This summer, Major League Soccer welcomed three superstars from Europe: Rodrigo De Paul, Thomas Muller, and Son Heung-min. The latter left the Premier League after a decade with Tottenham Hotspur and signed with Los Angeles FC. Asked about the decision, the South Korean forward credited <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>’s influence.



After arriving in Los Angeles, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/son-heung-min/">Son</a> gave an interview to ESPN, where he was asked about the ‘Messi effect’ and how it has helped shift global perceptions of MLS over the past two years. “I mean, he’s huge. We are very lucky to watching Lionel Messi playing football,” the forward began.



“Same generation watching him playing and scoring so many goals. Joining MLS, I think he will affect so many players,” Heung-min continued, before acknowledging Messi’s personal impact on him. “It also affects me what he’s done for his club and for his country. He also changed my mind.”



Son’s words reflect what the Argentine forward has meant for soccer in the United States since his arrival in 2023. Inter Miami is the clearest example of that: they went from being the worst team in the Eastern Conference to one of the most competitive in the league, even reaching the knock-out stages of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250808_WST_583081_son-1-1200x675_ccb0d0ee.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-583085" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08114249/son-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08114249/son-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08114249/son-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08114249/son-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08114249/son-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08114249/son-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08114249/son-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08114249/son-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Son Hueng-Min is introduced by Los Angeles Football Club owner Bennett Rosenthal and general manager John Thorrington.</figcaption></figure>



While other elite players had joined <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mls/">MLS</a> before Messi—such as David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry, and Kaka—never before had so many stars arrived from Europe at the same time. In addition to the league’s new signings this summer are long-standing players like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Hugo Lloris, and Hirving Lozano.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/son-heung-min-outshines-lionel-messi-new-lafc-star-breaks-new-ground-in-mls-before-even-kicking-a-ball/"></div>


<h2>How did Son do against Messi?</h2>



In their professional careers, Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min have faced each other only twice. It was during the group stage of the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League, when they played for Barcelona and Tottenham, respectively. On that occasion, Leo had the edge: a 4–2 win in London, with two goals from the Argentine forward, followed by a 1–1 draw in Spain.



<h2>When will Messi and Son face off again?</h2>



Now as MLS rivals, the matchup between Messi and Son could be renewed. However, it won’t happen anytime soon. In the 2025 regular season, Inter Miami and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lafc/">LAFC</a> have already played their matches: a 1–0 win for the California team and a 3–1 victory for the Herons, both in April. They also met in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup, with Inter Miami winning 3–2 on aggregate.



In the Leagues Cup, LAFC were eliminated in the early stage, so they can no longer face the Herons in that competition. With this scenario, the only remaining chance for Messi and Son to play each other this year would be in a potential MLS final. For that to happen, Inter Miami would need to win the Eastern Conference playoffs, and LAFC would have to do the same in the West.

Lionel Messi’s impact: Son Heung-min credits Inter Miami star for MLS move from Premier League

Lionel Messi’s impact: Son Heung-min credits Inter Miami star for MLS move from Premier League - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has been excluded from the nominee list for the 2025 Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year, a decision that did not sit well with the Portuguese legend. After failing to make the cut, the Al Nassr star delivered a short but sharp five-word statement slamming the award.



The 2025 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ballon-dor/">Ballon d’Or</a> nominees list was released Thursday, featuring world-class stars like Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland, and 26 other players completing the 30-man roster. As with the 2024 edition, neither Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi made the list, a surprising outcome for many fans given their status in world soccer.



In fact, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres was the only player nominated from outside the top five European leagues, with the majority of nominees coming from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. Still, the award, presented by France Football magazine, did not escape criticism from the Portuguese star.



Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone at Estádio Algarve in Portugal following a 4-0 win over Rio Ave, Ronaldo was asked about the Ballon d’Or. The legendary forward didn’t hold back. “That, for me, is fictional,” he said while heading to the locker room, clearly expressing his disbelief in the award’s legitimacy.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘ Bola de ouro? Isso para mim é fictício’ 🥶<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sporttvportugal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sporttvportugal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CristianoRonaldo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CristianoRonaldo</a> <a href="https://t.co/ico0VRFRgI">pic.twitter.com/ico0VRFRgI</a>— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sporttvportugal/status/1953792291316900071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Not Ronaldo’s first jab at the Ballon d’Or</h2>



Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or five times, making him the second-most decorated player in the award’s history, behind only Messi’s eight titles. However, in recent years, after missing out on the nominations, he has been vocal in questioning the award’s fairness.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/cristiano-ronaldos-al-nassr-reportedly-make-bayern-munich-star-top-priority-while-closing-in-on-inigo-martinez/"></div>


Last December, at the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony, he made it clear he believed Vinicius Junior deserved the 2024 honor over Rodri. “It was unfair, I don’t mind saying it, those galas always do the same thing. That’s why I love the Globe Soccer Awards — they have more credibility than the Ballon d’Or, they’re honest awards,” Ronaldo stated back in December 2024.



