LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, officially ending one of the greatest international careers of all time.

Inter Miami CF's legendary No. 10 confirmed the news on his social media account, calling it a "decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come.

"I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football."

Argentina icon

Messi retires from international duty as a national team hero, rivalled only by the late Diego Armando Maradona. 

His 125 goals, 68 assists and 207 appearances are all Argentina records, while he ranks top-four all-time in caps, top-two in goals and No. 1 in assists across international soccer. 

The 39-year-old reached his greatest heights with La Albiceleste at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, leading the country to its third title with 7g/3a over the course of a memorable tournament that culminated with a legendary final win over France. 

Messi also won two Copa Américas (2021, '24) with Argentina, and reached the 2014 and 2026 World Cup finals. He is the only player in history to win two World Cup Golden Ball awards (2014, '22) and the only player to start three World Cup finals (2014, '22, '26).

Thank you for giving us the most beautiful journey of our lives. Your legacy and professionalism will remain forever etched in our hearts.

Thank you, Captain. We love you 🩵 pic.twitter.com/ARfgguHjxd

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) August 31, 2026

Emotional end

Monday's announcement capped an emotional summer for Messi, who guided Argentina to their second straight World Cup final with 8g/4a in eight games, before falling to Spain, 1-0, in the 2026 title match. 

That turned out to be his last appearance with La Albiceleste. It also came a few weeks before the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner mourned the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.

"I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final," Messi concluded in his statement.

"Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."

🚨🚨 LEO MESSI ON IG 🥹🎥 pic.twitter.com/8xO5lcfI2e

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) August 31, 2026

Statement in full

Messi, the most decorated soccer player in history, addressed his millions of followers on Monday to officially announce the end of his remarkable 21-year run with Argentina:

"After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team.

"It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.

"Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad, especially the bad).

"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey, so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!

"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

"Let's go, Argentina!

"I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."

Jaime Uribarri

LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY

 

Lionel Messi has RETIRED from the Argentinian national team 🥺🇦🇷

👕 207 games

⚽️ 125 goals 

🅰️ 68 assists 

🏆 World Cup  

🏆🏆 Copa América 

🏆 Finalissima   

A true great on the international stage who delivered two of the greatest World Cup performances in 2022 and 2026 🙌🐐

- OneFootball

AFA-RBC AGREEMENT SIGNATORIES FACE TA. FRAUD IN ARGENTINA, COLLECTION AGENT PROBED BY FBI FOR MONEY LAUNDERING

Image. Canva.

Two signatories to the agreement between Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited (RBC) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to bring Messi and team to Kerala -- Claudio Tapia and Victor Blanca -- have faced multiple cases of alleged tax fraud, money laundering and financial mismanagement in Argentina, even forcing a court in Buenos Aires to issue a travel ban on them.

In the agreement signed on December 20, 2024, with Anto Augustine of RBC, Tapia and Blanco represented AFA as President and General Secretary, respectively. The agreement also shows Tourprodenter as the collection agent of the AFA. It was agreed that all funds shall be deposited into the company's account at Bank of America. Accordingly, Tourprodenter received $14.5 million in two instalments.

Claudio Tapia, who signed as the second party in the agreement for the Messi-led Argentina team to Kerala, was summoned for questioning in March 2026 by the court in Buenos Aires. Quoting court documents, the Associated Press reported that he is accused of failing to pay social contributions amounting to 19 billion pesos ($12.8 million) in 2024 and 2025.

The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by the country's customs collection and control agency. The court had then issued a travel ban on AFA treasurer Pablo Toviggino and other office- bearers Cristian Malaspina, Gustavo Lorenzo and Victor Blanco. Along with Tapia, Blanco has signed the agreement with the RBC.

Tourprodenter, AFA's collection agent, is also embroiled in another investigation. BA Times reported on a judicial investigation into AFA's handling of funds through the firm and a possible link to a luxury mansion in Pilar. Reports also surfaced about a federal investigation in the US into offshore funds and financial deals of AFA.

