Alejandro Lopez Vega

Brazil former star Filipe Luis highlighted the importance of Carlo Ancelotti at this crucial moment. With two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil are hopeful that Carlo Ancelotti can provide the national team with a tactical identity that allows them to compete for the title in North America. Filipe Luis expressed confidence that the Italian coach will get the job done in time. “Ancelotti brings us many good things,” Filipe Luis said during a conference organized by Conmebol this week, according to Diario AS. “There are no guarantees we’ll win anything, but it’s the best that could have happened.” The former Atletico Madrid defender pointed to the timing of Ancelotti’s arrival to take over the national team. In mid-2025, Brazil were coming off a heavy loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires and, with four matches remaining in the South American qualifiers, had not yet secured their place in the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti delivered the results needed to achieve that goal and has since used every FIFA break to shape a team that had struggled to meet expectations since the departure of Tite after the 2022 World Cup at Qatar. Vinicius Junior is subbed off by Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil. Filipe Luis believes in Brazil’s chances The general consensus among fans and analysts lists Spain, France and Argentina as the top favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Despite being the most successful national team in the competition’s history, Brazil are not placed in that top tier, but rather in a second group alongside other powerhouses such as Germany, England and Portugal. However, Filipe Luis warned those who might count Brazil out of the title race. “Brazil will always be one of the favorites, even when things aren’t going well,” said the former Flamengo manager, extending that view to Argentina as well. To support his confidence in Ancelotti’s squad, Filipe Luis pointed to the team’s individual talent: “People don’t believe Brazil can win. But if you look at the five best players in the world, we have two: Raphinha and Vini Jr.” Brazil’s path in the 2026 World Cup Brazil are in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will open their campaign on June 13 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, before traveling to Philadelphia six days later to face Haiti. Their final group-stage match will be on June 24 in Miami against Scotland. If everything goes as expected and Carlo Ancelotti’s side finish top of the group, they will advance to the Round of 16, where they would face the runner-up of Group F — made up of Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia — in Houston on June 29.

Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, earning a significant financial reward in the process. On Tuesday, the first two clubs secured their spots in the semifinals of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Atletico Madrid lost 2-1 to Barcelona but still advanced thanks to their first-leg victory, while Paris Saint-Germain extended their advantage against Liverpool. Both clubs will receive a substantial financial prize for progressing to the next round. Simply for reaching the Champions League semifinals, UEFA awards each club €15 million — approximately $17.6 million. While that alone represents a major boost for Europe’s top four teams, it is only part of the total revenue clubs generate from a deep run in the competition. UEFA’s distribution system is made up of several components: participation bonuses, performance-based rewards, and milestone payments. As a result, each club’s total earnings vary depending on how far they advance and how they perform throughout the tournament. The Champions League prize money structure Each of the 36 clubs that participated in the UEFA Champions League league phase received a base payment of €18.62 million, roughly $22 million. From there, performance in that stage determines additional earnings. Paris locked in for the semi-finals 🔒#UCL pic.twitter.com/O3eBTXtXCf — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 14, 2026 During the league phase, teams earn an extra $2.48 million for each win and $0.83 million for each draw. That is why the top-performing team in that stage — Arsenal — collected $19.8 million from eight wins, bringing their total to nearly $42 million when combined with the base payment. How much do clubs earn for advancing in the Champions League? Once in the knockout stages, teams also receive payments based on their position in the standings. On top of that, there are additional bonuses for advancing through each round: $13 million for reaching the Round of 16 and $14.7 million for making the quarterfinals. As mentioned, the semifinals are worth an additional $17.6 million. Reaching the final brings in $21.8 million, and winning it adds another $7.6 million. That title also grants access to the UEFA Super Cup, which can be worth up to $5.9 million more. Finally, each club receives a “value pillar” payment tied to broadcasting rights and other commercial revenues related to the UEFA Champions League. The amount varies by club, based on a coefficient that considers performances over the past 10 years. Taking all these factors into account, the Champions League winner this season could earn around €150 million (approximately $175 million) in total, combining performance-based prizes and commercial revenue.

Barcelona managed to cut into Atletico Madrid’s lead in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, while Ademola Lookman scored for the hosts. Barcelona took the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium with the urgency needed to overturn the 2-0 deficit Atletico Madrid built in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Lamine Yamal scored the opener in the early minutes, and Ferran Torres added a second, but Ademola Lookman responded for the hosts. Yamal capitalized on a mistake by Clement Lenglet in the 4th minute of the first half. The defender attempted a back pass to goalkeeper Juan Musso, but the young Spanish winger intercepted it. The loose ball fell to Ferran Torres, who set up Lamine for the game’s first goal. With that early strike, Barcelona showed they are very much alive in the tie, cutting the deficit to just one goal with most of the match still to be played at the Metropolitano Stadium. That goal increased the tension and sloppiness from the hosts, who were far from the level they showed a week earlier at Camp Nou. LAMINE YAMAL GETS THE FIRST GOAL OF THE NIGHT 🔵🔴#UCL pic.twitter.com/N12YVqAk8K — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 14, 2026 Ferran Torres scores the second In the minutes following Yamal’s opener, Barcelona tightened their grip on the match, controlling possession and creating several chances to double their lead. It came in the 24th minute, when Dani Olmo set up Ferran Torres, who finished calmly with his left foot in a one-on-one against Musso. Moments later, Hansi Flick’s side nearly found a third that would have put them ahead in the tie for the first time. Yamal delivered a superb pass to Fermin Lopez, whose header was tipped away by Musso, who then accidentally struck Lopez in the face on the follow-through. GAME ON IN MADRID 😤🔥 Ferran Torres levels the tie as he scores FC Barcelona's second goal! 💥⚽️#UCL pic.twitter.com/mvkiafqSG9 — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 14, 2026 Lookman pulls one back for Atletico Madrid Conceding twice early was a heavy blow for Atletico Madrid, but they responded in time to regain control of the tie. After Fermin Lopez’s chance, the hosts answered with a quick attack that ended in a surging run down the right flank by Marcos Llorente. The Spanish defender drove into the box and delivered a precise cross that found Ademola Lookman arriving at the far post. Lookman met it in front of goalkeeper Joan Garcia and scored to make it 2-1, restoring Atletico Madrid’s cushion. THIS. GAME. 🤯 Lookman pulls one back for Atlético de Madrid‼️#UCL pic.twitter.com/PST8DrBmWQ — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 14, 2026

