On Monday, thousands of fans gathered in a Delhi stadium to get a glimpse of the Argentina and Inter Miami forward.

As Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami team-mates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, strolled on the pitch – kicking balls into the stands, passing with a group of children and signing autographs – the crowd chanted his name.

His flight from Mumbai had been delayed due to fog, local media reported, and his itinerary had to be trimmed. On Saturdayangry fans vandalised a Kolkata stadium because they didn’t get to see him during his appearance there.

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A fan holds a jersey of Messi at the event in Delhi

AFP via Getty Image

Messi played football with children at a stadium in Delhi

Messi had a packed schedule in India, attending a string of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai since arriving in the early hours of Saturday.

Before heading to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he virtually unveiled a 70ft (21m) statue of himself, assembled over 27 days by a 45-strong crew in the eastern city.

The tour, however, got off to a disastrous start after angry fans ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch at the stadium.

Football is hugely popular in West Bengal state – of which Kolkata is the capital – and thousands of adoring supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to attend the event.

However, most of them didn’t even get to see him as he was surrounded by officials and celebrities on his brief walk around the stadium and then quickly whisked away as the situation turned hostile.

Kolkata’s The Telegraph newspaper said in an editorial that “poor management of a hyped-up event, lack of co-ordination” and security lapses turned the stadium into a “battlefield”, as fans – denied even a glimpse of Messi – “vented their anger by indulging in violence”.

The ruckus, which made international headlines, cast a shadow over Messi’s first visit to India since 2011 for what has been called a ‘GOAT [greatest of all time] tour’.

The event organiser in Kolkata has been arrested, police said, and a city court has remanded Satadru Dutta to 14 days in police custody.

Messi’s visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly, with fans sharing their delight at seeing the global icon online and in media interviews.

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Messi virtually unveiled a 70ft statue of himself in Kolkata

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Messi met Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai

Messi also met several politicians and celebrities – Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata (at his hotel before the stadium fiasco), opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.

In between these interactions, Messi could be seen waving to large fan gatherings in stadiums and dribbling the ball with groups of children.

There were reports earlier that Messi would meet Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister left the country on Monday morning on a scheduled visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman.

Messi’s popularity stems not just from his long international career and wide TV coverage of European football – he’s record scorer for Barcelona, the team he used to play for – but also the emotional connection that millions of Indians have with what is often called the beautiful game.

The debate over football’s greatest player of all time (GOAT) is one that has rumbled across generations – but India has cast its vote.

Fresh from leading Inter Miami to a historic MLS Cup, Messi is heading to India for a three-day ‘GOAT Tour’.

Accompanied by club-mates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will unveil a statue of himself in Kolkata on Saturday.

It has been assembled over the course of 27 days by a 45-strong crew and stands at a mammoth 70ft.

The tour begins in Kolkata at 10:30am local time (05:00 GMT) on Saturday, before heading to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: A life-sized Lionel Messi sitting on a throne is one of a number of attractions at ‘Hola Messi’ fan zone

The statue is just one part of India’s homage to the former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward.

Fans can visit ‘Hola Messi’ fan zone where there is a life-sized replica Messi sat on a throne, a hall adorned with some of his trophies and a recreation of his Miami home complete with mannequins of the player and his family sat on a balcony.

“He (Lionel Messi) would be surprised to see the arrangements made for him,” Messi fan Shiladitya Banerjee said.

“He would be shocked to see how he is worshipped in Kolkata and across India. I am tearing up but these are happy tears.”

Messi, who has scored 787 goals in 963 appearances at club level, was honoured by a bronze statue in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2016.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently said they are “working on” a statue at the Nou Camp.

In 2014, long-term rival Ronaldo unveiled a statue of himself at his personal museum in Funchal of the island of Madeira.

Image source: EPA

Image caption: Cristiano Ronaldo’s personal museum houses mementos and awards from his career

Forward Messi, 37, made a surprise visit to the Nou Camp last week, saying he wants to come back, and “not just to say goodbye as a player”.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner left Barcelona for Paris St-Germain in 2021.

He moved to Inter Miami in 2023 and last month signed a new contract which runs until 2028.

Laporta told Catalunya Radio: “For me to make speculation that is unrealistic, nor do I think is fair, I believe that is not appropriate.”

Laporta said Messi’s time at Barcelona did not end the way he would have liked – his contract was not extended against a backdrop of financial issues at the club.

But Laporta said he hopes to stage a match once the Nou Camp reopens after renovation.

“It would be right that he has the best tribute in the world, and it would be wonderful to have it here, in front of 105,000 fans,” he said.

Messi scored 672 goals in a record 778 games for Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles and the Champions League four times among other honours.

Messi’s comments come a day after he turned up unexpectedly at Spotify Camp Nou to visit the stadium as it is redeveloped, posting the images on social media with a caption saying he hoped to “return for the goodbye I never got to say as a player.”

“We miss Barcelona a lot,” Messi told Diario Sport. “With the kids, continuously, and my wife, we speak about things in Barcelona. The idea is to return there to live. We have our house there, everything, so that’s what we want.”

Messi’s Camp Nou drop-in surprised everyone on Sunday. Having arrived in Barcelona ahead of joining up with the Argentina camp in Alicante, he decided to pay an impromptu visit to the arena, sources told ESPN, accompanied by club and international teammate Rodrigo De Paul.

Security staff let him in, where he took the photographs on the pitch which would go on to receive over 22 million likes on Instagram within the first 24 hours of being posted.

It was the first time Messi had been back at Camp Nou since 2021, when he left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain.

“I am really looking forward to getting back to the stadium when it’s finished because I moved to Paris and I never returned to Camp Nou,” he had told Sport in the interview, which was conducted in Miami before the weekend visit.

“And then Barça moved to [the Olympic Stadium in] Montjuïc. It will be strange to go back and see it because the last time I saw it was a long time ago. It will be emotional to get back there and remember everything that was.”

Barça have been playing at the Olympic Stadium since 2023 due to a €1.5 billion refurbishment that is being carried out on Camp Nou.

The club held an open training session there last week in front of 23,000 fans and hope to return before the end of the year when the council grant them a permit to host matches with around 45,000 spectators.

The stadium is unlikely to be completely finished until at least 2027, though, at which point the capacity will have increased to 105,000.

Barça president Joan Laporta has said he would love to inaugurate Camp Nou with a tribute match for Messi. And, while Messi has never strictly commented on that possibility, he does still feel he has unfinished business with the club where he remains the record goal scorer and appearance holder.

“It’s a strange feeling after leaving, because of how it all happened, because I spent my final seasons there playing without fans due to the pandemic,” he said. “After spending all my life there, I didn’t leave as I had dreamed of.

“I imagined myself spending my whole career in Europe in Barcelona and then coming here [to Miami], as I did, because that was my plan. It was what I wanted. So, my goodbye was a little strange, because of the situation.”

The Argentina star, 38, scored twice in the first half to put Miami in control, before laying off two more for Tadeo Allende after the break to seal a convincing win.

It means Javier Mascherano’s side win the best-of-three series 2-1, after a 3-2 victory in the first game was followed by a 2-1 defeat in the second.

Messi ended the series with five goals and three assists, meaning he was involved in all eight goals scored by Miami across the three matches.

“I want to congratulate Leo for the game he played,” said Miami boss Mascherano.

“He was the first one who guided us in high pressure. To see him press like that at 38 years old is crazy.

“We all know about Leo with the ball, but what happened with Leo without the ball today was impressive.”

Miami, who suffered first-round defeats in two of the past three seasons, will play FC Cincinnati in a one-off semi-final on the weekend of 22 and 23 November.

In Saturday’s other game, Minnesota United beat Seattle Sounders 7-6 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

They will play the winner of Sunday’s game between Portland Trailblazers and San Diego FC.

The Argentine forward, who on Thursday signed a new deal until 2028, has just claimed the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals and is highly tipped to receive the league’s Most Valuable Player award again.

Should that happen, Messi will become the first player in the 30-season history of the MLS to win it back to back.

But, having failed to defend the MLS equivalent of the league title, the 38-year-old and Inter Miami know everything hinges on lifting the MLS Cup for the first time in their history.

The franchise, part-owned by David Beckham and coached by Javier Mascherano, face the first game in a best-of-three series on Friday against Nashville SC, whose attack is led by English striker Sam Surridge.

While the league title may be considered the major prize for clubs around the world, the post-season play-offs are seen as the main piece of silverware in America.

This has been the target for Inter Miami since Messi arrived in 2023 from Paris St-Germain, but not yet achieved.

In fact, the only knockout competition they have won during his time at the club was the 2023 Leagues Cup – a new tournament that pitted teams from the MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX against each other.

They have been in seven cup competitions since then and failed to add another trophy, beyond the 2024 Supporters’ Shield for topping the overall league table.

Defender Noah Allen, 21, said: “Yeah [it’s a failure if Inter Miami don’t win MLS Cup]. We have high expectations for ourselves.

“I feel like we have the highest standard in ourselves and we want to win every trophy possible.”

Image source: AFP via Getty Images

Image caption: Lionel Messi was challenged for the MLS Golden Boot this year by English forward Sam Surridge

‘You can’t assemble The Avengers and not win the MLS Cup’

Messi, who has yet to announce if he will play at next summer’s World Cup in North America, has already had a major impact at Inter Miami on and off the field.

A higher calibre of player has been attracted to the club – renowned names such as Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba – to bring greater focus, more fans, more sales, bigger profits to the club and improve chances of success.

The club currently sell more shirts than Italian giants Juventus, and Vogue magazine features Messi’s shirts as a fashion item, while he is in line to become a co-owner of the franchise when he retires.

On the field, Messi came close in this campaign to breaking the MLS single-season record for goals and assists combined, previously held by former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela.

The Mexican managed 49 for Los Angeles FC in 2019, but Messi fell short on 45, consisting of 29 goals and 16 assists in 28 appearances (26 starts).

He goes into round one of the play-offs against Nashville having being named MLS’s Player of the Month for a third time this season, banked the Golden Boot and on the brink of another MVP award.

But, after committing his future to the club, some believe Messi and Inter need to deliver MLS Cup success.

Eighteen teams qualify for the play-offs – the top nine from the Eastern Conference and the top nine from the Western Conference – before four rounds ending in a MLS Cup final.

“You can’t assemble The Avengers and not win the MLS Cup,” two-time Golden Boot winner and former Manchester City forward Bradley Wright-Phillips told MLS Apple TV.

