, and every shared dream,” read the social media message accompanying Rodriguez’s video. “Defending the colors of the Colombian national team was one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you, Colombia. Forever,” he concluded.

James Rodriguez left on the verge of the top caps record

Appearing across three World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2026, Rodriguez set the Colombian record for career World Cup matches played with 13, surpassing the previous mark of 10 held by Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincon. However, in terms of overall international caps, he finishes tied atop the leaderboards alongside a longtime teammate.

Across World Cup qualifiers, friendlies, World Cups, and Copa America tournaments, Rodriguez accumulated 131 international appearances for Colombia, matching goalkeeper David Ospina’s total. Juan Cuadrado ranks third with 116 caps, followed by Valderrama at 111, but with Rodriguez now stepping aside, Ospina’s joint record will stand heading into the upcoming cycle.

James Rodriguez’s records with Colombia

Rodriguez achieved global stardom at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, capturing the FIFA Puskas Award for his memorable volley against Uruguay. Yet that iconic goal represented only the beginning of his impact with the Cafeteros.

In that same 2014 tournament, he became the first Colombian player to win the World Cup Golden Boot after leading the competition with six goals. He later established the record for most assists in a single Copa America tournament, recording six during the 2024 edition to break Lionel Messi’s previous mark of five set in 2021.

On the national team scoring list, Rodriguez finishes five goals behind Radamel Falcao’s record mark of 36 goals. However, scoring 31 times from a midfield role firmly established Rodriguez’s legacy as one of the greatest players in the program’s history.

Ange Postecoglou’s side arrived off the back of a solid run in the Saudi Pro League, sitting third in the table with five wins, one draw and one loss, but found no answers against a well-organized Al Ain outfit on their continental debut of the season.

The damage was done by Houssine Rahimi, who opened the scoring in the 25th minute after a defensive error and doubled his tally in the 63rd following a VAR review. Soufiane Rahimi made it 3-0 in the 72nd minute, before Giorgos Giakoumakis completed the rout in the 84th.

The result raises the question of how this defeat stacks up against the heaviest losses of Ronaldo’s career. The two worst by goal difference remain Manchester United’s 0-5 collapse against Liverpool in October 2021 and Real Madrid’s 5-0 defeat to Barcelona in November 2010, both five-goal margins that this loss does not match.

Instead, the 4-0 scoreline joins a longer list of defeats by four goals, alongside Manchester United’s losses to Brentford and Brighton in 2022, Real Madrid’s back-to-back beatings by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona in 2015, and Portugal’s 4-0 loss to Germany at the 2014 World Cup.

Ronaldo’s rockiest night yet in Saudi Arabia

Within his time at Al Nassr specifically, this is now the heaviest defeat of Ronaldo’s tenure at the club. His previous worst results in Saudi colors had come by three-goal margins: a 3-0 loss to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in December 2023, and a 4-1 defeat to the same rival in the Saudi Super Cup in August 2024.

The loss to Al Ain surpasses both, marking the largest margin of defeat Ronaldo has suffered since arriving at Al Nassr in January 2023, and it comes at a particularly inconvenient moment, right as the club opens its bid for a deep run in the AFC Champions League Elite.

With seven more matchdays left in the group stage, Al Nassr and Ronaldo will have a chance to leave this rocky opener behind, starting with a home fixture against FK Neftchi Fergana on October 12.

Ronaldo entered the Al Ain match with 979 official career goals in 1,336 senior appearances for club and country. At 41 years old, the Al-Nassr forward remains firmly focused on reaching a milestone that would add another extraordinary chapter to a career already filled with records.

His goals have come across six different teams during more than two decades at the highest level. Real Madrid accounts for 450 goals, while Ronaldo has scored 146 for Portugal, 145 for Manchester United, 132 for Al-Nassr, 101 for Juventus and five for Sporting CP.

The latest Champions League fixture therefore represented another opportunity to move closer to four figures. However, Al Ain proved difficult opposition once again, with Ronaldo unable to find the net in Al-Nassr’s continental opener.

So, how many games could Ronaldo need for 1,000?

The answer depends heavily on his minutes, fitness, and scoring rate, but current projections suggest Ronaldo could need approximately 25 to 30 matches to score the 21 goals separating him from 1,000.

That projection is based on his recent scoring pace and assumes he continues playing regularly for both Al-Nassr and Portugal. If he maintains that level of availability and production, the historic 1,000th goal could arrive later in the 2026-27 season.

Ronaldo has already demonstrated that age has done little to stop his scoring. He began the current Saudi Pro League campaign with three goals in six appearances, while his most recent official goal before the Al Ain game came through a towering header in Al-Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Abha.

Ronaldo still has plenty of opportunities

Although Ronaldo failed to score in Al-Nassr’s opening Champions League match, the setback barely changes the bigger picture. With 21 goals still required and a projected 25-30 matches potentially standing between him and 1,000, there remains plenty of action ahead for the veteran forward.

Al-Nassr is competing in the AFC Champions League Elite after playing in the second-tier competition last season, giving the 41-year-old another chance to chase a major trophy that remains absent from his collection. He has already won the UEFA Champions League five times, but an AFC Champions League Elite title with Al-Nassr remains one of the major prizes missing from his club career.

Houssine Rahimi, Soufiane Rahimi, and Georgios Giakoumakis were all on the scoresheet for Al Ain, with Houssine netting a brace. It proved to be a comfortable outing for the home side and an uphill battle for the visitors.

Cristiano Ronaldo and company struggled throughout the match, losing key midfield battles that ultimately allowed Al Ain to maintain complete control and secure an emphatic victory.

