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With the 2026 MLS season already underway, questions are being raised about when Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will play his next game. Lionel Messi is still making history at 38 years old, remaining a cornerstone and captain for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. With the 2026 Major League Soccer season now underway, fans are wondering when they’ll see the forward back in action. Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, when the Herons will be visiting the Colorado Rapids in the MLS at the Empower Field at Mile High. He heads into the fixture after a 2-2 draw at the Nu Stadium against New York Red Bulls. As for international duty with Argentina national team, Lionel Messi is set to return to action during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Albiceleste will be facing Honduras on June 6th, and Iceland on June 9, leaving Messi and company just one week to regroup before their tournament opener against Algeria on the 16th. The 2026 MLS campaign has just begun for Messi, who has featured in eight official matches so far across all competitions, scoring six times without registering an assist. The opener came against LAFC, who handed Inter Miami a 3-0 defeat in front of a packed crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF during the MLS match against LAFC. Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time. Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas. The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned from injury and is fit to play for Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again. Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, when they’ll be hosting Al Ettifaq for Matchday 29 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park. The Portuguese extended his goal tally netting the opener in the last 2-0 win against Al Okhdood. Regarding the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Selecao will play two friendlies on home soil: the first against Chile on June 6 and the second against Nigeria on June 10. So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 25 goals and provided 4 assists in 28 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 968 career goals. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC scoring a bicycle kick. Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule. From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final. With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

If you want proof of what England vs Spain means to the players you only need to watch Leah Williamson.

By: Ben Dixon This afternoon, Carlo Pellegatti revealed what happened when AC Milan tried to sign Rasmus Hojlund in the summer, even stating that it was a done deal. How Milan operate in the mercato is of great interest for many. Indeed, the spending is often scrutinised and the sales even more so. Today, there have been renewed […] The post ‘But the club said’ – Pellegatti uncovers Milan’s chaotic mercato strategy appeared first on SempreMilan.

As she prepares to win her 130th Republic of Ireland cap in Gdansk this evening, Denise O'Sullivan reflected on life at Liverpool, a potential return to America and burning international ambitions.

Tracking Lionel Messi's goals and top moments for Inter Miami and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Former United States Men's National Team head coach recalls Landon Donovan's goal vs. Algeria with Landon and Tim Howard.

After renewing his contract until 2028, Luciano Spalletti has already begun designing his Juventus for next season. The 67-year-old… The post Spalletti identifies 13 Juventus outfielders as backbone for next season – The others could leave appeared first on Juvefc.com.

Cape Verde will be the second-smallest nation at this summer's World Cup

The view from Artxanda carries a definitive glimpse of history and culture as well as beauty.

Sarina Wiegman revealed a late decision will be made on whether Leah Williamson will be available for England’s World Cup qualifier with Spain. England won their opening League A Group 3 fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland last month, though a reunion with the world champions looks set to be their sternest test. Sonia Bermudez’s side […] The post Wiegman to make late decision on Williamson´s fitness ahead of Spain test appeared first on Soccer News.

Coventry City’s dominant EFL Championship season has them on the verge of returning to England’s top-flight. Frank Lampard’s squad can clinch promotion to the English Premier League on Friday by earning at least one point from a road trip to Blackburn Rovers. It would seal the Sky Blues’ return to the top-flight since last being ... Read more

Szoboszlai appeared to sarcastically clap Liverpool fans after the players were booed following their 4-0 loss to Man City in the FA Cup

Expansion and political influence have made soccer’s showpiece too big for one region to handle responsibly Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter In retrospect, the 2018 World Cup in Russia looks like a gentle genuflection, a dainty little bow before its strongman leader. Vladimir Putin and his Russian project of gradual conquest were most definitely centered and validated eight years ago: the tournament showcased his nation and awarded its leader prominence of place. This summer, we will see something altogether different, as the runup to this edition of the world’s biggest and most popular sporting event has become a monument to Donald Trump. This is an extract from Soccer with Jonathan Wilson, a weekly look from the Guardian US at the game in Europe and beyond, helmed this week by Leander in Jonathan’s absence. Subscribe for free here. Have a question for Jonathan? Email [email protected], and he’ll answer the best in a future edition. Leander Schaerlaeckens is a Guardian US contributor whose book on the United States men’s national soccer team, The Long Game, is out on 12 May. You can preorder it here. He teaches at Marist University.

