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

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

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

When was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last trophyless year?

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

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

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

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

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

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

When did Messi reach 100 goals at Barcelona?

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

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

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

When did Messi hit 100 goals at Argentina?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mbappe and the World Cup of the stars

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joan Garcia’s injury update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

De Paul on Messi’s farewell from Argentina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cavan Sullivan, the most exciting inclusion

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

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

Pochettino’s 28-man roster

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

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

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

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

Is the Campeones Cup an official title?

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

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

Messi keeps extending his lead at the top

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

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

All 48 titles of Lionel Messi’s career

FC Barcelona

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

Paris Saint-Germain

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

Argentina national team

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

Inter Miami

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top five best-paid coaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How an Inter Miami win impacts the 2026 Campeones Cup

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

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

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

How a draw impacts the 2026 Campeones Cup

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

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

How an Inter Miami loss impacts the 2026 Campeones Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 rookies in the Brazil squad

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

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

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

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

Campeones Cup prize money

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

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

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

A minor prize pool compared to major international competitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rodri already the owner of Barcelona’s midfield

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cristiano Ronaldo: Al Nassr’s weakest link?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inter Miami searching to level the record for MLS

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

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

Campeones Cup history

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kily Gonzalez: Messi’s last career coach?

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

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

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

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

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

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

James Rodriguez left on the verge of the top caps record

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

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

James Rodriguez’s records with Colombia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Argentina’s friendlies officially confirmed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Al Nassr dealing with fatigue

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

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

Confirmed lineups for Al Ain and Al Nassr

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Al Nassr players already ruled out

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

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

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

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

Ronaldo and Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite schedule

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

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

Al Nassr’s schedule

• Matchday 1: Al Ain FC (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
• Matchday 2: Al Nassr vs. PFC Neftchi (UZB) — Monday, October 12, 2026.
• Matchday 3: Al Nassr vs. Al Wasl FC (UAE) — Monday, October 26, 2026.
• Matchday 4: Pakhtakor (UZB) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, November 2, 2026.
• Matchday 5: Al Nassr vs. Al Sadd SC (QAT) — Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
• Matchday 6: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, December 8, 2026.
• Matchday 7: Al Nassr vs. Al Shamal SC (QAT) — Monday, February 8, 2027.
• Matchday 8: Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, February 15, 2027.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to AFC Champions League Elite

Under former head coach Stefano Pioli during the 2024-25 season, Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League, failing to qualify for the top tier of Asian competition. Instead, Ronaldo and company featured in the AFC Champions League Two, reaching the final before falling 1-0 to Gamba Osaka, but have now returned to Asia’s primary club tournament.

Ronaldo made his AFC Champions League Elite debut during the 2023-24 campaign, recording six goals and two assists in nine appearances before Al Nassr suffered a quarterfinal exit on penalties against eventual champions Al Ain.

His second campaign in 2024-25 produced his highest individual output, with Ronaldo scoring eight goals in eight matches. However, Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale eliminated Al Nassr in the semifinals with a 3-2 victory in Riyadh before falling to Al Ahli in the final.

In an extended interview with France Football released Saturday, Mbappe addressed several high-profile topics, including viral social media memes labeling him a dictator, while assessing his standing in the award race: “There isn’t a single player who had a better season than me.“

During the exchange, Mbappe was asked about Dembele and their differing career arcs. “Dembele? He was always seen as a talented player. I, on the other hand, was always viewed as the chosen one. I reached the top right away, very early. Ousmane had a different trajectory, marked by injuries, but he has managed to bounce back!” Mbappe stated.

Dembele’s response to Mbappe

Reporting from L’Equipe, confirmed by RMC Sport, indicates the phrasing did not sit well with Dembele’s inner circle, prompting the winger to issue a subtle rebuttal. Following PSG’s 1-0 Ligue 1 victory against Brest on Sunday night, Dembele was asked about the 2026 Ballon d’Or race and directly mirrored Mbappe’s “chosen one” characterization.

“You know, I have always been at the back of the class, working hard. Throughout my career, I haven’t said a word; I have worked incredibly hard. As I said, I have never been the chosen one. But I have worked incredibly hard. Last year, I was rewarded after a fantastic year with PSG. And this year, we will see. We will see, without any pressure,” Dembele told Ligue 1+.

The exchange marks a sharp pivot in tone after Dembele previously named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane, and Mbappe as his top three candidates for the award. Now defending his 2025 Ballon d’Or title, the France winger signaled confidence in his overall resume while emphasizing his unconventional path to the top.

A rift to be resolved behind closed doors

The public back-and-forth between the two French stars has generated significant noise with the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching. According to L’Equipe, Mbappe expressed surprise regarding Dembele’s post-match comments, but the Real Madrid forward opted against issuing a secondary public response.

That decision leaves the matter to be addressed privately when the squad gathers for the upcoming international window. French outlets report that Mbappe and Dembele plan to discuss the comments directly during camp as Les Bleus prepare for their opening four fixtures of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign, kicking off on September 25th against Turkiye.

Neves was targeted by a section of Al Taawoun supporters who invoked Diogo Jota‘s name in a taunting manner in an attempt to rattle the midfielder, prompting immediate backlash across the league. The following day, Al Hilal released an official statement confirming they filed a formal grievance with the Saudi Arabian FA regarding the incident.

“Al-Hilal Club Company has noted the offensive and unacceptable chants directed by a section of Al-Taawoun supporters at Al-Hilal’s Portuguese player, Ruben Neves, during the match between the two teams. This behavior contravenes sporting values ​​and ethics, transcending the boundaries of competition and fan support,” the first part of Al Hilal’s statement read.

Cristiano Ronaldo also thrust the incident into the global spotlight, demanding severe consequences for those involved: “The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again,” the Al Nassr star wrote on a social media post.

SPL to take action on the matter

Given Neves’ close bond with Jota, as well as Ronaldo honoring his late teammate by wearing his jersey during the 2026 World Cup, the incident sparked widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. In response to the growing fallout and reputational damage, the league and the Saudi Arabian FA issued a joint statement addressing the behavior.

The joint statement read as follows: “The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Saudi Pro League (SPL) condemn the unacceptable conduct by some supporters in attendance during the Roshn Saudi League match between Al Taawoun and Al Hilal, which is inconsistent with the values of Saudi football and the principles of sportsmanship.“

Addressing the boundaries between typical stadium atmosphere and personal hostility, officials emphasized that the conduct crossed an unacceptable line. “SAFF and SPL stress that exploiting personal tragedies for the purpose of abuse or provocation is unacceptable behaviour that has no place in Saudi football,” it continued.

The declaration concluded by confirming an active investigation, with formal sanctions to follow the inquiry’s findings: “SAFF confirms that the relevant committees have identified the conduct in question and will take the necessary action in accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures. The outcome will be announced upon completion of the relevant process.“

The extension of the 2026 World Cup into mid-July compressed the autumn calendar, prompting FIFA to consolidate the autumn international schedule into an expanded window allowing national teams to stage up to four fixtures. Following the cancellation of a proposed commercial tour in China in the wake of Messi‘s departure, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) opted to schedule their autumn friendly slate on domestic soil between September 21 and October 6.

According to reporting from Diario Ole journalist and Argentina insider Hernan Claus, Argentina will play three friendlies during the upcoming window. The opener will take place against Bolivia in Cordoba province on September 30, followed by back-to-back fixtures at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires against Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6.

AFA are expected to issue a formal announcement Tuesday confirming the opponent slate, match dates, and venue assignments. However, questions remain regarding when head coach Lionel Scaloni will release his roster selection, as rival federations like Brazil have already published their squads for the upcoming window.

Regarding squad selection, the most notable omissions are Messi and veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, both of whom have formally concluded their international careers. Reporting from Ole indicates the remainder of the squad will feature the core group that finished as runners-up at the 2026 World Cup, supplemented by emerging prospects introduced for the upcoming cycle.

