Major League Soccer

LIONEL MESSI scored twice as Inter Miami won the MLS Supporters’ Shield.The club owned by David Beckham beat champions Columbus Crew 3-2 last night to secure their second ever trophy.Lionel Messi scored twice to secure the Supporters’ ShieldCredit: ReutersIt is the club’s second trophy since being founded in 2018Credit: GettyThere were wild celebrations in the dressing roomCredit: InstagramJordi Alba, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have transformed the club’s fortunes on the pitchCredit: InstagramMessi, 37, scored a brilliant double, including a stunning free-kick, before Luis Suarez wrapped up the win.The three points meant they can now not be caught at the top of the MLS table with two games to spare.Inter Miami will now play their all-important play-off games at home as they look to win the MLS Cup.The Supporters’ Shield, which is handed to the side with the best regular season performance, is Messi’s 46th career trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has carried the Florida-based club to glory, scoring 17 goals and getting 12 assists in just 19 games.Messi said after the game: “I am happy. We took charge from the beginning, we had the players to do this. “I am happy to secure the first objective and we are thinking of the next.”Beckham also added via Instagram: “So proud to see our players lift the Supporters Shield after a great win in Columbus. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Another amazing achievement in the history of this football club and so happy to bring this trophy to the best fans in the League.”Now we go again and on to the next one.”Watch moment raging Lionel Messi ‘calls referee -mean-spirited son of a b****’ in furious rant after Inter Miami drawThere were wild celebrations in the dressing room with quartet Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Suarez and Messi all posing with the trophy to together.Before the ex-Barcelona foursome’s arrival, Inter Miami were bottom of the MLS table.The Supporters’ Shield is the club’s second piece of silverware since being founded in January 2018 after winning won the Leagues Cup last year just six weeks after Messi signed.Messi’s glittering careerBarcelona10x La Liga 7x Copa del Rey 7x Supercopa de Espana 4x Champions League 3x Super Cup3x Club World CupPSG2x Ligue 1 Trophee des ChampionsInter MiamiSupporters’ ShieldLeagues CupArgentinaWorld Cup 2x Copa America Finalissima Individual8x Ballon d’Or More

THIS is the bizarre moment Lionel Messi helped out a pitch invader… with fans loving his actions.The football legend continued his brilliant form this season with a terrific goal to help Inter Miami to a 1-1 draw with Charlotte.Lionel Messi took a selfie with a pitch invaderCredit: X/sergetrevorrHe then tried to help the fan evade securityMessi, 37, rolled back the years as he picked up the ball just outside the box and beat a man before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.But it was another Messi incident which drew praise from fans.The Argentine is often subject to adoring fans running onto the pitch to try and take a selfie with him.So when a spectator invaded the pitch during the match against Charlotte Messi was prepared.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe quickly posed for a photo and told the fan to be quick before giving him a push to try and help the youngster evade security.Despite Messi’s assist, the fan was eventually chased down and caught before being carried away.Fans applauded Messi’s intervention, with one person saying: “Wish more people were like Messi in this situation.”Another added: “At least everyone is smiling. Messi, the kid, the security.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “How anyone can hate Messi is beyond me.”And another commented: “This was handled perfectly by everyone involved.”Watch moment raging Lionel Messi ‘calls referee -mean-spirited son of a b****’ in furious rant after Inter Miami draw More

INTER MIAMI have announced plans to move into their new £750million stadium complex in 2026.David Beckham’s Major League Soccer franchise currently play their football at the 21,550-capacity Chase Stadium.Inter Miami have unveiled new images of their new stadiumCredit: Instagram @intermiamicfThe MLS franchise announced plans to move into their new stadium in 2026Credit: Instagram @intermiamicfThe Miami Freedom Park has cost £750mCredit: Instagram @intermiamicfIt will hold 25,000 in the stadiumCredit: Instagram @intermiamicfIt is being built on a 131-acre plot of landCredit: Instagram @intermiamicfHowever, the Florida-based outfit has long had plans to move into a larger ground with a dedicated campus area, which will be named Miami Freedom Park.And those ideas are now edging closer to fruition after the club, now worth over $1billion (£775m), released the latest renders of the project and provided an update to fans.In a statement on Wednesday, Inter Miami co-owner Beckham said: “After years of dreaming, it is so exciting to be sharing that in 2026 Inter Miami will be moving to its long-term home at Miami Freedom Park”Miami Freedom Park is the culmination of years of hard work and a desire to realise a vision and create a lasting legacy for the fans and the community of Miami and South Florida. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m so happy to see that dream finally coming to life.”A referendum on the project held in November 2019 gained more than 60 per cent of voter approval.Details of the benefits it will bring to the area released in 2022 revealed it would be 100 per cent funded privately, while they will pay 57 per cent over fair market value in rent to the city.It’s claimed that rent alone from the 131-acre development area will bring the city $2.67bn over the term of the lease.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis land will feature a 58-acre public park – the largest activated park in Miami – and will feature youth athletic fields for the community, entertainment-based retail and attractions, restaurants, hotels, shops, office space and an entertainment venue to host major international stars in addition to concerts that will take place in the stadium.Construction on the campus is already underway, with the first stages – including the new stadium, public park, roadway and parking infrastructure, and additional entertainment and hospitality concepts within the district – set to be complete in late 2025.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveThe club says more than 15,000 jobs will be created both directly and indirectly through the project.Jorge Mas, Inter Miami CF Managing Owner, added: “The next stages of the Miami Freedom Park project bring us closer to reaching our dream of making it the official home of Inter Miami CF. “Embodying our ethos of ‘Freedom to Dream,’ we’ve been diligently building something extraordinary—a place where every fan will cherish unforgettable fútbol moments. “As we look ahead to the opening of our new stadium, we eagerly anticipate creating a world-class venue that reflects our passion, commitment, and the collective dreams of our South Florida community.”The statement also revealed that the park would be named after Jorge Mas Canosa, the father of the Inter Miami Managing Owner. The Herons currently sit top of the MLS regular season table.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is despite talisman Lionel Messi not playing for them since JUNE. In his stead, old Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez has stepped up as the team’s main goalscorer, while he has continued to be ably supplied by fellow ex-Barca star Jordi Alba.Inter Miami are now worth more than $1billionCredit: Inter Miami football clubPrevious renders released in 2022 show the interior design planCredit: Instagram @intermiamicfA map of the overall campus was also releasedCredit: Inter Miami football clubIt will feature the largest public park in the city of MiamiCredit: Inter Miami football clubThe stadium will be a major entertainment venueCredit: Inter Miami football clubThe plan is for it to host concertsCredit: Inter Miami football clubThe club said it will pay nearly $2.7billion in rent for the land during the lease periodCredit: Inter Miami football clubThe campus will also hold retail and attractions, restaurants, hotels, shops, office spaceCredit: Inter Miami football club More

