Sports Buzz

Tag: Lionel Messi – English

  • A new star is born with Messi out: Argentina win behind a stunning Thiago Almada goal

    A new star is born with Messi out: Argentina win behind a stunning Thiago Almada goal

    Argentina moved one step closer to securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a gritty 1-0 triumph over Uruguay on Friday in Montevideo. The reigning world champions, without Lionel Messi due to injury, found inspiration in the form of 23-year-old Thiago Almada, whose sensational strike proved decisive.

    The match, held at the iconic Estadio Centenario, was an intense battle from start to finish. Uruguay, buoyed by their earlier 2-0 victory over Argentina during qualifying, appeared poised to frustrate the Albiceleste once again. However, Almada broke the deadlock in the 68th minute with a moment of sheer brilliance.

    Messi Fan Blows Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment With Bizarre Question

    Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, the attacking midfielder unleashed a thunderous shot that rocketed into the top corner, leaving Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet with no chance. While Almada’s goal lit up the evening, Argentina’s night was not without blemish.

    It got complicated at the end

    Deep into stoppage time, Nicolas Gonzalez was shown a red card for a reckless high boot on Uruguay’s Nahitan Nandez. Despite this late setback, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s resilience in Messi’s absence, calling the performance “a complete match.” Scaloni also lauded Almada, emphasizing his value as a young talent ready to lead Argentina in the future.

    The victory solidifies Argentina’s dominant position at the top of the South American qualifying standings, moving them closer to automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Almada’s heroics not only showcased his potential as a key player but also reassured fans of the team’s depth and ability to thrive without their talisman, Messi.

    Argentina will look to seal their qualification when they face Brazil in their next match, a highly anticipated clash that could cement their status as regional powerhouses. For now, Almada’s stunning strike serves as a shining reminder of the next generation of Argentine talent ready to carry torch the global stage.



    Source link

  • Lionel Messi arrives in vintage fashion to his first MLS game of 2025 season, alongside Luis Suarez

    Lionel Messi arrives in vintage fashion to his first MLS game of 2025 season, alongside Luis Suarez

    In a scene that has become a familiar sight for fans, Lionel Messi and Luis Surez arrived at Chase Stadium, sipping on their traditional mate, ahead of their much-anticipated MLS season debut. The duo, known for their close friendship and shared love for the South American beverage, were seen entering the stadium with their signature thermoses in hand.

    Messi and Surez, both key players for Inter Miami, were greeted by enthusiastic fans as they made their way into the stadium. Their arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for the team, which is set to face New York City FC in their opening match of the 2025 MLS season.

    VIDEO: Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo stunned at MARCA award ceremony in Miami

    Mate, a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant, is a staple in the daily routines of many athletes from the region. Messi and Surez have often been spotted enjoying the beverage together, both on and off the field. The drink is known for its energizing properties and is a symbol of camaraderie and friendship.

    The tough season ahead

    Under the guidance of coach Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami is looking to make a strong start to the season. With Messi and Surez leading the charge, the team is poised to build on their previous successes and aim for new heights in the MLS.

    Fans are eagerly awaiting the debut match, hoping to see their favorite stars in action and witness the magic they bring to the field. While it will not be an easy year, the international stars are ready to begin a new chapter in their careers looking for another trophy.

    As the season unfolds, the partnership between Messi and Surez will undoubtedly be a focal point for Inter Miami, both on and off the pitch. Their shared passion for the game and their unique bond continue to inspire fans and teammates alike.



    Source link

  • Inter Miami still wants to reunite Neymar with Messi

    Inter Miami still wants to reunite Neymar with Messi

    Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas wants to continue to shore up his team around Lionel Messi with a view to winning their first league title in history and he knows that the window is closing. Therefore, in recent days he has admitted that he would like to bring none other than Neymar to his team, if he were available. This is because the Brazilian star’s contract is still in force with Al-Hilal of the Sudi Pro League until next summer

    Lionel Messi and MARCA shine in Miami as they honor the greatest soccer player of all time

    In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jorge Mas indicated that they are open to bringing in Neymar, to revive the successful MSN trident (Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar) that was so successful with Barcelona last decade, as long as the conditions exist to do so, i.e. without paying his release clause to Al-Hilal:

    The key word is if he was available. Neymar is not available to us now. I have always said that we aspire to bring great players to our team. We have many limitations and restrictions in the squad, but we have an unlimited budget

    Jorge Mas, presidente del Inter Miami

    “We are aspirational. If there is ever a possibility to bring in the calibre of a player like Neymar, we will not hesitate. It’s not just up to me. It’s up to the player and the league. But yes, we aspire to build a great squad here,” he added

    Neymar is in a difficult part of his career as his move to the Saudi league has been a complete failure, mainly due to injuries. A torn ligament in his knee caused him to lose a year, from October 2023, but on his return he has now suffered a new hamstring injury.

