Barcelona · UEFA Nations League · Attacker · #9 · Poland · 37 yrs
Barcelona’s summer pursuit of a new number nine rumbles on, with the club still yet to properly fill the void left behind by Robert Lewandowski.Julian Alvarez has long been identified as the ideal m...
FC Barcelona have been intent on signing Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez as their new number nine to fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski.From the beginning, Los Colchoneros have been clear in...
Lamine Yamal made history by becoming one of the youngest players to ever win a World Cup during Spain's triumphant 2026 campaign. However, his former FC Barcelona teammate, and current Chicago Fire forward, Robert Lewandowski offered a candid assessment of the 19-year-old star: "We didn't see his best version in the World Cup." In an […] Lamine Yamal made history by becoming one of the youngest players to ever win a World Cup during Spain‘s triumphant 2026 campaign. However, his former FC Barcelona teammate, and current Chicago Fire forward, Robert Lewandowski offered a candid assessment of the 19-year-old star: “We didn’t see his best version in the World Cup.“ In an interview with ESPN, when asked about Yamal’s performance on soccer’s biggest stage, the Polish legend gave an honest review: “Honestly, we didn’t see his best version in this tournament. For me, his best form—the best Lamine—wasn’t last season, but from two seasons ago. That was, in my opinion, the absolute best version of Lamine Yamal.” Lewandowski pointed out that the youngster entered the World Cup lacking match fitness following a major injury layoff. “He’s young, and he came into the World Cup on the heels of an injury that sidelined him for about eight weeks. It’s difficult to sit out that long and then be expected to hit the ground running immediately in a World Cup,” he explained. Having shared the pitch with Yamal at Barcelona since 2022, Lewandowski has witnessed the winger’s meteoric rise firsthand. But regarding Spain’s World Cup victory, the new Chicago Fire striker emphasized that La Roja’s collective structure was the key to masking Yamal’s rustiness, allowing him to contribute to the team’s overarching success without carrying the entire burden alone. Lamine Yamal of Spain. Lewandowski backed Spain over Argentina The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was billed as a generational passing of the torch, featuring Yamal and Lionel Messi as the poster boys for two distinct eras. For Lewandowski, choosing a side in the final proved simple. The former Bayern Munich star revealed that he backed La Roja due to his deep ties with several players in the Spanish squad: “I know many of the Spanish players personally and spent a lot of time with them in Barcelona, so I was rooting for them quite a bit. From Argentina, I only really know Leo (Messi) personally, even though I know they won the previous World Cup. That’s why I supported Spain.” Yamal’s 2026 World Cup by the numbers Rehabilitating his injury on a tight deadline, Yamal missed Spain’s warm-up friendlies against Iraq and Peru. However, he recovered in time for the group stage opener and went on to feature in all seven of Spain’s matches during the tournament. While he scored just one goal—a group-stage strike against Saudi Arabia—and failed to log an official assist, his impact on the pitch extended beyond basic box scores. The 19-year-old drew the crucial penalty against France in the semifinals and set a tournament record for the most successful dribbles by a teenager in World Cup history.
