Philippa Kaur

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    Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 DEGREES temperatures

    LIONEL MESSI finally put an age-old argument to bed after playing in conditions even COLDER than a Tuesday night in Stoke.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is seen by many as the greatest footballer of all time.Lionel Messi braved crazy -17 degrees celsius temperatures to play for Inter MiamiCredit: GettyReports had suggested Messi was getting cold feet about playing in the Kansas City clashCredit: GettyHowever, one of the main arguments against his legacy is his lack of game time in colder weather due to his career mainly being played out in sunny Spain or Argentina.This is commonly related to Stoke, where games are typically dogged by windy, wet and cold weather in the evenings, hence the phrase: “Can they do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke?”But in Inter Miami’s first competitive game of 2025 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup’s first round, Lionel Messi was forced to swap the pristine weather of Florida for the brisk conditions in Kansas City.It had sensationally been reported the 37-year-old did not want to play in the “blistering cold” the game was set to be played through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTemperatures dropped as low as -17 degrees Celsius (1.4 Fahrenheit) during the game.Regardless, Messi was named in the starting XI by Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano and was seen wearing gloves for the occasion in a rare sight.After a goalless first half, the Argentine made his impact known as he scored a stunning match-winner ten minutes into the half.A pass was pinged forward by Sergio Busquets, with Messi taking the ball down on his chest and then dribbling to the right of a bamboozled defender with a left-foot touch to open up some space.Most read in FootballMessi scored the match-winner for Inter Miami against Kansas City from a tight angleCredit: X @FOXSoccerHis manager said his effort was ‘fantastic’Credit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then arrowed a shot across the goal from a tight angle, finding the bottom corner to give Inter a 1-0 advantage ahead of the home leg at Chase Stadium next week.Fans were stunned at the goal but also believed it finally laid one of the arguments against him to rest.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami Messi was the star of the show for Miami, as usualCredit: ReutersPlayers could see their own breath throughout the freezing clashCredit: GettyOne fan said on social media: “The argument ‘Could Messi do it on a cold Tuesday night vs Stoke’ is now put to bed, the Goat can do it with ease.”A second said: “No way people said he couldn’t do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke.”A third added: “GOAT for a reason.”(I’m) very proud because I think it’s impossible to play in these conditions. It’s not human, you know. So I’m very proud, because they gave me 100 per cent…Javier MascheranoHis boss Mascherano was also impressed, calling his effort “fantastic” before adding: “(I’m) very proud because I think it’s impossible to play in these conditions. “It’s not human, you know. So I’m very proud, because they gave me 100 per cent…”Maybe for the people that know him (Messi) it’s normal because he did goals like this 1,000 times. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But we are very lucky to have him here.”Inter Miami’s first Major League Soccer game of the season is this weekend against New York City FC at home. More

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    Van Dijk’s awkward slip of the tongue caught live on TV as Arsenal fans say ‘we’re living in his head rent free’

    LIVERPOOL superstar Virgil van Dijk appeared to suffer an awkward slip of the tongue after dropping points at Aston Villa.The Reds drew 2-2 against Villa on Wednesday, which means a win for Arsenal against struggling West Ham on Saturday would find Mikel Arteta’s challengers just five points behind Arne Slot’s high-fliers.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk appeared to have suffered an awkward slip of the tongueArsenal fans claim they ‘live rent free’ in Van Dijk’s headCredit: GettyThe Merseysiders’ lead is now in peril, considering they are also visiting Manchester City on Sunday before hosting Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday.Van Dijk, 33, faced the cameras after the final whistle to analyse the game and appeared to misspeak live on TV.The centre-back seemed to mention Premier League title rivals Arsenal instead of Villa when discussing the game.Van Dijk appeared to say: “Listen, credit to Arsen… Aston Villa as well.”Read More on ArsenalArsenal fans caught wind and took to social media, with some claiming that slip of the tongue was a result of the Gunners “living rent free” in his head as pressure piles up in the title race.One fan posted: “Arsenal living rent free in Van Dijk’s head.”Another commented: “It shows he thinks about Arsenal a lot!”And a third said: “The pressure is mounting, they are worried about us.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHoweverm many fans think he actually said something else.They suggest he was instead saying “us” in reference to Liverpool – not Arsenal.In that interpretation, Van Dijk said: “Listen, credit to us. Aston Villa as well.”Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book’Those supporters joined the debate in the comments’ section in their bid to set the record straight.One fan posted: “‘Credit to us, Aston Villa as well’. But nice try.”Another commented: “Think he’s rent free in YOUR head though.”And a third posted: “Arsenal fans always have a new theory every day to make their fans feels happy.” More

