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      David Beckham gives Serena Williams’ daughter Olympia a moment she’ll never forget at Inter Miami’s opening MLS game

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      THE STARS were in the house to watch Inter Miami open their Major League Soccer season at the Chase Stadium.Lionel Messi registered a late assist to rescue a point for Inter in a 2-2 draw against New York City with a number of huge stars in the house.Inter Miami owner David Beckham welcomed Serena Williams and her daughter to the Chase StadiumCredit: GettyBeckham was seen conversing with Williams’ seven-year-old daughter, OlympiaCredit: Instagram @intermiamicfChief among them was tennis legend Serena Williams.Williams, 43, was joined by her daughter, Olympia.Franchise owner David Beckham embraced Williams in a hug pitchside as he welcomed her to the stadium.In videos shared to social media by both the MLS and Inter Miami Instagram accounts, which were reposted to Williams’ story, Beckham was then seen speaking to Olympia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOlympia has followed in her mother’s footsteps by taking up a keen interest in sports.She is often seen cheering her mum on at sporting events.But Olympia is also active alongside her 23-time grand slam winning mum, and even has her own set of gym equipment in the family’s home gym.She is said to be a lover of ballet, football and virtual reality gaming.Most read in FootballHowever, Olympia is yet to find that same love for tennis.Williams admitted in an interview with PEOPLE magazine: “That’s a little disappointing for me, but she’s actually really good at it.Stephen A. Smith slams Serena Williams over Super Bowl halftime show cameo and makes marriage split comparison “So we are trying to figure out a way to get her to play a little bit.”Olympia is already a co-owner in two sports teams as well, having shares to her name in both women’s football team Angel City FC and the Los Angeles Golf Club.Other celebs in attendance included ex-Manchester United star Paul Pogba, who is currently serving a reduced 18-month doping ban – making him eligible to return to professional football in March.Paul Pogba was seen in attendance alongside WilliamsCredit: Instagram/@davidbeckhamWhat do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has. More

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      ‘I’ve left there with a mural’ – Wilfried Zaha has no regrets over Crystal Palace exit despite two failed transfers

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      WILFRIED ZAHA has no regrets as he embarks on his American adventure in Charlotte.The Crystal Palace legend, 32, is now a Major League Soccer player following two years on the move.Wilfried Zaha is starting his journey with MLS side Charlotte FCCredit: CHARLOTTE FCZaha scored ten goals for Turkish giants Galatasaray after leaving the Eagles on a free transfer in 2023, before heading out to Lyon in France for the first half of this season where he made only six appearances.Having cut that loan short he has landed in MLS, convinced by Charlotte boss Dean Smith to make the switch to North Carolina.The Ivory Coast international admits things did not work out after leaving Palace, where he played 458 times and is the club’s third-highest appearance-maker behind Jim Cannon and Terry Long.However, he is convinced he is still the same player who earned himself a mural on the side of a house next to Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForward Zaha joined the Eagles academy at the age of eight and went on to have a stunning career with them, scoring 68 of his 90 goals for the South London side in the Premier League after making his first-team debut in March 2010.He said: “It doesn’t stop my journey. I’ve left Palace and I left Palace in a good way. I’ve played for a childhood club, I’ve left there with a mural.“I feel like there’s nothing more I could have done really.“I’ve gone to Turkey, I’ve managed to play Champions League, score a Champions League goal. So I’m just ticking boxes of things that I’ve wanted to do from a child.Most read in FootballZaha was honoured with a mural at Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThe star scored 90 goals and registered 52 assists in 458 games for PalaceCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I’ve managed to do that and things happen. All I can do is just keep my head down and just keep on working. I was in Turkey, it didn’t work out with Gala.“It didn’t work out with Lyon. It doesn’t stop me. I’m still thinking I’m still the player that I am and if I get the opportunity, I’m going to show it every time.Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell completes loan transfer to Crystal Palace“These are just experiences that make me who I am, make me stronger. So it’s a thing where it happens, I move on from it and do the best that I can.“I have come in here to score goals and try to win stuff. I set myself incredibly high standards. So when I do speak, people will actually listen because I show you an example by what I do. “Going into the season, I want to try to score as many goals as I can. That’s what I mean by my own history here.”After a couple of difficult years, there is some hope Charlotte can offer the feeling that Palace did when Zaha returned from his failed move to Manchester United.Speaking about the last two years, he added: “I don’t really have any animosity. It is what it is. I’m only going to give back the love that you give me.“If you give me love and give me the opportunity to repay you, then I’ll do that. It just hasn’t worked out over there.“I’ve come here, I’ve been welcomed, I’ve been shown so much love. All I can do is repay you on the pitch. That’s what I’m here to do.”Zaha had seen little of MLS before being approached by former Aston Villa and Brentford manager Smith at a London hotel last year about a potential move.Former Palace team-mate Christian Benteke won the Golden Boot at DC United last season, and Zaha started watching the odd game following the Belgian’s switch.Zaha’s former Crystal Palace teammate Christian Benteke is now playing in the MLSCredit: ReutersThe D.C. United striker finished top scorer last season, ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis SuarezCredit: APHe has also been swatting up on his new pals, including ex-Burnley man Ashley Westwood, by watching YouTube clips.Having Smith and Westwood at the club was an attraction, and the winger also consulted Palace’s American defender, Chris Richards.Zaha added: “I’ve tuned in a bit more because of my friend Christian Benteke. The standard is definitely getting a lot better. So many players are coming here and the world is paying attention.“I was on YouTube just watching the Charlotte games. So I was just seeing what the team’s like and positives and stuff like that.”While he is Stateside, Zaha will also be keeping an eagle eye on AFC Croydon Athletic — the non-league club he part-owns with rapper Stormzy.Croydon won promotion to the eighth tier — the Isthmian League South East Division — in their first season at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore Zaha begins the MLS campaign with Charlotte at Seattle Sounders in the early hours of Sunday morning UK time — and looks forward to tangling with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami next month — he needs to find some clobber!Zaha, who is staying in a Charlotte hotel, said: “I’m scrambling with clothes right now. That’s what I’m waiting for. My clothes — and my family, that’s about it. I’m good to go.”Zaha co-owns AFC Croyden Athletic with rapper StormzyCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi grants referee’s unusual request after Inter Miami win but waited until they’d left the pitch

