In the 20th minute, Lionel Messi delivered a remarkable long-range strike, propelling Inter Miami to a 2-0 advantage against the Philadelphia Union.
This goal not only widened Messi’s lead in the Golden Boot race but also positioned Inter Miami on a path towards a potential finals berth, assuming the current outcome remains unchanged.
Their objective now is to maintain their 2-0 lead against the Union and effectively manage the rest of the match to secure their position.
In anticipation of their upcoming semifinal match against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, Jim Curtin, the manager of the Philadelphia Union, earnestly appealed to supporters not to part with their tickets.
Following a triumphant 2-1 win over Liga MX team Queretaro in the League Cup quarterfinals, Curtin, at the helm of Union, urged fans to retain their tickets despite the potential resale allure in the secondary market.
With the build-up to Tuesday night’s semifinal showdown, ticket prices have surged to as much as $1500 on the MLS ticketing platform SeatGeek.
“Please don’t sell your tickets, no matter how much money they’re offering for them, please,” he said at a press conference.
Curtin and the Union are hoping to retain their home-stadium advantage as the red-hot Argentine and Inter Miami come to town. Messi fans may have other plans in mind, though.
The Eastern Conference heavyweights will play host to a reinvented Inter Miami side under Tata Martino.
Lionel Messi’s tendency to desist from exchanging jerseys with opponents unless asked has been extensively documented.
This explains why Ghanaian footballer Harrison Afful became a trending topic on Ghana’s Twitter.
A camera captured a moment showing Afful exchanging jerseys with the football icon during a League Cup match where Afful represented Charlotte FC against Messi’s Inter Miami.
Despite his team’s 4-0 loss, the noteworthy aspect of the match was the intriguing interaction between the experienced player and the seven-time Ballon d’Or awardee after the game concluded.
“I remember before the match started, Messi gave me a wink, and I winked back at him. I think as the game progressed, we somehow got attuned to each other’s presence, given that I was playing as a left-back and my responsibility included marking him.
“At some point during the match, I approached him for his jersey, and he agreed,” Afful enthusiastically recounted to GHANASoccernet.com.
“After halftime, just before the second half began, we exchanged more winks, something that players often do. So, after the game, I approached him, and he kept his word.”
Afful then added with a smile, “Messi had the option to give his jersey to any player, but I suppose he showed me kindness.
“I can’t predict what he intends to do with my jersey, but it’s truly an honour to possess the shirt of one of the most exceptionally talented individuals to have graced the game.”
Before the League Cup quarterfinal clash on Friday between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC, a notable occurrence took place as Argentine icon Lionel Messi accompanied David Beckham’s daughter onto the pitch.
This event involved both teams’ starting lineups.
This followed Messi’s earlier engagement, when he walked out alongside Asahd, the son of DJ Khaled, before a match against Atlanta United.
In the context of the League Cup, Inter Miami was squaring off against Charlotte FC in the quarterfinal, with the victor progressing to potentially face the Philadelphia Union or Queretaro.
There’s a chance that Neymar might follow his former teammate Lionel Messi’s path to MLS this summer, as LAFC is reportedly gearing up for a stunning attempt to acquire the Brazilian sensation.
According to reports, Neymar has communicated his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain during this summer’s transfer window, aiming for a return to his previous club, Barcelona.
As speculation swirls around Neymar’s potential departure from the French champions, Major League Soccer (MLS) teams have suddenly become interested in him.
According to insights from Fabrizio Romano, MLS clubs have taken notice of Neymar’s situation, and LAFC is even making preparations to secure his signature.
However, despite the newfound MLS interest, Romano maintains that Neymar’s primary focus remains on rejoining Barcelona.
While PSG is open to selling Neymar, they won’t part with him easily and have set a hefty price tag of €150 million (£129 million or $165 million) for the player.
Beyond the potential moves to LAFC and Barcelona, there are also rumours linking the 31-year-old to a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
The uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s future persists. Recent reports from Sport suggest that a Saudi Arabian club might sign Neymar in the current transfer window and then loan him immediately to Barcelona.
Lionel Messi’s debut in the MLS has been delayed due to his instrumental role in propelling Inter Miami to the quarterfinals of the League Cup.
In a thrilling match, the Argentine netted two goals during the exhilarating encounter between Inter Miami and FC Dallas in the round of 16 of the League Cup.
Following a triumphant penalty shootout in which Messi’s team emerged victorious with a 5-3 score, they have advanced to the quarterfinals. Their next opponent will be Charlotte FC, the very team they were originally set to face in their upcoming MLS match.
Considering their forthcoming clash in the League Cup’s quarterfinals, the scheduled MLS fixture between the two teams, slated for August 20, has now been officially postponed. The new date for this match will be communicated at a later point in time.
In a statement, Inter Miami wrote: “Our regular season MLS match on August 20th against Charlotte FC has been postponed to a later date to be announced due to progression within the League Cup.
“Tickets originally purchased for the Aug. 20 MLS match will be honoured for the new date on which the game will be played.”
The World Cup-winning Argentina captain has already scored seven goals in four appearances for his new club and is now their all-time joint-fourth highest goalscorer.
Inter Miami have decided to end the contract of goalkeeper Nick Marsman, a few weeks after his expression of doubt regarding Lionel Messi’s transfer to the club.
In June, Marsman voiced reservations about the adequacy of Inter Miami’s facilities to accommodate a player of Lionel Messi’s calibre, questioning the club’s infrastructure.
He told ESPN: “I personally think that this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival. We have a temporary stadium; people can just walk on the pitch; there are no gates. We also leave for the stadium without security. I think they aren’t ready. But I hope he comes.”
After expressing reservations about the club’s decision to acquire the Argentine superstar, Marsman had his contract terminated by Inter Miami in the weeks that followed.
Since his official arrival at the club last month, Messi has made a remarkable impact in the United States, tallying seven goals in four matches for the team thus far.
His double against FC Dallas in the League Cup round of 16 elevated him to the joint-fourth position on the club’s list of all-time highest goal scorers.
The 32-year-old Dutch goalkeeper joined the MLS team in 2021, amassing 29 appearances during his time with the club.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, is scheduled to compete next on August 10 in the League Cup quarterfinals.
In a thrilling encounter, 36-year-old Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance, scoring twice to help Inter Miami advance to the quarterfinals of the League Cup on penalties after a captivating 4-4 draw against FC Dallas.
Messi’s trademark curling free-kick in the 85th minute, his seventh goal in his fourth game for Miami, equalized the score and forced the match to be decided by a penalty shootout. Miami trailed 4-2 with just 10 minutes remaining before Messi’s late heroics.
The League Cup, a tournament featuring clubs from Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX, does not include extra time, and drawn games proceed directly to penalties.
Messi opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a clinical side-foot finish from a Jordi Alba assist.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but the decision was overturned after a referee review determined that Josef Martinez did not obstruct the goalkeeper’s view.
Dallas managed to level the score in the 37th minute when Argentine Facundo Quignon connected with a well-executed pull-back from overlapping full-back Marco Farfan.
Just before halftime, the home side took the lead through Bernard Kamungo, who showcased his skills by leaving two defenders behind before finding the back of the net.
In the 63rd minute, another Argentine player for Dallas, Alan Velasco, extended the lead to 3-1 with a free-kick from the left that went untouched through a crowded box and into the far corner.
Miami, however, narrowed the deficit with a goal from teenage substitute Benjamin Cremaschi, who calmly slotted in a low ball from Alba, a minute after coming off the bench.
Dallas seemed to regain control when Robert Taylor’s attempted interception of a Paul Arriola pass resulted in an own goal, restoring their two-goal lead at 4-2.
