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Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 on Tuesday in their final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup. The Argentina captain, who is preparing for a record sixth World Cup appearance, came off the bench in the 70th minute and converted a penalty two minutes later after Lautaro Martínez was fouled inside the box. Messi, 38, had been recovering from muscle fatigue and a minor hamstring strain picked up during his last appearance for Inter Miami on May 24. After missing the start of the match, he made an immediate impact once introduced. The Argentina star, the national team’s all-time top scorer with 117 goals, struck a high left-footed penalty in the 72nd minute to seal the win. Argentina, the reigning world champions and three-time winners in 1978, 1986 and 2022, will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Group J also includes Austria and Jordan. The match was only the second meeting between Argentina and Iceland. Their previous encounter came at the 2018 World Cup, which ended 1-1, where Messi had missed a penalty.

Football star Lionel Messi has been sued by a Miami-based event promoter who claims he broke the terms of a $7 million contract by failing to play in a scheduled exhibition match last year. According to court records, Vid Music Group filed a lawsuit last month in a Miami-Dade circuit court, accusing Messi and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) of fraud and breach of contract. The company says it had secured exclusive rights to organize and promote Argentina’s friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in October, in return for ticket sales, broadcast rights and sponsorship revenue. It claims the agreement required Messi to play at least 30 minutes in each match unless he was injured. Messi did not play in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Venezuela on October 10, instead watching from a suite at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. However, he played the following day for his club Inter Miami in an MLS match, where he scored twice in a 4-0 win over Atlanta United. He later featured in Argentina’s 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico on October 14. That match had originally been scheduled in Chicago but was moved to Florida amid low ticket sales and security concerns. The promoter alleges it suffered losses running into millions of dollars due to Messi’s absence from one match and poor attendance at the other. Messi and the AFA have not yet responded to the lawsuit.

Lionel Messi will have a stadium stand named after him by his current club Inter Miami CF at their new home ground, the 26,700-seat Nu Stadium. The 38-year-old forward, widely considered one of football’s greatest players, joined the MLS side in 2023 after a successful career in Europe with FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Since arriving in Florida, Messi has become Inter Miami’s all-time top scorer with 82 goals and leading assist provider with 53. The club’s decision to name a stand after an active player is seen as unusual. In a statement, Inter Miami said such honours are usually reserved for the past, but this recognition reflects what Messi is achieving now and the impact he continues to make on the pitch. The club is set to play its first match at the new stadium against Austin FC on April 4. This marks the second time a stand has been named after Messi. In June 2025, his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys also honoured him in a similar way. Messi, who led Argentina national football team to World Cup victory in 2022, is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and became the first player in MLS history to win back-to-back MVP awards last season. His move to Inter Miami, co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, has boosted the club’s profile and popularity of the league, along with bringing titles such as the Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup. Source : BBC

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF endured a disappointing start to their MLS Cup title defence after losing 3-0 to Los Angeles FC in the new season opener on Saturday night. David Martínez, Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz scored for LAFC, who made a strong statement as early contenders for the title. Son Heung-min provided the assist for Martínez’s opening goal in the 38th minute, setting the tone for the home side’s dominant display. The match attracted 75,673 fans, the second-largest crowd in Major League Soccer history, creating a lively atmosphere for the high-profile clash between two of the league’s biggest clubs. Messi played despite recently dealing with a hamstring strain, drawing loud reactions from the crowd throughout the game. However, Miami looked less settled after the retirements of key players Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, while new signings are still adjusting to the team’s style. Bouanga doubled LAFC’s lead in the 73rd minute, finishing a long pass with a composed header and strike. Ordaz sealed the win deep into stoppage time after converting Bouanga’s assist. The victory continued LAFC’s perfect record in season openers and improved their head-to-head record against Miami to four wins from six meetings. For Miami, the heavy defeat highlights the challenge ahead as they attempt to defend their MLS title against strong and in-form rivals.  

Lionel Messi has said that when his playing career ends, he would rather become a football club owner than work as a coach. The Argentine superstar recently signed a new three-year contract with Inter Miami that will keep him at the club until the 2028 season. Speaking in an interview with Luzu TV recorded in December and aired this week, the 38-year-old said coaching does not interest him. “I don’t see myself as a coach,” Messi said. “I like management, but if I had to choose, I would prefer to be an owner. I would love to have my own club, help it grow from the bottom, and give young players the chance to develop and build something important.” Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, is already involved in club ownership. He is a part owner of Uruguay’s fourth-division side Deportivo LSM, alongside his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez. Suarez launched the club in 2018 and said it was a family dream. The club now has more than 3,000 members and focuses on helping young players in Uruguay develop their football skills. Under his Inter Miami contract, Messi will also receive a future minority ownership stake in the MLS club. On the field, Messi enjoyed a brilliant season. He won the MLS Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals, five more than LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge. He also provided 19 assists, taking his total goal involvement to 48 — just one short of the league record set by Carlos Vela in 2019. Guardiola questions claim of two-horse Premier League title race Messi also made history by becoming the first player to win back-to-back MLS MVP awards.

