Browsing: Messi

The 2025 MLS playoff picture is set.

Lionel Messi posted a Decision Day hat trick against Nashville SC to win the 2025 Golden Boot and help Inter Miami secure home-field advantage for the postseason.

Messi scored 29 goals in his second MLS season to become the first Inter Miami player to win the award.

Inter Miami is now set to rematch with Nashville in the first round of the 2025 MLB playoffs. Here’s a look at the full bracket after Saturday’s final matches.

1. Philadelphia Union vs. Eastern Wild Card winner (8. Chicago Fire or 9. Orlando City)

4. Charlotte FC vs. 5. New York City FC

2. FC Cincinnati vs. 7. Columbus Crew

3. Inter Miami vs. 6. Nashville SC

1. San Diego FC vs. Western Wild Card winner (8. Portland Timbers or 9. Real Salt Lake)

4. Minnesota United vs. 5. Seattle Sounders

2. Vancouver Whitecaps vs. 7. FC Dallas

The first round will feature a “Hell is Real” rematch between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew.

The rivalry, named after the infamous billboard on the interstate roadside between the two cities, last peaked in 2023 when Columbus claimed a 3-2 comeback win in the MLS Playoffs Eastern Conference Final en route to winning the title.

Cincinnati secured the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed with a Decision Day shutout of CF Montreal, while Columbus climbed out of the Wild Card round and into the No. 7 spot in part thanks to a Saturday win over the New York Red Bulls.

Charlotte FC meanwhile sealed home-field advantage for a first-round matchup with New York City FC thanks to a Decision Day win over the Philadelphia Union.

The Philadelphia Union will now wait for next Wednesday’s Wild Card game, when the Orlando City SC and Chicago Fire play for the final playoff spot in the East.

San Diego FC meanwhile locked up the top seed in the West thanks to a Decision Day shutout of the Portland Timbers, combined with the Vancouver Whitecaps’ loss to FC Dallas.

Either the Portland Timbers or Real Salt Lake will face San Diego FC in the first round, depending on Wednesday’s Wild Card results.

Vancouver fell to the No. 2 seed and a first-round rematch with Dallas. Minnesota will face Seattle while LAFC takes on Austin to round out the Western Conference.

Round 1 begins Friday and runs through Sunday, Nov. 9. The conference semifinals are set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, followed by the conference finals the following weekend on Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30.

Everything leads up to the kickoff of the 2025 MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 6.

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Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Lionel Messi will be available for Inter Miami’s final 2025 MLS regular season clash with Nashville SC on Saturday as the captain looks to secure the Golden Boot.

Messi comes into the match after featuring for Argentina on Tuesday night against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium.

“Yesterday they [Messi and Rodrigo De Paul] trained with us, they did a good part of it. Today they will train with us completely,” Mascherano said.

“Beyond playing on Tuesday, Messi played for us on Saturday and De Paul didn’t play too many minutes against Venezuela so this wasn’t an international window of too much wear.

“They played here so after the game they could rest, they didn’t travel. Normally, when you have four days between games you can arrive with rest and in good conditions. We will be talking today after training.”

Lionel Messi is set to return for Inter Miami on Saturday. Michael Chisholm/Getty Images

Mascherano said “almost everyone is available” for Saturday’s game except David Ruiz and Allen Obando, who remain sidelined due to ongoing injuries.

The final match against Nashville could see Messi clinch the 2025 MLS Golden Boot and allow Inter Miami to ensure home-field advantage for the playoffs.

Messi leads the Golden Boot standings with 26 goals, though Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga trails on 24 goals.

The Inter Miami captain has yet to win the league’s Golden Boot since joining MLS in the summer of 2023, despite coming close to clinching the accolade in 2024.

Beyond goals, Messi also stands as the leader of assists for the 2025 MLS season with 18 which improves his chances at securing the league MVP.

Mascherano insists there is “no type of doubt” that Messi deserves the trophy, which would make him the first ever player to win the MLS MVP on two consecutive occasions after lifting the 2024 edition of the award.

– Messi announces youth tournament ‘Messi Cup’ for December
– Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments for Inter Miami
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“There is no type of doubt [that Messi is the MVP of the league]. Even with the disadvantage of playing less games than others, it’s the influence he’s had on this team,” Mascherano said.

