Brazilian attacker Vinicius Junior said it will be "a bit difficult" to be fit in time for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Argentina, after limping off with a left-thigh injury against Colombia.

It was Lionel Messi and Argentina's first defeat of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign

Argentina face Uruguay on Friday, 6am Bangladesh Time before playing Brazil next Wednesday (6.30am Bangladesh Time).

"It's a very proud thing for me to have as an owner, to have a player like that, the best player in the world, in our team."

Inter Miami saluted Argentine star Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or on Friday, but their friendly match to mark the achievement ended in a 2-1 loss to MLS rivals New York City FC.

Messi won the award for a record-extending eighth time on Monday after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last season.

Inter Miami will celebrate Lionel Messi's record eighth Ballon d'Or award with a friendly against New York City FC.

Inter Miami said the tour's promoter had informed the club of the cancellation, adding it was "due to unforeseen circumstances in China", according to an online statement.

Lionel Messi said Monday he was not thinking about his long-term future as he sought to enjoy winning the eighth Ballon d'Or of his storied career.

Haaland came second in the final voting, with Mbappe third and Kevin De Bruyne in fourth place.

Lionel Messi is the favourite to win the eighth Ballon d'Or of his remarkable career when this year's ceremony to crown the planet's best footballer takes place in Paris on Monday, while Spain's World Cup-winning star Aitana Bonmati is tipped to take the women's prize.

The prestigious award has been dominated over the last 15 years by Messi and his old adversary Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won it 12 times between them.

Messi had also been among the players nominated for the MLS Most Valuable Player award but was not among the three finalists in that category.

Lionel Messi returned to the starting lineup but couldn't prevent his first MLS season from ending in defeat as Charlotte FC beat Inter Miami 1-0 in front of a crowd of 66,101 at Bank of America Stadium.

Argentinian international Alejandro Gomez, better known as Papu Gomez, has been suspended for two years for doping, announced his Serie A club Monza on Friday.

Pep Guardiola says Lionel Messi should have his own category at the Ballon d'Or but admitted the World Cup winner and Manchester City hotshot Erling Haaland would both be deserving winners of the prize.

"I will enjoy the holidays in Argentina. It's the first time that I am going to have more days off in December, with the holidays, with peace of mind, with my people. In January, I will return (to Miami) again to do preseason, start from scratch and prepare as best as possible as always."

The Argentine talisman scored two memorable goals in quick succession to mark a stunning return to form for his national team

Messi, who has said he will retire before the 2026 World Cup, was included in the squad despite carrying a muscle problem which has kept him out of action for club side Inter Miami.

Messi returned from injury as a substitute in the 55th minute but Cincinnati, who have earned top seed in the playoffs, grabbed the win with a goal from Argentine Alvaro Barreal