But Messi and Miami refused to surrender. The Argentinian maestro chipped a free-kick into the box, and Farfan, unfortunately, headed it into his own goal, leveling the score and keeping Miami’s hopes alive.
The match ultimately went to penalties, where Inter Miami emerged victorious, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
Continuing his remarkable performance for Inter Miami CF, Lionel Messi showcased his prowess on Wednesday night, netting two goals in a 3-1 victory over host Orlando City SC in the Leagues Cup, propelling his team into the round of 16 in this inaugural competition.
Messi commenced the game with a bang, expertly controlling Robert Taylor’s lofted pass within the penalty area and unleashing a powerful volley past Orlando’s Pedro Gallese, securing an early advantage and marking his fourth goal in the Leagues Cup.
Orlando managed to level the score 10 minutes later, courtesy of a goal by César Araujo, during a progressively intense first half that witnessed Messi receiving a yellow card.
The tension escalated as Orlando’s Kyle Smith also earned a caution from the referee moments before halftime.
A heated exchange between the World Cup champion and Araujo persisted beyond the whistle, extending into the tunnel.
Messi’s visible agitation stemmed from the robust conclusion to the opening half.
Early in the second half, Inter Miami’s Josef Martínez was fouled by Orlando’s Antônio Carlos within the penalty area.
Messi opted to let his Miami teammate take the penalty kick, allowing the former Atlanta United striker to restore the home side’s lead.
A scare unfolded for Inter Miami when Orlando’s Mauricio Pereyra collided with Messi in the second half. Messi momentarily remained on the ground, nursing his jaw before eventually rising to his feet.
In the 63rd minute, Miami coach Gerardo Martino introduced new addition Jordi Alba, marking his MLS debut and reuniting the longtime Barcelona defender with former colleagues Messi and Sergio Busquets in South Beach.
Shortly thereafter, Messi added his fifth goal since joining Miami, executing a close-range volley to secure the victory. Martinez played a crucial role by elegantly chipping the ball back across the six-yard box.
The round of 32 match, originally scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, experienced a 90-minute delay due to severe thunderstorms in the area. Miami’s next challenge awaits against FC Dallas in Frisco, Texas, on August 6, marking Messi’s first away match since joining the team.
Oscar Pareja has criticized the excessive attention around Lionel Messi and argued that the Inter Miami player should have been given a red card in his recent match.
Once again, the Argentine legend took part in the Leagues Cup on Wednesday against local rivals Orlando City.
Despite a heated derby at DRV PNK Stadium, Messi scored two goals to secure a 3-1 victory and a spot in the last-16.
During the match, tensions flared, and Messi was cautioned with a yellow card for a clumsy challenge in the 20th minute.
Furthermore, he narrowly avoided a second yellow and subsequent red card after a forceful shoulder charge on Cesar Araujo just before half-time.
Orlando coach Oscar Pareja expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions and what appeared to be special treatment for the legendary player on display.
He told reporters afterwards: “Tonight was a circus. There was a second yellow on Messi [that wasn’t given]. I don’t care if he’s Messi.”
The Colombian added, with some big penalty shouts from his side also being waved away: “The penalty kick calls and others, they were ridiculous. We were very frustrated and tried to regain our composure. There were some circumstances in this game that shouldn’t happen.”
Messi has become a star attraction in the United States, with A-list guests flocking to see him in action, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has now netted five goals through his opening three appearances for David Beckham co-owned Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi has identified the player he believes understands him “to perfection.”
Throughout his illustrious and highly successful career, the football icon has had the privilege of playing alongside some of the world’s finest footballers.
Andres Iniesta, David Villa, Xavi Hernandez, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar Junior are just a few of the talented players with whom the Argentine has shared the locker room.
However, according to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, there is only one player who truly comprehends him.
During his time as a member of the formidable La Blaugrana, Messi stated that Jordi Alba is the individual with whom he has cultivated an unparalleled understanding.
“Jordi Alba knows me to perfection,” he told Catalunya Radio, via Barcelona’s official website. “He knows when I will give him a no-look pass. I have a special connection with him,” he added.
Messi and Alba struck up a perfect partnership together during their time at Camp Nou. According to Sportbible, the Spaniard assisted 23 of the Argentine’s 672 goals for the Catalans.
Alba, Messi reunite in MLS
While the two football stars parted ways in 2021 after Messi switched the La Liga giants for Paris Saint-Germain, they are set to reunite at Inter Miami.
Alba recently sealed a move to the Major League Soccer franchise, in a transfer that saw him join the David Beckham co-owned team.
Messi made a blockbuster move to the American League in the summer on a free transfer from the Parisians and has already netted three times in just two games.
Jordi Alba, the fresh addition to Inter Miami CF as a left-back, acknowledged on Tuesday that although he had received more financially rewarding propositions, his decision to join Miami wasn’t solely driven by money. He expressed his enthusiasm about reuniting with his former Barcelona teammates.
“Despite the offers I had for more money, the priority for me was to feel important,” Alba said during his official unveiling ceremony at DRV PNK Stadium. “I think I made the right decision. This is the club that tried the hardest to get me.”
Naturally, the 34-year-old, who recently led Spain to victory in the Nations League and is just seven appearances shy of reaching 100 international caps, was understandably thrilled to reunite on the field with his two ex-Barcelona colleagues – Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. Additionally, he is set to work alongside his former coach at Camp Nou, Martino, which adds to his excitement.
“I am very happy to reunite with Leo and Busi here at Inter Miami. Not just us three as players but there is a group of players here who are also very good who will help us and us them so that we win all the games we play,” said Alba, who has only a couple of training sessions under his belt, and so may see limited action — if any — in Miami’s home Leagues Cup round of 32 game against rivals Orlando City on Wednesday.
“We know Tata [Gerardo Martino], he knows us. I am a very competitive player, and this project is very familiar. That’s why I made decision to come here. I’ve only been here three or four days, but it feels like I’ve been here all my life.”
Lionel Messi will have the opportunity to play for Barcelona again before he retires for good, as confirmed by Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who enjoyed a highly successful 17-year stint at the Catalan club, winning multiple trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles, left the club in 2021 without a proper farewell to the fans.
According to SB Media, Mas has disclosed that Messi will make a return to Camp Nou for a special farewell game that will be organized at some point in the future.
This will allow the Argentine superstar to bid a proper goodbye to the Barcelona faithful who have supported him throughout his illustrious career with the club.
“I don’t know if it’s some type of friendly or farewell game. They have this Gamper Trophy they play for in the summer.
“But there will be something where, hopefully, when the new Camp Nou is open, because their stadium there they will not be playing in for the next year and a half, hopefully, Lionel Messi can say his proper goodbye.”
Messi, who has scored 672 goals for Barcelona overall, declined the chance to rejoin the Catalan club this summer in favour of signing with Inter Miami.
According to Goal, former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela has advised Lionel Messi to put in more effort on the pitch following his move to Inter Miami in the MLS.
Vela emphasized that in the MLS, players need to work harder than in the elite European leagues, where attackers often receive exceptional service.
He encouraged Messi to enjoy his game while also adjusting his performance to meet the demands of the MLS, as it requires a different level of effort from players.
Messi opted for the move to Inter Miami, rejecting lucrative offers from Al-Hilal and Barcelona, to embark on a new chapter in his football career.
Lionel Messi mobbed by fans
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Lionel Messi has taken Miami by storm, and his supporters can’t get enough of him.
The Argentine star got mobbed by his loyal fans once again on Friday, this time when he was leaving a store on Lincoln Road.
One fan recorded the incredible scene, with Messi needing security to move through a crowd as he was departing a local pedestrian mall.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed mixed emotions at seeing club legend Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami.
There were speculations about Messi’s potential return to Camp Nou when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended.
Despite the opportunity to go back to Catalonia, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner chose to pursue the American dream and joined MLS side Inter Miami.
