Lionel Messi scores 4 goals as Inter Miami net 7 in record win - ESPN Lionel Messi scored four goals to lead Inter Miami to a 7-1 victory over CF Montréal on Saturday, marking the club’s highest-scoring game in its history and ending a five-game winless streak across all competitions. The win, which came in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer, snapped a difficult stretch for the team, which had struggled to secure victories since July 25. Messi’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a deflected free kick, then added a second goal in the 52nd minute after a breathtaking solo run through the Montréal defense. The Argentina legend continued his dominance with an assist to Luis Suárez before completing his hat trick with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper in the 87th minute. In stoppage time, Messi delivered a pinpoint free kick into the side of the net, sealing the result. The 39-year-old forward’s display was a career milestone, as it marked his eighth four-goal game in his legendary career and the first since joining Inter Miami. His last such performance came in February 2020 for Barcelona against Eibar. Messi also set a new MLS record by becoming the fastest player to reach 20 multigoal games in the regular season, achieving the feat in just 72 appearances. Messi’s efforts were complemented by contributions from teammates. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who had recently joined the team, opened the scoring with his first goal for Inter Miami in the 12th minute. The 18-year-old Alexander Shaw added a late goal in the 89th minute, further extending the lead. Inter Miami’s victory placed them second in the Eastern Conference standings, 10 points behind Nashville SC.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #casemiro #guillermo_hoyos #cf_montral
Messi is back, but Inter Miami have a major problem before facing Philadelphia Union Inter Miami’s attention has turned from the Leagues Cup to the MLS regular season after an early exit from the tournament. The team now aims to secure three points in their upcoming match against Philadelphia Union to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference standings following a loss to Nashville SC. The Herons face significant challenges as several key players are sidelined, forcing head coach Guillermo Hoyos to adjust his lineup and tactics. Lionel Messi has returned to the squad, but his impact on the field remains uncertain. The Argentine, who rejoined Inter Miami after the passing of his father, has yet to score since his return and missed a penalty against Nashville, marking his third consecutive miss in all competitions. While his presence provides a psychological lift, the team’s attacking options are limited due to multiple injuries and suspensions. The injury list for Inter Miami includes six players ruled out for the Philadelphia Union match. Tadeo Allende is out with a knee injury, German Berterame is under the concussion protocol, Rodrigo De Paul faces a suspension after accumulating yellow cards, Micael has an ankle injury, Santi Morales is sidelined with a quadriceps issue, and Mateo Silvetti is recovering from a shoulder injury. This absence of key personnel has forced Hoyos to reshuffle his lineup, seeking alternatives to compensate for the lack of depth. De Paul’s suspension is particularly damaging, as the midfielder has been a vital part of the team’s midfield alongside Casemiro. His absence reduces attacking options further, as both Allende and Berterame are also unavailable. While Hoyos confirmed that Berterame is fully fit, MLS protocols prevent him from returning to action immediately.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #guillermo_hoyos #philly_union #tadeo_allende
Lionel Messi Abandons Inter Miami Match Against Monterrey After Father's Passing Lionel Messi will not participate in Inter Miami’s upcoming match against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup 2026 following the tragic death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario after a prolonged illness. The Argentine football icon, who had been preparing for the encounter, was released by the club to return to Argentina and support his family during this difficult time. His absence marks a significant setback for Inter Miami, particularly as the team seeks to build momentum in the tournament. The decision to withdraw Messi came after the emotional toll of his father’s passing, which has left the 36-year-old player in a state of mourning. Jorge Messi, who had been a constant presence in Lionel’s life since his early days in football, played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Beyond being a father, he served as his representative and was deeply involved in key decisions related to his professional journey. His passing has left a profound impact on Messi, prompting him to prioritize family over the match. Inter Miami’s management confirmed that Messi has left for Argentina, with no official timeline provided for his return to the team. The club has not disclosed when he will be able to rejoin the squad, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about his availability for future matches. The absence of Messi, who had been a standout performer in Inter Miami’s debut game against Atlético de San Luis, where he scored two goals in a 4-2 victory, could affect the team’s strategy and performance in the Leagues Cup. The match against Monterrey, scheduled for Saturday, is now without its star player, and the team will have to adjust its tactics accordingly.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #monterrey #jorge_messi #leagues_cup_2026
