Longtail

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal celebrations through the years and what they mean, from first goal for Man Utd to famous Siuuu

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO has scored over 900 goals during his glittering career.And needless to say, he has celebrated them in different ways.Cristiano Ronaldo has scored over 900 goals for club and countryOver the years, Ronaldo’s goal celebration has changedIn recent years, we’ve all become accustomed to his famous ‘Siuuu’ goal celebration.But a strike in the AFC Champions League Elite with Al Nassr saw CR7 raise his hands in the air and face the sky with his eyes closed.After the match, he dedicated the goal to his late father who would have turned 71 that day.”Today’s goal has a different flavour… I wish my father was alive because today is his birthday,” Ronaldo said.Read more Ronaldo newsOver the years, Ronaldo, 39, has celebrated goals in very different ways.With the help of body language expert Darren Stanton, SunSport has teamed up with OLBG to tell us the hidden meaning behind the goal celebrations below.An early strike against SpursRonaldo was just a teenager when he started scoring for Man Utd in 2004.Here, his first celebration, is in its most primitive form.Most read in FootballDarren says: “Here we see a gesture with clenched fist. That’s the sort of origin of him really developing his confidence. This is a power gesture some sort of superhero might make.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ “At this point in his career, he was reasonably humble. This has pretty much always been his celebration when he’s done well, and [knowing what comes later in his career] this is already saying, pure power. I am the man.”Cristiano Ronaldo is flanked by Ryan Giggs and Ruud Van Nistelrooy and can’t hide his delightArrogance personifiedIn 2006, establishing himself as one of the world’s best young players, Ronaldo found the net against Wigan.What followed wasn’t an act of humility.Darren says: “This is a very interesting power gesture but what’s more interesting is that he’s obviously developed a lot in his career and self-confidence at this point already.”So this is much more of an arrogant kind of gesture because his face is not one of humility like in the earlier image and his eyebrows are together, his eyes are pulled down. Really he’s sort of gesturing his mouth, he’s sort of shouting.”It’s much more of a look at me, look at me type gesture. It’s a demonstration of spreading itself out into more space. So it’s more or less saying, look at me, I’m all powerful. Now we’re seeing elements of arrogance and cockiness creeping in.”Ronaldo celebrates his goal against Wigan in 2006Credit: Mark RobinsonLook at those musclesNow a full international, Ronaldo’s full of self-importance.This couldn’t be more evident than how he celebrated a 2004 Euro semi-final strike against the Netherlands.Darren says: “The more space that a person occupies, it’s really telling us what’s happening internally. We see again the evolution of Ronaldo, we see he’s got his top off and he’s making this sort of Bruce Lee gesture.”He’s flexing his muscles, he’s spreading his arms out. It is a very powerful image. It’s one of sheer arrogance, but also determination. So there’s quite a lot of emotions.”It’s an extreme gesture because the more space we occupy, the more important that we perceive ourselves to be in the environment.”A Euro 2004 strike saw Ronaldo flexing his muscles’Genuine’ happiness In 2009, Ronaldo was already recognised as the best player on the planet.And, at this time in his career playing for Real Madrid, he was the happiest he may have been.Darren says: “In this photo, we see a much more developed personality and his character traits. There’s some cheekiness coming in now and a big broad smile.”The way that we can tell that someone is genuinely happy, in a state of joy, is that they have what we call laughter lines or crow’s feet. This is present in anybody of any age, from their 20s right up to their 80s and older. “If these lines aren’t present, it’s a fake smile, but in this photo we can tell that Ronaldo is obviously over the moon.”We’re still getting a tell-tale power gesture. This is his baseline default setting for ‘I am the man’. But we’re now seeing this massive smile come across his face.”Ronaldo is the main main for Real Madrid – scoring against Deportivo in 2009The biggest stageAt the World Cup in 2006, Ronaldo is already portraying himself as all-conquering.He dropped to his knees after a strike against Iran, and looked to the heavens. But what did that mean?Darren says: “The next image is a really iconic kind of power gesture because we’ve now not only got him making this trademark power gesture, we’ve also got him on his knees.”It’s almost like he’s praying. He’s got his eyes closed. It’s almost like meditation in a way. He’s sort of screaming to the heavens. Again, we’ve got him spreading himself out on his knees.”It’s just a complete power gesture and it’s all about him. He feels he’s the conduit. He’s the main man. He’s the star of the show. We’ve still got these moments of arrogance coming in, but also the fact that he feels absolutely all-powerful and continues to grow in his confidence.”Sheer ecstasy for Ronaldo after scoring against Iran at the 2006 World CupThe moment it changedHis first goal for Juventus in 2018 saw Ronaldo copy a ‘chin thrust’ reminiscent of Conor McGregor.A shift in his personal perception of himself has changed, according to Stanton.Darren says: “In this particular photograph, there are much more advanced versions of some of the character traits that we’ve seen. We’re still seeing this kind of power gesture with the hands, but it’s changed. It’s almost