Laporta acknowledged that it feels unusual to witness Messi in a different jersey after spending two seasons in France.
Laporta told ESPN when asked during Barcelona’s summer tour of the U.S. what it is like to see Messi representing a team from the States: “It’s a strange feeling. We identify Messi with Barcelona.
“That’s the way I think most supporters see Messi, because most of his career has been at Barca. But we respect his decision and we wish the best for him. We want the best for our players.
“He came to Barcelona as a kid, 14 years old, and he spent 20 years with us. I hope he can be very happy in Miami.”
Barcelona held talks with Messi representatives regarding a return to familiar surroundings, with the funds found during a testing time for the club on the financial front, but it was not to be.
Laporta added: “It was very close. We had to manage our financial fair play situation so we needed time. At the end, we reached an agreement with LaLiga that authorised us to add him to the squad.
“But Leo was coming from a situation in Paris where he was under a lot of pressure. His father told me that he needed a place where he won’t be under pressure and at Barca that would not be the case because of the meaning of the return of our hero.
“In Miami, it is different for him, it’s a new league for him, one that is improving and Messi can help with the developing of the league. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as well, maybe Luis Suarez. It will be very attractive for the fans in the United States.
“So he preferred to go to Miami. We respected it and understood his decision.”
Messi scored 672 goals through 778 appearances for Barcelona – helping them to 11 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns – but the 2022 World Cup winner is now illuminating American soccer and has already found the net on three occasions in his opening two games for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi’s impact remains undeniable, and his recent accomplishment came during an extraordinary triumph for Inter Miami against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup.
As reported by Goal, Messi delivered a sensational performance, scoring two goals in the team’s 4-0 victory alongside Robert Taylor, making a significant statement for his new club.
Of particular note, his second goal in the match earned him a new Guinness World Record, as it became the most-watched live event in the history of the United States.
The video of his goal has garnered an astounding 3.4 billion views, setting yet another remarkable milestone for the 36-year-old superstar since his move to MLS from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Since joining Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, Messi has already netted three goals in just two appearances, showcasing his exceptional talent on the field.
Moreover, during the same match against Atlanta United, Messi revealed a new goal celebration after his brace, as stated by Give Me Sport, adding even more excitement to his outstanding performance on Tuesday night.
Following his second goal for the team, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner stood still and extended his hand towards the franchise’s co-owner, Beckham, in what was undoubtedly a special moment for both players.
The Manchester United legend was captured smiling back at his new superstar as Messi continues to impress since making the move to the MLS this summer.
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Messi holding numerous Guinness World Records and how the Inter Miami star is expected to earn more before he retires.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has already bagged 34 trophies and titles at the club level, making him one of the most decorated footballers ever.
Internationally, Messi has won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Copa América, and the CONMEBOL titles, and he also has seven entries in the Guinness Book.
Lionel Messi made an iconic ‘hold my beer’ celebration directed at Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham after a remarkable performance in a match against Atlanta United.
In his first start for Inter Miami, the Argentine forward stole the spotlight, scoring a brace and providing an assist in a stunning 4-0 victory during the Leagues Cup at DRV PNK Stadium.
The 36-year-old opened the scoring in the eighth minute, capitalizing on a through ball from former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets. Although his initial shot hit the woodwork, Messi calmly tapped in the rebound to find the net.
The goal triggered wild excitement among the crowd, and as Messi walked back towards the halfway line amidst the celebration from his Inter Miami teammates, he noticed Beckham applauding his feat.
Playfully, the 2022 World Cup winner responded with a ‘hold my beer’ gesture aimed at the former England international, leaving Beckham with a big smile.
In the 22nd minute, Messi scored his second goal after being set up by Robert Taylor. Demonstrating his prowess as a team player, right before half-time, he provided an exquisite assist to help Taylor score a goal. The Finnish striker added another goal in the second half, securing Inter Miami’s smooth advancement to the next round of the Leagues Cup.
Since arriving in the United States, Messi has been making headlines, having already scored three times in just 58 minutes of play. Fans can look forward to his first MLS outing against Charlotte on August 20.
Head coach Tata Martino has officially confirmed that Lionel Messi will take on the role of captain at Inter Miami.
Messi already donned the captain’s armband during his debut in the Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul. Making a remarkable start, Messi sealed his first appearance for the MLS team with an injury-time free-kick, securing a victory in the game.
As Inter Miami prepares to face Atlanta United on Tuesday, Messi’s leadership and exceptional skills are expected to play a crucial role in the team’s performance.
Asked if Messi would continue to captain Miami, Martino said: “The other day he was, when he entered. Yes, he will be.”
Earlier this season, Gregore held the position of club captain for Miami, but due to an injury, he is currently unavailable. During the match against Cruz Azul, DeAndre Yedlin handed over the captain’s armband to Lionel Messi when he came on as a substitute.
In the upcoming match against Atlanta, there is a possibility that Messi will be included in the starting lineup, alongside his former Barcelona teammate, Sergio Busquets, who also made a substitute appearance in the previous game.
The combination of these two talented players is eagerly anticipated by fans and could prove to be a formidable force for Inter Miami.
Martino said: “It is very likely that both Messi and Busi [Sergio Busquets] will play longer, even from the beginning.
“Everything will depend on how they feel. It’s just their second game.”
Asked if he was surprised at the way Messi decided the game against Cruz Azul, Martino said: “It is something habitual from him, and because it is habitual, we try to normalize things that are not common.”
He added about Messi’s impact at the club: “What was seen of Messi in the game trying to order his team-mates, is what he has been doing in the training sessions.
“He helps and talks about football with his team-mates.”
Reports suggest that Lionel Messi might not be the only former Barcelona teammate joining Inter Miami.
Luis Suarez, currently playing for Gremio, is reportedly willing to repay all the wages he has received in 2023 and make additional payments to secure an exit from the club.
The possibility of Suarez’s move to Inter Miami has been boosted by the club’s acquisition of an extra international roster slot, creating a potential opportunity for another signing.
If all goes as planned, the reunion of Messi and Suarez at Inter Miami could be an exciting prospect for both the club and their fans.
Luis Suarez is prepared to buy out his Gremio contract in order to reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami this season.
Suarez, who joined Gremio earlier in 2023 on a two-year deal, seems determined to play alongside his close friend and former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi again at Inter Miami.
According to ESPN Brasil, the Brazilian club are aware of the striker’s desire to leave the club and could sanction the move as the club does not want to continue with a player who is reluctant to stay.
In order to negotiate a settlement with his current club, the veteran Uruguayan striker is willing to repay all the wages he has received in 2023 thus far along with some additional payments.
Inter Miami have already made room for Suarez at the club, while Gremio coach Renato Gaucho has admitted Suarez has become “a problem” for Gremio because he wants to move.
Inter Miami will be next seen in action against Atlanta United in a Leagues Cup clash on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi made a spectacular start to his Inter Miami career, impressing as he secured a stunning free-kick victory against Cruz Azul in stoppage time during his debut match.
Months after leading Argentina to World Cup glory, all eyes in the footballing world were fixed on Florida, eagerly anticipating the first appearance of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi’s arrival in Miami had been long-awaited and highly anticipated, and he certainly didn’t disappoint. The match saw some thrilling moments, with Robert Taylor scoring an excellent goal to open the scoring, but Cruz Azul’s Uriel Antuna equalized.
In the dying moments of the game, the 36-year-old football magician stepped up and delivered a brilliant strike, sending DRV PNK Stadium into a frenzy and securing an unforgettable 2-1 victory in the Leagues Cup.
The evening was a dream come true for fans of all ages, with many sporting ‘Messi 10’ shirts. The sold-out stadium was packed with expectant supporters, and numerous stars like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and, notably, David Beckham were also present, with the proud Miami co-owner closely watching from a box beside the dugout.
