Messi returns from injury, scores late to seal Inter Miami win over Galaxy
Lionel Messi returned from injury as a reserve and scored in the 84th minute to spark Inter Miami over the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 on Saturday.
The iconic 38-year-old Argentine striker was back on the field for Miami after suffering what Inter coach Javier Mascherano had called a “minor muscle injury” — an apparent hamstring strain — in Inter’s August 2 Leagues Cup victory over Mexican side Necaxa.
“It had been something very small,” Mascherano said of his injury after the match. “The three training sessions we had were good. The important thing is that the match ended. As the minutes went by, I saw him better. We have to see how he feels tomorrow.”
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who missed a Leagues Cup win over Pumas UNAM and last weekend’s MLS loss at Orlando City, was on the bench as a reserve before entering in the second half, replacing Telasco Segovia.
“We had planned the match to give minutes to Leo. The idea was to give him 45 minutes so that he can find sensations,” Mascherano said. “I didn’t see him after the game. Tomorrow we’ll see what feelings he had.
“He’s an extraordinary player. I saw that he was clearly not 100 percent comfortable but as the minutes went by he was loosening up more and more. We will have to see how he ended with the fatigue.”
Jordi Alba scored for Miami in the 43rd minute but Joseph Paintsil equalized for the Galaxy in the 59th minute.
Messi scored in the 84th and Luis Suarez added an insurance tally in the 89th off an assist from Messi to produce the final victory margin.
Messi, the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player, has 19 goals and 10 assists in 19 MLS appearances for Miami this season.
He also has the Herons into the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup, which they won in 2023 just after Messi’s arrival. Miami will play Tigres in a Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.
“He wants to play every single game,” Mascherano said. “You have to understand why Leo is Leo. He always wants to be on the pitch. He’s happy there. Sometimes we try to explain him that we have to go slowly but when he feels good he knows himself like no one. In the end we tried to give him some minutes today to start having good feelings for Wednesday.”
Inter Miami rank fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference, six points behind MLS leaders Philadelphia but with three matches in hand.
South Korean international and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min picked up his first MLS victory in his first MLS start as LAFC won 2-0 at New England.
Son, who helped LAFC take a draw in Chicago last week as a reserve in his league debut, assisted on the LAFC win-clinching goal by Mathieu Choiniere in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time.
Marco Delgado scored LAFC’s first goal in the 51st minute.
LAFC rank fifth in the Western Conference, nine points adrift of pace-setting San Diego with two matches in hand.
Messi returns from injury, scores late to seal Inter Miami win over Galaxy
Gianni Infantino may be the only declared candidate running for another term as FIFA president ahead of March 2027, but his path forward is hitting severe turbulence across Europe.
On Monday, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) officially joined a growing revolt, announcing it will not endorse Infantino’s re-election. Citing deep concerns over transparency, backdoor decision-making, and broken governance, Belgium joins heavyweights like England and Italy in pulling their support.
At the heart of the standoff are two controversies that left European associations furious.
The World Cup Red Card Fiasco
The most explosive issue stems from the recent World Cup and an unprecedented disciplinary reversal involving US striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun was handed a straight red card during the United States’ round-of-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering what should have been an automatic ban for the subsequent round-of-16 clash against Belgium.
Instead, FIFA stepped in and lifted the suspension, paving the way for Balogun to start. The move triggered immediate backlash across world football, which only escalated when it emerged that US President Donald Trump had personally phoned Infantino to intervene.
Even though Belgium went on to defeat the US 4-1, the RBFA is refusing to let the matter slide.
“Two months after the events, we note that our questions remain unanswered to date,“ said RBFA
President Pascale Van Damme, who has formally demanded the Balogun case be placed on the agenda for the FIFA Council meeting on October 15.
Backroom Commercial Deals
The fallout over on-pitch favoritism is only half the problem. The Belgian federation also hit out at Infantino’s aborted initiative to sell World Cup commercial stakes to private equity investors without widespread consultation.
While intense pushback forced Infantino to hastily shelve the private investment plan, the damage to his credibility was already done. Member associations are increasingly alarmed by what they view as centralized, unchecked governance in Zurich.