like he’s flying.”He’s like the leader of the pack. You’ve got the rest of his team-mates behind him, but he’s very much front and centre, and we can see this expression of elation. His jaw is out.”That’s what we call a chin thrust, very reminiscent of Conor McGregor who tends to stick his chin out, and it’s saying I’m more important, I’m arrogant. It’s an arrogance gesture and it’s designed to undermine and demotivate other people in terms of challenging their authority and position.”We’re now seeing him moving to a much higher level of self-confidence and personal power so we’ve got his hands by his side now as opposed to the front.”We’ve got this much more defined facial image and his arms are behind him. It’s almost like he’s flying like a superhero.”I think this was the pivotal moment that we saw a shift in his personal sort of perception of himself.”Ronaldo scores his first goal for Juventus but is very much leader of the packSiuuu!It’s Ronaldo’s most iconic goal celebration, recognised in the FIFA games, and we saw it in the Premier League.Here he celebrates scoring a penalty against Arsenal. Darren says: “This image is really iconic and we know that it went viral and was copied by millions of people.”Again, we’ve got the most grandiose extension of personal power because he’s airborne, he’s jumping in the air and, in terms of more space, you can’t get more in his personal proximity than this.”The fact that he’s mid-air, he’s got his arm up. This is probably 10 generations on from the first sort of gestures that we began to see.”He feels all powerful, he is at the pinnacle of his career. The world’s at his feet and he knows he’s considered to be the best player in the world.”The fact that he’s got his arm out, extended, so that’s extending his height, he’s jumping in the air, again, the more space we occupy, the more powerful we feel.”Ronaldo’s famous Siuuu celebration in full effect after scoring against Arsenal on his Man Utd returnHumble RonaldoBack in September, Ronaldo became the first player to score 900 top-level career goals in a game playing for Portugal against Croatia.It brought out a much more humble Ronaldo.Darren says: “For this image, we see a very, very different version of Ronaldo. He’s in what we call a fetal position. Conversely, as I mentioned before, we tend to make ourselves bigger to create a more grandiose sense of self-importance with ourselves.”This is Ronaldo returning to being the very humble man that he once was. He’s making himself as small as possible. He’s on his knees, his knees are tucked up. He’s covering his face, his head’s tucked in.”This is basically the opposite of the Ronaldo that people know. It’s much more humble and he’s not really trying to convey power. It’s more of a, not sadness, but it’s more of a sort of, it’s not a power gesture.”When someone makes themselves into a fetal position they’re trying to withdraw from everything. It means that they’re returning inward.”It’s not about anybody else, it’s about himself and he’s returning to a much more humble version of himself because he loves his country, he’s got such pride and passion and confidence and motivation.”Ronaldo sinks to his knees with his hands on his face – appearing humble in celebrationread more sport featuresJust like TrumpA goal for Al Nassr last month saw Ronaldo’s cock-sure attitude return.In fact, Stanton likened it to Donald Trump.Darren says: “In this particular photo, we see him after he’s made his journey out to Saudi Arabia. This is a really interesting photo because he obviously had his issues back at United.”Now he’s at the front of the rest of his colleagues and we see some really interesting gestures from him.”Number one, we’ve got this chin thrust that’s returned. So his head’s up, his chin’s sticking out. This is arrogance, this is defiance. This is look at me, you know, I’m the man.”He’s got this kind of cocky smirk on his face as well. You know, it’s somebody saying, dare I say, “up yours”, you know. It’s defiant. Look at me now, look at me now. Even though he may not have got the gravitas he did at United, it’s still very much power gestures.”Also, his shoulders are tucked right back, so he’s creating the space, and also he’s got his hands interlocked, which again is a power gesture, which we often see politicians like Donald Trump make, or a sort of steeple gesture. It’s all strong, all strength.”Look at me now, I’ve soared and again, his feet are spread apart, creating this extra space. He’s basically saying to the world, look at me now, I am still the man.”Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to copy a Donald Trump power gesture with his handsA deeper meaningOn the day that would have been Ronaldo’s father’s birthday, he celebrated a strike for Al Nassr by pointing to the sky.It brought out a more reflective side of the CR7.Darren says: “This is sort of an extension of some of the gestures we’ve seen before with Ronaldo. It’s in Saudi Arabia.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s pointing to the heavens. It’s quite an ethereal sort of gesture, like he feels he’s connected to a higher power almost. Again, it’s a power gesture saying, look at me, look at me, but it’s not demonstrating arrogance now.”This is more what we call introspective power. He’s probably thinking to himself, you know, I’ve been on this journey for so long. It’s shifted from saying look at me to the world to him being more reflective and introspective.”Ronaldo reaches for the stars during a poignant moment for Al NassrDarren Stanton is a world renowned body language expert More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL icon recalls his wildest stories, including spiked team-mate turning into Spider-Man and hothead boss’ topless rant

