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  • From Messi to Ronaldo: 6 football legends likely playing in their final FIFA World Cup in 2026

    From Messi to Ronaldo: 6 football legends likely playing in their final FIFA World Cup in 2026

    The FIFA World Cup represents the pinnacle of international football. Every four years, the world’s best players gather on the sport’s grandest stage with one goal in mind: lifting the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy and etching their names into history.


    The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be one of the most memorable editions yet. Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will not only feature an expanded format but could also mark the final World Cup appearances of several legendary players who have defined an era of football.


    From World Cup winners and Ballon d’Or recipients to national icons who have carried the hopes of entire countries, these stars have spent years building extraordinary legacies. For many of them, 2026 may represent one last opportunity to achieve international glory before stepping away from the game’s biggest stage.


    Here are six football legends who could be making their final FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.


    1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

    No player has defined modern football quite like Lionel Messi.


    After years of heartbreak on the international stage, Messi finally completed his football story when he led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar. The triumph ended one of football’s greatest debates and cemented his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.


    By the time the 2026 World Cup arrives, Messi will be nearing the twilight of an illustrious career that has seen him win multiple league titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, Copa America titles, and a record number of Ballon d’Or awards.


    What makes Messi’s final World Cup appearance particularly compelling is that Argentina remains one of the strongest national teams in the world. With a talented core of players entering their prime years, La Albiceleste has a legitimate opportunity to defend its crown and become back-to-back world champions.


    Should Argentina make another deep run, it would provide the perfect final chapter to one of the most decorated careers football has ever seen.


    Why It Matters

    • Defending World Cup champion
    • Record Ballon d’Or winner
    • Arguably football’s greatest player
    • Opportunity to become a two-time World Cup champion

    2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

    For more than two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has been synonymous with excellence, longevity, and an unmatched desire to win.


    The Portuguese superstar has shattered scoring records across multiple leagues and international competitions. From Manchester United to Real Madrid, Juventus, and Portugal, Ronaldo has consistently delivered at the highest level.


    However, one achievement has continued to elude him: winning the FIFA World Cup.

    Portugal enters the 2026 tournament with one of the most talented squads in international football. Featuring a blend of experienced veterans and emerging stars, the Seleção will believe they have a genuine chance of competing for the title.


    For Ronaldo, this could be the final opportunity to add the one trophy missing from his remarkable collection.


    Why It Matters

    • One of football’s all-time leading scorers
    • Portugal’s greatest player
    • Chasing a first World Cup title
    • Final chapter of the Messi-Ronaldo era

    3. Neymar Jr. (Brazil)

    When Neymar emerged as a teenager, he was widely viewed as the player destined to carry Brazilian football into a new generation.


    Over the years, he has become Brazil’s leading scorer and one of the most recognizable footballers in the world. Yet despite his immense talent, his World Cup journey has been filled with disappointment.


    Injuries disrupted his campaigns in both 2014 and 2022, while Brazil’s quest for a sixth World Cup title has repeatedly fallen short. Now approaching what could be his final World Cup, Neymar has one last chance to deliver the ultimate prize for a football-obsessed nation.


    Brazil remains among the tournament favorites every four years, and if Neymar can stay healthy, he could play a pivotal role in ending the country’s lengthy wait for another World Cup triumph.


    Why It Matters

    • Brazil’s all-time leading scorer
    • One of the most talented players of his generation
    • Seeking redemption after injury setbacks
    • Chasing Brazil’s sixth World Cup title

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    4. Luka Modric (Croatia)

    Few players have elevated their national team the way Luka Modric has elevated Croatia.


    The midfield maestro led Croatia to a historic World Cup final appearance in 2018 before helping the nation secure a third-place finish in 2022. For a country with a relatively small population, those achievements rank among the greatest accomplishments in international football history.

    Modric’s vision, leadership, and technical brilliance have made him one of the finest midfielders of his generation.


    At 40 years old, the Croatian captain could be preparing for his fifth and final World Cup appearance. Although Croatia may not be among the tournament favorites, dismissing a team led by Modric has proven to be a mistake in the past.


    Why It Matters

    • Croatia’s greatest-ever player
    • 2018 Ballon d’Or winner
    • Led Croatia to multiple historic World Cup finishes
    • One final opportunity for international glory

    5. Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)

    World Cups and Guillermo Ochoa have become inseparable.


