Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are scheduled to face off in what could potentially be their final showdown after Inter Miami confirmed its participation at the Riyadh Season Cup. Inter Miami is set to face Al Hilal on January 29 before playing against Ronaldo’s Al Nassr on February 1.

“These matches will offer important tests for our team, which will benefit us as we approach the new season,” Miami sporting director Chris Henderson announced. “We’re excited for our group to get the chance to go up against teams with as much quality as Al-Hilal and Al Nassr.”

Messi and Ronaldo have played against one another on 36 occasions, with Messi’s team winning 16 matches and Ronaldo’s team winning 11. During these matches, Messi has scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists while Ronaldo has racked up 21 goals and one assist. Messi and Ronaldo previously faced off when the former traveled with his then-club PSG to participate in the Riyadh Season Cup earlier this year, defeating a team of SPL All-Stars 5-4.

The post Ronaldo and Messi to Face Off in Riyadh Season Cup appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi picked up a groin injury in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Brazil on Tuesday evening in what was his final match of the 2023 calendar year. The Argentina captain was substituted in the 78th minute of play as a result.

“I felt discomfort in my adductor,” Messi explained. “It was my last game of the year, so I have time to get well to start 2024 giving everything.” According to the forward, the delay at the start of the match due to clashes between fans and police had a detrimental effect on his groin as it gave his body time to cool down in the locker room.

Messi has struggled with injuries throughout the past season, missing five MLS matches due to a hamstring injury. Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru last Thursday was his first full match since returning from injury on October 7. With their victory over Brazil, Argentina remains on top of the COMNEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier standings.

The post Messi Suffers Groin Injury in World Cup Qualifier appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Inter Miami icon Lionel Messi expressed his pride in the team despite narrowly missing out on a spot in the MLS playoffs. A 1-0 loss against Charlotte FC on Saturday sealed Miami’s fate.

“I am proud of everything the team accomplished this season,” Messi stated in an Instagram post. “With everyone’s work and effort, we were able to win the Leagues Cup, achieving the first title in the history of Inter Miami CF, we reached the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and we were even fighting to get into the MLS playoffs practically until the last moment.”

Messi played 14 matches for Inter Miami this season, scoring 11 goals and leading them to the Leagues Cup. Unfortunately, injury limited his playing time this season, with the Charlotte game being his first full match since returning to the pitch. Following the conclusion of this season, Miami is set to play two matches in China in their first-ever overseas tour.

The post Messi “Proud” of Inter Miami Despite Premature Ending to Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Inter Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino revealed on Friday that new team talisman Lionel Messi is likely to miss his team’s opening game of the new MLS season against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. This game would have been Messi’s MLS debut. This comes as Martino looks at how best to manage his team’s fatigue in what would be their seventh game in just 23 days.

“We will assess further after this evening’s training,” Martino revealed. “It is inevitable that we will not have him at some point.” Messi played in every minute of his team’s six previous matches. The Argentinian looked to be suffering from exhaustion during Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal win at FC Cincinnati, albeit still providing two assists across the 120-minute game.

Messi’s absence will provide a good indication of how strong Miami’s lineup is without their star man. Prior to the 36-year-old’s arrival, Inter Miami fell to the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference; 14 points adrift of the final playoff spot.

The post Lionel Messi Likely To Miss MLS Opener, Coach Reveals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi grabbed two goals and an assist in his first start for Inter Miami as they secured a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in the group stage of the Leagues Cup on Tuesday night.

Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets were both in Miami’s starting lineup, with the two pairing up to open the scoring. Busquets provided a lofted pass over the Atlanta defense to Messi, and while the number 10 hit the post with his first shot, he was able to collect the rebound, putting it in the back of the net.

22 minutes into the game, Miami hit Atlanta on the counterattack, with Messi getting on the end of a Robert Taylor pass to double both his and Inter Miami’s tally.

Taylor then went on to score before the halftime break before scoring in the 78th with an assist from Messi to complete a brace of his own.

“It was a good performance and I’m pleased we were able to make our fans happy. A very good game and we took another step in the right direction,” Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino said after the game.

This victory sees Miami top their group and book their spot in the round of 32.

The post Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Trounces Atlanta United appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi is considering a transfer to Saudi Arabia club Al Hilal, the rival of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, a source familiar with the negotiations revealed to ESPN on Wednesday.

