With Robert Lewandowski departing for the Chicago Fire as a free agent, Ferran Torres was initially positioned to serve as Barcelona’s primary focal point for the 2026-27 season, but with his contract expiring in 2027, a resolution regarding his long-term future became necessary. In an interview, Torres noted that “Barca have to show that they want me” to initiate contract extension talks, ultimately choosing a departure.

During a Media Day organized by PSG, Ferran Torres addressed reporters to share details on how his transfer unfolded: “The contacts with PSG began even before the World Cup. They called us and we talked. Then I had already made up my mind because I wanted to play for a club like PSG. It is a step forward in my career that I am super proud of because I am joining the European champion.”

Torres delivered an instant impact for PSG during his club debut against Stade Rennais after entering as a halftime substitute. Replacing Ousmane Dembele with PSG trailing 2-0, the Spaniard netted a second-half brace to secure a 2-2 draw, becoming just the third player in franchise history to score twice on his club debut alongside Patrick Mboma in 1994 and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2012.

He also expanded on his deep relationship with manager Luis Enrique, who previously coached him with Spain. “I have always said that Luis Enrique was like a father to me ever since I arrived at the Spanish National Team. He has always believed in me. He believed in me so that I would sign for PSG. He has always given me a lot of confidence, and I hope to repay it this season,” he added.

Having featured across the frontline as a central attacker and wide winger at Barcelona and Manchester City, Torres offers tactical flexibility for Luis Enrique’s system. Following the departures of Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos, the Spaniard has integrated seamlessly into Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic attacking setup.

Ferran Torres to meet Barcelona again in the Champions League

As if scripted by fate, the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase draw paired Paris Saint-Germain against Barcelona. Having chosen a move to the French capital over remaining in Catalonia, Torres now prepares to face his former teammates just months after his exit.

When asked about the upcoming fixture, the 26-year-old was straightforward regarding the emotion surrounding the matchup: “The match against Barcelona will be special. They were my teammates for four and a half years. It’s going to be an exciting match for me and for the team. PSG-Barcelona matches are always special. We will try to win, but we’ll see.“

The marquee clash between PSG and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, with Torres aiming to help the club maintain its European dominance. “PSG is right now the best team in Europe. They’ve won the last two Champions Leagues. And that puts more pressure on our rivals. We have to improve. We’ll try to win the Champions League for the third consecutive year,” he concluded.

During the 2026 World Cup, Julian Alvarez dropped a massive bombshell by making clear his intent to leave Atletico Madrid in order to “fulfill his career dream” of joining Barcelona. His public statement prompted CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin to issue a strict directive barring any negotiations with the Catalan club for the Argentine forward.

An alternative exit route surfaced with Arsenal expressing interest, but Alvarez’s reluctance to return to England combined with his singular focus on Barcelona brought discussions to a complete standstill. Despite getting booed by Atletico supporters ahead of the deadline, the board’s refusal to negotiate with Barcelona prevented the move from going through, though the pursuit is far from over.

According to Spanish insider David Bernabeu on Sport TV, Barcelona “are going to go all out” to secure Alvarez during the winter transfer window opening on January 1. The situation inside Camp Nou offices has intensified to the point that “it has become a personal matter,” the journalist reported.

After the Alvarez deal fell through alongside the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Barcelona settled on a €10 million ($11.6 million USD) deadline-day deal for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus. However, with the Brazilian limited to 13 goals across 54 appearances over his past two seasons, the club’s search for an elite long-term focal point like Alvarez remains fully active.

Julian Alvarez receives advice from Atletico Madrid legend

Having publicly declared his desire to leave, Alvarez’s relationship with the fanbase has grown hostile, as evidenced by his recent reception at the Metropolitano. During Atletico’s home opener against Villarreal, the Argentine was jeered by supporters whenever featured on the stadium screens, though he has received backing from a prominent club icon.

Posting a video on his X account, Paulo Futre sent an open message to Alvarez, offering counsel on how to rebuild his standing with the Colchoneros: “Forgiveness isn’t with words, it’s with goals. And I have no doubt that you are going to give everything and sweat the jersey down to the last drop for this crest. Come on Atleti Julian! Let’s go, champion!“

After arriving at Atletico in 1987 following a Champions League title with FC Porto, Futre spent eight seasons in the Spanish capital, totaling 209 appearances, 51 goals, and four assists while lifting two Copa del Rey trophies. His legacy extends beyond raw statistics, headlined by a memorable performance against Real Madrid in the 1992 Copa del Rey final and his famous rejection of a transfer to Los Blancos out of loyalty to Atletico.

On Thursday, August 27, Inter Miami announced in an official club statement that an agreement was reached to appoint Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez as the club’s new first-team head coach. While contract duration details remain undisclosed, the former Argentina international will assume his duties on the touchline once work authorization is finalized.

A former international teammate, Gonzalez joins an exclusive fraternity of figures who shared the pitch with Messi before guiding him from the dugout. He joins a list that was first established by Lionel Scaloni taking over the Argentina national team, followed by Javier Mascherano during his recent managerial stint with Inter Miami.

The most prominent name on the list is Mascherano, who ranks fifth all-time in matches played alongside Messi with 414 shared appearances. The defender and forward partnered extensively for Argentina’s senior team, claimed Olympic gold together at the 2008 Beijing Games, and anchored FC Barcelona’s dominant era before reuniting when Mascherano assumed Inter Miami’s head coaching position in 2025.

Scaloni initiated this trend when he took charge of the Argentina national team in 2018, eventual helping Messi capture his first major international trophies with the Albiceleste. Prior to his managerial tenure, Scaloni shared the pitch with Messi during the forward’s infamously brief 2005 international debut against Hungary, a 2006 friendly against Angola, and their final match together against Mexico at the 2006 World Cup.

Finally, Kily Gonzalez shared the field with Messi while representing Argentina during 2005 World Cup qualifying, featuring alongside the young prodigy in a 2-0 win over Peru and a 1-0 loss to Uruguay, which marked Gonzalez’s final international match. While former teammates like Pablo Aimar, Walter Samuel, and Roberto Ayala have coached Messi as assistants in Argentina, the list of head coaches remains exclusive to Scaloni, Mascherano, and now Gonzalez.

Messi’s performance being coached by former teammates

Playing for managers who were once peers on the field highlights Messi’s remarkable career longevity, while creating a unique dynamic in the locker room. Nevertheless, the Argentine forward has consistently produced staggering individual output under former teammates, establishing high expectations for Gonzalez’s tenure in Miami.

Under Scaloni’s stewardship with Argentina, Messi featured in 79 international matches, generating 60 goals and 26 assists. Beyond the individual numbers, that partnership yielded historic silver, with Messi finally capturing his maiden major international trophies, including the 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Copa America.

Mascherano assumed management of Inter Miami ahead of the 2025 campaign following Gerardo Martino’s departure, concluding his stint in April 2026. Across 57 matches under Mascherano’s direction, Messi delivered 51 goals and 25 assists for the Herons, a stretch highlighted by the franchise capturing its first MLS Cup in late 2025.

The 22-year-old, who rose through Inter Miami’s academy to the first team in 2023, saw his playing time shrink dramatically this season, appearing in just 11 of a possible 28 matches with only three starts and no goals or assists to his name.

That marks a steep drop from his earlier seasons in Miami, where he contributed a goal in six appearances during the club’s 2023 Leagues Cup triumph and added a goal and two assists across 28 games during the 2024 Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign.

Ruiz’s momentum was also disrupted by injury, as a hamstring problem kept him out of Inter Miami’s run to the 2025 MLS Cup title, a trophy he watched Lionel Messi and his teammates lift without him. With his opportunities limited again this year, the midfielder ultimately decided a move away from Miami was the best path to reviving his career.

Asked by Bolavip about his goals heading into this new chapter, Ruiz didn’t hold back. “Yeah, I’m looking to come, add my little grain of rice, being able to come and work hard and fight for a position,” he said. “And yeah, I just come with the mentality to win and make it to the playoffs”.

He now joins a young Red Bulls squad currently sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference, hoping regular minutes under Michael Bradley can put his career back on track.

Noah Allen also departs Inter Miami

Ruiz wasn’t the only academy product to leave Inter Miami around the transfer deadline. Defender Noah Allen, the club’s all-time appearance leader with 133 outings across all competitions, was sold to Eastern Conference rival Chicago Fire.

The 22-year-old had been with the organization since 2019, working his way up from the academy to become a fixture in Miami’s backline, and won both the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield during his time with the club.

The comments echo the stance he took last season, when he openly campaigned for Ousmane Dembele to win the award after PSG claimed their first-ever Champions League title, and come off the back of the club retaining that trophy this year. “I don’t care who wins the Ballon d’Or. But, in my opinion, it has to be a PSG player,” Luis Enrique said.

He pointed to several players within his squad as deserving candidates, citing their achievements over the past year. “We have players who have won the Champions League. We have Fabian Ruiz, who won the World Cup… Ousmane Dembele, who won the Ballon d’Or last season,” he continued, before adding: “That’s my opinion. But I’m not interested in individual awards, the most important thing is the collective”.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or will be awarded on October 26 at The London Palladium, with this year’s ceremony evaluating performances between July 2025 and July 19, 2026, a window that includes the World Cup final.

Who are the favorites to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or

Unlike previous years, there’s no clear frontrunner, with at least eight players in serious contention: Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Michael Olise, Dembele himself, and Lionel Messi.

Rodri enters as a strong candidate after winning the World Cup with Spain and being named the tournament’s best player, while Kane dominated domestically with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga and finishing as its top scorer with 36 goals in 31 games, despite falling short in the Champions League and World Cup semifinals.

Messi, meanwhile, also remains in the conversation after a standout World Cup at 39 years old, scoring eight goals in what statistically became his best tournament, and could become the first player to reach nine Ballon d’Or trophies if he wins it again.

The financial oversight issue isn’t new — Al Nassr have spent much of the summer working to secure approval from Saudi authorities just to reinforce the squad.

But Al-Sabaie’s comments suggest the situation carries broader implications than just transfer activity, extending to how the club manages its existing commitments, including Ronaldo’s own contract and equity stake.

Under restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Al Nassr have been barred from registering new signings until they can demonstrate sufficient funds through sponsorships or other revenue streams.

The Saudi Pro League’s Financial Control Committee has already refused to approve contract renewals for 18 youth players, while renewals for first-team figures like Abdulrahman Ghareeb and goalkeeper Raghed Al-Najjar have also reportedly faced delays.

Ronaldo’s ownership stake in the club

Ronaldo’s situation adds another layer to the club’s financial complexity. Beyond his playing contract, which runs through 2027, the Portuguese forward holds an ownership stake of around 15% to 20% in Al Nassr following a deal struck alongside his last contract extension in June 2025.

With the PIF reportedly exploring the sale of a majority stake in the club to new investors as part of the broader restructuring, how that process plays out could shape not just Ronaldo’s future on the pitch, but his role in the club’s ownership structure going forward.

On Thursday, September 3, Inter Miami announced that defender Noah Allen completed a transfer to the Chicago Fire. The transaction was structured as a loan deal through the remainder of 2026, featuring a mandatory purchase option that will automatically trigger at the conclusion of the season to make the transfer permanent.

As reported by Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald, the mandatory buy clause is set at approximately $3 million, meaning that entire sum will be reimbursed as allowable General Allocation Money (GAM) for Inter Miami‘s roster construction starting in the 2027 season.

Speaking to Inter Miami’s official media channels, the homegrown defender reflected on his tenure with the club and his experience sharing the pitch with Messi. “I’m thankful to have been a part of Inter Miami and its history, and to have seen the Club grow into what it is today. I’m certainly grateful to play with the best player in the world, and players alongside him with a great history,” he stated.

After making his first-team debut in 2022, Allen featured prominently across the rosters that captured all of Inter Miami’s major hardware, including the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup. Over his time in South Florida, Allen tallied three goals and seven assists across 133 appearances in all competitions, establishing the franchise record for most games played in an Inter Miami shirt.

Messi won’t catch up to Allen until 2027

Lionel Messi has firmly established himself as the most influential figure in Inter Miami history, holding the club’s all-time records for both goals (98) and assists (54). However, the forward has yet to break into the top three on the club’s all-time appearances leaderboard.

Currently, Messi sits in fifth place with 111 appearances for the Herons, trailing Robert Taylor and Sergio Busquets (116 matches each), Drake Callender (118 matches), and Allen, who broke the all-time record back in April with 133 appearances. Even with none of those top four players remaining active on Inter Miami’s roster, the Argentine icon cannot reach the summit in 2026.

Including the upcoming Campeones Cup clash against Cruz Azul and the remaining slate of the 2026 MLS regular season, Inter Miami have 13 matches scheduled. Should the Herons advance all the way to the MLS Cup Final (including a three-game round in the first round of the playoffs) they would add a maximum of six additional fixtures. Even if Messi features in every single minute of all 19 potential remaining matches, he would reach 130 appearances, leaving him three shy of Allen’s 133-match benchmark and pushing his record chase into the 2027 season.

“Congratulations, eh… Excellent s— job,” Neymar wrote sarcastically in an Instagram story aimed at the club’s field caretaker. “Yesterday was the worst pitch Vila has ever had, full of holes because they did the decompaction the day before the match. Unbelievable!” he added.

“Besides playing against our opponent, we also played against the field… and on top of that we have to push harder just to start and stop while running because the ground is uneven, it’s not for nothing that three players felt discomfort in the first half,” he wrote in a follow-up story.

The discomfort came after Neymar received the ball with Agustin Giay closing him down and attempted a shot from outside the box with his left foot. Moments later he began grabbing at his right thigh and signaled to the bench in the 43rd minute.

He finished out the first half before Cuca opted to bring on Rony in his place at the break, as Santos were unable to overturn the 3-0 deficit from the first leg, leaving them eliminated in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals.

Cuca addresses Neymar’s possible return

Medical tests were conducted Thursday to determine the extent of the injury, though Santos had yet to confirm an official diagnosis. Head coach Cuca acknowledged it’s unlikely Neymar will be available for the club’s next Brasileirao fixture. “It’s not a situation we want, he’s probably out. We’re going to have to manage without him,” the coach said.

Santos will visit Internacional on Sunday, September 6, before returning to continue their Copa Sudamericana campaign against Atletico Mineiro in the first leg of the quarterfinals on Wednesday, September 8, with Neymar’s availability for either match still to be determined pending further evaluation.

Jackman has been a boyhood supporter of Norwich City, rooted in his family connection with his mother originally hailing from the East Anglian city. Having attended matches at Carrow Road over the years, the actor revealed he was previously offered an investment opportunity in the club back in 2010, a proposal he turned down at the time and ultimately came to regret.

Now, a fresh opportunity has emerged, and when asked in an interview with talkSPORT whether minority stakeholders offered him a chance to invest in Norwich City, Jackman was transparent about his intentions: “I’m very, very interested, and talking about it right now.“

He praised the transformative work accomplished by Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham, while firmly reiterating his loyalty to the Norfolk side. “Good on Ryan, you do your thing, I’m all about the Canaries,” he added.

Jackman concluded with a bold double-promotion prediction, forecasting that both clubs will earn a place in the Premier League for the following season: “I went to Carrow Road a couple of times, and I love the Canaries, and this is the year we’re going to get promoted. My prediction is Norwich and Wrexham are getting promoted this year.“

Reynolds and Jackman face-to-face in the EFL Championship?

Reynolds and McElhenney spearheaded the trend of A-list celebrity ownership in English football after acquiring Wrexham, engineering a fairy-tale rise from the fifth-tier National League in 2021 to the EFL Championship. Norwich City, by contrast, boast an extensive history in the Premier League, but with Jackman potentially coming aboard, the two Hollywood stars could face off as club directors this season.

The initial fixture between Norwich City and Wrexham is scheduled for December 5 at Carrow Road, with the return leg set for March 16, 2027, at the Racecourse Ground. The two sides met last season, splitting the season series with each club claiming a road victory (2-1 for Norwich in North Wales and 3-2 for Wrexham in Norfolk).

Norwich City’s ownership structure

Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones previously served as the iconic public faces of Norwich City after taking majority control 29 years ago in November 1996. However, the club’s corporate hierarchy recently underwent a major restructuring, initiated when American billionaire Mark Attanasio began building his investment portfolio in the club in 2022.

In early 2025, Norwich City issued a formal statement confirming that Norfolk Holdings had assumed 85 percent majority control of the club, with Attanasio leading the board of directors. Consequently, Smith and Wynn Jones retained a combined 10 percent equity stake, with remaining shares distributed among minority investors.

While Jackman revealed his intent to join Norwich City’s investment group, the exact size of his equity stake and degree of operational involvement remain unconfirmed. Although he acknowledged holding preliminary discussions with Smith, the former club chairman now controls only a 10 percent share, with details regarding any equity sale yet to be finalized.

This highly anticipated duel will pit Ronaldo’s remarkable longevity against the explosive power of Haaland. Throughout his illustrious career, the Portuguese forward has showcased his talents at every major European destination he joined. Meanwhile, the Norwegian striker has bullied defenders across the continent with his incredible physical strength and ruthless finishing.

The long wait for this monumental encounter will finally end on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The match will take place at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, where the home squad will host the Portuguese roster in a crucial Nations League fixture. A subsequent return meeting is already scheduled for October 4 in Porto, giving fans another chance to witness the spectacle.

The Portuguese maestro and the Norwegian sensation have each carved out remarkable careers on the club and international stages. The former has spent years at the pinnacle of European soccer with clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, while the latter’s meteoric rise has seen him shine at Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. Despite their prominence, they have surprisingly never played against each other in a competitive fixture.

Their paths have also not crossed on the international stage. Portugal and Norway have met multiple times, but these encounters occurred before Haaland established himself as a senior international star in 2019. This absence of face-to-face competition is even more notable considering how often their names are compared due to their goalscoring prowess and attacking brilliance.

Have Messi and Haaland ever crossed paths?

With the spotlight shining on this unprecedented European clash, observers naturally wonder about the Argentine legend’s history with the Norwegian powerhouse. In fact, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland have also never played against each other in an official match. Their paths completely bypassed one another during their respective domestic and continental campaigns.

During the height of his European career, the Argentine maestro was securing trophies with his beloved Spanish employers, Barcelona. At the same time, the young Norwegian phenom was busy making a name for himself in Germany and England. The draw for the UEFA Champions League never paired their respective squads together on the pitch.

The situation at the international level mirrors their missed connections in domestic leagues. The South American champions Argentina simply never scheduled any friendly or competitive fixtures against the Scandinavian squad during their overlapping active years. As a result, a direct head-to-head battle between these global icons remained entirely elusive.

Furthermore, any hope of an international clash between the Argentine and the Norwegian was recently extinguished. Messi recently announced his retirement from international action, ending an illustrious La Albiceleste career with a record 207 caps and 125 goals. His achievements include winning the 2022 World Cup, but now the possibility of future encounters with Haaland in international tournaments is gone.

Could they still meet in the future?

Since Messi now plays for Inter Miami in MLS and Haaland remains at Manchester City, their chances of meeting in European club competitions are slim. The two teams are in different hemispheres and different continents, making traditional fixtures unlikely. However, despite the permanent closure of their international window, a tiny glimmer of hope still exists for a club-level encounter.

The most realistic pathway for a future showdown would be the FIFA Club World Cup. If Inter Miami qualifies as a continental champion and Manchester City qualifies through UEFA, they could face off in the tournament, providing a rare competitive encounter. Club friendly matches are another possibility, especially during pre-season tours when European clubs often travel to the U.S. for exhibitions.

Days after the market closed, Jose Mourinho was asked about the situation during his press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Real Betis, and the veteran coach chose to weigh in with his own perspective on how it should play out.

“No one knows him better than Simeone, no one knows the club better than Simeone, and I don’t think I have anything at all to say about this situation,” Mourinho said, deferring to Atletico boss Diego Simeone on how to handle the matter internally.

Rather than commenting on Atletico‘s handling of the saga, he pivoted to a broader principle he says he applies to any player in Alvarez’s position. “What I normally say is that when a player isn’t happy, once September 1st arrives, you have to be satisfied or you don’t play until January 1st,” Mourinho continued.

The Portuguese coach believes Julian Alvarez will remain an important piece for Atletico Madrid, at least until the next transfer window opens in January. “That’s why my sense is that, from yesterday onward, and at least until December 31st, he’ll be an important player for his club,” he concluded.

Alvarez remains at Atletico Madrid after the transfer saga dominated headlines throughout the closing days of the window, with the club now expected to count on him as an attacking option at least through the winter market, when his situation could once again come under scrutiny.

Alvarez wants to be a starter again

Alvarez put in a double training session at Atletico Madrid’s Ciudad Deportiva to work his way back to full physical sharpness after the collapse of his move to Barcelona.

The former Manchester City striker stayed on for extra hours alongside Argentina national teammate Cristian Romero and fellow defender Marc Pubill. Alvarez had been left out of Atletico’s 3-1 win over Sevilla amid the back-and-forth over his exit, but has now shifted his focus back to the season ahead.

Diego Simeone has already confirmed that Alvarez will be included in the squad for Saturday’s match against Athletic Club at San Mames, though he’s expected to feature off the bench as he builds up his fitness. From here, the Argentine will need to win back the trust of Atletico’s fanbase through his performances and effort on the pitch, much as he did when he first arrived at the club.

The 61-year-old arrived at Al-Nassr in July on a two-year contract after Jorge Jesus departed for the Portugal national team. Since then, the Australian has embraced the challenge of working in a rapidly developing league, while also finding himself at the center of Ronaldo’s pursuit of another remarkable career milestone.

Postecoglou has built a fascinating managerial career, working across Australia, Japan, Scotland and England before taking charge of Al-Nassr. His European experience included spells with Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, with his time at Tottenham ending shortly after he guided the club to the 2025 Europa League title.

His arrival in the Middle East therefore naturally raised questions about why he would choose to leave the European soccer environment. For Postecoglou, though, the decision was never simply about comparing one league with another. Instead, one particular opportunity made the Al-Nassr project especially difficult to resist.

Why Ronaldo played major role in his decision

Postecoglou revealed that the chance to become part of Cristiano Ronaldo’s story was one of the attractions of moving to Riyadh. The manager views his career partly through the relationships he has built with extraordinary players, and Ronaldo represents perhaps the biggest name on that list.

Speaking on The Howie Games podcast, Postecoglou said: “When I reflect on my career, what stands out for me is that I’ve been unbelievably blessed in being part of other people’s journeys.” He recalled working with legendary figures throughout his career, including Ferenc Puskás, Australian icon Tim Cahill and Son Heung-min.

Postecoglou explained: “So, there’s no doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s here, you kind of go, I can become a small part of his story as well.” The Australian stressed that his motivation was not selfish. He added: “Not that they’ll tell my story alongside it, but I can tell that story, and that was a part of it as well.”

Will Postecoglou regret decision?

The manager also pushed back against the idea that joining the Saudi Pro League represented a backward step. Rather than judging the competition by its location or perceived prestige, Postecoglou said he focused on whether the project offered genuine opportunities.

Postecoglou said: “People say ‘it’s not in Europe, it’s not a higher profile league’ but I’ve always railed against people who are snobbish about certain leagues and everything.” He added: “I wasn’t going to turn around and say that’s a backwards step for me. I never see things that way.”

Instead, the Australian asked whether he could make an impact and whether the challenge would excite him. He continued: “It ticked those boxes for me because it’s a league that’s obviously invested a lot of money, there’s some top managers here, some top players here. The chance to be a part of that was significant.”

