Friendlies Clubs is a Cup football competition. Sportra's live hub for Friendlies Clubs focuses on the 2026/27 season. As a cup competition, Friendlies Clubs brings together clubs or national teams for seasonal or knockout football. Friendlies Clubs on Sportra includes live league standings, full fixtures and results, top scorers, assists leaders, yellow-card and red-card discipline tables, and headline news. Browse upcoming kickoffs, recent final scores, table movement, and player leaderboards without leaving the Friendlies Clubs profile. On Sportra you can browse Friendlies Clubs live standings, fixtures, results, top scorers, assists leaders, discipline tables, and headlines.
Cup · World
Friendlies Clubs is a Cup football competition. Sportra's live hub for Friendlies Clubs focuses on the 2026/27 season. As a cup competition, Friendlies Clubs brings together clubs or national teams for seasonal or knockout football. Friendlies Clubs on Sportra includes live league standings, full fixtures and results, top scorers, assists leaders, yellow-card and red-card discipline tables, and headline news. Browse upcoming kickoffs, recent final scores, table movement, and player leaderboards without leaving the Friendlies Clubs profile. On Sportra you can browse Friendlies Clubs live standings, fixtures, results, top scorers, assists leaders, discipline tables, and headlines.
Cup · World
Lionel Messi failed from the penalty spot, was yellow-carded, and hit both posts in stoppage time in Inter Miami’s 4-1 loss at Nashville SC before 30,109 that kept the Coyotes in first place of the Eastern Conference. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved the penalty kick from Messi, who missed two during the 2026 World Cup, after […] The post MLS WEEKEND: Misery for Messi in Music City appeared first on Soccer America.
Sergiño Dest's arching half-volley from the wing set up a close-range tap-in for Ricardo Pepi for PSV's winning goal. Defender Auston Trusty headed in Celtic's first goal in its 4-0 win over Dundee United. Sebastian Berhalter went 90 minutes in Middlesbrough's English Championship opener, a 2-1 win over Lincoln City. Gio Reyna assisted on Strasbourg's goal in 1-1 friendly tie with Newcastle. The post AMERICANS ABROAD: Ricardo Pepi scores for PSV on Sergiño Dest assist appeared first on Soccer America.
Cristiano Ronaldo's dream to claim the 2026 World Cup with Portugal has begun, currently at the Round of 32. Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again. Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, when they visit Al Diriyah for the Round of 32 in the 2026-27 King’s Cup at Al Awwal Park. However, the Portuguese star’s presence remains to be a major question as he has recently returned to the training sessions alongside his teammates. The icon’s 2026-27 international campaign with Portugal following the 2026 World Cup is set to begin on Thursday, September 24, when they host Wales for Matchday 1 of the of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The forward’s last World Cup game came on July 6th, where Spain beat the Selecao in the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win. In the 2025-26 season, the Portuguese icon scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers and 3 in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal, with his personal account in 976 career goals. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring a goal. Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule. From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final. With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.
