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    Fans demand Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract ‘terminated ASAP’ after spotting what he did during loss to Vissel Kobe

    FANS labelled Lionel Messi ‘disgusting’ and called for his contract to be terminated for LAUGHING after his team-mate missed a penalty.Inter Miami took on Vissel Kobe in a friendly at the Japan National Stadium.
    Lionel Messi came under fire for his behaviour against Vissel KobeCredit: AFP
    The superstar was spotted laughing after his team-mate missed a penalty
    Robert Taylor blazed over from 12 yards
    The clash saw Messi line up alongside Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez but the former Barcelona trio could not find a breakthrough in the 0-0 draw.
    A penalty shoot-out followed to decide the winner and Vissel Kobe blinked first, but then Robert Taylor blazed over the bar from 12 yards.
    That bizarrely sparked laughter from Messi and his team-mates Jordi Alba and DeAndre Yedlin.
    Fans fumed in response as Vissel Kobe went on to win the shoot-out, with one labelling the superstar a “disgusting leader”.
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    Another added: “His contract should be terminated ASAP. Ridiculous.”
    A third wrote: “Such a disgusting guy man, how can he laugh?”
    And another commented: “My captain would NEVER.”
    Inter Miami are in the Far East on their pre-season tour and took on a Hong Kong XI last week.
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    But fans were left outraged and demanded their money back after Messi was left on the bench, with Miami owner David Beckham even booed by the crowd.
    Messi, 36, revealed he was injured and expressed his disappointment that he was unable to play.
    He said: “Unfortunately in football things can happen in any game, that we may have an injury. It happened to me.
    “I couldn’t play in the Hong Kong match, and it was a shame because I always wanted to participate, I wanted to be there and even more so when it came to these matches.
    “When we travelled so far and people were so excited to see our matches…I hope we can return and we play another game and I can play as I do whenever I can.
    “But the truth is that it is a game that I was not able to participate.”
    David Beckham is BOOED by 40,000 angry fans who demand refund after Lionel Messi no-show More

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    Messi breaks silence on controversial Inter Miami no-show as Hong Kong official claims he was contracted to play

    LIONEL MESSI admits it was “a shame” he missed another prestige friendly for Inter Miami.Fans in Hong Kong – and even the territory’s Government – are furious that Messi was left on the bench for Sunday’s game because of a hamstring injury.
    Headache for Lionel Messi as row continues over him missing Inter Miami friendlyCredit: Rex
    Messi said: “Unfortunately in football things can happen in any game, that we may have an injury. It happened to me.
    “I couldn’t play in the Hong Kong match, and it was a shame because I always wanted to participate, I wanted to be there and even more so when it came to these matches.
    “When we travelled so far and people were so excited to see our matches…I hope we can return and we play another game and I can play as I do whenever I can. 
    “But the truth is that it is a game that I was not able to participate.”
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    Inter Miami, co-owned by former England and Manchester United star David Beckham, continued their globetrotting pre-season tour by beating a Hong Kong XI 4-1.
    But supporters who had paid up to £100 to watch Messi play demanded refunds and drowned out Beckham’s post-match speech with boos.
    Footage also showed a fuming fan kick the head off a cardboard cut of Messi promoting the event.
    And the row isn’t over yet, with the Hong Kong authorities threatening to withhold up to £1.6m from organisers Tatler Asia after they allegedly learned only 10 minutes before the final whistle that Messi would not get on the pitch.
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    Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong’ secretary for culture, sports and tourism, said: “’One of the key terms of our funding agreement with Tatler Asia was for Messi to participate in the match for at least 45 minutes, subject to fitness and safety considerations.
    “’We immediately requested them to explore other remedies, such as Messi appearing on the field to interact with his fans and receiving the trophy.
    David Beckham is BOOED by 40,000 angry fans who demand refund after Lionel Messi no-show
    “’Unfortunately, as you all see, this did not work out.
    “’We haven’t paid any money yet. In the coming weeks we will further liaise with the organiser Tatler Asia. 
    “We will discuss the performance of the whole event and we will make a decision on how to deal with the sponsorship.”
    Earlier this month fans in Saudi Arabia missed out on a showdown between Messi and arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo when both legends were unfit for Inter Miami’s game against Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Riyadh.
    Messi trained yesterday ahead of the clash with Vissel Kobe in Tokyo at 10am UK time on Wednesday. More

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    Premier League cult hero and USA legend’s daughter now making her own way in football

