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Tag: lionel messi

  • Trump Receives Messi and Inter Miami Team After Championship Victory

    Trump Receives Messi and Inter Miami Team After Championship Victory

    Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates were honoured at the White House on Thursday following their MLS Cup victory, with U.S. President Donald Trump hosting the Argentine superstar during a ceremonial reception.

    Messi entered the East Room alongside Trump and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, presenting the president with a pink club-branded soccer ball, while Mas and head coach Javier Mascherano gifted Trump an Inter Miami jersey and watch.

    Trump praised Messi during the event, describing the visit as historic and welcoming him to the White House for the first time since the forward joined Inter Miami CF in 2023; several players, including Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, attended alongside MLS officials.

    The visit followed Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS Cup triumph after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1, with Messi earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award for a second consecutive season.

    Club co-owner Jorge Mas highlighted the franchise’s rapid growth since its founding in 2020, as the White House reception continued the tradition of honouring championship-winning sports teams in the United States.

  • Messi Stadium Visit In India Marred By Chaos And Fan Frustration

    Messi Stadium Visit In India Marred By Chaos And Fan Frustration


    Tens of thousands of football fans in Kolkata, India, were left frustrated and angry after Lionel Messi abruptly left Salt Lake Stadium during his visit, prompting some spectators to storm the pitch and vandalize property.

    The Argentina and Inter Miami star, 38, was in India as part of his three-day “GOAT Tour,” which began in West Bengal on Saturday, where he was warmly welcomed by cheering fans waving Argentine flags.

    Messi appeared on the stadium pitch, waving to the crowd, but left earlier than expected, sparking outrage among fans who had paid upwards of $100 for tickets. Some tore stadium seats, hurled water bottles, and damaged banners and tents in protest.

    “For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to have a glimpse because of the mismanagement in the stadium,” said businessman Nabin Chatterjee, 37, in remarks to AFP.

    Before the chaos, Messi unveiled a 21-meter statue depicting him holding the World Cup and was scheduled to play a short exhibition match. Many fans lamented the event’s poor organization, with some claiming they spent “a month’s salary” on tickets.

    Ajay Shah, who attended with his son, criticized the authorities, saying, “I came to watch Messi, not politicians. The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame.”

    Senior police official Javed Shamim confirmed that the event’s chief organiser had been arrested, adding that authorities were assessing how to refund ticket holders.

    West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock at the incident, apologizing to Messi and fans and announcing a probe into the event’s management failures.

    The All India Football Federation (AIFF) clarified it had no role in organizing or approving the private event, stating, “Details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the Federation.”

    Messi will continue his India tour with stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, which may include a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He recently won his second consecutive MLS MVP award and is set to lead Argentina in the upcoming World Cup in North America.

  • Messi Makes Emotional Return To Spotify Camp Nou

    Messi Makes Emotional Return To Spotify Camp Nou

    Inter Miami FC Forward, Lionel Messi Photo Credit: Fabrizio Romano

    Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi paid a quiet visit to the newly renamed Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night, returning to the stadium where he spent the most iconic years of his career.

    In a video shared Monday by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Messi described the experience as deeply personal. “Last night I returned to a place that I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy,” he said.

    Messi added that he hopes to come back in a more permanent capacity someday. “I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I could never do,” he said.

    The Argentine star left Barcelona in 2021 after more than two decades at the club, during which he won numerous domestic and European titles and established himself as one of the greatest players in football history.

    His unannounced visit has stirred strong emotions among supporters, who took to social media to celebrate the moment and reflect on Messi’s enduring connection to Barcelona.

    The Spotify Camp Nou, which reopened this year under new sponsorship, remains a symbolic home for the forward. Many fans described the visit as a touching homecoming and a reminder of the legacy he left behind.

  • Messi Hints at 2026 World Cup Return for Argentina

    Messi Hints at 2026 World Cup Return for Argentina

    Lionel Messi has hinted that he may represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but says his decision will depend on his physical condition in the months leading up to the tournament.

    The 38-year-old Inter Miami star, who captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, said he still dreams of helping his country defend their title when the competition takes place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    In an interview with NBC News aired on Monday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to. I would like to be there, to be well, and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.”

    Messi, who will turn 39 next June, revealed that he plans to assess his form and fitness during Inter Miami’s preseason next year before making a final decision.

    “I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision,” he explained.

    The Argentine captain, who made his professional debut for Barcelona in 2004, described the prospect of playing another World Cup as a “dream come true.”

    “I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it again is spectacular. It’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions,” he said.

    Messi, Argentina’s all-time top scorer with 114 goals in 195 appearances, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before moving to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in 2023.

