USA

AS Monaco and United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun got himself on the scoresheet twice during his side’s 5-2 Ligue 1 victory vs. Metz on Saturday.

Balogun’s first goal was scored in bizarre fashion as Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja lived every keeper’s worst nightmare and got caught on the ball. Balogun, who came on a substitute in the 65th minute, did well to force the mistake and was rewarded with a goal.

They don’t come much easier than this.

Inter Miami owner David Beckham shared an Instagram post that momentarily made the soccer world stand still. Beckham, along with his wife Victoria, were hosting Neymar for dinner in Miami.

Beckham chose quite the eye-catching caption as he wrote, “Welcome to Miami my friend (only for dinner).”

David Beckham Neymar post

The American midfielder had nothing short of a bittersweet start to her weekend.

Korbin Albert topped off her more-than-busy Thursday scoring an insane long-range goal in Paris Saint-Germain’s quarterfinal UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout tie.

The USWNT midfielder received the ball on the outskirts of the 18-yard box and hit an absolute bullet with her weak foot against BK Häcken to seal PSG’s qualification to the semi finals of the European tournament.

Korbin Albert goal for PSG in Women's Champions League vs. Häcken

Megan Rapinoe has stepped into the Korbin Albert controversy with a clear shot at the 20-year-old United States women’s national team midfielder.

Albert has been facing a tidal wave of backlash after fans discovered reposts on her TikTok that featured anti-LGBTQ+ posts. 

Albert also was caught liking a post that was celebrating and making fun of Rapinoe’s Achilles injury that ended her career in last year’s NWSL Championship game.

The Portland Thorns signed forward Sophia Smith to a two-year contract extension Tuesday, making her the highest paid player in the NWSL, ESPN reported.

While Smith's deal runs through the 2025 season, the contract will include an option for 2026.

No. 9

We’ve agreed to a contract extension with forward Sophia Smith.

More here: https://t.co/5lmwcbQau3 pic.twitter.com/suBqSm86qy

The Korbin Albert controversy kicked off Wednesday night when United States women’s national team fans discovered her far-right political reposts and likes on social media.

The reposts that got USWNT fans the most upset were on TikTok. It appears Albert’s account reposted videos about people needing to “be saved from being gay or transgender.”

Gotham FC and United States women’s national team forward Midge Purce is out for the season and unavailable for this summer’s Olympics after suffering an ACL injury.

Purce was substituted in the first half of her side’s 1-0 victory against the Portland Thorns on Sunday after picking up an injury.

The 28-year-old confirmed on social media that she had sustained an ACL injury and will be out for an extended period.

Midge Purce ACL injury

The question on many soccer fans’ minds these days is “when will Messi retire?” and the Argentina star has provided an answer (sort of).

Lionel Messi is still producing highlights on what feels like a weekly basis with Inter Miami but has given fans a clue about his retirement situation.

When speaking with Big Time Podcast the 36-year-old said that it’s not a certain age that will mark his retirement, but his play will be the determining factor.

When will Messi retire?

France and AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud is reportedly finalizing a summer transfer to LAFC following Euro 2024 according to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert.

Giroud has been Milan’s top scorer this season finding the back of the net 14 times and adding nine assists. The 39-year-old Frenchman has aged like a fine wine.

His contract with the Italian giants will expire in June and it appears that a move to Major League Soccer is on the horizon.