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    Incredible ref cam footage shows moment Chelsea star Pedro Neto sent opponent ‘back to LA and into next MLS season’

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    Chelsea 2 LAFC 0: Liam Delap gets assist on Blues debut as Enzo Maresca’s side make perfect start at Club World Cup

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    Inside Club World Cup stadiums including TWO $1.6BILLION arenas to historic venue set to host Oasis later this year

    THE Club World Cup kicks off this Saturday and final preparations are being made in the United States.Some of the globe’s top clubs will take part in a new-look tournament over the next month, each battling for a place in the final on July 13 in New Jersey.The Club World Cup kicks off in the US this weekendCredit: GettyWith 32 teams competing, some of the biggest and most iconic stadiums in the US have been selected as host venues.From the MetLife Stadium to Lincoln Financial Field, SunSport has looked at each of the grounds in preparation for the tournament.Rose Bowl (Los Angeles)The Rose Bowl is an 88,700-capacity stadium located in Pasedena, California.First opened in 1922, the venue primarily hosted American football games throughout its early years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt instantly became home to the Rose Bowl Game, a yearly college football game played on New Year’s Day.In addition, the Rose Bowl has played host to five Super Bowl games, the most recent being in 1992.Although it is primarily recognised for its American football history, the stadium is also used for regular football.It hosted the 1994 World Cup final and the 1999 Women’s World Cup final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFurthermore, the US men’s national team has played there 17 times and it was previously the home fo LA Galaxy for six years.The Rose Bowl has also hosted some huge entertainment events and concerts.Dazn unveil brilliant Club World Cup promo video with legendary boxing announcer drafted in to ring bell on tournamentThe likes of Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Green Day have all played there.Oasis are scheduled to perform at the stadium in September this year.The Rose Bowl holds 88,700 spectatorsCredit: GettyIt is a multi-purpose stadiumCredit: GettyMetLife Stadium (New Jersey)The MetLife Stadium is an 82,500-capacity stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.It is the designated venue for the Club World Cup final this summer, which is set for July 13.Opened just 15 years ago, the stadium is one of two venues on our list that cost an estimated $1.6billion (£1.2bn) to build. It has played host to numerous NFL games and is now home to the New York Jets and the New York Giants.It also hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, which was won by the Seattle Seahawks.The US men’s national team has played there on several occasions, with some pre-season friendlies having taken place at the ground as well – including a match between Arsenal and Manchester United in 2023 and one between Barcelona and Real Madrid last year.In addition, the likes of Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Elton John, Lady Gaga and P!nk are among the stars to have performed there.Taylor Swift also performed three dates of her iconic Eras Tour at the MetLife Stadium two years ago and had a record-breaking total attendance of 217,625 fans across the weekend.The MetLife Stadium cost $1.6billion to buildCredit: GettyIt is home to the New York Jets and the New York GiantsCredit: GettyBank of America Stadium (Charlotte)The Bank of America Stadium is a 74,800-capacity venue in Charlotte, North Carolina.Opened in 1996, the stadium has continued hosting every Carolina Panthers game.It is also the home of MLS team Charlotte FC, founded six years ago.In addition, several international football matches and club friendlies have taken place there.The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and SZA are all among the acts to have performed there.The Bank of America Stadium has a capacity of 74,800Credit: Getty Images – GettyMercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a 71,000-seater venue in Atlanta, Georgia.Opened in August 2017, it is one of the youngest stadiums on this list and cost an estimated $1.6bn to build.The venue has played host to several high school and college American football events alongside NFL games.It hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019, which was won by the New England Patriots.And it is next due to host the showpiece NFL event in 2028, as announced in October last year.The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also home to MLS team Atlanta United.Atlanta have played every home match at the venue since moving there from the Bobby Dodd Stadium in the year it was opened.Several international matches have been played there as well, including two in the 2024 Copa America.Coldplay, Taylor Swift and Beyonce are among the superstars to have played concerts thereThe Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in August 2017Credit: GettyIt is home to MLS team Atlanta United but hosted the Super Bowl in 2019Credit: ReutersWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNLincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)Lincoln Financial Field is a 77,900-seater stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.It