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      I’m an ex-Premier League star who plays with Lionel Messi – but I’m richer than him at just 23 despite his £515m fortune

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      DESPITE having a fortune worth over £500miliion, Lionel Messi is NOT Inter Miami’s richest player.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s net worth is dwarfed by that of a former Premier League striker.
      Leonardo Campana is richer than team-mate Lionel Messi at just 23-years-oldCredit: Reuters
      The Inter Miami striker’s family are valued at more than $1billionCredit: instagram @leonardocampana
      Leonardo Campana’s family are reportedly valued at more than $1billion, which is close to £800m.
      Prior to making his loan move to Inter Miami permanent in 2023, he spent three years as a Wolves player.
      However, the 23-year-old failed to make a first-team appearance for the club, instead spending time on loan in Portugal and Switzerland.
      Since heading to the MLS, though, Campana has scored 23 goals in 65 appearances for Inter Miami.
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      The Ecuador international is the son of tennis player-turned-politician Pablo Campana.
      His dad represented Ecuador at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta before becoming the country’s Minister of Commerce.
      Nowadays, the 51-year-old is the CEO and founder of Milenium S.A, a real estate development firm in his homeland.
      Campana is also the great-grandson of ex-footballer Gabriel, who won six Ecuadorian league titles in the 1920s.
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      Meanwhile, his grandmother is one of the most prominent businesswomen in Ecuador.
      Isabel Noboa’s business empire spans across agriculture, real estate and tourism according to Latin Trade.
      ‘This is gonna make Messi s*** his pants’, says Will Ferrell during announcement of LAFC’s new kit
      She also studied at Harvard and the University of London.
      The family’s valuation is almost double that of Messi’s £515m fortune.
      The World Cup winner’s career has seen him pen lucrative contracts with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
      He also has multiple endorsement deals, including a reported £16m-a-year contract with blockchain firm Socios, as well as his own clothing line and a life-long deal with Adidas.
      Campana is the son of an Olympian-turned-politician, whilst his grandmother has a business empireCredit: Reuters
      The Ecuador international spent three years at Wolves but failed to make an appearanceCredit: instagram / @wolves More

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      Major football tournament to begin with NO REFEREES as pay dispute continues after deal rejected

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      THE MLS looks set to begin the new season without its referees because of an ongoing pay dispute.And that means the campaign will likely begin with emergency replacement officials drafted in.
      MLS referees are being prevented from taking charge of matches due to a pay rowCredit: Getty
      The 2024 MLS kicks off on Wednesday night when Inter Miami host Real Salt Lake.
      But according to CBS, the usual refs are no closer to striking a deal to take charge of the matches.
      It comes after the latest proposed deal was rejected by the Professional Soccer Referees Association.
      Now the Professional Refereee Organization are expected to block their members overseeing MLS games from this week.
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      The previous referees’ deal expired on February 12, just nine days before the first game of the new season.
      However, an extension continues to be rejected over factors.
      The officials’ demands include increased pay, first- or business-class travel for MLS Cup play-offs and improvements in treatment including physiotherapy.
      Peter Manikowski, president and lead negotiator for PSRA, said: “We live for this game, giving it 100 per cent of our dedication, experience, fitness and ability.
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      “The skyrocketing growth of MLS has significantly increased demands on officials mentally and physically, and as such has increased demands on both our professional and personal time.
      “Our members are asking not only for fair compensation at a time when the league is reporting record growth, but also for the ability to take care of themselves on the road and at home to continue officiating at the highest level that this sport demands.”  
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      Should a deal fail to be struck in the next few days, the MLS will see a repeat of the 2014 campaign which started with replacement refs.
      And that could cause problems for matches due to the elite referees’ fitness levels, familiarity with the players and understanding of new rule changes.
      That includes the introduction of a ten-second limit for substitutes to leave the field – or else their replacement cannot come on for 60 seconds.
      MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting Product & Competition Nelson Rodríguez said: “It’s extremely disappointing that the officials have voted against the tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
      “PRO worked for months and addressed all the issues that were raised by PSRA’s bargaining unit. It is also unfortunate that the PSRA rejected PRO’s offer for a mutual no strike – no lockout commitment, which would have allowed all match officials to continue working during ongoing negotiations.
      “PRO has informed us of its contingency plan for the upcoming MLS season, which includes utilising experienced professional match referees supported by veteran VAR officials. We are confident in the comprehensive plan they have put in place.”
      Columbus Crew beat Los Angeles in the MLS Cup final in 2023 to be crowned champions for the third time.
      But Lionel Messi will be desperate to inspire David Beckham’s Inter Miami to glory.
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      The Argentine legend joined the Florida club following the expiration of his PSG contract last summer, chipping in with one goal in six MLS appearances.
      But this year he will have a full season alongside the likes of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as the former Barcelona quartet aim to add to their incredible trophy cabinets.
      Lionel Messi will hope to lead Inter Miami to MLS gloryCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘This is gonna make Messi s*** his pants’, says Will Ferrell during announcement of LAFC’s new kit