The question arose after Simeone was told that Lamine Yamal had recently named himself and Kylian Mbappe as the two best players in the world at the moment. Rather than engaging with that framing, the Argentine coach pointed in a completely different direction. “Messi, without a doubt. After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi,” Simeone said.

The key factor behind that endorsement, as Simeone framed it, was not just Messi’s performance at the 2026 World Cup, where he helped Argentina reach the final before falling to Spain, but the fact that he produced it at 39 years old.

For Simeone, the combination of continued elite-level output at that stage of his career outweighs any case built around Yamal, Mbappe, or the rest of this year’s crowded field, which also includes Rodri, the 2025 winner, Harry Kane, and Ousmane Dembele.

Messi’s nomination marks his 17th career appearance on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, one behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 18, with the last of his eight wins coming back in 2023.

The 2026 ceremony, the award’s 70th edition, will be held on October 26 in London for the first time, moving away from its traditional Paris venue as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the competition’s first-ever winner in 1956.

Yamal and Dembele had already staked their claims

Simeone’s remarks came just days after Lamine Yamal made his own case public. The Barcelona winger said he and Kylian Mbappe are “the best in the world” at the moment, but argued that he personally deserves the 2026 award more than his French rival, pointing to his season with Spain’s World Cup title alongside LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona.

Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, made an equally bold statement of his own. “It is going to stay in the hands of a PSG player. I’m a competitor, so it’s my goal to win it again,” the Frenchman said, responding to comments from teammate Mbappe about their differing career paths before adding that he isn’t turning the pursuit into an obsession, given how open this year’s race remains.

Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Al Nassr in their continental opener against Al Ain. Having completed 90 minutes in Saturday’s fixture against Al Khaleej and participating fully in team training sessions, the Portuguese forward is fully fit for selection by head coach Ange Postecoglou.

After missing pre-season preparations while completing extended summer recovery, Ronaldo has logged extensive minutes across Al Nassr’s dense September schedule. Starting with a matchup against Al Ittihad on September 5, followed by clashes against Abha on September 9 and Al Khaleej on September 12, the forward completed 90 minutes in all three fixtures over an eight-day stretch.

Tuesday’s fixture marks the third time Ronaldo will face Al Ain in an Al Nassr shirt. During the 2023-24 AFC Champions League quarterfinals, Al Ain advanced on penalties following a split two-legged series, while their most recent meeting in the 2024-25 group stage saw Al Nassr secure a 5-1 victory with Ronaldo among the goalscorers.

Al Nassr dealing with fatigue

Tuesday’s match against Al Ain represents Al Nassr’s final fixture before entering the late-September international window. However, a tight turnaround has forced Postecoglou’s squad to navigate a demanding run of matches with minimal recovery time.

According to Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah, Postecoglou scaled back Monday’s session to light conditioning work to manage physical strain across the squad, limiting the session to roughly 45 minutes. The Australian manager chose to reduce workload intensity to manage player fatigue following a dense domestic stretch.

Confirmed lineups for Al Ain and Al Nassr

Al Ain’s confirmed lineup (5-3-2): Khaled Eisa; Rafa Rodriguez, Yahya Benkhaleq, Skoko; Kaku Romero Gamarra, Houssine Rahimi, Lazaro, Matias Palacios; Soufiane Rahimi, Rami Rabia, Abdoulkarim Traore.
Head coach: Vladimir Ivic.

Al Nassr’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Nawaf Al Aqidi; Saad Al Nasser, Inigo Martinez, Abdulelah Al Amri, Mohamed Simakan, Nawaf Boushal; Abdullah Al Khaibari, Samu Costa, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Head coach: Ange Postecoglou.

WHO: Elche vs Real Madrid
WHAT: La Liga
WHEN: 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT • Tuesday, September 15, 2026
WHERE: Fubo
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

Struggling Elche host title-chasing Real Madrid in a high-stakes La Liga match with massive implications at both ends of the table. For Elche, who are still searching for their first win of the campaign, this is a desperate fight for survival. The club has the second-worst defensive record in the league, conceding an average of 2.6 goals per game, and every point is crucial to escape the relegation zone.

For Real Madrid, the objective is clear: secure three points to maintain pressure on their fierce rivals Barcelona at the top of the table. After a minor stumble against Real Betis, Jose Mourinho’s squad has responded with dominant back-to-back wins, scoring six goals in the process. Led by the prolific Kylian Mbappé, Los Blancos arrive with the expectation of securing another convincing victory.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The two clubs enter this match on completely different trajectories. Elche are winless after five La Liga games and sit second from the bottom, struggling to build any momentum. In contrast, Real Madrid have won five of their six competitive matches this season, showcasing an attack that creates high-quality chances and converts them effectively, as evidenced by their impressive expected goals (xG) figures.

The tactical battle is expected to be a classic clash of styles. Real Madrid will almost certainly dominate possession and dictate the tempo, looking to overwhelm Elche with their offensive firepower. Elche, meanwhile, will likely set up in a disciplined, deep defensive structure, aiming to frustrate the visitors and capitalize on any opportunities for a quick counter-attack, a strategy that earned them a recent draw against Athletic Club.

Motivation is razor-sharp for both sides. Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points as they trail Barcelona in the title race, making every league game a must-win scenario. For Elche, the urgency is even greater. Facing the threat of relegation, they must find a way to turn their home ground, the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, into a fortress and grind out results, even against the league’s most formidable opponents.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been completely one-sided. Real Madrid has dominated the all-time series, winning 36 of the 55 meetings, while Elche has managed just six victories. Remarkably, Elche has not defeated Real Madrid in any competition since 1978, a testament to Los Blancos’ long-standing superiority.

