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Cup · World
Palmeiras5 ptsGroup A
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palmeiras PAL | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 | DWD |
| 2 |  Inter Miami | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 | DWD |
| 3 |  FC Porto POR | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 2 | DLD |
| 4 |  Al Ahly AHL | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 2 | DLD |
| # | Player | Team | Goals Total | Assists | Appearances | Minutes | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  A. Mitrović |  Al-Hilal Saudi FC HIL | 28 | 5 | 28 | 2334 | 7.585714 |
| 2 |  Kendry Páez |  Chelsea CHE | 7 | 3 | 30 | 1568 | 7.303703 |
| 3 |  K. Wätjen |  Borussia Dortmund DOR | 5 | 0 | 13 | 961 | 6.884615 |
| # | Player | Team | Goals Total | Assists | Appearances | Minutes | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A. Mitrović | Al-Hilal Saudi FC HIL | 28 | 5 | 28 | 2334 | 7.585714 |
| 2 |  A. Bah |  Benfica BEN | 1 | 4 | 29 | 1856 | 7.230769 |
| 3 | Kendry Páez | Chelsea CHE | 7 | 3 | 30 | 1568 | 7.303703 |
All eyes are locked on Lionel Messi as Inter Miami gears up for a high-stakes MLS heavyweight clash against the Columbus Crew. With the squad fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Argentine icon's potential return to the pitch has completely taken over the pre-match hype. Dive in to see if the legendary playmaker is finally ready to lace up his boots for one of the biggest showdowns of the weekend. All eyes are locked on Lionel Messi as Inter Miami gears up for a high-stakes MLS heavyweight clash against the Columbus Crew. With the squad fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Argentine icon’s potential return to the pitch has completely taken over the pre-match hype. Dive in to see if the legendary playmaker is finally ready to lace up his boots for one of the biggest showdowns of the weekend. Inter Miami enters the contest in excellent form after winning six consecutive league matches, while Columbus Crew arrives hoping to pull off an upset and revive its playoff ambitions. The encounter also comes just days before the Leagues Cup begins, making every selection decision even more significant for both clubs. The Herons have shown impressive resilience despite missing their biggest star since the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The club currently sits second in the Eastern Conference with 37 points, just two behind conference leader Nashville, after collecting victories over opponents including CF Montréal. Luis Suarez has led the attack during Messi’s absence, scoring six goals across the club’s last three MLS matches, including the winner against Montreal. New signing Casemiro also made his debut in that victory and is expected to play his first home match against Columbus Crew. The winning streak has given head coach Guillermo Hoyos the luxury of managing Messi’s return carefully rather than rushing him back into action. Is Messi available for selection? After days of speculation, Lionel Messi is available for Inter Miami’s match against Columbus Crew after returning to full training following his post-World Cup break. However, uncertainty remains over whether the Argentine captain will start the match or make his return from the bench. The World Cup final only recently concluded, and Messi had been enjoying an optional recovery period before reporting back to the club. FIFA and FIFPRO guidelines recommend players receive time off following major international tournaments, although the rest period is not compulsory. Speaking ahead of the match, Hoyos confirmed that discussions were still taking place regarding the forward’s role. “[Messi] got here a little bit ago so we haven’t had a chance yet to properly talk about it. But we’re happy (he and De Paul) are back.” “Debemos agradecer la implicación que tienen Leo Messi y Rodrigo De Paul, son fundamentales a nivel futbolístico y humano”.🎙️ Guillermo Hoyospic.twitter.com/VMu9eY7ng2— Marirró Varela ⭐️🌟⭐️ (@marirrovarela) July 31, 2026 The coach later added: “We are talking in that regard. He just arrived recently, so we still haven’t had the chance to really talk things through, but we are very happy that he has returned.” Those comments suggest the coaching staff will make a final decision closer to kickoff after evaluating the veteran’s physical condition. Why Inter Miami is being cautious The timing of Messi’s return is particularly delicate because Inter Miami faces several crucial fixtures over the coming weeks, including MLS matches against Nashville, Philadelphia Union, Toronto, and Montreal, alongside the Leagues Cup campaign. Reports indicate the medical and coaching staff prefer to prioritize the long-term fitness of their biggest stars rather than rushing them back immediately after the World Cup. Lionel Messi #10 and Rodrigo de Paul #7 of Inter Miami CF. Should Hoyos decide against giving Messi heavy minutes against Columbus Crew, the Argentine could instead be preserved for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atlético de S
