Inter Miami have stepped aside in the race to sign Kevin De Bruyne, clearing the way for Chicago Fire to lead the pursuit of the departing Manchester City midfielder should he opt for a move to Major League Soccer.
Miami had previously held exclusive negotiation rights with the 33-year-old through MLS’s ‘discovery list’ system, but sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that the club has chosen not to initiate talks before the mid-July deadline.
As a result, a potential reunion with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets in Florida is now off the table.
With Miami out of the picture, Chicago Fire now hold the priority to negotiate with De Bruyne, who announced in April that he would be leaving City at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Reports suggest his representatives are preparing to meet with the MLS club, who currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Belgian midfielder, who expressed surprise at not receiving a contract extension from City, departs after a decorated spell at the Etihad.
His time in Manchester has seen him collect 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown in 2023.
Inter Miami’s hopes of securing an MLS Cup title were dashed on Saturday evening as they were eliminated from the playoffs following a 3-2 defeat in the decisive third leg of their round one matchup against Atlanta United.
Despite winning the first leg, Miami’s loss in the second set up a do-or-die fixture that ultimately ended their playoff run.
The match saw plenty of action, with former Le Havre striker Jamal Thiare hitting the post in the 14th minute before Miami took the lead. Matias Rojas pounced on a rebound from a Messi shot saved by Brad Guzan, slotting in the opening goal. However, Thiare quickly turned the game around with two goals in just three minutes, one of which was a stunning strike from the edge of the box.
Miami had chances to level, with a Diego Gomez goal ruled out by VAR for offside and Messi’s effort saved by Guzan. The equalizer came in the 65th minute when Messi, surrounded by four defenders, rose to head home a goal from close range. But the decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when Bartosz Slisz scored a header while Miami appealed for a stoppage in play due to an injured defender.
Despite pushing for another equalizer, Miami’s efforts were thwarted as Atlanta held firm to secure a stunning upset. The defeat ended Messi’s second season in the United States in disappointment, with Inter Miami’s historic season—culminating in a record 73 points—ultimately falling short in the playoffs.
Inter Miami’s head coach Tata Martino reflected on the season, acknowledging both the successes and the disappointments, while Spain legend Jordi Alba expressed frustration at the playoff format. “It was a good season, but what we wanted was to win this more,” he said.
Lionel Messi,the forward for Inter Miami, played a crucial role in securing the club’s first-ever MLS Supporters’ Shield with two goals in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew.
Messi opened the scoring early with a close-range strike and extended the lead just before halftime with an exquisite free-kick.
Columbus Crew’s Diego Rossi responded by scoring to reduce the deficit, but Inter Miami quickly regained their two-goal advantage with a goal from Luis Suarez, a former Liverpool forward.
Although Cucho Hernandez converted a penalty for the Crew, Miami successfully maintained their lead.
This win guarantees that Inter Miami will finish at the top of the table, marking their first Supporters’ Shield triumph since their establishment in 2020.
With this latest accolade, Messi adds the 46th trophy to his illustrious collection, which includes titles from both club and international competitions.
By securing the top position, Miami has also ensured home-field advantage for the upcoming playoff matches.
“The first objective has been achieved, and now we have to think about what’s next,” said Messi.
“The first round is three games, but then it’s one game and anything can happen. But we have the great advantage of playing all the games at home, which is what we were looking for. We are very strong at home.”
Miami needs two wins from their final two league matches to beat the MLS record for most points in a regular season, which currently stands at the 73 amassed by the New England Revolution in 2021.
Lionel Messi made a triumphant return from injury, scoring twice and providing an assist to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union.
The 37-year-old Argentine star had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during Argentina’s Copa America final win against Colombia in July.
Messi’s absence saw him miss this month’s World Cup qualifiers and eight Major League Soccer (MLS) games, but his return was worth the wait. Despite Miami’s dominance in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, his presence was clearly missed on the pitch.
Philadelphia Union got off to a flying start, taking the lead just 58 seconds into the game with Mikael Uhre finding the net. However, Inter Miami equalized in the 26th minute when Messi collected a pass from Luis Suarez, beat a defender, and fired home. The goal was the result of strong teamwork, with Jordi Alba, another ex-Barcelona teammate, playing a key role in the buildup.
Just four minutes later, Messi struck again, this time finishing off an assist from Alba to put Miami ahead. In the dying moments of the game, deep into second-half injury time, Messi set up Suarez for Miami’s third goal, sealing the win.
Reflecting on his return, Messi, who now boasts 14 goals in 13 games this season, admitted he was feeling the effects of the match. “I really wanted to come back, I had been off of the field for a long time,” Messi said. “Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that’s why we decided that I would start, and I’m very happy.”
Elsewhere in MLS action, LA Galaxy staged an impressive comeback to defeat their Los Angeles rivals, LAFC, 4-2 in a top-of-the-table clash in the Western Conference.
Lionel Messi showcasedInter Miami’s striking new third kit as the MLS team introduced a retro-inspired jersey.
The new third kit from Inter Miami features a sophisticated art deco design, celebrating the city’s iconic colors — aquamarine, orange, and white.
These shades, synonymous with Miami’s vibrant culture and landscape, are seamlessly integrated into the jersey’s fabric, creating a visually stunning look.
Taking cues from the lively 1980s Miami style, Inter Miami’s archive kit collection extends beyond just jerseys to include jackets, Gazelle, and Samba shoes.
Each piece is crafted with bold, progressive designs that appeal to both retro lovers and modern fashion enthusiasts.
The Archive Collection merges various visual styles, incorporating elements from sports broadcasting, vintage advertisements, and nostalgic magazines.
This innovative blend appeals to a new generation of fans who value authenticity and cultural depth.
Inter Miami’s first team will debut the new third kit on Saturday, July 20, in their match against Chicago Fire FC.
Fans looking to own a piece of Miami’s sporting history can purchase the jersey starting Wednesday, July 17, at the Team Store at Chase Stadium or online at MLSstore.com, ensuring broad accessibility.
The former Manchester United star has been prolific when it comes to expanding his business empire over the years, from adidas partnerships to fragrances and whisky to fashion, among others.
Now, biotech firm Prenetics has revealed the 49-year-old is a strategic investor, co-founder and ambassador of health brand IM8, according to the Indy100.
The ex-Real Madrid player said: “Their [Prenetics’] guidance has been crucial to my health and well-being.”
Company’s CEO and co-founder, Danny Yeung, added: “David epitomises the values of discipline, teamwork and health… we have a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the consumer health and wellness industry.”
The report adds that details on IM8 are ‘sparse’ and it was developed by an unnamed former chief scientist at The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Beckham is certainlykeeping busy long after the conclusion of his iconic footballing career. Beckham, who also has partnerships with companies such as Sands, Maserati, Panini, and Guild eSports, sees his Inter Miami side take on Toronto next Wednesday as they look to return to the top of the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer.
David Beckham has stated that he doesn’t consider himself Lionel Messi’s “boss,” even though he is the co-owner of MLS team Inter Miami.
Beckham played a pivotal role in bringing the Argentine superstar to the United States following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in June of last year.
Messi, a former Barcelona standout, has made a significant impact in MLS, and Beckham, a former Manchester United star, admits it still feels “surreal” to have the legendary forward on the team.
Asked what it’s like to be Messi’s boss, Beckham told the Smartless podcast: “I can’t look at it like that, I can’t! I just can’t.”
He added: “It felt unbelievable [bringing Messi to Miami]. And I still can’t believe it. Every time someone turns around to me and says: ‘You have Messi on your team, you realize that, don’t you?,’ it really is surreal to say that we have probably the greatest player to have ever played the game, the most successful player to have ever played the game, and he’s playing in Miami in the MLS.”
Lionel Messi has been outstanding for Inter Miami this season.
The 36-year-old forward has netted 10 goals and provided nine assists in MLS, propelling the Herons to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Additionally, he scored twice and contributed two assists in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, although the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals.
David Beckham and the other Inter Miami directors are hopeful that Messi will continue his stellar performance and lead Tata Martino’s squad to another victory as they prepare to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada for their next MLS fixture this weekend.
Lionel Messi has been enjoying some leisure time at a nightclub with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, during a break from Inter Miami fixtures.
The Argentine superstar returned to the Bresh venue in Florida, making the most of his downtime between MLS matches.