Although a move back to Barcelona appeared more likely for Messi, it now seems more probable that the 35-year-old player will move to Saudi Arabia, where he heads the Visit Saudi tourism campaign.

The revelation comes after it was reported that Messi is unlikely to extend his contract at PSG. The contract which he signed in 2021 is set to expire at the end of the current season.

While FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his interest in bringing Messi back to the Camp Nou, his team’s financial problems make it increasingly unlikely for the Catalan club to sign Messi this summer.

Inter Miami has also been in the mix, offering Messi the opportunity to take his career to the United States. While the MLS club has been involved in long-term negotiations with the Messi camp, it remains unlikely that they will be able to compete financially with any offers out of the Saudi Pro League.

The post Messi Move to Saudi Arabia Increasing Likely, Sources Claim appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi was named Best FIFA Men’s Player in Paris on Monday, beating fierce competitors Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the award. This is the second time that Messi has won the award, having won in 2019 as well.

“It’s amazing. It was a tremendous year and it is an honor for me to be here tonight and win this award,” Messi stated upon winning the trophy at the full capacity Salle Pleyel. “I want to express my thanks to [coach Lionel] Scaloni and my teammates; without them, I would not be here. I achieved a dream I had been hoping for so long and finally, I achieved it. It’s a dream for any player; very few people can achieve that and I was lucky enough to do so.”

Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title; the nation’s first in 36 years. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored seven goals throughout the tournament along with two in the final en route to winning the Golden Ball award as the player of the tournament.

Messi won a total of five player of the match awards in Qatar; the most in a single World Cup tournament. He also scored a goal in every round of the competition, becoming the first player in history to do so.

The post Lionel Messi Wins FIFA Men’s Player Award appeared first on SportzBonanza.

FC Barcelona manager Xavi expressed his openness to allowing Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou after rumors reemerged regarding a potential transfer back to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

“This is his home and the door is always open,” Xavi stated during a news conference leading up to Barcelona’s Europa League playoff clash with Manchester United. Having drawn 2-2 with the Red Devils in the first game, Barca will have to win this match in order to progress.

“[Messi] is a friend and we are in permanent contact. It depends on what he wants for his future and how the club see it. He is the best player in the world and the best ever. He would always fit [the team],” Xavi continued.

Messi’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire at the end of the season. While PSG is eager to secure a new deal to keep Messi at the club, rumors emerged of Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, meeting with Barcelona President Joan Laporta.

In addition to the possibility of a Barcelona return, several other clubs have expressed their interest in signing Messi, including new additions to the MLS Inter Miami CF and several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

The post Xavi Expresses Willingness to Bring Messi Back to Barcelona appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos has confirmed that the reigning Ligue 1 champions are in talks with Lionel Messi over a potential contract extension. The 35-year-old forward’s current contract with the club is set to lapse at the end of the season.

“At the moment we are negotiating with Messi his renewal,” Campos announced. “I’d love to keep him in the project, I can’t hide it. We are negotiating to achieve that goal and for him to continue with us.”

Having joined PSG in the summer of 2021 after Barcelona was unable to renew his contract, Messi struggled to make an impact during his first season in France. This season he has adjusted more to life in Paris, scoring 15 goals and making 14 assists in 25 appearances for the Ligue 1 club.

Messi has become a crucial member of the PSG lineup, particularly after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. With Kylian Mbappe injured since the 3-1 win over Montpellier on February 1, Messi has become a more relied-upon member of the squad.

The post PSG Confirms Messi Contract Extension Talks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from the Argentinian national squad after lifting the World Cup 2022 trophy on Sunday after a thrilling penalty shootout win against France.

Messi revealed that it has been his “childhood dream” to win the World Cup, thereby emulating Diego Maradona as he won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986. While he has achieved his ultimate goal, Messi admitted that he is still not ready to hang up his boots.

“I won the Copa America and the World Cup in a short time,” the Argentina captain stated. “I love what I do, being in the national team, and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion. I am going to take the Cup to Argentina to enjoy it with you.”

The final marked Messi’s 26th appearance in the World Cup; a new record for all-time appearances at the tournament. In addition, Messi is now Argentina’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, having taken his tally to 13 thanks to his two goals in the final.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his support for Messi’s decision, explaining that the Argentina captain is welcome to continue playing for the national team going forward.