    For nearly two decades, the veteran goalkeeper has been a fixture in Mexico’s national team setup, producing some of the tournament’s most memorable goalkeeping performances. Whether making impossible saves against Brazil, frustrating elite strikers, or inspiring Mexico during knockout-stage runs, Ochoa has become a symbol of consistency and resilience.


    If selected, the 2026 edition would mark his sixth World Cup appearance, placing him among a rare group of players to compete in six separate tournaments.


    With Mexico serving as one of the host nations, Ochoa could enjoy a fitting farewell in front of home supporters.


    Why It Matters

    • Mexican football icon
    • Potential sixth World Cup appearance
    • One of the tournament’s most memorable goalkeepers
    • Opportunity to play a final World Cup on home soil

    6. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

    Kevin De Bruyne has been the creative heartbeat of Belgium’s golden generation.


    Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of the modern era, De Bruyne has built a reputation for extraordinary passing, vision, and leadership. His ability to dictate matches has made him one of football’s most influential players over the past decade.


    Belgium came closest to World Cup glory in 2018 when it secured a third-place finish, but the nation has yet to capture the sport’s biggest prize.


    At 35 years old, De Bruyne could be making his final appearance at the tournament. If so, he will be determined to help Belgium produce one last memorable run.


    Why It Matters

    • One of the world’s elite midfielders
    • Leader of Belgium’s golden generation
    • Seeking a first major international trophy
    • Potential final World Cup appearance

    The End of an Era

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be more than just another global football tournament. It may also serve as a farewell tour for some of the greatest players the sport has ever produced.


    Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football discussions for nearly two decades. Neymar carried the hopes of Brazil. Modric transformed Croatia into a global contender. Ochoa became a World Cup icon, while De Bruyne helped define Belgium’s most successful era.


    Whether they leave the tournament as champions or fall short of their ultimate goal, their impact on football is undeniable. As fans prepare for the opening whistle, one thing is certain: the possibility of seeing these legends on the World Cup stage for the final time makes the 2026 tournament even more special.


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  • From Maradona to Messi: The legends who ruled the FIFA World Cup 

    From Maradona to Messi: The legends who ruled the FIFA World Cup 

    The FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in football, given to the best player of each FIFA World Cup finals tournament. Recognizing exceptional talent, leadership, and influence on the world’s biggest football stage, the award highlights players who stand out regardless of their team’s final position in the competition.


    What is the Golden Ball Award?

    The Golden Ball is presented to the standout player of the FIFA World Cup. The winner is selected from a shortlist prepared by FIFA’s technical committee and is ultimately voted on by accredited media representatives covering the tournament.


    Unlike team trophies, the Golden Ball focuses entirely on individual excellence. It is awarded based on a player’s overall impact throughout the tournament, including technical skill, consistency, leadership, and influence in crucial matches.


    Selection Process

    The process of selecting the Golden Ball winner involves multiple stages:

    • A shortlist is compiled by FIFA’s technical study group.
    • Journalists and media representatives vote on the shortlisted candidates.
    • The player with the highest number of votes is awarded the Golden Ball.

    This method ensures that the winner reflects both expert evaluation and media observation across the entire tournament.


    Historical Background

    Although the Golden Ball was officially introduced at the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, FIFA has since retroactively identified the best player from earlier tournaments dating back to the first World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay.


    These retrospective selections help create a complete historical record of standout performers across every edition of the tournament, even before the award formally existed.


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    Significance of the Award

    The Golden Ball is unique because it does not always go to the winning team’s players. In fact, several winners have come from teams that did not lift the World Cup trophy, reinforcing the idea that individual brilliance is recognized independently of team success.

    For example:

    • Luka Modrić won the award in 2018 despite Croatia finishing as runners-up.
    • Lionel Messi won in 2014 while Argentina also finished second.

    This highlights FIFA’s recognition that exceptional individual performance can transcend final team results.


    Most Successful Nations in Golden Ball History

    Brazil stands out as the most successful nation in Golden Ball history, with its players winning the award seven times. This reflects Brazil’s long-standing reputation for producing world-class attacking talent and footballing icons.


    Lionel Messi’s Historic Achievement

    One of the most remarkable records in Golden Ball history belongs to Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar is the only player to have won the award twice, achieving the honor in:

    • 2014 (Brazil World Cup)
    • 2022 (Qatar World Cup)

    Messi’s achievements solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in World Cup history, consistently delivering elite performances across multiple tournaments.


    List of FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Winners (Modern Era)

    Since the award’s official introduction in 1982, the winners have been:

    • 2022: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
    • 2018: Luka Modrić (Croatia)
    • 2014: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
    • 2010: Diego Forlán (Uruguay)
    • 2006: Zinedine Zidane (France)
    • 2002: Oliver Kahn (Germany)
    • 1998: Ronaldo (Brazil)
    • 1994: Romário (Brazil)
    • 1990: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
    • 1986: Diego Maradona (Argentina)
    • 1982: Paolo Rossi (Italy)

    Notably, Oliver Kahn remains the only goalkeeper to have ever won the Golden Ball, achieving the feat in 2002.


    Conclusion

    The FIFA World Cup Golden Ball remains one of football’s most respected individual honors, celebrating players who define tournaments through skill, leadership, and unforgettable performances. Whether coming from champion teams or runners-up, Golden Ball winners represent the very best of world football at its highest level.


    As the World Cup continues to evolve, the award remains a symbol of individual greatness on the sport’s biggest stage.


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  • From Messi to Ronaldo: Top 5 players with the most FIFA World Cup matches in history 

    From Messi to Ronaldo: Top 5 players with the most FIFA World Cup matches in history 

    The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, where only the greatest players consistently perform on the sport’s biggest stage. Reaching multiple World Cups is already a remarkable achievement, but maintaining elite-level performance across several tournaments requires extraordinary longevity, consistency, and durability.


    Here’s a look at the five players who have made the most appearances in FIFA World Cup history.


    1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 26 Matches

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi sits alone at the top of the all-time World Cup appearance list with 26 matches for Argentina national football team.


    Messi’s World Cup journey began in 2006 as a teenage prodigy and culminated in glory at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he finally lifted the coveted trophy. Across five World Cups, Messi delivered unforgettable performances, countless iconic moments, and became Argentina’s undisputed leader on the international stage.


    His longevity, consistency, and ability to perform under immense pressure cemented his place in football history.


    2. Lothar Matthäus (Germany) — 25 Matches

    German legend Lothar Matthäus held the record for most World Cup appearances for many years before Messi surpassed him.


    Representing Germany national football team across five tournaments from 1982 to 1998, Matthäus became synonymous with leadership and tactical intelligence. He captained West Germany to World Cup glory in 1990 and remains one of the most decorated midfielders in football history.


    His versatility and endurance allowed him to remain a key figure for Germany over an incredible 16-year World Cup span.


    3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 24 Matches

    Another German icon, Miroslav Klose is best remembered for his extraordinary goalscoring exploits at the World Cup.


    Klose appeared in four tournaments between 2002 and 2014 and famously became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 16 goals. His 24 appearances showcased his consistency and importance to Germany’s success during one of the nation’s strongest football eras.


    He capped off his World Cup career by helping Germany win the 2014 title in Brazil.


    4. Paolo Maldini (Italy) — 23 Matches

    Italian defensive legend Paolo Maldini remains one of the greatest defenders to ever play the game.


    Representing Italy national football team in four World Cups from 1990 to 2002, Maldini built his reputation through composure, intelligence, and defensive mastery. Despite never winning the World Cup, he was consistently one of Italy’s most reliable performers on football’s grandest stage.


    His 23 appearances remain the most by an Italian player in tournament history.


    5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — 22 Matches

    Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo rounds out the top five with 22 World Cup appearances for Portugal national football team.


    Like Messi, Ronaldo enjoyed a remarkable World Cup career spanning multiple generations, appearing in five tournaments from 2006 onward. Known for his elite athleticism, goalscoring ability, and relentless competitiveness, Ronaldo became the face of Portuguese football for nearly two decades.


    Although he never won the World Cup, his consistency and influence on the international stage remain undeniable.


    Honorable Mentions

    • Diego Maradona — 21 matches
    • Philipp Lahm — 20 matches
    • Cafu — 20 matches

    These players not only showcased exceptional talent but also demonstrated the longevity and resilience required to compete repeatedly at football’s highest level. In a tournament where careers can be defined by a single moment, these legends built lasting legacies across multiple World Cup generations.