Inter Miami Faces Atlético de San Luis in Leagues Cup 2026 Debut Inter Miami will make its debut in the Leagues Cup 2026 when it takes on Atlético de San Luis, marking the first-ever matchup between the two clubs. The match, set for August 5, will see the MLS side, led by Lionel Messi, face off against the Liga MX team in a highly anticipated encounter. This clash represents a significant moment for both clubs, as it marks the first time they will compete against each other in the tournament. The Inter Miami lineup has been confirmed, with Messi starting as a key player. The team, which has drawn attention due to Messi’s presence and the star power of its roster, includes players like Casemiro, Rodrigo de Paul, and Luis Suárez. The squad’s recent performance in the MLS saw them draw 2-2 with Columbus Crew, a result that left them in second place in the East Conference with 38 points. The team’s focus will now shift to the Leagues Cup, where they aim to make an impact. Atlético de San Luis, on the other hand, is also preparing for the tournament. While their lineup is still pending confirmation, the team has already faced challenges in the Apertura 2026, drawing 0-0 with Tijuana in their opening match. This result left them with two points and placed them in 15th position in the Liga MX standings. Despite these early hurdles, the club will look to leverage its home advantage and regional support to secure a strong showing in the tournament. The match is scheduled for August 5, with kickoff times varying across time zones. In Mexico City, the game will start at 5:00 pm, while audiences in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru will watch at 6:00 pm. In the United States, the match will be broadcast at 7:00 pm Eastern Time, with viewers in Chile seeing it at 8:00 pm.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #casemiro #atltico_de_san_luis #leagues_cup_2026
Inter Miami Laments 6-Game Suspension of Luis Suárez Amid Leagues Cup Absence Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos expressed frustration over the six-game suspension of forward Luis Suárez, which will force the club to compete in the 2026 Leagues Cup without one of its most critical players. The ban, imposed for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member during the 2025 tournament final, has left the team scrambling to adjust its attacking strategy. Suárez, who has been in exceptional form recently, is set to miss the entire 2026 event, a blow that Hoyos described as devastating for both the player and the club. The suspension stems from a heated altercation that erupted after Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to Seattle in the Leagues Cup final last August. During the post-match chaos, Suárez was restrained by teammates and coaches before the incident occurred. The confrontation also involved former Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets, who threw a punch at Seattle’s Obed Vargas, and defender Tomás Avilés, who was cited for aggressive conduct. While Busquets received a two-game ban and Avilés a three-match suspension, both players are no longer with Inter Miami. Busquets has since retired, and Avilés is on loan with Chilean club O'Higgins FC. Suárez’s absence comes at a critical juncture for the club. The 39-year-old has been instrumental in Inter Miami’s recent success, scoring seven goals in four games since the return of Lionel Messi and the injury absence of Germán Berterame. His contributions extended beyond goals, as he provided crucial assists and leadership on the field. In a recent 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, Suárez recorded a goal and an assist, even as Messi made his first appearance since the World Cup as a late substitute.#inter_miami #luis_suarez #seattle_sounders #guillermo_hoyos #leagues_cup
Inter Miami's Goalkeeper Dilemma: St. Clair's Struggles vs. Ríos Novo's Rise Inter Miami fans are facing a critical decision as the club navigates a goalkeeper conundrum ahead of its 2026 season. Dayne St. Clair, the team’s starting keeper, has struggled to adapt to the Herons’ aggressive attacking style, while Rocco Ríos Novo, the club’s backup, has emerged as a potential replacement. The debate over who should start in goal has intensified after a controversial error by Ríos Novo in a recent match against Chicago, sparking renewed discussions about the team’s options. St. Clair, who won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2025 with Minnesota United, joined Inter Miami despite a lucrative offer from the Loons. However, his performance with the Herons has been inconsistent. While he maintained a strong save percentage (75.8%) in 2025 with Minnesota, his numbers have dropped significantly this season. In 14 matches for Inter Miami, he has conceded 28 goals and recorded just 2 clean sheets, compared to his 10 clean sheets in 30 matches for Minnesota. His save percentage has also declined to 59.4% this year, raising concerns about his ability to handle the Herons’ high-octane style. The team’s attacking approach, which prioritizes quick counterattacks and high-risk scoring, has exposed St. Clair’s vulnerabilities. Unlike Minnesota’s defensive system, which relies on a lower block and counterplay, Miami’s strategy leaves the backline exposed. St. Clair’s lack of confidence and swagger have further compounded his struggles, with fans and analysts noting his diminished performance. A recent Reddit user commented, “DSC has been shaky all year, but I don’t think he’s made a mistake like RRN did (Wednesday).” Ríos Novo, meanwhile, has proven his worth as a winner.#inter_miami #dayne_st_clair #rocco_rios_novo #mls_cup #leagues_cup
