It was Kane’s night at the London Palladium Theatre as the Bayern Munich and England center forward became the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001 thanks to a spectacular 73-goal season for club and country.

On the women’s side, Alexia Putellas claimed the third Ballon d'Or of her incredible career after a majestic, treble-winning final season with Barcelona Femení. The now London City Lionesses midfielder won the prestigious award ahead of former Barça teammate Ewa Pajor.

Journalists around the world from FIFA’s member associations determine the Ballon d’Or winner each year, with each voter picking their top-10 finishers in order, with first place votes worth 15 points and 10th place vote worth just one point.

Soon after Kane won his maiden Ballon d’Or, France Football’s Vincent Garcia teased that the gap between him and Mbappé in second was “extremely small.” On Friday, L’Équipe published the full results of the men’s and women’s 2026 Ballon d’Or voting.

The 28-point gap between the top-two finishers in the men’s rankings was the fourth tightest winning margin in Ballon d’Or history.

2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or Points Breakdown (30–11)

T-29. Sadio Mané (Senegal, Al Nassr): 2 points
T-29. William Saliba (France, Arsenal): 2 points
28. Julián Quiñones (Mexico, Al Qadsiah): 4 points
27. Bruno Fernandes (Portugal, Manchester United): 5 points
26. Dayot Upamecano (France, Bayern Munich): 5 points
25. Marquinhos (Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain): 7 points
24. Luis Díaz (Colombia, Bayern Munich): 8 points
23. Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain): 8 points
22. Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter Milan): 11 points
21. Gabriel (Brazil, Arsenal): 11 points
20. Willian Pacho (Ecuador, Paris Saint-Germain): 12 points
19. João Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain): 15 points
18. Marc Cucurella (Spain, Chelsea/Real Madrid): 16 points
17. Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid): 26 points
16. Ferran Torres (Spain, Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain): 44 points
15. Declan Rice (England, Arsenal): 57 points
14. Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain): 59 points
13. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain): 65 points
12. Pau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona): 101 points
11. Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid): 107 points

2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or Points Breakdown (1–10)

Kane’s narrow victory over Mbappé is even tighter than the one Rodri secured over Vinícius Júnior (41 points) in the highly scrutinized 2024 rankings.

Although Kane beat Mbappé by 1,055 points to 1,027, the Englishman secured almost twice as many first place votes as the Real Madrid star, collecting 40 votes to Mbappé’s 23.

Lamine Yamal completed the podium with 881 points, significantly fewer than the 1,059 he secured a year ago when he finished runner-up to Ousmane Dembélé. However, the teenager did secure 13 first place votes, two more than he earned in 2025. Dembélé, meanwhile, had 418 points a year after claiming the top prize with 1,380 and he didn’t receive a single first place vote.

The following nine players received first place votes in 2026.

• Harry Kane (40)
• Kylian Mbappé (23)
• Lamine Yamal (12)
• Rodri (10)
• Lionel Messi (6)
• Fabián Ruiz (4)
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (2)
• Michael Olise (1)
• Achraf Hakimi (1)

2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or Points Breakdown (30–11)

T-28. Lorena (Brazil, Kansas City Current): 0 points
T-28. Melvine Malard (France, Manchester United): 0 points
T-28 Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands, Manchester City): 0 points
27. Rose Lavelle (United States, Gotham FC): 2 points
26. Alex Greenwood (England, Manchester City): 7 points
25. Caroline Weir (Scotland, Real Madrid): 7 points
24. Kerstin Casparij (Netherlands, Manchester City): 7 points
23. Momoko Tanikawa (Japan, Bayern Munich): 8 points
22. Manaka Matsukubo (Japan, North Carolina Courage/Chelsea): 9 points
21. Scarlett Camberos (Mexico, Club América): 14 points
20. Selma Bacha (France, OL Lyonnes): 15 points
19. Tessa Wullaert (Belgium, Inter Milan/Como 1907): 15 points
18. Barbra Banda (Zambia, Orlando Pride): 18 points
17. Esmee Brugts (Netherlands, Barcelona): 19 points
16. Mapi León (Spain, Barcelona/London City Lionesses): 20 points
15. Cata Coll (Spain, Barcelona): 21 points
14. Wendie Renard (France, OL Lyonnes): 21 points
13. Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Arsenal): 69 points
12. Klara Bühl (Germany, Bayern Munich): 89 points
11. Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City): 89 points

2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or Points Breakdown (1–10)

A year after Aitana Bonmatí collected her third Ballon d’Or by just 28 points, fellow Spaniard Alexia Putellas joined her with the third Ballon d’Or victory of her own, claiming it over former Barcelona Femení teammate Ewa Pajor by a comfortable 86 points.

The now London City Lionesses star secured 28 of the 50 first place votes after steering Barcelona to a treble. Putellas has won it all in women’s soccer, and after securing her third career Ballon d’Or, she’s firmly established her legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

The following eight players received first place votes in 2026.

• Alexia Putellas (28)
• Ewa Pajor (12)
• Khadija Shaw (3)
• Melchie Dumornay (2)
• Patri Guijarro (2)
• Caroline Graham Hansen (1)
• Mariona Caldentey (1)
• Tessa Wullaert (1)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2026 Ballon d’Or Voting Breakdown Revealed: Kane Defeats Mbappe by Slimmest of Margins.

Six teams from the Eastern Conference and six from West have already punched their tickets, meaning three from each side are still up for grabs. It will make for fierce battles that are anything but runaway wins.

Six teams—Red Bull New York, Toronto FC, New York City FC, LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers and Minnesota United—are staring down elimination, meaning they will bring extra scrappy energy to their respective clashes.

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it all may play out. 

Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

An emphatic 4–0 thumping of CF Montréal midweek—highlighted by a hat trick from forward Liel Abada—should be exactly the momentum Charlotte FC needs to overcome a scrappy Orlando City squad desperate to stay above the playoff line and punch their postseason ticket.

Antoine Griezmann and Co. won’t make it easy though. They held Eastern Conference heavyweight Chicago Fire to a 2–2 draw on Wednesday at Soldier Field, despite Robert Lewandowski’s barrage of shots.

Score Prediction: Charlotte FC 3–2 Orlando City

New York City FC vs. CF Montréal

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

New York City FC welcome a down-on-its-luck Montréal side to Citi Field on Saturday after securing a 2–1 win at home against Atlanta United.

NYCFC are technically still capable of making the playoffs, although all three points will certainly be needed. A loss would spell disaster. Meanwhile, the Canadians have long since said farewell to the playoffs, but are they interested in playing the spoiler?

Score Prediction: NYCFC 2–0 CF Montréal

FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

The Philadelphia Union secured a scoreless draw on the road against Supporters’ Shield winners Nashville SC midweek. The result, which clinched a spot in the playoffs, was all the more impressive considering it came without 17-year-old prodigy and goal-contributions machine Cavan Sullivan on the pitch.

The Union stay on the road Saturday to play a rather inconsistent, yet equally unpredictable, FC Cincinnati team.

Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 1–3 Philadelphia Union

Columbus Crew vs. D.C. United

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

The Columbus Crew have won their last four league matches, scoring 11 goals within that span, to keep themselves just barely above the Eastern Conference playoff line. Meanwhile, D.C. United are winless in the last four league matches and firmly out of the playoff race.

Expect a goal-laden affair.

Score Prediction: Columbus Crew 4–1 D.C. United

St. Louis CITY SC vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT

St. Louis CITY’s U.S. Open Cup victory has since been sandwiched by league losses, coming a long way from the team’s remarkable 21-game unbeaten streak earlier this season. St. Louis should finally get back into the win column, though, when they welcome San Diego FC, who will have low morale after getting thumped by the Vancouver Whitecaps 4–1 on Wednesday.

Score Prediction: St. Louis CITY 3–2 San Diego FC

Sporting Kansas City vs. FC Dallas

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT

Sporting Kansas City are in dire form, winless in the last four matches and conceding 12 goals in that span. The league’s worst team should be no match for Western Conference powerhouse FC Dallas, who are looking to overtake the Vancouver Whitecaps for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

Score Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 1–3 FC Dallas

LA Galaxy vs. Austin FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT

LA Galaxy are sitting just outside the playoff line and desperately need three points to crack a Wild Card match spot. Fortunately, Austin FC shouldn’t present too much of an obstacle. The Texas side has one just one of its last seven matches—a narrow, comeback win last week over the league’s worst team, Sporting Kansas City

Score Prediction: LA Galaxy 2–1 Austin FC 

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT

Real Salt Lake travel to PayPal Park covered in uncertainty. They are barely clinging onto a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, with LA Galaxy pounding on the door, yet they could also break into a much more secure positioning in the top seven with a win. Meanwhile, San Jose have already clinched playoffs, but are fighting for a coveted top-four seed.

At this point in the season, almost everyone has something to fight for, but Real Salt Lake may just want it more.

Score Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 1–3 Real Salt Lake

Colorado Rapids vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

It could be easy to write off the Colorado Rapids. They haven’t shined this season, staying above the playoff line through pure, consistent mediocrity. Consistency may prove more valuable than whatever the Chicago Fire are doing as of late, though.

Score Prediction: Colorado Rapids 1–1 Chicago Fire

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Seattle Sounders

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT

An exciting match beckons at BC Place on Sunday, seeing bitter regional rivals Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders go head-to-head. Although the Whitecaps have already won the 2026 Cascadia Cup, this game will be no less intense. The Whitecaps are feeling the pressure from FC Dallas, who want the Canadians’ top seed, while the Sounders are just trying to keep their place in the playoff race.

The Sounders haven’t found much success over the past two weeks, but for the Whitecaps, they’ll bring their best. This one could be destined for a draw.

Score Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 2–2 Seattle Sounders

Atlanta United vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Atlanta United welcome Toronto FC to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, and although the Five Stripes have kissed goodbye the dream of a postseason, they will be eager to play spoiler to the Canadian side. Toronto is still fighting for a chance in the postseason, but has notoriously come apart in big moments all season long.

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 2–1 Toronto FC

Nashville SC vs. Red Bull New York

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC have already locked down the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs, meaning that they may be most focused on preserving legs and rotating their roster in Sunday’s bout with Red Bull New York, a tactic they likewise employed in Wednesday’s draw with the Union.

The Red Bulls have been inconsistent as of late and are fighting against elimination. A victory over the Supporters’ Shield winners would be a massive boost; however, they are likely to settle for a draw.

Score Prediction: Nashville SC 2–2 Red Bull New York

New England Revolution vs. Inter Miami

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

This is the marquee match of the weekend and not just because Lionel Messi is playing. It’s the clash of No. 2 and No. 3 in the Eastern Conference, with Inter Miami looking to reclaim its top-two position from the Revs, which three points on Sunday night will afford.

Although the Herons are much improved from their August woes, this win will most likely go to the home team. New England are peaking at the right moment, winning the last four, including big results against the Chicago Fire and the Philadelphia Union, whereas Miami are leaving much to be desired.

Score Prediction: New England Revolution 3–1 Inter Miami

Los Angeles FC vs. Minnesota United

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

LAFC have already clinched playoffs, but will look to destroy the dreams of Minnesota United, who absolutely need a victory on Sunday.

Minnesota are undefeated in the last five matches and could destined for a draw at BMO Stadium.

Score Prediction: LAFC 0–0 Minnesota United

Portland Timbers vs. Houston Dynamo

• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Time: 9:45 p.m. ET / 6:45 p.m. PT

The Portland Timbers’ playoff ambitions aren’t dead yet; however, it may take more than they have to give to overcome a Houston Dynamo side undefeated in the last five games.

The Dynamo have already clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference, but won’t mind ruining the Timbers’ night at Providence Park.

Score Prediction: Portland Timbers 1–2 Houston Dynamo

MLS Predictions: Matchday 34

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Several Teams Claw for Playoffs in Matchday 34 .

Messi is in the endgame of his legendary career. The most trophy-laden player in the history of the sport has no more worlds left to conquer and has already retired from international duty. At this point, Messi could be forgiven for letting sentimentality dictate his next moves.

This week, the Argentine journalist Gonzalo Calvigioni claimed that “Messi has never been so close” to joining Newell’s Old Boys, with a potential transfer set for January 2027. Messi famously grew up as a Newell’s fan and lit up the club’s youth teams only to be told by senior management that they would not pay for his costly growth hormone treatment, thereby forcing him to Barcelona as a 13-year-old.

It is one of the curiosities of his career that the greatest Argentinian player of all time has never made a single appearance in his nation’s top flight.

Any stir that this talk may have caused was quashed by Fabrizio Romano, who confidently reported that Messi is “very happy at Inter Miami,” where he intends to remain until the expiry of his contract in December 2028. Romano also added the telling line that Messi’s future in MLS will stretch until 2028 for “at least” another two years, with the prospect of an extension to his existing terms “to be evaluated later on.”

Could Lionel Messi Stay at Inter Miami Beyond 2028?

If it were up to David Beckham and Inter Miami (and MLS at large), Messi would be given a lifetime contract. The legendary World Cup winner is the ultimate marketing tool for a division which he is continuing to dominate.

Even at this advanced stage of his career, Messi remains the most destructive attacking force in MLS. The 39-year-old leads the league for goals, xG, shots and shots on target, while also creating the most clear cut chances across the league.

“There will be a before and after Messi,” Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said after striking the biggest deal in the history of U.S. soccer three years ago. He simply doesn’t want the “after Messi” bit to begin just yet.

Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled to $1.3 billion since Messi’s arrival, while interest in fixtures across the league have enjoyed an unprecedented boom with the ability to market the shy and retiring Argentine.

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As the regular season comes to a close, 14 matches across both the Eastern and Western Conference unfolded on Wednesday night. There were goals galore, with the league’s biggest stars and brightest young talents getting on the scoresheet, a common theme in a historic way this season.

Lucas Halter was among the long list of goalscorers, lifting the Houston Dynamo to a 1–0 win over the Seattle Sounders. His goal not only secured three points for his side, but also helped MLS reach a new landmark.

Halter’s goal was the 1,553rd scored in 2026, surpassing MLS’s previous single-season record of 1,552 from the 2024 campaign. Still with two more matchdays left to play, the overall haul will only keep increasing.

Lionel Messi Leads the MLS Golden Boot Race

Reaching a new goals landmark wouldn’t be possible without the league’s top forwards finding lethal success in the final third—and there’s no player more lethal than Messi.

The Inter Miami captain has found the back of the net 25 times in 29 league appearances this season, which puts him in pole position in the Golden Boot race. Messi took home the prize last season for his 29 goals and will like his chances of defending his crown.

Only FC Dallas’ Petar Musa has a realistic chance of catching the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The Croatian, who has 22 goals to his name, is the only other player in the league to surpass the 20-goal mark this season.

Messi could see his three-goal lead erased if he fails to find the back of the net in Inter Miami’s final two matches against New England Revolution and Charlotte FC. But if he gets his name on the scoresheet, the trophy is as good as his.

MLS Golden Boot Standings

Teams With the Most Goals Scored in MLS This Season

To reach a single-season goals record, there must be production beyond the top goalscorers in the league. Take a look at Inter Miami: They have scored a staggering 75 goals this season and only 25 belong to Messi.

It’s no surprise the Herons top the scoring charts. Luis Suárez has put together a massive bounce-back season and has 16 goals to his name. New signing Germán Berterame also has found the back of the net nine times. In total, the defending MLS Cup champions have had 15 people get on the scoresheet in 2026.

Five other clubs, including last season’s MLS Cup runners-up Vancouver Whitecaps, have scored more than 60 goals. Nineteen teams have bagged 50 or more.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez Help Set New MLS Goalscoring Record.

Even at 39 years old, Messi ranked ahead of current European soccer superstars, such as Michael Olise, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and 2025 winner Ousmane Dembélé. Only Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and 2026 Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane finished ahead of him in the rankings.

The greatest player of all time turned back the clock and dominated the 2026 World Cup, carrying Argentina on his back to the third World Cup final appearance of his career.

Even if Messi couldn’t help Argentina win consecutive titles, he produced arguably the most decisive campaign of his World Cup career—unquestionably his most productive. The timeless forward bagged eight goals to go along with four assists as La Albiceleste reached yet another World Cup title match.

2026 Ballon d’Or Ranking Adds to Messi’s Unparalleled Legacy

A hat trick in the opening game against Algeria, his stunning late heroics against Egypt in the round of 16, completely taking over late in the semifinal against England to steer Argentina’s comeback with a pair of assists, this summer Messi showed that even in the twilight of his career he remains one of the best players in the world.

It might not carry as much weight as what others in European soccer achieved, but Messi was also the driving force of Inter Miami’s maiden MLS Cup title—extending his win record with the 47th title of his career. Messi was also named MLS MVP for the second season in a row with 29 goals and 18 assists in 28 games during the 2025 regular season.

Finishing fifth in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings wasn’t enough for Messi to attend the gala in London, with the all-time great staying back in Miami to attend the inaugural Messi Cup—a U-16 international youth tournament—and prepare for his side’s upcoming clash with FC Cincinnati.

It’s also unsurprising considering anything but winning the award probably doesn’t move the needle for him, given he already has eight Ballon d’Or awards resting inside his personal trophy cabinet—the most of any player in history.

Messi’s most recent Ballon d’Or triumph came in 2023 after winning the 2022 World Cup, which was the last time he had been nominated until this year. Had he managed to help La Albiceleste defeat Spain in the 2026 final en-route to the nation’s fourth World Cup crown, he likely would’ve been in pole-position to win his ninth Ballon d’Or.

Still, Messi finishing fifth fifth at 39 is a remarkable tribute to his prolonged greatness and a landmark moment in the award’s history. Messi is nearing the end of his career, and after retiring from international soccer in incredibly emotional fashion, it’s unlikely that Messi will be among the 30 Ballon d’Or finalists ever again.

“He’s the best player in history,” Ángel Di María told Sports Illustrated in April. “And being able to be with him every day, training, everything, is something beautiful.”

Stars burn brightest in their final moments, and that’s exactly what Messi did in his last dance with soccer’s elite. After two years relegated from the list of Ballon d’Or nominees, a fifth-placed finish in 2026 further enhances his unparalleled legacy.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi’s 2026 Ballon d’Or Ranking—Revealed.

The eight-time winner, first nominated all the way back in 2006 after a maiden European crown with Barcelona, was named on the 2026 shortlist for the first time in three years. He last featured—and won—in 2023 in the wake of leading Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup.

Since moving his club career to Major League Soccer, outside the elite environment of Europe’s top five league and the UEFA Champions League, Messi’s recent nominations have been determined by his achievements with Argentina—that was also the case when he won in 2021, lifting the Copa América that year as his first senior international trophy.

This year, Messi scored eight goals at the World Cup and played in another final. Things might have been different had Argentina defeated Spain at MetLife Stadium, but La Albiceleste fell short and Messi hasn’t really been part of the Ballon d’Or winner conversation.

In the knowledge that he wasn’t going to win, combined with Inter Miami having a match this week—against FC Cincinnati—making that lengthy round trip to London for the Monday night ceremony was just not worth Messi’s time or energy.

Where Was Lionel Messi Instead of the 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony?

¡LA SONRISA DE MESSI! La felicidad de Leo, que disfruta de una nueva edición de la Messi Cup.

📺 Mirá TODA la 🏆 #MessiCup por ESPN en el Plan Premium de #DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/DbsiUpBoEP

— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) October 26, 2026

Rather than attend yet another Ballon d’Or ceremony, Messi opted to watch his self-titled Messi Cup unfold. The former Barcelona prodigy launched his youth tournament last year and was in Miami to watch 16 different U-16 teams compete.

The likes of Inter Miami, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, River Plate, Inter Milan, Newell's Old Boys and Atlético Madrid were involved last year and have been joined by Arsenal, Ajax, Benfica, Palmeiras, Boca Juniors, Independiente del Valle, Flamengo, and UE Cornellà this time around.

Messi’s Focus on Inter Miami

A non-stop flight from Miami to London is around nine hours, which means approximately 18 hours in the air, exclusive of other travel time to and from the airport.

Messi was on the field for Inter Miami on Saturday in a defeat to Red Bull New York, which means he would have had to travel on Sunday, before the ceremony on Monday night. Tuesday would have been his day to return to Florida, with Miami hosting Cincinnati on Wednesday.

Could Messi potentially sit out the Cincinnati game to make it easier? He could, but there is little to gain. The 2026 MLS regular season only has three rounds of matches to go, but Miami still have something to play for because the higher their position in the final standings, the more favorable the opponent will be in round one of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Nashville SC have already clinched the 2026 Supporters’ Shield, but Miami can place as high as second in the Eastern Conference. The Herons sit third, as it stands, but are level on points with the second-place New England Revolution. Whichever is second at the end goes into the playoff bracket against the seventh-ranked team. Third place gets sixth. It might not make much difference, but these are the super fine margins that can influence things.

Why would Miami and Messi not do everything in their power to make that happen—even if that means skipping a glitzy night like the Ballon d’Or ceremony?

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Why Lionel Messi Isn’t Attending 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony.

The former Bundesliga winner as a player and manager, a midfielder who finished fifth in 1983 Ballon d’Or vote after scoring the only goal of that year’s European Cup final, surveyed 2026’s staggering breadth of talent and came to the conclusion that Marc Cucurella should be the victor.

For all his qualities, the World Cup-winning left back (who also finished 10th in the Premier League with Chelsea) has not been tipped among the top contenders. A panel of 100 journalists will be the ones to decide the winner, with the likes of Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé or perhaps even Lionel Messi billed slightly above Cucurella.

In this most open of years, world soccer’s glittering stars have failed to agree upon a standout favorite for the coveted prize.

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal is in his headband era. pic.twitter.com/qTTJ4ddzxF

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) March 27, 2026

This year’s top contenders have made little secret about their desire to win the Ballon d’Or. Yamal seemed to have appeared on every available broadcaster to make it abundantly clear quite why he was deserving of the award.

Like any good political campaign, Yamal also made sure to denigrate the achievements of his rivals while promoting his own case. The La Liga and World Cup winner pointed out that he has more than silverware on his side in a shootout against the prolific scorers of Kane and Mbappé.

“The Ballon d’Or is the award for the best player of the year—the player who stands apart, the one you enjoy watching, the one with that touch of magic who makes you smile and makes you want to watch a match just for them,” the teenager argued.

“It has nothing to do with the number of goals scored or anything else like that. When I think of the Ballon d’Or, I think of Messi, Ronaldinho—players who are different, who make you dream.”

Kylian Mbappé

A familiar silence. pic.twitter.com/I4T94Kq6Dw

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) October 25, 2026

“I always think I’m the best,” Mbappé unashamedly shrugged, “but everyone has their own opinion.”

“I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award. There are many people that speak about me and the Ballon d’Or. Of course I’ve made history in the most important competition. Maybe it’s a good year for this but people can vote according to what they think.”

