Lionel Messi – Football Flame
Latest Football News

Tag: Lionel Messi

Reigning champions Argentina assemble ahead of World Cup qualifiers
1 Comment
NEWS

Reigning champions Argentina assemble ahead of World Cup qualifiers

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 19: Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on November 19, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Carlos Sipán/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) Lionel Messi rejoined Argentina's national team the first time on Sunday, following a seven-month international absence, to prepare for this month's FIFA World Cup South American Qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. The last time Messi played for his country was in November 2024. The World Cup winning captain missed the Albiceleste's matches in March due to a muscle problem, but is now back in good form. The 37-year-old striker was named Major League Soccer (MLS) Player of the Week ...
Read More
Lionel Messi urges Inter Miami to be ‘united’ amid struggles
1 Comment
NEWS

Lionel Messi urges Inter Miami to be ‘united’ amid struggles

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MAY 18: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami FC controls the ball away from Joran Gerbet #35 of Orlando City SC during the game at Chase Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos/Getty Images) Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi urged the team to stay strong and remain united after losing 3-0 to in-state rivals Orlando City at Chase Stadium on Sunday night. The result makes it five losses in the past seven games for Miami, which has conceded 20 goals since the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal series against the Vancouver Whitecaps on April 24. "[We need to] keep going. It's a complicated time," Messi told Apple TV after the game. "But we'll all stay united. We're a team in difficult times, because when e...
Read More
Messi scores, but short-handed Inter Miami blown out at Minnesota United 4-1
1 Comment
NEWS

Messi scores, but short-handed Inter Miami blown out at Minnesota United 4-1

ST.PAUL, MN - MAY 10: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF in front of Tani Oluwaseyi #14 of Minnesota United FC during a game between Inter Miami CF and Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field on May 10, 2025 in St.Paul, Minnesota. Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Anthony Markanich and Robin Lod each scored goals to lead Minnesota United to a 4-1 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday afternoon in St. Paul, Minn. Minnesota (6-2-4, 22 points) won its second consecutive MLS match and third in a row across all competitions. The Loons handed Inter Miami (6-2-3, 21 points) its most lopsided loss in league play this season. Miami played without forward Luis Suarez, who did not make the trip due to personal reasons, and without left winger Fafa Picault due to illness. Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal th...
Read More
Inter Miami crash out in Champions Cup semi-final
No Comments
NEWS

Inter Miami crash out in Champions Cup semi-final

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - APRIL 30: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball whilst under pressure from Daniel Rios #14 of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Semi-final Second Leg match between Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium on April 30, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Inter Miami may have just been dealt a warning in the Concacaf Champions Cup -- the future is now. Despite having Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Miami could not overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit to the Vancouver Whitecaps, losing the second leg at home 3-1 (5-1 aggregate). Miami even found the net first -- and most importantly, early -- in the second leg. Messi found Suarez, who then assisted Alba for the finish in the ninth min...
Read More
Lionel Messi starts for Inter Miami vs. Vancouver in Champions Cup semifinal
No Comments
NEWS

Lionel Messi starts for Inter Miami vs. Vancouver in Champions Cup semifinal

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 8: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF is seen during a training session at the Florida Blue Training Center on March 8, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Nearly a year after being heartbroken when Lionel Messi was a no-show for the Inter Miami game on the road against the Vancouver Whitecaps, fans in the Canadian city got their wish. The Argentine icon traveled this time and was in the starting lineup for the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals at BC Place. The average listed price for the game jumped 92 percent, from $99 to $190, after it was confirmed that Messi would make an appearance at the game, according to data from Vivid Seats ticket marketplace. A crowd of 53,000 was expected, which would break a Whitecaps record. The home crow...
Read More
Inter Miami have three options in Lionel Messi extension talks
No Comments
NEWS

Inter Miami have three options in Lionel Messi extension talks

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 8: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF is seen during a training session at the Florida Blue Training Center on March 8, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Chris Arjoon/Getty Images) Lionel Messi is reportedly closing in on agreeing to a contract extension at Inter Miami this summer as part of his World Cup plan. The Argentina captain has openly stated his firm determination to lead Argentina in their world title defence at the FIFA 2026 tournament in North America and that looks to be still on track. Messi has hit the ground running at the start of the 2025 MLS season with three goals scored already despite some injury concerns.However, his future remains unresolved, despite club owner Jorge Mas confirming talks are ongoing to renew his c...
Read More
Real Madrid legend Guti drops shock Lamine Yamal v Lionel Messi comparison
No Comments
LALIGA