The 36-year-old has been in top form this season, recently playing a key role in Miami’s thrilling 1-0 victory over D.C. United. Off the field, Messi is ensuring he takes full advantage of his relaxation time.
Messi and his significant other, accompanied by a group of close friends, seized the chance to attend a live concert by Maria Becerra, a renowned Argentine singer and former YouTube sensation.
Amidst the intimate setting, Becerra ventured through the audience, engaging with fans.
In a buoyant mood, Messi energetically swayed to the music, fully embracing the moment despite the numerous attendees capturing his and Becerra’s performances on their mobile devices.
The atmosphere was vibrant as they mingled with fellow concert-goers, enjoying the unique experience together.
Lionel Messi is set tomiss the Florida derby as the Inter Miami star has been ruled out of action against Orlando City.
According to The Athletic, the Argentine will not travel with the Inter Miami squad to Orlando due to a knee injury sustained during the club’s 3-2 win over CF Montreal last week.
Until now, the World Cup-winning captain has missed four games for Inter Miami this season, all in March.
During that period, the David Beckham-owned team struggled, losing twice, drawing once, and securing just one win.
Despite his absence, Messi has been in exceptional form in his second MLS season, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists in nine league appearances.
He set an MLS record on May 5 against the New York Red Bulls, becoming the first player to notch five assists in a regular-season game.
After Thursday’s match against Orlando City, Gerardo Martino’s side will face DC United in an MLS clash on May 19.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, accompanied by teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez, arrived just before the start of the Heat playoff game against the Boston Celtics on Monday night.
Messi’s group, some dressed in Heat gear and Busquets sporting a Heat hoodie, entered through the players’ parking garage and then proceeded through a VIP entrance to their seats in a suite above the lower level.
While Messi has attended events at the arena before, this was his first time arranging to attend a Heat game since relocating to Miami last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5jDO-qE2ZY
Inter Miami has had a successful season so far, with a record of 6-2-3 in Major League Soccer play, currently holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Messi’s recent performance for Inter Miami has been remarkable, with two goals and an assist in their recent 4-1 victory against New England.
He has contributed to multiple goals in five consecutive matches, a feat never achieved before in MLS history.
With nine goals and seven assists in seven matches for Inter Miami this season, Messi continues to demonstrate his prowess on the field.
A World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, Messi boasts an impressive career record of over 800 goals for club and country.
His performance in the 2022 World Cup final, where he scored twice against France in a match that ended 3-3 before Argentina prevailed 4-2 on penalty kicks, further solidified his status as one of the greatest scorers in soccer history.
An MLS rival has praised Lionel Messi’s exceptional abilities, emphasizing his latest performance as a testament to why he’s considered the best.
The Inter Miami star showcased another outstanding display in a 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution.
With a brace and an assist, Messi captivated the 65,000 spectators at Gillette Stadium, proving unstoppable even when opponents like centre-half Xavier Arreaga thought they had a plan to contain him.
He said in the Boston Globe: “That kind of player, that’s why he’s the best, because he can find the space that I think no other player can find.
Obviously they also have a good player like [Sergio] Busquets, they know the perfect pass between them. It was hard because I think the first 35 minutes, we did a great job trying to block most of the passes for Messi, but at the end of the day, we couldn’t do that and he scored.”
New England captain Carles Gil added on trying to contain the obvious threat that Messi poses: “You need to be focused for 90 minutes. If you only last 45 minutes, [Messi] scores two goals and one assist. He’s focused for 90 minutes.”
Messi’s mesmerizing performance in Massachusetts has maintained Inter Miami’s position at the summit of the MLS Eastern Conference.
With 11 goals in 10 appearances this season, he continues to dazzle. Next up, the Herons will return to their home turf to face theNew York Red Bulls.
Lalas comments on Lionel Messi’s recent goals against Nashville as solid but not extraordinary, yet highlights Messi’s consistency as making Inter Miami a “must see” team.
Messi scored twice and assisted Sergio Busquets in a 3-1 victory over Nashville.
Lalas acknowledges the routine nature of Messi’s goals but emphasizes his ongoing productivity, likening it to the excitement he brought to Barcelona and Argentina.
“He is incredible,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “And this was such an interesting game because the goals that we have now started to associate him with MLS, we’ve been doing it for years with Barcelona and Argentina, we’re associating with these magical moments.
“And yet both of these goals were nothing. If it wasn’t Messi, we’d be like, yeah, okay, whatever, just scored a penalty and then a broken play that he did finish off.
“But, the greatness is in that Messi is doing this and he’s doing it consistently and for this team in pink, each and every time they go out, they must see TV. And more often than not, they are delivering. And individually, when it comes to Messi right now, he is on a torrid pace and if he were to keep this up, we would see a historic production.”
Messi has been in stunning form, tallying nine goals and five assists in just 724 minutes of play this year.
His contributions have propelled Inter Miami from being league contenders to clear favorites for the MLS Cup.
However, Lalas rightly points out the importance of keeping Messi fit, as minor injuries have limited his playing time since joining the team in Florida.
Despite this concern,Inter Miami remains at the top ofthe Eastern Conference standings after 10 matches, setting the stage for an intriguing clash against the struggling New England Revolution this weekend.
USMNT prospect Benjamin Cremaschi has offered an intriguing glimpse into his experience sharing the field with Inter Miami teammate Lionel Messi.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who earned his debut for the Stars and Stripes last September, revealed insights into how the World Cup winner operates and communicates on the pitch.
Despite Messi’s reserved demeanor, Cremaschi explained that they share a mutual understanding when it comes to creating space and opportunities.
“He doesn’t talk much, right?” Cremaschi explained to Fulham’s Tim Ream on The American Dream podcast. “But he talks with his looks. Like, he’ll look at you and you’ll be like ‘Oh alright’. Literally in the field, I’m obviously constantly looking at him to see where he’s positioned because I play by his side.
So obviously, when he comes in, I need to create some space for him or maybe attract some players there so he can have some space. There are different little movements that I need to do to satisfy his game. Obviously, if we find him with time and space, it’s a goal chance, literally.”
Cremaschi’s breakdown is another intriguing insight into how one of the game’s greatest players goes about his business. Last week, Julian Gressel detailed how Messi’s presence on the field changes the energy of the side and raises the level of his Inter Miami colleagues just by his presence.
Messi, Cremaschi and company look to keep their strong start to the season rolling when they head north at the weekend to face the struggling New England Revolution in Foxboro.
Inter Miami are sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference on 18 points, two ahead of the New York Red Bulls, who have played a game more.
Lionel Messi delivered a remarkable assist for Inter Miami on Saturday evening, setting up Diego Gomez for the team’s opening goal.
Despite conceding an early goal due to defensive lapses, Inter Miami responded positively. In the 18th minute, Messi received the ball outside the box and delivered a precise pass into the box for youngster Diego Gomez, who calmly scored to level the match at 1-1.
With a record-breaking attendance of over 70,000 spectators, this was the largest crowd ever for a Sporting KC match.
Fans from across the country flocked to Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, eager to witness Messi in action.
This assist marked Messi’s seventh in all competitions, and his fifth in MLS.
Next Saturday, the Herons will face Eastern Conference side Nashville SC. Having already defeated Nashville earlier in the season in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, expectations will be high for Messi and his teammates.
Lionel Messi made a stunning comeback for Inter Miami, scoring just 12 minutes after coming off the substitutes’ bench in a 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday.
The Argentine star, sidelined with injury since March 13, made his return at halftime at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His first-time deflected shot found the back of the net off the post, bringing Miami level at 1-1.
This goal marked Messi’s fifth in five games across all competitions this season. Just three minutes later, he played a key role in Leo Alfonso’s goal, giving Miami a 2-1 lead over the visitors.
However, despite their efforts, Miami couldn’t maintain the lead, as Cole Bassett equalized for Colorado in the 88th minute.
“The usual [with Messi] in what he provokes in our team, in the rival and in the fans,” Miami boss Gerardo “Tata” Martino said in his postgame news conference. “The most important thing is that he felt comfortable, he felt good and loose playing.
“That’s why it is a shame to let go of two points. I think we continue making errors that make us lose points.”
Despite training regularly with the rest of the squad leading up to the Major League Soccer clash, Messi’s participation remained uncertain just 24 hours before kickoff.