Javier Mascherano stepped down as Inter Miami head coach, leaving Lionel Messi and his teammates in an unexpected situation. This Tuesday, Inter Miami were hit with news that shakes their stability and raises questions about the future: Javier Mascherano has stepped down as head coach, leaving a void to fill for Lionel Messi and his teammates for the remainder of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. “Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano announced today his decision to step down as the Club’s head coach for personal reasons,” the club announced in a statement on its official website. “Mascherano departs the Club along with the coaching staff that arrived with him in January 2024.” Mascherano’s departure comes as a surprise given the timing. Fewer than three months have passed since the start of the 2026 season, and there is still plenty left to play for, with Inter Miami still competing in MLS—currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference—and with the Leagues Cup yet to be played. However, the Herons’ performances and results at the start of this year have fallen short of those in 2025. The early elimination against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup was a major blow for the club, and their recent showings in league play have also been underwhelming. Javier Mascherano has decided to bring his tenure as Head Coach to an end. A champion who, together with his staff, will always be part of the @InterMiamiCF family and forever linked to our first star. 🔗 https://t.co/fHUABSFBhp pic.twitter.com/LFJ61zB6y3 — Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 14, 2026 Even so, Mascherano’s tenure at Inter Miami remains extremely positive overall. He led the club to its first MLS title last year, an achievement that had eluded them during Messi’s early years in the United States. In addition, they advanced to the knockout stages of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after defeating European giants Porto, in what stands as the most important victory in club history. Mascherano explains his decision to step down from Inter Miami In the same statement published on the club’s official website, Inter Miami shared comments from Javier Mascherano explaining the reasons behind his decision to leave the club in the middle of the 2026 season. “I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF,” began the Argentine coach. “I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me… I also want to thank the fans and La Familia, because none of this would have been possible without them.” On the impact Inter Miami have had on his life and career, he added: “I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the Club all the best moving forward. I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future. Sending you all a big hug, and thank you for everything.” Who will replace Mascherano at Inter Miami? With Mascherano’s departure confirmed, Inter Miami’s priority now is to refocus on their MLS campaign. Regarding the team’s immediate future, the Herons provided details on the steps they will take to replace the Argentine coach. “Guillermo Hoyos will assume the role of First Team head coach for the upcoming matches,” the club announced in the same statement. “Hoyos is a former professional footballer with more than 20 years of playing experience, as well as a coach and sporting director with extensive international experience in the football world.” Hoyos was already part of the Florida side’s sporting structure: “Since joining Inter Miami CF, he has been responsible for overseeing and advancing the Club’s professional pathway development structure, while also serving as sporting director up to now.” For now, his first challenge will be an away match against Colorado Rapids on Saturday in MLS.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kobe Bryant were praised by Neymar. Neymar is not only one of the biggest soccer stars of this century, but also an athlete who regularly shows admiration for other greats. This time, he spoke highly of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kobe Bryant. In a video posted on his official YouTube account, Ney showed his private collection of jerseys and trophies gathered throughout his professional career. The collection includes, of course, items he wore with the different clubs he has played for, as well as with the Brazil national team, along with pieces from athletes he admires. One of the standout items in the collection is a Real Madrid jersey from the 2017-18 season with the number 7 on the back. “Cristiano Ronaldo… He is a beast!” Neymar said while showing that particular piece, alongside others such as a Zlatan Ibrahimovic jersey from AC Milan. This is not the first time the Brazilian forward has expressed his admiration for Ronaldo. In fact, in a 2020 interview Neymar said: “I respect him a lot for the history he has made. He is the mirror I look into… He has been at the top for 10 years, like Messi, and we all want to be like them.” Neymar facing Cristiano Ronaldo Neymar’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo dates back to when he was a child watching him shine at Manchester United, and getting the chance to face him on the pitch has not changed that opinion. Over the course of his professional career, Ney faced Cristiano Ronaldo eight times, all at club level. The first seven came in Clasicos between Barcelona and Real Madrid from 2013 to 2017, with four wins for Neymar, two for Ronaldo and one draw. The most recent meeting came in 2018, when Real Madrid defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Neymar admires several NBA stars Soccer is not the only sport that interests Neymar. He has often shown his passion for basketball, particularly for several NBA stars. In his personal collection, the Santos forward owns jerseys from multiple American players. “This is a Kobe Bryant jersey. The day he sadly passed away, I wore it as a tribute to him,” Neymar explained in the same video, about a Paris Saint-Germain jersey with the number 24 and Bryant’s name. “I’m a big fan of him—I even have a tattoo of him. He’s an inspiration to me, so this was a tribute.” In addition, among his Kobe memorabilia, Ney also keeps a Los Angeles Lakers jersey with the number 24. Alongside that, he also owns one from another legend of the Purple and Gold: “The Man, LeBron James,” the forward said while showing a No. 23 jersey. Finally, he also displayed a Golden State Warriors item: “I’m going to put this jersey up here too. Curry. A jersey he wore that I managed to get.”

As he remains sidelined by San Diego FC in MLS, Hirving Lozano now appears set to be left out of representing Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a conversation with Javier Aguirre. A meeting between head coach Javier Aguirre and Hirving Lozano appears to have been decisive in leaving the Mexico forward all but out of contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid his ongoing conflict with San Diego FC in MLS. “There was a conversation between Javier Aguirre and Chucky Lozano a few months ago because of this whole situation he had in San Diego,” journalist Gibran Araige said this week on TUDN’s Insider. “Vasco told him: ‘Look, I’m interested in you, I have you on my radar for the World Cup, but I need you to play,’” the reporter continued, outlining the Mexico head coach’s stance. However, Lozano’s response was not encouraging: “Chucky said no.” Aguirre’s position appears reasonable. Hirving Lozano is a player with proven quality and experience at the European level, as well as a long track record with the Mexico national team. However, arriving at a World Cup after more than six months without playing time is difficult to justify. Hirving Lozano played 34 games for San Diego FC. That is why the coach’s intention was for Lozano to do everything possible to leave San Diego FC and find another club where he could secure playing time during this stretch. However, the player chose to prioritize honoring his contract, continue earning his high MLS salary, and potentially give up the chance to play in the World Cup with Mexico. What happened with Lozano at San Diego FC? Earlier this year, San Diego FC announced that Hirving Lozano would not be part of head coach Mikey Varas’ plans for the 2026 MLS season, citing issues related to “style of play” and “environment” as reasons behind the decision. The problems had begun months earlier during a match against Houston Dynamo, when Lozano was substituted at halftime and, according to The Athletic, had a verbal altercation with Varas that led to him being sidelined for a couple of matches. Although Hirving Lozano was later reinstated and played four more matches for San Diego FC during the MLS playoffs, at the start of the new season the coaching staff and club executives opted to leave the forward out of their plans moving forward. Mexico lose a key piece Hirving Lozano has been one of Mexico’s standout players in recent years. Alongside his European career with PSV Eindhoven and Napoli, he has been a regular presence in the national team over the past decade. The forward has appeared in two World Cups. At Russia 2018, he started all four matches for Mexico and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Germany, one of the most significant results in the history of the national team. At Qatar 2022, he also started all three matches, underscoring his importance over time. Now, with his participation in the 2026 World Cup nearly ruled out, Lozano leaves a significant void in the Mexico national team, even if his recent involvement has already been limited due to injuries and coaching decisions.

Lamine Yamal reached 100 La Liga matches in record time, leaving Lionel Messi far behind. Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise to global soccer stardom continues to gather momentum. This time, the Barcelona winger set another record by becoming the youngest player to reach 100 La Liga appearances, posting numbers that surpass those of Lionel Messi by a wide margin. Yamal was in the starting lineup on Saturday as Barcelona earned a 4-1 win over Espanyol in the Catalonia derby. He scored once and provided two assists for Ferran Torres, while also marking his 100th La Liga appearance at just 18 years and 272 days old. With that, the Spain star moved to the top of the all-time list for this milestone, surpassing Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez, who had held the record since 1997, when he reached 100 league appearances at 19 years and 284 days. Iker Muniain ranks third on the list, having reached that mark at 19 years and 293 days with Athletic Club. The Basque side also produced another name on the list, shared with Real Sociedad, Joseba Etxeberria, who achieved the milestone at 20 years and 177 days. Interestingly, another current Barcelona player also appears in the top 10: Gavi sits sixth on the list, having reached 100 La Liga matches at 20 years and 243 days. Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona How long did it take Messi to reach 100 La Liga matches? Although Lionel Messi had an early start to his professional career, breaking into Barcelona’s first team at 17 in 2004, he faced more challenges than Lamine Yamal when it came to establishing himself at the top level. The internal competition within that squad and his physical profile at the time are important factors when comparing the two players. Messi reached his first 100 La Liga appearances during the 2008-09 season. By then, he had already spent five seasons playing professionally with Barcelona. The milestone came in a 4-3 loss to Atletico Madrid on March 1, 2009. At that point, the Argentine forward was 21 years and 250 days old. Goal comparison between Yamal and Messi The difference in how quickly Messi and Yamal reached 100 La Liga matches is clear. However, when it comes to their goal contributions over that span, the gap becomes much narrower. At the time of his 100th La Liga appearance with Barcelona, Lionel Messi had recorded 48 goals and 29 assists, totaling 77 goal contributions. In the same number of matches, Lamine Yamal has posted 29 goals and 34 assists, for a total of 63 goal contributions.