AFA waiting for FIFA’s green light

Initial plans called for Argentina to travel to Asia for a high-profile friendly against China, a plan that collapsed following Messi’s departure. With domestic fixtures now scheduled, AFA executives are awaiting formal confirmation from FIFA regarding the official status of the matches despite reaching final agreements with participating federations.-

AFA are seeking confirmation from FIFA that all three fixtures will receive official “Class A” international status. That designation is critical, as Argentina intend to use the matches to clear World Cup final suspensions issued to Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada before competitive play resumes.

According to Claus, federation leadership expect FIFA president Gianni Infantino to grant Tier 1 classification for the matches, though official public announcements remain paused until formal authorization is received.

While neither Yamal nor Mbappe captured the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League title, which was secured by Paris Saint-Germain, both forwards made definitive marks at the 2026 World Cup. Yamal lifted the trophy with Spain as one of the youngest champions in history, while Mbappe became the tournament’s all-time lead goalscorer, earning both players nominations on France Football‘s 30-man shortlist.

During an interview with Argentine legend Jorge Valdano on Movistar+, Yamal offered a candid assessment of the voting process: “Who would I give it to? To the best player in the world. Who are they going to give it to? Now that’s a very long conversation.“

The Spanish international then framed the outcome around two candidates while advocating for his own credentials. “Honestly, as for the best in the world, I think maybe there are two of us, me and Mbappe, but I think this year I would deserve it because of what I’ve won. It’s very clear, and everyone who watches the matches knows it,” noted the Barca forward.

Yamal’s bold framing establishes himself and Mbappe as the two dominant figures of the current cycle. That assessment bypasses other high-profile nominees on the shortlist, excluding stars like Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, and Rodri from the top tier of his personal ballot.

Will there be a third candidate in the mix?

France Football recently published the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of the October 26 ceremony at The London Palladium in England. While Yamal narrowed the debate to two players, neither candidate delivered a flawless club-and-country campaign across the eligibility window.

Yamal captured a domestic treble with Barcelona but fell in the Champions League quarterfinals. Despite winning the 2026 World Cup with Spain, his statistical output remained modest during his tournament debut, registering one goal and one assist across eight appearances.

In Mbappe’s case, a lack of club hardware complicates his candidacy, as Real Madrid experienced their first trophyless season since 2020-21. While the Frenchman produced a historic 10-goal performance at the 2026 World Cup, France departed without a medal following a 6-4 loss to England in the third-place match.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri claimed the World Cup Golden Ball, though a lack of major club silverware limits his momentum toward the top spot. While Lionel Messi earned a nomination following Argentina’s tournament run, playing in Major League Soccer presents a voting hurdle compared to candidates competing in European leagues.

The strongest alternative candidate, and current betting favorite on prediction markets like Polymarket with 60 percent of odds above Yamal (17 percent) and Mbappe (11 percent), is Harry Kane. Despite falling short in the Champions League and earning a third-place World Cup finish with England, the Bayern Munich striker dominated domestic play, delivering a 73-goal season that trails only Messi’s historic 82-goal campaign.

Since making his first-team debut for Barcelona at age 15 in 2023, Yamal has established himself as an indispensable starter for the Blaugrana and a premier talent worldwide. Beyond breaking individual La Liga milestones previously set by Messi and Ronaldo, Yamal’s pivotal role in Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph cemented his place in international soccer history at a unprecedented age.

In an interview with Argentine legend Jorge Valdano on Movistar+, Yamal contextualized his early silverware haul against historical precedents: “There have been great stars in football, like Leo (Messi), like Cristiano (Ronaldo), or like Diego (Maradona)—whom I wasn’t able to see—but never this early had so much been won. There’s the case of Pele, who indeed won many things early on, but not in recent times.“

By capturing the 2026 World Cup, Yamal joined an elite group of just ten players, alongside teammate Pau Cubarsi, to lift the trophy prior to turning 20. He achieved the milestone at 19 years and 6 days of age, eclipsing Kylian Mbappe’s age benchmark from 2018 (19 years, 207 days) while trailing only historical marks held by Pele (17 years, 249 days in 1958) and Ronaldo Nazario (17 years, 298 days in 1994).

Yamal subsequently emphasized that despite his rapid rise, his long-term ambition remains unfulfilled. “And there are people who think that because I’ve won, at some point I’ll relax, but I know I have a thousand things to do to go down in football history,” he added.

Trophies won by Yamal, Messi, and Ronaldo at age 19

Evaluating the early developmental pathways of all three stars reveals clear parallels between Yamal and Messi as La Masia graduates established at Barcelona, contrasting with Ronaldo’s early development at Sporting CP. Factoring in domestic and international competitions, all three players maintained distinct trophy cabinets at age 19.

At age 19, Cristiano Ronaldo was adapting to his initial transition at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. Developing as a classic wide midfielder, the Portuguese winger held two official team honors: the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira with Sporting CP and the 2003-04 FA Cup, where he opened the scoring in the final against Millwall.

Messi at age 19 was firmly integrated into Barcelona’s starting lineup alongside team focal point Ronaldinho. The Argentine playmaker had already accumulated five major team honors with the Blaugrana: two La Liga titles (2004-05, 2005-06), the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League, and two Spanish Super Cups (2005, 2006), alongside a 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup title with Argentina, where he earned the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe.

At 19, Yamal holds the most expansive hardware collection of the trio with eight major trophies. While yet to secure a Champions League title, he has captured three La Liga championships, two Spanish Super Cups, and a Copa del Rey with Barcelona, alongside European Championship and World Cup titles with the Spanish national team.

On Sunday, September 13, Manchester United hosted Manchester City at Old Trafford for Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 Premier League season. City faced early adversity when referee Michael Oliver issued a straight red card to Phil Foden in the 23rd minute following a high kick to Bruno Fernandes’ midsection.

Despite playing a man down, City continued to go toe-to-toe with United, and in the 60th minute, Josko Gvardiol delivered a cross that took a slight deflection off Patrick Dorgu before finding Haaland at the far post to volley past Senne Lammens. Although the assistant referee initially flagged Haaland for offside, a two-minute VAR check overturned the call on the field to award the goal, ultimately sealing the victory for City.

The controversy intensified in the aftermath with vocal complaints from United’s side and across media outlets, prompting Pro Ref (Professional Game Match Officials), the body responsible for Premier League refereeing, to issue a clarifying statement. The organization concluded that the incident required an on-field monitor review by the head referee.

Pro Ref’s official statement

Pro Ref released the following statement addressing the ruling: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal. The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.“

The official review focused on Enzo Fernandez’s positioning and his influence on Lisandro Martinez’s defensive tracking. “In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review. Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place,” the statement concluded.

The IFAB on offside ruling

The Pro Ref statement centered on Enzo Fernandez’s involvement, evaluating how the midfielder, positioned in an offside stance, made a movement toward Gvardiol’s cross that forced defender Lisandro Martinez to alter his recovery line. Officials acknowledged that Fernandez’s impact on the play warranted a full review rather than focusing exclusively on Haaland’s position.

While Fernandez made no contact with the ball, IFAB offside regulations explicitly define interference in such scenarios. Under Law 11.2, a player in an offside position is penalized for “clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent, or making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball.“

Lisandro Martinez on Enzo Fernandez’s offside

Despite the lack of physical contact with the ball, the primary argument remains that Fernandez’s offside position directly altered Martinez’s defensive movement while attempting to challenge the cross. “It was offside. I can’t understand the rules. He was there in front of me, and that’s why Haaland was free at the back,” Martinez told Sky Sports after the game.

