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      Watch Inter Miami ‘turn into prime Barcelona’ as Lionel Messi scores after outrageous build-up play including ‘mad’ pass

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      FANS went wild after Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami after the team put together a brilliant build-up passage of play.The Argentine star continued to impress at his new club as he netted his first goal in the MLS.
      Jordi Alba played an outrageous pass to Lionel MessiCredit: Twitter
      Messi then picked a brilliant through ball to Benja CremaschiCredit: Twitter
      Who then played the ball back across goal
      For Messi to tap home
      It is his 11th goal for Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
      Messi, 36, has now managed 11 goals in his first seven appearances for the US outfit.
      He had only featured in the Leagues Cup and the US Open Cup before making his debut in the MLS.
      Inter Miami were facing New York Red Bulls and had taken the lead in the 37th minute through Diego Gomez.
      But it was in the 89th minute that Inter Miami showed their new talent with former Barcelona stars such as Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets all linking up together.
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      Busquets played an aeriel ball into the box which was then outrageously bicycle-kicked by Alba to Messi.
      The forward then made a ridiculous pass through two defenders to the rushing Benja Cremaschi who then returned the ball to Messi for an open goal tap-in.
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      One fan tweeted: “Messi has these guys playing like prime Barcelona.”
      A second commented: “What kind of pass is that… Is Messi mad!? What kind of unrealistic pass is that!!!”
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      A third wrote: “Messi’s innovation there was just next level. Come on man! How do you make a pass like that!”
      A fourth said: “Messi is a cheat. He has to tell us who he really is. Not human.”
      A fifth added: “These are the passes you do in FIFA 23 not real life – 5D vision.”
      While another joked: “Bro is inventing football hacks.”
      Inter Miami went on to win the game 2-0 and have climbed off the bottom of the Western Conference as they leapfrogged Toronto into 14th.
      Earlier in the week, Messi’s wife hilariously hugged Alba during celebrations – with fans convinced Antonela Roccuzzo did not recognise he was not her husband. More

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      Watch moment Lionel Messi’s wife ‘mistakes his team-mate for him’ as she runs over to give wrong man a hug

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      LIONEL MESSI’S wife Antonela seems to be only person in America who doesn’t recognise him.The football icon’s other half was seen hugging his teammate Jordi Alba in a hilarious case of what seemed like mistaken identity.
      Antonella got confused between Messi and Jordi AlbaCredit: Twitter / @Futbol_DAM
      She then realised at the last moment before laughing it offCredit: Twitter / @Futbol_DAM
      Messi, 36, now plies his trade with David Beckham’s MLS side Inter Miami.
      And the World Cup winner has lifted his first trophy since leaving PSG this summer.
      Messi scored early in regulation and converted the first spot kick as Inter Miami beat Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties in the League Cup final.
      And afterwards is wife Antonela Roccuzzo, 35, joined the on pitch celebrations to congratulate her superstar husband.
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      However, some eagle-eyed fans believe that Antonela mistook Jordi Alba for her husband.
      In a hilarious interaction, the Argentine model, approached Alba with her arms stretched ready to embrace him, only to realise moments before that it was not her husband.
      The two laughed as they moved their heads crossways, before hugging from a distance.
      The disordered moment left fans in hysterics, one said: “Antonella thought Alba was Messi 😂.”
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      Another added: “They were both lost😂”.
      A third wrote: “In her defence, they do look the same from a distance”.
      A fourth chimed: ” I TOLD YOU THEY ARE TWINS”.
      But a fifth disagreed: “She knew it was Jordi. They probably didn’t hug because of how sweaty he must be”.
      Alba was reunited with his Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, after signing as a free agent.
      The full-back left the Catalan giants earlier this year after 11 glittering seasons since joining from Valencia in 2012.
      The couple are enjoying life in South FloridaCredit: Instagram
      Antonela has recently been partying with Victoria BeckhamCredit: Instagram More

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      Lionel Messi could start MLS debut on the BENCH hints manager despite tickets selling for nearly £20,000