Al-Nassr had been expected to remain active after making changes to its squad and bringing in a new manager. However, financial oversight has increasingly complicated the club’s plans, with even potential incoming deals becoming difficult to complete.

The biggest issue concerns the club’s attempt to find a foreign replacement for Brazilian winger Wesley, who was loaned to Cruzeiro. Negotiations had been ongoing, but the financial situation surrounding Al-Nassr has now forced the club to reconsider whether another addition is possible.

According to Saudi journalist Nawaf Oga, the agents of the foreign player targeted as Wesley’s replacement were informed that negotiations had been permanently halted. The report also indicates that financial oversight affecting the club is expected to continue for several months.

That situation leaves Al-Nassr with very little room to maneuver. The club’s recent arrival of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa for $25.6 million had suggested that more activity could follow, but the financial restrictions have ultimately proved difficult to overcome.

Abdulrahman Ghareeb remains caught in the middle

One of the most complicated situations involves Abdulrahman Ghareeb, whose future has already been the subject of considerable uncertainty. Although Al-Nassr has agreed to renew the Saudi winger’s contract, his registration still depends on the club creating enough financial space.

That process is connected to midfielder Ali Al-Hassan’s potential move to Al Fateh. However, Al Fateh must first complete the sale of Saeed Baatiah to Al Ahli, creating a chain of transactions that needs to fall into place before Al-Nassr can complete Ghareeb’s registration.

The situation demonstrates just how restrictive the current financial controls have become. A player who has already agreed a renewal can still be left waiting because the club needs another transfer to create the necessary financial space.

Al-Nassr makes its final transfer-market decision

The major development is that Al-Nassr is now set to end its summer transfer activity, with no more incoming signings expected during this window. Reports from journalists Nawaf Oga and Haitam El Imani indicate that the club has effectively finished its recruitment for the summer.

The only potential exception concerns Ghareeb. If Al-Nassr completes the sale of Ali Al-Hassan and receives the transfer fee while also freeing enough money to cover his salary, Ghareeb’s registration could finally be approved.

That means the club’s transfer plans are effectively finished even though one important piece of administrative business remains unresolved. The foreign player targeted to replace Wesley will not arrive, leaving Postecoglou to work with the squad already assembled.

The decision represents a significant challenge for the Australian manager, who arrived at Al-Nassr after Jorge Jesus’ departure and has been tasked with building a competitive side around Ronaldo. The Australian manager will now have to rely heavily on the existing squad rather than expecting further reinforcements.

The return would carry extra meaning given what happened the last time Milan visited Juventus. Pulisic has unfinished business in Turin, but Amorim is taking a cautious approach to his comeback, creating an intriguing situation for the American.

Pulisic has endured a difficult 2026, with injuries repeatedly interrupting his momentum. His latest setback came at the World Cup, where bone edema in the area connecting the tibia and fibula of his right leg disrupted his preseason preparations and left him playing catch-up.

The winger also has a particularly painful memory of Juventus‘ home stadium. On October 5, 2025, Pulisic missed a penalty in a 0-0 draw, another frustrating moment in a period when injuries prevented him from consistently showing his best form for Milan. Now, almost a year later, the American is looking for redemption.

MilanNews reports that Pulisic is determined to return to the Allianz Stadium and make a positive impact after failing to score for the Rossoneri during 2026. The weekend could therefore represent an opportunity to begin putting several difficult months behind him.

What did Amorim say about Pulisic’s playing time?

Pulisic has already been named among the substitutes twice this season without seeing a single minute of action. That has raised questions about when Amorim will finally feel comfortable enough to put one of his most talented players back onto the pitch. The Milan manager explained after the victory over Venezia that Pulisic remains extremely important, but his workload must be carefully controlled.

Amorim told reporters: “He has great talent. I simply have to manage my players’ workloads and at this moment we need to win. So it is difficult for Pulisic to find space, but he remains a hugely important player for us.”

That approach is unlikely to change against Juventus, even with the 27-year-old forward eager to make his return. Amorim’s priority is to avoid rushing the American back and risking another setback, particularly given how demanding his system is physically.

Will Pulisic play against Juventus?

That brings us to the twist surrounding Pulisic’s potential comeback. He is expected to start on the bench against Juventus rather than return directly to the starting lineup, with Amorim likely to introduce him for a limited spell if the match situation allows.

There is no guarantee that Pulisic will play, either, because much will depend on how the game develops. His absence from the starting XI reflects his current fitness level rather than a lack of confidence from Amorim, who still views him as an important technical asset. As reported by MilanNews, Pulisic is expected to be given his first minutes of the season from the bench, provided the circumstances of the match allow it.

That could actually be the ideal route back. A controlled appearance would allow Pulisic to rebuild his rhythm without immediately being asked to handle a full match, while also giving him the chance to rediscover the confidence that made him such an important part of Milan’s attack.

In a statement published on his Instagram account on Thursday, September 3, Llorente confirmed that he is stepping away from the senior national team. The decision caught observers off guard, given his status as a key member of the World Cup-winning squad and the expectation that he could remain an integral contributor for years to come.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder turned right back also revealed that his retirement was decided well before the tournament kicked off in North America. “Regardless of whether I had gone to the World Cup or not, or whether we had won or not, I had already made this decision,” Llorente wrote.

Llorente made his senior debut for Spain on November 11, 2020, coming off the bench for 18 minutes in an international friendly against the Netherlands. Over the subsequent six years, he compiled 27 total caps while transitioning seamlessly between central midfield and right back, recording four assists without finding the back of the net for La Roja.

The versatile Spaniard featured during the group stage of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League campaign, but missed the final four due to a muscle injury as Spain went on to claim the title. He was also left off the final roster for UEFA Euro 2024 by manager Luis de la Fuente, missing out on another major trophy during that cycle.

His crowning international moment arrived this summer as Spain captured the 2026 World Cup trophy. Llorente opened the tournament as De la Fuente’s starting right back, playing all 90 minutes in group stage victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, before Pedro Porro claimed the starting spot, leaving Llorente to make a brief six-minute cameo in the semifinal victory over France.

Marcos Llorente’s farewell letter

“After spending a lot of time thinking it over, I have decided to close my chapter with the National Team. I am aware that I am still young and that, perhaps, if I kept doing things right, I would still have years left to continue playing in this shirt.

I know that many of you will not understand it and, surely, I wouldn’t have understood it from the outside either. But it is a personal decision, deeply considered and, above all, deeply felt. Regardless of whether I had gone to the World Cup or not, or whether we had won or not, I had already made this decision.

I can only be infinitely grateful to all the people I have crossed paths with over these years who have made it possible for my family and me to experience unique and unforgettable moments.

I take with me everything we experienced, but above all, these last 52 days. With a wonderful group that fought until the end to put Spain at the very top. And they did just that. It has been a matter of great pride to represent my country and be part of this history.

Thank you for everything. A warm embrace to everyone.“

Postecoglou has made an encouraging start in Riyadh, guiding Al-Nassr through an unbeaten opening to the 2026-27 campaign. His early results were rewarded with the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month award for August, while the club continues to pursue major domestic and continental ambitions.

Al-Nassr is looking to defend its Saudi title while also chasing the elusive AFC Champions League crown. The 41-year-old superstar remains central to those ambitions, particularly as the club attempts to translate its strong domestic form into success on the continental stage.

For Postecoglou, having a player of Ronaldo’s stature could appear to present an enormous managerial challenge. The Portuguese forward has won almost everything available during his career, commands huge attention worldwide and is still pursuing extraordinary personal targets well into his 40s.

Yet Postecoglou does not appear concerned about managing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. In fact, his experience with elite players has led him to reach almost the opposite conclusion.

Why Postecoglou says Ronaldo is easier to manage

Speaking about managing elite players, Ange Postecoglou said on the LiSTNR podcast The Howie Games: “I’ve been lucky enough to be around some great players, and they all share the same characteristics, irrespective of the kind of personality.” He continued: “They’re all hugely motivated; they’re all very focused.”

That mentality, according to Postecoglou, can actually make the manager’s job simpler because truly exceptional players understand the work required to remain at the top. The Al-Nassr boss explained the distinction by recalling advice from a previous coach: “Sometimes people don’t realize it’s a lot easier dealing with the great players rather than the ones who think they’re great.”

That comment provides the clearest explanation for his glowing assessment of Ronaldo. The biggest stars may have enormous personalities, but genuine greatness comes with the discipline and work ethic needed to support it. Postecoglou sees those qualities in Ronaldo, even at this stage of his career. Rather than needing constant motivation from his manager, the Portuguese forward arrives with his own targets and an apparently relentless desire to achieve them.

Postecoglou added: “Because the great ones, they put in the hard work. They’re motivated. They do the right things.” For a coach, having that attitude inside the squad can be invaluable, particularly when trying to establish demanding standards across an entire team. The manager also highlighted the psychological benefit of working alongside such a player. He said: “And as a coach, as a manager, you go, ‘I want a piece of that.’”

What is driving Ronaldo amid 1,000-goal target?

Ronaldo’s motivation is currently being fueled by another milestone that would add yet another extraordinary chapter to his career. The Al-Nassr forward is closing in on 1,000 official career goals, a landmark that would make him the first player to reach the figure.

Postecoglou said: “You get that sense: [Ronaldo’s] still very motivated, he’s still got some very clear goals, he’s close to scoring 1,000 goals, which is going to be unbelievable.”

That pursuit helps explain why Postecoglou is so comfortable working with Ronaldo. The forward’s desire to keep improving and scoring means the manager is dealing with a player who already possesses the internal drive that coaches spend years trying to instill in others.

The Croatian midfielder has watched Ronaldo’s evolution from close range, sharing some of the greatest moments in Real Madrid’s history with him. Now, with the Portuguese superstar approaching a number that has seemed almost unthinkable for generations of players, Modric has offered a fascinating prediction about how long his former teammate could continue.

Modric and Ronaldo spent six seasons together at Real Madrid between 2012 and 2018, forming part of a team that dominated European soccer. The pair won four Champions League titles together, alongside numerous domestic and international honors, before eventually taking separate paths.

That shared history gives Modric a unique perspective on Ronaldo’s mentality. While many players begin to slow down as they enter their late 30s and early 40s, Ronaldo has continued to score and compete at an extraordinary level. Speaking to Diario AS, Modric said: “Cristiano is incredible; he’s a phenomenon, a monster, and I have no doubt that he’s going to reach that number.”

The midfielder was responding to a question about whether he simply expected Ronaldo to reach 1,000 official career goals, a milestone that would make him the first player to achieve it. Ronaldo was reportedly just 22 goals away from the landmark at the time of the interview.

Why Modric would not be surprised if Ronaldo continues to play

Modric’s confidence goes beyond Ronaldo reaching 1,000 goals. The Croatian explained that the Portuguese star’s mentality and natural ability to find the net make it difficult to place a normal limit on his career. Modric told Diario AS: “I don’t know how much longer he’ll want to keep playing, but he’s going to keep scoring goals even if he wants to continue until he’s 50.”

He pointed specifically to Ronaldo’s character, confidence, and relentless desire to compete. Modric added: “His gift for scoring goals is incredible, and above all, his character, his faith, and his self-confidence; it’s something incredible.”

That combination is what makes Modric’s prediction feel less like exaggeration and more like an assessment from someone who knows Ronaldo extremely well. At 41, Ronaldo is still chasing goals with the same competitive edge that defined his prime years.

Friendship built at Real Madrid

The relationship between the two veterans goes beyond what happened on the pitch. Modric has previously spoken warmly about Ronaldo’s personality away from soccer, while Ronaldo has repeatedly shown his admiration for the Croatian midfielder.

Together, they played a major role in one of Real Madrid’s most successful eras. Their four Champions League triumphs included the unprecedented European dominance of the mid-2010s, with Ronaldo leading the scoring charts and Modric controlling games from midfield.

Their careers eventually moved in different directions, but neither player has followed the conventional retirement timeline. Modric remains with Milan, while Ronaldo continues his career with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

For now, the immediate target remains the 1,000-goal mark. With only 22 goals reportedly separating Ronaldo from history, Modric has little doubt that his former teammate will eventually get there.

“Talking about Messi is complicated. There’s not much more to say. And there are no words that can describe his quality as a player. He arrived at this World Cup at 38 or 39 years old and delivered what we all saw. He’s one of those players you’re going to miss,” Mourinho said.

Amid the backdrop of Messi’s retirement from international duty, Mourinho noted that he will now have to watch some of Inter Miami’s MLS games in order to make the most of the Argentine’s remaining years as a professional.

“We’ll have to watch some MLS games, which isn’t something I enjoy much, to make the most of these final years. He’s one of those players who, like I said in a previous press conference, you always miss. And he’s one of the greats of our generation,” he added.

Messi announced his retirement from the Albiceleste on August 31, closing the book on a 21-year international career that included the 2026 World Cup runner-up finish, the 2022 World Cup title, and a string of Copa America triumphs.

With Mourinho now among those admitting he’ll tune into Major League Soccer just to keep watching him, the tribute adds to the wave of recognition Messi has received from rivals and peers across the sport since stepping away from the national team.

How many times Messi and Mourinho faced each other

Beyond Thursday’s comments, Mourinho and Messi built one of the most storied rivalries in modern football from the touchline and the pitch, facing off 25 times across Mourinho’s spells at Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter Milan. Messi’s teams came out ahead overall, winning 9 of those meetings compared to 7 for Mourinho, with the rest ending level.

The bulk of the rivalry played out during Mourinho’s three years at Real Madrid, where the two met 17 times with Messi present in every single one, with Mourinho winning 5, losing 6 and drawing 6.

Their paths also crossed 4 times while Mourinho managed Inter Milan, and another 4 times during his Chelsea tenure, giving Messi the frequent battles that Mourinho has since credited with pushing him to evolve as a coach.

Al Nassr and Al Hilal currently sit atop the SPL table after winning all four of their opening fixtures, setting the stage for another head-to-head battle for the domestic crown. The first league derby between the two rivals was originally scheduled for Friday, December 11, with Al Nassr hosting at Al Awwal Park, but league organizers are preparing a major relocation.

According to reporting from Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah, the Saudi Pro League is moving to relocate the capital derby between Al Nassr and Al Hilal to King Fahd Sports City Stadium. While the match remains in Riyadh, the venue change removes the contest from Al Nassr’s primary home ground.

The initiative behind the move serves as an “operational test” for the facility ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. With the continental tournament hosted across Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027, King Fahd Sports City Stadium is scheduled to host four matches, including the tournament final.

King Fahd Stadium, a favorable venue for Al Hilal

While the venue change has not yet been officially finalized by the league, the Saudi Pro League is expected to contact Al Nassr to coordinate logistics while maintaining the club’s administrative home-team privileges. However, King Fahd Sports City Stadium represents a favorable venue not for the nominal hosts, but for visiting rivals Al Hilal.

Since Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr and Al Hilal have met twice at King Fahd Sports City Stadium, with Al Hilal serving as the home team on both occasions. Their first encounter on Matchday 25 of the 2022-23 SPL season resulted in a 2-0 victory for Al Hilal, followed by a commanding 3-0 win for Al Hilal on Matchday 15 of the 2023-24 campaign.

Al Nassr could lose a key home advantage

King Fahd Sports City Stadium is reopening in late 2026 following a venue expansion that increases capacity from 58,398 to 70,200 seats, leaving Al Nassr to negotiate ticketing terms to ensure maximum home supporter allocation. Nevertheless, departing Al Awwal Park strips the squad of a distinct home-field edge based on recent domestic form.

During the 2025-26 SPL season, where Ronaldo secured his first major silverware in Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr finished as the top home team in the league. Across 17 home fixtures at Al Awwal Park, the Riyadh side compiled 15 wins, one draw, and just one defeat to gather 46 points, surpassing Al Ahli’s 45-point home mark and establishing Al Awwal Park as a fortress for Ronaldo and company.

Following four standout seasons at Tottenham Hotspur where he consolidated his status among Europe’s elite orchestrators, Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 for a €35 million ($40.6 million USD) fee. Initially, the transfer drew skepticism from critics due to the Croatian’s lower public profile, but as he locked down a starting role, he evolved into a club legend, a trajectory he insists would have been impossible without Mourinho’s intervention.

In an interview with Diario Marca, when asked who supporters should credit for his arrival at Real Madrid, Modric singled out the Portuguese manager’s persistence: “The club in general, but I think Mourinho was the most important factor in my arrival, because he did everything, everything in his power so that I would be the signing of that summer.“

Modric elaborated on the manager’s pivotal role in pushing the deal over the finish line. “Madrid brought in (Michael) Essien on loan and only me as a signing. The negotiation with Tottenham was not easy. It was hard and long. And if Mourinho had not been so insistent, maybe Madrid would have withdrawn from the negotiation. But he was insistent and he wanted me. That is why I think he was the most important,” he added.

Modric also acknowledged the role of club president Florentino Perez and expressed deep affection for him, while maintaining that “Mourinho was the first, and I will always be grateful for that treatment, for that affection from day one.” At the time, Mourinho was entering his third season at the helm of Real Madrid having already secured three trophies.

However, the 2012-13 campaign proved to be Mourinho’s final year in Madrid after ending without a major trophy and falling in the UEFA Champions League semifinals, leaving Modric wishing for more time under his guidance. “The only pity was that I didn’t play under him for more than a year. But well, that’s life. I learned a lot in that year with him, but I would have liked to play for him for a longer time,” the Croatian midfielder noted.

Modric to return to Madrid

Currently under contract through June 2027 with AC Milan, Modric laughed off the idea of a playing return to Real Madrid under Mourinho’s current tenure, noting that “it’s too late now.” However, he made clear that he intends to settle in the Spanish capital after his playing days, with an eventual executive or administrative role at Real Madrid topping his list of desires.

When asked about returning to the club after hanging up his boots, Modric openly shared his ambitions: “I hope so. I would like to. To be honest, I don’t need to hide it. Madrid is my home and of course one day I would like to return. But we will see how and in what role, if that happens.“

The veteran midfielder emphasized that if he eventually returns, he wants to make a meaningful impact rather than relying on his legacy, adopting a mindset to “work not in Real Madrid, but for Real Madrid.” He echoed Mourinho’s philosophy that any future role should focus on making the club even bigger.

Regarding his long-term personal plans, Modric remains committed to returning to Spain, even if his exact post-career path remains undecided. “My intention is to return to Madrid and live there, but then you know how things go. You can never say anything with certainty. But hopefully, hopefully it happens,” he concluded.

With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres exiting the club, Barcelona pushed hard to acquire Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid’s refusal to sell the striker to a direct league rival forced the Blaugrana to pivot. Prior to finalizing a deal for Gabriel Jesus, reports indicated Barcelona explored an approach for another star Argentine international in Martinez.

Speaking to Sky Italy at the Gran Gala del Calcio, Martinez addressed those reports directly, confirming interest from Spain: “When these offers and these calls arrive, it is always a pleasure, because you work to stay at the top. The rumors were true, but my mind is very clear: I wanted to stay here with my teammates and with these magnificent fans. I would stay forever and, as long as they want me, I will stay here.“

Inter Milan signed Martinez from Racing Club in 2018, and over eight seasons in Serie A, he has established himself among the elite central strikers in world football while becoming the third-highest goalscorer in club history with 175 goals in 378 matches. Carrying a market valuation of €85 million ($98.6 million USD), Martinez would have required a financial commitment similar to Barcelona’s proposal for Alvarez, but the forward opted to remain in Italy.

The Argentine striker elaborated on his deep connection to the Nerazzurri. “But in this job, we already know how it goes: when you are no longer useful, they kick you out. Inter is everything to me: pride, happiness, and the desire to keep moving forward. I have chosen to stay here once again, I want to do great things at Inter,” he added.

“I never imagined reaching this point in my career with Inter, achieving all my goals. This motivates me to keep pushing forward; it is my mentality. I try to give my all in every training session. In football, you never know what is going to happen, but today I have a contract and I am happy. I decided to stay because I feel good and I want to do great things at Inter,” the Argentine concluded.

Barcelona maintain positive financial margin ahead of winter window

While Barcelona faced strict salary cap constraints and registration hurdles in recent years under Financial Fair Play regulations, their summer roster retooling leaves them positioned with room to maneuver ahead of the winter transfer window.

Starting the summer window with €65 million ($75.4 million USD) in flexibility, Barcelona allocated €132.5 million ($153.7 million USD) toward incoming transfers, headlined by a €70 million plus €10 million in add-ons deal for Anthony Gordon and €60 million for Rodri. However, wage reductions from departing players like Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Robert Lewandowski, alongside loan moves, generated €133.8 million in net savings, providing sporting director Deco with an estimated €65 million to €70 million in financial margin for potential midseason additions.

Match Overview

Club America are enjoying a strong run in both Liga MX and the Leagues Cup. The Azulcremas sit atop the domestic league table, leading many to consider them firm favorites in this contest.

As for Monterrey, they currently sit 9th in Liga MX, which is why a victory over Club América in the Leagues Cup could boost their confidence and help them regain form in their domestic campaign.

The idea behind the push is straightforward for those calling for it — leaving the number forever associated with Messi, who wore it for two decades and leaves as the national team’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. Doing so would also tie the number permanently to Diego Maradona, the other legendary figure most responsible for turning it into far more than just a shirt number.

Regardless of how much support the idea gathers, it runs into a hard regulatory wall. FIFA rules require official squad lists for tournaments like the World Cup and Copa America to use consecutive numbering from 1 to 26, with a number assigned to every single player named to the roster. That means the No. 10 cannot simply be left unused in official competition, no matter how symbolic the gesture would be.

The rule leaves Argentina with limited options — the number could theoretically go unused in a friendly, but in any official tournament, someone on the 26-man list would have to wear it.

The Maradona precedent

This isn’t the first time this exact request has come up. Argentina previously attempted to retire the No. 10 ahead of the 2002 World Cup as a tribute to Maradona, whose career had already cemented the number’s legendary status in the country. FIFA rejected the request outright, citing the same consecutive-numbering requirement that stands in the way today.

As a result, the number continued to be worn by subsequent generations of Argentine players in the years that followed, eventually passing to Messi himself. With that same regulation still in place, any renewed push to retire the No. 10 in his honor would face the identical outcome once again.

Who could wear the No. 10 next?

Beyond the retirement debate, the more immediate question is who actually inherits the No. 10 shirt when Argentina takes the field again. According to reports, Nico Paz is projected as a candidate, given that the Como playmaker operates in a similar position to Messi and wears the same number in his club. The concern, however, is whether the 22-year-old can handle the weight of that number so early in his international career.

For that reason, some believe it might be better suited to a proven World Cup winner rather than a newcomer, with names like Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez floated as alternatives who already have the pedigree and experience to carry that symbolic responsibility for the Albiceleste going forward.

The 29-year-old winger has previously rejected interest from domestic rivals and made his preference to stay in Riyadh clear. Now, Al-Nassr must resolve a situation involving multiple moving pieces before it can finally secure Ghareeb’s future, adding another layer of intrigue to an already difficult summer for the club.

Ghareeb’s previous contract expired at the end of last season, but Al-Nassr had already reached an agreement with the 29-year-old over a new three-year deal. The extension was reportedly worth around $8 million, or approximately $2.6 million per season, yet the club was unable to immediately register the new contract because of its financial situation.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the Saudi Pro League’s financial control committee rejected Al-Nassr’s request to register Ghareeb’s contract. A subsequent request was also rejected, even after the club received approval to sign Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa from Mallorca.

That has left the Saudi international in an unusual position. He has agreed to stay, but without registration before the summer transfer window closes, he could technically leave Al-Nassr as a free agent.