    As if that were not enough, the club deregistered him to make room for another foreign reinforcement, so when Neymar is ready, he will only be able to play if one of his foreign teammates leaves the team.

    Messi maintains close contact with Neymar

    In the same vein, Lionel Messi said that he maintains close contact with his former teammate through a Whatsapp chat. He also said that he would like to have him back in his team, but for the moment, it is complicated. “It’s difficult now,” he said in an interview in June:

    “I don’t know. The truth is that now it is difficult. He is in Saudi Arabia and I think he has one year left on his contract (until June 2025). He had a difficult year, in which he was injured for a long time. So, it’s difficult now. After that, I don’t know. Life takes so many turns that anything can happen, but I think, for now, no.”

    Neymar and Messi played together in 206 games for Barcelona (2013-2017) and Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023), recording 67 joint goal involvements. While at Barcelona they created the trident with Luis Suarez that won the continental treble in 2014-15. In fact, if Neymar manages to join Inter Miami, he will become the only player to have shared a dressing room with Lionel Messi at three different clubs.

    He would also be reunited with other former Barcelona teammates such as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and the team’s new coach, Javier Mascherano



    Source link

  • Messi and Neymar at Inter Miami? Beckham's risky gamble on offense over defense

    Messi and Neymar at Inter Miami? Beckham's risky gamble on offense over defense

    Inter Miami are being linked with a high-profile move for Neymar after the Florida side failed to deliver in the playoffs, but not everyone thinks it would be the right move.

    Lionel Messi’s side claimed the Supporters’ Shield during the regular season, finishing eight points clear of the Columbus Crew for the best record in the MLS.

    Unfortunately for David Beckham’s side they couldn’t translate that to playoff success, as they were stunned and dumped out of round one by Atlanta United – a team that finished with 34 fewer points than them.

    As a result the rumour mill is turning over what Inter Miami will do next in order to improve the side, and the latest buzz is linking Neymar with a move to the sunshine state.

    The move would see him reunite with former Barcelona teammate Messi, along with Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez.

    Is Neymar who Inter Miami needs?

    While the move would certainly make headlines, as any team featuring Messi and Neymar would, but not everyone thinks Miami should bring in the Brazilian.

    “I don’t think Neymar is what they need right now. I mean, I think they need to shore up the back line and get some additional quality back there,” ESPN analyst Jeff Carlisle said on the Futbol Americas podcast.

    No doubt that Neymar’s signing would create a fearsome attack in Miami, but it’s their defense that likely needs the most help. The team gave up 49 goals last season, which was far off the top backlines in the league, and bringing in Neymar wouldn’t rectify that problem.

    Don’t forget that given MLS’ salary cap and roster regulations, bringing in Neymar would likely make it more difficult to bring in an impactful defender.

    “Miami always seems to step right up to the line of the salary cap and the roster rules. And then they kind of find themselves in situations where they’re dealing from a position of weakness. And so I think that’s what could make it especially difficult in this off-season,” Carlisle added.

    There’s also the question of whether Miami are interest in bringing back Suarez, who signed a one-year deal with the club.

    Although he has shown interest in remaining, there are question marks over the 37-year-old’s fitness given his chronic knee problems. Should he leave a move for Neymar would make more sense, but time will tell which position Miami chooses to strengthen.



    Source link

  • Messi's Inter Miami on their way to the Club World Cup: is their qualification guaranteed?

    Messi's Inter Miami on their way to the Club World Cup: is their qualification guaranteed?

    Inter Miami has joined the conversation to be one of the invitees to the 2025 Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States.

    After winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield, the team featuring Lionel Messi is now leading the race to receive the invitation FIFA grants to the host nation.

    What does Inter Miami need to qualify for the Club World Cup?