“I understand it’s very difficult to win it – and their time over here will still be filled with success – but as far as not winning a cup, we’re going to judge that.”

Fellow Apple TV analyst and ex-Atlanta player Dax McCarty said: “When I look back and reflect on Messi’s career, I’m not really going to think about did he win an MLS Cup or not. But his MLS legacy will absolutely be affected whether he wins an MLS Cup or not.

“If Messi is going to come to MLS and he is going to essentially get the pick of the litter of which former team-mates he wants to bring over here, let’s be honest, it’s essentially a super team – even if they are on their last legs. You have to consider that.”

Baltasar Rodriguez opened the scoring for the visitors just before half-time, and Argentina captain Messi, 38, doubled his side’s advantage in the 74th minute.

Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez netted a penalty before Messi scored his 24th goal in 23 matches to seal the victory.

“We are happy because now we are officially qualified for the play-offs. That was very important for us. Now we have to continue moving forward,” said head coach Javier Mascherano.

Messi’s double took his goals haul to five in nine days. He has scored two or more goals in eight of the past 12 Inter Miami matches.

Miami, who sit third in the Eastern Conference, are five points behind leaders Philadelphia Union with two games in hand.

The team with the best regular season record win the MLS Supporters’ Shield, while the winner of the play-offs wins the MLS Cup.

Lautaro Martinez also scored as the hosts beat Venezuela 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires.

Messi, 38, was joined by his three sons and received a standing ovation from a crowd of 80,000 in moving scenes before the match.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner captained Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in 2022 and has scored a record 114 goals in 194 games for his country.

“There are so many emotions. I’ve experienced so many things on this field,” said Messi.

“It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. I’m very happy. Being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.

“For many years I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here too, in my country with my people. For many years a lot of things were said but, well, I’ll stay with all the good.”

Captain Messi broke the deadlock at Estadio Monumental when he latched on to a pass from Julian Alvarez before firing into the top corner.

Argentina, who top the South American qualifying group and have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, doubled their lead through Martinez’s diving header before Messi scored again shortly after.

Messi, Argentina’s most-capped player, said he has not decided if he will play at the World Cup.

“I’m trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good,” he said.

“We’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.

“I’ll finish the season then I’ll have pre-season, and there will be six months left. So we’ll see how I feel.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Messi was joined by his sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro before kick-off

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Messi was cheered by more than 80,000 fans

Inter Miami were forced into an 11th-minute substitution in their game against Necaxa after Messi sustained a minor muscle injury in his upper right leg.

The game, however, ended 2-2 before The Herons won the game on penalty shootouts.

“Within the bad news, it’s good news,” head coach of the side, Javier Mascherano, said.

“He usually recovers very well from injuries and, above all, normally does with speed, so we will see. But clearly he is unavailable,” he added.

Inter Miami will need a win over Pumas to ensure their progress to the quarter-finals, as the top four teams from each section advance.

Miami currently sit 5th in the overall MLS standings of the Leagues Cup with 42 points.

Messi, who leads MLS with 18 goals this season, led Miami to the Leagues Cup title shortly after joining the club in 2023.

Both players missed Wednesday’s match in Austin, Texas where the MLS squad posted a 3-1 win against Mexico’s Liga MX All-Stars.

“Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match,” MLS said in a statement on Friday.

As a result, the duo will now miss Miami’s home league fixture against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said of Messi’s response to the ban: “He’s very upset, extremely upset, as expected.

“I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term. Will it have an impact initially, in the players’ perception of how the league rules work? Absolutely no doubt.”

Mas said of Alba and Messi: “The reaction was exactly as expected out of two competitive players who don’t understand the decision, who don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension.

“The rule is what it is, but they don’t understand it. I think that the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian.”

MLS commissioner Don Garber said suspending Messi was a “very difficult decision”.

He added: “I know Lionel Messi loves this league.

“I don’t think there’s a player – or anyone – who has done more for MLS than Messi. I fully understand, respect, and admire his commitment to Inter Miami, and I respect his decision.

“Unfortunately, we have a long-standing policy regarding participation in the All-Star Game and we had to enforce it.”

Argentina legend Messi, 38, has scored 18 goals in as many appearances for Javier Mascherano’s side in the MLS this season, while Alba, 36, has featured 19 times in the league.

The duo, who also played together at Barcelona from 2012 to 2021, were also part of the Miami side’s run to the quarter-finals of the Fifa Club World Cup.

Since their exit from the tournament at the hands of eventual finalists Paris St-Germain, Miami have played five matches this month with Messi scoring eight times.

Speaking to ESPN earlier in the day, Miami head coach Mascherano said the forward had “showed normal fatigue from the number of games and minutes he’s been playing”, adding that “players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days”.

World Cup winner De Paul joins Messi at Inter

Argentina World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul, 31, has joined Inter from Spanish club Atletico Madrid.

The midfielder spent four years at Atletico, scoring 14 goals and registering 26 assists in 187 appearances.

He will join initially on loan for the 2025 season but the deal has an option to make the transfer permanent until 2029.

He has played 78 times for Argentina and has won two Copa America titles, a Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup with his national team.

The Argentine spent nearly two decades with the Spanish club before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

He departed Catalonia as a bona fide legend, lifting 34 major titles, including 10 La Liga crowns to accompany four UEFA Champions League successes.

Barca had always planned to honour his achievements at some point, and vice-president Elena Fort insists it will happen upon returning to Camp Nou.

“Leo Messi’s tribute at Camp Nou must take place when the stadium is 100% finished,” she told Spanish news outlet La Vanguardia.

“It will definitely happen because he is the best player in Barca’s history.”

The Olympic Stadium has been Barcelona’s home since June 2023.

That is because Camp Nou has been undergoing a major facelift, which is unlikely to be completed until next year.

The project will see the ground’s capacity rise to 105,000, making it the largest venue in Europe.

“I think that in the summer of 2026, we will be able to say that the stadium is finished,” Fort added.

“Visually it won’t be 100% finished, the roof will need to be closed. But everything will be there.”

A tribute match at the ground where Messi delivered so much of his artistry and famous nights will be a fitting tribute to a player who scored a sensational 672 goals in 778 appearances for the club.

The 38-year-old has picked up a string of personal honours to accompany his team achievements, including being named the Ballon d’Or winner on a record eight occasions.

Since leaving Barca in 2021, Messi helped himself to two Ligue 1 titles with PSG.

Messi was powerless, however, to prevent current club Inter Miami from making an early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday.

The Argentine was on the field for the entire 90 minutes as his former employers PSG dished out a 4-0 defeat in the last 16.

Messi and Ronaldo went head-to-head at the top of world football for over a decade, with the pair winning all but two of the Ballon d’Or trophies awarded between 2008 and 2023.

The pair may be entering the twilight of their illustrious careers, but they are still competing for some of the highest honours the sport has to offer.

Ronaldo just inspired Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League final, while Messi scored in Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup win against Porto.

The Argentine forward believes the pair have always treated each other with respect, despite not being close off the pitch.

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and for the career he’s had and continues to have, because he’s still competing at the highest level,” Messi told DSports.

“The competition with him was on the pitch. Each of us wanted to do the best for our team.

“Obviously, as always, everything stayed on the field.

“Off the pitch, we are two normal people.

“We’re not friends, obviously, because we don’t spend time together, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect.”

Messi currently has eight Ballon d’Or crowns to his name, while Ronaldo has won five.

Messi reminded world football – if we even needed a reminder – that he is still capable of delivering special moments during Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Porto at the Fifa Club World Cup.

The 37-year-old’s free-kick was vintage, trademark, and there was nothing goalkeeper Claudio Ramos could do to save it.

This is, of course, a man who scored an eye-watering 73 goals in 60 appearances across all competitions during the 2011-12 season for Barcelona.

Standing centrally and on the edge of the D, the goal was at Messi’s mercy, but he elected for the more difficult of the two options – going both over the wall and to the goalkeeper’s side.

With that strike his 68th goal from direct free-kicks, Messi certainly has no shortage of experience and doesn’t lack in anything when it comes to confidence.

Only Juninho Pernambucano (77), who spent most of his career with Lyon and Pele (70) have scored more direct free-kicks than Messi.

“Touched by God, isn’t he? Incredible. What a player,” former Portugal defender Jose Fonte said on Dazn.

“If you get a chance to go see this guy live – you go and see him. This is what he does,” ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given added on Dazn.

“It’s nearly like a penalty for him – he is so precise. He is a genius.

“You call him maestro, magician, the words run out.”

Messi’s strike followed another stunning finish from team-mate Telasco Segovia and completed a comeback victory to put Inter Miami firmly in the running for a spot in the last 16 at the Club World Cup.

It is the first time the MLS franchise have won a game at the competition and means a draw in their final Group A game against Brazilian outfit Palmeiras, who sit top, would send both teams through.

‘Still got those amazing feet’

Just shy of two years on from swapping the shores of Europe and Paris St-Germain for the MLS, Messi maintains his position as one of the leading players in world football.

Messi took his tally to 50 goals in 61 games for Inter Miami and is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, albeit they were only founded in 2018.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is no stranger to delivering in the Club World Cup, having scored six times in seven appearances.

During his time with Barcelona he scored five goals, including three in finals, and won the competition in 2009, 2011, 2015 – just three of the trophies collected in his illustrious career.

Messi has scored a remarkable 754 goals at club level and isn’t showing any signs of slowing.

“He’s the greatest player in the world,” said Inter Miami team-mate Fafa Picault.

He sits joint-second in the rankings for all-time goalscorers at the Club World Cup alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema with six, and is just one shy of the overall leader Cristiano Ronaldo (7).

No player completed more than Messi’s tally of two dribbles at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, while he ranked fifth for most passes attempted in the game (56).

“You can have a high pass completion, but you’re not affecting the game,” ex-Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison said on Dazn.

“Lionel Messi does both, he is affecting the game, he is controlling the game. He is controlling his team-mates, he never gives the ball away.

“Lionel Messi has still got those amazing feet. At his age, 37, still dancing through.”

Messi also tallied third for touches against Porto with 70 – only Sergio Busquets (85) and Porto’s Fabio Vieira (99) enjoyed more.

‘Showed to the world we can compete’

Messi could celebrate his 38th birthday on Tuesday by booking a spot in the next phase of the Club World Cup.