Recent history tells a similar story, with Real Madrid currently on a 17-game unbeaten streak against Elche. In their last five encounters, Real has won three times. However, Elche has proven to be a stubborn opponent on their home turf, managing to secure two hard-fought 2-2 draws in that span, including the last time the teams met at this stadium.

This matchup has historically produced plenty of goals, with the last five meetings averaging an exciting 4.0 goals per game. Both teams have found the back of the net in three of those five contests, and Real Madrid has only managed two clean sheets during that period, suggesting that while they are favorites, Elche could still pose a threat.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Real Madrid arrives with a mostly healthy squad, while Elche continues to navigate key absences that could impact their defensive stability.

For the hosts, manager Martin Anselmi will be without midfielder Adam Boayar due to a muscle injury. While Yago Santiago is nearing a return to fitness, this crucial match comes too soon for him, further limiting Elche’s options as they prepare to face one of Europe’s most potent attacks.

José Mourinho’s side is in a more stable position. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Éder Militão are back in training but are unlikely to be rushed into the starting lineup. The team will, however, continue to miss the services of Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo, who are sidelined with long-term ligament injuries.

Elche Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Dituro; Sangaré, Redondo, Chust, Revivo; Morcillo, Villar; Morente, Buonanotte, Valera; Niño

Elche is expected to deploy a defensive 4-2-3-1 formation designed to absorb pressure and hit on the break. Their success will hinge on the creativity of Facundo Buonanotte in midfield and the finishing ability of striker Fernando Niño on the counter-attack.

Real Madrid Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Courtois; Dumfries, Huijsen, Konaté, Cucurella; Camavinga, Valverde; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé

Real Madrid will counter with their own aggressive 4-2-3-1, with superstar Kylian Mbappé leading the line. Supported by a dynamic attacking midfield trio of Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, they will aim to control the game and break down Elche’s defense early.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Elche vs Real Madrid live stream on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

In addition to this La Liga clash, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. You can watch other La Liga matches, as well as games from Serie A, the Bundesliga, and more.

The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99/month, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans who want to follow multiple European leagues throughout the season.

Beyond soccer, the platform also offers a variety of other sports, movies, and TV shows, making it a complete entertainment solution for the whole family.

SEE MORE: For a complete rundown of games, see our La Liga TV schedule page.

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

The prize money is distributed at every stage of the tournament, not just to the eventual champion. In the group stage, clubs earn $50,000 for every win and $10,000 for every draw, on top of a base allocation simply for qualifying.

Progressing through the knockout rounds adds further bonuses: $100,000 for reaching the round of 16, $150,000 for the quarterfinals, and $250,000 for advancing to the semifinals.

The biggest payday, unsurprisingly, comes at the final. The AFC Champions League Elite champion earns $4 million, while the beaten finalist still walks away with $2 million.

Crucially, these amounts are cumulative rather than a single lump sum, meaning a team that wins the tournament collects money at every stage along the way, on top of additional revenue from the competition’s market pool, which is tied to each country’s broadcasting value.

A shot at redemption for Al Nassr and Ronaldo

For Al Nassr, the financial windfall would come with plenty of symbolic weight attached. The club fell just short of continental glory last season, losing the AFC Champions League Two final to Gamba Osaka despite an unbeaten run through the entire tournament. Now back in the top tier, a title this time around would not only avenge that heartbreak but also stand as Al Nassr’s most lucrative continental triumph yet.

The near misses run deeper than last season alone. In their most recent appearance in the Elite version of the competition, back in 2024-25, Ronaldo and Al Nassr were eliminated in the semifinals, falling 3-2 to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale despite the Portuguese scoring eight goals across that campaign.

Between that setback and last season’s final defeat, a genuine continental title remains the one achievement still missing from Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet since joining the club in December 2022, adding extra motivation to this year’s revamped, higher-stakes campaign.

WHO: Liverpool vs Tottenham
WHAT: EFL Cup Third Round
WHEN: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT • Tuesday, September 15, 2026
WHERE: Paramount+
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

Liverpool enters this EFL Cup clash with a sense of frustration despite an unbeaten start to the season. New manager Andoni Iraola has seen his side draw three of their first four Premier League matches, including disappointing stalemates at Anfield. This cup tie presents a crucial opportunity to rediscover their attacking rhythm and secure a convincing home victory to build momentum.

For Tottenham, the situation is far more urgent. Manager Roberto De Zerbi is under immense pressure after a disastrous opening to the campaign that has left Spurs both winless and goalless in the league. Despite a massive summer spending spree, the team looks disjointed, making this match a desperate search for any positive result to halt their alarming slide.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. While Liverpool is grinding out results and remains unbeaten, their home form has been a concern, dropping points in games they were expected to win. In contrast, Tottenham’s massive £302 million summer investment has yet to yield any returns, with the team struggling for offensive creativity and looking vulnerable defensively.

Tactically, both managers favor an intense, high-pressing game. Data shows that Liverpool and Tottenham rank third and fourth, respectively, for allowing the fewest passes per defensive action in the league. However, the key difference lies in execution. While Liverpool’s press is generally coordinated, Tottenham’s has been erratic, leaving significant space for opponents to exploit on the counter-attack. The battle for midfield control will be decisive.

Motivation for this cup tie varies significantly. For Liverpool, it’s a chance for Iraola to rotate his squad, give minutes to fringe players, and build confidence ahead of key league fixtures. For Tottenham, there is no room for rotation. De Zerbi needs a result to quieten the growing criticism and prove his project is on the right track, meaning he will likely field a team close to full strength to fight for a much-needed win.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, Liverpool has dominated this fixture, winning 94 of the 189 all-time meetings compared to Tottenham’s 50 victories. Their advantage at Anfield is particularly formidable; Spurs have not won at Liverpool’s home ground since 2011, a run spanning 17 matches in which the Reds have won 12 and drawn five.

