Football Gists
Harry Kane Wins Football Focus 2026 Ballon d’Or Poll
Harry Kane wins the Football Focus 2026 Ballon d’Or poll with 122 points, finishing ahead of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.
By Michael Umeweni · 9 Oct 2026
Tag
Messi
Football Gists
Football’s Greatest Rivalry Gets A Touching Farewell As Ronaldo Reacts To Messi Retirement
Cristiano Ronaldo has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine superstar’s farewell from international football, bringing another memorable chapter to one of football’s greatest rivalries.
By Nnadebe Chukwuma · 7 Oct 2026
International Football
Ronaldo Sends Emotional Message to Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine legend ended his international career with a 3-0 win over Benin.
By Michael Umeweni · 7 Oct 2026
Football Gists
Messi Is Last One Standing From Barça’s 2011 XI
Pedro’s retirement leaves Lionel Messi as the only active player from Barcelona’s starting XI in the 2011 Champions League final.
By Michael Umeweni · 7 Oct 2026
Football Gists
Messi’s Retirement Has Fans Asking: Is Football Scripted?
Messi's farewell has fans questioning whether football is scripted after the bizarre 06/10/26, No.10 and 2006 World Cup debut coincidences.
By Michael Umeweni · 7 Oct 2026
International Football
Messi to Receive UBA's Highest Honor
Lionel Messi will receive the University of Buenos Aires' highest honorary distinction before his Argentina farewell against Benin.
By Michael Umeweni · 30 Sept 2026
International Football
Messi's Final Argentina Night Set to Be Emotional
Lionel Messi's Argentina farewell against Benin on October 6 will feature tributes, giant banners, videos, special guests and a possible speech.
By Michael Umeweni · 25 Sept 2026
Leagues Cup
Real Madrid and Man United Miss Messi Cup Line-Up
The 2026 Messi Cup will feature 16 elite U-16 academies, but Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus and others are absent.
By Michael Umeweni · 23 Sept 2026
MLS
De Paul Backs Messi to Win the Ballon d’Or
Rodrigo De Paul has backed Lionel Messi to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, pointing to his extraordinary World Cup performance at 39.
By Michael Umeweni · 18 Sept 2026
Football Gists
Ballon d'Or 2026 Voting Criteria Revealed
France Football has confirmed the three key criteria for the 2026 Ballon d'Or: individual performance, collective success and sportsmanship.
By Michael Umeweni · 12 Sept 2026
International Football
Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina After 21 Years
Lionel Messi has officially retired from the Argentina national team at 39 after 21 years, revealing he made the decision two days after the 2026 World Cup final.
By Michael Umeweni · 31 Aug 2026
Football Gists
Iniesta Sends Emotional Message to Messi After Jorge’s Death
Andrés Iniesta has sent an emotional message to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
By Michael Umeweni · 10 Aug 2026
Football Gists
Argentina Stars Rally Around Messi After Father’s Death
Argentina players rallied around Lionel Messi after the death of his father Jorge, with Leandro Paredes revealing plans to travel to Rosario.
By Michael Umeweni · 10 Aug 2026
Football Gists
Luis Suárez Sends Emotional Message to Messi After Jorge’s Death
Luis Suárez has sent an emotional message of support to Lionel Messi and his family following the death of Jorge Messi.
By Michael Umeweni · 10 Aug 2026
Football Gists
Lionel Messi Says Final Farewell to Father Jorge
Lionel Messi returned to Argentina with his family for the private funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, who died aged 68
By Michael Umeweni · 10 Aug 2026
Football Gists
Messi Family Faces Fresh Privacy Row After Jorge’s Death
Claims that Lionel Messi’s legal team will sue media outlets over Jorge Messi’s funeral have not been independently verified
By Michael Umeweni · 10 Aug 2026
World Cup 2026
Messi Was Targeted by Serious World Cup Threats
Lionel Messi was targeted by multiple serious threats during the 2026 World Cup, according to internal police reports
By Michael Umeweni · 10 Aug 2026
Football Gists
Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Dies At 68 After Long Illness
The football world has been plunged into mourning following the death of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, at the age of 68.
By Nnadebe Chukwuma · 8 Aug 2026
Sports Corner
Messi at 39 — The Records That May Never Be Broken
Lionel Messi continues to dominate football history at 39 with record-breaking goals, assists, dribbles, trophies and Ballon d'Or awards
By Michael Umeweni · 7 Aug 2026
World Cup 2026
'The best player to ever stand on a pitch' – Scaloni hails Messi's accomplishments
Lionel Messi was emotional after what is likely to be his last World Cup match, but Lionel Scaloni says his achievements cannot be doubted.
By Collins Godfrey · 20 Jul 2026
World Cup 2026
Kylian Mbappé Finishes As 2026 World Cup’s Leading Scorer
Kylian Mbappé has once again penned his name into football history after winning the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals.
By Nnadebe Chukwuma · 20 Jul 2026
World Cup 2026
Scaloni not surprised by 'machine' Messi's World Cup exploits
Lionel Messi has been the star of Argentina's World Cup title defence, though his performances have not been a surprise to Lionel Scaloni.
By Collins Godfrey · 11 Jul 2026
World Cup 2026
Egypt's defeat to Argentina 'clearly a rigged match', says Hassan
Egypt squandered a two-goal lead and exited the World Cup to Argentina, but Hossam Hassan was left fuming at the match officials.
By Collins Godfrey · 7 Jul 2026
World Cup 2026
Thiery Henry Reveals How Messi Mastered Free Kicks
Thierry Henry has stated that Lionel Messi became one of football's greatest free-kick takers through hard work and daily practice
By Michael Umeweni · 1 Jul 2026
World Cup 2026
Messi Misses Then Makes History as Argentina Delivers Again
Lionel Messi missed a penalty but bounced back to score two historic World Cup goals as Argentina defeated Austria
By Michael Umeweni · 22 Jun 2026
World Cup 2026
Yamal Ends the Debate? Barcelona Star Names Messi as the GOAT
Lamine Yamal has declared Lionel Messi the greatest player in football history, despite admitting that Neymar remains his childhood idol.
By Michael Umeweni · 20 Jun 2026
World Cup 2026
Messi Family Calls for Respect Amid Jorge Messi Health Concern
The Messi family have issued a statement regarding Jorge Messi's health, urging the public to avoid speculation and respect the family's privacy.
By Michael Umeweni · 18 Jun 2026
World Cup 2026
Why Every Player is Wearing Pink Boots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
If you have been watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup and have not noticed or are wondering why almost every footballer is wearing pink-coloured boots/cleats, here is why;
By Chikamso 'Mr Focus' Okoye · 17 Jun 2026
World Cup 2026
Messi Makes History as Argentina Cruise Past Algeria
Lionel Messi scored a stunning hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 to make a perfect start to their 2026 World Cup campaign.
By Michael Umeweni · 17 Jun 2026
World Cup 2026
Lionel Messi's Final World Cup Journey Begins as Argentina Dare to Dream Again
'La Albiceleste' begin the defense of their crown as Messi leads them on. As Argentina prepare to face Algeria in their opening Group J fixture, the 'GOAT' embarks on what is expected to be the final World Cup of his legendary career.
By Collins Godfrey · 16 Jun 2026