Former US international Alexi Lalas has spoken out against Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi after the Argentine’s heated confrontation with referee Tim Ford in their recent 3-3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. The incident happened late in the match at PayPal Stadium when Messi made a sharp run in the 93rd minute and seemed to be fouled just outside the penalty area following a sliding tackle by Daniel Munie. Messi quickly demanded a free kick, but the referee waved play on.

After the game, Messi was visibly upset and confronted Ford over his decisions. The situation escalated to the point where San Jose’s coach Bruce Arena had to step in and hold Messi back, as Ford reportedly threatened to show a red card. Lalas wasn’t impressed with Messi’s behavior. On his State of the Union podcast, he said he thought Arena handled the situation well and called Messi’s actions “a bad look.”

He praised the referee for standing firm and not giving Messi special treatment, saying the official repeatedly told Messi to get up and continue, regardless of his star status. Messi, who joined Inter Miami a few years ago after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, has been known for his incredible skills on the field, but this episode shows even the greatest can clash with referees.

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been offered an exciting chance to join a Brazilian club, which would allow him to compete in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 15 to July 13, and four Brazilian teams are set to take part: Fluminense, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Palmeiras.

Although Ronaldo was close to renewing his contract with Al-Nassr a few months ago, this new offer from Brazil has sparked talk that he might consider leaving the Saudi Pro League club. Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after his second departure from Manchester United.

The past season has been tough for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, as Al-Nassr ended the year without winning any trophies and missed out on qualifying for the Asian Champions League. Now, at 40 years old, Ronaldo is said to be weighing an important and major proposal from a Brazilian club, though the exact team has not been revealed. This move could offer Ronaldo a fresh challenge and a chance to compete on the global stage once again, reigniting excitement around his legendary career.

Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to part ways with Manchester City at the end of this season, has opened up about his future—hinting that staying in the Premier League might still be on the table. The 33-year-old midfield maestro confirmed that he’s already in talks with several clubs as he prepares to leave City as a free agent.

Speaking in a recent interview, De Bruyne shared that family considerations could influence whether he stays in England. “I’m having conversations with clubs right now,” he said. “I want to keep playing good football. Whether I remain in England really depends on who’s interested… I’ve got a family and kids, so I have to make a decision that works for all of us.”

De Bruyne joined Manchester City in 2015 from Wolfsburg and has since built a remarkable legacy. Over nearly a decade, he’s helped the club secure six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the coveted Champions League trophy in 2023 under Pep Guardiola.