Then came a second jab ahead of the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain. In early June, when asked who should win the Ballon d’Or between main contenders Yamal and Dembele, Ronaldo gave a pointed answer.



“It should be won by the one who stands out and wins the Champions League, that’s my opinion. I no longer believe in individual awards, because I know what goes on behind the scenes,” he said at the pre-match press conference, once again fueling debate about the award’s integrity.

Cristiano Ronaldo slams Ballon d’Or with 5-word statement after being left off nominees list

Cristiano Ronaldo slams Ballon d’Or with 5-word statement after being left off nominees list - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has taken on a more influential role at Al Nassr, especially when it comes to shaping the squad, as the club pushes for major titles in the 2025-26 season. With the signing of Iñigo Martinez all but secured, the Saudi Pro League side has reportedly identified a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/bayern-munich/">Bayern Munich</a> star as its top transfer target.



To strengthen the defense, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr/">Al Nassr</a> are finalizing the details to bring in Martínez from FC Barcelona. While head coach Hansi Flick had plans for the Spanish center back, the Saudi club made a lucrative offer, convincing the 33-year-old to terminate his €14 million contract with Barca and join Ronaldo’s team on a free transfer.



According to Diario AS, Barcelona were prepared to let <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inigo-martinez/">Iñigo Martinez</a> leave if an offer from the Middle East arrived. Now, as that deal nears completion, Al Nassr are turning their attention to Germany, more specifically, to Munich, in search of an attacking boost.



<h2>Kingsley Coman, Al Nassr’s top target</h2>



Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Al Nassr have opened talks to sign <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kingsley-coman/">Kingsley Coman</a> from Bayern Munich. With the arrival of Luis Diaz at the Bundesliga giants, the French winger’s departure has become a more realistic possibility, and the Saudi club see him as the perfect fit for their attack.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250808_WST_583062_kingsley-coman-bayern-munich-1200x675_359be22a.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-583063" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08090702/kingsley-coman-bayern-munich-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08090702/kingsley-coman-bayern-munich-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08090702/kingsley-coman-bayern-munich-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08090702/kingsley-coman-bayern-munich-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08090702/kingsley-coman-bayern-munich-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08090702/kingsley-coman-bayern-munich-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08090702/kingsley-coman-bayern-munich-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/08090702/kingsley-coman-bayern-munich.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Al Nassr’s current front line features Ronaldo as the central striker, Sadio Mane on the left, and João Felix playing just behind the No. 9. But the right wing remains a gap. With Otavio set to leave and 20-year-old Brazilian Wesley the only natural option in that role, the club’s priority is now to secure a proven wide player for that side.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/video-cristiano-ronaldo-scores-stunning-goal-for-al-nassr-in-friendly-match-vs-rio-ave/"></div>


Under new Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, Coman has seen more time as an impact substitute than a guaranteed starter. Typically deployed on the left, the 28-year-old has appeared in 45 matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing six assists in just 2,090 total minutes, an average of 46 minutes per game.



Coman’s résumé is stacked, with 21 trophies at Bayern, including nine Bundesliga titles and a Champions League crown—scoring the winner in the 2020 final. However, prying him away won’t be easy. Bayern are already short-handed in attack following Thomas Muller’s departure and Jamal Musiala’s injury. Coman is under contract until June 2027, carries a market value of €30 million (per Transfermarkt), and remains a key squad member. Still, as Romano notes, Al Nassr have made him a top priority and are ready to push hard for his signature.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr reportedly make Bayern Munich star top priority while closing in on Iñigo Martinez

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr reportedly make Bayern Munich star top priority while closing in on Iñigo Martinez - World Soccer Talk

With just over a week to go before the 2025–26 season officially begins, Christian Pulisic‘s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ac-milan/">AC Milan</a> have yet to finalize their roster. Despite several moves this summer, the Italian side continue their pursuit of a top-tier forward—and their primary target appears to be a Manchester United player.



According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rasmus-hojlund/">Rasmus Hojlund</a> is among Milan’s top choices to bolster their attack for the upcoming campaign. The Danish striker joined the Red Devils two years ago from Atalanta for €75 million (around $87 million), but his performances have been underwhelming.



In two seasons in England, Hojlund played 95 matches and scored 26 goals across all competitions—numbers that fall short given the hefty investment United made. Now, with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/after-a-disappointing-season-for-strikers-amorim-reportedly-secured-his-first-major-signing-at-manchester-united-in-85-million-deal/">the arrival of Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United reportedly finalized</a>, Hojlund’s future at Old Trafford seems uncertain.