Inter Miami sign Casemiro as MLS announces investigation into tampering Inter Miami have signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro as a free agent, but Major League Soccer (MLS) has launched an investigation into potential tampering by the South Florida club during the transfer process. The league’s probe centers on whether Inter Miami violated rules by acquiring the discovery rights to Casemiro, which were originally held by the Los Angeles Galaxy. The signing marks a significant move for Inter Miami, who already boast Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Luis Suárez as key players in their squad. Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, has signed a one-year contract with Inter Miami, effective immediately. The deal includes an option for an extension that would keep him with the club through the 2028-29 MLS season. The contract spans the 2027 “sprint season,” a transitional period before the league’s calendar shifts to a fall-to-spring format starting in 2027-28. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, though both Inter Miami and the MLS emphasized that the club had reached a settlement with the LA Galaxy regarding Casemiro’s discovery priority. The MLS statement noted that the league is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF. While the investigation is ongoing, the league has not specified whether the probe focuses on direct negotiations between Inter Miami and Casemiro prior to acquiring his discovery rights or on the process of transferring the discovery rights from the LA Galaxy. The league’s announcement did not clarify the nature of the alleged misconduct, leaving the specifics of the case unclear. In MLS, the discovery process is a standard procedure for acquiring players from outside the league.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #major_league_soccer #los_angeles_galaxy #casemiro
MLS Investigates Tampering Allegation Against Inter Miami Over Casemiro Transfer Major League Soccer (MLS) has launched an investigation into a tampering allegation against Inter Miami, stemming from the club’s signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. The league confirmed it is reviewing the claim, which was filed by the LA Galaxy, alleging that Inter Miami improperly contacted Casemiro without first acquiring the player’s Discovery Priority. According to sources, the LA Galaxy, which holds Discovery Priority over Casemiro, filed the tampering claim with MLS. Discovery Priority is a rule that allows a club to list a player on its discovery list, granting it exclusive rights to negotiate with the player before other MLS teams can pursue them. The Galaxy’s priority meant Inter Miami had to negotiate with them to secure Casemiro’s rights. While Inter Miami and the Galaxy reached a settlement for the Discovery Priority, MLS stated it will continue its review of the tampering claim. The league emphasized that it will not release details of the settlement until the investigation concludes. “The terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation,” MLS said in a statement. MLS rules outline the process for resolving such disputes. Clubs with Discovery Priority can offer another team $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAA) to relinquish their rights to sign a player. If the club with the higher priority accepts the offer, the player’s rights transfer, and the team with the GAA can proceed with the signing. If not, the club with the higher priority must make a genuine, objectively reasonable offer to the player. Inter Miami was able to sign Casemiro after reaching the settlement with the Galaxy.#inter_miami #la_galaxy #casemiro #mls #discovery_priority
Lionel Messi Defies Age, Dominates 2026 World Cup at 39 ATLANTA — Lionel Messi said it himself last year. "Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it," Messi said when asked about a push toward the 2026 tournament. But very little about Messi is logical. Here he is, defying reason at the 2026 World Cup, tied atop the Golden Boot race at age 39, matching top stars in their prime. He remains the fulcrum of the Argentina team. The Albiceleste will go as far as the man born in 1987 takes them. Yet, it also is not easy for Messi to press on when most others have moved into coaching or media careers. As he stares down a round of 16 test against Egypt that could be his last World Cup match if Argentina isn't able to win, he is putting in considerable effort. "That’s what characterizes this World Cup, specifically, it’s very even, very tough, every game is going to be so tough," Messi said after a 3-2 win over Cape Verde, in which Argentina needed extra time to see off the African side. What is the Argentina national team saying about Messi's longevity? Lionel Scaloni is running out of ways to speak about Messi to the press, sometimes saying words are not enough to describe what he is seeing from his friend and biggest star. Ahead of Tuesday's match with Egypt, he simply gave a status update with a smile. "Leo, I think is good," he said. "He didn’t report any issue despite playing 120 minutes the other day at 39 years old. If he has something, he didn’t tell me, so he’ll play anyway!" When Messi does play, he often plays a full match, but his status for the tournament was thrown into doubt when he left his final club match before heading to the World Cup with an injury issue.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #rodrigo_de_paul #lionel_scaloni #argentina_national_team
