Major League Soccer

LIONEL MESSI and Luis Suarez have missed out on the MLS top scorer award despite their fine form this season.They helped Inter Miami finish top of the Eastern Conference for the first time in the club’s short history.Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi finished joint-second in the top scorer rankingsCredit: GettyChristian Benteke scooped the awardCredit: APIt is a remarkable turnaround for David Beckham’s team, who had only qualified for the play-offs once previously and last year finished second bottom.Messi, 37, has rolled back the years in his first full MLS season, having joined Miami in the summer of 2023.He helped them win the Leagues Cup last season and Inter Miami could win silverware once again now they are in the MLS Cup play-offs.They are amongst the favourites after achieving a record-breaking points tally of 74 in the regular season, with the side packed with icons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi scored his first hat-trick against New England Revolution last week and finished the regular season with 20 goals.His team-mate Luis Suarez achieved the same total but the legendary pair were beaten to top spot by a Premier League cult hero.Former Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke took the top goalscorer prize after netting 23 goals for DC United.Fans were shocked to see Benteke win with one saying: “Messi cant even outscore washed Benteke😭 this league is so bad.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Messi lost to Benteke 😂”And a third wrote: “So Benteke is still balling.”Christian Benteke works up a sweat in some intense solo trainingMessi managed his 20 goals in just 19 games however, compared to Benteke’s 30. More

DAVID BECKHAM has revealed that he banned Inter Miami stars from posting their outfits on social media before games.Beckham, 49, became a fashion icon as well as brilliant footballer during his Manchester United days in the 1990s.David Beckham recently sat down for a chat with former team-mate Rio FerdinandCredit: YouTube/Rio Ferdinand PresentsLionel Messi and Co have to adhere to Becks’ rulesCredit: RexThe former England captain was never afraid to push the boundaries with his outfits, much to the frustration of then-boss Sir Alex Ferguson.But as an owner, Becks may have a more similar attitude to Sir Alex than he would have imagined.During a chat with old team-mate Rio Ferdinand for the former defender’s YouTube channel, the pair discussed the trend of players showing off their outfits in US Sports, particularly basketball.They then mentioned that Barcelona had done something similar in football, before being banned by boss Hansi Flick.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite having been a fashion enthusiast himself, Beckham revealed, to Ferdinand’s shock, that he had taken a similar stance to the German.He admitted: “Yeah, funnily enough, our team started doing it a couple of times and I stopped that.”Ferdinand, 45, replied: “The man about fashion. The man who broke down all the barriers…”Becks then clarified: “Yeah, but we weren’t winning games at that point.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInter Miami stars are not allowed to show off elaborate outfits before gamesCredit: APBeckham was never afraid to try bold new outfits in the 1990sCredit: GettyHis pal immediately understood, adding: “That’s the key, see, that’s what I’m like.”That’s like, if I’m my owner, I don’t wanna see you on social media if we’re seventh or eighth.David Beckham reveals wife Victoria’s extremely healthy favourite date night dish – after admitting she’s eaten the same meal for 25 years “I can’t believe that Mr. Fashion said there’s no fashion going on at my football club.”While Inter Miami may have been struggling in that period, they have been riding high since the addition of Lionel Messi.With the Argentine’s former Barca pals Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba having also joined, they currently sit top of MLS’ Eastern Conference.Following Beckham’s 2003 Man Utd exit, Ferguson claimed that the midfielder had become “distracted” after meeting future wife Victoria – with “this fashion thing” also getting in his way.The Scot told Sports Illustrated: “He was blessed with great stamina, the best of all the players I’ve had here.”After training he’d always be practising, practising, practising.”But his life changed when he met his wife. She’s in pop and David got another image. He’s developed this ‘fashion thing’. I saw his transition to a different person.”Hansi Flick now makes Barcelona players arrive at games in club gearCredit: GettyBeckham and Sir Alex Ferguson clashed during his latter years at Man UtdCredit: AFP More

