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    ‘Honour and a privilege’ – Arsenal cult hero, 36, announces retirement after record-breaking career

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    CARLOS VELA has announced he is retiring from football aged 36.The Mexican striker spent the first seven years of his two-decade career at Arsenal. Carlos Vela has announced his retirement from footballCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal striker was a cult hero at the EmiratesCredit: AFPVela scored a hat-trick on debut after being made to wait three years for his debutCredit: PA:Press AssociationVela was signed by the Gunners from Mexican side Guadalajara’s youth team in 2003. It took THREE years for the club to get the forward a work permit, resulting in several loans to Spain. Vela would become a cult hero at the Emirates, appearing in 62 games and scoring 11 goals. He began his Arsenal career in stunning fashion, netting a hat-trick on his debut in a 6-0 win over Sheffield United in 2008. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVela was dubbed a “world class striker” by then boss Arsene Wenger – only for his Gunners career to stall in spectacular fashion.He made just three starts over the next three seasons. And it wasn’t until a move to Real Sociedad in 2012 that Vela rediscovered his scoring touch. The 36-year-old netted 73 times in 250 games for the Spanish club.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd he became Los Angeles FC’s first-ever signing in 2017, becoming even more prolific over the pond.Vela’s time in the MLS has seen him become the face of LAFC.Ex-Arsenal star Carlos Vela’s Malibu home destroyed in LA wildfires as his stunned wife shares emotional messageIn 2019, he netted 34 goals in 31 games, by far the best return of his pro career.After seven years in California, he has decided to call it quits after failing to find a new club as a free agent. Vela said in a statement: “Throughout my career, I have experienced very special moments, but the time has come to officially retire from professional soccer. “There are not enough words to express my gratitude to my family, all the clubs that gave me a chance, and the fans for their support and affection. “It has been an honour and a privilege to share my career with all of you.”Antoine Griezmann, who played with Vela at Real Sociedad, responded: “I love you very much, Carlitos, thank you for your friendship.”Mexican stopper Guillermo Ochoa added: “An honour to share the field with you, always a legend! You’ll be missed on the pitch.” More

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      Gadi Kinda dead at 31: Former Israel international and MLS star dies after ‘complex medical battle’

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      FORMER MLS star and Israel international Gadi Kinda has died aged 31.The attacking midfielder has passed away following a “complex medical battle” in recent weeks, according to his club Maccabi Haifa.Gadi Kinda has passed away aged 31Credit: GettyThe Israeli top-flight club, who Kinda last played for in March, announced the star’s passing in a statement.It comes just two weeks after the club revealed that Kinda has been hospitalised following his medical battle.Kinda, who earned 10 caps for the Israel national team, joined Maccabi Haifa last year after spending four years on the books at MLS side Sporting Kansas City.His former teammates posed with his shirt before their clash with the Portland Timbers earlier this month to show their support.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince the news of his passing, head coach Kerry Zavagnin said: “It’s still a raw emotion. “Obviously in the club right now and the way that the group is taking it, in such a difficult way, it goes to show what he meant to all of us.”Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. “He was such an electric figure in our club and he’s going to be dearly missed.”Most read in FootballSporting Kansas City players held up Kinda’s shirt for their former teammate ahead of their match against Portland TimbersCredit: GettyAdding: “[Kinda was] a pleasure to be with every day. No matter what the day looked like, he always came in with it with an optimistic view.”Everyone from the chefs, the cooks, the cleaning service, the coaches, the rest of the staff, the players, all had a good feeling when they were around him and it shows today in how everyone’s taken this tragic news.”While fans have paid their tributes with touching messages on social media too.One wrote: “Rest in peace, legend”.While another added: “Rest in peace, was genuinely one of the nicest people!”And a third commented: “Heartbreaking. SKC was lucky to have him.”Born in Ethiopia, Kinda moved to Isreal at just thee years old – a move that sparked his love for football.As a kid he joined FC Ashdod’s academy before making his senior debut at 17.He later moved to Beitar Jerusalem before making his big move to the US to play for Sporting KC.Read More on The SunWhile playing for Kansas City he made 80 appearances, scoring 16 goals and registering 17 assists.He made 10 appearances for the Israeli national side, including lining up against Cristiano Ronaldo in a clash with Portugal. Kinda made 10 appearances for IsraelCredit: AFP More

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      Lamine Yamal set to land Messi’s No10 shirt after signing generational new Barcelona deal with €1billion release clause