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      FOOTIE-MAD Will Ferrell took a hilarious shot at Lionel Messi during LAFC’s kit launch.The Hollywood superstar appeared in a glossy video to reveal his team’s new home shirt.
      Will Ferrell starred as LAFC’s kit manCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LAFC
      The Hollywood icon scrubbed a football boot with a toothbrushCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LAFC
      Ferrell revealed the stunning new kitCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LAFC
      And the actor couldn’t hide his excitementCredit: X formerly Twitter / @LAFC
      The launch poked fun at Inter Miami superstar Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      In a video posted to social media, Ferrell played the role of hapless LAFC kit man.
      After caressing a shin pad and scrubbing a boot with a toothbrush, Ferrell was informed that the launch would be that day.
      The 56-year-old subsequently held up the smart black shirt with gold trim, treating it with awe.
      In an amazing outtake, Ferrell could be seen saying: “Black. The grit of the city. Battle-hardened. Golden, like my favourite graham-based cereal. A bounty from Olympus! Hallelujah!
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      “This is gonna make Messi s*** his pants!”
      Fans absolutely loved the cheeky reference to LAFC’s Inter Miami rival.
      One responded: “This is hysterical!”
      While a second gushed: “I love Will!!!”
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      A third swooned: “We need more Will, this is gold.”
      And another added: “Wait, Will Ferrell dishing out assists? Talk about kicking it up a notch! Kits gonna sell like crazy now, don’t ya think?”
      Fans demand Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract ‘terminated ASAP’ after spotting what he did during loss to Vissel Kobe
      Ferrell is a big football fan and took part in Soccer Aid in 2012.
      He eventually bought a stake in LAFC in 2016 ahead of their MLS launch.
      During his Soccer Aid appearance, Ferrell forged an unlikely friendship with Manchester United legend Roy Keane while playing for the Rest of the World team.
      While visiting the Etihad last season for Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa, Ferrell embraced his old buddy Keane.
      Back in 2012 Ferrell, who starred in 2005 football film Kicking and Screaming, explained how his friendship with Keane began.
      He said: “No one told me ahead of time you’re not supposed to go up and hug Roy Keane, and that’s the first thing I did.
      “I walked up, hugged him, picked him up, and gave him a big old wet kiss on the cheek.

      “He said ‘nice to meet you too’…
      “He waved at me at breakfast on Friday morning, I believe he was waving at me. I believe it was really positive.”
      Ferrell reunited with old pal Roy Keane last seasonCredit: Getty More

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      David Beckham’s Inter Miami ‘screwed’ ahead of new MLS season with ex-Premier League star to be part of mass exodus

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      DAVID BECKHAM’S Inter Miami are allegedly “screwed” ahead of the new MLS season.And a host of stars are reportedly available for transfer as they desperately look to get with the league’s strict salary structure.
      David Beckham could be facing some tough times at Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
      Signing Lionel Messi may mean Inter Miami will have to ship other talent outCredit: Alamy
      Inter Miami have become the American top-flight’s premiere franchise following the arrivals of superstar Lionel Messi and his ex-Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
      However, owner Beckham and the rest of the club chiefs need to make major adjustments in order to meet MLS rules.
      The Athletic states that they must come up with more allocation money and could have to shift a number of salaries in order not to breach the requirements.
      They claim that a source informed that DeAndre Yedlin, Sergii Kryvstov, Gregore, Jean Mota, and Robert Taylor are all available for transfer in order to meet roster regulations.
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      And Inter Miami are also allegedly willing to terminate Coco Jean’s contract if a transfer or trade is not agreed by the deadline of February 20.
      That has left them considering any potential sale for players on large salaries at the club.

      This report also added that a high-ranking sporting executive at a different club said: “They are screwed. Trust me.”
      The specific amount that Inter Miami needs to raise has not been disclosed.
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      Inter Miami may be able to benefit by selling some of their players abroad with the fees then being converted into allocation money.
      Inter Miami kick-off the MLS campaign on February 21 against Real Salt Lake – who have just signed Matt Crooks from Middlesbrough.
      Fans demand Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract ‘terminated ASAP’ after spotting what he did during loss to Vissel Kobe More

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      Premier League star’s Wag has nose broken after being hit by husband’s team-mate’s wayward shot