“Measuring Messi only on the statistics, which you can do, he’s the best but he goes beyond the numbers. He reflects on the field the importance he has in this team, and what he does to make everyone who watches him enjoy it.”

Inter Miami previously qualified to the league playoffs, but will know of the Round One opponent following the final day of the regular season on Saturday night.

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Lionel Messi has announced the first edition of the Messi Cup, an international youth soccer tournament to be held in South Florida that will include Inter Miami and Barcelona.

Messi, with his production company 525 Rosario, will host the Under-16 tournament between Dec. 9-14.

The competition will have 18 matches and be played by eight clubs: Inter Miami, Barcelona, ​​Manchester City, River Plate, Inter Milan, Newell’s Old Boys, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea.

“Thrilled to finally share this with you. This December, Miami will host a very special youth football tournament featuring some of the top clubs from around the world,” Messi said in a post on Instagram.

Lionel Messi will host a youth tournament in December. Megan Briggs/Getty Images

“The future of the game will be on full display, and it’s more than just matches — we’ve got an incredible few days planned with lots of other exciting activities. This is about the next generation. Hope you like it! This is the Messi Cup.”

525 Rosario said the purpose of the tournament is to shape the future of the sport.

– Messi, Alba dazzle as Inter Miami win last game at Chase
– Messi returns to Argentina squad ahead of Puerto Rico friendly
– Transfer rumors, news: Miami eye Messi, Suárez, Neymar reunion

“More than a tournament, it is a series of live events and a digitally-driven platform that fuses sport, culture, and innovation,” a statement from the company said.

“Its mission is to generate long-term value for athletes developing their careers, for the communities that unite around a passion for sport, and for brands seeking authentic and lasting connections in the new era of football.

The eight teams are set to be divided into two groups of four, which will then face each other in a round-robin style phase over the first three days of the competition. A playoff match will be hosted to determine final positions before the third-place match and final are subsequently played at Chase Stadium.

“The Messi Cup is the meeting point between the football of today and the players of tomorrow,” CEO of 525 Rosario Tim Pastore said.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate talent, culture, and community, creating legacies and bonds that will endure beyond the field of play.”

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Oct 13, 2025, 02:43 AM ET

Lionel Messi has returned to training with Argentina after being released to play in Inter Miami’s MLS game against Atalanta on Saturday.

The 38-year-old was called up by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for the country’s matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, but the captain was not in the squad for the 1-0 win over Venezuela on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with Scaloni revealing he made the decision to leave Messi out of the roster.

In a rare set of circumstances, Messi was granted permission by his country to play in Miami’s penultimate MLS match of the regular season as the team fights for a higher spot in the Eastern Conference table to ensure home-field advantage in the postseason.

Lionel Messi has returned to training with Argentina. Gustavo Pagano/Getty Images

Earlier in the week, Miami boss Javier Mascherano had said he would welcome the chance for Messi to play on Saturday between the two Argentina friendlies, but added he did not know whether or not it was a possibility.

Messi scored Miami’s first in a 4-0 win that represented the team’s final match at Chase Stadium. Miami will move into its new home, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is in line to feature again at Chase Stadium for Argentina against Puerto Rico on Oct. 14 after returning to the national team.

– Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments for Inter Miami
– Report: Messi, Alba dazzle as Inter Miami win last game at Chase Stadium

“The match will serve as part of the preparation for upcoming commitments and will allow the technical staff to fine-tune details,” Argentina said in a statement.

“Leo’s return generates great anticipation and promises a spectacular atmosphere for this new international challenge.”

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi captained Inter Miami CF to a 4-0 triumph over Atlanta United FC on Saturday night at Chase Stadium, briefly leaving international duty with the Argentina national team to help clinch the crucial three points for the Herons.

Though he was called up by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for the two friendly matches of the October FIFA window against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, Messi instead featured for Miami in the final regular-season Major League Soccer match at Chase Stadium.

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Miami will move into its new home, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.

“It was pretty straightforward yesterday before the game,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi’s availability. “I spoke with Scaloni, and he told me he was going to release him, that he wasn’t going to use him. I spoke with Leo about letting him play today; there’s not much more to it. He didn’t intend to play him yesterday; he wanted to see something else. As the coach said, it was his decision.

