There’s no doubt <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> is the biggest star in Major League Soccer, even now at 38 years old. The Argentine forward’s immense talent allows him to make a difference every time he steps on the field — a fact that has also earned him frequent recognition. Just hours before the Leagues Cup matchup between Inter Miami and Tigres UANL, Leo received another individual honor.



On Wednesday, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mls/">MLS</a> announced through its official social media accounts that Lionel Messi had been awarded for his performance last weekend, with his goal for the Herons against LA Galaxy selected as the best of Matchday 29.



The Argentine star played just 45 minutes at Chase Stadium, but that was enough time to dazzle fans with his magic. With the match tied 1-1 and just minutes remaining, Lionel received a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, weaved past two defenders, and fired a left-footed shot that tucked into the corner — leaving goalkeeper Novak Micovic with no chance.



This moment of brilliance earned Messi recognition from the fans, who voted his goal as the best of the weekend in MLS, earning 80% of the votes. Far behind, with 13.8%, was Cincinnati FC’s Evander and his goal in the 3-2 win over Portland Timbers.



<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">Lionel Messi&apos;s magisterial left-footed strike is your <a href="https://twitter.com/ATT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATT</a> Goal of the Matchday! 🐐 <a href="https://t.co/DNzQjYI064">https://t.co/DNzQjYI064</a> <a href="https://t.co/vxD1Xw5O0F">pic.twitter.com/vxD1Xw5O0F</a>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1958196385846538300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Messi’s individual awards at Inter Miami</h2>



The Goal of the Matchday 29 award is the sixth time Lionel Messi has earned that honor this MLS season, adding to a long list of individual accolades he’s received since joining <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a> in July 2023.


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Since then, Messi has been named MLS MVP for the 2024 season, Player of the Month four times (twice in 2024 and twice in 2025), was included in the MLS Best XI for 2024, selected as an MLS All-Star in 2025 (though he chose not to participate in the game), and was named Leagues Cup Best Player and Top Scorer in 2023.



Currently, Leo leads MLS in scoring with 19 goals — one more than Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge. On top of that, if he maintains his current form, Messi will be the frontrunner to win a second consecutive league MVP once the regular season concludes.



<h2>Messi’s team goals</h2>



While Lionel Messi values individual honors, he’s always made it clear that collective achievements matter far more to him. In that sense, he’s also found success since joining Inter Miami, having led the team to the only two titles in its history: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.



This season, the Herons fell short in the Concacaf Champions Cup, losing in the semifinals to Vancouver Whitecaps, and made a respectable run in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 before falling in the Round of 16 to Paris Saint-Germain.



With that in mind, Inter Miami’s title hopes in 2025 now come down to two opportunities. One is MLS, where they are serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. The other, much closer, is the Leagues Cup — where they will face Tigres of Mexico on Wednesday night with a place in the semifinals on the line.

Lionel Messi receives MLS honor ahead of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash vs Tigres

Lionel Messi receives MLS honor ahead of Inter Miami's Leagues Cup clash vs Tigres - World Soccer Talk

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After missing Barcelona’s 2025–26 season opener against Mallorca due to physical issues, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/robert-lewandowski/">Robert Lewandowski</a> is now ready to rejoin the squad and begin another campaign in La Liga. At the same time, he has made a key decision regarding the FIFA World Cup 2026.



In June of this year, Lewandowski had announced his retirement from the Poland national team, citing irreconcilable differences with then-head coach Michal Probierz. “Given the circumstances and the loss of trust from the Polish national team coach, I’ve decided to step away from the team as long as he remains in charge,” the forward wrote at the time on social media.



That controversy, combined with underwhelming performances, led to Probierz’s departure just four days after Robert’s announcement. The Polish Football Association moved quickly and appointed Jan Urban in his place, and the new coach understandably prioritized bringing Lewandowski back, given the striker’s massive influence both on and off the pitch. And hat mission was successful.



“I spoke with Robert on the phone and asked if he wanted to come back. He said yes, so we’ve taken a step forward,” Urban said, according to Mundo Deportivo. “It would have been a big problem if our best player, our star, stopped playing.”



<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_20250820_WST_585805_urban-1200x675_e84577e4.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-585807" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20151636/urban-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20151636/urban-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20151636/urban-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20151636/urban-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20151636/urban.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>New head coach of Poland, Jan Urban.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>A decision to make for Poland</h2>



With Robert Lewandowski now officially back following the coaching change, there’s still one unresolved issue ahead of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/poland/">Poland</a>’s upcoming matches: who will wear the captain’s armband. The Barcelona striker has often held that role in recent years, but there are other players with enough authority to take it on.