The defender subsequently voiced frustration regarding pre-season refereeing briefings and overall officiating standards across the league. “Every season they come to talk to the club, explain the rules for one and a half hours, and then after, five or six people doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League it’s unacceptable, because it’s the best league in the world, the best players in the world, and now we have to go home with this injustice,” he concluded.

On Saturday, September 12, Inter Miami hosted Nashville in a critical clash for the 2026 Supporters’ Shield race. Neither side was able to claim full control in a 2-2 draw, as Sam Surridge recorded a brace for the visitors while a Reed Baker-Whiting own goal and a strike from Lionel Messi provided the scoring for the host side.

The match also served as Galarza’s first inclusion in Inter Miami’s matchday roster, with the midfielder coming off the bench in the 66th minute for Telasco Segovia while recording 12 touches and two recoveries. After finding first-team minutes hard to come by with Argentine side River Plate following the 2026 World Cup, an established connection helped pave his return to the pitch.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Galarza was asked about the role Maximiliano Biancucchi played in securing his transfer to South Florida: “I’ve known Maxi since he was playing for Olimpia; I’ve known him since I was a kid. Obviously, he acted as the intermediary; he was part of all this because he’s Messi’s cousin.“

Born in Rosario, Santa Fe, like Messi, Biancucchi spent much of his professional playing career in Paraguay, featuring for Olimpia during stints in 2011-12 and 2016 while a young Galarza was rising through the club’s youth academy. Now working as a media analyst in Paraguay, Biancucchi utilized his network to help Galarza secure a new club destination.

Galarza concluded by detailing how the connection accelerated contract negotiations down the stretch. “The opportunity came up where Inter was interested, and I didn’t hesitate. They are top figures, and you just try to play and keep growing. Maxi was a key step for this to happen because having a direct line to his cousin meant everything was done very quickly at the end of the transfer window,” he added.

Joining Miami, ‘the best decision’ for Galarza

Following a short loan spell with Atlanta United earlier in the year and an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign with Paraguay, Galarza drew transfer interest from European clubs including Juventus, AC Milan, Bologna, and Inter Milan. While European offers failed to materialize, Inter Miami launched a decisive push prior to the secondary transfer deadline.

In the mixed zone, Galarza spoke candidly about joining his new teammates in South Florida: “It’s a wonderful locker room alongside star players; I feel privileged, and I believe God put me in a beautiful place. I made the best decision coming to Inter Miami alongside stars. I try to learn from each and every one of them.“

Galarza is currently on a one-year loan deal running through June 2027, featuring a purchase clause that becomes active if he plays in 66 percent of Inter Miami’s official matches. Triggering the option requires the MLS side to pay a $3 million USD fee to acquire 50 percent of the midfielder’s contract rights, with River Plate retaining the remaining share.

On Sunday, September 13, Barcelona visited Levante for Matchday 5 of the 2026-27 La Liga campaign. The Blaugrana struck early, with Xavi Espart opening the scoring in the fifth minute. In the 19th minute, Fermin Lopez slipped a through ball to Raphinha, who controlled a deflected pass, rounded the goalkeeper, and centered the ball for Yamal to tap in his first goal from inside the six-yard box.

Early in the second half, Yamal drew a penalty after being brought down inside the box by Levante defender Aissa Mandi, who had initially fallen while attempting to block a shot. Yamal stepped up and converted the spot kick, completing his second double of the afternoon as Barcelona closed out a 4-2 win to maintain their perfect start atop the La Liga table.

With the performance, Lamine Yamal became just the second player in the 21st century to record three braces within the first five matches of a La Liga season. The display marked his third consecutive multi-goal outing in top-flight play, following back-to-back braces in a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano and a 5-0 victory against Valencia.

The historic 2012-13 precedent set by Lionel Messi

The only other player to accomplish the feat this century was Lionel Messi during his historic 2012-13 campaign with Barcelona. During that run, the Argentine legend opened the season with three braces across his first four appearances, featuring against Real Sociedad (5-1) on Matchday 1, Osasuna (2-1) on Matchday 2, and Getafe (4-1) on Matchday 4.

While Yamal is still in the early stages of establishing his long-term scoring profile, his blistering start provides strong momentum for his overall trajectory. The 2012-13 campaign stood as Messi’s second-highest scoring year in domestic play with 46 La Liga goals, trailing only his record 50-goal season in 2011-12.

Cristiano Ronaldo and a streak never achieved

Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the second-highest goalscorer in La Liga history with 311 goals, trailing only Messi’s all-time mark of 474, but the Portuguese forward never recorded three braces within his first five league appearances. However, Ronaldo holds his own historic scoring start that remains a high bar for any young winger to match.

During the opening stretch of the 2014-15 La Liga season, Ronaldo missed one of Real Madrid’s first five fixtures yet still erupted for nine goals. He scored single goals against Cordoba CF and Atletico Madrid, netted a hat-trick against RC Deportivo La Coruna on Matchday 4, and capped the run by scoring four goals against Elche CF on Matchday 5.

Al Hilal visited Al Taawoun on Saturday, September 13, securing a dominant 6-0 victory on the road with Neves providing the assist on Ollie Watkins’ opening goal in the ninth minute. The win returned Al Hilal to the top of the SPL standings with 18 points through seven matches, though the post-game focus quickly shifted from the pitch to the stands.

During the second half, a section of Al Taawoun supporters directed chants of “Jota, Jota” toward Neves in reference to his late friend. The Portuguese midfielder responded with sarcastic applause before gesturing toward the sky and pointing to his eye, signaling that divine judgment was watching.

Following Jota‘s passing, Neves shared a tribute detailing their deep personal bond. “More than a friendship, we’re family, and we won’t stop it just because now you decided to sign a contract a little further away from us,” part of his letter wrote on social media.

Substituted in the 76th minute, Neves bypassed the formal press conference room but addressed the incident briefly in the mixed zone, offering a clear message regarding the fans involved: “I just hope they don’t go pray later.“

Cristiano Ronaldo on the episode

As captain of the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo shared a close bond with Jota, honoring him by wearing his jersey during the 2026 World Cup. Once footage of the chants circulated online, the league’s marquee star spoke out forcefully against the crowd’s behavior.

Commenting on a social media post by LiveModeTV regarding the incident, Ronaldo issued a direct statement demanding action: “The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behavior. This is no longer football, and there have to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.“

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Disciplinary and Ethics Regulations explicitly ban offensive crowd behavior, stating that “fan chants containing offensive, political, religious, or sectarian messaging are strictly prohibited.” The SPL and SAFF are expected to review match reports before determining disciplinary measures.

Under league regulations, authorities can issue fixed-term or permanent stadium bans for identified offenders, alongside potential legal proceedings. Al Taawoun also face organizational sanctions, which could include hefty fines or mandatory matches played behind closed doors.

Al Nassr next travel to face Al Khaleej on Saturday for Matchday 7 of the Saudi Pro League. However, manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to manage squad rotation and limit minutes for stars like Ronaldo ahead of Tuesday, September 15, when the club opens its continental schedule against Al Ain.

One key status to monitor leading into the match is Coman, who sustained an injury during the recent fixture against Al Ittihad. Diagnostic testing proved optimistic, with an MRI confirming the French international suffered only a mild hamstring tear.

According to Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah, Al Nassr’s medical staff could clear Coman to return for the AFC Champions League Elite opener against Al Ain. While continuing his recovery protocol at the club’s training facilities, he has already been ruled out for Saturday’s league match against Al Khaleej.

The start of the 2026-27 campaign has proven frustrating for Coman, who has yet to record a goal or assist through six appearances for Al Nassr. However, his 1-v-1 isolation skills and service remain vital components of the attack alongside Ronaldo, making his inclusion a potential game-changer.