    According to Gastón Edul, the club owned by David Beckham and Jorge Mas has already been notified that they are in line to receive the spot for the Club World Cup as the representative of MLS.

    It’s important to note that FIFA’s new tournament allocated four spots to Concacaf, which were given to the winners of the Concachampions: Rayados (2021), Seattle Sounders (2022), León (2023), and Pachuca (2024).

    While the host nation, in this case, the United States, will have one additional spot, it has not been officially announced who will receive it.

    Having Inter Miami stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba would be a major attraction for the Club World Cup, and the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami has already been chosen as one of the 12 venues for the tournament.

    Tata Martino believes Inter Miami earned a Club World Cup spot

    The team’s coach, Gerardo Martino, expressed his excitement about possibly participating in the tournament next summer.

    “Today’s result is no small thing because we’re starting to justify why Inter Miami could go to the Club World Cup. This gives me peace of mind,” Martino said at a press conference after winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield against Columbus Crew.

    For Gerardo Martino, his team has fully earned a spot at the Club World Cup: “Inter Miami, given the players we have, could be seen as a strong candidate to be selected. But I believe it’s much fairer to earn that spot through sporting merit, and today we’ve achieved that by earning this merit,” he concluded.

    Participants in the 2025 Club World Cup

    So far, 30 clubs have been confirmed for the tournament, which will be held from June 15 to July 13, 2025. The remaining spots will go to the 2024 Copa Libertadores champion and the host nation:

    Al Ahly (Egypt) – CAF Champions League winner 2020/21, 2022/23, 2023/24

    Wydad (Morocco) – CAF Champions League winner 2021/22

    ES Tunis (Tunisia) – CAF Ranking

    Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) – CAF Ranking

    Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) – AFC Champions League winner 2021

    Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) – AFC Champions League winner 2022

    Al Ain (UAE) – AFC Champions League 2023/24

    Ulsan HD FC (Korea) – AFC Ranking

    Chelsea (England) – UEFA Champions League winner 2020/21

    Real Madrid (Spain) – UEFA Champions League winner 2021/22

    Manchester City (England) – UEFA Champions League winner 2022/23

    Bayern Munich (Germany) – UEFA Ranking

    PSG (France) – UEFA Ranking

    Inter Milan (Italy) – UEFA Ranking

    Porto (Portugal) – UEFA Ranking

    Benfica (Portugal) – UEFA Ranking

    Borussia Dortmund (Germany) – UEFA Ranking

    Juventus (Italy) – UEFA Ranking

    Atlético Madrid (Spain) – UEFA Ranking

    FC Salzburg (Austria) – UEFA Ranking

    Monterrey (Mexico) – Concacaf Champions League winner 2021

    Seattle Sounders (USA) – Concacaf Champions League winner 2022

    Club León (Mexico) – Concacaf Champions League winner 2023

    Auckland City (New Zealand) – OFC Ranking

    Palmeiras (Brazil) – Conmebol Libertadores winner 2021

    Flamengo (Brazil) – Conmebol Libertadores winner 2022

    Fluminense (Brazil) – Conmebol Libertadores winner 2023

    River Plate (Argentina) – Conmebol Ranking

    Boca Juniors (Argentina) – Conmebol Ranking

    Pachuca (Mexico) – Concacaf Champions League winner 2024



    Source link

  • David Beckham celebrates Messi's record-breaking moment in emotional message

    David Beckham celebrates Messi's record-breaking moment in emotional message

    David Beckham, co-owner and president of Inter Miami, shared an emotional message after witnessing Lionel Messi surpass his personal free-kick record during Inter Miami’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew. The game not only secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the club but also highlighted Messi’s continuous impact on the field.

    After Messi scored his 66th free-kick goal, overtaking Beckham’s career tally of 65, the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend wasted no time acknowledging the milestone. Beckham took to social media to share his joy, writing, “So proud to see our players lift the Supporters’ Shield after a great win in Columbus. Another amazing achievement in the history of this football club, and so happy to bring this trophy to the best fans in the League.”

    Lionel Messi scores the goal to tie

    Beckham’s journey from envisioning his own football club to seeing Messi break his record in a Miami jersey has been filled with personal investment and emotion. He has often been seen watching matches from the stands, visibly moved by the growth and success of the team. His words reflect the deep connection he has with the club and his pride in what they’ve accomplished together.