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      LIONEL MESSI is set to be benched for Inter Miami’s MLS opener against New York Bulls, despite tickets selling for nearly £20,000.After a remarkable first month in the US, the Argentine legend was lined up to make his Major League Soccer debut this Saturday at the Red Bull Arena.
      Lionel Messi is set to be on the bench in Inter Miami’s MLS openerCredit: Alamy
      The Inter Miami captain has so far scored 10 goals for the team and led his side to victory winning the Leagues Cup last Saturday against Nashville SC.
      But he has yet to showcase his talent in the MLS.
      Fans assumed the World Cup champion would be starting in Inter Miami’s MLS opener- causing a frenzy on ticket resale sites.
      Some fans are flogging their seat at the game for up to $23,528 (£18,624).

      But Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has said the ex-Barcelona star has reached a “physical limit”, hinting Messi may not start Saturday and needs some well-deserved rest.
      Martino said after Wednesday’s win over Cincinnati: “Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit and from today we will start to evaluate this.”
      Since his debut on July 21, the 36-year-old has played eight matches in 33 days – accumulating nearly 750 minutes of football.
      The ex-Mexico boss added: “You also have to take into account the large number of games that we played in 45, 50 days.”
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      Messi has started every game for Inter Miami besides coming on as a second-half sub for his Leagues Cup debut against Cruz Azul on July 21st.
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      The Inter Miami captain was expected to make his MLS debut against Charlotte FC on August 20th.
      But the match was postponed due to both teams’ Leagues Cup commitments.
      That saw Saturday’s tickets for the match in New York skyrocket on resale websites.
      On Monday – almost a week out from matchday – the lowest-priced ticket (including all fees) on the website Gametime costs a staggering $610.
      The top-priced seats were being flogged for $17,554 a piece- once nearly $6,000 worth of taxes are added on, the total cost is $23,528. 
      Tata Martino has said Messi has reached a ‘physical limit’Credit: AP More

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      David Beckham breaks silence on Lionel Messi ‘fix’ claims as he insists ‘it’s the biggest compliment anyone can give’

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      DAVID BECKHAM has said that people who are suggesting Inter Miami’s recent wins are a “fix” is paying the team the “biggest compliment anyone can give”. Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati 5-4 on penalties to make the final of the US Open Cup after a comeback from two goals down.
      David Beckham hits back at “fix” claims against Inter MiamiCredit: Reuters
      The team owned by the England legend found themselves 2-0 down only for Lionel Messi to help them get back into the game with two assists.
      It went to extra-time with the score ending 3-3 before the Argentine star converted his spot-kick to help his team win on penalties.
      This comes just days after the former Barcelona trio of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba helped the US side to their first silverware.
      Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup after beating SC Nashville on penalties.

      After the latest victory, the former Manchester United midfielder responded to “fix” claims when a reporter stated their recent matches almost appeared to be scripted.
      Beckham said: “Every time Messi scores one of these goals.
      “Every time Sergio Busquets makes one of these passes.
      “Every time Jordi Alba makes one of these runs, people say ‘Is it a fix?’.
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       “It’s the biggest compliment that anyone can give these players because it is like a movie. 
      “You watch these players play and it’s emotional because everything about their play is beautiful.
      “Everything about their mannerisms is beautiful and everything about them as individuals, off the pitch, is beautiful.”
      Inter Miami will now play Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final on September 27.
      They have now gone eight matches unbeaten since the arrivals of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
      The 2022 World Cup winner has scored ten goals in eight games since moving to the States.
      Lionel Messi has scored ten goals for Inter MiamiCredit: Alamy More

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      I’m an MLS Wag – I can’t believe what Lionel Messi’s sweat smells like after my husband brought home his shirt