With the 2026 MLS season already underway, questions are being raised about when Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will play his next game. Lionel Messi is still making history at 38 years old, remaining a cornerstone and captain for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. With the 2026 Major League Soccer season now underway, fans are wondering when they’ll see the forward back in action. Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, when the Herons visit Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park for the 2026 MLS. The Argentine star heads to the game after missing a penalty in the 4-1 defeat against Nashville SC. As for his next game with Argentina, there is no game scheduled yet, but the next matchups will be in the upcoming extended international break in September-October. Still, his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste remains a question since he hasn’t spoken after the 2026 World Cup final over his future. During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF during the MLS match against LAFC. Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time. Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas. The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced that the 2026-27 could be his final season as a professional soccer player, prompting questions on what trophies could he still lift both with Al Nassr and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo dropped one of the biggest bombshells in recent soccer history, signaling that the 2026-27 campaign could be his final season as a professional player. With the new season getting underway, the Portuguese superstar will be looking to make his prospective last year count by securing as much silverware as possible with Al Nassr and the Portugal national team. In an interview with Vogue magazine released on Sunday, Ronaldo offered a direct update regarding his playing future: “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. I have my future all mapped out. I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.“ The legendary forward also noted that he wants to “have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel,” and enjoy the rewards of his legendary career. In the meantime, this final lap presents one last opportunity to expand his trophy collection before he decides to officially hang up his boots. Ronaldo to hunt Al Nassr success After ending their trophy drought last season, Al Nassr are set to make another major push for the Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo captured the crown under former manager Jorge Jesus, marking Al Nassr’s first league championship since 2019, and with new manager Ange Postecoglou now in charge, the domestic title stands as one of the premier targets on the calendar leading up to the final matchday on May 29, 2027. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. (Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images) Another trophy Al Nassr will be chasing is the King’s Cup, Saudi Arabia’s premier domestic cup tournament. Ronaldo’s side will face Al Draih in the round of 32 on Tuesday, August 18, and while his participation remains unconfirmed, fans hope the Portuguese icon returns to the pitch to help secure passage to the next round ahead of the May 2027 final. Thanks to their strong domestic performance last season, Al Nassr have also qualified for the 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup, with the semifinals and final scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 4, 2026. Ronaldo’s club will compete alongside Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah, and Al Kholood for the title, a tournament Ronaldo has featured in four times previously, suffering two semifinal eliminations and two final defeats. Finally, Al Nassr’s ultimate crowning objective for the 2026-27 campaign is the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier club competition. Ronaldo’s side missed out on the top continental tournament last year, but after finishing atop the SPL table, winning an inaugural Asian continental title remains the defining goal for Al Nassr, whose best historical finish was a runner-up performance in 1996. Ronaldo and the chance for one more title with Portugal Despite producing generations of legendary talent like Eusebio, Luis Figo, Rui Costa, and Pauleta, Portugal captured their first senior international trophies during the Cristiano Ronaldo era, raising their overall count to three. While Ronaldo would miss the 2028 European Championship in the UK and Ireland if he retires at the end of the season, he still has an opportunity to lift one final trophy with the Selecao. Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal are set to compete in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. Drawn into Group A in League A, the Selecao will play three home and three away matches against Denmark, Norway, and Wales. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal lifts the UEFA Nations League trophy. (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) During an extended international window spanning late September and early October, Portugal will host Wales on September 24 before traveling to face Norway on September 27
Enzo Maresca urged Manchester City to learn from their chastening Community Shield defeat against Arsenal (3-0 in Cardiff) after the Italian made a dismal start to the daunting task of replacing Pep Guardiola. The post Misery for Maresca as Man City make dismal start to life after Guardiola appeared first on Soccer America.
iyabi Moriya, Narumi Miura and Mina Tanaka made NWSL history as three Japanese players scored in the same match for the first time, leading the Utah Royals to a 3-2 victory against Bay FC. The Royals set a new team record for wins in a season with 11. Also: Olivia Moultrie (ACL) has been placed on Portland's SEI list. The post NWSL: Japanese trio is Utah royalty appeared first on Soccer America.
