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    Lionel Messi ‘tells family and friends he will return to Barcelona’ as David Beckham makes shock admission

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    LIONEL MESSI has set his sights on a sensational return to Barcelona.The 37-year-old ended his two-decade spell with Barcelona in 2021 and subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.Lionel Messi is determined to complete a return to BarcelonaCredit: APMessi left Barcelona as a free agent in 2021Credit: GettyAfter two years in France he left Europe to sign for MLS giants Inter Miami in a huge free transfer and has since netted 34 goals and provided 18 assists in just 39 appearances.But with just one year left on his current deal, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking to the future.Messi recently told a family friend that he wants to complete a sensational return to Barcelona.Yanina Latorre told La Nacion: “He [Messi] told me that when he finishes here [Miami], where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona.”Read More in FootballThe Argentina captain also allegedly rejected the possibility of extending his stay in the USA and said: “No, my place is there.”A return as a player could be made complicated due to Barcelona’s ongoing money issues, so he could take up an ambassadorial role.Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also recently admitted that Messi only sees his future in Spain.Speaking at the Economic Forum in Davos, the England legend said: “I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham has admitted that Messi intends to go back to BarcelonaCredit: Reuters”There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does.”You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle.”Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action While Beckham did not disclose exactly when Messi could go back to Barcelona, his Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously revealed that he will sit down with the forward to discuss his future.Mas said: “I fully expect that when our new stadium opens in 2026, Leo Messi will be our number 10.” More

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      Fans say Sheffield Wednesday ‘should be shut down’ after serving £5 Philly cheesesteak as MLS side ask ‘what is this?’

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      FANS demanded Sheffield Wednesday “be shut down” for their attempt at serving a £5 Philly cheesesteak.And the experts in America could not believe what they had witnessed from Hillsborough.The Philly cheesesteak on offer at Sheffield Wednesday was blasted onlineCredit: Jam PressPopular X account Footy Scran posted the shocking photo online on Wednesday night before the 2-2 draw with Bristol City.The caption simply read: “Philly cheesesteak at Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) – £5.”But it was the accompanying picture that did the damage – and left users aghast.The so-called Philly cheesesteak included two almost-grey dry slabs of questionable meat, some crusty unmelted cheese, a couple of stray peppers and an unappetising bread roll. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFooty Scran put out a poll asking if the food counted as “scran” or “no scran”.Unsurprisingly from more than 23,000 votes, a whopping 88 per cent voted “no scran”.And it led to a wave of hilarious responses – including some who did not even know what or who Sheffield Wednesday are. One said: “Proof that whatever Sheffield Wednesday is, it should be shut down. Or at least get a visit from Gordon Ramsay!”Most read in ChampionshipBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother wrote: “That’s a hate crime.”A third added: “Bro I’ve had prison food that looks better than this.”Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession A fourth typed: “Can you not share photos like this when I’m eating. Ruining my dinner.”A fifth joked: “Looks like a lung transplant.”A sixth replied: “I would not let my dog eat that.”A seventh quipped: “Is that tree bark?”An eighth commented: “Looks like it came out of a time capsule…”And even MLS club Philadelphia Union got involved – clearly defensive about their local cuisine.They simply asked: “What is this lol.”Sheffield Wednesday are not the only English football team to come under fire for their far-from-Michelin-star stadium catering. Alfreton Town’s chips, mushy peas and gravy left plenty to be desired.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Northampton Town’s pathetic excuse of a hot dog left some fans suggesting the tin foil it came in looked more appealing.Doncaster Rovers, however, got it spot on with their sumptuous Chippy Tea Butty complete with a fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce. Northampton’s hot dogs did not go down wellCredit: X @FootyScranDoncaster impressed with their stunning fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce buttyCredit: @drfc_official More

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      Former Barcelona star shows off withered leg as he shows how much muscle he lost after devastating ACL injury