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      LIONEL MESSI had a very unusual interaction with a referee this week.Messi, 37, has done and seen it all throughout his glittering 21-year career.Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi was asked for his shirt by the REFEREECredit: GettyMessi played in the sub-zero temperatures of Kansas against Sporting KCCredit: RexMessi handed over his prized No10 shirt to the referee backstageCredit: APReferee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nara approached Messi after the full-time whistleCredit: ReutersThe star forward has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League trophies, 10 LaLiga titles, two Copa America honours and the World Cup.And the Argentina international has played all around the world against the best football has to offer.But perhaps nothing could prepare the Inter Miami superstar for what he encountered on Thursday in the sub-zero temperatures of Kansas.Messi and co visited Sporting KC at the freezing Children’s Mercy Park in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.Read More on FootballThe visitors braved the awful cold, with temperatures going as low as -22C.The Barcelona legend led Javier Mascherano’s side to a 1-0 win thanks to his winner on 56 minutes, which marked his first official goal of the calendar year.Messi’s performance finally put to bed the cliche theory of whether he could produce the same magic on a “cold Tuesday night in Stoke” as he shone bright against Sporting.According to ESPN, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star then received a very unusual request from the referee.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMexican official Marco Antonio Ortiz Nara approached Messi after the full-time whistle.And Nara asked the Argentine great for his SHIRT as a memento – a tradition usually reserved for players.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami The MLS superstar agreed but passed on his prized No10 jersey backstage in the dressing room later on.That wasn’t because of the freezing temperatures, but rather that the Inter Miami star wanted to avoid any potential controversy on the field. More

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      Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 DEGREES temperatures