    Reflecting on his life in the United States, he said he has comfortably settled in Miami with his family.

    “I like everything about living here. I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which is an extraordinary city where I grew up and had many wonderful moments. We miss it a lot, but Miami allows us to live well, enjoy life, be calm, and let the kids be themselves,” Messi said.

  • Messi to Extend Inter Miami Contract Beyond 2026 World Cup

    Messi to Extend Inter Miami Contract Beyond 2026 World Cup

     

    Lionel Messi has reached an agreement with Inter Miami to extend his stay in Major League Soccer beyond next year’s World Cup, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on Wednesday.

    The deal will keep the 38-year-old forward in competitive football until and after the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. An official announcement is expected within two weeks.

    Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 following a brief and difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain. He had previously spent 17 years at Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.

    The Argentine captain guided his country to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022 and has signaled his ambition to defend the title at the next tournament.

    Despite Inter Miami’s playoff elimination in 2024, Messi was named MLS Most Valuable Player that season. The following year, he became the fastest player to reach 40 goals in league history.

    If confirmed, the extension would likely see Messi end his playing career in MLS, solidifying his role as the league’s biggest star heading into the 2026 World Cup.

  • Rodri: “I’m not Messi, can’t win games alone”

    Rodri: “I’m not Messi, can’t win games alone”

    Manchester City midfielder Rodri has downplayed expectations that his return alone can transform the team’s fortunes, insisting he does not have the game-changing powers of Lionel Messi.

    Rodri was back in Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup on Sunday as City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Despite his presence, the former champions failed to recover from an early setback, leaving them with just three points from their opening three fixtures.

    Speaking after the game, the Spaniard admitted he cannot single-handedly carry City to victories, stressing that football remains a collective effort. He pointed to Messi’s unique talent as an example of an individual who could consistently turn matches on his own, but clarified he is not that type of player.

    “I’m not Messi. I’m not going to come back and make the team win and win,” Rodri said. “When we won in the past, it was because I had all my teammates working together.”

    Rodri, who has been a key figure in City’s midfield over the past seasons, acknowledged he still needs time to reach his best form after returning from the summer break. He said improvement must come from the entire squad rather than relying on one or two individuals.

    “This is a collective sport,” he added. “For sure I have to recover and find my best level, but it’s not because I’m back that we’re suddenly going to win. We have to do it together.”

  • Mascherano criticizes MLS for Messi suspension

    Mascherano criticizes MLS for Messi suspension

    Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has voiced his displeasure with Major League Soccer (MLS) following the suspension of Lionel Messi.

    Messi was unavailable for Inter Miami’s goalless draw against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, a decision that sparked criticism from his former teammate and current manager.

    Speaking at Chase Stadium after the match, Mascherano questioned the league’s consistency, accusing the MLS of double standards in its handling of star players like Messi.

    “I don’t like to speak about other people’s decisions, but it’s strange when something is said one day and the opposite happens the next,” Mascherano told reporters. “Messi has played an enormous number of matches. When it’s about selling tickets or filling stadiums, no one complains. But now that we had a home game, he’s suspended? Would they have done the same if we were playing away? It’s frustrating.”

    The controversy comes after Messi and Jordi Alba skipped the recent MLS All-Star match despite being named in the squad. As a result, both players received a one-match suspension in line with league rules.

    The suspension was confirmed just 24 hours before the FC Cincinnati match by the MLS commissioner, further fueling tensions between Inter Miami and the leagu

  • Trump Declares Pelé Greatest of All Time, Snubs Messi and Ronaldo

    US President Donald Trump

    US President Donald Trump has entered the long-running debate over football’s greatest of all time, backing Brazilian legend Pelé over modern icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Speaking during the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Trump shared his admiration for Pelé, who played in the United States during the twilight of his career.

    “Many years ago, when I was young, they brought a player named Pelé to play for a team called the Cosmos,” Trump told DAZN in a sideline interview. “He was the inspiration we had, and this place was packed. It was an earlier version of this stadium, but right here in the Meadowlands, and it was Pelé.”

    While acknowledging that his choice might seem old-fashioned, Trump drew a parallel with baseball legend Babe Ruth, saying, “I’d say probably go old-fashioned. That’s like saying Babe Ruth, but I would say Pelé was so great.”

    Pelé, who played for New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977, is widely regarded as one of the game’s all-time greats, having won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil and scoring over 1,000 career goals.

    Trump’s comments have sparked renewed conversation on social media, particularly for omitting both Messi and Ronaldo—who have dominated the modern game with record-breaking performances and multiple Ballon d’Or wins.