Though the early exchanges were a bit nerve-wracking for Miami, looking like a team struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Messi’s incredible performance turned the tide and gave Inter Miami a triumphant start to what promises to be an exciting journey with their new star player.
Inter Miami initially faced a challenging start as Cruz Azul launched an early offensive, but they managed to weather the storm. Just before halftime, Robert Taylor’s exceptional low strike found the net off the post, much to Lionel Messi’s delight, as Inter took the lead.
Throughout the match, Messi received cheers and applause from the excited crowd. When he was brought on in the 54th minute, he took the captain’s armband while Sergio Busquets made his debut alongside him. The addition of Jordi Alba to the team, joining their former Barcelona coach Tata Martino in Miami, further strengthened their squad.
However, Cruz Azul fought back and deservedly equalized through Uriel Antuna. As the clock wound down, the Mexicans came close to securing a victory, but it was Messi’s night to shine.
In stoppage time, the 36-year-old maestro won a crucial free-kick, and there was a sense of inevitability as he gracefully curled the ball into the top left-hand corner, lighting up the sky with fireworks. This historic moment marked a significant occasion for Major League Soccer and North American football, reminiscent of Pele’s New York Cosmos debut 48 years earlier and David Beckham’s LA Galaxy debut exactly 16 years ago.
Throughout the match, fans enthusiastically chanted Messi’s name. Despite an initially shaky start from the hosts, Taylor’s goal provided a spark of magic. When Messi was subbed on, the atmosphere reached an electric level, and he demonstrated flashes of brilliance.
Cruz Azul continued to pose a threat, and they eventually found an equalizer through Antuna’s well-placed strike. The game swung from end to end as both teams searched for a winner.
Messi had a few opportunities, but the opposing goalkeeper denied his attempts. Josef Martinez looked to have secured the win, but Messi was ruled offside during the build-up. On the other end, Christian Tabo was brilliantly stopped by Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender.
As the match seemed destined for a penalty shoot-out, Messi had other plans. Fouled by Carlos Salcedo, he seized the chance for a thrilling finish, delivering a memorable free-kick goal to secure an unforgettable debut victory for Inter Miami.
Gremio coach Renato Gaucho has revealed that Inter Miami’s interest in signing Gremio star Luis Suarez is causing complications for the Brazilian club.
Inter Miami is keen on reuniting the Uruguayan attacker with his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, who recently joined the MLS side.
Suarez himself is eager to make the move to the United States, as confirmed by the coach.
However, Gremio is hesitant to let go of Suarez, leading to a challenging situation for the club. The pursuit of Suarez by Inter Miami has become an issue as Gremio tries to handle the potential departure of their star player.
“Suarez is now a problem that is in the president’s hands. They are exchanging ideas. As a coach I have to focus on leading the team.” the coach said at a press conference. “It seems like a Mexican soap opera that should end now. Until August 2 I’m quiet, then we’ll see how we continue.”
He added: “Of course we want Suarez to stay. I can’t vouch for him. I know what he thinks and what the club thinks. For now, he has been talking to the board and the president.”
Suarez, 36, spent six years playing alongside Messi at Barcelona and won the Champions League along with four La Liga titles.
If he joins Inter Miami this summer, he will also team up with ex-Barca co-stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at the Florida club.
The Uruguay international will hope to have his future resolved before long as he eyes a move to Miami.
With Andre Iniesta being tipped to join former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, boss Tata Martino shared a transfer update.
The 2010 World Cup winner remains a free agent after ending his spell with Vissel Kobe in Japan. Despite being 39, he is being linked with a move to Inter Miami on a two-year contract.
Martino previously worked with Iniesta for a year at Barcelona when he was in charge of the Spanish side in the 2013-14 season.
When the Herons’ coach was quizzed about the probability of the move, Martino chose to keep his cards close to his chest.
“Iniesta is one of the best players and best people I have ever coached. Nothing more to say,” he told reporters.
Inter Miami are assembling a star-studded squad this season with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi the pick of those deals.
They have also added Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to the ranks and are now vying for the services of Luis Suarez, who is currently in Brazil with Gremio, but has seen a switch to the United States speculated on.
If Iniesta indeed makes the move to Florida then he would be counted as the third ‘franchise’ star at DRV PNK Stadium along with Messi and Busquets.
Inter Miami are currently at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference and are without a win in 11 matches.
They will hope that these marquee additions can turn around their fortunes.
However, their next fixture is against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup where Messi and Busquets are expected to make their debuts.
Lionel Messi is gearing up to make his MLS debut for Inter Miami on Friday, July 21, in an eagerly awaited match against Mexican team Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Tickets for this highly anticipated game have already been released, with some prices soaring as high as $110,000, and the average ticket cost being $487.
The football legend, a seven-time World Player of the Year, recently signed a two-year deal with Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in France.
It is reported that he will earn a staggering $50 to $60 million annually while playing for the club.
Interestingly, these ticket prices are nearly twice the amount charged for last year’s League Cup match between Inter Miami and FC Barcelona.
The excitement surrounding Messi’s arrival at the DRV PNK Stadium was evident as thousands of enthusiastic Inter Miami CF fans gathered on Sunday, July 16, for the grand unveiling of the Argentine star, who will proudly wear jersey No.10 for the Herons.
At the unveiling, an elated Messi pledged to contribute to the club’s project.
“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi noted at his unveiling.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home”, he said.
Messi, 36, will reunite with Sergio Busquets who he played together with at Barcelona.
Barcelona legend, Hristo Stoichkov, has revealed that Lionel Messi turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, which would have earned him £400 million ($505 million).
Instead, Messi chose to sign for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). Stoichkov commended Messi for prioritizing his love for the game over chasing money in the Middle East.
Stoichkov emphasized that during their playing days, they didn’t play for financial gains but rather for the love of football.
“This shows greatness. It didn’t matter to me to know my salary or the bonuses, for me it was more important to play and that people value me.
“The agents take care of the other things. Messi comes to compete and play and he doesn’t care about money because he loves football.”
Messi has yet to make his debut for Inter Miami; he was scheduled to play against Cruz Azul later this month, but the club’s co-owner David Beckham has claimed that it may be pushed back as manager Tata Martino assesses the Argentine’s fitness.
Messi will hope to make his debut soon enough, with Inter Miami in desperate need of his magic after failing to win any of their last 11 MLS matches.
Former Spain international defender Jordi Alba will be joining Inter Miami, where he will reunite with his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, according to owner Jorge Mas.
Mas also hinted at the possibility of additional signings in the near future.
“Jordi Alba will sign today,” Mas told a group of reporters after the team’s training session.
Messi has already been joined by Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, another former Barcelona player, but the club are looking to add some youth to the squad which is struggling in last place in MLS.
Mas said that 20-year-old Paraguayan international defender Diego Gomez was set to join from Asuncion club Libertad.
Another young South American, 20-year-old Argentine midfielder Facundo Farias has a verbal agreement to join the club, said Mas.
The Miami owner added that talks are also underway with two young talents from the Argentine league — Tomas Aviles, a central defender with Racing Club, and striker Brian Aguirre, of Newell’s Old Boys.
But Mas said that any attempt to sign veteran Uruguayan former Barca player, Luis Suarez, was limited by his contractual situation with Brazilian club Gremio.
“Luis Suarez is a Gremio player. He has a contract. We understand the close relationship that he has with Lionel, Busquets and Alba. They played together at Barcelona.
“There’s been a lot of talk about Luis Suarez coming to Inter Miami. We haven’t held direct talks with Gremio or with Suarez.
“I don’t know how Luis Suarez can leave Gremio. But if he does we are free to talk to Luis and bring him to Inter Miami. That possibility would be there,” he said.
