PSG defender Achraf Hakimi has sent a friendly but firm message to Lionel Messi ahead of their clash at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 on Sunday. Hakimi, who once shared the dressing room with Messi at PSG, will now face the Argentine legend as rivals when PSG take on Inter Miami this weekend.

Speaking to ItalPress, the Moroccan star admitted it would be great to see Messi again, but made it clear that friendship stays off the pitch once the game starts. “It’ll be nice to meet Messi again, we shared some great moments,” Hakimi said. “But when the match begins, there are no friends. “He’ll do everything to win, and so will we. We’ll give it our all to qualify for the next round.”

Lazio winger Pedro has made it clear who he’s backing for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and it’s not Lamine Yamal or Ousmane Dembele. The former Chelsea forward believes Barcelona’s Pedri deserves the top honour, saying he would give him full marks to win the prestigious award ahead of other contenders.

Pedri has been outstanding for Barcelona this season, cementing his place as one of the leading names in the race for the Ballon d’Or. The Spanish midfielder will be up against big names like Dembele, Yamal, Raphinha, Mohamed Salah, and others.

When asked about his choice, Pedro told El Día de Tenerife he has no doubts. “For me, Pedri deserves the maximum score,” Pedro said. “Lamine Yamal is also there, and of course players like Dembele or Raphinha, but I’d love to see Pedri win it. “He’s the best in the world in his position.”

Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has urged the club to prioritise signing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, saying he would be the perfect fit for the Red Devils. Speaking with Metro, Pallister explained that while other strikers like Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen have been linked to the club, Isak stands out because of his proven record in the Premier League.

“Alexander Isak is proven in the Premier League,” Pallister said. “He would be my ideal signing for United. He’s the one I believe can help the club get back to their best. United badly need a reliable goalscorer.” Liverpool are also reportedly in the race for Isak and Osimhen as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of next season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are determined to keep Isak after securing a UEFA Champions League spot, but reports suggest they will only consider offers in the region of £200 million for the Swedish striker.