Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer after an October contract extension with Inter Miami guaranteed him an annual compensation of £20.9m.
Figures released by the MLS Players Association show the Argentina captain’s base salary currently sits at £18.5m.
This remarkable figure is more than double the earnings of the North American league’s second-highest paid player.
Son Heung-min trails in second place
Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-min is the next highest earner with a base salary of £7.7m.
The former Tottenham star, 33, currently takes home slightly more than Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
San Diego FC winger Hirving Lozano completes the top bracket of the division’s premium earners.
Commercial deals boost overall earnings
These official salary figures do not account for lucrative individual endorsement deals.
They also exclude the World Cup winner’s unique option to acquire a future ownership stake in the Florida franchise.
Inter Miami is notably co-owned by former Manchester United and England captain David Beckham.
A period of unprecedented dominance
The South American superstar joined the American league in 2023 and has since scored 59 goals in 64 regular-season appearances.
His prolific form helped the Herons secure the prestigious MLS Cup in 2025.
The veteran attacker led the division with 29 goals last season.
He was subsequently crowned the league’s Most Valuable Player for a second consecutive year.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr have missed the chance to secure the Saudi Pro League title after a spectacular own goal from goalkeeper Bento gifted rivals Al Hilal a crucial equaliser.
The Portuguese forward was visibly frustrated as the late error prevented his side from confirming their championship triumph on Tuesday.
A victory would have guaranteed the Riyadh-based club their first domestic league crown since the 2018-19 season.
Costly error shifts momentum
The disastrous mistake occurred when the Brazilian shot-stopper inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
This pivotal moment completely shifted the atmosphere within the stadium, leaving the home supporters in sheer disbelief.
The resulting draw means the five-time Ballon d’Or winner must wait even longer to lift his first league trophy in Saudi Arabia.
Title race remains alive
Al Hilal will view this fortunate point as a vital lifeline in their own pursuit of domestic glory.
The defending champions have consistently pushed the current league leaders throughout a grueling campaign.
Al Nassr must now regroup rapidly and overcome this profound psychological blow as they prepare for the final fixtures of the season.
Match officials have released the VAR audio detailing the exact reasons why Benjamin Sesko’s controversial strike against Liverpool was awarded despite widespread handball appeals.
The latest broadcast of mic’d up refereeing decisions has provided unprecedented transparency into the contentious incident.
Spectators and opposing players were originally convinced the Slovenian international used his arm to bundle the ball into the back of the net.
However, the newly available recordings confirm the video assistant referee could not find definitive evidence of a deliberate infringement.
Reviewing the crucial moment
On-field officials allowed the effort to stand in real time, shifting the burden of proof directly to the team stationed in the video booth.
The broadcast reveals the remote squad meticulously studying multiple camera angles to determine the exact point of contact on the attacker’s body.
Because the available replays proved inconclusive, strict technology protocols dictated that the referee’s initial decision could not be overturned.
Ongoing drive for transparency
This public release forms part of a continuous initiative by the governing body to demystify complex and highly debated decisions for football fans.
The lightning-fast forward has built a formidable reputation for his clinical finishing, but this specific sequence left the opposition furious.
By sharing the direct communications between the pitch and the VAR hub, authorities hope to improve overall understanding of the often-debated handball laws.
Paris Saint-Germain have begun specific training to counter Arsenal’s set-piece tactics ahead of their Champions League final meeting in Budapest on 30 May.
The Ligue 1 leaders are leaving nothing to chance as they anticipate a physical aerial battle against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Footage from the French giants’ training sessions shows goalkeepers Matvei Safonov and Lucas Chevalier rehearsing routines to deal with corners and free-kicks.
The Premier League contenders have built a formidable reputation from dead-ball situations this season.
Enrique skips awards to study Gunners
The Parisian club’s preparations are so intense that manager Luis Enrique chose to miss the recent UNFP award ceremony to focus on their English opponents.
“I never go to these kinds of events, I prefer to stay home, I need to study Arsenal.”
The Spanish coach praised his domestic peers but emphasised his immediate priority remains securing European glory.
Domestic duties remain
Before travelling to Hungary, the current league leaders must navigate their final domestic fixtures against Lens and Paris FC.
They currently sit six points clear at the summit of the French top flight with just two matches remaining.
Their manager highlighted the physical toll of a congested fixture list, with the upcoming Lens tie arriving just three days after their previous outing.
“We have injured players and others who have played two matches in a row. We have to manage it,” Luis Enrique added.
“Tomorrow, we will show what kind of team we are, our ambition.”
Defensive blow for north Londoners
The Gunners have their own injury concerns to manage ahead of the showpiece event.
Key defender Ben White has reportedly been ruled out of the final, dealing a significant blow to their tactical plans.
Fifa are considering granting referees unprecedented powers to penalise penalty box grappling before set-pieces are taken at the upcoming World Cup.
World football’s governing body wants to eradicate the aggressive wrestling at corners and free-kicks that has frequently marred domestic leagues this season.
Discussions are currently under way regarding how match officials might legally award fouls before the ball actually comes into play.
New directives could be introduced instructing referees to be extra vigilant regarding illegal blocking and clear holding.
Focus on preventative action
Premier League officials Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor are expected to be told that the recent spate of skirmishes requires decisive preventative action.
Match officials will receive their specific tournament orders when they arrive at their Miami training base early next month.
If implemented, the controversial change would mean free-kicks, penalties and cards could be awarded despite the current Laws of the Game stating non-violent offences can only be punished while the ball is active.
The issue of blocking at corners has been a significant talking point in the English top flight, with Arsenal recently having a late goal ruled out against West Ham amid VAR controversy.