Recent encounters have continued this trend. Liverpool is unbeaten in their last four games against Tottenham, winning three of the last five matchups. Last season in the Premier League, Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory at Tottenham’s stadium before the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Anfield, where a last-minute equalizer from Richarlison salvaged a point for Spurs.

From a statistical standpoint, this fixture often produces goals, with the last five meetings averaging 3.2 goals per game. Furthermore, three of those five matches saw both teams find the back of the net. Liverpool has been especially prolific at home against Spurs, scoring an average of 2.47 goals per game during their 17-match unbeaten streak at Anfield.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are contending with different selection pressures, as Liverpool is expected to heavily rotate while Tottenham looks for stability amid a challenging injury situation.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola will likely make sweeping changes from the side that drew with Fulham. Key players Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Federico Chiesa, and Conor Bradley are all sidelined with injuries. Only defender Ronald Araujo and midfielder Alexis Mac Allister are expected to keep their places, with striker Cody Gakpo, who has an excellent scoring record against Spurs, set to lead the attack.

Conversely, Roberto De Zerbi has less flexibility. With the team in desperate need of a positive result, he is expected to field a strong lineup. However, he will be without winger Mykhailo Mudryk due to an ankle injury, while the creative Xavi Simons is out for the remainder of 2026 with a serious knee injury, further limiting his attacking options.

Liverpool Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araujo, Endo, Tsimikas; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Munoz, Koumas, Ngumoha; Gakpo
This lineup reflects a significant rotation, designed to rest key starters and give valuable minutes to squad players. The focus will be on high energy from the wide players, with Cody Gakpo’s experience and proven track record against Tottenham providing the main attacking threat.

Tottenham Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Savinho, Gallagher, Kudus; Solanke
This is a lineup close to full strength, signaling De Zerbi’s intent to treat this cup tie with utmost seriousness. The midfield pairing of Fernandes and Tonali will be tasked with disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm, while attackers like Kudus and Savinho will be crucial in ending the team’s worrying goal drought.

More details on how to watch

The EFL Cup clash between Liverpool and Tottenham is available on Paramount+. You can watch on your computer, phone, tablet, or smart TV, ensuring you don’t miss any of the action from Anfield.

In addition to the EFL Cup, a subscription to Paramount+ also offers access to other top soccer competitions like the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and provides coverage from networks such as CBS.

A subscription to Paramount+ costs $8.99/month, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans in the United States.

Beyond soccer, the service includes a wide range of entertainment options, including popular movies, acclaimed TV shows, and other live sports to enjoy.

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.

Al Nassr departed Dammam and established base camp in the United Arab Emirates, setting up operations in Al Ain ahead of Tuesday’s Matchday 1 clash at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. Yet Monday’s final training session deviated significantly from head coach Ange Postecoglou’s original tactical plan.

According to Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah, Postecoglou scaled back Monday’s session to light conditioning work to manage physical strain across the squad. The Australian manager opted for a reduced workload to minimize injury risks following a demanding domestic schedule.

Al Nassr previously posted photos of gym work and pitch sessions on social media Sunday. However, Monday’s session at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium lasted roughly 45 minutes, with Postecoglou choosing to forgo a full tactical scrimmage, per Arriyadiyah.

Postecoglou previously voiced concerns regarding workload management, specifically following Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Al Khaleej. “I think everyone is exhausted. Even Al Hilal lost to Neom, so the fixture congestion is taking its toll,” he stated in his post-match press conference.

Tuesday’s fixture against Al Ain marks Al Nassr’s fourth match in a 10-day stretch, following clashes against Al Ittihad on September 5, Abha on September 9, and Al Khaleej on September 12. Operating on two days of recovery between matches, Ronaldo will complete this fixture run before entering the upcoming international break.

Three Al Nassr players already ruled out

During Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Al Khaleej, Postecoglou fielded a full-strength lineup rather than rotating key starters ahead of the AFC Champions League Elite opener. However, three key attacking options will miss Tuesday’s match due to injury.

French winger Kingsley Coman, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, and Ayman Yahya have been ruled out for the trip to Al Ain. Their absence leaves Postecoglou short-handed on options in wide positions, though Ronaldo is expected to lead the line alongside Sadio Mane and Joao Felix as fixtures in the starting lineup.

Manager Jose Mourinho has weighed in on Diomande’s situation, explaining that the teenager faces fierce competition within a squad stacked with established stars performing at a high level.

“Yan Diomande has everything he needs. If he was in a team with fewer high-potential players, he’d surely play the full 90 minutes of every match,” Mourinho said. “The squad is strong and has many options. Being an undisputed starter here is very difficult.”

Yan Diomande is a plan for the future

As of now, Mourinho is still searching for his ideal starting XI at Real Madrid. With a wealth of attacking options at his disposal, finding immediate starting minutes remains a challenge for the young winger.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid’s strategy centers on developing Diomande for the long term. The 19-year-old emerging talent has already shone at both club and international levels, prompting Los Blancos to pay RB Leipzig’s premium asking price to secure one of soccer’s brightest prospects.

Mourinho is fully aware of Diomande’s exceptional qualities, but he wants to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on him to be an automatic starter in a lineup where other stars are already in their prime with proven track records.

Beginning with the 2024-25 edition, the AFC adopted a modernized single-table league format similar to the UEFA Champions League, replacing traditional group stages. The competition features 32 teams split into two 16-team geographic regions (East and West), with the top eight teams from each side advancing to the knockout stage.

Each participating club plays eight matches against eight distinct opponents across a unified league table, with the top eight teams in the regional standings securing passage to the home-and-away round of 16 scheduled for March 1 to 17, 2027. From the quarterfinals onward, the tournament transitions to a centralized knockout event hosted in Saudi Arabia from April 23 to May 1, 2027.

