However, for Yamal, he is the clear winner over Mbappe. In an interview with Universo Valdano, he was asked who he would give the Ballon d’Or to: “Who would I give it to? To the best player in the world. Who are they going to give it to? That is a very long conversation… I honestly believe that the two of us are the best in the world, and this year I would deserve it for what I have won.

“For me, Mbappe and I are the two best in the world. To me it is clear and everyone who watches the games knows it,” explained Yamal, placing himself and the Frenchman above other stars such as Messi, Harry Kane, Raphinha, Olise, and so on.

A two-man battle between Mbappe and Yamal?

Another major question is whether Lamine and Mbappe are the only candidates among the 30 finalists to lift the award—something hard to believe in what appears to be the most open race in recent years.

Rodri was named the best player of the World Cup; Fabian won absolutely everything while playing a decisive role; Harry Kane claimed the Golden Boot and reached the World Cup semifinals, and Kvaratskhelia was probably the best player of the year at the club level. There are numerous candidates and options in the most open Ballon d’Or of the century.

That is where Messi enters the fold, having delivered what many consider his best individual World Cup performance—even above Qatar 2022, where he emerged victorious—leading Argentina to the final before they lost to Yamal’s Spain. In a World Cup year, a player’s performance on that stage carries immense weight.

Yamal’s high expectations

In the preview of the interview on Universo Valdano, Lamine also discussed his personal drive and high self-expectations: “After winning the World Cup I was not happy. I did many things that people did not see.

“For a manager it is incredible to have a player who draws three opponents, but I was not happy with myself because another player with my performance would have had a great World Cup, but for me, I could have done more. I did help the team, but I really want the next one to arrive,” he stated.

It was a key goal as well, as Nashville started the game leading it and Inter Miami had to come back. First, an own goal tied the game, but now thanks to Messi’s strike, the took the momentary lead over the Eastern Conference’s first seed.

Nashville had a nine-point lead, but the game ended up in a tie. Hence, Inter Miami’s place in the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings kept them with the same deficit. Also, given the poor form Inter Miami has been in recently, this result could still definitely boost the moral and change the fortunes of the team. Nashville leads the conference after all.

Messi is still unquestionably different

The MLS is getting more and more stars. Messi is 39 years old, yet he is still unbelievable and clearly the biggest difference-maker in the whole league. The fact is that without him, Inter Miami’s expectations would be much lower despite having other stars on the roster.

In fact, Messi hit the post minutes after scoring. That would’ve been his 100th goal for the club. Inter Miami relies too much on what Messi can do, but he still delivers in every which way.

The tie was a heart-wrenching result

While the result itself is not bad because this was against a higher-seeded team, the fact is this was a win until the very last minute of the game, where a goal from Sam Surridge tied the game.

Surridge was Inter Miami’s nightmare as he scored a brace against them in this match. Inter Miami were too close to get a statement win thanks to Messi’s efforts.

That is why Messi is expected to suit up for Inter Miami in today’s Matchday 26 showdown against Nashville. Having traveled with the squad and facing no discipline or injury setbacks, there are no remaining obstacles to keep the Argentine superstar off the pitch.

Messi, who already boasts 18 goals this MLS season, remains the ultimate game-changer, a player capable of creating goal-scoring opportunities out of nothing every time he touches the ball.

After failing to capitalize on Nashville’s recent slip-up, Herons have a prime opportunity to make up ground today, as a victory would keep their hopes alive of climbing to the top of the table.

Predicted lineup for Inter Miami

With kickoff just hours away at Nu Stadium in Miami, here is how Inter are expected to line up against Nashville in this crucial Eastern Conference clash, with Messi in the lead:

• Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair
• Defenders: Ian Fray (RB), Maximiliano Falcon (CB), Fricio Caicedo (CB), Yannick Bright (LB)
• Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia
• Forwards: Lionel Messi (RW), Luis Suarez (ST), German Berterame (LW)

A victory would elevate Inter Miami to 47 points and cut Nashville’s lead to six. While their ultimate seed will depend on late-season results across the league, Miami’s immediate focus rests squarely on Messi steering them to three critical points.

