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Argentina and Spain are widely regarded as two of the top contenders for the 2026 World Cup, led by Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, respectively, and both are enjoying strong runs of form. However, a France star has dismissed the two national teams, delivering a bold message: “They don’t scare us.”

Mohamed Salah has long established himself as Egypt’s biggest star, consistently making an impact for the national team in World Cup qualifying. In his latest outing, he added another milestone to his remarkable career, becoming the all-time top scorer in African World Cup qualifiers, pulling ahead of legends like Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Sadio Mané.

Despite his veteran status, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to leave an indelible mark on soccer history. With five Ballon d’Or awards, five Champions League titles, and groundbreaking achievements with every team he’s played for, many hail him as the greatest of all time. Surprisingly, Mason Greenwood, a former Manchester United teammate, excluded Ronaldo from the GOAT discussion, opting to highlight another star instead.

While the 2025–26 campaign is still in its early stages, some clubs are already planning their next moves. Among them is Real Madrid, who are reportedly preparing to begin a squad overhaul — and have identified a young Serie A star as part of that plan.

For decades, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have defined modern soccer — their rivalry shaping an era of excellence, records, and relentless competition. But now, the two icons of the game have found themselves competing in a different arena: wealth. The first billionaire soccer player, Ronaldo’s staggering fortune has finally been revealed, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index — and it’s a milestone that cements his legacy far beyond the pitch.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Jordi Alba became a key player. Despite his veteran status, the Spaniard has spent three seasons impacting the team offensively and defensively alongside Lionel Messi. In a surprising move, Jordi announced his retirement from professional soccer, even after renewing his contract until 2027 just months ago. This decision further reduces players left from Barcelona’s last Champions League title lineup, underscoring a harsh reality.

Even at 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the heartbeat of Portuguese soccer. From the glittering lights of Riyadh with Al-Nassr to the roaring crowds of Lisbon, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to defy time, statistics, and expectations. Now, as Portugal prepares for two crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Ireland and Hungary, the captain has once again made headlines — not for another record, but for a 10-word statement that’s both humble and defiant.

Lionel Messi’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup continues in the United States, as Argentina gets set to play friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico during the October international break. Viewing these matches as key tune-ups for the upcoming tournament, head coach Lionel Scaloni made his message clear to Messi and the rest of the squad ahead of the games.

For a brief moment this summer, European soccer stood on the verge of a sensation. Neymar had a path cleared for a return to Europe. Talks were advancing, the project looked real, and the move would have reshaped the balance of power on the continent. But before the Brazilian could step onto the grand stage again, Kevin De Bruyne appeared — and changed everything.

The anticipation surrounding Lionel Messi’s participation in Argentina’s upcoming friendlies has reached fever pitch. The World Cup-winning captain, now 38, has joined Lionel Scaloni’s squad after a relentless run of games with Inter Miami, playing seven times in just 21 days. But as Argentina prepares to face Venezuela in Miami and Puerto Rico in Chicago, the manager has delivered a calm yet telling message about his star player’s situation — one wrapped in a seven-word hint that has everyone guessing.

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After wrapping up their participation in the World Cup qualifiers in September—finishing first in the South American standings—Lionel Messi‘s Argentina now face only friendly matches in 2025. The first two of these will be held in the United States during the September international break, against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Villarreal - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - October 4, 2025 Real Madrid's Arda Guler reacts after a missed change REUTERS/Juan Medina

Throughout his legendary soccer career, Pelé emerged as one of the inaugural young stars to achieve global stardom, setting a historic benchmark. Several years later, Lamine Yamal came close to breaking his records, reaching soccer’s pinnacle at a similarly young age. Now, a prodigious talent from the 2025 U-20 World Cup has eclipsed both icons, astonishing the world as he pursues his third World Cup participation within just nine months.

Cristiano Ronaldo began his journey with the Portugal national team two decades ago, and since then, he has established himself as the country’s greatest footballing legend, leading his nation to its first major trophies. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Portugal has awarded Ronaldo a “Special Recognition” for his extraordinary career and contributions.