Lionel Messi admits that he and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo are “constantly talking” about a future return to Barcelona. The Argentine maestro went viral on social media after posting a picture of himself strolling on the pitch of the new Camp Nou on Monday. It was a nighttime visit, completely unannounced. The greatest player in Barcelona’s history was back at his former home, where he had been “very happy”. Read more: 3 new faces in Argentina squad, Messi uncertain for upcoming friendlies Posting the photos and a short video, Messi wrote in the caption: “Last night I returned to a place I miss with all my soul. A place where I was incredibly happy, where you all made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over. I hope I can return someday, and not just to say goodbye as a player, like I never got to…” Messi made an emotional exit from Camp Nou in 2021 when, amid financial struggles for the LaLiga giants, no new contract could be signed. He moved to Paris with his family, before eventually heading to Miami. There has been talk over the last four years about a possible return in a playing capacity, but Messi has now committed to a contract in South Florida that will keep him in MLS through the 2028 campaign. While a playing comeback for the Blaugrana has become unrealistic, the 38-year-old superstar still intends to return to his spiritual home. With his secret tour of Barcelona’s iconic revamped stadium, speculation has surged once again. A day later, in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Diario SPORT, Messi discussed his unexpected departure, his hope of returning to Barcelona, and also spoke about the upcoming World Cup.

Erling Haaland has played down comparisons between himself and modern football greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he is nowhere near their level. But, the striker believes he is in “a good way” to surpass his best tally of 56 goals in a season. The Manchester City forward delivered another masterclass on Sunday as his side beat high-flying Bournemouth 3-1, climbing up to second place in the Premier League after 10 matches. With his brace, Haaland now has 13 Premier League goals this season—more than twice as many as any other player. He also achieved a rare milestone, becoming only the third player ever to score two or more goals in four or more consecutive Premier League home appearances, after Robbie Fowler (4 in 1995–96) and Luis Suárez (5 in 2013). Across all competitions, Haaland has already scored 26 goals in 16 appearances for club and country as of early November, taking his career tally to 327. After the Bournemouth match, City manager Pep Guardiola heaped praise on the 25-year-old striker, comparing him to Argentine legend Lionel Messi and Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo, noting how the two remained consistent over 15 seasons. Asked about Guardiola’s comparison, the Norwegian immediately dismissed the idea: “No, not at all. I am far off. Nobody can get close to them two, so no.” Haaland trails a long way behind the pair’s extraordinary goal totals. Argentina great Messi, 38, has scored 892 career goals, while 40-year-old Portugal icon Ronaldo is on 952 as he continues his pursuit of the 1,000-goal mark. Haaland scored 56 goals in the 2022–23 season, his first at Manchester City following his move from Borussia Dortmund, which remains his most prolific campaign so far. This season, Manchester City could play a maximum of 52 more matches, while Norway could play up to 12 if they reach the FIFA World Cup final, plus additional friendlies yet to be decided. With 98 goals in 107 Premier League appearances, Haaland is closing in on becoming the fastest player to reach a century of goals in English top-flight. Former England captain Alan Shearer set the record at 124 games and sits atop the all-time Premier League charts with 260 goals. Shearer, who played for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, said last month that Haaland has a “brilliant chance” of breaking the record. Asking on that matter Haaland said, “Which record? Not to sound arrogant! I am in a good way but I don't think of this. “Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind, I try to help the team win football games. That is my job and that is my main focus. “I know it's boring, I know you want me to say the complete opposite but that's not how it is. I have to ignore them.” Manchester City host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in their fourth Champions League group match, with both teams on seven points.    

