Al-Nassr defeated Inter Miami 6-0 in Friendlies Clubs. The fixture is part of the Club Friendlies 1 stage in the 2024 season. E. Staubli officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Al-Nassr vs Inter Miami meeting in Friendlies Clubs with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Al-Nassr and Inter Miami. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Friendlies ClubsRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Al-Nassr defeated Inter Miami 6-0 in Friendlies Clubs. The fixture is part of the Club Friendlies 1 stage in the 2024 season. E. Staubli officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Al-Nassr vs Inter Miami meeting in Friendlies Clubs with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Al-Nassr and Inter Miami. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Friendlies Clubs
Due to Al Nassr's financial situation, Cristiano Ronaldo will now have Diriyah FC as new venue partners at Al Awwal Park. Al Awwal Park has served as Cristiano Ronaldo‘s home stadium since his arrival at Al Nassr in December 2022, standing as one of the most heavily attended venues in Saudi Arabia. However, driven by ongoing financial strain, the club has agreed to a stadium-sharing arrangement that will see newly promoted Diriyah FC host their home matches at the facility. On Sunday, August 9, Diriyah FC announced that an agreement was finalized with Al Nassr to play their home fixtures at Al Awwal Park throughout the 2026-27 campaign, including games across the different competitions, and not only the Saudi Pro League. Diriyah FC confirmed the partnership with an official statement: “A light has been shining for us for a long time… For a glory that stems from ‘the beginning,’ not just from recently. Al Awwal (Park) approved ‘our home’ to host Diriyah FC’s matches in the 26/27 Roshn League.” After securing promotion through the playoffs in May against Al Ula, Diriyah FC became the third club promoted to the Saudi Pro League for the 2026-27 season alongside Abha and Al Faisaly. During its previous campaign in the Saudi First Division, the club played home matches at SGH Arena, home of Riyadh-based Al Shabab, before securing a new home for its top-flight return. مـدهـالنـا شاعـمٍ ضـوّه..لـ مجـدٍ من «أول» ماهو تـوّه 🦅• الأول بارك «ملفانا» لـ لقاءات الدرعية في دوري روشن 26/27 🤎 https://t.co/Tlc81qiVrv pic.twitter.com/Ia2t2RXGh7— نادي الدرعية (@diriyahclub) August 9, 2026 As a result, both Saudi Pro League clashes between Al Nassr and Diriyah FC, scheduled for September 17, 2026, and April 8, 2027, will take place at Al-Awwal Park. Furthermore, Ronaldo and Al Nassr will face their new venue partners in the King’s Cup Round of 32 on Aug. 18. Al Nassr forced to share stadium due to ongoing financial constraints Despite standing as one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship franchises, Al Nassr are navigating severe financial constraints, to the point that defensive midfielder Samu Costa remains the club’s sole summer acquisition. The stadium-sharing arrangement with Diriyah FC was orchestrated to generate crucial auxiliary revenue for a front office currently restricted from adding talent until existing transfer debts are settled. According to Al Nassr insider Ali Alabdallh, allowing Diriyah FC to host matches at Al Awwal Park will inject a substantial sum into the club’s treasury, providing a vital financial boost as the organization works to resolve its balance sheet issues.
While dealing with the sudden absence of team star and captain Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are on the verge of being eliminated from the 2026 Leagues Cup. Inter Miami find themselves on thin ice following a 2-1 loss to CF Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup group stage. With star captain Lionel Messi absent and only one match remaining on the schedule, the Herons are teetering on the brink of an early exit from the international tournament. The Herons initially kicked off their campaign on the right foot with a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis. However, ahead of their Matchday 2 clash against Rayados, Messi received the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing and was granted compassionate leave to fly to Argentina. The loss deeply affected the squad, which held a moment of silence prior to Saturday’s kickoff. With Messi in South America and Luis Suarez, German Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende all sidelined, Miami’s attacking depth was severely depleted. Young prospect Daniel Pinter shared frontline duties with Lovens Delinois, the Haitian forward called up from Inter Miami II to make his senior debut. Rodrigo De Paul put the Herons ahead with a brilliant long-range strike in the 32nd minute, removing his match shirt to reveal Messi’s jersey underneath in a poignant tribute to his close friend and teammate. However, Hugo Cuypers netted the equalizer in the 47th minute, and Diego Rossi delivered a crushing blow with the game-winner in the 90th minute, leaving Inter Miami empty-handed at Nu Stadium. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami CF dedicates his goal to Lionel Messi. (Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images) Now, only one group stage match remains, set for Wednesday, August 12, at Nu Stadium against a formidable Club Leon side that won both of its opening fixtures against Nashville SC (1-0) and Orlando City (2-1). Facing a must-win situation with a depleted frontline, Inter Miami risk missing the knockout phase for the first time since Messi’s landmark arrival in South Florida. What do Inter Miami need to avoid early elimination? Under the expanded Leagues Cup format introduced for the 2025 tournament, only the top four clubs from the MLS table and top four from Liga MX advance to the quarterfinals. Cross-league matchups are determined by table standing, but to secure one of those coveted qualification spots, Inter Miami no longer control their own destiny. Inter Miami currently occupy 11th place in the MLS Leagues Cup standings with three points, five goals scored, and four conceded, trailing ten clubs in the table. The top six sides, Charlotte FC, Austin FC, FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas, have swept their first two matches with a goal differential of at least +2 (+5 for leaders Charlotte and Austin), meaning Miami needs multiple top teams to lose badly while the Herons secure a blowout win over Leon. Seventh-place LAFC sit on five points with a +1 goal differential, meaning Miami needs the Black and Gold to drop points or lose a potential penalty shootout following a draw. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake occupy eighth with four points, while Portland Timbers (9th) and Nashville SC (10th) remain tied with Miami on three points, making the Herons’ path to qualification mathematically possible, but statistically improbable.
