Lionel Messi, of course, is currently the best player in MLS -- and he's 38. At Inter Miami, the current betting favorites for MLS Cup, he's flanked by 38-year-old Luis Suárez, 36-year-old Jordi Alba, and 37-year-old Sergio Busquets.

Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez also received his first Argentina callup on Monday for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador. Lopez caught the eye of coach Lionel Scaloni for his goal-scoring output at Palmeiras, where he joined in 2022 from Lanús. The center forward has 15 goals in 42 matches this year.

BUENOS AIRES, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Argentina's national team unveiled a revamped 31-man squad on Monday, led by Lionel Messi, for the South American qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador for the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has included Lionel Messi in his preliminary list for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador on Sept. 4 and 9, respectively.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has praised the maturity of teenage newcomer Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old joined Madrid on a six-year deal and has already impressed Alonso with his confidence and quality.

Former Manchester United defender-turned-pundit Patrice Evra believes a World Cup final between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal would be one that the whole world would stop t

Fenerbahce manager José Mourinho has stated that Lionel Messi is the player who has contributed most to his growth throughout his career. Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have ever played the game, and Mourinho has faced the Argentine legend numerous times.

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