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    Fans spot Arne Slot ‘praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside’ as he gives heartbreaking update on Liverpool striker

    FANS spotted Arne Slot “praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside” before the Liverpool boss gave a heartbreaking update on his striker.Slot watched on with nerves as his title-chasing Reds were held to a 2-2 draw at rivals Aston Villa.Arne Slot was seen ‘praying for offside’ as Darwin Nunez missed a sitter against Aston VillaThe Liverpool striker fired wide in front of an open goal as the match finished 2-2Credit: GettyLiverpool went into the break 2-1 down but managed to secure a point through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s equaliser.However, they could have bagged all three points when Nunez managed to find a clear way to goal.The striker was played in as Emi Martinez left his net completely unguarded.But Nunez was unable to hit the target despite being presented with an open goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe miss left players on both teams stunned.And Slot was seeing speaking to an official immediately after Nunez’s shocking effort.The Dutch boss appeared to ask if Nunez was “not offside?”While at the same time, Slot clasped his hands together as if in prayer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter full-time, he lifted the lid on Nunez’s terrible piece of play.And Slot revealed the forward was taking it extremely badly.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card He said: “There is one player in the dressing room who feels quite down.“You know who it is. I’m not happy with 2-2. We had big opportunities to go in front.“It was an unbelievable pass from Conor Bradley and power from Dom (Szoboszlai) who made a perfect pass to square it. He made it an open goal chance.”Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk added: “We are disappointed but we fight.“We had chances to win the game, took a bit of a risk at the end so it got more open at times.“We take a point and move on and focus on a big one at Manchester City at the weekend.“In possession we did well, created good opportunities to score a second.“Disappointing to concede from a set-piece. We tried everything and unfortunately it wasn’t enough for three points.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We should have scored for 3-2 but credit to Aston Villa, they made it very difficult.“We have a very tough one on the weekend again, then we play Newcastle, our focus now will be on Man City, a very difficult game, we know that. Do everything in your power to win games, the focus will be that.” More

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    Moment diehard Lewis Hamilton fan chops down TREE to get better view of Ferrari star

    THIS is the hilarious moment a Ferrari fan chopped down a tree to get a better view of Lewis Hamilton.The seven-time world champion began his love-in with the Italian team when he stepped into the cockpit of their new SF-25 car for the first time in Maranello.A Ferrari fan chopped down a tree that was blocking fans’ viewSupporters cheered as the obstruction was removedHamilton waved to fans on his arrival at MaranelloCredit: SplashHe took Ferrari’s new car for a spin for the first timeCredit: SplashHamilton’s first spin sparked mayhem among Ferrari’s fiercely loyal Tifosi support.But a tree blocked the view of hundreds who visited the F1’s team base to get a glimpse of the Brit at the Fiorano circuit.One fan took matters into his own hands and was spotted making his way up a 25ft tree to chop it down with an electric saw.There were cheers from supporters as the obstruction tumbled to the ground.READ MORE IN F1Hamilton completed a quick turnaround for the 9am run, having been on stage at London’s O2 Arena the previous night as the teams unveiled their new livery.There he had spoken about how he had been “invigorated” about his challenge with the Scuderia.Hamilton, 40, also aimed a dig at his former team Mercedes by saying his new car was nothing like he had ever experienced.He said: “I’m really conscious of the fact that there are only a handful of special first times in life — the first kiss, the first date, the first time of school, the first time in the job.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I honestly thought I’d had all my firsts and nothing would be new again.“Given I’ve raced for so long, even I’m surprised at just how much I still love what I do — it felt so new.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in style“I remember putting my suit on, getting into the cockpit, and just the excitement I had was very reminiscent of maybe the first time I got to step in a Formula One car when I was 21 years old… 20 years ago.“But this time was different. I’ve always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit surrounded by red.”Hamilton has been living and breathing life in Italy having spent 12 years with Mercedes, where he won six of his world titles after first making his name with McLaren.He has been living the ‘Dolce Vita’ — learning Italian and gorging on pizza. Hamilton added: “I’ve had quite a few pizzas but somehow lost weight! I love Italian food. Penne all’arrabbiata has always been my favourite dish.”He produced a squeaky-clean run in the new car having crashed the 2024 version at last month’s Pirelli testing in Barcelona.And Hamilton claimed: “It’s nothing like the car I had before over the last ten, 12, 17 years. It’s unique.“To feel the vibration of a Ferrari engine for the first time… wow.“That’s what ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.“I had seen all the drivers that have come before me in red and wondered how that would look on me.“It’s a real honour to be able to wear this badge and this suit. I hope I swag it out and make it look good.”Ferrari were able to complete a 200km shakedown with the car ahead of the official pre-season testing next week in Bahrain.Hamilton added: “I had been waiting such a long time for it, so firing the car up, it’s like such a new, uncharted journey.“It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in as long as I can remember.“I knew that I would see the Tifosi on the bridge and to finally get to Turn One and see them down there, that was amazing to see.“And meeting the team, I was blown away just by the reception and the passion of the people.“I worked with two world championship-winning teams before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know what a winning team looks and feels like.“Everyone here, the passion is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got every ingredient they need to win a world championship.” More