Rodrigo de Paul Warns Argentina to Stay Focused on Cape Verde Match Rodrigo de Paul, the 2022 World Cup-winning midfielder for Argentina, has cautioned his teammates against looking beyond their upcoming round-of-32 match against Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup. The defending champions, who have dominated Group J with three consecutive victories, are considered strong favorites to advance further in the tournament. However, de Paul emphasized the need to maintain focus on the immediate challenge, warning against complacency. The Inter Miami player, who rested in Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan, highlighted the importance of keeping the young squad grounded despite their impressive start. “It would be a mistake to think beyond Friday’s game,” de Paul said. “Tomorrow’s game is the last one—how I’m looking at it. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure it isn’t the last one and that there are more to come. That’s my mindset.” His comments come amid concerns that the team’s early success could lead to overconfidence, a risk he believes must be mitigated. Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, has been instrumental in the team’s group-stage dominance, scoring six goals in three matches. The squad has scored eight goals while conceding just one, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. De Paul acknowledged Messi’s leadership, noting that the forward’s ability to inspire the team is critical. “We tell the young players that every time we put on this jersey, it could be the last time,” de Paul said. “It’s up to us to make sure it isn’t. The only way I’ve found over these past eight or nine years to keep wearing this jersey is to never want it to end and to give it my all.” The midfielder’s remarks also reflect the broader context of the tournament, where even top teams have faced unexpected exits.#lionel_messi #argentina #inter_miami #rodrigo_de_paul #cape_verde
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Argentina coach Scaloni gives injury update on Lionel Messi Lionel Messi, the 38-year-old Argentina captain, is recovering from a muscle strain sustained during a Major League Soccer match for Inter Miami, raising questions about his readiness for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The injury occurred 10 days ago in a 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union, prompting concerns about his fitness ahead of the tournament. Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, provided an update on Messi’s condition, stating that the player is progressing well and may participate in the team’s final warm-up matches before the World Cup. Scaloni confirmed that Messi has resumed training with the group during part of the session, marking a significant step in his recovery. The coach emphasized that Messi is no longer undergoing separate training, indicating improved integration into the team’s routine. “Leo is doing well, he’s already trained with the group for part of the session, and that’s significant. He’s no longer training separately,” Scaloni said at a press conference in the United States. He added that Messi is “improving a lot” and could potentially take part in one of the warm-up matches for a few minutes, though the exact match remains to be determined. The warm-up schedule includes a friendly against Honduras in Texas on Saturday and another against Iceland in Alabama on Tuesday. These matches will serve as crucial preparations for Argentina’s World Cup campaign, which begins on June 16 with a Group J opener against Algeria. The team will then face Austria and Jordan in the group stage. Scaloni expressed confidence in Messi’s recovery, noting that the player’s progress provides “peace of mind” for the squad.#united_states #lionel_messi #inter_miami #fifa_world_cup_2026 #lionel_scaloni
Toronto FC Focused on Team Effort Against Messi-Led Inter Miami TORONTO — Winless in six games across all competitions, Toronto FC faces the unenviable task of hosting Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon. Messi had 29 goals in 28 games last season en route to being named the league’s MVP and guiding the Herons to their first MLS Cup, and he’s in fine form once again this year. The World Cup winner and eight-time FIFA world player of the year has eight goals and a pair of assists in 10 matches to begin the 2026 campaign, and he’s coming off a performance last week in which he had three goal contributions in a 4-3 home loss to Orlando City. But the Argentine ace has been relatively muted in four previous contests against Toronto with just one goal, raising hopes that TFC can earn their first win since April 4. What’s the key to stopping “the