bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 12, 2023 9:31:14 GMT
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to meet in friendly as Inter Miami head to Saudi Arabia..
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Lionel Messi won a record eighth Ballon d'Or in OctoberLionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to renew their rivalry when Inter Miami face Al-Nassr in a pre-season friendly in Saudi Arabia in February. The fixture is part of the Riyadh Season Cup, with Miami also playing Al-Hilal on 29th January. Miami had denied they were taking part in the tournament when plans were initially announced in November. "These matches will offer important tests for our team," Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson said. "We're excited for our group to get the chance to go up against teams with as much quality as Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr." Widely regarded as all-time greats, forwards Messi, 36, and Ronaldo first met in 2008 when Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League final and have faced each other on a further 34 occasions, with the Argentine winning 16 times and the Portuguese coming out on top in 10 fixtures, while nine have ended in a draw. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/136BC/production/_131984597_bbc-sport-index-imagery-2-split-images-gradient-5d5f4527-77b0-425d-97da-fdc97cd1e976.pngAcross those 35 encounters, Messi has scored 21 goals and laid on 12 assists, while Ronaldo, 38, has 20 goals and one assist to his name. Inter Miami finished 14th in the Eastern Conference last season and they won the Leagues Cup, with Messi, who joined the club in July, scoring 10 goals across seven games to help the club lift their first trophy. Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums into sports, football in particular, with Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N'Golo Kante and Jordan Henderson all signing for Saudi Pro League clubs over recent years. Campaigners say investment into sport is being used to distract from long-standing reputation issues such as Saudi Arabia's human rights record, the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and the war in Yemen - a process known as 'sportswashing', although the Kingdom's sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, says those claims are "very shallow."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 14, 2023 23:12:17 GMT
Lionel Messi: Six of Argentina captain's shirts from 2022 World Cup sell for combined £6.1m..
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Lionel Messi scored two goals and converted from the spot during the penalty shootout as Argentina beat France in the 2002 World Cup finalSix of Lionel Messi's shirts worn during the 2022 World Cup sold for a combined $7.8m (£6.1m) at a Sotheby's auction in New York. Messi captained Argentina to victory at the tournament with his country beating France on penalties in the final. The six jerseys were from the first half of the final, semi-final, quarter-final, last-16 tie and two group games. The record for a game-worn football shirt is Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' jersey, which sold for £7.1m in 2022. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, became the first player in World Cup history to score in the group stage, last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of a single tournament. He played in all seven of Argentina's 2022 World Cup matches, but only two of the three shirts Messi wore during the group stage will be auctioned, after Heart of Midlothian's Australia international Cammy Devlin swapped shirts with the former Barcelona forward during the tournament. Sotheby's said: "A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to Unicas Project, led by Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Children's Hospital with the support of the Leo Messi Foundation, to meet the needs of children suffering from rare diseases."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 22, 2023 20:11:49 GMT
Luis Suarez: Uruguay striker joins Inter Miami & reunites with Lionel Messi..
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Luis Suarez has won trophies with Nacional, Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and GremioUruguay striker Luiz Suarez has joined MLS side Inter Miami for the 2024 season, reuniting him with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Suarez, 36, joins as a free agent after leaving Brazilian side Gremio. "I look forward to reuniting with great friends and players," said Suarez. Inter Miami chief business officer Xavier Asensi described the ex-Liverpool striker's signing as "another monumental moment" for the club. Suarez, who has also won league titles with Nacional, Ajax and Atletico Madrid, scored 17 goals in 33 games as Gremio finished second in Brazilian Serie A in the 2023 season. The veteran forward's performances led to him being voted the league's best player. But the two-year contract he signed with Gremio in 2022 was ended early because Suarez felt he could not play another full season in Brazil with a knee problem and the travelling distances for games. Miami - part-owned by former England captain David Beckham - signed Messi, Busquets and Alba during the 2023 season, with the trio helping the franchise win a first trophy with the Leagues Cup in August. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/AFC0/production/_132129944_suarez.jpg"I'm very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami," added Suarez. "I can't wait to get started and I'm ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great club a reality. "I'm optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition." Suarez, who is widely considered one of the best strikers of his generation, won four La Liga titles at Barcelona alongside Messi, Busquets and Alba between 2015 and 2019. The quartet were also an instrumental part of the Barca team that won the Champions League and Fifa World Club Cup in 2015. Inter Miami finished second from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference last season. They made a poor start under the management of former England international Phil Neville, who was sacked in June, before a resurgence followed Messi's arrival.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 15, 2024 22:37:39 GMT
Fifa Best Awards: Lionel Messi wins best male player award..