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    Marcus Rashford verdict: Man Utd loanee looks like astute signing for Villa and effort can’t be faulted vs Liverpool

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S bid to revive his career took a big leap forward with his first Aston Villa start… against the toughest of opponents.The loanee striker from Manchester United played 67 minutes of Wednesday’s 2-2 home draw with Prem leaders Liverpool.Marcus Rashford played his part in a thrilling Prem drawCredit: GettyRashford looked ecstatic after Youri Tielemans levelled for VillaCredit: GettyThe 60-cap Englishman, 27, has much to prove – not just to reignite his club career but also to impress new Three Lions’ boss Thomas Tuchel.Here’s how Rashford fared in a thrilling clash at Villa Park.PACE AND STAMINAThe first thing that stood out was his speed of thought.He almost caught Liverpool out early on with a clever 1-2 with Marco Asensio.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut when he did get the chance to stretch his legs that old electric pace was evident again.One particular run caught the eye when he scorched across the turf to close down Trent Alexander-Arnold and pressure the usually cool ball-player into gifting possession back to Villa.Crucially, his excellent close control allows him to remain super-speedy when running at defenders.Boss Unai Emery watched on as Rashford showed his commitmentCredit: ReutersBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs far as stamina goes he was probably running on empty when he was replaced by Jacob Ramsey after 67 minutes by Emery.Most read in FootballPerhaps that’s why he never made those crucial 10 yards up to track Alexander-Arnold’s run when he scored.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionBut that’s being super critical because he possibly thought Morgan Rogers was responsible for that.EFFORTSpot on. He couldn’t be faulted for his commitment to the cause – in sharp contrast to his final days in a United shirt.Without fuss or fanfare he succeeded in snuffing out the very real attacking threat of Alexander-Arnold …. almost!For the first hour, his pace on the break kept TAA honest in his defensive duties, as the full-back was wary of wandering too far from his former England teammate.And he performed the less glamorous side of the game well too, chasing back and keeping Villa’s shape to seal off most of TAA’s passing channels.If I was being extremely picky I’d suggest he might look back with regret at his failure to track Alexander-Arnold’s run for his equaliser.He certainly put his hands on his knees and looked gutted afterwards as if he felt he might have done more.But I’d say that was a good sign of someone who clearly cares.The transfer-window recruit caused problems for Liverpool keeper AlissonCredit: APUSE OF BALLGenerally tidy.Sure, there were some tell-tale signs of ring-rust when he sent one left-foot cross harmlessly out of the park after half an hour.In general though he linked well and looks to be getting to grips with his new teammates movement and passing patterns.He was cocky and confident enough to nutmeg Alexis Mac Allister to win the free kick which led to Villa’s equaliser.He then whipped in the inswinging free kick which caused panic in Liverpool’s defence and led to Youri Tielemans’ opener.Not every attempted pass came off – sometimes he seemed one step ahead of his teammates – but the understanding will develop given more game time.Rashford whipped in a cross under pressure from Ryan GravenberchCredit: GettySCORING THREATCame close to creating an opener for Villa after 17 minutes when he played a rapid 1-2 with Marco Asensio and fired in a wicked delivery which Virgil van Dijk diverted into his own net.However the Reds defence had stepped up expertly to catch Rashford in their offside trap. Close but no cigar!He came even closer early in the second half when his blistering pace saw him beat Allison to a through ball.With the keeper stranded outside his box Rashford curled in a cute chip which was heading for the net until Ibrahima Konate got back to desperately head clear.From the resulting corner he curled his delivery in and the ball was heading in at the far post until Alisson frantically clawed it clear.He failed to score here but did more than enough to suggest the goals will flow in time.TACTICAL AWARENESSRashford was disciplined and followed Unai Emery’s instructions religiously.Out of possession he tracked Trent Alexander-Arnold and dropped into a mid-block centrally.Rashford had an impressive first full gameCredit: EPAIn possession he pushed high on the inside left channel to try and entice Konate out of his comfort zone in the middle.And though few Villa fans will have noticed it, he had a huge hand in Villa’s second goal too.Whether it was a direct instruction from Emery, or his own initiative, Rashford started drifting into the centre forward position just before half-time.That created room for Lucas Digne to exploit the space Rashford had vacated, allowing the full-back the time and space he needed to pick out Ollie Watkins with his brilliant cross.He has the game intelligence Emery will love.VERDICTIf Ruben Amorim really does believe he’d rather give his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach a seat on the bench than use Rashford – Jorge Vital better dust his boots off!Because all the early signs are Rashford looks as if he will turn out to be an astute signing by Emery.And if Vital can do better than this then he should be in line to START for United this week!Rashford looks to have the bit between his teeth and is ready to re-ignite his stellar career at Villa Park.He won the free kick which led to Villa’s opening goal with a cute nutmeg on Mac Allister.He then delivered the wicked cross which caused chaos in Liverpool’s defence and led to Tielemans’ opener.He also created the space Lucas Digne needed to create Villa’s second for Ollie Watkins.He skinned Alisson for pace in a straight sprint and had a shot cleared off the line by Konate.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s not a bad shift for someone who hadn’t started a game since December.Rashford will get better the more game time he gets for Emery who could have a bargain on his hands if he chooses to trigger his £40million option to buy this summer. More

