Lionel Messi looks to be on course to sign a new deal with Inter Miami, which could all but guarantee his participation in the next World Cup.

There had been hints that Messi could be ready to call time on his stay in the United States and head back to Argentina when his current deal expires. However, according to Argentinian outlet TyC Sports, Messi, whose current contract with the David Beckham co-owned club runs until the end of the 2025 season, is ready to sign on the dotted line to keep him in Florida for a little while longer.

Messi, who made the switch to the MLS in July 2023, has been a lynchpin in altering the fortunes of Miami. He helped the team win the Supporters’ Shield this season as they amassed a record breaking 74 points in the Eastern Conference.

Despite their glittering campaign, Miami crashed out in the play-offs in surprising fashion after they were beaten by Atlanta United. Despite the unceremonious end to his season, reports say that he is close to finalising a new contract that would extend his stay until after the tournament, which is set to kick off in North America come June 2026, with the US, Canada and Mexico co-hosting the World Cup.

The length of the rumored extension has now fueled speculation that the 37-year-old could make a surprise appearance in what would be his sixth World Cup. Taking to X, the Argentinian publication claimed: “Leo Messi has a contract with Inter Miami until December 2025. There is a willingness to renew it until after the 2026 World Cup. It has not yet been resolved but it is on track to be done.”

While he is viewed as an elder statesman of the Argentinian national side, Messi remains an integral part of the set-up and has helped his country to the top of the World Cup qualifying standings. Many had expected Messi to return to his homeland in the near future, but it is felt that the Argentinian hero is more than happy in America.

Messi’s compatriot, and fellow national team legend, Mario Kempes has declared that the star is enjoying life in Florida. “Messi is three times happier playing in Inter Miami than at Barcelona, he is doing things very well,” Kempes told TNT Sports.

“It’s not about coming in and having to be focused for the whole ninety minutes. He plays when he wants to.” While former team-mate and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta also insisted Messi has found a new lease of life stateside.

“I would say he has found an environment where he feels comfortable, where he feels at ease,” Iniesta said to ESPN. “He is in a project that excites him, a project with an ambition to grow and he is surrounded by great players.”

Miami entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed after blitzing the regular standings with help from Messi. However, it was an Atlanta side that finished ninth in the Eastern Conference, a whopping 34 points behind Miami, that brought Messi’s dream of lifting the MLS Cup to a swift end.

Even though Miami fell short of winning the cup, Messi managed to score 21 goals in 22 league appearances as he looks to have cemented himself as a club legend already.

FIFPRO have announced their 26-player shortlist for the 2024 Women’s World 11, with Brazil legend Marta and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati both making the cut.

Marta was part of Orlando Pride’s history-making side as they won the NWSL championship for the first time, while she also helped Brazil reach the Olympic final. Bonmati, on the other hand, was part of Barcelona’s incredible quadruple-winning side, which included a league title and the Champions League.

The Lionesses are represented by nine players, including goalkeeper Mary Earps and defensive trio Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood and Millie Bright. Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, Lauren James and Alessia Russo also feature.

The World 11 is the only global player award voted for exclusively by professional footballers, and this year a record number of 28,000 players from 70 countries have voted for the men’s and women’s 11. The finalists announced today are the xx players who have received the most votes in their position, with the complete World 11 set to be announced in a week’s time, which will include one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and free forwards, with the final spot reserved for the remaining outfield player with the most votes.

The first edition of the men’s World 11 took place in 2005, while the women’s version of the award was introduced 10 years later in 2015. Bronze has made the World 11 for the last six years, while Earps, Greenwood, Toone, Walsh, Russo and James were all included last year.

FIFPRO Women’s World 11 shortlist 2024
Goalkeepers
Christiane Endler (Lyon)
Defenders
Selma Bacha (Lyon)
Ona Batlle (Barcelona)
Millie Bright (Chelsea)
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
Olga Carmona (Real Madrid)
Jess Carter (Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham)
Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)

Midfielders
Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
Debinha (Kansas City Current)
Ingrid Engen (Barcelona)
Lindsey Horan (Lyon)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Ella Toone (Manchester United)
Keira Walsh (Barcelona)

Forwards
Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid)
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)
Tabitha Chawinga (Paris Saint-Germain/Lyon)
Lauren James (Chelsea)
Marta (Orlando Pride)
Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

English Premier League giants Manchester United have dismissed reports linking Joshua Zirkzee with a potential January departure from Old Trafford, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Dutch-Nigerian striker joined Manchester United during the summer transfer window but struggled to make an immediate impact, managing just one goal in his first 18 appearances before the game against Everton.

With the appointment of new manager Ruben Amorim, rumours have surfaced suggesting the Portuguese tactician is eyeing reinforcements to fit his style of play.

Among the reported targets is Napoli’s prolific forward Victor Osimhen, with suggestions of a potential swap deal involving Zirkzee.

However, Germany-based transfer expert Florian Plettenberg reports that the Red Devils remain firm in their stance: Zirkzee is neither for sale nor loan this winter.

This declaration comes shortly after Zirkzee’s standout performance against Everton, where he scored twice in Manchester United’s 4-0 victory.

The brace not only marked a turnaround in Zirkzee’s form but also secured Amorim’s first Premier League win at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Osimhen’s future continues to swirl. Tuttosport Editor-in-Chief Guido Vaciago, speaking to Napoli’s local radio station Radio Capri, suggested that any January transfer involving Osimhen must be approved by Galatasaray due to the Nigerian forward’s loan agreement.

“Galatasaray’s approval will be required for negotiations until June 30. However, this transfer may become a more concrete possibility in the summer months,” Vaciago stated, as quoted by Star.

Osimhen recently featured in Galatasaray’s 2-2 draw against Eyupspor at Rams Park. While he did not score, he provided a crucial assist, bringing his tally to three assists in the Super Lig this season.