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“I don’t just want to talk to Robert, but also with those involved — Piotr Zielinski and other players. The decision is mine, but I want to hear from the players and understand their opinions,” said Jan Urban when asked about the situation.



<h2>How is Poland doing in World Cup qualifying?</h2>



Poland are part of Group G in European qualifying. They’ve played three matches so far, with two wins (against Lithuania and Malta) and one loss (to Finland). That puts them in third place in the standings with 6 points — currently outside the qualification zone for the next <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">World Cup</a>.



The group also includes the Netherlands, who are the favorites to secure the top spot and a direct ticket to the tournament. That means, if Poland want to dream of reaching the United States, Mexico, and Canada, they’ll need to compete seriously for at least second place. In the September international break, they’ll face the Netherlands and Finland.

Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski confirms major decision ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski confirms major decision ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/santos">Santos</a> lit all the alarms after suffering a 6–0 loss to Vasco da Gama, a crushing result that left the club only two points away from the relegation zone. The humiliation was even harder to digest because <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> broke down in tears on the field, a moment that immediately became the symbol of the team’s struggles.



Just days later, the Torcida Jovem, Santos’ most influential fan group, confronted the squad at the Rei Pelé Training Center, demanding accountability. The tense moment saw Neymar step forward to lead the discussion, standing in front of his teammates in an attempt to calm tensions.



Santos lit all the alarms after suffering a 6–0 loss to Vasco da Gama, a crushing result that left the club only two points away from the relegation zone. The humiliation was even harder to digest because Neymar broke down in tears on the field, a moment that immediately became the symbol of the team’s struggles.



Just days later, the Torcida Jovem, Santos’ most influential fan group, confronted the squad at the Rei Pelé Training Center, demanding accountability. The tense moment saw Neymar step forward to lead the discussion, standing in front of his teammates in an attempt to calm tensions.



<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_20250820_WST_585788_Santos-1200x675_337257a7.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-585797" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20133348/Santos-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20133348/Santos-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20133348/Santos-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20133348/Santos-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20133348/Santos.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Santos’ struggles in the league</h2>



Currently, Santos sits 15th in the Série A table, just two points above the relegation zone (currently occupied by Vitória) and only three points away from a spot in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana. The inconsistency has made it nearly impossible for the club to find stability, as every game feels like a battle for survival.


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The devastating loss to Vasco — a direct rival in the fight to avoid relegation — exposed not only defensive weaknesses but also a lack of unity and leadership on the field. The pressure on the players, and especially Neymar, is now at its highest level since his return to the club.



<h2>Managerial shake-up and the search for solutions</h2>



The situation became so dire that Santos decided to part ways with head coach Cleber Xavier. Fans and board members alike are calling for a proven leader, and one name stands above the rest: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jorge-sampaoli/">Jorge Sampaoli</a>. 



The Argentine manager, who already left his mark at Santos in the past, is the top candidate to take over. During the crushing defeat against Vasco, supporters even chanted Sampaoli’s name, making it clear who they want guiding the team out of this nightmare.



For Neymar and Santos, the coming weeks will be crucial. The Peixe must find stability quickly, or what began as a painful defeat could turn into a full-blown relegation battle.

Neymar caught in the middle as Santos fans confront players following 6-0 loss

Neymar caught in the middle as Santos fans confront players following 6-0 loss - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ac-milan/">AC Milan</a>’s last major signing before the start of the season could be in their attack. The search for a new offensive partner for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/christian-pulisic/">Christian Pulisic</a> has been ongoing for months, as manager Massimiliano Allegri looks to fine-tune his roster. The Rossoneri have been cautious, refusing to make a move until identifying the right player, while also calculating the financial cost the club is willing to bear.



Among the names on the table, Dusan Vlahović and Rasmus Højlund were both considered. However, the Serbian striker’s high salary complicates the operation, while Manchester United’s Danish forward remains difficult due to stiff competition and the mismatch between supply and demand for his transfer.



With those obstacles in mind, another target has returned to the spotlight: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/victor-boniface/">Victor Boniface</a> of Bayer Leverkusen. Milan has already submitted an official bid to the German club — a loan with an option to buy worth around €30 million, a figure far below the amount requested just a year ago.