Despite becoming a 2026 World Cup winner, Lamine Yamal has received a lot of criticism for his performances. In response, Robert Lewandowski has explained the reasons behind the inconsistent performances of the 19-year-old prodigy. After establishing as one of Barcelona’s best players, Lamine Yamal seemed to arrive at the 2026 World Cup ready to compete to be the tournament’s top scorer. While he shined collectively, he did not have his best tournament in front of goal. In response, Robert Lewandowski explained the reason behind the inconsistent performances of the 19-year-old star, highlighting a key aspect that has not been taken into account. “Honestly, no, we didn’t [see his best this tournament]. The best performance, the best Lamine for me, of course, wasn’t the last season, but two seasons ago… He came to the World Cup after injury and he didn’t play for like eight weeks so it’s tough if you don’t play eight weeks and you have to start playing in the World Cup, then you don’t have time for the training just from game to game,” Lewandowski said, via ESPN. After suffering a muscle tear, Lamine Yamal arrived at the 2026 World Cup far from fully fit. In fact, head coach Luis de la Fuente did not use him in the opening match, as he missed the game against Cape Verde. As the tournament progressed, he gradually regained his fluency in play. However, he was unable to impose his goalscoring ability. Robert Lewandowski’s words are not a direct criticism of Lamine. Instead, the veteran striker points to the lack of continuity after the injury as the main cause. Amid the criticism, the 19-year-old star remained irreplaceable at the 2026 World Cup, playing a key role in the team’s collective play. In addition, teammates such as Unai Simón and Rodri Hernández praised his work on the field. Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates scoring a goal. Lamine Yamal’s impact goes beyond the scoring side Throughout his career, Lamine Yamal has surprised the soccer world with his goalscoring ability. As a fast, skillful winger, he has been the centerpiece of Barcelona over the last two seasons. By failing to translate that impact to Spain, he is being heavily criticized by the fans. However, the 19-year-old star has shown that his impact goes far beyond the goalscoring aspect. As the team’s most decisive player on the ball, both Spain and Barcelona build their play around him. Therefore, he often attracts defenders and creates space for his teammates. In addition, he has excelled in the creative aspect, delivering key passes that allow his teammates to shine. Whether he scores or not, he always contributes collectively, making him the most dangerous player with or without the ball. At just 19 years old, Lamine Yamal still has many things to improve in his professional career. Not only will enhancing his goalscoring ability be key, but also managing his runs to preserve his physical condition. As a key player for both Spain and Barcelona, he is expected to be the focal point of UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, silencing the critics of his performances at the international level.
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros return from their nationwide tour to debate bold ideas for overhauling US Soccer ahead of the 2030 World Cup, sit down with USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams to dissect Mauricio Pochettino's culture and the Balogun red card controversy, and analyze a wild summer transfer window featuring mega-deals for Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, and Robert Lewandowski.
Despite having the top scorer of the 2026 MLS season, Chicago Fire decided to make Robert Lewandowski their new star. Ahead of today's match against Inter Miami, fans are closely watching his status, hoping for his debut. Chicago Fire have excelled in front of goal in the current 2026 MLS season. Hugo Cuypers is leading the league’s top scorer, surpassing Lionel Messi by scoring 13 goals. However, they decided to strengthen their attacking power even further by signing Robert Lewandowski as their marquee star. Ahead of today’s match against Inter Miami, fans are closely monitoring the Polish striker’s status. Robert Lewandowski is starting for Chicago Fire today, as he has no injuries and has trained normally. As the team’s biggest star, head coach Gregg Berhalter could look to build the attack around him in order to maximize his goalscoring ability. It also remains to be seen how he will fit him into his tactical setup. Alongside Lewandowski, head coach Gregg Berhalter is keeping Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel as his attacking partners. However, Maren Haile-Selassie would have a bigger role in midfield, as he needs to be the central playmaker, distributing the ball and finding the Polish striker. Inter Miami will be without their biggest stars: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. After the 2026 World Cup, both players will take a few days off to avoid physical discomfort. As a result, all eyes will be on Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame, who will need to be at their best in front of goal. In addition, Micael and Gonzalo Luján could be responsible for providing defensive solidity to the team. Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami CF shoots during the MLS match vs Chicago Fire. Inter Miami confirmed lineup vs Chicago Fire As one of the best teams in MLS, Inter Miami return from the break looking for a convincing victory. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be forced to make changes to his starting lineup following the absences of Messi and De Paul. As a result, David Ruiz returns to the team, playing a key role alongside Yannick Bright. In addition, Luis Suarez and Germán Berterame lead the attack. The Herons lineup as follows: Dayne St Clair; Facundo Mura, Ian Fray, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti; German Berterame, Luis Suarez. Chicago Fire confirmed lineup vs Inter Miami Chicago Fire are looking for a victory that would bring them closer to the MLS Cup title. To achieve this, head coach Gregg Berhalter will rely on Robert Lewandowski. Therefore, the main challenge will be defensive, as they need to be more solid to keep the team balanced. In addition, they will face the Herons and their outstanding attack. With this in mind, Chicago Fire may play as follows: Christopher Brady; Jonathan Dean, Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Andrew Gutman; Anton Saletros, Dje Tah D’Avilla; Philip Zinckernagel, Jonathan Bamba, Maren Haile-Selassie; Robert Lewandowski.