Lionel Messi could get a new teammate after rumors linking Juan Fernando Quintero to Inter Miami. Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami have emerged as one of the clubs monitoring Juan Fernando Quintero’s situation after Colombia’s 2026 World Cup playmaker became a free agent following his exit from River Plate. According to Diario AS Colombia, the Herons are among the options being considered for the 33-year-old, though there’s no confirmation yet of direct talks between the two parties. If it materializes, the move would put Quintero in a locker room already stacked with Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez, Sergio Reguilón and new arrival Casemiro. Quintero’s departure from River came after a turbulent final stretch of his third spell at the club, marked by open friction with head coach Eduardo Coudet. The midfielder didn’t hide his frustration before the split. Juan Quintero #20 of Colombia during the 2026 World Cup. (Getty Images) “I’m not a priority for Coudet. As a person, I have the utmost respect for him, but footballing-wise we think differently. I didn’t get much continuity under him; I played five minutes in the final,” Quintero told ESPN’s Equipo F. Both sides ultimately agreed to terminate his contract following Colombia’s run at the 2026 World Cup, where the Tricolor were eliminated in the round of 16 on penalties to Switzerland in Vancouver. What could Quintero bring to Miami Quintero’s arrival would make sense from a pure squad-management standpoint. Inter Miami are juggling three competitions simultaneously this season: the MLS regular season, the Leagues Cup, and the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they enter directly in the Round of 16 after clinching their first-ever MLS Cup title last year. With that packed calendar and Messi, De Paul and others needing careful rotation after their World Cup runs, adding a proven creative midfielder like Quintero would give Hoyos real depth to manage fixture congestion without leaning too heavily on his older stars.
Since leaving Europe, both stars have signed career-defining contracts with new clubs, creating an astonishing earnings gap that has sparked fresh debate about how each legend has approached the final stage of his career. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have spent nearly two decades competing for soccer’s biggest prizes, and that rivalry now extends to their financial success as well. Since leaving Europe, both stars have signed career-defining contracts with new clubs, creating an astonishing earnings gap that has sparked fresh debate about how each legend has approached the final stage of his career. The numbers appear overwhelming at first glance, but they only tell part of the story. While Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has generated unprecedented soccer wages, Messi’s agreement in the United States follows a very different model that could reshape his wealth for years after retirement. Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr at the beginning of 2023 transformed far more than one club. His transfer became the catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s soccer project, attracting global attention and encouraging several elite players to join the Saudi Pro League. Since then, stars including Karim Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kante, and Sadio Mane have followed similar paths, strengthening the league’s international profile. The Portuguese veteran has frequently argued that the Saudi Pro League is growing rapidly and has the potential to compete with many of the world’s strongest competitions. His influence has also extended beyond the pitch through television audiences, sponsorship opportunities and worldwide commercial interest. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy The earnings gap finally becomes clear Reports indicate Cristiano Ronaldo has earned approximately $675 million to $730 million from Al-Nassr since 2023, while Lionel Messi has accumulated an estimated $210 million to $240 million from Inter Miami during the same period. That creates a difference of roughly $435 million in direct club earnings between soccer’s two greatest modern icons. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Ronaldo’s income has been built through a combination of guaranteed salary and performance bonuses. The reported figures include approximately $695 million in base salary, plus additional rewards for goals, assists, Golden Boot victories and winning the Saudi Pro League title. Overall, his estimated total reaches about $730 million during his first three and a half seasons in Saudi Arabia. The catch behind the numbers The enormous difference comes with an important detail. Ronaldo’s advantage exists primarily because his contract focuses on immediate guaranteed salary, while Messi’s agreement includes substantial long-term commercial partnerships and future business opportunities rather than matching Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking wages. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF lifts the Champion’s trophy after winning the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final Inter Miami and Major League Soccer designed a package unlike any previous soccer contract. Instead of competing solely with annual salary, the agreement includes revenue-sharing arrangements with Apple through MLS Season Pass subscriptions, merchandise partnerships with Adidas and Fanatics, plus an option to acquire an ownership stake in Inter Miami after retirement. Those benefits are difficult to calculate today because their value could continue increasing for many years. Messi chose different business strategy When Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, many expected him to receive one of soccer’s richest contracts. Instead, the Argentine accepted a base salary of approximately $25 million, with total guaranteed compensation rising above $28 million, making him the highest-paid player in MLS history. However, the real value of his agreement lies elsewhere. According to financial reports, Messi receives a share of revenue generated by new Apple TV MLS Season Pass subscriptions, while also benefiting