LAFC will face Cruz Azul on Tuesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a matchup that could serve as a valuable test for Son Heung-min ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Son Heung-min will have a useful opportunity ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he travels to Mexico on Tuesday with LAFC to face Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup, under conditions similar to those he will encounter this summer with South Korea. The clash between Cruz Azul and LAFC will be played at Estadio Cuauhtemoc in Puebla, a city located 7,005 feet above sea level. That makes for unusual match conditions, with differences in climate and oxygen levels that often impact players who are not accustomed to that environment. This will represent an additional challenge for LAFC, considering they drew 0-0 at home in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series. They will now need to find a goal to gain an advantage and advance to the semifinals, though the task will not be easy. However, for Son, there is also an opportunity to gain experience that could prove crucial ahead of the World Cup set to take place this summer in North America. South Korea are in Group A and will play all three of their group-stage matches on Mexican soil, where altitude will be a key factor to consider. Son playing for LAFC. South Korea’s altitude challenges at the World Cup Of South Korea’s three group-stage matches at the World Cup, one will be played against South Africa at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe. At just 1,600 feet above sea level, altitude should not pose a major issue for Son and his teammates. However, the other two matches will present a very different scenario. Both South Korea’s opener against the Czech Republic and their following match against Mexico will be played at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, where altitude becomes a significant factor at 5,154 feet. The match against the Czech Republic will be relatively even in that regard, as both teams will be dealing with unfamiliar conditions. But the real challenge will come in the second match, when they face the hosts, who are naturally far more accustomed to the environment. That is why Son Heung-min’s prior opportunity to play at altitude — and at an even higher elevation like Puebla — could be invaluable preparation for the World Cup.

Inter Miami are set to host New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer action, with all eyes on Lionel Messi. Inter Miami are looking for their first win this Saturday at Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park following last week’s grand opening. Their opponent in this MLS matchup will be New York Red Bulls, with Lionel Messi once again leading the team. The Herons currently sit tied for second place in the Eastern Conference standings with 11 points, level with New York City FC and Charlotte FC, after recording three wins, two draws, and one loss. At the top of the table are Nashville SC with 13 points. Their opponent, New York Red Bulls, have had a similar campaign so far: they trail Inter Miami by just one point in the standings and will be motivated by the chance to make a statement with a win at Nu Stadium. Confirmed Inter Miami lineup Compared to last week’s match, head coach Javier Mascherano will introduce a couple of changes to the starting lineup against New York Red Bulls, taking into account recent performances and minor fitness concerns. Most importantly, Lionel Messi will remain in the starting XI. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami talks with Javier Mascherano as he leaves the field. The confirmed Inter Miami lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright; Mateo Silvetti, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; German Berterame. Confirmed New York Red Bulls lineup After defeating FC Cincinnati last weekend in MLS play, New York Red Bulls enter this matchup against Inter Miami in good form. However, head coach Michael Bradley knows that Saturday’s challenge against Lionel Messi and company will be far more demanding. The confirmed New York Red Bulls lineup is: Ethan Horvath; Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Dylan Nealis, Robert Voloder, Matthew Dos Santos; Adri Mehmeti, Emil Forsberg, Ronald Donkor; Cade Cowell, Julian Hall, Jorge Ruvalcaba.

Giovani Lo Celso, a key teammate of Lionel Messi with Argentina, is back from a lengthy injury just two months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In recent weeks, the news has not been positive for Argentina, with several players sidelined by injuries in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Giovani Lo Celso is the exception, returning after an extended spell on the sidelines with the goal of joining Lionel Messi in North America this summer. Lo Celso was included in the 24-man squad selected by head coach Manuel Pellegrini for Real Betis’ match on Sunday against Osasuna in Pamplona. The call-up marks the midfielder’s return following a prolonged absence due to a muscle injury. Gio’s last appearance came on January 22, when he played just six minutes in a UEFA Europa League clash against PAOK before suffering a significant tear in the rectus femoris of his right thigh that forced him to leave the match. If he sees minutes against Osasuna this Sunday, Lo Celso will end an 80-day stretch without official match action. In total, he missed 15 matches at club level across La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Europa League. Our squad list for #OsasunaRealBetis 📋#LALIGARETRO pic.twitter.com/Dbq4hMULvR — Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) April 11, 2026 Lo Celso aims to regain ground with Argentina The muscle injury sustained at Betis also kept Giovani Lo Celso out of Argentina’s plans at the start of the year. He was left off Lionel Scaloni’s roster for the friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires during the March FIFA break. With just two months until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lo Celso’s situation remains uncertain. For years, he has been a key piece of the squad and Lionel Messi’s primary creative partner. However, recurring injuries over the past few seasons have caused him to lose ground, while other players have risen in the manager’s pecking order. At the moment, reports indicate that Scaloni is set on bringing several midfielders to the World Cup, including Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, and Nicolas Paz. Lo Celso is not currently part of that group and will need to deliver strong performances — and, above all, maintain his fitness — in the coming months with Betis to compete for one of the final roster spots. Lo Celso has unfinished business at the World Cup Despite being a regular part of the Argentina setup for most of the past decade, Giovani Lo Celso has yet to play in a World Cup. He was included in the squad for Russia 2018, but then-head coach Jorge Sampaoli surprisingly did not give him a single minute across Argentina’s four matches. Four years later, Lo Celso was a clear starter in Lionel Scaloni’s plans heading into Qatar 2022, but an untimely muscle injury suffered weeks before the tournament while playing for Villarreal ruled him out of the squad. Now, he faces the challenge of earning a spot on Argentina’s roster for North America 2026 and finally settling that unfinished business.

Barcelona have reportedly made an offer to Robert Lewandowski, who is also being closely monitored by AC Milan and Chicago Fire. Robert Lewandowski’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time, with reported interest from AC Milan and Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer. In that context, Barcelona have reportedly submitted a formal offer. “Robert Lewandowski (37 years old) already knows FC Barcelona’s offer,” Mundo Deportivo reported this Saturday. “His agent, Pini Zahavi, was in the Catalan capital this week to meet with club representatives and learn the details of the proposal.” This update aligns with comments Joan Laporta made during his presidential campaign, when he stated his intention to keep the Polish striker for next season. However, that possibility is tied to the club’s financial limitations and the player’s advancing age. Lewandowski will turn 38 before the start of the 2026-27 campaign, and it is clear that his peak years are behind him. In fact, his role at Barcelona has gradually diminished, with more minutes increasingly going to Ferran Torres at the center forward position. Barcelona president Joan Laporta. Considering all these factors, reports indicate that Barcelona’s formal offer includes a significant salary reduction from his current deal, which is worth around $24 million per year. “The Pole’s priority was to remain at Barcelona, prioritizing the comfortable and happy life he has with his wife and two daughters in the Catalan capital, even if it means turning down more lucrative offers,” Mundo Deportivo added. Lewandowski’s other options The one-year renewal offer from Barcelona is not the only attractive option currently available to Lewandowski. In fact, earlier this week, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the striker expressed interest to AC Milan in a potential move this summer as a free agent. Other alternatives include destinations outside Europe, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. On one hand, Chicago Fire have been linked for months with a potential marquee signing in MLS, while reports from the Saudi Pro League indicate that several clubs are interested in the striker—likely involving significantly higher salary offers than elsewhere. Lewandowski’s numbers this season Even at 37 and past his prime, Lewandowski is still producing numbers this season that justify the interest from multiple clubs. Across La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Champions League, he has recorded 17 goals in 39 appearances, along with 3 assists. That amounts to an average of more than 0.50 goal contributions per game.

