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    Blackburn forced to pull plug on transfer with player left stranded while flying across the Atlantic Ocean

    BLACKBURN’S transfer deadline day plans were thrown into chaos by a late snag in Adam Wharton’s move to Crystal Palace.The young midfielder spent the day in South London on Wednesday but his £22million switch almost stalled at the last minute.
    Blackburn ace Adam Wharton’s move to Crystal Palace almost stalledCredit: Getty
    Blackburn had to pull the plug on Orlando City star Duncan McGuireCredit: ©Icon Sportswire (A Division of XML Team Solutions) All Rights Reserved
    It has been ironed out now and the deal is expected to be finalised later today.
    However, it meant cash-strapped Rovers had to pull the plug on their own £2m swoop for Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire.
    The striker was en route to the UK when he was informed the deal was off – and is now in England waiting for news.
    Sheffield Wednesday are also interested in signing McGuire.
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    The 22-year-old’s career kicked off in 2022 when he joined Lane United.
    The USA international then moved to Orlando a year later where he started to turn heads in the MLS.
    The centre-forward has since amassed a total of 15 goals and three assists in 37 appearances.
    The American has also been capped once with the national team.
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    And McGuire’s impressive performances have earned him a place in the United States’ Olympic team playing in Paris 2024 this summer.
    Blackburn are 18th in the Championship table with eight points separating them from the danger zone.
    Sheffield Wednesday are currently in the relegation zone three points adrift of safety. More

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    Move over Ryan Reynolds… the unexpected A-list stars who own football clubs – from Oscar winners to Little Mix singer

    FORGET flashy supercars and expensive Prada handbags, the new must-have celeb accessory is a football team. And the latest star to join the trend could be Robbie Williams, who has reportedly been backed by a consortium to make a bid to take over his lifelong club Port Vale FC. 
    Robbie Williams has revealed his hopes to take over Port Vale FCCredit: supplied
    Last season, under owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham secured their first league title win in 45 yearsCredit: PA
    The former Take That man, 49, was named club president at the weekend and hinted there could be a lucrative TV streaming series if a deal with him at the helm went through. 
    If approved, it could follow in the success of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover over at Wrexham and their famous Netflix show Welcome To Wrexham. 
    Robbie isn’t alone in vying for a slice of a football team – Sir Elton John became the chairman and director of Watford FC in 1976 and bankrolled them until 2002.
    Until last year, TV chef Delia Smith and her husband owned 53 per cent – the majority share, which they acquired in 1996 – of Norwich City.
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    While in August, American football legend Tom Brady bought a minority stake in Birmingham City. 
    Here, we reveal the other surprising stars to put their money into the beautiful game, including A-listers and musicians.
    Jade Thirlwall – South Shields FC
    Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall was among more than 750 fans who invested in South Shields FC, which raised more than £280,000 for the club in 2020. 
    She was also named as an honorary president – alongside ex-politician David Miliband – and her involvement in the club hasn’t stopped there. 
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    Jade Thirwall was named honorary club president of South Shields FCCredit: Instagram @southshieldsfc
    The Little Mix star, who invested in the club, was brought on to raise the club’s profileCredit: Instagram @southshieldsfc
    The Power hitmaker designed a limited edition football strip for the club and joined LGBTQ+ inclusion workshops at the stadium. 
    The club explained that naming Jade as an honorary president would increase the club’s profile “on a national and international scale, further putting the town on the map”.
    It’s one of several investments Jade has made in her hometown, including putting money into a bar called Aerbia and the nightclub Industry. 

