News of lionel messi

Messi leaves door open to 2026 World Cup

02-12-2023 09:49 "As long as I feel I'm well and can continue to contribute, I'm going to do it. Today all I'm thinking about is getting to the Copa America. After that, time will tell if I'm there or not," says Argentina skipper.

CRIME & SECURITY

Messi’s in-laws violently robbed in Rosario

23-11-2023 17:52 Robbers shot and stole US$21,500 from a cousin and two employees of the supermarket of the family of Antonela Roccuzzo, wife of football star Lionel Messi, in Rosario on Wednesday

VIOLENCE AT MARACANÃ

Attack on fans overshadows Argentina historic win over Brazil

22-11-2023 12:52 Violence at the Maracanã as Brazilian police attack Argentina fans; Messi leads players off pitch in protest; Albiceleste goes on to win 1-0, breaking Brazil’s unbeaten qualifying run dating back to 1954.

A PIECE OF HISTORY

Messi's World Cup shirts could fetch US$10 million at auction

20-11-2023 11:26 A set of six match shirts that Lionel Messi wore during Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup campaign will be auctioned in December, Sotheby's announced Monday, estimating their value at more than US$10 million.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Uruguay, with Suárez back, pose challenge for unbeaten Albiceleste

15-11-2023 15:28 The reunion of best friends Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in the centennial River Plate Derby between Argentina and Uruguay will give a new dimension to Thursday's South American World Cup qualifying clash.

FOOTBALL

Pope Francis offers his take on ‘slipped’ Maradona and ‘gentleman’ Messi

02-11-2023 01:24 Holy Father highlights professional careers of both legendary Argentine footballers – but adds he would add Brazilian icon Pelé to his top three.

Ballon d'or award

Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or for eighth time

30-10-2023 18:34 Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or for eighth time, 'Dibu' Martínez wins Tashin Award for best goalkeeper; Spain's World Cup-winning star Aitana Bonmati won the Women's Ballon d'Or earlier in the evening.

International football

Albiceleste continue to impress, with or without Messi

19-10-2023 16:56 Shorn of the team's heart against Paraguay, Argentina reacted by recreating him across the pitch. Against Peru, on the other hand, the system was king, centred around Messi.

by Dan Edwards

WORLD CUP QUALIFERS

Messi double helps Argentina stay perfect in World Cup qualifiers

18-10-2023 08:27 Lionel Messi's first-half brace against Peru left reigning world champions Argentina on top of the South American qualifying table with 12 points from four games.

FOOTBALL

Messi called up for Argentina qualifiers despite injury

05-10-2023 15:18 Argentina have called up Lionel Messi for their upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers despite him being on the injured list at his club Inter Miami.

Messi & the MLS

Messi substituted just 37 minutes into Inter Miami return

21-09-2023 00:07 Argentine skipper forced to leave the field just 37 minutes into his return to action for Inter Miami against Toronto.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Do-or-die mentality ensures La Scaloneta retains necessary intensity

14-09-2023 11:32 Argentina approach every match as if the fate of the world hung on its outcome, and that furious mentality – and no little class – saw them through a potentially tricky start to their World Cup title defence.

by Dan Edwards

WORLD CUP QUALIFERS

Albiceleste, missing Messi, cruise to win in Bolivia's great heights

12-09-2023 20:58 Argentina rested Lionel Messi but still enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over 10-man Bolivia in La Paz on Tuesday night.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING

Who else? Messi free kick gives Argentina 1-0 win over Ecuador

07-09-2023 23:13 Lionel Messi's stepped up to save the day once again for Argentina on Thursday night, his marvellous free-kick securing a narrow 1-0 win over Ecuador.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Messi back as 2026 World Cup qualifiers kick off

06-09-2023 09:47 Lionel Messi returns to international duty with Argentina this week as South America's long qualifying road to the 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday.

FOOTBALL

Tevez returns, a Libertadores stalemate and Argentines in America

25-08-2023 12:28 Once again, it’s been a busy week for Argentine football – Carlitos has taken charge at Independiente, Acosta and Messi thrill the United States and two grandes clash in the Libertadores.

by Dan Edwards

MESSI IN MIAMI

Messi says he wants to 'enjoy every moment' of career

23-08-2023 22:54 Argentina captain says he wants to "enjoy every moment" of the remainder of his career and has no date in mind for when he will finally hang up his boots.