Didier Deschamps, Kylian Mbappe’s head coach with the France national team, is reportedly among Real Madrid’s options. As they continue competing in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid are focused on deciding who will be their next head coach. Didier Deschamps has reportedly emerged as a candidate—the current boss of Kylian Mbappe with the France national team. “Didier Deschamps is on the final shortlist being considered by Madrid, which includes very few names,” Sport reports, citing Radio Monte Carlo. “Madrid have already made their interest known.” Deschamps has spent a long time in international soccer. He was appointed France’s head coach in 2012 and has since overseen one of the most successful long-term projects in the game: the national team were World Cup champions in Russia 2018 and runners-up in Qatar 2022. They also reached the Euro 2016 final and won the 2021 UEFA Nations League. After 14 years in charge, Deschamps’ tenure with France will come to an end following the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, which means the coach is expected to return to club soccer. He also brings solid experience at that level, with successful spells at AS Monaco (2001–05), Juventus (2006–07), and Olympique Marseille (2009–12). Kylian Mbappe playing for Real Madrid. The case for Deschamps as a Real Madrid candidate The success Didier Deschamps has achieved throughout his managerial career is more than enough to justify his consideration. In addition to his two titles with France, he has also collected several trophies at club level—eight in total across his time with Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille. But according to Sport, that’s not the only appealing aspect of Deschamps for Real Madrid. “The French coach is a winner both as a player and as a manager, and he has always stood up for his players and handled the pressure around the team. He runs a tight dressing room and doesn’t hesitate when tough decisions are required,” the report states. And when it comes to relationships with his players, another key factor is his familiarity with several stars in the squad. “He has a very good relationship with Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, two players who will shape the club’s future,” Sport adds. Zidane could replace Deschamps with France While Didier Deschamps is being considered as an option for Real Madrid, his successor with France could be a legend of the Spanish side. Reports have long indicated that Zinedine Zidane is the man chosen by the French Football Federation to take over the national team after the 2026 World Cup. The choice comes as no surprise, given Zidane’s credentials. He was a superstar for France during his playing career, leading the team to victory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. As a manager, he also excelled, winning 11 trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will visit Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer next week, and a record-breaking crowd is expected. Next week, Colorado Rapids will play a historic match against Inter Miami as part of their 30th anniversary celebration in Major League Soccer. That occasion, combined with Lionel Messi’s presence, has helped the club reach a new ticket sales record. “The race to history is on,” the club announced Friday in a post on its official X account. “We’ve surpassed 60,000 tickets for our 30th Anniversary Match!” This highlights the massive anticipation surrounding the matchup scheduled for Saturday, April 18. This will be just the second time Colorado Rapids face Lionel Messi since his arrival in MLS in the summer of 2023. The only previous meeting was a 2-2 draw at Chase Stadium during the 2024 season, meaning Messi has yet to play an away match against Colorado with the Herons. The arrival of the Argentine superstar is one of the main reasons this match is so special. Another is that the club has chosen this date to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its first MLS season, as Colorado Rapids were one of the league’s 10 founding teams in 1996. The race to history is on 💪 We’ve surpassed 60,000 tickets for our 30th Anniversary Match! pic.twitter.com/fDV7jqf71r — Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) April 10, 2026 Venue change for Colorado Rapids vs Inter Miami Aware of the significance of the match against Inter Miami, Colorado Rapids anticipated an unusually high attendance and decided to change the venue. The MLS Matchday 8 game will not be played at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, as is usually the case, but at Empower Field at Mile High. The selected stadium is home to the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL) and has a significantly larger capacity. While Colorado Rapids typically host crowds of around 18,000 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Empower Field at Mile High can accommodate up to 76,000 spectators. Colorado Rapids set ticket sales record Until now, the highest-attended match in Colorado Rapids history took place on July 4, 2002, against Chicago Fire in MLS. On that occasion, the club also played at Empower Field at Mile High, with approximately 59,500 fans in attendance. That mark has now been surpassed, with more than 60,000 tickets already sold and over a week remaining before kickoff. That figure is expected to continue rising, potentially bringing the stadium close to full capacity.

Arsenal star Mikel Merino could return from injury earlier than expected, boosting his chances of being available for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup getting closer, Spain are increasingly optimistic about the possibility of having Mikel Merino available. The Arsenal midfielder is progressing well in his recovery, and the initial timeline could be shortened. “He’s out of his boot now. He’s doing quite a lot of exercises already. He’s reacted really well to the surgery. He’s got no pain,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Friday during his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth. Merino underwent surgery in early February after suffering a fracture in his right foot during a training session with the Gunners. Initial reports pointed to a lengthy recovery process of around four months, ruling him out for the rest of the season with Arsenal and putting his World Cup participation in serious doubt. However, his recovery has progressed very well so far, and the midfielder could return to the pitch sooner than expected. “It’s more for the medical staff to go a bit further on that. But I’m sure there is a chance to make that period shorter,” Arteta admitted. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. “If there is a person who can do it, I’m sure that’s going to be Mikel again,” the Arsenal manager added, showing full confidence in Merino and assuring that he “is going to push every boundary.” Merino is key for Arsenal Mikel Merino’s injury came at the worst possible time, as he had been a key piece for Arsenal in their pursuit of both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles this season. Before being sidelined in early February, the Spain international had recorded six goals and three assists in 33 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions. In addition, his versatility and attacking instinct led Arteta to deploy him not only as a midfielder, but also at times as a ‘false 9,’ providing solutions in crucial moments. Spain closely monitoring Merino’s recovery Like Arsenal, the Spain national team are closely monitoring Mikel Merino’s recovery. In Luis de la Fuente’s system, he is a key presence in midfield and, when fit, has consistently been part of the squad. Merino started every match for Spain in the World Cup qualifiers and also played an active role in their run to the UEFA Nations League final, which they lost to Portugal. That momentum was interrupted by his foot fracture, which ruled him out of the March international break.

Lautaro Martinez suffered another injury, keeping Argentina concerned ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With a little over two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina are paying close attention to one of their stars, Lautaro Martinez, who suffered a new injury this week that will prevent him from returning to action in the short term. “Lautaro Martinez aggravated his soleus muscle injury,” journalist Gaston Edul reported Friday via his official X account. The update, however, includes a positive detail compared to his previous muscle issue: “Not as serious.” The striker has played just one official match in the last two months. In mid-February, he was sidelined by a muscle injury that forced him to miss Inter Milan’s UEFA Champions League playoff clash against Bodo/Glimt, as well as five Serie A matches and one Coppa Italia fixture. After recovering from that setback last week, Martinez started in Inter Milan’s 5–2 win over AS Roma in Serie A on Sunday, where he scored twice. However, he has now suffered another setback that will force him to rest again. “He will be out for a few more days,” Edul added on X. Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina. Argentina closely monitoring Lautaro Martinez’s situation Although the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still over two months away, Argentina are closely monitoring Lautaro Martinez’s situation. The striker has been a key piece of Lionel Scaloni’s squad throughout his tenure as head coach and is expected to have a place in the 26-man roster heading to North America this summer. However, the fact that Martinez is dealing with recurring physical issues so close to the tournament is a growing concern. In fact, he was left out of Scaloni’s latest squad during the March international break, when Argentina defeated Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires. Lautaro Martinez still has unfinished business at the World Cup Despite playing a decisive role for Argentina in recent years—such as scoring the winning goal in the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia—Lautaro Martinez did not have the same impact during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup title run in Qatar. He started as the team’s main striker in that tournament, but an ankle injury prevented him from being at full fitness. After just two matches, he lost his place in the starting lineup to Julian Alvarez. That led to a disappointing campaign, as he failed to score during the entire World Cup. For that reason, North America 2026 carries special importance for Martinez, who will be looking to settle that unfinished business and deliver for Argentina on soccer’s biggest stage.