With his penalty against Nashville SC, Lionel Messi has reached three consecutive misses from the 12 yards between Argentina and Inter Miami, tying the worst record in his career. Lionel Messi‘s return to Major League Soccer action was far from a dream night, as he failed to convert a penalty during Inter Miami‘s humbling 4-1 loss to Nashville SC on Saturday. The failed attempt marks his third consecutive missed penalty across competitions for club and with the Argentina national team, matching the longest spot-kick drought of his career. After Andy Najar put Nashville ahead in the 17th minute off an accurate cross from Elias Saad, Inter Miami pressed aggressively for an immediate equalizer. Following a lofted pass over the defense from Casemiro, Luis Suarez controlled the ball, cut back onto his left foot, and was brought down in the box by Jeisson Palacios after a mistimed tackle in the 22nd minute. Messi stepped up to the spot, using a stutter-step approach to try and freeze Brian Schwake. Though the goalkeeper committed early and dived to his right, Schwake managed to stick out his legs and make the save. Sergio Reguilon pounced on the rebound and slotted it into the back of the net, but the goal was quickly disallowed due to encroaching into the penalty area. Failing to convert from the spot against Nashville extends Messi’s current slide to three straight misses from 12 yards out. Saturday’s failure was also his second missed penalty in an Inter Miami shirt, with the first occurring back in September 2025 during a 3-0 regular-season defeat against Charlotte FC. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF takes a misses the penalty against Nashville SC. (Carly Mackler/Getty Images) The penalty miss against Nashville highlights a rare dip in execution for the Argentine legend when facing opposing goalkeepers from the spot. During the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, he dragged a penalty wide in a group-stage match against Austria, and had another attempt saved by Mostafa Shobeir in a round of 16 clash against Egypt, bringing his total to three straight failures. Despite the recent slump, Messi remains one of the premier dead-ball technicians in modern soccer history. Across 149 career penalty attempts for club and country, the forward has converted 114 times while missing 35, maintaining a respectable 76.5% conversion rate. When did Messi last miss three consecutive penalties? As the captain and primary penalty taker for both Inter Miami and Argentina, Messi naturally carries the responsibility whenever a spot kick is awarded. While this three-match slump is an unusual sight, it is not the first time he has endured a cold stretch from the spot. The only other time Lionel Messi missed three consecutive penalties was back in 2014 while playing for FC Barcelona and Argentina. That run began in an April 2014 match against Real Betis, where Antonio Adan saved a late attempt in the 86th minute. His next miss came that September in a 5-0 win over Levante UD when he fired completely wide, followed by an October friendly with Argentina where Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson stopped his 40th-minute effort. Messi ultimately snapped that 2014 drought in November during an international friendly against Croatia at Boleyn Ground, converting from the spot to secure a 2-1 victory. Inter Miami return to action next Wednesday against the Philadelphia Union, where Messi will look to end his current drought or risk setting an unprecedented personal low.
Playoff winners are expected to go back down, but their owner is optimistic and is investing in the squadGuardian writers’ predicted position: 20th (NB: this is not necessarily Louise Taylor’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)Last season’s position: 6th (Championship) Continue reading...
Spirits are especially high among fans of Txuri-urdin (the white-and-blues) going into the 2026-27 LaLiga season. That’s thanks to the New Jerseyan coach Pellegrino "Rino" Matarazzo, who took Real Sociedad’s helm last December. The post Rino Matarazzo: After a dream start in Spain, LaLiga’s American coach enters season 2 appeared first on Soccer America.
JACK GAUGHAN IN CARDIFF: The odds exceptionally lengthy, the name not on anybody's bingo card. Maybe a quiz question in years to come, albeit a slightly tame one.
City's 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in the Community Shield laid bare the need for central midfield reinforcements, with a move for Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi nearing completion.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
Lionel Messi failed from the penalty spot, was yellow-carded, and hit both posts in stoppage time in Inter Miami’s 4-1 loss at Nashville SC before 30,109 that kept the Coyotes in first place of the Eastern Conference. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved the penalty kick from Messi, who missed two during the 2026 World Cup, after […] The post MLS WEEKEND: Misery for Messi in Music City appeared first on Soccer America.
Sergiño Dest's arching half-volley from the wing set up a close-range tap-in for Ricardo Pepi for PSV's winning goal. Defender Auston Trusty headed in Celtic's first goal in its 4-0 win over Dundee United. Sebastian Berhalter went 90 minutes in Middlesbrough's English Championship opener, a 2-1 win over Lincoln City. Gio Reyna assisted on Strasbourg's goal in 1-1 friendly tie with Newcastle. The post AMERICANS ABROAD: Ricardo Pepi scores for PSV on Sergiño Dest assist appeared first on Soccer America.
Cristiano Ronaldo's dream to claim the 2026 World Cup with Portugal has begun, currently at the Round of 32. Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again. Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, when they visit Al Diriyah for the Round of 32 in the 2026-27 King’s Cup at Al Awwal Park. However, the Portuguese star’s presence remains to be a major question as he has recently returned to the training sessions alongside his teammates. The icon’s 2026-27 international campaign with Portugal following the 2026 World Cup is set to begin on Thursday, September 24, when they host Wales for Matchday 1 of the of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The forward’s last World Cup game came on July 6th, where Spain beat the Selecao in the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win. In the 2025-26 season, the Portuguese icon scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers and 3 in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal, with his personal account in 976 career goals. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring a goal. Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule. From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final. With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.