Two transfers hold the key

The situation has now taken another turn, with reports indicating that Ghareeb’s renewal has been approved but remains conditional on two linked transfers. According to Nawaf STATS on X (formerly Twitter), the first requirement is for Al Ahli to complete the signing of Saeed Baatiah. The second is for Al Fateh to complete the signing of Ali Al Hassan as part of the wider agreement.

Only when both moves are completed will Ghareeb’s renewal be fully finalized. The chain of transfers is essentially designed to create the financial room Al-Nassr needs to complete the registration.

The arrangement underlines how complicated the club’s financial situation has become. Al-Nassr is relying on one transfer to help facilitate another, with Ghareeb’s future ultimately tied to the completion of deals involving Baatiah and Al Hassan.

Baatiah move could unlock the situation

The first part of the chain has reportedly progressed, with Baatiah’s move to Al Ahli described as completed in recent updates. Asharq Al-Awsat reported on the development, potentially bringing Al-Nassr one step closer to resolving Ghareeb’s situation. The next piece is Al Hassan’s transfer to Al Fateh.

Once that move is completed, the conditions surrounding Ghareeb’s renewal should finally be satisfied, allowing Al-Nassr to officially register the winger. For the club, getting the deal over the line would be significant. The 29-year-old winger remains a valuable member of the squad and has already demonstrated his importance during major continental competition.

Ghareeb joined Al-Nassr from Al Ahli in 2022 and has remained a regular contributor since arriving in Riyadh. His situation became particularly notable last winter when both Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad showed interest, but the winger ultimately chose to remain with Al-Nassr.

He was also one of the club’s standout performers during the previous AFC Champions League Two campaign. Ghareeb helped the club reach the final, although Al-Nassr ultimately suffered a narrow defeat to Japan’s Gamba Osaka.

The shift comes after earlier plans for a proposed friendly against China collapsed. Chinese organizers had reportedly insisted on guarantees regarding Messi’s participation, and once he confirmed his retirement, negotiations between the two parties fell apart entirely.

With the China fixture scrapped, Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Rosario have emerged as the leading candidates to host the two or three friendlies under consideration, with El Monumental and La Bombonera among the primary venues being weighed for the capital, alongside a third match expected in an interior province.

The matches will carry extra significance as the first competitive action for Lionel Scaloni’s side since the squad’s runner-up finish at the 2026 World Cup, and the first without Messi in the squad following his August 31 retirement announcement.

Other possible absences alongside Messi

The window also arrives amid broader uncertainty over the future of several veterans from Argentina‘s golden generation. Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez hinted at a possible exit after the World Cup final, writing on social media that “there’s still a lot to reflect on, and to see how things move forward and whether it’s time to step aside”.

Leandro Paredes similarly left the door open to a departure, saying “it’s going to be difficult to continue,” while Nicolas Tagliafico has already confirmed the World Cup was his final tournament with the national team.

With Messi, Tagliafico and possibly other key figures no longer part of the setup, the upcoming friendlies are shaping up as the clearest signal yet of the transition Scaloni’s squad is entering.

That is about to change, with a meeting between two generations of elite goalscorers now looming on the international calendar. Ronaldo’s extraordinary longevity will go up against Haaland’s explosive rise, creating one of the most intriguing individual battles the Nations League could offer.

Remarkably, the two aces have avoided each other for so long. Ronaldo has spent much of his career competing at the highest level with clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, while Haaland’s rise has taken him through Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.

Their paths have also failed to cross internationally. Portugal and Norway have met several times over the years, but their previous encounters came before Haaland established himself as a senior international star, with Norway’s striker making his senior debut in 2019.

Even at club level, there has been no opportunity for the pair to face each other in a competitive fixture in which both were involved. That makes their upcoming international meeting particularly unusual, considering how frequently their names have been compared as some of soccer’s most dangerous finishers.

The long-awaited date is finally here

The wait will end on Sunday, September 27, 2026, when Portugal travel to Oslo to face Norway at Ullevaal Stadion in the Nations League. The fixture is scheduled for Sunday, with the two countries drawn together in League A, Group 4, alongside Denmark and Wales.

A return meeting is scheduled for October 4 in Porto, giving the two national teams another opportunity to settle the group contest. However, it is the first match to attract most attention because it could finally deliver the long-awaited Ronaldo-Haaland showdown.

Ronaldo’s experience vs Haaland’s power

The contrast between the two forwards makes the matchup even more fascinating. Ronaldo remains one of the most prolific international goalscorers in soccer history, while Haaland has developed into one of the most feared center-forwards of the modern era.

Ronaldo’s game has evolved throughout his career, but his movement, finishing and ability to produce decisive moments remain central to Portugal’s attack. Haaland, meanwhile, combines extraordinary physical strength with pace and ruthless finishing, making him a constant threat whenever Norway reaches the final third.

Their careers therefore represent two very different stories. Ronaldo has built his legacy through remarkable longevity and sustained excellence, while Haaland is still establishing his place among the game’s elite.

Milan has plenty to look forward to after opening the Serie A season with two victories over Torino and Venezia. The club also enters the Europa League among the teams capable of going deep in the competition, with a squad strengthened significantly during the summer transfer window.

The draw has given the Rossoneri an interesting route through the league phase. Benfica, Olympiacos, Ferencvaros, Salzburg, Sunderland, Bournemouth, Ararat-Armenia and Levski Sofia are the eight opponents awaiting Amorim’s side.

Ruben Amorim’s side will begin at home against Benfica on September 16 before travelling to Salzburg in October. The Rossoneri will then face Bournemouth away, Ferencvaros at San Siro, Olympiacos in Greece, Sunderland at home and finish the league phase with trips to Levski Sofia and a home meeting with Ararat-Armenia.

The competition could represent Milan’s clearest route to European silverware. The club has not won a continental trophy since 2007, while the reduced presence of some of Europe’s strongest sides makes the Europa League an especially attractive opportunity.

Pulisic’s incredible European streak continues

Amid Milan’s European ambitions, Pulisic has quietly reached another remarkable career milestone. The American is set to be involved in either the Champions League or Europa League during every season of his professional career in Europe, as confirmed by Opta and UEFA’s data.

The upcoming Europa League campaign will extend Pulisic’s streak to 11 consecutive seasons of appearances in UEFA’s elite European competitions. His run began with Borussia Dortmund before continuing through Chelsea and Milan, making the achievement even more impressive considering how young he was when he first broke into European soccer.

Pulisic made his Europa League debut for Dortmund against Porto on February 18, 2016. He later experienced the Champions League at Chelsea, famously winning the competition in 2021, before continuing his European journey with Milan.

His almost certain inclusion in Amorim’s Europa League squad means that extraordinary run is set to continue. According to MilanNews, Pulisic is listed as No. 11 among Milan’s attackers, alongside Goncalo Ramos, Cisse and Omari Hutchinson.

Milan’s squad offers Pulisic another European stage

The UEFA list contains 22 players on List A, with several younger players eligible through List B. Christian Pulisic is joined by established names including Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, giving Milan a blend of experience and youth.

The club will also rely on younger players such as Francesco Camarda, Davide Bartesaghi and Vladimirov, who can feature through the separate List B regulations. That balance could become important as the team manages Serie A, the Europa League and the Coppa Italia.

For Pulisic, however, the story is already remarkable. From Dortmund to Chelsea and now Milan, the 11-season European streak is another reminder of the consistency the USMNT star has maintained throughout his career.

Every fixture will pause at the 10-minute mark of the first half for a full minute of applause, honoring Messi’s more than two-decade career with the Albiceleste. Stadiums equipped with big screens will also play an institutional video chronicling his time with the national team before kickoff.

“It is decreed that in the next matchday of all categories of all men’s and women’s disciplines (11-a-side, Futsal, and Beach Soccer), the match will be stopped at the tenth (10th) minute of the first half and one (1) minute of applause will be given in recognition of Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentina national team,” the official bulletin, published under Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia’s leadership, read.

Messi’s international career spanned 21 years since his 2005 debut, during which he made 207 appearances, scored 125 goals and provided 68 assists for Argentina. Over that span, he lifted the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medal, and the 2005 U-20 World Cup.

Fans push to retire the No. 10, but face a regulatory hurdle

The wave of tributes also reignited a request that has circulated among Argentina supporters since Messi’s announcement: retiring the No. 10 jersey permanently in his honor, so no player ever wears it for the national team again.

The idea would leave the number forever associated with both Messi and Diego Maradona, the two players most responsible fThe request runs into the same obstacle that blocked it once before.

FIFA regulations require official squad lists for tournaments like the World Cup and Copa America to use consecutive numbering from 1 to 26, with a number assigned to every player on the roster, meaning the No. 10 cannot simply be shelved.or turning it into more than just a shirt number.

Argentina already tried this exact move ahead of the 2002 World Cup to honor Maradona, but FIFA rejected the request on those same regulatory grounds, and the number continued to be worn by subsequent generations of players.

Watkins could hardly have asked for a better introduction to his new surroundings. The 30-year-old came off the bench at half-time and scored on his Al-Hilal debut in a 3-0 victory over Al-Ahli, heading home Sultan Mandash’s cross at the back post in the 86th minute. The result also maintained the Blue Waves’ perfect start to the domestic campaign. Simone Inzaghi’s side has collected 12 points from its opening four matches.

Meanwhile, Watkins immediately gave supporters a glimpse of what he could bring to a squad packed with established European talent. His move to Saudi Arabia brought an end to an impressive six-year spell at Aston Villa. He left the club having scored 108 goals in 278 appearances, including 91 Premier League goals, making him Villa’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.

The England international also joined a star-studded Al-Hilal squad featuring Crysencio Summerville, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Theo Hernandez and Yassine Bounou. The club is set to add Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli in the coming days, underlining the level of ambition surrounding the Saudi side.

Watkins explained that his decision to join was heavily influenced by what he had seen from Al-Hilal. “I knew straight away [to join Al-Hilal when the offer came]. I watched the Club World Cup and I saw how well they performed. I always see who’s at the top of the league and they’re always up there,” he said.

The verdict that echoes Ronaldo

It was after the match against Al-Ahli that Watkins offered his assessment of the competition, and his comments were striking given his Premier League background. Rather than describing the Saudi Pro League as a step down, the former Aston Villa striker said its standard was comparable to England’s top flight.

“The level I saw here today was honestly of Premier League quality,” the Englishman told reporters. “The match was very strong physically and demanding, and the quality was extremely high.”

Watkins admitted that the intensity surprised him after arriving in Riyadh. “I didn’t expect it to be like that when I first came onto the pitch. I checked out the pitch before the game. The atmosphere was amazing. The fans were calling my name. Amazing start.”

His assessment closely resembles comments previously made by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has repeatedly defended the quality of the Saudi league since moving to Al-Nassr. In 2024, Ronaldo argued that the competition was already stronger than Ligue 1 and predicted that it would eventually become one of the world’s leading leagues.

Watkins joins growing chorus

The former Villa striker is also not the first Premier League player to make such a claim after moving to Saudi Arabia. Ivan Toney, who plays for Al-Ahli, previously offered a similarly bullish assessment of the competition.

“For me, the Saudi Pro League is on a par with the Premier League,” Toney said. “If Al-Ahli were in the Premier League, we’d give it a good go and we’d be close to the top four. It is a quality league and people should not turn their noses up.”

For Ronaldo, Watkins’ verdict provides another high-profile voice backing up a position he has maintained for years. The growing influx of established European players has also made direct comparisons increasingly interesting, particularly when those players arrive with extensive Premier League experience.

Match Overview

The duel between Toluca and Club Leon promises to be intense, with both teams carrying strong momentum in both Liga MX and the 2026 Leagues Cup.

Toluca currently sit in second place in Liga MX, while Leon hold seventh position. However, the Panzas Verdes have put in stronger performances during the Leagues Cup, making this matchup entirely unpredictable.

AS Monaco were in need of a financial injection driven by regulatory compliance, with Balogun positioned as one of the club’s prized assets slated for a departure that would have represented a near-record fee for a USMNT player. However, Everton nearly pulled the plug on the transaction after flags were raised during Balogun’s initial medical testing.

Even after Everton cleared the move and granted a green light despite the medical reports, Balogun himself ultimately decided against signing with the Toffees. On Wednesday, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro called a press conference to address the failed transfers of the USMNT star and Lamine Camara to Chelsea, alongside the unsuccessful pursuit of Mexican midfielder Erik Lira.

The Brazilian executive opened by detailing the club’s delicate financial standing: “We needed to generate money, pushed by the regulations. We had two topics in mind. We made clear that our priority was to keep Lamine at the club. We were open to the transfer for Balogun.“

Balogun still has Monaco’s doors opened

With Balogun’s deal nearly finalized, there was no necessity for Camara to leave, but the striker’s sudden reversal altered Monaco’s entire deadline-day strategy. “Balogun’s position was, ‘I don’t feel comfortable because of how the situation was handled. I don’t feel comfortable with Everton’s medical department raising questions about my long-term outlook or health. I have no medical issues, so I’m not comfortable committing to a long-term deal here.’ That is how our window concluded,” Scuro added.

With the deadline passing for major European leagues on September 1, Balogun can no longer complete a transfer to another club within Europe’s top five leagues. However, with Monaco still seeking capital and several international transfer windows remaining open, an immediate exit has not been ruled out.

Awaiting Balogun’s return to France from England, Scuro revealed that negotiations remain active: “We still have other markets open, which we are having discussions in different players including Balo. Let’s see what can still happen until Thursday, because we still have markets that have the financial capacity to do something and this is what happened and this is where we are today.“

Currently, the Turkish Super Lig and Saudi Pro League transfer windows remain open, an option for Balogun as reported by ESPN. While specific suitors have not yet been named publicly, matching the €50 million ($58 million USD) valuation agreed upon with Everton remains within the financial scope of clubs in both leagues.

Balogun could make history in the SPL

Cristiano Ronaldo has served as the catalyst for the growth of the Saudi Pro League since his arrival in late 2022, helping attract subsequent stars like former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and World Cup champion N’Golo Kante. A potential move for Balogun, however, would represent a distinct landmark for the league’s recruitment strategy.

To date, no active USMNT international has made the move to the Saudi Pro League, meaning Balogun would become the first American player to join the competition. Signing an established core player from the U.S. national team fresh off a breakout performance at the 2026 World Cup would mark a significant statement for the league.

Milan invested heavily during the summer transfer window, bringing in Goncalo Ramos, Mario Gila, Diego Moreira, Omari Hutchinson and promising youngster Sankhoun Diawara, while also securing young striker Andrej Kostic before sending him on loan. The Rossoneri strengthened several areas of the pitch, spending significant sums to back Ruben Amorim’s project ahead of a campaign that includes Serie A, the Europa League and the Coppa Italia.

Few expected Tomori to remain at San Siro after a summer in which he was repeatedly linked with Fulham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and other Premier League clubs. The defender even travelled to London on deadline day, but talks with Fulham collapsed, opening the door to a remarkable turnaround.

According to multiple Italian reports, such as La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sky Italia, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Amorim personally called the 28-year-old to inform him that he would be reintegrated into the squad. Tomori, who has consistently rejected offers in recent years, was pleased with the decision, having always preferred to continue his journey at the San Siro.

The former Chelsea defender remains one of the last survivors of Milan’s 2021-22 Scudetto-winning team. His loyalty to the club, combined with injuries and transfer complications, ultimately convinced the Rossoneri hierarchy to bring him back into the fold.

The key concern emerges in the middle of the story

Despite making several additions, Milan finished the transfer window without signing another experienced central defender. Defence remains the area where many supporters believe the squad is still short, especially with a demanding season ahead.

The club explored options such as Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio, Tiago Gabriel of Lecce, and Morato of Nottingham Forest, but none convinced the management enough to complete a deal. Fabrizio Romano eventually suggested that owner Gerry Cardinale, Amorim and the recruitment team agreed that no available player would significantly improve the department.

“We have young defenders who need to play; we won’t solve everything in the first transfer window of my Milan life. Perhaps you’ll be surprised by some players. Everyone wants everything immediately now, but I’m old school; I have patience,” Amorim explained.

Milan place trust in youth and experience

The Portuguese coach believes Milan already has enough options to rotate. Mario Gila, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic, Matteo Gabbia, Tomori, Diawara and teenage prospect Vladimirov are expected to share responsibilities throughout the season. Diawara, who arrived from Troyes, is viewed as one of the club’s most promising talents.

Vladimirov, born in 2008, is another player highly rated by Amorim, although neither has extensive senior experience. That strategy comes with risks. Injuries to key players such as Gabbia have already highlighted how thin the depth can become, particularly with European football returning to San Siro.

According to Argentine transfer market expert Cesar Luis Merlo, the 22-year-old Allen will leave Inter Miami and join Eastern Conference rival Chicago Fire for a fee of $3 million. The move comes as Chicago bolster their backline ahead of a playoff push, also bringing in Norwegian international Andreas Hanche-Olsen from Mainz 05 in the same window.

Currently third in the Eastern Conference with 37 points, Chicago are on track for a second-straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance and are counting on Allen’s championship experience to help them make a deep postseason run.

Ruiz, a Honduran international, is heading to New York Red Bulls on loan for the remainder of the 2026 season with an option to buy. The midfielder skipped training with Inter Miami on Tuesday and traveled to New York to begin working immediately under head coach Michael Bradley.

The departures raise questions about Inter Miami’s depth just as the club manages injury issues and defensive shortcomings elsewhere on the roster. Despite a standout performance from Messi, who scored four goals in a blowout 7-1 win over CF Montreal, the Herons will now have to navigate the remainder of the season without two players who had featured prominently in their squad rotation this year.

Allen and Ruiz’s numbers at Inter Miami

Allen leaves Inter Miami as a product of the club’s own academy, having made his first-team debut in 2022 after coming through the Inter Miami CF II pathway. Across his four seasons with the first team, the defender tallied 133 appearances in all competitions — 98 of them in MLS — contributing 2 goals and 8 assists, while helping the club win the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

Allen also holds the distinction of being Inter Miami’s all-time appearance leader, having surpassed goalkeeper Drake Callender’s previous record of 118 games earlier this year.

Ruiz, who also progressed through Inter Miami’s system before making his senior debut in 2022, made 82 appearances for the first team across all competitions, 61 of them in MLS, scoring 4 goals and adding 3 assists. The Honduran midfielder was also part of the squad that won two titles before his loan move to the Red Bulls.

With the secondary transfer window closing Wednesday, September 2, Inter Miami have remained active in the market. The Herons previously announced the addition of winger Riquelme Fillipi from Palmeiras, and the South Florida club is now finalizing another key South American addition to its central rotation.

According to transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo, Inter Miami have completed an agreement to sign Galarza from Argentine side River Plate. The deal is structured as a year-long loan through June 2027, incorporating a conditional mandatory purchase clause tied to performance metrics.

Per Merlo’s reporting, the purchase clause triggers if Galarza features in 66 percent or more of Inter Miami‘s official matches during the loan spell. Activating the option would require the MLS side to pay a $3 million fee for 50 percent of the Paraguayan midfielder’s rights, with River Plate retaining the remaining share.

The move addresses midfield depth following the departure of David Ruiz to Red Bull New York, which the club announced earlier in the day. Red Bull New York acquired Ruiz on loan through the remainder of the 2026 MLS season with a purchase option, with Inter Miami receiving $75,000 in 2027 General Allocation Money (GAM) in return.

The transfer sets up Galarza’s first opportunity to play alongside Messi, despite both features across MLS and CONMEBOL competition previously. During a brief loan stint with Atlanta United earlier in 2026, Galarza never crossed paths with Messi on the field, and he remained an unused substitute during Paraguay’s World Cup qualifying fixtures against Argentina in 2023 and 2024.

Galarza’s standout World Cup campaign

Galarza previously fell out of favor at River Plate due to inconsistent form, leading to an initial loan move to Atlanta United in early 2026. However, the midfielder re-established his profile with a standout campaign for Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.

After sitting out Paraguay’s opening match against the USMNT, manager Gustavo Alfaro inserted Galarza into the starting XI for Matchday 2, where he scored the game-winning goal in the second minute against Turkey. He followed that performance by winning six tackles in a scoreless draw against Australia, helping Paraguay advance out of Group D.

Galarza delivered another key moment in the Round of 32, assisting Julio Enciso’s opener in a 1-1 draw against Germany before converting his attempt in the subsequent penalty shootout victory. Though Paraguay’s tournament run ended with a 1-0 defeat to France in the Round of 16, Galarza emerged from the competition as one of the national team’s top individual performers.

The 2026 World Cup cycle has reshaped the international calendar, with FIFA implementing an extended autumn window that allows national teams to schedule up to four matches between late September and early October. Under contract through December 2026, Scaloni remains at the helm to oversee Argentina‘s transition period into the new international cycle.

According to reporting from ESPN Argentina insider Federico Bueno, Scaloni will formally present his 26-man roster to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) this Sunday. While Scaloni has managed individual matches without Messi in the past, this submission represents the first official squad selection where the Inter Miami star is permanently unavailable.

Argentina’s tour in China collapses

Initial plans called for Argentina to travel to Asia for a high-profile tour featuring a friendly against China‘s national team, but negotiations stalled after Chinese organizers insisted on guarantees regarding Messi’s participation. Following the legendary forward’s official departure from international duty, discussions between the parties completely dissolved.

Journalistic reports indicate that Argentina will instead play their upcoming slate of friendlies on home soil, though official opponents have not yet been formally confirmed by the federation. While the expanded FIFA window allows for up to four fixtures, the AFA currently has three matches finalized on the calendar.

Two of the host venues are set for the capital city of Buenos Aires, with River Plate’s El Monumental and Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera serving as primary sites. The third match is expected to be hosted in an interior province, with a potential fourth fixture slated for the same regional venue.

Which 2026 World Cup finalists will be missing?

The AFA executive board and Scaloni are yet to meet to determine whether the manager will sign an extension through the next cycle or step aside. In the interim, Scaloni must establish the core of a revamped roster moving toward the 2030 tournament, with several marquee figures from the 2026 World Cup final squad set to be absent.

The most prominent omission is naturally Messi, whose announcement on Monday ended a legendary 20-year career with the senior national team. Another crucial leadership void comes in central defense following Nicolas Otamendi‘s decision to step away from international play, which he confirmed prior to the summer tournament.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes also cast doubt on his international future, acknowledging that “it’s going to be difficult to continue“ following Messi’s departure. Questions also surround Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who moved to Major League Soccer to team up with Messi ahead of the World Cup, as the physical demands of another cycle leave his status uncertain heading toward 2030, when he will be 36 years old.

“No, I don’t understand it. In the end, we all have our dreams. I think Julian was also clear about that. He fought for his dreams, but in the end there were also other external situations you can’t control,” Olmo said, adding that the club has already moved past the matter. “As I said before, life goes on. This doesn’t stop anything. We personally have a great year ahead of us, for sure”.

Alvarez‘s proposed move to Barcelona collapsed after Atletico refused to sanction a sale, prompting the Catalan club to pivot late in the window and sign Gabriel Jesus instead.

Despite months of speculation surrounding his future, the Argentine forward remains an Atletico player and is set to continue at the club at least through the January transfer window.

The saga sparked visible tension among sections of Atletico’s fanbase, with supporters publicly airing their frustration over the club’s handling of the situation. Still, Olmo’s comments suggest the episode hasn’t disrupted the mood inside Barcelona‘s dressing room as the squad turns its attention to the new season.

Olmo praises Alvarez despite failed move

Olmo also praised the Argentine forward directly, calling him one of the best in his position in the world despite the transfer falling through. “Julian is a great player, a great No. 9, without a doubt one of the best in the world. That’s football — some things happen, and others don’t. Life continues,” he said.