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    Kylian Mbappe copies both Cristiano Ronaldo AND Lionel Messi celebrations after Real Madrid star’s hat-trick vs Man City

    KYLIAN MBAPPE gave a nod to two of the greats as he singlehandedly tore apart Manchester City in the Champions League.Mbappe netted a hattrick to send the Cityzens packing from the competition before they could even reach the last 16 proper in a 3-1 win (6-3 on aggregate).Kylian Mbappe scored a hattrick as Real Madrid knocked Man City out of the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPCity lost 6-3 on aggregate to MadridCredit: GettyIt was a performance to remember for Mbappe, who not only channelled his inner Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi with his efforts on the ball, but also with his celebrations.The Frenchman gave a nod to each of the stars as he celebrated his goals at the Santiago Bernabeu.His first goal, a delightful chip over Ederson, saw him recreate Ronaldo’s most recent celebration to the raucous home fans.Ronaldo imitated a chipped ball with his hand after netting against Al Wasl earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Mbappe appeared to do the same thing after looping the ball over Ederson’s head and soaking up the atmosphere with his arms outstretched.He made sure his second goal, a twisting finish into the bottom corner, was all his own – celebrating with his teammates and enjoying a goal that put Madrid well and truly in the driving seat.But his celebration for his hattrick goal was reserved for a tribute to Lionel Messi.After scoring a drilled left-footed effort from the edge of the area, Mbappe counted his three goals out on his fingers – mimicking Lionel Messi’s celebration from back in 2011 against Mallorca.Most read in FootballMbappe celebrated his first goal by mimicking a chipped shot with his handCredit: PACristiano Ronaldo pulled out a similar celebration against Al Wasl earlier this monthCredit: GettyMbappe copied Lionel Messi’s 1-2-3 celebration after his hattrickCredit: GettyMessi used the celebration back in 2011Credit: YouTubeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite honouring two of the greatest players to ever play the game, Mbappe is very much creating his own legacy at the moment.After his performance on Wednesday night, the 26-year-old now has over 500 career goal contributions.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawDespite his electric display, teammate Jude Bellingham was keen to remind fans that there’s so much more to Madrid that Mbappe.He told TNT Sports: “Kylian is just flying now. But sometimes we need a reminder that talent isn’t enough. “You need organisation, you need commitment and we have worked on that after some bad results recently.”Manager Carlo Ancelotti described the World Cup winner as “fantastic” in his post match interview, while even club legend Zinedine Zidane seemed impressed from the stands.Mbappe’s ode to Ronaldo and Messi should come as no surprise with the star idolising the pair throughout his entire career.He previously said of Ronaldo: “I just want to admire Cristiano’s greatness. “There will be no one like him. He has left a mark on football history.”While he gushed about Messi, despite suffering World Cup final heartbreak at the hands of his Argentina side in 2022.Mbappe, who played with Messi at PSG, said: “Playing with Leo Messi is definitely something I miss a lot. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You always miss not playing with Leo Messi anymore! For an attacker like me, who likes to attack spaces, with him you have the certainty that you can get the ball. “It was a luxury that almost only he can give you. Beyond that, playing with Messi was special.”Mbappe has always spoken highly of RonaldoCredit: AFPHe played alongside Lionel Messi at PSGCredit: Reuters More