Nearing the twilight of their legendary careers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the two GOATs of football, continue to rewrite history, keeping their fans enthralled around the world. Last night Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers. Messi didn’t take much time to appear on the headlines, breaking the record for most assists in international football. Messi had missed Argentina’s earlier match against Venezuela, instead featuring for Inter Miami in their Major League Soccer clash with Atlanta United. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner returned on Tuesday night against Puerto Rico, inspiring Argentina to a resounding 6–0 victory. The Argentine captain provided two brilliant assists, taking his international tally to 60 assists, the highest ever in men’s international football, surpassing his former Barcelona and PSG teammate Neymar’s record of 59. With this feat, Messi also edges closer to another milestone— 400 career assists across all competitions. Not only is Messi first in assists, he is also second in all time international goals (114), just behind Cristiano Ronaldo (143). In addition to leading the world in assists, Messi now stands second in all-time international goals (114), just behind Ronaldo’s 143. This rare combination of scoring and creating underlines what makes Messi a complete player—an embodiment of both brilliance and balance. Earlier on Tuesday, Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 40 goals. He even extended his own record by scoring again against Hungary. However, the Al Nassr forward ended the match in frustration, as Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time equaliser denied Portugal an early ticket to the World Cup. A draw against Ireland in November would be enough for Portugal to heave a sigh of relief, as they remain top of Group F with 10 points from four matches, followed by Hungary on five. Ireland climbed to third with four points after beating 10-man Armenia 1–0, who stay bottom with three. Meanwhile, Argentina have already booked their place topping the CONMEBOL standings, continuing their dominant run in South America’s qualifiers.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has announced a 28-man squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in the United States, featuring a mix of World Cup veterans and promising newcomers. The call-ups follow Argentina’s successful conclusion to their South American qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, which they topped with a commanding 38 points from 18 matches. Debut call-ups and recalls Scaloni introduced several surprises in his latest selection, handing out first-ever senior national team call-ups to three players. They are: midfielder Aníbal Moreno (28), who plays for Brazilian club Palmeiras; defender Lautaro Rivero (21) from Argentine club River Plate; and goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses (28), who represents Racing Club. In addition to the debutants, defender Marcos Senesi (28) has been recalled to the squad after a long absence. The defender, who has only played once for the national team back in June 2022, will be looking to earn his second cap in Albiceleste colors. Midfielder Enzo Fernández also returns to the squad after serving a two-match suspension during the World Cup qualifiers. Fixtures and Captain’s status The reigning world champions will travel to the United States for two friendlies. They will face Venezuela on October 10 at Miami Gardens in Florida, and then play Puerto Rico on October 13 at Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago. Captain Lionel Messi and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul have both been included in the squad for those games, but their participation in the first friendly against Venezuela is uncertain. Inter Miami, the club for both players, has a key MLS home match against Atlanta United the very next day, October 11. Inter Miami are currently locked in a battle for the Supporters’ Shield and a top spot on the Eastern Conference table for playoff home-field advantage. Currently fourth in the East with 56 points, Miami needs to win their three remaining league matches, and hope the Philadelphia Union lose their final two games, to clinch the Supporters’ Shield. When asked about the possibility of Messi and De Paul featuring in the October 10 match against Venezuela, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was non-committal on Friday, stating, “We are discussing the matter right now; you will know soon.” Inter Miami’s Telasco Segovia was also called up to the Venezuela squad for the friendly. Full Argentina Squad Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli, Facundo Cambeses Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Lautaro Rivero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Anibal Moreno, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Paz, Giovanni Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada, Franco Mastantuono Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez

A rookie card featuring Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has been sold for a record-breaking $1.5 million in a private transaction, making it the most valuable soccer card ever sold. This new record surpasses the previous one held by a card of Brazilian legend Pele. According to Goldin Auctions, the card, a 2004-05 Panini Mega Cracks PSA 10, was sold through Fanatics Collect’s private sales network. This sale tops a similar card that sold for $1.1 million earlier this week in a deal also facilitated by Goldin. The previous record for a soccer card was set in 2022 when a 1958 Alifabolaget Pele PSA 9 sold privately for $1.33 million, according to Card Ladder. This latest record is part of a series of high-value sales for this specific Messi rookie card. Just last month, a different PSA 10-graded version of the card sold for $1 million through Fanatics Collect, a global digital sports platform that trades cards and collectibles. Prior to that, another copy sold for $825,000 at Goldin. The record for the card before August was reportedly $336,000, set in June 021. Messi scores twice in emotional farewell match for Argentina The sale marks a major milestone for Fanatics Collect's new private sales network, which is designed for high-value transactions of $10,000 or more. According to a source from Fanatics who spoke with ESPN, the network generated roughly $8 million in sales from 30 to 40 transactions during its first full month in August. Out of the 838 copies of the No. 71 Messi card that PSA has graded, only 20 have received the highest possible grade of Gem-Mint 10, making them extremely rare and valuable. The record-breaking $1.5 million card also includes a special “Mike Baker Authenticated Diamond” certification, which signifies its exceptional condition.