World Cup News

Is Kylian Mbappé actually the issue at Real Madrid? We break down his trophy drought since joining, while his former club continues to thrive without him, and debate whether Harry Kane has quietly become the Ballon d’Or frontrunner. Then Sophia Wilson joins us to talk about leaving soccer at the door, motherhood, and what really drives her as a competitor. Finally, Kaylyn Kyle stops by to unpack Javier Mascherano’s shock exit from Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC’s statement win, and what it all means for the future of MLS and the USMNT.

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.

Game summary of the Inter Miami CF vs. Red Bull New York MLS game, final score 2-2, from April 11, 2026 on ESPN.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been at the center of one of the most intense rivalries. While some praise the Portuguese scoring prowess, others praise the Argentine’s all-around capacity. In light of this, 1986 World Cup champion Oscar Ruggeri makes the difference between both stars. Even though Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are already veterans, they continue to be the subject of constant comparisons. While some praise the Portuguese’s goal-scoring prowess, others highlight the Argentine’s ability to shine all over the pitch. In this context, 1986 World Cup champion Oscar Ruggeri joined the conversation, making clear the difference between the two stars throughout their careers. In an exclusive interview with Bolavip, Oscar Ruggeri made it clear that comparing Messi and Ronaldo doesn’t make sense, highlighting the difference between the two. “It wouldn’t even cross my mind to discuss the subject, because there’s a huge difference between the genius we have and the other one, who is a great player. Messi is a genius and Ronaldo is a star. He’s truly a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.” Throughout his career, Lionel Messi has made an impact far beyond his goal-scoring prowess. Starting from the right wing, the Argentine established as the team’s primary creative force, consistently linking up play. As a result, he has racked up 407 assists, leading him to take on a different role in his later years. Nevertheless, he shines as a scorer with 903 goals, proving himself to be one of the most complete players in history. While Ruggeri does not consider Cristiano Ronaldo a genius, Ronaldo has shattered every stereotype. Initially embarking on his career as a brilliant left winger, injuries transformed him into a historic center forward. Far from faltering, he has consistently ranked among the world’s top scorers for over 20 years, amassing 967 goals and nearing the elusive 1,000-goal mark. Now 41 years old, he continues to shine in the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shakes hands with Lionel Messi of Argentina Messi and Ronaldo set for a historic duel in 2026 World Cup After shining in the MLS and the Saudi Pro League, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stand out as clear candidates to compete in the 2026 World Cup. Although they are already veterans, both remain leaders of their national teams, considered key figures for their head coaches. Unlike previous editions, this could be their final tournament, making the outcome potentially historic. If they confirm their presence with Argentina and Portugal, they would become the players with the most World Cup appearances in history, cementing their names in the tournament’s legacy. In addition, Ronaldo could aim to win this major trophy for the first time in his career, while Messi will look to defend his title, providing a historic opportunity in their long-standing comparison. The 1,000-goal milestone may set up Messi-Ronaldo duel After more than 20 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are unmistakably approaching retirement. Nevertheless, they are engaged in another major duel: The 1,000-goal milestone. While the Argentine sits at 903 goals, the Portuguese has 967, making him the clear favorite to reach it first. However, the focus may not be on who gets there first, but on who ultimately achieves it, putting pressure on the Inter Miami star.

Inter Miami's new stadium already generates excitement Leer

On this episode of The Cooligans, MLS expert Matt Doyle joins us to break down the latest headlines around the league, including whether Julian Hall’s electric start with the New York Red Bulls is the real deal, if Inter Miami’s win over Orlando masks deeper roster issues, and whether San Jose and Timo Werner can sustain their early-season momentum. Then we’re joined by Bournemouth legend and assistant coach Steve Fletcher to discuss Tyler Adams’ underrated leadership, Andoni Iraola’s transformative impact on the club, and Fletcher’s remarkable 726-game journey with AFC Bournemouth.

On this episode of Inside College Soccer, Don Williams sits down with acclaimed soccer author Luciano Wernicke to discuss his latest book, The Lionel Messi Story: How One Man Revolutionized Major League Soccer. Wernicke, author of more than 20 books on global football, breaks down the remarkable journey of Lionel Messi - from a young boy in Rosario overcoming growth hormone deficiency to becoming a World Cup champion and one of the most influential athletes in history. The conversation explores Messi’s defining decision at 14 to leave Argentina for FC Barcelona, and how elite environments, culture, and long-term belief systems create world-class players. The discussion then turns to Messi’s historic move to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, the strategic vision of David Beckham, and what Messi’s arrival truly means for the growth and global credibility of soccer in the United States. Wernicke also shares perspective from his time working with the Costa Rica men’s national soccer team, offering insight into what it realistically takes to build a nation capable of winning a World Cup - and whether the U.S. is moving in that direction. A must-listen conversation for players, parents, coaches, and anyone serious about understanding the cultural, structural, and strategic forces shaping the future of the game in America. 📖 The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books-a-Million, and wherever books are sold. 🎧 Presented by Sports Recruiting USA - www.srusasoccer.com 🤝 Sponsored by www.gapyearsoccer.com

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss Inter Miami CF’s recent crash out, recap their trip to the Bundesliga in Germany, break down transfer moves and react to breaking news from Tottenham.