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST goalkeeper Matt Turner’s wife Ashley Herron revealed she suffered a broken nose due to a team-mate’s wayward shot.Ashley followed Turner to the UK after he was signed by Arsenal in 2022 from New England Revolution.
      Ashley Herron is married to Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt TurnerCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne
      Ashley followed Turner to the UK after he initially joined ArsenalCredit: Instagram @headdturnerr
      Ashley has shown immense support to Turner throughout his careerCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne
      The American also moved with her beau when he signed for Forest this past summer transfer window.
      And the former NFL cheerleader continually supports him from the stands, so much so that she is even willing to put her own safety at risk.
      She recently attended a match where she had a front-row seat close to the action.
      But all the “glitz and glamour” went out the window after Gonzalo Montiel fired a powerful shot that missed the target but smacked her in the face leading to a broken nose.
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      Ashley told talkSPORT: I’ve got a broken nose right now because I went to a game and got hit in the nose.
      “It happened during the warm up. It was Montiel. I don’t think it’s glitz and glamour.”
      Ashley is a former NFL cheerleader who showed off her dancing skills at Super Bowl LII.
      She also gained her Masters degree in business management from Harvard University.
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      The mother of two met Turner in the US during his time at the MLS and they moved across the pond when she was eight months pregnant.
      Ashley added: “I don’t think I was necessarily prepared for the intensity of the Premier League. We came from MLS and obviously that’s not as high profile.
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      “This league is just developed in people’s blood and it’s a beautiful thing.
      “The pressure for the players and their families is something I don’t think you can prepare for.
      “You have to just go through the journey and experience it and that’s where you really learn the ins and outs of everything.
      “We moved over to Arsenal when I was eight months pregnant and I had to move before Matt finished up his season. I came to the country without a place to live.
      “It’s definitely different but I wouldn’t trade it for the world because I feel like Matt and I have grown closer for this experience.
      “It doesn’t make things easier not being able to have your family next door to call on and we’re grateful we have a very supportive family but that was definitely difficult.”
      Ashley revealed she broke her nose while watching Turner from the standsCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne
      Ashley was hit in the head by a wayward shot by Gonzalo MontielCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne
      Ashley followed Turner to England while she was eight months pregnantCredit: Instagram @ashhhlynnne More

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      My dad was a deaf footballer and I have epilepsy but I’ve scored against Man Utd and now I’m going to play against Messi

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      A FOOTBALL star who has epilepsy and whose father represented Great Britain’s deaf team has just secured a dream move that will see him come up against Lionel Messi.Matt Crooks will be aiming to put the Argentine superstar to sword just like he did the icon’s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Matt Crooks’ dad was a deaf footballer and he also has epilepsyCredit: Getty
      The star has just left Middlesbrough to make the move to the MLSCredit: PA
      The 30-year-old was unveiled as MLS side Real Salt Lake’s new signing yesterday after he joined them for an undisclosed fee from Middlesbrough.
      The 6ft 4in midfielder departs Boro as a huge fan favourite following his two-and-a-half years at the Riverside.
      He made 115 appearances for the club, scoring 23 times, including a famous strike against Manchester United.
      The Leeds-born ace grew up supporting the Red Devils, but his equaliser in the FA Cup back at Old Trafford sent the fourth round tie to penalties, which Boro went on to win 8-7, after Ronaldo had earlier missed a spot-kick.
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      Crooks penned an emotional farewell after his exit was confirmed, saying: “Only six months ago, I described this place as home and that it will remain.
      “But life is short and we only get one go at it, and to have the chance to experience football and life in another country with my family was one I was keen to take up.
      “Under each manager came different challenges and plenty of positions, yet all provided me with memories which I am sure I’ll be able to look back on fondly. Reading at home, United away, Spurs at home, Chelsea at home. Fantastic.
      “Good luck to everyone involved with the club for the rest of this campaign, I’m sure the lads and staff will give everything ’til the season ends.”
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      He played in various positions under several different managers at Middlesbrough, but he is looking forward to being deployed as a No10 out in America – and facing one the greatest ever in that position too.
      Crooks said: “MLS is getting a bigger name and a better reputation.
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      “Obviously with the likes of Messi and what have you coming over, that’s really enhanced the sport over here. I’m just looking forward to it.
      “I wouldn’t say I’m a Salt Lake or an RSL professor just yet, but I’m looking forward to getting to know more. That’s what I’m coming over for.
      “I think my role will be as one of the 10s. I think you’d like me to be in that 10 role.”
      Crooks’ journey to America has been incredible off the pitch as well as on it.
      As a player, he started at Huddersfield Town before having spells at Halifax, Hartlepool, Accrington, Rangers, Scunthorpe, Northampton and Rotherham before Boro.
      Away from the turf, the popular player with epilepsy, overcame the loss of a long-time footballing friend as well as growing up in a family where both his parents were deaf.
      Speaking previously to BBC, he said: “My dad is proud to be deaf, my mum is proud to be deaf, but I’m the same way about epilepsy in a way.
      “It’s a dangerous condition and can have serious consequences, but it’s part of me and part of who I am so I should embrace it and not live in fear of something happening.”
      He is not the only member of his family with an impressive sporting career.
      His father Dave represented Great Britain in football at four deaf Olympics and amassed a collection of one gold, a silver and a bronze medal.
      Crooks said: “My dad doesn’t forget to remind me about it.
      “He did a good job of making the most of what he had, even if it held him back in other parts of his life, he still made sure sport was a big part of his life and that’s something I get from him.
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      “It’s classed as a disability, but I’ve never looked at it and thought they’re disabled, they’re just deaf and it’s a different world to the hearing world. It’s not something to be looked down on.”
      Crooks is also involved in two charities, The Peter Doody Foundation – which aims to normalise epilepsy – and the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust – where he is the vice-chair and trustee, in honour of his late ex-Huddersfield team-mate.
      The much-loved star famously scored for Boro against Man Utd at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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      Footie star reveals team-mate puts butter in his coffee as fans gasp ‘send him straight to jail’