    The Messi Effect: a key to Miami’s success

    Messi’s influence on Inter Miami since his arrival has been monumental. Since joining from PSG in 2023, the Argentine has transformed the club into a contender, already winning the Leagues Cup and now adding the MLS Supporters’ Shield. Beckham’s message wasn’t just about the broken record; it was a reflection of the club’s collective success with Messi leading the charge.

    Messi’s contribution goes beyond individual achievements. With the help of former Barcelona teammates like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, he has brought a new energy and focus to the team, turning Miami into a powerhouse in MLS in just a short time.

    A vision realized

    Beckham’s emotional investment in Inter Miami goes back nearly a decade when he first proposed the idea of launching his own soccer team in the United States. Now, with Messi at the helm, Beckham’s dream has come to life. His message to Messi was not only a congratulatory note but also a reflection of his vision coming full circle.

    With the playoffs looming and Messi’s record-breaking form, Beckham and the Inter Miami family are setting their sights on the next challenge: the MLS Cup. As Beckham put it, “Now we go again and onto the next one.”



    Source link

  • Lionel Messi on the verge of his 46th career title

    Lionel Messi on the verge of his 46th career title

    After winning the Leagues Cup in his first season with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi is just three points away from winning his second title with “Las Garzas” and securing the top spot in the MLS playoffs.

    Messi’s first chance will be tonight when they take on Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field Stadium, the team that sits second in the Eastern Conference, eight points behind Inter Miami and with a game in hand.

    Lionel Messi scores the goal to tie

    If they cannot secure first place tonight and win the Supporters’ Shield, Messi and company will then have two more games: away against Toronto FC and home against New England Revolution, although in that case they would also have to see what results the Crew get.

    If he wins this title, Lionel Messi would add an impressive 46 titles and would be 11 ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the active player closest to matching the performance of the Argentine crack.

    Between Messi and Cristiano are the players with the most titles, although all of them are already retired: Dani Alves (Brazil) 43, Andres Iniesta (Spain) and Gerard Pique (Spain) 38 and Brazilian Maxwell, who has 37.

    Messi’s enormous influence

    Beyond this new title that would add to Messi’s list of honors, there is no doubt about the enormous influence that the arrival of the captain of Argentina’s national team has had on Inter Miami, which would be the second time they have reached the MLS playoffs.

    Before Messi donned the Inter Miami jersey, the team, which began competing in 2020, had been ranked 19th (out of 26 teams), was 20th out of 27 teams in 2021, the following season was the only time they qualified for the playoffs and lost in the first round to Orlando City.

    In 2023, the year Messi arrived, the team finished 27th out of 29, although that was when they won the Leagues Cup.



    Source link

  • Cristiano Ronaldo emulates Messi in a viral YouTube moment with Georgina Rodrguez

    Cristiano Ronaldo emulates Messi in a viral YouTube moment with Georgina Rodrguez

    Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his unmatched prowess on the football field, has recently taken a new direction by stepping into the world of YouTube. In a lighthearted video with his partner Georgina Rodrguez, the Al-Nassr forward sparked excitement and amusement among fans by imitating Lionel Messi’siconic phrase from the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

    A Fun Exchange Turns into a Viral Moment

    During a playful game with small balls, Rodrguez jokingly called Cristiano a “bobo,” a Spanish term for fool. Seizing the moment, CR7, with a grin, echoed Messi’s famous words, “What are you looking at, fool?”-a phrase that became legendary after Messi directed it at Dutch player Wout Weghorst during a tense post-match interview.

    Cristiano Ronaldo imita a Leo Messi en su canal de YoutubeCRISTIANO RONALDO UR

    This unexpected nod to Messi’s heated exchange has quickly become a hit online, with fans and non-fans alike buzzing about Cristiano’s sense of humor and his ability to engage with trending moments.

    Ronaldo’s playful imitation highlights his lighter side and showcases his awareness of popular culture, further endearing him to his massive following. The original incident that inspired CR7 mimicry happened after Argentina’s hard-fought victory over the Netherlands, where Messi’s outburst added fuel to an already intense rivalry.