    “South Shields means absolutely everything to me, it’s my home… nothing beats the support and the loyalty and the community spirit that you feel in South Shields,” Jade said in 2022.
    South Shields FC previously said Jade’s investment in the team was “just another example to show how committed such a global superstar is to not just the club, but her hometown”.
    Stormzy – Croydon Athletic
    Stormzy was the manager of England during Soccer Aid 2023Credit: Getty
    The rapper is often seen at Croydon Athletic’s ground (left) and featured on a takeover special programme (right)Credit: Snapchat/Instagram
    Rapper Stormzy joined a consortium with Crystal Palace’s former striker Wilfried Zaha and kit manager Danny Young to buy Croydon Athletic last year.
    Fans were thrilled, including one eager supporter who told news site Inside Croydon: “This could be our ‘Wrexham moment.’”
    The site reported the team was ‘purchased’ for “a token sum” but they believed Stormzy and his pals would “be providing the kind of investment which the club’s fans, players and backroom staff could, until now, only dream about”.
    A statement from the club, which is in the ninth tier of English football, read: “The consortium will own, operate and develop their childhood hometown football club.”
    Stormzy and Wilfried were said to have taken over the club to “do what’s right for the local community” after growing up near to the team’s ground, Mayfield Stadium.
    Natalie Portman – Angel City FC
    Natalie Portman is a co-owner of LA-based women’s team Angel CityCredit: 2022 Jenny Chuang/ISI Photos
    Natalie seen with other stars including Eva Longoria (middle) and Jessica Chastain (right)Credit: Instagram
    Black Swan star Natalie Portman described becoming a co-founder of US women’s team Angel City FC in 2020 as “one of the most extraordinary adventures” of her life. 
    She joined multiple investors including venture capitalist Kara Nortman and gaming entrepreneur Julie Urhman, as well as celebs pals including Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Garner, America Ferrera and Uzo Aduba. 
    The Oscar-winner revealed she had decided to get involved after seeing how her children were inspired watching the US women’s national football team. 
    “Watching my son idolise players like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan the same way he did Lionel Messi or Karim Benzema, I realised that amplifying female athletes could rapidly shift culture,” she told the Guardian.
    At a summit last year, Natalie revealed her belief that Angel City FC and other women’s teams could lead to societal change and greater equality.
    “If our boys look up to women like that, that’s how everything changes. And that’s what got me really excited,” she said.
    The club – LA’s first professional women’s team since Los Angeles Sol folded in 2010 – started playing in the 2022 season.
    Last year, they qualified for their first ever playoff, which they lost to OL Reign, and were also the focus of a three-part HBO documentary. 
    Michael B Jordan – AFC Bournemouth
    Michael B Jordan paid a trip to the Vitality Stadium in December 2022Credit: PA
    The Hollywood heartthrob was mobbed by fans on his way into the groundCredit: Getty
    Famed for starring in the Creed and Black Panther film franchises, many were surprised when Hollywood star Michael B Jordan invested in AFC Bournemouth. 
    He’s part of a consortium led by American businessman Bill Foley, who purchased the club from Maxim Demin in December 2022.
    The following year, Michael revealed getting involved with the Cherries was “crazy and amazing” but he knew there was “so much potential there”.
    The actor admitted he had “wanted to get into sports” for some time and was busy arranging plans to make his first trip to Bournemouth, famed for its stunning beaches.
    Michael explained that “the opportunity kind of presented itself” to him and he had been in discussions for “about a year” before agreeing to join the consortium. 
    He told the Tony Bellew Is Angry podcast: “We thought it through. A team that was in the Premier League and competitive, a great culture and people there in Bournemouth.
    “And a franchise we felt like we could add value and try to help get the team over the hump.
    “It’s cool. It’s a cool team. The players are extremely talented and good people. How can I add to an already amazing club and be a part of that culture?”
    Eva Longoria – Necaxa
    Eva Longoria joined a group of investors in Mexican club NecaxaCredit: Instagram
    The A-lister seen sporting gear from the Liga MX teamCredit: Instagram
    Model Kate Upton and her husband also joined the consortiumCredit: Getty
    In 2021, Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria and the model Kate Upton joined a consortium to buy a stake in Mexican team Necaxa. 
    They bizarrely teamed up with former Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil, the former managers of Swansea FC and ex-owners of DC United to buy 50 per cent of the Liga MX champions. 
    A statement from the club said it was “a historic investment” for the team and also in Mexican football. They added: “This will be a turning point for us.”
    The backers were said to have “extensive experience in soccer and in management of top clubs at an international level”.
    Since the investment, the club has placed 14th in the league two years running.
    Back in 2021, Eva – who has Mexican origins – shared a snap of herself in a Necaxa shirt and hat while sipping from a mug with their logo, which she captioned: “How I drink my coffee.” 
    She claimed to be “feeling so proud & delighted” by her investment and revealed the club would be auctioning its “first-ever NFT” back in 2021.
    Will Ferrell – Los Angeles FC
    Will Ferrell is regularly seen at games for his side Los Angeles FCCredit: Getty
    When comedy legend Will Ferrell was revealed to have an ownership stake in Los Angeles FC back in 2016 many thought it was a stunt for a film or a joke. 
    On The Late Late Show With James Corden in 2018, the Anchorman star even quipped: “I’m in charge of cleaning the stadium bathrooms.”
    However, Will’s investment – part of “a very large ownership group” including Magic Johnson and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley – was very much real.
    The star confirmed: “I love watching it generally speaking…  It’s played all over the world. So many amazing players and so many top-flight leagues and hopefully MLS can be on par, eventually, with the European leagues.”
    Will is regularly seen leading club chants, including in a 2019 video, and is often seen decked out in the team’s merchandise at matches.
    It’s led to success, too, with the club winning their first MLS Cup title in 2022.
    LeBron James – Liverpool FC
    Lebron James owned 2 per cent of Liverpool FC for more than a decadeCredit: Getty
    Lebron James is considered among basketball’s greatest-ever players, so in 2011, some were surprised by his decision to invest in an English football team.
    He was revealed to have purchased a 2 per cent stake in Liverpool FC, reportedly for around £5.1m ($6.5m).
    Just over a decade later, LeBron and business partner Maverick Carter exchanged their stake for a part-ownership of Fenway Sports Group (FSG) for an undisclosed fee.
    The sportsman is believed to own around 1 per cent of FSG, which owns US baseball team Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park stadium, Liverpool FC and US hockey team the Pittsburgh Penguins. 
    Matthew McConaughey – Austin FC
    Austin FC fan chants are often led by investor Matthew McConaugheyCredit: Getty
    The star is flying the flag for his home townCredit: officiallymcconaughey/instagram
    Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey became an investor in his home side Austin FC back in 2019 and revealed his hopes it would become a huge asset for the Texas state.
    “Austin FC is more than a quality investment for Austin, it’s a quality investment in Austin,” he said at the time.
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    “This is about legacy for me, I am at a time in my life where I don’t want to spend time or investments or money on things that I don’t look forward to dealing with on a Monday morning.”
    The star is regularly seen at games and hit the headlines back in 2022 when he hyped up the crowd by performing his signature chant from The Wolf Of Wall Street.  More

