Major League Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi sparks ‘CHEAT’ storm after stunning last-gasp free-kick as legend sees MLS debut POSTPONED

      by

      LIONEL MESSI is at the centre of a stunning “CHEAT” storm.The football superstar, 36, has had an electric start to life in America after scoring seven goals in four games.
      Lionel Messi has been embroiled in a ‘cheat’ storm following his free-kick vs FC DallasCredit: Reuters
      Fans spotted Messi moving the ball slightly before taking his free-kickCredit: TikTok @comtrax_chicafitbolivia
      Messi moved the ball while the ref had his back turnedCredit: TikTok @comtrax_chicafitbolivia
      And some fans remarkably labelled him a ‘cheat’Credit: TikTok @comtrax_chicafitbolivia
      This video of Lionel Messi slowly and sneakily moving the ball a few feet to the left so he has a better angle on his free kick is a good reminder that even the world’s best athletes are constantly looking for an edge.pic.twitter.com/0WH9Jv9Pup— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) August 8, 2023

      DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
      His exploits included a stunning 85th minute free-kick against FC Dallas to send Inter Miami into extra-time of the Leagues Cup, before his side won the tie 5-3 on penalties.
      However, the Argentine World Cup winner has now sensationally been accused of “cheating” by some fans.
      Footage of the game shows Messi standing over the ball before his free-kick.
      And in the footage, the ex-Barcelona star can be seen inching the ball forward while the ref tends to the defensive wall.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The minor adjustments proved to be beneficial, with Messi nestling the set-piece into the top corner.
      But fans online were left split over the act.
      Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “This video of Lionel Messi slowly and sneakily moving the ball a few feet to the left so he has a better angle on his free kick is a good reminder that even the world’s best athletes are constantly looking for an edge.”
      A second argued: “‘Looking for an edge’ is the new way to refer to cheating, lol. And yes, i know that many others do the same…. and yes, i think they all cheat (because it’s against the rules).”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “Considering where the ball ended up going in, these slight movements made all the difference in actually scoring. That’s artistic genius by Messi,” remarked a third.
      A fourth hit back: “Cheating. You mean cheating.”
      Meanwhile, a fifth replied: “First time watching a football match? Every match this happens 100 times.”
      Another claimed: “What a cheater 😂.”
      Thanks to Inter’s progression in the Leagues Cup, Messi’s full Major League Soccer debut has been delayed.
      He had been due to make his MLS debut on August 20 against Charlotte FC.
      However, with the Herons progressing into the quarter-finals, the fixture has now been pushed back with the two sides set to meet at the PNK DRV Stadium on Friday.
      And with the semi-finals set to commence on August 19, one team will be unable to fulfil the original fixture slot.
      Read More on The Sun
      Incredibly, just one month after making his debut, Messi already sits joint-fourth in Inter’s all-time goalscorer charts.
      And at the rate he is going he will have no problem catching compatriot Gonzalo Higuain, who sits top with 29 goals. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      MLS fans slam ‘terrible competitors’ as they spot what Dallas stars did to heroic Lionel Messi after loss to Inter Miami

      by

      DALLAS FC stars were slammed by fans for trying to get a picture with Lionel Messi after he led Inter Miami’s amazing comeback against them. The Argentine helped Inter Miami fight back from 4-2 down to reach the League Cup quarter-finals.

      But MLS fans are disappointed with Dallas players for asking the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for a photo after throwing away their lead.
      One fan on social media said the Toros stars are “terrible competitors”.
      While another fan added: “They don’t care that they just lost”.
      A third fan wrote: “The same used to happen in ligue 1 tbf, everyone is a messi fan”.

      Messi opened the scoring after only six minutes before Dallas turned the game on its head.
      Heading into the final ten minutes, Dallas led 4-2 in the scorching heat.

      DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
      As temperatures soared to 37 degrees Messi decided to turn up the heat even further, firing a cross to force Dallas’s Marco Farhean to head in an own goal.
      Then with five minutes to go the 36-year-old smashed a free-kick into the top corner to send the game into penalties.
      Most read in Football
      The football legend then scored Miami’s first spot kick before Paxton Pomykal missed for Dallas, allowing the Herons to win 5-3. 
      Inter Miami are now through to the quarter-finals of the League Cup, where they will take on Houston Dynamo or Charlotte.  
      Meanwhile, the game has also made Messi the joint fourth-highest scorer in Inter Miami’s history – after only joining the club less than a month ago.
      The Argentine has scored seven goals in just four appearances and is now level with current team-mate Josef Martinez as well as former stars Lewis Morgan and Rodolfo Pizarro.

      Gonzalo Higuain tops the leaderboard with 29 goals and current inter players Leo Campana and Robert Taylor have 16 and eight goals respectively.
      Inter Miami was only founded in January 2018 by England legend David Beckham along with Jorge and Jose Mas.
      But it might not be long until Messi becomes the club’s all-time leading scorer.
      The 36-year-old is already Barcelona’s top marksman ever with a remarkable 672 goals, and he is also the record holder for Argentina with 103.
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Dallas stars ask Lionel Messi for a photo after their defeat against Inter Miami More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch RACCOON fall through ceiling and try to steal popcorn in MLS club’s press box as fans joke ‘they found new mascot’

      by

      REPORTERS at a Leagues Cup match in Utah were left stunned after a RACCOON unexpectedly fell into the press box.Prior to the clash between MLS side Real Salt Lake and Liga MX outfit Leon at America First Field on Thursday, the wild animal fell through a gap in the ceiling and crashed onto a table.
      A raccoon fell into the press box at America First FieldCredit: Twitter @calebturner23
      It then attempted to steal popcorn from a machineCredit: Twitter @calebturner23
      It then scurried over to a popcorn machine in an attempt to get food, leaving onlookers gobsmacked.
      One reporter, named Caleb Turner, filmed the incident unfold and posted the video on Twitter.
      The clip prompted a hilarious reaction from some fans, with one person tweeting: “Looks like he just smelled the popcorn and wanted some.”
      Another questioned: “Ok but did someone get him his popcorn?”
      Read More on Football
      A third joked: “Looks like Rocket has had a rough time since the Guardians of the Galaxy.”
      While one fan even suggested that Real Salt Lake change their mascot, adding: “Real Salt Lake immediately needs to change their mascot to #rocket the #raccoon and give this raccoon unlimited popcorn please.”
      After roaming around the press box, the raccoon then ran onto the stadium concourse among thousands of fans.
      The match between Real Salt Lake and Leon had been delayed due to torrential rain, so a huge crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the animal.
      Most read in Football

      DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      It then hung itself off a balcony while three people attempted a rescue mission.
      However, just before they were able to catch the raccoon, it fell to the ground floor and ran off again.
      The animal was eventually caught by members of security before they took it back outside.
      After all the chaos, the match was postponed until Friday due to the weather. More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi Scores Twice for Inter Miami in Win Over Orlando