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      FORMER Barcelona prodigy Riqui Puig has revealed pictures of his withered leg after suffering a devastating ACL injury.Puig, who now plays for LA Galaxy, lost a significant amount of muscle in his right leg after undergoing reconstructive surgery last month.Riqui Puig has shown off his withered right legThe 25-year-old tore his ACL in NovemberPuig came through the ranks with Barcelona’s La Masia set upPuig joined LA in 2022Puig suffered a nasty ACL injury during LA Galaxy’s 1-0 win over Seattle Sonders FC in the Western Conference final in November.But he played over 30 minutes with a torn ACL and even provided the game-winning assist for Dejan Joveljic’s 85th minute goal.Scans after the trophy celebrations showed a rupture and surgery was performed in a Barcelona hospital a month later.The 25-year-old has shared an update on the rehab process of his knee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPictures show the midfielder has lost a ton of muscle on his right leg as he works with specialists.Puig grabbed 37 goal contributions in 36 matches played across all competitions for the LA Galaxy during the 2024 campaign.He left Barcelona for America as a free agent in 2022 after falling out of favour with former manager Xavi’s plans.His exit was a shock for fans after Barca’s legends indicated he was a special talent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBack in 2018, one report read: “Lionel Messi quickly realised that after Riqui started going to some training sessions with the first team last season.”He wanted him at his side and, of course, the kid was happy to have his idol in front of him and on top of that, that he gave him the ball.Ex-Everton and Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu works out in gym after horror injury “He was not the only one who was astonished.”Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta – a player whom he has many resemblances towards – were also captivated by his football.”Despite his promising talent as a teenager, Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp and left in 2022.Gavi and Pedri are two of the highest-rated young central midfielders in Europe and have continued to prosper.Meanwhile, Puig is one of the best players in the MLS and is a two-time All-Star.Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp More

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      Wilfried Zaha joins MLS side Charlotte FC in bid to reignite his career and will link up with ex-Premier League manager

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      WILFRIED ZAHA has joined Major League Soccer side Charlotte in a bid to reignite his career.The Crystal Palace icon turned down a £200,000-a-week deal to pursue his Champions League dream with Galatasaray 18 months ago.Wilfried Zaha endured an underwhelming loan spell at LyonCredit: GettyZaha scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for the Turkish side last season before being sent on loan to Lyon – where he has made just six appearances this term.The Ivory Coast international has joined the MLS side, who are managed by ex-Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, as a designated player on loan for the 2025 season.Zaha’s deal includes the option to extend the loan for another year across the 2026 season.Charlotte’s General Manager Zoran Krneta said: “Wilfred is a world class talent who has proven himself at the highest level of the sport as an elite goal scorer and chance creator.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident that Wilfred can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer.”“He provides valuable versatility in the attacking areas of the pitch and adds that little bit of magic to our front line that can help us win more games. “We are delighted to add a player of Wilfred’s pedigree and experience to our squad, and we’re excited to welcome him to Charlotte.”Zaha has already started training with his new teammates, who include former Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYCharlotte begin their MLS campaign against Seattle Sounders on February 22.Zaha has not played at all since a one-minute substitute cameo against Angers on December 7.Wilfried Zaha posts video from flight to new club as he’s finally set to complete shock move after long transfer race He started just one match for Lyon during his loan stint, a 2-1 win at Toulouse on September 29.Lyon boss Pierre Sage said of Zaha in October: “The idea isn’t to fine him for the sake of fining him.”The idea is simply for him to be aware of what we expect from him at our club and I said he needs to understand that we recruited Wilfried Zaha, so we would like to have Wilfried Zaha.”Zaha, 32, struggled for game time in FranceCredit: SNS More

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      ‘I’m in shock’ – Watch Lionel Messi ‘traumatise’ fans of Mexican side after trolling them with Inter Miami celebration

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      LIONEL MESSI left rival fans stunned as he trolled them during an Inter Miami celebration.Messi, 37, was back in action with his Major League Soccer outfit in a pre-season friendly.Lionel Messi aimed a message at Mexican fans after scoring for Inter MiamiCredit: Apple TVMessi gestured three fingers up towards the crowdCredit: Apple TVHe then pointed at the supporters of rivals Club AmericaCredit: Apple TVBefore making a zero signCredit: Apple TVThe clash came against Mexican giants Club America in Las Vegas.The Argentine netted his side’s opener in the 34th minute by heading home from close range to level the score at 1-1.However, he appeared to aim a dig at fans of Club America after being the subject of taunts and boos during the first half an hour of the game.And after scoring Messi was seen pointing to his club crest before holding his hand up and gesturing with three fingers up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then followed this up by moving his hand into what looked a zero shape.This was likely to indicate Argentina’s three World Cup triumphs – including the 2022 victory in which Messi captained his nation and the 1986 tournament hosted in Mexico – compared to the Mexico’s tally of none.Messi is generally known for being reserved on the pitch and letting his football do the talking, but is more than capable of a vicious dig towards rivals.Reacting on social media, fans were left stunned by Messi’s gesture, claiming it left his rival supporters “traumatised”.Most read in FootballOne said: “That was so unlike him LOL I’m in shock ahahah.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “He’s actually telling Mexican fans that Argentina has three stars and they have zero. This is a new Messi.A third added: “New exciting side of Messi after years of being humble…kind of cool actually.” Top 10 highest paid athletes in the world revealed with golf star earning more than three times Cristiano RonaldoAnother said: “Savage GOAT.”Inter went on to win the game 3-2 on penalties after a final score of 2-2.Messi joined the David-Beckham-owned franchise in 2023 on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.He has scored 34 goals and added 18 assists in 39 games, and guided the club to its first-ever trophy with the Leagues Cup in 2023.Inter Miami will take on New York City in their opening game of the MLS season on February 22. More