“Well, we clearly saw the opportunity that, since he didn’t play yesterday against Venezuela, we could use him. Leo was also clearly willing to do so, even though he trained all week with the national team. We know he’s a totally special player; he’s unique, and for us, clearly, even though he didn’t train with us, well, we saw what he did today. So, he helped us win. He scored, which was also important for him.”

Messi scored the first goal of the night, curling the ball into the top left corner for his 25th of the season.

The club captain later set up longtime teammate Jordi Alba for the second goal of the game, as the defender looped a shot over the head of Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert in his final regular-season MLS home game.

Alba announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS campaign and received a special tribute from Inter Miami following the final whistle Saturday night.

“Well, I think I’ve had a very good career, being in very comfortable teams in all senses,” Alba said after watching a video tribute to him. “This video reflects the truth that the club has been a surprise, nice because I saw several managers of several clubs, some coaches I’ve had throughout my career, and the truth is that it’s been special and, well, proud of everything I’ve achieved.

“Now, to have the last game against Nashville, then the playoffs, and hopefully I can win them, and then I can rest.”

Luis Suárez volleyed in Miami’s third goal of the night in the 61st minute with an exquisite right-footed strike from the top of the penalty area, and Messi added his second in the dying minutes to finish off the scoring.

Messi’s second of the night put him on 26 for the season, two ahead of LAFC striker Denis Bouanga in the race for the MLS Golden Boot.

“At this point in his life isn’t going to change him too much,” Mascherano said of Messi potentially winning the Golden Boot. “But as you can see, if he has it there, he’ll try to get it. So welcome, always with a great night for the team, for him, for everyone.”

Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who featured in Argentina’s friendly win against Venezuela on Friday, celebrated each goal from the sideline alongside La Albiceleste players Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso.

Miami players Telasco Segovia, Noah Allen, Ian Fray and Mateo Silvetti also missed out on Saturday’s action due to international duty.

Messi could rejoin the Argentina national team for the upcoming friendly match Tuesday night against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, with Scaloni remaining hopeful of his participation.

“Let’s hope Messi can be there on Tuesday,” Scaloni said Friday. “We’ll see how things unfold in the coming days.”

Miami is tied on points in second place with FC Cincinnati going into the last matchday of the regular season next Saturday. Miami is away to Nashville, while Cincinnati hosts Montreal. The Philadelphia Union have locked up first place in the East as well as the Supporters’ Shield for the most regular-season points.

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Lionel Messi India Tour Kolkata: Football, and sports fans in general, in India received massive news when it was announced that Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina legend, and arguably the greatest footballer of all time, will visit India towards the end of 2025.

As part of the “GOAT Tour of India 2025â€, Messi will visit four cities – Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Today, we will discuss the date and location of the iconic playerâ€s first-ever official visit to the ‘City of Joy, and the football capital of India, Kolkata.

Lionel Messi India Tour Kolkata

Kolkata will be the third stop on the football legendâ€s three-day, four-city tour. He will make his appearance on December 13 at the home ground of the Indian Football Team, the iconic Salt Lake Stadium.

This will be one of only two stops on his tour where Messi will actually take to the field. In Kolkata, the 38-year-old will participate in events dubbed the ‘GOAT Concert†and the ‘GOAT Cupâ€.

While the concert will feature a number of musical acts, the GOAT Cup is an exhibition match featuring the Argentine icon, along with a few legendary Indian sportspersons like Sourav Ganguly, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Leander Paes.

As a hotspot of football in India, the crowd in Kolkata is expected to be the loudest and most passionate on the entire tour. However, other cities will give the West Bengal capital a run for its money.

This will actually be Messiâ€s second visit to Kolkata. On his first, and so far only, official trip to India, a young 24-year-old Messi actually played a friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium alongside his national side. In the friendly played on September 2, 2011, Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0.

As previously mentioned, Lionel Messi will visit Mumbai on December 13th, arriving at the Salt Lake Stadium. The event will be underway from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm IST. On a winter day, the afternoon is expected to be pleasant in Kolkata.

And in great news for the fans in Kolkata, the prices for the events at the Salt Lake are the lowest for any city on the entire tour.

While general admission tickets in Delhi and Mumbai start from Rs. 5000 and Rs. 7000, respectively, those same general entry passes will start from Rs. 3500 and will go as high as Rs. 4000.

