World Cup News

UE Cornella have announced that Lionel Messi has become the club’s new owner. Lionel Messi continues to take steps toward remaining involved in soccer once his professional playing career comes to an end. His latest move in that direction is the acquisition of a fifth-division club in Spain, Unio Esportiva Cornella, the third club he is involved in. “The Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Leo Messi, has finalized the acquisition of UE Cornella,” the club announced in a statement published Thursday on their official website. “With this operation, Messi strengthens his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalunya.” UE Cornella are a club founded in 1951 and based in the autonomous community of Catalunya, around 50 miles from Barcelona. They currently compete in the Tercera RFEF (Spain’s fifth division) and sit third in Group V, five points behind leaders Manresa. “The arrival of Leo Messi opens a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of driving its sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its structure, and continuing to invest in talent. The project includes a long-term vision, with a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and local identity,” the statement added. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami How many clubs is Lionel Messi involved in? While continuing his professional career — since 2023 with Inter Miami — Lionel Messi has also begun exploring a role that was previously unfamiliar to him: club ownership and management. On more than one occasion, he has said this side of soccer appeals to him more than coaching, as he looks ahead to life after retirement. Last year, he joined his friend and teammate Luis Suarez in a project of this kind in Uruguay, becoming co-founders and co-owners of Deportivo LSM. The club debuted in the country’s fourth division and, in its first season — 2025 — earned promotion, beginning what looks like a promising path forward. In addition, the Messi family also founded a club in Argentina: Leones de Rosario FC, based in Leo’s hometown. The project began in 2015 with a focus on developing young talent, but this year took its first professional step by joining Primera C, Argentina’s fourth division. Messi and Ronaldo follow similar paths The news of Lionel Messi’s acquisition of UE Cornella comes just months after Cristiano Ronaldo made a similar move. The 41-year-old forward has owned a 25% stake in Almeria since February of this year, another club competing in the lower tiers of Spanish soccer. Almeria, unlike UE Cornella, are a more established club with greater tradition: they have spent a total of seven seasons in La Liga, most recently in 2024. Messi’s new club, meanwhile, have yet to play in Spain’s top division.

Guillermo Hoyos spoke for the first time as Inter Miami head coach and addressed his relationship with Lionel Messi. This week, Inter Miami were shaken by Javier Mascherano’s surprising decision to step down, citing personal reasons. Guillermo Hoyos was appointed on an interim basis to replace him and has now opened up about his connection with Lionel Messi. “Being on the field with the greatest player in history is extraordinary,” Hoyos said in his first press conference as head coach of the Herons, as shared by reporter Jose Armando on his official X account. Regarding the nature of his relationship with Messi, the coach was clear: “There’s a friendship we’ve built over the years, like with many other players in different countries… Friendship is non-negotiable.” However, Hoyos made it clear that this bond of trust also comes with boundaries. “That doesn’t mean we’re around him every day. You have to respect everything — his privacy, for example — be prudent, and quietly continue building this approach,” Guillermo said. “All of this is new.” Head Coach Guillermo Hoyos of Inter Miami CF talks to his players during a training session. How did Messi and Hoyos meet? Lionel Messi and Guillermo Hoyos first crossed paths when the forward was still a teenager and had just arrived at Barcelona. At the time, Guillermo was working within the club’s academy and quickly took on a role in helping his compatriot adjust to a new country and club. “He helped me a lot from the moment I arrived at Barca. He was always there for me… He taught me things and helped me get to where I am,” Messi said previously about Hoyos’ role in his development at Barcelona, according to Ole. More than 20 years later, the two reunited at Inter Miami in different roles: Messi as the team’s superstar and Hoyos as sporting director. However, Mascherano’s sudden departure forced the club to turn to him to fill the vacancy, at least on an interim basis. Hoyos highlights Inter Miami’s structure In the same press conference, Guillermo Hoyos addressed his current situation after moving from sporting director to interim head coach. “I’m at the club’s service, and that’s why I’m in this position today. A couple of days ago, I was in a different role,” he said. “I’m here to help in any way the club needs.” Finally, Hoyos expressed strong optimism about Inter Miami’s potential. “It’s one of the 10 best clubs in the world, not just in MLS,” the coach said. “Because it has a structure. And especially with the stadium they’ve inaugurated, which is something extraordinary. It’s a club with tremendous potential.”