      by

      Messi is scoring in bunches and last-place Inter Miami is a contender in the Leagues Cup. Could an M.L.S. playoff push be next?When it was announced that Lionel Messi was coming to Major League Soccer, there was excitement, of course. But there were also doubts. Would he treat his stay in the league as a retirement tour or even a vacation? Would the lower stakes lead to less effort? Would his age — 36 — catch up to him?In retrospect, it should have been obvious. It turns out that if you put the best player of his generation into M.L.S., less than two years removed from winning the Ballon d’Or as the game’s best player, and less than a year since he was named best player at the World Cup, he is going to be really, really good.Really good.Messi had two more goals on Wednesday night, bringing his total to five in his three games for his new team, Inter Miami. Still saddled with the worst record in the league, Inter is playing with panache, and Messi, at times, looks unstoppable.Messi’s arrival after two years at Paris St.-Germain coincided with the start of the Leagues Cup, a newly expanded tournament for teams from M.L.S. and Mexico’s Liga MX.He entered his first game on July 21 against Cruz Azul of Mexico early in the second half. And perhaps with the flair of a showman he waited until deep into injury time to hit a free kick from behind the circle over the wall and in the corner of the net to break a 1-1 tie.Eight minutes into his first start on July 25 against Atlanta, Messi was sprung clear, barely onside. He hit the post but slotted in the rebound. Later in the half, he latched onto a cross and had an easy second goal in what would eventually be a 4-0 win.That put Miami in the round of 32 against Orlando on Wednesday night. In the first half, Messi, completely unmarked, chested down a pass in the box and one-timed it into the net. In the second half, again with lots of space, he took a little chip from Josef Martínez and volleyed it home. Miami won, 3-1.Miami is now four wins away from the Leagues Cup title. Its form is all the more remarkable because the team pre-Messi was, quite simply, bad. It sits dead last of the 29 M.L.S. teams in the league standings with a 5-14-3 record. But that record does not matter at all in the Cup; Miami next travels to Dallas for a round of 16 game on Sunday.Inter Miami made the playoffs last year with a .500 record and was expected to improve with the addition of Martínez. But nothing seemed to go right for the team in the early going.Inter’s midseason revamp did not end with Messi. They also added two former greats at Barcelona, Messi’s longtime club, midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Jordi Alba, as well as Diego Gómez, a young Paraguayan midfielder. Messi is often said to make his teammates better, and one who seems to have benefited is Robert Taylor, a Finnish wingback, who has been regularly involved in Messi’s attacks and also had two goals of his own in the Atlanta game.It is impossible not to notice that in his games so far, Messi has been getting a lot more space to maneuver than he did in Europe. Of course, Messi is a genius at finding space. But the quality of the defending he is now facing is a clear cut below what he is used to.In Champions League play, it was hardly unusual for him to be swarmed by strong, technically skilled defenders, some of whom had little compunction about pushing the physicality of their challenges to or beyond the legal limit.M.L.S. defenders, whether overawed, less adept positionally or just too slow, haven’t kept anything like the same kind of pressure on him, at least so far. In his third game, Orlando did try to turn up the physicality, but the success of that tactic was debatable given his two goals.Win or lose the Leagues Cup, Miami will return to M.L.S. league play on Aug. 20. With Superman now playing attacking midfielder, can they actually come back and make the playoffs, or even win the title?They are 12 points and six places away from the playoff spots with just 12 games to play. That seems like a big gap. But based on his first three games, Messi looks like he can make a run at bridging it. More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi scores two volleys in latest Inter Miami win as awestruck fans say ‘this is art’… and poke fun of PSG

      by

      LIONEL MESSI scored TWO volleys as Inter Miami continued their perfect record since the Argentine’s arrival with a 3-1 win over Orlando City.The 36-year-old put David Beckham’s MLS side in front in the seventh minute, collecting a pass from Finnish midfielder Robert Taylor, taking it down on his chest and rifling home.
      Lionel Messi’s first goal was a close-range left-footed volleyCredit: AFP

      He then fired home a right-footed volley for his second goal of the gameCredit: AP

      Messi now has five goals in three games for Inter MiamiCredit: Reuters
      Orlando levelled up the Leagues Cup round of 32 tie 10 minutes later through Cesar Araujo.
      But Inter Miami regained the lead six minutes into the second half when Josef Martinez converted from the penalty spot.
      And there was still time for Messi to add a second, dispatching another volley – this time with his right foot – to spark scenes of ecstasy inside the DRV PNK Stadium.
      Messi now has five goals and one assist in just three games for the American outfit.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It comes after he experienced an up and down time during his two years with Paris Saint-Germain.
      He contributed 32 goals and 35 assists in 72 games – often turning provider for Kylian Mbappe.
      But he now appears to be the goalscorer again at Inter Miami – with fans hailing his latest performance.
      One said: “This is art.”
      Most read in Football

      DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Another added: “Making MLS look like his backyard, my GOAT.”
      A third replied: “It’s actually crazy how Messi didn’t even receive a single pass like this in two years with PSG…”
      And a fourth responded: “MLS stands for Messi’s League Soccer.”
      Inter Miami will now face FC Dallas on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi takes wife Antonela house-hunting in Miami.. and finds stunning mansion complete with putting green on ROOF

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has been snapped house-hunting with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo in Miami.The Argentine legend, 36, recently completed a free transfer to David Beckham’s MLS side Inter Miami.
      Lionel Messi and his family were shown around this houseCredit: MEGA/BACKGRID
      It is located 25 minutes from Inter Miami’s stadiumCredit: MEGA/BACKGRID
      He wore a black t-shirt and white shorts for the house viewingCredit: MEGA/BACKGRID
      Messi’s son wore an Inter Miami shirt while wife Antonela was in white shortsCredit: MEGA/BACKGRID
      Messi was seen on the putting green which is located on the roof terrace of the houseCredit: MEGA/BACKGRID
      And he has made the perfect start on the pitch, scoring three goals in his opening two games.
      They included a stoppage-time free-kick on his debut.
      Now he is looking to improve his lifestyle off the field as he seeks out another residency in the south-east state.
      He already has FOUR apartments on Miami Beach worth a reported £15million.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But he has now been seen touring some new homes that he could live in during his stint with the American outfit.
      The Barcelona icon was seen with partner Antonela and one of his sons – who was wearing an Inter Miami shirt with “Messi 10” on the back.
      And the house he was shown had a PUTTING GREEN on the ROOF.
      Messi could be seen watching on as a man sampled the raised golf area.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      According to Goal, the house is situated “in the prestigious Boca Raton region that sits an hour to the north of Miami, but only 25 minutes from DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale”.
      And the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was all smiles as he got back into his car with his family after the viewing.
      It has been a whirlwind two months for Messi since he chose to join Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
      Confirming his decision in June, he told Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo:
      “I’ve taken the decision that I am going to Miami. [I decided] to leave Europe.”
      He then added: “It’s true that I had offers from another European team but I didn’t even think about it because in Europe, my idea was only to go to Barcelona.
      “After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it’s time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day to day life more.
      “Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to win, and to do things well, but with more calm.”
      Meanwhile, Beckham recently revealed the ecstasy he experienced after landing Messi.
      He told The Athletic: “I never thought I would have the same feeling as an owner as I had when I was a player.
      Read More on The Sun
      “When I got the phone call, I had the feeling I had when I walked out at Old Trafford or Wembley.
      “I was like, ‘We’ve just beaten all competition to sign the greatest player to ever play our game’.”
      He appears to be looking for more houses to buy in MiamiCredit: MEGA/BACKGRID
      Messi was all smiles with his wife Antonela and one of his sonsCredit: MEGA/BACKGRID
      He had ‘Messi 10’ on the back of his shirtCredit: MEGA/BACKGRID More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      TNT Sports host Jules Breach ‘straight out of Barbie movie’ as she wows in daring outfit on trip to watch Lionel Messi