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Lionel Messi (front row) helped Inter Miami beat Nashville SC to win the Leagues Cup in the United StatesArgentina forward Lionel Messi has won men's player of the year at the Fifa Best Awards. Inter Miami's Messi edged out City striker Erling Haaland with Paris St-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe third. Messi, 36, began 2023 at Paris St-Germain, before moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami in June. He picked up the best men's player award for the third time since this format of the awards began in 2016, after doing so in 2019 and 2022. He scored nine goals for PSG as they won the French Ligue 1 title and 10 goals in seven games as Inter Miami won the inaugural Leagues Cup in the United States. Messi and Haaland finished on the same amount of points, with Messi getting the award as he had more first-place nominations from national team captains. Among the national team captains who voted for Messi were Harry Kane, Mbappe, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Aaron Ramsey and Luka Modric, while Ilkay Gundogan and Casemiro voted for Haaland, as did Messi himself. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/1/15/99d443a7-6ff1-453d-8731-65b874c9796b.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 1, 2024 8:52:19 GMT
Lionel Messi: Napkin which detailed Argentine's first Barcelona contract to be auctioned..
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Messi left Barcelona for Paris St-Germain and now plays for Inter Miami
The napkin on which 13-year-old Lionel Messi's first Barcelona contract was signed is to be auctioned - with a starting price of £300,000. The napkin, signed in December 2000, carries a commitment from then Barca director Carles Rexach to sign Messi. It was also signed by Josep Minguella, a transfer advisor to the Spanish club, and agent Horacio Gaggioli, who recommended the Argentine. Messi joined Barca a month later and went on to be their record goalscorer. He made his debut aged 16 and scored 672 goals in 778 games for the Catalan club. Now 36, Messi won 10 La Liga and four Champions League titles at Barcelona before leaving for Paris St-Germain in 2021. The napkin was signed at a meeting arranged by Rexach, who invited Messi's father Jorge to lunch after concerns from the Messi family about a lack of response from Barcelona following the teenager's initial trial. Written in blue ink, the agreement on the napkin reads: "In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona's sporting director, hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon." The napkin will go under the hammer via British auction house Bonhams in March. Head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams Ian Ehling said: "This is one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled. "Yes, it's a paper napkin, but it's the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi's career. "It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe." Messi's Career Stats: Age: 36, Played: 1102, Goals: 848, Clubs: Barcelona C & B, Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami, Argentina U20 & U23 and Argentina...
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 1, 2024 21:57:54 GMT
Al-Nassr 6-0 Inter Miami: Lionel Messi comes off bench late on in friendly loss..
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Lionel Messi started the game as a substituteLionel Messi's Inter Miami suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat by Al-Nassr in a friendly in Saudi Arabia. The game had been billed as a clash between Messi and old rival Cristiano Ronaldo but the latter was ruled out for Al-Nassr because of injury. There was nothing Messi could do about the result as he only came on for seven minutes with Al-Nassr already 6-0 up. Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte scored the pick of the goals with a free-kick from his own half. Brazilian Talisca hit a hat-trick for the Saudi Pro League side, who were 3-0 up inside 12 minutes. Otavio opened the scoring before Talisca got his first and then Laporte got on the scoresheet when he caught Miami goalkeeper Drake Calender well off his line. Talisca got his second from the penalty spot to make it 4-0, Mohammed Maran scored Al-Nassr's fifth with a header before Talisca completed the scoring.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 4, 2024 22:45:13 GMT
Lionel Messi: Fans angered as World Cup winner fails to play in Hong Kong..