Declan Rice

Declan Rice is one of three Arsenal nominees for this year’s individual prize but he turned to his international captain, Kane, with his pick for the award.

“Beyond all of the football stuff, as a person as well, just how he is as a leader, as an actual person, such a good guy,” Rice gushed after watching the Bayern Munich No. 9 deliver a Champions League masterclass. “I can’t speak highly enough of him. So, I hope on Monday he has that gold trophy in his hands.”

Ousmane Dembélé

Football will miss Khvicha’s magic. pic.twitter.com/z1woVrFiTt

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) October 21, 2026

In a rare act of humility from one of the players actually nominated for the award himself, Ousmane Dembélé shifted the focus onto his Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

“I hope a Parisian will win it. Especially Kvara, who had a very great season. We hope it will be him. For me, he is the best player in the world. His season last year was incredible. No need to talk, we will leave the votes.”

Rodri

Rodri wasn’t overly fussed about winning the award in 2024 and isn’t holding out much hope for his second prize. Instead, he is keen on seeing a fellow World Cup winner add the golden ball to his collection.

“What I would really like is for a Spaniard to win it,” Rodri said. “There are six of us [nominated]: [Marc] Cucurella, [Pau] Cubarsí, Rodri, [Fabián] Ruiz, Lamine [Yamal], and Ferran [Torres]. I can tell you that, individually, every one of them absolutely deserves the Ballon d’Or. I think all my teammates have solid arguments.”

“Fabián Ruiz is the one who has won the most titles,” he added. “Cubarsí, for what he has achieved at just 19 years old. Ferran scored the decisive goal [in the World Cup final]. As for me, I was named Player of the Tournament. And Lamine is incredible.”

Raphinha

It's us again. pic.twitter.com/26fMfo5NlT

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) September 19, 2026

Raphinha, who somehow escaped even a nomination of his own, was fully in Yamal’s corner. In the eyes of his clubmate, Yamal deserves the prize for his “individual numbers, collective titles, and the magic on the pitch, charisma. There’s no doubt.

“For me, he has to take the prize, no matter what. Even if I wasn’t Lamine’s teammate, for what he does, the numbers, the titles – and I think titles are important – he’s the candidate. One of one. Of three trophies, he won two with Barcelona. He won the World Cup with Spain.”

Neymar

Neymar infamously left Barcelona, where he won the admiration of a certain even younger Lamine Yamal, for PSG in search of the sort of individual recognition like the Ballon d’Or.

The Brazilian never managed to surpass Messi but is backing Barcelona’s new No. 10. “Lamine Yamal is the best in the world,” Neymar posted on social media earlier this season.

Jose Mourinho

“For me, the Ballon d’Or has to go to those players who, when they retire, we’ll miss forever,” Real Madrid manager José Mourinho told assembled media before Real Madrid’s clash with Málaga earlier this season. “I miss [Diego] Maradona, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Cristiano [Ronaldo], [Lionel] Messi, [Zinédine] Zidane, [Lothar] Matthäus ...”

Conveniently, all those players play for Real Madrid. “The best players in the world, there are two, three or four of them, and we know who they are: they’re here.” However, one stands out.

“For me, there is one who, individually, made history this summer,” Mourinho said of Mbappé, whose major case would appear to be becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history over the summer.

Diego Simeone

After watching his compatriot drag Argentina kicking and screaming to the World Cup final, Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone had a clear winner. “Messi, without a doubt,” he smiled. “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi.”

Joachim Löw

Unlike so many in the realm of German soccer, Joachim Löw overlooked Harry Kane, “Kane is an incredible goalscorer who consistently delivers his 30 goals per season,” the 2014 World Cup-winning manager admitted. “He’s a very pragmatic and effective finisher. The Ballon d’Or calls for more players who create magic.

“In that respect, I see Mbappé ahead of Yamal and [Michael] Olise, even though he didn't win a title with France or Real Madrid last season.”

Thierry Henry

“It’s Kylian Mbappé,” Thierry Henry, who will be presenting this year’s award, predicted. “And yes, people will tell me that he didn’t win anything. I think it happened in history. I think some people need to do their research on that one.

“But for me, it’s Kylian. When you see what he has achieved individually ... top goalscorer in the Champions League, top goalscorer in La Liga and also the World Cup.”

Zlatan Ibrahimović

“He is the best player in the world,” Zlatan Ibrahimović gushed over Lamine Yamal during the World Cup. “He’s a special player. Every time he gets the ball, he’s going to create something, no matter if he has two or three defenders in front of him.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2026 Ballon d’Or: Who Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Other Stars Are Backing to Win.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had to fly to Spain on Wednesday to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport the following day. Then, Messi made the long journey back to the United States in time for Inter Miami’s weekend MLS clash.

Except the heavy travel and time changes kept Messi on the bench at the start of the game, leaving reigning MLS Cup winners without their best and most influential player against a hungry Red Bull team.

The Herons were down 1–0 just seven minutes into the bout, thanks to an own goal from Casemiro, and finished the first half without a single shot on target. The team was crying out for Messi, who eventually came on the pitch just before the hour-mark.

In the end, it wasn’t enough time for the 39-year-old to pull off a moment of magic to get Inter Miami back into the game. The visitors ultimately suffered a 2–0 defeat, relinquishing the Eastern Conference’s second place to New England Revolution and falling to third.

Messi’s Limited Minutes Were ‘Agreed Upon’

It’s incredibly rare to see Messi not in Inter Miami’s starting XI. Even at age 39, the Barcelona legend is starting week in and week out for the Herons, putting on a show for home and away crowds more often than not.

Messi missed just two games after a grueling World Cup last summer with Argentina. He then only sat out of one match following the passing of his father.

Yet his recent travels forced Inter Miami to come up with a plan to manage his workload, even if it came at the detriment of the team.

“This was something that had already been agreed upon,” manager Kily González said after Saturday’s defeat. “Obviously, he’s been through quite a journey, time zone changes, temperature shifts and a whole host of other factors.

“We were fully aware of all of this, and we reached an agreement that this was the best approach to ensure he didn’t suffer any issues, specifically to avoid any injuries considering we have another match this Wednesday.

“The goal was for him to recover and get some minutes under his belt today; as always, he performed well.”

More Travel Could Be on the Horizion for Messi

As González mentioned, Inter Miami have a match on Wednesday against FC Cincinnati. It is the team’s third-to-last regular season battle before the fight for the MLS Cup truly begins.

But before the Herons host Pat Noonan’s men at Nu Stadium, there is a much-larger event taking place across the Atlantic Ocean: the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Messi is one of 30 men nominated for soccer’s most prestigious individual prize, awarded this year in London. The Argentine is not expected to claim a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or award, but he is expected to be in attendance at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday evening.

Should Messi indeed attend the ceremony, that means another long trip overseas coming just days before a crucial MLS clash. González then might be forced to limit the forward’s minutes again, leaving the Herons to potentially pay the price.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi’s Hectic Travels Hurt Inter Miami—And Ballon d’Or Trip Signals More Trouble.

After months of humble comments from Harry Kane and shameless campaigning from Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, France Football will crown soccer’s best men’s player at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday.

Unlike in years past, the competition for the most prestigious individual prize in the sport is wide open. The three aforementioned favorites all have arguments going both in their favor and against them, making the battle for the 2026 Ballon d’Or one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory.

Adding to some of the fun is the race to solve a new puzzle. L’Équipe journalist Loïc Tanzi revealed a recent advertisement for the ceremony has hidden numbers that reveal the winner.

Regardez bien les chiffres. Il y a un code à déchiffrer pour connaître le vainqueur. Niveau très difficile mais pas injouable. https://t.co/MiPyDIO3Ew pic.twitter.com/81rGExogaH

— Loïc Tanzi (@Tanziloic) October 25, 2026

“Look closely at the numbers,” he wrote on X. “There is a code to decipher to find out the winner. Very difficult level but not unplayable.”

Indeed, there are numbers encircling the Ballon d’Or award in the background of the image. What the numbers mean or translate to without a cipher is anyone’s guess, but social media is surely having fun trying to put the pieces together to learn Monday’s victor.

Social Media Reacts to New Ballon d’Or Puzzle

The replies to Tanzi’s post show the range of social media. There’s people running with carefully crafted theories, some trying to crack the code with logic and others using the exercise to poke fun at Ballon d’Or nominees and different stars in the sport.

One user turned to AI to solve the riddle, which claims Kane will win the prize in London. The England international had a career-best season, scoring 73 goals for club and country. He helped Bayern Munich top the Bundesliga and led England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup.

There’s also the fact that the graphic resembles the Bundesliga trophy.

Another user complied evidence that points to Mbappé taking home the Ballon d’Or.

The Frenchman ended the campaign as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup. Mbappé went trophyless, though, which left him vulnerable to jabs like the following: “There are two 0s like the number of blank years Mbappé's had at Real, I think, so Mbappé’s gonna steal this Ballon d’Or.”

One of the main reasons Mbappé didn’t win La Liga or the World Cup? Lamine Yamal.

Yamal starred for Barcelona en route to the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup, before he helped Spain claim world glory in North America last summer. Should his name be called out on Monday, he will become the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or winner.

Aside from the three obvious favorites to win the award, onlookers couldn’t help but throw some other names into the mix. One user saw the number two and believed it means Ousmane Dembélé will go back-to-back. The Frenchman won the Ballon d’Or last year and then helped Paris Saint-Germain successfully defend their French and European titles.

Another saw the number four and joked Ronald Araújo would win the award.

Although the puzzle has no definitive answer just yet, we can assure you Araújo will not win the Ballon d’Or.

As for Kane, Mbappé and Yamal? The world will know on Monday which superstar gets to etch his name into soccer folklore.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Internet Is Racing to Crack a Hidden Code That Reveals 2026 Ballon d’Or Winner.

This postseason will keep the system used since 2023: nine teams in each conference, with the eighth- and ninth-place finishers playing a one-game Wild Card match to determine who advances to face the top seed in the first round’s best-of-three series. 

While some teams have thrived from the first kick of a ball back in February, others have adjusted and improved throughout the lengthy campaign. Now with just a few weeks left to go, it’s becoming clear which teams are the true contenders, most likely to hoist the MLS Cup on Dec. 15. 

Here, Sports Illustrated ranks the five favorites to capture glory.

5. Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union were at the bottom of the MLS table heading into the World Cup break. 

Interim manager Ryan Richter has turned things around in miraculous fashion, and the team sits sixth in the Eastern Conference with four games to go, enjoying a 15-game unbeaten run. 

The core of the project has been the trust in young players. Cavan Sullivan has taken on increased responsibility and is up to seven goals and 14 assists as a 17-year-old, breaking Alphonso Davies’s 2018 record for the most goal contributions as a teenager in a single season with 21. At the same time, 19-year-old towering center back Neil Pierre has proven to be a key defensive piece, while 20-year-old right back Frankie Westfield has made immense improvements. 

Beyond the young talent, midfielder Danley Jean Jacques and goalkeeper Andre Blake continue to play key roles in Richter’s setup. Meanwhile, the attacking partnership of Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski has linked up for 31 goals.

The Union have found an approach that works and seems nearly unstoppable these days, peaking perfectly for the postseason and potentially putting themselves in position for a coveted top-four spot in the Eastern Conference. However, with both Miami and Nashville standing in their way, reaching the MLS Cup could be a step too far for the starlets.

4. St. Louis CITY SC

St. Louis CITY SC completely rebuilt their core midseason, and it’s worked. Manager Yoann Damet’s men are bona fide MLS Cup contenders entering the final stages of the season, especially after winning the U.S. Open Cup final midweek, the club’s first-ever trophy.

While its recent 19-game undefeated run didn't set the record for the longest MLS regular-season run, it showed how quickly the team has adjusted to a key group highlighted by Carlo Holse and Rafael Navarro, alongside a mainstay between the sticks in Roman Bürki. Navarro has been the biggest difference-maker, though, racking up eight goals and three assists in eight games since coming over from the Colorado Rapids on a $12 million fee. 


With the consistency of results and the dominance shown through the recent run, St. Louis have elevated themselves from a sleeper pick ahead of the season to a true challenger, but will have to navigate a competitive Western Conference and avoid any hiccups that would test their depth.

3. Inter Miami

Inter Miami are the defending champions, but haven’t looked like MLS Cup-quality for much of the season, including a spell with just one win in 10 games. Now on their third manager, Kily González, they seem to have hit their stride and could be ready to peak at the perfect time in the playoffs. 

Lionel Messi remains the be-all-end-all factor of Inter Miami’s entire project. He is the favorite to capture a third-straight MLS MVP title and looks likely to defend his Golden Boot title as well. His influence has been unmatched, especially as he grows more comfortable under González.

While Messi will determine the team’s fate, 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair has regained his confidence between the sticks in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Germán Berterame has improved—all while Luis Suárez defies reason as a consistent offensive threat with 15 goals in 26 games at nearly 40 years old. 

Miami won’t have it easy returning to the MLS Cup, likely having to take down Nashville—the team that knocked them out of the Concacaf Champions Cup—but they'd be favored if they reach that point.

2. Vancouver Whitecaps

The defining decision of the Vancouver Whitecaps’ season was selling USMNT midfielder Seabtian Berhalter to Middlesbrough for $2 million after his starring performance at the World Cup. Since then, the 2025 MLS Cup finalists have struggled to match the dominance and consistency they showed throughout the first half of the season. Although rest assured, Whitecaps fans, this is still a very good team and a clear-cut favorite to win the Western Conference. 

While the club may have just two wins in its last six games, it remains on pace for a better points total than the 2025 campaign, the club’s best regular-season performance. The back end has conceded just 31 goals in 30 games, second only to Nashville SC among all teams. Brian White has continued to lead the offensive charge with 17 goals in 28 games, despite a dip in recent form. 

The most significant difference from the Berhalter-led 2025 and early stages of 2026 has been the return of Scottish Designated Player Ryan Gauld. Injured for most of the 2025 season, Gauld has four goals and two assists this year and has made significant strides in the second half of the campaign, particularly when Thomas Müller has not been fully fit.

Even still, Müller has nine goals and eight assists of his own, and manager Jesper Sørensen is ensuring his German star is healthy for the playoffs. The Whitecaps should be confident in making a run toward another MLS Cup appearance.

1. Nashville SC

Nashville SC have been the top team in MLS all season and are still on pace to set the all-time regular-season points record, set by Inter Miami’s 74 points just two seasons ago. While the Herons flamed out in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs that year, Nashville are better equipped for a lengthy run all the way to the title. 

The team's core remains the attack, with Hany Mukhtar’s goal-creation ability standing out even more than in his 2022 MLS MVP campaign. At the same time, Sam Surridge has maintained his stellar scoring rate, with 17 goals in 24 games, while enjoying more support than he did in last season’s 25-goal campaign. Add in Cristian Espinoza’s playmaking and Elias Saad’s transition ability, and it’s easy to see why they’ve ranked among the league’s best attacking powers all season. 

Unlike some past Supporters’ Shield winners, though, Nashville haven’t sacrificed defensive solidity. Through 30 games, they have conceded just 23 goals, and Brian Schwake’s impressive goalkeeping has come up clutch when an opponent breaks through the likes of Reid Baker-Whiting and Andy Nájar on the backline. 

With home advantage expected through the postseason, it feels like MLS Cup or bust for Nashville, as they look to become the first team since LAFC in 2022 to win both the Shield and MLS Cup in the same year.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Five Favorites to Win the 2026 MLS Cup—Ranked.

This weekend’s Matchday 32 slate follows the U.S. Open Cup and Canadian Championship finals and could see another trophy awarded, with Nashville SC expected to lift the Supporters’ Shield against last-place CF Montréal. 

While some teams prioritize staying healthy, others battle for playoff spots or seeding. Some are simply playing out the string. It’s a mixed bag of what to expect this weekend, headlined by Sunday night’s highly-anticipated El Tráfico. 

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it all may play out. 

CF Montréal vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT

Nashville SC are on the verge of winning the Supporters’ Shield, expected to hoist the hardware against CF Montreal this weekend on the road. 

While last week’s draw against the San Jose Earthquakes wasn’t the crowning moment they hoped for, a win over a Montreal side that sits last in the Eastern Conference and just played out a grueling Canadian Championship final midweek (losing on penalty kicks) should be straightforward and keep the Coyotes on track to break Inter Miami’s single-season points record (74).

Score Prediction: CF Montreal 0–4 Nashville SC

Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT

Is this the most important game of the season in the Eastern Conference playoff race? It might well be. No. 10-ranked Toronto FC sit tied on points with No. 9 Red Bull New York and just one win back of No. 8 FC Cincinnati, yet are one spot out of the playoffs cutoff. No. 11 Columbus Crew, meanwhile, are just one point shy of Toronto, after winning last week’s Hell is Real Derby against Cincinnati. 

Columbus will be itching for a win, after suffering a devastating loss in penalty kicks to St. Louis CITY in the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Toronto are going in the right direction these days. A draw seems more likely—potential doom for both sides. 

Score Prediction: Toronto FC 1–1 Columbus Crew

Red Bull New York vs. Inter Miami

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT

Inter Miami are back in form. They’ve won three games in a row. Lionel Messi scored a brace, including one of his most skilled goals yet, in last week’s win over Atlanta United, and he's well ahead of the pack in the MLS Golden Boot race, while also being favored for the league’s MVP honor. Red Bull New York desperately need a win to make the playoffs, but won’t get it despite playing at home.

Score Prediction: Red Bull New York 0–3 Inter Miami

Atlanta United vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Can the Chicago Fire get back to the success they found midseason? They’ll need more from Robert Lewandowski down the stretch to be in a top-four spot heading into the playoffs, and the Polish attacker will look to build on six goals in 12 games against a leaky Atlanta United backline. 

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 1–3 Chicago Fire

D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Cincinnati ran away with a 2–1 victory in this match-up on Wednesday, but D.C. United will be fighting for a different fate when they welcome them to Audi Field. Despite sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, a playoff spot is anything but out of the question. Meanwhile, Cincinnati likely need a victory to stay above the cutoff line.

Score Prediction: D.C. United 2–1 FC Cincinnati

Orlando City vs. New York City FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Orlando City are in peak form and thriving under interim manager Martín Pearlman, with Martín Ojeda’s Puskás-worthy goal last week in a win over D.C. United, on a night when Antoine Griezmann also scored two goals and had an assist. New York City FC are desperate for a win to stay in postseason contention, but will likely fall short at Inter.co Stadium. 

Score Prediction: Orlando City 3–0 New York City FC

Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Cavan Sullivan and Milan Iloski lead the Philadelphia Union into a pivotal clash against the highly talented New England Revolution. For Sullivan, it’s his first game since earning the top spot in the league’s annual 22 Under 22 rankings. He has played a key role in his side’s 15-game undefeated run. The Revs won’t be an easy challenge, but expect a Union win, which would likely place Ryan Richter’s side in the top four of the conference by the weekend’s end. 

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1–0 New England Revolution 

FC Dallas vs. San Jose Earthquakes

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The battle of the No. 3 and No. 4 teams in the Western Conference. FC Dallas still has aspirations of taking over St. Louis CITY SC and the Vancouver Whitecaps atop the West, while the Earthquakes hope to translate their good fortunes in last week’s 1–1 draw with Nashville into a solid top-four seed. Both teams should be going for it with immense attacking talent, but ultimately cancel each other out. 

Score Prediction: FC Dallas 2–2 San Jose Earthquakes 

Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Houston Dynamo clinched a playoff spot last weekend, but they face a revived Minnesota United, who pulled off a shocking upset against the red-hot St. Louis CITY SC last weekend. The Loons have an in-form Marcus Caldeira, and his seven goals in 12 games have them back in postseason contention. They’ll find victory in Houston. 

Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 2–3 Minnesota United

Sporting Kansas City vs. Austin FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The most anticipated matchup! Well, not really. A battle of the two worst teams in the Western Confernce with very little on the line. Of course, that should mean a wild game that could be the weekend’s most entertaining. 

Score Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 4–4 Austin FC

Colorado Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps have a four-point buffer atop the Western Conference after last week’s win over Austin FC and are clearly resting Thomas Müller in anticipation of a lengthy MLS Cup playoff run. The 2025 Western Conference champions wrap up a six-game road swing against the Colorado Rapids, and they’ll do so with a victory. 

Score Prediction: Colorado Rapids 0–2 Vancouver Whitecaps

Real Salt Lake vs. St. Louis CITY SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

Morale will be sky-high for St. Louis CITY SC, who defeated Columbus in the U.S. Open Cup final midweek for the club’s first-ever trophy. They are right back to MLS action on the road against a physically demanding Real Salt Lake side. It won’t be easy, but they’ll get the job done, especially with Rafael Navarro fully rested, as he was ineligible for the U.S. Open Cup final. 

Score Prediction: Real Salt Lake 1–3 St. Louis CITY SC

Portland Timbers vs. Charlotte FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

Two teams desperate for different reasons. The Portland Timbers need a win in front of the home fans to stay in the playoff race, while the visiting Charlotte FC are brimming with confidence after last week’s 2–2 draw with Philadelphia and are in contention for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Score Prediction: Portland Timbers 1–1 Charlotte FC

Seattle Sounders vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The turnaround from the midsummer slump for the Seattle Sounders has been outstanding, despite the continued injuries to manager Brian Schmetzer’s roster. Their current boost in energy, compared to San Diego’s, should allow them to cruise to victory. 

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 2–0 San Diego FC

LAFC vs. L.A. Galaxy

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
• Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

El Tráfico headlines the weekend. LAFC need the morale boost, having won just twice in the last 14 games. Will they get it? A tough L.A. Galaxy side stands in their way, with the revived six-time MLS Cup champions well inside the playoff picture and within six points of their crosstown foes. 

Score Prediction: LAFC 2–1 L.A. Galaxy

MLS Predictions: Matchday 32

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: El Trafico, Tense Playoff Pushes Headline Matchday 32 .

From modest beginnings, the sport has reached an eye-watering financial state, with its leading performers reaping the benefits of the vast sums pumped into the game.

Courtesy of Forbes, we can now see exactly the riches on offer to the planet’s most famous soccer stars, as they have collated a list of the 10 highest-earning players for the 2026–27 season.

So, without further ado, here is a full breakdown of the richest in the business.

The 10 Highest-Paid Soccer Players Around the World

The longstanding rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has fueled the modern era, and despite the fact their illustrious careers are edging to a conclusion, they remain the biggest earners soccer has to offer.

Debate has long raged over which of the serial Ballon d’Or winners was better, but there’s no contest when it comes to their earnings. Ronaldo dwarfs his nemesis when comparing their respective pay packets, as he’s projected to earn an astonishing $300 million through his Al Nassr wages—which are reportedly around $4.5 million per week—and commercial partnerships during the current campaign.