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    Messi makes supporter’s day by signing his shirt while stuck in traffic – but fans more concerned by his ‘messy’ car

    LIONEL MESSI fans were left star-struck as they got stuck in traffic with their idol in the US.Messi, 36, has been dominating the MLS after 17 glittering years at Barcelona and a short stint at Paris Saint-Germain.
    Lionel Messi was stuck in traffic with fans while driving in MiamiCredit: Reddit
    Inter Miami star Messi made the fans’ day as he waited on the freewayCredit: Reddit
    Messi went on to sign an Argentina shirt for his super fansCredit: Reddit
    Messi has been standing out in the MLS with Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
    The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Manchester United legend David Beckham’s Inter Miami last summer and has already registered 11 goals and five assists in 14 appearances.
    The Inter Miami star, who has been followed by former Barca team-mates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, has even helped double the club’s value.
    And the star forward still finds time for his loyal fans, something he proved while driving in the freeway.
    The Argentina captain waited in traffic and was spotted by another car that had stopped next to him.
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    The driver went berserk and was heard yelling, “I love you Leo” in Spanish.
    The supporters even tossed an Argentina jersey towards Messi who even went on to sign it before handing it back.
    After the unbelievable exchange the Barcelona legend took off as cars that were stuck behind them started to honk.
    Fans were left in awe after watching the astonishing clip, but some wondered why the football megastar’s car appeared messy.
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    The ex-PSG star had a wooden box sitting on the passenger seat of his expensive vehicle.
    One fan posted: “It is so f*****g funny that Lionel Messi has a messy car.”
    Another commented: “Dude what’s he driving?”
    A third wrote: “Regardless of the sport, there aren’t many, if any, superstars that would be that chill about something like that. Let alone one of the best players to ever play the sport.”
    This fan said: “I love how happy they are,.”
    And that one stated: “Best king ever.” More

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    Lionel Messi christens world’s largest cruise ship as footie legend helps Inter Miami value DOUBLE to £800m

