Sports
FIFA Rule Blocks Lionel Messi From Playing MLS Straight Away
After Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, Lionel Messi has been dealt a further blow, with a little-known FIFA rule preventing him from returning to MLS action with Inter Miami for the next three weeks. The league is already back up and running, but it will have to make do without its biggest star for the time being.
The 39-year-old may have played his final World Cup match on Sunday night, with Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner proving the difference as La Roja claimed their second world title at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Unfortunately for Argentina, that was only half the story, as they have since come under heavy scrutiny for a series of ugly scenes that threatened to overshadow Spain’s triumph.
Enzo Fernandez became just the sixth player in the competition’s history to be sent off in a World Cup final, while La Albiceleste set two unwanted records by committing 26 fouls and failing to register a single shot on target in normal time.
Tempers then boiled over after the final whistle, with the likes of Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina throwing punches and grabbing opponents by the throat, as Messi distanced himself from brawls that ultimately left a sour taste on what had been a questionable run to the final in the first place.
Why Lionel Messi Can’t Play in MLS for Three Weeks After World Cup Loss
Tears flowed for Messi at full-time, and he now has a long time to reflect on his international career’s past, present, and future, as he must now rest for 21 days before returning to action. That’s because FIFA and FIFPRO, the global body that represents professional soccer players, agreed in 2025 on a rest period at the end of each season for health reasons. In a statement at the time, they wrote:
“There is a consensus that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and that players should have a rest period/holiday of at least 21 days at the end of each season.
“This period should be managed individually by each club and the respective players also depending on their match calendars and taking into account applicable collective agreements.”
Messi, along with fellow Argentina and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, will not play in Inter Miami’s next two matches and will not be available for the MLS All-Star Game on July 29, as reported by ESPN. That would mean that the duo will not play in Wednesday’s match against Chicago Fire or the Saturday match versus CF Montreal.
In fact, if both players choose to take the full recovery period off, they will not play across the next four matches, with a return date of August 9th. Luckily for the David Beckham-owned side, though, they are the only two allowed to do so from the entire squad.
Has Messi Played His Final World Cup?
If – and its a big if – Messi has played his final World Cup, then he leaves behind him a legacy that places him as one of the greatest players in the competition’s history.
Across 34 appearances, he scored 21 goals and provided his teammates with 12 assists. He featured in three finals, won the 2022 edition, and is undoubtedly the most-loved footballer of all time.
The tears he shed at the weekend could be for a whole host of reasons. While it could be an expected emotional outpouring, or a reminder that he’s played with the weight of his father’s illness on his mind – it could also signal that his time at the top is over.
He will be 43 by the time the next tournament rolls around, and with two Copa America titles and a World Cup mantle, he may not wish to try complete football all over again, having already done it. That said, his quality throughout this summer suggests he could still hold his own in four years.
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Barbara Paredes, the sister of Argentina star Leandro, has been caught launching into a bizarre rant about England after La Albiceleste were outfought and outclassed by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday night.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, with their opponents forced to rely on physicality, foul play and defensive dark arts just to stand even the slightest chance of reaching penalties. Across the 90 minutes of normal time, Lionel Messi and co. committed 26 fouls and failed to register a single shot on target – two unwanted records that summed up a deeply frustrating night for the South Americans.
However, if anything truly exposed Argentina’s lack of class, it was the ugly scenes that unfolded after the final whistle. While Spain’s players rushed towards each other, their families and supporters to celebrate a historic triumph, several members of the Argentina camp appeared to let emotions boil over.
Punches were thrown, tempers flared, and Paredes was seen grabbing Gavi by the throat before throwing him to the ground – a chaotic and shameful ending that made nearly everyone realise how classless they can be in the pursuit of glory.
Leandro Paredes’ Sister Launches Into Bizarre Rant Abotu England
Since the semi-final win against England, many Argentines have struggled to keep the Falkland Islands out of their minds, with the players celebrating that win with a banner claiming the British-owned territory is theirs, and countless chants being sang before, during, and after the dramatic 2-1 turnaround victory – all of which FIFA refused to investigate, despite calls to do so.
While Sunday’s final loss should refocus attention on Spain’s deserved victory or prompt an honest conversation about Argentina’s misconduct, Paredes’ sister has renewed hostility towards England by passionately telling reporters (watch below):
“Getting this far and beating England along the way meant everything to us. We might not have the fourth star, but we have the Falklands for ourselves.”
The Falklands had been a huge topic in the build-up to England’s semi-final defeat and rumbled on for days afterwards, following uproar over the banner held up by Argentina players. The UK government even chimed in, saying: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.”