In fact, Messi is predicted to earn less than half as much as Ronaldo, although sympathy will be non-existent when the Argentine collects $145 million in total come the end of the season. Interestingly, he will earn more off the field ($75 million) than on it ($70 million) following a flurry of recent endorsements, including with OpenAI and Duracell.

Kylian Mbappé rounds out the star-studded top three as the only other player to hit nine digits. The Real Madrid forward’s astronomical wages ($673,000 per week) account for much of his $100 million earnings, but his recent partnership with Swiss shoe brand On has bolstered his bank balance significantly.

The Frenchman is one of three Real Madrid players in the top 10. Vinícius Júnior, fresh from signing a bumper new contract with the Spanish giants, sits in fifth place at $76 million for the 2026–27 season, which is three places above teammate Jude Bellingham on $45 million—the highest-earning Englishman in world soccer.

Bellingham’s compatriot Harry Kane pockets slightly less at Bayern Munich, taking home $42 million overall. The leading soccer ambassador for shoe brand Skechers also has partnerships with Crayola and Google Gemini which contribute to his extraordinary wealth.

Another devastating sharpshooter is perched in fourth, with Erling Haaland the only current Premier League player within the top 10. The Manchester City dynamo will earn $85 million for the season, with his profile having been boosted by significant social media activity in recent years.

Lamine Yamal might only be 19 years old, but he’s already soccer’s sixth-highest earner on $55 million. That total looks set to rise and rise as the years pass, with Barcelona already paying him just shy of $500,000 every seven days. Brands will be desperate to work with the teenage sensation and that can only be positive news for his bank account.

Former Liverpool forwards Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah round out the list in seventh and 10th respectively. The former’s massive wages at Al Nassr have propelled him into the equation, placing him just behind Yamal on $54 million, while even a wage reduction at Trabzonspor hasn’t removed Salah from the rich list as he prepares to claim $40 million across the campaign.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The 10 Highest Paid Soccer Players in 2026: Where Ronaldo, Messi, Yamal Rank.

Messi has been in red-hot form ever since returning to Inter Miami following his simply jaw-dropping 2026 World Cup campaign for Argentina.

Although Miami doesn’t seem to be as formidable as they were a year ago when they lifted the 2025 MLS Cup, with Messi at his current level, they’re one of the favorites to repeat as champions.

Messi continues to perform as the best player in all of MLS, and he recently became the first player in league history to record 15 or more assists in three-straight seasons.

This run of goal involvements is flirting with the best of Messi’s career.

Lionel Messi’s Incredible 14-Game Goal Contribution Run

In a streak that began on August 15, Messi has registered 26 goal contributions in his last 14 appearances across all competitions, scoring 16 and assisting 10.

Only two weeks after the streak started, Messi announced his retirement from international soccer, even if his form and recent performances for Argentina suggest that he’s still more than capable of delivering for La Albiceleste.

The goal contribution run spans 12 MLS regular season games, plus the Campeones Cup final victory against Cruz Azul and his emotion last dance for Argentina in the friendly against Benin, in which Messi was directly involved in all three goals La Albiceleste scored.

It’s a simply staggering run from the timeless Messi. If he manages to extend it for three more games, then he’ll match the record for the longest run of consecutive games with a goal contribution of his entire career.

Lionel Messi’s 14-Game Goal Contribution Run: Full Details

Messi Closing in on Barcelona Record

Messi’s 14 consecutive games with a goal contribution is the second longest run of his career, only bested by the 17-match streak he produced back in 2011 for Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.

A then 23-year-old Messi opened up 2011 registering a goal involvement in 16 straight appearances for Barça, plus he also had a goal and an assist for Argentina in one of the two matches he played against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal during his international career.

The 17-game run started in his first appearance of the year on Jan. 5 and ended on March. 8. In total, Messi had a simply otherworldly 19 goals and 10 assists during that time.

During 2010–11, Messi finished the season with 53 goals and 27 assists, helping Barcelona to the La Liga title and the second Champions League crown conquered during the Guardiola era.

With just four games remaining in the 2026 MLS regular season, Messi could potentially break his own record as Miami look to secure the highest seed possible in the Eastern Conference standings before their title defense reaches its climax in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Lionel Messi’s 17-Game Goal Contribution Run: Full Details

This article was originally published on www.si.com as How Lionel Messi’s Current Inter Miami Run Compares to His Best Barcelona Form Ever.

The clunkily named prize is a new edition launched by the French magazine in honor of the award’s 70th anniversary. The task is simple, “Which was the ultimate golden year?”

Fans are given the chance to vote for the greatest single year performance delivered by any multiple Ballon d’Or winner in the award’s history. Was Ronaldo’s triumph in 2017 better than Lionel Messi’s 2015? What of the earlier vintages, should Michel Platini’s 1984 stand above Johan Cruyff’s triumph from a decade earlier?

This is the question facing anyone willing to pay €1 ($1.12) to vote on the official Ballon d’Or website.

Full List of Contenders for the B.O.A.T.

• 1957: Alfredo Di Stéfano (Real Madrid)
• 1959: Alfredo Di Stéfano (Real Madrid)
• 1971: Johan Cruyff (Ajax)
• 1972: Franz Beckenbauer (Bayern Munich)
• 1973: Johan Cruyff (Ajax)
• 1974: Johan Cruyff (Ajax)
• 1976: Franz Beckenbauer (Bayern Munich)
• 1978: Kevin Keegan (Hamburg)
• 1979: Kevin Keegan (Hamburg)
• 1980: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Bayern Munich)
• 1981: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Bayern Munich)
• 1983: Michel Platini (Juventus)
• 1984: Michel Platini (Juventus)
• 1985: Michel Platini (Juventus)
• 1988: Marco van Basten (Milan)
• 1989: Marco van Basten (Milan)
• 1992: Marco van Basten (Milan)
• 1997: Ronaldo (Inter)
• 2002: Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
• 2009: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2010: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2011: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2012: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2013: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2014: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2015: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
• 2019: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2021: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
• 2023: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

In terms of raw statistics, no one has ever enjoyed a more dominant round of Ballon d’Or voting than Messi in 2009. Of the 96 judges, 90 voted the impish figurehead of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona in first place. A perfect score at this year’s ceremony would have been 480 points, Messi’s ended the night with a swollen haul of 473.

Michel Platini’s heroics for France at the 1984 European Championships also earned him near universal acclaim while the more modern vintage of Karim Benzema was a widely accepted victor in 2022.

Yet, scarcely has there been a player with the blend of force and finesse in the mould of Ronaldo Nazário from 1997. The then-21-year-old trampled all before him during his maiden season in Barcelona, storming his way to the youngest ever Ballon d’Or triumph.

Ranking Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or Wins

Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester United blue. pic.twitter.com/VrZW311vUk

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) July 22, 2026

1. 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
2. 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
3. 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
4. 2014: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
5. 2013: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

There’s an argument to be made that Ronaldo peaked during his penultimate year at Manchester United. The sharpened point at the tip of Sir Alex Ferguson’s last great team was instrumental in the club’s capture of the Premier League—setting a single-season scoring record—while also scoring in a triumphant Champions League final against Chelsea.

Ronaldo was most content eight years later, when he led Portugal to the national team’s first ever major trophy at Euro 2016. “I have cried three of four times already and my brother had to tell me to calm down. And I said: ‘Hugo, I can’t,’” the captain gushed after the final.

“It’s true, from the bottom of my heart, I swear on my son’s life, I am so very, very, very happy. I could repeat this 100 times. I am so happy. This is the trophy that was missing.”

The Ballon d’Or trophy has been missing from Ronaldo’s cabinet since 2017 but that could change this year.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Ballon d’Or Prize Cristiano Ronaldo Is Still Fighting Lionel Messi for This Year.

For fans and viewers, that meant there was a whole host of goals scored and no shortage of excitement over the weekend.

San Jose Earthquakes’ Preston Judd crushed Nashville SC’s hopes on Saturday, forcing the Eastern Conference powerhouse to wait another week for the chance at the Supporters’ Shield.

Meanwhile, Orlando City’s Martín Ojeda may have had the Goal of the Year, executing a rare type of finish that was just one of four goals the team scored to thrash D.C. United 4–1.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. Leo Walta’s Set-Piece Beauty

SCREAMER FROM @LAFC'S WALTA 🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/n3q72JsMoQ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

Leo Walta buried a free kick from roughly 30 yards out, firing his shot perfectly into the corner of the net to give LAFC a 1–0 lead over New York City FC just before the half. They walked away from Citi Field with a 1–1 draw.

It was the 23-year-old midfielder’s first goal in Black & Gold, joining the Los Angeles side in August on loan from EFL Championship club Swansea City.

“It feels amazing, of course, to score the free kick,” Walta said postmatch. “It is something I have been practicing my whole life, so it feels great. I saw that the goalkeeper was quite in the middle, so I chose to kick it to the far post.”

NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese didn’t even attempt to save Walta’s shot, watching it stream the back of the net.

4. Preston Judd’s Dream Crusher

Set-piece perfection! 💫

Eduard Löwen picks out Preston Judd, who heads home the equalizer for @SJEarthquakes! pic.twitter.com/1RX7aVR972

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

Judd spoiled Nashville’s night, scoring a sliding header off a free kick from Eduard Löwen in the 70th minute to equalize the match 1–1.

The affair at PayPal Park ended in a draw, yet Nashville needed a victory to become the fastest team in MLS history to clinch the Supporters’ Shield (four games left). The Music City men will now have to wait another week before trying again for the regular season title, yet that piece of history evades them.

San Jose, meanwhile, clinched a playoff spot with the draw, joining the Vancouver Whitecaps, St. Louis City, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo as the Western Conference teams to have punched their tickets.

3. The Weaving Lionel Messi

MESSI. This is what he does. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/IEjdmpnRRh

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

It was like watching a 2012 Lionel Messi highlight video set to some high-tempo, instrumental soundtrack.

The 39-year-old soccer legend certainly hasn’t slowed down his goalscoring prowess in the years since; however, he has come to move less and less on the pitch, preserving his body and energies for the most pivotal, game-changing moments.

Nevertheless, he delivered a vintage performance on Saturday, dashing at full speed from the center of the field into the 18-yard box en route to a brilliant finish. A sneaky, short pass to Germán Berterame at the top of the box enabled Messi to beat two Atlanta United defenders, before he continued his sprint around Berterame to receive the ball back. The Argentinian then weaved through two more defenders inside the box, before firing a left-footed shot to the back post.

In case anybody missed his heroics, Messi scored again just four minutes later, sprinting onto the end of a long ball before juking out Atlanta defender Júnior Alonso. Inter Miami won 3–1, and Messi walked away with Man of the Match honors.

2. Yadaly Diaby’s Highlight-Reel Banger

TOP BINS FROM YADALY DIABY! 🎯

What a strike from the forward to give @WhitecapsFC the lead! pic.twitter.com/EebRldzpkm

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

This was a goal Yadaly Diaby will never forget. Substituting onto the pitch just five minutes prior, the Whitecaps winger received the ball on the left flank, cut inside and then fired the perfect curving shot to the far post. The ball ricocheted off the post into the back of the net, stunning Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who just stared at the net in disbelief and didn’t even attempt a save.

Diaby’s finish proved the game-winner, allowing the Whitecaps to leave Q2 stadium with a 2–1 win.

It marked Diaby’s second goal of the season, after joining the Canadian side on Sept. 1 from French Ligue 2 side Grenoble Foot 38.

1. Martin Ojeda’s Scorpion Kick

TINCHO SCORPION KICK OMG 🚨 pic.twitter.com/BntDOk074O

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 18, 2026

Ojeda put together a serious contender for MLS Goal of the Year on Saturday night. Tracking Antoine Griezmann’s chip into the penalty box, Ojeda leaped horizontally to scorpion-kick the ball with the outside of his right foot into the back of the net.

The acrobatics stunned everyone at Inter.co Stadium, including Ojeda’s teammates.

“It was a crazy goal,” said forward Marco Pašalić, who scored Orlando’s fourth of the night. “I have to say to [Ojeda] congratulations. These goals you don’t see every weekend or every game, so I think this is something you have to watch like 100 times, maybe not like 10 times like my goal.”

🦂 pic.twitter.com/8DAZwlsgk3

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 18, 2026

It was the Designated Player’s 15th goal of the season and, by far, his most savvy.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: Martin Ojeda’s Scorpion Kick, Preston Judd’s Major Upset.

Matchday 31 brought plenty of thrills, from Yadaly Diaby’s impressive curling strike to push the Vancouver Whitecaps well beyond the chasing pack in the Western Conference, to another stunning performance from Lionel Messi amid Inter Miami’s recent surge. 

With just three weeks to go until Decision Day on Nov. 7, nine of the 18 playoff spots have been clinched, with intense races remaining for seeding and the nine spots yet to be filled. 

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how teams stack up after Matchday 31, with most teams still having four games left to play. 

MLS Power Rankings Matchday 31: Clubs 30–11

30. CF Montréal
29. Sporting Kansas City
28. Atlanta United
27. D.C. United
26. Austin FC
25. Red Bull New York
24. Columbus Crew
23. Minnesota United
22. Real Salt Lake
21. San Diego FC
20. Portland Timbers
19. Toronto FC
18. L.A. Galaxy
17. FC Cincinnati
16. Colorado Rapids
15. LAFC
14. New York City FC
13. Houston Dynamo
12. Seattle Sounders
11. Orlando City

10. Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC slowed the momentum of the Philadelphia Union this week with a 2–2 draw against the Cavan Sullivan-led squad, and they should have no problem clinching a playoff spot next week against the Portland Timbers. 

The conversation, though, hasn’t really changed around Charlotte all season. Yes, Allan Saint-Maximin has been a more consistent offensive threat than Wilfried Zaha, but manager Dean Smith’s side still struggles to match the league’s elite teams and could be in for a short playoff run.

9. Chicago Fire FC

Hindsight is always clearer, but would the Chicago Fire be in a better position if they had kept Hugo Cuypers instead of signing Robert Lewandowski? The publicity boost aside, he hasn’t scored in four games, has six goals in 12 and has struggled to match the impact of fellow summer signing Antoine Griezmann in Orlando. 

After three-straight wins, including a convincing 3–1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Fire have now lost to the Philadelphia Union and the New England Revolution in back-to-back weeks and will need to turn their form if they hope to maintain a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference. 

8. FC Dallas

NEVER COUNT US OUT 🫎 pic.twitter.com/XOYjMPRPgA

— X - FC Dallas (@FCDallas) October 18, 2026

Picking up a late 2–2 draw with Texas rivals the Houston Dynamo on Saturday and clinching a playoff spot with a win over the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday made for a good week for FC Dallas. Sam Sarver, though, could be facing disciplinary charges after the forward appeared to throw a beer that had entered the pitch into the stands, nearly hitting supporters behind the goal. 

Luckily for Dallas, Petar Musa is finding his form again. It’s two goals in the last three games now, and the Croatia international is up to 20 on the season, after a slightly quieter spell. With him leading the attack, Dallas will now look to take over second place in the Western Conference when they face the San Jose Earthquakes in a pivotal fixture next week.

7. San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Earthquakes are back in the MLS Cup playoffs and clinched their spot in thrilling fashion, securing a point in a 1–1 draw against Nashville SC, which, combined with Vancouver’s win over Austin, prevented Nashville from lifting the Supporters’ Shield.

The result also puts manager Bruce Arena’s men back in the mix for the top spots in the Western Conference. They’re fourth for now, three points behind second-place St. Louis and third-place FC Dallas, but could take a big step forward in next week’s clash with Dallas. 

While much of its success has come down to a collective effort, the team’s MVP has been Preston Judd. The 27-year-old now has 16 goals with the Quakes and has seemingly become the player so many hoped Timo Werner would be this season.

6. New England Revolution

Two straight wins against FC Cincinnati and the Chicago Fire is quite the way to bounce back after back-to-back 3–0 losses. It wasn’t the most convincing result against the Fire, leaning on an impressive six-save performance from Matt Turner and Matt Polster’s lone goal, but it was enough to keep the Revolution in contention for second in the Eastern Conference. 

Next week’s clash with the Philadelphia Union will be a challenge on the road, but all eyes are on three weeks from now, when they meet Inter Miami.

5. Inter Miami

Inter Miami are back to their best, and Lionel Messi is back to his most impressive influence. This weekend, he scored a brace in a 3–1 win over Atlanta United, bringing his total to 25 goals and making him the first player in MLS history to have three 15-assist seasons in a row. He’s driving Miami’s momentum right now, and the players around him have improved under new manager Kily González. 

Messi is the be-all-end-all for the team’s potential this season. He’s the favorite for the MLS Golden Boot and MVP once again and is showing no signs of slowing down in Heron’s pink.

4. Philadelphia Union

Even a youthful superstar like Cavan Sullivan can be stopped. That’s what Charlotte FC did to the Philadelphia Union in a 2–2 draw over the weekend, ending the Union’s eight-game win streak and keeping Sullivan off the scoresheet—even if they needed a fortunate offside flag. 

The Union’s momentum under interim manager Ryan Richter is still impressive though, even with the draw. It’s 15 games unbeaten now, Milan Iloski is up to 19 goals and in contention for the Golden Boot, and a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference isn’t out of the realm of possibility. The next two matches against the New England Revolution and Nashville SC are pivotal to their top-four hopes.

3. Vancouver Whitecaps

The Vancouver Whitecaps needed a stellar strike from Yadaly Diaby to secure a 2–1 win over Austin FC and return to winning ways.

Combined with St. Louis’s 3–2 loss to Minnesota United, the Whitecaps extended their lead atop the Western Conference to a four-point buffer and have control of their own destiny heading into the final spell. At the same time, the result gives them a slim, albeit mathematically possible, chance of surpassing Nashville SC in the Supporters’ Shield race. 

Thomas Müller hasn’t played since Oct. 6, and manager Jesper Sørensen is clearly ensuring his German superstar is ready and healthy for the playoffs. Meanwhile, striker Brian White is out of form. Nevertheless, the Whitecaps seem to be on the uptick at the right time as they approach the end of a six-game road swing. 

2. St. Louis CITY SC

Don’t fret, St. Louis CITY SC fans, things will be alright. While St. Louis said farewell to their 21-game unbeaten run across all competitions by surrendering a 2–0 lead and losing 3–2 to Minnesota United, they went toe-to-toe with the Whitecaps midweek and are still favored to finish in the top four of the Western Conference. 

The big focus now is on Wednesday, when manager Yoann Damet—who should be in the MLS Coach of the Year conversation—looks to lead his men to a trophy in the US Open Cup final. Unfortunately for them, they won’t be able to lean on summer signing Rafael Navarro, who is cup-tied to the Colorado Rapids. 

1. Nashville SC

Nashville SC have a confidence level like no other in MLS right now. While they fell short of becoming the first team in league history to win the Supporters’ Shield with four games remaining, the draw with the San Jose Earthquakes merely postponed that coronation. 

The goal now is to keep everyone healthy for the postseason, especially goalkeeper Brian Schwake, defender Andy Najar and the attacking foursome of Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar, Elias Saad and Cristian Espinoza. They’ll likely lift the Shield next week against CF Montréal, the league’s worst team, who will also be coming off of short rest after Wednesday’s Canadian Championship final. 

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Power Rankings: Inter Miami, Vancouver Whitecaps Surge After Matchday 31 .

Playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time since leading Argentina past England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, Messi channeled his best to score a brace in a 3–1 win against Atlanta United, securing his side’s first three-game win streak since July. 

At the same time, his 25 goals and 15 assists this season made him the first player in MLS history to have 15 assists in three straight seasons. 

Yet, the goals weren’t ordinary; they brought flashes of the Messi of old, the player who once dribbled through the world’s best defenders in the greatest European competitions. While Atlanta United’s struggling backline may not measure up to those heights, Messi made them look equally foolish. 

On his first goal, he picked up the ball in midfield and quickly dribbled nearly the entire half, before a quick layoff and first-time finish for his 24th goal of the season. Later on, he netted his 25th, further extending his lead atop the MLS Golden Boot standings.

Messi on the break 1v1? Good luck.

Leo has his brace. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/CoI15KzLpw

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 18, 2026

For new Inter Miami manager Kily Gonzàlez, nothing about it was surprising. 

“I can’t believe this guy does what he does at 39 years of age," González said. “And what makes me happiest is that he’s happy ... So if he’s happy, he performs the way he performs; he enjoys ... Every day that I see him, I smile.”

Gonzàlez’s admiration for his new No. 10 has not quite matched the level of previous manager Guillermo Hoyos, who regularly praised Messi despite poor performances. He is more in line with 2025 MLS Cup-winning manager Javier Mascherano, who was rightly impressed but knew the team’s success had to be prioritized over the twilight of a legendary career. 

“What do I admire about him? Everything,” added González. “He’s a player who never stops surprising you ... To me, he’s an alien.

“He’s a player who amazes me in every action, during every training session that I watch. And God willing, he’ll keep on amazing us until the day he decides to retire.”

Inter Miami Chasing Form

Picking up a third straight win and allowing just one goal in the last three games, Inter Miami are pulling into form at the right time. Their early-season performances gave them enough cushion to get through a spell of one win in 10 games, and the recent uptick under González could set them up to defend their MLS Cup title. 

Messi, meanwhile, is the favorite to claim a third straight MLS MVP Award and a second consecutive MLS Golden Boot as he eyes the postseason with his Herons. Before they can focus too much on that, though, they will look to secure second place in the Eastern Conference through remaining fixtures against Red Bull New York, FC Cincinnati, the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC. 

“My idea is for the team to keep on improving,” added González. “Today, we showed our character away from home against an opponent coming off a 3–0 win and in need of a win.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘He’s an Alien’—Lionel Messi Stuns His Own Manager With New MLS History.

While his name has graced crowd stands, shoes, apparel, sports drinks and more, the latest might be the oddest. Now, a newly discovered plant species has been named after him: the Salvia messii. 

An academic study revealed a new species in the Andes mountain range of Peru, and it has been immediately classified as endangered. With its light blue and white flowers resembling Argentina’s national team kit and the discovery happening near the time of Messi’s international retirement, scientists were inspired to name the plant after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. 

Paul Gonzales of the Natural History Museum of the National University of San Marco, alongside Argentine researcher Rolando Uria and biologist Jean Capcha-Ramos of Huarango Nature described the species and conducted the initial studies. The full name, written in Latin under international rules of botanical nomenclature, translates to “Messi’s plant,” with an added “i” to indicate possession. It can grow to 4'11" tall, not much shorter than the diminutive soccer star that stands at 5'7".

This plant species is not the first to be named after a soccer player in the wake of the 2026 World Cup. Spanish researcher Jesus Ortea named a marine mollusk Aldisa vozinhai after Cape Verde’s star goalkeeper, Vozinha, per The Athletic. It directly translates to “Vozinha’s sea slug”. Ortea previously named a marine snail species after legendary Costa Rica and Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas. 