The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal's World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s return to Al-Nassr has taken another unexpected turn, with the Portuguese superstar set to spend more time away from the club after a fresh decision from Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff. The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal’s World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. The 41-year-old has remained at the center of attention despite being away from the pitch, with his holiday, family life and future plans generating plenty of discussion. Now, however, a new report has provided a clearer picture of what Postecoglou and Al-Nassr have decided regarding Ronaldo’s return. According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff, led by Postecoglou, have decided to give Ronaldo additional rest rather than rushing him back into competitive action. The Portuguese forward is therefore expected to miss Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah. The decision means the 41-year-old will have more time to recover from what has been an unusually demanding year. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts Ronaldo’s extended break follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The national team lost narrowly to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an emotional end to the striker’s international career and giving him another reason to step away from soccer before beginning preparations for the new club season. Ronaldo’s comeback date finally comes into focus The fresh 365Scores Arabic update provides the clearest indication yet of when supporters can expect to see Ronaldo back in an Al-Nassr shirt. His return is now expected to come against Al-Riyadh on August 21, meaning the club’s captain will surely miss the first two competitive fixtures before making his comeback. The decision represents a change from earlier expectations that Ronaldo would return to training relatively soon after completing his post-World Cup recovery period. Instead, Postecoglou has opted to prioritize additional rest, allowing his biggest star to return when he is fully ready for the campaign ahead. القائـد كريستيانو رونالدو يلتقي بنجوم الفريق قبل مواجهة #النصر_الميريا 🤩 pic.twitter.com/szIUbd8ski— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) August 4, 2026 Al-Nassr’s preseason preparations have been taking place in Lisbon under Postecoglou, but Ronaldo is not expected to join the squad during the overseas training camp. The camp officially concluded on August 5, with the squad then scheduled to return to Riyadh. That leaves Ronaldo with a relatively short period to work with his teammates before his eventual competitive return. Still, the club appears willing to sacrifice an early appearance from its captain in exchange for giving him the time needed to prepare properly. Wedding reports create more confusion Ronaldo’s extended absence has also been linked to his personal life, with reports claiming that the superstar had been granted leave to celebrate his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. However, those reports quickly became complicated after Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, publicly pushed back against claims that the couple was getting married. “Why do people think Ronaldo is getting married when he’s never even announced it himself?” she wrote on Instagram, before questioning why the media continued to speculate about the couple’s plans. 🚨🗣️ Elma Aveiro, hermana de la leyenda Cristiano, sobre la aglomeración de la gente en la plaza de la catedral esperando ver a Cristiano Ronaldo y Georgina:Pero ¿por qué cree la gente que Ronaldo se va a casar, si él mismo no lo ha anunciado desde el principio? De todos modos pic.twitter.com/awvdiZqzy9— Arielipillo (@arielipillo) August 8, 2026 Ronaldo himself appea
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have a new midfield partner at Al-Nassr, with Samu Costa’s long-awaited move from Mallorca finally appearing to be on the verge of completion. After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. For much of the summer, Al-Nassr’s transfer plans had been complicated by financial restrictions that prevented the club from formally completing previously agreed deals. That situation appears to have changed, with Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reporting that the club has completed the procedures required to lift the restrictions and resume its recruitment activity. The breakthrough is particularly important because Al-Nassr had reportedly reached an agreement with Real Mallorca in July for Samu Costa. However, the transfer could not immediately be registered because of the financial monitoring imposed on the Saudi champion. According to Al-Riyadiyah, the restrictions have now been lifted, allowing the team to move forward with the registration of new players. The development effectively removes the biggest obstacle standing between Costa and his move to Riyadh. The club’s financial problems had become a major issue during the offseason, with reports claiming that Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding $280 million. The restructuring process involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company, and efforts to reorganize existing financial commitments. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Samu Costa announcement date emerges The latest update now gives a much clearer picture of when supporters could finally see the transfer made official. Former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie revealed that the league sent approval for Samu Costa on Sunday morning, meaning the club can now submit the documentation to the Professionalism Committee. Al-Subaie also provided an indication of when the announcement could arrive. According to his update, Al-Nassr’s official account is expected to announce the Samu Costa deal within the next 72 hours. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 during Portugal’s training session. That would bring the Portuguese midfielder closer to becoming the Knight of Najd’s first summer signing after the club finally overcame the financial restrictions that had delayed its recruitment plans. Another Saudi journalist, Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi, also reported that Costa is expected to arrive in Riyadh within the next two days. The timing adds another layer of intrigue to the move, as Al-Nassr is already preparing for the start of the new campaign. The club begins its Saudi Pro League season against Al-Fateh, while it also has ambitions of defending its domestic crown and making another serious push in the AFC Champions League Elite. Costa would fill major midfield vacancy Costa’s arrival would address an important need in the squad following the departure of Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season, leaving the club with a significant vacancy in the center of the pitch. Costa, who has established himself as an important midfielder at Real Mallorca, would offer another option in an area that needs greater depth. His arrival could become one of the first major pieces of Al-Nassr’s squad rebuild after the club’s financial restrictions were eased. The Portuguese midfielder is also arriving at a fascinating point in the club’s development. Ronaldo remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project, while the club is looking to surround its captain with enough quality to compete on multiple fronts.
Inter Miami face Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup, where Lionel Messi is not expected to be present at Nu Stadium for this clash. Lionel Messi is not expected to be part of Inter Miami’s squad for Saturday’s Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey, following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. While the club has yet to issue an official confirmation, all signs point to the captain sitting out as he will travel to Argentina. Jorge Messi passed away Friday at a clinic in Rosario at the age of 68, after battling a long illness. He was not only Lionel’s father but also his longtime agent, playing a central role in shaping his career from his early days at Newell’s Old Boys through his moves to Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami. His return to the pitch remains uncertain. Three upcoming matches have been floated as possible comeback points: Wednesday’s clash with Club Leon on August 12, which appears unlikely given the short turnaround, and Saturday’s MLS match against Nashville SC on August 15. The August 19 meeting with Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, is widely seen as the most realistic option, allowing him more time with his family before returning to full training. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami. (Getty Images) Miami enters the match off the back of a 4-2 comeback win over Atletico San Luis in their Leagues Cup opener, a game in which Messi scored a brace. Without their captain, head coach Guillermo Hoyos is expected to hand the armband to Noah Allen as Inter Miami looks to build on that result against a Monterrey side chasing their first points of the tournament. Inter Miami’s projected lineup With Messi absent, and Luis Suarez still unavailable due to his ongoing suspension, Hoyos is expected to lean on the same core group that carried Miami through their opener, adjusting the attack to compensate for both absences up top. Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lovend’s Delinois, Daniel Pinter, Telasco Segovia. Monterrey’s projected lineup Monterrey, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their Matchday 1 defeat to Orlando City, fielding a lineup built around their attacking depth in Miami. Monterrey’s projected starting XI: Luis Cardenas; Carlos Salcedo, Victor Guzman, Daniel Aceves; Lucas Ocampos, Orbelin Pineda, Jesus Corona, Oliver Torres, Luca Orellano; Hugo Cuypers, Diego Rossi.