Cristiano Ronaldo looking to conquer Asia

Ronaldo signaled ahead of the 2026-27 season that the campaign could mark his final year as a active professional. Having earned the moniker “Mr. Champions League” across Europe after lifting five titles while setting the competition’s all-time scoring record, the Portuguese forward aims to add an Asian continental trophy to his resume.

This season represents Ronaldo’s third appearance in the AFC Champions League with Al Nassr. His debut run came during the 2023-24 campaign, where he recorded six goals and two assists in nine matches before Al Nassr suffered a quarterfinal elimination against eventual champions Al Ain in a penalty shootout.

His second run in 2024-25 produced his finest individual returns, with Ronaldo scoring eight goals in eight matches. However, Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale ended Al Nassr’s run in the semifinals with a 3-2 victory on Saudi soil before falling to Al Ahli in the final.

Facing Abha on Wednesday, Al Nassr were short-handed in attacking options due to Kingsley Coman’s hamstring injury and Joao Felix’s suspension for accumulating four yellow cards. Forced to adapt his lineup, Postecoglou shifted from his traditional 4-4-1-1 formation to a 4-4-2 setup.

Brazilian midfielder Angelo shifted from a central pivot to the right wing, while Abdullah Al-Hamdan joined Cristiano Ronaldo in a two-man strike partnership up front. The tactical adjustment yielded immediate dividends, as Angelo set up Ronaldo’s opening header from a corner kick before Al-Hamdan doubled the lead by capitalizing on a second-half opportunity inside the box.

Following the match, Postecoglou addressed the tactical shift, praising the output of his central partnership: “Every match is different, and our squad is limited, so it’s natural for us to change the system. I think Al-Hamdan and Cristiano had a good game today, and it was a good choice for us.“

Postecoglou previously deployed the 4-4-2 shape during a 4-0 road victory over Al Riyadh on August 21. In that fixture, Joao Felix and Al-Hamdan initiated the attack before the Saudi Arabian forward was substituted in the second half for Ronaldo’s season debut.

New options for Postecoglou up front

While Kingsley Coman remains sidelined, Joao Felix will return from his one-match suspension, and with his status as SPL Player of the Season honors last year, making his return to the starting XI expected. However, Wednesday’s performance presents Postecoglou with alternative tactical setups ahead of their upcoming clash against Al Khaleej.

Against Abha, Cristiano Ronaldo registered nine touches inside the penalty area, while Al-Hamdan added eight, underlining Al Nassr’s territorial dominance inside the opponent’s box while liberating midfield runners. Facing an Al Khaleej defense anchored by tall center-backs Kiki Kouyate (6-foot-4) and Mohammed Al-Khabrani (6-foot-1), Postecoglou could favor a similar physical presence up front while shifting Joao Felix to a wide position.

Following Argentina‘s defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, Scaloni explicitly questioned his long-term future, even as his current deal runs through December. “I will honor my contract and then I’ll see. The truth is I feel the need to evaluate everything, because I don’t know if I’m going to be able to replicate something of this magnitude,” he stated during his post-match press conference.

Lionel Messi’s departure from international football has reshaped the national team landscape, delivering a major shockwave to AFA leadership and Scaloni’s long-term planning. Additionally, once his contract expires in December, assistant coach Walter Samuel plans to step down to begin his own head-coaching career, removing a core pillar from Scaloni’s technical staff.

Nevertheless, according to reporting from TyC Sports, formal contract extension negotiations between Scaloni and AFA are progressing. While federation leadership initiated dialogue, the manager has yet to issue a formal decision, with resolution expected over a extended timeline rather than the immediate future.

No financial issues on Scaloni’s side

Despite key departures like Messi and Samuel, AFA executives are working to resolve operational challenges, particularly on the financial side. Recent reports suggested the federation owed significant back pay in performance bonuses to players and staff, creating friction between team leadership and executives.

However, TyC Sports reports that all accounts remain in compliance, clarifying that 2026 World Cup bonuses are subject to a standard 180-day payout window following the tournament’s conclusion. Furthermore, sources close to Scaloni’s inner circle express optimism regarding his willingness to extend his stay with the national team.

No friendlies yet scheduled for Argentina

Few managers possess a deeper understanding of Argentina’s roster transition than Scaloni, though the lack of confirmed top-tier opposition for upcoming windows remains a point of contention. To complicate matters further, with an expanded international window scheduled in less than three weeks, AFA have yet to formally announce opponents after missing an initial launch target.

Reporting from ESPN indicates Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin have emerged as primary candidates for Argentina’s autumn slate. However, scheduling lower-ranked opponents presents a point of friction in contract discussions for a manager seeking elite competition. Meanwhile, Moroccan publication Al Mountakhab reported discussions for a potential fixture against Morocco, though AFA’s preference to host matches on domestic soil presents logistical hurdles.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Philippe Coutinho is set to join Santos through the conclusion of the 2026 season. With a verbal agreement finalized, the 34-year-old midfielder needs only to pass his medical examinations before the club formally announces the transaction.

After departing Aston Villa in 2025, Coutinho returned to his boyhood club, Vasco da Gama, in July. However, his tenure ended abruptly when he mutually terminated his contract in February following mounting friction with supporters to preserve his mental health.

Coutinho’s last competitive appearance came on February 14 for Vasco da Gama against Volta Redonda in the Campeonato Carioca. While sidelined without match action for seven months, the midfielder maintained a personal conditioning routine to prepare for his eventual return.

Neymar and Coutinho have been international teammates since their youth days with Brazil‘s U-17 team, featuring together in 41 senior international matches. During that span, Coutinho assisted on five of Neymar’s goals, while Neymar set up three of Coutinho’s strikes. Their move to Santos will mark the first time the two Brazilian veterans share a club locker room.

Coutinho previously arrived at Barcelona as Neymar’s high-profile replacement following his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, arriving from Liverpool in a €135 million ($148 million USD) deal. While Coutinho struggled to replicate Neymar’s statistical impact in Catalonia, he now joins his former Selecao teammate to help Santos push for international tournament qualification next season.

Neymar’s massive help to Santos in the transfer market

With medical testing scheduled for Friday, Globo Esporte reported that Coutinho will travel on Thursday aboard a private jet provided by NR Sports, the management firm operated by Neymar’s family that spearheaded contract negotiations. Acquiring the former Liverpool playmaker was a direct request from Neymar, continuing a trend of high-profile recruitment at the club.

Santos recently confirmed that financial assistance from NR Sports allowed the club to resolve a FIFA-imposed transfer ban, reopening operational channels for roster additions. Since lifting the ban, Peixe have signed Rodinei, Lima, Everton Cebolinha, and former Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo, with Coutinho set to become the fifth major arrival backed by Neymar’s agency.

Following his departure from Club Leon, Rodriguez joined Minnesota United with expectations of establishing himself among the league’s marquee stars. However, after logging just 274 minutes across eight appearances and delivering two assists, Minnesota United and the player agreed to part ways upon his contract expiration, sending the attacking midfielder back into free agency.

According to Diario AS journalist and Colombia insider Pipe Sierra, Rodriguez has reached a verbal agreement to join Atletico Nacional as a free agent. Negotiations have entered the final stages, with contract execution and an official announcement expected in the coming days.

While Atletico Nacional have yet to issue a formal statement, internal confidence remains high regarding closing the deal. Over the past 24 hours, the club’s official social media channels posted subtle teasers centered around the No. 10 jersey, fueling excitement among supporters anticipating Rodriguez’s arrival.

Rodriguez originally emerged through Envigado’s youth academy in 2005 before completing a transfer to Argentine club Banfield in 2008 at age 16. Now, nearly two decades after leaving his home country, he prepares to return to help Los Verdolagas in their pursuit of domestic silverware.

Having been eliminated from international competition earlier in 2026, Atletico Nacional currently sit atop the Primera A standings with 40 points through 19 matches at the midpoint of the campaign. Adding Rodriguez provides a major catalyst for the club, with a league title securing qualification for the Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club competition.