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      FOOTBALLER Dax McCarty horrified fans by revealing that one of his team-mates puts butter in his coffee.The MLS star, 36, joined Atlanta United from Nashville during the off-season.
      I have a teammate who shall not be named who adds butter to his coffee. He says I can’t criticize until I try it but I don’t want my breakfast to end up on the table so let’s ask the masses. Is this ok behavior or does he need to be taken straight to jail? pic.twitter.com/HMhJnot6v0— Dax McCarty (@DaxMcCarty11) February 12, 2024

      Dax McCarty has played 466 times in MLSCredit: Getty
      After arriving at the club’s facility for training, McCarty spotted one of his new team-mates’ bizarre habit.
      Taking to social media, the 13-cap USA international wrote: “I have a teammate who shall not be named who adds butter to his coffee.
      “He says I can’t criticize until I try it but I don’t want my breakfast to end up on the table so let’s ask the masses.
      “Is this ok behavior or does he need to be taken straight to jail?”
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      McCarty accompanied his post with a picture of his team-mate’s coffee, featuring two chunks of butter.
      The midfielder received a resounding answer to his question from revolted fans online.
      One wrote: “Lock him up.”
      While a second simply commented: “Jail.”
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      A third said: “Tell him in the south, the butter goes on everything else but the coffee.”
      And a fourth demanded: “drop the name, Dax.”
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      Although another added: “I’ve heard from coffee aficionados that raw butter is great in coffee. I haven’t been bold enough to try it.”
      Despite demands from fans, McCarty did not name which team-mate was drinking coffee with butter.
      The veteran has played in MLS since 2006, twice being named an All-Star and winning two Supporters’ Shields.
      He was also part of the victorious US national team that won the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2017. More

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      Sheffield Wednesday look to capitalise on deadline day paperwork error to secure transfer of MLS star

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY will make a new Duncan McGuire bid if they stay in the Championship.The Orlando striker, 23, flew in from the USA for talks with the Owls on the last day of the window, but then opted for Blackburn instead.
      Sheffield Wednesday will come back for Orlando City star Duncan McGuireCredit: Getty
      Blackburn almost signed McGuire during the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
      That deal collapsed after a paperwork error and McGuire is back in the MLS — but Wednesday and Blackburn are still keen.
      Rovers owners Venky’s, meanwhile, held a summit at which it was expected chief exec Steve Waggott would get the axe — but he survived.
      Secretary Ian Silvester could go after the McGuire cock-up.
      Blackburn fans slammed club chiefs after their failure to land McGuire during the January transfer window.
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      This comes after the Championship side sold star man Adam Wharton to Crystal Palace on deadline day following a £22million deal.
      The Rovers hierarchy explained the situation with a lengthy statement.
      It read: “Duncan McGuire’s proposed loan move to Blackburn from MLS side Orlando City has not been approved by the EFL to date due to the registration documents being submitted after the 11pm transfer deadline.
      “All of the necessary signed paperwork had been completed prior to 10pm on Thursday February 1st, however due to an administrative error, the forms were not processed within the prescribed time.
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      “Detailed discussions with legal representatives and the relevant football authorities have taken place over the past few days to try to reach an urgent and positive resolution to the matter.
      “The club’s lawyers have prepared the required papers and sent to the EFL Board, who will consider the case on Thursday February 8th.
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      “Orlando City have allowed McGuire to remain in the UK, pending the EFL Board’s decision.
      “He will return to the United States, where he will re-join his club ahead of the start of the 2024 MLS season, should his registration not be approved.
      “Should the appeal be refused then Blackburn will attempt to reach a pre-contract agreement with Orlando City over the coming weeks to enable the player to officially join the club on a permanent basis when the 2024 summer transfer window opens.” More