Thierry Henry loves him. Didier Deschamps made him a France player at 17. And Luis Enrique says he is ‘spectacular’ By Get French Football News When Warren Zaïre-Emery ran the show as a 17-year-old in a 3-0 win against Milan Thierry Henry said “the sky is the limit” for the midfielder. His stratospheric rise led him too close to the sun, though, and the crash back down to Earth was a rude one. But he has since dusted himself off. Beeswax was Icarus’ undoing; a mild ankle sprain did it for Zaïre-Emery. Not quite the stuff of legend, but far from inconsequential. Having started six of PSG’s eight games in the league phase of the Champions League last season, he missed their playoff tie against Brest and would not start another game in the competition all season. Luis Enrique had found his formula and Zaïre-Emery was not part of it. Fabian Ruiz joined Vitinha and João Neves in the midfield and they started every knockout game as PSG won the competition for the first time. The PSG midfield was dazzling without Zaïre-Emery.

'We're in a good place with it.'

The modern footballing machine is manufacturing efficiency at the cost of the soul. We are witnessing the death of the “unique being”—the player whose individuality is not a flaw to be coached out, but how the game turns. From the underproducing academies of “advanced” nations to the viral robot drills on social media (imagine a… The post Italy’s missing the World Cup is the Fault of Modern Football first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

For Irish football fans, Olympique Lyonnais (often simply referred to as Lyon or Les Gones) holds a special place in recent memory. It was in Lyon, during the heady days of Euro 2016, that tens of thousands of the Green Army descended upon the city, creating an unforgettable atmosphere and cementing a bond between the… The post Les Gones: A Guide to Olympique Lyon’s Players first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

With just a few months to go before the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback with Argentina, as Cristian Romero appeared to have picked up a serious injury. However, he has received an injury update that gives him hope of making it to the anticipated tournament. After shining in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, Argentina stand out as one of the national teams favored to win the 2026 World Cup, aiming for their second consecutive title. However, Lionel Messi seemed to suffer a major setback, as Cristian Romero went off injured in tears in Tottenham Hotspur’s latest match. Despite this, the Argentinean defender’s injury extent has reportedly been revealed, keeping his hopes of reaching the anticipated tournament alive. According to Martín Arevalo, covering ESPN Argentina, Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero has been diagnosed with a knee injury, leaving him out for 5–8 weeks. Moreover, Gastón Edul, specialist covering Argentina national team, reports that he does not have collateral ligament tear, avoiding surgery. Nonetheless, the defender will not play with the English team this season, leaving them in a sensitive spot. CUTI OUT VARIAS SEMANAS @CutiRomero2 tiene una lesión en la rodilla que le demandará entre 5 y 8 semanas de recuperación. Dentro de la mala noticia que es que un futbolista se lesione, para la Selección es una buena noticia porque uno de sus mejores jugadores llega al Mundial. pic.twitter.com/U4SM4Czdoy — Martin Arevalo (@arevalo_martin) April 13, 2026 As a defensive cornerstone for Lionel Messi’s national team, his potential participation in the anticipated tournament would be a significant boost. Not only was he key to the 2022 World Cup title, but he also remains one of the leaders in the dressing room. However, coach Scaloni will be the one to decide whether to call him up, as his match fitness could become an issue for the opening games of the tournament. Alongside Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero has led a great era for Argentina, winning two Copa América titles and a World Cup with them at the back. In addition, Lisandro Martínez also emerges as a key figure for Lionel Messi’s side, providing stability to the team. For this reason, head coach Scaloni could opt to call him up, aiming to give him minutes so he can reach full fitness, as he is key both on and off the pitch. Cristian Romero of Argentina fights for the ball with Jonathan Osorio of Canada. Cristian Romero’s absence may truly affect Tottenham Hotspur Unlike previous seasons, Tottenham Hotspur are going through the worst moment in their history. After dismissing Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, and Igli Tare, they find themselves fighting to avoid relegation to the EFL Championship. Because of this, Cristian Romero’s absence could prove to be the definitive blow to their season, leaving everything in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven. In case his injury extend is confirmed, Cristian will miss the remainder of the season with his club. With only five matches left, the Argentine may not return in time to help avoid relegation under Roberto De Zerbi. As a result, they will have to place their season in the hands of Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven, moving closer to the EFL Championship than to staying in the Premier League. Cuti Romero no tiene rotura del ligamento colateral pero tiene una lesión. No necesita operación pero si recuperación. Por lo menos seis semanas. Van a ir evaluando su evolución. No va a jugar más en Tottenham en esta temporada. pic.twitter.com/Oji1tSrCul — Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) April 13, 2026