With a blend of some ageing players like Messi, Luis Suarez, Busquets and Jordi Alaba – who all gave their best years to Barcelona – and some younger players from the Americas, Inter Miami have set their sights high.

Thursday’s victory over Porto marked the first time an MLS team has beaten a European side in an official competition.

“Today we showed to the world and ourselves that we can compete against any team,” manager Javier Mascherano told Dazn.

“It is great for the people of the USA to see our team compete in this kind of tournament.”

Prior to this edition of the re-formatted Club World Cup, only one MLS side had competed in the competition. Seattle Sounders, who are also involved this year, reached the second round in 2022.

The Sounders, Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC are all bidding to impress on home soil over the next few weeks.

Almost exactly 20 years separated Lionel Messi’s first goal for Barcelona and Lamine Yamal’s sensational Champions League semi-final strike on his 100th appearance for the Catalan giants last Wednesday.

Yamal, a month younger than Messi was when he lobbed the goalkeeper from Ronaldinho’s scooped assist to become La Liga’s youngest scorer in 2005, has already won a European Championship with Spain and a La Liga, Copa del Rey and Super Cup with Barcelona.

“I don’t want to compare myself with the best player in football’s history,” said the forward before his stunning individual performance against Inter, but conjecture around whether he can emulate Messi is natural.

The stats show Yamal’s trajectory since his debut aged 15 years and 290 days is going up faster than either Messi or the other superstar of his generation, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Yamal hit a century of Barcelona appearances two months shy of his 18th birthday. By the same age, Messi had scored once in nine senior games for Barca while Ronaldo had netted five goals in 19 games for Sporting.

Yamal has 22 goals and 27 assists to his name, plus four more goals in his 19 appearances for Spain. Neither Messi or Ronaldo made their international debut until they turned 18.

It took Messi, who made his debut at 16, until shortly before his 21st birthday to hit the 100-game mark in Barcelona colours, scoring 41 goals in the process.

But they were the first of an incredible 672 for the club, to complement the eight Ballon d’Ors, one World Cup, two Copas America, four Champions Leagues and a huge haul of domestic silverware.

“It is not normal,” says former Barcelona midfielder Mark van Bommel of Yamal’s rise. “That’s why everyone is talking about him. [But] to reach the number of Messi, that’s not easy. Even for a guy playing at 17.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Messi scored his first Barcelona goal on 1 May 2005

Yamal more of a ‘Ronaldo’ character

Messi was the small boy who arrived from Argentina aged 13 needing growth-hormone treatment, the one Gerard Pique revealed team-mates at La Masia thought was mute because he “said nothing to us for the first month”.

“Messi was always very cautious in the way he approached things – rivals, team-mates, managers – always very respectful,” explains Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

“But he would be the one putting the mental frame to those that came new. If they were from the lower ranks, he would protect them but push them.

“When Neymar arrived, he got the message: You are Brazilian, we know you like to express yourself a lot, but there are certain things you have to do here to become an important player for Barcelona.”

Yamal grew up around 20 miles along the coast from the Nou Camp between the city of Granollers, where his mother lived, and Mataro, where his father was. He celebrates by making the number 304 with his fingers, the last three digits of his postcode in the Mataro neighbourhood of Rocafonda.

Remarkably, there are pictures of baby Yamal being held by a 20-year-old Messi during a photoshoot for Barcelona and Unicef in 2007. Seven years later, that baby was training with the club. By the age of 12, Spanish publication Marca were already comparing him to Messi.

Barcelona even broke protocol by bringing Yamal to live at La Masia – usually the rooms go to players from outside Catalonia and taxis are provided for local youngsters. Just over three years after moving in, Yamal made his debut against Real Betis.

“Lamine, they put him in La Masia. Why? Because with the coaches there was someone who could model his way,” explains former La Masia coach Pau Moral, who says Yamal “had not had an easy environment”. “Now he is in the correct way because Barca helped him a lot.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: A mural of Yamal in his old neighbourhood of Rocafonda

Yamal has since moved out of the Barcelona residence, buying an apartment not far from the training ground.

“Lamine Yamal couldn’t have been more different to Lionel Messi,” says Balague. “Since he was a kid he liked to joke inside the changing rooms, he liked to express himself.

“The fact his parents separated a long time ago and his mother has been the lighthouse in terms of values and behaviour, his father is almost more like a friend – that allowed a player like him to have the freedom to go beyond what is expected.

“A good example of that is Cristiano Ronaldo – he had no references and he thought he could fly and that he could be the best in the world and no one said to him ‘no, you have to go to university etc’.”

Balague describes Yamal as “completely fearless”, which came across in Yamal’s first news conference before last week’s 3-3 Champions League semi-final first-leg draw with Inter.

“I left all my fears in the park of my neighbourhood,” said Yamal, before responding to those who criticised his celebrations following Barca’s Copa del Rey triumph against Real Madrid last month. “While I keep winning, they can’t say much.”

“I have never heard anything like that,” says Balague. “It is very much like Cristiano Ronaldo behaviour – thinking ‘I am the best, so it is not a problem’. But he is still a kid in so many ways.”

Balague says when the electricity went down in Spain last week, Yamal, Gavi and Fermin Lopez took the opportunity to stroll around town with their hoodies on, before they were spotted.

“This is what he will do sometimes, not realising the impact,” says Balague. “He went recently to Rocafonda and he realises he cannot return there any more because he has become a legend. He has come out of the district. He has conquered the world.”

‘He is the best player in the world now’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Spain fans hold up a picture of Messi bathing Yamal as a baby

The late Kobe Bryant once told a story about Ronaldinho introducing him to a player he said would be the greatest of all time. “You what? You are the best,” replied the basketball star. “No,” said Ronaldinho. “This kid here is going to be the best.”

Messi was 17, but those around him already knew they were in the presence of a star.

He joined a squad containing World Cup winners Ronaldinho, Juliano Belletti and Edmilson, stars such as Samuel Eto’o and Deco, and homegrown gems Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Victor Valdes and Xavi.

The following season, Barcelona won La Liga and the Champions League – though Messi missed the final through injury – their first triumph in Europe’s elite competition since 1992.

“We won the Champions League and La Liga with Ronaldinho in his prime,” says Van Bommel. “He was on such a level that he could do everything on his own. We could just defend and let him inspire the attack, we knew we would win every game.”

It is, of course, hard to compare players across eras. Yamal has emerged at a different Barcelona, where the club’s financial situation has prompted them to turn again to their esteemed youth system.

It was after Ousmane Dembele left for Paris St-Germain and Raphinha was suspended for the second game of last season that Yamal earned his first start. Now he is the star.

“As a player and a talent, I think we are in front of the best player in the world now,” says Moral. “Nobody does what he does. It doesn’t matter if he is 17 years old. Lamine is a player who you feel when he wants, he can do something special.”

Image source: Opta

Image caption: Lamine Yamal’s 78 dribbles in this season’s Champions League have put him on the Opta records list

Yamal has scored five times in this season’s Champions League, while his 44 shots and 78 dribbles are both the most on Opta’s records for a teenager in a campaign.

The earliest such data available on Messi is from 2006-07, when he was 19 and made 21 dribbles at a rate of 4.9 per 90 minutes, compared to Yamal’s 7.2 this term. However, only three times in 14 subsequent seasons at Barcelona did Messi drop below Yamal’s current average in Europe.

Messi missed a chunk of that 2006-07 season with a metatarsal fracture but still clocked up 26 La Liga appearances, scoring 14 goals with a shot conversion rate of 23% and creating 38 chances, which led to two assists.

Yamal, two years younger, has played 31 league games this season, scored six goals, made 12 assists and created 57 chances, though he has had almost twice as many shots as Messi did with a conversion rate of 5%.

“What we are seeing from Lamine Yamal is extraordinary and the impact it has had in world football is completely out of the ordinary and unexpected,” says Balague.

“Barcelona players look at him for solutions. Certainly other players felt – especially when they went 2-0 down against Inter – that Lamine Yamal was the solution.”

La Liga comparison

Source: Opta

Will Yamal match Messi’s longevity?

Image source: Reuters

Image caption: Yamal has scored five times in the Champions League this season, the third-most goals by a teenager in a single campaign after Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Raul

That is a question only time can answer.

“Certainly, we have to say he is ahead of Messi as it stands,” says Balague. “But to be 15 years right at the top, influencing every final he played, that is something that requires a lot of consistency, luck and a strong mentality for when things go wrong.

“At the moment, everything is going well and this is the biggest impact Lamine has had – he makes us look forward to watching Barcelona, look forward to seeing him. He lifts us from our seats, makes us shout and scream when he does something.”

Moral remembers watching Yamal decide youth cup finals, including his own “remontada” against Real Madrid. Now he is doing it on the grandest stage.

“Who expects a guy 16, 17 years old can play not just in first division, but in Barca… and can do something like the other day in the semi-finals of the Champions League or in the summer in the Euros?” he says.

“This guy is a kid, he is unbelievable. Honestly, I don’t know where his top is, but we are in front of one of the greatest players in the future, I am sure.

“For me, Messi is the best in history. But if everyone involved with Lamine helps – the environment, friends, family, sometimes you get an injury – if everything goes well, if he takes good decisions and works like he is, I don’t want to say better than Messi but he is on the way…”

The start of a new Barcelona dynasty?

Van Bommel says Barcelona’s 2006 Champions League success “was the beginning of the Messi era”, one built around La Masia talent with Messi at its fore. Now there is a sense Yamal could lead the latest batch of young stars into a new dynasty.

It’s what Moral and others who coached at La Masia have been waiting to see come to fruition.

“We said it would never happen again. And look, 10 years later, we are in the same situation,” he beams, recalling watching Yamal, Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Pau Cubarsi, and says there are more to come.

“When they touch the ball, you feel something special as a coach. Lamine, pfft, if one player at 12 years old has the capacity to make you crazy in training, it’s like ‘wow!’

“Barcelona is doing very good things – they invest in La Masia, in players, in talented coaches. Now it is normal to see players of 16, 17, 18 years old, which is unbelievable.

“When Xavi was in the top level, he was 26 or 27 years old. These guys are 17 or 18 years old so imagine in 10 years where they can arrive?”

Yamal is the star of this crop, a world-beater at 17.

Barcelona hope when the curtain one day comes down on his Nou Camp career, it will be with a legacy to rival Messi’s.

Barcelona have not reached the showpiece event since they last won the title in 2015, with a team spearheaded by Messi.

They face Inter Milan in the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday, Barca’s first appearance at this stage since 2019 – again when they had Messi in their side.