DAVID BECKHAM has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson helped bring Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.The England and Manchester United icon is still a major figure in football, 11 years after hanging up his boots.David Beckham has lifted the lid on Lionel Messi’s move to Inter MiamiCredit: instagramBecks revealed Sir Alex Ferguson played a part in the Argentine’s MLS moveCredit: ReutersBeckham co-founded Inter Miami in 2018 with American billionaire businessman Jorge Mas.Now president, he has helped the Florida-based side top the Eastern Conference standings.And they now face an MLS Cup final against either LA Galaxy or LAFC next month.Miami’s success on the pitch has been down to Beckham’s savvy signings of ex-Barcelona stars Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and World Cup winner Messi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe latter is still in fine form at the age of 37, with 19 goals in 21 games this year.And Becks has now lifted the lid on his plan to bring Messi to America.The ace looked set to re-join Barcelona when he quit Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023.But Beckham has revealed that some key advice from old boss Sir Alex played a crucial part in winning the race for Messi’s signature.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast: “A lot has changed over the years [with the MLS] and I feel very proud that I’ve been part of that change, but I know that there’s still a lot of work to do, but I think what we’ve done in Miami, when you bring someone like Leo to America, I always said that it was our gift.”As an ownership group and as a person that owns the club, I wanted to do something for the game, but I also wanted to do something for America because they’ve given me so much over the years and they’ve given me so much love that to bring Leo to inspire the next generation of players in America, that’s what we wanted to do.David Beckham is BOOED by 40,000 angry fans who demand refund after Lionel Messi no-show Beckham spilled the beans on Rio Ferdinand’s podcastCredit: X @rioferdy5Golden Balls also gave his backing to Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PABecks also took time to hail free-kick expert Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty”I think that one of the things that I learned from the boss over the years, and it wasn’t something that he specifically told me, one of the things that I learned from the boss was it’s not about bringing the biggest and best players, it’s about bringing the right players.”If you can bring the biggest and best players that is the right player, then there’s not many of them around, but with Leo, what we knew that we were bringing and I knew that yes he was going to be successful on the field but I also knew that he was going to help our club off the field.”Meanwhile, Becks has given his backing to Sir Jim Ratcliffe to turn old club United into a lean and mean machine.He continued: “I think that it definitely needed change. Speaking as a United fan, I think that many people had said that the club needed change and it needed a fresh perspective in how this club needs to be run and the decisions that are made.”I really like Jim. I’ve met him a few times over the years with a few mutual friends and I think that he’s a fan and obviously he’s a great businessman as well, one of the best and one of the biggest. But I think more importantly the fans see that he cares, and I think that that’s a big part of it.”I think obviously the fans had lost faith with the leadership over the years and obviously he really cares about what he wants to do and what he wants to create. So, hopefully, things will change but these things take time. These things take time.”I think we have been quite patient as United fans over the years, but we want those good old days back. We want those days back, and the sooner the better.”Finally, Becks also sang the praises of England free-kick hero Trent Alexander-Arnold – even admitting the defender’s right foot is almost as good as his!Beckham added: “I suppose if there was one player where I look at and I think, ‘he’s very similar in the way he delivers the ball, he’s very similar in the way he crosses the ball or passes’, it has to be Trent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In all honesty, I think he’s an unbelievable [player] – his vision, he’s unbelievable. And he’s an exceptional player.“But when I look at a player and I think I see myself in the way he puts the ball in, what he sees in the long balls that he plays, you know he plays balls that some players don’t even think about and that’s what I love about him as a player.” More

LIONEL MESSI has hinted that his international career could be coming to an end.The Argentina superstar, 37, rolled back the years with a sensational performance for his nation during a 6-0 win over Bolivia in their latest World Cup qualifier.Lionel Messi has given an insight into when he might retireCredit: AFPThe superstar guided Argentina to a 6-0 win over Bolivia on TuesdayCredit: ReutersMessi bagged a hat-trick and set up goals for Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to have a hand in all but one of the Albiceleste’s six goals.Fans gave the icon a standing ovation for his efforts as he notched his TENTH international hat-trick – matching rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.But the Inter Miami star put a dampener on the feel-good mood when he hinted that his international career could be nearing an end.He said: “The truth is that I haven’t set a date or deadline [to retire], I just want to enjoy all of this.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m excited to be here and feel the affection of the people because I know that these could be the last games.”This is what drives me, enjoying this, being happy where I am, being with my teammates.”However, the former Barcelona and PSG star went on to explain that he is still feeling good on the pitch.Adding: “Despite my age, when I’m here it seems like I’m a kid because of the stupid things I do because I feel comfortable.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”As long as I see that I feel good and can continue helping the team as I intend, I will continue enjoying it.”One man that is desperate for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to stick around is Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. Flooded pitch causes chaos in Argentina’s draw with Venezuela as Lionel Messi rants about ‘ugly’ matchHe told reporters that he was pleaded with the MLS figurehead to play until his legs give out, admitting watching Messi play stills leaves him in awe.”At one point [during the Bolivia game] I sat down next to [assistant coach] Pablo Aimar and I told him, ‘This is wonderful’,” Scaloni said.“I’m enjoying this, being able to sit on this substitutes’ bench and see the things he does and his team supporting him.”He [Messi] never ceases to surprise us. Let him play until he can’t go on any longer, that’s the only thing I ask of him because it’s a pleasure to see him and have him on a football pitch.”Messi’s remarkable cameo against Bolivia was his first game for the national team since July after missing the last international break with a ligament issue.Despite struggling with injury this season, Messi has still managed a jaw-dropping 31 goal contributions in just 21 appearances for Inter Miami this term.Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has pleaded with Messi to continue playingCredit: ReutersMessi has been scoring for fun at Inter Miami this seasonCredit: Getty More

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