Manchester City fan Tal Rehman insists he had no idea he would become a viral sensation after his Arsenal taunting antics were captured during Sunday's win over Chelsea.

There is a concept in ancient Stoic philosophy called Amor Fati. Love of fate. The idea that a person of true character does not merely tolerate what the world throws at them. They do not grit their teeth and endure it. They embrace it. They walk toward the fire and find it warm. Marcus Aurelius… The post Lamine Yamal: The Boy Who Skipped the Development Curve first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Paulo Fonseca arrived in Lyon after a negative experience at AC Milan, one that was not entirely his fault, but rather the fault of a nonexistent club, one of the worst in AC Milan’s history, and of a number of players who had never been with him from the start. Despite having proven himself a… The post How Paulo Fonseca got his groove back at Lyon first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

He came off the bench after Fonseca's 'ear pulling' and 'manufactured' two goals for Lyon Leer

When Gary Lineker compared Rio Ngumoha to Kylian Mbappé, it felt like familiar territory — another wave of early hype surrounding a promising teenager. However, this comparison points to something more precise — not output or raw numbers, but profile. And within Liverpool’s current tactical phase under Arne Slot, that profile is not just exciting… The post Rio Ngumoha and the Mbappé Comparison — Why Liverpool’s Teenager Matters Now first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

As the final whistle blew on Sunday 25th January there was relief, passion and a very happy fanbase. Genoa came back from 2-0 down at home to Bologna in a crazy game, Bologna had goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski sent off for a final man challenge. That red card changed the complexion of the game. Just over… The post Genoa CFC Flourishing Under Daniele De Rossi first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

“I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was: man is but an ass, if he go about to expound this dream.” – William Shakespeare Let me ask you something: A Brazilian talent, born in the favelas, who managed to rise from deep poverty and reach the… The post Ronaldinho – A Midsummer Night’s Dream first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Denzel Dumfries’ journey at Inter Milan has never been short of drama, drive, and decisive moments. Since arriving in 2021, the Dutch right wing-back has faced scrutiny and praise in equal measure. But the 2024–25 season was arguably his most complete and defining campaign yet — a year that combined physical dominance, tactical maturity, and… The post Denzel Dumfries: The Relentless Engine Powering Inter’s Right Flank first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest of its kind as it will be hosted over three countries for the first time in history, featuring 48 teams from the six football federations, an increase of 16 countries from the regular format of 32 nations that has been in place since 1998. The… The post Newcomers and Second Appearances: What to Expect in the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Shumaira Zion “Shim” Mheuka is an 18-year-old forward who is establishing himself as a prospect to watch at Chelsea. He is a striker and a step up as captain for the U21s, and an all-around elite goal scorer. He has the technical ability, physicality, and mature mentality that are often lacking at the youth football… The post Shim Mheuka: Chelsea’s Newest Homegrown Hope first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

In football, success is often measured in trophies and results — but by the time those arrive, the real work has already been done. Long before dominance becomes visible, it is constructed through structure, repetition, and identity. What appears as success is often just the final outcome of a system that has been built over… The post Built Before Success: How Football Identity Shapes Long-Term Performance first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is not just the biggest sporting event of the decade. For the online gambling industry, it is a structural inflection point — one that is reshaping betting markets, accelerating casino cross-sell strategies, minting millions of first-time bettors, and forcing operators to think… The post How the 2026 World Cup Is Shaping the Future of Football Betting and Online Casinos first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

While recovering from injury, Mahomes highlights rising NWSL star after historic performance in Kansas City Leer