Carlo Ancelotti’s son and assistant with the Brazil national team delivered an encouraging message for Neymar ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With a little over two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil still face a major question mark regarding Neymar’s potential inclusion in the squad. Now, Carlo Ancelotti’s son and assistant has delivered an encouraging message for the forward. “Of course, he is the top scorer of the national team and he has a chance,” Davide Ancelotti said during a recent interview with BBC Sport. “He has time to do his best and try to get into the list.” These comments make it clear that Neymar is still in the coach’s plans, but his inclusion will depend on his performances at club level over the coming months, as well as his physical consistency. Davide also spoke about the timeline for finalizing the squad that will travel to North America. “The final list will be out on May 18,” said Carlo Ancelotti’s son, revealing that the roster will be announced even before FIFA’s official May 30 deadline. “At the end, it is a decision of the manager that he will take and he has time to take it.” Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil came in October 2023. How many games does Neymar have left before the World Cup? Since there will be no more FIFA international breaks before May 18, Neymar’s chances of making the World Cup squad will depend entirely on his club performances. In that sense, Santos will compete in three different tournaments over the next two months, giving the forward plenty of opportunities to impress. On one hand, the club will continue its Brazilian Serie A campaign. The league has already completed 10 rounds, with Santos sitting 15th in the standings on just 10 points. Before the World Cup break, they will play eight more league matches. In addition, the club will also look to progress in the Copa do Brasil, where they will face Coritiba in the fifth round in a two-legged tie scheduled for April 22 and May 13. Meanwhile, Santos are also competing in the Copa Sudamericana, where they opened their campaign with a 1–0 defeat against Deportivo Cuenca of Ecuador. They still have five group-stage matches remaining. In total, that brings the count to 15 matches before the World Cup, during which Neymar will look to prove himself to Ancelotti. Neymar’s importance for Brazil It is not a minor detail that Davide Ancelotti highlighted Neymar’s status as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. Carlo Ancelotti’s son made it clear that they are fully aware of the forward’s historical importance at international level, and that experience could prove decisive in key moments. Neymar has scored 79 goals in 129 appearances for Brazil from his debut in 2010 through his most recent match in 2023. That puts him at the top of the national team’s scoring chart, ahead of none other than Pele, who scored 77. The top five is completed by Ronaldo Nazario (62), Romario (55), and Zico (48).

Before facing Manchester City in the Premier League, Chelsea’s decision regarding Enzo Fernandez has been revealed. Enzo Fernandez has been at the center of most Chelsea-related reports over the past week. After being punished for comments interpreted as a nod to Real Madrid, the midfielder appeared to get his situation at the club back on track. However, that will not be enough for him to return to the squad ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester City. “He won’t play on Sunday,” Liam Rosenior announced during Friday’s press conference. This means that, despite the relationship between the parties having improved—as the player’s agent, Javier Pastore, stated earlier this week—the punishment will remain in place as originally decided. The Argentine midfielder missed last weekend’s FA Cup match against Port Vale, in which the Blues cruised to a 7-0 win, and the same will be true for Sunday’s crucial clash against the Citizens at Stamford Bridge. “I had three or four conversations with Enzo,” the Chelsea manager explained. “It was a serious meeting about something very serious. I’m not questioning Enzo’s character or who he is as a person. We’ve made a sanction, we made a decision – I made a decision – and what I want for Enzo is for him to come here and have an outstanding career.” Rosenior delivers the latest team news ahead of Man City. 🎙️ — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 10, 2026 Regarding Fernandez’s response after the punishment was handed down, Rosenior was clear: “He’s apologised to me, he’s apologised to the club, and we’ll deal with that after a massive game on Sunday… Hopefully after that he’ll be a massive part of the group moving forward.” Major absence for Chelsea It is clear that the decision to sanction Enzo Fernandez—and to keep that punishment in place despite the situation being clarified—reflects how seriously Chelsea have taken the matter, viewing it as a potential threat to squad harmony and the club’s collective objectives. However, from a sporting standpoint, not having the Argentine midfielder available will be a significant disadvantage. The Blues did not need Fernandez to secure a comfortable win against third-division side Port Vale in the FA Cup, but things will be very different in Sunday’s clash with Manchester City. Chelsea will be up against one of the strongest teams in England, currently second in the Premier League standings behind Arsenal, in a match that could prove crucial in the race to secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. Without Enzo Fernandez, Liam Rosenior’s side will be missing not only one of their leaders and captains, but also a midfielder who has made a difference in key moments throughout the season. He has recorded 18 goal contributions (12 goals and 6 assists) in 46 appearances.

Claudio Gugnali, former assistant coach of Argentina, spoke with Lionel Messi and expressed confidence that he will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is getting closer to being resolved. All signs appear to point toward a positive outcome—something also sensed by former Argentina assistant Claudio Gugnali. “For me, Messi will be at the World Cup, there’s no doubt. I felt it, and I saw him in great shape on the field,” Gugnali said in a recent interview with Radio Gol, following the friendlies Argentina played against Mauritania and Zambia in Buenos Aires during the March FIFA break. Gugnali served as assistant to head coach Alejandro Sabella between 2011 and 2014, when the national team reached the World Cup final in Brazil, where they lost 1-0 to Germany. Those years allowed him to build a close relationship with Messi, who was, of course, a key part of that squad. With the forward’s visit to Buenos Aires during the international break, Gugnali had the opportunity to meet with him at the Argentine Football Association training facility and have a private conversation. “We talked about family and his time in Miami; he told me he’s very happy, not like in Paris, where he suffered,” Claudio revealed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Claudio Gugnali (@claudiogugnali) Finally, Gugnali made it clear that he has no doubts about Lionel Messi’s commitment to the Argentina national team and how much every international tournament means to him. “I saw him cry in Brazil and in Qatar; he truly cries for the national team,” the coach said, referring to the Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022 titles. What will determine whether Messi plays in the 2026 World Cup? During the celebrations after winning the title in Qatar, Lionel Messi said that it had been his last World Cup, adding that he wanted to “keep playing a little longer with Argentina as world champion.” That timeline, however, has gradually extended to include the entire South American qualifiers for 2026, as well as Copa America 2024. With the tournament in North America approaching, the forward has yet to make an official decision about his participation, as he nears his 39th birthday and remains uncertain whether his physical condition will meet the demands of the most intense competition in soccer. “I’ll take it day by day, being honest and trying to be realistic and feel good,” he said in late 2025 in an interview with ESPN. Messi has also expressed optimism that the MLS calendar could work in his favor: “Having a preseason in the middle, I think that changes everything for me… European players arrive at the end with so many matches on their legs. For us, it comes at a different point in the season.” When does Messi have to make a decision? Lionel Messi’s uncertainty cannot last much longer, as FIFA imposes strict deadlines for each national team to finalize its squad. In just over a month, on May 11, coaches of the 48 participating countries must submit a preliminary list of up to 55 players. The final deadline is May 30, when that list must be cut down to the official 26-man roster.