Ronaldo and Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite schedule

Like their regional rivals, Al Nassr will split their primary schedule with four matches at Al Awwal Park and four away fixtures. Ronaldo’s availability across both home and away fixtures will prove crucial, especially given that former manager Jorge Jesus frequently rested the veteran forward during road matches in secondary competitions last season.

For the 2026-27 campaign, Al Nassr open Matchday 1 on the road against UAE side Al Ain at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, September 15. The league phase extends through February 15, when Ronaldo’s side complete the schedule against Shabab Al Ahli.

Al Nassr’s schedule

• Matchday 1: Al Ain FC (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
• Matchday 2: Al Nassr vs. PFC Neftchi (UZB) — Monday, October 12, 2026.
• Matchday 3: Al Nassr vs. Al Wasl FC (UAE) — Monday, October 26, 2026.
• Matchday 4: Pakhtakor (UZB) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, November 2, 2026.
• Matchday 5: Al Nassr vs. Al Sadd SC (QAT) — Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
• Matchday 6: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, December 8, 2026.
• Matchday 7: Al Nassr vs. Al Shamal SC (QAT) — Monday, February 8, 2027.
• Matchday 8: Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, February 15, 2027.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to AFC Champions League Elite

Under former head coach Stefano Pioli during the 2024-25 season, Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League, failing to qualify for the top tier of Asian competition. Instead, Ronaldo and company featured in the AFC Champions League Two, reaching the final before falling 1-0 to Gamba Osaka, but have now returned to Asia’s primary club tournament.

Ronaldo made his AFC Champions League Elite debut during the 2023-24 campaign, recording six goals and two assists in nine appearances before Al Nassr suffered a quarterfinal exit on penalties against eventual champions Al Ain.

His second campaign in 2024-25 produced his highest individual output, with Ronaldo scoring eight goals in eight matches. However, Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale eliminated Al Nassr in the semifinals with a 3-2 victory in Riyadh before falling to Al Ahli in the final.

In an extended interview with France Football released Saturday, Mbappe addressed several high-profile topics, including viral social media memes labeling him a dictator, while assessing his standing in the award race: “There isn’t a single player who had a better season than me.“

During the exchange, Mbappe was asked about Dembele and their differing career arcs. “Dembele? He was always seen as a talented player. I, on the other hand, was always viewed as the chosen one. I reached the top right away, very early. Ousmane had a different trajectory, marked by injuries, but he has managed to bounce back!” Mbappe stated.

Dembele’s response to Mbappe

Reporting from L’Equipe, confirmed by RMC Sport, indicates the phrasing did not sit well with Dembele’s inner circle, prompting the winger to issue a subtle rebuttal. Following PSG’s 1-0 Ligue 1 victory against Brest on Sunday night, Dembele was asked about the 2026 Ballon d’Or race and directly mirrored Mbappe’s “chosen one” characterization.

“You know, I have always been at the back of the class, working hard. Throughout my career, I haven’t said a word; I have worked incredibly hard. As I said, I have never been the chosen one. But I have worked incredibly hard. Last year, I was rewarded after a fantastic year with PSG. And this year, we will see. We will see, without any pressure,” Dembele told Ligue 1+.

The exchange marks a sharp pivot in tone after Dembele previously named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane, and Mbappe as his top three candidates for the award. Now defending his 2025 Ballon d’Or title, the France winger signaled confidence in his overall resume while emphasizing his unconventional path to the top.

A rift to be resolved behind closed doors

The public back-and-forth between the two French stars has generated significant noise with the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching. According to L’Equipe, Mbappe expressed surprise regarding Dembele’s post-match comments, but the Real Madrid forward opted against issuing a secondary public response.

That decision leaves the matter to be addressed privately when the squad gathers for the upcoming international window. French outlets report that Mbappe and Dembele plan to discuss the comments directly during camp as Les Bleus prepare for their opening four fixtures of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign, kicking off on September 25th against Turkiye.

Neves was targeted by a section of Al Taawoun supporters who invoked Diogo Jota‘s name in a taunting manner in an attempt to rattle the midfielder, prompting immediate backlash across the league. The following day, Al Hilal released an official statement confirming they filed a formal grievance with the Saudi Arabian FA regarding the incident.

“Al-Hilal Club Company has noted the offensive and unacceptable chants directed by a section of Al-Taawoun supporters at Al-Hilal’s Portuguese player, Ruben Neves, during the match between the two teams. This behavior contravenes sporting values ​​and ethics, transcending the boundaries of competition and fan support,” the first part of Al Hilal’s statement read.

Cristiano Ronaldo also thrust the incident into the global spotlight, demanding severe consequences for those involved: “The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again,” the Al Nassr star wrote on a social media post.

SPL to take action on the matter

Given Neves’ close bond with Jota, as well as Ronaldo honoring his late teammate by wearing his jersey during the 2026 World Cup, the incident sparked widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. In response to the growing fallout and reputational damage, the league and the Saudi Arabian FA issued a joint statement addressing the behavior.

The joint statement read as follows: “The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Saudi Pro League (SPL) condemn the unacceptable conduct by some supporters in attendance during the Roshn Saudi League match between Al Taawoun and Al Hilal, which is inconsistent with the values of Saudi football and the principles of sportsmanship.“

Addressing the boundaries between typical stadium atmosphere and personal hostility, officials emphasized that the conduct crossed an unacceptable line. “SAFF and SPL stress that exploiting personal tragedies for the purpose of abuse or provocation is unacceptable behaviour that has no place in Saudi football,” it continued.