Jeremie Boga has had an excellent impact since joining Juventus in January, and he’s slated to be bought out, considering that the option to retain him is rather small. Exec Giorgio Chiellini heavily hinted at that in his remarks before the recent Atalanta clash. The post Juventus Poised to Keep Productive Loanee Permanently appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

Danny Murphy has claimed Cristian Romero’s tears during Tottenham’s latest defeat were not over the club’s worsening relegation fears. The Spurs captain was spotted crying as he left the pitch foll…

By: Ben Dixon This weekend, AC Milan saw the Scudetto get even further away than it was already with a 3-0 defeat to Udinese. Inter, on the other hand, proved their title credentials. If there were even the slightest chance of Milan still being in the battle for the league title, they kissed those possibilities away in fantastic […] The post Chivu aims Scudetto dig to Milan and Napoli after Como dismantling: “Like my colleagues” appeared first on SempreMilan.

Eredivisie champions PSV made it back-to-back wins to begin its April schedule with Ricardo Pepi getting back on the scoresheet once again. Pepi scored his 11th league goal of the season in PSV’s 2-0 road victory over Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday. The U.S. men’s national team forward earned SBI Americans Abroad honors for his impactful ... Read more

Man City manager Pep Guardiola has urged Rayan Cherki not to come deep looking for the ball so often. The Frenchman played a starring role in City’s 3-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend, but speaking after the game, Guardiola said he still has areas where he can improve: “Rayan Cherki is an extraordinary talent. […] The post Guardiola Says He Has One Major “Problem” With Rayan Cherki Despite Labelling Him “Extraordinary” After Chelsea Win first appeared on Man City News.

CHELSEA legend John Terry has built a HUGE £50 million fortune fuelled by football wages, savvy property deals and investments in tech. The Blues icon, 45, is now poised to splash £14m on League Two side Colchester as part of a consortium adding club ownership to his growing business empire. Terry remains Chelsea’s most successful...

Keith Treacy is keen to see what Jack Moylan can bring to the table if the Lincoln City forward is called into the Republic of Ireland squad for next month's training camp in Murcia.

JEREMY CROSS COLUMN: The Quadruple is still on for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta - just not the one they had in mind, as their season heads towards the ultimate collapse

A football star has become the first professional player in his country to publicly come out as gay after a video from his boyfriend went viral and prompted international support

LEAGUE One promotion, a Championship charge and even Premier League football - that's all in store for Colchester United after John Terry's takeover, according to AI anyway. The Sun exclusively revealed how Chelsea legend Terry is set to take over League Two outfit and, according to data crunching artificial intelligence, they will be meeting European...

The Blaugrana star was the protagonist on Radio MARCA in the run-up to the match against Atletico Madrid Leer

Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup but FIFA's answer to a big problem could open the door to a reprieve

England midfielder Keira Walsh is set to make her 100th appearance against world champions Spain at Wembley.

Arsenal legend David Seaman has told fans to get behind the team and has compared the situation to England at Euro 1996. The Gunners had the opportunity to go 12 points clear at the top of the Prem…

By: Oliver Fisher Michele Criscitiello has claimed that Massimiliano Allegri is not convinced by the idea of continuing at AC Milan beyond this season. Milan’s season has taken a rather negative turn in the past couple of months. After having a 24-game unbeaten run snapped by a defeat to Parma at San Siro, a run of four defeats […] The post Criscitiello: Allegri ‘isn’t convinced he can continue’ at Milan – the reasons appeared first on SempreMilan.

Olivia Buzaglo has hit out at social media’s reaction to her viral interview with Jean-Philippe Mateta, insisting it was a ‘lovely moment’. talkSPORT presenter Buzaglo found herse…

Once he turns 18, Cavan Sullivan will head to Man City, but that alone isn't buying him the same chances his peers in MLS are enjoying

Rafael Leao finds himself in the eye of the storm again, as he had a paltry performance against Udinese, despite a long clamored tactical switch, and the Milan crowd heavily booed when he left the pitch. His relationship with the fans has had its ups and downs over the years. The post Milan Star Leao in Hot Water Again After Udinese Clash appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.