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      Inside Lionel Messi’s ‘unbearably competitive’ training plan as Barcelona legend does ‘naked pull-ups’ in changing room

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      LIONEL MESSI has an “unbearably competitive” training plan that once included him doing naked pull-ups in front of his team-mates.The superstar is still going strong at 37-years-old and was named the MLS MVP in 2024.Lionel Messi is still going strong at 37Credit: APAn ex team-mate revealed how has been able to maintain his performanceCredit: Instagram @leomessiOscar Ustari played with Messi for Argentina and Inter MiamiCredit: AFPHe helped Inter Miami win the Eastern Conference before they were knocked out in the play-offs by Atlanta United.Former team-mate Oscar Ustari has revealed some of the secrets behind Messi’s longevity and praised the Argentine’s character.He told DSports Radio: “Messi is unbearably competitive, he is incredible at everything. There are team-mates who had never seen him and are surprised. “Nothing is a coincidence at that level. You see that his passion is football, training, being well and showing every day who he is.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He has fun doing what he does. The first day I arrived at the club he was doing pull-ups buck naked, and all the guys were around him. “He treats everyone equally, he’s very family-oriented. He’s a person who generates a lot for everyone. “He is very involved in the academy, he is aware of everything. That is how I see it.”Another of Messi’s former team-mates spoke about the presence the legend has, admitting he was too nervous to speak to him when they first met.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSComo star Nico Paz met Messi when playing for Argentina Under-23s.He said of their encounter: “I had met him once before, when I was 17 years old, with the U20s, in a training session with the senior national team.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action “This was the second time I saw him, but the first time I was in the locker room with him.”I didn’t talk to him, I was too ashamed. I get nervous when I see him.”Nico Paz admitted he was too nervous to speak to Messi when they first metCredit: Getty More

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      Miguel Almiron set for £16million Newcastle transfer exit in January to play for Premier League winner

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      MIGUEL ALMIRON looks set for a £16million exit from Newcastle to Charlotte FC.The Paraguayan winger, 30, saw a move to the MLS side collapse in the summer as they refused to meet Toon’s asking price.Miguel Almiron looks set for a £16million exit from Newcastle to Charlotte FCCredit: GettySince then he has barely featured for the Mags in the Premier League and has attracted a host of interest from both Europe and South America.Olympiacos are interested in bringing Almiron to Greece but Brazilian rivals Santos and Botafogo are looking to snap him up.However, the switch Stateside appears to be BACK ON after Charlotte FC assistant manager Christian Fuchs revealed the ex-Atlanta United attacker is closing in on an MLS return.Fuchs, Prem title winner with Leicester in 2016, said: “He’s a great player but I don’t really want to talk about him as he hasn’t signed yet.READ MORE IN football “There are always a lot of names being associated with Charlotte FC and all I know is that, once it is signed, Almiron will be a great addition to our club and I would really look forward to him joining us and playing for us.“We are very ambitious, coming up into our fourth year and it has been a steady progression within the club, within the MLS and we are really looking forward to getting going again.“We are coming back on January 12th, going into pre season, and it is going to be a great season ahead.”As revealed by SunSport, Newcastle are also poised to cash in on former England star Kieran Trippier. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrippier is one of the Toon’s highest earners and the club’s hierarchy are ready to cash in on the 34-year-old as they look to stick by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.The defender – who won the Spanish title with Atletico Madrid before joining Newcastle in 2021 – is believed to be open to another move abroad.Clubs in Spain, Italy and Turkey have all registered interest in the set-piece specialist who won 54 England caps before retiring from international duty after last summer’s Euros.Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 years More

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      Wilfried Zaha BLOCKED from making Premier League return due to little-known rule but could still make shock transfer