The premium passes for this event will cost anywhere from Rs. 15000 to Rs. 15000, while the VIP/GOAT pass, which will include a meet and greet, signed items, and lounge access, will cost Rs. 35000 to Rs. 50000, still the lowest on the entire tour.

FAQs –

Q) Has Messi ever visited any Indian city except Kolkata before?

A) No! On his 2011 trip to India, Messi only made an official appearance in Kolkata, where he was a part of the Argentina side that beat Venezuela 1-0 in a friendly

Q) How long will Messiâ€s 2025 tour of India be?

A) Lionel Messiâ€s ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025†will last three days, starting on December 13 in Kolkata and Ahmedabad, and ending on December 15 in Delhi.

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Lionel Messi India Tour Mumbai: In what might be the most exciting news for Indian football fans in some time, legendary Argentine player, Barcelona legend, and World Cup winner Lionel Messi will visit India in December 2025.

As part of the “GOAT Tour of India 2025â€, Messi will visit four cities – Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Today, we will discuss the date and location of the iconic playerâ€s first-ever official visit to the ‘City of Dreamsâ€, Mumbai.

Lionel Messi India Tour Mumbai: All Details

Mumbai will be the third stop on the Argentine legendâ€s three-day, four-city tour. He will make his appearance on December 14, at around 5:30 pm IST at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

This will be one of only two stops on his tour where Messi will actually take to the field. However, his taking to the field will be in a unique way. The 38-year-old will participate in the Padel GOAT Cup. Here, the footballer will get to show off his otherwise lesser-known skills in the sport of padel.

This will be a part of a larger showcase event, which will also include a football masterclass display by the GOAT, food festivals, and much more for the fans.

The whole event is likely to attract some of the biggest stars from sports and Bollywood, like Shah Rukh Khan, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar. Some of them may also join this tournament, which is expected to be a light-hearted affair.

As previously mentioned, Lionel Messi will visit Mumbai on December 14th, arriving at the Wankhede Stadium around 5:30 pm IST. While fans are excited for the event, the prices have shocked and upset some, especially for the Mumbai event.

Messiâ€s visit to Mumbai is expected to be the most involved, with him participating in multiple activities. So, it’s no surprise that this event’s prices are the tour’s highest.

While general admission tickets in Delhi and Kolkata start from Rs. 5000 and Rs. 3500, respectively, those same general entry passes will cost a minimum of Rs. 7000 for the Wankhede event and will go up to Rs. 8500.

The premium passes for this event will cost anywhere from Rs. 20000 to Rs. 30000, while the VIP/GOAT pass, which will include a meet and greet, signed items, and lounge access, will cost Rs. 40000 to Rs. 60000.

FAQs –

Q) Has Messi ever visited India before?

A) Yes! Lionel Messi visited India back in 2011 at a point where he was already one of the best players in the world, but his stardom was still on the rise. He visited Kolkataâ€s iconic Salt Lake Stadium and played a friendly match.

Q) How long will Messiâ€s 2025 tour of India be?

A) Lionel Messiâ€s ‘GOAT Tour of India 2025†will last three days, starting on December 13 in Kolkata and Ahmedabad, and ending on December 15 in Delhi.

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Inter Miami players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba during a fixture. (AP) Inter Miami left-back Jordi Alba announced his retirement from professional football through an Instagram post on Tuesday, prompting an emotional response from teammate Lionel Messi. Alba’s decision comes shortly after midfielder Sergio Busquets also announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for the former Barcelona teammates who reunited at Inter Miami, alongside Messi.Alba made the announcement with a simple message on social media expressing his gratitude to the sport, stating “Thank you, football, thank you so much.”Messi responded to Alba’s retirement announcement with a heartfelt comment acknowledging their long-standing partnership on the field. “Thanks to you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you so much. After so much together, it’s going to be weird to look to the left and not see you there… Crazy how many assists you gave me all these years.. Who’s gonna give me back passes now???” Messi wrote.

