Soccerladuma | 5 Biggest Stories Of The Weekend

A France international has found a new club outside of the transfer window, while Lionel Messi marked his return to action in sublime fashion – these are the five biggest stories of the weekend! The Argentina captain was named in Inter Miami's starting XI for the first time since the 2024 Copa America ended in July. The 37-year-old, in typical fashion, stole the show as the Herons claimed a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union at home in the MLS. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored twice and registered an assist, with the Florida-based outfit now only a few victories away from winning the MLS Eastern Conference! Barcelona made it five wins out of five in LALIGA this weekend, largely thanks to their brilliant Lamine Yamal-inspired first-half performance.

The 17-year-old netted twice, in the 30th and 37th minute, to send Hansi Flick's side into the break 2-0 up away against Girona, before Dani Olmo and Pedri added to the score in the second half. Lamine has now registered seven goal contributions in his opening five appearances of the season, form that begs the question; just how high in his ceiling? After winning their opening three matches of the season, the Reds suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. New manager Arne Slot called the result "a big setback" as he suggested it will always be disappointing losing to a team that generally does not finish in the league's top 10 places.



The Reds are in the UEFA Champions League action on the road against AC Milan on Tuesday. After rejecting offers from Saudi Arabia, France midfielder Adrien Rabiot has reached an agreement in principle with Olympique Marseille. The midfielder left Juventus as a free agent at the end of last season, but has been in limbo since then, a situation Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps recently called "embarrassing".

The 29-year-old is now set to return to Ligue 1 for the first time since his Paris Saint-Germain departure in 2019. Following a torrid time at Manchester United, the 24-year-old did enough in Chelsea's 1-0 away victory over Bournemouth on the weekend to be awarded the Man of the Match. The winger was introduced after half time and looked a constant threat down the Blues' left side, eventually setting up Christopher Nkunku's winning goal in the 86th minute.

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