    LIONEL MESSI has christened the world’s largest cruise ship as a part of Inter Miami’s partnership with Royal Caribbean International.The football superstar announced the name of the new vessel as Icon of the Seas.
    Lionel Messi launched the world’s largest cruise shipCredit: Getty
    The Royal Caribbean vessel is called the Icon of the SeasCredit: Getty
    Royal Caribbean are now a sponsor of Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
    The company has become the new shirt sponsor of David Beckham’s MLS franchise.
    The logo will be displayed on the front of the club’s away shirts.
    Messi, 36, and his team-mates attended a ceremony at the Port of Miami that was hosted by the cruise line operator.
    The Argentine World Cup winner headlined the event as he placed a football on a podium, which set off the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the bow of the ship.
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    This act has been done for years and is said to bring luck to the passengers and the vessel.
    Messi took “great pride” in being allowed the opportunity.
    After being introduced as “the icon of icons”, he said in Spanish: “Hello, thank you very much.
    “Above all, I would like to thank everyone at Royal Caribbean for granting me this honour.
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    “It is a great pride for me for everything this ship means to the city of Miami and to the whole world.
    “Therefore, I announce that it has been named Icon of the Seas.
    “May God bless it and everyone on it.”
    The £1.57billion ship is the world’s longest liner at 1,198 feet and weighs 250,800 gross tons.
    It has a maximum capacity of 7,600 people.
    Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley also spoke at the event.
    He said: ‘We built the biggest, baddest ship on the planet.
    “It’s really exciting when you introduce a new class of ship, but it’s even more exciting when it seems to be really spot on.”
    The company has revealed that there are multiple entertainment options on the ship.
    This includes seven swimming pools, six water slides, the world’s largest waterfall, the tallest water slide, and the largest sea-based waterpark.
    Inter Miami’s value has almost doubled since Messi’s arrival last summer.
    According to Sportico, the club is now worth £800m, far more than the £458m it was valued before the attacker signed for the club.
    The club is now the third most valuable in the MLS, thanks to its revenue being boosted from £43m to £100m.
    Los Angeles FC has the highest value in the league as it is valued at £900m.
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    Atlanta United is the second most valuable at £830m, while Beckham’s former club LA Galaxy, is fourth at £790m.
    The New York Times has reported that the Inter Miami shirt is the best-selling football jersey in North America, ahead of the likes of Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid and Arsenal.
    The ship cost £1.57Billion to buildCredit: Getty
    It weighs 250,800 gross tonsCredit: Getty
    As many as 7,600 people can be on the shipCredit: Getty
    There are seven swimming poolsCredit: Getty
    There are also six water slides for the guestsCredit: Getty
    There are also whirlpool hot tubs at the HideawayCredit: Getty
    Guests can also use an arcade that has an air hockey tableCredit: Getty
    This is one of the restaurants on boardCredit: Getty
    The ship is 1,198 feet longCredit: Getty
    Guests will have comfortable roomsCredit: Getty
    They can also use the surf machineCredit: Getty More

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    David Beckham ‘ready to sign yet another former Lionel Messi team-mate’ with forgotten Prem ace handed transfer lifeline

    INTER MIAMI are hoping to sign Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.Owner David Beckham is trying to convince the 31-year-old that a move to the United States should be the next step in his career.
    Philippe Coutinho is wanted by Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
    Lionel Messi is set to try to convince his former team-mate to join the clubCredit: AFP
    And he is set to call upon their “dream signing’s” former team-mates to persuade him to join, claim Calciomercato.
    Inter Miami already have Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in their squad.
    Barcelona’s legendary quartet won two LaLiga titles with Coutinho when he was at the Catalan giants from 2018 to 2022.
    The Brazilian star is still on the books of Aston Villa.
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    But he is spending the season on loan with Al-Duhail.
    Reports suggest that Coutinho does not want to stay in the Middle East when his time at the Qatari club ends in the summer.
    And he supposedly has no future at Aston Villa.
    Inter Miami finished second bottom of the Eastern Conference last year – but following Messi’s arrival they won the Leagues Cup.
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    The Argentina legend scored 11 goals in 14 matches for the club.
    Inter Miami are set to play in friendlies against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Hong Kong, Vissel Kobe and Messi’s boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys before the MLS season gets underway on February 22.
    David Beckham has already signed four ex-Barcelona starsCredit: Reuters More

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    Fans convinced Jose Mourinho revealed next career move 13 YEARS AGO after Special One sacked by Roma