Lionel Messi is at the center of a $7M breach of contract lawsuit against the Argentina FA following the star's absence from last year's friendly against Venezuela in the U.S. Lionel Messi finds himself at the center of a new controversy surrounding the Argentina Football Association (AFA), this time involving a high-stakes legal dispute over the October international window. After the Inter Miami star failed to appear in a friendly against Venezuela, the AFA is now reportedly facing a $7 million lawsuit for breach of contract regarding matches scheduled on U.S. soil. The dispute stems from an agreement with VID, a Miami-based events company, which allegedly paid $7 million in August for the exclusive rights to Argentina’s October friendlies. The world champions were originally slated to face Venezuela on October 10 and Puerto Rico on October 14. However, the international break clashed with a pivotal stretch of the MLS season. With Inter Miami chasing the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, a match against Atlanta United was rescheduled for October 11. Despite being officially “ruled out due to injury” for the national team’s clash with Venezuela, Messi started for the Herons against Atlanta just one day later, netting a brace and adding an assist in a dominant performance. While Messi eventually joined the national team to play the full 90 minutes in a 6-0 rout of Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, the damage was already done. His absence from the Venezuela fixture, where he was spotted watching from a VIP suite with his family, reportedly led to disastrous financial consequences for VID, triggering the multi-million dollar legal action. Lionel Messi of Argentina and his family attend the International Friendly against Venezuela. AFA and the infringements of the original deal According to local reports, the AFA and Messi are facing 10 different charges in the suit. A key stipulation in the contract, as reported by The Athletic, required Messi to play at least 30 minutes in both matches unless sidelined by a legitimate injury or illness, citing his massive commercial draw as the primary value of the deal. The lack of star power for the Venezuela game resulted in a box-office catastrophe. Hard Rock Stadium saw a dismal turnout of approximately 15,000 fans, representing just 23% of the venue’s total capacity. Furthermore, the relocation of the Puerto Rico match from Chicago to Miami reportedly dealt another financial blow to VID. The company claims it lost over $1.3 million in promotion and logistics costs for the original Chicago venue. Following the move to Chase Stadium, the promoters allege the AFA breached its contract by failing to refund a portion of the upfront payments as agreed upon. In an attempt to salvage the partnership, reports suggest the AFA initially promised future U.S. matchups in June 2026 to compensate for the losses. However, those promises appear to have fallen through, and a third-party agent involved in the negotiations has also been accused of fraud. The current counts against the AFA include negligent misrepresentation and multiple breaches of the $7 million contract. While the total damages sought by VID have not been fully disclosed, the company maintains that the fallout from the October window resulted in millions of dollars in lost revenue.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has perhaps hinted at a return to living in Spain down the line, with the purchase of a 5th division Spanish club close to Barcelona. The Inter Miami and Argentina star is yet to call time on his playing career, but has admitted that he is in the twilight of his […] The post Lionel Messi purchases Spanish club close to Barcelona appeared first on Football España.

Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola return with a deeper dive into the fallout from Matt Crocker’s sudden exit as U.S. Soccer sporting director, moving beyond the breaking news to unpack what the role actually demands, why progress on youth development has stalled, and whether anyone can truly fix one of American soccer’s most persistent problems (03:08). From there, the guys discuss the U.S. Open Cup's chaotic and cupset-filled Round of 32 (31:40), a historic night in Mexico as Nashville became the first MLS side to win at the Estadio Azteca, and whether LAFC are now the team to beat in the Concacaf Champions Cup (40:32). Plus, shockwaves in South Florida as Javier Mascherano exits Inter Miami - what’s really going on behind the scenes (49:04)? where Americans take center stage in the Copa del Rey final: can Pellegrino Matarazzo lead Real Sociedad to glory, or will Johnny Cardoso’s Atletico Madrid cap off an incredible week after booking their place in the Champions League semifinals (1:00:37)? Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JimmyConrad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CharlieDavies9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TMeola1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the ⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on soccer⁠ For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, EFL Championship, EFL League Cup, Carabao Cup, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the betting arena on CBS Sports.com: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/⁠ For all the latest in sportsbook reviews: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/⁠ And sportsbook promos: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lionel Messi is the owner of a fifth-division soccer club in Spain after the Argentine superstar acquired Barcelona-based UE Cornellà.

Lionel Messi has been announced as the new owner of Spanish club UE Cornella. The Argentinian football icon, widely regarded as the greatest player ever, has completed his acquisition of a side loc…

David Beckham's influence is seemingly rubbing off on Lionel Messi, as the Inter Miami star sets himself up for life after football by buying a club of his own

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is playing in the United States for Inter Miami and is expected to play a key role in Argentina’s World Cup title defence this year.