The declaration concluded by confirming an active investigation, with formal sanctions to follow the inquiry’s findings: “SAFF confirms that the relevant committees have identified the conduct in question and will take the necessary action in accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures. The outcome will be announced upon completion of the relevant process.“

Across LaLiga and the Champions League this season, Vinicius Junior has registered just one goal and three assists. Mourinho acknowledges the lack of productivity, but he remains confident that once the Brazilian finds the net consistently, no one will be able to stop him.

“The best version of Vinicius Junior will come when he starts scoring goals,” Mourinho said. “Of course, assists and working hard for the team is important. There is another Vini Jr. that eliminated us with Benfica last season with incredibly good performances where he scores.”

Real Madrid have not been as dominant as expected

While Real Madrid have won five of their first six matches this season, their overall performances have given supporters plenty of reason for concern.

Los Blancos opened their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2–1 home victory over Inter Milan, but they came dangerously close to allowing the Italian side back into the match. The shaky finish raised questions about their ability to control games comfortably and defend leads under pressure.

Having signed a contract extension during the offseason, Vinicius Junior faces immense pressure to perform. Supporters expect the Brazilian to live up to high expectations and prove worthy of his new deal, as another stretch of quiet performances will cause scrutiny surrounding both the player and Mourinho to escalate rapidly.

A demanding week ahead for Real Madrid

Real Madrid return to action on Tuesday with a tricky away fixture against Elche, but that trip represents only the first leg of a challenging week.

On Sunday, Real Madrid travel to face archrivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid Derby at the Metropolitano. While Atletico have also experienced an underwhelming start to the campaign, these rivalry fixtures carry unique intensity and could significantly shape the momentum for both clubs moving forward.

The extension of the 2026 World Cup into mid-July compressed the autumn calendar, prompting FIFA to consolidate the autumn international schedule into an expanded window allowing national teams to stage up to four fixtures. Following the cancellation of a proposed commercial tour in China in the wake of Messi‘s departure, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) opted to schedule their autumn friendly slate on domestic soil between September 21 and October 6.

According to reporting from Diario Ole journalist and Argentina insider Hernan Claus, Argentina will play three friendlies during the upcoming window. The opener will take place against Bolivia in Cordoba province on September 30, followed by back-to-back fixtures at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires against Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6.

AFA are expected to issue a formal announcement Tuesday confirming the opponent slate, match dates, and venue assignments. However, questions remain regarding when head coach Lionel Scaloni will release his roster selection, as rival federations like Brazil have already published their squads for the upcoming window.

Regarding squad selection, the most notable omissions are Messi and veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, both of whom have formally concluded their international careers. Reporting from Ole indicates the remainder of the squad will feature the core group that finished as runners-up at the 2026 World Cup, supplemented by emerging prospects introduced for the upcoming cycle.

AFA waiting for FIFA’s green light

Initial plans called for Argentina to travel to Asia for a high-profile friendly against China, a plan that collapsed following Messi’s departure. With domestic fixtures now scheduled, AFA executives are awaiting formal confirmation from FIFA regarding the official status of the matches despite reaching final agreements with participating federations.-

AFA are seeking confirmation from FIFA that all three fixtures will receive official “Class A” international status. That designation is critical, as Argentina intend to use the matches to clear World Cup final suspensions issued to Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada before competitive play resumes.

According to Claus, federation leadership expect FIFA president Gianni Infantino to grant Tier 1 classification for the matches, though official public announcements remain paused until formal authorization is received.

While neither Yamal nor Mbappe captured the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League title, which was secured by Paris Saint-Germain, both forwards made definitive marks at the 2026 World Cup. Yamal lifted the trophy with Spain as one of the youngest champions in history, while Mbappe became the tournament’s all-time lead goalscorer, earning both players nominations on France Football‘s 30-man shortlist.

During an interview with Argentine legend Jorge Valdano on Movistar+, Yamal offered a candid assessment of the voting process: “Who would I give it to? To the best player in the world. Who are they going to give it to? Now that’s a very long conversation.“

The Spanish international then framed the outcome around two candidates while advocating for his own credentials. “Honestly, as for the best in the world, I think maybe there are two of us, me and Mbappe, but I think this year I would deserve it because of what I’ve won. It’s very clear, and everyone who watches the matches knows it,” noted the Barca forward.

Yamal’s bold framing establishes himself and Mbappe as the two dominant figures of the current cycle. That assessment bypasses other high-profile nominees on the shortlist, excluding stars like Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, and Rodri from the top tier of his personal ballot.

Will there be a third candidate in the mix?

France Football recently published the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of the October 26 ceremony at The London Palladium in England. While Yamal narrowed the debate to two players, neither candidate delivered a flawless club-and-country campaign across the eligibility window.

Yamal captured a domestic treble with Barcelona but fell in the Champions League quarterfinals. Despite winning the 2026 World Cup with Spain, his statistical output remained modest during his tournament debut, registering one goal and one assist across eight appearances.

In Mbappe’s case, a lack of club hardware complicates his candidacy, as Real Madrid experienced their first trophyless season since 2020-21. While the Frenchman produced a historic 10-goal performance at the 2026 World Cup, France departed without a medal following a 6-4 loss to England in the third-place match.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri claimed the World Cup Golden Ball, though a lack of major club silverware limits his momentum toward the top spot. While Lionel Messi earned a nomination following Argentina’s tournament run, playing in Major League Soccer presents a voting hurdle compared to candidates competing in European leagues.

The strongest alternative candidate, and current betting favorite on prediction markets like Polymarket with 60 percent of odds above Yamal (17 percent) and Mbappe (11 percent), is Harry Kane. Despite falling short in the Champions League and earning a third-place World Cup finish with England, the Bayern Munich striker dominated domestic play, delivering a 73-goal season that trails only Messi’s historic 82-goal campaign.