The game at the Nou Camp is set to go ahead as normal despite nationwide power cuts affecting Spain on Monday and Tuesday.

Barcelona training and media conferences went ahead as normal, while a Uefa spokesperson told BBC Sport there is no impact on Wednesday’s game at present.​​​​​​​

The Barcelona attack will feature Yamal, 17, on the right flank, the position played by Messi for the Spanish side with distinction for years.

However, Yamal, speaking at a media conference on Tuesday, rejected comparisons with his fellow graduate of the club’s La Masia academy.

“I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone – and much less with Messi,” Yamal told reporters, while also describing the Argentine as “the best player in history”.

“I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less – I’m going to enjoy myself, and be myself.”

Yamal is already a European champion with Spain – while he will make his 100th Barcelona appearance should he feature against Inter on Wednesday.

He picked up another trophy at the weekend, setting up two goals as Barca beat Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said the euphoria from beating Madrid could help his side.

“There was big emotion at the end of the match,” said Flick. “This win against Real, it’s very important for the positive vibes, positive moments, it could push you on.”

Flick said Wojciech Szczesny would continue in goal against Inter, despite the return to fitness of first-choice Marc-Andre ter Stegen after a long injury lay-off.

Cheuko gained widespread recognition after social media videos showed him closely watching the crowd to stop potential pitch invaders from harming the eight-times Ballon d’Or winner.

“They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore,” the bodyguard was quoted as saying by Spanish media.

“I was in Europe for seven years, working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I came to the USA and in just 20 months 16 people have already done so. There’s a huge problem here, let me help Messi.”

Major League Soccer said on Tuesday that its protocols regarding team security guards had not changed and multiple sides had designated team security guards that are stationed near team benches on the field.

Inter Miami have been contacted for comment.

The 37-year-old returned to Miami’s starting line-up for their Major League Soccer win over Atlanta United but reportedly picked up an injury during Sunday’s game.

Inter later confirmed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has a “low-grade” injury to his adductor muscle.

Messi was rested for three Miami games before coming off the bench and scoring in last week’s Concacaf Champions Cup win at Jamaican side Cavalier.

Argentina can secure qualification for next year’s World Cup in this round of games as the holders visit Uruguay and host Brazil.

They lead South America’s 10-team qualifying group by five points from Uruguay with six games remaining, with Brazil seven points adrift in fifth.

The top six qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup while the seventh-placed team goes into a play-off.

After 12 rounds, Messi is the top scorer with six goals, taking his overall tally to 112 from 191 international appearances.

Argentina will also be without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel.

Brazil will be without Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate Neymar as a thigh injury has denied the Santos forward, 33, a return to the national team.

Ronaldo and Messi’s personal rivalry has dominated the sport for more than two decades, with both possessing legions of fans ready to argue their case as the sport’s greatest player.

But Al Nassr striker Ronaldo, 39, was happy to put forward his case on his own in an interview with El Chiringuito on Monday.

“Who’s the best goalscorer in history? It’s about numbers. Full stop,” he said (via ESPN).

“Who’s the player in history who’s scored the most goals with their head, their left foot, penalties, free kicks?

“I was looking the other day, and not being left-footed, I’m in the top 10 goalscorers with their left foot in history. And with my head, and with my right foot, and penalties. All of them.”

He added: “I’m talking about numbers. I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me.

“I do everything well in football: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.

“One thing is taste – if you like Messi, Pele, Maradona, I understand that, and I respect that – but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete…I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”

Ronaldo has one of the most sparkling football CVs ever assembled, winning domestic and continental titles for Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr as well as winning the European Championship with Portugal.

His haul of five Ballon d’Or trophies is second only to Messi with eight, but both players have since departed top-flight European football, with the Argentine great now at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and Ronaldo plying his trade in Saudi Arabia.

Asked about the quality of the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo had a strong response.

“People don’t know, they give their opinion, they talk too much,” he said.

“It’s a shame, because it’s a different reality when people talk about Arabia and the USA.

“[Is Major League Soccer worse?] Obviously, but as it’s Arabia, it’s disrespected …people don’t know what they’re talking about. With those [players] who are here, you have to respect it.”

Ronaldo turns 40 on Wednesday, but he has no plans to retire as he continues to score regularly, with 23 goals in 25 games in all competitions this season for his club.

“I’m so competitive that sometimes I forget what I’ve achieved,” said Ronaldo.

“It gives me motivation to do more and do better every year … I think that’s the difference with others. Somebody else in my position would have left football 10 years ago. I’m different, full stop.”

Messi’s move to Paris on a free transfer in August 2021 completed a sparkling frontline with Mbappe and Neymar, but the much-celebrated trio struggled to gel together.

Neymar, now on the books with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, described in an interview with Brazil great Romario how the dynamic changed in the dressing room following Messi’s arrival from Barcelona.

When asked by Romario if Mbappe is “annoying,” Neymar said: “No, he is not. I have my things with him, we had a little fight, but he was fundamental for us when he arrived.

“I used to call him golden boy. I always played with him; I said he was going to be one of the best. I always helped, talked to him, he came to my place, we had dinner together.

“We had some good years of partnership, but after Messi came he was a little jealous.

“He didn’t want to split me with anyone. And then there were some fights, a change in behaviour.”

Assembling one of the most expensive and talented forward lines ever seen did not lead to the desired success for PSG, who failed to claim their maiden UEFA Champions League title.

Mbappe departed PSG last summer to complete a long-touted move to Real Madrid, while Messi is now in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.

“It is good to have egos, but you have to know that you don’t play alone,” Neymar said.

“There needs to be another guy by your side. [Big] egos were almost everywhere, it can’t work. If nobody runs and nobody helps, it is impossible to win anything.”

Neymar, 32, has only featured twice for Al Hilal in an injury-plagued 2024/25 season.

The Brazilian’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has been linked with a return to Brazil, which he did not rule out, and a move to MLS, with Chicago Fire among the clubs linked.

Neymar won five Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de France and two Coupe de la Ligue during a six-year spell in Paris, but a runners-up finish in 2019/20 was as close as he got to Champions League glory with the French side.

He joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2023, but an ACL injury in October that year ended his season and he is yet to return to full fitness, having suffered further injuries since recovering.

The former Barcelona and Paris-St Germain forward helped Inter Miami to a record regular season points tally, before his side were beaten in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs in November.

The 37-year-old had a league-leading 36 goal contributions, scoring 20 goals and creating 16 assists.

The award comes despite injuries limiting Messi to just 19 regular season and two play-off appearances for Miami this year.

The league’s MVP is chosen by players, club technical staff and journalists. Messi received 38.43% of votes, beating Colombus Crew’s Cucho Hernandez who got 33.7%.

The award, officially known as the Landon Donovan MLS MVP, has previously been won by former United States midfielder Donavon, Republic of Ireland’s Robbie Keane and Spain’s David Villa.

FIFPro’s Men’s and Women’s all-star teams are voted for by players, showing that the 37-year-old Messi and 39-year-old Ronaldo are still respected by their peers enough to make the 26-player shortlist.

Messi is playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, while Ronaldo stars for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

It is the Argentinian’s 18th nomination, extending his record as the most-nominated player in the award’s history, while Ronaldo is close behind on 16.

Premier League players dominate the men’s shortlist with 11 members based in England, but there is no place for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

Seven of the Premier League nominees come from Manchester City following their Premier League title victory: Ederson, Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.

Only Real Madrid have more players shortlisted with eight, as both Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior make the list.

Joining City’s seven from the Premier League are Cole Palmer, who is shortlisted for the first time since moving to Chelsea from Etihad Stadium in August 2023.

Virgil van Dijk appears, as does Arsenal’s William Saliba and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Madrid’s Jude Bellingham are the other England internationals on the list.

The women’s team sees England stars also make a strong showing with nine selections, including four defenders in Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter.

Goalkeeper Mary Earps, midfielders Ella Toone and Keira Walsh, and forwards Lauren James and Alessia Russo join as the other Lionesses on the list.

Two-time women’s Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, representing Spain and Barcelona, is also nominated.

🚨 These are the 26 nominees for the 2024 FIFPRO Men's #World11, as voted by players.

🇧🇷 Ederson
🇦🇷 @EmiMartinezz1
🇩🇪 @Manuel_Neuer

🇪🇸 @DaniCarvajal92
🇵🇹 @RubenDias
🇳🇱 @VirgilvDijk
🇳🇱 @JeremieFrimpong
🇩🇪 @ToniRuediger
🇫🇷 William Saliba
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @KyleWalker2

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @BellinghamJude
🇧🇪… pic.twitter.com/mCgLn4dx4n

— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) December 2, 2024

FIFPro World 11 Men’s nominees

Goalkeepers: Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain), Ruben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, Netherlands), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany), William Saliba (Arsenal, France), Kyle Walker (Manchester City, England)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium), Phil Foden (Manchester City, England), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany), Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Croatia), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany), Rodri (Manchester City, Spain), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay)

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Cole Palmer (Manchester City/Chelsea, England), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid, Brazil), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

⭐️ Introducing the 26 nominees for the 2024 FIFPRO Women's #World11, as voted by players.

🇦🇺 @MaccaArnold1
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Mary Earps
🇨🇱 @TianeEndler

🇫🇷 @BachaSelma
🇪🇸 @OnaBatlle
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @MDawg1Bright
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @LucyBronze
🇪🇸 @7OlgaCarmona
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @_JessCarter
🇺🇸 @Naomi_Girma
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @AlexGreenwood

🇪🇸… pic.twitter.com/vgFHj5VhLv

— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) December 2, 2024

FIFPro World 11 Women’s nominees

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham United/Portland Thorns, Australia), Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain, England), Christiane Endler (Olympique Lyonnais, Chile)

Defenders: Selma Bacha (Olympique Lyonnais, France), Ona Batlle (Barcelona, Spain), Millie Bright (Chelsea, England), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea, England), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain), Jess Carter (Chelsea/Gotham, England), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave, USA), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)

Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Debinha (Kansas City Current, Brazil), Ingrid Engen (Barcelona, Norway), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyonnais, USA), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain), Ella Toone (Manchester United, England), Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England)

Forwards: Athenea (Real Madrid, Spain), Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride, Zambia), Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia), Tabitha Chawinga (Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais, Malawi), Lauren James (Chelsea, England), Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona, Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)

Well, that appears to be the path that Thiago Messi, the son of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel, is taking.