      by

      JULES BREACH was the latest celebrity to get involved in the Messi-mania flooding Florida – and teamed it up with a bit of Barbie fever.The TNT Sports presenter shared a post to her Instagram of her trip to Inter Miami in America.
      Jules Breach donned a striking all-pink outfit for her trip to Miami, FL, USCredit: Instagram @julesbreach
      Breach admitted to being washed away by Messi-maniaCredit: Instagram @julesbreach
      She paid a visit to Inter Miami’s DRV PNK StadiumCredit: Instagram @julesbreach
      In the post, Breach stunned in an all-pink outfit while visiting the DRV PNK (Drive Pink) Stadium.
      Rather appropriately, fans were left joking that she was out of Greta Gerwig’s hit Barbie film.
      One fan declared: “Looks like you just came out of the Barbie movie.”
      A second wrote: “Hi Barbie 💕💄.”
      READ MORE ON JULES BREACH
      Breach herself admitted to being swept away by Messi-mania, captioning her post: “Got fully involved in the Miami Messi mania and I’m not even ashamed 😆🐐.”
      The Argentine’s electric start to life in America has drawn all sorts of big names, including Lebron James, Serena Williams and Kim Kardashian.
      Breach also shared a collection of photos she had taken on the trip, showing the packed stadium from both inside and out for the game against Atlanta in which Messi scored twice, before sharing a snap that would not be out of place on Footy Scran.
      The Brighton fan’s outfit also drew praise from axed Sky Sports presenter Bianca Westwood, who said: “Love the co-ord.”
      Most read in Football
      Her post showed a packed stadiumCredit: Instagram @julesbreach
      While Breach also shared a post that would not look out of place on Footy ScranCredit: Instagram @julesbreach
      Another fan reacted: “Lovely picture of you! 🥰💞.”
      With someone else sharing: “Beautiful and gorgeous pictures.”
      Breach, 36, made a shock exit from her role as presenter on the Football Ramble podcast.
      However, the move did come with Breach moving into a role as TNT’s new pitchside reporter, replacing Des Kelly after he left the broadcaster.
      Breach stepped down from her presenting role on the Football Ramble podcastCredit: Instagram @julesbreach
      However, she has been named as TNT Sports new pitchside reporterCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sports presenter steals the show in bold dress at Wrexham’s pre-season clash against Philadelphia Union II

      by

      MLS presenter Michelle Montaine stole the show in a bold red dress as she hosted Wrexham’s clash with Philadelphia Union II last night.Montaine has presented the coverage of MLS Next Pro since February last year.
      Louise Montaine stole the show during Wrexham’s clash with Philadelphia Union IICredit: twitter @mlsnextpro
      She has presented the MLS Next Pro coverage since February 2022Credit: instagram @michellemontaine
      Montaine celebrating the 4th of July on her InstagramCredit: instagram @michellemontaine
      The presenter covers many sports, including baseballCredit: instagram @michellemontaine
      Next Pro presents coverage of MLS clubs’ second teams, which are often home to franchises’ up and coming talent.
      Given MLS clubs do not have academy systems this is often where fans catch their first glimpse of budding wonderkids.
      And Wrexham found that out yesterday when they went toe to toe with Philadelphia Union’s second XI last night.
      The Welsh club owned by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have been touring the US ahead of their League Two season.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The pre-season tour has seen them go up against Chelsea and Manchester United as well as the second XI of LA Galaxy.
      Their 1-1 draw with the Philadelphia Union on Friday night was heavily interrupted by thunderstorms as the game encountered a two-and-a-half hour delay.
      Tom O’Connor put Wrexham ahead after 43 minutes before Jeremy Rafanello equalised for the home side with a free-kick in first-half stoppage time.
      The teams had an extended half-time break after the extreme heat turned to thunderstorms and fans were warned to leave open seated areas to take refuge.
      Most read in Football
      She has also presented for ESPN+Credit: Credit: espn+
      The Texan has also presnted College football gamesCredit: instagram @michellemontaine
      Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson then rotated his entire XI for the second half as the Welsh club huffed and puffed to find a winner.
      Meanwhile, star striker Paul Mullin continued his recovery from a punctured lung that left him hospitalised as he was discharged from hospital.
      Mullin sustained the injury in a clash with young goalkeeper Nathan Bishop during Wrexham’s 3-1 win over the Red Devils.
      He has now joined up with the rest of his team-mates as they prepare to fly back to Wales.
      Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds called the young goalkeeper to smooth over any ill-feeling after it was felt that he was being vilified by Wrexham fans.
      Wrexham boss Parkinson reacted angrily after the match – calling Bishop “clumsy” and “reckless” in his post-match interview, much to the dismay of United staff.
      But the incident is now considered to be closed by both clubs. More