“Messi’s evolution is exactly as we planned it,” Martino added. “We knew there was a risk for him to play against Monterrey on Wednesday, but it was planned that he would play minutes today. We were between 30 and 45, and he felt good.
“This helps to reach the second leg against Monterrey with more confidence, especially in relation to his injury.”
Miami heads to Monterrey, Mexico, for the return leg on Wednesday down 2-1 from the first match but with Martino hopeful of having Messi involved.
“The idea is that Messi does play on Wednesday,” he said. “But he just played 45 minutes, though we understand the requirements expected from us in the second leg. The most important thing is that he’s back, he felt good, scored a goal and participated in the second. That’s the most outstanding part.”
Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino expressed admiration for Lionel Messi’s continued hunger for success, stating that Messi’s unwavering desire to win remains unchanged from their time together at Barcelona.
Martino, who previously coached Messi at Barcelona during the 2013–14 season and later with Argentina’s national team for two years, revealed that Messi’s commitment to excellence has endured over the years.
“The number one thing they maintain throughout their entire career is the way they compete and the desire to win regardless of where they play,” Martino said of Messi.
“That is a big trait of his. I’m not saying that it surprises me because this is the third spell that I have managed him.
“But today I still see it in the same way as the first time in Barcelona, the desire to go for everything that falls on his path.”
At the age of 36, Lionel Messi achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the most decorated football player in history, clinching his 44th trophy when Inter Miami secured the League Cup title in August 2023.
Following two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, the World Cup winner joined Inter Miami in June as a free agent, adding another chapter to his illustrious career.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has justified his choice to bench Lionel Messi in Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Montreal.
Messi, aged 36, had participated in every minute of Miami’s three MLS matches in 2024, along with their Concacaf Champions League fixture against Nashville SC last Thursday.
“We talked about it about a week ago and we agreed that this was the game where he had to rest, regardless of what happened in the game with Nashville,” Martino said of Messi.
Martino had announced his plans during the preseason to rotate Messi and other senior players throughout the season. Additionally, Miami’s squad includes former Barcelona players Jordi Alba, aged 34, Sergio Busquets, aged 35, and Luis Suárez, aged 37.
“We also must make sure our team is healthy and can last an entire season,” he said.
Speaking after Sunday’s game, Inter Miami’s first defeat of the season, Martino said, “I think we more than deserved to win the game. Clearly, it was a game we should have won.”
Martino also accused Montreal players of time-wasting late in the game.
“Before the league started, we had to listen for an hour to a talk about what the spirit of the league was and the spirit of the league was not seen today,” he said.
“There was a team that did not want to play. In each situation of a throw-in, of a goal kick, or of a foul, permanently wasted time with the collaboration of a referee, who took 30 seconds to write down the shirt number of the cautioned player.”
Inter Miami have conceded five goals in their last two games and Martino admitted to being concerned by their defensive capabilities.
“What worries me is that we are a team that does not defend hard in the moments when it has to defend, be it when the ball is in play or in dead-ball situations,” Martino said.
Inter Miami are back in action on Wednesday when they take on Nashville SC in the 16th round of the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup. They drew the opening leg 2-2.
Brazil forward Neymar said on Saturday that he would like to play again with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi in the future.
The two are good friends and played together at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but they will not face off in this summer’s Copa América after the Brazil international suffered a knee injury last October.
Since signing Messi in the summer of 2023, Miami has added his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez to the squad.
Asked about Messi bringing his friends to Inter Miami and if he would like to play with him again, Neymar told ESPN Argentina: “Hopefully we can play together again.
Leo is a great person, everyone knows him in football and I think he is very happy and if he is happy, I am too.” The Al Hilal forward, who is not expected to return to action until August, attended the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday.
Neymar and Messi achieved league titles during their tenure at PSG but fell short of securing Champions League glory for the club. The 32-year-old Neymar has described their time together at PSG as tumultuous, stating that they “endured hell.”
Both players departed the club in 2023, with Messi moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) and Neymar signing a two-year deal with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Neymar, Brazil’s highest-scoring player of all time, had previously shown interest in playing in the MLS while still at PSG.
Asked last year if he would like to retire in Brazil, Neymar, 30, said on the Fenômenos podcast: “I don’t know. I have some doubts about that. I don’t know if I’ll play in Brazil again.
“I’d love to play in the U.S., actually. I’d love to play there, at least for a season.”
Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto has reportedly turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia in favour of joining Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer (MLS).
According to Mundo Deportivo, Roberto declined a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian second division side Al-Qadisiyah, despite their ambitions of promotion to the Saudi Pro League next season.
Personal reasons were cited for his decision to reject the move.
Roberto’s current contract with Barcelona expires in the summer, and with manager Xavi leaving the club at the end of the season, the likelihood of a contract renewal appears slim.
Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer club, is reportedly interested in acquiring Roberto’s services, following their signings of former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez alongside Messi.
Multiple reports indicate Roberto’s desire to join MLS in the future.
TheBarcelona skipper is scheduled to appear in the next La Liga fixture on Sunday, as Xavi’s side prepares to face Athletic Club.
Javier Mascherano, the coach of Argentina’s under-23 team, has suggested that the captain of Inter Miami might have the opportunity to take part in the Olympic Games in Paris.
When asked about the potential involvement of Messi, who is expected to lead Argentina in the 2024 Copa América, in the Olympics as well, Martino avoided directly mentioning Messi. Instead, he referred to Messi’s MLS teammate, Diego Gómez, as an example.
“He [Paraguay’s Gomez] has the Copa América and the Olympic Games,” Martino said.
“We know that we have to give him to the Copa and not to the Games; we communicate; I have many friends there [in Paraguay’s FA] and I told them to choose only one.”
The 2024 Copa América will be staged in the United States from June 20–July 14, less than two weeks before the Games begin in Paris.
With the MLS season continuing uninterrupted while the Copa América takes place, Martino is against his players competing in both tournaments.
“I am a pro-national team, but in this case, there are two competitions [the Copa América and the Olympics] close together and that implies that a player is away for more than two months,” he said.
At 36 years old,Messi has previously competed in the Olympics, achieving gold in Beijing in 2008.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient secured victory in the 2021 Copa América and subsequently led Argentina to their third World Cup title the following year.
Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino has expressed confidence that Lionel Messi will be fit to face Real Salt Lake next Wednesday night.
This comes after a 1-1 draw against Newell’s Old Boys in Miami’s final pre-season friendly.
Martino said: “I see him fully recovered. It is true that we are playing him little by little. From what I saw today on the field, the way he teamed up and how he arrived in the area, I saw him very well.
“Tonight he played almost 60 minutes and the idea is that he arrives well prepared for the [league] debut on [February] 21. This game was important to have a good feeling for our season opener.”
On Thursday, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez declared that Inter Miami will mark the final club of his career.
The 37-year-old joined the MLS side for the 2024 season following his tenure with Brazilian club Gremio.
Suárez’s move to Inter Miami reunited him with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, with whom he celebrated four LaLiga titles during their time in Spain.
“Inter Miami will be my last club; my family already knows that. I don’t have a date yet, but it’s the last step,” Suárez said in an interview with Uruguayan radio station Del Sol.
“I’m ready for this last challenge, but there is an inevitable fatigue and, in the end, I want to have quality of life in the future,” he added.
Having previously represented clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam, Liverpool, and Atlético Madrid, Suárez boasts an impressive career spanning multiple prestigious teams. Since 2007, he has earned 138 caps for Uruguay.
Inter Miami, scheduled to face Newell’s Old Boys in its last preseason fixture on Thursday, will commence its MLS campaign against Real Salt Lake on Feb. 21.
Organizer of a highly anticipated Inter Miami match in Hong Kong last week, which was expected to feature Lionel Messi (36), has announced a 50% refund for tickets following widespread disappointment that the Argentine player did not take the field due to injury but participated in a match in Japan a few days later.
Tatler Asia, a privately owned publishing and lifestyle company, issued a statement on its Instagram page expressing deep regret and sorrow for letting down fans after Messi remained on the bench during Sunday’s match.
The match in Hong Kong attracted 40,000 fans, with some paying nearly HK$5,000 ($640) per ticket. Tatler announced that all matchday tickets purchased from official channels are eligible for a 50% refund, adding that discussions have been underway with the Hong Kong government to address the matter.
Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino stated that Messi was considered unfit to play in the friendly match in Hong Kong, but he did come on as a substitute in the 60th minute during the match against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday.
“When we learned that Messi would not be playing, we pleaded with Inter Miami CF ownership and management to urge him to stand up, engage with the spectators and explain why he couldn’t play,” Tatler said.
“He didn’t. The fact that Messi and (Luis) Suarez played in Japan on February 7 feels like another slap in the face.”
Promoter for Hong Kong XI v Inter Miami gives 50% refunds after Messi no show on the pitch. Match generated HK$ 157 million (about £16m) but after refunds substantial loss made. Inter Miami appearance fee estimated at US$6.5m, whether some will be withheld is unknown pic.twitter.com/vL5Q0GxjwO
Chinese state media, along with Hong Kong politicians and certain fans, promptly criticised Messi’s involvement in the Japan match. The state-controlled Global Times highlighted Messi’s absence, raising concerns about unequal treatment in Hong Kong.
In response, the Hong Kong government issued a statement acknowledging the refund offered by Tatler Asia. It noted that the refund demonstrated the organizer’s commitment to addressing the situation, emphasising that many individuals had queries regarding the incident.
“The government hopes that the Inter Miami team will eventually provide a reasonable explanation to Hong Kong citizens and fans who came to Hong Kong to watch the game.”
Tatler Asia said Inter Miami had committed to ensuring that their top players, including Messi and Uruguay’s Suarez, would play for 45 minutes unless injured.
It said it had hoped to create an iconic moment in support of the government’s efforts to remind the world how relevant and exciting Hong Kong is.
NBA superstar LeBron James believes that Lionel Messi’s arrival in the MLS has brought about a “game-changing” impact throughout the USA.
James ensured his presence at Messi’s Miami debut against Cruz Azul in the League Cup back in July 2023. Witnessing Messi’s brilliant free-kick goal in the final minute of injury time, securing a memorable win for the Herons, James enjoyed a wonderful time in the stands.
Following the match, the basketball legend approached Messi and warmly welcomed the record Ballon d’Or winner to the United States.
Since Messi’s arrival, the Lakers player has shown a keen interest in soccer and emphasised that the presence of the 2022 World Cup winner will play a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of fans to embrace the sport.
“Seeing Messi, the GOAT of soccer, honour the MLS with his presence is a total game-changer for us,” he said in a conversation with Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“His arrival not only elevates the league but also inspires a new generation of football fans in our country. It takes unparalleled dedication, work ethic and talent to achieve what Messi has, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for him. I wish him all the best.”
Despite Lionel Messi’s widespread admiration and respect from millions of fans worldwide, he faced criticism from disappointed supporters in the Far East after missing Inter Miami’s friendly match in Hong Kong on Sunday.
The legendary player, currently on a jet-setting international tour, attributed his absence to “bad luck” caused by an injury. While Messi has moved on to Japan for the team’s next assignment, he remains uncertain about his fitness for the upcoming match against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday.
This friendly encounter marks the final leg of their extensive tour, which has taken them from El Salvador to Japan via the Middle East.
Upon their return to the US, they are scheduled to play another friendly against Messi’s first club, Newell’s Old Boys, before kicking off their 2024 MLS campaign with a home match against Real Salt Lake on February 21st.
Lionel Messi fans expressed frustration as the Argentine soccer star did not participate in a Hong Kong exhibition game, despite a sellout crowd of 40,000 fans who had paid to watch him play.
The match took place between a team of Hong Kong players and Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club Messi joined in the previous year.
Despite the disappointment, Inter Miami won the match 4-1, and videos from Hong Kong Stadium showed fans chanting “Refund!” and booing during David Beckham’s address to the crowd after the game.
The Hong Kong government, which has been trying to win the world back to the increasingly isolated Chinese territory, said it was “deeply disappointed” by Messi’s absence from the match and threatened to reduce the 16 million Hong Kong dollars ($2 million) in sponsorship it had provided.
Tatler Asia, a luxury media brand and the game’s commercial partner, announced on Monday that it would retract its funding request from the government.
The public’s disappointment with the match is a setback for Hong Kong officials attempting to revitalise the international financial hub. In recent years, Hong Kong’s reputation has suffered due to a government crackdown on dissent and stringent Covid-19 restrictions.
If the Hong Kong government wants to “make Hong Kong a big city with big events, how could they let this happen?” Gong said. Speaking to reporters on Sunday after the match, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino acknowledged fans’ disappointment but said he didn’t want to risk worsening the injuries of Messi, 36, and his teammate Luis Suárez of Uruguay, 37, who also sat out the game.
Inter Miami embarked on a global exhibition tour in preparation for its upcoming regular season, set to commence on February 21.
Lionel Messi and his teammates arrived in Hong Kong on Friday after participating in a game in Saudi Arabia. Following the exhibition match in Hong Kong, the team is scheduled to play again in Japan on Wednesday. Fans from mainland China and various parts of Asia attended the event, eager to witness Messi’s performance, marking his return to Hong Kong after a hiatus since 2014.
In a friendly match against Al-Hilal, Inter Miami showcased an improvement in their preseason performance by scoring three goals but suffered a 4-3 defeat.
The Saudi Pro League side, Al-Hilal, took an early lead with goals from Alexandar Mitrovic and Abdullah Al-Hamdan. Luis Suarez pulled one back for Inter Miami, but Michael extended Al-Hilal’s lead.
Inter Miami fought back with a Lionel Messi penalty and a goal from David Ruiz, leveling the scores. However, Al-Hilal secured the victory with a late goal from Malcolm.
Brad Friedel, expressing his views on Lionel Messi’s impact on Major League Soccer (MLS), emphasized that Messi has had an “enormous” influence on the league.
Friedel urged MLS officials to capitalize on the increased interest generated by Messi’s presence and ensure that it leads to sustainable growth for the league.
The former USA No1 told Livescore that “the second Messi signed, his face was everywhere, pink Inter Miami shirts were everywhere and on billboards. The impact has been enormous.
“Over here we’ve been struggling to get that large lucrative television contract so hopefully this can instigate more discussions.”
Inter Miami has unveiled the squad numbers for the upcoming 2024 MLS season, providing insights into the jerseys Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will don.
Following their historic League Cup triumph in 2023, shortly after Messi’s remarkable move to the United States, Inter Miami aims to pursue more major honours in the upcoming campaign.
Before competitive action kicks off, Inter Miami has a series of friendly matches on their agenda, including the club’s inaugural international tour and high-profile clashes with teams like Vissel Kobe, Newell’s Old Boys, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
The club’s official website has disclosed the assigned numbers for these games, confirming Messi’s continuation with his iconic No. 10 shirt.
New signing Suarez will sport the No. 9 jersey, while Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retain their numbers 5 and 18, respectively. USMNT star Julian Gressel will don the No. 24 shirt.
Messi, included in the travelling squad, is set to make his debut in Inter Miami’s first pre-season match of 2024 against El Salvador on Friday. Subsequently, they will face FC Dallas on Monday before embarking on a tour to Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Luis Suarez has joined the Barcelona reunion at Inter Miami, aligning himself with former teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets at the Florida-based club.
Suarez shared his motivations for joining the Herons, citing the desire to reconnect with his Barcelona colleagues as a significant factor.
Additionally, he disclosed that the idea of moving to the United States had crossed his mind as early as 2019, influenced by his close friend Nicolas Lodeiro’s involvement with the Seattle Sounders.
Furthermore, Suarez explained that the upcoming Copa America tournament in the United States played a role in his decision. Being part of Inter Miami would allow him to acclimatise to the conditions, providing preparation for his final international tournament representing Uruguay.
“To come help a team that has well-known players that everyone knows and [adjust] to the other players and what is a new club and do what the club wants, which is to attempt to win an MLS Cup and do it with professionalism, is what is wanted of me; this is so important for me,” Suarez said. “[Messi] talked to me about the good things about Inter Miami and about MLS. It was so nice for me when he told me that.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quCdluJT4cI
Suarez further explained the role of Copa America in his decision, telling AS: “Anyone who has been in the national team always wants to stay in the national team. I’ve always said that. I had a chance to step aside after the World Cup, but when I was in Brazil, I felt good physically and that I could help the team from anywhere.