Thiago, aged 12, turned out for Inter Miami’s under-13 team in the Newell’s Cup in Rosario, Argentina, on Monday, wearing his father’s iconic number 10 shirt.

It is the 10th edition of the youth tournament, which sees eight clubs from North and South America compete across five days.

Father Lionel was born in Rosario, where Newell’s Old Boys are based, and spent five years in the academy of the Argentine outfit prior to joining Barcelona’s famous La Masia youth academy as a 13-year-old.

The 37-year-old, who spent most of his career at Barcelona before moving to Paris St-Germain and then on to Inter Miami, has achieved incredible things in the sport – winning 13 league titles and the Champions League on four occasions.

He also captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and Copa America success in 2021 and 2024.

Although Messi Sr was not in attendance at the Jorge B Griffa Sports Complex, a banner showing him kissing the World Cup was watching over Thiago.

Thiago’s mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, and grandparents Jorge and Celia Messi, watched from the stands as Inter Miami lost 1-0 to host club Newell’s Old Boys.

Benjamin Suarez, the son of Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez, also featured alongside Thiago.

Inter Miami are back in action on Tuesday against Uruguayan club Penarol 91.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Celia Messi (left) and Antonela Roccuzzo (right) watched from the stands

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Benjamin Suarez is the son of Uruguay and former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez

Atlanta United triumphed 3-2 in the best-of-three decider in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after both sides had won one game each.

Miami finished the regular season with a record 74 points from 34 games in the Eastern Conference to win the Supporters’ Shield.

Miami took the lead at Chase Stadium when Matias Rojas scored from a rebound after former Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan had denied Argentina forward Messi.

Two goals in two minutes from Jamal Thiare put Atlanta in front and, despite Messi equalising with a header, Bartosz Slisz scored the winner as Miami appealed for play to be stopped with defender Tomas Aviles lying on the pitch injured.

Last month Miami, who are co-owned by David Beckham, were named as one of the 32 sides in next year’s expanded Fifa Club World Cup.

“They are now officially one of the 32 best clubs in the world, already after a few years since their existence,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

“And now they can start writing their story also on the global stage.”

In December Miami signed Uruguay striker Luiz Suarez, reuniting him with former Barcelona team-mates Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Atlanta scraped into the play-offs by finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference, then beat Montreal on penalties in a wildcard game to set up a meeting with Miami.

Atlanta will play Orlando City, and New York City face New York Red Bulls, in the semi-finals, which are decided by one game rather than three.

The winners will meet in the Eastern Conference final, and the winners of that will play the Western Conference play-off champions in the MLS Cup final on 7 December.

“This season has had good and bad things,” said Miami manager Gerardo Martino.

“If you think about the expectations we had for this play-offs, obviously we came up a little short.

“The players are sad, as they should be when there are so many expectations and the team can’t fulfil them.

“In this final part of the year we got used to achieving the objectives but we couldn’t achieve the most important one.”

Miami defender Alba said the MLS Cup format is “a bit unfair”.

“It’s been done for many years but I think it should be the champion of one conference against the champion of the other to make it as fair as possible,” he said.

The victory in their final game of the 34-match regular season took Miami to 74 points and meant they beat the previous record of 73 points set by the Revolution in 2021.

Miami, who had already secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield, which is given to the club with the best regular-season record, went 2-0 behind against the Revolution following goals from Luca Langoni and Dylan Borrero.

A Luis Suarez double levelled the match before the introduction of Messi after 58 minutes helped Miami kick on to claim victory.

The 37-year-old Argentina forward, who scored a hat-trick in midweek for his country against Bolivia, played a part in Benjamin Cremaschi putting Miami 3-2 in front.

Messi scored his first goal of the match when he powered in a left-foot shot from just outside the area after combining with former Uruguay international Suarez.

He then side-footed in a second before adding his third – and 20th of the MLS season – following a Suarez cross.

Miami, who have been named as the latest addition to the Fifa Club World Cup in 2025, will now go into the MLS play-offs as they try to secure the MLS Cup.

The 37-year-old Inter Miami forward, who also set up two goals at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, moved level with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football.

Argentina are three points clear of Colombia at the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, despite losing to Colombia in September and drawing with Venezuela last week.

“It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name,” Messi said.

“This drives me – enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team. As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.”

Messi, making only his second appearance for Argentina since suffering an injury at the Copa America in July, capitalised on a defensive error to put them ahead after 19 minutes.

He set up Lautaro Martinez and then Julian Alvarez before substitute Thiago Almada made it 4-0.

Messi struck twice in two minutes late on, beating two defenders to fire in his second and completing his hat-trick by finding the bottom corner.

Messi has scored 112 goals in 189 games for Argentina – second only to Ronaldo, who has 133, in men’s internationals.

Raphinha scored twice as struggling Brazil made it back-to-back victories with a 4-0 win over Peru in Brasilia.

Brazil, record five-time World Cup winners, had lost four of their past five qualifiers before defeating Chile on Thursday.

Dorival Junior’s side are fourth in the table – six points behind Argentina – after 10 games.

The top six teams qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Raphinha converted a penalty in each half before late goals from Fulham’s Andreas Pereira and Luiz Henrique.

“We needed this. It was really important winning both games to get back on track,” Raphinha told TV Globo.

In-form Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran scored his seventh goal of the season in all competitions as Colombia beat Chile 4-0.

Davinson Sanchez, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Bournemouth’s Luis Sinisterra also scored in Barranquilla.

The Argentina playmaker opened the scoring with a close-range finish and doubled the away side’s lead in first-half stoppage time with a sublime free-kick.

Crew winger Diego Rossi halved the deficit in Ohio before former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez restored Inter Miami’s two-goal lead and they held on after Cucho Hernandez’s penalty.

Miami’s victory means the club will finish top of the table and have won the Supporters’ Shield – which is given to the MLS club with the best regular season record – for the first time since they debuted in 2020.

The trophy is Messi’s 46th piece of silverware in his glittering career for club and country.

By finishing top of the standings, Miami have secured home advantage during the post-season play-offs.

“The first objective has been achieved and now we have to think about what’s next,” said Messi.

“The first round is three games but then it’s one game and anything can happen. But we have the great advantage of playing all the games at home, which is what we were looking for. We are very strong at home.”

Miami need two wins from their final two league matches to beat the MLS record for most points in a regular season, which currently stands as the 73 amassed by the New England Revolution in 2021.

The baby in the photos – which have gone viral – was none other than Lamine Yamal, the Spanish youngster, who at 16 is showing such promise that he is already being compared to the greats. The youngest to have played for Spain, he became the youngest player ever in the European Championship at the current tournament in Germany.

The long-forgotten photo from 2007 resurfaced after Yamal’s father posted it on Instagram last week with the text: “The beginning of two legends.”

Monfort, 56, who works as a freelance photographer for the Associated Press and others, said the photoshoot took place in the visitors’ locker room at Barcelona’s Camp Nou in the autumn of 2007 when Lamine Yamal was just a few months old.

Barcelona players posed with children and their families for a calendar as part of an annual charity drive by the local newspaper Diario Sport and Unicef. Monfort was in charge of the shoots – and it just so happened that Messi was paired with Lamine Yamal’s family. His mother, who is from Equatorial Guinea, is next to Messi and the baby in one of the photos.

“We made the calendar with the help of Unicef,” Monfort said. “So Unicef did a raffle in the neighbourhood of Roca Fonda in Mataró where Lamine’s family lived. They signed up for the raffle to have their picture taken at the Camp Nou with a Barça player. And they won the raffle.”

It wasn’t an easy assignment, he recalled, mainly because Messi wasn’t sure how to interact with the baby, who was in a plastic tub for the shoot. “Messi is a pretty introverted guy, he’s shy,” Monfort said. “He was coming out of the locker room and suddenly he finds himself in another locker room with a plastic tub full of water and a baby in it. It was complicated. He didn’t even know how to hold him at first.”

Messi was 20 at the time and already considered a big talent, but it would take a couple of years before he made his mark as the most outstanding player of his generation for Barcelona and Argentina. Like Messi, Lamine Yamal has gone through Barcelona’s renowned La Masia youth academy. Despite his age, he has been one of Spain’s best players at Euro 2024, where his team play France in the semi-finals on Tuesday. He will turn 17 on Saturday, the day before the final in Berlin.

Monfort, 56, had no idea it was Lamine Yamal in those photos from 2007 until a friend messaged him as they started trending online. He has had a long career as a sports photographer since 1991, following Barcelona around the world, but said he has never experienced this level of excitement around any of his photos. “It’s very exciting to be associated with something that has caused such a sensation,” he said. “To tell you the truth it’s a very nice feeling.”

The 37-year-old scored six minutes into the second half to double Argentina’s lead when he deflected an effort from Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez had given the World Cup holders the lead when he latched on to a pass from Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo de Paul and converted from close range.

It’s the sixth time in the last eight editions that Argentina, the 15-time Copa America winners, have reached the final.

The final, against either Uruguay or Colombia, will be Angel di Maria’s final appearance for Argentina before his international retirement and there are also doubts over Messi’s long-term future.

“Let’s enjoy what we are experiencing as a national team, as a group. It is not easy to be in a final again, to compete again to be champions,” Messi told TyC Sports.

“I’m living it as I have been living everything lately – enjoying it very much and being aware, as it happens to Fideo (Di Maria) and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi), that these are the last battles.”

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni says he will work to “convince” Di Maria and Messi to continue with international duty.

“For Leo (Messi), it’s similar to Angel,” said Scaloni.

“We have to let him be and we will never be the ones to close the door. He can be with our team for as long as he wants to be. And if he wants to retire but still come and hang around, it would be great.”

Jacob Shaffelburg, a winger for MLS club Nashville, squandered Canada’s best chances in the early stages against Argentina.

Canada, ranked 48th in the world, were knocked off their stride by Alvarez’s goal and Argentina took a firmer grip on the game.

Lille striker Jonathan David had Canada’s best chance in first-half stoppage time when he latched on to a long throw but his effort was fired straight at Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Despite the defeat, Canada surpassed expectations in their inaugural appearance at the Copa America.

Jesse Marsch’s side, the co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and the USA, will face the losers from the other semi-final in a third-place play-off on Sunday.

“What I said to the team afterwards is I know that they’re very disappointed, but I’m very proud of them,” said Marsch.

“We’ve put together some incredible performances, just starting our process.”