Their first meeting comes at an unusual moment, however, with Ronaldo still enjoying an extended break after his international commitments while Postecoglou begins shaping his plans for the new campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ange Postecoglou have crossed paths at Al-Nassr, giving the Saudi Pro League club a glimpse of what could become one of the most fascinating manager-player partnerships in world soccer. Their first meeting comes at an unusual moment, however, with Ronaldo still enjoying an extended break after his international commitments while Postecoglou begins shaping his plans for the new campaign. The Australian manager arrived in Saudi Arabia with plenty to prove after taking charge of Al-Nassr on a two-year contract. Yet one of the biggest attractions of the job is obvious: the opportunity to coach one of soccer’s greatest-ever goalscorers and one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet. Postecoglou‘s appointment represents a major change for Al-Nassr after the departure of Jorge Jesus. The former Celtic manager has left European soccer behind for a new challenge in the Middle East, where expectations will immediately be high given the club’s ambitions and the presence of Ronaldo. On the other hand, the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project. His reputation, goalscoring record and experience at the highest level mean that any manager taking charge of the club will inevitably face questions about how he plans to maximize Ronaldo’s contribution. View this post on Instagram Postecoglou has already made it clear that Ronaldo will have a central role in his plans. The manager’s first public assessment of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner also offered an early indication of how highly he values the veteran forward. Ronaldo’s delayed return does not concern Postecoglou Ronaldo has been given additional time away from the squad after representing Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. Rather than rushing him back into training, Postecoglou believes the extended break is important after another demanding season for a player who has spent much of his career operating at an extraordinary physical and competitive level. The pair met at Al-Nassr’s pre-season base in Portugal, where Ronaldo attended the club’s friendly against Almeria. It was the first public meeting between the new manager and his biggest star since Postecoglou took charge, even though Ronaldo had yet to fully rejoin the group. القائـد كريستيانو رونالدو يلتقي بنجوم الفريق قبل مواجهة #النصر_الميريا 🤩 pic.twitter.com/szIUbd8ski— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) August 4, 2026 That delay appears to have caused no concern for the Australian. Instead, Postecoglou stressed that Ronaldo’s professionalism and desire to return will ensure he is ready when the new campaign begins. Postecoglou reveals what Ronaldo told him Speaking about his first conversation with Ronaldo, Postecoglou described the Portuguese forward as a hugely important player and admitted that working with him is an honor. “Cristiano Ronaldo is a very important player, and it is certainly an honour for me to share a dressing room with him and the other players feel the same way,” Postecoglou said, via Glasgow Times. The manager also revealed that Ronaldo had personally reassured him about his condition and readiness for the upcoming campaign: “I had a conversation with Cristiano, and he confirmed to me his readiness for the new season”. 🚨 ANGE POSTECOGLOU:"Cristiano is always important.It's an honor to share the dressing room with him.I'm sure the players feel the same way.Through my conversation with Cristiano, he will be ready.He is a professional, and I know he is eager to return and join the… pic.twitter.com/JnIUtcfKaS— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) August 5, 2026 That message should reassure the Knight of Najd’s supporters. Despite his age and delayed return to training, Ronaldo has apparently made it clear to his new manager that he remains fully commit
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo would not be present for Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League debut against Al Fateh. Al Nassr are reportedly bracing for a blow ahead of their Saudi Pro League title defense, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to miss the opening round against Al Fateh. According to Al Nassr Zone, it is expected that Cristiano will miss the opening round of the league, with reports now pointing to his wedding as the driving factor behind the delay. The Sun reports that Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are set to marry on Saturday, August 8, at Funchal Cathedral in Madeira, Ronaldo’s hometown. The timing leaves him barely a week to prepare before Al Nassr‘s title defense kicks off on August 15 at Al Awwal Park, a tight turnaround between the wedding and a return to full training in Riyadh. The wedding caps off what has already been a lengthy break for Ronaldo, who has been away from the club since Portugal’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans after World Cup exit. (Getty Images) In the weeks since, he posted vacation photos from Mallorca with his family, skipped Al Nassr’s preseason training camp in Lisbon, and was absent when the squad returned to Riyadh on August 6 and resumed domestic training two days later. Under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Al Nassr have reportedly requested physical tests before fully clearing Ronaldo to rejoin preseason work, as the club looks to carefully manage his workload for another demanding season across multiple competitions. King’s Cup opener also in doubt Ronaldo’s absence could extend beyond the Saudi Pro League opener. Al Nassr Zone also reported that Ronaldo is potentially missing the Al Diriyah match in the King’s Cup, with the team set to open its campaign in the Round of 32 on August 18— just days after the Al Fateh clash. With such a condensed turnaround between the two fixtures, and now a wedding factored into his calendar, the club may opt to continue easing Ronaldo back gradually rather than risk his fitness across both.