“You have to accept the role you have to play and coming here to the United States and knowing the Copa América is being played this year is another plus. It helps to acclimatise, knowing it will be hot, and that’s good; it’s important to get to know the country. After that, my performances on the field will help the coach decide if I can make a contribution. That will always be based on performances, not on reputation.”
The Uruguayan and Messi spent six seasons together at Barcelona, winning four Spanish league titles and nine other trophies, including a Champions League title, in that span. Suarez is coming off a year where he was the best player and the best striker in the Brazilian Serie A with Gremio.
However, now that he is turning 37 this year and suffering from knee issues, the load on the striker will have to be managed by the club if they want to get the best out of him.
Suarez has already started training with the Herons and is likely to feature in the season-opening friendly forInter Miami against El Salvador on January 19 in San Salvador.
Lionel Messi, after a brief respite from competitive football, concludes his holiday as he gears up to return to Inter Miami.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient made a move to the United States in the summer of 2023, parting ways with Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.
He played a pivotal role in securing a League Cup victory for his new club shortly after joining. However, an unfortunate injury contributed to Inter Miami missing out on a spot in the MLS playoffs.
After wrapping up his domestic season with Argentina, Messi spent the festive and New Year period in his homeland. Now, he is en route to Florida, departing Argentina for Fort Lauderdale around 11 p.m. on Saturday evening, along with his family.
They will be readjusting to life in the opulent waterfront mansion they acquired shortly after their arrival in the United States.
Messi’s return to the pitch is scheduled for January 19, nearly two months since his last appearance.
Inter Miami’s upcoming fixtures include friendly matches against El Salvador, a Hong Kong Select XI, Vissel Kobe, FC Dallas, and Newell’s Old Boys. Additionally, they will face Al-Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo’sAl-Nassr at the Riyadh Cup.
Luis Suarez, aged 36, has officially signed a one-year contract with Inter Miami, reuniting with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.
The Uruguayan striker, coming off a highly successful stint with Gremio, where he scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in 33 league matches, narrowly missing out on the title to Palmeiras.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, eagerly welcomes Suarez as they prepare for a new chapter in domestic competition in Florida.
The South American icon said: “I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami.
“I can’t wait to get started and I’m ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great club a reality.
“I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition.
“I will give my all to bring joy to these great fans I’ve heard so much about while I wear Inter Miami colours, and look forward to reuniting with great friends and players.
“I’m also eager to meet my new team-mates and coaches.”
Beckham added: “We are delighted to have a player of Luis’ quality and passion for the game join our club.
“He joins a squad that is inspiring the next generation and we look forward to seeing him take to the field with both former team-mates and young players from our academy.”
In addition to reuniting with Messi in Miami, Suarez will have the opportunity to play alongside two other former Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The Leagues Cup holders are set to kick off the 2024 Major Soccer League season on February 22, hosting Real Salt Lake. Ahead of the competitive season, Gerardo Martino’s side has scheduled warm-up friendlies against Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Vissel Kobe, and Newell’s Old Boys in the coming weeks.
Luis Suarez has expressed that he is in no rush to secure his next club after concluding his final match in front of Gremio fans as his contract nears expiration.
While the 36-year-old has drawn interest from Inter Miami, where he could potentially reunite with his close friend and former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, Suarez has not provided any clear indication of his future playing destination.
“I need to enjoy my family because I arrived here 11 months ago and didn’t have a vacation,” Suarez said. “My children had vacation for a month and a-half and they were here supporting me, knowing how difficult it was for me.
“And I need to rest, take advantage of them and then fate will know where it will touch me, but I’m in no hurry; now it’s time to enjoy it now and then see what happens.”
The Uruguay international, who scored in Sunday’s 1-0 win against Vasco da Gama, said of leaving Gremio: “People think it’s easy to make a decision like this, but it’s not easy at all.
“I would like to play [in the Copa Libertadores], but what speaks is my body. The pain I feel on a daily basis is a lot. And I have to think about Luiz Suarez being human.
“I have a very long career and I think I have earned the right to decide, to say that enough is enough, and to be able to decide where to play and enjoy my children and my wife after a very complicated year.
“It will be the year that I have playedthe most games in my career. And that says a lot. But I really enjoyed it. I was very happy. I did the job I wanted, which was helping the team.”
Inter Miami has contradicted claims made by a promoter earlier on Tuesday, stating that the MLS team has not agreed to participate in Saudi Arabia next February.
The promoter had announced matches between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, along with another match against Al-Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup.
However, Inter Miami, in a statement issued hours after the match announcements, refuted the assertions, denying that any pre-season tour plans have been confirmed.
“Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup. This is inaccurate,” the Inter Miami statement said.
“The release included statements attributed to team owner Jorge Mas. Mas has made no comments, publicly or privately, in relation to the pre-season tour.”
Inter Miami release a statement denying that a friendly with Al-Nassr has been scheduled 🚫
'Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup. This is inaccurate' pic.twitter.com/EX5k2LDyzR
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who joined the side in July and sparked a championship run in the League Cup against US and Mexican clubs, has made Inter Miami a desired team for global contests.
Earlier this month, Inter Miami announced that a planned trip to China for matches had been called off due to “unforeseen circumstances in China.”
In this latest case, a Messi versus Ronaldo rematch proved too good to be true, Inter Miami’s statement said.
“Since day one, Inter Miami has set out to be a global brand. To this end, we have been in conversations to determine our 2024 pre-season schedule,” the statement said.
“We look forward to showcasing our players onInter Miami’s first international tour, which will be announced in the coming weeks.”
In January of the previous year, Ronaldo had his inaugural outing in Saudi Arabia after joining Al Nassr.
He played for a Riyadh All-Star XI that suffered a 5-4 defeat against a Paris Saint-Germain side boasting the presence of Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Sergio Ramos.
Neymar’s troubled injury history during his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) may have had its roots in his arrival in 2017, as reports suggest he came to the club with an ankle stress fracture.
The Brazilian, who transferred from Barcelona for a record €222 million (£193 million/$242 million) six years ago, has faced criticism for his relatively underwhelming stint in the French capital, particularly for the team’s inability to secure European success.
L’Equipe’s recent report reveals that Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain with a pre-existing ankle stress fracture, specifically to the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.
Subsequently, he suffered the same fracture twice during his PSG tenure—in February 2018 and January 2019—followed by ankle surgery last March after issues during the 2022 World Cup.
During his six seasons with PSG, Neymar played 173 matches, contributing 118 goals and 77 assists across all competitions.
However, he missed over 100 games due to injuries and experienced a strained relationship with supporters towards the end of his time in Paris.
Despite moving to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer, Neymar is currently sidelined with a different injury.
After just five matches, he ruptured his ACL while on international duty with Brazil, requiring surgery and an extended absence from the pitch.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino reveals that Lionel Messi hasacknowledged the need to reduce his playing time next year to manage the demanding schedule for both club and country.
Asked how you convinced the 36-year-old Argentina World Cup winner to play less, Martino said, “It seems to me that it is something that he has already incorporated; he has accepted.
“Because not only do we have our competitions, but there is also a Copa America in the middle of the year, and it is another important competition that is added.
“This topic has already been discussed with him (Messi) and Sergio Busquets; their desire is always to be there, to compete and play on all fronts, but they know that undoubtedly next year they will not be able to be in every game.
“There have been games this year where Leo was on the bench and he came on for a few minutes. There will be games where they will have to rest because it’s going to be impossible to be in every game.”
Messi, the extraordinary talent from Argentina, secured his eighth Golden Ball on Monday, thanks to his remarkable performances for Paris Saint-Germain and the national team.
Inter Miami, his current club, revealed their plans on Friday to mark this historic achievement by scheduling a friendly match. On November 10, Miami will go head-to-head with New York City FC, a fellow team in the Eastern Conference, in a “night full of festivities.”
Noche d’Or 💫 8️⃣
Come join us as we celebrate history at @drvpnkstadium!
Next Friday, Nov. 10th we will commemorate Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or with a night full of festivities featuring a friendly match against New York City FC, and an afterparty by @fiestabresh!… pic.twitter.com/mNAPBEm6C2
The decision to pay tribute to Messi is a relief for Miami fans, who were uncertain about seeing the 36-year-old in action earlier this week.