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      LIONEL MESSI finally put an age-old argument to bed after playing in conditions even COLDER than a Tuesday night in Stoke.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is seen by many as the greatest footballer of all time.Lionel Messi braved crazy -17 degrees celsius temperatures to play for Inter MiamiCredit: GettyReports had suggested Messi was getting cold feet about playing in the Kansas City clashCredit: GettyHowever, one of the main arguments against his legacy is his lack of game time in colder weather due to his career mainly being played out in sunny Spain or Argentina.This is commonly related to Stoke, where games are typically dogged by windy, wet and cold weather in the evenings, hence the phrase: “Can they do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke?”But in Inter Miami’s first competitive game of 2025 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup’s first round, Lionel Messi was forced to swap the pristine weather of Florida for the brisk conditions in Kansas City.It had sensationally been reported the 37-year-old did not want to play in the “blistering cold” the game was set to be played through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTemperatures dropped as low as -17 degrees Celsius (1.4 Fahrenheit) during the game.Regardless, Messi was named in the starting XI by Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano and was seen wearing gloves for the occasion in a rare sight.After a goalless first half, the Argentine made his impact known as he scored a stunning match-winner ten minutes into the half.A pass was pinged forward by Sergio Busquets, with Messi taking the ball down on his chest and then dribbling to the right of a bamboozled defender with a left-foot touch to open up some space.Most read in FootballMessi scored the match-winner for Inter Miami against Kansas City from a tight angleCredit: X @FOXSoccerHis manager said his effort was ‘fantastic’Credit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then arrowed a shot across the goal from a tight angle, finding the bottom corner to give Inter a 1-0 advantage ahead of the home leg at Chase Stadium next week.Fans were stunned at the goal but also believed it finally laid one of the arguments against him to rest.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami Messi was the star of the show for Miami, as usualCredit: ReutersPlayers could see their own breath throughout the freezing clashCredit: GettyOne fan said on social media: “The argument ‘Could Messi do it on a cold Tuesday night vs Stoke’ is now put to bed, the Goat can do it with ease.”A second said: “No way people said he couldn’t do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke.”A third added: “GOAT for a reason.”(I’m) very proud because I think it’s impossible to play in these conditions. It’s not human, you know. So I’m very proud, because they gave me 100 per cent…Javier MascheranoHis boss Mascherano was also impressed, calling his effort “fantastic” before adding: “(I’m) very proud because I think it’s impossible to play in these conditions. “It’s not human, you know. So I’m very proud, because they gave me 100 per cent…”Maybe for the people that know him (Messi) it’s normal because he did goals like this 1,000 times. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But we are very lucky to have him here.”Inter Miami’s first Major League Soccer game of the season is this weekend against New York City FC at home. More

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      Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son, 6, recreates Barcelona icon’s goal against Getafe for Inter Miami

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      THE six-year-old son of Lionel Messi emulated the legend himself with an incredible solo goal for Inter Miami.Ciro Messi left spectators stunned when he picked up the ball from his own half before dribbling past three players and poking his shot into the bottom-right corner of the target.Lionel Messi’s son, Ciro, scored an incredible goal for Inter Miami’s academyMessi Jr dribbled past several players before scoringHe then ran around the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the bottom cornerIt was very similar to the goal Messi scored against Getafe in 2007Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe youngster scored the wonder goal while playing for Inter Miami’s academy.And it went viral on social media earlier this week.One person commented: “Yeah that’s Messi’s son alright. You don’t teach that shoulder drop dribble easily.”Another wrote: “I have seen enough. He’s the chosen one. Send him to La Masia.”Read More in FootballA third said: “This kid got talent omg.”While a fourth added: “Look at the way he finished it wow, this kid moves just like his pops.”Ciro’s goal was very similar to his dad’s outstanding solo effort against Getafe in 2007.After receiving the ball inside his own half, Messi ran through half the Getafe team before dribbling around goalkeeper Luis Garcia and passing into the bottom corner.Most read in FootballMessi was just 19-years-old when he scored the stunning goal.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 appearances for Barcelona during his 17-year spell in the first team.Lionel Messi called out for boxing match as Logan Paul fumes ‘this ain’t justice’ in bid to settle ongoing dispute He was forced to leave on a free transfer in 2021 and spent two years with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to the United States.The Argentina captain is now the star man at Inter Miami.His two other sons, Mateo and Thiago, also play for the club’s academy.Messi plays for Inter Miami, while his three sons play for the club’s academyCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi ‘doesn’t want to play’ in coldest MLS match EVER with temperatures set to drop to -24 DEGREES

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      LIONEL MESSI is reportedly planning to sit out Inter Miami’s clash with Sporting Kansas City – because it’s too COLD. Miami are preparing to face Sporting KC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup opener on Tuesday night. Lionel Messi may sit out Inter Miami’s  CONCACAF Champions Cup first leg with Sporting KCCredit: GettyTemperatures at Children’s Mercy Park are set to reach recording-breaking lows on TuesdayCredit: GettyEight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is hoping to guide Inter Miami to another titleCredit: ReutersMessi joined Miami in July 2023 on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. The 37-year-old has since gone on to score 33 goals in 39 games for the MLS side. But the upcoming showdown at Children’s Mercy Park has reportedly left the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner with cold feet. Temperates are expected to plunge to an outrageous -24 degrees Celcius (-12 Fahrenheit) for Tuesday’s game.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to insider Franco Panizo, Messi is not keen on playing in the “blistering cold.”Panizo added: “Whether he does or not is still to be determined, but there is a chance Messi does not play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup opener.”Should the forecasted temperatures come to fruition, it would be the coldest football match on US soil since Colorado Rapids and Portland Timbers played back in 2019.On that occasion, a big freeze saw the game played out in -7 Celsius temps. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs well as falling temperatures, there is predicted snowfall of between 9 and 11 inches on Tuesday in Kansas City.Both teams have been in contact with CONCACAF officials and are monitoring the weather, per the Miami Herald. Lionel Messi beats Prem cult hero to win MLS MVP award after Inter Miami chief’s huge update on icon’s retirement plansThe game could potentially be postponed if heavy snowfall mixes with an ice-cold wind chill.Sporting KC president Jake Reid said: “Cold is one thing – we’ll see what the snow does.”We’ll be ready. Our concern is around safe access for fans to and from and clearing the parking lots and walking ways. “The cold is what it is. Bundle up. Bring your blankets, bring your hats. “No one should be surprised when they come out that it’s freezing cold.” More