A full breakdown of the 17 managerial changes following the 2026 World Cup, featured by high-profile appointments like Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp. It would be fair to say that international football management has become a cut-throat business if the 2026 World Cup is anything to go by. Belgium boss Rudi García’s exit following the expiry of his contract on July 31 took the number of managerial departures to 17 this summer. Read on as we look at which managers have left their roles this summer, before assessing some of the noteworthy appointments to replace them. International managerial exits: Summer 2026 Didier Deschamps (France) – Ended his 14-year spell in charge after the World Cup.Roberto Martínez (Portugal) – Resigned after Portugal’s round of 16 defeat to Spain.Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – Quit after Germany were beaten by Paraguay in the round of 32.Rudi García (Belgium) – Exited following Belgium’s run to the quarter-finals.Zlatko Dalić (Croatia) – Ended his tenure following Croatia’s round of 32 exit against Portugal.Javier Aguirre (Mexico) – Resigned after Mexico lost against England in the round of 16.Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – Left after the Netherlands exited in the round of 32.Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador) – Resigned after Ecuador’s round of 32 elimination.Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay) – Stepped down after Uruguay’s World Cup campaign.Steve Clarke (Scotland) – Resigned after Scotland failed to progress beyond the group stage.Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) – Left after South Korea’s early exit.Sabri Lamouchi (Tunisia) – Sacked after Tunisia’s opening 5–1 defeat at the tournament.Miroslav Koubek (Czechia) – Stepped down following Czechia’s group-stage elimination.Pape Thiaw (Senegal) – Had his contract terminated after Senegal’s exit.Carlos Queiroz (Ghana) – Resigned after Ghana were eliminated in the round of 32.Jamal Sellami (Jordan) – Left his position after Jordan’s early exit.Vladimir Petković (Algeria) – Exited following Algeria’s disappointing campaign. Zidane & Klopp headline new managerial appointments Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp are the standout names on the list of replacements announced by international federations to date. Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021. The 54-year-old has now been tasked with building on the foundations laid by Deschamps. He will lead France through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. “I’ve often said it – there’s nothing greater than the French national team,” Zidane said. “So, it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team. “It’s also a responsibility. I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff. “I also have a special thought for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.” The German Football Association’s decision to turn to Klopp was no real surprise given the lack of viable alternatives. The 59-year-old previously re-established Liverpool as a force in English football, before joining Red Bull GmbH as Head of Global Soccer in January 2025. He will now work to restore the fortunes of a team which has struggled to live up to its billing since last winning the World Cup in 2014. Portugal will embark on a new era after Martínez stepped aside. Jorge Jesus has replaced him after spending the last three years in the Saudi Pro League. Jesus must determine how best to handle veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has given no indication that he will retire from international football. Martínez made the mistake of pandering to Ronaldo at the World Cup, and his decision ultimately resulted in them making an early exit from the tournament. Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season, has suggested that the 41-year-old wi
The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game's defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable performance as Inter Miami opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with an impressive victory, adding yet another milestone to his extraordinary career. The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game’s defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. The latest achievement adds to an already glittering resume that spans nearly two decades, but this one carried special significance in a competition that has become increasingly important across North America. By the final whistle, Messi had once again placed himself at the center of the soccer conversation after another night where his quality made the difference. Inter Miami opens with statement victory Inter Miami kicked off its Leagues Cup journey by defeating Atletico San Luis 4-2 in an entertaining contest that featured six goals, dramatic momentum swings, and another masterclass from Messi. Despite conceding within the opening minutes, the MLS side quickly recovered and seized control before halftime. David Rodríguez handed the Mexican club an early advantage after just four minutes, briefly silencing the home crowd. The response, however, came almost immediately, as Messi equalized in the 11th minute with a composed finish after being found by his teammates in space. The comeback continued midway through the first half when Telasco Segovia completed the turnaround, giving Inter Miami a deserved lead. Messi then struck again shortly before halftime, before defender Micael added a fourth goal in stoppage time, putting the match well beyond Atletico San Luis before the interval. Although Rafa Llorente reduced the deficit during the second half, Inter Miami comfortably protected its advantage to secure all three points. The victory also extended the club’s unbeaten run and immediately established it among the tournament favorites. Messi reaches another historic milestone The two goals did far more than secure victory for Inter Miami. Messi’s brace officially made him the Leagues Cup‘s all-time leading goalscorer, taking his tally to 14 goals in just 12 appearances. Entering the night, the Argentine was level with LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, but his first-half double moved him into first place on his own. Later in the evening, Bouanga also found the net to draw level again on 14 goals, but the Argentine superstar did it in fewer games. RankPlayerTeamGoalsAppsGoals per Game1.Lionel MessiInter Miami CF14121.172.Denis BouangaLAFC14131.083.Bongokuhle HlongwaneMinnesota United9100.904.Diego RossiColumbus Crew / Monterrey890.895.Tai BariboPhiladelphia Union771.00 The milestone continues a remarkable run since Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival transformed the club’s fortunes almost immediately, leading it to its first Leagues Cup title before guiding it back to another deep run in subsequent editions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, and Karim Benzema enter a new season chasing history as one of soccer's greatest individual battles continues to unfold across the world. Cristiano Ronaldo is heading into another season with Al-Nassr, knowing that history is within touching distance. At the same time, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, and Karim Benzema remain among the legendary forwards chasing the very same milestone, ensuring that one of soccer’s greatest individual races will continue across multiple leagues this year. The battle has become one of the defining stories of modern soccer, with several of the game’s most decorated strikers continuing to deliver goals well into the later stages of their careers. While their paths have taken them to different clubs and competitions, they all remain connected by the possibility of achieving a feat no player has ever managed before. The mystery surrounding Ronaldo’s next campaign centers on a chance to become the first player in official soccer history to reach 1,000 career goals. The Portuguese superstar currently sits on 976 official goals, leaving him just 24 strikes away from the unprecedented milestone. That target suddenly appears realistic considering Ronaldo’s remarkable consistency throughout his career. Even at 41 years old, he continues to score regularly for Al-Nassr and remains one of the Saudi Pro League‘s biggest attractions heading into the new season. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Reaching four digits would add another extraordinary achievement to a career already filled with records. Ronaldo has collected five UEFA Champions League titles, the UEFA Euro 2016 trophy, multiple domestic league championships in England, Spain and Italy, and remains international soccer’s all-time leading goalscorer for Portugal. Messi remains Ronaldo’s closest challenger Although Ronaldo leads the race, Lionel Messi continues to apply pressure from Inter Miami. The Argentine icon currently owns 921 official career goals, meaning he requires 79 more to join the exclusive four-digit club. Messi’s season is already underway in Major League Soccer, giving him additional opportunities to reduce Ronaldo’s advantage before Al-Nassr begins its Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15. Every appearance gives the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner another chance to edge closer to the historic landmark. His résumé remains unmatched in many areas of the game, featuring eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League crowns, ten La Liga titles, two Copa América triumphs, and two FIFA World Cup victories. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF lifts the Champion’s trophy after winning the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final Lewandowski continues remarkable scoring form Robert Lewandowski also remains firmly in the conversation despite sitting further behind the two long-time rivals. The Polish striker has reached 728 official career goals and recently enjoyed an impressive start to life with Charlotte, scoring twice in his MLS debut. The veteran forward has built his reputation through relentless consistency rather than spectacular moments alone. His scoring record across Germany, Spain, and now North America demonstrates why he remains one of soccer’s greatest finishers. Lewandowski’s honors include ten Bundesliga titles, one Champions League trophy, multiple European Golden Shoes, two La Liga championships, and two FIFA Best Men’s Player awards. Suarez still finding the net Luis Suarez may be approaching the closing stages of his career, but the Uruguayan striker continues to prove he remains a dangerous finisher. He currently owns 600 official career goals after recently adding another for Inter Miami. Playing alongside Messi once again has allowed Suarez to continue contributing at the highest level in North America. While the 1,000-goal target appears far more distant for him, his longevity continues to impress. His career in
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 Saturday, August 15, when they host Al Fateh for Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season at Al Awwal Park. However, the Portuguese star’s presence remains to be a major question as he hasn’t been present in any single preseason friendly of the team. 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.