The post Messi Decides Against Retiring From Argentina Following World Cup Win appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are scheduled to face off in what could potentially be their final showdown after Inter Miami confirmed its participation at the Riyadh Season Cup. Inter Miami is set to face Al Hilal on January 29 before playing against Ronaldo’s Al Nassr on February 1.

“These matches will offer important tests for our team, which will benefit us as we approach the new season,” Miami sporting director Chris Henderson announced. “We’re excited for our group to get the chance to go up against teams with as much quality as Al-Hilal and Al Nassr.”

Messi and Ronaldo have played against one another on 36 occasions, with Messi’s team winning 16 matches and Ronaldo’s team winning 11. During these matches, Messi has scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists while Ronaldo has racked up 21 goals and one assist. Messi and Ronaldo previously faced off when the former traveled with his then-club PSG to participate in the Riyadh Season Cup earlier this year, defeating a team of SPL All-Stars 5-4.

The post Ronaldo and Messi to Face Off in Riyadh Season Cup appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi picked up a groin injury in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Brazil on Tuesday evening in what was his final match of the 2023 calendar year. The Argentina captain was substituted in the 78th minute of play as a result.

“I felt discomfort in my adductor,” Messi explained. “It was my last game of the year, so I have time to get well to start 2024 giving everything.” According to the forward, the delay at the start of the match due to clashes between fans and police had a detrimental effect on his groin as it gave his body time to cool down in the locker room.

Messi has struggled with injuries throughout the past season, missing five MLS matches due to a hamstring injury. Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru last Thursday was his first full match since returning from injury on October 7. With their victory over Brazil, Argentina remains on top of the COMNEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier standings.

The post Messi Suffers Groin Injury in World Cup Qualifier appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Inter Miami icon Lionel Messi expressed his pride in the team despite narrowly missing out on a spot in the MLS playoffs. A 1-0 loss against Charlotte FC on Saturday sealed Miami’s fate.

“I am proud of everything the team accomplished this season,” Messi stated in an Instagram post. “With everyone’s work and effort, we were able to win the Leagues Cup, achieving the first title in the history of Inter Miami CF, we reached the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and we were even fighting to get into the MLS playoffs practically until the last moment.”

Messi played 14 matches for Inter Miami this season, scoring 11 goals and leading them to the Leagues Cup. Unfortunately, injury limited his playing time this season, with the Charlotte game being his first full match since returning to the pitch. Following the conclusion of this season, Miami is set to play two matches in China in their first-ever overseas tour.

The post Messi “Proud” of Inter Miami Despite Premature Ending to Season appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Inter Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino revealed on Friday that new team talisman Lionel Messi is likely to miss his team’s opening game of the new MLS season against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. This game would have been Messi’s MLS debut. This comes as Martino looks at how best to manage his team’s fatigue in what would be their seventh game in just 23 days.

“We will assess further after this evening’s training,” Martino revealed. “It is inevitable that we will not have him at some point.” Messi played in every minute of his team’s six previous matches. The Argentinian looked to be suffering from exhaustion during Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal win at FC Cincinnati, albeit still providing two assists across the 120-minute game.

Messi’s absence will provide a good indication of how strong Miami’s lineup is without their star man. Prior to the 36-year-old’s arrival, Inter Miami fell to the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference; 14 points adrift of the final playoff spot.

The post Lionel Messi Likely To Miss MLS Opener, Coach Reveals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi grabbed two goals and an assist in his first start for Inter Miami as they secured a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in the group stage of the Leagues Cup on Tuesday night.

Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets were both in Miami’s starting lineup, with the two pairing up to open the scoring. Busquets provided a lofted pass over the Atlanta defense to Messi, and while the number 10 hit the post with his first shot, he was able to collect the rebound, putting it in the back of the net.

22 minutes into the game, Miami hit Atlanta on the counterattack, with Messi getting on the end of a Robert Taylor pass to double both his and Inter Miami’s tally.

Taylor then went on to score before the halftime break before scoring in the 78th with an assist from Messi to complete a brace of his own.

“It was a good performance and I’m pleased we were able to make our fans happy. A very good game and we took another step in the right direction,” Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino said after the game.

This victory sees Miami top their group and book their spot in the round of 32.

The post Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Trounces Atlanta United appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi is considering a transfer to Saudi Arabia club Al Hilal, the rival of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, a source familiar with the negotiations revealed to ESPN on Wednesday.