James drew interest from Italy

After spending just three months in MLS followed by four months as a free agent, market options meeting Rodriguez’s financial and competitive requirements proved limited. However, the former Real Madrid star briefly evaluated an opportunity to return to Europe, albeit outside top-flight competition.

According to transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, Italian Serie B club Avellino submitted a formal contract offer to secure the veteran playmaker. Despite the Italian club’s ambitious push, Rodriguez ultimately passed on joining the second-tier side to complete his return to Colombia with Atletico Nacional.

Spanish news agency EFE reported Thursday that Lekjaa, during a political address in Bouznika, Morocco, declared the country would secure the final for the 2030 edition. “The province of Benslimane will have the honor of hosting the 2030 World Cup final,” he said.

The proclamation drew immediate pushback from Spanish sports executives, who have long positioned Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabeu as the logical centerpiece for the final match. However, the venue remains unconfirmed, as FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, retains final decision-making authority over tournament match assignments.

Morocco have launched an ambitious infrastructure initiative to support their co-hosting duties, anchored by a record-setting stadium project. Benslimane, the municipality highlighted by the Morocco FA president, sits 60 kilometers (37 miles) outside Casablanca and will house Hassan II Stadium, a $1 billion USD project built for a projected capacity of 115,000 seats. Upon completion, it will stand as the largest soccer-specific stadium in the world.

While Lekjaa has publicly laid claim to the 2030 final, FIFA have yet to formally confirm host venue designations across the tournament. For comparison, MetLife Stadium (rebranded as New York/New Jersey Stadium during international competition) was not officially awarded the 2026 World Cup final until February 2024, reflecting the extended timeline governing bodies typically utilize before announcing final selections.

Spain FA also pushing to hold the final

Numerous structural decisions remain unresolved for the 2030 World Cup, including whether opening-stage fixtures assigned to Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will expand beyond initial celebratory matches, as well as final field expansion logistics. Regardless of format adjustments, the destination of the final remains the ultimate prize, one Spanish executives are unwilling to relinquish without a fight.

Speaking to reporters in Ceuta, RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) president Rafael Louzan called for diplomatic alignment between bid partners: “Spain has to work with those with whom we signed the bid. We can’t say: now you’re in, now you’re not… We have all signed an acceptance of a bid, and the bid, as you know, is what it is. Therefore, we must work on that.“

Louzan subsequently reinforced Spain’s posture regarding the location of the final match, outlining the country’s historic qualifications. “The pity was that, regarding the final, it wasn’t made clear, completely clear, where that final has to be played. Spain, a two-time world champion and current number one in both men’s and women’s football, has to host that final. We will all work together, because we have no other choice, so that we can deliver the best World Cup in history,” explained the RFEF president.

Inter Miami traveled to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Fire in MLS action, seeking to close the gap on Nashville SC in the race for the 2026 Supporters’ Shield. However, Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for the home side with an acrobatic finish in the 10th minute.

Despite testing the defense on multiple long-range efforts, Messi was repeatedly denied by Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady, who turned aside four shots from the Argentine playmaker throughout the night. However, in the 48th minute, Messi whipped in a corner kick from the left flank, connecting with Casemiro, who rose above his marker to head home the equalizer.

Despite the 1-1 draw, Messi’s latest setup officially pushed his career total to 1,350 combined goals and assists. The delivery to Casemiro represented his 423rd career assist, extending his record as the game’s all-time setup leader, alongside 927 official goals across 1,173 appearances for an average of 1.15 goal contributions per match.

Lionel Messi’s breakdown of goal contributions

How far is Cristiano Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines earlier in the week after scoring his 979th career goal in Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Abha. While the Portuguese star remains closer to reaching the 1,000-goal mark, Messi maintains a clear edge in overall goal contributions.

Across stints with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team, Ronaldo has accumulated 979 goals and 261 assists in 1,335 career appearances. That brings his career tally to 1,240 goal contributions at a rate of 0.93 per match, leaving him 110 behind Messi.

During the 2025-26 campaign, Ronaldo captured the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr while producing 30 goals and four assists, adding three World Cup goals for Portugal to reach 37 goal contributions. At age 41, and having indicated that the 2026-27 season could mark his final professional campaign, the Portuguese legend faces an insurmountable gap to catch Messi’s total.

Following a 2-1 defeat to Norway, Neymar confirmed his international retirement, signaling the end of his career with the national team. Midfielder Casemiro was similarly expected to step away from international duty after departing European football to sign with Inter Miami at age 34.

However, Ancelotti expanded beyond those expected departures, executing a sweeping roster overhaul for the upcoming international window. Of the 26 players who traveled to North America for the World Cup, 15 were omitted, making way for eight first-time call-ups to the senior squad.

Ancelotti’s new 26-player roster

• Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), and Otavio (Cruzeiro)
• Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico Paranaense), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (PSG), Mateuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Jr (PSV Eindhoven), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), and Wesley (AS Roma)
• Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester City), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), and Gabriel Bontempo (Santos)
• Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Estevao (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

Through these selections, Ancelotti reaffirmed his commitment to integrating a younger generation of talent into the national team setup while holding the base of huge names such as Raphinha and Vinicius Junior as preparations begin for the 2030 World Cup cycle. The transition represents an imperative structural pivot given the advanced age of the previous roster.

During the 2026 World Cup, Brazil fielded the seventh-oldest squad in the tournament with an average age of 29.3 years, trailing only Iran, Panama, Colombia, Qatar, Cape Verde, and Scotland. Data from Transfermarkt indicates Ancelotti’s revised selection averages 24.9 years of age, reducing the roster’s collective age profile by nearly five full years.

High-profile exclusions from the squad

Marking an official roster transition, the full list of players omitted from Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad includes Alisson, Ederson, Weverton, Alex Sandro, Gleison Bremer, Leo Pereira, Roger Ibanez, Danilo, Fabinho, Casemiro, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Igor Thiago, and Neymar.

While absent from the upcoming autumn window, select players remain within Ancelotti’s long-term pool. While veterans like Neymar, Casemiro, Alex Sandro, and Danilo are unlikely to return, prime-age contributors such as Matheus Cunha (27), Gabriel Martinelli (25), and Igor Thiago (25) are expected to feature in future squad selections.

Ancelotti’s roster overhaul drew public criticism from former defender Thiago Silva regarding the lack of veteran leadership, an issue the head coach directly addressed during Wednesday’s press conference: “For the objectives we have in these friendlies, it is a balanced list. Right now is a moment to prioritize the young players who have potential and could be there in the future. One thing is certain: a 34 or 35-year-old player won’t have a future; he is the present. If a player at that age is prepared to play in an important competition, he will be in the national team.“

Brazil‘s upcoming schedule features a two-match series against Australia, opening September 25 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville before concluding September 29 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The Selecao then travel to face India on October 3 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, marking the first senior international fixture between the two nations.

Lionel Messi’s announcement of his retirement from the national team caught football executives off guard, concluding a 21-year international tenure with the Albiceleste. Scaloni remains under contract through December 2026 and intends to honor that agreement, but his willingness to commit beyond that date remains in question.

According to reporting from Argentine insider Veronica Brunatti, Scaloni signaled to AFA president Claudio Tapia that he is experiencing fatigue from the demands of managing the national team. While federation executives remain eager to lock him into a long-term agreement, negotiations regarding his future remain on hold.

The manager’s uncertainty aligns with two pivotal shifts: Messi’s international exit and Argentina‘s recent loss in the 2026 World Cup final. Navigating the departure of the program’s defining icon while phasing out veterans to initiate a new cycle toward 2030 presents a daunting mental workload for Scaloni, whose deep emotional bond with his core group has been well-documented throughout his tenure.