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Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami last summer from Paris St-Germain and is contracted to the Major League Soccer side until 2025Angry fans in Hong Kong booed Inter Miami during a pre-season friendly after Lionel Messi did not play. The Argentina World Cup winner, 36, who had a hamstring injury, was left on the bench as Inter beat a local League XI 4-1 in front of almost 40,000 fans. There were chants of "refund", while a speech by Inter co-owner David Beckham was drowned out by booing. The Hong Kong government said match organisers Tatler Asia may face a reduction in funding. "Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organisers' arrangement. The organiser owes all football fans an explanation," the government's major sports events committee (MSEC) said. "The MSEC will take follow-up actions with the organiser according to the terms and conditions, which includes reducing the amount of funding as a result of Messi not playing the match." The MSEC said it had granted 15m Hong Kong dollars (£1.5m) for the event along with a grant of one million Hong Kong dollars for the venue. A near-capacity crowd of 38,323 at Hong Kong Stadium had each paid more then 1,000 Hong Kong dollars (£101) for a ticket. But Messi did not feature, while Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who joined Inter Miami in December, also missed the match, with a knee injury. In the second half, chants of "we want Messi" intensified as the Argentina captain, signed last July, continued to watch from the bench. Beckham was then drowned out by jeers when he tried to thank supporters for their "incredible support" at the final whistle. In a statement, the organisers said: "Despite some news reports, Tatler did not have any information about the non-participation of Messi or Suarez prior to kick off. "Messi and Suarez were deemed unfit to play by their team's medical department, to everyone's, including ours, disappointment." Inter manager Gerardo Martino said: "We understand the fans' disappointment in the absence of Messi and Suarez, and we apologise for that, but this was a decision made with our medical staff. "If there was a way they could have played even a little while we would have done it, but there was too much risk involved."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 5, 2024 15:43:01 GMT
Organisers seek no payment after Messi no-show..An update now after angry fans in Hong Kong booed Inter Miami during a pre-season friendly when Lionel Messi did not play. The Argentina World Cup winner, 36, who had a hamstring injury, was left on the bench as Inter beat a local League XI 4-1 in front of almost 40,000 fans. Match organisers Tatler Asia have now said it will not ask for the money as Messi did not take to the pitch. "Tatler Asia deeply regrets the disappointing ending to what was an exciting occasion," Michel Lamuniere, chairman and CEO, said. "[Tatler Asia] has decided to officially withdraw its application for... the 16 million Hong Kong dollars government grant." A near-capacity crowd of 38,323 at Hong Kong Stadium had each paid more then 1,000 Hong Kong dollars (£101) for a ticket. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/2/5/f0797bc1-5e75-4035-9be9-981f3aa427cc.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 6, 2024 16:46:18 GMT
Lionel Messi defends injury absence in Hong Kong friendly after fans boo..
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Lionel Messi explained that he felt too much injury 'discomfort' to play against a Hong Kong League XI i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/02/13/80684395-13028135-Rexach_admitted_there_were_many_factors_that_could_have_seen_Mes-a-5_1706880666138.jpgForward Lionel Messi has defended himself after local fans booed Inter Miami because he missed a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong. Inter beat a League XI 4-1 in front of almost 40,000 fans on Sunday, with Argentina captain Messi left on the bench because of a hamstring problem. The Hong Kong government said Messi was contracted to play at least 45 minutes. "I always want to play, especially in these games where we travel so far and people want to see our games," he said. "Unfortunately this happens in football. In any game it can happen that you can't play. "I hope we can return and play a game in Hong Kong." i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/06/10/80869555-0-Lionel_Messi_was_an_unused_substitute_during_Inter_Miami_s_4_1_w-a-20_1707214562659.jpgThe Argentine was an unused substitute during Inter Miami's 4-1 win, where fans had paid up to £500 to see him play Supporters in a near-capacity crowd of 38,323 at Hong Kong Stadium each paid more then HK$1,000 (£101) for a ticket. There were chants of "We want Messi" in the second half as the World Cup winner remained sat among the substitutes. When he failed to make it on the pitch, there were then chants of "Refund", before Inter co-owner David Beckham was drowned out by jeers as he tried to thank supporters during a speech after full-time. The Hong Kong government's major sports events committee (MSEC) said it was "extremely disappointed" that Messi did not play, having provided grants of HK$16m (£1.5m) to organisers Tatler Asia for the event. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/06/10/80907995-13050783-image-a-2_1707214692513.jpgMessi could not confirm whether he would play against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday
Tatler Asia said it will not ask for the money as Messi did not play. Messi came on as a substitute six minutes from the end of Miami's previous match in Saudi Arabia last Thursday, but a scan after that game confirmed a swelling of the hamstring. The 36-year-old, who has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, said the injury is improving and he could feature against Japanese champions Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Wednesday. "I don't know if I can or not, but I feel a lot better and really want to do it," he said. "This afternoon we're going to practise; we'll try again. I have a good feeling, compared to how I was." i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/06/10/80869589-13050783-Inter_Miami_president_David_Beckham_was_loudly_booed_as_he_addre-a-4_1707214804081.jpgInter Miami president David Beckham was loudly booed as he addressed the fans in Hong Kong
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 8, 2024 16:04:58 GMT
Lionel Messi: Chinese fury as superstar plays in Japan after missing Hong Kong match..By Nicholas Yong, BBC News, Singapore.i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/07/12/80963837-13056213-image-a-2_1707310701315.jpgLionel Messi played in a Japan friendly after missing a match in Hong Kong, leaving Chinese fans seething and sparking conspiracy theories. State media outlet Global Times accused the footballer and his club Inter Miami of "political motives" with the aim of "embarrassing" Hong Kong. Messi remained on the bench throughout Sunday's match in the Chinese special administrative region, citing injury. Wednesday's game in Tokyo led some fans to question whether he'd been injured. Some 38,000 fans at the Hong Kong Stadium booed and demanded refunds when Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham addressed the crowd at the end of Sunday's match. They had paid up to HK$4,880 (£494; $624) to watch the 36-year-old Argentine superstar. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/07/12/80963783-13056213-image-a-4_1707310708209.jpgJust last year, Messi received a rock star welcome in Beijing when he played for his country in a friendly against Australia. Some 68,000 fans paid up to $680 for the chance to see him in action. He is also a spokesperson for big Chinese brands such as Huawei, Chery, Tencent, Mengniu, Chishui River Wine and J&T Express. Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong's secretary for culture, sports and tourism, said government officials were repeatedly told that Messi would play. But with 10 minutes left in the match, they were informed that a hamstring adductor injury would prevent him from playing. "We immediately requested them to explore other remedies, such as Messi appearing on the field to interact with his fans and receiving the trophy," Yeung said. "Unfortunately, as you all see, this did not work out." The territory's chief executive John Lee said he was extremely disappointed by Messi's absence and called for an explanation from match organisers. Other officials like Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip also reacted with fury, claiming that "Hong Kong people hate Messi, Inter-Miami, and the black hand behind them" for the "deliberate and calculated snub". "Messi should never be allowed to return to Hong Kong. His lies and hypocrisy are disgusting," she added. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/04/13/80829467-13043635-image-a-29_1707054248941.jpgMatch organiser Tatler Asia said in a statement that Messi had been contracted to play, unless injured. It added that it was withdrawing its application for a HK$16m government grant. The match had been designated as a major sporting event, which enabled the organisers to access government funding. On the same day as the Japan friendly, Messi said that he "regretted" being unable to play in Hong Kong due to a "swollen and painful" groin injury. "I hope that one day we will have the opportunity to come back and give our best to our fans and friends in Hong Kong," he told a televised news conference. His post on Chinese social media network Weibo explaining why he hadn't been able to play in Hong Kong has so far attracted some 142,000 comments. While some were supportive, many reacted angrily, with some calling the Argentine a "conman" and "garbage". Others accused the Argentine of only wanting to make money off Chinese fans, while pandering to the Japanese. "No need to apologise, just don't come to China again. Just because you play football well does not mean you are a good person," one netizen said.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 20, 2024 8:46:59 GMT
MLS 2024 season: What to look out for, including Lionel Messi & Luis Suarez at Inter Miami..By James Nalton, BBC Sport.
