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    Inter Miami star Lionel Messi makes winter transfer decision amid Barcelona return and Saudi Arabia loan rumours

    LIONEL MESSI has made his decision over a winter transfer, according to reports.The Inter Miami star has been linked with a loan move to Barcelona or a Saudi Arabian club.
    Lionel Messi will reportedly not go out on loan this winterCredit: Reuters
    The MLS season is drawing to a close and the David Beckham-owned side are set to miss out on the play-offs with just two matches against Charlotte to go this term.
    There was speculation Messi could keep busy until the 2024 season begins in February by going on loan.
    But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims he is not considering joining another team.
    He is reportedly fully focused on Inter Miami and Argentina.
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    His national side face Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and bitter rivals Brazil in 2026 World Cup qualifiers over the next two months.
    Inter Miami’s pre-season will begin in January, but Messi could play in friendlies with the club set to take place in Asia in November.
    He is afterwards expected to take a holiday for one month.
    Barcelona have supposedly been open to bringing back the 36-year-old legend despite financial troubles.
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    Meanwhile, Messi rejected a £350million-a-year deal from Al-Hilal over the summer.
    They instead signed his old Barca team-mate Neymar. More

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    When is the Lionel Messi documentary? Release date, how to stream and TV channel

    World Cup winner and global superstar Lionel Messi has a new Apple TV+ documentary out now.The series follows Messi – fresh off the back of a starring role in leading Argentina to a first World Cup since 1986 – at Inter Miami in the MLS.
    Lionel Messi after a 1-0 loss to Cincinnati in the MLS on SundayCredit: Reuters
    ‘Messi meets America’ will primarily follow the 36-year-old but will also feature his new team-mates heavily as well as other figures such as David Beckham – the club’s owner.
    When will ‘Messi meets America’ be released?
    The documentary has already released its first three episodes globally – with further episodes being released three weeks later – on November 1.
    Which TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?

    Messi meets America is currently available to stream on Apple TV+.
    The streaming service costs £6.99/month.
    You can watch on your mobile, tablet, PC, games console or Sky Q box with the official app.
    Non-subscribers can watch the first episode for FREE as long as they have an Apple ID login.

    What teams has Lionel Messi played for?
    Messi made his debut for Spanish side Barcelona in 2004 and quickly made a name for himself as a dribbling sensation – winning his first LaLiga in the same season.
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    He exploded into the world stage in the 2008-09 season where he played a key role in Barcelona winning their first-ever Treble – scoring in the Champions League final against Manchester United.
    The Argentine went on to win ten domestic leagues and two more Champions Leagues – as well as several Ballon D’Ors and breaking numerous goal-scoring records.
    But due to financial issues at Barcelona, Messi was sold to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021 in order to offload his salary on to the shoulders of the Qatari-owned club.
    Where is Lionel Messi now?
    Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer from PSG after a turbulent and relatively unsuccessful two-year stint in the French capital.
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    The former Barcelona superstar played in the Leagues Cup before the start of the MLS season – where he finished as the top scorer with ten goals in seven games.
    And he has already opened his account in the MLS this season with a goal and two assists in his first five matches. More

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    Saudi Arabia ‘preparing Lionel Messi winter loan transfer’ months after superstar rejected £350m a year with Al Hilal

    SAUDI ARABIA are exploring the possibility of signing Lionel Messi on loan this winter, according to reports.The superstar signed for Inter Miami in the summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
    Lionel Messi could move to Saudi Arabia on loan this winterCredit: Getty
    But the 2023 MLS regular season finishes later this month and the new campaign does not start until next February.
    That means Messi would have four months out of action – so a loan move could be on the cards.
    According to reporter Rudy Galetti, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund are preparing a move for Messi.
    The former Barcelona star previously rejected a £350million a year move to Al-Hilal, who signed his pal Neymar in the summer.
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    Several Saudi clubs could try to sign Messi with Galetti claiming there could be developments soon.
    Barcelona are also interested in a loan move which would see Messi make an emotional return to the Spanish giants.
    Sport claim that no move has been discussed with David Beckham’s outfit yet, but it is an option that Barcelona are seriously considering.
    Inter Miami are five points off the play-off places in the Eastern Conference with just three games of the regular season left to go.
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    Should they progress, then that could result in them going all the way to the MLS Cup Final, which takes place on December 9.
    And should that scenario occur, it would scupper Barca’s hopes of luring Messi back. More

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    Wayne Rooney set to return to English football as high-flying Championship club SACK boss to swoop for Man Utd legend

    WAYNE ROONEY is edging closer to a return to England football after Birmingham sacked boss John Eustace.Pressure has been mounting on Eustace since the Blues’ American takeover.
    Wayne Rooney is expected to be appointed new Birmingham managerCredit: Reuters
    Birmingham have sacked manager John EustaceCredit: Getty
    SunSport reported last month that former England captain Rooney has been in constant touch with part-owner, and NFL legend, Tom Brady.
    And it now seems St Andrews chiefs have moved quickly to get their man after Rooney left MLS side DC United at the weekend.