Messi’s Recent Honors

Messi is really making a name for himself in the academic community. In addition to a new species named in his honor, he received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Buenos Aires ahead of his international farewell match earlier this month. It honored his sporting career, his representation of Argentine identity on the global stage and his social contributions through the Leo Messi Foundation, UNICEF and other avenues. 

While off-pitch honors in the twilight of his career are coming fast, Messi still has several goals on the pitch as he chases a third-straight MLS MVP title, a second-straight MLS Golden Boot and Inter Miami’s title defense of the MLS Cup, with the playoffs set to begin on Nov. 18. 

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Receives Most Bizarre Tribute Yet After Argentina Retirement.

It’s an odd time to be an MLS fan. It’s the final time the league will play in October, and these upcoming playoffs will mark the end of a three-decade era of fall and winter soccer, with the MLS Cup set to be awarded on Dec. 18. Next year, it's a shortened spring season, which will be followed by the new-look 2027–28 season.

Before then, though, it’s a sprint to the finish. For most teams, five games remain on the schedule, and all will be in action on Matchday 31. Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it could all unfold.

Philadelphia Union vs. Charlotte FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT

Cavan Sullivan is on fire. The 17-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful debut with the U.S. men’s national team and has continued to thrive in MLS with the Philadelphia Union. With an assist in Wednesday’s 3–1 win over the Chicago Fire, he broke Alphonso Davies’s record for the most goal contributions in a single season by a teenager (21). Up against Charlotte FC, there’s every chance he could build on that.  

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 3–1 Charlotte FC

Minnesota United vs. St. Louis CITY SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

St. Louis CITY SC are riding high, with a 21-game unbeaten streak across all competitions after a midweek scoreless draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. While they couldn’t pick up a win over their Canadian foes, a visit to Minnesota United in the U.S. should earn all three points for star striker Rafael Navarro and his crew. 

Score Prediction: Minnesota United 0–5 St. Louis CITY SC

Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Inter Miami are MLS Cup playoffs-bound after clinching a postseason berth with Wednesday’s win over New York City FC. Now it’s all about keeping that momentum, while Lionel Messi aims to build on his 23 goals and 19 assists in the hunt for a second-straight MLS Golden Boot and a third-straight MLS MVP Award. Atlanta United, albeit improved, shouldn’t offer much of a challenge.

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 1–4 Inter Miami

New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Which version of the Chicago Fire will we get this weekend? Is Gregg Berhalter’s team closer to the one that dismantled the Whitecaps two weeks ago, or the one that fell 3–1 to a hot Philadelphia side? They approach this road matchup without star defender Jack Elliott, who was flashed a red card against the Union, and that could prove a challenge against Carles Gil, Jack Harrison, Dor Turgeman and the Revs.

Score Prediction: New England Revolution 2–2 Chicago Fire

New York City FC vs. LAFC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

New York City FC were in cruise control earlier in the year, but they face a tough battle in the final weeks of the season, jockeying for a playoff spot. LAFC, who are still finding their feet under interim manager Xavi Tamarit, could be the perfect foe at home. Will Nicolás Fernández Mercau and Co. pull it off, or could Denis Bouanga’s Black and Gold steal three points in the glamor battle in the Bronx?

Score Prediction: New York City FC 1–1 LAFC

Red Bull New York vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Sebastian Giovinco, where are you? That’s the question Toronto FC are probably asking themselves as they approach a pivotal Eastern Conference clash with Red Bull New York, as they did back in 2015 en route to clinching their first-ever MLS Cup playoff berth. With a recent spell of dramatic results, including a win over Canadian Classique foes CF Montreal and a 3–3 draw with Orlando City, they’ll carry momentum into the playoff push at Sports Illustrated Stadium—and maybe Djordje Mihailović can match Giovinco’s lore?

Score Prediction: Red Bull New York 3–3 Toronto FC

Orlando City vs. D.C. United

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

D.C. United should be grateful for how forgiving the MLS Cup playoff system can be. Despite just seven wins and a struggle for most of the 2026 season, they sit three points back of ninth place, and a win over sixth-place Orlando City could keep their playoff hunt alive into the final weeks.

Score Prediction: Orlando City 2–1 D.C. United

Austin FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Austin FC stunned the Vancouver Whitecaps last month with a win at BC Place, despite Vancouver dominating the run of play and generating several chances. Unfortunately for Los Verdes, the win didn’t do much in their playoff hunt, and they’re still seven points below the line heading into Saturday. Vancouver, meanwhile, are clinging onto top spot and nursing a relatively injured lineup, which has seen Thomas Müller miss two straight games. Manager Jesper Sørensen’s men will lean on Brian White and Ryan Gauld—along with the return of the previously suspended Tristan Blackmon—in hope of extending their lead atop the table. 

Score Prediction: Austin FC 1–3 Vancouver Whitecaps

Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Guilherme’s long-range strike to post a brace and bring him to 16 goals in his first MLS campaign helped the Houston Dynamo claim a point in a dramatic 3–3 draw with San Diego FC on Wednesday. The Brazilian will look to keep the good times rolling as the Dynamo push up to fifth place into the Western Conference, eyeing a coveted top-four spot where FC Dallas currently sit. Even if Houston finds a win on home turf, though, FC Dallas have already clinched the Copa Tejas rivalry trophy, contested between the two sides and Austin FC. 

Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 3–2 FC Dallas 

Sporting Kansas City vs. Real Salt Lake

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The rivalry may have lost some of its fire in the last few years of underwhelming performances from both sides, but this age-old MLS feud is always fun when it hits the pitch. Real Salt Lake, six points short of the playoffs cutoff, needs a win to push into the conversation through the final weeks, but will have to somehow silence an in-form André Luiz.

Score Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 2–3 Real Salt Lake

L.A. Galaxy vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

It has not been the season San Diego FC hoped for after finishing atop the Western Conference as an expansion team last year. Five points back of the playoff line heading into the weekend, they desperately need a win against their California rivals if they want to hold out hope of a return to the postseason. It won’t be easy, though, against a Galaxy side that has won three of their last four games. 

Score Prediction: L.A. Galaxy 1–1 San Diego FC

Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Portland Timbers need something to break their way. Riding six games without a win, they’ve fallen below the playoff line and are five points short heading into the weekend against Morgan Whittaker’s Colorado Rapids. The Rapids are holding onto the ninth and final playoff spot and could effectively end the Western Conference playoff race with a victory at Providence Park. 

Score Predictions: Portland Timbers 2–0 Colorado Rapids

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC should open the match with a thank-you card to the San Jose Earthquakes. Remember the alleged debacle last offseason? According to reports, the Earthquakes simply forgot to trigger Cristian Espinoza’s contract option, allowing Nashville SC to swoop in—now he has four goals and 14 assists for the Coyotes. San Jose hasn’t been lost without him, though, and would hit 50 points with an upset win, putting manager Bruce Arena’s men in contention for the top spot in the Western Conference. 

Score Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 2–4 Nashville SC

Seattle Sounders vs. CF Montréal

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

After their 13-game winless run, who would have expected the Seattle Sounders to still be in contention for a playoff spot, let alone a top-four seed at this point? While they couldn't push their win streak from four games to five midweek, it’s been a remarkable run for the injury-riddled Cascadian side, and a win against CF Montréal could put them within three points of the top four spots in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Québec side will likely rest some players, eyeing Wednesday’s Canadian Championship final against the Canadian Premier League’s Forge FC. 

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 3–0 CF Montréal

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT

The Hell is Real Derby returns with major playoff implications. FC Cincinnati are looking to solidify their spot above the cutoff in a tight Eastern Conference race. In contrast, Columbus Crew look to narrow the four-point gap between them and the postseason places as the season winds down. Expect a feisty one at TQL Stadium. 

Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2–2 Columbus Crew 

MLS Predictions: Matchday 31

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Hell Is Real Derby Headlines Intense Matchday 31 Slate .

That could be the fate of soccer legend Lionel Messi, who has won 48 official trophies across his 20+ years of play for both club and country. He has only gone trophy-less in two seasons (2013–14, 2019–20) since he began his professional career in 2004.

Since joining his current team Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has won the Leagues Cup (2023), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2024), MLS Cup (2025) and the Campeones Cup (2026). The Herons have only failed to win the Concacaf Champions Cup, reaching as far as the semifinals in 2025.

In short, Messi needs more hardware to fight for, and a big opportunity may present itself to Inter Miami soon enough: the Copa Libertadores.

Could Inter Miami Compete in Copa Libertadores?

Traditionally a competition between South America’s most premier soccer clubs, Conmebol chief Alejandro Dominguez has flirted with opening up the tournament to MLS teams—specifically Inter Miami—sometime in the future, pending an agreement with Concacaf. “The door is open to them,” Dominguez said in January, after Miami owner Jorge Mas publicly expressed his “dream” of competing in the tournament.

While no MLS team has ever featured in the Libertadores, two Liga MX teams participated each year between 1998 and 2016. Due to scheduling clashes, the agreement was brought to an end after 18 years.

“It has been done in the past, but we are very respectful of the other confederations, Dominguez added back in January. “But yes, it is an honor that teams from other confederations have the Libertadores as a reference for international and world competition.”

Dominguez resurfaced the conversation just last week, though. He teased Messi about the possibility of competing in Copa Libertadores during the forward’s farewell match for Argentina in Buenos Aires. It is an idea current Miami manager Kily González is fully in favor of and one Messi is “excited” about himself.

“My understanding is that we’ve been exploring this possibility for years now,” González said on Friday. “Obviously, we'd love it because it would be amazing; plus ... it's one of the few trophies Leo is missing, so I think that really got him excited too. We'll see, the decision-making process is a bit of a formality at this point, but we're ready for anything, and he certainly is.”

Gonzalez emphasized Messi’s desire to fight for trophies, adding: “I see [Messi] every day, and the level he demands is incredible; he pushes us to give our all. He even gets angry when a play doesn't come off right. He demands so much of us that none of us can afford to slack off. It constantly challenges us to improve, as a club, as a staff, as a coaching team, and as colleagues.”

Messi is currently under a three-year contract extension with Miami that expires at the end of the 2028 season, after which he may opt to retire. The 39-year-old has already retired internationally and has hinted that he does not have much longer at the club level. Therefore, Conmebol must act swiftly if it seeks to reach an agreement with both Concacaf and FIFA to have Messi and his teammates compete in the annual tournament.

The Concacaf Champions Cup is also annual, meaning the clock has not run out for Messi to win that competition too.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Love It’—How Lionel Messi Could Complete Trophy Set at Inter Miami .

There was no shortage of excitement over the weekend, with the Vancouver Whitecaps becoming the first Western Conference team to clinch a playoffs spot and a whole host of comeback victories as Decision Day looms.

Lionel Messi continued his attacking dominance, scoring a brace on Saturday to lift Inter Miami to a dominant 4–0 victory. His latter finish was a vintage, must-see Messi effort.

Meanwhile, St. Louis City’s Carlo Holse had a dazzling performance on Sunday. The winger scored three goals in the span of just 21 minutes, the second-fastest hat trick in MLS history. Thanks to Holse, St. Louis thumped LA Galaxy 6–2 with a whopping five goals in the first half alone. The team is now on a 20-match unbeaten streak, tying the league record.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. The Hat Trick Moment

CARLO HOLSE BAGS HAT TRICK 21 MINUTES INTO THE GAME! 🤯🎩@stlCITYsc fans erupt at Energizer Park. pic.twitter.com/KSZvy9JutX

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

After scoring in the second and seventh minutes of the game, Holse solidified his hat trick just 14 minutes later.

The 27-year-old attacker settled a launched ball with his chest, before outmuscling Galaxy defender Justin Haak to get the shot off. It signified Holse’s most emphatic display in MLS, and after transfrering to the league in mid-August, he is now up to six goals.

4. The 15-Second Response

END TO END FOR @OrlandoCitySC and they've surely won it! 🫨

Maxime Crépeau save ➡️ Iván Angulo's finish at the end of a beautifully-worked play! pic.twitter.com/FNxTM4YJ4I

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

The Columbus Crew thought it was about to take a last-gasp lead in the 88th minute, yet just 15 seconds later, Orlando City had reversed fate.

Making the most of Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau’s save, the Lions quickly regained possession and sprinted up the pitch into the final third. A quick give-and-go with Martín Ojeda set up Iván Angulo beautifully in front of the goal mouth for a first-time finish. Orlando walked away with the 3–2 win, leaving the Crew shaking their heads in disbelief.

3. The Sliding Finish

Kelvin Yeboah gets his 15th of the season!

Big response from the Loons to start the second half. 💪

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/4PjpANnTy3 pic.twitter.com/QnmX7hrEjp

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

It was a willful goal from Minnesota United’s Kelvin Yeboah, who slid into the back post to meet a launched ball from teammate Morris Duggan. His highlight-reel finish equalized the match early in the second half. Another goal from each side would mean the game remained level by the final whistle.

Minnesota will have wanted the win, but it will take the integral point, its first in six games. Yeboah is now up to 15 goals this season.

2. Vintage Lionel Messi

Messi magic 🪄

Two goals for the World Cup Champion. pic.twitter.com/PMA1l5tyZk

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

In his first outing since his tearful international retirement ceremony with Argentina last week, Messi proved, once again, that he is far from retirement form.

Messi scored twice against DC United, the latter of which saw him skirt three players at the top of the box with his savvy dribbling skill. The emphatic victory was a much-needed confidence boost as it was Inter Miami’s first league win since August.

The Argentine legend is now up to 23 goals this season, increasing his distance in the lead of the thrilling Golden Boot race. FC Dallas’s Petar Musa has the second-most goals with 19.

1. ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic-Like’ Execution

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic-like finish!" 👀

Brandon Vázquez halves the deficit and gets some momentum going for @AustinFC! 💪 pic.twitter.com/lo6OpLn2qr

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 11, 2026

Nothing was going to stop Austin FC’s Brandon Vázquez from finding the back of the net. Not even high pressure from Nashville defenders, an elbow to the back or the fact that he is still reaching full strength post-ACL tear.

The striker brilliantly settled a floated ball with his chest, before acrobatically reaching his right leg around Nashville defender Daniel Lovitz to fire the ball into the net, all while twirling to the ground in the opposite direction.

Although Austin ended up losing 4–1 to almighty Nashville, it was nevertheless a brilliant Zlatan Ibrahimović-esque goal.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: More Magic From Messi, Holse Fires in St. Louis.

The concept started back in 2015, with an adidas campaign titled “Backed by Messi” running for two years before being shelved until a rebrand in 2024, with this being the sixth time Messi has given his backing to 10 up-and-coming youngsters.

The USMNT had several contenders to make this list after plenty of young talents stood out in the latest camp. Sullivan may have commanded the headlines but, having featured in Messi’s list two years ago, it is 19-year-old winger Gozo who gets the nod this time around.

Crystal Palace paid $15 million to land Gozo’s signature in the summer, rewarding him for an excellent 18 months in Major League Soccer with Real Salt Lake. In the 2026 season, Gozo scored six goals and contributed four assists in just 16 MLS games before taking his talents over to Europe.

Like Sullivan, Gozo was rewarded for his impressive form with a place in the USMNT’s September-October roster, making his debut for the team off the bench in the 4–1 win over Peru.

The 10 Rising Stars Backed by Lionel Messi in 2026

• Tomás Aranda (Boca Juniors)
• Max Dowman (Arsenal)
• Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace)
• Jesús Rodríguez (Como)
• Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
• Gilberto Mora (Tijuana)
• Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt)
• Chloe Sarwie (Chelsea Women)
• Giovanna Waksman (OL Lyonnes)
• Lotta Wrede (Hamburger Frauen)

One player from Messi’s homeland of Argentina makes the cut. Boca Juniors playmaker Tomás Aranda, 19, has risen through the club’s youth academy to wear the famous No. 10 jersey for the senior team.

European audiences will need no introduction to Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman, the record-breaking 16-year-old on the fringes of the England national team. He joins Gozo as the two representatives from the Premier League.

Como winger Jesús Rodríguez has already made plenty of noise at senior level, having joined the Serie A side from Real Betis in a package worth over $31 million in the summer of 2025. Similarly, AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is an increasingly well-known name after months of transfer rumors linking him to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The rumor mill has also got its hands on 17-year-old Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora, widely hailed as Mexican soccer’s next great hope. Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Can Uzun rounds out the male players on the list.

Messi’s list also includes three female players, starting with 17-year-old Chelsea left back Chloe Sarwie, another right on the fringes of a major first-team breakthrough. OL Lyonnes midfielder Giovanna Waksman also makes the cut, with the Brazilian 17-year-old having spent three years honing her craft in Florida before earning a blockbuster move to France.

The versatile Lotta Wrede of Hamburg takes the list to 10.

Messi’s Mixed History With Wonderkid Predictions

Looking back at Messi’s previous lists, it is clear that earning a spot is far from an assurance of future superstardom.

Timo Werner stands out as the biggest name from 2015 alongside ex-Manchester United striker James Wilson and former Chelsea duo Kenedy and Jeremie Boga. Gyasi Zardes and Khiry Shelton both went on to enjoy respectable MLS careers.

Twelve months later, Messi offered up the likes of Davide Calabria and Kasper Dolberg as his ones to watch on a list that also featured two MLS talents. Alex Muyl and Kekuta Manneh. Former Chelsea midfielder Nathan and Muangthong United’s Chanathips Songkrasin are among those to have fallen somewhat short of expectations.

The series went on hiatus until 2024, when Lamine Yamal was the headline name alongside the Philadelphia Union’s Sullivan. Juventus winger Kenan Yıldız also features in the star-studded group.

In 2025, Messi highlighted a handful of youngsters that are still making waves today. Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, Como’s Nico Paz, Paris Saint-Germain winger Mika Godts and 19-year-old USWNT midfielder Lily Yohannes were all backed for stardom by the Inter Miami forward, who is hoping to sweep his misses from 10 years ago under the rug.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Names USMNT Youngster Among 10 Future Stars.

While some teams took on rescheduled games during the break, others have been off for two weeks, getting th chance to rest and recover while global stars were engaged in intense international affairs. 

With Matchday 29 looming, Sports Illustrated dives into how the league’s 15 games could unfold at a pivotal point in the regular season schedule. 

Toronto FC vs. CF Montréal

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT

The Canadian Classique kicks off on Saturday, with CF Montréal heading to BMO Field to take on Toronto FC. While neither team is above the playoff line, the home side faces the most pressure. Josh Sargent and Niklas Dorsch are back healthy and in form, and Richie Laryea is fresh off representing Canada over the international break. A win could put Toronto within a point of the playoffs, while a loss all but ends their postseason dreams.

Score Prediction: Toronto FC 3–0 CF Montréal

Chicago Fire vs. New York City FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT

Robert Lewandowski returned to the Chicago Fire earlier than expected from international duty because of yellow-card accumulation in UEFA Nations League play. He started Tuesday’s 3–1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps on the bench, but then came on to score his sixth goal of the season. A win this weekend against New York City FC, combined with a draw or loss from the New England Revolution, could lift them as high as second in the Eastern Conference. 

Score Prediction: Chicago Fire 3–2 New York City FC

Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Sitting second-to-last in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta United need an upset win to keep a flicker of playoff hopes alive. Led by summer addition Breel Embolo—who missed Switzerland’s international window because of fake vaccine paperwork—the Five Stripes are looking to cut down the five-point gap to the postseason. It won’t be easy against an FC Cincinnati side, which sits just outside the playoff spots but is tied on points with ninth-place New York City FC.

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 0–2 FC Cincinnati

Charlotte FC vs. FC Dallas

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Plenty of Charlotte FC’s top talents were away on international break, with Liel Abada and Idan Toklomati entangled in Israel’s tense matchups against Ireland in UEFA Nations League action. With the group back together, they’re hoping to rebound from a 1–0 loss to the Chicago Fire and could jump as high as second in the Eastern Conference with a victory against an FC Dallas side that has won four of its last five games.

Score Prediction: Charlotte FC 1–1 FC Dallas

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Lionel Messi is back from his international retirement sendoff with Argentina, but isn’t expected to play a major role in the clash against a struggling D.C. United side on home turf. While the Herons have just one win in their last 10 MLS games and are plummeting in the standings, the confidence the international players will bring back, combined with the continued adjustment to Kíly Gonzalez’s tactics, could pave the way to a more successful sprint to the finish. 

Score Prediction: Inter Miami 4–0 D.C. United

New England Revolution vs. Seattle Sounders

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The Seattle Sounders are improving. After the worst spell in club history with a winless 13-game skid, the Sounders are riding high with three straight wins against Real Salt Lake, Minnesota United and Sporting Kansas City, the latter of which came amid the international break. Unfortunately for manager Brian Schmetzer’s men, none of those wins came against contending teams, unlike their next opponent: the New England Revolution. At home, Jack Harrison, Carles Gil and the Revolution should have a field day and further solidify their spot among the Eastern Conference elite. 

Score Prediction: New England Revolution 3–1 Seattle Sounders

Red Bull New York vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

When Julian Hall left Red Bull New York a few weeks ago, his name wasn’t known far beyond MLS. Now, the American star is the youngest player since Brazilian legend Pelé to score in each of his first three appearances with his national team. With him and teammate Adri Mehmeti back from their first international camp, they face a pesky San Diego FC side at home, where they may struggle with fatigue in the fight for three points.

Score Prediction: Red Bull New York 2–2 San Diego FC

Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Justin Ellis can credit much of his breakout to Antoine Griezmann. While the 19-year-old Orlando City and USMNT attacker already had ample talent, the former Atlético Madrid star raised his level and pushed him into manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. Now, they look to keep the good times rolling against a Columbus Crew side that has struggled recently.

Score Prediction: Orlando City 2–0 Columbus Crew

Philadelphia Union vs. Real Salt Lake

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Cavan Sullivan can’t stop making history. Already the youngest player to play in an MLS game and enjoying a stellar run of form with the Philadelphia Union, he brought that energy right into his first USMNT camp. He scored his first international goal in a 3–0 beatdown against Mexico, becoming the youngest USMNT goalscorer in history. How much will manager Ryan Richter play Sullivan and fellow USMNT players Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield in their return? Expect them to see the pitch for at least a few minutes and for the Union to have no issues against Real Salt Lake.

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 4–0 Real Salt Lake

Austin FC vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC have a unique luxury: Their best players don’t get called up to national teams. Over the last few weeks, the Coyotes have trained, recovered and gotten some time off, allowing the likes of Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge and Cristian Espinoza to prepare for the race to the glittery MLS Cup.

However, manager B.J. Callaghan could take a more conservative approach to team selection over the remaining seven games, leaning on the 10-point Supporters’ Shield lead and hoping to be at full health and form to begin the playoffs.

