I was one of the people paying way over the odds to see Messi play for Inter Miami against New York City

Ticket prices sky-rocket for Inter Miami’s game against Houston Dynamo, only for the Argentine to be rested

Joe Biden choosing to give the Argentinian soccer genius this accolade shouldn’t be such a big deal. That doesn’t make it any less odd and inexplicable

Astronomical gap between what Designated Players (high-profile imports) and ordinary pros take home is a troubling issue since the Beckham years in Los Angeles

Plus: Messi and Ronaldo battle it out at the perfume counter; Ireland rack up the z’s; Ronaldo’s sister rushes to his defence

It was the first time since 2003 that neither player was nominated for the award

Set to feature in a new Sally Rooney novel, the game is officially having a moment. But what makes it so appealing to young players?

Lionel Messi wins third major tournament in a row as his career nears an end

Inspiration from Damien Duff’s wife; a heartfelt tribute to Jürgen Klopp; and pillow talk from John Terry

All in the Game: Pep Guardiola makes Margaret Thatcher admission; Thomas Tuchel puts his foot in it; and Damien Duff gives hugs, kisses and kicks

Intense and sometimes destructive social media storms have been a regular occurrence for more than a decade

Manchester United’s ultra-expensive team; Damien Duff quotes; Henderson the ‘water carrier’

Atletico Madrid president gets history listen on club’s past after Bilbao blunder

Argentinian forward was not present at the awards as he beat Haaland and Mbappé

Andy Cole not impressed with Antony; Mourinho explains Roma’s bad away form; a young debutant for Milan

The World Champions hand Brazil third straight loss after crowd violence delay in Rio

All in the game: Wrexham fans lay all their love on James McClean; and Liverpool player discusses ‘sick’ Erling Haaland

Aitana Bonmatí keeps the Ballon d’Or Féminin trophy in Barcelona and Spain for a third consecutive year

All in the Game: Pochettino not happy with Christmas fixtures; McCabe’s impressive record, Messi’s jetsetting

Television: New Disney+ documentary follows the faux-scandal but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before