Inter Miami face Columbus Crew, and many are wondering whether Lionel Messi will return to action for the Herons. Lionel Messi’s status for Inter Miami’s home clash with the Columbus Crew remains unresolved hours before kickoff. While Guillermo Hoyos stopped short of confirming his presence in Friday’s press conference, the Argentine could still be present at Nu Stadium regardless. Messi added a new layer of intrigue Saturday morning by posting an Instagram story referencing tonight’s match, fueling speculation that he could be involved in some capacity, even if only off the bench. The same situation applies to Rodrigo De Paul, who rejoined the squad alongside Messi and could see some action tonight. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET at Inter Miami‘s home stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with the stakes raised by the fact that a win would send the Herons to the top of the Eastern Conference. If Messi and De Paul don’t feature tonight, both are expected to be available for Wednesday’s Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis, which lines up with the end of their mandated post-World Cup rest period. Fútbol at home under the lights 💫 #MIAvCLB pic.twitter.com/wx8D52D3R2— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 1, 2026 Inter Miami projected lineup German Berterame won’t be available for this match due to concussion protocol, sustained during the win over CF Montreal. This would be the projected starting XI if Messi and De Paul begin the match on the bench: Ríos Novo; Reguilón, Micael, Fray, Mura; Ruiz, Casemiro, Bright, Silvetti; Plambeck, Suárez. Columbus Crew projected lineup For this match, Laurent Courtois is expected to send out the following side at Nu Stadium: Schulte; Zawadzki, Camacho, Moreira; Arfsten, Bangoura, Chambost; Farsi; Gazdag, Habroune; Thiaré.
Manchester City lost on penalties to Inter in their pre-season opener, but the performance of Ryan McAidoo caught Enzo Maresca's eye. The post ‘He is the kind of winger I love’ – Maresca lauds City teenager McAidoo appeared first on SoccerNews.
Barcelona's pursuit of Julian Alvarez appears to have slowed down, and coach Hansi Flick addressed the situation, saying he's only focused on the squad he already has. Hansi Flick downplayed any suggestion that Barcelona are actively chasing Julian Alvarez this summer, addressing the rumors directly after his side’s preseason friendly against Birmingham on Friday. Asked about the possibility of signing the Argentine, the German coach was blunt: “I focus on the team I have now and the players I have now, I don’t dream,” he said, before adding, “I’m here and what I see is that we have a lot of quality, also with the young players”. The comments come amid persistent speculation linking Alvarez to Barcelona, driven largely by the club’s genuine interest in the forward following his runner-up finish with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. During the tournament, Alvarez himself requested to leave Atletico Madrid, saying “I spoke with the club, and I believe the best thing for everyone is a transfer,” while also revealing the desire to fulfill his childhood dream. Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid. Barcelona have shown real intent to explore a move, but the situation runs into a hard wall in Atletico Madrid, who have firmly rejected any suggestion of selling their star striker regardless of the player’s own preferences. For now, Barcelona have already completed the arrivals of forwards Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu, while the pursuit of the Argentine striker appears to have cooled amid Atletico Madrid’s resistance to letting him go. Atletico Madrid file a complaint against Barcelona with FIFA The standoff has escalated well beyond transfer talk. Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín confirmed the club will formally file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona, accusing them of negotiating with Alvarez while he remains under contract during the protected period, commonly known as “tapping up”. Spain’s football federation has also opened an extraordinary proceeding against Barcelona and appointed an investigator to look into the alleged approach toward a player tied to Atletico until June 2030. The case carries real teeth: under Article 93 of the Disciplinary Code, potential sanctions range from fines to a one-to-two-year suspension for the player himself, with a minimum four-match ban, while Barcelona could face partial or total stadium closures of up to three matches or two months, a points deduction, or a transfer registration ban.
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