On Monday, September 7, Scaloni completed eight full years in charge of the national team, a milestone acknowledged across AFA’s official media channels. Reporting from TyC Sports and journalist Gaston Edul confirms that while formal contract extension negotiations have not officially opened, Scaloni is fully aware of AFA’s intent to keep him at the helm.

Argentina coaching staff member on the brink of leaving

While serving as the public face of Argentina’s tactical renaissance, Scaloni has frequently credited his supporting staff, comprising former national team icons Pablo Aimar, Roberto Ayala, and Walter Samuel, with shaping the culture behind the country’s recent championship run. Now, one of those key pillars is preparing to depart.

According to Brunatti, assistant coach Walter Samuel has made the decision to pursue a head coaching career. The former Inter Milan central defender sees his contract expire alongside Scaloni’s in December 2026, and he intends to seek his first senior managerial role in Europe following eight years on Argentina’s bench.

As a respected defensive strategist, Samuel oversaw set-piece preparation and defensive organization for the national team. With Scaloni set to lose a key pillar of his brain trust, questions surrounding his own willingness to lead Argentina into the 2030 cycle continue to intensify.

The Chicago Fire host Inter Miami on Wednesday, September 9, at Soldier Field. The home side enter the contest on a six-match unbeaten streak in MLS play, sitting fifth in the Supporters’ Shield standings with 38 points through 22 matches, while the Herons hold third place with 43 points through 23 games during a mixed stretch featuring one win, two draws, and two losses over their last five outings.

Lewandowski previously featured against Inter Miami following his July 22 arrival in Chicago, as the Herons secured a 3-2 victory in a match Messi missed while resting after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup run. For Wednesday’s fixture, however, both superstars are expected to feature in the starting XI for one of the season’s most anticipated MLS matchups.

A heated previous encounter between Messi and Lewandowski

Following the cancellation of the 2020 Ballon d’Or, Messi stated during his 2021 acceptance speech that Lewandowski deserved the prior year’s honor, prompting the Polish striker to publicly question Messi’s sincerity. Messi subsequently excluded Lewandowski from his voting ballot for FIFA The Best award, fueling further public friction between the two.

That tension spilled onto the pitch during Matchday 3 of the 2022 World Cup group stage, where Messi visibly snubbed an on-field greeting from Lewandowski prior to kickoff. Argentina went on to secure a 2-0 victory over Poland, highlighted by a late incident where Messi dribbled aggressively at Lewandowski before drawing a foul.

Speaking to ESPN a year later, Messi admitted he harbored extra motivation during that match. “I was bothered by the statements Lewandowski had made. Because when I won the Ballon d’Or, I truly meant what I said about him. And for him to speak the way he spoke, honestly, it bothered me. I dribbled past him again just because it was him,” he stated on what has been their last encounter until today.

A deadlocked all-time series

In recent years, the friction between the two icons has cooled, with Lewandowski publicly expressing hope that Messi would return to FC Barcelona during his tenure in Spain. Now competing as rivals in MLS, both stars will look to take the lead in their head-to-head record.

Their series began during the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League semifinals, where Messi scored twice and added an assist in Barcelona’s 3-0 first-leg win over Bayern Munich. Lewandowski scored in Bayern’s 3-2 second-leg victory, though Barcelona advanced 5-3 on aggregate.

Their final European club meeting came in 2020 during Bayern’s iconic 8-2 quarterfinal victory over Barcelona, where Lewandowski recorded a goal and an assist. Messi subsequently evened their all-time head-to-head record at 2-2-0 with Argentina’s World Cup victory over Poland, setting the stage for Wednesday’s MLS showdown to break the tie.

Kvaratskhelia and Doue begin the match against Slovan Bratislava on the substitutes’ bench due to tactical squad management by manager Luis Enrique. Neither forward is dealing with an injury and both are 100 percent fit to feature, but the Spanish head coach opted to manage their workload for the European opener.

Both the Georgian star and the young French international featured during weekend domestic action against AS Monaco, exiting in the 68th and 63rd minutes respectively as part of planned substitutions.

In their absence, Ousmane Dembele occupies his usual central role in the attacking line, while Ferran Torres starts on the left wing and Maghnes Akliouche features on the right. Both Kvaratskhelia and Doue are expected to be deployed as second-half substitutes to maintain match rhythm.

Kvaratskhelia and Doue, key for PSG in recent UCL wins

PSG enter the 2026-27 campaign with an opportunity to replicate a feat previously achieved only by Real Madrid: capturing three consecutive Champions League titles. Over the past two seasons, both Doue and Kvaratskhelia served as tactical cornerstones of Luis Enrique’s championship system.

In the 2024-25 Champions League final against Inter Milan, Doue scored twice in a 5-0 victory, an outing that earned him the award as the competition’s best young player. During the 2025-26 campaign, Kvaratskhelia was named tournament player of the season after generating 10 goals and six assists.

Confirmed lineups for PSG and Slovan Bratislava

PSG’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Ilyan Zabarnyi, William Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Dro Fernandez, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Maghnes Akliouche, Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres.
Head coach: Luis Enrique.

Slovan Bratislava’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Dominik Takac; Cesar Blackman, Kenan Bajric, Svetozar Markovic, Sandro Cruz; Cristian Martinez, Peter Pokorny, Rahim Ibrahim; Tigran Barseghyan, Andraz Sporar, Suleiman Camara.
Head coach: Yaya Toure

Despite controlling possession and generating the clearest chances against the newly promoted side, Al Nassr initially struggled to turn their dominance into goals. Ronaldo failed to hit the target on his opening two attempts before finally making his mark on the match.

In the 22nd minute, Angelo delivered a precise corner kick into the box, allowing Ronaldo to rise above his defender near the six-yard box. Connecting with power, he drove his header into the far post, past the reach of goalkeeper Donovan Leon.

The strike against Abha marked Ronaldo’s third goal through five appearances in the 2026-27 campaign and his 132nd overall in an Al Nassr uniform, demonstrating his ongoing efficiency at age 41. With a final 2-1 result, Al Nassr returned to the top of the standings, level with Al Hilal at 15 points apiece.

Ronaldo still closing in on 1,000-goal mark

Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines weeks ago by suggesting the 2026-27 campaign could mark his final season as a professional. That admission turned sharp focus toward what the Portuguese legend can accomplish before retiring, with one overarching milestone remaining: reaching 1,000 career official goals.

The header against Abha represented the 979th career goal for Ronaldo, leaving him 21 strikes shy of becoming the first player in modern soccer history to reach 1,000 official goals. While a demanding target, his current scoring pace keeps the milestone well within reach over the remainder of the campaign.

Averaging 0.60 goals per match with three goals through five appearances for Al Nassr this season, a linear projection indicates Ronaldo would require approximately 35 additional matches to produce the 21 goals needed to reach four digits.

Given the volume of fixtures across competitions, Ronaldo will have ample opportunities to close the gap before the end of the 2026-27 campaign. Between SPL, King’s Cup, and AFC Champions League Elite action, Al Nassr have at least 37 scheduled fixtures remaining, complemented by UEFA Nations League fixtures with Portugal that expand his runway beyond 40 matches.

Demonstrating elite form in front of goal, Kane concluded the 2025-26 campaign with 73 total goals, marking the second-highest single-season tally in history. The haul saw him surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s 69-goal mark from 2011-12, trailing only Lionel Messi’s record 82-goal campaign that same year. However, falling short in both the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup has left the award race tightly contested.

Speaking with TNT Sports on Monday, Kane assessed his chances of claiming the Ballon d’Or while reflecting on his personal achievements: “Of course, now it is out of my hands, it is down to the voters and the people who decide it. The season I had was my best season by far, and we’ll have to wait and see.“

On Tuesday, France Football unveiled its 30-player shortlist for the honor, with Kane featuring as one of four Bayern Munich representatives alongside Dayot Upamecano, Luis Diaz, and Michael Olise. “I’m happy that I am in contention, so we will have to wait and see,” he concluded.