  • Palmeiras hold Miami in thriller as Messi eyes clash with former club

    Palmeiras hold Miami in thriller as Messi eyes clash with former club

    Lionel Messi is poised for a high-stakes reunion with former club Paris Saint-Germain after Inter Miami secured a spot in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Palmeiras.

    The Brazilian side mounted a late comeback at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, cancelling out earlier goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez to claim a crucial point. The result ensured progression for both teams, with Inter Miami now set to face European champions PSG, while Palmeiras will meet fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in the next round.

    Few had predicted Inter Miami’s advancement from Group A, but the MLS club’s strong tournament run has been a surprise package. For Messi, who turns 38 on Tuesday, the upcoming clash in Atlanta marks the first time he will face PSG since departing the French club in 2023.

    “It’s a historic night for MLS,” said Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. “We are among the best 16 teams in the world, and all of MLS should be proud.”

    The match saw a fast-paced opening with Palmeiras nearly scoring early through Gustavo Gomez, only for Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to make a crucial save. Miami responded in the 16th minute as Suarez brilliantly set up Allende, who sprinted through and finished clinically.

    The Brazilian side struggled to contain Miami’s midfield, where Messi, Busquets, and Redondo controlled the tempo. Suarez doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a vintage solo effort, beating two defenders before firing into the top corner.

    However, Palmeiras struck back with goals in the 80th and 87th minutes. Substitute Paulinho finished off a clever Allan Andrade pass, and Mauricio leveled the match after a defensive lapse left him unmarked.

    Despite the disappointment of losing top spot in the group, Mascherano praised his side’s overall performance. “It’s tough to draw like that, but playing at this level against these teams is something I would’ve gladly taken before the tournament,” he said.

    Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira was blunt in his halftime assessment, calling his team’s first-half display “unacceptable,” but he credited their second-half fightback. “We showed the character needed to stay in the competition,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Portugal’s FC Porto bowed out after a thrilling 4-4 draw in New Jersey failed to produce a clear qualifier.

  • Messi heads to Saudi Arabia next season in ‘a huge deal’ — Sources

    Messi heads to Saudi Arabia next season in ‘a huge deal’ — Sources


    Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will play in Saudi Arabia next season under a “huge” deal, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on Tuesday.

    “Messi is a done deal. He will play in Saudi Arabia next season,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity and without naming the club.

    “The contract is exceptional. It’s huge. We are just finalising some small details,” added the source, who is not authorised to speak to media.

    Asked about the comments, Messi’s current club Paris Saint-Germain simply noted he remains under contract until June 30.

    A separate PSG source said: “If the club had wanted to renew his contract, it would have been done earlier.”

    The 35-year-old World Cup winner was suspended by Qatari-owned PSG last week for an unauthorised trip to Saudi, where he is a tourism ambassador.

    Messi’s expected arrival in the oil-rich kingdom follows in the footsteps of his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in a massive deal in January.

    Ronaldo’s agreement to June 2025 is said to total more than 400 million euros ($439million), making him the world’s highest paid athlete according to Forbes.

    Both deals are being bankrolled by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of the world’s biggest sovereign wealth funds with more than $620 billion in assets, the source said.

    “The negotiations didn’t take as much time as the ones with Ronaldo. As we now know the recipe to contract world-class players,” said the source.

    “It’s Saudi Arabia that brought him not a specific club. The Money comes from one place — PIF.”

    Ronaldo’s arrival has not had the impact Al Nassr would have hoped for on the pitch.

    They have lost top spot in the Saudi Pro League table and are out of the running in the King’s Cup and Super Cup.

    French coach Rudi Garcia departed in April.

    – PSG protesters –

    Messi, who turns 36 in June, has had two lacklustre seasons in Paris after a glorious era at Barcelona where he won four Champions League and 10 La Liga titles, and is still worshipped by the fans.

    The record seven-time world player of the year, joining a mouth-watering attack featuring Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, scored just 11 goals in his first season as he helped PSG to a routine Ligue 1 title.

    But PSG have got no closer to a coveted maiden Champions League victory, bowing out twice in the last 16 even with the illustrious Argentine in the line-up.

    Frustrations boiled over last week when black-clad PSG protesters let off flares and sang hostile chants targeting the underperforming Messi, Neymar and Italian midfielder Marco Verratti.

    The angry scenes contrasted with Messi’s career-crowning moment in December, when he led Argentina to a breathless World Cup final victory over Mbappe and France in Doha to fill the biggest gap in his resume.

    Qatar’s emir draped him in a traditional bisht robe at the trophy ceremony, a reminder of the fossil-fuel riches pouring into football and Messi’s bank account via PSG.

    However, Messi is also a highly paid tourism ambassador for Qatar’s neighbours and sometime rivals Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter that is attempting to diversify its largely single-stream economy.