      by

      EFL legend Darren Pratley has revealed his team-mate once turned into Spider-Man after being spiked on a night out.Pratley helped Swansea up the divisions earlier in his career and played one season in the Premier League for Bolton.Darren Pratley shared a deep dive on his career in ‘What the EFL?’Credit: PA:Empics SportEx-team-mate Rory Fallon acted like Spider-Man after being spikedCredit: GettyBut it is Swansea where he has some of his fondest memories – including his funniest training ground story.He shared some tall tales from his career with SunSport as part of the “What the EFL?” series.From topless manager rants to a moment that still haunts him, Pratley shared all on his 21-year career.WILDEST TRAINING GROUND TALERory Fallon, and we always used to go on a jog. He’d been out the night before, came to training late, he’d been spiked, so he was Spider-Man the night before, apparently jumping around and doing crazy stuff.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBEST EFL PLAYERAdel Taarabt played against him. I played in that game that they keep showing on the EFL where he nutmegs Joe Allen and cuts inside and scores.BEST EFL FANSI’d have to go Swansea, wouldn’t I? Swansea, Swansea, Jacks. Yeah, apart from Leyton Orient, I’d have to go Swansea.DODGIEST EFL FACILITIESAgain, probably be Swansea. We used to train at the David Lloyd gym, so we would be showering after training with the public.If you didn’t have a good result, they would be asking you why when you’re naked in the showers.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL FANS WHO LIVE RENT FREE IN YOUR HEADI’d say Millwall. I’ve scored a few goals against them. Six-, seven-, eight-year-olds who give you a bit of stick when you warm up. It’s an intimidating place to go, so probably I’d say Millwall.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew MOMENT THAT STILL HAUNTS YOUWe played Blackpool in the last game of the season. I think we just had to get a win. So they turned up, Phillips, Ince and all them, and it was 3-0 down after, I think, 15 minutes, and then we ended up missing out on goal difference, I think, on the play-offs.MADDEST DRESSING ROOM TALEIn my first loan at Brentford, at half-time, Martin Allen sits in the centre of the room on a chair with his top off, screaming, shouting at everyone. Didn’t know what was going on.MADDEST TRANSFER STORYAt Charlton, David Cotterill, he was texting me the night before saying that Charlton had offered him a contract, a couple of years and all that, and good money and that, and I was quite shocked, to be fair. And then he turned up the next day at the gates, thinking that he was coming in to sign a contract. Lee Bowyer had come to the gates and was like, show me the emails you’ve been getting, I have a messenger. It wasn’t the manager who he’d been speaking to, someone had pretended to be the manager on an email. He had to go home.WILDEST OWNER ANTICSAt Bolton, Lee Anderson, so he used to come in, we’d be in the changing room, the boys would have discussions whether they were going on a strike, whether they were going to train today.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wasn’t paying wages for the players. We were in a good time at that time, when he wasn’t paying the players, so I just have to say, Lee Anderson.WILDEST NIGHT OUT”I’ve had a few. Got to say Marbella. We got promoted here, at Leyton Orient. We went to Marbella as a team and staff and had a good time.” More