    BRIAN McBRIDE made a career of scoring goals wherever he played.And now his daughter has clearly inherited the family’s shooting boots as she makes her own way in football. 
    Brian McBride is considered a Fulham legend after his spell at Craven CottageCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    McBride and wife Dina have three daughters – Ashley, Ella and FreyaCredit: https://twitter.com/BMcBride20
    His youngest Freya has inherited her dad’s shooting bootsCredit: https://twitter.com/BMcBride20
    McBride Sr, 51, came through collegiate soccer before going pro with Milwaukee Rampage in 1994.
    One season with Wolfsburg followed before he really made a name for himself back in America with Columbus Crew.
    During his eight-year spell in Ohio, though, he twice headed out on loan to play under David Moyes in North-West England, firstly with Preston and then Everton.
    A heavy collision during his Preston debut meant he required surgery to remove a blood clot in his arm while a rib was also removed in the operation. 
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    Moyes turned to McBride to help give the Toffees a much-needed boost – and he scored against Tottenham less than ten minutes into his Premier League debut past compatriot Kasey Keller.
    Then in January 2004, Fulham snapped up the striker and he became a cult hero in West London.
    In his four-and-a-half years with the Cottagers, McBride was twice named player of the year before assuming the captaincy in 2007.
    His 41 goals in 154 appearances secured his legendary status, cemented with a bar inside Craven Cottage named after the popular American.
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    McBridge returned to the MLS with Chicago Fire in 2008 and came out of retirement for a brief cameo for Wembley FC in their FA Cup run alongside fellow former Premier League stars in 2012.
    On the international stage, meanwhile, he managed 30 goals in 96 caps for the USA – including becoming the first American man to score at two World Cups and was MVP as they were crowned 2002 Gold Cup champions. 
    The Sun’s Will Pugh and Izzy Barker bring you all all the latest Football news with Harry Durham of Fulhamish! in footie show The Tap In
    McBride married his bride and childhood family friend Dina Lundstrom in 2002 – with her father even coaching a young Brian.
    The couple moved back to their hometown of Arlington Heights in Illinois when McBride signed for Chicago Fire, less than an hour’s drive from the stadium. 
    It is understood the family live five minutes from McBride’s childhood home – and just two from Dina’s. 
    They have three daughters – Ashley, Ella and Freya.
    And the former footballer clearly loves being a doting father and husband with plenty of heartwarming social media posts.
    That includes those cheering his youngest Freya on in her sporting ventures.
    As well as her proficiency on the volleyball court, she has also taken up football.
    McBride shared a video on Twitter in November 2023 of teenager Freya storming in at the back post to fire home with a great finish.
    ‘Love to see it’
    Her dad wrote: “My youngest’s first goal for her new team FC United U16 GA.”
    Plenty of football fans flooded the comments with reference to McBride Sr’s own ability to find the net.
    One said: “Deadly in the box like her dad.”
    Another added: “We love to see it!”
    A third wrote: “You taught her how to get on the end of a cross I see!”
    And a fourth commented: “Congratulations!”
    Then mum Dina replied: “My poor video skills!”
    But super-encouraging Brian responded: “Not at all. I was impressed you caught it on tape. I was sitting right next to you and didn’t know you were filming it.”
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    McBride also launched his own soccer academy in Illinois, works as a TV pundit and was USMNT general manager from 2020 to 2023. 
    He has also spoken for the Central Ohio Diabetes Association and at events for the Concussion Legacy Foundation to promote safer sport and support athletes affected by chronic traumatic encephalopathy in the brain. 
    McBride battles with Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro at the 2006 World CupCredit: EPA
    The striker scored at the 1998 and 2002 tournamentsCredit: Corbis – Getty
    McBride scored 41 goals for the Cottagers in 154 gamesCredit: AP:Associated Press
    The doting father regularly posts pictures of the familyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/bmcbride20/ More

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    David Beckham is BOOED by 40,000 angry fans who demand refund after Lionel Messi no-show

    DAVID BECKHAM was booed by 40,000 fuming fans demanding a refund.The former England captain, 48, is in Hong Kong for Inter Miami’s pre-season trip to the Far East.
    Lionel Messi sat on the bench throughout Inter Miami’s friendly win in Hong KongCredit: Reuters
    David Beckham’s speech was drowned out by booingCredit: AFP
    Fans had paid hundreds of pounds for ticketsCredit: AP

    The 40,000 tickets got snapped up within an hour of going on sale.
    However, locals who forked out as much as £360 on tickets expressed their anger because Lionel Messi remained an unused substitute.
    The Argentine icon, 36, has been battling a hamstring injury that saw him only play seven minutes in the 6-0 defeat against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on Thursday.
    And the World Cup winner – who did take part in a very light open training session – was not risked against a Hong Kong XI.
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    But that did not go down well with the passionate supporters desperate to get a glimpse of the footballing GOAT.
    There were chants of “we want Messi” during the second half as Inter Miami ran out 4-1 winners.
    Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba both came off the bench but Messi and Luis Suarez watched the entirety from the sidelines.
    The fans – who were told there would be no refunds if Messi did not feature – drowned out Beckham’s address to the crowd with their furious reaction.
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    Beckham said on the pitch after full-time: “On behalf of everybody involved in Inter Miami, our club, I would like to say thank you very much for the incredible welcome.
    “I have always loved Hong Kong and we look forward to coming back one day to entertain you even more.
    “Thank you to the media. Thank you for everyone in the stadium that has turned up tonight and been here for us.
    “It means a lot because to see these great players play inspires a lot of young children in this country and around the world.
    “I hope one day we will be back to entertain you. Hong Kong, thank you very much. I will see you soon. Thank you.”
    ‘MESSI ISN’T A SUPERMODEL’
    But plenty were still seething afterwards – especially after spending hundreds of pounds on tickets and some even travelling from overseas.
    As reported by the Daily Mail, one said: “I’ve been waiting almost ten years to see him. This is a rare opportunity to see him, because he might be retiring soon. We are very disappointed.”
    Another added: “I flew from Melbourne for this. We waited a long time but he never showed up. I’m really disappointed.”
    And a third fumed: “I came for the training and just saw him doing stretches. Messi isn’t a supermodel. People don’t pay just to watch him sit.”
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    Inter Miami finish their tour of Asia against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday before a final friendly against Messi’s boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys.
    The Florida side begin their 2024 MLS campaign at home to Real Salt Lake and then Beckham takes his club to face his former team LA Galaxy.
    Supporters were not afraid to vent their angerCredit: AFP
    Lionel Messi’s head was removed from advertising at the stadiumCredit: AP
    Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets came on but Luis Suarez was not usedCredit: Getty
    Inter Miami ran out 4-1 winnersCredit: Getty More

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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