On the latest edition of Caught Offside with Andrew Gundling and JJ Devaney... the boys share their thoughts on an incredibly fun and compelling Champions League 2nd Leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. We'll go through all the key moments and provide some of our bigger takeaways as well. Plus: Arsenal find a way, Barca with a big letdown and PSG hitting their stride at the right time. Finally, we'll also weigh in on Matt Crocker's unusual departure from the U.S. Soccer Federation. Why did this happen and what does it mean for this World Cup? All that and more!! For even more Caught Offside content, get on over to Caught Offside Plus right now! We're diving into some additional stories including Javier Mascherano leaving Inter Miami, Andoni Iraola leaving Bournemouth and the state of New Jersey taking on FIFA. And for all the latest merch, get over to https://caughtoffsidepod.com/ - Spring has sprung, you've made it through the winter, so buy yourself a present! Get a Caught Offside t-shirt! --- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/CaughtOffsidePod/ X: https://twitter.com/COsoccerpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caughtoffsidepod/ Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LIONEL MESSI has bought his own football club as he prepares for life after football. The iconic Argentine is contracted to MLS outfit Inter Miami until 2028. Messi, 38, is making steps to keep himself in football after he leaves the American club. The Barcelona legend has invested in Spanish lower league side UE Cornella....

Il campione argentino investe in una società di calcio.

England icon David Beckham is on the hunt for a new manager following Javier Mascherano’s exit from Inter Miami but it appears that one of his former teammates will not be taking charge

Guillermo Hoyos said his long friendship with Lionel Messi will not stop him working the Argentine superstar hard in training, as he was unveiled as the new coach of MLS side Inter Miami on Wednesday. Hoyos, previously Miami’s sporting director, replaces Javier Mascherano, who departed the club for “personal reasons” Tuesday just four months after […] The post Longtime Messi friend Hoyos unveiled as Inter Miami coach appeared first on Soccer America.

Stu Holden is BACK and joins David Mosse for a new episode of State of the Union. On this show, the duo reacts to Matt Crocker leaving U.S. Soccer for a leadership role with Saudi Arabia so soon before the World Cup. After, Stu and Mosse recap a WILD Champions League week that saw Bayern, PSG, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid advance to the semi-finals. Stu asks if Mbappé is the best player in the world despite Real's loss and gives his pick for the UCL winner. Back stateside, Nashville made history by becoming the first MLS side to win in the mighty Azteca in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, knocking off Club America. In #AskAlexi, Stu and Mosse debate if Mexico or the U.S. utilize their domestic league better and in One for the Road, the guys dive into the sudden departure of Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano. Presented by Zillow #Zillow Chapters: (1:36) Stu's Reaction to Matt Crocker leaving U.S. Soccer (6:34) The UCL semifinals are set (29:31) U.S. abroad weekend preview (35:25) Nashville SC pulls off historic CCC upset (45:32) #AskAlexi (56:41) One for the Road #StateOfTheUnion Subscribe to get the latest from Alexi Lalas' State of the Union: http://sprtspod.fox/SUBSCRIBEtoSOTU Listen to Alexi Lalas' State of the Union on Apple Podcasts: http://sprtspod.fox/sotu Follow SOTU on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOTUWithAlexi Follow SOTU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotuwithalexi/ Follow SOTU on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sotuwithalexi Like SOTU on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOTUWithAlexi About Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast: U.S. Soccer legend Alexi Lalas discusses the biggest stories in the world of soccer from an American perspective. Join Alexi and soccer guru David Mosse, as they break down the USMNT, USWNT, MLS, Bundesliga, Premier League, World Cup & everything in between. Mbappé over Yamal, Epic UCL night and MLS vs Liga MX with Stu Holden www.youtube.com/@StateOfTheUnion

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said his team will be patient in the search for a new coach following the departure of Javier Mascherano.

Beckham: Inter Miami won't rush coach search after Mascherano exit espn.in

In his first official statements, the coach made clear his ambitious vision for the Florida-based team's current situation. Leer

Hoyos's arrival on the Inter Miami bench marks the start of a new chapter characterized by a delicate challenge: managing his historic relationship with the #10 in a locker room that demands results. Leer

New Inter Miami CF interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos insists he's grateful to be working alongside Lionel Messi on the field once again, but emphasized that he'll continue to proceed with respect.