The 23-year-old Nigerian forward has had a mixed year, with flashes of brilliance but also setbacks due to injuries to his thigh and adductor. Still, his potential is undeniable. Boniface shined under Xabi Alonso two seasons ago, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 matches across all competitions. His physical presence, aerial ability, and strength inside the box are qualities Allegri values highly.



<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_20250820_WST_585777_Bayer-Leverkusen-1200x675_f38f18f9.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-585781" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20125854/Bayer-Leverkusen-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20125854/Bayer-Leverkusen-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20125854/Bayer-Leverkusen-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20125854/Bayer-Leverkusen-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20125854/Bayer-Leverkusen.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Allegri and Igli Tare push for the deal</h2>



Reports in Italy suggest that sporting director Igli Tare has been pushing strongly to finalize the agreement. Allegri, for his part, is said to be very enthusiastic about Boniface, viewing him as the type of striker who can dominate defenses in Serie A.


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Boniface has also expressed his willingness to move to Italy, which significantly eases negotiations between the clubs. This desire to embrace a new challenge in Serie A could help him rediscover the consistency that injuries have limited over the past year.



<h2>Why this signing matters for Milan</h2>



For Milan, adding Boniface would mean pairing Pulisic with a true number nine capable of finishing chances and drawing defenders. After a season where goal production was inconsistent, this move could give Allegri’s side a sharper attacking edge.


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If the deal is completed, Boniface’s arrival would not only fill a tactical need but also send a clear message: Milan is ready to compete at the highest level again, both in Serie A and in Europe.

Another teammate for Pulisic? AC Milan eyes Bundesliga forward amid transfer window

Another teammate for Pulisic? AC Milan eyes Bundesliga forward amid transfer window - World Soccer Talk

The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/la-liga/">2025/26 LaLiga</a> season is officially underway. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> cruised to victory, Atlético Madrid stumbled in their opener, and Real Madrid edged out a narrow win to close Matchday 1. While it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions, the opening weekend already gave fans a glimpse of what’s to come.



Beyond the results, the summer transfer market also painted a clear picture of how the season could unfold. At least, that’s the view of Gemini 2.5 Flash PRO, Google’s advanced AI, which analyzed team rosters, recent performances, and squad depth to identify its pick for the upcoming champion. Its choice? <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a>.



According to Gemini, “Even though their opening win was narrow, Real Madrid has the deepest and most complete roster in the league. With stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and the return of Jude Bellingham (currently sidelined with an injury), their attacking power is unmatched.”



The AI also highlighted the influence of new head coach Xabi Alonso, whose tactical vision could give Madrid a fresh identity. Another key factor is Madrid’s bench strength: Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and the newly arrived Franco Mastantuono are all capable of changing games when called upon.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="695" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250820_WST_585772_Mbappe-goal-1200x695_4f3cc63c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=695" alt="" class="wp-image-585774" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20122908/Mbappe-goal-1200x695.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20122908/Mbappe-goal-300x174.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20122908/Mbappe-goal-768x445.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20122908/Mbappe-goal-1536x890.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/20122908/Mbappe-goal.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Projected Standings: Madrid on Top, Barcelona Trails</h2>



Gemini predicts Real Madrid will finish with 90–95 points, comfortably enough to lift the trophy. Barcelona is expected to place second, but the AI noted the club’s economic restrictions prevented them from reinforcing as strongly as Madrid.


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“Despite keeping their core intact, Barcelona’s lack of depth in defense and at left back could hurt them throughout the season,” Gemini warned.



As for Atlético Madrid, the AI sees them falling short again. Their system is built on solid defense and collective effort, but any cracks at the back expose their limited offensive plan.



<h2>Mbappé tipped as top scorer</h2>



In the scoring charts, Gemini has no doubts: “Kylian Mbappé will lead LaLiga with 25–30 goals. His quality and Real Madrid’s offensive system make him the clear favorite.” His main competitors will be Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) and Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid).


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<h3>Predicted top 3 LaLiga 2025/26</h3>



<ol><li>Real Madrid – Champions (90–95 points)</li><li>Barcelona – 85–90 points</li><li>Atlético Madrid – 78–83 points</li></ol>



With a star-studded squad, new leadership under Xabi Alonso, and rivals facing doubts, Real Madrid appears well-positioned to dominate LaLiga 2025/26.

AI predicts LaLiga 2025/26 champion between Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid

AI predicts LaLiga 2025/26 champion between Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid - World Soccer Talk

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