With tonight’s draw, Inter Miami cut the gap on Nashville SC by just a single point after the conference leaders fell to Toronto FC earlier on Wednesday. The Florida club now sits on 44 points, nine points behind the Eastern Conference leader, as its realistic chances of contending for the Supporters’ Shield slip away, though the Herons remain on track to secure an MLS playoff spot.

Inter Miami’s primary goal remains claiming the Supporters’ Shield while mathematical possibilities endure, though the MLS postseason represents the most critical phase of the campaign. They still have nine matchdays left to achieve their objective.

Inter Miami’s draw featuring Messi’s contribution

Awaiting Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez to officially take charge of the squad in the coming days, Inter Miami endured a difficult start to the match. The Chicago Fire managed to open the scoring in the eighth minute through Lewandowski, who headed home a cross from the left wing to make it 1-0 with his seventh goal since arriving in MLS.

However, Inter Miami responded early in the second half with a goal generated by Messi‘s left foot. The Argentine star executed a corner kick to the penalty spot, where Casemiro rose to place a precise header off the right post, beating goalkeeper Christopher Brady.

Crucial matchup ahead for Inter Miami

Up next for Inter Miami is what stands as likely one of their most crucial fixtures of the season, offering a direct opportunity to close the gap and make up ground on Nashville.

Inter Miami will return to MLS action on Saturday, Sept. 12, when they face Nashville SC—the same club that handed them a 4-1 blowout just a few weeks ago.

2026 MLS Supporters’ Shield standings

1. Nashville – 53 points
2. Vancouver – 46 points (one game in hand)
3. Inter Miami – 44 points
4. Houston – 43 points
5. New England – 40 points

According to Argentine reporter Federico Cristofanelli, Messi will be invited to join the national team during the upcoming FIFA international window for a pair of friendlies against Burkina Faso at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires and Benin at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba.

The two-game slate is reportedly designed as a grand sendoff to honor Messi’s extraordinary national team career. His announcement generated widespread reaction across the sport—drawing comments even from elite manager Jose Mourinho—as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner prepares for what may be his final international appearances.

Amid discussions over his international future, reports have also surfaced that Messi has acquired a football club in Spain, marking another step in expanding his post-playing portfolio as his iconic career nears its end.

Messi could turn down final invitation

Despite plans for a grand farewell, Cristofanelli reports that Messi may ultimately decline the invitation. However, the legendary forward still has time to make a final decision before the international break.

Accepting the invitation would give Messi an official stage to say goodbye to Argentine supporters, even though many viewed his home departure as having already occurred during Argentina‘s 5-0 victory over Zambia at La Bombonera.

As the country await his official response, the Argentine Football Association reportedly remains hopeful that Messi will grace the pitch one last time, ensuring a grand tribute fitting for the greatest player in the nation’s history.

Lionel Messi is expected to feature for Inter Miami on MLS Matchday 25, having traveled with the team to Chicago after being left off Miami’s latest injury report, which include plenty of teammates.

Inter Miami will be without six players due to injury, as Tadeo Allende, Gonzalo Luján, Micael, Santiago Morales, Sergio Reguilón, and Mateo Silvetti have all been ruled out against the Fire.

The urgency to watch Messi play continues to grow among fans given the finite time remaining in his storied career, particularly following the Argentine icon’s recent retirement from international duty after a legendary 20-year run with La Albiceleste.

Predicted lineup for Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire

Faced with a thinned-out squad, manager Guillermo Hoyos will be forced to shuffle his starting XI to counter Chicago’s attack. Here is how Inter Miami is projected to line up for tonight’s Matchday 25 fixture:

• Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair
• Defenders: Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Facundo Mura
• Midfielders: Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia
• Forwards: Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Luis Suarez

Inter Miami will look to claim all three points on the road to keep pace at the top of the table as they push for back-to-back MLS titles with Messi leading the charge.

According to Marca, Messi reached an agreement in principle to acquire ownership of Eldense, a Spanish Segunda Division team. The purchase marks his presence as a businessman in Spain, strengthening his position following his acquisition of UE Cornella earlier this year, a team in Catalonia’s Tercera Federacion. Messi would acquire 100% of the shares without third-party intervention.