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Due to Al Nassr's financial situation, Cristiano Ronaldo will now have Diriyah FC as new venue partners at Al Awwal Park. Al Awwal Park has served as Cristiano Ronaldo‘s home stadium since his arrival at Al Nassr in December 2022, standing as one of the most heavily attended venues in Saudi Arabia. However, driven by ongoing financial strain, the club has agreed to a stadium-sharing arrangement that will see newly promoted Diriyah FC host their home matches at the facility. On Sunday, August 9, Diriyah FC announced that an agreement was finalized with Al Nassr to play their home fixtures at Al Awwal Park throughout the 2026-27 campaign, including games across the different competitions, and not only the Saudi Pro League. Diriyah FC confirmed the partnership with an official statement: “A light has been shining for us for a long time… For a glory that stems from ‘the beginning,’ not just from recently. Al Awwal (Park) approved ‘our home’ to host Diriyah FC’s matches in the 26/27 Roshn League.” After securing promotion through the playoffs in May against Al Ula, Diriyah FC became the third club promoted to the Saudi Pro League for the 2026-27 season alongside Abha and Al Faisaly. During its previous campaign in the Saudi First Division, the club played home matches at SGH Arena, home of Riyadh-based Al Shabab, before securing a new home for its top-flight return. مـدهـالنـا شاعـمٍ ضـوّه..لـ مجـدٍ من «أول» ماهو تـوّه 🦅• الأول بارك «ملفانا» لـ لقاءات الدرعية في دوري روشن 26/27 🤎 https://t.co/Tlc81qiVrv pic.twitter.com/Ia2t2RXGh7— نادي الدرعية (@diriyahclub) August 9, 2026 As a result, both Saudi Pro League clashes between Al Nassr and Diriyah FC, scheduled for September 17, 2026, and April 8, 2027, will take place at Al-Awwal Park. Furthermore, Ronaldo and Al Nassr will face their new venue partners in the King’s Cup Round of 32 on Aug. 18. Al Nassr forced to share stadium due to ongoing financial constraints Despite standing as one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship franchises, Al Nassr are navigating severe financial constraints, to the point that defensive midfielder Samu Costa remains the club’s sole summer acquisition. The stadium-sharing arrangement with Diriyah FC was orchestrated to generate crucial auxiliary revenue for a front office currently restricted from adding talent until existing transfer debts are settled. According to Al Nassr insider Ali Alabdallh, allowing Diriyah FC to host matches at Al Awwal Park will inject a substantial sum into the club’s treasury, providing a vital financial boost as the organization works to resolve its balance sheet issues.
While dealing with the sudden absence of team star and captain Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are on the verge of being eliminated from the 2026 Leagues Cup. Inter Miami find themselves on thin ice following a 2-1 loss to CF Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup group stage. With star captain Lionel Messi absent and only one match remaining on the schedule, the Herons are teetering on the brink of an early exit from the international tournament. The Herons initially kicked off their campaign on the right foot with a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis. However, ahead of their Matchday 2 clash against Rayados, Messi received the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing and was granted compassionate leave to fly to Argentina. The loss deeply affected the squad, which held a moment of silence prior to Saturday’s kickoff. With Messi in South America and Luis Suarez, German Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, and Tadeo Allende all sidelined, Miami’s attacking depth was severely depleted. Young prospect Daniel Pinter shared frontline duties with Lovens Delinois, the Haitian forward called up from Inter Miami II to make his senior debut. Rodrigo De Paul put the Herons ahead with a brilliant long-range strike in the 32nd minute, removing his match shirt to reveal Messi’s jersey underneath in a poignant tribute to his close friend and teammate. However, Hugo Cuypers netted the equalizer in the 47th minute, and Diego Rossi delivered a crushing blow with the game-winner in the 90th minute, leaving Inter Miami empty-handed at Nu Stadium. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami CF dedicates his goal to Lionel Messi. (Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images) Now, only one group stage match remains, set for Wednesday, August 12, at Nu Stadium against a formidable Club Leon side that won both of its opening fixtures against Nashville SC (1-0) and Orlando City (2-1). Facing a must-win situation with a depleted frontline, Inter Miami risk missing the knockout phase for the first time since Messi’s landmark arrival in South Florida. What do Inter Miami need to avoid early elimination? Under the expanded Leagues Cup format introduced for the 2025 tournament, only the top four clubs from the MLS table and top four from Liga MX advance to the quarterfinals. Cross-league matchups are determined by table standing, but to secure one of those coveted qualification spots, Inter Miami no longer control their own destiny. Inter Miami currently occupy 11th place in the MLS Leagues Cup standings with three points, five goals scored, and four conceded, trailing ten clubs in the table. The top six sides, Charlotte FC, Austin FC, FC Cincinnati, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas, have swept their first two matches with a goal differential of at least +2 (+5 for leaders Charlotte and Austin), meaning Miami needs multiple top teams to lose badly while the Herons secure a blowout win over Leon. Seventh-place LAFC sit on five points with a +1 goal differential, meaning Miami needs the Black and Gold to drop points or lose a potential penalty shootout following a draw. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake occupy eighth with four points, while Portland Timbers (9th) and Nashville SC (10th) remain tied with Miami on three points, making the Herons’ path to qualification mathematically possible, but statistically improbable.