Marsch added it was important that Canada found a way to “expand” their “player pool” in the coming years.

The semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia and takes place on Thursday, 11 July at 01:00 BST and Copa America final is on Monday, 15 July (01:00).

The Argentina captain sustained a hamstring injury in their second group game against Chile, forcing him out of the following match against Peru.

However, Messi returned for their quarter-final meeting with Ecuador, notably missing the first spot-kick in the penalty shootout, which they won thanks to two Emiliano Martinez saves.

After Messi admitted he “trained with fear” ahead of his return from injury against La Tricolor, Scaloni has brushed off any worries about his star man’s fitness.

“99% of the time, [Messi] is fit to play,” Scaloni said. “It’s never happened to me that he’s not fit to play.

“Every time he’s come out on the pitch, he’s fit to play. For [Canada], he’s fit to play, without a doubt.

“It’s a very easy decision for me, because it’s a very frank decision, that if he’s fine, he plays; and if he’s not fine, he plays the last 30 minutes. It’s that easy.

“It’s true that that won’t ever weigh on me. I know what he can give us even if he’s not in optimal condition. I wouldn’t make the grave mistake of not putting him on the pitch knowing that he gives us a lot, so that’s indisputable.”

Argentina opened their Copa America title defence with a 2-0 victory over Canada on June 20.

Scaloni acknowledged the benefit of that first meeting, though conceded Jesse Marsch was unlikely to take the same approach in a bid to reach the final.

“Canada has players who are physically strong and also technically good, with a coach who has conveyed an aggressive way of playing,” he added.

“They have made things difficult for all teams. Physically, it’s difficult to match them, but with our assets, we hope to play the game on our side.

“All coaches take notes to correct mistakes and hurt our opponents. Each coach will have to do something different. We will try to have the ball and stop them from playing their game.”

But the United States, who are hosting the tournament, have been knocked out and it has not been plain sailing for every team.

Some underdogs have also managed to earn a spot in the last eight and will be looking to cause more upsets.

With the quarter-finals on the way, BBC Sport runs you through the stories to look out for in the Americas’ biggest tournament.

Copa America quarter-final fixtures

Friday (02:00 BST): Argentina v Ecuador

Saturday (02:00): Venezuela v Canada

Saturday (23:00): Colombia v Panama

Sunday (02:00): Uruguay v Brazil

Bielsa has got Nunez firing

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez played a significant part in helping Uruguay achieve a maximum nine points in the group stage and reach the last eight.

He has played in each of their three games, scoring in the 3-1 win against Panama and the 5-0 victory over Bolivia.

Uruguay face tough opponents in Brazil, but are technically strong under former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, with Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde impressing.

Uruguay beat the USA to knock them out in the group stage. Can they get past one of the favourites in their next game?

Can Messi shine?

Argentina star Lionel Messi could be playing in his last major tournament but struggled in an injury-hit group stage.

The 36-year-old played in his side’s wins against Canada and Chile but was forced to sit out their game against Peru with a groin issue.

For the first time at a Copa America, Messi has failed to score in the group stage, although he did manage an assist as Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in their opening game.

But Messi has returned to training and the World Cup holders remain firm favourites to go the distance.

Up against Ecuador, whom they beat 1-0 in a friendly in June, Lionel Scaloni’s side will be expected to win.

The big question remains: will Messi finally manage to find his form?

Will Brazil cope without Vinicius Jr?

It has been a frustrating tournament for Brazil – and they will not be helped by Vinicius Jr’s suspension for the quarter-finals.

The five-time World Cup winners were held by Colombia in their final group-stage match and Vinicius was ruled out of their first knockout match after picking up his second yellow card.

Vinicius is Brazil’s top scorer at Copa America, having netted twice, while Real team-mate Rodrygo has struggled in front of goal.

This Brazil team are strong and could have the players to cope with losing Vinicius, but they need to be used. Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has been stuck on the bench.

Brazil need to step up to the task or risk losing to a Uruguay side who are firing on all cylinders.

Canada showing strength

This is Canada’s debut Copa America in the first regular staging in which teams from outside South America have joined the tournament.

Six of the 16 teams are from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf).

Managed by another former Leeds boss in Jesse Marsch, Canada – who are hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside the US and Mexico – have done something neighbours the USA have not by reaching the knockouts.

Lille striker Jonathan David is one of their main threats, although Canada struggled for goals in the group stage. David provided their only goal in a 1-0 win against Peru, while they lost 2-0 to Argentina and drew 0-0 with Chile.

Another upset on the cards for Panama?

Panama have been Copa America’s surprise package and exceeded expectations in the group stage.

The beat the USA and Bolivia to finish second in their group and set up a tough quarter-final against Colombia.

Going a step further might be too much to ask of the underdogs. Colombia, who topped their group and drew with Brazil, have Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and former Real midfielder James Rodriguez in their team.

Crystal Palace’s Jefferson Lerma has also played a key role in midfield. They are a talented side and outclass Panama on paper.

Colombia will be expected to win, but a Panama team who have proved their doubters wrong will not make reaching the semi-finals an easy task.

Argentina were given an early scare when an own goal after four minutes by Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez put Guatemala ahead – their first ever goal against the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions.

But Messi equalised eight minutes later when keeper Nicholas Hagen cleared the ball straight into his path and the Argentina captain scored into an empty net.

Lautaro Martinez, who finished as Serie A’s top scorer last season, put Argentina ahead with a 39th-minute penalty and the Inter Milan star scored his second from a Messi pass after the break.

“We are aiming for the title, we are fighting for everything,” he told TyC Sports.

“We said it when the Copa America ended in 2021 and when the World Cup ended, we will try to prepare ourselves to start the Copa America in the best possible way and hopefully it will be all joy.”

Messi claimed his second in the 77th minute after a superb pass from substitute Angel di Maria.

The tournament runs in the United States from 20 June to 14 July, with coach Lionel Scaloni’s side starting their campaign against Canada on Thursday before group games against Chile and Peru.

“We’re going to keep trying to do our best, we still want to keep winning titles,” added Messi.

“It will be harder and harder, the games are getting tougher, winning [the Copa] again is hard, but we will try again.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, 36, joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) club last summer after leaving Paris St-Germain.

That followed a glittering career with Barcelona, where he won the Champions League four times, alongside 10 La Liga titles.

The 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina has a contract with Inter Miami to 2025 with the option of a further year.

“As of today, I think it’s going to be my last club,” the forward told ESPN.

“I’m not ready to leave football either,” he added.

Messi is not playing like someone with one eye on retirement – this season he has 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 matches for the MLS leaders.

He will be hoping to take that form into this month’s Copa America, with Argentina looking to retain the trophy they won in 2021.

The tournament is being staged in the United States, which Messi has been able to call home for the past year.

“It was a difficult step to leave Europe to come here,” Messi said.

“The fact of having been world champion helped a lot to see things differently also.

“I love playing football. I enjoy the training, every day of the matches. [I am] a little afraid that everything will end.

“That’s why I enjoy everything much more, because I’m aware that there’s less and less to go and I have a good time at the club.

“I enjoy the little details that I know I’m going to miss when I don’t play any more.”

The Inter Miami forward, who missed two Argentina friendlies in March with a hamstring injury, came on as a 56th-minute substitute for Angel di Maria at Soldier Field.

Di Maria, captaining the side in Messi’s absence, scored in the 40th minute after a superb pass from Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.

“With Leo, there is no need to risk him,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.

“We want to take care of these players and allow them to arrive in their best possible conditions to the tournament.”

World champions Argentina face Guatemala in another friendly in Maryland on Saturday before they begin their Copa America defence against Canada on 21 June.

The starting price was £300,000 for the ‘standard Spanish waxy napkin’ which is 16.5 x 16.5cm and was laminated and framed.

The napkin, signed in blue ink in December 2000, carries a pledge from then Barcelona director Carles Rexach to sign Messi.

It was also signed by Josep Minguella, a transfer adviser to the Spanish club, and agent Horacio Gaggioli, who recommended the Argentine youngster.

The napkin in blue ink was offered in an online auction by London-based Bonhams on behalf of Gaggioli.

Messi joined Barca a month after the deal was agreed and went on to become their record goalscorer and many regard him as the greatest player of all time.

He made his first-team debut aged 16 and scored a record 672 goals in 778 games for the Catalan club.

Messi won 10 La Liga titles and the Champions League four times at Barcelona before leaving for Paris St-Germain in 2021 – and the 36-year-old World Cup winner now plays for Inter Miami.

The napkin was signed at a meeting arranged by Rexach, who invited Messi’s father Jorge to lunch after concerns from the Messi family about a lack of response from Barcelona following the teenager’s initial trial.

Translated into English, it reads: “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and in the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon.”

IMAGE SOURCE: REUTERS

Image caption: This napkin cost £762,400

Ian Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, said: “Since the sale was first announced it captured international attention and fans all over the world have anticipated this day.

“What a wonderful result for one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled. Yes, it’s a paper napkin, but it’s the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi’s career.

“It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.”

Bonhams said that “allegations concerning the ownership of the napkin were raised in March but have not been substantiated and appear from recent press comment to have been retracted”.

The auction house added: “The consignor of the napkin has received a legal opinion which confirms to them that they have clear title and the right to sell the napkin under Spanish law, and the seller gives a full warranty of title with the sale.”

Visitors New York led 1-0 at half-time on Saturday before two goals from Miami substitute Matias Rojas sparked a second-half rout.

Messi claimed five assists and also scored to give the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner six goal contributions – both records for an MLS game.

The Argentina forward, 36, now has 10 goals and 12 assists from eight league games this season.

Suarez has 10 goals in 11 league games since the Uruguay striker, 37, left Brazilian side Gremio to reunite with former Barcelona team-mate Messi in Miami.

Rojas cancelled out Dante Vanzeir’s opener just three minutes after coming on at half-time before Messi put the hosts in front from a Suarez pass.

Rojas then chipped in his second goal before Messi laid on Suarez’s treble, with the ex-Liverpool and Atletico Madrid man volleying in from a Messi cross, poking in after a one-two with Messi then turning the ball in from close range.

Emil Forsberg scored a late penalty for the Red Bulls, who slipped from third to fourth in the Eastern Conference as their six-match unbeaten run came to an end.

That run began in March with a 4-0 home win over Miami, who have since gone six unbeaten in the league to go top of the Eastern Conference standings.

The Argentine had missed four games with a hamstring issue and came on for the second half with his side 1-0 down following a Rafael Navarro penalty.

