Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire couldn’t hide their excitement after watching former Manchester United FC team-mate Juan Mata score a stunning free-kick in Australia.

Mata, now 37, currently plays for Melbourne Victory FC in the A-League. Having shared the dressing room with the popular Spaniard for years at Old Trafford, Fernandes and Maguire tuned in to watch Victory’s clash with Sydney FC.

The pair watched the game on a big screen at United’s training ground, Carrington Training Complex.

When Mata stepped up to take a free-kick in the 34th minute, Fernandes immediately began filming. Maguire asked: “Over the wall?” — to which Fernandes replied confidently: “Yeah, for sure. He has to.”

Moments later, Mata curled a superb effort into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations from his former teammates.

As Fernandes shouted with joy, Maguire exclaimed: “Oh my days!” The Portuguese midfielder then added: “The trust I have in this guy, filming live.”

Fernandes later posted the clip on Instagram, writing: “We just knew it that from there he doesn’t miss right @harrymaguire93?”

After the match, Mata was delighted to learn his old United teammates had been watching.

Smiling, the veteran said: “I love them and I’m happy they follow our games. I hope in the next game Bruno can score a similar goal!”

Mata left Manchester United in 2022 after making 285 appearances, scoring 51 goals and providing 44 assists across eight-and-a-half seasons. Since then, he has played for Galatasaray SK, Vissel Kobe and Western Sydney Wanderers FC.

His popularity extends far beyond England. Former Galatasaray teammate Dries Mertens even travelled to Australia recently to visit Mata and watch him play as Melbourne Victory faced Brisbane Roar FC.

Despite Mata’s brilliant opener giving Victory the lead against Sydney FC, they were unable to secure the win. Charles Nduka doubled the advantage in the 69th minute, but quick goals from Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Ahmet Arslan earned Sydney FC a 2–2 draw.

Even at 37, Mata continues to shine. This season he has made 20 appearances, contributing four goals and 10 assists while rolling back the years with moments of trademark brilliance.

Football often revolves around high-stakes moments, but occasionally the game pauses for humanity. That was the case during the clash between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club when an early injury to Unai Gómez briefly halted proceedings.

As Gómez limped off the pitch with assistance from Athletic’s medical staff, he passed by Barcelona’s technical area. There, Hansi Flick caught his attention.

The Barcelona coach offered a quick pat and a few encouraging words, acknowledging the player’s discomfort and the seriousness that injuries can bring.

Though brief, the gesture did not go unnoticed. Many fans praised Flick for showing empathy in the heat of competition, a reminder that beyond tactics and results, football still carries moments of respect and sportsmanship between professionals.

Lionel Messi added another remarkable milestone to his legendary career by scoring the 899th goal of his professional journey during a Major League Soccer clash between Inter Miami CF and D.C. United on March 8.

The historic moment arrived in the 27th minute and showcased the Argentine’s trademark brilliance.

The move started with Mateo Silvetti, who delivered a perfectly weighted through-ball that split the defense. Messi timed his run to perfection and suddenly found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

As the keeper rushed off his line, Messi remained ice-cool. Rather than powering his shot, he produced a delicate chip that floated gracefully toward the far corner and dropped into the net.

It was a finish full of elegance — the kind football fans across the world have come to expect from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

The goal brought Messi’s incredible career tally to 899, moving him just one strike away from the historic 900-goal milestone.

It was also his third goal of the current Major League Soccer season. Only a few days earlier, on March 2, Messi had already grabbed headlines after scoring twice against Orlando City SC.

With Inter Miami continuing their MLS campaign, attention will now turn to when Messi might reach the extraordinary 900-goal mark — yet another chapter in a career that continues to redefine football greatness.