The team, under the leadership of David Beckham, had to cancel their China tour on Wednesday due to apparent “commercial and bureaucratic issues.” Now, the gap in their schedule will be filled by the upcoming ‘Noche d’Or’ event.
Since his arrival inMiami in July, Messi has made a remarkable impact with 11 goals and eight assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.
Despite playing in only half of the campaign, he finished second in the MLS Newcomer of the Year award.
Luis Suarez is on the verge of joining Inter Miami after his contract with Brazilian club Gremio expires in December, according to TyC.
The 36-year-old striker is excited about the prospect of playing alongside his friend and former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi, at Inter Miami next year.
In his 46 appearances for Gremio, Suarez has scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions.
Inter Miami had attempted to sign the Uruguayan in the previous transfer window but were unsuccessful.
Suarez is expected to travel to Miami in December once he becomes a free agent to finalise his contract with The Herons.
The eagerly anticipated tour of Inter Miami, featuring the iconicLionel Messi, to China has already encountered turmoil even before it commences.
Soccer enthusiasts across Asia were thrilled at the prospect of witnessing the legendary Messi’s presence once again, especially following what is anticipated to be his eighth Ballon d’Or win in 2023.
The Argentine icon is poised to add another Golden Ball to his collection during the glamorous ceremony scheduled for October 30 in Paris.
Shortly after this prestigious event, Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Inter Miami had plans to embark on a tour to China, where they were slated to play a series of friendly matches.
Originally, their itinerary included a match against Qingdao Hainiu on November 5, followed by a game against Chengdu Rongcheng three days later.
According to the South China Morning Post, the second of those fixtures has been cancelled, with “various reasons” being cited for the late change in plans.
Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi expected to be a part of their travel contingent, are still scheduled to compete against Qingdao.
Nevertheless, there have been adjustments made to the schedule, relocating the match from the initially planned 50,000-seat Qingdao Youth Football Stadium to the 41,500-capacityWuyuan River Stadium in Haikou.
There have been conflicting statements from event organisers regarding the ticket sale date, and now there is only one game for fans to look forward to.
This has left disgruntled supporters expressing their discontent on social media, as their initial feelings of joy and anticipation have turned into frustration and bewilderment.
Edison Azcona has disclosed that, as part of their efforts to safeguardLionel Messi from potential injuries, Inter Miami occasionally refrains from including him in training matches.
The MLS team is elated to have the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as part of their squad and witnessed his influence in securing a historic Leagues Cup victory shortly after his arrival in the United States.
However, Messi has encountered a minor injury that ruled him out of the U.S. Open Cup final and hampered his participation in the late-season push to secure a playoff spot.
Inter Miami are aware of the need to handle Messi with care, with Azcona telling Infobae of how the all-time great is treated behind the scenes: “Everyone understands that we are not going to try to hurt him.
“One tries to defend, but they are a little more careful. We don’t let him play in the games we play among ourselves, we defend him, but with caution. Nobody gets into it very hard.”
It is not just in training that Inter Miami stars are changing their ways for Messi, with Dominican Republic international Azcona revealing that a number of players are learning a new language. He added: “I have not heard Leo speak English… Sometimes, he has said ‘good morning’ when he comes in, but those who speak English and do not know Spanish are learning to speak Spanish.”
Messi has scored 11 goals in 14 appearancesfor Inter Miami and has no plans to go out on loan in January, despite rumors of a potential return to Barcelona. His primary focus is to maintain peak physical condition for the commencement of the 2024 MLS season.
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has officially stated that Josef Martinez is not part of Inter Miami’s future plans, coinciding with reports connecting the club to the legendary striker Luis Suarez.
For Inter Miami’s Saturday MLS finale against Charlotte FC, Martinez was notably absent.
The match ended in a 1-0 loss for the Herons.
Throughout this season, Martinez contributed 10 goals in 32 appearances across various competitions for the club. After the match, Martino confirmed that it was a collective decision for all parties to part ways.
: “Josef didn’t travel because it would be very difficult for him to continue with our club next season,” Martino said. “We spoke, and the wisest decision was for him not to travel for this last game and not take a totally unnecessary risk.”
The possibility of Martinez leaving the club coincides with reports connecting Inter Miami to Luis Suarez, who enjoyed his most successful years alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
Messi has already been joined by fellow former Barcelona players Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at Miami. Furthermore, Suarez’s current club, Gremio, has agreed to his departure in December, clearing the path for a move to MLS.
Given their elimination from playoff contention,Inter Miami is set toembark on a brief tour in China before commencing their offseason.
Lionel Messi has put an end to the speculations surrounding a possible loan move to another club once the MLS season concludes with Inter Miami, who failed to make it to the MLS playoffs, set to face Charlotte FC in their final game this Saturday.
There had been rumours circulating about the former Barcelona star’s potential return to Europe on loan during the MLS postseason break to maintain his match fitness, particularly in light of his expected participation for Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers in November.
However, Messi has dispelled these speculations.
However, when asked whether he was considering playing for another club during December [between the 2023 and 2024 MLS seasons], Messi said: “No.
“I will train, I will play our upcoming match [against Charlotte FC] and I will try to get here [to the national team] in the best possible way for November,” he said after Argentina’s 2-0 win at Peru in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
Messi, 36, was disappointed his team didn’t make the MLS playoffs. The Argentina captain, who joined Inter Miami in the summer after two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, has missed five of his team’s last six games with a hamstring injury before returning to action on Oct. 7.
“It’s really a shame,” Messi said. “We came very close. I missed the last few games; we had several injuries. The month of July was very hard for us; we played every three days, and we travelled.”
Messi, who has 11 goals in 13 games for Inter Miami, did contribute to his team’s League Cup victory in August.
“We won a tournament that is important for the club and for what is coming next year,” he said.
Inter Miami will play two games while on a tour of China in November before Messi and Argentina are back in action. Argentina hosts Uruguay on Nov. 16 and plays Brazil five days later.
“After that, I will enjoy the holidays in Argentina,” Messi said.
“It’s the first time that I am going to have more days off in December, with the holidays, with peace of mind, with my people. In January, I will return again to do preseason. Start from scratch and prepare as best as possible, as always.”
Messi showcased his resurgence by netting two goals in Tuesday’s victory against Peru. This achievement also propelled him to the position of CONMEBOL’s top scorer in World Cup qualifiers, with an impressive tally of 31 goals.
Argentina, in their World Cup qualifying campaign, have maintained a perfect record, winning all four of their games without conceding a single goal.
Messi said he believes this Argentina team is “very close” to the level of the Pep Guardiola-coached Barcelona side that he played for. That Barcelona team, which won 14 trophies, including two Champions Leagues, between 2008 and 2012, is considered by many to be the greatest team ever.
Asked how he rated his current Argentina team, Messi said: “I asked myself just that the other day, this team is impressive. It continues to grow, game after game. Each time, the team plays better. To compare it to Barcelona, the best team in the world, is too much. But I think this team is very close to it because of what it has shown, such as being [2021] Copa America winners and [2022] World Cup winners.
“That has a lot of merit. We have great players regardless of who plays. We have a style of play that is very defined, that identifies us and that we like to play. I hope we can continue on this path.”
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, revealed their plans for a two-game postseason tour of China.
Following the conclusion of their 2023 MLS campaign, which ends just over two weeks earlier, Inter Miami is scheduled to visit China to play against Chinese Super League teams Qingdao Hainiu FC and Chengdu Rongcheng on November 5 and 8, respectively.
“We’re very excited to continue to expand our club’s global reach, bringing our team to play in front of incredible fans across the globe,” Inter Miami chief business officer Xavier Asensi said.
“This is a special opportunity to share the passion as we reach new audiences and put ourselves on display in new places, and we’re looking forward to beginning this adventure.”
Miami, which was eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to FC Cincinnati in its most recent game, has two matchups against Charlotte FC remaining in the MLS regular season, at home on Wednesday and in Charlotte on Saturday.
Messi has played in only two of the team’s past seven MLS games because of a hamstring injury, but he did manage 35 minutes off the bench in the loss to Cincinnati and played 37 minutes for Argentina in its 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Paraguay on Friday.
If healthy, the Argentine legend, who has scored 11 goals in his first season with Miami, will certainly be the main attraction for fans attending games on this two-game tour of China, whose national team has only appeared in one World Cup (2002).