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      LAMINE YAMAL will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic No 10 shirt at Barcelona after signing a generational deal this summer.The 17-year-old has emerged as a Ballon d’Or front-runner and is widely viewed as the game’s biggest talent since Messi burst onto the scene almost 20 years ago.Lamine Yamal will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic No 10 shirt when he signs a new deal this summerMessi famously wore the No 10 jersey for the majority of his iconic Barcelona careerMessi wore the No 10 for 13 years, winning seven of his eight Ballon d’Ors in that timeYamal was considered the heir to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi when he came the youngest player to start a Euros final with Spain.And Yamal, who has already provided 25 goals and 34 assists in 105 appearances for Barca, will celebrate his 18th birthday in July by signing a new long-term contract.According to Memorabilia1899.co, the Catalan club will include a €1billion (£841million) release clause in the once in a lifetime deal.Yamal, who still wears braces, will also be handed the iconic No 10 shirt, which is worn by Ansu Fati at the moment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFati was termed as the original heir to Messi, but injuries and a lack of form has left him facing an exit this summer.Yamal currently holds the No. 19 jersey, which was also the number worn by fellow former La Masia product Messi before he switched in 2008.The changeover will mark another historic moment in Yamal’s young career, after he made his Barca debut two years ago when he was only 15.Since then, he has won LaLiga twice and provided 43 goal contributions in 54 games for Barca’s domestic treble this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe stats show Yamal’s trajectory since his debut aged 15 years and 290 days is rising faster than that of either Messi or the other superstar of his generation, Cristiano Ronaldo.By 17, Messi had scored once in nine senior games for Barca, while Ronaldo had netted five goals in 19 games for Sporting.’Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interviewYamal also has four goals in his 19 appearances for Spain. Neither Messi or Ronaldo made their international debut until they turned 18.It took Messi, who made his debut at 16, until shortly before his 21st birthday to hit the 100-game mark in Barcelona colours, scoring 41 goals in the process.Before bagging an incredible screamer in Barca’s 3-3 Champions League draw on his 100th appearance, Yamal said: “I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi.”So I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.”Remarkably, there are pictures of baby Yamal being held by a 20-year-old Messi during a photoshoot for Barcelona and Unicef in 2007.Seven years later, that baby was training with the club. By the age of 12, Spanish publication Marca was already comparing him to Messi.The Argentine icon finished his Barcelona career in 2021 with a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances, plus 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League triumphs to his name.Messi held baby Lamine Yamal for Unicef in 2007 More

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      ‘Do you want me to send you off’ – Lionel Messi reaches boiling point with referee as Inter Miami woes worsen

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      LIONEL MESSI clashed with the referee after Inter Miami failed to win yet again.The MLS side have picked up just one win in six matches after drawing 3-3 with the San Jose Earthquakes.Lionel Messi clashed with the referee after Inter Miami drew with San JoseCredit: Apple TVHe shared some words with the official and pointed at himCredit: Apple TVThe ref told Messi to walk away or he would be red cardedCredit: Apple TVMessi had one final word before the San Jose coach tried to usher him awayCredit: Apple TVMessi appeared frustrated after the final whistle and confronted ref Joe Dickerson.He pointed at the official and exchanged words with Dickerson, who reportedly said to him: “Do you want me to send you off? Walk away!”Messi did walk away but he was still unhappy so he continued gesticulating towards the referee and pointed at him again.San Jose coach Bruce Arena tried to beckon the superstar away, and he later confirmed Messi was not happy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArena said: “Yes, yes, he was. As you know, there’s a universal language when you’re talking about referees. “He was obviously not happy. And I really wanted to make sure he wasn’t going to get a red card, and that’s why I just tried to move him out of the way. “Because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous. “So I just wanted to make sure we get him out of there and he’s ready to play the next game for Miami.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLosing Messi to suspension would be been a big blow for Miami, who are fifth in the Eastern Conference, six points off top spot.Despite their struggles, Messi has continued to shine with ten goals and three assists in 15 games.The football boot customiser who’s scoring BIG with the game’s biggest stars are | Football Fixers More

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      ‘Show a little respect’ – David Beckham calls out MLS rival on Instagram after their SAVAGE post about Inter Miami