Score Prediction: Austin FC 0–3 Nashville SC

Sporting Kansas City vs. Portland Timbers

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Sporting Kansas City have a real difference-maker in André Luiz. The Brazilian has five goals and an assist in his first six games with the club, and while he couldn’t lead them to victory against the Seattle Sounders during the break, he’s the firestarter the club needs to have some hope heading into the next phase of its roster build. Well out of the playoff race, Luiz and SKC are looking to play spoiler now and could offer a massive blow to the Timbers’ slim playoff odds. Portland sits four points behind the ninth-place L.A. Galaxy. 

Score Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 1–2 Portland Timbers

Minnesota United vs. Houston Dynamo

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Houston Dynamo’s exceptional late-summer run feels like a distant memory now. Since winning the fifth and final game of that win streak against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Aug. 18, they’ve won just once in seven games and have fallen to fourth in the Western Conference. Defense, though, remains their key identity, and they will look to rekindle that stingy approach as they visit an attackingly-dire Minnesota United this week. 

Score Prediction: Minnesota United 0–2 Houston Dynamo

Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Earthquakes

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The San Jose Earthquakes have plenty of confidence these days, riding a six-game unbeaten streak and coming off a 3–1 win over the Portland Timbers. While Timo Werner’s health and goalscoring haven’t lived up to many hopes, the rest of the team’s attack has stepped up, led by Preston Judd’s 15 goals. The breakout U.S. attacker will look to out-duel Colorado Rapids center forward Morgan Whittaker this weekend and stands a strong chance of doing so.

Score Prediction: Colorado Rapids 2–2 San Jose Earthquakes

LAFC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps are in one of the toughest spells of their season. After a 3–1 loss to the Chicago Fire on Tuesday night—an affair that didn’t include Andrés Cubas, among others, due to international duty—they embark on another four games on the road. This week, they visit LAFC, who will play their first game since parting ways with manager Marc Dos Santos. How will LAFC rebound with interim manager Xavi Tamarit? How will international players return to MLS play? Both teams will have to deal with interruptions, making this one bound for a draw. 

Score Prediction: LAFC 2–2 Vancouver Whitecaps

St. Louis CITY SC vs. L.A. Galaxy

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 11
• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

Things couldn’t be much better for St. Louis CITY SC. They’ve gone 17 MLS games without a loss, have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup final and are riding a three-game win streak in league play. Oh, and the top of the Western Conference is within reach after Vancouver’s loss to Chicago on Tuesday. 

This weekend’s home clash against the L.A. Galaxy should be a straightforward win for striker Rafael Navarro’s side. The Brazilian midseason acquisition has scored five goals in five straight games since joining and has already proven to be a difference-maker. With a win, they could tie Vancouver on 50 points atop the West, but have to take down the No. 9 Galaxy to do so.

Score Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 3–2 L.A Galaxy

MLS Predictions: Matchday 29

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Push to Playoffs Takes Center Stage on Matchday 29.

To new viewers, Beckham’s connection to MLS lies in south Florida, where he acts as a co-owner to reigning MLS Cup winners Inter Miami. The Manchester United legend is often in a suit and tie, sitting in the stands at Nu Stadium while Messi & Co. put on a show for those watching in person and around the world.

But before he was an owner, Beckham was the biggest star to ever play in MLS. After four seasons with Real Madrid, the England international made the head-turning move to LA Galaxy in 2007, putting the MLS outfit—and the league—on the map in a way never done before.

Even 19 years later, Garber still credits Beckham with making MLS a desirable destination for European stars. “David put this league on the path to credibility and respect. In the prime of his career, he came to LA.,” he said, via ESPN.

“He came into Major League Soccer and showed the world that this league can be competitive, it could be respected, it could be fun, it could have great players.

“It attracted [Thierry] Henry and many, many other players right after that, so without David there’s probably no Major League Soccer.”

The Stars That Followed Beckham

Beckham helped the LA Galaxy reach the pinnacle of MLS, starring alongside Landon Donovan to bring home two MLS Cups during his tenure with the Black & Gold. As the world watched the six-time Premier League winner tear up the league, others suddenly viewed playing soccer in the United States as a viable option.

As Garber mentioned, Henry eventually came and played for Red Bull New York. Although he never lifted an MLS Cup, he still helped the team claim the 2013 Supporters’ Shield.

Robbie Keane also made the move, joining Beckham in L.A. where he won three MLS Cups and was named the 2014 MLS MVP. His success was something Kaká could only dream of during his years struggling with Orlando City.

Frank Lampard and David Villa teamed up at New York City FC. Didier Drogba tried his luck CF Montréal, much like Steven Gerrard at LA Galaxy.

Wayne Rooney made D.C. his short-lived home, while Zlatan Ibrahimović spent two seasons with the Galaxy. Gareth Bale’s blockbuster move to LAFC ended after just 13 appearances, but he collected an MLS Cup along the way.

Despite the varying degrees of success, the superstars all helped elevate MLS’s standing in world soccer—but Messi made it explode.

Messi Carried on Beckham’s Torch

For all the credit Garber handed out to Beckham, he of course had to throw some Messi’s way as well. After all, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is the best player to represent the league, even in the twilight of his career.

“Major League Soccer would not be the global phenomenon and not be sort of on the hearts and minds of just about anybody in the world without Leo Messi,” Garber said.

Indeed, Messi helped take MLS to new heights. Soon after he joined Inter Miami, the pool of superstars crossing the Atlantic Ocean to play in North America got even larger. Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez all teamed up for the Herons—and secured the club’s first-ever MLS Cup last season.

Rodrigo De Paul left Atlético Madrid to pitch in as well, and Casemiro made south Florida his home this summer after bidding farewell to Manchester United. Further west, Robert Lewandowski stars for Chicago Fire and Son Heung-min is the face of LAFC. Thomas Müller also just recently extended his stay with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Even after Messi hangs up his boots, his impact on MLS will be felt for years and years to come. There are so many new fans tuning in to see not only the Argentine in action, but all the other stars who have made a once forgotten league into the best division in North America.

If Garber has his wish, Harry Kane will be the next big name to join the league.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Commissioner Reveals How Lionel Messi, David Beckham Changed the League Forever.

While Messi is definitively retired, Ronaldo’s story remains up in the air for now. Regardless, it will not be much longer before the two greats of the modern game are being talked about only in the past tense.

Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry defined an age in soccer. At club level, they faced off regularly for Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League. Yet curiously, in 442 collective international appearances, the two players only met twice—and never in a competitive fixture.

Messi vs. Ronaldo Complete H2H Record

Much to the chagrin of many World Cup organizers and sponsors, Portugal and Argentina never crossed paths once between the years 2006 and 2026, when both players were active at the tournament.

The closest they came to a showdown in six World Cups came in 2018 when Portugal and Argentina would’ve met in the quarterfinal in Nizhny Novgorod, but both teams ended up losing their preceding Round of 16 fixtures against Uruguay and France, respectively.

In the end, the only times Messi and Ronaldo ever played one another at international level was in two exhibition matches in 2011 and 2014.

Argentina 2–1 Portugal (February, 2011)

Argentina Starting XI: Romero; Znetti, Burdisso, Milito, Rojo; Banega, Cambiasso, Mascherano; Di María, Lavezzi, Messi (Subs: Gago, Zabaleta, Pastore, Biglia, Martinez)

Portugal Starting XI: Eduardo; Pereria, Alves, Rolando, Coentrão; Martins, Moutinho, Meireles; Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo (Subs: Patrício, Danny, Postiga, Quaresma, Veloso, Machado)

The first meeting of the pair came at the height of their Barcelona-Real Madrid glory years.

Already a Champions League winner with Barça, Messi would end the 2010-11 campaign with Europe’s biggest trophy once again, as well as his third successive Ballon d’Or. Meanwhile, Ronaldo was on course for a staggering season of scoring with 53 goals and 54 games under José Mourinho.

The glamorous, money-spinning battle of world’s best took place during the February international break in Geneva of all places, with Messi coming out on top in a thrilling back-and-forth encounter.

The Argentina star threaded through the pass for Ángel Di María for his side’s opener after quarter of an hour. While Ronaldo equalized shortly after, the night belonged to Messi who won the match from the penalty spot late in the second half.

Speaking after the match Messi tried to play down the rivalry, saying: “This wasn’t a game between Barcelona and Real Madrid or between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We don't compete with each other to see who is the better player, we do so for the benefit of our teams.”

Argentina 0–1 Portugal (November, 2014)

Argentina Starting XI: Romero; Roncaglia, Otamendi, Demichelis, Ansaldi; Mascherano, Biglia; Messi, Pastore, Di María; Higuaín (Subs: Gaitán, Lamela, Tevez, Pereyra, Silva)

Portugal Starting XI: Beto; Bosingwa, Alves, Pepe, Gomes; Nani, Mendes, Gomes, Moutinho; Danny, Ronaldo (Subs: Fonte, Guerreiro, Carvalho, Silva, Quaresma, Éder)

Almost four years later, Messi and Ronaldo lined up against one another again for another eye-catching exhibition—this time at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Going into the match, Ronaldo was on the ascendency as the Ballon d’Or holder and fresh from Real Madrid’s first Champions League crown in 12 years. Messi, meanwhile, had won the Golden Ball at the 2014 World Cup as the tournament’s best player, but left Brazil a beaten finalist.

The match itself was a little piece of history, but not an entertaining one. Ultimately a drab affair, it was decided by stoppage-time header from substitute Raphaël Guerreiro long after the two men the majority of the fans had come to see had already left the pitch.

Messi and Ronaldo played only the first 45 of the match in front of a half full stadium before being substituted. While Ronaldo was greeted with a warm reception by the fans as a returning Manchester United great, a smattering of boos rang out from frustrated fans by the break after an uneventful opening half.

At that point, no-one would’ve known that the two would never share a pitch for their countries again.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Two International Games Lionel Messi Played Against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Argentina bade farewell to Messi in Buenos Aires this week, a sold-out friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires that was far more significant than the hastily booked opponent might suggest.

His No. 10 shirt will soon become someone else’s and Messi’s sole focus will be on Inter Miami’s ambitions in Major League Soccer and beyond. No MLS team has won back-to-back championships since the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012, but the Herons are in prime position to make the 2026 playoffs in pursuit of retaining last season’s MLS Cup.

Messi is committed to Miami and appears happy with how things are going. He will turn 41 in 2028 when his contract expires. Most players would be long retired by then, but Messi has never been normal. His game has never been built on stamina, but explosive bursts in moments that has surely helped him play to a high level past usual retirement age.

Even aged 41, signing with Newell’s in the future doesn’t seem unrealistic.

Signing With Newell’s Old Boys Would Realize ‘Childhood Dream’

Messi said during a 2019 interview with FIFA that it remains a “childhood dream” to “play in the Newell’s shirt.” Still with Barcelona at the time, he admitted not knowing whether it would be possible and explaining that what’s best for his children comes first.

He joined the youth ranks of the club from his home city of Rosario in 1995 and spent five years there before his life changed forever with a 2000 transfer to Barcelona’s La Masia, aged 13.

Messi has therefore never played pro club soccer in his own country, while heading back to Argentina also opens up the Copa Libertadores, which CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez is desperate to see him be a part of.

“There is nothing that compares to it. It is unique, and it is something he deserves to play in. If I were a club president, I would do everything possible to bring him here,” Domínguez told reporters inside Estadio Monumental after Messi’s farewell.

Copa Libertadores Challenge Laid Down

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From that moment, a previously unseen breed of superstar ushered in a new age for soccer as they went on to dominate, change and then transcend the sport itself.

Powered by the rise in social media and its rabid, fiercely tribal fanbases, the Messi-Ronaldo era brought forth a fresh obsession with stats, individualism and the GOAT question—keeping the two men locked and linked for all eternity. If you’re reading this then you already have a side in the debate.

For many years, their careers seemed to run parallel in a constant game of one-upmanship. Then things changed.

As of the start of October 2026, Messi has just been given a lavish, tear-filled, highly indulgent send off by Argentina after his 208th and final appearance—complete with a drone-led light show and fireworks in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, several thousand miles away Ronaldo is locked in a war of words with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus amid a self-imposed exile from the national team.

It’s hard to think of two more contrasting ends for the two greatest players of all time.

Messi’s Grand Farewell

The September-October international break would hardly have been a key marker in anyone’s calendar at the start of the year, but it could yet go down in history as the moment when both Messi and Ronaldo exited the international soccer stage.

Messi’s last tango had been carefully choreographed since the summer, with the 39-year-old making it clear that the 2026 World Cup would be his last. When Argentina lost in the final to Spain, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) made sure to set up a friendly match specifically to give their departing hero a fitting farewell.

Benin was the chosen opponent, with 85,000 attending the Monumental Stadium to give thanks to Messi, say goodbye and be a part of a moment in soccer history. With the Benin players acting as little more than props on Messi’s big day, the man himself capped a 3–0 win with a late penalty.

It was the dream send off for any player and a grand tribute to a player whose success was not pre-ordained, but someone who earned his legend—overcoming a series of failures with the national team to become a double Copa América winner and world champion.

Messi could’ve played for Spain. He could’ve stayed retired in 2016. In the early years, he left some fans cold. Ultimately, the 39-year-old superstar had to fight for a long time to become beloved by his country, but by the end there was not a dry eye in the house.

Ronaldo’s Implosion

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Premier League

After a little over two seasons of goals, groans and a distinct lack of glory, Kylian Mbappé has supposedly decided to leave Real Madrid in the summer of 2027, with the Premier League lined up as his next destination. (Source: François Gallardo)

There would be no shortage of suitors for Mbappé in England and Liverpool are reportedly putting together a record-shattering offer worth €250 million ($279.7 million) for the prolific Frenchman. (Source: Fichajes)

Manchester United’s quest to bolster their problematic left-back position has led them to consider Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert. However, Liverpool are also interested in the French defender rated at £60 million ($79.6 million). (Source: TEAMtalk)

Should Arsenal or Real Madrid hope to prise Kenan Yıldız out of Juventus, they would have to stump up €150 million ($168.8 million). (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

Arsenal’s versatile gem Mikel Merino has caught the eye of Real Madrid, who could be able to snag the World Cup winner for as little as €25 million ($28.1 million). Quite why the Gunners would be willing to part ways with such a valuable asset for so little is unclear. (Source: Fichajes)

Scott McTominay—the Serie A winner under discussion at Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle—could be available for as little as €25 million ($28.1 million). (Source: Sky Sport Switzerland)

Arsenal would be willing to offload misfiring frontman Viktor Gyökeres as soon as January. (Source: Football Insider)

Liverpool are investigating a deal for Hull City’s impressive goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, who has previously come on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur. (Source: Fichajes)

Chelsea are one of many clubs keen on Brazilian wonderkid Eduardo Conceição. However, it remains to be seen if any are willing to come anywhere near the €100 million ($112.5 million) asking price set by Palmeiras. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Freiburg’s free-scoring forward Igor Matanović would be entirely onboard with a move to Manchester United, who are one of numerous elite clubs linked with the Croatia international. (Source: Football Insider)

Liverpool and Manchester United are both vying for the signature of Como’s talented forward Assane Diao. Aston Villa, Everton and Brentford have also been credited with interest in the Senegal international. (Source: 4-4-2)

Newcastle United are billed as the favorites to outmaneuver Nottingham Forest in the pursuit of Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

Real Madrid have not been able to replace Luka Modrić since he left the club in 2025. The 41-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner could fill the void himself by opening up the prospect of leaving AC Milan for a return to the Spanish capital. (Source: Fichajes)

Julián Alvarez has softened his firm stance on rejecting Arsenal in the face of staying at Atlético Madrid for the long term. Hope of January move has not yet faded in north London, although there could be competition from Bayern Munich. Barcelona, by contrast, are now focusing on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Endrick has opened up the prospect of leaving Real Madrid on loan once against this winter and Aston Villa have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the Brazilian. (Source: Cadena SER)

Mikel Arteta has pledged to honor his word and allow Martín Zubimendi his exit in January, with Real Madrid billed as his most likely destination. (Source: El Nacional)

Barcelona are considering an unexpected swoop for Fulham’s academy starlet Josh King. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Rest of World

MLS outfit San Diego have reopened negotiations with Kevin De Bruyne about a potential winter move. There is competition from Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and a Chicago Fire side spearheaded by Robert Lewandowski for the Napoli playmaker. (Source: Fichajes)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Mbappe’s Premier League Move; Ballon d’Or Winner Eyes Real Madrid.

Messi played his last minutes for Argentina on Tuesday evening in front of a sold-out crowd in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old pulled down the curtain on a legendary career for La Albiceleste, one that brought home a World Cup title and two Copa América trophies, among other honors.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the Estadio Monumental when Messi celebrated one last victory for his country, a 3–0 win over Benin in which the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner tallied a goal and two assists. Support across the globe flowed in as the all-time great took his final bow on the international stage.

Fans, managers, players and even rivals delivered heartfelt statements to Messi, including Ronaldo. “Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will live on forever,” the Portugal captain wrote on Instagram. “You have all my respect for everything you’ve achieved with Argentina. A hug.”

Although the two headlined one of the greatest rivalries in sport for over a decade, they did not let the Clásico divide sour their relationship or respect for one another off the pitch.

Ronaldo even seemed in line to hang up his boots alongside Messi after his sudden exit from Portugal’s camp, but the 41-year-old silenced any retirement rumors with a lengthy statement just hours before Messi’s farewell match.

Messi Takes the Time to Reflect After Fairytale Sendoff

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There were 85,000 fans packed into the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires to be there for a moment of history, as Messi scored a penalty to get his 126th Argentina goal on his final outing. In truth, the actual soccer was little more than an excuse to honor and celebrate the departing captain.

“Today, I am likely facing the saddest day of my career, because this is where I say goodbye to the national team and to all of you,” Messi told the crowd in a tear-jerking speech.

“I don’t want to leave, I don’t want to walk off the pitch. I just want to tell you that I love you, I’m going to miss you, and I am grateful to God that we are Argentine—proud to be Argentine and to have fulfilled my dreams with all of you.

“Thank you very much; I love you.”

So, now that it’s over for one of the greatest international players of all time ... what happens now?

What Next for Messi?

Inter Miami

While he has retired from international soccer with Argentina, Messi has not quit playing altogether and will continue to turn out for his club team Inter Miami in MLS for a while yet.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains under contract until the end of the 2028 season, by which time he will be 41 years old.

However, his deal is reviewed year by year and he could yet walk away earlier, or even extend his time in MLS further should he wish. As part of his contract, Messi will keep shares in the club when he does finally retire.

Currently, Messi’s Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference standings and are in a strong position to qualify for this season’s playoffs with the aim of retaining the MLS Cup won in 2025.

Club Ownership

❤️💙💻 Lionel Messi, on his laptop to follow his new club CD Eldense against Real Oviedo.

Messi bought the club on Thursday owining 100% of the Segunda División side from Spain.

Eldense won 4-1 tonight. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/qlPF4G3gZc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2026

Messi will continue to stay in soccer even after retirement and is already the owner of two clubs in Spain’s lower divisions: UE Cornellà and CD Eldense.

The forward took a controlling stake in both clubs this year and could end up with a network of teams around the world.

Messi is known to follow second-tier Eldense closely on his laptop and has set out to save them from relegation this season with the appointment of former Villarreal boss Javi Calleja. The long-term goal is to get the Valencian team promoted into La Liga.

Meanwhile over in Uruguay, Messi joined the project of friend and teammate Luis Suárez in 2025, becoming co-owner of Deportivo LSM. The club went on to win promotion to the country’s third division in its first season.

Future Role With Argentina

“I’m not planning to become a manager when I will retire. That’s not something I’m considering to do,” Messi said back in 2024.

And yet, his name is already one of the favorites to succeed Lionel Scaloni as the next coach of Argentina and will likely remains so for all of eternity.

A similar fate befell fellow Argentina icon Diego Maradona, who eventually did become national team manager between 2008 and 2010.

Maradona’s spell in charge of Argentina wasn’t a particularly successful one and his contract was not renewed after a 4–0 defeat to Germany in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal.

While some sort of role within Argentinian soccer is not beyond the realms of reality, for now, Messi has promised to remain a diehard fan.

He told the crowd at the Monumental on Tuesday: “I will miss defending the national team’s colors, but now I’ll be on the other side—right there with you all—backing these guys and whatever comes next.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as What Next for Lionel Messi After Argentina Retirement?.

World Cup glory in Qatar saw Messi, in the words of English commentator Peter Drury, “conquer his final peak”, ensuring his glittering career wouldn’t end with a nagging sense of cruel unfulfillment.

His work in North America this summer merely enhanced his standing, even if a flawed, chaotic Argentine outfit came up just short and Kylian Mbappé harshly snatched the Golden Boot away from his grasp. Now, a soccer-crazed nation is preparing for a state of consternation.

Messi may no longer be the beating heart of La Albiceleste, having called time on his international career after 208 matches and an endless list of records that surely won’t ever be topped. Nevertheless, the 39-year-old has no intention of riding off into the sunset and leaving soccer behind.

He’s setting himself up for a life that continues to revolve around his first love, tying soccer in with a developing business interest. "I would like to keep learning [about business] because I know nothing, and I am just starting out," Messi told the America Business Forum last year.

Messi’s going down the club ownership route, and he’s already got his fingers in a few pies.

Deportivo LSM

Messi has been involved in a joint-venture with former Barcelona and current Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez. Together, they established a new club, Deportivo LSM, in Uruguay, Suárez’s homeland.

It’s Suárez’s initiative, with the center forward’s project starting out with the funding for a 20-acre sports complex built in 2018. It is home to a synthetic turf stadium that boasts a capacity of 1,400.

“I’m proud and happy that you chose me, so I hope to contribute everything I can to continue growing and, above all, to be by your side in this,” Messi said to Suárez after his involvement in the project came to light.

The newly established club is located in Ciudad de la Costa, the second-most populous city in Uruguay, and they’re now competing in the third tier of Uruguayan soccer after earning promotion in year one.

However, the owners have already cut ties with inaugural manager Rafael Cánovas after a disappointing start to the new season. Former Nacional striker Álvaro Apólito was sworn in as his successor at the end of September.

UE Cornellà

While Messi is supporting Suárez’s project in Uruguay, he has full ownership of UE Cornellà.

The Argentine completed his purchase of the club in April, with Cornellà currently competing in Spain’s fifth tier. Founded 75 years ago in 1951, it’s one of Catalonia’s most historic clubs, and upon the new owner’s arrival, Cornellà wrote: "This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia."

Messi has spent much of his adult life in Catalonia, given that he joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old in 2000 and didn’t leave the Blaugrana until the club’s financial woes forced him to move on to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague says Cornellà is the "nursery where young players grow", with Arsenal’s David Raya and outstanding left back Jordi Alba among the most notable alumni.

It’s a club built around progress, with Messi thinking long-term.

