Messi's 36 goals in finals are now a record; a Tigres farewell is quoted at $5m

The Ballon d'Or's own website has put a number on the header that opened Inter Miami's Campeones Cup win, and the number is a record: it was Messi's 36th goal in a final, more than any other player has scored in the matches that decide trophies. 1 The organisers count 53 finals across his career, with 36 goals and 18 assists in them. 1

The same header, in the 24th minute against Cruz Azul, was his 100th goal for Inter Miami in his 115th appearance for the club. He has added 57 assists across those games, for 157 direct goal contributions since he joined in mid-2023. 1

The organisers count 48 titles in his career, extending a record no other player holds. The next names on that list are the Brazilians Marquinhos and Dani Alves, on 43 each. 1

Cristian "Kily" González held his first news conference since taking charge on Friday, and he was asked about Messi's influence on the club's sporting decisions. "Of course [Messi helps make decisions], in the sense that when you have a player of that class, one that has been lots of great players, you listen," González said. "You have to listen." 2

He said the opinions of players at that level, "and here I'm referring to Leo, are fundamental to the club," and that he talks through footballing details with Messi and the senior players. 2

González agreed to the job on Aug. 27 and took charge only after his work permit came through on Sept. 15, so the final was his first match in the dugout. Inter Miami are second in the Eastern Conference on 45 points from 25 games. 2

He had already made the other half of the case minutes after the trophy, saying it was "only fair" that Messi wins the Ballon d'Or, given his age, the World Cup he played and what he represents. 3

Carolina Holguín Tafur has ended her time as president of CD Eldense, the Spanish second-division club Messi agreed to buy. 4 In the club's statement she tied her exit to the takeover: "Eldense begins a new era under Lionel Messi," she said, adding that she was leaving the club "in the best hands." 4

The takeover still needs due diligence, final legal steps and approval from Spain's High Council for Sports. 4 On the pitch, Eldense host Eibar on Saturday after taking their first win of the season away at Sporting Gijón last weekend. 4

Reporting in Mexico has put a price on a Messi farewell tour. 5 Willy González, a Monterrey broadcaster, said on his show that Messi's representatives have offered Tigres the chance to host a farewell match next year at the Estadio Universitario, in San Nicolás de los Garza, in a friendly against Messi and Inter Miami. The figure he reported was about $5 million. 5 Tigres have made no announcement, and the plan sits at the stage of talks between his representatives and a potential host. 5

Messi has been to Nuevo León twice: as a young Barcelona player for a preseason friendly against Tigres in 2006, and with Inter Miami against Rayados in the Concacaf Champions Cup in April 2024. 5

The farewell that is confirmed is the Argentina one. Messi is in the 28-man squad for the October window, and reporting around the squad announcement said he would play only the Oct. 6 match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental, the game the federation built its invitation around. 6