Throughout the 2025-26 domestic campaign, Kane dominated German soccer by helping Bayern sweep every domestic trophy available, securing the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and DFL-Supercup titles. On the international stage, Bayern fell in the Champions League semifinals to PSG, while Kane led England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, marking the Three Lions’ best tournament run since winning the title in 1966.

The Champions League: Kane’s primary objective

Kane’s move from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich in 2023 represented a clear statement of intent to compete for Europe’s premier honors. Entering the 2026-27 campaign, his fourth season with the Bavarian giants, the English striker has identified the Champions League as the club’s ultimate objective.

Reflecting on recent European setbacks, Kane made his expectations clear: “We’re really close. I think last year was the finest of margins – to go out to a team who has won the Champions League back to back. We’re coming into this season now saying that it needs to be our year.“

During his debut season in Germany in 2023-24, Bayern suffered a 4-3 aggregate elimination against eventual champions Real Madrid in the semifinals, followed by a quarterfinal exit to eventual finalists Inter Milan by the same aggregate scoreline the following year. A dramatic 6-5 aggregate loss to eventual champions PSG in last season’s semifinals once again left Bayern on the threshold of the final, with Kane expecting the 2026-27 campaign to mark their breakthrough.

With Real Madrid hosting Inter at the Santiago Bernabeu for Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 UCL campaign, Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz provided the attacking spark, while Vinicius experienced a quieter night. That frustration was made evident by the crowd when he was substituted in the 87th minute, with scattered applause drowned out by noticeable boos and whistles from home supporters.

During his post-match press conference, Jose Mourinho addressed his post-game comments calling for respect toward Vinicius following the crowd’s reaction, and the manager did not hold back: “I am not criticizing the fans; I am speaking as a coach and about my relationship with him, who deserves complete respect.“

The Portuguese manager then delivered a firm message emphasizing that while Vinicius is not in peak form, his effort levels remain unquestioned as he strives to return to his match-winning standard. “He is not at his best, that is something we all see, but he is the first to know it, and he is working very hard to be the Vinícius who decides matches. But despite not being at top form, he is working harder than ever in training and in matches,” he added.

In front of goal, Vinicius struggled to find precision, failing to hit the target on three shot attempts, but he played a crucial role in advancing possession into Inter Milan territory. Recording eight progressive carries, the Brazilian covered 342 yards (312.8 meters) with the ball at his feet, the highest mark of any Real Madrid player in the match, while contributing heavily in defense.

Mourinho concluded by reflecting on Vinicius’ overall output, expressing full confidence in the forward’s trajectory: “The few times he hasn’t been able to stay compact and defend with the block, it was due to fatigue, because he made six 50-meter sprints with the ball. It is not easy, but his commitment has been very good. I have immense respect for this Vinicius that I have encountered. The time will come when he will decide and win matches.“

Vinicius supplies crucial defensive output

With Mbappe opening the scoring in the 14th minute and Federico Valverde doubling the advantage in the 23rd, Real Madrid allowed Inter to control possession while threatening on the counter-attack, a setup suited to Vinicius’ physical profile. However, the Brazilian also provided a level of defensive work rate unseen from a Real Madrid forward in over 17 years.

According to OptaJose, Vinicius Junior registered nine ball recoveries against Inter Milan. The last forward to record that level of defensive output in a Champions League match for Real Madrid was Gonzalo Higuain in December 2008 during a 3-0 win over Zenit St. Petersburg.

That metric represents a notable statement, particularly following Real Madrid’s pre-match press conference criticism questioning whether Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe possessed the defensive work rate of peers like Ousmane Dembele.

With Dortmund hosting Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park, Karetsas was named to the starting lineup by head coach Niko Kovac before his abrupt exit in the opening half. The midfielder played a pass back toward his defense in the 23rd minute before immediately collapsing to the turf, prompting medical personnel to rush onto the field to evaluate him.

Far from a structural or orthopedic issue, Karetsas motioned toward his abdominal region and was unable to walk off under his own power. After several minutes of evaluation on the pitch, the attacking midfielder was loaded onto a stretcher and removed in the 27th minute, raising immediate concern among supporters and staff regarding the underlying cause.

While the match remained underway, Borussia Dortmund released a public statement addressing the player’s status: “Konstantinos Karetsas had to leave the field due to circulatory problems. Kosta is doing well under the circumstances and is on his way to the hospital for further tests.“

Prior to Tuesday’s scare, Karetsas had already drawn close monitoring from Dortmund’s medical staff. After starting in Saturday’s Bundesliga fixture against Hoffenheim, the 18-year-old missed Monday’s final pre-match training session leading up to the Villarreal clash due to fatigue symptoms.

Despite the early disruption, Dortmund secured three points in their European opener with a 3-2 victory over Villarreal, highlighted by Serhou Guirassy converting an 85th-minute penalty before turning in a late 93rd-minute own goal. The German club will resume their Champions League schedule on October 14 against Bodo/Glimt, when medical staff hope to have Karetsas cleared for selection.

Dortmund suffer setback from Greek duo

Karetsas’ medical situation heightened anxiety across European soccer following recent heart-related scares across the continent, including Udinese’s Jakub Piotrowski and Napoli’s Scott McTominay undergoing cardiac ablation procedures for mild benign arrhythmia. While a full diagnosis for the midfielder remains pending, Dortmund face losing both members of their newly acquired Greek tandem in under a month.

Back on August 29, during Dortmund’s Bundesliga opener against Hamburg, fellow Greek international Giannis Konstantelias suffered a major injury setback. The winger sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that will keep him sidelined for the majority of the 2026-27 campaign, leaving both of BVB’s marquee summer additions unavailable for the foreseeable future.

For their 2026-27 campaign opener, Real Madrid faced a challenging test against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Italian side controlling long stretches of possession. However, capitalizing on a defensive error from Yann Bisseck during build-up play, Real Madrid recovered the ball deep in enemy territory before Brahim Diaz delivered a precise pass to Mbappe, who clinically finished on his first shot in the 14th minute.

His strike against Inter Milan brought Kylian Mbappe to 71 career Champions League goals across his tenures with AS Monaco, PSG, and Real Madrid. By doing so, he drew level with Los Blancos legend Raul Gonzalez Blanco for fifth place on the competition’s all-time scoring chart.

Prior to kickoff, Mbappe received the Golden Boot trophy honoring him as the top goalscorer of the previous Champions League campaign, where he recorded 15 goals in 11 matches. Finding the net immediately in the opener against formidable opposition like Inter Milan sets the stage for another historic campaign for the French superstar.

Mbappe still far from the top 3

Having established himself as the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history following his performances in 2026, Mbappe now targets the highest peak in European club soccer. Nevertheless, he remains well adrift of the coveted top three, a benchmark requiring multiple seasons to reach.

While Cristiano Ronaldo (140 goals) and Lionel Messi (129 goals) sit atop the Champions League leaderboard, Robert Lewandowski occupies third place with 109 goals. Currently tied with Raul, the next target in Mbappe’s sightline is former teammate Karim Benzema, who holds fourth place with 90 goals.

When could Mbappe reach Messi and Ronaldo?

Currently, Kylian Mbappe’s Champions League portfolio stands at 71 goals through 99 appearances, reflecting an elite scoring clip of 0.72 goals per match. While that efficiency ranks among the greatest in history, maintaining his current pace means Mbappe will require several seasons to surpass the top two.

With Messi standing at 129 goals—58 ahead of Mbappe’s current mark—the French forward would need approximately 81 additional matches at his current scoring rate to catch the Argentine icon. To reach Cristiano Ronaldo’s record tally of 140 goals, Mbappe would require 96 additional appearances to match the Portuguese legend’s mark.

