French football icon Zinedine Zidane has strongly supported Lionel Messi in the perennial ‘Greatest of All Time (GOAT)’ discussion, arguing that anyone who continues to doubt the Argentine maestro’s supremacy lacks a true understanding of the sport.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Zidane additionally endorsed Messi for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, noting that he would cast his vote for the Inter Miami forward “100 times” if the opportunity arose. Highlighting Messi’s longevity, Zidane emphasized that maintaining a spot among the world’s elite players at 39 years old is an extraordinary feat worthy of high praise.

“I think people really don’t understand how incredible it is to still be among the best players in the world at 39 years old,” Zidane remarked, as reported by Marca.

At 39, Messi earned a spot on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following the announcement on Tuesday. As the most decorated figure in the history of the accolade with eight wins—his latest coming in 2023 after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar—Messi continues to set records. Zidane argued that Messi’s high-level displays at his age position him as a legitimate contender for the prize.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Messi won the award,” Zidane stated, questioning whether alternative nominees surpassed the Argentine’s contributions.

Recently, Messi disclosed his retirement from international competition, drawing increased attention to the closing phase of his legendary career, according to N. Regarding the ongoing GOAT controversy, Zidane took a definitive stance, firmly rejecting opposing views.

“If anyone still has doubts about the GOAT debate, honestly, that person does not belong in football society,” he asserted.

Former Ivory Coast international Yaya Toure has etched his name into football history by becoming the first African coach to lead a club into the UEFA Champions League league phase.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Toure achieved this milestone with Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava, who secured a dramatic 2-1 victory after extra time against Slovenian side NK Celje on Wednesday. The win sealed a 3-2 aggregate triumph in their final qualifying tie, booking Slovan a spot among the 36 clubs in this season’s prestigious league phase.

This accomplishment is especially significant as it is Toure’s first senior managerial role. The 43-year-old was appointed head coach of Slovan in June and has made an immediate impact, guiding the team through three challenging qualifying rounds. They defeated Georgia’s Saburtalo and Sweden’s Mjallby before overcoming Celje in the decisive play-off, with Cristian Martinez scoring the 100th-minute winner to send Toure’s side through.

Toure’s achievement surpasses the previous high-water mark set by Nigerian coach Ndubuisi Egbo, who led KF Tirana to the qualifying rounds in 2020 but did not progress to the main competition.

A former Champions League winner as a player with Barcelona in 2009, Toure now returns to Europe’s premier club competition in a coaching capacity. Slovan Bratislava is set for a baptism of fire in the league phase, beginning with a daunting trip to face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday.

Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernández delivered high praise for teammate Erling Haaland following their pivotal 2-0 victory against Porto at the Estádio do Dragão in the UEFA Champions League. Fernández provided the crucial assist for the opening goal in the 47th minute, which Haaland followed up with a second strike to secure a brace and cement a dominant away triumph.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