The 34-year-old Alba, who has made 93 appearances for Spain, terminated his contract with Barcelona in May.
Left-back Alba won six Spanish league titles with Barca and was part of the team which won the 2015 Champions League.
He also played in the Spain team which won the 2012 European Championship.
Messi and Busquets took part in their first training session with Miami on Tuesday, ahead of possible debuts on Friday against Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
On July 16, Lionel Messi was officially introduced as a new player for Inter Miami in front of a packed DRV PNK Stadium.
Despite heavy rainfall that threatened to disrupt the event and resulted in a delayed start time, enthusiastic fans filled the venue to witness the arrival of arguably one of Major League Soccer’s greatest-ever signings.
Among the first individuals to make their appearance was David Beckham, one of the franchise owners.
As he stepped onto the wet surface, he nearly slipped but quickly regained his balance, extending his hands for support.
Nevertheless, the inclement weather failed to dampen the spirits of those in attendance.
As the Daily Mail reports, his co-owner Jorge Mas appeared to make fun of the situation as he also held out his hands, pretending to fall over as well.
David Beckham effortlessly handled the slip during Messi's presentation 😅
— Sports Gist (@theSportsGist) July 17, 2023
Bernardo | My Captain | Thiago Silva | Kimmich | akrobeto | DSTV | Messi pic.twitter.com/MPJjskXA6z
With the whole world watching and luckily for Beckham, he did not slip. Soon after, Messi followed in tow and was presented to the enthusiastic fans.
Beckham then gave an emotional speech as he welcomed the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It really is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.”
He then went down memory lane of the things he wanted to achieve when he went into club ownership after retirement.
“10 years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team. I said then that I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world to Florida and the great city of Miami.
Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country, who would inspire the next generation and help build a legacy in this sport.”
Messi is set to make his debut on Friday when Inter Miami play Cruz Azul in the League’s Cup.
Sports Brief also reported that following Inter Miami’s disappointing loss to St. Louis City on July 15, a football fan found delight in the Florida-based club’s defeat and took the opportunity to taunt new signing Lionel Messi indirectly.
Inter Miami has been struggling throughout the ongoing season, as evidenced by their third defeat in their last six games and an 11-game winless streak.
St. Louis City secured their victory with first-half goals from Samuel Adeniran and Tim Parker and a late strike from Eduard Lowen, pushing Inter Miami to the bottom of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Now that he has been officially announced, Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was officially welcomed by the MLS team on Saturday, and on Sunday, he will be introduced to the crowd at a spectacular event called “The Unveil.”
Messi left Paris Saint-Germain in June after spending two years with the French powerhouses and helping Argentina win the World Cup in December.
The 36-year-old at one stage looked close to sealing a return to Barcelona, the club he left in 2021 after coming through their academy and scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances.
Messi opted for a new challenge State-side, however, signing a two-and-a-half year deal.
‘I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,’ said Messi
‘This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.
‘The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.’
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham is among those who has been laying the groundwork for Messi’s arrival for a number of years, hailing his arrival as the start ‘of the next phase our adventure’.
‘Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city,’ said Beckham.
‘[I wanted] players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much.
‘Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.
‘The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.’
Mexican international Rodolfo Pizarro has an agreement in place to join AEK Athens, enabling Inter Miami to free up a Designated Player spot for Lionel Messi according to sources.
Pizarro is expected to finalize the remaining details of his contract and officially sign with the team led by former Chivas and San Jose Earthquakes coach Matias Almeyda, as he travels to Europe over the weekend.
Last week, Pizarro was linked with a potential trade to the LA Galaxy, and he acknowledged the possibility of Miami transferring him to create space for the arrivals of Messi and Sergio Busquets.
“I have a contract. I didn’t know. I could be traded anyways. It’s a bit strange. I think this is the only league [MLS] in the world that does this,” Pizarro said.
Pizarro joined Inter Miami as the team’s first Designated Player for its inaugural 2020 season. Before the 2022 season, he was loaned to his former team Monterrey.
Pizarro returned to MLS this year after the Liga MX side declined the permanent transfer option.
Miami began the year with the maximum three Designated Players on its roster, meaning the club needed to free up spaces for the arrival of Messi and Busquets.
Midfielder Gregore is expected to have his contract restructured to a non-DP deal using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), while the exit of Pizarro would allow for both former Barcelona players to join the roster alongside third DP Leonardo Campana.
Messi, who arrived in Florida earlier this week, is set to be presented as an Inter Miami player during an event billed as “The Unveil” at the club’s DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday.
Sources told ESPN that Messi attended training and met with his future teammates on Thursday.
The club has targeted a Leagues Cup match against Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21 for Messi to make his debut.
Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentina national team and a World Cup winner, has openly acknowledged that he is uncertain about when he will ultimately retire from international football.
“Even I don’t know when. It’ll happen when it happens,” the 36-year-old said in an interview broadcast on Argentine television on Wednesday.
“After winning everything I want to enjoy the moment and wait for time to tell me when it’s the moment,” said the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Logically, given my age, one would expect it to be soon, but I don’t know for sure.
“Now that we are American champions (Argentina won the 2021 Copa America) and world champions we have to enjoy that.”
Messi restated his previous statements that it was unlikely for him to be part of Argentina’s squad in their defense of the World Cup title in 2026.
The interview took place in China last month, where Messi achieved the fastest goal of his career, scoring within 79 seconds during a friendly match against Australia in Beijing.
Recently, Messi arrived in Florida to finalize his transfer to the US Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, from Paris Saint-Germain.
The signing of a two-and-a-half year contract, reportedly valued at $60 million per year, is anticipated, and he is set to be officially presented to fans during a stadium event on Sunday.
Seven time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, arrived in Florida on Tuesday to complete his transfer to Inter Miami of the US Major League Soccer.
Messi was captured on camera by ESPN television exiting a private plane at a small executive airport close to the Inter Miami stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Early in the morning, supporters had started to assemble at the stadium in expectation of his arrival.
Before being introduced to the crowd at a stadium event on Sunday, the World Cup winner is anticipated to sign a two and a half year contract, which is said to be worth $60 million annually.
Messi is the biggest name player to ever move to MLS and the most famous to head to the United States since Brazilian great Pele signed for the New York Cosmos in 1975.
MLS hope that Messi will massively increase the profile of the league and boost subscriptions to their streaming broadcast deal with Apple TV. Ticket prices for games likely to involve Messi have already sky-rocketed.
His arrival will also add to the momentum around the sport ahead of the 2026 World Cup which will be hosted by the United States along with Canada and Mexico.
He is expected to be joined at the club by former Barcelona team-mate Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, while ex-Argentina and Barcelona coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino recently took over as coach.
Miami owner Jorge Mas has suggested Messi and Busquets could be part of “three to five” new signings for the South Florida club in the current transfer window.
Another former Barca player, Spanish full-back Jordi Alba, has also been strongly linked with a move to the team, which is co-owned by former England and Manchester United star David Beckham.
Messi is expected to make his debut for his new club in the July 21 Leagues Cup match against Mexican club Cruz Azul.
Miami are currently bottom of MLS’s Eastern Conference with just five wins from 21 games and are ranked 28th out of the 29 teams in the league.
But the club are in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open Cup where they have been drawn against league-leaders FC Cincinnati.
The seven-times Ballon d’Or winner has spent the last two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, after moving from Barcelona in 2021, where he spent the majority of his career.
During his time with Barca, Messi won ten Spanish league titles, seven Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) titles and four Champions League winners medals.
He scored twice for Argentina in the World Cup final which they won on penalties in Doha in December, after the game ended 3-3 after extra-time and raised the trophy as captain.
Messi also won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2008 and the Copa America in 2001.