While local dailies had reported that Tapia was summoned for questioning, AFA came up with an explanation that none of the officials had been asked to appear for interrogation. However, the AFA release stated that the subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida was addressed to a third party, who was required to appear before a Grand Jury and potentially provide documentation and communications related to various individuals, including officials of this Association.

Argentine Daily La Nacion reported in July that the US Department of Justice is looking into the business deals of the US-based company owned by Tapia with Tourprodenter and how the firm channelled funds.

The report submitted by the Special Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, to the Chief Minister flags reports about the deals of Tourprodenter. Miami Herald, which actively pursued the case, has reported that the FBI is investigating whether Tourprodenter illegally routed more than $300 million in sponsorship receipts through the US banking system and remittance companies to top AFA executives and associates in Argentina for their personal use.

Documents show that Tapia sent an invitation to RBC in August 2025 for a meeting on September 1 and to attend a match between Argentina and Venezuela on September 4, 2025.

- Aswin J Kumar

MESSI RETURNS ROSARIO AFTER HIS FATHER'S DEATH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FAREWELL CEREMONY

Lionel Messi (Photo/Archive)

Rosario, Argentina – Argentine star Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami, arrived in his hometown of Rosario on Saturday evening, following the death of his father Jorge Messi, to participate in the farewell ceremony with family members.

Jorge Messi died at the age of 68, after a long battle with illness, leaving behind one of the most prominent figures who had a significant impact on the life and football career of the Argentine national team captain.

Jorge played a pivotal role in the beginning of his son’s career, managing his business affairs and overseeing many of his off-field matters from his early years. He was also strongly present in Messi’s journey from Argentina to Europe and the beginning of his career with Barcelona.

During Messi’s time at Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge took care of providing his son with the necessary treatment and monitoring his condition, before accompanying him during his move to Spain and joining the Barcelona academy, while his mother remained in Rosario to take care of the rest of the family.

Despite his name being linked to his son’s famous career, Jorge Messi maintained a limited media presence, preferring to stay out of the spotlight and focus on supporting his son and family away from media attention.

Jorge Messi leaves behind his wife Celia Cuccittini, his sons Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, along with his grandchildren and the rest of the family.

- Ahmed Khairy

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LIONEL MESSI MEME 🤣 | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

 

LIONEL MESSI REACTS TO ICONIC LAMINE YAMAL PHOTO BEFORE WORLD CUP FINAL:'IT'S CRAZY ..'

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Lionel Messi has described Lamine Yamal as one of the best players in world football ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, but the Argentina captain admitted he hopes the Barcelona youngster is kept quiet when the two nations meet with football’s biggest prize at stake.

The meeting between Spain and Argentina has naturally been built around two generations of football’s elite. 

On one side is Messi, preparing for another World Cup final with Argentina. 

On the other is Yamal, whose performances have confirmed his status as one of the brightest talents in the game.

Away from the official press conferences, FIFA organised a special event at the Fan Fest featuring Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, midfielder Rodri, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. 

The biggest attraction, however, was Messi, who also appeared alongside Novak Djokovic, Kevin Durant and Tom Brady for a discussion ahead of the final.

Messi feels Yamal is destined for a special career

Messi has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Asked about the teenager’s rapid rise, Messi had nothing but admiration for the Barcelona winger, revealing he has followed his progress closely because of his affection for the Catalan club.

“Lamine is a truly great player, whom I’ve followed very closely because he plays for a club I love and for which I always wish the best. 

“At just 19, he’s already one of the world’s leading players. He has his whole career ahead of him and the chance to achieve something historic. 

"We’ll try to make sure it doesn’t happen this time,” said the Barcelona legend.

Messi reflects on iconic Lamine Yamal photo

Messi was also asked about the famous photograph taken nearly two decades ago, showing him holding a baby Yamal during a charity calendar photoshoot.