Real Madrid legend Guti drops shock Lamine Yamal v Lionel Messi comparison

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 02: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona in action during the Copa del Rey semi-final Leg Two match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 02, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images) Lamine Yamal continues to be a leading light in the Barcelona attack as Hansi Flick pushes for a trophy treble in 2025. The Spain international is crucial for club and country despite 2024/25 being just his second full season as a first teamer. From Barcelona’s 29 La Liga games this season, Lamine Yamal has started 24, and completed 90+ minutes in all but one of them, as an underlining of his growing importance. His stats remain impressive, with six La Liga goals and 11 assists, leading the rankings in the latter m...
Read More
Messi scores 2 minutes into return in Miami win
No Comments
NEWS

Messi scores 2 minutes into return in Miami win

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 29: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against Olwethu Makhanya #29 of Philadelphia Union during the second half at Chase Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lionel Messi made an immediate impact for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory that lifted the South Florida side into first place in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference. Messi returned to the lineup and scored less than two minutes after subbing into the match early in the second half. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took a pass from Luis Suárez on the right side of the penalty box, made a quick move and sent a right-footed shot past two Philadelphia defenders into the net for a 2-0 Inter ...
Read More
Lionel Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck
2 Comments
NEWS

Lionel Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF smiles during a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup second leg match between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami at Chase Stadium on February 25, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount for grabbing one of New York City FC's coaching staff on the neck after Saturday's MLS opener, the league said. Video footage showed Messi approach the coach and grab the back of his neck, causing him to pull away from the eight-times Ballon d'Or winner after the 2-2 draw in Miami. The fine was imposed by the MLS' Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday. The top-flight North American league also fined Messi's teammate Luis Suarez on Tuesday for violating the same "face/head/neck of...
Read More
Messi wants to take part in 2026 World Cup
2 Comments
NEWS

Messi wants to take part in 2026 World Cup

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 18: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF waves to fans during warmups before a preseason friendly match against America at Allegiant Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Inter Miami FC defeated America 3-2 in a penalty shootout. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Inter Miami and Argentina striker Lionel Messi recently responded to a question about his potential participation in the 2026 World Cup, Azernews reports. "The year is just beginning, and I'm starting it with great desire and enthusiasm. I hope that I will feel good and be able to have a strong pre-season, so I can be in the best shape for the official matches," Messi stated. This season, Messi has played 22 matches for his club across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing 18 a...
Read More
Neymar : Mbappe was jealous of Messi at PSG
2 Comments
NEWS

Neymar : Mbappe was jealous of Messi at PSG

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JANUARY 13: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on during a training session at Florida Blue Training Center on January 13, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) Striker Neymar says his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe became "a little jealous" after superstar Lionel Messi joined the French club in August 2021 in a free transfer. Speaking in a podcast hosted by World Cup winner Romário released Thursday, the 32-year-old Brazilian who plays for Saudi club Al-Hilal added big egos had affected the performances of PSG in big matches.Neymar made his comments after Romário asked whether Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this season, "is annoying." "No, he is not. I have my things with him, we had a little fig...
Read More
Messi: Miami will ‘come back stronger next year’
No Comments
NEWS

Messi: Miami will ‘come back stronger next year’

Lionel Messi vowed to "come back stronger" in 2025, following Inter Miami's elimination for the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs on Saturday night at Chase Stadium. FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts against Atlanta United during the second half of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup playoffs at Chase Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) The Herons fell 3-2 to Atlanta United FC in the final match of the Round 1 best-of-three playoff series as goals from Jamal Thiaré and Bartosz Slisz forced an end to Miami's historic season. "A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and, although we achieved some goals, we wanted more," Messi said on Instagram. "Thanks to all the people who joi...
Read More
Argentina:Messi scores hat trick against Bolivia
No Comments
NEWS