Lamine Yamal helped Spain add the World Cup to the European Championship title they won in 2024, but he did not display his best form. The post World Cup did not see best version of Yamal, says ex-Barcelona team-mate Lewandowski appeared first on SoccerNews.
Inter Miami returns to Major League Soccer action on Wednesday with plenty of attention surrounding the club, but Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not be part of the squad for the clash against the Chicago Fire. Inter Miami returns to Major League Soccer action on Wednesday with plenty of attention surrounding the club, but Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not be part of the squad for the clash against the Chicago Fire. Their absence comes only days after Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Spain, leaving supporters wondering why two of the club’s biggest stars are unavailable. The timing is particularly intriguing because the match also marks Robert Lewandowski’s long-awaited MLS debut for the Chicago Fire, creating one of the league’s biggest fixtures of the season. While Messi and De Paul remain away from the action, both clubs still have plenty at stake as they resume league play following the World Cup break. The World Cup pause officially ended this week, with MLS restarting its schedule before the upcoming All-Star Game and Leagues Cup. The Herons enter the second half of the campaign in second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Fire sits just behind in third, making Wednesday’s meeting a crucial contest despite the missing stars. Before the break, Inter Miami had built excellent momentum by winning four consecutive league matches, scoring goals freely and strengthening its position near the top of the standings. However, the return to domestic competition arrives under unusual circumstances after several players represented their countries during the World Cup. Back home tomorrow. Let’s go! 🩷🌴🎟️ https://t.co/wW5XqtvdAB pic.twitter.com/bWPlsScpje— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 21, 2026 The real reason Messi and De Paul are unavailable The dilemma surrounding Messi and De Paul’s absence comes down to mandatory recovery following their demanding World Cup campaign with Argentina. Both players featured in Sunday’s World Cup final, where Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time, with Messi playing the full 120 minutes. According to multiple reports, including the Miami Herald and ESPN, Inter Miami decided to give both players time away from soccer following FIFA and FIFPRO recommendations regarding player welfare after major international tournaments. The current guidance recommends a minimum 21-day offseason recovery period, with at least 72 hours between matches throughout the calendar. Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammate Rodrigo De Paul. FIFA explained: “There is a consensus that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and that players should have a rest period/holiday of at least 21 days at the end of each season.” The governing body also stressed that “This period should be managed individually by each club and the respective players also depending on their match calendars and taking into account applicable collective agreements.” Un Mundial para estar orgullosos. Con los nuestros, siempre 🩷🖤 pic.twitter.com/FlECxBqGt2— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 20, 2026 What did Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos say? Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos made it clear that resting Messi and De Paul takes priority over rushing them back into league action. After Argentina’s emotional run to another World Cup final, the coach believes both players deserve time with their families before returning to club soccer. Hoyos said: “The World Cup ended just hours ago, and what they need now more than anything is to rest, to be with their loved ones, in their homes.” He also praised the reception Argentina received after returning home, adding: “They will take whatever time they need.” “Yo creo que no tiene 39” 🗣️🐐Guillermo Hoyos, entrenador del Inter Miami, destacó el extraordinario estado físico de Lionel Messi. ⚽🔥 pic.twitter.com/9MFHMqu0TX— Tigo Sports (@TigoSportsPY) July 22, 2026 Without his two Argentine leaders, Hoyos acknowledged replacing them will b
Barcelona have one major squad problem to sort out this summer. The Catalan club need to find a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who left at the end of last season.The Pole spent four successful ye...
Robert Lewandowski revealed he had no intention of staying in Europe after leaving Barcelona, leading to his move to Chicago Fire and MLS. The post Lewandowski ‘couldn’t imagine’ playing for any European club after Barcelona exit appeared first on SoccerNews.
Robert Lewandowski has joined the Chicago Fire, and Gregg Berhalter feels the striker will prove to be a real difference-maker for his team. The post Berhalter backs Lewandowski to take Chicago Fire ‘to the top’ ahead of MLS return appeared first on SoccerNews.