The midfielder also pointed to Barcelona’s business elsewhere this summer as reason for optimism regardless of the missed opportunity. “The club has done a magnificent job and has reinforced the squad in spectacular fashion,” he added.

Barcelona set their sights on the Champions League

Olmo’s comments echoed those made a day earlier by teammate Lamine Yamal, who had already set the tone for Barcelona’s ambitions this season by pointing to the UEFA Champions League as a priority target.

He backed that stance, highlighting the club’s recent domestic dominance and desire to translate that success onto the European stage. “Our goal is to win everything, like we always have. We’ve had two years of a lot of success domestically, and now we also want it at the European level,” he said, acknowledging that rivals have also strengthened significantly but insisting Barcelona’s squad has enough depth to compete at full throttle.

“I always dreamed to be in a club as big as Manchester City,” Fernandez said, via Fabrizio Romano. “This is a dream move for me. I’m really happy“. The comments were widely read as a subtle dig at his former club Chelsea, given the implication that City carries a stature Chelsea does not.

The transfer, worth a Premier League record-equalling £125 million (€140m), ends months of speculation over Fernandez’s future and closes the book on his three-and-a-half-year spell at Chelsea.

The move also cements Fernandez’s place among the sport’s biggest earners in transfer volume. Having generated €310.25 million across his three paid transfers — from River Plate to Benfica for €44.25 million, then to Chelsea for €121 million, and now to City for €145 million — the midfielder has passed Cristiano Ronaldo’s €247 million career total to sit third on the all-time list, trailing only Romelu Lukaku (€375.9 million) and record-holder Neymar, whose €400 million tally remains well out of reach.

Fernandez opens up on an emotional decision

Fernandez went further in his first interview with the club, opening up about what the move means to him beyond football. Speaking just hours after putting pen to paper, the 25-year-old reflected on the weight of the transfer for himself and those closest to him.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity. It’s a very emotional moment for me and my family, to take this step at 25 years old, in a football career that I always dreamed of,” he said.

The midfielder also revealed how quickly he made up his mind once City’s interest became concrete, despite the magnitude of leaving a club he’d called home for three and a half years.

According to Fernandez, there was no hesitation once the approach came in. “From the first day they believed in me and called me to say they wanted me to join the club, I didn’t hesitate for a second,” he said.

He rounded out his comments by pointing to City’s recent dominance under Pep Guardiola as a driving factor behind the move, framing the challenge as a natural next step in his career. “It’s a club that has won a lot in recent years. It’s a club that is making history in football and, for me, it’s a huge challenge,” Fernandez added.

Talks between the two clubs have advanced quickly in recent days, with paperwork already exchanged and the player having taken an important step toward completing the move. Fillipi has signed the necessary documents, leaving administrative formalities and his move to the United States as the main remaining hurdles.

According to Globo.com, Palmeiras and Inter Miami have been working toward finalizing the agreement after negotiations progressed during the final stages of the transfer window. The Brazilian teenager is expected to sign a four-year contract, provided the remaining MLS procedures are completed.

Fillipi still needs to obtain a visa before he can travel to the United States, with his representatives estimating that the process could take around 10 days. MLS administrative clearance is also required before the transfer can officially be completed and the youngster can begin his new chapter in Miami.

The winger has spent the last few years developing at Palmeiras after joining the club at Under-15 level in 2021. Although he has struggled to establish himself as a regular senior player under Abel Ferreira, his performances in the youth ranks have made him one of the more interesting prospects in the club’s system.

The twist: The structure of the transfer

The most interesting element of the agreement is the structure of the transfer, Globo.com reports. Inter Miami will reportedly acquire 60% of Fillipi’s economic rights for between $5.5 million and $6 million, while Palmeiras will retain the remaining 40%.

That arrangement gives Palmeiras a continued financial interest in the teenager’s future, particularly if Fillipi develops rapidly and eventually attracts another major transfer. For Inter Miami, meanwhile, the deal represents a significant investment in a player who could provide both attacking quality and future resale value.

Fillipi’s arrival would fit Inter Miami’s growing interest in young South American talent. The club has built a squad around established stars, but adding a 19-year-old prospect provides another route toward strengthening the team for the longer term.

Promising record at youth level

Fillipi’s biggest credentials come from his time with Palmeiras’ Under-20 side. He scored 23 goals and supplied four assists in 42 appearances during his standout 2025 campaign, demonstrating the attacking instincts that convinced Inter Miami to make a substantial investment.

His senior experience, however, remains relatively limited. Fillipi made two first-team appearances in 2025 and featured nine times in 2026, while continuing to move between Ferreira’s senior squad and the Under-20 team.

He has managed two goals and one assist in 12 senior and youth appearances during 2026, but his limited role with the first team meant that Palmeiras became increasingly open to a departure when interest arrived.

As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic on Tuesday, August 1, Manchester City and Chelsea reached an agreement for the transfer of Enzo Fernandez for £125 million (€145 million / $169 million USD). The move elevates Fernandez into a tie for the fourth-most expensive individual transfer in soccer history alongside Alexander Isak following his move from Newcastle United to Liverpool.

Despite Chelsea’s previous £120 million valuation window expiring earlier in the summer, head coach Enzo Maresca, who maintains a strong relationship with the midfielder, pushed aggressively to finalize the deal. Manchester City accelerated negotiations to lock down the signing, formally introducing him across their social channels on Tuesday night.

Manchester City will become Fernandez’s fifth professional club, though only three of his moves required transfer payments. A product of the River Plate academy, Benfica acquired the midfielder for €44.25 million in July 2022 before Chelsea paid €121 million to bring him to England in January 2023. Manchester City’s latest outlay of €145 million pushes his cumulative transfer volume to €310.25 million ($360.6 million USD).

Enzo Fernandez surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo’s mark

Cristiano Ronaldo once held the title of the most expensive transfer in soccer history following his landmark 2009 move from Manchester United to Real Madrid. While Neymar eventually claimed that record, Fernandez’s latest move allows the 25-year-old playmaker to pass the Portuguese legend in career transfer volume.

Rising through Sporting CP’s youth system, Manchester United signed Ronaldo for €19 million in 2003 before Real Madrid shattered the global transfer record by paying €94 million in 2009. Juventus made a blockbuster €117 million move to acquire him in 2018, and Manchester United paid €17 million to secure his return in 2021.

Ronaldo’s subsequent move to Al Nassr in December 2022 occurred as a free agent following his contract termination with Manchester United, meaning no transfer fee was exchanged. Across five paid transfers, Ronaldo generated €247 million ($286.5 million USD) in fees, a mark now passed by Fernandez following his arrival at Etihad Stadium.

Neymar remains firmly in the top spot

Neymar‘s 2017 move from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain set the record for the highest transfer fee ever paid for a soccer player when the French club activated his €222 million ($257.5 million USD) buyout clause. That figure remains untouched at the top of the single-transfer leaderboard and is unlikely to be challenged in the immediate future. Combined with his other moves, the Brazilian icon stands comfortably clear atop the career transfer volume rankings.

After breaking through at Santos, Barcelona acquired Neymar for €88 million in 2013, followed by his €222 million move to PSG and a subsequent €90 million transfer to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Although his 2025 return to Santos was completed on a free transfer, Neymar has generated €400 million ($464 million USD) in cumulative transfer fees throughout his career.

Second place on the all-time career list belongs to Romelu Lukaku, who has accumulated €375.92 million ($436.1 million USD) across 10 career transfers, headlined by Chelsea’s €113 million acquisition from Inter Milan in 2021. The Belgian forward is followed by Fernandez’s €310.25 million tally, with Ronaldo holding fourth at €247 million.

Top 5 players with the most money moved in transfer fees

The 2026 World Cup marked the end of an era for the Albiceleste roster, with Nicolas Otamendi and Messi, the final remaining holdovers from the 2014 World Cup squad in Brazil, officially stepping away. Another pressing question centers on who will steer the national team project toward the 2030 World Cup, given that Scaloni’s existing deal runs through December 2026.

The upcoming autumn international window approaches with national teams scheduled to play up to 4 games across late September and October. November will bring another FIFA window, which could represent Scaloni’s final matches in charge unless an extension is finalized, though his succession plan for the No. 10 shirt is already set.

According to reporting from ESPN Argentina insider Federico Bueno, Scaloni has chosen midfielder Nico Paz to take over the No. 10 jersey for the national team. It will mark the first time the playmaker wears the number for the senior team, having donned No. 18 since his initial call-up.

Following Messi’s announcement, several established stars were pitched as candidates for the shirt, including consolidated starters Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister. However, Scaloni’s long-term bet for the post-Messi era rests on Paz taking the mantle if the manager signs his contract renewal.

Across 11 appearances with Argentina, including two at the 2026 World Cup, Paz wore No. 18 for the national team, mirroring Messi’s initial shirt assignment between 2004 and 2008. The 21-year-old already possesses experience wearing the No. 10 at the club level, having taken the shirt at Como 1907 starting in 2025-26, registering 13 goals and seven assists across 42 matches while powering the Italian side to UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time in club history.

Messi passes the baton after 17 years

Back on March 28, 2009, during Diego Maradona’s managerial debut, Lionel Messi wore Argentina’s No. 10 jersey for the first time, holding exclusive ownership of the shirt whenever available from that moment forward. After 17 years carrying the mantle, the longest stretch by any player in national team history, the Inter Miami star now passes the baton to the next generation.

Messi stands as the all-time leader in matches played as Argentina’s No. 10 with 172 appearances, more than doubling Diego Maradona‘s second-place tally of 85. The top five is rounded out by Ariel Ortega (59 games), Juan Roman Riquelme (29 games), and Marcelo Gallardo (15 caps).

No current player on Argentina squad has worn No. 10

Throughout Messi’s 17-year tenure, only 17 other players ever wore the No. 10 shirt during his rare absences, with Sergio Aguero donning it the most across just seven matches. Out of respect for Messi, the shirt was left unassigned in 28 separate matches, leaving no active player on the current roster with experience wearing it.

Looking at the 25-man roster Scaloni assembled for the 2026 World Cup, not a single player other than Messi has ever worn the shirt for the senior team. The last player outside of Messi to wear it was Franco Mastantuono, but following a dip in form before his loan move to Fiorentina, the midfielder was left off the tournament squad.

On Saturday, Nashville delivered a statement 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati at Geodis Park to extend their lead at the top of the league table. Sam Surridge opened the scoring in the 43rd minute before Hany Mukhtar (53′), Bryan Acosta (89′), and Ahmed Qasem (96′) added second-half strikes to secure all three points, lifting the club to 52 points through 22 matches.

The Vancouver Whitecaps currently serve as Nashville’s closest pursuers with 43 points through 21 matches, meaning the side led by Thomas Muller hold a game in hand to narrow the gap. One point behind Vancouver sit Messi’s Inter Miami, who recently weathered a severe slump during a five-match winless slide that ended over the weekend with a 7-1 rout of CF Montreal.

Nashville’s chances to make history remain alive

Positioned firmly at the top of the 2026 MLS standings, Nashville SC still have 12 regular-season matches remaining, leaving 36 maximum points on the table. While running the table represents an optimistic scenario, their current form and four-match winning streak in league play make a historic finish increasingly plausible.

Inter Miami set the high-water mark for the most points in a single MLS regular season during their 2024 Supporters’ Shield campaign, accumulating 74 points. In Messi’s first full season in North America, he guided the Herons to the title with an extraordinary 22-4-8 record.

To match that mark, Nashville would need to secure 22 points out of the final 36 available, while 23 points would give them sole possession of the all-time single-season scoring record. While mathematically both Vancouver and Inter Miami could still challenge for the Supporters’ Shield, they would need near-flawless runs through Matchday 34 to overtake the pace-setters.

Nashville could also set a defensive record

Beyond their push for the 2026 Supporters’ Shield, Nashville boast the stingiest defense in Major League Soccer, conceding just 17 goals. By comparison, the second-place Whitecaps have allowed 18 goals, while third-place Inter Miami have surrendered a concerning 41 goals. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake has played a central role in that defensive rigidity, earning a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday 23 as the club pursues historical benchmarks.

The current record for the fewest goals conceded in a full MLS regular season belongs to Real Salt Lake, who allowed just 20 goals during the 2010 campaign. While that record was set during a 30-match schedule, conceding three or fewer goals over their final 12 fixtures would solidify Nashville as one of the most elite defensive units in modern MLS history.

Barcelona hijacked Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri. While the Blaugrana already possessed a star-studded midfield, the addition of the former Manchester City anchor significantly reinforces their core.

With manager Hansi Flick boasting an abundance of midfield options, the front office decided to trim the squad. Among those affected is Marc Casado, who has been sent on loan to Deportivo La Coruna for the 2026–27 season.

Barcelona aim to keep Marc Casado close

Sending Marc Casado on loan makes strategic sense for Barcelona right now. Rodri is set to be the undisputed starter once he finds his rhythm, leaving little expected playing time for the La Masia prospect this season.

However, loaning him to another Spanish club is a clear indication that Barcelona want Casado to gain regular playing time and return with valuable LaLiga experience in 2027 to fight for a place on the roster.

Although the loan agreement includes an option-to-buy clause, many analysts believe Casado could still figure into Hansi Flick’s long-term midfield plans, especially with key veterans like Rodri and Frenkie de Jong both past the age of 29.

The stat resurfaced this week as clubs and fans across Argentine football paid tribute to Messi following his retirement announcement from the national team, with River among those honoring his legacy.

Across 28 appearances at the Monumental, spanning two decades of World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, Messi finished with 22 wins and six draws, never once suffering a defeat on that ground. He also found the net 19 times in that stretch, further cementing the Monumental as one of the most fruitful stages of his international career.

The gesture reflected the broader wave of tributes that followed Messi’s retirement letter, in which he described the decision as one that “hurt and still hurts the soul,” while thanking teammates, coaches and fans for two decades of shared history with the Albiceleste.

Every Messi match with Argentina at the Monumental

Messi’s trophy haul with Argentina

Messi’s international career with Argentina was defined not just by numbers, but by six major titles across youth and senior level. He won the U-20 World Cup in 2005 and Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games with Argentina’s youth sides, laying the foundation for what was to come with the senior national team.

As an adult, he added four more to that tally: the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the 2024 Copa America. Those six trophies, combined with his unbeaten record at the Monumental, round out a legacy that stands as the most decorated in Argentine football history.

On Monday, Barcelona hosted Rayo Vallecano on Matchday 3 of the 2026-27 La Liga campaign at Spotify Camp Nou, securing a convincing 5-2 victory behind the teenager’s display. Delivering a thunderous strike in the 21st minute followed by a clinical finish in the 90th minute, Yamal completed a brace for the hosts, bringing his career total to 51 goals in a Barcelona shirt.

At 19 years and 49 days old, Lamine Yamal stands as the youngest player to reach the 50-goal milestone for FC Barcelona, accomplishing the feat in 154 official appearances. Highlighting his influence across European football, he also became the youngest player to record 50 first-team goals across Europe’s top five leagues, spanning La Liga, the Premier League, the Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1.

This landmark achievement sees Yamal eclipse Lionel Messi’s pace to 50 goals for Barcelona. The Argentine legend reached 50 goals for the club at 21 years and 120 days old, though Messi accomplished the milestone in fewer matches, needing just 118 official appearances.

The historical record, however, was previously held by iconic forward Josep Escola. The Spaniard set the club benchmark back in 1935, hitting the 50-goal mark for FC Barcelona at 20 years and 356 days old, a record that stood for nearly a century before Yamal’s arrival.

Lamine Yamal’s goal breakdown

Equipped with elite dynamic dribbling, Yamal’s primary responsibility at FC Barcelona extends far beyond pure goalscoring, focusing heavily on playmaking duties where he actually boasts more career assists than goals (52 assists to 51 goals) across 154 matches. Nevertheless, over recent seasons, his finishing production has increased exponentially.

After making a single appearance in 2022-23, his initial goals arrived during the 2023-24 campaign, concluding with seven goals as a 16-year-old. He established himself as a central star during the 2024-25 season with 18 goals, before exploding in 2025-26 with a career-high 24 goals for the Blaugrana. Now, with two goals already under his belt in 2026-27, Yamal remains positioned to push his ceiling even higher.

• 2022-23: 0 goals in 1 game
• 2023-24: 7 goals in 50 games
• 2024-25: 18 goals in 55 games
• 2025-26: 24 goals in 45 games
• 2026-27: 2 goals in 3 games

Lamine Yamal’s road to Messi’s 100th goal record

Having established the mark as the youngest player to reach 50 goals at Barcelona, the next major milestone on the horizon is the century mark. Unlike the 50-goal record, the benchmark for the youngest player to 100 goals for Barcelona is held directly by Lionel Messi.

Messi broke the previous standard set by Mariano Martin, who reached 100 goals at 24 years and 3 months old, by a significant margin. Accelerating his goalscoring pace to become the dominant player in world football, the Argentine reached 100 goals for Barcelona in his 188th official match at just 22 years and 206 days old. With a runway of nearly three years to match that age, Yamal remains well-positioned to challenge that record as well.

Unlike the captaincy, which typically falls to the most senior or respected figure in the dressing room and now looks set to go to Cristian Romero, the No. 10 carries a different kind of weight in Argentine football, tied directly to the legacies of Diego Maradona and now Messi himself. Whoever wears it next won’t just be filling a number on the roster, they’ll be stepping into a symbol that carries decades of history and expectation.

Several established figures within the current squad could realistically be handed the shirt. Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister both carry significant weight in the dressing room and have been core pieces of this Argentina cycle, while Thiago Almada has continued to develop into an increasingly important creative option for Scaloni.

Nico Paz, still just breaking into the senior squad, rounds out the list as a longer-term bet given his familiarity with the number at club level with Como. There’s also the possibility that Scaloni opts to hold off entirely, letting the number sit without a clear owner for a stretch while the new-look Argentina finds its footing in the post-Messi era.

Who wore the 10 when Messi wasn’t there

The most direct precedent dates back to September 2025, when Franco Mastantuono wore the No. 10 shirt in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Ecuador, with Messi left out of that squad entirely.

Going back more than a decade, several others have worn the No. 10 for Argentina whenever Messi wasn’t available:

“Everton medical staff believe he’s not 100% fit,” Romano reported, citing information from journalist Fabrice Hawkins. The concerns raised by Everton’s medical team threaten to derail a deal that had appeared close to being finalized just days before the transfer window’s closure.

Monaco and Balogun’s camp, however, have pushed back against Everton‘s assessment, insisting the striker is fully fit and ready to play, with no issues on their end. The disagreement leaves the transfer in a state of uncertainty as both sides try to reach a resolution before time runs out.

The deal, believed to be worth around €45 million in a fixed fee with a further €5 million in potential add-ons, would have reunited Balogun with the Premier League after his spell at Monaco, where he arrived following his departure from Arsenal.

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Everton and Monaco now face a race against the clock to either resolve the medical dispute or see the move collapse entirely.

Everton need a center-forward as soon as possible

Everton’s situation up front only raises the stakes on resolving the medical dispute quickly. The club sold Beto to Fiorentina in a permanent deal worth around £17 million as the transfer window winds down, leaving Thierno Barry as their only center-forward.

With that in mind, Everton have already reached out to Manchester United to inquire about Joshua Zirkzee as a contingency plan should the Balogun deal ultimately fall through, according to Romano.

The decision on any potential move rests with United, who have already turned down approaches from Italian clubs over the past 48 hours. Everton are also said to be in direct contact with Zirkzee’s camp, per journalist Alan Myers, as they explore every available option before the transfer window closes.

After netting a brace against Rayo Vallecano, Yamal attended the Spanish Footballers Association (AFE) awards gala at Florida Park in Madrid. There, his peers voted him La Liga Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season, marking the second consecutive campaign in which the teenage star claimed the honor.

Speaking to reporters at the event, Yamal was asked about the collapsed Alvarez pursuit and whether he would have welcomed the World Cup winner to Camp Nou: “Well, I think right now we’re doing very well. You can see it. We aren’t lacking goals. Obviously Julian is a great player, but I’m very happy with the squad we have.“

The early statistical returns support Yamal’s confidence, as Barcelona lead La Liga in scoring despite navigating the opening fixtures without a traditional starting No. 9. Following a 5-0 victory over Elche, a 2-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, and a 5-2 result against Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona have racked up 12 goals to outpace Real Madrid’s tally of 10.

Head coach Hansi Flick has deployed Raphinha in a fluid central role rather than a fixed target man, partnering him with Anthony Gordon on the left flank and Yamal on the right. When asked whether Barcelona or Real Madrid boast the superior front three, Yamal offered a direct response: “That’s not our competition, we want to win everything,” the 19-year-old stated.

Lamine Yamal changes position on Alvarez

While Alvarez remained on Barcelona’s radar for months, transfer speculation intensified during the 2026 World Cup when the forward publicly expressed a desire to “fulfill his dream,” signaling an intent to leave Atletico Madrid. At the time, Yamal spoke openly about the prospect of teaming up with the Argentine.

“Right now I’m not thinking about it much, but I hope so, because he is a great player. If he comes, we will welcome him with open arms because he will be coming to the best club in the world, to the best fanbase in the world, and to the best city in the world for me,” Yamal told Cadena SER during the initial speculation.

Barcelona’s attack composition

Barcelona navigated significant frontline turnover after parting ways with several focal points from last season’s roster, including Robert Lewandowski (who joined Chicago Fire as a free agent), Ferran Torres (transferred to PSG in a €55 million / $63.8 million USD deal), and Marcus Rashford (who returned to Manchester United following his loan spell). In response, manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco orchestrated an aggressive retooling of the attack.

Barcelona secured high-profile moves for Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €29 million ($33.6 million USD) fee, adding versatile wide attackers capable of playing across the line. As the deadline approached and Atletico held firm on Alvarez, Barcelona secured Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus in a €10 million ($11.6 million USD) deal to provide a proven central option.

What will happen to Julian Alvarez?

Julian Alvarez pushed for an exit from Atletico Madrid, attracting inquiries from top European sides including PSG and Arsenal, but the forward prioritized a move to Barcelona while dismissing a return to England. With the window shutting without an agreement, Alvarez will remain with Atletico, who have already reinforced their frontline.

The Colchoneros officially announced the acquisition of Canadian international Jonathan David from Juventus on a season-long loan for 2026-27. Featuring a €25 million ($29 million USD) purchase option, David joins Alexander Sorloth and Alvarez in Diego Simeone’s forward rotation, though long-term questions remain regarding the Argentine’s future.

Alvarez will remain at Atletico Madrid for the immediate future, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggests he maintains a desire to join FC Barcelona down the line. Having been left out of the starting lineup in two of Atletico’s opening matches amid friction with the fanbase, his role under Simeone will be closely monitored as the season unfolds.

The milestone arrived during Barcelona’s meeting with Rayo Vallecano, where Yamal once again showed why expectations around him have become so enormous. With the defending La Liga champions chasing another victory, the 19-year-old produced a moment of individual brilliance that immediately sent his name into the history books.

Hansi Flick’s players fell behind early when Sergio Camello opened the scoring for Rayo, but Raphinha quickly restored parity. Just two minutes after the Brazilian’s equalizer, Yamal took center stage.

With Barcelona’s build-up initially looking crowded around the edge of the penalty area, one touch from Yamal created the space he needed. The winger cut inside onto his left foot before firing an unstoppable effort into the near top corner, giving the home side a 2-1 lead.