The image has resurfaced repeatedly in recent months, especially with the pair now preparing to face each other on football’s biggest stage.

Yes, those photos you’ve seen are real.

More than 18 years ago, a baby named Lamine Yamal and his mom Sheila met Lionel Messi at a UNICEF fundraising photoshoot.

Today, their achievements on the pitch inspire millions. Off the pitch, both Messi and Lamine Yamal use their voices and platforms as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors to support and advocate for children around the world.

The goal? That every child survives, thrives, and fulfils their potential.

We are proud to have them on our team.

Credit: Joan Monfort

Reflecting on that moment, Messi said, “That photo is crazy. Life… 

“I had my photo taken with him when I was a baby and now we’re set to face each other in a World Cup final. 

“He’s one of the best in the world right now and I wish him the very best of luck because if he does well, so will Barcelona. 

“That said, we’ll try to put in a good performance so he doesn’t play at his best, although that’s difficult.”

While his admiration for Yamal was clear, Messi also reminded everyone that Spain’s strength lies in the collective rather than one individual.

He concluded, “It’s not just Lamine. Spain have some brilliant players and play great football. We’ve got our own weapons too.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo

- Swapnil Bhopatkar

LIONEL MESSI ALMOST PLAYED FOR SPAIN: THE FORGOTTEN STORY OF A VHS TAPE

FIFA World Cup 2026 final carries added significance for Lionel Messi, who came close to committing his international future to Spain during the early years of his career.

Lionel Messi in action
© AFP

After more than a month of intense competition, Argentina and Spain have emerged as the two finalists of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament, which began with a record 48 teams, has now come down to a highly anticipated title clash between the two football giants, set to take place on Monday in New Jersey. For Argentina captain Lionel Messi, the occasion marks a full-circle moment. The 39-year-old is set to play in his third World Cup final during his sixth appearance at the tournament. However, this final carries added significance for Messi, who came close to committing his international future to Spain during the early years of his career.

In September 2001, Messi arrived in Barcelona at the age of 13 to join the club's famed La Masia academy. He would go on to spend 21 years with the Catalan giants, developing into one of the greatest footballers of all time before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

Yet despite spending most of his formative and professional years in Spain, Messi's dream was always to represent Argentina on the international stage-a decision that ultimately shaped one of the most iconic careers in football history.

Former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman, who handed Lionel Messi his senior international debut, once revealed that he first learned about the youngster from members of Argentina's coaching staff during the 2003 U-17 World Cup.

Back in 2002, then-national team coach Marcelo Bielsa and his assistant Claudio Vivas came across information about the Barcelona prodigy while visiting Spain to monitor several Argentine internationals playing there.

However, the story took a different turn when one of Messi's early representatives, Horacio Gaggiolo, shared an incident about the VHS tapes.

"That was [Messi's dad] Jorge's idea. He told me: "Horacio, the Argentine national team is coming to Barcelona, can you get them some footage of Leo?" Leo wasn't well known in Argentina. We had a video that I was given by Barca with some plays, and I went to the Hotel Princesa Sofia in Barcelona where they were staying. I asked for Vivas, who was Bielsa's assistant," Gaggiolo told ESPN, as quoted by Hindustan Times. 

"When Marcelo renewed his contract with Argentina, we toured Europe to explain to the players why we had renewed after the South Korea-Japan World Cup [in 2002]. During that stop in Barcelona, an Argentine man approached me," he added.

"I told Marcelo about him and he asked: "Does he play well?" I said: "He doesn't just play well, he's incredible!" "Let me see, play a little bit of it," Marcelo said, adding as I played the tape: "But play it at normal speed, you can't see anything like this." I said: "Marcelo, it is at normal speed, I just pressed play." He said: "But this kid is unbelievable!"

However, by the time the video footage reached Hugo Tocalli, Argentina's youth team coach, preparations for the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup were already at an advanced stage. As a result, Tocalli chose not to include Messi in the squad. Argentina eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals. Following the tournament, a member of Spain's team staff told Tocalli that Argentina would likely have beaten Spain had Messi featured in their lineup.