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      LIONEL MESSI’S sweat smells like cologne, according to the Wag of MLS star Dax McCarty.The Nashville midfielder was lucky enough to get his hands on Messi’s jersey following the Leagues Cup final.
      Dax McCarty managed to get his hands on Lionel Messi’s matchworn shirtCredit: Instagram @Daxmccarty
      Jen McCarty said the top smelled of cologneCredit: Instagram @jen.zyski.mccarty
      Messi scored twice in the final including one in the penalty shoot-out to claim his 44th trophyCredit: Reuters
      Messi scored in the 1-1 draw with Inter Miami winning 10-9 on penalties to hand the superstar the 44th trophy of his career.
      But McCarty was not too downbeat after the match as he took Messi’s shirt home and warned his wife he would frame it.
      He shared the photo on Instagram, writing: “Love my guys, proud of this group.
      “Jen McCarty, sorry but last slide is going in a frame above the bed.”
      READ MORE ON MESSI
      Jen replied in the comments saying: “No chance that’s happening.”
      She posted the same photo on Twitter alongside the caption: “We smelled it. It smells like he sweats straight cologne!”
      Messi, 36, scored a stunning goal in the final to continue his brilliant start in MLS – he now has ten goals in seven games for Inter Miami.
      The Argentine also converted the opening spot kick for his side in the shoot-out as they went on to claim their first trophy since their foundation in 2020.
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      And Messi followed up his star turn in the game with a classy gesture before the team’s trophy lift.
      The new Inter Miami captain placed his armband on his predecessor DeAndre Yedlin’s arm and insisted on doing a joint lift of the Leagues Cup with the American. More

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      Chelsea launch shock transfer bid for £12m-rated MLS star as Pochettino searches for Kepa replacement

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      CHELSEA are keeping tabs on New England Revolution goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s departure.Kepa joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan to cover for another former Blues keeper in Thibaut Courtois, who could miss the whole campaign after rupturing his ACL.
      Chelsea are keen to sign New England Revolution goalkeeper Djorde PetrovicCredit: Getty
      Chelsea want Petrovic to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga after he joined Real Madrid on loanCredit: Getty
      Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is actively looking for another goalkeeper after signing Robert SanchezCredit: Rex
      According to The Athletic, the West Londoners are keen on Petrovic to replace the Spain international and have opened talks with his MLS club.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side have reportedly made an opening bid for the Serbia international.
      And deal could be reached in the range of £12million with talks between the two sides ongoing.
      The 23-year-old is highly-rated and many consider him the best goalkeeper in the US.
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      Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton to reinforce Pochettino’s squad after Edouard Mendy’s departure to Al-Ahli.
      However, the Argentine tactician also lost Gabriel Slonina, who joined Eupen on loan.
      Pochettino addressed the club’s continuing search for another goalkeeper before Sunday’s Premier League clash at West Ham.
      The ex-Tottenham manager admitted Chelsea are “thinking and exploring all of the situations and possibilities on the market”.
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      New England Revolution have already rejected bids from Nantes and Nottingham Forest, who ultimately got Petrovic’s predecessor Matt Turner from Arsenal.
      They insisted they didn’t want to lose their No1 before the end of the season and the summer transfer window in the MLS is now closed.
      But Petrovic is keen to move to Stamford Bridge this summer and fight for a place between the sticks.
      Revolution, who can still sign free agents, are preparing for the worst and are thus keeping tabs on Josh Cohen after an impressive season with Maccabi Haifa. More

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      Lionel Messi reveals secret behind his superhero goal celebrations at Inter Miami and why he only does it for home games

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      LIONEL MESSI revealed his superhero celebrations are dedicated to his three children.Messi joined Inter Miami as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last month and signed a two-and-a-half-year deal worth in the region of £35-£47million per season with David Beckham’s team.
      Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi celebrates like a superhero for his three sons
      Messi reserves those celebrations for home matches when his sons are in attendance
      Messi celebrates like Spiderman, Thor or Black Panther during MLS matches
      And the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is earning every single penny as she has already amassed a staggering nine goals and one assist in only six matches with the MLS outfit.
      The star forward has also adopted a new celebration that sees him strike poses similar to Marvel heroes Thor, Black Panther and Spiderman.
      However, the Argentina captain reserves those celebrations for home matches at the DRV PNK Stadium.
      That is because the 36-year-old’s sons Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7, and Ciro, 5, always attend his matches at Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
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      And they are used to spending the evenings watching superhero movies with their dad.
      Messi said: “My three kids are still on vacation and haven’t started school yet, so every night we watch superhero movies.
      “They came up with the idea and told me that whenever I have a game and score a goal, I do a superhero celebration.
      “But I only do them for home games, when the kids are here, near me, so we can share those moments.”
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      Messi has been joined by former Barcelona team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at Inter Miami.
      They are coached by their former Barca manager Gerardo Martino, who replaced Phil Neville in the dugout.
      The Argentine legend opted for a move to the US over a return to Barcelona because it would give him more time with his family. More