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Lionel Messi is preparing for his first full season in American footballThe 29th season of Major League Soccer is set to be one of the most significant in the history of the North American league. It will be the first of three momentous years when the attention of football fans from around the world will be focused on the continent. The region will host high-profile international tournaments - the 2024 Copa America, 2025 Club World Cup and 2026 World Cup - and boasts the sport's preeminent player, Lionel Messi, as well as other familiar names. While 2023 was all about the fanfare of his arrival, 2024 will be the first full season of Messi in MLS. Given he played just a handful of league games after moving to the David Beckham-owned franchise Inter Miami midway through last year, this feels very much like a debut MLS season for the Argentine magician. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/20/02/81469451-13102553-image-a-37_1708394605827.jpgMessi has been joined by ex-teammates (L-R) Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Sergio BusquetsHe'll be joined at Miami this year by former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, as well as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who arrived with Messi last July. Suarez thinks Inter Miami should be aiming to win everything. The ex-Liverpool striker posed the question during the off-season: "Why wouldn't we dream of winning all four titles this year?" A total of 29 teams spread across the US and Canada will compete in MLS this season. It is the first since 2016 that the league has not added a new expansion franchise, though there will be one in 2025 when San Diego FC are welcomed into the fold. There are plenty of familiar faces across MLS including Phil Neville, who is now coaching Portland Timbers after leaving Inter Miami before Messi's arrival to be replaced by Gerardo Martino, and former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, who coaches Charlotte FC. Former Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris joined Western Conference challengers Los Angeles FC while Ryan Gauld, a player once dubbed the Scottish Messi as a youth at Dundee United, has found his feet in Canada as a key player with Vancouver Whitecaps. Messi isn't the only Argentine World Cup winner in the league. Highly-rated 22-year-old Thiago Almada stars for Atlanta United and continues to attract interest from European clubs. Some of the highest paid MLS players include familiar names such as Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC), Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire), Christian Benteke (DC United) and Teemu Pukki (Minnesota United). Along with Designated Players, salary caps and countless unique rules and regulations, one of the many quirks of MLS is that its Players Association publishes players' salaries each year.
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 22, 2024 15:16:16 GMT
THURSDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2024 - UNITED STATES MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Inter Miami CF 2 Real Salt Lake 0
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Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in July last year on a two-and-a-half-year contract
Lionel Messi had a hand in both goals as he helped Inter Miami beat Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer's season opener on Wednesday. Argentina forward Messi played in Robert Taylor for the first, with the midfielder's first-half shot squeezing under visiting keeper Zac MacMath. Messi, 36, also had a hand in Miami's late second goal scored by Diego Gomez. He linked up well with former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, who registered an assist on his MLS debut. "He looked loose, fine and showed a lot of speed," Miami coach Gerardo Martino said of Messi's performance. The 2022 World Cup winner missed the back end of last season for David Beckham's MLS franchise through injury. Earlier this week, Messi released a video to defend his absence from a friendly in Hong Kong on 5th February after a backlash from Chinese fans.
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 26, 2024 9:19:49 GMT
MONDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2024 - UNITED STATES MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
LA Galaxy 1 (Joveljic 75) Inter Miami CF 1 (Lionel Messi 90+2)
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Lionel Messi stabs his shot past LA Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthyLionel Messi scored a classy injury-time goal for Inter Miami in their 1-1 draw with LA Galaxy. Galaxy took the lead after 75 minutes through striker Dejan Joveljic, before midfielder Mark Delgado was sent off for a second yellow card. Messi, 36, then combined cleverly with former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba and slid at full stretch to strike past goalkeeper John McCarthy. Miami beat Real Salt Lake in their Major Soccer League opener last week. They are top of the Eastern Conference on four points but are the only side in the division to have played twice. Rivals DC United began their campaign by beating New England Revolution 3-1 on Saturday. "We were outplayed in the first half, we could have gone into the dressing room a goal down," said Miami head coach Gerardo Martino. "They scored on a counter-attack but after that we showed character." Miami started all four of their ex-Barcelona players in California, with 2022 World Cup winner Messi and Spaniard Alba joined by Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez. However, Argentine Messi had few chances, as Busquets and Suarez in particular looked off the pace, but he made a late one count. Galaxy's Delgado was sent-off in the 87th-minute, Alba's pull-back found Messi inside the box for the former Paris St-Germain forward to grab a late equaliser.