    JOSE MOURINHO revealed in 2011 that he would like to manage in America one day.The Portuguese, 60, was in charge of Real Madrid at the time.
    Jose Mourinho was sacked by Roma yesterdayCredit: Rex
    Chatting to the late Grant Wahl, Mourinho praised the American mentality.
    After being sacked by Roma yesterday, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss could look to finally make his move to the States.
    Talking to Sports Illustrated, Mourinho said: “I see myself coaching a [club] team, coaching the national team or helping develop soccer in the US.
    “When I’m tired of winning things in Europe, it’s something I want to do.
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    “I want to coach the Portuguese national team and I want to work in the United States.”
    Mourinho, who has been on plenty of US tours with his various clubs down the years, adores the American way of life.
    He added: “I love it. The people have a very open mentality.
    “Everybody is the same. Status doesn’t count a lot. I like it very much in this way.”
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    Mourinho’s final months in Rome were littered with bizarre incidents.
    He was sent off six times in his final two seasons, including twice in four days earlier this month.
    The former Inter Milan Treble-winner also snubbed the press before bafflingly likening himself to Harry Potter.
    Roma legend Daniele De Rossi has taken the job until the end of the season.
    Having seen his comments while speaking to SI, one fan wrote: “I think Mourinho would go so hard in the mls.”
    While a second posted: “Lol Mourinho to MLS soon.”
    A third claimed: “Mourinho in MLS would be hilarious on so many levels.”
    Another added: “Mourinho to MLS who says no??”
    Mourinho has visited the US on many occasions while on pre-season toursCredit: Reuters More

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    Jesse Lingard’s new agents make immediate move as midfielder ‘offered to Portland Timbers on free transfer’

    JESSE LINGARD’S new agents have offered the ex-Manchester United ace to MLS outfit Portland Timbers.Lingard has been a free agent since June when he was released by Nottingham Forest and has been struggling to link up with a new club ever since.
    Ex-Man Utd ace Jesse Lingard’s agents have offered him to Portland TimbersCredit: Alamy
    The midfielder sacked his previous reps this month as they failed to find him a new team and he was frustrated with a number of contract offers that never developed despite interest from clubs overseas
    According to the Mail, the 31-year-old’s new representatives are exploring possibilities in the US and Portland appear interested in signing him on a free transfer.
    The ex-England international has been training on his own in America as well as Dubai.
    And the United academy graduate has shared a series of images as well as clips showing him undergoing hard sessions at the gym.
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    Lingard trained with former club West Ham as well as Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, throughout the season.
    The ex-Forest ace was also linked with the likes of Everton and Barcelona but a deal never materialised.
    Lingard burst on to the scene in 2015 at United following a series of loan stints at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby.
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    Lingard scored 35 goals and provided 21 assists in 232 appearances with the Manchester giants.
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    He also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield and Europa League trophy with United.
    Lingard fell down the pecking order in 2021 and was loaned out to West Ham.
    The midfielder stood out during the second half of the 2020-21 campaign with nine goals and five assists in 16 appearances with the Hammers.
    That led him to a move to Forest a year later but he failed to replicate the same success with only two goals and two assists in 20 games. More

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    Lionel Messi opens up on prospect of facing Cristiano Ronaldo as long-time rivals prepare to lock horns

    LIONEL MESSI has revealed he “can’t wait” to lock horns with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in a pre-season showdown next month.MLS giants Inter Miami will head to the Middle East for their pre-season ahead of their 2024 campaign which kicks off on February 21.
    Lionel Messi said he ‘can’t wait’ to lock horns with long-time rival Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AP
    Inter Miami will battle it out in a pre-season showdown in Saudi Arabia next monthCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side will welcome Messi and Co. to the Gulf State on February 1 in a thrilling match with two of football’s greats.
    The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took to Instagram to share his excitement for the upcoming game.
    He said: “I can’t wait to be part of #RiyadhSeasonCup with my team Inter Miami CF as we face top Saudi clubs in a historic championship.”
    Widely regarded as all-time legends, the pair regularly faced each other in Spain’s La Liga with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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    Between them, the record-breaking pair have won every piece of silverware the game has to offer.
    The last time the two La Liga rivals played against each other was in January 2023 in Riyadh.
    Messi took part in last season’s Riyadh Season Cup with his former side Paris Saint-Germain against Ronaldo after the Portugal great’s surprise move to Al Nassr.
    The 2022 World Cup winner managed to scrape a victory against the Saudi Arabian side in a 5-4 win.
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    But before Messi takes on the Portuguese superstar again he will first play Al-Hilal two days before.
    And joining Inter Miami this year are some new faces including Uruguay sensation Luis Suarez.
    He is the fourth Barca legend to join the MLS outfit following the footsteps of Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
    Luis Suarez is the newest ex-Barcelona player to join the MLS sideCredit: Instagram @intermiamicf More