was opened in August 2003 and is home to Super Bowl winners the Philadelphia Eagles.The stadium also hosts games for the Temple Owls football team of Temple University.Although it is primarily known for American football, regular football has been played there on several occasions.Some international games have taken place at Lincoln Financial Field, as well as some club friendlies.It even played host to four group games at the 2003 Women’s World Cup.At this summer’s Club World Cup, seven matches will be played there in total, including a quarter-final.Some of the world’s biggest music acts have also played at the stadium.Lincoln Financial Field is the home of the Philadelphia EaglesCredit: GettyThe stadium will host seven Club World Cup gamesCredit: GettyLumen Field (Seattle)Based in Seattle, Lumen Field has a capacity of 68,740 and is home to NFL team Seattle Seahawks, MLS team Seattle Sounders and NWSL outfit Seattle Reign.It opened in 2002 and cost an estimated $752million (£554m) to build.It is used for both American and regular football, putting it in good stead to host three group stage games and three knockout games at this year’s Club World Cup.A temporary grass surface is set to be installed especially for the event.Lumen Field is located in SeattleCredit: GettyThe stadium hosts both NFL and football gamesCredit: GettyHard Rock Stadium (Miami)The Hard Rock Stadium is a 65,000-capacity venue based Miami, Florida.It is home to the Miami Dolphins of the NFL and college American football team the Miami Hurricanes.The stadium has played host to numerous major events over the years, including six Super Bowls and two World Series.It has also held some regular football games – including the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.Eight Club World Cup matches are set to be played there, including the opening match betweem Al-Ahly and Inter Miami.In addition, Sir Paul McCartney, Guns N’ Roses, Madonna, Taylor Swift and Beyonce are among the music artists to have performed there on their respective tours.Six Super Bowls have been held at the Hard Rock StadiumCredit: GettyIt is one of the most popular stadiums in the USCredit: GettyCamping World Stadium (Orlando)The Camping World Stadium was opened in late 1936 and is located in Orlando, Florida – less than a mile away from the Inter&Co Stadium, which is also set to host Club World Cup matches.It has continued to host different sports – mainly American and regular football – over the years.From 2017 to 2020 it held the NFL Pro Bowl, which then returned last year under the new title of Pro Bowl Games.In terms of football, matches were held there in both the men’s and women’s competitions at the 1996 Olympic Games.MLS side Orlando City played there from 2015 to 2016, as did NWSL team Orlando Pride when they were established nine years ago.Four Club World Cup games will be held there, including a round-of-16 match and a quarter-final.It has a capacity of 65,000.The Camping World Stadium will host four gamesCredit: GettyInter&Co Stadium (Orlando)Just a short walk from the Camping World Stadium is the Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando.It is a football-specific venue that is the home of MLS side Orlando City and NWSL club Orlando Pride.Opened in 2017, it has a capacity of 25,500 and cost around $155m to build.As well as club football, several international games – both men’s and women’s – have taken place there.The stadium will host two games for the Club World Cup.The Inter&Co Stadium is less than a mile from the Camping World StadiumCredit: GettyGeodis Park (Nashville)Geodis Park is a 30,109-seater football-specific stadium located in Nashville, Tennessee.It has been the home of MLS club Nashville SC for the last three years and has also hosted a number of international games.Three Club World Cup group stages matches will be held at the venue, which cost an estimated $335m to build, this summer.Guns N’ Roses and Green Day have both played concerts there in recent years.Geodis Park will host three Club World Cup group stage matchesCredit: GettyTQL Stadium (Cincinnati)Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the TQL stadium is a 26,000-seater football-specific venue that is the home of FC Cincinnati.It was opened just four years ago and cost around $250m to build.FC Cincinnati have played every home game at the stadium since it was opened, with some international games also taking place there.Four Club World Cup games will be played there, with the first on June 15.The TQL Stadium is a 26,000-seater football-specific venueCredit: GettyAudi Field (Washington D.C.)Audi Field is a football-specific venue in Washington D.C.It is the home of MLS club D.C. United as well as women’s teams DC Power and Washington Spirit.Having cost $450m to build, it opened in 2018 with a match between D.C. United and Vancouver Whitecaps.Read More on The SunInternational games have also taken place at the stadium.Three Club World Cup games will take place at Audi Field this summer.Audi Field is the home of D.C. UnitedCredit: Getty More

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

    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’

    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

    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

    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

    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