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 4, 2024 0:20:41 GMT
SATURDAY 2nd MARCH 2024 - UNITED STATES MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Inter Miami CF 5 (Suarez 4, 11, Taylor 29, Messi 57, 62) Orlando City SC 0i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/02/23/81969181-0-image-a-1_1709423085782.jpgLuis Suarez scored his first goals for Inter Miami and Lionel Messi also netted twice as they thrashed Orlando City in the MLS. Suarez, who failed to score in his first two MLS games, netted twice in the opening 11 minutes from Julian Gressel passes. Suarez unselfishly set up Rob Taylor before Messi netted from close range and headed in a Suarez cross. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/02/23/81969177-0-image-a-2_1709423095072.jpgMiami are top of the Western Conference after three games. Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Suarez joined Miami in December after spells with Nacional in his native Uruguay and Brazilian side Gremio. He was one of four former Barcelona players in the team at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, along with defender Jordi Alba, midfielder Sergio Busquets and forward Messi. Miami are managed by ex-Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/03/00/81969183-13150219-image-a-17_1709425797073.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 7, 2024 13:28:54 GMT
Lionel Messi scores for Inter Miami on return from injury..
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Messi had been out of action since 13th March before playing against Colorado RapidsLionel Messi scored for Inter Miami in a 2-2 MLS draw with Colorado Rapids as he made his return from injury. The Argentine had missed four games with a hamstring issue and came on for the second half with his side 1-0 down following a Rafael Navarro penalty. Messi equalised with a left-foot shot before helping set up a goal for team-mate Leonardo Afonso. Miami could not hold on to the lead, with Cole Bassett equalising for the Rapids in the 88th minute. "What Leo did is the usual for him, what he provokes in our team, in his team-mates, in the people," said Miami boss Gerard Martino. "The most important thing is that he felt comfortable, he felt good, he felt loose. "This will help him to be more confident, especially with regard to the injury, for the second leg in Monterrey." Miami are away at Monterrey in the return leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-final on Wednesday having been beaten 2-1 by the Mexican side in the first leg.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 5, 2024 17:08:20 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 17, 2024 22:49:49 GMT
Lionel Messi's napkin contract promise sells for £762,400..i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article32001651.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200d/0_GettyImages-1963646109.jpgThe napkin on which Barcelona committed to sign a 13-year-old Lionel Messi has been sold in an auction for £762,400. The starting price was £300,000 for the 'standard Spanish waxy napkin' which is 16.5 x 16.5cm and was laminated and framed. The napkin, signed in blue ink in December 2000, carries a pledge from then Barcelona director Carles Rexach to sign Messi. It was also signed by Josep Minguella, a transfer adviser to the Spanish club, and agent Horacio Gaggioli, who recommended the Argentine youngster. The napkin in blue ink was offered in an online auction by London-based Bonhams on behalf of Gaggioli. Messi joined Barca a month after the deal was agreed and went on to become their record goalscorer and many regard him as the greatest player of all time. He made his first-team debut aged 16 and scored a record 672 goals in 778 games for the Catalan club. Messi won 10 La Liga titles and the Champions League four times at Barcelona before leaving for Paris St-Germain in 2021 - and the 36-year-old World Cup winner now plays for Inter Miami. The napkin was signed at a meeting arranged by Rexach, who invited Messi's father Jorge to lunch after concerns from the Messi family about a lack of response from Barcelona following the teenager's initial trial. Translated into English, it reads: "In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and in the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona's sporting director, hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon." i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/sport/article23894224.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/5_Real-Madrid-v-FC-Barcelona-LaLiga-Santander-date-30-Football-Alfredo-Di-Stefano-Stadium-Madrid.jpgIan Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, said: "Since the sale was first announced it captured international attention and fans all over the world have anticipated this day. "What a wonderful result for one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled. Yes, it's a paper napkin, but it's the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi's career. "It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe." Bonhams said that "allegations concerning the ownership of the napkin were raised in March but have not been substantiated and appear from recent press comment to have been retracted". The auction house added: "The consignor of the napkin has received a legal opinion which confirms to them that they have clear title and the right to sell the napkin under Spanish law, and the seller gives a full warranty of title with the sale."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 9, 2024 7:20:47 GMT