    • 300 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Roy Keane was about to knock the c**p out of me at Man Utd training… I was only 17, but football gods spared me

      by

      GIUSEPPE ROSSI almost faced the wrath of Roy Keane during a Manchester United training session – but the football gods spared him. Rossi came up through the United ranks as a teenager before spending three years from 2004-2007 signed to the first team. Giuseppe Rossi came through Man Utd’s academyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdRoy Keane was Rossi’s captain with the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press AssociationDuring that period, Keane was the Old Trafford captain under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. And Rossi only found out years later that he came within a whisker of getting on the wrong side of the Irish hardman. Rossi said at the launch of Ladbrokes’ ‘Gaffer of all Accas’: “I remember somebody telling me about something he wrote in his book; he talks about this 17-year-old kid who he’s training with one day. “Roy yells at this kid, and this kid turns around and gives him the meanest look ever, as if you say ‘go f*** yourself’. READ MORE IN football”So Roy says in his book that he was about to go and knock the living crap out of this kid, but he calmed himself, and said to himself, ‘Do you know what? I respect this kid.’ “And it turned out to be Giuseppe Rossi; it turned out to be me!”I never knew that I did something like that; looking back now I just feel like, on that day, the soccer Gods spared my life, basically! “I’ve seen Roy a couple of times over the years, and I remember he wanted me at Sunderland when he was their coach – I’ve got great memories of him.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRossi made only 14 appearances for United, with four goals before moving on to Villarreal. The striker would have successful stints in Spain and Italy, for the likes of Fiorentina before moving to MLS with Real Salt Lake. Football icons’ strange hobbiesRossi – who was born in New Jersey but raised in Italy – left America for SPAL in Italy before announcing his football retirement in 2023. Keane left United in 2005 after a falling out with manager Fergie – but Rossi has fond memories of his short time under the midfielder. He said: “Roy Keane is a legend. He was our leader. I loved playing with the guy, he was a really cool dude off the field too.Roy yells at this kid, and this kid turns around and gives him the meanest look ever, as if you say ‘go f*** yourself’.Giuseppe Rossi”He was just somebody who always wanted to make sure everything was going in the right direction, and sometimes that would rub off the wrong way. “But I just saw that as somebody who cared a lot, and I’m the same; I’m somebody who cares about their craft, about the character of the team, and making sure that we’re all on the same page and fighting for the same common goal. “That was Roy’s role at Man United, and he did it perfectly, to a tee.”Rossi and Sir Alex Ferguson in 2006Credit: Getty – ContributorRossi announced his football retirement in 2023Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      British boxing icon John Conteh was the David Beckham of his era but celebrity lifestyle led to his downfall

      by

      YOU didn’t have to be Angelo Dundee to realise you were watching an immense talent when John Conteh won the middleweight gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games.But I had no idea as I saw him brilliantly outbox a Tanzanian in the final in Edinburgh that the 19-year-old kid from Kirkby was about to evolve in a few years into JC Superstar.John Conteh was the David Beckham of his eraCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBecause of his outstanding ability, knockout-handsome film star looks and cheeky Merseyside charisma, it was no surprise he was made financial offers to turn pro he couldn’t refuse.Four years later he was ready to challenge Argentine Jorge Ahumada for his WBC world light-heavyweight title, at Wembley’s Empire Pool.Conteh delivered a superb points victory — it was the peak performance of his life. Everything was on display, his considerable skills, speed of thought and movement, brutal punching, plus heart and desire to bring the title to Britain.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was only Ahumada’s teak-tough chin that got him through the 15 rounds.To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the most momentous moment of Conteh’s nine-year career, he is being honoured with a star-studded tribute lunch organised by the London Ex- Boxers Association at Holborn’s Connaught Rooms on October 20.When LEBA secretary Ray Caulfield announced the event in June, there were those who wondered if it would attract a large enough crowd.But when the £125 tickets went on sale, within a matter of days all 400 had been snapped up. And Conteh, at 73, was involved in yet another sell-out.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFrank Bruno, Michael Watson and David Haye will pay homage to one of our all-time great fighters, along with celebrities from football and showbiz.In the 1970s John was one of this country’s most famous sporting personalities — the David Beckham of his era.Sky Sports forced to apologise after boxer swears in live TV interviewImmediately after he had beaten Ahumada, it was the start of a celebrity lifestyle that eventually led to his downfall.Conteh’s marketability saw his face staring out from the front covers of magazines and advertising hoardings.He was a guest on Parkinson and every other TV chat show and made appearances at functions nationwide.As you went down the escalators of every London underground station there were pictures of a near-naked John modelling men’s underwear.He was also a regular at Tramp, then Mayfair’s most fashionable nightclub.Unfortunately, excessive drinking led to him becoming an alcoholic — which is why sadly he only realised 50 per cent of his potential.Arguably, John’s greatest winning fight was overcoming his drink disease.He never hid away from his problems and hasn’t touched alcohol for nearly 40 years, which must be an inspiration to fellow sufferers.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat I love about my favourite Scouser is that he always has time for young and old who want selfies or simply to have a chat.Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are the present-day darlings of boxing fans — it would be interesting to know if they will still be sought after in 50 years.John Conteh during “Rocky Balboa” London Premiere in 2007Credit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Abandoned ‘ghost stadium’ of EFL club gets new lease of life with fans given once-in-a-lifetime chance to play on pitch