How Messi played for Argentina?

Upon returning to Argentina, Tocalli set out to bring Messi into the national team setup. A friendly match was quickly organized to assess the young forward, but the circumstances surrounding it were rather unusual. With little time available to make arrangements, the match even had an Argentine referee officiating it, as FIFA regulations required a recognized match official for the game.

Horacio Gaggioli, revealed that there was significant interest from Spain regarding the youngster's international future.

"I received many calls asking whether he could play for the Spanish national team," Gaggioli recalled. "I would tell them that the decision ultimately rested with Leo and his family. There was no question about his ability, but he had to choose."

Despite the speculation, Messi's stance remained unwavering. According to Gaggioli, the football icon was always determined to represent Argentina while continuing his club career with Barcelona.

- Tushar Mamgaain

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LIONEL MESSI'S 1ST INSTAGRAM POST AFTER ARGENTINA'S WIN VS JORDAN TAKES INTERNET BY STORM

Lionel Messi struck a note of unity after Argentina wrapped up a perfect FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign.

Messi in action/ AFP

Lionel Messi struck a note of unity after Argentina wrapped up a perfect FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign, with the captain declaring, "One more win to complete the group stage. We're still together," in an Instagram post following the reigning champions' 3-1 victory over Jordan. The message came after yet another historic outing for the 39-year-old, who continued to rewrite the World Cup record books with a trademark free-kick that made him the tournament's all-time leader in goals scored from outside the penalty area. 

Introduced in the 60th minute, Messi curled home Argentina's third goal in the 80th minute to register his sixth World Cup strike from outside the box, surpassing Brazil legend Rivelino's long-standing record of five.

The goal also lifted Messi's overall World Cup tally to 19, extending his record as Argentina's leading scorer in the competition. It was his sixth goal of the ongoing tournament after a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria in the opening two group matches.

Messi also became the first men's player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances, adding another landmark to his glittering international career. The Argentine captain further joined an elite group by becoming only the fourth player to score in all three group-stage matches of a single FIFA World Cup since the current format was introduced in 1998, following Cristiano Ronaldo (2018), David Villa (2010) and Fernando Torres (2010).

Argentina's victory was equally significant for the team, as it marked the nation's 50th win at the FIFA World Cup, making La Albiceleste only the third country after Brazil and Germany to reach the milestone.

With qualification already assured, head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting XI, but Argentina remained in complete control. Giovani Lo Celso marked his World Cup debut with a stunning first-half free-kick before Lautaro Martinez converted a penalty after a VAR review.

Jordan briefly threatened through Musa Al-Tamaari's goal in the 55th minute, but Messi's introduction changed the tempo of the contest, and his brilliant late free-kick ensured Argentina completed the group stage with three wins from three. Argentina will face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 in Miami on July 4, while Jordan exited the competition after losing all three group-stage matches.

- ANI

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LIONEL MESSI IS THE ALL-TIME LEADIG GOAL SCORER AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP | HISTORY MADE AT 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

 

LIONEL MESSI EXPLAINS WHY HE CRIED IN 2026 WORLD CUP OPENER AFTER SCORING A HAT-TRICK

The Argentinian soccer star broke down in tears after scoring his first goal for the team against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, June 16

Lionel Messi World Cup, Argentina vs. Algeria.
Credit : Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Lionel Messi became emotional after scoring his first goal in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup win against Algeria

• The soccer star credited his teammates for their support and said he's going through a challenging time unrelated to the game

• Messi tied the World Cup scoring record with 16 goals and secured his first-ever World Cup hat trick

Lionel Messi left his heart on the field.

The Argentine soccer star, 38, opened up about why he was visibly emotional after scoring his first of three goals in the 2026 World Cup during his team's matchup against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16.

"Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I went through some difficult days," Messi said, after he was seen using the front of his white-and-blue, sweat-soaked jersey to wipe the tears from his eyes as he helped Argentina shut out Algeria 3-0 at Kansas City Stadium.

Lionel Messi #10 and players of Argentina line up to applaud fans after the team's 3-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Michael Steele/Getty

"But I'm grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving ⁠me a lot of strength to help me get through it," continued the soccer legend, who's playing in his record ‌sixth ⁠World Cup.

Messi, who turns 39 next week, ⁠didn't share further details on what prompted his emotions after that first strike, which marked one of three to secure his first-ever World Cup hat trick .

His emotional first goal came off a feed from Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul in the first few minutes of the matchup. He scored another early in the second half and secured his third goal moments before subbing out to a standing ovation from a crowd of 69,045 fans.

With his three goals during Argentina's victorious opening game against Algeria, Messi tied Germany's Miroslav Klose for the most goals in a men's World Cup with 16.

"At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say?" Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after the match. "He's incredible."

Messi had his family in attendance to support him during the match in Kansas City, including his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.

Lionel Messi of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, United States.
ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty 

The remarkable performance by Messi laid to rest any concern about his hamstring scare, which had fans worried after he was seen limping off of the field during a Major League Soccer matchup on Sunday, May 24.

- Skyler Caruso

MESSI! MESSI! MESSI! | WORLD CUP RECORD | ARGENTINA 3-0 ALGERIA

 

LIONEL MESSI AT FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: ALL RECORDS BROKEN WITH HAT-TRICK AGAINST ALGERIA

The world was left stunned as Lionel Messi delivered an absolute masterclass by scoring his first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in FIFA World Cup 2026 opener

The world was left stunned as Lionel Messi delivered an absolute masterclass by scoring his first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria on Wednesday. It was a sensational performance by the Argentine superstar as he broke a number of records during the Group J clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. On a day that saw young sensations Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland score two goals each, Messi's hat-trick was a reminder of his brilliance and what made it even more special was the fact that it came 20 years to the day that he made his first ever World Cup match.

A look at all the records that Messi broke with his hat-trick:

- The three goals took Messi's World Cup goal tally to 16 - the joint-most by any player in the history of the competition. He is currently tied with Germany's Miroslav Klose, and one more goal will earn him the goal-scoring crown.

- Messi now holds the record of being both the oldest and the youngest scorer for Argentina in World Cups. At 18, he scored his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro back in 2006. Now, at 38, he became the oldest scorer for his country in a World Cup match as he scored his first goal against Algeria.

- Messi became the first footballer ever to play in six World Cups as he has featured constantly for Argentina since 2006. Cristiano Ronaldo will have the chance to achieve a similar feat if he plays against DR Congo on Wednesday.

- Speaking of Ronaldo, Messi shattered the record held by the Portuguese superstar by becoming the oldest footballer to score a World Cup hat-trick. At 38 years and 357 days old, Messi claimed the huge record that once belonged to Ronaldo.

- Besides Ronaldo, Messi also became the second player to score in five World Cups - 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has started on the brightest note possible for Messi. As Argentina aim to become the first team since 1962, Messi's form and contributions on the field are going to be key in La Albiceleste's hopes of making history.

- NDTV

LIONEL MESSI NETS TWO AS INTER MIAMI STUNS CINCINNAATI IN 8-GOAL THRILLER

Lionel Messi had two goals and an assist, Germán Berterame had the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute and Inter Miami CF rallied for a 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, extending its road winning streak to seven.

It is the third time this season the Argentine superstar has had at least three goal contributions in a match. He is second in the league with 12 goals.

Mateo Silvetti evened it at 3-3 in the 79th minute after coming on as a substitute.

Kévin Denkey, Pavel Bucha and Evander scored for Cincinnati. It is the first time in 64 matches since Pat Noonan became coach in 2023 that it lost when it had the lead after 75 minutes.