    Ronaldo’s Social Media Savvy

    This latest video is a testament to Ronaldo’s ability to stay relevant and connect with his audience, even off the pitch. By tapping into one of the most talked-about moments in recent football history, Cristiano continues to build his brand, proving that he can dominate both the field and the digital space.

    With this viral moment, CR7 has once again shown that he understands how to keep his audience engaged, blending humor with a touch of rivalry to entertain his global fanbase.



    Source link

  • When will Lionel Messi play again with Inter Miami? Argentinian's comeback has been delayed

    When will Lionel Messi play again with Inter Miami? Argentinian's comeback has been delayed

    Lionel Messi’s ongoing injury saga continues to stir concerns as the legendary forward has been ruled out of Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

    Messi was chased down by stalker fans in a hotel

    Messi’s recovery taking longer than expected

    The 37-year-old has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during the Copa America final, leaving both fans and his teams anxiously awaiting his return.

    Despite initial hopes that Messi might soon be back on the pitch, reports suggest that his recovery is still ongoing.

    According to Argentinian journalist Hernn Claus, Messi is focused on strengthening his ankle and progressing cautiously.

    Although he has not yet resumed group training, there is cautious optimism that he could feature in Inter Miami’s match against Chicago Fire on August 31.

    However, the primary target remains the September 14 clash with Philadelphia Union.

    Inter Miami, the club Messi joined in 2023, has been navigating a challenging period without their star player.

    Head coach Tata Martino has remained tight-lipped about Messi’s exact return date, but the team has managed to hold its own in the MLS.

    With a solid 8-3-3 record in games Messi hasn’t started, the Herons have shown resilience, even as they eagerly anticipate his return.

    Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?

    Messi’s absence from Argentina’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers is also significant.

    With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, questions are beginning to surface about Messi’s ability to continue competing at the highest level.

    The intense demands of balancing club and international duties, combined with his recent injury history, have raised concerns about his long-term fitness.

    As Messi’s recovery continues, the pressure is mounting on both Inter Miami and Argentina.

    The Florida-based club is keen to have their talisman back in time for the MLS playoffs, while Argentina hopes to see him leading the national team once again.

    For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to see Lionel Messi back in action.

    Whether he will return at full strength remains to be seen.



    Source link

  • Without Leo Messi, Inter Miami loses a 0-2 lead to get kicked out of the Leagues Cup

    Without Leo Messi, Inter Miami loses a 0-2 lead to get kicked out of the Leagues Cup

    The Copa America final injury was too harsh on Lionel Messi, his ankle was clearly swollen and everybody in Miami knew what was coming. As one of the best players in history, Messi is not longer as young as he used to be and he no longer recovers as fast as he did in the past. Tonight in the Leagues Cup’s Round of 16, Luis Suarez was there but he was only able to support his team with an assist. But the game seemed to take a great road ahead for the team in pink as they got an early lead and a late 0-2 advantage in Columbus, Ohio. Initially, Matias Rojas connected a cross from the left after the offense recovered a ball in Columbus Crew’s territory.

    Apply TV: The home of the Leagues Cup / The home of the MLS

    The current champions are eliminated | Columbus 3-2 Inter Miami | Goals and Highlights | Leagues CupMLS / APPLE TV

    Inter Miami fall apart in the end

    After going to the locker roomwith a 0-1 advantage, probably most of the Inter Miami players felt confident for the second half. After one hour of the game, Suarez returned a great one-two straight to Diego Gomez for the 0-2 lead with 30 minutes left on the clock. But the game was about to turn sour for the visiting team. Just 7 minutes after that Inter Miami second goal, Ramirez pulled one back for the locals that should’ve made the visitors look for a third goal in order to secure the victory. But that wasnt’ the case. Just two minutes passed and Rossi equalized the game as the unthinkable happened, a gut punch for Inter Miami from which they did not recover.

    For the next 20 minutes of the game, Columbus Crew remained on top and always creating dangerous chances to get that winning goal. If finally came from Uruguay native Diego Rossi, who was one of the best players during the second half and effectively gave the Crew a massive win that effectively eliminated one of the most popular soccer teams in the world right now. fortunately for them, they can now focus completely on the MLS and effectively win the trophy that matters the most. One thing is for certain, Lionel Messi’s absence definitely had a profound impact in today’s result. The CRew is set to face New York City FC at the Leagues Cup’s quarterfinals.



    Source link