The Bigger Picture
Infantino has spent years consolidating power, but a rebellion led by UEFA powerhouses shows the cracks are widening. With the October council meeting looming and the election set for early next year, FIFA’s top seat might face its rockiest campaign yet.
The development contradicts reports suggesting that FIFA had reached an agreement with the National Sports Commission (NSC) delegation led by its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, on the proposed reforms.
In a September 7, 2026 communication addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov said FIFA and CAF were still assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the developments within the NFF.
The football bodies said their assessment would involve a careful review of the facts surrounding the crisis, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions presented by the different stakeholders.
FIFA stressed that no conclusion had been reached at the time of the communication and that no decision had been taken on what action should follow.
The clarification means that the outcome of the proposed football reforms in Nigeria remains open, despite earlier indications that discussions between Nigerian officials and FIFA had produced an agreed roadmap.
FIFA also directed that Emmanuel Ikpeme, whom it recognised as Deputy General Secretary rather than Acting General Secretary, should remain the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.
The directive places the NFF Secretariat at the centre of ongoing communication with the international football authorities as FIFA and CAF continue their assessment.
Another major development is the suspension of the NFF electoral process.
FIFA requested that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection with the electoral process until further notice. The international body said the measure was intended to preserve the status quo while FIFA and CAF complete their assessment and engage the relevant stakeholders.
The suspension does not, however, amount to a ruling on the validity of the decisions or positions taken by any of the parties involved in the dispute.
FIFA and CAF are also preparing to conduct a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity.
The delegation is expected to meet representatives of the NFF administration, members of the federation, the NFF electoral bodies and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria, including officials of the National Sports Commission.
The planned Abuja meetings are expected to give FIFA and CAF a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the recent developments within the NFF and the different positions held by stakeholders.
The international football bodies will also examine whether any of the issues arising from the crisis require further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF statutes and regulations.
Following the assessment, FIFA and CAF will determine whether recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective competent decision-making bodies.
Until that process is completed, FIFA has warned against making assumptions about the possible outcome or predicting what actions the two international football organisations may eventually take.
The latest development follows a leadership crisis that has shaken the NFF in recent weeks.
Former NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee resigned, resulting in interim arrangements at the football body.
The leadership changes came amid growing calls for significant reforms in the administration of Nigerian football.
The Nigerian government, through the NSC, has been engaging football stakeholders and international authorities on how to address concerns surrounding the management and development of the sport.
A Nigerian delegation led by Dikko and Olopade had earlier travelled to FIFA headquarters in Zurich for discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The meeting was seen as an important step towards resolving the NFF crisis and developing a framework for reforms. However, FIFA’s latest correspondence indicates that the international governing bodies are still assessing the situation and have not formally endorsed a final reform package.
The suspension of the electoral process also means that the proposed NFF elective congress cannot proceed until FIFA and CAF complete their assessment and provide further direction.
For Nigerian football stakeholders, the latest development could prolong uncertainty over the federation’s leadership and electoral timetable. It also means that any restructuring of the NFF will have to take into account the regulatory requirements of FIFA and CAF.
The joint assessment mission to Abuja is therefore expected to become a crucial stage in determining the direction of Nigerian football governance.
Until FIFA and CAF conclude their review, the proposed reforms remain subject to further consultations, while the NFF electoral process remains suspended.
The immediate priority is now for the international football bodies and Nigerian stakeholders to establish a mutually acceptable framework that addresses the governance concerns while ensuring that the country’s football administration remains consistent with FIFA regulations and the broader interests of Nigerian football.
FIFA, CAF suspend NFF election as Nigeria football reforms face fresh review
I always think I’m the best – Mbappé speaks on Ballon d’Or chances
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé believes 2026 could be the year he finally wins the Ballon d’Or, insisting that his individual performances have put him in contention for the prestigious award.
The France captain made the comments on Monday, September 7, 2026, during a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s opening Champions League fixture against Inter Milan.
Mbappé, who is yet to win the Ballon d’Or, said he feels he has a strong case for the award despite ending the 2025/26 season without a major trophy with Real Madrid.
“I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award,” Mbappé said.
