At the 2026 World Cup, Vinicius Jr. joined not only Lionel Messi but also Cristiano Ronaldo in receiving a major recognition.

Lionel Messi may be leading the Golden Boot race, but Germany's Deniz Undav has emerged as FIFA's highest-rated attacking ...

Watch the best goals from the first round of games at the World Cup, including memorable strikes from Argentina's Lionel Messi, France's Kylian Mbappe and Brazil's Vinicius Jr.

Vinicius Junior argues with Barcelona forwards Raphinha and Lamine Yamal (right) Oscar del Pozo/AFP via Getty Images The Athletic FC ⚽ is The Athletic’s daily football (or soccer, if you prefer) ...

Goal numbers show a contrasting comparison Still, Messi’s Champions League knockout goal record remains far ahead, with 49 in 77 matches, averaging 0.63 per game. Vinicius Jr has 16 goals in 41 ...

While Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. will not reunite in Major League Soccer, they remain in constant contact, maintaining a friendship. The Brazilian said in a recent Kings League Brazil broadcast that ...