Jerald Lucas and Derik Abbott break down the 2-1 Columbus Crew win over St. Louis CITY SC, the Columbus Crew 2 exodus from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and preview the upcoming match against Inter Miami CF. LINKTREE: https://t.co/WLbEvwNt5x

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're giving our takes on who have been the most surprising and most disappointing teams thus far in the very early MLS season, but we are not alone for this one as we are joined by the guys over at Stateside Soccer Show. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf of the Week 4:50 - Most surprising 20:49 - Most disappointing #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #c...

Hosts Ty Fisher and Jerald Lucas recap the Columbus Crew's 2-1 loss to Inter Miami CF and the Third Round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup win over Indy Eleven, along with analysis of the Crew 2's 3-2 win over Inter Miami CF II and Inter Columbus's 7-0 win over Black Cat FC in the UPSL. They round off this episode with score predictions from around the league, and Ty tells his story of the time his laptop got damaged by the press box window at Lower.com Field

Alexi and Mosse open the show, and with the USMNT’s win against Jamaica to put them in the Gold Cup semifinals, they debate what is more impressive: the win against Mexico in Nations league or making it to Gold Cup final with this “B” team (8:09) They talk Matt Turner vs. Zack Steffen in goal, Mexico being the overwhelming favorite, and Mosse riding the Qatar wave. The guys then talk MLS and detail Gabriel Heinze’s rough stint with Atlanta, how bad Inter Miami CF and Phil Neville are, and NYCFC’s stadium troubles. They discuss Olympic soccer and talk USWNT’s bounce back after a 3-0 loss to Sweden, recap men’s soccer, including Richarlison’s performances. (36:20). In #AskAlexi, fans ask about international parity, playing World Cup vs. Olympics, and the supposed feud between Mexico and CONCACAF. (51:06). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” on his recent Tweet about the overuse of soccer jargon when discussing tactics (1:15:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inter Miami CF head coach Phil Neville chats with Alexi Lalas and talks about adapting to the MLS, his style of play, the difference between coaching Women and Men, generational differences in players, his sales pitch to Inter Miami CF, his thoughts on American soccer media, and his favorite Cuban food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show with guest Stu Holden to discuss U-23 USMNT’s performance in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers (09: 05). The guys then talk about the upcoming friendlies for the senior squad against Jamaica and N. Ireland. Stu gives an insight into his experience being a dual-national, then the guys move to discuss Inter Miami CF’s attempt for success, and David Beckham claims the team can attract the most prominent stars. They look at the rest of the world (42:44) and break down the Champions League draw, UEFA World Cup qualifiers, CONCACAF qualifiers, Top 10 FIFA Men’s World Rankings, and Xabi Alonso coaching at Borussia Monchengladbach. In #AskAlexi (1:09:20), fans ask about Alexi’s trash talk on the field, Men’s and Women’s U-23 rules, and the most “Italian thing” he did while living there. Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” (1:19:50) on the rising opportunities for soccer media professionals and gives a special shout and best wishes to Ives Galarcep, who is battling COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show discussing CONMEBOL suspending March World Cup qualifiers due to COVID-19 restrictions (12:15). The guys then talk about MLS’s responsibility to release players for USMNT, the battle for USA/Mexico dual nationals young talent, and the MLS investigation launched against Inter Miami CF signing of Blaise Matuidi. They look at Europe and chat about the Manchester derby, Madrid Derby, Josh Sargent’s impressive season at Werder Bremen so far (41:53), Bayern Munich vs. Dortmund, and the Champions League preview. They Looked at #AskAlexi, where fans asked about scrapping VAR and salary caps in the MLS. (1:05:02). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” on the goal of USA youth soccer beyond the field (1:20:02) in another remote edition of the State of the Union Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show with news of Jordan Morris loan to Swansea City (10:42). Then, they discuss Phil Neville’s hire at Inter Miami CF (18:15), Montreal’s new name & logo, USWNT’s game against Colombia, and Messi’s first-career red card. In #AskAlexi (1:08:05), they address Wayne Rooney’s legacy, discuss Premier League and Serie A front runners, and preview the Copa Libertadores final. Finally, Alexi caps the show with One for the Road (1:23:24) in another remote edition of the State of the Union Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices