Lionel Messi has officially called time on his legendary international career, bidding a tearful goodbye to the Argentina national team at the Estadio Monumental. The Inter Miami superstar used his final moments on the pitch to address the stinging criticism and conspiracy theories that followed the Albiceleste’s World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain.
The invention of the so-called "Bundesliga Talent Series" was preceded by controversial public debates. Since its launch in August, however, practically nothing has been heard of the new youth competition in German football.
France manager Zinedine Zidane has heaped praise on Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia following his standout performance during Belgium's Nations League encounter with Les Bleus. Despite France emerging as 4-1 victors in Paris, the Real Madrid icon was quick to acknowledge the technical excellence of the young Blues star.
With his career at a crossroads, Giovanni Reyna turned his back on the Bundesliga in the summer. And the start has been made for the hoped-for turnaround.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his side's competitive spirit after watching them fight back to beat Croatia 2-1. The head coach highlighted half-time substitute Mikel Merino as one of the world's best in his position.
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice as Spain fought back to defeat Croatia 2-1 in Split. The Arsenal midfielder reacted to his match-winning performance that sent the world champions into the Nations League quarter-finals.
Spain midfielder Pedri has offered an intriguing insight into the elite mentality of teammate Lamine Yamal following La Roja's recent victory. Despite another influential performance on the international stage, the young winger was reportedly far from satisfied with his own display.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has pulled no punches when reflecting on his time playing alongside Carlos Tevez at Old Trafford. Despite their success as a strike duo, the former England captain has sensationally labelled the Argentine forward an "absolute disgrace" during daily sessions at Carrington.
Moises Caicedo’s injury-enforced absence is akin to Chelsea “losing John Terry or Gianfranco Zola”, former Blues star Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL. The all-action Ecuadorian midfielder is considered to be crucial to the collective cause at Stamford Bridge, with only 14 minutes of game time being taken in at the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny following allegations that world football’s governing body permitted an ineligible player to feature for DR Congo during their successful World Cup qualification campaign. The revelation has sparked outrage from rival nations who were eliminated by the Leopards, leading to potential legal challenges that could overshadow the tournament's legacy.
Erling Haaland has been reportedly granted a period of emergency rest by Manchester City after returning from international duty in a state described as "thoroughly spent." The prolific forward asked to be substituted during Norway’s defeat to Portugal, leading to fears of muscle fatigue just as the Etihad giants prepare for a massive showdown against Liverpool amid financial charges guilty verdict.
Lionel Messi plays his final international match in the shirt of the Argentina national team. On an emotional and otherwise successful evening for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, there are also a few sour notes.
Bruno Fernandes has become a talismanic presence for Manchester United in the middle of the park, but can the Portuguese playmaker be likened to Red Devils legend Paul Scholes? Anderson, who once played alongside a superstar graduate from the Class of ‘92, has told GOAL why an 11-time Premier League title winner remains a “different level” to the current captain at Old Trafford.
Former Bayern Munich player Christian Lell has explained why he had to adjust the cover of his biography, published in September, "From Ego to Heart: Drugs, downfall, self-hatred – and my way back to life".
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