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  • From Klose to Messi: The top five all-time leading goal scorers in FIFA World Cup history

    The FIFA World Cup is unquestionably the greatest competition in football history — the ultimate prize every player dreams of winning for their country and legacy.


    Since the inaugural tournament in 1930, which saw Frenchman Lucien Laurent score the first-ever World Cup goal, the competition has produced over 2,700 goals and some of the most iconic moments in football. Among the records stands Just Fontaine’s incredible feat of scoring 13 goals in a single tournament in 1958, a record that remains unbroken to this day.


    Here, we spotlight the five players who have scored the most goals in World Cup history:


    1. Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 16 goals in 24 games

    German striker Miroslav Klose tops the list as the all-time leading World Cup goal scorer with 16 goals across 24 matches. Klose featured in four World Cups from 2002 to 2014 and capped his illustrious career by helping Germany clinch the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil.


    2. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) — 15 goals in 19 games

    Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest strikers, Ronaldo Nazário, famously known as “R9,” netted 15 goals in 19 World Cup appearances. Ronaldo played in four editions and won two titles — in 1994 (although he didn’t see playing time) and 2002. The latter cemented his legacy with a memorable brace in the final against Germany.


    3. Gerd Müller (Germany) — 14 goals in 13 games

    A legendary goalscorer of his era, Gerd Müller averaged more than a goal per game with 14 goals in just 13 matches across the 1970 and 1974 tournaments. Müller famously scored the winning goal for West Germany in their 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the 1974 final before retiring as a World Cup champion.


    4. Just Fontaine (France) — 13 goals in 6 games

    Though he only appeared in one World Cup, Just Fontaine remains a legend for his jaw-dropping 13 goals in just six matches during the 1958 tournament — the highest tally ever in a single World Cup. Surprisingly, Fontaine never featured in another World Cup after 1958.


    5. Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 13 goals in 26 games

    Considered by many as the greatest footballer ever, Lionel Messi has played in five World Cups from 2006 to 2022. With 13 goals in 26 games, Messi’s crowning achievement came in Qatar 2022 when he led Argentina to their third World Cup title and won his second Golden Ball award. At 37, fans eagerly await whether Messi will compete in the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.


    These legendary goal scorers have left an indelible mark on the World Cup and football history. As the beautiful game continues to evolve, new stars will surely rise to challenge these records in the years ahead.


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  • Lionel Messi held scoreless as Inter Miami and Nashville play to 0-0 stalemate in CONCACAF Champions Cup

    Lionel Messi held scoreless as Inter Miami and Nashville play to 0-0 stalemate in CONCACAF Champions Cup

    For the second consecutive matchup, Lionel Messi was denied by Nashville SC as Inter Miami and the visitors battled to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16. 


    The return leg on March 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale will decide which squad advances to the quarterfinals.

     

    Messi entered the game on the back of a remarkable streak against Nashville, having scored in six straight encounters since April 20, 2024, producing 12 goals and five assists. 

     

    Yet, the veteran superstar was held without a point for only the second time in four games, following a scoreless outing in Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to Los Angeles FC on February 21.

     

    The Argentine superstar had a chance in the 55th minute, racing down the left flank and firing a shot that was expertly denied by Nashville goalkeeper Bruan Schwake. 

     

    Messi finished the match with one shot on target—his lowest in a single game since November 29, when he had no shots on goal but assisted in Miami’s 5-1 MLS Cup Eastern Conference final win over New York City FC. He also completed 79% of his passes.

     

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    Despite Messi’s quiet night, Inter Miami dominated possession, controlling 59% of the ball, though Nashville pushed the pace with 15 total shots compared to Miami’s eight, four of which were on target. 

     

    Nashville’s best opportunity came in the 65th minute from a corner delivered by Cristian Espinoza, finding Reed Baker-Whiting inside the box, but his header sailed just over the crossbar.

     

    The second leg promises tension, as the winner of the series will face either Club America or Philadelphia Union in the quarterfinals. 

     

    Advancement is determined on aggregate goals over two matches, with extra time and penalty kicks ready to decide the series if the tie remains scoreless in the return leg at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

     

    While the scoreboard showed no goals, Messi’s presence continued to shape the game, stretching Nashville’s defense and creating openings, even if the ball wouldn’t find the net. 

     

    As both teams regroup for the decisive leg, the stakes are high, and Miami will look to their talisman to finally break the deadlock and secure a path to the quarterfinals.