Paul Scholes and Marco Materazzi have delivered strong criticism of Manchester United’s transfer decisions. The heavy investments made by Manchester United in recent years to sign players have not translated into satisfactory results on the field, prompting soccer icons like Paul Scholes and Marco Materazzi to weigh in on those transfer decisions. In a recent appearance on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Scholes discussed the roster changes Manchester United need to make ahead of next season, stating that at least eight players in the squad should be moved on this summer and replaced with new talent. Among those mentioned is Harry Maguire, who recently extended his contract through 2027. “I’m thinking about a Manchester United team you want to win the league and the Champions League… I’m not sure you’d do that with Maguire,” said the former English midfielder, who made more than 700 appearances for the Red Devils between 1993 and 2013. Luke Shaw was also identified by Scholes as a player whose time at the club may be over. “When he was playing consistently, I don’t think there was a better left-back in the world, not just Europe. But if you’re asking me now… I’d sell him. He doesn’t play enough games,” he said. Harry Maguire of Manchester United. That list also includes high-profile names such as Mason Mount—whom Scholes questioned due to his fit alongside Bruno Fernandes—as well as lower-profile players like Lenny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee. Materazzi points to Manchester United’s ‘biggest mistake’ While Paul Scholes focused on the players Manchester United should move on from, Marco Materazzi pointed to a past decision: the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli in 2024 for around $34 million. “McTominay is an incredible player from start to finish. I don’t understand how Manchester United sold him for almost nothing, because his value, in my opinion, is €60 to €70 million or more. It’s the biggest transfer market mistake we’ve ever seen, without a doubt,” said the 2006 World Cup champion with Italy during a promotional event, according to Mundo Deportivo. Manchester United have spent a fortune on signings The fact that Manchester United have gone 13 years without winning the Premier League and 18 without lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy can be explained not only by the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, but also by years of poor executive decisions that have impacted the team’s on-field performance. Financially, the Red Devils remain one of the most powerful clubs in the world, but that has not translated into results. In fact, last summer they were among the biggest spenders in the transfer market. Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Manchester United signed four players: Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens. The club spent close to $288 million on those deals—an enormous outlay that has yet to be justified by performances on the field.

After scoring against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, Julian Alvarez spoke about the influence of Lionel Messi. Julian Alvarez scored a stunning free kick goal for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona this Wednesday, opening the scoring for his side in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Afterward, the Argentine forward credited Lionel Messi as his inspiration. “When I’m with the national team, I always take time to watch how he does it, and then I try to replicate his technique in training sessions and matches here at Atletico,” Alvarez said in the postgame press conference following the 2-0 win, according to Infobae. That goal broke the deadlock at Camp Nou, allowing Atletico Madrid to take the lead late in the first half and play with greater composure after the break. Eventually, Alexander Sorloth doubled the advantage, setting up a more favorable second leg next week. Reflecting on his free kick, Julian added: “Many times, when you strike the ball, you can tell right away it’s a good hit. I felt that, and even before taking it, I was very focused and confident. Yesterday I practiced and took five or six, but didn’t score any — what mattered was today.” Absolute brilliance from Julián Álvarez 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/SeyR3AjDrg — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 8, 2026 The comparison between Alvarez’s goal and a memorable Messi strike Moments after Julian Alvarez scored for Atletico Madrid, social media was flooded with fans comparing his free kick to one of Lionel Messi’s iconic goals for Barcelona against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 semifinals. There is one obvious difference between the two goals, related to each player’s stronger foot: while Messi scored with his left, Alvarez did so with his right. However, the similarities in the location of the foul, the ball’s trajectory, and the fact that both were struck into the same goal at Camp Nou are striking. 🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Lionel Messi's free kick against Liverpool has been voted as the greatest Free kick in Football history. 🤯🐐pic.twitter.com/TkSeveodD3 — MessiXtra (@MessiXtraHQ) April 8, 2026 “I’ve watched that goal many times — they show it often,” Julian Alvarez admitted in the same interview when asked about the resemblance to Messi’s free kick. However, he noted he hadn’t realized it was scored into the same goal: “I wasn’t aware it had been there.” The teams on the receiving end of Alvarez’s free kicks Against Barcelona, Julian Alvarez scored the seventh free kick goal of his career. This season, he had already netted two others, one of which came in a key match — a 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish capital derby, played at the Metropolitano Stadium in La Liga. With Atletico Madrid, Alvarez have scored free kick goals against Espanyol, Real Betis and Sparta Prague, while his earlier ones came with Manchester City, against Wolverhampton and Red Star Belgrade. With Argentina, Julian has yet to score from a free kick — a logical outcome considering Lionel Messi is typically the team’s primary taker.

Alvaro Arbeloa spoke about Jude Bellingham ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Girona. Jude Bellingham was a substitute last Tuesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. However, ahead of the La Liga match against Girona, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed that things will be different. “Militao and Bellingham are going to start,” Arbeloa said during Thursday’s press conference, as reported by Diario AS. Both players are working to regain their best physical and sporting form, and the Girona match will be an ideal opportunity for them to log valuable minutes. Bellingham suffered a hamstring injury in mid-February that kept him out of 10 Real Madrid matches. He returned to action at the end of March as a substitute, and although he joined the England squad during the March FIFA break, he did not play in the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. Since then, the midfielder has played 31 minutes against Mallorca in La Liga last weekend, and 28 minutes against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. He delivered a strong performance, playing a key role in the team’s second-half comeback that reduced the two-goal deficit. Inside our last training session before tomorrow's match! 👊 pic.twitter.com/g2VqGFSTo0 — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 9, 2026 Militao also returns to the team Eder Militao finds himself in a situation very similar to Bellingham’s. The Brazilian defender also suffered a muscle injury that sidelined him for an extended period—missing 24 matches across all competitions since December. After returning for limited minutes against Mallorca, where he scored a goal, Militao also played 28 minutes against Bayern Munich and is now preparing to start for the first time this year. Finally, another piece of good news for Real Madrid is the return of Ferland Mendy, who has only been able to play five matches this season due to a string of injuries. “Mendy will get minutes,” Arbeloa confirmed at the press conference. Real Madrid have no margin for error in La Liga While it is clear that Real Madrid’s priority right now is the UEFA Champions League, where they will look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich next Wednesday, that is not their only concern. They know that in La Liga, there is no room for error if they want to remain in the title race against Barcelona. With eight matches remaining, the Blaugrana lead the standings by seven points over Los Blancos, so a poor result against Girona this Friday would leave them with almost no chance of winning the title.

The conflict between Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez appears to have reached a resolution. Enzo Fernandez has been under the spotlight in recent days following Chelsea’s decision to sanction him for comments deemed inappropriate regarding a potential future at Real Madrid. However, things now seem to have been clarified, with the controversy resolved in a way that works for all parties. “We’re on the same page with Chelsea. We made peace yesterday,” said Javier Pastore, Fernandez’s agent, in an interview published by Top Mercato on Thursday. “There were never really any problems. We cleared the air.” The main controversy arose when the Argentine midfielder said that Madrid was his favorite city in Europe because it reminded him of Buenos Aires. That was interpreted as a nod toward a potential move to Real Madrid, which led Chelsea to sanction him by leaving him out of the FA Cup clash against Port Vale last weekend. “We explained to the player that, even though he hadn’t done anything wrong, he shouldn’t have said that,” Pastore added. “He naturally apologized to the club, his teammates, the coach, the sporting director, everyone. We’re all on the same page. We simply had to clear up the misunderstanding.” Liam Rosenior, manager of Chelsea. At the same time, the agent and former Paris Saint-Germain star made it clear that Fernandez’s focus is 100% on performing at the highest level with Chelsea: “Enzo still has six years left on his contract and we need to work together, which is what we’re doing.” Will Chelsea lift Enzo Fernandez’s sanction? When Liam Rosenior addressed the Fernandez situation during a press conference last week, he said the sanction involved leaving the midfielder out for the next two matches: against Port Vale in the FA Cup—where the Blues won 7-0—and against Manchester City in the Premier League. That match is still on the horizon: it will take place on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. With the latest updates regarding the peace reached between the club and the player, the question now is whether Rosenior and the executives will reconsider and lift the sanction early. This could be decisive for Chelsea’s chances, as Enzo Fernandez is one of the team’s top performers, and his presence on the field would provide a significant boost. The stakes are even higher considering Manchester City are direct rivals in the fight for a UEFA Champions League spot. Enzo Fernandez’s other major goal Beyond his desire to reintegrate with Chelsea and contribute to the team in Premier League and FA Cup, one of Fernandez’s key motivations to resolve the conflict quickly is his international career. “Enzo needs to play because he has a World Cup coming up,” Javier Pastore said in the same Top Mercato interview. With just over six weeks until Lionel Scaloni announces Argentina’s final roster, the midfielder seems likely to make the squad—but he cannot afford to miss game time at such a crucial stage.

Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo. Marcelo is well qualified to speak about many of the biggest soccer stars of this century. He was teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and with Neymar on the Brazil national team, but he picked Lionel Messi—whom he faced numerous times while playing against Barcelona. During a recent conversation on Romario’s YouTube channel, Marcelo was asked which player was the toughest to face, specifically between Ronaldo and Messi. The former left back did not hesitate: “Messi. He was, and is, extraordinary.” Marcelo then explained the reasoning behind his choice of the Argentine forward. “He understands everything very well. Every position on the field,” the 37-year-old said. “When the ball is coming to him, he already knows where to go and what to do… Messi is incredible, very difficult.” The matchups between Marcelo and Messi During his years with Real Madrid and Brazil, Marcelo faced Lionel Messi on numerous occasions. In fact, Messi is the opponent he faced most often in his professional career: 33 matches, with the defender winning 10, drawing seven, and losing the remaining 16. Marcelo playing for Real Madrid. This matchup was especially demanding for Marcelo given their positions on the field. Messi typically starts his runs on the right side before cutting diagonally toward the center, which often puts him up against opposing left backs—who, if left-footed, must defend him using their weaker right foot. That was exactly the situation the Brazilian defender found himself in during his battles with Messi, and it clearly left a lasting impression. “I’m still looking for him to this day, damn it,” Marcelo joked, recalling the moments when Messi would dribble past him. Marcelo also praises Cristiano Ronaldo In the same conversation, Romario asked Marcelo who the best teammate of his career was. “Cristiano. I played with Gaucho (Ronaldinho), with Roberto Carlos, with Ronaldo (Nazario), with many players. But Cristiano surprised me with his consistency. If he scored 30 goals one year, the next he scored 40,” the former left back said. He then added that Cristiano Ronaldo is the most professional player he has ever seen: “He is. It’s unbelievable. And it’s not just about arriving earlier or leaving later. No, he’s professional in everything—every aspect shows dedication. Sleep, training, recovery, the game—everything.”

Tadeo Allende, a key teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, was absent from Wednesday’s training session ahead of the Major League Soccer clash against New York Red Bulls. On Saturday, Inter Miami will face New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer, a crucial matchup as they look to stay among the top spots in the Eastern Conference. Three days before that game, a key partner of Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende, was not present at training. “The big absence from this morning’s training session is Tadeo Allende,” journalist Jose Armando reported on Wednesday in a post on his official X account. “Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul trained without any issues.” Allende, alongside Messi, was Inter Miami’s most decisive player during last season’s playoffs, scoring nine goals in six matches that proved crucial in helping the club win its first MLS title. That prompted a significant investment in him, estimated at around $5 million to secure his transfer from Celta Vigo. However, since then, the Argentine forward has struggled to replicate the level he showed at the end of 2025. In fact, this season Allende has yet to register a single goal contribution: he has played eight matches across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup without scoring or providing an assist. Javier Mascherano, Head Coach of Inter Miami CF. Two pieces of good news for Inter Miami Despite Tadeo Allende’s absence, Wednesday’s training session brought two positive updates for Inter Miami regarding other players who had recently been dealing with physical issues: Facundo Mura and Sergio Reguilon. “Mura returned to train with the rest of the group,” Jose Armando reported. The Argentine right back missed the last match against Austin FC at Nu Stadium due to an ankle issue. That forced Javier Mascherano to start Ian Fray in that role, but his performance fell short, leading to Gonzalo Lujan coming on at halftime. The other player who was able to train with the squad is Reguilon. The Spanish left back had also missed last Saturday’s match for the Herons due to muscle issues and is now aiming to return to the team. Upcoming challenges for Inter Miami This Saturday at 7:30 PM (ET), Inter Miami will play their second match at the newly inaugurated Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, looking for their first win there after a 2-2 draw against Austin FC last weekend. Their opponent will be New York Red Bulls, who sit one point behind them in the standings. Following that match, the Herons will travel to face Colorado Rapids one week later.

Atletico Madrid took the lead over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League thanks to Julian Alvarez. One of the most intriguing matchups in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals is the clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. In the first leg at Camp Nou, Los Colchoneros took the lead thanks to a brilliant goal from Julian Alvarez. It is a showdown between two of Spain’s giants, who have faced each other in crucial matchups across multiple competitions this season. In La Liga, Los Blaugranas hold the edge and, in fact, took a major step toward the title by defeating Atletico Madrid over the weekend. That result served as a measure of revenge after Atletico Madrid knocked them out in the Copa del Rey semifinals. On Wednesday, the match remained level until just minutes before halftime, with both teams creating scoring chances—especially the hosts. However, the deadlock was broken when VAR intervened, prompting referee Istvan Kovacs to upgrade a yellow card shown to Pau Cubarsi to a red. From that foul on the edge of the box came the moment that changed the match. Julian Alvarez, who had drawn the foul, stepped up and delivered a superb free kick, curling his shot into the top-left corner past Joan Garcia, who had no chance to stop it. Absolute brilliance from Julián Álvarez 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/SeyR3AjDrg — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 8, 2026 In the second half, Barcelona controlled possession but lacked the precision to find an equalizer, while Atletico Madrid stayed compact defensively and capitalized on their lone clear opportunity. In the 70th minute, Alexander Sorloth scored after a cross from the left by Matteo Ruggeri, sealing the 2-0 result. Julian Alvarez perfects his free kicks The goal he scored this Wednesday against Barcelona was not the first free-kick goal of Julian Alvarez’s professional career. On the contrary, in recent years he has refined that skill, turning it into a valuable weapon to break open tightly contested matches. That ability, however, did not always define the Argentine forward, who failed to score a single free-kick goal during his four years with River Plate. Alvarez’s first free-kick goal came in September 2023—five years after his professional debut—in a match between Manchester City and Red Star Belgrade. Since joining Atletico Madrid, Julian Alvarez has scored five free-kick goals in fewer than two seasons. In fact, during this campaign, he had already found the net from a set piece in another crucial match, against Real Madrid in La Liga.

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior was heavily criticized by Rafael van der Vaart following the loss to Bayern Munich. The 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu left Real Madrid on the brink of elimination in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Vinicius Junior came under heavy criticism after the match from Rafael van der Vaart. “Vinicius is horrible,” the former Dutch midfielder said during an appearance on Ziggo Sport following Tuesday’s Champions League match in Spain. “He annoys me to no end when I see him.” Van der Vaart went on to explain the reasons behind his criticism of the Brazilian winger. “As soon as he gets a little push, he throws himself down, hoping to see a red card for the opponent, and then gets up as if nothing happened,” he said. However, the former Ajax and Real Madrid player did not hesitate to acknowledge Vinicius’ talent on the field. In fact, he emphasized how that behavior detracts from his ability: “That’s the part that I find sad about him. I find it incredibly sad because he’s a fantastic player.” Rafael Van der Vaart playing for Real Madrid in 2010. Vinicius’ performances this season Criticism of Vinicius is common, and in most cases it is not related to his performances on the field or his ability on the ball, but rather to his behavior. The 25-year-old winger has often drawn the frustration of opponents, who believe he does not always conduct himself with respect. However, Vinicius’ on-field production is beyond question, and that is reflected in his numbers. Even in a season in which Real Madrid have posted disappointing results and gone through a coaching change, the Brazilian has stood out: Vinicius has recorded 17 goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances. Van der Vaart knows what he’s talking about Criticism of Vinicius Junior coming from Rafael van der Vaart carries added weight compared to most opinions. The former Dutch international speaks from experience, having played for Real Madrid and understanding the club’s culture and its fanbase. Van der Vaart began his professional career at Ajax in 1999 before moving to Hamburger SV six years later, where his performances prompted Real Madrid to pay around $15 million for him. In Spain, he spent two seasons with the club between 2008 and 2010, making 73 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and winning one title.