Since making his first-team debut for Barcelona at age 15 in 2023, Yamal has established himself as an indispensable starter for the Blaugrana and a premier talent worldwide. Beyond breaking individual La Liga milestones previously set by Messi and Ronaldo, Yamal’s pivotal role in Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph cemented his place in international soccer history at a unprecedented age.

In an interview with Argentine legend Jorge Valdano on Movistar+, Yamal contextualized his early silverware haul against historical precedents: “There have been great stars in football, like Leo (Messi), like Cristiano (Ronaldo), or like Diego (Maradona)—whom I wasn’t able to see—but never this early had so much been won. There’s the case of Pele, who indeed won many things early on, but not in recent times.“

By capturing the 2026 World Cup, Yamal joined an elite group of just ten players, alongside teammate Pau Cubarsi, to lift the trophy prior to turning 20. He achieved the milestone at 19 years and 6 days of age, eclipsing Kylian Mbappe’s age benchmark from 2018 (19 years, 207 days) while trailing only historical marks held by Pele (17 years, 249 days in 1958) and Ronaldo Nazario (17 years, 298 days in 1994).

Yamal subsequently emphasized that despite his rapid rise, his long-term ambition remains unfulfilled. “And there are people who think that because I’ve won, at some point I’ll relax, but I know I have a thousand things to do to go down in football history,” he added.

Trophies won by Yamal, Messi, and Ronaldo at age 19

Evaluating the early developmental pathways of all three stars reveals clear parallels between Yamal and Messi as La Masia graduates established at Barcelona, contrasting with Ronaldo’s early development at Sporting CP. Factoring in domestic and international competitions, all three players maintained distinct trophy cabinets at age 19.

At age 19, Cristiano Ronaldo was adapting to his initial transition at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. Developing as a classic wide midfielder, the Portuguese winger held two official team honors: the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira with Sporting CP and the 2003-04 FA Cup, where he opened the scoring in the final against Millwall.

Messi at age 19 was firmly integrated into Barcelona’s starting lineup alongside team focal point Ronaldinho. The Argentine playmaker had already accumulated five major team honors with the Blaugrana: two La Liga titles (2004-05, 2005-06), the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League, and two Spanish Super Cups (2005, 2006), alongside a 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup title with Argentina, where he earned the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe.

At 19, Yamal holds the most expansive hardware collection of the trio with eight major trophies. While yet to secure a Champions League title, he has captured three La Liga championships, two Spanish Super Cups, and a Copa del Rey with Barcelona, alongside European Championship and World Cup titles with the Spanish national team.

On Sunday, September 13, Manchester United hosted Manchester City at Old Trafford for Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 Premier League season. City faced early adversity when referee Michael Oliver issued a straight red card to Phil Foden in the 23rd minute following a high kick to Bruno Fernandes’ midsection.

Despite playing a man down, City continued to go toe-to-toe with United, and in the 60th minute, Josko Gvardiol delivered a cross that took a slight deflection off Patrick Dorgu before finding Haaland at the far post to volley past Senne Lammens. Although the assistant referee initially flagged Haaland for offside, a two-minute VAR check overturned the call on the field to award the goal, ultimately sealing the victory for City.

The controversy intensified in the aftermath with vocal complaints from United’s side and across media outlets, prompting Pro Ref (Professional Game Match Officials), the body responsible for Premier League refereeing, to issue a clarifying statement. The organization concluded that the incident required an on-field monitor review by the head referee.

Pro Ref’s official statement

Pro Ref released the following statement addressing the ruling: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal. The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.“

The official review focused on Enzo Fernandez’s positioning and his influence on Lisandro Martinez’s defensive tracking. “In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review. Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place,” the statement concluded.

The IFAB on offside ruling

The Pro Ref statement centered on Enzo Fernandez’s involvement, evaluating how the midfielder, positioned in an offside stance, made a movement toward Gvardiol’s cross that forced defender Lisandro Martinez to alter his recovery line. Officials acknowledged that Fernandez’s impact on the play warranted a full review rather than focusing exclusively on Haaland’s position.

While Fernandez made no contact with the ball, IFAB offside regulations explicitly define interference in such scenarios. Under Law 11.2, a player in an offside position is penalized for “clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent, or making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball.“

Lisandro Martinez on Enzo Fernandez’s offside

Despite the lack of physical contact with the ball, the primary argument remains that Fernandez’s offside position directly altered Martinez’s defensive movement while attempting to challenge the cross. “It was offside. I can’t understand the rules. He was there in front of me, and that’s why Haaland was free at the back,” Martinez told Sky Sports after the game.

The defender subsequently voiced frustration regarding pre-season refereeing briefings and overall officiating standards across the league. “Every season they come to talk to the club, explain the rules for one and a half hours, and then after, five or six people doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League it’s unacceptable, because it’s the best league in the world, the best players in the world, and now we have to go home with this injustice,” he concluded.

On Saturday, September 12, Inter Miami hosted Nashville in a critical clash for the 2026 Supporters’ Shield race. Neither side was able to claim full control in a 2-2 draw, as Sam Surridge recorded a brace for the visitors while a Reed Baker-Whiting own goal and a strike from Lionel Messi provided the scoring for the host side.

The match also served as Galarza’s first inclusion in Inter Miami’s matchday roster, with the midfielder coming off the bench in the 66th minute for Telasco Segovia while recording 12 touches and two recoveries. After finding first-team minutes hard to come by with Argentine side River Plate following the 2026 World Cup, an established connection helped pave his return to the pitch.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Galarza was asked about the role Maximiliano Biancucchi played in securing his transfer to South Florida: “I’ve known Maxi since he was playing for Olimpia; I’ve known him since I was a kid. Obviously, he acted as the intermediary; he was part of all this because he’s Messi’s cousin.“

Born in Rosario, Santa Fe, like Messi, Biancucchi spent much of his professional playing career in Paraguay, featuring for Olimpia during stints in 2011-12 and 2016 while a young Galarza was rising through the club’s youth academy. Now working as a media analyst in Paraguay, Biancucchi utilized his network to help Galarza secure a new club destination.

Galarza concluded by detailing how the connection accelerated contract negotiations down the stretch. “The opportunity came up where Inter was interested, and I didn’t hesitate. They are top figures, and you just try to play and keep growing. Maxi was a key step for this to happen because having a direct line to his cousin meant everything was done very quickly at the end of the transfer window,” he added.

Joining Miami, ‘the best decision’ for Galarza

Following a short loan spell with Atlanta United earlier in the year and an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign with Paraguay, Galarza drew transfer interest from European clubs including Juventus, AC Milan, Bologna, and Inter Milan. While European offers failed to materialize, Inter Miami launched a decisive push prior to the secondary transfer deadline.

In the mixed zone, Galarza spoke candidly about joining his new teammates in South Florida: “It’s a wonderful locker room alongside star players; I feel privileged, and I believe God put me in a beautiful place. I made the best decision coming to Inter Miami alongside stars. I try to learn from each and every one of them.“

Galarza is currently on a one-year loan deal running through June 2027, featuring a purchase clause that becomes active if he plays in 66 percent of Inter Miami’s official matches. Triggering the option requires the MLS side to pay a $3 million USD fee to acquire 50 percent of the midfielder’s contract rights, with River Plate retaining the remaining share.

On Sunday, September 13, Barcelona visited Levante for Matchday 5 of the 2026-27 La Liga campaign. The Blaugrana struck early, with Xavi Espart opening the scoring in the fifth minute. In the 19th minute, Fermin Lopez slipped a through ball to Raphinha, who controlled a deflected pass, rounded the goalkeeper, and centered the ball for Yamal to tap in his first goal from inside the six-yard box.

Early in the second half, Yamal drew a penalty after being brought down inside the box by Levante defender Aissa Mandi, who had initially fallen while attempting to block a shot. Yamal stepped up and converted the spot kick, completing his second double of the afternoon as Barcelona closed out a 4-2 win to maintain their perfect start atop the La Liga table.

With the performance, Lamine Yamal became just the second player in the 21st century to record three braces within the first five matches of a La Liga season. The display marked his third consecutive multi-goal outing in top-flight play, following back-to-back braces in a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano and a 5-0 victory against Valencia.

The historic 2012-13 precedent set by Lionel Messi

The only other player to accomplish the feat this century was Lionel Messi during his historic 2012-13 campaign with Barcelona. During that run, the Argentine legend opened the season with three braces across his first four appearances, featuring against Real Sociedad (5-1) on Matchday 1, Osasuna (2-1) on Matchday 2, and Getafe (4-1) on Matchday 4.

While Yamal is still in the early stages of establishing his long-term scoring profile, his blistering start provides strong momentum for his overall trajectory. The 2012-13 campaign stood as Messi’s second-highest scoring year in domestic play with 46 La Liga goals, trailing only his record 50-goal season in 2011-12.

Cristiano Ronaldo and a streak never achieved

Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the second-highest goalscorer in La Liga history with 311 goals, trailing only Messi’s all-time mark of 474, but the Portuguese forward never recorded three braces within his first five league appearances. However, Ronaldo holds his own historic scoring start that remains a high bar for any young winger to match.

During the opening stretch of the 2014-15 La Liga season, Ronaldo missed one of Real Madrid’s first five fixtures yet still erupted for nine goals. He scored single goals against Cordoba CF and Atletico Madrid, netted a hat-trick against RC Deportivo La Coruna on Matchday 4, and capped the run by scoring four goals against Elche CF on Matchday 5.

Al Hilal visited Al Taawoun on Saturday, September 13, securing a dominant 6-0 victory on the road with Neves providing the assist on Ollie Watkins’ opening goal in the ninth minute. The win returned Al Hilal to the top of the SPL standings with 18 points through seven matches, though the post-game focus quickly shifted from the pitch to the stands.

During the second half, a section of Al Taawoun supporters directed chants of “Jota, Jota” toward Neves in reference to his late friend. The Portuguese midfielder responded with sarcastic applause before gesturing toward the sky and pointing to his eye, signaling that divine judgment was watching.

Following Jota‘s passing, Neves shared a tribute detailing their deep personal bond. “More than a friendship, we’re family, and we won’t stop it just because now you decided to sign a contract a little further away from us,” part of his letter wrote on social media.

Substituted in the 76th minute, Neves bypassed the formal press conference room but addressed the incident briefly in the mixed zone, offering a clear message regarding the fans involved: “I just hope they don’t go pray later.“

Cristiano Ronaldo on the episode

As captain of the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo shared a close bond with Jota, honoring him by wearing his jersey during the 2026 World Cup. Once footage of the chants circulated online, the league’s marquee star spoke out forcefully against the crowd’s behavior.

Commenting on a social media post by LiveModeTV regarding the incident, Ronaldo issued a direct statement demanding action: “The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.“

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations explicitly ban offensive crowd behavior, stating that “fan chants containing offensive, political, religious, or sectarian messaging are strictly prohibited.” The SPL and SAFF are expected to review match reports before determining disciplinary measures.

Under league regulations, authorities can issue fixed-term or permanent stadium bans for identified offenders, alongside potential legal proceedings. Al Taawoun also face organizational sanctions, which could include hefty fines or mandatory matches played behind closed doors.