Messi reached an agreement with the current owners of CD Eldense to become the majority shareholder of the Alicante club. If completed, the deal could be formalized in the coming days once final legal and contractual procedures conclude.

Where Messi’s new headquarters would be

Eldense are based in Elda, Alicante, and play their home matches at Nuevo Pepico Amat, a stadium with a capacity of approximately 5,800 spectators. They currently have around 3,500 season ticket holders.

If completed, Leo Messi would take a new step off the pitch by taking control of a professional club while continuing his career as a soccer player and his life after retirement in mind.

The club’s current situation

An international investment group of Colombian origin, led by businessman Juan Carlos Trujillo, took over Eldense after buying the club from Pascual Perez in October 2015. Rumors also circulated in recent months regarding Argentine Ricardo Beni’s intention to acquire the club for around 12 million euros. But now Messi’s name has returned with massive force.

On the pitch, Eldense dismissed manager Claudio Barragan last Monday, making him the first manager fired in the Segunda Division. The team has collected only two points in four league matches and has not yet named a new manager.

The opening goal for Real Madrid stemmed from a defensive error by the visitors. Yann Bisseck lost possession on the way out; Brahim Diaz, who started in place of Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler, provided a one-touch assist, and Mbappe beat Alessandro Bastoni in a one-on-one to open the scoring.

With his goal against Inter, Mbappe reached 71 Champions League goals, tying fellow Real Madrid icon Raul Gonzalez for fifth on the all-time list. Notably, Mbappe achieved the mark in 99 matches compared to Raul’s 142.

69 goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo

Four historic names still stand ahead of him: Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, and all-time leader Cristiano Ronaldo, who sits at 140 goals. A 69-goal gap still separates Mbappe from Ronaldo, leaving a long road ahead.

Here is how the top UEFA Champions League goalscorers stand following the Frenchman’s strike:

• 140: Cristiano Ronaldo (POR, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus)
• 129: Lionel Messi (ARG, Barcelona, PSG)
• 109: Robert Lewandowski (POL, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona)
• 90: Karim Benzema (FRA, Lyon, Real Madrid)
• 71: Raul Gonzalez (ESP, Real Madrid, Schalke)
• 71: Kylian Mbappe (FRA, Monaco, PSG, Real Madrid)

Mbappe standing out as the star

Despite a period of uncertainty for Real Madrid last season, Mbappe continued to excel and demonstrate why he is among the top players on the planet, even finishing as the top scorer. Before kick-off, Mbappe received his award from Luis Figo for finishing as last season’s tournament top scorer with 15 goals.

In Jose Mourinho’s return, Mbappe will continue to play a central role, with the Champions League serving as the ideal stage. Inter shot themselves in the foot again before the half-hour mark, with Martinez attempting a Cruyff turn in his own box, only for Federico Valverde to poke the ball away from him and into the net. Real Madrid ended up winning the game 2-1.

Here is the complete 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist announced by France Football on Tuesday:

1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
2. Ousmane Dembele (PSG/France)
3. Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona/Spain)
4. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/Real Madrid-Spain)
5. Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich/Colombia)
6. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/Portugal)
7. Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal/Brazil)
8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway)
9. Achraf Hakimi (PSG/Morocco)
10. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England)
11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG/Georgia)
12. Sadio Mane (Al Nassr/Senegal)
13. Marquinhos (PSG/Brazil)
14. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/France)
15. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina)
16. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/France)
17. Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona-Spain)
18. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
19. William Pacho (PSG/Ecuador)
20. Julian Quinones (Al Qadsiah/Mexico)
21. Declan Rice (Arsenal/England)
22. Lautaro Martinez (Inter/Argentina)
23. Nuno Mendes (PSG/Portugal)
24. Joao Neves (PSG/Portugal)
25. Fabian Ruiz (PSG/Spain)
26. William Saliba (Arsenal/France)
27. Ferran Torres (PSG/Spain)
28. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/France)
29. Vitinha (PSG/Portugal)
30. Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid/Brazil)

How many Ballon d’Or nominations has Messi earned?

