Brazilian defensive midfielder and club captain in the spotlight
Casemiro has joined Inter Miami on a contract through 2027 with an option to extend to 2029. MLS is reviewing a tampering allegation related to discovery rights involving Inter Miami and LA Galaxy. The deal pairs Casemiro with Lionel Messi as Inter Miami defends its 2025 MLS Cup title.
Messi has returned to the field for Inter Miami amid weather delays, scoring and assisting in a Leagues Cup clash. The club remains unbeaten in eight matches, with Messi’s form continuing after the World Cup final. Other MLS actions see Suarez and Mendez scoring in Columbus’ draw as the league contends with scheduling and player welfare.
Everton is negotiating to sign Denmark midfielder Christian Nørgård from Arsenal for around £7m, aiming to strengthen midfield after departures and injuries. Arsenal’s title win last season left Nørgård seeking regular football, with Everton pushing to complete their fourth summer signing as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has returned to the field after his father Jorge’s funeral as he contemplates retirement. His father, who served as his agent, has died aged 68. Messi has expressed uncertainty about continuing to play, while teammates and opponents offer support as Miami exits the Leagues Cup group stage.
Manchester United has strengthened its midfield with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans and added Karl Darlow, while Marcus Rashford has returned from Barcelona. Gareth Carrick says more signings are needed to challenge for the title and maintain Champions League contention. Rivals have spent heavily, prompting questions about United’s strategy and pace of spending.
Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi is set to join Manchester City for 100 million euros, replacing Rodri as City seeks a long-term midfield solution. Bouaddi has impressed at the World Cup and Lille, becoming the youngest to play for Lille at 16. The deal underscores City’s strategy to refresh aging midfield talent.
United has agreed a deal with Brighton for Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old is set to join Michael Carrick’s midfield, joining Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Baleba’s signing comes amid United’s midfield rebuild after Casemiro’s departure and Ugarte’s injury.
European clubs push for late bargains as the transfer window narrows. Liverpool, Arsenal, Barcelona and City are in late talks over high‑profile moves, with Barcola, Enzo Fernandez, Kenan Yildiz and Julian Alvarez among potential targets.
Bruno Fernandes scores a hat-trick and adds an assist as Manchester United overturn a first-half deficit to beat Ipswich 5-2. Kobbie Mainoo is hailed as world-class by Luke Shaw, and new signing Baleba waits in the wings.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in a handwritten Instagram statement published on 31 August 2026. The 39-year-old has said he has "nothing left to give" after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and to the 2026 final. Tributes and plans for a farewell match are under way; Argentina will meet friendly opponents in September.
Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami win the Campeones Cup with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, sealing the club’s first Campeones Cup trophy and adding another trophy to Messi’s MLS era. Casemiro’s late header secures the win after Messi’s early headed goal; the ceremony also marks new coach Cristian Gonzalez’s first game in charge.
Manchester United has suffered a damaging run of results, including a Carabao Cup exit to Brighton and a falling form that has intensified scrutiny of Michael Carrick, director of football Jason Wilcox, and the club's recruitment strategy. The latest defeats have exposed ongoing issues in energy, structure, and finishing, with questions over fitness and tactics lingering as the club searches for a plan B.
Barcelona and Real Madrid face a high-stakes Clasico as Mourinho returns to the dugout, with Barca leading La Liga by six points. Mbappe, Yamal and Bellingham are among star names shaping the clash, while the outcome could reshape title race dynamics.