Messi gave Miami a 1-0 lead at the 24-minute mark after he deflected a shot that went off Cincinnati's Matt Miazga near the Cincinnati goal. Denkey evened it on a penalty kick in the 41st minute.

"Speaking about Leo is truly striking, first because of the person he is, and second because of the player you see on the pitch," Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the game.

Lionel Messi has amassed 61 goals and 42 assists in 65 MLS regular-season appearances. Photo by Chris Carter/MLS via Getty Images

After Bucha put Cincinnati on top in the 49th minute, Messi made it 2-2 six minutes later on a cutback after getting the pass from Luis Suárez.

The 38-year-old Argentina star recorded his 21st multi-goal game in MLS, extending his record for the most such games since his 2023 debut. LAFC striker Denis Bouanga follows in second place with 17.

Evander's in the 64th minute with a right footer from the center just outside the box to give Cincinnati a 3-2 lead. Miami though would rally and score the next three goals.

After Silvetti's goal, Miami took the lead off a set piece when Cincinnati's Andrei Chirila collided with goalkeeper Roman Celentano, allowing Berterame to put it into the open net.

Messi appeared to have a hat trick in the 89th minute when his shot went off the post and deflected off Celentano, but it was corrected to an own goal shortly after the match. It would have been Messi's 61st hat trick in all competitions.

"Him [Messi] Rodrigo [De Paul] and [Luis] Suárez are players who truly elevate the MLS. What they accomplished today was brilliant, simply brilliant. To perform that way on a difficult pitch, against a very tough opponent, s  peaks volumes," Hoyos added.

-ESPN News Services

LIONEL MESSI TOPS SON HEUNG MIN AS HIGHEST PAID MLS PLAYERS REVEALED

Lionel Messi tops Son Heung Min as highest paid MLS players revealed
Lionel Messi's salary has been confirmed by Major League Soccer

Getty

Lionel Messi more than doubled his salary to $25m (£18.5m) in his new contract with Inter Miami and earns more more than twice as much as the second-highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, Los Angeles FC's Son Heung Min.

Messi’s new contract includes $25m in base salary and more than $28m in guaranteed compensation, the MLS Players’ Association said in its first release of 2026 salaries. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner earns more than the payrolls of 28 of the other 29 MLS teams.

Miami's $54.6m (£40.4m) is more than $20m (£14.8m) higher than LAFC, which is second at $32.7m (£24.2m), and nearly five times as much as Philadelphia's league-low $11.7m (£8.65m). Miami's payroll is up from $46.8m (£34.6m) at the start of last season.

Total league compensation was $631m (£467m) and the average guaranteed compensation of $688,816 on 16 April was up nearly nine percent from the start of October.

Messi signed a new three-year contract through the 2028 season in October before leading Inter Miami to its first MLS title.

The Argentina captain has 59 goals in 64 regular-season games with Miami, including nine in 11 matches this season. He topped the MLS scoring charts with 29 goals last season and won his second straight MVP award.

His salary figures are for his MLS contract and include any marketing bonus and agents fees but do not account for any additional agreements with the team or its affiliates, or for any performance bonuses.

Lionel Messi tops Son Heung Min as highest paid MLS players revealed
Son Heung Min joined LAFC at the start of the season
Getty

Son is second at $10,368,750 (£7.7m) in base salary and $11.2m (£8.3m) in total compensation, the same as his figures last season. The 33-year-old winger joined LA from Tottenham last August.

Among the other highest earners in the league after former Newcastle creator Miguel Almiron ($7.9m; £5.84m) and Vancouver Whitecaps’ Thomas Muller, who earned $5.15m (£3.81m) after leaving Bayern Munich last summer.

Cincinnati centre-back Miles Robinson ($3.95m; £2.92m) was the top earner among likely inclusions in Mauricio Pochettino’s United States squad for the 2026 World Cup.

- Associated Press

GREATEST ARGENTINIAN PLAYERS IN FOOTBALL HISTORY