CD Eldense

Cornellà may have been Messi’s first purchase, but CD Eldense is the Argentine’s baby.

Eldense announced Messi as their new owner at the start of September, and Balague writes that the Spanish second-tier club will "lead Messi’s football operation".

"The arrival of one of the most important figures in the history of the sport as owner of CD Eldense marks the beginning of a long-term project aimed at promoting the club’s sporting, institutional, and social development," Eldense wrote after Messi’s arrival was made official.

While the club’s new owner is keeping a close eye on the goings-on in Alicante, Messi is placing his faith in those he trusts to run the show until he can dedicate more of his time to the project.

They’ve hired former Villarreal manager Javi Calleja to help steer them to safety, with survival key for the new regime.

Inter Miami

Messi may never don Albiceleste colors again, but he hasn’t called time on his playing career just yet. His contract with Inter Miami doesn’t expire until 2028, and assuming his level of performance doesn’t drastically dip over the next couple of years, there’s scope for the Argentine to extend his stay with the Herons.

He’s the highest earner in Major League Soccer (MLS), set to make more than $28 million in guaranteed compensation from the league for the 2026 season and up to $60 million more from Inter Miami themselves. Still, Miami’s Messi gamble has doubtless paid off from both a sporting and commercial perspective.

And his ties to the franchise won’t cease when he retires. His contract with Miami includes an option to become a minority owner once he hangs up his cleats, although the size of this stake is unclear.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi's Soccer Portfolio: Every Club the Argentina Legend Owns.

Neymar shared the pitch with Messi at the club level for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and was even present when Messi lifted his maiden Argentina trophy, given it came at the expense of Brazil in the 2021 Copa América. Before Messi’s farewell, Neymar took to social media to celebrate his friend’s illustrious international career.

“Anyone who loves football has enjoyed you throughout all these years,” Neymar posted to Instagram. “Today is your last game with the shirt of your national team, of your country, and I hope you enjoy every second, may all the tributes today make you happy.

“It’s not only Argentina that thanks you, the whole world thanks you for everything you’ve done for football. Thank you for making me love football even more. It was an honor to have played against you, and even more so to have made history alongside you. THANK YOU, Leo Messi,” Neymar finished, adding an emoji of a goat at the end of his message.

Neymar and Messi won everything there was to win during their four seasons together at Barcelona, forming a lasting friendship and two-thirds of the greatest attacking trio in soccer history. The final head of that three-headed monster also paid homage to Messi before his last dance with La Albiceleste.

Luis Suarez’s Messi Tribute: ‘Feel Very Proud of Yourself’

Alongside Messi and Neymar, Luis Suárez also won it all at Barcelona. The legendary Uruguayan striker then followed Messi to Inter Miami, and the duo are even co-owners of a soccer team in Suárez’s home country.

The pair of lethal South American goal scorers have been close friends for over a decade, and on Messi’s landmark day, Suárez made sure to pay his respects with a video tribute.

“Gordo! (chubby),” Suárez started, via DSports. “I just wanted to send you a big hug. I hope you enjoy your last match wearing your country’s national team shirt very much—which was so important for your career.

“You lived incredible things. You won things that every player wishes they could win representing your country. So you have a more than deserved recognition from all the people in appreciation of your career and what you represented for your country.

“Feel very proud of yourself. I send you a very big hug, and enjoy your day.”

Lionel Messi to Argentina: ‘Thank You for Loving Me So Much’

Unparalleled. pic.twitter.com/1794pa03Wm

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) October 6, 2026

Oct. 6, 2026 is a day that will live forever in Argentina’s folklore: the day the whole nation bid farewell to the man that marked an entire era for Argentina. The landmark occasion started with adidas posting a video in which Messi shared a few words to Argentina, thanking the nation’s supporters for “loving me so much.”

“The moment has arrived,” Messi said to start the video. “I leave in peace. I gave it my all. This jersey was my dream, my pride and my life.

“Thank you for loving me so much. I’m going to miss you.”

Argentina will face Benin on Tuesday night at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi will make his 208th and final appearance for La Albiceleste, dropping the curtain on the international career of the greatest player of all time.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Love Football More’—Neymar Issues Emotional Lionel Messi Tribute Ahead of Argentina Farewell.

Lionel Messi’s final competitive appearance for Argentina, the last he would ever play before his father passed away, was a defeat to Spain in this summer’s World Cup final. A decade earlier, that same potato field in East Rutherford was the scene of Messi’s first international retirement.

“For me, the national team is over,” Argentina’s beleaguered No. 10 meekly revealed in the bowels of the MetLife, hunched over and clutching a wash bag after missing a penalty in a shootout defeat which handed Chile the 2016 Copa América. “I wanted this title more than any other but it wasn’t meant to be.”

Two finals, two defeats and two international retirements in the same soulless pit of concrete. However, the universal love-in which has greeted Messi’s decision to definitively step away from the blue and white stripes this time around is remarkably different to the vast array of emotions he inspired at his first retirement.

Why Argentina Hated Messi

The editor of the popular publication Diario El Sol, Federico Brusotti, once wrote: “There is something more Argentine than dulce de leche. It is our ability to turn our athletes into heroes or villains.”

While it can be hard to imagine given his current godly status, Messi has actually spent more time as Argentina’s villain than its hero.

By his own description, the nation’s all-time leading appearance maker and top scorer was “blamed, cursed at, lied about with no apparent remorse” for more than a decade while on international duty. There were reasons for this hate, just no justifiable ones.

Not Diego Maradona

Borocotó, the revered editor of the seminal magazine El Gráfico, came up with what the physical embodiment of the Argentine game should look like in 1928:

“A pibe [urchin] with a dirty face, a mane of hair rebelling against the comb; with intelligent, roving, trickster and persuasive eyes and a sparkling gaze that seem to hint at a picaresque laugh that does not quite manage to form on his mouth, full of small teeth that might be worn down through eating yesterday’s bread.”

Almost half a century later, Diego Maradona would debut for Argentina, turning that description into flesh and giving rise to an obsession which would last for almost another 50 years. The 1986 World Cup winner was not far from the status of a deity, with some of his disciples even setting up a Church of Maradona.

This suffocating level of acclaim was the consequence of Maradona’s play and his personality. He was the pibe who rose from poverty to the pinnacle of soccer (and thereby life), quite literally freeing himself from a pile of human excrement in the slums of his childhood.

Messi is a different character entirely. Also short, slight and left footed, but there was no raw sewage in the lower middle class home of his youth. Not that any average Argentinian would know much about Messi’s upbringing or anything he did off the pitch given his chronic reluctance to utter a single word—in public or private.

One of Messi’s school teachers recalled a classmate speaking on behalf of little Leo, such was his fear of being heard. When he joined Barcelona’s youth team, Cesc Fàbregas “thought he was mute.” Juan Sebastián Verón remembered a petrified Messi pacing around their shared room before he had to give his first team talk as Argentina captain: “The kid didn’t know what to do.”

The contrasts with his predecessor were sharp. Messi got criticized for mistakenly walking past a child’s outstretched hand while lost in contemplation after a match. Maradona spent his postgame fiddling with a prosthetic dummy penis to evade doping tests. Messi stopped talking to journalists in protest, Maradona opened fire on them with an air rifle.

The issue for Messi, particularly during the early years of his Argentina career, was that these differences with the country’s greatest idol were impossible to avoid while Maradona was his actual manager for the national team.

The great player was no grand tactician, cycling haphazardly through more than 80 call-ups as Argentina unconvincingly qualified for the 2010 World Cup. Messi went seven months without an international goal at one point in the buildup to a tournament he failed to score at entirely. After a humiliating quarterfinal exit to Germany, the narrative which had been forming was clearly set: Blame Messi.

“He isn’t ready to shoulder the burden of the team; he isn’t cut out to take on the role of playmaker,” Martín Palermo, Messi’s former international teammate, scoffed after the tournament. “Messi doesn’t have Maradona’s mentality.”

At the 2011 Copa América on home soil, Messi went through another major tournament without a goal and was booed by the Santa Fé crowd. “He leaves Argentina truly hurt every time people speak ill of him,” Messi’s mother Celia Cuccitini fretted. “Why is it always him? He suffers a great deal; he leaves feeling terrible, and it takes him a long time to bounce back.”

Ironically, had Messi shown Argentina his suffering, it may have stopped.

Not Argentinian Enough

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Messi’s career has a comic book quality to it. He is the national team’s undisputed hero, leaping off the posters on the childhood bedroom walls of so many of his current teammates to lead Argentina to four consecutive major tournament finals.

As the 39-year-old brings his story to a close with a farewell friendly against Benin on Tuesday night, Disney have commissioned a new show titled: Messi and the Giants.

The series, which is set to be released in summer 2027, centers around a 12-year-old boy with the distinctive brown mop of hair which Messi had in his youth. At that point in his life, the actual Messi was still living in Argentina and not much taller than four foot, with his parents desperately trying to convince Newell’s Old Boys to fund his growth hormone treatment.

The animated Lionel, by contrast, is trapped in an alternate virtual reality fighting giant monsters in convoluted scenarios which just so happen to require his soccer skills. Different strokes for different folks.

While lending your likeness to kids’ shows is one retirement plan, Messi would appear to have loftier ambitions for when he finally hangs up his boots.

What Will Lionel Messi Do After Retiring From Soccer?

Messi via IG: "Aupa Deportivo." pic.twitter.com/bJqsxWi3RD

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 2, 2026

Messi has already ruled out one of the most common avenues for retired professionals. “I don’t really see myself as a manager,” he has said on multiple occasions.

That is perhaps a wise decision. There is a short list of truly generational players who have made the transition to successful managers. Carlo Ancelotti, a talented individual in his day but not of Messi’s caliber, warned: “It is a completely different job—your career as a player won’t help as a manager.”

For a player as preternaturally gifted as Messi, an individual who walks around the pitch with a bird’s eye view of everything going around him, getting the information which he was able to instantly process across to a set of mortal players could be infuriating.

However, Messi isn’t planning on stepping away from the sport entirely. “I would like to have my own club,” he revealed earlier this year, “to start from the bottom and be able to give the opportunity to the boys, to the people, to grow and make an important club.”

The wheels for that plan are already in motion. Messi recently acquired Spanish second-tier side Eldense, having already bought fifth-tier outfit UE Cornellà in April.

Messi also has a stake in Deportivo LSM, an amateur Uruguayan club founded by his Inter Miami teammate and close friend Luis Suárez.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Prepares for Argentina Farewell With Executive Producer Role at Disney.

Despite the missing talent, the regular season pushed on with Matchday 28 this week, featuring weather delays, superstar goals, more struggles from Inter Miami and a shocking barnburner between the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps and Eastern Conference strugglers, D.C. United.

With another matchday in the books and with many teams looking at just seven games left in the regular season, it is crunch time. Here’s Sports Illustrated dive into where teams stand after Matchday 28. 

MLS Power Rankings Matchday 28: Clubs 30–11

30. CF Montréal (Previous: 30)
29. Atlanta United (Previous: 29)
28. Sporting Kansas City (Previous: 28)
27. D.C. United (Previous: 26)
26. Colorado Rapids (Previous: 24)
25. Austin FC (Previous: 22)
24. Columbus Crew (Previous: 26)
23. Red Bull New York (Previous: 23)
22. Minnesota United (Previous: 19)
21. L.A. Galaxy (Previous: 25)
20. Toronto FC (Previous: 18)
19. San Diego FC (Previous: 20)
18. Orlando City (Previous: 17)
17. Real Salt Lake (Previous: 16)
16. Portland Timbers (Previous: 12)
15. Seattle Sounders (Previous: 21)
14. FC Cincinnati (Previous: 14)
13. New York City FC (Previous: 13)
12. LAFC (Previous: 11)
11. Houston Dynamo (Previous: 6)

10. San Jose Earthquakes (Previous: 15)

The San Jose Earthquakes have seemingly rekindled their early-season form. Bruce Arena’s men are undefeated in six games and got a brace from Preston Judd in their recent win over the Portland Timbers. It might take a fully in-form and healthy Niko Tsakiris and Timo Werner to challenge for a title, but they’re no easy opponent to face in the MLS Cup playoffs.

9. Charlotte FC (Previous: 8)

A 1–0 loss to the Chicago Fire was rough, but Charlotte FC were missing Idan Toklomati and Liel Abada due to international duty with Israel. Without two attacking cornerstones, finding a goal was going to be tough, even with Allan Saint-Maximin’s intensity in the squad.

8. FC Dallas (Previous: 7)

FC Dallas have won four of their last five games and have proven themselves a threatening team, even without Petar Musa at times. It was center back Osaze Urhoghide with a late-game winner against LAFC, who fired Marc Dos Santos after the game. Trailing the top of the West by just three points, they’re poised to challenge the Vancouver Whitecaps for the top spot.

7. Chicago Fire (Previous: 5)

The absence of Robert Lewandowski, Chris Brady and Noah Allen wasn’t a problem for the Chicago Fire, who found a 1–0 win over Charlotte FC last time out but now face a gauntlet of teams. After taking on Inter Miami, the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC in their last three games, they meet Vancouver Whitecaps, New York City FC, the Philadelphia Union and the Revs again in their next four contests.

6. Inter Miami (Previous: 4)

New manager, same problems. Lionel Messi extended his lead atop the MLS Golden Boot race with an exquisite free-kick against the Columbus Crew, but Miami failed to secure a win. Clearly, there hasn't been a new-manager bump under Kily González, and the Campeones Cup win did little to build confidence.

It’s one win in the last 10 MLS games for the Herons now and they seem to be outside-the-shot MLS Cup contenders, at best. 

5. Philadelphia Union (Previous: 10)

Even without Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield, the Philadelphia Union had no problems in finding a 4–2 win over Orlando City, inspired by a Milan Iloski hat trick. New manager Ryan Richter can’t seem to do anything wrong these days, and they’ve now secured 32 of 36 points since the World Cup break. They are bona fide MLS Cup contenders now.

4. St. Louis CITY SC (Previous: 9)

St. Louis CITY SC didn’t see the pitch last weekend after a weather postponement, but returned on Wednesday to face Red Bull New York. A win would put them level with FC Dallas for second in the Western Conference, and just three points behind Vancouver. At a minimum, Yoann Damet’s group will look to extend their 16-game unbeaten run.

3. New England Revolution (Previous: 3)

A shorthanded New England Revolution lineup without Ilay Feingold, Peyton Miller, Brooklyn Raines or Dor Turgeman didn’t fare well, as they fell 3–0 to Real Salt Lake on the road. They won’t dwell on it too much, though, still sitting third in the Eastern Conference and facing a relatively dreadful Seattle Sounders at home next time out.

2. Vancouver Whitecaps (Previous: 2)

THOMAS MÜLLER ARE YOU KIDDING 🤯🇩🇪

Raumdeuter takes the run and strikes from outside the box🔥#VANvDC | #VAN 3 - 2 #DC pic.twitter.com/qEdEPvFB5O

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) September 27, 2026

The Vancouver Whitecaps have their scoring swagger back, with a 3–0 win over Real Salt Lake and a 3–3 draw against D.C. United in their last two games. While the dropped points to D.C. were disappointing, they hit 50 points, are still on pace for their best regular season ever and have now secured a BC Place lease to avoid relocation for at least the 2027 14-game sprint season. Adding to the good vibes, they’ve also re-signed Thomas Müller for the sprint campaign.

1. Nashville SC (Previous: 1)

Nashville SC restored their 10-point lead atop the Supporters’ Shield table with a 2–0 win over Toronto FC and a draw with D.C. United against Vancouver. Nobody can really catch the Coyotes at this point, making sure that the last stretch of the season focuses on health for the star foursome of Hany Mukhtar, Cristian Espinoza, Sam Surridge and Elias Saad.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Power Rankings: No Cavan Sullivan, No Problem for Philadelphia Union After Matchday 28.

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More Quizzes From SI FC

• 8 Minute Quiz: Name Every Winner of the Ballon d’Or—It’s Harder Than You Think

• 6 Minute Quiz: Name the Ballon d’Or Top Threes Without Messi and Ronaldo

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• Browse SI FC’s Full Collection of Quizzes

The MLS Cup’s Most Historic Clubs

Seattle Sounders: Between 2016 and 2020, there was no team as consistently good in MLS as Brian Schmetzer’s Sounders. They reached the MLS Cup final in four of his first five years in charge—the one year they didn’t reach the Conference final was because they lost a dramatic penalty shootout to Portland Timbers—and four Western Conference title were picked up along the way.

Houston Dynamo FC: Before the Seattle Sounders’ golden period came a spell of sustained success for the Dynamo, who won back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007 before reaching consecutive finals in 2011 and 2012—though on those two occasions they came up short.

D.C. United: MLS was formed in 1996, off the back of the hugely successful 1994 World Cup, and the early ‘Manchester United’ of the league was D.C. United. Three of the first four MLS Cups ended up in the capital team’s trophy cabinet—they were beaten finalists in 1998—before a fourth crown was lifted in 2004.

LA Galaxy: Without a doubt, the most successful franchise in MLS Cup history is LA Galaxy. No team has come close to matching their number of appearances in finals. nor can any team hold a candle to their six MLS Cup wins (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024). Throw into the mix that David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Zlatan Ibrahimovič have been part of those successes and you understand why the Galaxy are so steeped in MLS history.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Quiz: Beat the Clock to Name Every MLS Cup Champion Ever.

Lionel Messi continued his goal-scoring dominance, notching his 21st of the season across just 23 league competitions with a stunning free-kick finish; however, it ultimately wasn’t enough to lift Inter Miami to a much-needed victory.

Meanwhile, San Jose Earthquakes’ Eduard Löwen likewise wasn’t deterred by a seemingly impossible angle, finding the back of the net to help his side extend its recent unbeaten streak to six games.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. The Commanding Header

Osaze Urhoghide with authority! 😤@FCDallas get on the board first at home.

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/lf8HY4MGPu pic.twitter.com/C7bMlnfYDZ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 27, 2026

Osaze Urhoghide wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass. Off of Joaquín Valiente’s in-swinging corner kick in the 34rd minute, the 26-year-old center back Super Man-launched himself over two LAFC defenders to head the ball into the back of the net.

It proved the only goal Dallas needed on Saturday night to walk away with victory, holding the visitors scoreless after a match-high 12 defensive contributions from Urhoghide himself.

4. An Improbable Angle for Eduard Löwen

Eduard Löwen with the finish from the tightest angle to double the lead for @SJEarthquakes 🫨 pic.twitter.com/hq10s0oacl

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 27, 2026

Löwen doubled the San Jose Earthquakes’ lead over the Portland Timbers on Saturday night, taking the ball to the goal line before scoring a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles. It marked the 29-year-old German’s fourth goal of the season.

The Earthquakes walked away with a 3–1 victory, enjoying a current positive spell in response to a dismal July and August.

3. Calvin Harris’s Pure Instinct

Calvin Harris with the finish off the lovely buildup by @SportingKC 💪 pic.twitter.com/pMEK1mifLl

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 27, 2026

There was perhaps nobody more stunned by Calvin Harris’s goal than Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Jonathan Bond.

The 26-year-old winger for Sporting Kansas City, on pure instinct, simply threw out his left foot to redirect a cross from André Luiz into the near post. Bond—who was certainly anticipating some sort of turn or a traditional shot, given that Harris was heavily marked—did not even attempt to save Harris’s improbable redirection, merely falling to the ground in slow motion.

Kansas City walked away with a 2–0 victory over one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Although still last in the league, Sporting KC have won two of their last three matches.

2. 99th Minute Game-Winner

JAMAL THIERE WINS IT FOR THE @COLUMBUSCREW IN THE 99TH MINUTE OVER MIAMI 😱 pic.twitter.com/Sp5zGfJFyW

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 28, 2026

Columbus Crew’s Jamal Thiere had a single minute of stoppage time left to score, so he did. Teammate Brais Méndez blasted a shot just outside the box, which Inter Miami goalkeeper Roccos Ríos Novo saved but subsequently spilled. Thiere was right there for the clean up, darting into the box to volley the ball into the back of the net in the 99th minute before Novo could even attempt to recover.

Thanks to the heroics of Thiaré, who had only substituted onto the pitch in the 83rd minute, the Crew earned an improbable 2–1 win against the Herons.

“I just want to help my team and bring some energy because we work really hard during the week,” Thiaré said postgame. “We know what we can do, and it happened tonight. I’m so happy and would like to thank the fans.”

1. An Impossible Lionel Messi Free Kick

FREE KICK MAGIC FROM LEO. 🎯✨ pic.twitter.com/s6gT7fDFki

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 27, 2026

Although it wasn’t enough to mount the Herons’ first league victory in five games, Messi’s free-kick goal in the 33rd minute will be remembered.

The soccer legend is known for scoring from set pieces; however, this free kick was special. Taken from a nearly-impossible angle, far outside of the box toward the corner flag, Messi still buried the shot. His perfectly-curved ball travelled up and over the out-stretched hands of goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and into the side-netting of the far post.

It signified Messi’s second free-kick goal in as many games and brings him to 76 total in his career, two away from the most of all time.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: Lionel Messi, Eduard Lowen and More.

Brand Beckham was omnipresent at the most overtly capitalist interpretation of the World Cup in the competition’s 96-year history. Even the rubbery figure of FIFA President Gianni Infantino with his obligated cameos on TV coverage couldn’t eclipse the bearded 51-year-old.

As the most recognizable soccer figure in the United States thanks to his celebrity, playing career at LA Galaxy and status as Lionel Messi’s boss, there were no shortage of commercial opportunities for the hardest working man in North America.

The array of adverts in which Beckham appeared across the tournament was staggering, seemingly covering every aspect of waking life; right from breakfast through to tumbling asleep on a new mattress, with trips to DIY stores, banks and fast food joints jostling for airtime.

It’s a testament to his enduring image that Beckham remains the go-to face for companies trying to jump on the soccer bandwagon. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has been retired since 2013; England’s starting left back this summer, Nico O’Reilly, had celebrated just one birthday by the time Beckham made his final World Cup appearance for the Three Lions.

However, the set-piece specialist had been planning his post-career progression a decade before he actually retired. When Beckham signed his final bumper contract at Manchester United, angering Sir Alex Ferguson with his sizeable image rights demands, the midfielder shrugged: “We live in a commercial world.” The globe has only spiraled in one direction since and Beckham has made sure to profit.

How Beckham’s Earnings Compare to the Actual World Cup Nations

This was the largest pool of prize money FIFA has ever offered at a World Cup, yet even the Spanish champions were narrowly pipped by Beckham’s earnings. Luis de la Fuente’s side could point toward a $51 million payout for beating Argentina in the dry heat of New Jersey.

Beckham’s DRJB Holdings reported a profit of almost £50 million ($66.2 million), with the former free-kick taker entitled to a cool $51.1 million thanks to his majority stake in the company that bears his initials, BBC Sport have calculated.