Although a move back to Barcelona appeared more likely for Messi, it now seems more probable that the 35-year-old player will move to Saudi Arabia, where he heads the Visit Saudi tourism campaign.

The revelation comes after it was reported that Messi is unlikely to extend his contract at PSG. The contract which he signed in 2021 is set to expire at the end of the current season.

While FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his interest in bringing Messi back to the Camp Nou, his team’s financial problems make it increasingly unlikely for the Catalan club to sign Messi this summer.

Inter Miami has also been in the mix, offering Messi the opportunity to take his career to the United States. While the MLS club has been involved in long-term negotiations with the Messi camp, it remains unlikely that they will be able to compete financially with any offers out of the Saudi Pro League.

The post Messi Move to Saudi Arabia Increasing Likely, Sources Claim appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi was named Best FIFA Men’s Player in Paris on Monday, beating fierce competitors Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the award. This is the second time that Messi has won the award, having won in 2019 as well.

“It’s amazing. It was a tremendous year and it is an honor for me to be here tonight and win this award,” Messi stated upon winning the trophy at the full capacity Salle Pleyel. “I want to express my thanks to [coach Lionel] Scaloni and my teammates; without them, I would not be here. I achieved a dream I had been hoping for so long and finally, I achieved it. It’s a dream for any player; very few people can achieve that and I was lucky enough to do so.”

Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title; the nation’s first in 36 years. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored seven goals throughout the tournament along with two in the final en route to winning the Golden Ball award as the player of the tournament.

Messi won a total of five player of the match awards in Qatar; the most in a single World Cup tournament. He also scored a goal in every round of the competition, becoming the first player in history to do so.

The post Lionel Messi Wins FIFA Men’s Player Award appeared first on SportzBonanza.

FC Barcelona manager Xavi expressed his openness to allowing Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou after rumors reemerged regarding a potential transfer back to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

“This is his home and the door is always open,” Xavi stated during a news conference leading up to Barcelona’s Europa League playoff clash with Manchester United. Having drawn 2-2 with the Red Devils in the first game, Barca will have to win this match in order to progress.

“[Messi] is a friend and we are in permanent contact. It depends on what he wants for his future and how the club see it. He is the best player in the world and the best ever. He would always fit [the team],” Xavi continued.

Messi’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire at the end of the season. While PSG is eager to secure a new deal to keep Messi at the club, rumors emerged of Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, meeting with Barcelona President Joan Laporta.

In addition to the possibility of a Barcelona return, several other clubs have expressed their interest in signing Messi, including new additions to the MLS Inter Miami CF and several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

The post Xavi Expresses Willingness to Bring Messi Back to Barcelona appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos has confirmed that the reigning Ligue 1 champions are in talks with Lionel Messi over a potential contract extension. The 35-year-old forward’s current contract with the club is set to lapse at the end of the season.

“At the moment we are negotiating with Messi his renewal,” Campos announced. “I’d love to keep him in the project, I can’t hide it. We are negotiating to achieve that goal and for him to continue with us.”

Having joined PSG in the summer of 2021 after Barcelona was unable to renew his contract, Messi struggled to make an impact during his first season in France. This season he has adjusted more to life in Paris, scoring 15 goals and making 14 assists in 25 appearances for the Ligue 1 club.

Messi has become a crucial member of the PSG lineup, particularly after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. With Kylian Mbappe injured since the 3-1 win over Montpellier on February 1, Messi has become a more relied-upon member of the squad.

The post PSG Confirms Messi Contract Extension Talks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from the Argentinian national squad after lifting the World Cup 2022 trophy on Sunday after a thrilling penalty shootout win against France.

Messi revealed that it has been his “childhood dream” to win the World Cup, thereby emulating Diego Maradona as he won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986. While he has achieved his ultimate goal, Messi admitted that he is still not ready to hang up his boots.

“I won the Copa America and the World Cup in a short time,” the Argentina captain stated. “I love what I do, being in the national team, and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion. I am going to take the Cup to Argentina to enjoy it with you.”

The final marked Messi’s 26th appearance in the World Cup; a new record for all-time appearances at the tournament. In addition, Messi is now Argentina’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, having taken his tally to 13 thanks to his two goals in the final.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his support for Messi’s decision, explaining that the Argentina captain is welcome to continue playing for the national team going forward.

The post Messi Decides Against Retiring From Argentina Following World Cup Win appeared first on SportzBonanza.