With his latest selection, Lionel Messi has captured his 17th career Ballon d’Or nomination, having previously claimed the iconic award a record eight times. The Argentine superstar has reached the podium in 14 of those 17 appearances—a mark unmatched by any player in soccer history.

Meanwhile, Cristiano ranks second in all-time podium finishes with 13 while holding the record for the most nominations in Ballon d’Or history at 18, since his first one in 2004.

When was Ronaldo last nominated for the Ballon d’Or?

Cristiano Ronaldo was left off the Ballon d’Or shortlist for a fourth consecutive year. Since 2022, the legendary Portuguese forward has failed to make the official list of final contenders competing for world soccer’s top individual honor.

With five career Ballon d’Or trophies, Ronaldo stands second on the all-time wins list behind only Messi. As the voting opens on this year’s race, anticipation builds over who will claim the hardware in a tightly contested field.

According to Telemundo’s Veronica Brunatti, Argentina are beginning to finalize their schedule and opponents for the upcoming FIFA window. The AFA is negotiating with Burkina Faso to face them on Oct. 3 and Benin on Oct. 6, with both matches expected to be played in Argentina.

Initially, the opponents and venues were expected to be announced on Monday; however, confirmation was pushed to Wednesday. Additionally, the AFA is still waiting for a ruling from world soccer’s governing body to determine whether the matches will receive official Class A friendly designation.

In pursuit of quality friendlies

The AFA is managing suspensions for three players following incidents in the 2026 World Cup final: Leandro Paredes with a 10-match ban, Nahuel Molina with seven, and Thiago Almada with one. The sanctions were approved by FIFA following a request from the AFA so they can be served during Class A friendlies or official commitments.

A key point is that FIFA does not automatically guarantee that matches played in Argentina will be classified as Class A friendlies. If they are not approved as such, the three players will not serve their match bans. To avoid that scenario, the intention is to hold the FIFA window in Argentina.

The potential matchups against the African nations would also maintain a recent trend for Argentina. In 2026, the Albiceleste already faced Mauritania and Zambia in friendlies played before the World Cup, securing victories in both matches.

Will Messi be involved?

Everything points to Messi no longer being involved in these matches due to his retirement. However, the only remaining possibility is that the opportunity is used to host a farewell for Messi, giving him the chance to play one final match with the team.

Messi went over to the Atlanta United bench before kickoff to hug Martino, who eventually approached Suarez on the Inter Miami bench to exchange another hug after the final whistle.

“Well, for me, it was a really nice chapter that we experienced here in Miami,” Martino said postgame in response to Bolavip. “We were able to accomplish some of the first important things for the club. They’re two great figures, two great soccer players.

“But beyond that, what I’ll take away is the relationship we built and the fact that I was able to play a small part in their careers. Obviously, I spent more time with Leo and less time with Luis, but we built a great relationship, and the greeting with both of them was simply a reflection of that.”

Messi and Suarez’s experience with Martino in Miami

Both Messi and Suarez enjoyed a fruitful stint under Martino at Inter Miami. The Argentine star arrived first and, with Tata as his coach, led the Herons to immediate success at the 2023 Leagues Cup, the club’s first major trophy.

The Uruguayan striker arrived for the 2024 season, helping Messi and Martino lead Inter Miami to an MLS record 74-point regular season to secure the MLS Supporters’ Shield. They couldn’t translate that success into the postseason though, as Atlanta United knocked them out in the first round of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. Either way, all three had a wonderful time together in South Florida.

Martino had already worked with Messi at Barcelona (2013-14) before overlapping with him on the Argentine national team (2014-16), so they already had a well-established relationship before reuniting in Miami. But Martino and Suarez got to spend enough time together to develop a genuine bond, which made Saturday’s game even more special.

Miguel Almiron praises Messi after signs of mutual respect

Though not a former teammate, Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron also hugged Messi before and after the game. When asked about it by Bolavip, the Paraguay international made sure to show his respect for the Argentine legend.

“I have a lot of respect for Leo,” Almiron said. “I think everyone admires him for who he is, both as a player and as a person. I admire his game and the way he continues to make history.”