best who’s ever played the game,” as Toronto coach Robin Fraser put it? “I think about the old Michael Jordan expression: you can’t stop him; we can only hope to contain him. I think that the same could be said [about Messi]. …Certainly, you have to pay attention to him and know where he is and defend him really well,” Fraser explained. It’s a sentiment echoed by veteran centre-back Walker Zimmerman, who’ll be front and centre on Saturday trying to limit the havoc wreaked by Messi. Zimmerman, a two-time MLS defender of the year before joining TFC last off-season as a free agent, has first-hand experience facing Messi during his time with his previous club, Nashville SC. “You obviously know that his quality in front of goal is special, and so [you try] to limit the amount of times that he has a free lane to shoot or make a final pass.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #toronto_fc #robin_fraser #walker_zimmerman
Lionel Messi Sued Over Missed Exhibition Match, Contract Breach Alleged Lionel Messi is facing a lawsuit from a Miami-based event promoter, Vid Music Group, which alleges the soccer icon and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) violated a $7 million contract by failing to fulfill obligations tied to an exhibition match last year. The legal action, filed in Miami-Dade circuit court, centers on claims of fraud and breach of contract, though details of the damages sought remain unspecified. Messi and the AFA have not yet responded to inquiries about the case. The lawsuit highlights a contractual agreement between Vid and the AFA, signed in the summer of 2023, which granted Vid exclusive rights to organize and promote Argentina’s friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in October 2023. In exchange, Vid was to receive revenue from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships. According to the filing, the deal required Messi to participate in at least 30 minutes of play in each match unless he was injured. The first match, against Venezuela on October 10, was held at South Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium, where Messi reportedly watched the 1-0 victory from a suite. The following day, Messi played a key role in Inter Miami’s 4-0 MLS win over Atlanta, a game critical for securing the club’s home-field advantage in the playoffs. On October 14, Argentina faced Puerto Rico in a match originally scheduled for Chicago. However, the event was relocated to Florida due to low ticket sales, a decision attributed to the city’s immigration enforcement activities. The lawsuit claims that the relocation to Fort Lauderdale, where the game was held, led to poor ticket sales despite reduced prices to $25 per ticket.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #hard_rock_stadium #argentine_football_association #vid_music_group
Inter Miami vs Austin FC: Messi Set for Nu Stadium Debut in High-Stakes Match Lionel Messi is poised to make his long-awaited debut at Inter Miami’s new Nu Stadium on Saturday, April 4, as the club prepares to host Austin FC in a highly anticipated match. The game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina), will mark the first official contest at the state-of-the-art venue, which managing owner Jorge Mas promised will accommodate up to 26,700 fans. Messi, who has been a limited participant in Inter Miami’s open practices for season ticket holders, is expected to play, though his status will be confirmed closer to kickoff. Messi’s participation in the match has been a focal point of anticipation, as the Argentine star aims to make an immediate impact at his new club. During a practice session on Friday, Messi expressed his excitement about the new stadium, calling it “spectacular” and emphasizing the significance of the occasion. “It’s a day to enjoy for everyone at the club, the fans, and for us who get to be the first to play in this new stadium,” he said. The 36-year-old forward also highlighted the emotional weight of the moment, noting that the stadium’s completion represents a milestone for the club. Inter Miami’s manager, Javier Mascherano, echoed Messi’s sentiments while cautioning the team to remain focused on the match. “Our primary objective is to maintain the momentum we’ve built,” Mascherano said, stressing that the team must channel the excitement surrounding the event into a strong performance. He warned against getting distracted by the pre-match festivities, urging players to prioritize the game. The club’s recent 3-2 victory over New York City FC on March 22 has provided a positive foundation, but the challenge against Austin FC is expected to test their resolve.#inter_miami #javier_mascherano #nu_stadium #jorge_mas #messi