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      WILFRIED ZAHA could be BLOCKED from a return to the Premier League in January by a little-known rule.But a shock transfer may still be on the cards.Wilfried Zaha’s hopes of a Premier League return could be dashed by Fifa rulesCredit: GettyZaha, 32, left Crystal Palace at the end of the 2022-23 season and joined Galatasaray.But after a superb opening campaign in Turkey, scoring ten in 42 appearances, he only featured as a substitute in the 5-0 Turkish Super Cup defeat to Besiktas on August 3 before being shipped out on loan to Lyon.However, his stint in France has not gone according to plan.The Ivorian winger has managed just 112 minutes of football across six matches, assisting one and starting one. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that means Lyon could terminate the loan deal and send Zaha back to Turkey.But Galatasaray could be open to letting the former Manchester United man join another team.Palace may have been willing to consider a loan swoop for their academy graduate – and speculation accelerated when he was in attendance for last week’s 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal. But it appears Zaha – who has 458 Palace appearances – may not be allowed to play for a team in the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFifa rule 5.4 states: “Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. “During this period, a player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs.Wilfried Zaha leaves press room in stitches with hilarious response to whether he is bothered about failed Man Utd spell”As an exception to this rule, a player moving between two clubs belonging to associations with overlapping seasons (i.e. start of the season in summer/autumn as opposed to winter/spring) may be eligible to play in official matches for a third club during the relevant season, provided they have fully complied with their contractual obligations towards their previous clubs, and provided that the provisions relating to registration periods and the minimum length of a contract are respected.”As a result, the Mirror claim Zaha may be prevented from representing a third team in the 2024-25 campaign after his 15-minute cameo in the Turkish Super Cup thumping should Fifa deem that an official match. And that could mean a dream return to Selhurst Park is off the cards. Palace owner Steve Parish did admit in the summer the club would love to sign Zaha once again – nine years after bringing him back from Old Trafford – despite links to Leicester and Wolves.Parish told talkSPORT: “I’d have Wilf Zaha back in a heartbeat. He’s part of our club, part of our history.”There’s a few people that can lay claim at the heart of the resurgence of this club and Wilfried is very much one of them.”We stayed in the division [Premier League] sometimes by the force of his will, so, of course, we would.”Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like it’s going to be possible this summer for various reasons. “I’m in contact with him every now and again. I am glad he had a good season last season and he fulfilled his dreams. He played in the Champions League, so it’s a great story for him but of course if he was available we would be interested.”And if Fifa take the hard-line approach, a transfer to a league that runs in line with the calendar may be possible. READ MORE SUN STORIESAccording to the Daily Mail, the MLS may be a suitable option with interested parties in North America, whose regular season starts in February and ends in October before the play-offs culminating in December. However, finding a team willing to pay his £72,000-a-week wages could be a major stumbling block. Zaha watched his old team lose 5-1 to ArsenalCredit: GettyThe winger was sent out on loan after one year at GalatasarayCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I ain’t paying £10m… because of everything’ – Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS

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      MARCUS RASHFORD could end up moving to an MLS club, claims former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.Rashford, 27, is out of favour at Old Trafford under boss Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford is out of favour at Man UtdCredit: GettyBen Foster had his say on Rashford’s futureCredit: TikTok / benfcyclinggkThe forward has been left out of United’s last three matchday squads.He recently admitted that he is ready for a “new challenge” and is thought to be available for around £40million.But Foster, 41, doesn’t think the Red Devils will get anywhere near that price.Speaking on his Cycling GK podcast, he said: “Marcus Rashford, there’s so many people that talk about him that say ‘on his day, on his day’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His day is once every 10 games. Genuinely, it’s once every 10 games and you can’t have a luxury player in the modern game that will give you one game out of 10, it’s as simple as that.”Coupled with fact that he gets so much reputation and baggage and everything that comes with it, I don’t think Mikel Arteta wants that anywhere near that Arsenal.”He has to get away from Manchester United. I think it’ll be an MLS (transfer) or something. It’s going to have to be a massive wage cut.”Rashford earns in the region of £325,000 a week and is under contract at United until the summer of 2028.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has made 15 Premier League appearances this season, scoring four goals.On what could be holding Rashford back, Foster added: “Once that fire goes, can you get that back? It has to come from him. I don’t think he can get it back.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ “Again, you’re talking about money which does really ruin everything lads.”Once people have that massive contract and they’ve got that five years in the bank and they’ve got everything they’ll ever need for the rest of their life, that takes it (that fire) away.”They were talking £40m you know as well. Even 10, I ain’t paying £10m… because of everything.”Amorim, 39, was recently asked about Rashford’s situation by Sky Sports.’A HARD SITUATION’The Portuguese said: “It is a hard situation. I understand that these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the first idea from the player.”I am always here to help Marcus as another player. I have to do what I have to do.”They chose to do the interview as it is not just Marcus. I have understood that.”As a coach I focus on performance and the way you train. The rest, it is better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMan Utd are set to take on Wolves later today.Rashford’s last appearance came in the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. More