Lionel Messi’s upcoming debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) is predicted to raise the overall level of competitiveness for Inter Miami in the American league.
As a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi’s presence on the team is expected to elicit a more aggressive and intense approach from opposing teams.
With heightened competition anticipated in the league, there are expectations that the Professional Referees Organization (PRO), the governing body for referees in the US, will have distinct considerations for matches involving Messi.
The presence of such a high-profile player is likely to impact the way matches are officiated and may require referees to adapt their expectations and approach accordingly.
One unnamed MLS coach told The Athletic the Argentine should get the ‘Michael Jordan’ treatment – and also feels he should ‘get every single call’. This could lead to MLS teams implementing their own version of the ‘Jordan rule’.
It may seem like an unnecessary privilege to grant to Messi, but concerns about player safety are not unfounded.
When David Beckham arrived in the league 16 years ago, he was frequently on the receiving end of cynical tackles from lesser-known players eager to get one over on the famous new arrival.
Messi’s transfer was announced more than a month ago but he is yet to join up with his new teammates. An official date for his debut has not been confirmed, but he could play in the Leagues Cup game against Cruz Azul on July 21.
He will then make his MLS debut the following month, once the league resumes.
With this major moment in mind, referee, Robert Sibiga, wants to see the very best of the American league’s referees in charge of any and all games involving Messi.
“PRO will have to be very particular about who they’re going to bring,” Sibiga said, as quoted by Diario AS. “It has to be veterans. It has to be experienced referees. If we don’t, then we’re going to miss the mark and we’re going to do a disservice to the game.”
Sports Brief also reported on Inter Miami co-owner, Beckham helping with a Messi mural in the city as excitement builds over the Argentine’s debut in MLS.
The league is preparing for the arrival of its biggest-ever signing, with the veteran expected to sign up on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
Lionel Messi’s anticipated move to Inter Miami is already being celebrated in the United States, even before his arrival.
A special edition lager called ‘GOAT Beer’ has been created in honor of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi, who recently became a free agent after the conclusion of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, has agreed to join Inter Miami.
While he is yet to land in Miami, the city is abuzz with excitement, and the local Prison Pals Brewing Co. has released a beer with Messi’s iconic No. 10 printed on the front.
The ‘GOAT’ beer can features a predominantly pink design, resembling the colors associated with Inter Miami, with black fonts.
This unique brew pays tribute to Messi’s status as the greatest of all time and serves as a precursor to his upcoming journey with the American club.
Interestingly, Prison Pals CEO Juan Pipkin met co-founder Bruno and brewmaster Diego in Argentina and subsequently moved to the USA to set up a brewery.
The Adidas store in Miami already has huge cut-outs of Messi with the Argentine donning an Inter Miami kit with No. 10 on his back.
It carries a slightly tweaked version of Adidas’ slogan “Impossible is nothing” to “Impossible is coming”.
Messi is expected to make his debut for the David Beckham co-owned MLS franchise against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21.
Inter Miami’s pursuit of Jordi Alba is gathering momentum. The 34-year-old left-back, who recently departed Barcelona, is currently a free agent, according to the Athletic.
The MLS club is reportedly becoming increasingly confident that a deal can be reached to bring Alba to their team.
During his remarkable 11-year tenure at Barcelona, Alba made 459 appearances and won an impressive 16 major titles, including five LaLiga titles, five Copa del Reys, and the UEFA Champions League.
If the transfer goes through, the Spain international would reunite with former teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami.
Jorge Mas, the managing owner of the club, revealed last week that negotiations with Alba were already underway.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has revealed it took three years of negotiations to bring Lionel Messi to the Major League Soccer club.
The Argentine World Cup winner, 36, is set to be officially announced as a Miami player after ending his two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi’s arrival is sure to spark a huge influx of interest in MLS and Mas has revealed just how much effort it took to bring the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to Florida.
He told Spanish newspaper El Pais: “In 2019 [when Messi was still at Barcelona], we started thinking about how we could bring him.
“I spent three years on it, a year-and-a-half [working] very intensely.
“There were many conversations with [Messi’s father and agent] Jorge. [Inter Miami co-owner] David [Beckham] talked to Leo, only about football issues, because he was a player.”
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 7, 2023
Messi had been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona this summer but the Catalan giants did not have the finances to secure the deal.
He is also thought to have turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal in favour of a switch to the United States.
Mas added: “I saw it as done at the end of May. I didn’t want him to feel under pressure.
“We had spoken in Barcelona, Miami, Rosario, Doha — I spent the whole World Cup in Qatar, watching Argentina.
“The Apple contract was very important to close the deal.”
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Former Barca boss and fellow Argentine Gerardo Martino has recently been named manager of the Eastern Conference’s bottom-placed side, with ex-Blaugrana midfielder Sergio Busquets also joining.
And Mas says they have looked at bringing more of Messi’s former team-mates to the Sunshine State.
On interest in Luis Suarez and Angel Di Maria, he said: “He [Suarez] is under contract, he has a clause, and I don’t know if this will materialise.
“We have also spoken to Di Maria but it seems that he is about to sign for another team.”
Andres Iniesta does not hold Lionel Messi responsible for turning down a return to Barcelona, as he believes the legendary Argentine chose the “best option” for himself.
At one point, it seemed like the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would make a comeback to Camp Nou after deciding not to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Discussions took place between the involved parties, but Messi ultimately opted to pursue an American dream by joining Inter Miami in MLS.
Iniesta, who spent may successful years working alongside Messi in Catalunya before making his own move in 2018, has told DAZN of seeing his former team-mate favour the United States over Spain: “It would have been nice, special for what it means, but in the end, everyone looks for the best option, what they think will be good for them and, from there, they will probably live a different experience to what they have lived before.
“If it’s what he was looking forward to and what he wanted, I’m sure it will go well, as he did well in all the places he’s been.”
While Barca be without Messi in 2023-24, they still have the likes of Pedri at their disposal.
The talented 20-year-old is considered to be the natural heir to Iniesta at Camp Nou, with the man himself saying of the youngster’s ongoing development: “As young as he is, he is already a reference point, an important person in the team with a lot of influence in the game and, surely, this evolution that he has had during this time will continue.
He is in the best team to continue growing and I am convinced that he will have another great season.”
Barcelona claimed the Liga title in 2022-23 for the first time in four years and are in the process of bolstering their ranks – with a deal already done for Ilkay Gundogan – despite seeing club legend Messi decide to head elsewhere.
Inter Miami is set to unveil Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets as their new players. While Busquets’ signing has already been announced, Messi’s announcement is expected to follow soon.
There has been some skepticism surrounding Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS).
However, Inter Miami’s new coach, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, who is a long-time friend of Messi, emphasized that Messi’s decision to join the club is purely based on business and the desire to win, rather than the allure of Miami’s sunny beaches.
Martino made these remarks during his introductory press conference, as reported by Football Espana.
“When we spoke with Leo, yesterday I spoke with Sergio, we talked about arriving to have success, to compete and compete well,” Martino said.
“This happens to us even on a personal level, sometimes we associate the United States, Miami, [with] holidays — this isn’t that. We want to compete… they are not footballers who are going to come here to not compete.”
Martino, who was announced on Wednesday as Inter Miami’s new head coach, is following Messi and Busquets to Miami, both of whom revealed their decisions to join the MLS club earlier this month.
The accomplished Argentine manager — who, as reported by ESPN, was crowned MLS coach of the year in 2018 — has coached both players before, as he worked with Messi and Busquets during his stint with Barcelona from 2013 to 2014 and Messi on the Argentine national team from 2014-16.
But Martino said his decision to join the club premeditated Messi and Busquets hopping aboard.