Transfer news Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah link up plan as Bruno Fernandes considers leaving Man United The potential union of Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah at Inter Miami could reshape Major League Soccer into a global football powerhouse, significantly boosting its media presence and competitive profile. The American club is reportedly preparing a bid to sign Salah, currently with Liverpool FC, which would mark a historic moment for the MLS. However, the situation is complex, as Salah remains a target for European clubs like FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian entities. While Inter Miami’s project in Miami is appealing, especially with Messi’s involvement, Salah may prioritize competing at the highest European level in the near term. Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese midfielder, is also under scrutiny as he weighs a potential departure from Manchester United. The club’s recent sporting instability has led to speculation about his future, with United already exploring replacements such as Morgan Gibbs-White. Fernandes’ potential exit could trigger a ripple effect in the Premier League, as multiple teams seek to strengthen their midfield options. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to make its mark on the global transfer market with ambitious offers. Al-Ittihad Club is reportedly prepared to pay nearly 200 million euros for Enzo Fernández, currently at Chelsea FC, and has also shown interest in Casemiro. These moves underscore the Middle East’s growing influence in attracting top-tier talent. At the same time, Liverpool faces uncertainty over Alisson Becker’s future, with the club considering a sale as it restructures its squad for the upcoming season. Beyond the superstars, the transfer market is also focused on emerging young talents.#manchester_united #lionel_messi #inter_miami #bruno_fernandes #mohamed_salah
Transfer News, Rumors: Messi, Salah Link-Up Plotted; Fernandes Considers Man Utd Exit Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad has made a significant move in the transfer market, offering $231.9 million to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández this summer. The deal, reported by Fichajes, marks a major financial commitment from the Saudi side. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Casemiro has also been linked with a potential transfer to Al Ittihad, according to ESPN. Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, are reportedly preparing an offer for Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah as the Egyptian player prepares to leave Anfield. The Independent notes that Salah’s move to Major League Soccer is not a priority, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also under consideration. Liverpool, seeking replacements for Salah, are evaluating options including Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, and European talents like Yan Diomande, Michael Olise, Nico Williams, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué. Salah, who has not yet engaged with Saudi clubs, is expected to receive a two-year contract worth $116 million annually. Al Ittihad is positioned as his top target for the summer, as highlighted by winwin. Former employers Roma are also considering a reunion with Salah, per SportsBoom. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all vying for RB Leipzig’s center back Castello Lukeba, according to Sport Witness. Newcastle leads Tottenham in the race for Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser, as reported by Football Insider. Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga has been offered to Arsenal, but the Gunners remain unconvinced and have other targets, per Mark Brus. Arsenal has also made an offer for PSG’s Senny Mayulu, a 19-year-old who scored in last season’s Champions League final.#al_ittihad #lionel_messi #inter_miami #enzo_fernandez #casemiro
Messi, Inter Miami shift focus to NYCFC after bitter tournament exit Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are turning their attention back to Major League Soccer following a disappointing exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup. The club was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw against a rival team, with the away goals rule sealing their fate. Messi, who scored his 900th career goal in the second leg of the tournament, is now set to return to MLS action with a crucial matchup against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, March 22. The Argentine superstar is expected to play in the match, having recovered from a minor injury, before joining the national team for two friendlies in Argentina later this month. Despite his recent goal against Nashville, Inter Miami’s offense has struggled this season, with Messi contributing four of the club’s seven goals across all competitions. The team’s reliance on his scoring has left other players, including striker German Berterame, Tadeo Allende, and Luis Suarez, without a goal in their respective appearances. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the team’s scoring woes, emphasizing the need for collective improvement. “Beyond having Leo — who always delivers an incredible number of goals, whether by scoring them himself or providing assists — we need the rest of the team to start scoring and contributing to those numbers as well,” Mascherano said. He added that the team is working hard to address this issue, calling the recent tournament exit a setback that must be overcome through focus on the league. The club’s struggles are compounded by key injuries, with players like De Paul, Maxi Falcon, and Sergio Reguilón sidelined for the upcoming match against NYCFC.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #concacaf_champions_cup #new_york_city_fc #yankee_stadium