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      DAVID BECKHAM has lashed out at an MLS rival and demanded the club show a “little respect”.Beckham’s Inter Miami were thrashed 4-1 by Minnesota United on Saturday.David Beckham has hit back at Minnesota UnitedCredit: APLionel Messi was on the scoresheet but Inter Miami were thrashed 4-1 on SaturdayCredit: APInter boss Javier Mascerano is under pressure after four losses in five gamesCredit: GettyIt was the first time Miami have lost by three goals or more since the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2023.The heavy loss was the Herons’ fourth defeat in their last five matches.And Minnesota’s social media team were keen to revel in victory after a dominant performance. Following Saturday’s game, the club posted a picture of dejected Miami players on Instagram with the caption: “Pink Phony Club.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe post referred to Miami’s pink kit and played on singer Chappell Roan’s mega-hit Pink Pony Club. Co-owner Beckham, who helped found the club in 2018, didn’t see the funny side. The England legend wrote in response on Instagram: “Show a little respect @mnufc be elegant in triumph.”Minnesota fans had also taunted Miami before the game with a banner which read: “History over Hype, Culture over Cash”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAfter the image was shared by Minnesota’s official account, Beckham added: “Respect over everything @mnufc.”Messi, 37, scored in Saturday’s 4-1 loss, his 44th since joining the club almost two years ago. New $1bn stadium in Miami rapidly takes shape and set to open in 2026 But Miami boss Javier Mascherano has now suffered five defeats since taking over in January. And the Argentine admits he needs the club’s form to turn around ahead of June’s Club World Cup.Mascerano said: “It’s a tough loss for us. “We knew Minnesota could hurt us in this way, in transitions, on set pieces, and they hurt us in the way we had prepared for the game.”That’s what worries me the most. “If the players drop their levels, clearly the responsibility falls on me. All on me. “If the coach does not convince them or transmit what he is looking for, all the responsibility falls on the coach.” More

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      Lionel Messi storms straight down the tunnel as Inter Miami team-mates celebrate on pitch after snapping losing streak

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      LIONEL MESSI stormed straight down the tunnel after Inter Miami’s win over New York Red Bulls.The Argentine superstar netted his side’s fourth goal with a brilliant goal in the 4-1 win.Lionel Messi stormed off the pitch after Inter Miami’s win over New York Red BullsCredit: https://x.com/FrancoPanizoHe did not join his team-mates in celebrating the winCredit: https://x.com/FrancoPanizoThe victory broke Inter Miami’s three-game losing run across all competitions.Messi was joined on the scoresheet by Luis Suarez as well as Fafa Picault and Marcelo Weingandt.But at full-time, the World Cup winner was not in the mood to celebrate with his team-mates.The Inter Miami stars lapped up the celebrations with the fans at the Chade Stadium.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made his way straight down the tunnel and into the dressing room.Messi did appear to be struggling with apparent fatigue in the second half of the match.There is yet to be an official explanation for the forward’s quick exit from the pitch.The win for Inter Miami followed on from their exit from the ConcaChampions by the Vancouver Whitecaps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe three points have put the club fourth in the Eastern Conference in the MLS.Meanwhile, head coach Javier Mascherano hailed the win after the game.Lionel Messi has sent fans into a frenzy by launching a treasure hunt as superstar footballer launches new drinkHe said: “We needed this victory after three defeats, and to have some very good feelings again.”In the first half, we had an effectiveness that we haven’t had in several games, not just that we had a lot of [goalscoring] situations.”And then we attempted in the second half with the last post entries, to manage the ball better, to control the match better.”Not to be as direct, because the last 15, 20 minutes of the first half, we lost possession of the ball, they grew and they progressed on the field.”We were trying to avoid giving them control of the game.”There are six more league fixtures before Inter Miami’s Club World Cup campaign kicks off in June.The team will face Al-Ahly, Porto and Palmeiras in the group stage. More

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      ‘He’s spectacular’ – Lionel Messi reveals David Beckham, 49, still joins in Inter Miami training and gives shock verdict

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      LIONEL MESSI has revealed how David Beckham STILL joins in training at Inter Miami.Former England skipper Becks, 49, hung up his boots in 2013 after a career that took him to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Milan, PSG and a five-year MLS stint at LA Galaxy.Lionel Messi has spoken out on David Beckham as a personBecks gets involved on the pitch more than most co-ownersCredit: GettyMessi says it’s ‘strange’ to meet the ex-England skipper not as a playerSon Romeo saw Beckham Sr do his stuff at Florida Blue Training CenterCredit: GettyHe has been involved in  the ownership of Inter Miami since exercising his £20m option to buy an “expansion team” franchise in 2014.Messi’s arrival in Florida in 2023 sparked a surge of interest and his side – which includes former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba – was controversially awarded a berth at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup by Fifa.And the Argentine superstar, 37, said he is STILL bowled over by Beckham.Messi said: “The truth is impressive – David is a spectacular person.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Although he doesn’t come around here often, when he’s in town he does drop by for a few days.“But we’ve also kept in touch outside the club, and we’ve shared moments when he’s in Miami as well.”Messi added: “He is a very simple person, very humble, someone who comes across as very approachable, and the truth is that he is a great person.“It is strange to see him on the other side  of football and not as a player any more, beyond what he is today and what he represents for the club.Most read in FootballBeckham clearly likes to keepy-uppy appearances at MiamiCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But he still feels like a player because he comes here and goes out to the field.”He wants to be close to the ball, in the training sessions and to be close to us.I played against England at World Cup then became David Beckham’s team-mate – now I want to be a Premier League referee“He tries that when he is here and the most important thing is the simplicity and the closeness he has.“I did not know him and I did not expect anything, but I was surprised by his way of being.”World Cup-winner Messi has had an instant impact on Inter Miami, both on and off the pitch.Messi scored 10 goals as Miami won the Concacaf Leagues Cup immediately after his arrival.They then earned the MLS Supporters’ Shield last year for having the best record in the regular season, however they were beaten by Atlanta United in the first-round of the playoffs.Giants of the game Beckham and Messi now have different rolesCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Deal on’ – Kevin De Bruyne approached over free transfer after confirming plans to leave Man City