Lionel Messi admits he and wife Antonela Roccuzzo 'don't go out much' in Miami and prefer to stay in at $11m Florida mansion..by Oliver Salt
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Lionel Messi has opened up on his and wife Antonela Roccuzzo's life off the field in MiamiLionel Messi has opened up on life off the field in Miami - admitting he and wife Antonela Roccuzzo rarely make the most of the city's famous nightlife. Messi has spent close to a year in Florida after sealing a blockbuster transfer to Inter Miami last summer, with the soccer legend and childhood sweetheart Antonela moving into a luxurious $10.75million Fort Lauderdale mansion. The couple have been spotted out and about from time to time, most recently when they were mobbed by fans on their way to a meal with Luis Suarez and his family. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/07/16/85847123-13506393-image-a-65_1717774806290.jpgMessi has spent close to a year in Florida after sealing a move to Inter Miami last summerNevertheless, in an interview with Argentinian publication Infobae, Messi claimed that he and Antonela 'don't go out much' in Miami and instead prefer to stay in at their lavish home. 'No, the truth is that we don't go out much either,' he said when asked about his lifestyle in the city. 'We live in the area where the club is located and we have a short drive to Miami. 'We go out, we've gone out a couple of times, but I still don't know it well.' Messi is set to put club duties with Miami on hold this summer and join up with Argentina for the Copa America, where he and his international teammates will bid to retain their crown after winning the competition in 2021. He will not have to travel too far, however, with this summer's tournament being held in the US. Argentina's last group game against Peru is also being held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. And should they make it as far, the all-important final will be staged at the very same venue. 'The games played here in Miami are going to be different because the climate changes a lot, a lot of heat, a lot of humidity,' the 36-year-old said. 'But well, we in the group have only one in Miami, which is the third, and then if we continue passing and God willing we reach the final, you won't come back until the final. Then, somewhere else, I don't think it's as hot as it is here in Miami. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/09/00/85845515-13506393-He_and_wife_Antonela_moved_into_this_luxurious_11million_mansion-a-26_1717888572103.jpgHe and wife Antonela moved into this luxurious $11million mansion in Fourt Lauderdale 'In 2016 we played the Copa America here in the United States and the truth is that it was spectacular. 'We had a good time, we had a great Copa America, beyond having lost the final of that time, but it was very nice.' Argentina kick off their Copa America campaign against Canada in Atlanta on June 20, before heading to New Jersey to take on Chile five days later. They then conclude the group stage by facing Peru in Miami on June 29th. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/09/00/85847089-13506393-The_soccer_legend_claims_they_prefer_to_stay_in_with_their_child-a-27_1717888572371.jpgThe soccer legend claims they prefer to stay in with their children than make the most of the city's nightlife
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 12, 2024 22:32:50 GMT
Lionel Messi plans to finish his career with Inter Miami..i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/03/13/85648845-0-image-a-43_1717417305823.jpgLionel Messi intends to finish his career with Inter Miami - but has no plans to retire just yet. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, 36, joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) club last summer after leaving Paris St-Germain. That followed a glittering career with Barcelona, where he won the Champions League four times, alongside 10 La Liga titles. The 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina has a contract with Inter Miami to 2025 with the option of a further year. "As of today, I think it's going to be my last club," the forward told ESPN. "I'm not ready to leave football either," he added. Messi is not playing like someone with one eye on retirement - this season he has 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 matches for the MLS leaders. He will be hoping to take that form into this month's Copa America, with Argentina looking to retain the trophy they won in 2021. The tournament is being staged in the United States, which Messi has been able to call home for the past year. "It was a difficult step to leave Europe to come here," Messi said. "The fact of having been world champion helped a lot to see things differently also. "I love playing football. I enjoy the training, every day of the matches. a little afraid that everything will end.