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    Jude Bellingham slapped with ANOTHER ban just hours after Real Madrid star’s two-match suspension

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has been slapped with another ban on top of his two-game suspension.The Real Madrid star was sent off during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna after an X-rated rant at the referee.Jude Bellingham has received another ban after picking up a yellow versus CityCredit: GettyThe Real Madrid star will miss the first leg of their last-16 clashCredit: GettyIt is Bellingham’s second ban after he was controversially sent off in LaLigaCredit: ReutersOfficial Jose Munuera red carded Bellingham for yelling “f*** you” at him.But the English midfielder argues there was a “miscommunication” and boss Carlo Ancelotti claims his player said “f*** off” in frustration.Bellingham was handed a two-match ban from LaLiga games earlier today, meaning he will miss fixtures against Girona and Real Betis.Just hours later, he was in action for Real Madrid as they smashed Manchester City 3-1 in the Champions League via a stunning Kylian Mbappe hat-trick.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham was booked in the first-half for a foul on Phil Foden and he will now be banned from their next European game.The suspension comes as he has hit the maximum of three yellows after being carded against Brest and Lille earlier in the tournament.It means the 21-year-old will not feature in the first leg of their last-16 clash against either Bayer Leverkuen or bitter rivals Atletico Madrid.Despite the bans, Bellingham will be back on the pitch next Wednesday as Real Madrid face Real Soceidad in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHis LaLiga suspension does not carry over to the Spanish cup competition.There remains hope he will be back sooner as Real Madrid will reportedly appeal the two-match ban.Inside Jude Bellingham’s new romance with stunning Instagram modelOn the controversial red card, Bellingham said: “It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication. “I remember the incident very well but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.”I don’t want to go too much in detail about what was said but it’s like a expression like ‘f***’.”I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence.”Obviously we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”Ancelotti added: “I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said f*** off, not f*** you… that’s way different.” More

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    Robin van Persie lands new job at Champions League club and could be set for instant Arsenal reunion

    ROBIN VAN PERSIE is on the verge of landing a new job with his boyhood club.The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker turned to a career in coaching after hanging up his boots in 2019.Robin van Persie is on the verge of a return to FeyenoordCredit: RexHe first took up an unofficial role at Feyenoord as an assistant to then-manager Dick Advocaat.After his position was eventually made permanent two years later, the Dutchman became the co-head coach of the club’s U16s.Van Persie was then promoted to co-head coach of the U18s and U19s.But he left in May 2024 to become head coach of Heerenveen – his first proper job in senior football.READ MORE ON ARSENALNow, however, he is in talks to make a triumphant return to Feyenoord.Dutch outlet 1908.nl claims the Rotterdam-based side want Van Persie to replace Brian Priske, who was sacked last week.The 41-year-old is understood to be keen on the move, but Feyenoord have to reach an agreement with Heerenveen first.While he would like a return to his former club, the ex-striker will not force a move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVan Persie would like to take his coaching staff – including assistant Brian Pinas – with him should he complete the switch.Rene Hake, who worked with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd, is also in talks to join Feyenoord.How did you get this’ – Aaron Ramsey left stunned as details of Arsenal bust-up with Robin van Persie leakedShould he return to his old club, he could be in line to face Arsenal in the Champions League last-16.After leaving the Dutch side as a player in 2004, Van Persie joined Arsenal and spent eight years in London, where he scored 132 goals in 278 appearances.He then moved on to join United in 2012 and stayed at Old Trafford for three years before signing for Fenerbahce.The ex-striker then ended his playing career back at Feyenoord. More