    That’s despite Eustace recording an impressive 3-1 win over local rivals West Brom on Friday night, which saw Birmingham move up to sixth in the Championship.
    The Blues released a statement announcing Eustace’s departure, thanking the 43-year-old for his efforts.
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    The statement read: “It is essential that the Board of Directors and the football management are fully aligned on the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire Football Club.
    “With this in mind, Birmingham City has today parted company with Head Coach, John Eustace.
    “Eustace departs after 15 months in charge, having helped to stabilise and strengthen the Club on the pitch following his appointment in July 2022.
    “In his first season at the helm, he guided the team to a 17th-place finish, securing Sky Bet Championship status with three games remaining.
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    “During his time at St. Andrew’s, he galvanised the squad to deliver a number of memorable moments in testing circumstances.
    “The Club would like to thank John for his contribution. His dedication and work ethic was evident throughout his time in B9 and he will always be welcomed back to St. Andrew’s.
    “A new First Team Manager will be announced in the coming days who will be responsible for creating an identity and clear ‘no fear’ playing style that all Birmingham City teams will adopt and embrace.
    “The Club will be issuing no further comment at this time.”
    It is expected Rooney will be appointed boss in the coming days, with Birmingham not playing again until after the international break.
    The Manchester United legend’s son Kai even dropped a huge hint at his dad’s destination, by following a host of first-team and academy stars on social media.
    And Wazza is already said to be planning to bring in a couple of pals to work alongside him in the midlands.
    Chelsea and England legend Ashley Cole will join as a coach, with Rooney’s old United team-mate John O’Shea also set for a role.
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    Rooney, 37, left DC United — who he played for in his first spell in the US — after they missed out on the MLS Cup play-offs.
    If he is handed the Blues job during the international break his first game could come against old Red Devils pal Michael Carrick, who is manager of Middlesbrough. More

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    Wayne Rooney leaves DC United as Man Utd legend breaks silence on next manager’s job after missing out on playoffs

    WAYNE ROONEY has decided to leave DC United.The MLS club confirmed his departure late on Saturday evening, with officials insisting that it was a “mutual” agreement.
    Wayne Rooney has left DC UnitedCredit: AP
    A statement from DC United CEO and Co-Chairman Jason Levien read: “We have spoken with Wayne and agreed it is best for us to part ways at this time.
    “This decision creates the avenue for our next General Manager to have the full opportunity to impart a new philosophy and structure onto our sporting operations, which begins with the critical identification of a Head Coach who will best align with this.
    “We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for all he has done for our club and for soccer in the Nation’s Capital, first as a D.C. United player and captain and most recently as our coach.
    “He remains an important part of the D.C. United family and a valued and cherished friend.”
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    Addressing his departure, Rooney said: “It’s the right time. I’ve done everything I can to get this club into the playoffs. It’s not a single thing that’s happened. It’s about timing.
    “What lies ahead, I don’t know. I’ve seen a lot of reports in the media. I’m going back with nothing lined up.”

    Rooney returned to DC United in July 2022 after leaving Derby County.
    He was in charge of the Washington-based side for 52 games, racking up just 13 wins and 26 defeats.
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    The Manchester United legend is now set to return to England, but he is yet to find a new job.
    Rooney has been heavily linked with a move to Birmingham City, with current manager John Eustace tipped for the vacant Rangers position.
    Blues co-owner and NFL icon Tom Brady has been in constant contact with the former striker in recent weeks over the job.
    Brady believes Rooney will be able to attract big players to St Andrew’s and eventually lead the club back to the Premier League. More

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    David Beckham hints at signing Champions League winner for Inter Miami with cheeky remark in Netflix doc

    DAVID BECKHAM has hinted that Inter Miami could attempt to sign former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona winger Neymar.The England legend founded Inter Miami in 2018, four years after exercising his option to purchase a club.
    David Beckham claimed Neymar will one day be an Inter Miami player in his documentary seriesCredit: Netflix
    Neymar currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    Beckham’s side – which is co-owned by Jorge and Jose Mas – made its MLS debut in 2020, but failed to hit the ground running.
    Several high-profile players signed for the Herons, including Blaise Matuidi and Gonzalo Higuain, but they struggled to challenge for any silverware.
    That was until Lionel Messi arrived.
    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Inter Miami in a free transfer from PSG in June and has already scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 12 appearances.
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    He also helped the club to its first-ever trophy – the Leagues Cup.
    Former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have since joined Messi at the DRV PNK Stadium.
    But Beckham is keen to add even more big names to his squad.
    And he has hinted that he will try to sign Neymar next.
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    While showing a video of the Brazilian winger in his new Netflix documentary, BECKHAM, the ex-Man Utd star said: “He’ll be playing for us one day.”
    He added: “I want to win with the best players and the best team.”
    Neymar joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in a £77.6million transfer from PSG in August.
    However, he has grown increasingly frustrated since making the switch.
    The ex-Barcelona star was left stunned after discovering the state of the pitch he was expected to play on last week.
    He returned to Brazil earlier this week to witness the birth of his second child.
    Neymar announced the arrival of daughter Mavie early on Saturday morning. More

