EXPLAINED: 8 | Vintage Vibes

Three Takeaways As Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Upstaged by Robert Lewandowski

Inter Miami slightly closed the gap on the Supporters’ Shield, but now have just one win in seven games.

Sports Illustrated · Sep 10

Ballon d’Or 2026: Ranking the Favorites to Win, Latest Odds

There are some familiar faces—and a few surprise contenders—in the race to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Sports Illustrated · Sep 10

Messi Can Buy Eldense but LaLiga's Salary Cap Limits Big-Money Signings

Lionel Messi plans to acquire CD Eldense, subject to due diligence and regulatory approval. Despite ownership, LaLiga's financial rules will limit spending, but Messi's influence could boost revenue.

International Business Times UK · Sep 9

MLS Predictions: Top of Conference Battles, Lewandowski vs. Messi Highlight Matchday 25

It’s a packed midweek slate of MLS play, featuring 28 teams across 14 games.

Sports Illustrated · Sep 9

Lionel Messi to expand football empire as he agrees to buy another Spanish club

IN FULL

The Independent UK · Sep 9

Lionel Messi set to buy second Spanish football club

Eldense ‌have risen to ​the second tier of ‌Spanish football after years ​spent in the regional divisions

The Independent UK · Sep 9

Who can stop Harry Kane winning the Ballon d'Or?

England captain is the favourite to win his first Ballon d’Or, but the race remains wide open

Evening Standard · Sep 9

Lionel Messi nears deal to acquire Spanish club Eldense

Lionel Messi is reportedly close to acquiring Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense. He has agreed in principle to purchase all shares from the current majority owner. This potential deal is subject to approval from Spain's High Council for Sports. Messi already owns fifth-tier Spanish side UE Cornella and will gain…

The Economic Times · Sep 9

Messi, Mbappé and Kane headline Ballon d'Or shortlist, Vozinha named for Yashin award

Eight-time laureate Lionel Messi is in the 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Men's Ballon ​d'Or, with Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé among the favourites to succeed France's Ousmane Dembélé. Cape Verde's Vozinha has been shortlisted for the goalkeepers' Yashin Trophy after his heroics at the recent World Cup.

France 24 · Sep 8

Harry Kane and Alessia Russo among nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or

Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have been nominated for this year’s men’s Ballon d’Or while Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood have been nominated for the women’s award

The Guardian - UK · Sep 8