“There are many people that speak about me and the Ballon d’Or. Of course I’ve made history in the most important competition. Maybe it’s a good year for this but people can vote according to what they think.”
The 27-year-old enjoyed a prolific individual campaign with Real Madrid, scoring 42 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 season.
He finished as La Liga’s top scorer with 25 goals and also led the Champions League scoring charts with 15 goals. Real Madrid recognised him as the club’s Player of the Season after his outstanding campaign. (Real Madrid)
Despite Mbappé’s remarkable numbers, Real Madrid ended the campaign without a major trophy, a factor that could affect his chances when voters assess the leading candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Mbappé’s international achievements have also strengthened his individual case.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the France captain scored 10 goals to win the tournament’s Golden Boot, while taking his overall World Cup tally to 22 goals.
That total moved him above Lionel Messi’s 21 and made Mbappé the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. France, however, finished fourth after losing their third-place play-off. (20 Minutes)
Asked whether he considers himself the best player in the world, Mbappé made no attempt to hide his confidence.
“I always think I’m the best [player in the world] but everyone has their own opinion,” he said.
“Maybe people think different ways. I don’t think it’s a discussion we need to have.”
He nevertheless acknowledged that winning the Ballon d’Or is ultimately beyond his control because the award is decided by journalists.
“Of course this year could be good for me to win the Ballon d’Or. But journalists vote,” he added.
Mbappé’s best previous finish in the Ballon d’Or voting came in 2023, when he finished third behind Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland while playing for Paris Saint-Germain.
The 2026 race is again expected to be highly competitive, with several players regarded as serious contenders.
Harry Kane is among the leading favourites after scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich during the club’s 2025/26 campaign, while Lamine Yamal and Rodri are also prominent names in the race.
The final 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist is scheduled to be announced on September 8, with the award ceremony set for October 26, 2026, in London. (OddsShopper)
Mbappé’s individual record remains one of the strongest aspects of his candidacy.
Since joining Real Madrid, he has scored 90 goals in 107 matches, while his 42-goal haul in 2025/26 followed a 44-goal debut campaign.
His 42 goals last season included 25 in La Liga, 15 in the Champions League and two in the Copa del Rey, according to Real Madrid. (Real Madrid)
The French forward also continued his remarkable record of winning scoring titles.
He has claimed eight consecutive league Golden Boots, including six in Ligue 1 and two in La Liga, while also winning the World Cup Golden Boot twice and finishing as the Champions League’s leading scorer twice.
However, one notable gap remains in his club career: Champions League success.
Mbappé won the 2018 World Cup with France and has collected numerous individual honours, but he has yet to lift the Champions League trophy.
His former club Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League after his departure, adding another talking point to discussions surrounding his club career.
Mbappé, however, said he is not concerned about PSG’s success since his departure.
“I can’t change it,” he said.
“The truth is that I really don’t care. I know how to analyse football, I know why. I don’t know everything about football but I know more than most.”
Rather than focusing on what his former club has achieved, Mbappé said his priority is helping Real Madrid compete for trophies under manager José Mourinho.
Speaking about Madrid’s recent lack of silverware, he said his experience at the Spanish club had taught him not to look too far ahead.
“My experience with Real Madrid says I shouldn’t think too long-term because a lot can change,” Mbappé said.
“I want to think how I can be ready, to help my team to win the game and to start the Champions League in a good way.”
Mbappé’s comments come after Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 La Liga season, losing 1-0 to Real Betis on September 4.
The French forward had a late opportunity to rescue a point but saw his stoppage-time penalty saved by Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles. (Reuters)
He will now have an immediate opportunity to respond when Real Madrid begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan.
While Mbappé’s lack of major team trophies could count against him in the Ballon d’Or voting, his individual numbers, World Cup Golden Boot and record-breaking World Cup tally give him a strong platform.
The final decision, however, will rest with the journalists casting their votes.
For Mbappé, the ambition is clear: after finishing third in 2023 and coming close on previous occasions, he believes 2026 could finally be the year he wins the Ballon d’Or for the first time.
I always think I’m the best – Mbappé speaks on Ballon d’Or chances