The Chinese Super League has managed to attract a number of high-profile Brazilian signings over recent years, including Oscar, Hulk, Alex Teixeira and Paulinho, though many of those players have now moved on.
“This will be a great opportunity to continue building on our 2023 campaign, in which we achieved our first-ever trophy,” sporting director and chief soccer officer Chris Henderson said.
“We will take this as an opportunity to begin our preparations for 2024, as we look to build on last season and find more success moving forward.”
Miami, which secured victory in the Leagues Cup this August and, as a result, qualified for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, is scheduled to kick off the tour with a match at Qingdao Hainiu’s recently inaugurated 50,000-seat stadium, which opened its doors in April.
The team, under the leadership of Spanish coach Antonio Carreño, made a triumphant return to the Super League in 2023 after achieving successive promotions. They are currently in the 13th position among 16 teams, with three games left in the season.
As for Chengdu Rongcheng, this five-year-old club made impressive strides by earning promotions in three of its first four seasons, ultimately ascending to the Chinese top flight in 2022, where they finished fifth. At present, they hold the sixth position in the league standings.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has had limited game time, playing only 37 minutes for the Florida-based team since returning from 2026 World Cup qualifying duties with the Argentine national team due to an unfortunate injury.
He has been sidelined for four consecutive matches, including a painful 4-1 loss to the Chicago Fire in their most recent outing.
This defeat may have dealt a severe blow to Inter Miami’s playoff aspirations, and even Messi’s exceptional talents are unlikely to salvage their postseason hopes.
Busquets has shared his thoughts on seeing a talismanic presence ruled out of Tata Martino’s plans:
“The first person who wants Leo to be on the field is Leo. Second is us, his teammates, because we know how important he is for us. It’s a shame, but in the world of football, you can’t control injuries.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhBnM0BEIRk
Fans in Chicago were disappointed not to catch a glimpse of Messi in action on Wednesday, but Fire boss Frank Klopas believes his team put on a performance to send supporters home happy.
He told reporters after a convincing victory at Soldier Field: “We talked about moments like this, opportunities; you have to grab them, and we did. It was sold out months ago. A lot of fans came for the first time to see Lionel Messi. Who doesn’t want to see him? Wherever Messi goes, it’s amazing what he’s done for the league. But the fans saw a great performance from our team. I guarantee a lot of people will go back home and say, ‘Wow, that was entertaining.’ It’s about putting a show on the field. And we did that. Hopefully, they’ll come back next year, and not just for the Inter Miami game.”
The Chicago Fire are almost certain to qualify for the MLS playoffs in 2023, but Inter Miami must try to repair a five-point deficit in just three games without a guarantee that Messi will return in time to help.
The Inter Ultras group, known as the Curva Nord, is gearing up to distribute 50,000 whistles, which they intend to use against striker Romelu Lukaku during the upcoming clash with Roma.
Lukaku hadinfuriated Inter fans during the summer when it was revealed that he had shown interest in joining Juventus, despite previously expressing his desire to stay with the Nerazzurri permanently.
As fate would have it, the striker eventually signed with Roma and is now scheduled to make a return to San Siro to face his former club at the end of the month.
Inter supporters have made it abundantly clear that Lukaku should brace himself for a less-than-warm reception upon his comeback to Milan.
“October 29 is a date we should circle in the calendar so we can be ready to let him hear all our disgust that we feel towards someone who turned his back on us in the most shameful way,” read a statement from the Curva Nord group.
“A character who proved himself to be a small man because, before being a champion, you must be a man and know how to keep your word. “We defended you with swords drawn and you repaid us by turning your back. Before the game against Roma, the Curva Nord will hand out 50,000 whistles to be used at every touch of the ball from those who betrayed our jersey. Let us all show how someone who proved himself unworthy to wear this shirt ought to be treated.”
Lukaku was brought on board by the Giallorossi during the final days of the summer transfer window, and he has made a promising beginning to his time in the Italian capital.
The Belgian forward made a significant impact by netting the opening goal in Roma’s 1-0 victory over Frosinone last Sunday.
This marked his fourth goal in just six appearances for the club.
Lukaku is now poised to make his highly anticipated return to San Siro on October 29 when Inter hosts Roma in a Serie A fixture.
In an effort to ensure a respectable turnout for their upcoming match againstInter Miami on Wednesday, October 4th, Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire has taken an unusual step.
There’s a growing concern that Lionel Messi may not be available for the game as he has been sidelined due to injury, missing Inter Miami’s last three matches.
Despite the Chicago Fire having already sold more than 61,000 tickets for the game, it’s uncertain whether Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, will be fit enough to play.
Recognising the disappointment that many fans may feel if Messi doesn’t take the field, Chicago Fire has decided to extend an offer to its supporters.
Regardless of whether Messi, who is currently nursing a leg injury, is able to participate in the match, the club is taking steps to ensure that fans attending the game still have a positive experience.
“While we don’t yet know the official status of Lionel Messi’s availability for our match tomorrow, as there’s never a guarantee that an athlete will play on any given night due to several factors, we understand that many of our fans may be disappointed if they don’t get the chance to see him play,” a news release by Fire said on Tuesday, as cited on ESPN.
What is the incentive?
In a bid to boost attendance for the upcoming game, the Chicago Fire has rolled out an enticing offer for its fans. They are providing a $250 account credit, redeemable towards new memberships for the 2024 season, as an incentive for attending the match.
Additionally, those unable to utilize the new member credit will receive a $50 account credit, as reported by the BBC.
It’s worth noting that Chicago Fire has historically faced challenges in filling their stadiums to capacity. The highest recorded attendance at Soldier Field dates back to 1998, when they drew 37,122 fans during their inaugural season.
As for Lionel Messi’s potential involvement in the match, he participated in training with Inter Miami on Tuesday. However, whether he will be deemed fit for selection in the upcoming game remains uncertain.
Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino has refrained from revealing further details about Messi’s fitness status leading up to the match.
Messi wants Luka Modric at Inter Miami
In other news,it was reported earlier Messi’s desire to have Inter Miami sign veteran midfielder Luka Modric, 38.
According to former Real Madrid forward Predrag Mijatovic, Messi is keen on the possibility of linking up with the Croatian at the US-based club.
Lionel Messi is reportedly keen on having Luka Modric as his teammate at Inter Miami, and it’s been reported that David Beckham has already had a meeting with the Real Madrid midfielder.
Speculation suggests that the experienced Croatian playmaker Modric is being considered as the next big signing for DRV PNK Stadium.
Modric has seen limited playing time for Real Madrid this season, with only 205 minutes in La Liga.
Modric’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2023–24 season, and there have been discussions about a potential move in January.
Despite being 38 years old, former Real Madrid star Pedja Mijatovic claims that Inter Miami is pursuing a deal based on advice from Messi.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, is reportedly interested in having another Golden Ball recipient as his teammate in Florida.
Mijatovic mentioned that Modric has received offers from several U.S. teams, including Inter Miami.
He also mentioned a meeting between Modric and Beckham in Croatia, where they had a meal.
Beckham, with his strong ties to Madrid from his playing career, is now a co-owner at Inter Miami.
He has witnessed Messi’s historic success in the League Cup in Miami since the Argentine’s move to the United States.
Additionally, there is still hope that Messi can lead the team to the playoffs in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami CF managing owner Jorge Mas is considering the possibility of his team participating in a match in Barcelona as a way for Lionel Messi to say goodbye to his fans.
Following Messi’s departure from Barcelona as a free agent in August 2021, amidst the club’s financial challenges, there has been ongoing discussion about organising a tribute game to pay homage to the legendary Argentine player.
“I gave him (Lionel Messi) my commitment that I will do everything possible in the coming years so that he has the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans in Barcelona,” Mas said. “Inter Miami will go there (to Barcelona) or we will have some kind of match.
“Messi’s departure from Barcelona was not to his liking, he could not say goodbye to his club, which welcomed him as a child, and I think the circumstances were not what Lionel wanted.”
Barcelona President Joan Laporta recently expressed the idea that it would be fitting for Lionel Messi’s tribute to coincide with the official unveiling of the renovated Spotify Camp Nou stadium, which is not anticipated until the 2025–26 season.
In the past, there has been speculation about using the annual Joan Gamper Trophy, a traditional pre-season event held in August, as a potential occasion to pay tribute to Messi.