Lionel Messi’s comments on Jordi Alba’s Instagram post announcing his retirement from football. (Instagram)

The duo played 413 matches together across their time at Barcelona and Inter Miami, forming a formidable partnership that saw Alba consistently providing assists to Messi from the left flank. Alba provided Messi with 33 assists during their time on the pitch, only Luis Suarez (60), Dani Alves (42), and Andres Iniesta (37) assisted more.Their partnership, which began at Barcelona, continued when they reunited at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where they maintained their on-field chemistry despite being in the latter stages of their careers.Alba had previously shared his motivations for joining Inter Miami in an interview with CBS Sports last year. “I don’t get tired of winning. I want to keep winning, to keep competing. If I did not have that excitement, I would not have come here. I would have stayed in Barcelona, at home, not playing football,” he said.The Spanish defender also explained his decision to join Inter Miami was influenced by the presence of his former teammates. “The opportunity was very attractive. I also wanted to get back with Leo [Messi] and Busi [Sergio Busquets] and now Luis [Suarez] has also come. So these were the incentives that led me to make that decision,” Alba stated.Alba’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including six La Liga titles with Barcelona and a Champions League trophy. While he had initially planned to continue playing until 2027, he has decided to conclude his professional career at the end of the current season.

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Lionel Messi led the tributes for Jordi Alba after the Inter Miami defender announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, admitting the field will feel strange without the Spaniard.

Alba revealed his decision with a video to his personal Instagram account.

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“Thanks to you, Jordi. I am going to miss you a lot. After many things together, it’s going to feel strange to look to my left and not see you there,” commented Messi on the post.

“It’s crazy how many assists you’ve given me over all these years. Who is going to give me those passes from behind now?”

Alba and Messi first started playing together at Barcelona before making their way to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 to continue sharing the field. While in Spain, Messi and Alba lifted five LaLiga trophies, one Champions League title and five Copa del Rey cups together.

Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi have spent much of their careers together, first at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami. Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

They continued making history on the field when joining Inter Miami, lifting the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield alongside each other before setting the league record for most points recorded in a single season.

The duo repeatedly connected in the final third to inspire Inter Miami to victory, with Messi most recently setting up Alba for a goal against the New England Revolution on Oct. 4 in the team’s 4-1 triumph.

Overall, Alba has provided Messi with 33 assists during their careers. Only three other players — Luis Suárez (60), Dani Alves (42), and Andrés Iniesta (37) have served Messi more.

Messi is now expected to play the upcoming 2026 season without longtime teammates Sergio Busquets, who previously announced his own retirement from football, and Alba.

Though Messi’s original deal expires at the end of the season, sources have told ESPN that the Argentine captain is expected to soon sign a multi-year contract extension with Inter Miami that would keep him in South Florida for additional seasons.

Hundreds of tributes poured in for Alba throughout the day, with former Barcelona teammates Neymar and Suárez — now also a current colleague in Miami — commenting on the player’s Instagram announcement.

“Brother, what to say. You’re a crack, to enjoy what’s left,” said Suárez.

“You are huge, brother. Big hug folleti” commented Neymar.

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Sep 23, 2025, 05:57 AM ET

Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi congratulated their former club teammate Ousmane Dembélé after he won the Ballon d’Or award on Monday.

Dembélé beat Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to lift the prestigious individual trophy after an impressive season with Paris Saint-Germain.

The France forward scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 games to help PSG win their first Champions League as well as winning the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France.

Mbappé, who left PSG in the summer of 2024 after seven years at the club to join Real Madrid, was among the first to congratulate his France teammate.

“Ousmane Dembélé. It’s so exciting, my brother! You deserve it 1000 times,” Mbappé wrote on his Instagram minutes after Dembélé was handed the award.

Ousmane Dembélé won the 69th Ballon d’Or award ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Kristy Sparow – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Mbappé, 26, who has yet to win a Ballon d’Or, finished seventh in this year’s edition.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi, was also thrilled to see Dembélé get the recognition he deserves.

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Messi spent four seasons with Dembélé at Barcelona before the Argentinian star moved to PSG in 2021.

The Inter Miami captain left a comment in Spanish on Dembélé’s Instagram and wrote: “Great Ous!!! Congratulations I’m so happy for you. You deserve it.”

Dembélé, who moved to PSG in 2023 from Barcelona in the same transfer window that saw Messi leave the French giants to join Inter Miami, mentioned his former Barça teammate during his acceptance speech.

“I learned so much there [at Barcelona], playing alongside players like Messi and [Andres] Iniesta,” he said on Monday.

“It was a great learning experience. I am so happy, when I see the list of legends who have won this award.”

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