     

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  • From Messi to Ronaldo: Top five non-penalty scorers of the 21st century revealed

    From Messi to Ronaldo: Top five non-penalty scorers of the 21st century revealed

    A select group of football icons—featuring former stars from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid—stand out as the most prolific non-penalty scorers of the 21st Century. While penalty conversion is a valuable skill on its own, separating goals scored in open play paints a clearer picture of a player’s pure attacking influence, creativity, and ability to generate scoring chances in live action.


    Below is a deeper look at the top five non-penalty scorers since the year 2000, showcasing the players who consistently delivered when the margin for error was smallest and defenders were most prepared.


    1. Lionel Messi – 784 Non-Penalty Goals

    It comes as no surprise that Lionel Messi tops yet another all-time scoring list. The Argentine maestro has accumulated 784 non-penalty goals in 1,137 matches for club and country, an astonishing level of output matched only by his sustained excellence across two decades.


    Beyond his scoring totals, Messi also owns the best goal-per-game ratio among the top five and leads in assists by an enormous margin, highlighting his dual role as both finisher and creator. Averaging 0.69 non-penalty goals per match, Messi has embodied consistency and inevitability—something he demonstrated as early as the 2008 Olympics, when he was already identified as a generational talent.


    Even as he shifts toward the twilight of his career in MLS with Inter Miami, Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest attacking forces in football history remains untouched.


    2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 778 Non-Penalty Goals

    Cristiano Ronaldo may be football’s all-time top scorer overall, but when removing penalty goals, he narrowly trails Messi with 778 non-penalty goals. Ronaldo’s numbers remain staggering, especially considering he has scored in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and on the international stage with unmatched longevity.


    Without his 181 career penalties, Ronaldo’s position shifts, but his goal-scoring excellence speaks for itself. The 39-year-old continues to play at a high level, and with Messi not returning to competitive play until late February, Ronaldo has a realistic opportunity to surpass him in this specific category.


    Ronaldo and Messi have defined an entire era of football. Together, their output eclipses nearly all their contemporaries, cementing their rivalry as the greatest statistical battle the sport has ever seen.


    3. Robert Lewandowski – 620 Non-Penalty Goals

    Robert Lewandowski is the only other player in the 21st century to surpass 600 non-penalty goals, putting him in rarefied air. Known for his flawless technique, impeccable positioning, and ruthless finishing ability, Lewandowski dominated the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich before moving to Barcelona.


    Although he has slowed slightly this season, the Polish striker still tallied 10 goals in his last 20 appearances, demonstrating his continued relevance at the top level. As his contract with Barcelona approaches its expiration this summer, questions remain about his next destination, but his legacy as one of the greatest center-forwards of modern football is already secure.


    4. Luis Suárez – 540 Non-Penalty Goals

    Luis Suárez, who recently extended his contract with Inter Miami, enters the list with 540 non-penalty goals, further solidifying his status as one of the finest number nines of his generation. Whether scoring outrageous solo goals or producing moments of sheer audacity—nutmegs, chips, backheel finishes—Suárez blended technique, power, and football IQ like few others.


    At 38, Suárez continues to defy age and remains a prolific threat. His achievements across Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Miami show a player who consistently adapted and excelled in varied tactical systems and leagues around the world.


    5. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 488 Non-Penalty Goals

    Rounding out the top five is Zlatan Ibrahimović with 488 non-penalty goals, part of his career total of 573. Known for his charisma and larger-than-life persona, Ibrahimović combined physical dominance with remarkable agility and creativity, scoring spectacular goals wherever he went—Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, MLS, and the Premier League.


    Even in his late 30s and early 40s, he continued producing at a high level for AC Milan, proving his longevity and elite conditioning. Zlatan likely won’t be pleased that he fell just short of the 500-goal non-penalty milestone, but given his ego and legacy, one can imagine him insisting that those missing goals exist “somewhere in the universe.”


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  • Al-Ittihad’s owner claims Lionel Messi refused €1.4b contract before joining Inter Miami

    Al-Ittihad’s owner claims Lionel Messi refused €1.4b contract before joining Inter Miami

    Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi continues to captivate the global football landscape, widely regarded as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. His legacy is defined not only by an extraordinary career spanning over two decades but also by an unparalleled collection of individual accolades, including a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, cementing his status as the most decorated player in football history.