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      At Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s Only Complaint Is the Humidity

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      After taking the Leagues Cup tournament by storm, Messi, 36, had his first news conference since joining Inter Miami. It was clear he is now in a more relaxed stage of his career.The version of Lionel Messi who has become South Florida’s reigning sport king is not the playmaker in his prime that he was for Barcelona or the tortured captain-under-pressure that he was for Argentina. The Messi of Miami is, in his own words, happy. Very happy.Happy to have moved his family to a city where they used to vacation. Happy to greet legions of adoring fans. Happy to show his young new team, Inter Miami of M.L.S., how to win. Less happy, perhaps, to deal with South Florida’s crushing summer humidity.Those were Messi’s reflections in the first news conference of his career in the United States, a rite of passage for newly acquired star players that was supposed to take place when he arrived about a month ago. But Messi is not just any player. He is known to rarely speak to reporters. And the circuslike atmosphere that surrounded his first days in town was unlike anything M.L.S. had ever seen, even when David Beckham arrived in 2007.So Messi’s moment to meet the American press was delayed until now, after his team had won six straight games and he had scored nine goals for his new club. Inter Miami, which had the fewest points in M.L.S. regular-season play before it signed Messi, will now play the final of the new Leagues Cup tournament against Nashville S.C. on Saturday.“I think the team experienced a lot of growth,” the soft-spoken Messi said in Spanish, crediting the new coach, Gerardo Martino, the Argentine known as Tata who had coached Messi at Barcelona and on the Argentine national team, with helping the turnaround. (Two of his former Barcelona teammates, midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Jordi Alba, have also joined him at Inter.)It was one of several understatements Messi delivered during a 20-minute news conference in which he took just 10 questions from a room packed with more than 70 reporters, a dozen television cameras and outlets from Argentina, Brazil and Spain. (“The best player in the history of world soccer just sat here!” one man exclaimed in Spanish to his viewers, pointing to a chair shortly after Messi left.)When a reporter asked about the ease with which Messi and Inter Miami have defeated their M.L.S. and Liga MX opponents in the tournament, hinting at the inferior level of competition he now faces compared with Europe, Messi spoke about “setting difficult goals” for Inter — and praised Liga MX and M.L.S. teams’ ability to compete.“The Mexican league is a very competitive league, where they have great, world-class players,” he said.Messi has scored nine goals in six games in the Leagues Cup tournament, including on Tuesday in a semifinal against the Philadelphia Union, one of the better teams in M.L.S. in recent years.Eric Hartline/Usa Today Sports Via Reuters ConIt was clear that Messi, 36, who led Argentina to its first World Cup championship in more than three decades last year, was in a more relaxed chapter of his career. Asked if he thought he might win the Ballon d’Or, the award given annually to the world’s best soccer player, for an eighth time, he said he was not considering it, especially “after having achieved the World Cup.”Messi did acknowledge that tearfully leaving Barcelona in 2021 for Paris St.-Germain was a rough transition. The move happened “practically overnight,” he said, making it difficult for him to get used to a new club and a city that was not a particularly good fit for his family.In contrast, his wife and three sons blessed coming to Miami, he said, characterizing it as a decision the family made together. Messi chose Miami over a reportedly more lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia, which is pursuing top talent, and over a potential return to Barcelona, which is in financial trouble.“It’s a city of many Latinos, and that makes everything easier,” he said. “All the time, they are showing you affection, closeness. That, already, is the most important thing, the healthiest thing, and the most beautiful thing to adjust and be able to enjoy what you do.”More than a hundred fans clad in Inter and Argentina jerseys waited outside the stadium to catch a glimpse of his departing car after the news conference, despite the rain.“One never completely adapts to this climate,” Messi had said moments earlier.James Wagner More