2026 World Cup Prize Money

Thomas Tuchel’s England, for a comparison closer to home, banked $30 million by beating France in the wacky third-place playoff, a fraction of what the team’s tattooed mascot earned while following them around the continent.

It remains to be seen how much the individual stars of the tournament were able to make from their commercial obligations. A figure like Norway’s Erling Haaland, whose fame sky-rocketed as fans feverishly gobbled up a quirky personality which was revealed on social media, would have been in a strong position to monetize his marketability.

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps the only two soccer players as famous as Beckham among the World Cup’s co-hosts, certainly wouldn’t have let the tournament pass them by on the cheap. Before the competition had even commenced, Forbes estimated that the pair had both made in excess of $65 million from their off-field earnings alone during the 2025–26 club season.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as How David Beckham Made More Money Than Every National Team at the 2026 World Cup.

The Herons have become accustomed to getting by without Messi during international windows. While domestic action is put on pause throughout Europe, MLS trudges along no matter how many players are busy on international duty.

Messi is typically one of the big names missing, but he officially retired from international soccer following the 2026 World Cup. After 207 appearances, 125 goals, two Copa América titles and one World Cup triumph, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner hung up his boots for La Albiceleste.

He is still scheduled to play a farewell match for Argentina on Oct. 6 against Benin, hence his call-up this fall, but until that emotional day, Messi is sticking with the Herons.

The captain will look to continue his scintillating form on Sunday evening. Messi has recorded at least one goal contribution in his last nine-consecutive matches for Inter Miami, tallying a total of nine goals and five assists in that span. He leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 20 goals thus far.

Inter Miami Missing Key Faces for Columbus Bout

Inter Miami can call on Messi against the Columbus Crew, but they will still be without several crucial players who are representing their respective countries during the three-week window.

Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair is with Canada, while striker Germán Berterame is representing Mexico. Paraguay enlisted the services of midfielder Matías Galarza, and Ecuador called up Fricio Caicedo. Alexander Shaw is also unavailable, playing for the U.S. U-19 side.

The reigning MLS Cup winners will also be without Telasco Segovia and Mateo Silvetti. The two players are expected to miss the clash due to injury.

Inter Miami Desperate to Get Back to Winning Ways

Missing faces or not, Inter Miami cannot afford to keep up their current run of form in MLS. The Herons are on a four-game winless run, stretching back to the first week of September.

Messi and Co. settled for draws with Atlanta United, Chicago Fire, Nashville SC and San Diego FC. So many dropped points eliminated any remaining hope of a Supporters’ Shield title for the South Florida outfit.

Inter Miami now sit third in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing first-place Nashville by 14 points. They also only have a four-point cushion to the Fire in fifth place.

A win against the Crew would finally bring three points back to Nu Stadium, while also giving the team a much-needed confidence boost. The good news for the Herons is that Columbus are stuck in 14th place of the Eastern Conference with just two wins in their last eight league matches.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Will Lionel Messi Play for Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew?.

Scheduling conflicts mean several teams will be without their best stars. At the same time, the injuries and absences across the league make the slate primed for some surprises. 

It all gets underway with 14 games on Saturday night, before Inter Miami once again take center stage for Sunday night soccer. Lionel Messi’s Herons are looking to simply hold on in the race for the top four spots in the Eastern Conference, making a win against a Columbus Crew team currently in hot water especially critical.

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it could all unfold.

Atlanta United vs. New York City FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Atlanta United got back to winning ways with last week’s 1–0 victory over the Portland Timbers, but they will face a massive task at home this weekend, with Miguel Almirón, Fafá Picault, Breel Embolo, Alexey Miranchuk and three others absent for international duty. While they face a Matt Freese-less New York City FC, finding a victory, even with the home crowd behind them, won’t be easy.

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 0–2 New York City FC

Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The Chicago Fire let a chance to climb into the top three of the Eastern Conference slip away with a loss to Nashville SC on Matchday 27 and will have to force an upset to win against Charlotte FC this weekend. Gregg Berhalter’s men in red will be without star forward Robert Lewandowski, starting goalkeeper Chris Brady and newly-acquired defender Noah Allen. The odds are against the Fire, and a Charlotte win could propel the Crown into the top two of the Eastern Conference. 

Score Prediction: Charlotte FC 3–0 Chicago Fire FC

CF Montréal vs. FC Cincinnati

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

FC Cincinnati can consider themselves lucky that Evander is Brazilian. Their most influential player is nowhere near his national team’s roster, which lets them keep top talent through the international break. While Pat Noonan’s side won’t have Pavel Bucha, Kévin Denkey, Ender Echenique or Miles Robinson, they should still have enough to secure all three points on the road against CF Montréal. 

Score Prediction: CF Montréal 1–2 FC Cincinnati

St. Louis CITY SC vs. Red Bull New York

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

St. Louis CITY SC are in incredible form with a 16-game undefeated streak in MLS and an upcoming U.S. Open Cup final, the team’s first chance at a trophy since 2023. This weekend, they'll be near full strength, missing only depth striker Damion Downs, who's off with the USMNT. Despite the journey to Newark, N.J., they should have no trouble securing a big win against a Julian Hall- and Adri Mehmeti-less Red Bull New York. 

Score Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 3–1 Red Bull New York

Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The Philadelphia Union have been in world-beating form, and last week’s 4–3 comeback win against Sporting Kansas City won’t soon be forgotten. Unfortunately, the 11-game unbeaten streak and five-game winning run could end this weekend, without stars Neil Pierre, Cavan Sullivan, Frankie Westfield, Danley Jean Jacques and Andre Blake in the group. Antoine Griezmann should have some fun for Orlando City in this one, even without his strike partner, Justin Ellis.

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 0–3 Orlando City

Austin FC vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Austin FC are just two points short of the Western Conference playoff spots and are jockeying for a place above the cutoff line with currently 10th-place San Diego FC. Neither team is missing their best players for this weekend’s test, but San Diego found some form with a 2–2 draw against Inter Miami last time out, putting them in a solid position to find all three points in a pivotal fixture. 

Score Prediction: Austin FC 1–1 San Diego FC

FC Dallas vs. LAFC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

With five games undefeated, including three wins before last week’s scoreless Copa Tejas draw with Austin FC, FC Dallas are quickly rising up the table. They will look to lay claim to second place in the Western Conference this weekend, where they’re currently tied on 44 points with the Houston Dynamo and St. Louis. Lucky for Eric Quill’s men, they face an out-of-form LAFC side missing Son Heung-min, Denis Bouanga, Jacob Shaffelburg, Mathieu Choiniére, and several others. 

Score Prediction: FC Dallas 3–0 LAFC

Houston Dynamo vs. Sporting Kansas City

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Sporting Kansas City will want to quickly move on from last week’s 4–3 loss to the Philadelphia Union, which saw them collapse in the second half to suffer their 17th loss of the 25-game season so far. While André Luiz has come into form, don’t expect much improvement this season. The Houston Dynamo should secure all three points in Texas on Saturday night. 

Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 4–0 Sporting Kansas City

Nashville SC vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Less than three weeks ago, Toronto FC pulled off a shocking 2–1 win over Nashville SC at BMO Field, despite scoring one of the most egregious own goals in MLS history. After that embarrassing loss, Nashville will look to get revenge on the Reds on Saturday at GEODIS Park, hoping to hold off the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Supporters’ Shield push and build on last week’s 3–0 win over the Chicago Fire. At 16 goals, star striker Sam Surridge is also looking to stay in the Golden Boot race, currently four behind Lionel Messi’s lead. 

Score Prediction: Nashville SC 4–1 Toronto FC

Seattle Sounders vs. Minnesota United

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Minnesota United are quickly falling down the Western Conference table after four-straight losses, but remain just three points beyond the playoff bar. Away against a struggling Seattle Sounders side, they face all the pressure, and a loss could prove a massive blow to any postseason aspirations. Neither side has been very good in 2026, and neither are missing many international players, though, making this one of the most likely draws of the weekend slate. 

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 1–1 Minnesota United 

Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

Currently chasing second place in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville SC, the New England Revolution have a chance to separate themselves from the pack this weekend as they take on Real Salt Lake in a cross-conference battle. Things won’t be too easy without USMNT’s Peyton Miller and Brooklyn Raines or Israel’s Ilay Feingold and Dor Turgeman, but the team should still have what it takes to find what could be a pivotal three points. 

Score Prediction: Real Salt Lake 0–2 New England Revolution

L.A. Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Colorado Rapids have found some form with two draws and a win in their last three MLS contests, and new marquee attacking signing Morgan Whittaker scored a brace in last week’s 3–3 draw with Seattle to get off the mark on U.S. soil. While Matt Wells’s side will be missing Georgi Minoungou, Wayne Frederick and Sayed Abu Farkhi, finding anything but a victory against the downtrodden L.A. Galaxy would be a massive disappointment. 

Score Prediction: L.A. Galaxy 0–2 Colorado Rapids

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

If Niko Tsakiris had been healthy for the last few months, he likely would be with the USMNT this window. Instead, his injury held him out of the summer, and he has only recently returned to form, allowing the Earthquakes to retain more talent through the international break. They welcome the Portland Timbers this weekend, but won’t be able to take advantage of a team without star center back Finn Surman or starting goalkeeper James Pantemis. Both will stay for the game before then departing for international duty with New Zealand and Canada, respectively. 

Score Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 2–2 Portland Timbers

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. D.C. United

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The international break largely spared the Vancouver Whitecaps, and they should be favorites in this match, even without starters Andrés Cubas, Édier Ocamp and Jeevan Badwal. The Western Conference leaders will have the pleasure of a near full-strength team, as they welcome an internationally-burdened D.C. United this week. The Eastern Conference team is missing top attacking options Tai Baribo, Louis Munteanu and Nathan Ordaz. Expect a straightforward win for the Whitecaps.

Score Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 3–0 D.C. United

Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 27
• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

Inter Miami are struggling. Even after securing a confidence-boosting trophy in the Campeones Cup against Liga MX’s Cruz Azul, they weren’t able to see out a late 2–1 lead against San Diego FC last weekend and have now settled for a draw in each of the last four MLS games. They have just a single win in the last nine. The Eastern Conference 13th-place Columbus Crew—who are also experiencing a scandal involving the reserve team manager—should offer an easier test; however, Herons could be without Lionel Messi and will be missing Germán Berterame, Fricio Caicedo, Matías Galarza, Daniel Pínter and Dayne St. Clair. 

Score Prediction: Columbus Crew 2–2 Inter Miami 

MLS Predictions: Matchday 28

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Playoff Races Heat Up Ahead of Matchday 28 .

We’ve heard those famous words uttered no fewer than eight times already. Messi has redefined the meaning of the Ballon d’Or and is synonymous with the greatest individual prize in soccer. Many felt his European exit in 2023 would end his association with the award, but evidently, that is not the case.

It has been three years since Messi got his hands on the Ballon d’Or, but he’s right back in the running again this year after a glorious 2026 that has reminded even his fiercest critics exactly why he is considered arguably the greatest player in history.

There are some big names chasing this year’s prize, but Messi has a strong case for his ninth Ballon d’Or.

World Cup Resurgence

Performing on the biggest stage is a massive part of the criteria for the Ballon d’Or, and nobody can argue against Messi’s success in that regard.

Those that had perhaps taken somewhat of a back seat following Messi since his MLS switch were swiftly reminded that this guy is still superhuman at the World Cup. He bagged eight goals on the global stage and added a further four assists, contributing to at least one goal in every single game apart from the final. That is unbelievable.

Argentina’s fall in the final meant Messi only walked away from the World Cup with the Silver Ball, but had his team won the whole thing, Rodri’s Golden Ball would undoubtedly be sat in Messi’s trophy cabinet now.

Outperforming Rivals at World Cup

It’s not just that Messi was great at the World Cup. We cannot ignore how much better he was this summer than the vast majority of those in the running for the award.

Harry Kane scored six goals and blanked for England in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Lamine Yamal only scored once for Spain. Only Kylian Mbappé can compete with Messi in this regard, and two of his goals this summer came in the inconsequential third-place playoff.

Messi rose right to the top this summer, leading by example with more eyes on our sport than ever before. That cannot be undervalued.

Confirmed Shortlists

• Ballon d'Or Nominees (Men’s and Women’s)

• Kopa Trophy Nominees (Men’s and Women’s)

• Yashin Trophy Nominees (Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year)

• Club of the Year Nominees (Men’s and Women’s)

• Coach of the Year Nominees (Men’s and Women’s)

Timeless Brilliance

The narrative surrounding Messi’s journey with the international team this summer made it hard to forget the fact he is in the twilight of his career, but if you did manage to ignore that talk and simply enjoyed what he was offering up on the pitch, you’d be forgiven for overlooking the fact he has just turned 39.

At 39, most players have already called time on their careers. Those still playing have almost certainly dropped their levels, begrudgingly accepting the fact they simply cannot keep up with the youngsters running today’s game. Not Messi.

Nobody has ever been as good at 39 years of age as Messi is right now, and it’s not even close. He ran the show at the World Cup in a period of his career in which he should have been watching from home in a comfy pair of slippers. Messi’s Ballon d’Or wins have all been built on making us question logic and reality, and he is still forcing those conversations to this day.

MLS Impact

We can talk all day about Messi’s on-field brilliance, but the reality is the Ballon d’Or is not only decided by that. Voters are also asked to consider each nominee’s wider impact on the sport.

As far as MLS goes, nobody has ever been more influential on the league than Messi who, without disrespecting the rest of the league, has brought unparalleled attention to the entire sport of soccer in the U.S. and elevated the sport across the entire country.

Let’s go one step further. Has anyone ever done more for a single league than Messi has with MLS? Soccer, as a sport, feels like it reaches a better place each and every year thanks to the diminutive Argentine.

Backing From Soccer World

The award is voted on by journalists, but if it was decided by a jury of his peers, Messi would seemingly run home with the Ballon d’Or.

“The Ballon d’Or should go to Leo Messi,” Argentina teammate Cristian Romero argued. “Until he retires, that is clear.

“Putting aside what he is as a player and what he has achieved throughout his career, he is still the best in the world. What makes him even greater is that I have shared a dressing room with him, and he possesses a humility that very few have. Those things make him stand out.”

Another international comrade, Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool, followed suit: “He had an incredible World Cup and I don't see why he shouldn’t be awarded it.”

“When you see him do things like this, when you see him have the World Cup that he’s had, there is no one at 39 that’s doing that, and doing it at that level,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. “He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it.”

Finally, Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who has watched Mbappé and Yamal close up in La Liga this year, was left in no doubt about Messi’s credentials.

“Messi, without a doubt,” Simeone revealed as his pick for the prize. “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Five Reasons Why Lionel Messi Should Win the Ballon d’Or.

During the most open Ballon d’Or race in decades, some of the leading contenders have tried to sway the 100 journalists voting on the award by openly campaigning. Harry Kane has braved several interviews while Kylian Mbappé appears to be more internationally quoted than Donald Trump. Yamal has embarked upon his media onslaught. Like any other 19-year-old, he has come to regret some of his statements.

Last week, the Barcelona star declared that it was a two-horse race. “Mbappé and I are the two best in the world. For me, it’s very clear, and everyone who watches the games knows it.”

That stance belittled the claims put forward by the likes of Yamal’s compatriot and World Cup winning captain Rodri, the best player for Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and a certain Lionel Messi. In a subsequent interview with L’Équipe, Yamal has softened his stance, particularly when it comes to the legendary eight-time winner of the award.

“They’re all incredible players,” Yamal said of the 29 other nominees. “It doesn’t surprise me that these guys are in the running—they all have their own case to make. Messi is mentioned because he had a great World Cup, for example, and others have different arguments.

“We have to respect everyone’s opinion. If someone says, ‘Messi deserves it’ or ‘Rodri deserves it,’ that’s totally respectable—they’re not talking nonsense, right?”

Could Lionel Messi Win a Ninth Ballon d’Or?

There are three criteria under consideration for this year’s Ballon d’Or:

1. Individual performances, decisive and impressive character
2. Collective performances and titles won
3. Class and fair play.

One of the unwritten rules to also consider is the World Cup factor. In any year with the most meaningful tournament the sport has to offer, acts on that grand stage are multipled exponentially.

Messi emphatically ticks the first box with a staggering sequence of individual displays for Argentina this summer. Inspired by his ailing father watching on from afar and propelled by months of preparation in the humid conditions of Miami, the ageless 39-year-old defied the clock to score eight goals and set up another four as Argentina battled its way to the final. While some of his teammates failed to meet the third criterion, Messi didn’t get dragged into the unseemly scenes at fulltime of the final.

The Ballon d’Or voters can be a romantic bunch, as evidenced by Messi’s triumph in 2023. Erling Haaland ravaged all before him for a Manchester City side which won the European treble, but it was Messi’s role in Argentina’s World Cup victory that landed him the golden gong. Despite not winning the trophy this time around, the international captain was arguably even better in the States than he had been at Qatar.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lamine Yamal Changes His Mind About Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or Chances.

While many, quite rightly, point to the Argentine’s extraordinary natural talent—perhaps the greatest of his generation, if not all time—it hasn’t all come down to ability alone.

State-of-the-art training methods, elite conditioning, injury prevention, physiotherapy and plenty of good, old-fashioned hard work away from the pitch have all played a role in allowing Messi to remain at the very top of the sport for so long.

Then there’s his diet—the often overlooked but crucial piece of the puzzle. What Messi eats and drinks has become increasingly important as the years have gone by, helping him maintain the physical demands required to perform at the highest level well into his 30s.

Here, we take a closer look at Messi’s diet and the eating habits that have helped the Argentine magician sustain an extraordinary career at the top of world soccer.

Messi’s Early Diet

Messi’s eating habits were far from what you would expect from a modern elite athlete during the early stages of his career.

Pizza, fast food and soda were among his favorites, while he also enjoyed traditional Argentine dishes such as milanesa, a breadcrumb-coated beef fillet that is typically shallow-fried.

For a while, it hardly seemed to matter. Messi was tearing through defenses, collecting Ballon d’Or awards and helping Barcelona win virtually every major trophy available. But by the early 2010s, the physical demands were becoming harder to ignore. Recurring injuries began to interrupt his rhythm, while he was also occasionally seen vomiting on the pitch before matches.

By 2014, a change was clearly needed. Enter Italian nutritionist Giuliano Poser, who would play a major role in transforming Messi’s approach to food.

Time for a Change

Messi’s 2014–15 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 58 goals and added 23 assists as Barcelona swept to a historic treble, lifting the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey.

A major part of the change behind the scenes was his work with Poser.

The Italian nutritionist, reportedly recommended to Messi by his Argentina teammate Martín Demichelis, completely revamped his approach to food. Poser identified five staples—water, olive oil, whole grains, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables—as the foundation of Messi’s new diet, while also encouraging him to reduce his intake of sugar and red meat.

Poser’s approach went beyond food, too, reportedly incorporating Bach flower remedies and emotional therapy as part of a broader approach to Messi’s physical and mental well-being.

#Messi went to Italy last monday to visit his nutritionist, Doctor Giuliano Poser, for some final advice before he takes part in the World Cup this summer. #WeAreMessi pic.twitter.com/9rh4jaZWYL

— We Are Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) May 17, 2018

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Poser explained the thinking behind the overhaul.

“He eliminated processed foods and replaced them with foods rich in vitamins—cereals, vegetables, fish and olive oil,” he said. “He had won everything, but wanted to continue this excellence for years and understood he had to change something. We are talking about a very intelligent and intuitive person.”

Soda Out, Yerba Mate in

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Lionel Messi scored his 20th goal of the season in a 2–2 draw with San Diego FC. It marked the eighth consecutive league match with at least one goal contribution from Inter Miami’s dazzling talisman.

Meanwhile, $18 million newcomer, André Luiz, has already proved his weight in gold for
Sporting Kansas City, scoring his second and third league goals on Saturday in just his fourth MLS appearance.

As for Red Bull New York youngster Julian Hall, he is back on top. The 18-year-old striker, riding high on a first-ever call up to the U.S. men’s national team this fall, secured his side’s win in the Hudson River derby and ended his recent goal drought.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. João Klauss’s Nontraditional Header

João Klauss equalizes for @LAGalaxy! pic.twitter.com/1CujgmUdha

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 20, 2026

L.A. Galaxy striker João Klauss stunned on Saturday night at Allianz Field with a nontraditional header off of Marco Reus’s free kick. The Brazilian ran toward the front post before launching himself into the air and bending his body backward to flick the ball toward the back post. The ball screamed into side netting, equalizing the match, 2–2, for the Galaxy in the 76th minute.

Klauss’s side eventually walked away with a 3–2 victory over Minnesota United.

4. Julian Hall’s Determination

Julian Hall chases it down and opens the scoring for New York! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JxUzEPoITR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 19, 2026

It had been 13-consecutive games without getting on the scoresheet for Julian Hall, dating back to May, and the teenager’s determination to put a conclusive end to the unwanted streak was on full display. The striker pounced on a poor defensive pass by New York City FC’s James Sands and darted past goalkeeper Matt Freese to find the back of the net in the 57th minute.

It was the lone finish of the night, allowing the Red Bulls to walk away from Yankee Stadium with the Hudson River derby trophy. Hall’s triumph, which USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was in person to witness, will give the young star a confidence boost heading into his first senior national team camp.

3. Morgan Whittaker’s MLS Introduction

MORGAN WHITTAKER STRIKES TWICE ‼️

The @ColoradoRapids newcomer extends the home side's lead to 3-1! pic.twitter.com/VhPzplvIgU

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 20, 2026

Morgan Whittaker, who completed a transfer from Middlesbrough for $13 million on Deadline Day, scored a brace in just his second MLS appearance for the Colorado Rapids. The second goal for the 25-year-old English winger was a blistering strike into the roof of the Seattle Sounders’ goal, taken with his first touch off a bouncing ball just inside the box. Perfect execution.

2. André Luiz’s Solo Mission

André Luiz, that is unreal. 🤯

A solo stunner to remember for @SportingKC! pic.twitter.com/uHzyIJs4bl

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 20, 2026

André Luiz was a man on a mission this weekend, scoring two goals against the Philadelphia Union at home at Sporting Park. He opened his account on Saturday in just the fifth minute.

Luiz settled a wayward ball from the air, despite the intense pressure at his back. He then darted into the Union’s half, beating the same defender once again, before beating a second defender to enter the 18-yard box, and then taking a left-footed shot to the far post.

1. A Classic Lionel Messi Free Kick

Messi puts the ball in a dangerous spot and somehow finds its way in. 👀 pic.twitter.com/jlYIpiIi4n

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 20, 2026

Messi effortlessly curved a left-footed free kick over the heads of his San Diego opponents and under the diving body of goalkeeper Carlos Dos Santos. The ball ricocheted off of the goal post and into the back of the net, marking the soccer legend’s 101st MLS goal and 75th-career free kick goal. Messi now has nine goal total contributions across the last five MLS games.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: Lionel Messi, Andre Luiz, Julian Hall and More.