With the 2026 MLS season already underway, questions are being raised about when Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will play his next game. Lionel Messi is still making history at 38 years old, remaining a cornerstone and captain for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. With the 2026 Major League Soccer season now underway, fans are wondering when they’ll see the forward back in action. Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, when the Herons visit Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park for the 2026 MLS. The Argentine star heads to the game after missing a penalty in the 4-1 defeat against Nashville SC. As for his next game with Argentina, there is no game scheduled yet, but the next matchups will be in the upcoming extended international break in September-October. Still, his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste remains a question since he hasn’t spoken after the 2026 World Cup final over his future. During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF during the MLS match against LAFC. Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time. Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas. The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced that the 2026-27 could be his final season as a professional soccer player, prompting questions on what trophies could he still lift both with Al Nassr and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo dropped one of the biggest bombshells in recent soccer history, signaling that the 2026-27 campaign could be his final season as a professional player. With the new season getting underway, the Portuguese superstar will be looking to make his prospective last year count by securing as much silverware as possible with Al Nassr and the Portugal national team. In an interview with Vogue magazine released on Sunday, Ronaldo offered a direct update regarding his playing future: “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. I have my future all mapped out. I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.“ The legendary forward also noted that he wants to “have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel,” and enjoy the rewards of his legendary career. In the meantime, this final lap presents one last opportunity to expand his trophy collection before he decides to officially hang up his boots. Ronaldo to hunt Al Nassr success After ending their trophy drought last season, Al Nassr are set to make another major push for the Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo captured the crown under former manager Jorge Jesus, marking Al Nassr’s first league championship since 2019, and with new manager Ange Postecoglou now in charge, the domestic title stands as one of the premier targets on the calendar leading up to the final matchday on May 29, 2027. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. (Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images) Another trophy Al Nassr will be chasing is the King’s Cup, Saudi Arabia’s premier domestic cup tournament. Ronaldo’s side will face Al Draih in the round of 32 on Tuesday, August 18, and while his participation remains unconfirmed, fans hope the Portuguese icon returns to the pitch to help secure passage to the next round ahead of the May 2027 final. Thanks to their strong domestic performance last season, Al Nassr have also qualified for the 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup, with the semifinals and final scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 4, 2026. Ronaldo’s club will compete alongside Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah, and Al Kholood for the title, a tournament Ronaldo has featured in four times previously, suffering two semifinal eliminations and two final defeats. Finally, Al Nassr’s ultimate crowning objective for the 2026-27 campaign is the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier club competition. Ronaldo’s side missed out on the top continental tournament last year, but after finishing atop the SPL table, winning an inaugural Asian continental title remains the defining goal for Al Nassr, whose best historical finish was a runner-up performance in 1996. Ronaldo and the chance for one more title with Portugal Despite producing generations of legendary talent like Eusebio, Luis Figo, Rui Costa, and Pauleta, Portugal captured their first senior international trophies during the Cristiano Ronaldo era, raising their overall count to three. While Ronaldo would miss the 2028 European Championship in the UK and Ireland if he retires at the end of the season, he still has an opportunity to lift one final trophy with the Selecao. Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal are set to compete in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. Drawn into Group A in League A, the Selecao will play three home and three away matches against Denmark, Norway, and Wales. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal lifts the UEFA Nations League trophy. (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) During an extended international window spanning late September and early October, Portugal will host Wales on September 24 before traveling to face Norway on September 27
Enzo Maresca urged Manchester City to learn from their chastening Community Shield defeat against Arsenal (3-0 in Cardiff) after the Italian made a dismal start to the daunting task of replacing Pep Guardiola. The post Misery for Maresca as Man City make dismal start to life after Guardiola appeared first on Soccer America.
iyabi Moriya, Narumi Miura and Mina Tanaka made NWSL history as three Japanese players scored in the same match for the first time, leading the Utah Royals to a 3-2 victory against Bay FC. The Royals set a new team record for wins in a season with 11. Also: Olivia Moultrie (ACL) has been placed on Portland's SEI list. The post NWSL: Japanese trio is Utah royalty appeared first on Soccer America.