Top 10 Champions League all-time goalscorers

According to reporting from Diario AS and Diario Marca, Lionel Messi has agreed in principle to acquire Eldense, who compete in the Spanish second division. While financial specifics have not been publicly disclosed, the Argentine icon is set to acquire 100 percent of the stock in the Spanish club without third-party investment partners.

Messi’s legal representatives have been negotiating for months with TH Group, a Colombian investment firm led by Juan Carlos Trujillo that acquired the club just one year ago. With a framework in place, only final contractual details remain before a formal announcement is expected in the coming days.

The decision to acquire CD Eldense aligns with Messi’s long-term objective to expand his global influence from front offices rather than the pitch. Following his April 16 acquisition of UE Cornella in the Catalan Tercera Federacion, securing a La Liga 2 club marks a major strategic step forward for Messi’s executive enterprise.

Eldense join a growing network of teams under Messi’s purview, alongside Argentina’s Club Leones de Rosario Futbol Club, presided over by his brother, Matias Messi, and Deportivo LSM, the Uruguayan side founded by Luis Suarez and backed by Messi. Coupled with reports that he will assume an ownership stake in Inter Miami upon retirement, Lionel Messi is positioned to oversee five distinct soccer franchises globally.

CD Eldense and their recent history

Founded in September 1921, CD Eldense are based in Elda in the province of Alicante, near Catalonia, a region where Messi plans to establish his permanent residency once his playing career concludes. The club hosts home fixtures at the Estadio Nuevo Pepico Amat, which features a capacity of 5,776 seats.

Eldense recently secured promotion back to the Spanish second division after topping Group 2 in the 2025-26 Primera Federacion with 69 points. However, their return to La Liga 2 has proved challenging for the squad now poised to join Messi’s sports portfolio.

Through four league matches, Eldense have suffered two defeats and recorded two draws, gathering just two points to sit 20th in the standings within the relegation zone. On Monday, manager Claudio Barragan was dismissed from his head coaching position, becoming the first managerial casualty of the La Liga 2 season, with a replacement yet to be named.

On Tuesday, September 8, France Football unveiled its 30-player nomination list recognizing the world’s standout performers over the past season. In a field headlined by 10 PSG players, European mainstays, and Saudi Pro League stars Julian Quinones and Sadio Mane, Messi stands as the lone MLS representative on the ballot.

The nomination follows a prolific campaign with Inter Miami alongside his individual performance at the 2026 World Cup, where he led Argentina to the final with eight goals and four assists. Fresh off capturing the 2025 MLS Cup after recording 43 goals and 25 assists in 49 overall matches, Messi has maintained his dominance in 2026 with 21 goals and 11 assists through 24 matches.

For the first time in the honor’s history, the Ballon d’Or ceremony will move away from Paris to take place at The London Palladium in England. With the gala scheduled for Monday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET, and Inter Miami set to host FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, October 28, Messi’s personal attendance at the event remains unconfirmed.

Messi not the first MLS player to feature on the shortlist

Messi previously set historic precedent by becoming the first active MLS player to win the award in 2023, though that vote primarily celebrated his 2022 World Cup triumph. His 2026 nomination, while fortified by international play, reflects a full year of dominance in MLS as the league’s reigning MVP.

However, the Argentine icon was not the first player nominated for the Ballon d’Or while actively rostered in MLS. That benchmark belongs to David Beckham, who earned a nomination in 2007 after joining the LA Galaxy.

Ahead of the 2007 edition, organizers at France Football modified the voting rules by expanding eligibility globally. Prior to that decision, the award was strictly limited to players competing for clubs under UEFA jurisdiction.

Beckham played a key role in helping Real Madrid secure the 2006-07 La Liga title over FC Barcelona during his final season in Spain. Upon completing his high-profile transfer to the Galaxy in July 2007, the English midfielder was named to the 50-player shortlist that Octobera , vote ultimately won by Brazilian star Kaka, while Beckham finished without receiving a vote.

On September 2, the day after the primary transfer window closed across most European leagues, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro addressed Balogun’s situation during a press conference. After Everton raised medical concerns during physical testing on Merseyside, the executive revealed that Balogun personally walked away from the £38.5 million ($50 million USD) transfer due to his dissatisfaction with how the Premier League club handled the process.

Speaking with reporters during a virtual media session from London on Monday, Pochettino offered his perspective on the forward’s turbulent situation: “It’s difficult because you cannot influence the decision and only you need to support what they are doing with the people making the decisions.“

The manager noted that he planned to reach out directly to the USMNT forward. “Of course, in some special case, (like) Flo, I will call in the next few days because I want to give a little bit of space after all that happened with his situation in Everton,” he added.

The USMNT are preparing for a four-game friendly slate during the autumn international schedule, featuring matches against Peru on September 26, Chile on September 29, Mexico on October 3, and Canada on October 6. As he builds toward the next World Cup cycle, Pochettino has not yet confirmed whether Balogun will feature in the upcoming roster following his recent inactivity.

Pochettino concluded by emphasizing Balogun’s long-term importance to the program following his contributions during the 2026 World Cup: “I want to know from him what happened, but always offering our support and be with them and that’s it. I think he’s an important player for us, was an important player in the World Cup and hope that he can find being in Monaco, in another place, his best place to perform in the best way.”

Balogun’s future remains in the air

The 2026-27 Ligue 1 season is already underway, with Monaco taking early command of the standings after securing nine points from their opening three fixtures. Under manager Filipe Luis, the Monegasque side has relied on 20-year-old German forward Paris Brunner in the attacking line while Balogun remains sidelined.

Thus far this season, Balogun has yet to log a single minute of action after missing preseason training and failing to make a matchday squad. With the transfer window closed across Europe’s top five leagues, potential exit routes are limited to secondary markets such as the Saudi Pro League, the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Brazil’s Serie A, and Mexico’s Liga MX.

Following Argentina’s defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, Messi formally stepped away from international duty, meaning the upcoming fixtures in late September and early October will mark the national team’s first squad in 21 years without Messi available as an active selection option.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) released a statement on X confirming that the federation “will announce the friendly matches that Lionel Scaloni’s team will play during the September/October FIFA window” on Wednesday, shifting back their original timeline as part of a calculated administrative strategy.

According to Argentina insider and Diario Ole journalist Hernan Claus, AFA are delaying the official schedule release while seeking formal FIFA certification to ensure the matches taking place between September 21 and October 6 receive official “Class A” friendly status.

While seemingly a administrative technicality, the designation remains a high priority for Argentina’s roster management. Under official “Class A” status, suspensions handed out to Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala following post-match incidents at the 2026 World Cup final can be served during these autumn friendlies.

FIFA recently granted AFA’s appeal permitting the sanctioned individuals to serve their suspensions during either official “Class A” friendlies or competitive fixtures, whichever occur first. However, FIFA guidelines typically restrict domestic friendlies played on home soil from receiving “Class A” status, leaving AFA working to clear the hurdle to keep the matches in Argentina without altering their venue plans.

Potential rivals for Argentina begin to emerge

With UEFA nations locked into 2026-27 UEFA Nations League group stage commitments across the autumn international calendar, options for high-profile European opponents remain severely limited for South American federations.

According to reporting from Argentine journalist Veronica Brunatti, AFA are finalizing agreements for two friendlies, targeting Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6. Current plans call for both matches to take place on Argentine soil, though specific venues and kickoff times remain unconfirmed.

Following the 2026 World Cup, the FIFA World Rankings underwent a shift at the top, with Spain claiming the No. 1 ranking with 1,995.88 points and Argentina dropping to No. 2 with 1,970.37 points. Regarding Argentina’s prospective opponents, Burkina Faso currently occupy the 62nd spot globally, while Benin sit at 93rd, offering modest competitive resistance for the world’s second-ranked side.