FORMER Manchester United star Paddy McNair has insisted he is not in America for a holiday after his shock MLS transfer.The defender left Middlesbrough this summer to sign for MLS newcomers San Diego FC.Paddy McNair signed for San Diego FC this summerCredit: Instagram / @sandiegofcThe defender left Manchester United in 2016Credit: Getty Images – GettyHe signed a three-year deal with the Californian side but was immediately sent on a six-month loan back to the Championship, joining West Brom.That is partly because San Diego are waiting on the receipt of McNair’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa, which he needs to be allowed to play.McNair, 29, is raring to go in MLS and made it clear he has not travelled across the pond for a holiday, stating he is still determined to be a key member of the Northern Ireland squad.He said in a press conference: “Yes, of course I want to keep playing [for Northern Ireland]. I wouldn’t have gone [to America] if it had affected my international career.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“I’m not going to America for a holiday. It’s still a competitive, tough league. It’s just the experience will be different. “It is a league that is improving and there are high-profile players in the league and it will be a good experience.”The United academy graduate is also not concerned about travelling to and from Europe for matches, pointing out plenty of players have to undertake lengthier journeys.He continued: “In terms of travel (for internationals) it’s a flight, I don’t think anything like that impacts.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe defender was only a bit-part player at Boro last season“If I’m here a day late or a day early I’m still going to be here in time for training and in time for the games. I played with Aussie lads in Middlesbrough and they flew back to Australia for their games.”After putting pen to paper for San Diego, he said: “Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career. Paul Scholes names worst ever team-mate as he says former Man Utd star ‘couldn’t kick a football'”When I first heard of San Diego, I had this gut feeling of excitement to play outside of England and have a chance to play in MLS.”It’s going to be very special to be a part of history. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and building a team San Diego can be proud of.” More

LIONEL MESSI’S wife Antonela Roccuzzo sent fans into frenzy with her antics on the sidelines.Antonela, 36, was sat alongside Messi in the stands during Inter Miami 2-0 MLS win over Cincinnati.Fans were blown away by Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela on the sidelines of an MLS gameCredit: apple tvAntonela blew a kiss as the camera focused on her and MessiCredit: apple tvShe blew the kiss directly down the barrel of the cameraCredit: apple tvMessi, who is currently sidelined with an injury, was the centre of attention for the cameras during the game despite not playing.But it was his childhood sweetheart Antonela who caused a stir as she watched on by his side.The social media star noticed that the Apple TV cameramen were keeping a close eye on her and husband and blew a kiss directly down the barrel of the camera.Fans were loving her cheeky moment and took to social media to react.READ MORE ON WAGSOne wrote: “Very lovely”.While another added: “Couple goals”.A third commented: “Wow, what a beautiful six second video.”And fourth claimed that Messi was “winning at life”.Most read in FootballAntonela and Messi have known each other since they were just five years old.It’s not known how long the pair have been together, but they went public with their relationship back in 2008.Tom Brady joins David Beckham and Lionel Messi at MLS game & gets gift from soccer icon after celebrating his team’s winThe happy couple now have three children with the family following Messi from Barcelona to Paris and all the way over to Miami for his current ventures in the MLS.Messi has been at the Florida club for over a year now, making 29 appearances and registering an incredible 41 goal contributions in that time.Antonela and Messi are childhood sweetheartsCredit: GettyAntonela has been by the side of Messi for his greatest achievementsCredit: GettyMessi is making his mark on the MLSCredit: Getty More