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Messi hits 500 league goals as Inter Miami cruise past Orlando

Lionel Messi has hit yet another remarkable milestone in his legendary career after reaching 500 league career goals with Inter Miami following his brace against Orlando City on Saturday.

Florida rivals Orlando finished second in the Eastern Conference last season and have been considered contenders for this season’s MLS Cup but they were outclassed by Inter Miami from the outset.

Suarez had lacked sharpness and match fitness in his first two outings but the prolific 37-year-old top scorer for Gremio in Brazil last season put aside any doubts about his continuing ability in the final third.

“I’m very happy for him, that he was able to score. We were calm anyway, we know what Luis is and what he is capable of doing and everyone knows it,” Messi said.

“He is like that, when you least expect it he solves a game for you like he did today, with the goals and the assists.”

Suarez took just four minutes to get Inter Miami on the scoreboard and his first goal for his new club came in emphatic style, meeting a low cross from Julian Gressel with a thumping first-time shot inside the near post.

Seven minutes later and Suarez had doubled his tally with Gressel again the provider to the Uruguayan, who showed good close control in the box before burying into the corner.

Inter Miami were in total control and the crowd lapped up some delicious touches from Messi but it was his former Barcelona teammate Suarez who was doing the damage.

Robert Taylor made it 3-0 in the 29th minute after the excellent Gressel split the Orlando defenders, finding Suarez, who unselfishly picked out Taylor for a simple tap in.

Messi then struck a trademark, curling free-kick from 30 yards out against the upright and minutes later he provided a classy through ball to Suarez, who found the net. But his hopes of a hat trick celebration were denied by an offside flag.

Orlando came out aggressively after the break, seeking a possible way back into the game and they were frustrated when Martin Ojeda’s effort was ruled out for offside.

Messi, Inter Miami: Back in the groove

Inter Miami quickly found a groove, Messi firing inches wide in the 54th minute and then Gressel blasting against the bar after a clever exchange with Suarez.

Another of Inter Miami’s ex-Barca quartet, left-back Jordi Alba, created the fourth when he burst down the flank, played a one-two with Suarez and clipped the ball goalwards.

Orlando captain Robin Jansson’s desperate clearance flew out off the bar and Messi was on hand to put the ball home.

Suarez looked keen for his hat trick but, when found in space in the inside left channel, he looked up and spotted Messi at the back post and found him with a perfectly weighted left-foot cross, which the Argentine headed into the far corner.

Inter Miami, with seven points from the opening three games, return to action on Thursday against Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

“We’re doing well, we’re enjoying it, we’re growing,” Messi said. “Today was an important match to win, to continue on this path of growth and this has to make us very strong for everything that’s to come.”

Earlier, defending MLS champions Columbus Crew were held to a 1-1 draw at unfancied Minnesota United.

Colombian striker Cucho Hernandez put the Crew ahead with a strike from the edge of the box in the 58th minute but Minnesota snatched a point deep in stoppage time through Tani Oluwaseyi.

MLS 2023 runner-up Los Angeles FC fell 3-0 in snowy conditions at Real Salt Lake, with Andres Gomez delivering a brace for the home side.

The game was played on a snow covered field and LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo was fuming with the decision to let the game go ahead.

“It was an absolute joke we had to play today. It was one of the worst professional sporting events I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said.

“I feel terrible for the players that we put them through this. The game could have and should have been called (off). In my opinion, it was an absolute disgrace we had to play today.”

The Los Angeles Galaxy enjoyed 3-1 win at San Jose in their all-Californian clash.

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Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers In 2025: Mahrez, Mane & Koulibaly Lead The Rich List

Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and Kalidou Koulibaly — the top three highest-paid African footballers in 2025.

African footballers have never been more dominant—on and off the pitch. The year 2025 shows just how powerful the combination of Saudi Pro League riches and Europe’s financial giants has become, pushing African stars into the upper tier of world football’s earners.

According to official contract figures, Riyad Mahrez currently wears the crown as the highest-paid African footballer in the world, pocketing a staggering £827,448 per week at Al-Ahli.

Mahrez Leads With Record Salary

The 34-year-old Algerian winger joined Al-Ahli in July 2023, becoming one of the marquee faces of Saudi Arabia’s football revolution. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Mahrez remains hugely influential, contributing 29 goals and 35 assists in 78 appearances.

His paycheck—close to £1 million a week—places him far ahead of his peers and cements his status as Africa’s top financial earner in football history.
James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Sadio Mane & Kalidou Koulibaly Not Far Behind

  • Sadio Mane sits second on the list, raking in £634,060 per week at Al-Nassr, where he lines up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. After a mixed stint at Bayern Munich, Mane has rediscovered his form and fortune in Saudi Arabia.

  • Kalidou Koulibaly, also from Senegal, takes home £550,047 weekly at Al-Hilal after swapping Chelsea for Riyadh in 2023. The veteran defender’s leadership has been key in keeping Al-Hilal at the top of the Pro League.
    Sadio Mane: Bayern Munich set to table £42.5m bid to meet ...