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    Barcelona ‘lining up sensational loan return for Lionel Messi in January’ but it depends on Inter Miami’s fate

    LIONEL MESSI could be set for a sensational return to Barcelona in January – but it all depends on Inter Miami’s fate.The 36-year-old Argentina superstar came through the ranks at the Nou Camp to achieve legendary status with the LaLiga club.
    Lionel Messi could make a sensational return to Barcelona this seasonCredit: Getty
    He smashed almost every record going and fired them to ten titles, four Champions League crowns and the Fifa Club World Cup on three occasions.
    However, as the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic crippled Barcelona, they were unable to afford his contract renewal in 2021.
    Messi did bid an emotional farewell at a press conference after agreeing a switch to Paris Saint-Germain but he never got the opportunity to say goodbye out on the Nou Camp pitch in front of his adoring public.
    Now Spanish publication Sport are claiming that he may finally get that opportunity to get a proper send-off in what would be a magical return this summer.
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    But it all depends on whether his new side Inter Miami makes the Major League Soccer play-offs.
    Messi departed PSG this summer as a free agent but Barcelona were still unable to afford a deal to bring him back.
    He instead jetted off to America to sign for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
    The forward has made a huge impact so far Stateside as inspired the club to its first-ever piece of silverware in August as they beat Nashville to lift the League Cup.
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    Their league form has also taken a huge upturn, but this fresh report states that Barcelona are considering a loan move for him during the winter window should Inter not make the MLS play-offs.
    Sport claim that no move has been discussed with Beckham’s outfit yet, but it is an option that Barcelona are seriously considering.
    Inter are five points off the play-off places in the Eastern Conference with just three games of the regular season left to go.
    Should they progress, then that could result in them going all the way to the MLS Cup Final, which takes place on December 9.
    And should that scenario occur, then this update says that would scupper Barca’s hopes of luring Messi back.
    They are next in action tonight at home to leaders Cincinnati – but it remains to be seen if Messi will be in action.
    The veteran magician has been sidelined for the last four matches with a scar tissue problem. More

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    Messi up for MLS MVP award despite only playing FOUR games as fans joke ‘might as well nominate him for Oscar too’

    LIONEL MESSI has been nominated for Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player award, despite playing just FOUR Games. World Cup winner Messi only arrived in the United States in July as he linked up with Inter Miami.
    Lionel Messi has been nominated for the MLS MVP awardCredit: Getty
    Messi has been nominated for the award despite playing only four regular season gamesCredit: Getty
    Messi promptly came into the team and used his magic to fire Inter to their first-ever silverware with the Leagues Cup, scoring ten goals and adding one assist.
    However, those were not regular season games for the MLS.
    The 36-year-old has appeared in four regular season games for David Beckham’s franchise.
    In those games, he has scored once and also contributed two assists.
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    Despite these less-than-impressive numbers and low sample size, Messi has been nominated for the League’s MVP award – which is named after USMNT legend Landon Donovan.
    Responding to the news, fans were left stunned, with one remarking: “What kind of joke 🤡.”
    A second said: “Ridiculous whoever put his name on that list.”
    A third joked: “Might as well nominate him for Emmy, Golden Globe, Oscar and Grammy while we are at it.”
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    Messi helped Inter Miami to win the Leagues CupCredit: EPA
    Inter Miami owner David Beckham hugged Messi after the winCredit: Getty
    Another added: “There is a better argument for giving Taylor Swift NFL MVP than giving the injured Messi MLS MVP on a team that will miss playoffs.”
    Regardless of Messi’s late introduction into the team, Inter’s poor start to the season means they are set to miss out on the post-season play-offs.
    Last season’s play-off final saw Gareth Bale score in extra-time as Los Angeles FC beat Philadelphia Union on penalties.
    MLS teams can nominate a maximum of two players for the award.
    Voting will begin on October 10 and conclude on October 23 at the end of the MLS regular season.
    The winner is determined by three voting factors, each with a third of the weighting:

    Current MLS players
    MLS coaches, technical directors/general managers
    Select media members representing local and national outlets who consistently covered the 2023 MLS regular season

    Messi was also nominated in the Newcomer of the Year category.
    The Barcelona legend reportedly plans to return boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys when his current contract runs out in 2025. More