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      MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly emerged as a target for MLS outfit Chicago Fire.De Bruyne will leave the Etihad as a free agent this summer, putting an end to his 10-year spell with City.Kevin De Bruyne is a target for Chicago FireCredit: GettyClub officials and Pep Guardiola decided against renewing his contract, despite the midfielder wanting to stay.De Bruyne has insisted that he will not hang up his boots after leaving Manchester, putting many clubs on red alert regarding a potential move.And Chicago Fire are among those interested.According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Fire have already made an approach for the 33-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are showing a strong interest and will propose a specific project to him in due course.De Bruyne is set to assess his options in the coming weeks before coming to a final decision.Inter Miami are also known to be considering a move for the Belgium international.SunSport revealed last week that Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi could spoil the plan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham and Co would like to open talks with De Bruyne now that his plans to leave City are confirmed.But star man and captain Messi will instead attempt to persuade the owners to go for Di Maria instead, who will also become a free agent.Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne talks about his contract situation at the club It is likely that Inter Miami will only be able to afford one of the players this summer.The club already have Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez on their books. More

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      Chelsea Champions League winner, 38, could be set for emotional clash against Blues in Club World Cup after draw drama

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      FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has confirmed Chelsea’s opening Club World Cup opponents are set to be decided by a single game play-off.And that could bring a reunion with former Blues striker Olivier Giroud at MLS side LAFC.Chelsea could face Olivier Giroud and LAFC in the Club World CupCredit: GettyGiroud previously spent three years with the BluesCredit: APPlans for the 32-team tournament, offering a record £870m prize pot, were thrown in the air last month when Mexican outfit Club Leon were booted out of the event by world chiefs.Fifa’s regulations for the expanded tournament stated that no clubs under the same multi-club ownership umbrella could compete.Leon are part of the same group as fellow Mexican side Pachuca and have ignored demands for the club to be hived off from the overall ownership company.While Leon have lodged a complaint with the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to overturn the Fifa decision, it emerged last month that a play-off involving LAFC and another Mexican side, Club America, was being planned.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd despite claims from Spain that Barcelona were in the mix to take part, Infantino has now confirmed the play-off plan – as long as CAS rules in Fifa’s favour.Speaking on a visit to Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium, where Chelsea’s opening game will be played on June 16, the Fifa President said: “In a couple of weeks we will have the final and definitive decision, we will respect any decision.”What we are looking at is that, if CAS confirms the decision of the Appeals Committee, FIFA’s intention is to play a match, a playoff, between the team that lost the final of the Concacaf Champions League, LAFC, and the next team in the ranking, which is Club America.”Infantino’s announcement came despite the tournament regulations stating no country could have more than two participants UNLESS they were all winners of their confederation’s main club competition in the four year qualification cycle.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThose regulations meant the likes of European giants Liverpool and Barcelona, who would have qualified through their four-year coefficient ranking, missed out in favour of teams including Ajax andSalzburg.Mexico already have Pachuca and Monterrey in the tournament as winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2024 and 2021 respectively – Leon were 2023 winners – while the US is represented by Seattle Sounders, who won in 2022 and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis That has brought a separate CAS suit by Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who argue that they are the highest-placed side in the Concacaf rankings who are not disqualified by representing either the US or Mexico.Fifa, though, appear to be dismissing that claim, with both potential replacements for Leon able to bring substantial value to the tournament.LAFC, who also include former Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris, are part-owned by US actor and comedian Will Ferrell, while Club America are the most widely supported club in Mexico.Fifa will not announce the date or venue of the play-off until after the CAS ruling but it is expected to be played in Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium next month.Chelsea’s other two opponents in Group D are Brazilians Flamengo, who they meet in Philadelphia on June 20, and Tunisian outfit Esperance, with the final group game in the same venue four days later.The Blues have already been assured of around £30m in appearance money for the inaugural version of the expanded 32-team competition, with a further £67m up for grabs in potential prize money.England’s other representatives, Manchester City, start against Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia on June 18.They then meet Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain in Atlanta before finishing against Juventus in Orlando on June 26.Read More on The SunFifa say there are no multi-club ownership issues despite Al Ain’s President being Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the BROTHER of City President Shaikh Mansour.If they win their respective groups, the two Prem sides cannot meet until the Final in New York on July 13. More