With his penalty against Nashville SC, Lionel Messi has reached three consecutive misses from the 12 yards between Argentina and Inter Miami, tying the worst record in his career. Lionel Messi‘s return to Major League Soccer action was far from a dream night, as he failed to convert a penalty during Inter Miami‘s humbling 4-1 loss to Nashville SC on Saturday. The failed attempt marks his third consecutive missed penalty across competitions for club and with the Argentina national team, matching the longest spot-kick drought of his career. After Andy Najar put Nashville ahead in the 17th minute off an accurate cross from Elias Saad, Inter Miami pressed aggressively for an immediate equalizer. Following a lofted pass over the defense from Casemiro, Luis Suarez controlled the ball, cut back onto his left foot, and was brought down in the box by Jeisson Palacios after a mistimed tackle in the 22nd minute. Messi stepped up to the spot, using a stutter-step approach to try and freeze Brian Schwake. Though the goalkeeper committed early and dived to his right, Schwake managed to stick out his legs and make the save. Sergio Reguilon pounced on the rebound and slotted it into the back of the net, but the goal was quickly disallowed due to encroaching into the penalty area. Failing to convert from the spot against Nashville extends Messi’s current slide to three straight misses from 12 yards out. Saturday’s failure was also his second missed penalty in an Inter Miami shirt, with the first occurring back in September 2025 during a 3-0 regular-season defeat against Charlotte FC. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF takes a misses the penalty against Nashville SC. (Carly Mackler/Getty Images) The penalty miss against Nashville highlights a rare dip in execution for the Argentine legend when facing opposing goalkeepers from the spot. During the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, he dragged a penalty wide in a group-stage match against Austria, and had another attempt saved by Mostafa Shobeir in a round of 16 clash against Egypt, bringing his total to three straight failures. Despite the recent slump, Messi remains one of the premier dead-ball technicians in modern soccer history. Across 149 career penalty attempts for club and country, the forward has converted 114 times while missing 35, maintaining a respectable 76.5% conversion rate. When did Messi last miss three consecutive penalties? As the captain and primary penalty taker for both Inter Miami and Argentina, Messi naturally carries the responsibility whenever a spot kick is awarded. While this three-match slump is an unusual sight, it is not the first time he has endured a cold stretch from the spot. The only other time Lionel Messi missed three consecutive penalties was back in 2014 while playing for FC Barcelona and Argentina. That run began in an April 2014 match against Real Betis, where Antonio Adan saved a late attempt in the 86th minute. His next miss came that September in a 5-0 win over Levante UD when he fired completely wide, followed by an October friendly with Argentina where Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson stopped his 40th-minute effort. Messi ultimately snapped that 2014 drought in November during an international friendly against Croatia at Boleyn Ground, converting from the spot to secure a 2-1 victory. Inter Miami return to action next Wednesday against the Philadelphia Union, where Messi will look to end his current drought or risk setting an unprecedented personal low.
Playoff winners are expected to go back down, but their owner is optimistic and is investing in the squadGuardian writers’ predicted position: 20th (NB: this is not necessarily Louise Taylor’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)Last season’s position: 6th (Championship) Continue reading...
Spirits are especially high among fans of Txuri-urdin (the white-and-blues) going into the 2026-27 LaLiga season. That’s thanks to the New Jerseyan coach Pellegrino "Rino" Matarazzo, who took Real Sociedad’s helm last December. The post Rino Matarazzo: After a dream start in Spain, LaLiga’s American coach enters season 2 appeared first on Soccer America.
JACK GAUGHAN IN CARDIFF: The odds exceptionally lengthy, the name not on anybody's bingo card. Maybe a quiz question in years to come, albeit a slightly tame one.
City's 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in the Community Shield laid bare the need for central midfield reinforcements, with a move for Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi nearing completion.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