International incidents scrutinised
Recent international fixtures are being used to highlight unacceptable blocking tactics to managers ahead of the global tournament.
One specific example under review is England’s friendly against Uruguay in March, where Ben White’s goal was overshadowed by accusations that Adam Wharton illegally blocked José María Giménez.
Former Chelsea manager and current United States women’s head coach Emma Hayes highlighted the issue during her television punditry duties for that fixture.
“I think nine times out of ten blocking off someone like that is a foul and I’m surprised it wasn’t given.”
Referees urged to take a firm stance
The proposed crackdown aligns with recent comments from the head of Fifa’s Technical Study Group, who warned officials must take a firmer approach to dead-ball situations.
Former Switzerland international goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler specifically highlighted the trend of disruptive set-piece tactics seen in the English tier.
“We have seen this, especially in the Premier League with Arsenal.”
“This is a trend, yes, of course, but I’m sure for our World Cup, we have the best referees there and those referees will be a key part of these situations.”
These strict new directives have reportedly already been discussed with national team managers as the countdown to the global showpiece accelerates.
Chelsea supporters will stage an unprecedented protest march against the club’s BlueCo ownership ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
The supporter group ‘Not A Project CFC’ intends to hold a peaceful demonstration down Wembley Way before the showpiece event.
Organisers anticipate thousands of attendees will participate in the march to express their profound disillusionment with the current hierarchy.
Fans also plan to turn their backs on the pitch during the 22nd minute of the match.
This specific timing is a symbolic gesture marking the year the American consortium took control of the West London side.
Unrest amid Wembley showcase
Protesting at a major domestic cup final highlights the severe fracture between the Stamford Bridge faithful and their corporate leadership.
The primary grievances centre around Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, who are accused of running the institution purely as an investment vehicle.
David Cook, a lifelong fan and key organiser of the demonstration, acknowledged the unusual nature of protesting during a cup final.
“I know it will look strange to some supporters. You reach the FA Cup final and it’s a sign of success, but this is about how the club is being run,” Cook stated.
“This is our club, we are passionate and we support our team. We want it back.”
Cook also noted that the visual nature of the protest aims to serve as a stark warning to any potential future investors.
Managerial instability and academy concerns
The Blues are currently searching for their fifth permanent manager of the BlueCo era following a turbulent period in the dugout.
Despite securing the Club World Cup and Europa Conference League recently, the current domestic campaign has largely been mired in mid-table mediocrity.
Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by the boardroom’s treatment of homegrown academy graduates, who are frequently sold to balance financial ledgers.
Cook emphasised that the constant churn of both playing staff and head coaches has completely eroded trust in the overarching project.
“From managerial appointments, treating academy graduates badly and trading them as assets while selling bits of the club to themselves, this is all wrong,” added the 34-year-old.
“Mauricio Pochettino did quite well and then Enzo Maresca did very well, but they reached a point where they questioned the ownership, and they were gone.”
The capital club will face a formidable challenge on the pitch this weekend, entering the clash against Pep Guardiola’s dominant side as heavy underdogs.
Manchester United are exploring a summer transfer for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde following his reported training ground altercation with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni.
The 27-year-old Uruguay international has been sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering a concussion during the incident in the Spanish capital.
He was forced to issue a public apology, but club officials reportedly remain frustrated and could sanction a sale ahead of the new campaign.
Dressing room divide at the Bernabeu
Senior figures within the squad have allegedly sided with Tchouameni over the dispute and are open to Valverde departing.
United had previously shown interest in the French World Cup winner as they look to bolster their midfield options.
However, the former Monaco man is reluctant to leave after receiving the unwavering backing of his current employers.
Consequently, the English side are now monitoring Valverde’s increasingly uncertain situation closely.
Midfield rebuild at Old Trafford
Securing two high-calibre midfielders has become a priority for the Premier League outfit this summer.
Veteran Brazilian Casemiro is set to depart at the end of the season, while Manuel Ugarte is also expected to be sold to the highest bidder.
The Uruguayan vice-captain is contracted to Los Blancos until 2029 and would likely command a substantial transfer fee.
Other targets on the Old Trafford shortlist reportedly include Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.
Despite his recent domestic troubles, the midfielder has won 73 international caps and remains a key figure for his national side.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has agreed a contract extension until 2028 after leading the Catalan club to their 29th La Liga title.
The 61-year-old German was already committed for next season but has now added a further year to his deal, which includes an option for an additional 12 months.
Sunday’s decisive victory over rivals Real Madrid secured the domestic league crown with three games to spare.
Historic points tally in sight
The triumph marks the former Bayern Munich boss’s second consecutive league championship since replacing Xavi in the summer of 2024.
The reigning Spanish champions now have the opportunity to end a dominant campaign on a remarkable 100 points.
“I’m really happy about this,” Flick said.
“They have given me and my team the confidence to work one or two years more.”
Shorter terms preferred
The seasoned tactician expressed his preference for shorter-term commitments despite the security that longer deals provide.
“A lot of coaches would be happy if they get a contract of three, four or five years, but in Barca’s case it’s good to limit it. I really appreciate it a lot.”
“We go to 2028 and then we’ll see if everything is right, and, if so, we can decide on one more year,” he added.
“The club has the right, and I have the right – I think it’s a good deal.”
Emotional weekend for the manager
The recent title celebrations followed a difficult weekend for the head coach, whose father passed away shortly before the decisive fixture.
A poignant minute’s silence was observed prior to kick-off on Sunday in a show of respect.
Since arriving at the Nou Camp, the serial winner has enjoyed immense success, having also lifted the Copa del Rey during his debut campaign.
His glittering managerial resume also includes a historic sextuple with the Bavarian giants in 2020, featuring both the Champions League and Club World Cup trophies.