The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal's World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s return to Al-Nassr has taken another unexpected turn, with the Portuguese superstar set to spend more time away from the club after a fresh decision from Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff. The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal’s World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. The 41-year-old has remained at the center of attention despite being away from the pitch, with his holiday, family life and future plans generating plenty of discussion. Now, however, a new report has provided a clearer picture of what Postecoglou and Al-Nassr have decided regarding Ronaldo’s return. According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff, led by Postecoglou, have decided to give Ronaldo additional rest rather than rushing him back into competitive action. The Portuguese forward is therefore expected to miss Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah. The decision means the 41-year-old will have more time to recover from what has been an unusually demanding year. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts Ronaldo’s extended break follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The national team lost narrowly to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an emotional end to the striker’s international career and giving him another reason to step away from soccer before beginning preparations for the new club season. Ronaldo’s comeback date finally comes into focus The fresh 365Scores Arabic update provides the clearest indication yet of when supporters can expect to see Ronaldo back in an Al-Nassr shirt. His return is now expected to come against Al-Riyadh on August 21, meaning the club’s captain will surely miss the first two competitive fixtures before making his comeback. The decision represents a change from earlier expectations that Ronaldo would return to training relatively soon after completing his post-World Cup recovery period. Instead, Postecoglou has opted to prioritize additional rest, allowing his biggest star to return when he is fully ready for the campaign ahead. القائـد كريستيانو رونالدو يلتقي بنجوم الفريق قبل مواجهة #النصر_الميريا 🤩 pic.twitter.com/szIUbd8ski— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) August 4, 2026 Al-Nassr’s preseason preparations have been taking place in Lisbon under Postecoglou, but Ronaldo is not expected to join the squad during the overseas training camp. The camp officially concluded on August 5, with the squad then scheduled to return to Riyadh. That leaves Ronaldo with a relatively short period to work with his teammates before his eventual competitive return. Still, the club appears willing to sacrifice an early appearance from its captain in exchange for giving him the time needed to prepare properly. Wedding reports create more confusion Ronaldo’s extended absence has also been linked to his personal life, with reports claiming that the superstar had been granted leave to celebrate his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. However, those reports quickly became complicated after Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, publicly pushed back against claims that the couple was getting married. “Why do people think Ronaldo is getting married when he’s never even announced it himself?” she wrote on Instagram, before questioning why the media continued to speculate about the couple’s plans. 🚨🗣️ Elma Aveiro, hermana de la leyenda Cristiano, sobre la aglomeración de la gente en la plaza de la catedral esperando ver a Cristiano Ronaldo y Georgina:Pero ¿por qué cree la gente que Ronaldo se va a casar, si él mismo no lo ha anunciado desde el principio? De todos modos pic.twitter.com/awvdiZqzy9— Arielipillo (@arielipillo) August 8, 2026 Ronaldo himself appea
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have a new midfield partner at Al-Nassr, with Samu Costa’s long-awaited move from Mallorca finally appearing to be on the verge of completion. After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. For much of the summer, Al-Nassr’s transfer plans had been complicated by financial restrictions that prevented the club from formally completing previously agreed deals. That situation appears to have changed, with Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reporting that the club has completed the procedures required to lift the restrictions and resume its recruitment activity. The breakthrough is particularly important because Al-Nassr had reportedly reached an agreement with Real Mallorca in July for Samu Costa. However, the transfer could not immediately be registered because of the financial monitoring imposed on the Saudi champion. According to Al-Riyadiyah, the restrictions have now been lifted, allowing the team to move forward with the registration of new players. The development effectively removes the biggest obstacle standing between Costa and his move to Riyadh. The club’s financial problems had become a major issue during the offseason, with reports claiming that Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding $280 million. The restructuring process involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company, and efforts to reorganize existing financial commitments. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Samu Costa announcement date emerges The latest update now gives a much clearer picture of when supporters could finally see the transfer made official. Former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie revealed that the league sent approval for Samu Costa on Sunday morning, meaning the club can now submit the documentation to the Professionalism Committee. Al-Subaie also provided an indication of when the announcement could arrive. According to his update, Al-Nassr’s official account is expected to announce the Samu Costa deal within the next 72 hours. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 during Portugal’s training session. That would bring the Portuguese midfielder closer to becoming the Knight of Najd’s first summer signing after the club finally overcame the financial restrictions that had delayed its recruitment plans. Another Saudi journalist, Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi, also reported that Costa is expected to arrive in Riyadh within the next two days. The timing adds another layer of intrigue to the move, as Al-Nassr is already preparing for the start of the new campaign. The club begins its Saudi Pro League season against Al-Fateh, while it also has ambitions of defending its domestic crown and making another serious push in the AFC Champions League Elite. Costa would fill major midfield vacancy Costa’s arrival would address an important need in the squad following the departure of Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season, leaving the club with a significant vacancy in the center of the pitch. Costa, who has established himself as an important midfielder at Real Mallorca, would offer another option in an area that needs greater depth. His arrival could become one of the first major pieces of Al-Nassr’s squad rebuild after the club’s financial restrictions were eased. The Portuguese midfielder is also arriving at a fascinating point in the club’s development. Ronaldo remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project, while the club is looking to surround its captain with enough quality to compete on multiple fronts.
Inter Miami face Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup, where Lionel Messi is not expected to be present at Nu Stadium for this clash. Lionel Messi is not expected to be part of Inter Miami’s squad for Saturday’s Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey, following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. While the club has yet to issue an official confirmation, all signs point to the captain sitting out as he will travel to Argentina. Jorge Messi passed away Friday at a clinic in Rosario at the age of 68, after battling a long illness. He was not only Lionel’s father but also his longtime agent, playing a central role in shaping his career from his early days at Newell’s Old Boys through his moves to Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami. His return to the pitch remains uncertain. Three upcoming matches have been floated as possible comeback points: Wednesday’s clash with Club Leon on August 12, which appears unlikely given the short turnaround, and Saturday’s MLS match against Nashville SC on August 15. The August 19 meeting with Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, is widely seen as the most realistic option, allowing him more time with his family before returning to full training. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami. (Getty Images) Miami enters the match off the back of a 4-2 comeback win over Atletico San Luis in their Leagues Cup opener, a game in which Messi scored a brace. Without their captain, head coach Guillermo Hoyos is expected to hand the armband to Noah Allen as Inter Miami looks to build on that result against a Monterrey side chasing their first points of the tournament. Inter Miami’s projected lineup With Messi absent, and Luis Suarez still unavailable due to his ongoing suspension, Hoyos is expected to lean on the same core group that carried Miami through their opener, adjusting the attack to compensate for both absences up top. Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lovend’s Delinois, Daniel Pinter, Telasco Segovia. Monterrey’s projected lineup Monterrey, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their Matchday 1 defeat to Orlando City, fielding a lineup built around their attacking depth in Miami. Monterrey’s projected starting XI: Luis Cardenas; Carlos Salcedo, Victor Guzman, Daniel Aceves; Lucas Ocampos, Orbelin Pineda, Jesus Corona, Oliver Torres, Luca Orellano; Hugo Cuypers, Diego Rossi.
