Lionel Messi Confronts MLS Commissioner After Scoring 100th

Lionel Messi's post-match celebration after winning the Campeones Cup was overshadowed by a tense confrontation with MLS commissioner Don Garber. Video from Wednesday night showed the Inter Miami star pointing his finger at Garber on multiple occasions during an animated conversation following his team's 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, a match where Messi scored his 100th goal for the club.

Postgame footage captured Messi pointing at Don Garber and speaking to him before walking away, only to return and continue the pointed discussion. Another clip showed the two men pointing at each other as they talked. The league declined to comment on the exchange, which occurred after Inter Miami secured another trophy three years into Messi's tenure. Miami has now won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters' Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup in 2025 to go with this latest Campeones Cup.

The Argentine legend is set to purchase the entirety of Spanish club Deportivo Eldense. The deal with the current Colombian investment group, TH Soluciones Group, is not yet legally finalized and remains subject to due diligence and approval from Spain's High Council for Sports. Ruben Alfaro, the mayor of Elda, confirmed an agreement in principle exists. If completed, Messi will become the sole owner of the Alicante-based club, which plays in a stadium with a capacity of roughly 5,800 spectators. This follows his purchase of a stake in UE Cornella, a fifth-division Catalan club, in April 2026.

The eight-time winner received his 17th nomination for the prestigious award. His nomination comes after he helped inspire Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where he scored eight goals during the tournament. His eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, did not make the shortlist this time. The list is dominated by players from Paris Saint-Germain, which features ten nominees including new signing Ferran Torres, a World Cup final scorer for Spain.

In a move that will captivate football fans globally, the two icons have agreed to play on the same side for Carlos Tevez's career farewell match. Tevez, who retired in June 2022, confirmed the news in an interview on September 7. "I have always dreamed of seeing Cristiano and Leo playing in one team," Tevez said. "They both agreed, I am very excited." The match will be held at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. Both legends are also approaching the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals, with Ronaldo needing 22 more and Messi requiring 73.

• Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in their Campeones Cup victory on Wednesday.
• He is in advanced talks to become the sole owner of Spanish club Deportivo Eldense.
• The Argentine received his 17th Ballon d'Or nomination for 2026.
• He and Cristiano Ronaldo will play together in Carlos Tevez's farewell match.