Salah Still Europe’s Top Earner

Among African players still in Europe, Mohamed Salah reigns supreme. The Egyptian King earns £350,000 per week at Liverpool, having signed a fresh extension in April 2025. His loyalty was rewarded not just with financial security but also with another Premier League title in 2024/25, keeping him as one of the continent’s most influential athletes.
Mohamed Salah is staying at Liverpool after contract ...

Osimhen, Hakimi & Kessie Break Into The Top Ten

  • Victor Osimhen – Following a successful loan, the Nigerian forward sealed a permanent move to Galatasaray in July 2025, earning £250,000 per week.

  • Achraf Hakimi – The Moroccan right-back continues to shine at PSG, with wages of £230,639 weekly.

  • Franck Kessie – Since leaving Barcelona for Al-Ahli in 2023, the Ivorian midfielder has been collecting £221,921 per week.
    Victor Osimhen Breaks Silence on Man Utd, PSG Transfer Rumors

The Veterans: Inaki Williams & Edouard Mendy

  • Inaki Williams, loyal to Athletic Bilbao, earns £180,707 weekly, making him one of La Liga’s highest-paid African stars.

  • Edouard Mendy, meanwhile, thrives at Al-Ahli with 32 clean sheets in 74 games and wages of £174,366 per week.
    Inaki Williams: If Barcelona were to call me? Athletic Club is above everything | Goal.com Nigeria

Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers Weekly Salaries (2025)

  1. Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) – £827,448

  2. Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) – £634,060

  3. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) – £550,047

  4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – £350,000

  5. Omar Marmoush (Man City) – £295,000

  6. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – £250,000

  7. Achraf Hakimi (PSG) – £230,639

  8. Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli) – £221,921

  9. Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – £180,707

  10. Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – £174,366

The Rise Of African Power Earners

The financial dominance of Saudi clubs on this list reflects a broader shift in world football. African stars are no longer just global icons on the pitch—they are among the highest-paid athletes in the world.

From Mahrez’s record-breaking wages in Riyadh to Salah’s enduring empire at Anfield, 2025 has cemented the fact that African footballers are thriving both in influence and financial power.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire Player

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating in an Al-Nassr jersey after becoming football’s first billionaire player with a $1.4bn net worth.

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again broken records — this time not on the pitch, but in the world of wealth. According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr forward has officially become football’s first billionaire player, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.04bn).

A Journey Of Goals And Gold

Bloomberg’s valuation takes into account Ronaldo’s career earnings, endorsements, and investments. The numbers are mind-blowing:

  • $550m (£410m) in salary between 2002 and 2023.

  • A decade-long Nike deal worth nearly $18m (£13.4m) a year.

  • His mega Saudi Pro League contract with Al-Nassr, reportedly paying him a record £177m annually.

And if that wasn’t enough, Ronaldo signed a new two-year deal worth over $400m (£298m), keeping him at Al-Nassr beyond his 42nd birthday.

Messi vs Ronaldo: The Financial Rivalry

As always, Lionel Messi isn’t far from the conversation. The Argentine and Inter Miami star has earned over $600m (£447m) in pre-tax salary during his illustrious career. He also secures $20m (£15m) annually since 2023, which, according to Bloomberg, is just about 10% of Ronaldo’s income in the same period.

Messi may not top Ronaldo’s financial status yet, but his retirement plan includes a stake in Inter Miami, setting him up for billionaire territory too.

More Than Just A Player

Ronaldo’s financial empire is built on more than football. With savvy investments, endorsement deals, and a global brand that stretches across fashion, fitness, and lifestyle, CR7 has transformed himself into a global sports business icon.

The billionaire milestone proves what fans already knew: Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a football legend — he’s an empire.

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Star Profile

Victor Osimhen Celebrates Daughter Hailey’s Third Birthday With Heartfelt Message

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen took to social media to celebrate a very special milestone—his daughter Hailey’s third birthday. The Nigerian forward, currently playing for Galatasaray, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing Hailey as “the light that brightens my world.”

Osimhen reflected on the joy of parenthood and the magical journey of watching his daughter grow over the past three years.

“You are the light that brightens my world and the sweetest blessing GOD has given me. Every smile you share melts my heart, every laugh you make fills me with joy, and every hug reminds me how lucky I am to be your parent,” Osimhen wrote.

He went on to highlight how Hailey’s personality continues to amaze him.

“Watching you grow these past 3 years has been the most magical journey of my life. You are smart, kind, playful, and full of love, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do as you continue to grow.”

The striker concluded with a heartfelt prayer for his daughter’s future:

“May your life always be filled with laughter, happiness, and endless love. God will continue to protect you from the eyes of the evil ones AMEN! Daddy/Mummy loves you more than words can ever explain.❤❤❤ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE! (BIG 3).”

More Than Football

While Osimhen is celebrated for his goals and tireless work ethic on the pitch, this touching message highlights another side of the star—the devoted father. For fans, it was a reminder that behind every world-class player lies a human story of love, family, and cherished moments off the field.

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