The finish was spectacular, but its significance went far beyond the scoreline. Yamal had reached 50 goals for the Blaugrana at only 19 years and 49 days old, breaking a long-standing club record previously held by one of Barcelona’s greatest legends.

Yamal breaks Messi’s Barcelona record

For years, Lionel Messi represented the benchmark for young Barcelona players, but Yamal has now moved ahead of the Argentine when it comes to reaching 50 goals for the Catalan club. Messi did not reach the milestone until he was 21 years and 120 days old, meaning Yamal has achieved it almost two years earlier.

The teenager has also moved beyond several other Barcelona icons. Josep Escola reached 50 goals at 20 years and 356 days, while Neymar did so at 23 and Ronaldo at 26, underlining just how extraordinary Yamal’s early production has been.

But the record becomes even more impressive when the comparison expands beyond Barcelona. Yamal is now the youngest player in the history of Europe’s top five leagues to score 50 goals, surpassing both Mbappe and Haaland.

Mbappe and Haaland are left behind

Mbappe had previously established himself as one of the most prolific teenagers in European soccer, reaching 50 goals at 19 years and 241 days. Haaland, meanwhile, reached the same mark at 20 years and 196 days, but neither could match the speed of Yamal’s rise.

Barcelona’s official account highlighted the significance of the achievement after the game: “Lamine Yamal has become the youngest player in the history of Europe’s top five leagues to reach 50 goals, surpassing the figures of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.”

Yamal’s numbers at the same age make the comparison even more striking. At 19 years and around 50 days, the Spaniard has accumulated 58 goals and 56 assists, compared with Mbappe’s 31 goals and 21 assists and Haaland’s 21 goals and six assists at the same stage. Reaching 50 goals might have been enough for most players to celebrate, but Yamal had more to give.

He scored again late in the match to complete his brace and take his Barcelona tally to 51 goals, helping his side secure an emphatic 5-2 victory. Raphinha also scored twice as Barcelona maintained its perfect start to the 2026-27 La Liga campaign. The result moved the defending champion to the top of the table with three victories from three matches.

The resolution comes after Atletico dug in and refused to negotiate with Barcelona, while Alvarez himself also rejected the idea of a return to the Premier League with Arsenal wanting the striker.

As a result, Diego Simeone will continue to count on the Argentine for the first half of the season, with Alvarez already back training alongside his teammates as he looks to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, after a limited start to the campaign that included just a handful of minutes in the draw with Villarreal.

Beyond fighting for his place on the pitch, Alvarez will also need to navigate a strained relationship with a section of the fanbase, who booed him during his last appearance and unveiled banners at the Metropolitano calling for his exit.

Looking ahead to the next transfer window, Atletico have set their asking price for the forward at €150 million, with the added condition that they won’t sell him to a direct rival like Barcelona.

Barcelona’s move for Gabriel Jesus

With Alvarez off the table, Barcelona moved quickly elsewhere, agreeing a deal with Arsenal for Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan club will pay around €10 million to sign the former Manchester City striker, who is expected to travel to Spain in the coming hours to undergo a medical and finalize his contract.

For Arsenal, the pursuit of Alvarez ultimately came up empty, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Barcelona, meanwhile, wasted no time pivoting to Gabriel Jesus once it became clear Alvarez wasn’t walking through the door, wrapping up their own search for a new No. 9 just as their rivals for his signature moved on.

With Julian Alvarez staying at Atletico Madrid, Barcelona were forced to explore other options in the transfer market for a center forward. Over in the Premier League, Arsenal were willing to part ways with Gabriel Jesus, making Barcelona an ideal destination for the striker.

On Tuesday, Gabriel Jesus spoke to the media regarding his move to the club. The Brazilian expressed his excitement about joining Barcelona, while acknowledging that it will be a challenge to break into an already dominant starting lineup.

“I haven’t come here to improve the team because they’re f***ing great,” Jesus said during his press conference. “(Laughs) Sorry, they’re really great—I’ve just come here to help.”

Gabriel Jesus aims to regain top form at FC Barcelona

Recent seasons have been challenging for Gabriel Jesus. Struggling with injuries and inconsistent form, the Brazilian has found it difficult to replicate the level of performance he displayed at Manchester City that initially prompted Arsenal to sign him.

However, things could take a turn for the better in Barcelona. While he understands that a starting spot is far from guaranteed, Barcelona’s demanding schedule should offer him plenty of rotational minutes without the intense pressure that comes with being an undisputed starter.

Currently, Raphinha has been operating as a false nine, with Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon occasionally rotating through the central attack. Gabriel Jesus now gives manager Hansi Flick a natural option off the bench—a player who knows the position intimately and can afford Raphinha much-needed rest during a long campaign.

Pulisic has been working his way back from an injury suffered during the United States’ 2026 World Cup campaign. The problem was described as bone edema at the tibiofibular joint of his right leg, which kept him sidelined before he returned to team training in August.

Although the injury itself has now been resolved, his match fitness remains a concern. Pulisic spent the entire 2-0 victory over Venezia on the bench, with Milan choosing to manage his workload rather than rush him back into competitive action.

Milan manager Ruben Amorim explained the decision after the Venezia victory. “He possesses immense talent. I simply have to manage my players’ workloads, and at this moment, we need to win. Therefore, it’s challenging for Pulisic to find playing time, but he remains an incredibly important player for us.”

The comments underline Pulisic’s importance to Milan despite his lack of involvement so far this season. The American remains viewed as a first-team regular, but the club appears determined to make sure his return is gradual rather than risking another setback.

Pulisic’s expected timeline for Juventus

The next major opportunity comes against Juventus in Turin, but Pulisic is not expected to start Sunday’s clash. The expectation is that he could finally receive some minutes from the bench, potentially featuring during the second half as he continues to rebuild his sharpness.

Corriere dello Sport reports that Pulisic would be closely monitored during Milan’s training week. The 27-year-old is eager to make his official return and will be assessed throughout the week before Amorim decides how much responsibility he can handle.

That makes Juventus a particularly interesting destination for his comeback. Pulisic missed a penalty in the Rossoneri’s away meeting with Juventus last season, and the American will have an opportunity to put that difficult moment behind him if he gets onto the pitch this time.

Why Milan is desperate to have him back

Pulisic’s importance has increased following Rafael Leao’s departure, with the American now possessing the highest combined goals and assists tally among Milan’s current attacking options. His ability to operate from either flank also gives Amorim valuable flexibility when deciding how to structure the attack.

The competition behind the striker remains fierce, with Adrien Rabiot, Alphadjo Cisse, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alexis Saelemaekers, Diego Moreira and Omari Hutchinson all capable of occupying attacking roles. However, Pulisic’s previous production means he is expected to push strongly for a starting position once he reaches full fitness.

Milan have begun the season positively with victories over Torino and Venezia, while Juventus have also won their opening two matches against Frosinone and Parma without conceding. The meeting in Turin therefore represents an early heavyweight test, even if Pulisic’s role is likely to remain limited.

Al-Nassr has won each of their opening three league matches and currently has maximum points as they look to build on their title-winning campaign. However, the club’s ability to make further moves in the transfer market is being closely monitored, creating an unusual situation for one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest teams.

According to Saudi outlet Thamanya, Al-Nassr remains under active financial supervision from the Financial Control Committee, with the restrictions linked to the club’s significant financial obligations. Reports have claimed that the club’s debts have reached more than $213 million.

The situation means the club cannot approach new contracts and renewals as freely as other clubs. The club has reportedly completed limited transfer business this summer, with Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa among the additions, while other negotiations have faced greater scrutiny.

The financial restrictions have also reportedly affected contract renewals involving both senior players and academy prospects. That has left the club’s management having to carefully balance its desire to strengthen the squad with the requirements imposed by the authorities.

The rule that could have serious consequences

This is where the situation becomes particularly serious for Ronaldo’s club. Thamanya adds that Al-Nassr might be subject to a three-point punishment or perhaps relegation to the First Division this season if it signs a new contract without first gaining clearance from the Financial Control Committee.

Saudi legal experts and reports have highlighted the potential consequences of bypassing the financial-control process. The restrictions can apply to player and coaching contracts above certain financial thresholds, meaning approval must be secured before the club commits to deals that fall under the regulations.

The possibility of relegation would obviously represent an extraordinary punishment for a club competing for the Saudi Pro League title. Al-Nassr’s perfect start could be dramatically affected if the club were to lose points, while relegation would completely transform the team’s season.

Why the restrictions matter now

The timing creates an additional complication because the Saudi transfer window remains open until October 12, 2026. That gives Al-Nassr more time to strengthen its squad, but every potential agreement must be handled carefully while the financial supervision remains in place.

The club has reportedly explored solutions aimed at improving its financial position, including increasing commercial revenue and restructuring its obligations. Until the Financial Control Committee’s requirements are satisfied, however, the pressure surrounding every new contract will remain.

The restrictions also come as Al-Nassr attempt to maintain a squad capable of competing on several fronts. With Ronaldo leading the attack and the club targeting further domestic success, losing the ability to freely operate in the market could become a significant sporting disadvantage.

The Boca Juniors captain was asked directly about his own future with the Albiceleste in the wake of Messi‘s retirement announcement, and he stopped short of confirming he would continue.

“It’s going to be difficult to continue, for everything I said back then, for the suspension too, for Leo’s decision. I think that with him no longer there, it’s going to be difficult for everything to keep working the same way. So it will probably be a very difficult decision,” Paredes said. The midfielder is also currently serving part of a 10-match FIFA suspension stemming from the incidents in the World Cup final against Spain.

Paredes also opened up on how the team first learned of Messi’s decision, revealing the captain had discussed the possibility privately during the final days of the World Cup.

“He had been honest with us there, when we were in the final days of the World Cup, that the final was probably going to be his last match. We obviously knew, but we weren’t prepared for that,” Paredes continued, adding that Messi’s legacy would endure regardless of what comes next for the rest of the squad.

Paredes on the standard Messi’s generation leaves behind

Paredes further explained that the bar set by this generation of players makes it hard to imagine matching those same standards going forward, especially without Messi in the squad.

“The bar is very high. We left the bar very high, and continuing to compete that way, continuing to achieve important things, is going to be difficult,” Paredes explained. “In this process, we managed to form an incredible group of players and people, and in that group we had our leader, who was Leo. He’s not there anymore, so it’s going to be very difficult. I’ll talk with the coach, we’ll see what decision to make, but it’s going to be difficult“.

Whether Paredes ultimately decides to stay or step away, his comments reflect the broader uncertainty now surrounding Argentina’s squad as it heads into a new cycle without Messi.

With Scaloni still weighing his own future and several veterans reportedly reconsidering their international careers, the Albiceleste’s next chapter looks set to bring plenty of change in the months ahead.

As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester City and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Enzo Fernandez for a fee of £125 million (€145 million / $169 million USD). Personal terms are fully locked in, with Fernandez undergoing his medical examinations to finalize the deal on transfer deadline day.

Fernandez will sign a five-year contract running through June 2031, positioning him as a central building block in Manchester City’s midfield reconfiguration. The Argentine’s relationship with head coach Enzo Maresca proved to be a decisive factor in pushing the deal over the finish line, even after Chelsea’s previous £120 million valuation window expired earlier in the summer.

The £125 million price tag also establishes Fernandez as the most expensive Argentine player in history, eclipsing his own benchmark. Back in January 2023, Chelsea triggered his €120 million release clause to acquire him from Benfica, and just three years later, the Blues have managed to turn a substantial profit on the 25-year-old playmaker.

Enzo Fernandez to stand as fourth-most expensive soccer signing

Consolidated as one of the elite central midfielders in global soccer at just 25 years old, Fernandez commanded a valuation that prompted Manchester City to commit $169 million to seal his signature. While the fee vaulting him up the historic leaderboard is staggering, it still sits behind the single most expensive transfer in soccer history.

Neymar maintains the top spot as the most expensive player of all time after Paris Saint-Germain activated his €222 million ($257.5 million USD) buyout clause to sign him from FC Barcelona in 2017. A year later, Kylian Mbappe completed his marquee move from AS Monaco to PSG for €180 million ($208.8 million USD), initially structured as a loan to comply with Financial Fair Play parameters.

Occupying third place ahead of Fernandez is Ousmane Dembele‘s 2017 move from Borussia Dortmund to FC Barcelona. The Blaugrana agreed to an initial fee of €105 million plus up to €40 million in add-ons, bringing the total potential package to €148 million ($171.7 million USD) for the French winger.

Fernandez sits right behind them, with the reported €145 million ($169 million USD) Manchester City are paying Chelsea matching Alexander Isak’s €145 million move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, while simultaneously equaling the British transfer record, as confirmed by journalist Ben Jacobs.

Top 10 most expensive soccer transfers

Factoring in Enzo Fernandez’s pending transfer to Manchester City, the list of the top 10 most expensive moves in soccer history stands as follows:

Messi’s farewell was always going to generate an enormous reaction. After more than two decades with Argentina, the 39-year-old leaves behind a legacy packed with records, major trophies and memories that transformed the national team’s fortunes.

The Argentine superstar retired from international soccer on August 31, 2026, ending a 21-year journey with the national team. He departs as their all-time leader for appearances and goals, with 207 caps and 125 goals to his name.

His career also delivered the trophies that once seemed impossible to win. Argentina lifted the 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America, with Messi eventually becoming the central figure in one of the greatest periods in the national team’s history.

His final appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain. Despite that disappointment, the 39-year-old’s international career had already secured a place among the most decorated chapters in the history of the sport.

Supposed message from Ronaldo changes the story

Almost immediately after Messi’s farewell, social media users began sharing what appeared to be an emotional message from Ronaldo. The alleged tribute referred to their more than 15-year rivalry, claiming that the two stars had pushed each other to unprecedented levels while developing genuine respect away from the competition.

The supposed message contained particularly touching words about Messi’s influence. “The rivalry was real… but so was the respect,” the message allegedly read, before adding, “You inspired millions. You inspired me too.” It reportedly ended with another emotional line: “Rest now, brother. You earned it. Cristiano.”

Given the history between the pair, the message was almost perfectly designed to go viral. Messi and Ronaldo spent more than a decade competing for the biggest individual awards and trophies, while their battles between Barcelona and Real Madrid became some of the most memorable encounters soccer has ever produced.

The truth behind the viral Ronaldo tribute

However, there is a major problem with the story: Cristiano Ronaldo did not send the heartfelt retirement message attributed to him. After thorough fact-checking of Ronaldo’s official social-media activity and contemporary reporting, the screenshot and accompanying text are fabricated, with no credible evidence showing that Ronaldo posted or commented those words following Messi’s retirement.

Ronaldo’s actual activity around the time of Messi’s announcement was considerably different. The Portuguese forward shared training-related content accompanied by the caption “Keep pushing,” rather than publishing the lengthy tribute that spread across social media.

The absence of the message from the Portuguese’s official channels is significant, particularly because a statement of that magnitude would almost certainly have attracted coverage from major soccer publications. No credible report verified the alleged Instagram comment, while the supposed screenshot provided no reliable evidence that it originated from Ronaldo’s account.

The national team has enjoyed an extraordinary period of success under Lionel Scaloni, and the question now is who can carry that winning mentality into the next chapter. His international career lasted 21 years, during which he became Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and appearance maker while finally delivering the major trophies that had eluded him for so long.

Argentina won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America, as well as the 2022 World Cup, turning a previously frustrating international career into one of the greatest success stories in soccer history. His final chapter came at the 2026 World Cup, after which the 39-year-old decided that the time had come to step aside.

With Messi leaving and Nicolas Otamendi also no longer occupying his previous leadership role, Argentina suddenly needed a new central figure to wear the armband. Several candidates could have filled the position. Emiliano Martinez brings enormous personality and has repeatedly delivered in major matches, while Rodrigo De Paul has been one of the most vocal members of the squad during the Messi era.

Lautaro Martinez also has leadership credentials after becoming captain at club level, while Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez represent younger options who could eventually become central figures for Argentina. Enzo, in particular, offers an intriguing long-term possibility because of his age, experience and previous captaincy responsibilities while at Chelsea.

Argentina finds its new leader: Who will succeed Messi’s armband?

However, one player has emerged ahead of the rest. According to various Argentina news outlets, including TVC News, Cristian Romero has been handed the Argentina captaincy following Messi’s retirement, marking the beginning of a new leadership era for the world champions.

The 28-year-old defender had already been part of the nation’s leadership group, previously serving behind Messi and Otamendi in the captaincy hierarchy. He has also worn the armband when senior figures were unavailable, giving him experience of the responsibility before receiving the permanent role.

Romero’s personality makes the decision particularly understandable. The Atletico Madrid defender is one of the strongest voices in the Argentina dressing room, while his aggressive style and constant communication have made him a natural emotional leader within Scaloni’s side.

His importance to Argentina has grown considerably since establishing himself as a defensive cornerstone. He played a key role in the team’s 2021 Copa America triumph, the 2022 World Cup victory and the 2024 continental success, before again emerging as an important figure during the 2026 World Cup.

Messi’s words make Romero’s promotion even more significant

Romero’s appointment also carries an important personal connection to Messi. The former captain has previously praised his younger teammate’s contribution to Argentina’s defensive strength, describing his impact as “extraordinary.”

That endorsement adds another layer to the transition. Romero is effectively taking over the leadership of a team that Messi helped transform from perennial underachiever into one of international soccer’s dominant forces.

The defender also paid tribute to Messi following his retirement, making it clear how much the former captain meant to him and the rest of the squad. Romero wrote on social media: “What madness that this day has finally come, dear Leo.”

He continued with an emotional reflection on the years they shared together, thanking Messi for his leadership and the legacy he leaves behind: “Thank you for leading in the most beautiful way possible, never putting yourself above anyone, always with that humility and that special way of carrying our badge and defending it with all your heart.”

The restrictions have already complicated contract renewals and squad management, but the latest development has brought the academy into the spotlight. With 18 youth players affected by the decision, Al-Nassr has been forced to find an extraordinary solution to maintain sufficient squad numbers.

The Saudi Pro League Financial Control Committee has refused to approve the renewal of contracts for 18 youth players, according to Arab News. Eight of those players reportedly had mandatory renewal clauses, making the decision particularly significant for an academy that serves as an important pathway toward the senior team.

The problem stems from Al-Nassr’s wider financial difficulties, with the club’s debts reportedly exceeding SAR 800 million ($213 million). The financial pressure has resulted in tighter oversight of the club’s operations, with restrictions affecting registrations, renewals and other squad-related decisions.

Al-Nassr forced into extreme solution

The impact has now become impossible to ignore. Al-Nassr has reportedly been forced to field players as young as 16 to fill squad numbers, demonstrating just how deeply the financial restrictions have reached.

For a club competing at the highest level of Saudi soccer and featuring Ronaldo, the situation is extraordinary. Young players who would ordinarily be given more time to develop can now find themselves pushed into competitive environments earlier than expected because the club cannot freely renew contracts within its youth structure.

The decision also shows that the financial oversight is not limited to Ronaldo’s first-team squad. The committee’s control extends across the club, meaning even academy operations remain affected while Al-Nassr works to resolve its outstanding financial obligations.

How did Al-Nassr reach this point?

The club’s financial problems have been building after several seasons of aggressive spending. Heavy investment in international players, substantial wage commitments and expensive squad-building projects contributed to liabilities reportedly surpassing SAR 800 million.

The Public Investment Fund has responded by introducing stronger financial supervision at the club. Measures have included restricting certain executive spending powers, bringing in independent financial and legal advisers, and demanding greater attention to revenue generation and cost control.

The Saudi Pro League has also introduced broader financial regulations for the 2026-27 season. Clubs are limited to allocating no more than 75% of their revenues toward the first team, with the remaining resources intended to support youth development, infrastructure and other areas of the organization.

The academy issue comes after Al-Nassr experienced difficulties with senior squad contracts as well. Reports have indicated that renewals involving Abdulrahman Ghareeb and goalkeeper Raghed Al-Najjar have faced delays or rejection while the financial oversight remains in place.

The idea centers on the September 21-October 6 FIFA window, during which Argentina is expected to schedule as many as three or four friendlies. Reports have floated El Monumental as a candidate venue for what would be Messi’s true farewell appearance on home soil, following his emotional letter announcing the decision.

Antico was careful to frame the plan as still just an idea at this stage, stressing that the Argentine Football Association would first need to confirm whether Messi himself is even open to the concept before any organization could begin.

Nothing has been finalized regarding a rival, date, or venue, and the tribute match remains contingent on discussions between the federation and Messi that have yet to take place.

If the plan does come together, it would give Argentine fans the chance to say a formal goodbye to their captain in a way the World Cup final defeat to Spain did not allow. For now, though, the farewell match remains speculative, with the AFA expected to provide more clarity as the September FIFA window approaches.

Who takes over the captaincy?

With Messi’s international career over, the next question becomes who inherits the armband. Cristian Romero looks like the leading candidate, having already worn the captain’s band on a handful of occasions when Messi wasn’t available, and he’s regarded as a natural leader in the dressing room alongside his role at Atletico Madrid.

Still, he’s not the only name in the conversation, with Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez and Enzo Fernandez also mentioned as possible successors given their standing and experience within the squad.

Complicating the picture further, Nicolas Otamendi, who typically wore the armband whenever Messi wasn’t in the starting lineup, had already announced his own retirement from the national team right after the World Cup, leaving Argentina without its usual next-in-line option as it enters a new era.

Speaking to Radio Marca, De la Fuente was asked whether joining Barcelona would benefit Rodri since he already shares a locker room with several national team colleagues: “It will be easier for him to adapt, but Rodrigo is the Messi of Spanish football, so he will adapt well to any team, in any circumstance. He is the best in the world in his position.”

Though operating in fundamentally different tactical roles, the game-changing presence of both Rodri and Messi makes them indispensable anchors for their respective sides. That elite influence was on full display throughout the 2026 World Cup, where both stars elevated Spain and Argentina, culminating in Rodri taking home the Golden Ball as the tournament’s top player.

De la Fuente also advocated for more elite Spanish talent to return home to La Liga. “What I celebrate is that these great footballers are in La Liga, because it makes the League greater, because it makes the best players in the world, who are our footballers, the Spaniards, compete here in Spanish clubs. I would welcome it if many who are still abroad could return here to demonstrate the capacity, talent, and great footballing class they possess,” he candidly stated.

Out of the starting XI that featured in the World Cup final against Argentina, seven players spent last season in La Liga, while Rodri (Manchester City), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), and Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain) were playing abroad. With Rodri and Cucurella now securing moves back to Spain, De la Fuente views the shift as a powerful statement on the strength of La Liga and the national team ecosystem.

De la Fuente on Messi’s retirement

On Monday, Messi caught the sports world off guard by announcing his stepping down from international duty with Argentina, bringing a historic era to a close. With his absence confirmed for the upcoming September-October international window, the World Cup final against Spain stands as his final competitive appearance in an Albiceleste jersey.

When asked for his thoughts on the decision, De la Fuente made clear that while Messi’s international tenure has concluded, his overall impact on the game remains timeless: “I, out of admiration, knowledge, and gratitude from someone who, like me, loves football, to a footballing figure who is a legend. Normally when time passes and someone retires, one is more capable of valuing what someone has achieved, but that won’t happen with Messi.“

While noting Messi’s exhaustive record book, De la Fuente emphasized that Messi will ultimately leave soccer on his own terms rather than fading from it. “He will still continue in active football, he has left the national team, but he is still going to add to his resume, and when he finally leaves football—which he will leave when he wants—football will not leave him, and then we will realize the footballing dimension of a football player whose numbers it will be very difficult for anyone to surpass,” the Spain boss concluded.