World Cup winner and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi is reportedly being sued by a promoter in Florida over alleged 'fraud and breach of contract'

On Tuesday, April 14, Inter Miami surprised the soccer world by announcing on its official social media accounts the resignation of the coach who had joined the team in January 2025. Leer

David Beckham's MLS franchise needs a new head coach after Mascherano resigned on Tuesday amid a stuttering start to the 2026 season, just four months after winning the MLS Cup.

Inter Miami's Guillermo Hoyos 'grateful' to coach Lionel Messi again espn.in

Javier Mascherano quitting as Inter Miami manager illustrates how hard it's becoming to keep an aging Lionel Messi happy within a team in transition.

Harry Maguire will be unavailable for Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The FA have confirmed that the 33-year-old will serve a further one-game ban for misconduct, having already been suspended for the defeat to Leeds United following his red card in matchweek 31. EXCL: Harry Maguire getting a one-game ban as FA […] The post Weds afternoon update: The Athletic confirm that Carrick will now be without player who’s the ‘best’ in his position vs CFC appeared first on Stretty News.

Officially it was personal reasons, but the timing of the exit indicates a bigger story Leer

After ousting Inter Miami on the road thanks to an away goal in the round of 16, Nashville defeated América outright away in the quarterfinals. The post Nashville SC and LAFC oust Liga MX powerhouses appeared first on Soccer America.

Inter Miami is used to the spotlight, but it's the unwanted type of attention that keeps finding its way back to South Florida

Javier Mascherano has left his role as head coach of Inter Miami, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure despite guiding the club to MLS Cup success last season. The Major League Soccer club confirmed the Argentine’s departure on Tuesday, with the decision marking one of the most surprising managerial changes of the early 2026 […]

A glimpse into the next generation already making noise at Inter Miami Leer

Mascherano shocked everyone with his decision to leave midway through the season. Leer

Javier Mascherano announced on Tuesday that he was leaving his role as head coach of Inter Miami, the MLS club spearheaded on the field by his compatriot Lionel Messi. The 41-year-old Argentinian, who guided Miami to the club’s first MLS Cup title, said his surprise departure was due to “personal reasons”. “I want to let […] The post Mascherano departs MLS club Inter Miami appeared first on Soccer America.

The Argentinian left the MLS for personal reasons Leer

Javier Mascherano has resigned from his role as Inter Miami head coach for personal reasons. The 41-year-old took on the role in November 2024, winning 27 of his 47 games in MLS (D11 L9) while guiding the Herons to MLS Cup glory in 2025. Miami scored 101 goals under Mascherano last season, the most in […] The post Inter Miami confirm shock Mascherano resignation appeared first on Soccer News.

JAVIER Mascherano has shockingly departed Inter Miami, leaving a gaping hole in the team's coaching staff. Already multiple games into the MLS season and just weeks away from the World Cup, a decision on a replacement manager may have to wait a while. However, a bit of extra time to deeply research a replacement for...

Javier Mascherano is out as Inter Miami’s coach, a stunning move that comes only four months after leading Lionel Messi’s club to the MLS Cup title, Guillermo Hoyos will coach in the interim.

Former Liverpool and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano helped Inter Miami to MLS Cup last season but the Argentine has decided to end his spell at the club after less than 18 months

Inter Miami announced the resignation of head coach Javier Mascherano just five months after leading the team to an MLS Cup victory. Leer

Javier Mascherano has quit as Inter Miami head coach, just four months after guiding the club to its first MLS Cup title.

Mascherano leaves Messi's Inter Miami amidst lacklustre title defence Pulse Sports Nigeria

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.

Mascherano says he's leaving the job 'for personal reasons'

The team crashed out of the Champions Cup at the hands of MLS rivals Nashville and have also drawn the first two games at their lavish new stadium.

The reigning MLS Cup Champions will have a new head coach at the helm. Javier Mascherano has stepped down as the club’s head coach for personal reasons, Inter Miami announced Tuesday. Guillermo Hoyos will assume the role of First Team head coach for the upcoming matches after previously being responsible for overseeing and advancing the ... Read more

Former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano steps down as manager of MLS side Inter Miami.

Mascherano coached one full season with Messi in Miami Inter Miami have been off to a slow start in 2026 Javier Mascherano has stunningly stepped down as Inter Miami’s manager, just months after leading the team to their first MLS title. In the club’s announcement of the move, Mascherano said he was leaving for “personal reasons,” though later on the announcement specifies that his coaching staff will also depart the club.

MLS Cup-winning coach steps down unexpectedly, leaving Leo Messi's team at a crossroads Leer