Argentina:Messi scores hat trick against Bolivia

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates midfielder #15 Thiago Almada and defender #16 Nahuel Molina after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Bolivia at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 15, 2024. Bolivia may have been rolling in World Cup qualifying, but that wouldn't matter heading into Argentina to face Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste. Messi made his first start in Argentina in 333 days and didn't disappoint, scoring a goal 19 minutes into the match to put Argentina ahead. By halftime that lead would balloon to 3-0 as Messi added two more assists to his exploits. In true Messi fashion, he didn't stop there with two goals in two minutes to finish a hat trick in a 6-0 vi...
Read More
Lionel Messi points the blame in furious interview after Argentina draw
No Comments
NEWS

Lionel Messi points the blame in furious interview after Argentina draw

Lionel Messi blamed the wet pitch at the Estadio Monumental de Maturin for Argentina's "ugly" 1-1 draw with Venezuela in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Nicolas Otamendi's first-half goal was cancelled out by a header from former West Brom, Newcastle and Everton striker Salomon Rondon and Messi was not happy with the state of the pitch which had been soaked by the heavy rainfall in Venezuela. The game was initially delayed as a result of the rain, but play eventually went ahead with both teams sharing the points. Argentina are currently top of the CONMEBOL standings with 19 points, while Venezuela sit seventh. The top six teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the side that finishes seventh will enter the play-offs. Reflecting on the draw with Venezuela, Messi told Argentine broadcas...
Read More
Guardiola contract boost, De Bruyne extension, Messi reunion – Man City Club World Cup latest
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Guardiola contract boost, De Bruyne extension, Messi reunion – Man City Club World Cup latest

In normal circumstances, a chance for Manchester City to defend their title as world champions in a major showpiece tournament would be one they would relish. However, the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup from seven teams to 32 has been beset by delays, controversies and criticism. Pep Guardiola has insisted City will travel to the USA with a full squad and with the intention to defend their crown - but he has been equally critical of the new format that will extend City's season into 12 months. Guardiola is out of contract midway through the tournament, while Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne are in the same position. FIFA recently introduced rules to account for such situations, handing City a potential triple contract boost - although Guardiola reacted angrily when he learned of ru...
Read More
Argentina legend drops huge 2026 FIFA World Cup prediction for Lionel Messi
1 Comment
NEWS

Argentina legend drops huge 2026 FIFA World Cup prediction for Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi was back in action on Sunday, and scored a brace in Inter Miami's 3-1 win vs Philadelphia Union. Before this match, the attacker was on the sidelines, having sustained an ankle injury during Argentina's win against Colombia in the Copa America final, on July 14. With Argentina set to defend their FIFA World Cup title in 2026, many fans have been left wondering about the former Barcelona's star's availability, as he is already 37-years-old. Messi's former teammate and Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme feels that the Inter Miami star will feature in the tournament in 2026. Speaking on AZZ channel, he said, "Messi is reinventing himself. You never know what he can do. And I have no doubt that he will play in the next World Cup, he has to play. We will all be rooting for him...
Read More
Lionel Messi scores for Inter Miami in his first game in three months
No Comments
NEWS

Lionel Messi scores for Inter Miami in his first game in three months

Lionel Messi made a statement in his return game with Inter Miami, scoring two goals in four minutes for his MLS side. Messi stepped back on the pitch for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in Argentina's Copa America title-winning game over Colombia in July. The Argentine sent South Beach fans on their feet scoring a quick brace to help his Miami take the lead over the Philadelphia Union. His first goal came in the 26th minute with the Herons down 1-0. Jordi Alba dribbled the ball down the middle before connecting with Luis Suarez. The former Barcelona trio completed the play after Suarez played a perfect one-touch pass around a Union defender. The ball ended up on Messi's feet, who touched the ball into space, spun his defender, and slotted the ball to the bottom-left corne...
Read More
Injured Messi out of Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile, Colombia
No Comments
NEWS

Injured Messi out of Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile, Colombia

Lionel Messi will not play in Argentina's next two World Cup qualifiers because of injury.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced his 28-man squad on Monday for the matches against Chile on Sept. 5 and Colombia five days later. Messi is still recovering from a right ankle injury.The 36-year-old Ángel Di María, who retired from the national team after winning the recent Copa America, is not on the list either.World Cup champion Argentina leads South American qualifying with 15 points after six matches. Squad: Goalkeepers: Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Juan Musso (Atalanta), Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa). Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Germán Pezzella (River Plate), Leo...
Read More
Blogarama - Blog Directory