“I started the talks before [the additions of Messi and Busquets],” Martino said. “I always found this opportunity attractive…let’s just say that the presents arrived next.
Messi, Martino, and Busquets will have a steep road to climb to get Inter Miami back into the race.
The MLS team now on a seven-game losing run and is in last place in the league standings.
Martino thinks that Messi’s addition will significantly boost the American soccer league’s growth.
“That the best player in the world decides to play in this league, obviously it will open up an even better panorama for that growth. I believe that the United States is not a country that misses out on this type of opportunity.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has shed light on why Lionel Messi did not join the club this summer, despite Barcelona being his preferred choice, according to reports from Sportskeeda.
After Messi announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona was seen as the frontrunners to re-sign the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Laporta has now revealed that Messi’s desire to take a break from the spotlight, following his challenging two years at PSG, led him to choose a move to MLS side Inter Miami.
Despite Barcelona offering the 36-year-old superstar a return to Camp Nou, discussions with Messi’s father, Jorge, indicated that he preferred a break from European football.
It’s worth noting that Messi still holds the record as Barcelona’s all-time leading goal scorer, having scored an impressive 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 appearances for the Catalan giants.
The date for a prospective farewell to the superstar at Camp Nou has been confirmed by Joan Laporta, according to Goal, thus Lionel Messi is poised to make a historic return to Barcelona.
The day the Spotify Camp Nou opens, according to Laporta, would be a great time to pay a particular tribute to Messi, who joined Inter Miami this summer.
The president of Barcelona continued by expressing his sadness about having to say goodbye to Messi in 2021 because Barca was unable to pay for the legendary player to sign a new deal.
Earlier, it was reported Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets are expected to be unveiled as new Inter Miami players. The latter’s signing has already been announced, while Messi’s is expected in the near future.
Former manager of FC Barcelona, Gerardo Martino, been named the new head coach of Inter Miami, a team in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Known by the nickname ‘Tata,’ Martino takes over from Phil Neville, a former Manchester United defender, and will have the opportunity to work alongside Lionel Messi, who recently joined Inter Miami as a marquee signing.
This will be the third time that Martino and Messi collaborate, having previously worked together at Barcelona and as part of the Argentine national team, according to Al Jazeera.
Gerardo Martino is a revered football tactician known for his astute understanding of the game. His impressive career has predominantly taken place in Latin America, as well as coaching the prestigious Spanish La Liga club, Barcelona.
With a managerial career spanning over two decades, Martino brings a wealth of experience and success to the club, having overseen more than 400 games across various leagues, including MLS and on the global stage.
Among his accomplishments, the 60-year-old led Atlanta United to MLS Cup success and won multiple league titles in Paraguay while guiding the Catalan giants to Spanish Super Cup glory.
Following the announcement of the 60-year-old as the new coach of the club, managing owner Jorge Mas said in a statement via Inter Miami’s website:
“We are very happy to be able to welcome Tata to Inter Miami. We feel he is a coach who matches our ambitions as a club and we’re optimistic about what we can accomplish together,”
“Tata has coached at the highest levels, and we believe that experience will be hugely beneficial to us as we aim to compete for titles here.”
Martino, who has a wealth of experience in coaching, having previously coached the Mexican, Paraguay and Argentina national teams, is expected to turn the dwindling fortunes of the club around.
“Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself,” said Co-Owner David Beckham. “We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team, excite our fans, and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field.”
Sports Brief also reported that Lionel Messi has revealed he is excited to start a new phase of his career after ending his stint in Europe to move to the MLS with Inter Miami.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was present in his home country to honour Argentine legend Juan Roman Riquelme, who had his farewell game as Argentina XI took on Boca Juniors XI.
Chelsea is firm in its stance and will not be swayed by any pressure exerted by Romelu Lukaku and Inter Milan to facilitate another loan move, as it would have significant financial repercussions.
Lukaku, who rejoined Chelsea for a fee of £97.5 million from Inter Milan in the summer of 2021, previously had an unsuccessful stint with the club as a teenager when he joined from Anderlecht in 2011.
However, he played a crucial role in Inter Milan’s triumphant 2020-21 season, contributing to their first Scudetto win in ten years and being recognized as the league’s Most Valuable Player before transferring to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea remains unwavering in its determination to retain Lukaku’s services and is not open to the possibility of another loan arrangement.
Chelsea is resolute in retaining Lukaku and is not willing to entertain the idea of another loan arrangement.
A fallout with former boss, Thomas Tuchel after an interview flirting with the Nerazzurri spelled the end for him in London.
The arrival of Mauricio Pochettino has not changed the striker’s mind about a return, as reported by Football Italia.
The Blues loaned Lukaku to Inter for less than £7m last season, despite paying almost 100 million for his signature a year earlier. The Italians want the same route for next season.
Mirror UK reports that the two-time UEFA Champions League winners have rebuffed any loan attempt, even with an obligation to buy, and have made a demand of £34m for the former Everton striker.
They want to put a stop to his endless charade but are standing firm; their hands will not be forced. Reports in the Italian media claim that AC Milan are willing to pay the asking price.
The Athletic reports that Villarreal striker, Nicholas Jackson has completed a medical ahead of a switch to the Premier League as Pochettino hopes to get his squad sorted, with a move for another striker not ruled out.
Sports Brief analysed five reasons Lukaku’s return to Chelsea makes sense for both parties as the tussle continues for the future of the former West Brom striker.
He is yet to fulfil his initial ambition of being Didier Drogba’s heir in West London, while the club need not spend heavily on another number 9 if they keep him.
Lionel Messi has expressed his enthusiasm for embarking on a fresh chapter in his career as he departs from Europe to join MLS team Inter Miami.
The legendary player, who has won the Ballon d’Or seven times, was in his home country to pay tribute to Argentina icon Juan Roman Riquelme during his farewell game, where an Argentina XI faced off against Boca Junior XI.
Addressing the crowd that had gathered to witness the commemorative match, Messi shared his sentiments about the significance of this new phase in his career outside of Europe, as reported by AS Soccer.
“It is a very nice feeling to have been able to be at [Riquelme’s] testimonial, with all that he means for football in Argentina, what he means to Boca, to be once again in ‘La Bombonera’. Now there will be a few days of vacation and then I will start in my new city, my new club (Inter Miami ), I am very excited.”
Messi scored a hat trick in the 4-2 victory for the Argentina XI, and in the second half, he said goodbye with a hug from Riquelme.
Meanwhile, Juan Roman Riquelme has thanked Lionel Messi for playing in his farewell game after the six-time Ballon d’Or turned up in Rosario for the ex-Villareal superstar, Sportskeeda reports.
Messi, who played alongside Riquelme during the legend’s later days in the national team, has been a huge fan of the veteran and considers the former Barcelona midfielder a role model.
Riquelme took a minute to thank Messi for accepting the invitation and apologised to his family as they had to wait a few more days before starting their vacation.
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Lionel Messi marked his 36th birthday in a memorable way, as the World Cup-winning player featured in a game for his Argentinian club Newell’s Old Boys.
The game honoured his teammate Maxi Rodriguez’s last international game. Before the match, the crowd at Rosario Stadium welcomed Messi at his home ground in an elegant way, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner didn’t disappoint the audience by taking a stunning free-kick to open the scoring.
The Rosario crowd even sang Messi the happy birthday song and the superstar said that it felt special to spend a birthday in Rosario.
Ahead of Lionel Messi’s official introduction as a player for Inter Miami, one of his new teammates is generating attention, albeit for unfortunate reasons.
Goalkeeper Nick Marsman is currently recovering from a venomous spider bite that occurred while he was on vacation in Florida.
Marsman, who will have the opportunity to play alongside Messi, experienced this distressing and painful incident.
