Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has stressed that every player, including the attackers, must be involved when the team is defending. Speaking ahead of their final Club World Cup group match against Salzburg, Alonso made it clear that defending starts from the front.

“We all have to defend, all eleven players need to press — Vinicius Jr, Jude, Fede Valverde, Mbappé, everyone,” Alonso said. Madrid currently sits on four points after two games and needs just one more point to book a place in the Round of 16. Alonso also addressed questions about Rodrygo, who didn’t feature in their last match against Pachuca.

“Rodrygo is in good shape. He stayed on the bench for tactical reasons. He’s still very important for us, and we’ll definitely need him at the Club World Cup. He’s a special player and will have a big role to play,” Alonso added.

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has once again been named the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for the second year running. This was revealed in new figures released by the MLS Players Association, which shows Messi earns a guaranteed $20.45 million. That amount only covers part of his income, as he also cashes in from endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and his revenue-sharing deal with Apple, the league’s broadcast partner.

Reports from Sportico suggest Messi could earn as much as $150 million throughout his two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami, which began in the summer of 2023. Toronto FC striker Lorenzo Insigne sits second on the list with guaranteed earnings of $15.44 million. Third place goes to Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets, who earns $8.5 million, followed by Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón at $7.87 million, and San Diego FC’s Hirving “Chucky” Lozano with $7.63 million.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford could be heading to Barcelona, with reports suggesting he is ready to play a central attacking role under new manager Hansi Flick. Sports journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Barcelona are considering a loan move for Rashford, although their main transfer target remains Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.

Rashford is reportedly keen on a switch to the Spanish giants this summer and is open to adapting to Flick’s plans by operating through the middle in attack. The England international appears to have no future at Old Trafford under new manager Ruben Amorim.

United, however, have placed a £40 million price tag on Rashford, which could complicate the deal. It remains uncertain whether the club will allow him to leave on loan or insist on a permanent transfer.