"That's why I enjoy everything much more, because I'm aware that there's less and less to go and I have a good time at the club.
"I enjoy the little details that I know I'm going to miss when I don't play any more."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jul 10, 2024 11:05:09 GMT
Photos of Lionel Messi with Spain's Euro 2024 hero Lamine Yamal as a Baby resurface after historic tournament goal last night..by Matt Strudwick.i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/08/87147601-13618873-image-a-9_1720595450840.jpgPhotos of Lionel Messi with Spain's Euros hero Lamine Yamal as a baby have resurfaced after his historic goal in last night's semi-final against France. The snaps of eight-time Ballon D'Or winner Messi - widely considered the greatest footballer of all time - show him smiling as he cradles Yamal who is wrapped in a towel. It comes following the Barcelona prodigy's stunning 25 yard strike against France last night in Munich to become the youngest player to ever score at the Euros at the age of 16 years and 362 days. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/08/87147661-13618873-image-a-10_1720595452940.jpgThe wonder strike set Spain on their way to a 2-1 win over Didier Deschamps' side and booked them a place in Sunday's final - the country's first in the tournament since 2012's 4-0 triumph over Italy. The photos were taken in 2007 for a charity calendar and were posted on Instagram by Yamal's father, Mounir Nasraoui, last week with the caption: 'The beginning of two legends.' i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/08/87147605-13618873-image-a-11_1720595456166.jpgOne image shows Yamal in a blue plastic bathtub as Argentina's Messi laughs and holds a hand out to him. Yamal's mother crouches beside the football legend and her wide-eyed son. Joan Monfort, 56, took the photos at Barcelona's Camp Nou where Messi played for 17 years and made more than 500 appearances and scoring 474 goals in the process. Mr Monfort, who works as a freelance photographer for The Associated Press and others, said the photo shoot took place in the visitors' locker room when Yamal was just a few months old. Barcelona players posed with children and their families for a calendar as part of an annual charity drive by local newspaper Diario Sport and UNICEF. Mr Monfort was in charge of the photo shoots - and it just so happened that Messi was paired with Yamal's family. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/08/87148355-13618873-image-a-12_1720595470909.jpgHis mother, who is from Equatorial Guinea, is next to Messi and the baby in one of the photos. 'We made the calendar with the help of UNICEF. So UNICEF did a raffle in the neighborhood of Roca Fonda in Mataró where Lamine's family lived. 'They signed up for the raffle to have their picture taken at the Camp Nou with a Barca player. And they won the raffle,' Mr Monfort said. It wasn't an easy assignment, he recalled, mainly because Messi wasn't sure how to interact with baby Yamal, who was in a plastic tub for the shoot. 'Messi is a pretty introverted guy, he's shy,' Mr Monfort said. 'He was coming out of the locker room and suddenly he finds himself in another locker room with a plastic tub full of water and a baby in it. 'It was complicated. He didn't even know how to hold him at first.' Messi was 20 at the time and already considered a big talent, but it would take a couple of years before he made his mark as the most outstanding player of his generation for Barcelona and Argentina. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/08/87148393-13618873-image-a-15_1720595550482.jpg
Yamal poses for a photo with his younger brother and his mother at full-time following Spain's 2-1 win last nightLike Messi, Yamal has gone through Barcelona's renowned La Masia youth academy. Despite his age, he's been one of Spain's best players at Euro 2024, where his team will play France in the semifinals on Tuesday. Yamal will turn 17 on Saturday, the day before the final in Berlin. Monfort had no idea it was Yamal in those photos from 2007 until a friend messaged him as they started trending online. He's had a long career as a sports photographer since 1991, following Barcelona around the world, but said he's never experienced this level of excitement around any of his photos. 'It's very exciting to be associated with something that has caused such a sensation,' he said. 'To tell you the truth it's a very nice feeling.' i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/10/08/87148397-13618873-image-a-18_1720595627254.jpg
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