Confirmation of the incident came from Marsman’s wife, Nathalie Den Dekker, who shared images of her husband in the hospital on Instagram.
De Dekker followed it up with a bittersweet caption that read;
“The downside of living in a tropical climate… is when you go to the zoo and get bitten by a poisonous spider. End up being hospitalised for three days.”
She then further revealed that the former Feyenoord star was already discharged and was continuing with his recovery at home.
As the Mirror reports, Marsman has hardly played this season, with Drake Callender often preferred as the number one choice.
The club, which is currently rooted at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, will be hoping that the arrival of Messi will change their fortunes in their bid to qualify for the playoffs.
Sports Brief has also reported that Gareth Bale has weighed in on the Major League Soccer (MLS) following Lionel Messi’s high-profile transfer to Inter Miami, offering his perspective on the league.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid winger, who called time on his career at 33, suggested that there is less pressure in the MLS due to the teams being more accepting of losses.
Bale’s comments come in response to Messi’s move to the United States after the latter concluded his two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain.
While starring for Argentina against Australia, Lionel Messi made a hint regarding his Inter Miami debut.
In his team’s triumph over the Aussies on Thursday in an international friendly, Messi scored after just 79 seconds.
After a demanding 41-game season for Paris Saint-Germain, he played the complete 90 minutes.
According to ESPN, the 35-year-old has subsequently signed with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, raising the possibility of when he may play his debut game for his new team.
Asked about his schedule for his new US side, as quoted by Mirror UK, he replied:
“I want to go on my holiday and then afterwards, we go again.”
The 2022 World Cup winners face Indonesia in another friendly next Monday, but the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will leave the Argentina camp for a break, which could last up to three weeks.
He is expected to return to his home country before linking up with Inter Miami, which means he could play his first game in America around mid-to-late July.
Inter Miami faces St. Louis City on July 15, with the MLS All-Star match taking place on July 19 against Premier League runners-up, Arsenal.
“What I said [about Qatar 2022 likely being his last World Cup] is something normal due to age and time. Qualifying matches are coming, then the Copa America; it is very far to think about the World Cup.”
The Argentine veteran also believes one has to enjoy the present.
“…Think about what’s to come, despite the wins – we can’t stay with that.”
The United States of America, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the States being Messi’s new home country.
Sports Brief also reported on Messi snubbing Australia’s Alex Robertson for a jersey switch at the end of their international friendly on June 15.
The veteran captained Argentina to a 2-0 win in Beijing, with the departing Paris Saint-Germain forward scoring the fastest goal of his stellar career.
After the game, Robertson was seemingly ignored by Messi, with the Manchester City player unable to attract the attention of the new MLS man.
Messi was also asked about the prospect of representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The forward, who will be 39 when the next tournament rolls around, said it would be difficult:
“What I said [about Qatar 2022 likely being his last World Cup] is something normal due to age and time. Qualifying matches are coming, then the Copa America; it is very far to think about the World Cup.”
The Argentine veteran also believes one has to enjoy the present.
“…Think about what’s to come, despite the wins – we can’t stay with that.”
The United States of America, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the States being Messi’s new home country.
Carlos Vela, the star player for Los Angeles FC (LAFC), has issued a warning to Lionel Messi following the confirmation of the Argentine superstar’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami.
Vela emphasized that while Messi’s arrival in MLS is a positive development for the growth of football in the country, it will not change the fact that LAFC remains the favorites for the league title.
Last week, Messi officially announced that he would be joining Inter Miami following the conclusion of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain on June 30.
Despite being linked with other clubs such as Barcelona and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Messi explained that he sought peace of mind, which influenced his decision to choose Miami.
The player, who was heavily linked with both Barcelona and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, later revealed that he wanted more peace of mind, which propelled him to choose Miami over others.
Vela, who plies his trade at LAFC since joining from Real Sociedad in 2018, welcomed Messi’s arrival but remains confident about his team’s chances of winning silverware. Speaking to US TV channel TUDN, the Mexican said:
“It’s great news for MLS, but I still think that we are still the ones who want to win the title. It doesn’t matter who is on the other teams. Plans don’t change.”
LAFC find themselves in the third spot in the Western Conference table, are the current MLS Cup holders. Inter Miami, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference rankings.
The MLS’s transfer window opens on July 5, meaning that Inter Miami will not be able to register Messi before then. If he is registered as soon as the window opens, Messi could play his first MLS game against Wayne Rooney’s DC United on July 9.
According to Whoscored, Carlos Vela and Lionel Messi faced each other 16 times during their time together in Spain, across La Liga and Copa del Rey.
The Mexican, who faced Messi once as an Osasuna player and 15 times as a Real Sociedad man, lost 10 times and won only on four occasions.
During Vela’s stint at Sociedad, between 2012 and 2018, Messi scored 13 goals against La Real in 18 games across competitions.
The pair faced each other in international colours as well. Messi’s Argentina beat Mexico 4-1 in a friendly in 2008, with Messi scoring once.
In 2015, they played another friendly, playing out to a 2-2 draw. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was on the scoresheet that time as well.
Vela has stated that while Messi joining MLS is excellent news for the country’s footballing culture, Inter Miami will not dethrone LAFC as league-title favourites.
Earlier Sports Brief reported Luis Suarez’s thoughts on joining Messi in the MLS.
The forward dismissed suggestions he could reunite with fellow former Barcelona team-mate Lionel at Inter Miami.
The 36-year-old moved to Gremio at the turn of the year and clearly has no desire of leaving.
The news of Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami sparked immense excitement across the United States.
Ticket prices for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s potential debut for his new club have already surged online, reportedly exceeding $9,000 apiece.
The Argentine magician is expected to play his first match for Inter Miami when they host Cruz Azul on July 21.
Goal reports the MLS summer transfer market opens on July 5, so Messi’s debut will not happen until at least next month.
Messi might make his Inter Miami debut on one of three dates marked on the calendar, with the Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul in Mexico on July 21 being the most likely.
The American side will compete on the road twice during that time, taking on DC United on July 8 and Saint Louis City on July 15.
However, Marca has reported it is unlikely that Messi’s debut would take place away from home.
Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine football legend, is poised to join Inter Miami, an American team, following his departure from Paris St-Germain, the French champions.
Despite receiving a more financially rewarding offer from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, the former Barcelona player has chosen to reject it.
The Inter Miami deal includes partnerships with prominent brands such as Adidas and Apple.
At the age of 35, Messi, a seven-time recipient of the world’s best player award, is anticipated to win the prestigious accolade again later this year, following his success in the World Cup.
This is the first time Barcelona icon Messi has played outside Europe.
He wanted to remain in Europe for another season but, after no satisfactory offers were received, he had the straight choice between Inter Miami or Al-Hilal.
He was heavily tipped to be favouring a move to Saudi Arabia, where he would have joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the league in a deal that could not be matched financially.
But Messi was ultimately tempted to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami for a variety of reasons including lifestyle, and a deal with big brands that extends beyond football.
He already owns a house in Miami, which he currently rents out.
He was keen on a return to Barcelona this summer but the Financial Fair Play limitations that will be in place for next season in La Liga made any ambitious plan to bring him back an impossibility.
Paris St-Germain won Ligue 1 in both his seasons at the club but went out in the Champions League last 16, which means his time in France was not seen as a huge success.
He netted 32 goals in 75 games for the club – and ended this season with 16 goals and 16 assists in Ligue 1.
Messi’s two-year contract comes to an end this summer and both parties agreed to go their separate ways, with the forward suspended for two weeks in May for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.
His legacy comes from his time at Barcelona and winning the World Cup with Argentina in December.
He left Barca in 2021, after 21 years with the club, because of the club’s financial problems.
Messi is Barcelona’s record scorer with 672 goals and won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and seven Spanish Cups.