      by

      SUPPORTERS longing for yesteryear can step back into the past on Friday as a “Ghost ground” re-opens its doors.Millmoor was the home of League One Rotherham United for 83 years until 2008.Rotherham United played their football at Milmoor for 83 yearsCredit: MARK ROBINSONBut they abandoned the ground in 2008 to move to a new stadiumCredit: MARK ROBINSONBut the ‘Ghost Ground’ is set to re-open its doorsCredit: MARK ROBINSON THE SUNFollowing a row over rent, the Millers moved out as their famous old ground was left desolate and decrepit.Rotherham now play in the 12,000-seater New York Stadium, which opened in 2012, and is situated just yards away.However, it is impossible to miss their former home on any visit to Rotherham and now you can take a look inside it from 2pm.After years of being known as the “Ghost ground”, long-standing landlords, the Booth family, have overseen the refurbishment to restore it to its former glory and bring it back to life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd now the doors will be opened for visitors to see the old stands, take a walk on the pitch – which is now being put into use for hire by local teams – and reminisce about the glory days.A host of the club’s heroes will also be in attendance to add to the nostalgic event.It is in conjunction with Millers legend John Breckin, 71, as part of his dementia awareness work.A spokesman said: “This is a chance for older Millers supporters to re-visit a place where they spent so many happy times and for the younger generation who have no doubt heard all about Millmoor, to get a better idea of what it is actually like.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMilmoor is to re-open its doorsCredit: MARK ROBINSONThe ground is is now being put into use by being hired by local teamsCredit: MARK ROBINSON”Hopefully, there will be a good turnout.”Millmoor was first used in the 1890s when it was used by the Rotherham Church Institute in the Sheffield Association League, before then being used by Rotherham County before United. Shock moment stadium bigger than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium demolished after falling into disrepairIt was home to seven promotion campaigns, eight relegations and also staged the first League Cup final in 1961 when Rotherham beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the first leg. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      How David Beckham turned Inter Miami into a success story, with A-list pals like Leo DiCaprio wanting to see Leo Messi