Messi equalised with a left-foot shot before helping set up a goal for team-mate Leonardo Afonso.

Miami could not hold on to the lead, with Cole Bassett equalising for the Rapids in the 88th minute.

“What Leo did is the usual for him, what he provokes in our team, in his team-mates, in the people,” said Miami boss Gerard Martino.

“The most important thing is that he felt comfortable, he felt good, he felt loose.

“This will help him to be more confident, especially with regard to the injury, for the second leg in Monterrey.”

Miami are away at Monterrey in the return leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-final on Wednesday having been beaten 2-1 by the Mexican side in the first leg.

Galaxy took the lead after 75 minutes through striker Dejan Joveljic, before midfielder Mark Delgado was sent off for a second yellow card.

Messi, 36, then combined cleverly with former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba and slid at full stretch to strike past goalkeeper John McCarthy.

Miami beat Real Salt Lake in their Major Soccer League opener last week.

They are top of the Eastern Conference on four points but are the only side in the division to have played twice. Rivals DC United began their campaign by beating New England Revolution 3-1 on Saturday.

“We were outplayed in the first half, we could have gone into the dressing room a goal down,” said Miami head coach Gerardo Martino.

“They scored on a counter-attack but after that we showed character.”

Miami started all four of their ex-Barcelona players in California, with 2022 World Cup winner Messi and Spaniard Alba joined by Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez.

However, Argentine Messi had few chances, as Busquets and Suarez in particular looked off the pace, but he made a late one count.

With Galaxy down to 10 men after Delgado’s 87th-minute sending-off, Alba’s pull-back found Messi inside the box for the former Paris St-Germain forward to grab a late equaliser.

Elsewhere, Phil Neville’s Portland Timbers secured a comfortable 4-1 against the Colorado Rapids in their first game of the new season.

The victory on Saturday was Neville’s first since returning to MLS after the 47-year-old was sacked by Inter Miami in June.

The world champions were set to face Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing in March.

Fans in China were angered when the Argentina captain did not play for his club against a Hong Kong XI on Sunday.

Messi, 36, said he could not play because of a groin injury.

However, his non-appearance drew widespread criticism in China when he then featured off the bench three days later against Vissel Kobe in Japan.

“Beijing does not plan, for the moment, to organise the match in which Lionel Messi was to participate,” the Beijing Football Association said on Saturday.

When the Hangzhou match was cancelled on Friday their sports bureau said: “Given the reasons that everyone knows, according to the competent authorities, the conditions for the event to take place are not met.”

Fans in Hong Kong jeered Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham and chanted for their money back after Messi did not take to the pitch.

They have since been promised a 50% refund by match organisers Tatler Asia.

State media outlet Global Times accused the footballer and his club Inter Miami of “political motives” with the aim of “embarrassing” Hong Kong.

Messi remained on the bench throughout Sunday’s match in the Chinese Special Administrative Region, citing injury.

Wednesday’s game in Tokyo led some fans to question whether he’d been injured.

Some 38,000 fans at the Hong Kong Stadium booed and demanded refunds when Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham addressed the crowd at the end of Sunday’s match. They had paid up to HK$4,880 (£494; $624) to watch the 36-year-old Argentine superstar.

Just last year, Messi received a rock star welcome in Beijing when he played for his country in a friendly against Australia. Some 68,000 fans paid up to $680 for the chance to see him in action. He is also a spokesperson for big Chinese brands such as Huawei, Chery, Tencent, Mengniu, Chishui River Wine and J&T Express.

Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong’s secretary for culture, sports and tourism, said government officials were repeatedly told that Messi would play. But with 10 minutes left in the match, they were informed that a hamstring adductor injury would prevent him from playing.

“We immediately requested them to explore other remedies, such as Messi appearing on the field to interact with his fans and receiving the trophy,” Yeung said.

“Unfortunately, as you all see, this did not work out.”

The territory’s chief executive John Lee said he was extremely disappointed by Messi’s absence and called for an explanation from match organisers.

Other officials like Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip also reacted with fury, claiming that “Hong Kong people hate Messi, Inter-Miami, and the black hand behind them” for the “deliberate and calculated snub”.

“Messi should never be allowed to return to Hong Kong. His lies and hypocrisy are disgusting,” she added.

Match organiser Tatler Asia said in a statement that Messi had been contracted to play, unless injured. It added that it was withdrawing its application for a HK$16m government grant. The match had been designated as a major sporting event, which enabled the organisers to access government funding.

On the same day as the Japan friendly, Messi said that he “regretted” being unable to play in Hong Kong due to a “swollen and painful” groin injury. “I hope that one day we will have the opportunity to come back and give our best to our fans and friends in Hong Kong,” he told a televised news conference.

His post on Chinese social media network Weibo explaining why he hadn’t been able to play in Hong Kong has so far attracted some 142,000 comments. While some were supportive, many reacted angrily, with some calling the Argentine a “conman” and “garbage”. Others accused the Argentine of only wanting to make money off Chinese fans, while pandering to the Japanese.

“No need to apologise, just don’t come to China again. Just because you play football well does not mean you are a good person,” one netizen said.

Inter beat a League XI 4-1 in front of almost 40,000 fans on Sunday, with Argentina captain Messi left on the bench because of a hamstring problem.

The Hong Kong government said Messi was contracted to play at least 45 minutes.

“I always want to play, especially in these games where we travel so far and people want to see our games,” he said.

“Unfortunately this happens in football. In any game it can happen that you can’t play.

“I hope we can return and play a game in Hong Kong.”

Supporters in a near-capacity crowd of 38,323 at Hong Kong Stadium each paid more then HK$1,000 (£101) for a ticket.

There were chants of “We want Messi” in the second half as the World Cup winner remained sat among the substitutes.

When he failed to make it on the pitch, there were then chants of “Refund”, before Inter co-owner David Beckham was drowned out by jeers as he tried to thank supporters during a speech after full-time.

The Hong Kong government’s major sports events committee (MSEC) said it was “extremely disappointed” that Messi did not play, having provided grants of HK$16m (£1.5m) to organisers Tatler Asia for the event.

Tatler Asia said it will not ask for the money as Messi did not play.

Messi came on as a substitute six minutes from the end of Miami’s previous match in Saudi Arabia last Thursday, but a scan after that game confirmed a swelling of the hamstring.

The 36-year-old, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, said the injury is improving and he could feature against Japanese champions Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Wednesday.

“I don’t know if I can or not, but I feel a lot better and really want to do it,” he said.

“This afternoon we’re going to practise; we’ll try again. I have a good feeling, compared to how I was.”

The Argentina World Cup winner, 36, who had a hamstring injury, was left on the bench as Inter beat a local League XI 4-1 in front of almost 40,000 fans.

There were chants of “refund”, while a speech by Inter co-owner David Beckham was drowned out by booing.

The Hong Kong government said match organisers Tatler Asia may face a reduction in funding.

“Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organisers’ arrangement. The organiser owes all football fans an explanation,” the government’s major sports events committee (MSEC) said.

“The MSEC will take follow-up actions with the organiser according to the terms and conditions, which includes reducing the amount of funding as a result of Messi not playing the match.”

The MSEC said it had granted 15m Hong Kong dollars (£1.5m) for the event along with a grant of one million Hong Kong dollars for the venue.

A near-capacity crowd of 38,323 at Hong Kong Stadium had each paid more then 1,000 Hong Kong dollars (£101) for a ticket.

But Messi did not feature, while Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who joined Inter Miami in December, also missed the match, with a knee injury.

In the second half, chants of “we want Messi” intensified as the Argentina captain, signed last July, continued to watch from the bench.

Beckham was then drowned out by jeers when he tried to thank supporters for their “incredible support” at the final whistle.

In a statement, the organisers said: “Despite some news reports, Tatler did not have any information about the non-participation of Messi or Suarez prior to kick off.

“Messi and Suarez were deemed unfit to play by their team’s medical department, to everyone’s, including ours, disappointment.”

Inter manager Gerardo Martino said: “We understand the fans’ disappointment in the absence of Messi and Suarez, and we apologise for that, but this was a decision made with our medical staff.

“If there was a way they could have played even a little while we would have done it, but there was too much risk involved.”

The game had been billed as a clash between Messi and old rival Cristiano Ronaldo but the latter was ruled out for Al-Nassr because of injury.

There was nothing Messi could do about the result as he only came on for seven minutes with Al-Nassr already 6-0 up.

Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte scored the pick of the goals with a free-kick from his own half.

Brazilian Talisca hit a hat-trick for the Saudi Pro League side, who were 3-0 up inside 12 minutes.

Otavio opened the scoring before Talisca got his first and then Laporte got on the scoresheet when he caught Miami goalkeeper Drake Calender well off his line.

Talisca got his second from the penalty spot to make it 4-0, Mohammed Maran scored Al-Nassr’s fifth with a header before Talisca completed the scoring.

The napkin, signed in December 2000, carries a commitment from then Barca director Carles Rexach to sign Messi.

It was also signed by Josep Minguella, a transfer advisor to the Spanish club, and agent Horacio Gaggioli, who recommended the Argentine.

Messi joined Barca a month later and went on to be their record goalscorer.

He made his debut aged 16 and scored 672 goals in 778 games for the Catalan club.

Now 36, Messi won 10 La Liga and four Champions League titles at Barcelona before leaving for Paris St-Germain in 2021.

The napkin was signed at a meeting arranged by Rexach, who invited Messi’s father Jorge to lunch after concerns from the Messi family about a lack of response from Barcelona following the teenager’s initial trial.

Written in blue ink, the agreement on the napkin reads: “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon.”

The napkin will go under the hammer via British auction house Bonhams in March.

Head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams Ian Ehling said: “This is one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled.

“Yes, it’s a paper napkin, but it’s the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi’s career.

“It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.”

Inter Miami’s Messi edged out City striker Erling Haaland with Paris St-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe third.

City’s Ederson collected the goalkeeper award of Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and Al Hilal’s Yassine Bounou.

City won the Treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 2022-23.

Messi wins by tightest margin

Messi, 36, began 2023 at Paris St-Germain, before moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami in June.

He picked up the best men’s player award for the third time since this format of the awards began in 2016, after doing so in 2019 and 2022.

He scored nine goals for PSG as they won the French Ligue 1 title and 10 goals in seven games as Inter Miami won the inaugural Leagues Cup in the United States.