Javier Mascherano, entrenador de Inter Miami, expresó que el club tiene grandes expectativas en la CONCACAF Champions Cup, que consideró el último torneo por conquistar, aunque advirtió que no deben obsesionarse con el desafío. El técnico argentino destacó que la competición es una de las metas pendientes para el equipo, pero subrayó la importancia de mantener un enfoque equilibrado. "La 'Champions' es la competencia que nos falta, y a todos nos genera mucha ilusión, pero no nos podemos permitir que nos genere obsesión", dijo Mascherano durante una rueda de prensa previa al partido contra el Nashville, en la ida de los octavos de final de la Copa de Campeones de la Concacaf. El Inter Miami enfrentará al equipo estadounidense mañana en un partido clave para su trayectoria en el torneo. El club de Miami, liderado por Lionel Messi, participó por última vez en la CONCACAF Champions Cup en abril, cuando fue eliminado en semifinales por el Vancouver Whitecaps con un global de 1-5. A pesar de esa experiencia, Mascherano enfatizó que el objetivo de ganar el título continental no debe distraer del compromiso con la MLS. "Empezar bien la liga y llegar lo más lejos posible en 'Champions' son los grandes objetivos en el primer semestre", afirmó. El argentino destacó el rol fundamental de Messi en los planes del equipo, describiéndolo como "un jugador único" cuya contribución trasciende las estadísticas. "Ha conseguido cifras increíbles en goles y asistencias, pero lo que aporta al juego en sí es mucho más", explicó. En cuanto al partido contra el Nashville, Mascherano recordó que el rival es un equipo conocido, ya que se enfrentaron en cinco partidos durante la temporada pasada. "Ha empezado muy bien la liga. Es de los mejores equipos de la Conferencia (Este) en estos tres partidos.#lionel_messi #nashville #inter_miami #concacaf_champions_cup #javier_mascherano
Nashville SC - Inter Miami en vivo: Concacaf Champions Cup, IDA en directo - AS USA La Concacaf Champions Cup regresa con el partido de ida de los octavos de final entre Nashville SC y Inter Miami, un enfrentamiento que promete ser intenso y lleno de emociones. El partido se disputa en el Geodis Park, donde los locales, conocidos como "The Six Strings", intentarán aprovechar la afición local para superar al equipo argentino, que cuenta con la presencia de Lionel Messi. El análisis previo destaca la alineación de Nashville SC, que mantiene la misma formación 4-2-3-1 que ha utilizado durante la temporada en la MLS. El mediocampista B.J. Callaghan se ha destacado como figura clave, aunque su equipo enfrenta un reto: la necesidad de mejorar su rendimiento frente a un rival que ha demostrado ser competitivo en partidos recientes. La formación visitante, liderada por Messi, busca aprovechar su experiencia y la presión de la eliminatoria. El partido tiene un contexto histórico importante. En una visita anterior al Geodis Park, el Inter Miami cayó 2-1 en 2025, con goles de Josh Bauer, Sam Surridge y Lionel Messi. Sin embargo, en el partido anterior, disputado en el extinto Chase Stadium, el equipo argentino logró una victoria más abrumadora, con un doblete de Tadeo Allende y un gol de Messi, que se acerca a los 900 tantos en su carrera profesional. El partido se presenta como una oportunidad para que Messi marque un hito en su trayectoria. Con un solo gol, el astro argentino podría convertirse en el primer jugador en alcanzar esa cifra en la historia del fútbol profesional. La presión sobre el equipo de Miami es alta, ya que su desempeño en la Concacaf Champions Cup ha sido clave para su progreso en el torneo. Los seguidores del fútbol pueden seguir el desarrollo del partido en tiempo real a través de AS.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #concacaf_champions_cup #nashville_sc #geodis_park
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Face Nashville SC in Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Clash Inter Miami and Nashville SC are set to meet in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 matchup, marking a significant encounter between two teams with a storied history. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, will be the 20th meeting between the clubs. Inter Miami holds the edge in their rivalry, having defeated Nashville in the 2024 Champions Cup and also advancing in the MLS Cup Playoffs last season. For Nashville, the game represents an opportunity to exact revenge and continue their unbeaten home record in Champions Cup fixtures. The round of 16 is a critical stage in the tournament, and this matchup is particularly intense due to the historical clashes between the teams. Nashville, led by manager B.J. Callaghan, will aim to build on their recent improvements, including the addition of forward Cristian Espinoza to their attack. Inter Miami, meanwhile, will rely on the leadership of German Berterame and the presence of Lionel Messi, who will be pivotal in testing Nashville’s defense. The match will also feature a key rivalry between Messi and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, both of whom competed for the Golden Boot in the previous season. The stakes are heightened by the Concacaf Champions Cup’s use of the away goals rule, which could tilt the balance in favor of the visiting team. Nashville, as the home side, must avoid conceding two goals, as that could force them to score three in the return leg at Inter Miami’s home stadium. This dynamic adds an extra layer of strategy, as the away goals rule is no longer used in most global tournaments.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #nashville_sc #bj_callaghan #cristian_espinoza