It was yet another landmark week for Messi, who bagged his 100th goal for Inter Miami in the 2–0 win against Cruz Azul to lift the 2026 Campeones Cup—a one-match final between the reigning MLS and Liga MX champions.

At 39, Messi continues to be the talismanic figure for the Herons up front, and Wednesday’s win saw him lift the 48th trophy of his illustrious career, extending his own record as the most decorated player in soccer history.

Inter Miami are the second club at which Messi has reached the century-goal mark, after the 600-plus he bagged for Barcelona.

It took Messi 115 games to reach his 100th for the Herons, which quickly resurfaced the never-ending comparisons with career arch-rival Ronaldo, who scored his 100th goal for Al Nassr in an alarmingly-similar timeframe.

Messi and Ronaldo’s Quest to 100 Goals at Inter Miami, Al Nassr

Messi and Ronaldo’s Stats After 115 Games for Inter Miami, Al Nassr

It took Ronaldo two fewer games to reach the century mark for Al Nassr, scoring his 100th goal in 113 appearances for the Saudi side. By his 115th appearance, Ronaldo had added one more goal to his account.

Still, a detailed breakdown of Messi and Ronaldo’s goalscoring numbers after 115 games played at their current clubs sees the Argentine get the edge in many significant categories.

Only five of Messi’s 100 Miami goals came from the penalty spot, while Ronaldo scored 27 penalties by the time he reached the century mark. Ronaldo, unsurprisingly, has 14 headed goals to Messi’s 6, but the left-footed magician has double the amount of free kick goals with a 10 to five split.

The most glaring difference comes in the form of minutes played. Ronaldo had already eclipsed the 10,000 minute mark by the time of his 115th game for Al Nassr. Meanwhile, Messi has played just over 9,500 minutes, considerably less than the Portuguese striker.

As a result, Messi’s goals per minute average is higher, giving him the edge in another major statistical category by the time they reached the century mark.

Fast forward to the present, and Ronaldo is now on 132 goals in 155 appearances for Al Nassr, as his pursuit to reach 1,000 career goals closes in on the promise land. At this rate, Messi could continue to post similar numbers as long as he continues donning Miami’s pink.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as How Lionel Messi’s Race to 100 Inter Miami Goals Compares to Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

The action gets started on Friday night with what could be the final Hudson River Derby at Yankee Stadium, pitting New York City FC against Red Bull New York, a matchup which features Matt Freese, Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, three players recently called up to the U.S. men’s national team’s fall roster.

It’s not the only derby of the weekend, as FC Dallas face Austin FC with a chance to win the Copa Tejas on the line, a trophy awarded to the best MLS team in Texas.

The weekend wraps up on Sunday night with recently-crowned Campeones Cup winners Inter Miami traveling cross-country to San Diego FC. The Herons seek a first league victory under new manager Kily González.

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it could all play out.

New York City FC vs. Red Bull New York

• Date: Friday, Sept. 18
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The Hudson River Derby kicks things off this weekend with a Friday night affair at Yankee Stadium, potentially marking the last time that the matchup will take place at the hallowed baseball diamond before NYCFC moves into Etihad Park in 2027. 

Red Bull New York come into the match after snapping a six-game winless skid with a 1–0 victory over the Columbus Crew last week and will have plenty of confidence after teenagers Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall were called into their first USMNT camp for the fall friendlies against Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile. 

NYCFC may have the upper hand, though. Since the beginning of 2024, the Pigeons have won five of their seven meetings across all competitions with the Red Bulls.

Score Prediction: New York City FC 2–2 Red Bull New York

D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Charlotte FC have found some swagger in attack since Allan Saint-Maximin joined the group this summer and will hope to carry it into this week’s clash with D.C. United. While Saint-Maximin has yet to score, his involvement has elevated Liel Abada and Pep Biel, and provided more chances for Idan Toklomati in front of the goal. 

Can Charlotte extend their seven-game unbeaten streak? To do so, they’ll have to silence Tai Baribo and D.C.'s attack in an away effort at Audi Field.

Score Prediction: D.C. United 0–1 Charlotte FC

CF Montréal vs. Columbus Crew

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

CF Montréal are flying high, despite sitting second-to-last in MLS. On Wednesday, the Québec club secured a 3–2 win on aggregate against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, punching its ticket to the Canadian Championship final and looking to win the title for the first time since 2021.

Prince Owusu scored twice in that game to bring him to 14 goals across all competitions this season, and he will hope to add to his tally at home against a Columbus Crew side, also middling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. 

Score Prediction: CF Montréal 1–1 Columbus Crew

New England Revolution vs. Orlando City

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The New England Revolution have back-to-back wins after a vital victory over the Chicago Fire last week and take on Antoine Griezmann’s Orlando City this weekend, with a chance to surpass Inter Miami for second place in the Eastern Conference. 

While Dor Turgeman, Jack Harrison and Carles Gil will lead their efforts, wingback Peyton Miller will have plenty of confidence as well, after the 18-year-old earned his first USMNT call-up for the fall window. 

Orlando, meanwhile, have plenty going their way. Griezmann has scored eight goals since his arrival and pushed the Lions up to sixth in the table. He has also formed a potent partnership with 19-year-old striker Justin Ellis, who also earned a spot on the USMNT for the fall. 

Score Prediction: New England Revolution 3–2 Orlando City

San Jose Earthquakes vs. LAFC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Although Niko Tsakiris was left off the USMNT for the fall, the 21-year-old has returned to early-season form with the San Jose Earthquakes since coming back from injury and is leading the way, with Timo Werner out of the squad since Aug. 22 due to an injury. 

With back-to-back wins against San Diego FC and the Houston Dynamo, they see themselves as favorites at home against an LAFC side that fell to last-place Sporting Kansas City last weekend. 

Score Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 2–0 LAFC

FC Dallas vs. Austin FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Copa Tejas returns this week for a clash between FC Dallas and an Austin FC side brimming with confidence after a 2–1 win over Western Conference-leading Vancouver last weekend. 

With FC Dallas sitting on six points in the three-team Texan competition, they can clinch the Copa Tejas with a win.

Score Prediction: FC Dallas 3–1 Austin FC

FC Cincinnati vs. Houston Dynamo

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Having allowed 12 goals in the last three games, FC Cincinnati are desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend against a stingy Houston Dynamo side, who hope to stay in the race for the top spot in the Western Conference. 

Cincinnati come into the match after a slight improvement with a 3–3 draw against Charlotte FC last week. They will turn to Kévin Denkey’s rekindled form after his brace brought him to 13 goals and two assists on the season. 

Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2–1 Houston Dynamo

Sporting Kansas City vs. Philadelphia Union

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Philadelphia Union are in the best form of any MLS team right now, riding a 10-game unbeaten run and getting exceptional play from 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan and 18-year-old Neil Pierre, both of whom are celebrating their first calls into the USMNT’s senior camp. 

Sullivan has five goals and seven assists in his last seven games and will be the key to Philadelphia’s attack. It could get ugly as well, despite the last-place Sporting Kansas City having some momentum after last week’s 3–1 win over LAFC. 

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 5–1 Sporting Kansas City

Minnesota United vs. L.A. Galaxy

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

How safe is Greg Vanney’s seat, given the L.A. Galaxy’s mere seven wins this season? While most teams with ambitions like the Galaxy might see their manager in danger, Vanney doesn’t seem to be in trouble. A win over Minnesota United this weekend could push the Galaxy above the playoff bar, despite a frustrated fanbase and an underwhelming campaign. 

A visit to Minnesota won’t be too threatening either, with the Loons having dropped their last three games, including last weekend’s 4–2 loss to the in-form St. Louis CITY SC. 

Score Prediction: Minnesota United 1–3 L.A. Galaxy

St. Louis CITY SC vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

St. Louis CITY SC are enjoying their best form ever, riding a 15-game unbeaten streak in MLS play and advancing to the U.S. Open Cup final with Wednesday night’s win over the Colorado Rapids. It’s hard to be down on them right now, and Rafael Navarro has only made the group better, despite being cup-tied to the Colorado Rapids.

Up against Toronto FC at home this week, they’ll be overwhelming favorites, especially after Toronto’s recent hot streak ended with a disheartening 3–0 loss to Orlando City a week ago. 

Score Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 3–0 Toronto FC

Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The Seattle Sounders may not be losing anymore, but they've gone for four straight draws and 12 games without a win. They’ve dropped below the MLS Cup playoff line, but a win could put them back in the race. The Rapids, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a U.S. Open Cup semifinal loss to St. Louis.

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 1–1 Colorado Rapids

Nashville SC vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC played three games in an eight-day spell last week and came away with just two points. Amid a three-game winless run for the first time this season, they face a critical home opportunity against Robert Lewandowski’s Chicago Fire, hoping to maintain a massive lead atop the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield. 

If Chicago find all three points, they’ll likely loft themselves into the coveted top four spots in the East heading into the final stretch of the season. 

Score Prediction: Nashville SC 3–2 Chicago Fire

Real Salt Lake vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps are desperate to get back into form after falling 2–1 to Austin FC last week and crashing out of the Canadian Championship semifinals to CF Montréal, falling short of a fifth-straight title in the competition. 

While Brian White leads all U.S. goal-scorers in MLS with 15 goals this season, he wasn’t called up to the USMNT’s fall friendlies, largely due to his age. Yet, he continues to be a potent attacker and will hope to break Real Salt Lake’s backline this week—which could include Canadian World Cup star defender Luc De Fougerolles, recently acquired on loan from Fulham. 

Score Prediction: Real Salt Lake 1–3 Vancouver Whitecaps

Portland Timbers vs. Atlanta United

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Portland Timbers are clinging to a playoff position in the Western Conference, sitting just two points above the cutoff, with a tense race happening just below them in the table. After falling 2–1 to FC Dallas last weekend, they will hope to rekindle their form against Atlanta United at home, facing a team that is still struggling despite signing Swiss World Cup star Breel Embolo.

Score Prediction: Portland Timbers 3–3 Atlanta United

Inter Miami vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

Lionel Messi had a goal and an assist in Inter Miami’s 2–0 win over Cruz Azul to hoist the Campeones Cup on Wednesday, securing the club’s fourth title and the 49th of his career. The win could reinvigorate Inter Miami as they look to snap a seven-game MLS winless skid. They will also see new manager Kily González make his MLS coaching debut against San Diego FC. 

Score Prediction: Inter Miami 2–2 San Diego FC

MLS Predictions: Matchday 27

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Hudson River Derby, USMNT Call-Ups Headline Matchday 27.

Speaking to Apple TV after Messi’s 100th Inter Miami goal and an assist helped secure a 2–0 triumph over Cruz Azul to win the 2026 Campeones Cup, Beckham shared his affection for the Argentine, who now holds a world record with 49 career trophies.

“There’s no one at 39 who is doing that and doing it at that level. So he deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or and in my opinion, he should win it,” the former England and LA Galaxy star, turned Inter Miami co-owner, said.

“When you see him do things like this tonight, when you see him have the World Cup that he had, it’s not luck that he’s being considered for the Ballon d’Or again. He was probably the best player in the tournament... That’s special.”

Celebrating with your fans 🫶@InterMiamiCF brings the trophy over to the supporters after winning @CampeonesCup. pic.twitter.com/TGdPGKsjQz

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2026

Beckham went on to name “great players,” including FC Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane as well as Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, but urged his support for Messi, mere moments after the two-time MLS MVP lifted his latest, and potentially last, piece of silverware in the twilight years of his career.

“I still can’t believe we have him here in Miami playing for our team,” Beckham added. “That’s why I go to training every day and watch him, and that’s why I turn up and watch him every time possible because we all want to see Leo play forever.”

Casemiro, making a rare appearance in front of reporters after the match, also urged voters to lean in favor of Messi, despite knowing the slight MLS can put on those favoring European club competitions.

“With him, anything is possible. He proved that at the World Cup, but that’s not for me to say,” the Brazilian said. “Naturally, when you play with a teammate, you always want him to win, and of course he wants to win too. But that’s up to the voters... All I wish for him is good luck, and I hope people remember what he accomplished at the World Cup, because that’s very important.”

Beckham Hoping for Miami Spark

While Messi is set to wrap up his time with Argentina’s national team in the upcoming international window with a send-off match on home soil, he is under contract with Inter Miami through 2028.

It leaves plenty more trophies for Miami to chase, headlined by the still-elusive Concacaf Champions Cup and the U.S. Open Cup, the only trophies in the region Miami have fallen short of.

With new manager Kily González now at the helm, and the continued leadership of Messi and his fellow Miami superstars, Beckham is confident a promising future could be on the horizon.

"In my opinion, he should win [the Ballon d'Or]."

David Beckham on Messi. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/oGVTKvlTpo

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2026

“Any trophy for this club is very special, and to win this trophy in our new stadium, the first trophy in this stadium, is very special,” Beckham added.

“It’s been a bit of a struggle in the last six weeks, but the team keeps grinding away. They keep getting the results, and they’re not always the results that we want, but they’re grinding away, and they’re working as a team. We have a new coach who came in and started yesterday, so today’s a good start for him.”

Once Messi retires, he is set to join Beckham and co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas with an equity stake in Inter Miami, but will want to do so with more trophies to his name.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as David Beckham Leads Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or Campaign With Indisputable Fact.

Messi, 39, opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a rare header, marking just the second time he has scored a header in a final and the first since doing so for FC Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final. 

Later, in the 81st minute, Messi curled in a corner kick to Brazilian international Casemiro, who rose and headed home to seal the victory, securing Miami their fourth trophy and adding the Campeones Cup to the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and 2025 MLS Cup. 

MESSI HEADS IT IN! 😱

Leo's 100th career goal for @InterMiamiCF opens the scoring against Cruz Azul in @CampeonesCup. pic.twitter.com/M1cI6nOIhC

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2026

At the same time, the goal marked Messi’s 100th for Miami in 114 games across all competitions since joining the club in 2023, when he made his debut and scored his first against the same Cruz Azul side in the Leagues Cup. 

While the trophy win and the growth of Messi’s legend stole the headlines, it also marked the first game under new manager Kily González, who took to the touchline three weeks after being named as Guillermo Hoyos’s replacement. Delays in U.S. work visas pushed González’s introduction, but few would have imagined a better start than a trophy win in front of the home crowd and a victory that snapped a nine-game winless skid across all competitions. 

Here are Sports Illustrated’s three takeaways from the match. 

Lionel Messi’s Legend Grows

In every year since he joined the Herons, Messi has delivered a trophy. While the Campeones Cup might not be as important as other titles and doesn’t serve as a qualifying stage for other competitions, it could be the final piece of silverware in the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s career. 

Playing on the left wing in González’s first starting lineup, which allowed longtime teammate Luis Suárez to shift into a center-forward role, Messi was electric as always, dancing on the ball and creating three chances and completing three dribbles, in addition to his goal and assist. 

At 39 and having recently announced a farewell game with Argentina after deciding to retire from international play, it would have been fair for the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominee to prioritize MLS play over a one-match trophy competition. Instead, he was determined to add the silverware and help Miami out of their poor form. 

It was evident how much lifting a trophy meant to him post-match, as he danced with supporters and celebrated among his teammates, likely knowing that the opportunities to embrace silverware victories are fleeting—especially given Miami’s struggles for consistency in MLS play, which make the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup a relatively lofty goal. 

González Changes Defensive Setup

González will continue to make adjustments with Inter Miami as they look to build form in MLS before the MLS Cup playoffs, but his personnel shifts to bring Facundo Mura back into the starting right-back position for the first time since Aug. 22 could prove formative. 

Having Mura in the position behind Rodrigo De Paul in right midfield allowed for a more conservative defensive effort, and offered cover to 18-year-old center back Fricio Caicedo, who continued to play out of position as a left back. At the same time, Casemiro’s drop into central defense remained a strong solution for a team that has struggled to create any sort of defensive cohesion in recent seasons. 

In the midfield three of the 4-3-3, González also gave Paraguayan midfielder Matías Galarza his first start, pushing him in front of Caicedo in left midfield to secure that side when the ball dropped to the left.  

The shifts may have been small defensively, but they made a difference and limited Cruz Azul to four shots on target, while moving Messi wider than he has often played continued to let him influence the game. González will certainly evolve further, but his early moments on the touchline marked plenty of promise.

Can Inter Miami Find Form?

With the win snapping the nine-game winless run, Miami could use it as a springboard to greater success through the final nine games of the season. Currently nine points behind Nashville SC for the top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield, the Herons hope to cut the deficit and claim at least the No. 2 spot as an advantageous position in the postseason. 

Fortunately, the Herons have one of the easiest remaining schedules in MLS, with six of the nine remaining opponents below seventh in their respective conferences as they head into the final third of the season, starting with Saturday’s matchup against Western Conference ninth-place side, San Diego FC. 

After a dire post-World Cup spell, Miami desperately needed a new voice on the touchline and a unifying moment to rekindle some hope in the group. Getting those moments on the same night could be a turning point, with the season’s biggest still looming.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Three Takeaways As Lionel Messi Extends World Record Trophy Haul With Inter Miami’s Campeones Cup Victory.

The World Cup winners, Spain, and Champions League victors, Paris Saint-Germain were two sides deliberately geared toward the collective rather than singlehandedly propelled by an individual. Even the romantic appeal of Lionel Messi’s run with Argentina was sullied by an ugly loss in the final.

However, if you were to ask Lamine Yamal, there are two standout candidates.

“For me, [Kylian] Mbappé and I are the best in the world. It is clear to me. Everyone who watches the matches knows it,” Barcelona’s World Cup winner recently declared. Yamal would put himself ahead of Real Madrid’s talisman in the Ballon d’Or race—“I think I deserve it this year because of what I’ve won.”—but it would appear that the pool is wider than just two favorites.

L’Équipe, the sister publication of France Football which created the award and continues to hand it out each year, led with a potentially revealing front cover this week to preview the Ballon d’Or. Mbappé and Yamal are naturally prominent, but Messi, Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League winner Ousmane Dembélé and Europe’s top scorer Harry Kane also featured behind a headline which read: “It’s their project.”

🗞️ La une du journal L'Équipe du mardi 15 septembre 2026
Pour lire votre édition➡️ https://t.co/ZzwFN2ZqI6 pic.twitter.com/hqqCNtngNl

— L'Équipe (@lequipe) September 15, 2026

Those five names are understandable favorites. Between them, they have lifted every major piece of silverware and scored more than 200 goals. However, none won the individual accolade which comes closest to the Ballon d’Or in a World Cup year.

The One Nominee Pleased to Be Overlooked

Rodri was crowned the best player at the biggest competition on the planet this season, but no one appears to be putting his case forward for the Ballon d’Or. L’Équipe, Rodri’s own team and the player himself all feel entirely comfortably diverting attention elsewhere.

“Ballon d’Or?” Rodri asked during a recent interview. “The club has chosen to back Lamine. They say he’s the player most deserving of the award, and that’s completely legitimate. I hope that a Spanish player wins.”

This is an entirely predictable approach from the softly spoken Spaniard.

“Maybe people would like me to be more marketable and they sometimes say, ‘Mate, you should ...’ but I understand football differently,” Rodri shrugged to The Guardian back in 2024. “I know how it works so I don’t get frustrated if [I get overlooked]. If one day someone wants to reward the work, that’s welcome, but it doesn’t bother me at all.”

That nonchalant approach didn’t hurt Rodri’s campaign in 2024, when he pipped Vinícius Júnior to the Ballon d’Or.

The World Cup winner briefly crept back toward those heights during the summer in North America but had endured an underwhelming domestic campaign with Manchester City. Pep Guardiola himself warned that his former midfield totem would not be “the Rodri of before” until the World Cup. It remains to be seen if those six weeks were convincing enough to be crowned the best player of the entire year.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe’s Three Main Rivals Teased by Ballon d’Or Organizer.

Two weeks after Messi confirmed his international retirement with an emotional announcement, the Argentina soccer federation (AFA) revealed the date of when his final appearance for La Albiceleste will take place.

Messi’s last dance for Argentina will take place in a friendly match against Benin at the nation’s spiritual home of the imposing Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Oct. 6. Messi, Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will join the rest of Lionel Scaloni’s side exclusively for that match.

“To all the fans of Argentina, to all Argentines,” AFA president Claudio Tapia said. “I want to communicate that after a conversation we had with national team manager, Lionel Scaloni, we’ve decided to invite the best player in the world, the icon of our national team, our captain Lionel Messi, so that he can receive the goodbye he truly deserves on Oct. 6, here, in Argentina.

“At the same time, after receiving Lionel’s [Messi] acceptance, we want to invite all the world champions that participated with him at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, so that, alongside their families, they can accompany him in a game that will be unforgettable for all Argentines.”

Argentina Squad for September, October International Break

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea), Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid), Gerónimo Rulli (Manchester City)

Defenders: Agustín Giay (Palmeiras), Leonardo Balerdi (Roma), Cristian Romero (Atlético Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Facundo Medina (Bayer Leverkusen), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon), Román Vega (Zenit)

Midfielders: Valentín Barco (Chelsea), Enzo Fernández (Manchester City), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como), Exequiel Palacios (Ipswich Town)

Forwards: Franco Mastantuono (Fiorentina), Matías Soulé (Roma), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid), Nicolás González (Juventus), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Santiago Castro (Roma), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Argentina Start New Era Without Lionel Messi

Argentina will play two friendly matches prior to Messi’s farewell. La Albiceleste will face Bolivia on Sept. 30 and then Burkina Faso on Oct. 3, before the clash against Benin three days later.

There are plenty of fresh faces in Argentina’s first squad following the 2026 World Cup, with the return of Franco Mastantuono—the most recent player to wear Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt standing out.

Young talents such as Agustín Giay, Matías Soulé, Gianluca Prestianni, Santiago Castro and Román Vega are part of the new crop of Argentina talents that are looking to become regulars during the 2030 cycle.

Messi will wait until the third game in the fall international friendlies to bid farewell because Argentina must hold two home matches with a reduced capacity at the stadiums as part of the punishments FIFA levied at AFA for fan behavior during the 2026 World Cup.

Similarly, suspended players such as Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina aren’t part of Argentina’s squad.

Messi will play his final game for Argentina in what could also be one of Lionel Scaloni’s last games at the helm of the national team, with the manager still yet to renew his contract that will expire at the end of the year.

Regardless of what comes next for Argentina, the match against Benin on Oct. 6 will mark the end of an era. The final goodbye of the greatest player of all time with the Albiceleste shirt—a landmark moment in world soccer.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Why Lionel Messi Is on Latest Argentina Roster Despite International Retirement.