Messi & the MLS

Miami move 'opposite' of PSG switch, says happy Messi

17-08-2023 19:04 Speaking to local media for the first time since arriving in Miami, a smiling and relaxed Lionel Messi talked positively of his life in South Florida and contrasted it with his time with Paris St Germain.

FOOTBALL

Messi on target as he leads Inter Miami into Leagues Cup final

16-08-2023 11:11 Lionel Messi has been an Inter Miami player for just 32 days, but he's already lead the MLS side into a final.

Football

Messi magic marvels Miami

28-07-2023 20:46 Even at 36, he is clearly at the top of his game, an asset that any club in the world would give almost anything to possess.

by Dan Edwards

Sports

Messi scores twice as Miami crush Atlanta

26-07-2023 14:20 Lionel Messi's two-goal spectacle in Inter Miami's 4-0 win against Atlanta United showcases his seamless adaptation and elevates the team's Leagues Cup aspirations.

Sports

Meet the billionaire who convinced Messi to pick MLS over Saudi Arabia

20-07-2023 15:41 Billionaire Jorge Mas aims to revolutionise US soccer and boost profitability by signing Lionel Messi to his Inter Miami team, offering revenue sharing and an equity stake in exchange for Messi's potential to attract subscribers to Apple TV+ and top players to Major League Soccer.

Messi does Miami

Messi set for busy, hype-packed first week in Miami

13-07-2023 08:54 Lionel Messi's hopes of enjoying a quieter life in Florida for the final years of his career may prove to be wishful thinking

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Lionel Messi mulls international retirement, but not quite yet

12-07-2023 15:13 Argentina's World Cup winning captain says he doesn't know when he'll call time on his international career and that it will "happen when it happens."

MESSI ON THE MOVE

Messi lands in Florida ahead of Inter Miami move

11-07-2023 17:59 Argentine star Lionel Messi landed in Florida on Tuesday ahead of putting the final touches on his move to US Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

MESSI TO MIAMI

Inter Miami announce July 16 'The Unveil' event

08-07-2023 08:31 Lionel Messi's next club, Inter Miami, will a presentation event called 'The Unveil' on July 16 at its home stadium.

Football

Messi and Busquets not moving to Miami for a holiday, says Martino

29-06-2023 21:04 Newly appointed Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino says there is no question of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets moving to South Florida to chill on South Beach.

Football

Messi helps Román and Maxi serve up two unforgettable shows

29-06-2023 09:15 Way back in 2006, Lionel Messi was already sharing a World Cup stage with Juan Román Riquelme and Maxi Rodríguez. Never one to forget his roots – and some 16 years on – the Albiceleste skipper pulled out the stops for their fond farewells.

by Dan Edwards

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Asian jaunt leaves Argentina and Messi with plenty to ponder

23-06-2023 01:00 Lionel Messi is irreplaceable, but with any luck the collective spirit and unity he has helped foster in the Albiceleste will ensure that the glory days will continue.

by Dan Edwards

MESSI ON THE MOVE

Messi set for July 21 debut, Inter Miami planning '3-5' signings

20-06-2023 15:15 Inter Miami are targeting a July 21 debut for superstar signing Lionel Messi, owner Jorge Mas reveals. Contract for Argentina skipper reportedly worth US$60 million a year.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Indonesia fans vexed after Messi pulls out of friendly

16-06-2023 09:28 Indonesian fans devastated after star pulled out of a friendly in Jakarta.

TICKET PRICES

Messi mania in Miami pushes ticket prices up to Taylor Swift levels

15-06-2023 14:02 The cost to see Inter Miami play next month is approaching that of clinching a last-minute ticket for Swift on Friday, and that’s even before the Argentine superstar officially joins Major League Soccer.