The performance of Manuel Neuer with Bayern Munich against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League has sparked debate in Germany over whether he should be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals was built, in part, on Manuel Neuer’s performance. That put the veteran goalkeeper back in the spotlight, fueling debate over whether he should return to the Germany national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “This version of Neuer is world-class; he belongs in the national team,” said legend Lothar Matthaus after the match, according to Marca. He also sent a message to the Germany head coach: “I hope Nagelsmann watched the match. I would love to see Neuer in this kind of form at the World Cup… but I also know that won’t happen. Nagelsmann won’t open that door.” That push comes nearly two years after Neuer’s retirement from international soccer. He chose to close that chapter of his career following Germany’s elimination from UEFA Euro 2024 in the quarterfinals against Spain. In that way, the goalkeeper said goodbye to Germany after 15 years, having first been called up in 2009. During that span, he played in four World Cups and four European Championships, and won the sport’s biggest prize at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. In total, he made 124 international appearances and recorded 54 clean sheets. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. “The best players have to go to the World Cup, and Manu is by far the best goalkeeper in the world,” said former star Benedikt Howedes, who was Neuer’s teammate at the 2014 World Cup. Even a current Germany and Bayern Munich player, Aleksandar Pavlovic, shared his view: “I would never say no to Manu, no matter his age. He is still an exceptional goalkeeper.” What did Neuer say about a possible return to Germany? Those calls for Manuel Neuer’s return to the Germany national team generated enough speculation that the 40-year-old goalkeeper addressed the topic himself after the match against Real Madrid in the Champions League. “Everything has already been said about it,” Neuer replied when asked about a potential appearance at the 2026 World Cup. Instead, he chose to focus on his club objectives: “What matters now is finishing the rest of the season with Bayern. I’m enjoying my time with the team, at the club, with the coaching staff. It’s true that I’m 40 years old, but I’m still here.” How have Germany replaced Neuer? Since Manuel Neuer’s international retirement, Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to test different options in goal for Germany. Over the past two years, the coach has used three different goalkeepers in official matches and friendlies. The most-used has been Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, with a total of 11 appearances. Behind him is Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has managed just four matches due to injury issues during his time with Barcelona, which have also kept him sidelined at Girona. The third goalkeeper selected by Nagelsmann is Stuttgart’s Alexander Nubel, who has featured in three matches.

Italy legend Dino Baggio shared his opinion on why Diego Maradona is considered even better than Lionel Messi. Approaching the end of his professional career, Lionel Messi is regarded by many as the greatest player of all time. However, in that debate, other heavyweights come into play, such as Diego Maradona, whom Italy icon Dino Baggio considered the number one. During an interview with Diario AS, the former Juventus and Parma midfielder was asked about his view of modern soccer, particularly Serie A, comparing it with the 1980s and 1990s. Baggio acknowledged that it was more difficult to play in Italy back then: “Perhaps Messi could have had problems here in his day.” That led the conversation toward the differences in soccer over the years. Dino based his opinion on the fact that a few decades ago referees were more lenient when it came to physical contact, resulting in a harsher sport for talented players. “Today, fouls are called before contact, practically,” Baggio noted, before highlighting who he considered the best player in the world during those years. “Maradona, in modern times, would score a thousand goals per season. You can’t imagine what they would hit him with when he was at Napoli,” said the 1994 FIFA World Cup finalist. Dino Baggio playing for Italy vs England in a World Cup qualifier in 1997. Immediately, Dino Baggio compared the two Argentine superstars and pointed out the difference between them: “Messi, back then, would have been equally brilliant, but completely, absolutely crushed. That’s why I say Diego was the greatest. The God of world soccer.” Comparisons between Messi and Maradona Dino Baggio is not the first to highlight the contrast between the leniency of the past and the extreme caution of modern soccer. This is usually one of the arguments used to place stars from previous decades, like Diego Maradona, Pele, or Alfredo Di Stefano, above modern geniuses like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Some statistics support this view. FIFA shared an analysis on its official website a few years ago regarding the number of fouls committed in each edition of the World Cup (with records starting in Chile 1962) and the players who were most frequently fouled. There is an indisputable leader in the rankings. Diego Maradona is the player who received the most fouls in World Cup history, totaling 152 across his four tournaments (1982, 1986, 1990, and 1994). He doubles the second player on the list, Lionel Messi, who was fouled 75 times across his five tournaments from 2006 onwards. Further down are Brazil’s Jairzinho (64), Neymar (60), and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (58). The most astonishing fact is that Maradona ranks first, second, and third for the most fouls received in a single World Cup. In Mexico 1986, he was fouled 53 times; in Italy 1990, 50 times; and in Spain 1982, 36 times. Only in fourth place does another player appear—curiously also Argentine—Ariel Ortega, with 33 fouls in France 1998.

Kylian Mbappe scored for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich and joined stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in a select UEFA Champions League group. On Tuesday, Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Kylian Mbappe scored for the Spanish side, joining Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an elite group: players who have scored the most goals in a single edition of the competition. In the 74th minute, Real Madrid were down 0-2 and Bayern Munich had chances to extend their lead, which would have all but sealed the tie. In that context, a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold found the French forward inside the box for Los Blancos’ goal. That was Mbappe’s 14th goal in this season’s European campaign. So far, only six players had scored that many or more in a single Champions League edition since its creation in 1955, according to statistics expert Mister Chip on his X account. Top scorers in a single Champions League edition The first player to score 14 goals in a single Champions League edition was Jose Altafini, an AC Milan legend, who reached that mark in 1963 while leading the Italian side to its first European title. That record stood until 2003, when Ruud van Nistelrooy matched it with Manchester United. Real Madrid are back in the tie 👊 Kylian Mbappé with a fine finish from an incredible assist by Trent Alexander-Arnold ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/9wFJWh4XVk — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 7, 2026 From that point on, several other players have reached – and surpassed – the 14-goal mark: Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star holds a special place on this list, as he is the only player to achieve it on three separate occasions. Mbappe can keep making Champions League history Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu does not mean the tie is settled in Bayern Munich’s favor. The teams will meet again next week in Germany, where anything can happen. Kylian Mbappe will not only look to help his team reach the semifinals but also continue adding to his goal tally. At best, he could have up to four more matches left in the Champions League if Real Madrid reach the final. That could allow him to challenge Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most goals in a single edition of the competition. The Portuguese forward set the mark in 2013-14, scoring 17 goals during Real Madrid’s title run. Mbappe is just three goals away from that record, and at his current pace, he could realistically reach it. At the same time, the French star is climbing the all-time scoring charts in European competitions. On Tuesday, he matched Filippo Inzaghi with 70 goals, placing him seventh on the list. His next target is another active player, Harry Kane, who has 75. Above them are Raul Gonzalez (76), Karim Benzema (92), Robert Lewandowski (117), Lionel Messi (132), and Cristiano Ronaldo (145).