“The asking price for Hojlund is around €34.5 million, but the feeling is that the price and even the terms are further negotiable,” La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. However, the Italian outlet explains that the deal will not follow a similar structure to Marcus Rashford’s move to Barcelona, involving an initial loan with an option to buy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250807_WST_583054_hojlund-1200x675_4cb99c97.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-583055" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/07185307/hojlund-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/07185307/hojlund-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/07185307/hojlund-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/07185307/hojlund-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/07185307/hojlund-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/07185307/hojlund-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/07185307/hojlund-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/07185307/hojlund.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Rasmus Hojlund reacts during the match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Soldier Field on July 30, 2025.</figcaption></figure>



“<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-united/">United</a> isn’t willing to grant it now because Hojlund earns much less than Rashford (a third, €4 million versus €13 million),” the report adds. “And because they hope to cash in on his departure to partially finance the Sesko deal.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/the-lionel-messi-effect-hits-milan-christian-pulisic-and-luka-modrics-new-teammate-channels-inner-inter-miami-star-with-special-tribute/"></div>


<h2>Hojlund’s stance on Milan interest</h2>



Given his recent struggles, harsh criticism, and the arrival of new competition for his position, Rasmus Hojlund reportedly welcomes the idea of leaving Manchester United this summer.



“AC Milan’s initial contact with Rasmus has been positive, ever since he was offered the deal in recent weeks: he’d like to try a new adventure in Serie A,” La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. “He’s said yes to the transfer, but now they’ll have to evaluate AC Milan’s moves.”



<h2>Milan’s attacking options</h2>



This summer, AC Milan parted ways with two of their most-used forwards from last season: Luka Jovic moved to AEK Athens in Greece, while Tammy Abraham joined Besiktas in Turkey. Without them, the Italian side lost 14 goals from last season and are now left with Santiago Gimenez as their only center-forward, flanked by wingers <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/christian-pulisic/">Christian Pulisic</a> and Rafael Leao.



Given that context, it makes sense for Milan to be actively pursuing another striker. In addition to Hojlund, the club has also been linked to Dusan Vlahovic, who has spent the past four years with Juventus. However, the Serbian striker’s high salary and the reportedly steep fee Juventus are asking make that move less likely.

Report: AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic set to team up with $87 million Manchester United star

Report: AC Milan's Christian Pulisic set to team up with $87 million Manchester United star - World Soccer Talk

The arrival of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s new coach has brought some changes to the squad compared to the Carlo Ancelotti era. One of the notable shifts is the apparent reduced role of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rodrygo/">Rodrygo Goes</a>, who could be on his way out this summer. Liverpool and Chelsea are among the rumored suitors, but they are not alone.



According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Paris Saint-Germain see Rodrygo as an interesting option should they need to find a replacement for Bradley Barcola. Interestingly, the French winger seems to be competing directly with Goes for a potential move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/liverpool/">Liverpool</a>.



If the Reds decide to go for Barcola, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/psg/">PSG</a> would lose one of their key offensive options. Despite having other wingers like Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners would be willing to negotiate with Real Madrid over Rodrygo’s signing.



<h2>Rodrygo to the Premier League?</h2>



The competition for Rodrygo’s signature in the Premier League is heating up. Alongside Liverpool and Chelsea, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/tottenham/">Tottenham</a> are also in the hunt, needing attacking reinforcements after Son Heung-min’s departure and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/messis-80m-argentina-teammate-reportedly-eyed-by-tottenham-after-maddisons-acl-setback/">James Maddison’s injury</a>. According to The Times, Arsenal have also shown interest in the Brazilian star.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250807_WST_583048_ousmane-dembele-bradley-barcola-1200x675_9ed864ca.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-573366" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/08074606/ousmane-dembele-bradley-barcola-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/08074606/ousmane-dembele-bradley-barcola-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/08074606/ousmane-dembele-bradley-barcola-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/08074606/ousmane-dembele-bradley-barcola-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/08074606/ousmane-dembele-bradley-barcola-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/08074606/ousmane-dembele-bradley-barcola-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/08074606/ousmane-dembele-bradley-barcola-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/08074606/ousmane-dembele-bradley-barcola.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Liverpool are reportedly eyeing PSG’s Bradley Barcola.</figcaption></figure>



The Gunners are actively seeking a winger, with Eberechi Eze as their top priority. However, Crystal Palace highly value their 27-year-old winger and see him as key to their UEFA Conference League campaign, making negotiations difficult.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/report-50m-real-madrid-star-reacts-angrily-to-clubs-decision-on-mbappes-no-9-successor/"></div>


<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/arsenal/">Arsenal</a>’s Plan B appears to be Rodrygo, though not through a permanent transfer. The Times reports that they are considering proposing a loan deal for Goes next season—an unlikely scenario given the number of clubs currently interested in the player.



<h2>How much is Rodrygo worth?</h2>



At the end of 2023, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a> renewed Rodrygo’s contract until June 30, 2028, including a release clause set at €1 billion. This protects Los Blancos from losing the player unless they agree to accept an incoming offer.



However, it’s clear that the Spanish giants do not expect to receive that figure and are looking at more realistic valuations. “Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers but have made it clear they won’t let him go for less than €70 to 80 million,” reported Diario Marca this Thursday. “Meanwhile, the player continues to work under Xabi Alonso’s guidance.”

Is Rodrygo leaving Real Madrid? Two European giants reportedly join Liverpool in race for Brazilian star

Is Rodrygo leaving Real Madrid? Two European giants reportedly join Liverpool in race for Brazilian star - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from News. Find out about all the news related to News on worldsoccertalk.com

News - Page 134