FOOTBALL

In a rush to the not-too distant future

15-06-2023 13:48 Martín Demichelis has River Plate on an imperious path to title, but there’s no rest for anyone in modern football – everyone keeps looking ahead.

by Dan Edwards

International Football

Lionel Messi stars as Argentina down Australia 2-0 in Beijing

15-06-2023 12:22 Argentina dominates ball and dispatches Australia in 2-0 friendly win played before adoring Chinese crowd; Skipper scores opening goal with Pezzella notching second.

MESSI ON THE MOVE

Lionel Scaloni: Messi 'deserves' move to MLS

14-06-2023 13:47 Argentina coach says he's "very happy" that Messi has decided to move to the MLS and that he "deserves" his move to Miami.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Messi says 2022 World Cup was probably his last with Argentina

13-06-2023 13:57 Albiceleste skipper reveals that Argentina's triumph in Qatar was likely his World Cup with the national team, declaring: "I don't think I will be around for the next."

MESSI MADNESS

Chinese superfan books into Messi hotel for glimpse of hero

12-06-2023 10:28 It took hours of waiting, a pricey hotel room and an exhausting chase through Beijing, but it was all worth it for a Chinese fan of Lionel Messi who eventually got a blurry selfie with his hero.

ARGENTINA IN ASIA

A drink with Messi for US$42,000? Chinese police warn over scams

11-06-2023 08:58 Argentina skipper's presence in China for a friendly against Australia has drawn scammers and ticket-scalpers desperate to capitalise on Messi mania.

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Argentina given rockstar welcome in China ahead of Australia friendly

10-06-2023 08:37 Frantic scenes at Beijing airport and hotel as Argentina's World Cup winning football team is greeted by hundreds of adoring Chinese fans ahead of friendly match with Australia.

MESSI ON THE MOVE

Rocket man Messi ready to fire MLS lift-off

09-06-2023 14:54 Argentine superstar's impending move to Inter Miami will turbo-charge Major League Soccer's efforts of entering the mainstream.

MESSI ON THE MOVE

Benefits of Miami as clear as day for Argentina's captain

09-06-2023 08:25 After years of putting his body on the line for both club and country at the top level, Messi now has the chance to extend his career and become, like Pelé, a sterling ambassador for the game stateside.

by Dan Edwards

MESSI ON THE MOVE

Messi Mania sets off social media, ticketing boom

08-06-2023 18:55 Lionel Messi's transfer to Inter Miami ignites social media storm and ticket sales surge for MLS matches.

ECONOMICS OF THE DEAL

'La Pulga' spurns US$400-million Saudi offer to join Beckham’s side

07-06-2023 21:47 Bringing Messi to the United States will have major repercussions for Miami and Major League Soccer, as the city gears up to be one of the World Cup’s host cities in 2026.

BLOOMBERG - OPINION

JP Spinetto: Why Lionel Messi chose Miami over Riyadh

07-06-2023 21:41 The football great’s move to the US makes a lot of sense professionally, personally and maybe even financially.

MESSI ON THE MOVE

Argentina's captain brings glory years in Europe to a close

07-06-2023 17:19 In making a move to the United States, 'La Pulga' is following in the footsteps of legendary stars such as Pelé and Johan Cruyff.

MESSI ON THE MOVE

Messi chooses Miami: Argentina skipper confirms he will move to MLS

07-06-2023 17:14 Argentina's World Cup winning captain reveals he will sign for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, choosing the United States as his next destination over a Barcelona reunion or blockbuster deal in Saudi Arabia.

MESSI TO THE MLS?

Rosario star snubs Saudi mega deal to move to Inter Miami

07-06-2023 14:13 Speculation over Lionel Messi's next move seems to be drawing to a close: various outlets worldwide say Argentina skipper has agreed a deal to move MLS side Inter Miami, rebuffing a mega-bucks offer from Saudi Arabia.

MESSI ON THE MOVE

Messi future decision drawing near with Barça return hopes fading

02-06-2023 09:55 With Lionel Messi's time at Paris Saint-Germain drawing to a close, the Argentine will soon reveal next move – but hopes of a romantic return to Barcelona are fading.

MESSI ON THE MOVE

As Messi rumours swirl, an Argentine takes charge in Miami

02-06-2023 09:52 If Lionel Messi is really considering an offer to join Inter Miami, he may have noticed with interest that a fellow Argentine took charge of the MLS team on Thursday.