Seeking to snap a five-match winless slide, Inter Miami hosted CF Montreal on Saturday at Nu Stadium in a 7-1 rout orchestrated by a dominant Messi. The Argentine star opened his account by converting a direct free kick in the 40th minute to make it 2-1 before adding open-play strikes in the 52nd and 83rd minutes. He also set up Luis Suarez in the 80th minute for Miami’s fourth goal and capped his four-goal masterclass with a sublime set-piece strike in stoppage time.

With his historic performance, becoming the first player in Inter Miami franchise history to score four goals in a single match, Messi was named MLS Player of the Matchday for the 15th time in his career. He also returned to the MLS Team of the Matchday for the first time since Matchday 14, joined by midfield partner Casemiro, who recorded his first goal for the Herons.

The honor marks Messi’s third Player of the Matchday award of the 2026 campaign. He previously earned the award on Matchday 2 following a two-goal performance against Orlando City and again on Matchday 8 after bagging a brace against the Colorado Rapids.

Messi leaves Jeff Cunningham in his wake

Since arriving at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has rewritten the MLS record book at an unprecedented pace, routinely collecting Player of the Matchday accolades. His latest honor broke a tie with Columbus Crew legend Jeff Cunningham, whose 14 career Player of the Matchday awards now rank third all-time.

Now, only Landon Donovan stands ahead of Messi, with the USMNT and MLS legend holding the all-time record of 19 Player of the Matchday honors. With 12 regular-season matches remaining for Inter Miami in 2026 and Messi trailing by just four awards, catching Donovan remains a distinct possibility as the Argentine continues his peak form coming off the 2026 World Cup.

Messi’s history with the MLS Player of the Matchday award

Lionel Messi made an immediate impact upon joining Inter Miami in mid-2023, guiding the club to the Leagues Cup title, the first trophy in the franchise’s history. However, minor physical setbacks and a lack of a full preseason limited his statistical dominance during his inaugural MLS regular-season stretch.

That dynamic shifted completely in 2024 when Messi etched his name into the league’s history books, leading Inter Miami to the single-season points record while collecting six Player of the Matchday honors. Although the club fell short in the postseason, he took home the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award.

In 2025, Messi elevated his production even further, claiming the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals, capturing the MLS Cup, earning his second consecutive MVP award, and matching his mark of six Player of the Matchday honors. Through the middle of the 2026 campaign, he leads the golden boot race with 18 goals and has already picked up three weekly awards.

A transfer domino effect in Italy ultimately pushed Balogun closer to a Premier League return. With Como 1907 targeting Moise Kean, Fiorentina turned their attention toward Portuguese striker Beto, who was spotted in Florence undergoing medical evaluations after Everton accepted a €17 million ($19.7 million USD) permanent transfer offer, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

In addition to Beto’s exit, Everton are set to finalize another major departure in attacker Iliman Ndiaye. As reported by Ben Jacobs, Manchester City agreed on a £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons ($81.2 million plus $6.8 million USD, totaling $88 million USD) deal with Everton for the Senegalese international, generating a massive cash windfall that enables the Toffees to pursue Balogun to revamp their frontline.

According to Fabrizio Romano, AS Monaco have accepted Everton’s proposal to sign Folarin Balogun on a permanent transfer. The agreement is structured as a total package worth €50 million ($58 million USD), comprising €45 million guaranteed plus €5 million in potential add-ons, alongside a future sell-on clause.

The transfer insider revealed that Balogun has already agreed to personal terms with Everton, lining up a four-year contract through June 2030 with a club option for an additional season. The USMNT striker is scheduled to travel on Tuesday to undergo medical testing and formally complete the move.

Pulisic remains at the top

At $58 million USD for the total package, Balogun eclipses his own personal transfer benchmark set when Monaco agreed to pay Arsenal €30 million plus €10 million in add-ons ($46.4 million USD total) back in 2023. However, the fee still falls short of taking the top spot from Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic remains the most expensive player in USMNT history following his landmark €64 million ($74.2 million USD) move to Chelsea. Back in January 2019, the London club paid the transfer fee to Borussia Dortmund before loaning him back to the Bundesliga side for six months prior to his summer arrival in England.

Most expensive USMNT players in history

Factoring in Balogun’s pending transfer to Everton, the most expensive transfers involving USMNT players rank as follows:

Both Messi and Ronaldo dominated the global stage for over two decades at both the club level and as iconic international captains for Argentina and Portugal, becoming the all-time leading scorers for their respective countries. The Argentine made his debut for the Albiceleste in 2005 before concluding his international career in 2026, while Ronaldo debuted in 2003 and remains active, torturing defenses across the international calendar.

Heading into his final World Cup campaign having scored against 41 different national teams, Messi expanded his victim list with Argentina by adding a brace against Austria, a set-piece strike against Jordan, and goals against Cape Verde and Egypt.

With an international break approaching in September and October, Messi had an opportunity to push his tally even higher, but his decision to step down closes his ledger permanently. In total, Lionel Messi scored 125 international goals for Argentina against 45 different national teams worldwide, with Bolivia serving as his most frequent target with 11 goals.

To put that accomplishment into context, FIFA currently recognizes 211 member associations worldwide, a figure exceeding total membership in the United Nations (193). Under that standard, Messi scored against nearly a quarter of FIFA’s total global membership, specifically finding the net against 21 percent of all affiliated nations.

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record outright

With 233 caps for Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football history with 146 goals for Selecao. Competing continuously across European Qualifiers, UEFA European Championships, Nations League fixtures, and World Cups allowed the Portuguese forward to accumulate an even wider array of national opponents.

In total, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored against 49 different national teams, holding a four-nation lead over Lionel Messi. His most recent addition to the list came against Uzbekistan at the World Cup where he netted twice, while Luxembourg remains Ronaldo’s most frequent victim with 11 goals.

List of nations Lionel Messi scored against

• Albania
• Algeria
• Angola
• Australia
• Austria
• Bolivia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Canada
• Cape Verde
• Chile
• Colombia
• Croatia
• Curacao
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• Estonia
• France
• Germany
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Iran
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• Nicaragua
• Nigeria
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Portugal
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia and Montenegro
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Uruguay
• Venezuela
• Zambia

List of nations Cristiano Ronaldo scored against

• Andorra
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Cameroon
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• Estonia
• Faroe Islands
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Ghana
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Iran
• Israel
• Kazakhstan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Northern Ireland
• North Korea
• Panama
• Poland
• Qatar
• Republic of Ireland
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Scotland
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan
• Wales

On Monday, August 31, Lionel Messi formally announced his retirement from the Argentina national team via an Instagram statement, delivering a decision that caught fans worldwide off guard. Drafting the letter two days following the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, the forward revealed that the passing of his father weighed heavily on his choice to step away.

While Maradona carried Argentina to the summit of global soccer while capturing the imagination of millions, Messi emerged as his heir apparent just a few years after Maradona’s playing days ended. Though the two aligned as manager and player at the 2010 World Cup, their statistical profiles across their international careers present striking contrasts.

Maradona and Messi stats for Argentina

Debuting in 1977 and stepping down 17 years later in 1994, Diego Maradona earned 91 caps for the Argentina national team, recording 34 goals and 26 assists. In contrast, Lionel Messi’s international tenure spanned nearly 21 full years from 2005 to 2026, amassing 207 appearances while tallying 125 goals and 57 assists.

While trailing Messi in raw goals and assists, Maradona captured the heart of the nation with his transcendent run at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, considered by many the finest individual performance in tournament history. He immortalized his name during a legendary quarterfinal performance against England, scoring both the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century.“

Hardware comparisons remain a central pillar of the debate, with Maradona claiming two major international trophies to Messi’s four. Maradona lifted the 1986 World Cup and added the 1930 Artemio Franchi Cup in 1993, though a doping suspension kept him out of Argentina’s winning 1991 and 1993 Copa America squads.

Conversely, Lionel Messi collected four major senior titles with the Albiceleste, capturing the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America. Both icons also claimed a FIFA U-20 World Cup title early in their careers (Maradona in 1979, Messi in 2005), while the Inter Miami star added a 2008 Olympic gold medal to his portfolio.

Maradona and Messi’s career in the World Cup

The World Cup served as the ultimate stage where both Argentine legends cemented their standing among the sport’s greatest figures. Leading the Albiceleste across two distinct eras, their impact on the tournament proved incalculable in both cases.

Diego Maradona featured in four World Cups between 1982 and 1994, debuting at Spain 1982 where Argentina exited in the second group stage. At Mexico 1986, he produced a legendary tournament performance with five goals and five assists, followed by a gutted run to the 1990 final in Italy despite playing through injury, before a drug test failure cut short his final appearance at USA 1994.

Lionel Messi appeared in six World Cup tournaments, the most by any player in Argentine history. His journey began at Germany 2006 with one goal, followed by South Africa 2010 with Diego Maradona in the dugout, which marked the only World Cup campaign of his career in which he failed to find the back of the net.

Brazil 2014 brought heartbreak as Messi scored four goals and added an assist before falling to Germany in the final. After a brief Round of 16 exit at Russia 2018, Messi led Argentina to glory at Qatar 2022 with seven goals and three assists, before delivering eight goals and four assists at the 2026 World Cup in North America, which ended in a final defeat to Spain.

On Monday, Messi shocked the football world by confirming his retirement from the Argentina national team. He made the decision two days after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final loss, with the recent passing of his father sealing his choice.

At 39 years old, Messi steps away after reaching the pinnacle of international success with Argentina. Now, attention turns to how much longer Cristiano Ronaldo will continue playing for Portugal in what marks the closing chapter of a legendary era in football.

Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: International career numbers

Lionel Messi made his senior debut for Argentina on August 17, 2005, at the age of 18. Throughout his international career, he earned 207 caps and scored 125 goals for La Albiceleste.

By comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal on August 20, 2003. He has since compiled 233 appearances and scored 146 goals for his country.

While Ronaldo leads in appearances and goals, Messi holds the advantage in playmaking. The Argentine superstar registered 68 assists for his country, compared to Ronaldo’s 45.

In terms of silverware, Messi also holds the edge over Ronaldo. The Argentine forward claimed four senior trophies with his country, whereas Ronaldo has won three with Portugal. Messi also won two youth international titles with Argentina early in his career.

Modern soccer cannot be understood without Lionel Messi‘s immense contributions. The legendary forward has won virtually every trophy available, and his accomplishments with Argentina will forever be cherished by La Albiceleste’s faithful.

Across all levels, Lionel Messi won six titles while wearing Argentina’s colors. Although success with the senior team arrived late in his career, he ultimately secured the championships he had dreamed of his entire life.

Lionel Messi’s titles with Argentina

Lionel Messi’s international career was marked by both triumph and heartbreak. At 18, he won the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup with La Albiceleste, starting his international journey on the right foot.

In 2008, Messi led Argentina to an Olympic Gold Medal in Beijing. Winning two major youth honors early on convinced many that senior success would follow immediately, but fate had other plans.

Despite relentless effort, Messi endured years of near-misses with the senior national team. It wasn’t until 2021 that he finally lifted his first senior trophy as Argentina’s captain, defeating Brazil to win the Copa America.

A year later, Messi guided Argentina to two pivotal titles: the Finalissima against Italy and the FIFA World Cup. The World Cup triumph stood as his crowning achievement, defeating powerhouse France in a thrilling final decided by a penalty shootout.

In 2024, Messi and Argentina were crowned Copa America champions once more, defeating Colombia to reaffirm their status as the dominant force in CONMEBOL.

The 2026 World Cup marked the end of Messi’s international journey

In his official retirement announcement, Messi confirmed that he made the decision following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

It remains unknown whether a victory would have persuaded Messi to continue playing for Argentina, leaving fans with one of the greatest “what ifs” in football history.

Messi made his senior debut for Argentina on August 17, 2005, in an international friendly against Hungary, where he was infamously shown a red card within 60 seconds of entering the pitch. From that turbulent start, he embarked on an unprecedented international run, spanning 20 years representing Argentina while scoring in 19 consecutive calendar years for the national team, the only Argentine to ever do so.

Over that two-decade career, Lionel Messi became the most capped player in Argentina national team history with 207 appearances while holding the all-time wins record with 134. He stands far clear at the top of the country’s scoring chart with 125 goals, shattering Gabriel Batistuta’s former record of 55, while also serving as the Albiceleste’s all-time assists leader with 65, leaving Angel Di Maria (29) and Diego Maradona (26) well behind.

Embodying the role of team captain, Messi wore the captain’s armband in a record 133 international matches. He also stands as the nation’s leader in direct free-kick goals with 11 and holds the record for the most international hat-tricks for Argentina, delivering a three-goal performance on 10 separate occasions.

A legacy written in the World Cup with Argentina

Standing as one of the few players to feature in six World Cup tournaments, Messi is the only Argentine player to take the pitch across six different editions. He holds the record for the most overall appearances in World Cup history with 34 matches, while leading all Argentine players with 21 goals in the competition, trailing only Kylian Mbappe on the global set piece board.

Through those tournament matches, he accumulated 23 total victories, the highest mark in tournament history, while remaining the only player to win two FIFA Golden Ball awards as the tournament’s top player (2014 and 2022). He also tied Guillermo Stabile’s 1930 single-tournament national record by scoring eight goals in North America, capping off his World Cup legacy.

A legacy between goals and titles in South America

Messi’s international goal tally breaks down into 54 goals scored in friendly matches, 36 in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, 21 in World Cup matches, and 14 in the Copa America. His 36 goals in South American qualifying make him the top all-time scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying history for both Argentina and the continent as a whole.

Adding to his youth titles at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Messi stands atop the national team trophy standings at the senior level. Having captured the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America, Messi shares the record for the most senior major trophies in team history alongside Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, and Rodrigo De Paul.

Among his most dominant single-game outings was a 5-0 victory over Estonia in 2022, where he scored all five of Argentina’s goals. That performance tied him with Juan Andres Marvezzi (1941) and Jose Manuel Moreno (1942) for the most goals scored by an individual player in a single match in Albiceleste history.

WHO: Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano
WHAT: La Liga
WHEN: 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT • Monday, August 31, 2026
WHERE: Fubo
STREAM: WATCH NOW

Match Overview

Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona are on a mission to secure a third consecutive title, and their start to the season has been nothing short of terrifying for their rivals. With two wins from two, seven goals scored, and none conceded, Hansi Flick’s side looks unstoppable. Their home ground, the Camp Nou, has become a fortress where they have amassed an incredible 20 consecutive league victories, a record-breaking run that underscores their domestic dominance.

Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, travels to Catalonia facing a monumental challenge. With just one point from their opening two matches, they are already feeling the pressure under new manager Benat San José. Surviving the onslaught at Camp Nou will require a flawless performance, as they look to disrupt the champions’ rhythm and steal a result against all odds. For Rayo, this match is less about points and more about making a statement of resilience.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The contrast in early-season form could not be starker. Barcelona has seamlessly integrated new signings like Anthony Gordon and Rodri into their fluid system, continuing the high-octane attacking football that saw them lead La Liga in xG last season. They have stormed out of the gates, demonstrating both offensive firepower and defensive solidity, a combination that makes them formidable opponents for any team in Europe.

Rayo Vallecano, adapting to a new managerial philosophy, will likely adopt a pragmatic, defensive-first approach. Their best hope is to cede possession, stay compact, and frustrate Barcelona’s creative players. However, a defense that hasn’t kept a clean sheet in eight matches will be severely tested by an attack that averages nearly three goals per game during its home winning streak. The key battle will be in the midfield, where Rayo must find a way to break up play and launch effective counter-attacks.

For Barcelona, the motivation is clear: maintain their perfect record and build an early gap at the top of the table, especially with rivals like Real Madrid expected to mount a stronger challenge this year. For Rayo Vallecano, this is an opportunity to test their mettle against the best. A disciplined performance, even in defeat, could provide a crucial foundation for the rest of their season as they aim to climb the table and avoid a relegation battle.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this fixture has been overwhelmingly one-sided. In 49 meetings between the clubs, Barcelona has claimed victory 31 times, compared to just seven wins for Rayo Vallecano. The Catalan giants have thoroughly dominated the rivalry, particularly at home, making this one of the most predictable matchups in the La Liga calendar.

Recent history reinforces this trend. Barcelona is unbeaten in the last six encounters, securing four wins and two draws. Last season, the teams drew 1-1 at Rayo’s ground before Barcelona secured a tight 1-0 victory at the Camp Nou. This pattern of tight, low-scoring wins for Barça has become a common theme in their recent meetings.

A critical trend for this match is Rayo Vallecano’s complete inability to find the net at Camp Nou. They have failed to score a single goal in their last four visits, a damning statistic that highlights the defensive stranglehold Barcelona holds over them at home. Furthermore, with an average of just 2.0 total goals in their last five head-to-head clashes, the data suggests another controlled, dominant performance from the hosts is likely.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are contending with significant injuries that will impact their team selections for this crucial La Liga fixture.

Barcelona’s midfield depth is being tested early in the season, with key players Frenkie de Jong and Gavi sidelined, alongside Roony Bardghji. Their absence forces Hansi Flick to rely on Alejandro Bernal to partner with Pedri, placing a significant creative burden on the young duo to unlock Rayo’s defense.

Rayo Vallecano’s task is made even more difficult by a lengthy injury list. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, defenders Luiz Felipe and Marash Kumbulla, and key attacker Isi Palazon are all unavailable. These absences weaken the squad’s spine and limit the tactical options for manager Benat San José as he prepares for the toughest away trip of the season.

Barcelona Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
J. García; E. García, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Pedri, Bernal; Yamal, Fermín, Adeyemi; Raphinha.
With established midfielders out, the in-form Fermin Lopez, who has already scored three goals this season, will be crucial in the number 10 role. The attacking trio of Yamal, Adeyemi, and Raphinha provides immense pace and technical skill, designed to overwhelm Rayo’s backline from the opening whistle.

Rayo Vallecano Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Cárdenas; Rațiu, Fernández, Lejeune, Vertrouwd; Valentín, López; De Frutos, Nteka, García; Camello.
Rayo will likely set up in a deep, compact block to absorb pressure. Their strategy will revolve around defensive solidity and quick transitions, with Sergio Camello acting as the lone forward to hold up play and exploit any space left behind Barcelona’s advancing full-backs.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano live stream exclusively on Fubo. The platform is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android, as well as web browsers.

In addition to La Liga, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a massive portfolio of world-class soccer, including the UEFA Champions League, Serie A, and many more top European competitions. It is the premier destination for soccer fans in the United States.

A monthly subscription costs just $64.99, offering unparalleled value for the sheer volume of live sports available. The platform also provides on-demand replays, highlights, and expert analysis shows.

Beyond soccer, your subscription includes access to a deep library of movies and TV shows, making it a complete entertainment package for the whole family. From blockbuster films to original series, there is always something new to discover.

See more of our La Liga TV schedule for games like this.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

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

After publicly expressing his desire to depart Milan following seven seasons at the San Siro, Leao struggled to attract offers matching the club’s initial 50 million euro valuation. Although his representatives pitched the winger to Aston Villa, Galatasaray pushed hardest to secure his signature, establishing themselves as his preferred destination.

Following the official announcement, Galatasaray revealed across their social channels that they reached an agreement with AC Milan on a €38 million ($44.1 million USD) transfer fee. While falling short of Milan’s original €50 million ($58 million USD) threshold, the Rossoneri secured a 20 percent sell-on clause for any future transfer involving the Portuguese international.

In addition to the transfer fee paid to Milan, Galatasaray outlined the terms of the contract signed by the 27-year-old forward. Under a four-year agreement running through 2030, Leao will earn a guaranteed net salary of €10 million ($11.6 million USD) per season.

While Galatasaray may not have offered the most prestigious sporting platform in Europe, the move represented a massive financial upgrade for Leao. According to cap tracking site Capology, the Portuguese forward earned €6.41 million ($7.4 million USD) gross annually at Milan, whereas his new deal in Istanbul elevates his pre-tax compensation to roughly €12.5 million ($14.5 million USD) per year, nearly doubling his previous wage.

Why are Rafael Leao’s fee and salary disclosed?

Unlike most European football clubs that keep transfer fees and player salaries confidential, Galatasaray operate under a completely transparent financial structure. This level of disclosure stems directly from the club’s corporate governance obligations as a publicly traded sports organization in Turkiye.

Galatasaray Sportif A.S. operates as a publicly listed company on Borsa Istanbul, Turkiye’s primary stock exchange. Borsa Istanbul unifies the Turkish equities market, precious metals exchanges, and derivatives markets under a single corporate regulatory framework.

Under capital markets regulations, Galatasaray are legally mandated to submit precise financial terms for major acquisitions and player compensation packages. These figures are officially reported to the Public Disclosure Platform (Kamuyu Aydinlatma Platformu, or KAP), Turkiye’s central electronic portal used to disseminate legally required financial statements, corporate actions, and material news to investors and the public.

Amorim secures Leao’s replacement from the Premier League

While transfer negotiations were ongoing, Leao participated in portions of AC Milan’s preseason under Ruben Amorim, functioning as one of the twin attacking midfielders in the manager’s tactical system. With Leao now departed, the former Manchester United boss has turned to the Premier League to reinforce his attack.

According to Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan have reached a verbal agreement to sign winger Omari Hutchinson on loan from Nottingham Forest. The Italian side will cover the player’s full salary for the duration of the 2026-27 campaign, with only official paperwork remaining to complete the move.

A product of the Arsenal and Chelsea youth academies, Hutchinson joined Ipswich Town on a permanent €23.5 million ($27.3 million USD) transfer in 2024-25, scoring his maiden Premier League goal against Amorim’s Manchester United in a 1-1 draw. After Forest acquired him for €43.4 million ($50.3 million USD) last summer, the English side could not guarantee the 22-year-old regular minutes, creating an opportunity for Amorim to land a player who impressed him as an opponent.

Having already missed significant time during the 2026 campaign, criticism intensified after he was omitted entirely from the matchday squad for last Wednesday’s opening leg against Palmeiras. While concerns over the artificial turf at Allianz Parque were cited for his absence, a humbling 3-0 loss drew intense scrutiny toward Neymar and his non-participation in one of the club’s most critical fixtures of the season.

After returning to spark a 1-0 derby victory over Corinthians, Neymar addressed the narrative head-on during an interview with Brazilian network Premiere: “They said I came to play against small teams, and it was never like that. Quite the contrary. I’ve always liked big games, because that’s where you see who the best players are. My entire career has been like that, and it’s not for nothing that, if I’m not mistaken, I’m the 3rd or 4th top scorer in finals.“

Neymar’s self-assessment holds up under scrutiny, as he currently ranks fourth all-time in career goals scored in finals with 21. He trails only an elite tier of legendary figures, sitting behind Lionel Messi at the top with 35, Pele with 31, and Cristiano Ronaldo holding third with 25 goals in cup finals.

The Santos playmaker then offered clarity regarding how his omission from the first leg against Palmeiras actually unfolded. “Unfortunately, lately, I ended up getting hurt. Against Palmeiras I was available, I even had adapted boots. It was a boot with shorter studs, for turf, I asked Puma to make them. But it was a decision by the coaching staff (to leave him out of the game). If the game had ended 0-0 or 1-1, everyone would be calling Cuca ‘Master Cuca‘,” he noted regarding Santos’ manager.

Through the 2026 season following his recovery from major knee surgery, Neymar has produced eight goals and eight assists across 23 appearances, operating as the central catalyst for Santos’ attack. However, a combination of workload management, suspensions, and minor physical setbacks has forced him to miss 14 matches for Peixe, fueling the narrative surrounding his availability.

