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In a recent interview in his home country of Argentina pertaining to his availability for the 2026 World Cup, soccer superstar Lionel Messi called Major League Soccer -- his current home -- "a minor league."

The comment to Star+ came in the context of laying out his priorities, which continue to be trying to support his national team to the fullest. That includes competing in next summer's Copa America for Argentina.

It’s no secret that Sweden have been the biggest thorn in the side of the United States women’s national team in recent history. The Swedes knocked the USWNT out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the 2016 Olympics and thrashed the Americans 3-0 in the group stage of the 2020 Olympics.

Sweden are the USWNT’s kryptonite. They won’t be able to hurt the USWNT in Paris next summer though because they failed to qualify due to a 1-0 loss to Switzerland on Friday.

Sweden fail to qualify for Olympics

If you’ve kept up with The18 over the past couple years, then you know we love to poke fun at FIFA’s ridiculous world rankings. The latest FIFA rankings put the United States men’s national team at No. 12 in the world.

Latest FIFA rankings

THE USMNT IS RANKED NO. 12 IN THE LATEST FIFA WORLD RANKINGS

: @433 pic.twitter.com/xhAYTq5lzH

United States forward Trinity Rodman said their early exit at the World Cup was a turning point for the squad and the arrival of Emma Hayes as their new manager comes at the perfect time with the Paris Olympics just around the corner.

The U.S. had been going for a third straight World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand but were eliminated by Sweden in the Round of 16.

Ricardo Pepi scored his first ever Champions League goal on Wednesday and it couldn’t have come at a better time as he headed in the game-winning goal during PSV’s group stage game vs. Sevilla.

A rough start for PSV saw the Dutch club down 2-0 on the road in Seville and needing a miracle. That wish was granted with Lucas Ocampos getting sent off for Sevilla in the 66th minute which completely shifted the momentum.

PSV clawed back to make it 2-2 but were searching for a winner.

The beginning of a new era for the United States women’s national team means saying goodbye to the previous generation. Ali Krieger is the next USWNT legend to receiver her flowers as she will be honored before the team’s friendly vs. China on Dec. 5 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Krieger announced she was retiring at the end of the 2023 NWSL season and finished her career in style by leading Gotham FC to their first championship. The 39-year-old’s club career ended in the best way possible and now she will be recognized for her national team contributions.

AC Milan's injury problems in attack have opened the door for teenager Francesco Camarda who was called up to the squad to face Fiorentina and the 15-year-old has the talent to overcome his young age, manager Stefano Pioli said on Friday.

Rafael Leão was substituted with a hamstring injury early in Milan's last game with Lecce and is still sidelined, and his replacement in that game, Noah Okafor, suffered a thigh injury while on international duty with Switzerland.