Their first meeting comes at an unusual moment, however, with Ronaldo still enjoying an extended break after his international commitments while Postecoglou begins shaping his plans for the new campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ange Postecoglou have crossed paths at Al-Nassr, giving the Saudi Pro League club a glimpse of what could become one of the most fascinating manager-player partnerships in world soccer. Their first meeting comes at an unusual moment, however, with Ronaldo still enjoying an extended break after his international commitments while Postecoglou begins shaping his plans for the new campaign. The Australian manager arrived in Saudi Arabia with plenty to prove after taking charge of Al-Nassr on a two-year contract. Yet one of the biggest attractions of the job is obvious: the opportunity to coach one of soccer’s greatest-ever goalscorers and one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet. Postecoglou‘s appointment represents a major change for Al-Nassr after the departure of Jorge Jesus. The former Celtic manager has left European soccer behind for a new challenge in the Middle East, where expectations will immediately be high given the club’s ambitions and the presence of Ronaldo. On the other hand, the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project. His reputation, goalscoring record and experience at the highest level mean that any manager taking charge of the club will inevitably face questions about how he plans to maximize Ronaldo’s contribution. View this post on Instagram Postecoglou has already made it clear that Ronaldo will have a central role in his plans. The manager’s first public assessment of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner also offered an early indication of how highly he values the veteran forward. Ronaldo’s delayed return does not concern Postecoglou Ronaldo has been given additional time away from the squad after representing Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. Rather than rushing him back into training, Postecoglou believes the extended break is important after another demanding season for a player who has spent much of his career operating at an extraordinary physical and competitive level. The pair met at Al-Nassr’s pre-season base in Portugal, where Ronaldo attended the club’s friendly against Almeria. It was the first public meeting between the new manager and his biggest star since Postecoglou took charge, even though Ronaldo had yet to fully rejoin the group. القائـد كريستيانو رونالدو يلتقي بنجوم الفريق قبل مواجهة #النصر_الميريا 🤩 pic.twitter.com/szIUbd8ski— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) August 4, 2026 That delay appears to have caused no concern for the Australian. Instead, Postecoglou stressed that Ronaldo’s professionalism and desire to return will ensure he is ready when the new campaign begins. Postecoglou reveals what Ronaldo told him Speaking about his first conversation with Ronaldo, Postecoglou described the Portuguese forward as a hugely important player and admitted that working with him is an honor. “Cristiano Ronaldo is a very important player, and it is certainly an honour for me to share a dressing room with him and the other players feel the same way,” Postecoglou said, via Glasgow Times. The manager also revealed that Ronaldo had personally reassured him about his condition and readiness for the upcoming campaign: “I had a conversation with Cristiano, and he confirmed to me his readiness for the new season”. 🚨 ANGE POSTECOGLOU:"Cristiano is always important.It's an honor to share the dressing room with him.I'm sure the players feel the same way.Through my conversation with Cristiano, he will be ready.He is a professional, and I know he is eager to return and join the… pic.twitter.com/JnIUtcfKaS— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) August 5, 2026 That message should reassure the Knight of Najd’s supporters. Despite his age and delayed return to training, Ronaldo has apparently made it clear to his new manager that he remains fully commit
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo would not be present for Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League debut against Al Fateh. Al Nassr are reportedly bracing for a blow ahead of their Saudi Pro League title defense, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to miss the opening round against Al Fateh. According to Al Nassr Zone, it is expected that Cristiano will miss the opening round of the league, with reports now pointing to his wedding as the driving factor behind the delay. The Sun reports that Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are set to marry on Saturday, August 8, at Funchal Cathedral in Madeira, Ronaldo’s hometown. The timing leaves him barely a week to prepare before Al Nassr‘s title defense kicks off on August 15 at Al Awwal Park, a tight turnaround between the wedding and a return to full training in Riyadh. The wedding caps off what has already been a lengthy break for Ronaldo, who has been away from the club since Portugal’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans after World Cup exit. (Getty Images) In the weeks since, he posted vacation photos from Mallorca with his family, skipped Al Nassr’s preseason training camp in Lisbon, and was absent when the squad returned to Riyadh on August 6 and resumed domestic training two days later. Under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Al Nassr have reportedly requested physical tests before fully clearing Ronaldo to rejoin preseason work, as the club looks to carefully manage his workload for another demanding season across multiple competitions. King’s Cup opener also in doubt Ronaldo’s absence could extend beyond the Saudi Pro League opener. Al Nassr Zone also reported that Ronaldo is potentially missing the Al Diriyah match in the King’s Cup, with the team set to open its campaign in the Round of 32 on August 18— just days after the Al Fateh clash. With such a condensed turnaround between the two fixtures, and now a wedding factored into his calendar, the club may opt to continue easing Ronaldo back gradually rather than risk his fitness across both.