     

    Before completing his landmark move to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi was at the center of a global transfer frenzy. Clubs from Europe, North America, and the Middle East aggressively pursued the Argentine icon, hoping to secure what many consider the biggest signing in modern sports. It has now been revealed that Saudi Arabian clubs were among the most determined suitors, offering unprecedented financial packages in an attempt to lure Messi to the Saudi Pro League.

     

    Saudi giants Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad were the most active in their pursuit, with Al-Ittihad owner Anmar Al Haili publicly confirming that he extended a staggering €1.4 billion offer to the former Barcelona star as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. According to Al Haili, money was never an obstacle—and he was prepared to go far beyond a traditional contract structure.

     

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    “If Messi agrees to sign with Al-Ittihad, I would offer him a contract where he can earn whatever amount he wants, for as long as he wants — even for life. Yes, I did contact him at the end of his contract with PSG. I offered him 1.4 billion euros. He turned down such an enormous offer for the sake of his family, despite my efforts to convince them,” Al Haili said.

    The Al-Ittihad chief went on to praise Messi’s priorities and values, acknowledging the superstar’s decision to place personal life over financial gain.

     

    “He didn’t hesitate to decline because family is more important than money. I respect that, and Al-Ittihad will always be glad to welcome him. He can come back whenever he wishes. Messi’s presence in Saudi Arabia, wearing our shirt, means nothing to me financially. We would celebrate the championship before he even started, because we would have the best player in the history of football,” he added.

     

    The Saudi Pro League has made aggressive moves in recent years—signing Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané—to elevate its global profile. Adding Messi would have been the crown jewel of the league’s expansion strategy. However, despite the astronomical offers, Messi ultimately chose a different path.

     

    As of now, a move to Saudi Arabia appears unlikely. Messi recently signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, committing himself to Major League Soccer through the end of the 2028 season, signaling long-term stability in the United States both for his career and his family.

     

    While Saudi Arabia may still dream of bringing Lionel Messi to its rapidly growing football league, the Argentine legend has made it clear that family and lifestyle outweigh even the most staggering financial incentives. For now, Miami—and MLS—remain the center of Messi’s football universe, leaving fans and leagues worldwide to wonder if the door to Saudi Arabia will ever reopen.

     

     

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  • “I don’t see myself as a coach”: Lionel Messi reveals post-retirement plans

    “I don’t see myself as a coach”: Lionel Messi reveals post-retirement plans

    Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, continues to add to his illustrious legacy — but with his 38-year-old body inching closer to the twilight of his career, the football icon is now openly discussing life beyond the pitch.

     

    The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose resume includes a World Cup triumph, multiple UEFA Champions League titles, and countless individual honors, has long been the benchmark for excellence in global football. However, as he gears up for a new Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign, Messi has revealed that his focus is gradually shifting toward what comes next after retirement.

     

    In a candid interview with Luzu TV, Messi admitted that he has no desire to become a coach once he hangs up his boots — a path taken by many former stars.

     

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    “Honestly, I don’t see myself as a coach. I would like to be a sporting director, but if I have to choose one option, I like the idea of being an owner more,” Messi shared.

    The Argentine maestro confirmed he is intrigued by the possibility of team ownership, following a similar route to David Beckham, who transitioned from global football icon to successful club owner with Inter Miami.

     

    “I would like to have my own club, to help a team grow, start from the bottom and give opportunities to young players and people so they can develop. I would like to build an important club. If I have to choose a direction, I think it’s the idea I like the most,” he added, highlighting a desire to contribute to the sport’s growth from a leadership and developmental standpoint.

     

    Messi, who has achieved virtually every accolade available in world football, was also asked whether he still has any athletic goals left to pursue. His response was as reflective as it was emotional.

     

    “No, what could I still be missing? I was able to do everything. As I always say, God gave me much more than I ever imagined. And then Qatar happened… After that, we could all be at peace knowing we had done everything. Everything that comes from now on is a gift,” he said, referencing Argentina’s unforgettable 2022 World Cup win.

     

    Despite winding down his playing years, Messi continues to dominate in MLS. He was recently named the 2025 MLS Cup Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player in league history to capture back-to-back MVP awards. Messi delivered a sensational season, finishing with a league-best 29 goals and 19 assists and joining Preki as only the second two-time MVP winner in league history.

     

     

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