UK Government Could Take Unprecedented Action Against Argentine Players
According to the Mirror, Argentina’s Premier League stars could theoretically have their UK work visas revoked if their conduct is considered “not conducive to the public good”, with the Home Office holding the legal authority to do so. Nevertheless, legal expert Asma Bashir has described such an outcome as “highly unlikely”.
But that’s not to say La Albiceleste won’t get away with other issues they’ve been involved with throughout the tournament. They’ve managed to stay out of political trouble, but their aggression in the final is subject to an ongoing investigation, with a range of punishments being mapped out.
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Spain’s Gavi has spoken out after chaotic scenes following the 2026 World Cup final saw him physically involved with Argentina star Leandro Paredes.
The Barcelona ace was an unused substitute as Ferran Torres smashed in a 106th-minute winner for La Roja to add a second star to their badge. Argentina players and staff weren’t particularly happy at the full-time whistle, as several incidents threatened to overshadow Spain’s success on the pitch.
Nicolas Otamendi confronted Rodri, an Argentine coach struck Dani Olmo and Paredes and a teammate threw Gavi to the ground. FIFA have opened an investigation into the chaos that followed the final.
Gavi on Potential Punishment For Argentina’s Paredes
There have been calls for punishments across the board for Argentina. Several players and coaches will be nervously waiting to find out what the governing body decides to do. Some have called for the South Americans to be banned from the next World Cup over their actions.
A more likely scenario could see several players handed individual punishment, whether it be a suspension or a fine. However, Gavi doesn’t believe Paredes deserves to be banned, despite being physically assaulted by the 32-year-old.
Speaking after the game, the Spain No.9 claimed the post-match scenes weren’t appropriate for young viewers, but stated the Argentina players should escape sanctions (as translated by Spanish outlet SER):
“I don’t think they should be sanctioned. I understand it’s not a good image for the younger players, but football also has that violent side. Perhaps the most logical thing would be to send him off during the match. In the end, it’s all football.”
Paredes Ignored Fallout in World Cup Final Statement
It was initially reported and believed that Paredes was sent off during the incident. However, FIFA later confirmed that this was incorrect and the Boca Juniors man saw his red card ‘deleted’ from the record.
Paredes has since posted a statement on social media, where he thanked his nation’s supporters. But he failed to mention what happened after the match.
He wrote: “Today, I write with a heavy heart, having been unable to bring our country the joy it so richly deserves – but with a chest full of pride for having given everything we had and for flying our flag at the very top once again!
“It was an honour to be part of the best Argentine national team in history.”
Arsenal were dealt a major blow in the transfer window after Chelsea hijacked their move to sign Morgan Rogers, but they are now pushing ahead with other targets.
Mikel Arteta has made new forwards a priority for this summer transfer window, with extra firepower seen as a necessity despite the club winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final last season.
Viktor Gyokeres led the line for the majority of the campaign, and finished as the top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions, but the manager has made it clear that his dream transfer target is a new striker, and the club have been handed a boost in their hunt.
Berta Holds Direct Talks for Alvarez
According to a report by Caught Offside, Arsenal have been given the green light to progress on a deal to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez this summer.
The Argentina international is widely considered to be the ‘dream’ transfer target at the Emirates Stadium this summer, but Arsenal had not been given any indications that a deal was possible, with Alvarez prioritising a move to join Barcelona.
The Catalan club had a €100m (£87m) offer rejected earlier in the window, but Arsenal are still keen on getting a deal done despite the price, and it has now emerged that Andrea Berta has held direct talks with Atletico about a deal in recent days.
Atletico Madrid are adamant that Alvarez will not be sold to Barcelona or Real Madrid, despite his wishes, but they have told Arsenal that they would be open to a deal with the Gunners so long as it matches their valuation.
It’s now claimed that Alvarez would be open to returning to the Premier League, but he is still prioritising Barcelona as they are his dream club. The forward is seen as a priority for Arsenal, but they will not exceed their valuation of the player to get a deal done.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Alvarez a Gamechanger for Arsenal
Alvarez has enjoyed two fine seasons at Atletico Madrid, and was key for Argentina at the World Cup this summer as they reached a second consecutive final, but now all attention must turn to his future.
Arsenal want a marquee name to go into their attack, and Alvarez’s quality is undeniable. His link-up play, his quality in front of goal, plus the fact he already has Premier League experience, means he would be a gamechanging signing for the club, but it won’t be easy to do.
Despite that, it’s a deal that is clearly on the table to be done during this window, and Arsenal are in a strong position to get it done.
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