Haaland grabbed a record 36 Premier League goals last season. In all competitions in 2022-23, he scored a club-record 52 goals – with 28 of them coming after the World Cup, plus another two goals this season before 20 August.

France’s Mbappe, like Messi, won the Ligue 1 title with PSG – and clinched a fifth consecutive Golden Boot.

The 25-year-old netted 18 goals for his French club during the window of 19 December 2022 to 20 August 2023 – the period the awards were based on.

A mix of votes from national team managers and captains, journalists and fans on Fifa’s website – with each counting for 25% – were used to decide the winners.

Messi and Haaland finished on the same amount of points, with Messi getting the award as he had more first-place nominations from national team captains.

Among the national team captains who voted for Messi were Harry Kane, Mbappe, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Aaron Ramsey and Luka Modric, while Ilkay Gundogan and Casemiro voted for Haaland, as did Messi himself.

England boss Gareth Southgate gave his vote to Haaland, while Wales’ Robert Page and Scotland’s Steve Clarke voted for Messi.

Montserrat skipper Lyle Taylor opted for Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, Russia skipper Georgi Dzhikiya voted for Georgia and Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Portugal boss Roberto Martinez voted for ex-Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, now at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

The Fifa Best Awards generally cover a calendar year and are different to the Ballon d’Or awards, which reflect performances across a season and which Messi has won on eight occasions.

However, this year, the men’s Fifa Best Awards, and Puskas Award, were judged from 19 December 2022 to 20 August 2023, because the Qatar World Cup was included in last year’s ceremony.

This year’s event took place at the Hammersmith Apollo in London with a host of the best players past and present in attendance.

Six Manchester City players in team of the year

Men’s Coach of the Year was the first award of the night, with Guardiola winning it ahead of Luciano Spalletti and Simone Inzaghi.

Spalletti guided Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years with a record-equalling five games to spare.

Inzaghi was nominated after winning the Coppa Italia with Inter Milan and taking them to the Champions League final, where they lost 1-0 to Manchester City.

There were six Manchester City players named in the men’s team of the year – defenders John Stones, Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias, midfielders Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne and striker Haaland.

Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham was also selected and was the only English player named in the side that does not play for City.

Men’s team of the year: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), John Stones, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva (all Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland (both Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) and Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).

Dias paid tribute to Guardiola and said: “He is intense. In the end he makes you play football in a way that no-one else is able to and somehow through that intensity he does get the best out of everyone.

“You can have different personalities as coach but the one you want is the one that gets the best out of you.”

Guardiola added: “Thank you so much to our players for what they have done for eight years together. Thank you so much for this incredible journey.”

Brighton’s Enciso misses out on Puskas Award

Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso was one of three nominations for the Puskas Award, handed out to the player that had scored the best goal.

The Puskas award – named after Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas – was decided by pundits.

Enciso scored a spectacular long-range strike in the Seagulls’ 1-1 draw at home against Manchester City on 23 May but missed out on the award, which went to Brazilian Guilherme Madruga, who plays for second-tier Brazil side Botafogo after a spectacular 25-yard overhead kick.

Suarez, 36, joins as a free agent after leaving Brazilian side Gremio.

“I look forward to reuniting with great friends and players,” said Suarez.

Inter Miami chief business officer Xavier Asensi described the ex-Liverpool striker’s signing as “another monumental moment” for the club.

Suarez, who has also won league titles with Nacional, Ajax and Atletico Madrid, scored 17 goals in 33 games as Gremio finished second in Brazilian Serie A in the 2023 season.

The veteran forward’s performances led to him being voted the league’s best player.

But the two-year contract he signed with Gremio in 2022 was ended early because Suarez felt he could not play another full season in Brazil with a knee problem and the travelling distances for games.

Miami – part-owned by former England captain David Beckham – signed Messi, Busquets and Alba during the 2023 season, with the trio helping the franchise win a first trophy with the Leagues Cup in August.

“I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami,” added Suarez.

“I can’t wait to get started and I’m ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great club a reality.

“I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition.”

Suarez, who is widely considered one of the best strikers of his generation, won four La Liga titles at Barcelona alongside Messi, Busquets and Alba between 2015 and 2019.

The quartet were also an instrumental part of the Barca team that won the Champions League and Fifa World Club Cup in 2015.

Inter Miami finished second from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference last season.

They made a poor start under the management of former England international Phil Neville, who was sacked in June, before a resurgence followed Messi’s arrival.

Aitana Bonmati, Linda Caicedo and Jennifer Hermoso are the finalists for the women’s award.

Julio Enciso, Guilherme Madruga and Nuno Santos have been chosen as the final three for the Puskas award, which is for the best goal of the year.

The winners will be announced on Monday, 15 January in London.

Norway and Manchester City striker Haaland, France and Paris St-Germain forward Mbappe, as well as Argentina and Inter Miami forward Messi, were chosen from an initial list of 12.

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Bonmati, 18-year-old Colombia and Real Madrid forward Caicedo, as well as Spain and Pachuca forward Hermoso, were shortlisted from 16 players.

The women’s award is for performances from 1 August 2022 to 20 August 2023 and includes Spain’s 2023 World Cup victory.

The men’s award is for between 19 December 2022 – a day after the men’s 2022 World Cup final – to 20 August 2023.

National team coaches, captains, journalists and fans make up the list of voters.

Best Men’s player shortlist

Erling Haaland (Norway/Man City)

Kylian Mbappe (France/Paris St-Germain)

Lionel Messi (Argentina/Inter Miami)

Best Women’s player shortlist

Aitana Bonmati (Spain/Barcelona)

Linda Caicedo (Colombia/Real Madrid)

Jenni Hermoso (Spain/Pachuca)

Messi captained Argentina to victory at the tournament with his country beating France on penalties in the final.

The six jerseys were from the first half of the final, semi-final, quarter-final, last-16 tie and two group games.

The record for a game-worn football shirt is Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ jersey, which sold for £7.1m in 2022.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, became the first player in World Cup history to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of a single tournament.

He played in all seven of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup matches, but only two of the three shirts Messi wore during the group stage will be auctioned, after Heart of Midlothian’s Australia international Cammy Devlin swapped shirts with the former Barcelona forward during the tournament.

Sotheby’s said: “A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to Unicas Project, led by Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Children’s Hospital with the support of the Leo Messi Foundation, to meet the needs of children suffering from rare diseases.”

The fixture is part of the Riyadh Season Cup, with Miami also playing Al-Hilal on 29 January.Miami had denied they were taking part in the tournament when plans were initially announced in November.”These matches will offer important tests for our team,” Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson said.”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.”Widely regarded as all-time greats, forwards Messi, 36, and Ronaldo first met in 2008 when Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League final and have faced each other on a further 34 occasions, with the Argentine winning 16 times and the Portuguese coming out on top in 10 fixtures, while nine have ended in a draw.Across those 35 encounters, Messi has scored 21 goals and laid on 12 assists, while Ronaldo, 38, has 20 goals and one assist to his name.Inter Miami finished 14th in the Eastern Conference last season and they won the Leagues Cup, with Messi, who joined the club in July, scoring 10 goals across seven games to help the club lift their first trophy.Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums into sports, football in particular, with Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante and Jordan Henderson all signing for Saudi Pro League clubs over recent years.Campaigners say investment into sport is being used to distract from long-standing reputation issues such as Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and the war in Yemen – a process known as ‘sportswashing’, although the Kingdom’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, says those claims are “very shallow.”

Messi joined Miami in July and scored 11 goals in 14 games in all competitions to help them lift the Leagues Cup, their first-ever trophy.

The 36-year-old also won the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time in October.

“Lionel Messi this year managed to do what once seemed impossible when he signed with Inter Miami: turning the US into a soccer country,” read Time.

The magazine said Messi’s arrival had driven a surge in attendance, ticket prices, merchandise sales and viewership of MLS games.

The striker joins the likes of gymnast Simone Biles, swimmer Michael Phelps and NBA superstar LeBron James in winning the award.

After leaving Paris St-Germain at the end of his contract Messi said his preference was an emotional return to boyhood club Barcelona, but that move never materialised.

It then came down to Miami or a move to the Saudi Pro League, which has invested heavily in foreign talent over the past two seasons.

“My first option was to return to Barcelona, but it was not possible,” he told Time. “I tried to return, and it did not happen.

“It is also true that later I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league, where I know the country and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.

“It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me.”

Guardiola’s seven years at the Etihad so far have been chronicled in ‘God Save Pep’ by Catalan writer Marti Perarnau.

As explained by SPORT, which carries quotes from the book published on November 23, one chapter explains the events of August 2020 when City icon and Messi’s close friend Sergio Aguero warned that the number 10 could wind up in northwestern England.

Messi had allegedly sent Aguero a message saying that he wished to leave his boyhood club because of disagreements with the Barca board at the time led by then-president Josep Bartomeu.

As Guardiola made his way back to his hometown Barcelona from the Portuguese capital Lisbon, where City had been eliminated from the Champions League by Lyon in a post-pandemic format of the knockout phase, he received his own correspondence from Messi.

“Hello, Pep. How are you?” it read, with Messi reeling from Barca’s 8-2 humiliation in the same competition by eventual winners Bayern Munich.

The pair that enjoyed unparalleled success together in the Blaugrana’s greatest-ever team from 2008 to 2012 met at Guardiola’s house the next day Perarnau claims.

Messi was warned that “it rains a lot in Manchester”, and also of how hard the Premier League champions train.

Guardiola feared they might fall out as well, but Messi vowed to “put up with everything” that the demanding coach ordered as he just wanted to “kill” his time at Camp Nou.

Further steps were taken by Messi to try and force his way out of Barca that summer, which as we now know came to nothing.

Though he demanded Bartomeu release him from his contract by way of an infamous burofax, he was also reluctant to drag the club through the courts and eventually gave up.

Bartomeu resigned in October, and Messi had a change of heart by the following summer under the rule of elected president Joan Laporta.

A promise to renew Messi was a key focus of Laporta’s campaign, but he failed to deliver on this when Barca were unable to renew their most famous player’s contract thanks to Financial Fair Play hurdles.

Messi eventually wound up at Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, and then decided not to rejoin the Catalans before the current European season when they approached him.

Barca’s economic woes again proved key, and Messi opted to sign for Inter Miami as opposed to waiting for Laporta and Co. to get their house in order.

Now aged 36, Messi is unlikely to represent Barca in a playing capacity again but has been tipped for a behind-the-scenes role such as sporting director in retirement.