During the summer, there were considerations of Messi making a return to Barcelona, but he eventually joined Inter Miami CF after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in June.
Messi, a 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina, has been in excellent form, scoring 11 goals in 12 matches for Inter Miami this season. With him on the field, Inter Miami has remained unbeaten and even secured the League Cup in August, marking their first trophy win.
“I think everything has changed with him,” Mas said of Messi’s impact on MLS. “The MLS is another. Every time we play away from home, the stadiums are full. The reception for Lionel has been extraordinary.
“The game in New York, with almost 30,000 fans and 80% shouting Messi’s name… there were Albiceleste and pink Inter Miami t-shirts… It shocked me; I wasn’t expecting that. There will be a before and after Messi’s arrival to the MLS.”
Mas did know that Messi’s arrival would alter the game in North America.
“In 2019, I organised a meeting with [Messi’s father and agent] Jorge Messi,” he said. [Inter Miami co-owner] David Beckham and I explained the Miami project to Jorge for three hours. I told him: ‘Your son will have the opportunity to create a new legacy because he will be able to change a sport in a country,’ and that (opportunity)is very rarely given to an athlete.”
Santiago Sosa of Atlanta United said, exchanging jerseys with Lionel Messi is like winning a major trophy.
In the MLS, Messi has swapped shirts with 12 players, including Sosa.
Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined Inter Miami in the summer, instantly becoming a massive sensation in American soccer.
His presence has attracted A-list celebrities seeking tickets to watch him play, and every opponent hopes to leave with a memento of having shared the field with the legendary player.
To date, Messi has exchanged jerseys with 12 individuals in the United States, including eight fellow Argentinians, two Americans, a Brazilian, and a Ghanaian.
Sosa fought hard for his memento after facing his countryman in the Leagues Cup, with Thiago Almada having beaten him to the punch on the field, but he has told ESPN of walking away with a prized possession: “[Players] usually wear two jerseys during a game, one in the first half and another in the second
“So I gave him mine, and he sent me one he had used [in the first half]. Having faced him is a great memory that’s always going to stay with me. Having the shirt is something nice, not just for me but for my family as well. It’s a trophy, in a way.”
Almada formed part of Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup-winning squad, but he said of landing a club shirt from Messi: “When I grabbed it, it smelled like perfume. On the national team, I never wanted to ask him for his jersey or bother him, so I’m very happy to have his shirt.”
LAFC star John McCarthy is one of the two Americans to have landed a Messi jersey—and the only goalkeeper—and he managed to win the post-game race to the 36-year-old forward despite having already given his shirt to Inter Miami custodian Drake Callender.
McCarthy said: “All I really said was: ‘Ah, Messi. ¿Camiseta, por favour?’ I felt bad because he kind of looked at me like, ‘Where’s yours?’ in a sense. I guess I’m lucky we don’t have many Argentinians on the team!”
Lionel Messi’s influence on Major League Soccer (MLS) has leftUSMNT manager Greg Berhalter thoroughly impressed. The Argentine sensation’s on-field brilliance for The Herons has captured the attention of the United States.
Messi’s contributions have been instrumental in guiding Miami to victory in the League Cup, and he has amassed an impressive record of 11 goals and three assists in just 10 appearances across various competitions, including the MLS.
Berhalter commended the owners of Inter Miami for successfully attracting the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to the USA. He expressed his pleasant surprise at witnessing the significant impact Messi has had on the top-tier soccer scene in America.
“It’s been amazing exposure. … Overall, it’s just blown me away by the impact that Lionel Messi can have. And not only him but when you bring (Sergio) Busquets and (Jordi) Alba into it, how it can translate onto the field,” he added.
After witnessing Inter Miami’s triumph in the Leagues Cup final, Greg Berhalter, the USMNT manager, made a significant decision.
Following Inter Miami’s victory over Nashville, Berhalter included both Drake Callender and midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi in the upcoming USMNT squad for friendly matches against Uzbekistan and Oman.
Cremaschi’s diligent work ethic has caught the coach’s attention, and the young midfielder’s evident progress throughout the current season has earned him a well-deserved call-up to the national team.
“It’s not only you know, post-Messi, I think even pre-Messi,” Berhalter said. “You see that he had some ability, he had a great assist in the game against D.C. United early in the year. Just a really dynamic player and a guy who gives everything on the pitch,” he said.
After drawing a blank against Nashville in the MLS, Messi would be eager to get back his scoring boots against LAFC on Sunday evening in the competition.
Lionel Messi, celebrated as the “best in the world,” continued his remarkable form by scoring his 10th goal in seven games, helping Inter Miami secure their inaugural trophy.
The 36-year-old Argentine maestro unleashed a sensational shot from outside the box, finding the top corner of the net, granting Miami the lead in the Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC.
In the second half, Fafa Picault equalized, forcing the game into a penalty shootout. In the dramatic shootout, Miami clinched a 10-9 victory when Drake Callender saved a penalty from Nashville’s goalkeeper, Elliot Panicco.
Prior to the arrival of World Cup-winning forward Messi last month, along with former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Miami had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season.
However, they have since gone undefeated in seven games, culminating in their Leagues Cup triumph. This tournament features both MLS and Mexican Liga MX clubs.
This victory marked a significant milestone for the club, which was established in 2020. Their success continues as they have the opportunity to reach another final when they face Cincinnati in the semi-finals of the US Open Cup on Wednesday.
Co-owner David Beckham said the former Barcelona trio were instrumental in the club’s change in fortunes: “It is like a movie, you watch these players play and, emotionally, everything about their play is beautiful.”
Spain midfielder Busquets added: “The team is growing by leaps and bounds and we are very happy.
“We are making a solid team – and then we have Leo, who makes a difference because he’s the best in the world.”
The win also meant seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – who was named player of the tournament – has now won 44 trophies, more than any other player.
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has said that he follows the “incredible” Lionel Messi’s performances at Inter Miami and that he still intends to finish his career playing in Major League Soccer.
Messi, 36, has scored nine goals in six games for Inter Miami, including a 4-1 victory at Philadelphia Union on Tuesday to go to the Leagues Cup final. He has done this in each of his outings for Inter Miami thus far.
Griezmann, a former Barcelona colleague of Messi‘s, has long been a fan of American sports and culture and has made no secret of his desire to live in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Griezmann acknowledged following Messi during a virtual news conference LaLiga and ESPN held to celebrate the beginning of the new LaLiga season. “Leo is the greatest ever. He is winning games, packing stadiums, and scoring a lot of goals.
He is great, and in terms of marketing and football, I believe bringing in Leo was the best move made by MLS.
Griezmann, 32, was one of LaLiga’s top players last season, helping Atletico Madrid finish third in the league behind Barcelona and Real Madrid while scoring 15 goals and dishing out a league-high 16 assists.
While the France international made it clear that his ultimate goal is to “make history” at Atletico, he also expressed a desire to test his luck in America.
Griezmann stated, “I’ve always said it. “My goal is to get there, playing in MLS and enjoying myself, being able to win things, and being at my best, with everything that I adore about American sports.
“First and foremost, I want to win trophies at Atleti and establish history here. Then, we’ll see… I believe the league will benefit from Leo Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba’s addition. The best thing the league can do is that, along with bringing in younger players, particularly from South America.
Griezmann said that he would have to discuss it with his family and children if he were to follow the exodus of famous athletes to Saudi Arabia. They’re really high [income] figures, they may give you security, but he stated he’s currently focused on helping Atletico Madrid contend for the LaLiga championship, a prize he has yet to take home.
Griezmann stated, “I want to get better, score goals, be significant, win the league, and compete for the Champions League.” “You have all these goals, but for me personally, it’s about improving on last year and becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 16 or 17 goals. That is something that interests me.
Griezmann expressed sympathy for teammate Joo Félix, who was jeered by Atletico supporters prior to their 3-1 victory over Granada on Monday after making it known that he wanted to go with Barcelona.
When he left for Barca in 2019, he commented, “I experienced it.” I damaged the club. The greatest thing I could have done was to remain quiet, put in a lot of effort, and try to re-enter Diego Simeone’s and the club’s plans. I can only say that.
“Let’s hope it can be resolved for everyone, including the team, Joo, and the rest of us in the locker room, so we can go forward. You can see that it can’t be simple for him.