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      Lionel Messi ‘tells family and friends he will return to Barcelona’ as David Beckham makes shock admission

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      LIONEL MESSI has set his sights on a sensational return to Barcelona.The 37-year-old ended his two-decade spell with Barcelona in 2021 and subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.Lionel Messi is determined to complete a return to BarcelonaCredit: APMessi left Barcelona as a free agent in 2021Credit: GettyAfter two years in France he left Europe to sign for MLS giants Inter Miami in a huge free transfer and has since netted 34 goals and provided 18 assists in just 39 appearances.But with just one year left on his current deal, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking to the future.Messi recently told a family friend that he wants to complete a sensational return to Barcelona.Yanina Latorre told La Nacion: “He [Messi] told me that when he finishes here [Miami], where he is happy, he will return to Barcelona.”Read More in FootballThe Argentina captain also allegedly rejected the possibility of extending his stay in the USA and said: “No, my place is there.”A return as a player could be made complicated due to Barcelona’s ongoing money issues, so he could take up an ambassadorial role.Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also recently admitted that Messi only sees his future in Spain.Speaking at the Economic Forum in Davos, the England legend said: “I would like Messi to live in Miami when he retires, but Leo told me that he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham has admitted that Messi intends to go back to BarcelonaCredit: Reuters”There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does.”You can see the Barca crest on his leg and even on his water bottle.”Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action While Beckham did not disclose exactly when Messi could go back to Barcelona, his Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously revealed that he will sit down with the forward to discuss his future.Mas said: “I fully expect that when our new stadium opens in 2026, Leo Messi will be our number 10.” More

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      Fans say Sheffield Wednesday ‘should be shut down’ after serving £5 Philly cheesesteak as MLS side ask ‘what is this?’

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      FANS demanded Sheffield Wednesday “be shut down” for their attempt at serving a £5 Philly cheesesteak.And the experts in America could not believe what they had witnessed from Hillsborough.The Philly cheesesteak on offer at Sheffield Wednesday was blasted onlineCredit: Jam PressPopular X account Footy Scran posted the shocking photo online on Wednesday night before the 2-2 draw with Bristol City.The caption simply read: “Philly cheesesteak at Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) – £5.”But it was the accompanying picture that did the damage – and left users aghast.The so-called Philly cheesesteak included two almost-grey dry slabs of questionable meat, some crusty unmelted cheese, a couple of stray peppers and an unappetising bread roll. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFooty Scran put out a poll asking if the food counted as “scran” or “no scran”.Unsurprisingly from more than 23,000 votes, a whopping 88 per cent voted “no scran”.And it led to a wave of hilarious responses – including some who did not even know what or who Sheffield Wednesday are. One said: “Proof that whatever Sheffield Wednesday is, it should be shut down. Or at least get a visit from Gordon Ramsay!”Most read in ChampionshipBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother wrote: “That’s a hate crime.”A third added: “Bro I’ve had prison food that looks better than this.”Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession A fourth typed: “Can you not share photos like this when I’m eating. Ruining my dinner.”A fifth joked: “Looks like a lung transplant.”A sixth replied: “I would not let my dog eat that.”A seventh quipped: “Is that tree bark?”An eighth commented: “Looks like it came out of a time capsule…”And even MLS club Philadelphia Union got involved – clearly defensive about their local cuisine.They simply asked: “What is this lol.”Sheffield Wednesday are not the only English football team to come under fire for their far-from-Michelin-star stadium catering. Alfreton Town’s chips, mushy peas and gravy left plenty to be desired.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Northampton Town’s pathetic excuse of a hot dog left some fans suggesting the tin foil it came in looked more appealing.Doncaster Rovers, however, got it spot on with their sumptuous Chippy Tea Butty complete with a fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce. Northampton’s hot dogs did not go down wellCredit: X @FootyScranDoncaster impressed with their stunning fishcake, chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce buttyCredit: @drfc_official More