Neymar looking to ‘have fun’ in second leg against Palmeiras

Bouncing back from his night off against Palmeiras, Neymar rejoined the starting lineup for the derby against Corinthians, creating four key chances, completing two dribbles, and drawing three fouls in a gritty 1-0 win to keep Santos climbing away from the bottom four. Now holding a four-point cushion over 17th-place Vasco Da Gama in the relegation zone, attention shifts squarely back to the Copa do Brasil.

On Wednesday, September 2, Santos host Palmeiras at Vila Belmiro tasked with overturning a steep three-goal aggregate deficit, though Neymar remains optimistic about their chances: “I didn’t expect a 3-0, but that’s football… there are comebacks, there are games where the extraordinary happens. Who knows, maybe it can happen on Wednesday… We’re going to play to have fun.“

The Santos icon concluded by placing the competitive pressure squarely on their cross-state rivals heading into the return leg. “The game is 0-0 for us, and for me is just another game for me to have fun. The responsibility belongs to the second best team in the country, which is Palmeiras,” Neymar added.

Inter Miami had been mired in one of their most difficult stretches of the season, dropping four matches and drawing once over a five-game slide that featured an early exit from the Leagues Cup and lost ground in the 2026 Supporters’ Shield race. However, as he has done since arriving in South Florida, Messi provided the spark to jumpstart the Herons.

Although Casemiro opened the scoring with a 20th-minute header, Fabian Herbers quickly answered with an equalizer to create early tension at Nu Stadium. Starting with a set-piece strike in the 40th minute, Messi took complete control of the match, adding goals in the 52nd, 83rd, and 90+6 minutes while setting up Luis Suarez in the 80th to seal a 7-1 rout for the hosts over Montreal.

Speaking to Apple TV post-match, Casemiro reflected on the team’s bounce-back effort and pivoted immediately to Messi’s brilliance: “We played well, we put in a good match. This is what having Messi on your team is all about. You have to enjoy these moments, because he is a person… a player who makes history.”

Messi set a franchise benchmark on the night, becoming the first player in Inter Miami history to score four goals in a single match. “What we saw today, we have to enjoy it. Keep supporting him and keep competing with him, because he is still the best and he proved it in the World Cup. We have to enjoy being with him because with him we are much stronger,” Casemiro concluded.

Inter Miami experienced an emotional slump following the passing of Messi’s father in early August, during which the forward’s production temporarily dipped below his standard form. Casemiro’s public show of support highlights a unified locker room rallying around their captain as they pursue hardware in the final stretch of 2026.

Messi continues to rewrite the MLS record book

Netting two of his four goals directly from free kicks elevated Messi into a tie for second place on soccer’s all-time set-piece scoring list, adding another milestone to his legendary career. At the same time, the performance established yet another landmark within Major League Soccer.

By scoring four goals on Saturday, Lionel Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to record 20 multi-goal games, reaching the milestone in just 72 matches. The Argentine surpassed the previous standard held by former teammate Josef Martinez, who reached 20 multi-goal games in 100 matches, while outpacing iconic figures like Robbie Keane (124), Bradley Wright-Phillips (149), and Landon Donovan (178).

After a slow start to the season caused by lingering knee pain, Allende opted to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Barcelona back in May. However, the exact severity of the procedure and a firm timetable for the former Celta Vigo attacker’s return were never disclosed by the club.

A recent roster update has raised further concern, as Inter Miami formally adjusted Allende’s status on the club’s official website to “Season-Ending Injury.” Having last featured on May 2 against Orlando City, the winger is expected to remain out of action until 2027.

Inter Miami sign Brazilian talent Riquelme Fillipi

According to South American transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo, Inter Miami have reached an agreement to sign 19-year-old winger Riquelme Fillipi from Brazilian side Palmeiras. The deal involves a $4.2 million transfer fee for 60 percent of the player’s rights, with an option to purchase an additional 30 percent for $2 million.

Fillipi is expected to fit into Inter Miami’s long-term roster blueprint, reportedly agreeing to a four-year contract through 2030. Joining fellow Brazilian countryman Micael in South Florida, the prospect will travel to Fort Lauderdale to undergo medical evaluations and finalize the contract.

The winger made his senior professional debut last year with Palmeiras, appearing in 11 first-team matches alongside 80 appearances for their U-20 side, where he registered 30 goals and four assists. With the move, Inter Miami add a dynamic flank attacker capable of operating on either wing, bringing pace and 1v1 threat to a squad in need of wide depth on that department, with only Messi being the X factor.

How Allende’s injury impacts the Fillipi acquisition

An early exit in the Leagues Cup, where Inter Miami played without Luis Suarez, German Berterame, Allende, Mateo Silvetti, and Messi at various points, exposed a severe lack of attacking depth during squad rotation. With Allende’s injury proving more significant than initially hoped, club management moved to finalize Fillipi’s signing, utilizing roster flexibility created by Allende’s status.

Under the 2026 MLS Roster Rules & Regulations, if a player suffers a season-ending injury, a club may place that player on the Season-Ending Injury List to receive immediate roster relief and replace him on the senior squad. MLS rules allow teams to acquire one such replacement player per season, a mechanism Inter Miami are triggering in Allende’s case for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.

Regarding Fillipi’s contract structure, international roster slotting will not pose an issue. Allende occupied an international roster slot on his permanent deal, and MLS regulations state that a replacement player replacing a Senior Roster slot may also occupy an international slot, clearing a path for the Brazilian youth international.

Fillipi’s budget charge must be equal to or less than Allende’s, and the replacement must be designated upon roster registration before the official MLS Roster Freeze date on October 9, 2026. Because the injury occurred well before the deadline, Inter Miami are operating well within the league calendar to complete Fillipi’s registration.

In recent days, Atletico Madrid insisted that while Julian Alvarez could be available for transfer, Barcelona were excluded from the list of potential suitors. The Blaugrana wanted the Argentine striker, but the Colchoneros felt Barcelona’s approach was improper.

Following the rejection, Barcelona were not expected to sign a center forward. However, they found an affordable solution in London, as Arsenal were willing to let Gabriel Jesus move to the Spanish side.

Barcelona reach agreement with Arsenal for Gabriel Jesus

With Alvarez off the table, Barcelona sought a low-cost option for the striker position. Offering a $10 million package, they convinced Arsenal to let Gabriel Jesus join their campaign for the 2026–27 season.

While the move secures Barcelona a seasoned center forward, Jesus is not intended to be a direct starter. He has struggled for form in recent seasons, prompting Arsenal to bring in Viktor Gyokeres to replace him.

Nevertheless, Jesus adds valuable depth to the squad. Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, and Raphinha have all rotated through the center-forward role, though it is not their natural position. With Jesus, manager Hansi Flick can rotate his frontline and rely on a player who naturally understands the position.

Barcelona maintain interest in Julian Alvarez

According to reports, Barcelona are well aware of how difficult it will be to convince Atletico Madrid to part with Julian Alvarez. However, hope remains alive for the Catalans.

Reports suggest that Barcelona plan to revisit Alvarez’s situation during the winter transfer window. If the striker has a slow start to the season, the Colchoneros may decide to move on from him while he is still valued at over $100 million.

Manager Simone Inzaghi has been aggressively reshaping his squad, with Darwin Nunez, Karim Benzema, and Malcom left outside the Italian head coach’s long-term tactical plans. Following the acquisition of West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, securing an elite central striker became the club’s top priority.

On Sunday, Ollie Watkins was officially unveiled as Al Hilal‘s newest marquee signing from Aston Villa, where he led the Premier League side to a Europa League title last season. According to Fabrizio Romano, the clubs agreed on a base transfer fee of 58.4 million euros ($67.6 million USD) plus 2 million euros in potential add-ons for the English international.

Watkins posted an emotional farewell message on his Instagram account to bid goodbye to the Villa fans: “6 amazing years has come to an end. Thank you for the amazing memories and always supporting me through highs and lows. Saying goodbye is never easy to this club as it’s been a massive part of my life on and off the pitch. Once a villain always a villain.“

Retirement remains an option for Benzema

According to reporting from Saudi outlet Al Arriyadiyah, Al Hilal terminating Benzema’s contract was contingent on securing a frontline replacement. With Watkins officially locked in as the club’s starting striker, Al Hilal and the Frenchman have agreed to part ways.

Benzema and Al Hilal reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract just six months after he signed as a free agent from Al Ittihad. The departure follows reports that the 38-year-old was left off Al Hilal’s registered foreign player list for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign, accelerating his exit.

Attention now turns to how the iconic forward will navigate the next phase of his career. According to Ben Jacobs, Benzema is keeping all options on the table, ranging from retiring from professional soccer to continuing elsewhere, with Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab expressing interest after previously exploring a loan deal.

According to Forbes’ 2026 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, Benzema ranked eighth overall with $104 million in total annual earnings ($100 million in salary, $4 million in endorsements). Walking away from the final year of his lucrative contract represents a significant financial shift, but mutual termination grants the Frenchman complete freedom over his next career move.

Throughout his tenure in Saudi Arabia, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner demonstrated he remains a formidable goalscorer. Across 83 appearances with Al Ittihad, he recorded 54 goals and 17 assists, while contributing 10 goals and 5 assists in 16 matches during his brief stint with Al Hilal.

Hosting Saturday’s MLS clash against CF Montreal with the match leveled at 1-1, Messi put on a show starting with a 40th-minute free kick to spark a dominant performance for the Herons. Initial questions arose over whether the attempt would be ruled an own goal by Luca Petrasso following a heavy deflection past goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, but because the initial shot was target-bound, MLS officials awarded the goal to the Argentine star.

Messi followed up with open-play goals in the 52nd and 83rd minutes to extend the margin to 3-1 and 5-1 before capping his four-goal performance with a sublime stoppage-time free kick, securing a 7-1 victory for Inter Miami. The performance vaulted him to the top of the 2026 MLS golden boot standings while adding two crucial set-piece strikes to his career ledger.

The dual-set-piece performance against Montreal elevates Lionel Messi into second place on the all-time free-kick leaderboard. Messi pushed his career total to 74 direct free-kick goals, tying legendary Brazilian forward Jair Rosa Pinto for second place while pulling within four of Marcelinho Carioca’s all-time mark of 78.

Saturday’s performance against Montreal marked just the fourth time in Messi’s career that he scored multiple free-kick goals in a single match, and his first such effort in an Inter Miami uniform. The previous three occurrences all came in an FC Barcelona shirt: first in the 2015 UEFA Super Cup final against Sevilla on August 11, followed by a La Liga clash against Espanyol on December 8, 2018, and most recently against Celta Vigo on November 9, 2019.

The two set-piece strikes against Montreal accounted for his third and fourth free-kick goals of 2026 for Inter Miami, lifting his total with the Herons to 10. Seven of those have come in MLS play, leaving him within striking distance of the league record of 13 set by Toronto FC icon Sebastian Giovinco.

Top 10 free-kick goalscorers of all time

Following Messi’s set-piece brace, the all-time top 10 direct free-kick goalscorers stand as follows:

1. Marcelinho Carioca (Brazil): 78 goals
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina): 74 goals
3. Jair Rosa Pinto (Brazil): 74 goals
4. Roberto Dinamite (Brazil): 73 goals
5. Juninho Pernambucano (Brazil): 72 goals
6. Marcos Assuncao (Brazil): 68 goals
7. Sinisa Mihajlovic (Serbia): 67 goals
8. Jorge Aravena (Chile): 65
9. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 64 goals
10. Zico (Brazil): 62 goals

Messi’s free-kick breakdown

• FC Barcelona: 50 goals
• Argentina: 12 goals
• Inter Miami: 10 goals
• PSG: 2 goals

Can Messi reach the top spot?

Lionel Messi has demonstrated since arriving at Inter Miami that his competitive drive remains intact even into the twilight of his career. Having already shattered numerous MLS records, his set-piece conversion rate continues to bolster his overall goal tally, raising the question of whether the 39-year-old icon can claim sole possession of first place before retirement.

Back in 2025, Messi converted three free kicks for Inter Miami, a mark he has already eclipsed in 2026 with four set-piece strikes for the Herons alongside one for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, bringing his calendar-year total to five. Maintaining an average of four to five free-kick goals per year through his Inter Miami contract running through December 2028 provides Messi more than enough runway to equal and eventually surpass Marcelinho Carioca’s standard.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, when they visit Al Ittihad for Matchday 5 in the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park. The Portuguese star heads to the game after scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 win against Al Taawoun.

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

In the 2026-27 season, which he has stated could be his last one as professional soccer player, the Portuguese icon scored 2 goals and provided 0 assists in 3 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers and 3 in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal, with his personal account in 978 career goals.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

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

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

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

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, when the Herons host Atlanta United at Nu Stadium for the 2026 MLS. The Argentine star heads to the game after scoring four goals and delivering an assist in the dominant 7-1 win over CF Montreal.

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, his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste remains a question since he hasn’t spoken after the 2026 World Cup final over his future.

During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 19 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 18 goals with 9 assist registered thus far.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

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

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

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

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has fueled debate for more than two decades. Even as both icons reach the final chapters of their legendary careers, every milestone achieved by one is instantly benchmarked against the accomplishments of the other.

Messi’s four-goal display against Montreal sparked fresh comparisons of how both superstars stack up when delivering single-game scoring outbursts.

When did Cristiano Ronaldo last score four goals?

Cristiano Ronaldo last scored four goals in a single game on February 9, 2023, while playing for Al Nassr. The Portuguese forward scored all four goals in a 4-0 victory over Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League.

Career 4-goal games: Ronaldo leads the tally

While Messi delivered the most recent four-goal performance, Ronaldo holds the all-time record between the two for most four-goal matches.

• Cristiano Ronaldo: 11 games with 4+ goals (9 with Real Madrid, 1 with Portugal, 1 with Al-Nassr)
• Lionel Messi: 8 games with 4+ goals (7 with Barcelona, 1 with Inter Miami)

Peak single-game outbursts: Tied at five goals

When measuring maximum scoring output in a single match, both legends remain deadlocked at five goals:

In Matchday 22 of the 2026 MLS season, Inter Miami hosted CF Montreal needing a victory after a five-game winless streak across all competitions (MLS and Leagues Cup).

Fortunately for the Herons, the players understood the assignment, crushing the Canadian side 7–1 as Lionel Messi shone with a four-goal display.

Lionel Messi makes Inter Miami history with four-goal performance vs. CF Montréal

When Inter Miami needed him most, Lionel Messi stepped up. The team’s captain put on a brilliant performance against CF Montreal, scoring four goals and adding an assist in the resounding victory.

By scoring four goals, Lionel Messi became the first player in Inter Miami history to achieve a four-goal haul in a single match. While the franchise has featured exceptional strikers, it was the veteran Argentine who became the first to reach the milestone.

Amid a recent coaching transition, Lionel Messi continues to prove he can carry Inter Miami in their playoff push, keeping the club near the top of the regular season standings to secure a favorable seeding for the postseason.

The club also deals with the absence of head coach Guillermo Hoyos, who is serving a one-match suspension issued by MLS over repeated violations of the league’s late kickoff policy. Assistants Rafael Perez and Rodrigo Vargas will take charge from the sideline in his place.

Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference with 39 points from 21 games (11-6-4), boasting a +9 goal difference, while Montreal sit well down the table in 14th with 21 points and a -10 goal difference across the same number of matches.

Messi enters the match with 14 goals this season, and he’ll once again be flanked by Luis Suarez, who has 10 goals of his own, and German Berterame up top, with Rodrigo De Paul pulling the strings from midfield.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup

Miami will be without Sergio Reguilon and Gonzalo Lujan due to muscle injuries, on top of the continued absences of Mateo Silvetti, Tadeo Allende, Santi Morales and Micael. With Hoyos unavailable, Miami’s interim staff are expected to reshuffle the backline while keeping Messi, Suarez and Berterame together up front.

Inter Miami’s confirmed starting XI: St. Clair; Fray, Casemiro, Falcon, Allen; Segovia, Bright, De Paul; Suarez, Messi, Berterame.

CF Montreal’s confirmed lineup

Montreal will lean heavily on Prince Owusu, who has been the club’s standout attacking threat with 13 goals this season, alongside Matthew Longstaff and Nathan Streit in support.

CF Montreal’s confirmed starting XI: Gillier; Petrasso, Vera, Neal, Bugaj; Piette, Synchuk, Longstaff; Herbers, Owusu, Streit.

“There is an expectation that Enzo Fernandez does not play this Sunday again for Chelsea,” Romano reported. “Enzo is really affected by the transfer story with City“. The report adds that Fernandez has given his green light to the move and would like to leave, further complicating his standing within Xabi Alonso’s squad just days after being held out of the Carabao Cup win over Luton Town.

Fernandez reportedly has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms, though the deal ultimately hinges on the two clubs reaching an agreement, with no club-to-club talks confirmed as of yet.

Chelsea had previously set a £120 million asking price for the midfielder, a figure that may have climbed further given the limited time left before the transfer window shuts.

With the deadline now just days away on Tuesday, September 2, pressure is mounting on both clubs to resolve the situation one way or another. Whether Fernandez’s absence from Sunday’s squad is tied to a looming move or simply a continuation of Alonso’s rotation policy remains to be seen, but the growing noise around his future suggests his time at Chelsea could be nearing its end.

Contacts continue with Enzo Fernandez’s camp

Contacts have reportedly resumed between Manchester City and Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, according to Romano, with the two sides awaiting a “famous bid” as the saga enters what he described as its crucial stages.

“I still don’t expect him to play tomorrow. I expect direct contacts to happen,” Romano added, while noting that Chelsea ultimately have the final say on any move before the deadline arrives.

The Boca Juniors midfielder didn’t shy away from comparing his punishment to that of Gavi, who was involved in the same clash but received just a single-match suspension and a $30,000 fine from FIFA.

Speaking to reporters at La Bombonera following Boca’s 1-0 win over Lanús, Paredes addressed the topic directly. “It seems exaggerated,” Paredes said of his own sanction, adding: “The strange thing is that Gavi got one match, and he’s the one who hit me in the chest”.

Paredes stopped short of elaborating further on the incident itself, instead pointing to the ongoing appeals process as his best hope for relief. “There’s still the appeal, and we’ll see if the sanction can be reduced,” he said, expressing confidence that a resolution could still come his way.

Argentina could use next friendlies to serve suspensions

The comments come after FIFA confirmed that Paredes, along with teammates Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada, would be permitted to serve their World Cup-related suspensions during international friendlies rather than competitive fixtures, easing the impact on Argentina’s schedule.

Argentina can schedule up to four friendlies during the extended September-October window, plus two more in November, giving Almada and Molina more than enough matches to clear their suspensions in the short term.

Paredes, given his longer 10-match ban, is the one most likely to still be serving time once competitive qualifiers roll around, though the exact timeline depends on how many friendlies the AFA lines up in the coming international windows.

The federation has said it will continue pushing to reduce the bans on appeal once FIFA releases the full grounds for its rulings, with the case ultimately eligible to reach the Court of Arbitration for Sport if needed.

Inter Miami have not made a formal announcement regarding the update, leaving Allende’s timeline shrouded in uncertainty even as the club’s own roster page points to a longer absence than previously indicated.

The Argentine has been sidelined since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Barcelona, addressing a structural issue that Inter Miami had been cautious about disclosing in detail.

Before going under the knife, Allende had made just 11 appearances for Miami this season, reaching the 90-minute mark only four times and failing to register a single goal or assist.

The update adds to an already thin attacking group for Miami, who continue leaning on Messi, Luis Suarez, German Berterame and Daniel Pinter up front as they push for a strong finish to the regular season.

Inter Miami could reportedly bring in a replacement

According to Jose Armando of Deportes Total USA, if Inter Miami placed Allende on the Season-Ending Injury List before July 13, the club would be eligible to sign a replacement under the same roster category and salary as Allende, including the international slot he occupies. That replacement option can only be used once per season, and the club reportedly has until October 9 to finalize a potential addition.

Whether the club moves to bring in a replacement before the October deadline remains to be seen, but Allende’s absence looks set to extend well beyond what was originally expected.

Inter Miami’s growing injury list

Allende’s setback adds to an increasingly crowded infirmary for Inter Miami. Sergio Reguilon and Gonzalo Lujan were ruled out of the club’s match against Toronto FC with muscle injuries, while Mateo Silvetti continues to manage a dislocated shoulder, though he’s expected to return soon.

Santi Morales and Micael, meanwhile, remain longer-term absences. With so many first-team options unavailable, Inter Miami’s depth is being tested at a critical point in the season.

Alvarez failed to train with the group for most of the week, missing sessions outright on two days and training apart from his teammates on another, as his situation at the club continues to be an ordeal, with several fans calling for his exit from the team.

Diego Simeone addressed the decision in his pre-match press conference, making clear the call came from above his own staff. “I understand that all the questions will be about Julian, but the club was very firm about what’s going to happen. I hope to help him from a sporting standpoint to continue being as important as he continues to be for us,” Simeone said. “I’m focused on Sevilla, where he won’t be able to play against a rival that has won its last two matches”.

Atletico enter the match with a draw and a win from their opening two LaLiga matches, looking to build momentum before a demanding stretch begins in September, when they open their UEFA Champions League league phase away at Liverpool.

Simeone leaves the door open amid reports of Alvarez’s health

The uncertainty surrounding Alvarez has taken on added weight following reports from Spanish outlets, including COPE, that the forward submitted a medical certificate to Atletico Madrid citing depression. The club has not confirmed a formal diagnosis, describing his situation only as an “indisposition” while making its medical staff available to him.

Against that backdrop, Simeone was pressed further on Alvarez’s status but stopped short of closing the door entirely. “I understand the question and the follow-up, but I think I’ve already explained my feelings. When he returns to training, I’ll do everything possible for him to feel as important as he’s always been,” he said, before adding: “Anything can be reversed in life, as long as we have health”.

The restrictions stem from accumulated debts exceeding SR800 million (roughly $213 million), which prompted the Public Investment Fund to intervene in late July with a broader restructuring plan for the club’s finances.

Al Nassr believed they had cleared the way for signings after completing an initial round of procedures, but the Financial Control Committee has continued to block several requests since, including rejecting contract renewals for goalkeepers Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Raghed Al-Najjar, as well as Abdulrahman Ghareeb.

With the transfer window nearing its close, this latest submission represents Al Nassr’s best chance yet to add reinforcements around Ronaldo before the deadline.

Should the approval come through, the club would still be working under a “limited” scope for new arrivals, but any green light would offer Ange Postecoglou much-needed depth as Al Nassr look to defend their Saudi Pro League title.

Al Nassr’s plan to recover funds

As part of its recovery efforts, Al Nassr have leaned on new commercial partnerships, including deals with AI company Humain and Cruise Saudi, aimed at improving the club’s financial standing and unlocking room to operate in the market again.

The Public Investment Fund has led the broader restructuring push, working alongside club management to address both current and future financial obligations since intervening in late July.

Those efforts already helped clear the way for the club’s first major signing of the summer, with Al Nassr completing a $25 million deal for Samu Costa from Real Mallorca once an earlier round of restrictions was eased.

Since then, though, the Financial Control Committee has continued blocking further moves, limiting Al Nassr’s summer business to that deal, a far cry from the ambitions of a squad still built around Ronaldo’s pursuit of team and individual success.

“I understand that all the questions will be about Julian, but the club was very clear about what’s going to happen. I hope to help him from a sporting standpoint to continue being as important as he continues to be for us,” Simeone said.