A full breakdown of the 17 managerial changes following the 2026 World Cup, featured by high-profile appointments like Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp. It would be fair to say that international football management has become a cut-throat business if the 2026 World Cup is anything to go by. Belgium boss Rudi García’s exit following the expiry of his contract on July 31 took the number of managerial departures to 17 this summer. Read on as we look at which managers have left their roles this summer, before assessing some of the noteworthy appointments to replace them. International managerial exits: Summer 2026 Didier Deschamps (France) – Ended his 14-year spell in charge after the World Cup.Roberto Martínez (Portugal) – Resigned after Portugal’s round of 16 defeat to Spain.Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – Quit after Germany were beaten by Paraguay in the round of 32.Rudi García (Belgium) – Exited following Belgium’s run to the quarter-finals.Zlatko Dalić (Croatia) – Ended his tenure following Croatia’s round of 32 exit against Portugal.Javier Aguirre (Mexico) – Resigned after Mexico lost against England in the round of 16.Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – Left after the Netherlands exited in the round of 32.Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador) – Resigned after Ecuador’s round of 32 elimination.Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay) – Stepped down after Uruguay’s World Cup campaign.Steve Clarke (Scotland) – Resigned after Scotland failed to progress beyond the group stage.Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) – Left after South Korea’s early exit.Sabri Lamouchi (Tunisia) – Sacked after Tunisia’s opening 5–1 defeat at the tournament.Miroslav Koubek (Czechia) – Stepped down following Czechia’s group-stage elimination.Pape Thiaw (Senegal) – Had his contract terminated after Senegal’s exit.Carlos Queiroz (Ghana) – Resigned after Ghana were eliminated in the round of 32.Jamal Sellami (Jordan) – Left his position after Jordan’s early exit.Vladimir Petković (Algeria) – Exited following Algeria’s disappointing campaign. Zidane & Klopp headline new managerial appointments Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp are the standout names on the list of replacements announced by international federations to date. Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021. The 54-year-old has now been tasked with building on the foundations laid by Deschamps. He will lead France through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. “I’ve often said it – there’s nothing greater than the French national team,” Zidane said. “So, it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team. “It’s also a responsibility. I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff. “I also have a special thought for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.” The German Football Association’s decision to turn to Klopp was no real surprise given the lack of viable alternatives. The 59-year-old previously re-established Liverpool as a force in English football, before joining Red Bull GmbH as Head of Global Soccer in January 2025. He will now work to restore the fortunes of a team which has struggled to live up to its billing since last winning the World Cup in 2014. Portugal will embark on a new era after Martínez stepped aside. Jorge Jesus has replaced him after spending the last three years in the Saudi Pro League. Jesus must determine how best to handle veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has given no indication that he will retire from international football. Martínez made the mistake of pandering to Ronaldo at the World Cup, and his decision ultimately resulted in them making an early exit from the tournament. Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season, has suggested that the 41-year-old wi
The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game's defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable performance as Inter Miami opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with an impressive victory, adding yet another milestone to his extraordinary career. The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game’s defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. The latest achievement adds to an already glittering resume that spans nearly two decades, but this one carried special significance in a competition that has become increasingly important across North America. By the final whistle, Messi had once again placed himself at the center of the soccer conversation after another night where his quality made the difference. Inter Miami opens with statement victory Inter Miami kicked off its Leagues Cup journey by defeating Atletico San Luis 4-2 in an entertaining contest that featured six goals, dramatic momentum swings, and another masterclass from Messi. Despite conceding within the opening minutes, the MLS side quickly recovered and seized control before halftime. David Rodríguez handed the Mexican club an early advantage after just four minutes, briefly silencing the home crowd. The response, however, came almost immediately, as Messi equalized in the 11th minute with a composed finish after being found by his teammates in space. The comeback continued midway through the first half when Telasco Segovia completed the turnaround, giving Inter Miami a deserved lead. Messi then struck again shortly before halftime, before defender Micael added a fourth goal in stoppage time, putting the match well beyond Atletico San Luis before the interval. Although Rafa Llorente reduced the deficit during the second half, Inter Miami comfortably protected its advantage to secure all three points. The victory also extended the club’s unbeaten run and immediately established it among the tournament favorites. Messi reaches another historic milestone The two goals did far more than secure victory for Inter Miami. Messi’s brace officially made him the Leagues Cup‘s all-time leading goalscorer, taking his tally to 14 goals in just 12 appearances. Entering the night, the Argentine was level with LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, but his first-half double moved him into first place on his own. Later in the evening, Bouanga also found the net to draw level again on 14 goals, but the Argentine superstar did it in fewer games. RankPlayerTeamGoalsAppsGoals per Game1.Lionel MessiInter Miami CF14121.172.Denis BouangaLAFC14131.083.Bongokuhle HlongwaneMinnesota United9100.904.Diego RossiColumbus Crew / Monterrey890.895.Tai BariboPhiladelphia Union771.00 The milestone continues a remarkable run since Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival transformed the club’s fortunes almost immediately, leading it to its first Leagues Cup title before guiding it back to another deep run in subsequent editions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, and Karim Benzema enter a new season chasing history as one of soccer's greatest individual battles continues to unfold across the world. Cristiano Ronaldo is heading into another season with Al-Nassr, knowing that history is within touching distance. At the same time, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, and Karim Benzema remain among the legendary forwards chasing the very same milestone, ensuring that one of soccer’s greatest individual races will continue across multiple leagues this year. The battle has become one of the defining stories of modern soccer, with several of the game’s most decorated strikers continuing to deliver goals well into the later stages of their careers. While their paths have taken them to different clubs and competitions, they all remain connected by the possibility of achieving a feat no player has ever managed before. The mystery surrounding Ronaldo’s next campaign centers on a chance to become the first player in official soccer history to reach 1,000 career goals. The Portuguese superstar currently sits on 976 official goals, leaving him just 24 strikes away from the unprecedented milestone. That target suddenly appears realistic considering Ronaldo’s remarkable consistency throughout his career. Even at 41 years old, he continues to score regularly for Al-Nassr and remains one of the Saudi Pro League‘s biggest attractions heading into the new season. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Reaching four digits would add another extraordinary achievement to a career already filled with records. Ronaldo has collected five UEFA Champions League titles, the UEFA Euro 2016 trophy, multiple domestic league championships in England, Spain and Italy, and remains international soccer’s all-time leading goalscorer for Portugal. Messi remains Ronaldo’s closest challenger Although Ronaldo leads the race, Lionel Messi continues to apply pressure from Inter Miami. The Argentine icon currently owns 921 official career goals, meaning he requires 79 more to join the exclusive four-digit club. Messi’s season is already underway in Major League Soccer, giving him additional opportunities to reduce Ronaldo’s advantage before Al-Nassr begins its Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15. Every appearance gives the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner another chance to edge closer to the historic landmark. His résumé remains unmatched in many areas of the game, featuring eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League crowns, ten La Liga titles, two Copa América triumphs, and two FIFA World Cup victories. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF lifts the Champion’s trophy after winning the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final Lewandowski continues remarkable scoring form Robert Lewandowski also remains firmly in the conversation despite sitting further behind the two long-time rivals. The Polish striker has reached 728 official career goals and recently enjoyed an impressive start to life with Charlotte, scoring twice in his MLS debut. The veteran forward has built his reputation through relentless consistency rather than spectacular moments alone. His scoring record across Germany, Spain, and now North America demonstrates why he remains one of soccer’s greatest finishers. Lewandowski’s honors include ten Bundesliga titles, one Champions League trophy, multiple European Golden Shoes, two La Liga championships, and two FIFA Best Men’s Player awards. Suarez still finding the net Luis Suarez may be approaching the closing stages of his career, but the Uruguayan striker continues to prove he remains a dangerous finisher. He currently owns 600 official career goals after recently adding another for Inter Miami. Playing alongside Messi once again has allowed Suarez to continue contributing at the highest level in North America. While the 1,000-goal target appears far more distant for him, his longevity continues to impress. His career in
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 Saturday, August 15, when they host Al Fateh for Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season at Al Awwal Park. However, the Portuguese star’s presence remains to be a major question as he hasn’t been present in any single preseason friendly of the team. 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.
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