      by

      INTER MIAMI are well on their way now.The MLS team, owned by David Beckham, won the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the first time with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew.David Beckham has made Inter Miami the hottest ticket in the States and a success thanks to Lionel MessiLeo DiCaprio has been spotted watching Inter Miami this seasonLionel Messi and his teammates celebrate winning the Leagues Cup in 2023Messi scores against Columbus Crew on Wednesday to seal the MLS Supporters’ ShieldIt’s a massive turnaround in the fortunes of Inter Miami, who won the Leagues Cup last season and are most certainly on an upwards trajectory.The star power of Lionel Messi – who scored twice in Wednesday evening’s historic win – and Beckham is bringing in the crowds at the DRV PNK Stadium, as well as the trophies.Pitchside at the Fort Lauderdale arena has become the MLS equivalent of courtside at the Crypto.com ArenaThose two have made Inter Miami the must-see sports team in the States.Read more Inter Miami newsSo it’s no wonder A-listers including Leo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez and more are flocking to watch the team.And they were only get bigger when they move into the new £750million Miami Freedom Park in 2026, that’ll boast a 25,000 capacity.SunSport looks at the phenomenon Becks created, starting from scratch.Beforehand…The excitement around Beckham, 49, owning a sports team was enough to attract his celeb pals who offered their support.Most read in FootballHis product might have been lacking in pizzazz, with early recruits Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi not exactly setting the world on fire.Tom Brady joins David Beckham and Lionel Messi at MLS game & gets gift from soccer icon after celebrating his team’s winBut, Becks is an extremely well-connected man.Curious as to see what all the fuss was about, the rich and famous took in an Inter Miami game.Perhaps, they were passing through Florida, or on holiday, but they can say they were there.This goes for Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith and Olympic legend Usain Bolt.Maybe the latter was seeking a contract.Pitchside at the DRV PNK Stadium is a huge a celebrity affairThe fanfare was set.A star-studded debutWhile his lightning-delayed unveiling in 2023 was a damp squib, Messi’s debut against Cruz Azul was the equivalent of an Oscars red carpet that ended with a dramatic Hollywood movie plot twist.The star attraction entered the fray in the second half, admittedly very short of match-fitness.That didn’t matter. Not for a man of Messi’s class who had to entertain his new fans, with some paying over £1,000 for a ticket.Inter Miami owners Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, and David Beckham pose alongside Lionel Messi at his unveilingCredit: GettyThe Kardashians dropped in to offer the Beckhams their support,Credit: InstagramFor Kim Kardashian and tennis legend Serena Williams, they had to be there to see Messi’s debutSports pals LeBron James and David Beckham pose for a snap in Fort LauderdaleCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresDeep into stoppage time, he stood over a free-kick some 30-yards from goal.A trademark free-kick followed, driving the fans into ecstasy, Messi’s team-mates wild and securing a win for his new club.Right before he made his appearance, Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, Serena Williams, DJ Khaled, Camila Cabello, Rick Ross, Derek Jeter, Diddy, Becky G, and Marc Anthony all watched in expectation of the spectacular.Even they were in awe of the Barcelona legend, with some of those whipping their camera phones out to film the moment.And it wasn’t a fadWhile his debut was something of make-believe, that enticed the A-listers furthermore.You could be fooled into thinking a match against Atlanta United isn’t exactly a glamour tie.Tell that to Diddy (again), DJ Khaled (again), Camila Cabello (again), and Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro.DJ Khaled and rapper Diddy were seen enjoying Messi’s second gameDJ Khaled’s son Asahd was overcome with emotion stood next to Lionel MessiCamila Cabello snatches a chat with Lionel MessiBefore the action kicked off, Messi led out his team alongside Khaled’s son, Asahd.It was an occasion that was even too much for the boy, who weeped tears of joy to be stood next to his hero.Still, those tears would have been wiped as Messi’s second coming inspired a 4-0 demolition of an MLS rival.Messi was the architect again, scoring twice inside the opening 22 minutes.And he seemingly appeared to be enjoying his new-found status, sharing a chat with singer Cabello during proceedings.READ MORE SUN STORIESBecks’ close pal NFL legend and Birmingham City investor, Tom Brady and producer/rapper Pharrell Williams have also shown their love for Inter Miami.While Hollywood movie star Leo DiCaprio was spotted in a posh box enjoying an ice lolly, and Prince Harry dropped in to see Inter face off against Los Angeles FC.NFL legend Tom Brady and Pharrell Williams are more A-listers who have have joined the Inter Miami celebrity fan clubCredit: GettyLionel Messi has transformed Inter Miami’s fortunesCredit: GettyPrince Harry reacts during a match between Inter Miami and LA FC More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Boxing world champion breaks silence to CONFIRM talks to fight Conor McGregor in never-before-seen two-bout deal