The coach attempted to steer the conversation toward Sunday’s match against Sevilla, where Alvarez will not be available, but the questions kept coming. “I understand the question and the follow-up, but I think I’ve already explained my feelings. When he returns to training, I’ll do everything possible for him to feel as important as he’s always been,” he added.

Asked whether the ongoing saga had affected the squad, Simeone was direct in shutting down that idea. “Honestly, no. I think the guys have been working very well since they returned, especially the World Cup players, and the team has played good matches, whether against Malaga or Villarreal, focused on what we want, which is to have a good match, and I don’t see this situation,” he said.

Why Alvarez has been absent from training

According to reports from Spanish outlets, including COPE, Julian Alvarez submitted a medical certificate to Atletico Madrid indicating he is dealing with depression, which would explain his three consecutive absences from training. The club itself has not confirmed a formal diagnosis, describing his situation only as an “indisposition” while making its medical staff available to him.

Simeone addressed the uncertainty around a potential return, saying, “Everything can be reversed, as long as there is health,” leaving the door open for Alvarez to rejoin the squad once he’s ready.

Fans demand Alvarez’s exit

The uncertainty has spilled beyond the dressing room, with banners appearing outside the Metropolitano Stadium on Friday demanding Alvarez’s departure. One read, “Wherever, but he has to leave now!” while another targeted club CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin directly: “Atleti is bigger than your ego.” The situation remains unresolved as Atletico prepare for their clash with Sevilla without the Argentine forward.

Ronaldo’s post capped a night that also saw him break new ground individually, with his 50th-minute goal moving him past Mohammed Al-Sahlawi as the Saudi Pro League’s all-time leading scorer at 104 goals in the competition.

Al Nassr had to work for the win, falling behind early through Bassam Mohammed Alhurayji before Samu Costa leveled deep into first-half stoppage time and Ronaldo’s strike sealed the comeback shortly after the break.

The result leaves Al Nassr alone at the top of the table as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back Saudi Pro League titles under Ange Postecoglou. With Ronaldo now focused on both defending his club’s crown and closing in on 1,000 career goals, his short, confident message reflected a squad intent on maintaining its early-season momentum.

What’s next for Al Nassr

Al Nassr’s focus now turns to a stretch of high-stakes fixtures in September, starting with a trip to face Al Ittihad on September 5 in one of the league’s marquee clashes. That’s followed by a home match against Abha on September 9 and a trip to Al Khaleej on September 10.

After that stretch, Al Nassr open their AFC Champions League Elite campaign away at Al-Ain on September 15. The club then returns to league action at home against Al Diriyah on September 17, rounding out a demanding month as Postecoglou’s side looks to keep pace on multiple fronts.

The record previously belonged to Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, who scored 103 Saudi Pro League goals for Al Nassr across 205 appearances over a decade at the club between 2009 and 2019.

Ronaldo has now surpassed that tally in just over three seasons since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, a reflection of the scoring rate he has sustained since arriving in Saudi Arabia.

The milestone also comes as Ronaldo continues his pursuit of an even bigger number: at 41 years old, he sits on 978 career goals across club and country, just 22 shy of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000.

Friday’s goal was his second in the Saudi Pro League this season, temporarily drawing him level with teammates Sadio Mane and Joao Felix as Al Nassr’s top scorers in the current campaign.

Ronaldo reacts to the record

Speaking after the match, Ronaldo addressed the milestone directly, making clear he saw it as a collective achievement rather than a personal one. “I’m very, very happy. It’s a great achievement, but it’s not just Cristiano’s achievement. I have to say thank you to my teammates, because without them, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Ronaldo said.

He also made a point of crediting the club’s supporters for their role in the milestone. “But I’m also very happy for the fans. They support me all the time, and I’m very proud of that. Thank you,” he added.

This latest milestone adds to what has already been a landmark season for Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, further cementing his legacy in a league he has reshaped since arriving in 2023. With Al Nassr looking to defend the title under Ange Postecoglou, the Portuguese forward’s name now sits alongside the game’s greats in yet another record book.

Al Taawoun had opened the scoring through Bassam Mohammed Alhurayji in the 11th minute, catching the league leaders off guard early on and landing a major blow at Al-Awwal Park.

However, Al Nassr responded right before the break, with Samu Costa leveling the score in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time. Ronaldo then struck five minutes into the second half to complete the turnaround and hand Al Nassr the lead.

The result, if it holds, would extend Al Nassr’s perfect start to the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season to four wins from four matches, keeping Ange Postecoglou’s side alone at the top of the table.

Where Ronaldo stands in the Golden Boot race

Today’s strike brings Ronaldo to two league goals through three appearances this season, still trailing the early pace-setters in the Saudi Pro League scoring charts.

Steven Bergwijn (Al Ittihad), Ivan Toney (Al Ahli), Moussa Dembele (Al Ettifaq) and Teddy Okou (Al Riyadh) have each reached three goals in fewer or equal matches. Ronaldo’s goal today also sees him draw level with Sadio Mane and Joao Felix as Al Nassr’s top scorers this season, with all three now on two goals apiece.

The decision comes after a rocky start to the season for PSG’s attack. In the club’s Ligue 1 opener against Stade Rennais, both Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele started but were withdrawn at halftime with PSG trailing 2-0, with Ferran Torres and Mika Godts brought on in their place. Torres scored a brace as PSG fought back to salvage a 2-2 draw.

The official XI for today’s clash against Lille lines up as: Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Beraldo, Zaire-Emery, Fabian, Vitinha, Doue, Ferran and Akliouche, with Kvaratskhelia joining Digne, Lucas Hernandez, Mayulu, Godts, Chevalier, Longoni, Zabarnyi and Dro among the substitutes.

Kvaratskhelia will be looking to reclaim his place in the side after PSG’s trip to Lille, with the club aiming to build early-season momentum in the Ligue 1 title race.

No guaranteed spots under Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique made clear afterward that no player’s starting spot is guaranteed, regardless of reputation. “Football is like that. PSG haven’t won anything. There is no credit at PSG! If you think about what you’ve won, you won’t win anything else,” the Spaniard said when asked about his halftime substitutions.

“You need to show every day, in every match, that you are ready. We should win all of the time. To win all of the time, you have to step outside your comfort zone. Is that clear?” Luis Enrique concluded.

With Dembele already being rested on the coaching staff’s recommendation and Nuno Mendes unavailable through suspension, Kvaratskhelia’s absence from the XI appears to be another byproduct of that message, as Akliouche gets his first start following his impressive cameo against Rennes.

“I think he has an intelligence equal to what players of that personality and that greatness can have,” Hoyos said, arguing that Messi’s soccer intelligence naturally gives him a voice comparable to that of other elite, decorated players. “I imagine it must be that way in different places too, everywhere,” he added, suggesting this dynamic is not unique to Inter Miami but common across clubs with a marquee player in the dressing room.

To illustrate his point, Hoyos drew a comparison to Boca Juniors, where Leandro Paredes is regularly consulted on club matters. “When you’re at Boca Juniors, Paredes is consulted, and he can be consulted, right? Why? Because Paredes is really an emblem at Boca, and his word really carries weight when it comes to a coach’s continuity or arrival,” he explained, framing it as standard practice for institutions to lean on their most respected figures when evaluating a coach’s future.

But when pressed on whether the move to bring in González was specifically Messi’s doing, Hoyos was unequivocal in shutting that narrative down, saying that “it’s the institution” that makes the final call. While Hoyos acknowledged that a player of Messi’s caliber is naturally consulted, he made clear that the final say on Inter Miami’s coaching future rests with the club as a whole, not with any single player.

Hoyos will miss Inter Miami’s next games

Hoyos’ comments come as his time on Inter Miami’s bench appears to be running out on multiple fronts. MLS suspended him for Saturday’s match against CF Montreal over repeated violations of the league’s late kickoff policy, meaning assistants Rafael Perez and Rodrigo Vargas will take charge from the sideline.

With González’s arrival reportedly imminent, Hoyos is expected to step away from the first team altogether and transition back into his original role within Inter Miami’s youth academy, the same setup where he first worked with a teenage Messi at Barcelona’s La Masia.

Match Overview

Al Nassr are off to a strong start in the 2026–27 Saudi Pro League season. Through their first three matches, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team has secured three victories, scoring 10 goals while conceding just two.

Al Taawoun have not enjoyed the same fortune to open the season. With two draws and a loss so far, they are looking to secure their first victory when they face the reigning SPL champions.

Santos returned to Brazil’s Serie A in 2025 following the first relegation in the club’s storied history, inaugurating the new era with Neymar’s return. While bringing back the superstar winger generated massive commercial interest and lucrative sponsorship deals, it also imposed a heavy payroll burden as the club scrambled to build a competitive roster around him.

Following an aggressive winter window early in 2026, FIFA handed Santos a transfer embargo in early July over an unpaid debt to Monaco stemming from the acquisition of midfielder Jean Lucas, who currently plays for Bahia. Unable to register new additions during the summer window, the club’s most notable roster move was the sale of defender Adonis Frias to Atlas for 3.1 million euros after just 11 months with Peixe, leaving the squad short on depth and needing immediate cash to resolve the FIFA sanction.

To break the administrative deadlock, Neymar and his NR Sports agency stepped forward to front the necessary capital to clear the debt, restoring the club’s ability to operate in the transfer market. Santos formally confirmed the transaction in an official club statement on Thursday, August 27, acknowledging a capital injection of 12 million reals (approximately $2.3 million USD) from the agency to satisfy the judgment.

The official club statement from Santos read as follows: “Santos FC has paid off the Transfer Ban and is once again eligible in the market. The operation was made possible thanks to the support of NR Sports, through which the club receives an immediate injection of funds. In return, Santos FC and the company will jointly negotiate kit sponsorships that have not yet been commercialized.“

The rescue package marks the latest financial transaction between Santos and NR Sports as the club continue to manage an estimated total debt of 13 million pounds. With the ban officially lifted, Santos are cleared to finalize the signing of former Juventus and Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo, who has emerged as the club’s top transfer priority as reported by Spanish outlet Diario Sport.

Neymar and Santos focused on avoiding relegation

Neymar’s homecoming season in 2025 fell short of lofty expectations, as Santos narrowly avoided back-to-back relegation battles in the final weeks of the Brasileirao while salvaging a spot in the Copa Sudamericana. The 2026 campaign has unfolded along a similar track, and while Peixe remain active in cup competition, retaining top-flight status remains the primary objective.

Santos faced rival Palmeiras on Wednesday in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, but Neymar sat out the match. Without their star playmaker on the field, Peixe suffered a 3-0 defeat, leaving them with an uphill battle in the return fixture at Vila Belmiro next week.

Attention now shifts to Sunday’s pivotal derby against Corinthians on August 30, with Neymar set to rejoin the starting lineup as reported by Globo Esporte. Santos currently sit 14th in the standings with 26 points, holding a precarious two-point cushion over 17th-place Mirassol in the relegation zone, rendering the matchup between Neymar and Memphis Depay a high-stakes must-win fixture.

“We assess individually, collectively, what’s the best for the team for tonight, what was better for other players that they were playing, and we take the decision,” Alonso explained. “It’s just because of the game today, and we had other players that needed minutes”.

Asked directly whether Fernandez had refused to play, the Spaniard was firm in shutting down the suggestion: “No, no, no. It was a decision from myself and from the club“.

Turning to Fernandez’s standing at the club, Alonso made clear there was no personal issue behind the decision. “He’s a good professional, he’s training well, and I have nothing negative to say about him. So it was just decisions that we have to take, thinking about the game that we were playing tonight, and we will see for Sunday,” Alonso concluded.

Where things stand with Manchester City

Fernandez’s immediate future remains tied to Manchester City, who are expected to firm up their interest before the transfer window closes next Tuesday. Chelsea have set an asking price of around £120 million for the midfielder, a valuation City will need to match despite already committing roughly £200 million this summer to reshape their midfield with the signings of Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

City have also cleared wage space to fund a potential move, with the sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for around £51 million, alongside Rodri’s £65.4m move to Barcelona, helping recoup funds toward Fernandez’s asking price. With Fernandez left out again and City’s rebuild still unfinished, Sunday’s Premier League clash with Brighton could offer the clearest signal yet of where his future lies.

Over recent matches, returning late from the locker room for the second half has become a recurring habit for Inter Miami. Repeatedly exceeding the designated 15-minute halftime interval finally forced league authorities to intervene.

Major League Soccer officially announced the one-match suspension for Hoyos on Thursday, citing “repeated violations of the league’s late kickoff policy.” The league penalizes head coaches and clubs directly when teams delay restarts after the interval.

Additionally, an official statement from MLS confirmed that both Inter Miami and Hoyos received financial penalties, with fine amounts remaining undisclosed per league policy.

Per the 2026 MLS Competition Guidelines, the late kickoff policy states: “If the start of either half of the Match is later than the prescribed start time because a Club does not exit the locker room on time or is not on the field ready for Kickoff, the Club and Head Coach that caused the delay will be subject to fines and/or sanctions including a suspension(s).“

With Hoyos serving his one-game ban, assistant coaches Rafael Perez and Rodrigo Vargas will take charge from the sideline on Saturday, August 29, against CF Montreal. Playing at Nu Stadium, Messi will aim to snap Inter Miami’s five-match winless skid despite the temporary absence of their manager on the bench.

Inter Miami land Hoyos’ replacement?

Appointed interim head coach on April 18 to replace Javier Mascherano following a slump and early CONCACAF Champions Cup exit, Hoyos may have already coached his final match with the Herons. With the suspension keeping him off the bench against Montreal, a permanent successor appears set to step in.

According to reporting from Fabrizio Romano, Inter Miami are finalizing an agreement to hire Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez as the franchise’s next permanent head coach. A complete deal is in place between both sides, with an official announcement expected within 24 hours.

Hoyos’ longstanding personal ties to Messi originally helped facilitate his arrival at Inter Miami. With Gonzalez taking over the senior team, Hoyos, who previously mentored Messi at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, is expected to transition back into his original role within Inter Miami’s youth development structure.

Speaking during the press conference, Postecoglou confirmed that Ronaldo is now ready to handle a bigger workload after being eased back into action over the club’s opening matches.

“For me, though, those 45 minutes were good because now we know that he is ready to play more than 45 minutes,” Postecoglou said, referencing Ronaldo’s first-half showing before being withdrawn at halftime in Al Nassr‘s dramatic comeback win over Al Ettifaq. “I know he feels physically in good condition now, so he is ready for tomorrow’s game“.

The update caps a gradual return to full fitness for the 41-year-old, who played just 30 minutes in his season opener before being built up to 45 minutes against Al Ettifaq. Postecoglou explained that the plan had always been managed carefully, even as Ronaldo pushed to stay on the pitch longer while Al Nassr chased the game down a man after a red card.

With Ronaldo now considered fully up to speed physically, Al Nassr will look to build on their comeback win over Al Ettifaq when they host Al Taawoun. Postecoglou’s comments suggest Ronaldo could see an extended role in that fixture as the club looks to keep pace atop the Saudi Pro League table.

Al Nassr get a vital piece back in defense

Mohamed Simakan is reportedly set to return for Al Nassr’s clash with Al Taawoun, giving Postecoglou back a key piece of his backline after the French center back missed the matches against Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq with a minor hamstring strain.

Simakan’s return would see him slot back in alongside Inigo Martinez at the heart of defense, restoring an experienced partnership Al Nassr have leaned on to anchor their backline through the early stretch of the Saudi Pro League season.

Following the heated altercations after the final whistle in the 2026 World Cup, several Argentina players and coaching staff members faced severe disciplinary action from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. While the Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with a $321,000 overall fine for multiple organizational violations, the post-match brawl led to lengthy bans for key squad members.

In terms of individual penalties, Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine for grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the neck during the post-match brawl. Nahuel Molina was issued a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine following a clash with Rodri, while Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a three-match touchline ban accompanied by a $30,000 fine.

A major strategic victory for Argentina

These suspensions threatened a major operational hurdle for Lionel Messi and Argentina, potentially sidelining key starters across entire international windows given the limited fixture schedule for national teams each year. While the AFA appealed the severity of the bans, FIFA provided immediate relief by approving a procedural modification.

On Thursday, August 27, the AFA confirmed it submitted a formal petition asking FIFA to permit the suspensions to be served across upcoming Class “A” international friendlies or official CONMEBOL fixtures, whichever occur first. An official statement from the federation confirmed that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee granted the request in full.

Rather than waiting for the 2030 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers or the 2028 Copa America to burn off match bans, Paredes, Molina, and Almada can fulfill their suspensions during upcoming exhibition matches on the national team calendar.

Despite the favorable ruling on venue eligibility, the AFA noted it will continue pursuing legal avenues to reduce the overall length of the bans once FIFA releases its full written justification: “Notwithstanding this, the Argentine Football Association, in defense of its rights and those of its players, is awaiting the grounds of the decisions in order to file the corresponding appeals before the FIFA Appeal Committee, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) eventually serving as the final instance.“

When could Argentina’s stars return from suspension?

The procedural modification completely reshapes Argentina’s roster availability, enabling Messi to rejoin his suspended teammates much sooner than originally anticipated. However, the timeline hinges on how many exhibition matches the federation schedules during upcoming FIFA windows.

During the extended September-October international window, Argentina can schedule up to four friendlies, alongside two potential fixtures in the November 2026 window. With standard double-header windows scheduled for March, June, September, October, and November 2027 before World Cup qualifying begins, Almada, Molina, and Ayala should clear their suspensions before official competitive play starts, leaving only Paredes facing a brief remaining absence.

The reported appointment would mark another turn in Inter Miami‘s coaching search since Javier Mascherano stepped down in April, just months after leading the club to the MLS Cup.

Guillermo Hoyos had since taken over on an interim basis and was reportedly set to continue through the 2026 MLS season, but despite leading Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference, the front office decided to pursue a different coach.

The search also comes amid a rough stretch for Inter Miami, who have gone five straight matches without a win, including four losses and a draw. The club’s front office wants to turn the page quickly, and it believes González is the right man to guide the team through this moment.

Who is Kily Gonzalez?

González, 51, built his playing career primarily as a left winger for Rosario Central, later representing Valencia and Inter Milan in Europe before returning to Argentina with River Plate. He also earned caps for the Argentina national team across a decade-long international career.

Since retiring, González has moved into coaching, taking his first professional job at Rosario Central between 2020 and 2022 before spending nearly three years in charge of Union de Santa Fe, guiding the club to a berth in the 2025 Copa Sudamericana before departing in April.

His most recent stint came at Platense, where he was appointed in June 2025 on a contract through December 2026, but lasted just four months and 14 matches before parting ways with the club.

Guillermo Hoyos’ record at the helm

Since replacing Javier Mascherano on April 14, Hoyos guided Inter Miami across 17 matches in charge, according to Transfermarkt, dónde comenzó con una fuerte racha de 8-1-1 that briefly had the club looking like the class of MLS.

But the wheels have come off in recent weeks, as Inter have gone 1-2-4 since, including a disappointing early exit from the Leagues Cup and a five-match winless run that’s seen just one victory and four losses in August alone.

The 29-year-old missed Barcelona‘s season opener against Elche entirely, a 5-0 win, after his move to the club was finalized following an extended post-World Cup vacation and rehabilitation from a minor back procedure.

With only a handful of training sessions under his belt at the time, head coach Hansi Flick opted to leave him out of the matchday squad completely rather than rush him back.

Since then, Rodri has trained normally with the rest of the squad, completing full sessions through the week, which has allowed Flick to include him among the substitutes for the visit of Athletic Club. The plan is for the former Manchester City midfielder to see some minutes in the second half, marking what would be his official Barcelona debut.

Flick manages World Cup minutes as Barcelona rotate the squad

With several key players still working back from a deep run at the 2026 World Cup, Flick has continued to manage his squad’s workload carefully rather than rushing everyone back into full 90-minute shifts.

Jules Kounde, Joao Cancelo, Dani Olmo, and Anthony Gordon all featured in the tournament’s final weekend, and the German coach has been rotating them in and out of the lineup accordingly, a plan he laid out ahead of the season opener against Elche.

“It is normal that the players who played in the World Cup don’t play the full 90 minutes, though they may have to play a few minutes. You have to manage the minutes, and it isn’t easy,” Flick said during a press conference, a philosophy that extends directly to how he’s handling Rodri’s integration into the squad.

According to reporting from South American transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo, Enzo Fernandez personally requested that manager Xabi Alonso hold him out of the match against Luton Town. Fully fit and unhindered by injury, the Argentine international sought to avoid participating as he looks to finalize his impending move to Manchester City, explaining his complete absence from the substitute bench.

That account aligns with reports from Ciaran Wiseman and Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT, who indicated Fernandez was left out of Chelsea’s squad due to advanced transfer negotiations with Manchester City. The outlet reports that the midfielder is finalizing personal terms on a blockbuster move to the Etihad Stadium, prompting his complete omission from the squad.

Despite standing as one of the club’s marquee talents, Fernandez recently saw his status in the squad shift. During Monday’s Premier League opener against Fulham, the midfielder was relegated to the substitute bench before entering in the 65th minute to audible frustration from portions of the traveling Blues support.

Now, Chelsea leadership, manager Xabi Alonso, and Fernandez have mutually moved toward an impending exit. With discussions ongoing for Manchester City to finalize a potential record-breaking transfer fee, his exclusion aims to accelerate negotiations ahead of the September 1 Premier League transfer deadline.

Enzo Fernandez could turn into most expensive Premier League signing

Chelsea previously set a deadline back on Friday, August 14, where any club could sign Enzo Fernandez if they met the £120 million asking price. Even though this offer has expired, Manchester City are still pushing for the signing, and could turn the Argentine into the most expentive Premier League signing.

As reported by Argentina insider and TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul, Manchester City are preparing a bid between £130 million and £140 million ($177M to $191M USD), eclipsing the £106.8 million ($145M USD) Chelsea paid Benfica to sign him originally.

Confirmed lineups for Chelsea and Luton Town

Chelsea’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Mike Penders; Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Josep Chavarria; Valentin Barco, Reece James; Estevao, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers; Danny Welbeck.
Head coach: Xabi Alonso.

Luton Town’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Josh Keeley; Harrison Ashby, Hakeem Odofin, George Johnston, Joe Johnson; Benedict Benagr, Liam Walsh; Emilio Lawrence, Kasey Palmer, Gideon Kodua; Callum Marshall.
Head coach: Jack Wilshere.

The club released a statement confirming the decision was backed unanimously by its board. “The members of Atletico Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously shown their absolute support for the club’s decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to Futbol Club Barcelona,” the official statement read.

The club added it remains open to negotiations “in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs,” but that Barcelona have failed to meet those standards, meaning no negotiation “has existed nor will exist” regarding the forward.

The statement lands amid rising tension between the two clubs, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and coach Hansi Flick both publicly reaffirming their interest in Alvarez in recent days. With the transfer window closing in less than a week, Atletico’s firm stance leaves Alvarez with a narrowing set of options before deadline day.

In addition to the official statement, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin confirmed the club’s stance directly, telling Movistar that Atletico are open to selling Alvarez, just not to Barcelona. “My dream is for Julian to stay at Atleti if he wants to,” Gil Marin said. “We’ll look for an alternative if he wants to leave the club, but never Barcelona”.

Atletico Madrid’s message to Alvarez

The statement also addressed Alvarez directly, expressing confidence that the Argentine will accept the club’s stance, noting that Atletico Madrid trust their player to understand the decision and focus on helping the club achieve its objectives, just as he has done across his two seasons defending the club’s colors.

With Barcelona’s €100 million bid now off the table, Arsenal’s €130 million offer stands as the only route out of the club this summer if Alvarez still wishes to leave.