      by

      TERENCE CRAWFORD has CONFIRMED talks to fight Conor McGregor – but admitted no amount of money could tempt him into the MMA cage.McGregor revealed an offer was on the table for a never-before-seen two-fight deal in boxing and MMA with Crawford. Terence Crawford confirmed talks to fight Conor McGregorCredit: GettyMcGregor revealed Crawford turned the deal downCredit: GettyBut the former undisputed world boxing champion is not getting kicked or elbowed for any number. Crawford said to Bernie the Boxer: “I told Conor, ‘Hell no’. “They called me and they offered me the fight and me and Conor got on the phone and started trying to figure something out.”And I told him, ‘Man I ain’t getting into no octagon with you so you can be kicking me and elbow me and s***’.READ MORE IN UFC”He started laughing and s*** and he said ‘Man, I respect it. You respect my sport just like I respect your sport and you understand that if you get in an octagon you’re going to be at a disadvantage.”‘Just like if I get into the boxing ring with you, I’m going to be at a disadvantage’.”But he was like, ‘We will make a s*** ton of money’. I said, ‘Yeah, sometimes it ain’t about the money, I can make money but you ain’t about to be kicking me, dude’.”Kicks and elbows man that s*** ain’t no joke.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMcGregor put his UFC career on hold in 2017 to face ring great Floyd Mayweather in a crossover clash worth huge sums.Crawford meanwhile wrestled in his youth but went on to become one of the greatest boxers of his era. McGregor said during a Duelbits livestream: “Crawford is very slick, he also has a wrestling background pedigree.”You know they’re always talking to me about bouts. I’ve already boxed a boxer, and the best boxer in MMA is me.”You know what I mean? I generate the most. We were talking back and forth about a two-fight deal.”In Crawford’s last fight he beat Israil Madrimov to win the WBA super-welterweight world title.It was also his first with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season – who recently partnered with the UFC.And McGregor, 36, was the first to reveal that Crawford, 37, was approached for the two-fight double header before declining. He said: “I get on the phone and say ‘Crawford, they’re here talking about you and me. Two-fight deal, MMA first, boxing second.”I know you have an extensive wrestling background, and balls the size of a Bengal tiger.”They’re asking for a fight, it’ll be hundreds of millions on the line. ‘What’s up?’, I said.”And then he goes, ‘I don’t fancy taking a kick off Conor McGregor’, that’s what he said. You have to respect that.”Crawford is a four-division champion and considered one of the best boxers on the planet.He is currently eyeing a super-fight against Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez, 34, despite rumours of pondering retirement.McGregor meanwhile has been out of action since July 2021 when he broke his leg before being ruled out of his return bout in June.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irishman was forced to pull out of facing Michael Chandler due to a toe injury.Chandler, 38, has since signed to rematch Charles Oliveira, 34, on November 16 to leave McGregor’s next fight in doubt. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson insider reveals strategy for Jake Paul fight after fresh health concerns arise for boxing legend

      by

      MIKE TYSON’s strategy for his showdown with Jake Paul has sensationally been revealed by a camp insider.The former undisputed heavyweight champion will throw down with the YouTube sensation in a controversial crossover clash on Netflix next month.Mike Tyson is set to throw down with Jake Paul in a shock showdown next monthCredit: REXBoxing legend Tyson is a huge underdog going into the Texas tussleCredit: GETTYIron Mike plans to go hell for leather in the controversial crossover clashCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSONTyson is a huge underdog going into the Texas tussle due to the staggering 31-YEAR age difference between himself and The Problem Child.Iron Mike struck fear into the hearts of heavyweights around the world in the late ’80s and early ’90s with his ferocious style, which he plans to utilise against Paul.A member of Tyson’s team said in a recently released promo video: “We’re not looking to throw just one bomb. We want to throw missile after missile.”Tyson, who hasn’t fought since his Covid clash with Roy Jones Jr in 2020, has been hard at work in the gym trying to get his near-pensioner-aged body into fighting shape.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd one of the boxing legend’s trainers has claimed Paul would be in a world of trouble if he were to step into the ring right now.He said: “If the fight were today, Jake Paul would be done.”He throws missiles, not just one bomb. The bombs, they come one after another.”Tyson, however, is feeling every bit his 58 years ahead of his ring return, recently admitting: “It’s hard to walk right now.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But two months from now I’m going to be perfect. The fight is won in the gym.”Listen, I’ll do anything that will help me.Mike Tyson sends chilling warning that Jake Paul ‘has to go’ as he claims ‘I started his career, now I’ll finish him’ “I’m going to enjoy my time here tonight with all my childhood friends, and the hell with Jake Paul.”Tyson will be handsomely rewarded for his Dallas dust-up with Paul but insists his decision to return to the ring isn’t financially motivated.The New Yorker recently admitted: “I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day.”I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.“This is all I started fighting for – to get all this f***ing status.”I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that.”I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.” More