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      Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo opens door to Luis Suarez’s Inter Miami transfer with cheeky message to his wife

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      LIONEL MESSI’S wife Antonela Roccuzzo has opened the door again for Luis Suarez to make the move to the MLS and join up with her husband at Inter Miami.The forward has been linked with the David Beckham-owned club extensively over the past year.
      Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez formed one of the most potent strike forces in world footballCredit: EPA
      Antonela Rocuzzo called on Balbi Suarez for the two to ‘renew their photos’ – hinting at a reunion in MiamiCredit: instagram @antonelaroccuzzo
      Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino even said that he had drawn up plans for if the Miami club signed the Uruguay striker next season.
      He told the American press going into the closing stages of Miami’s season: “Within our analysis of the upcoming season, and the needs we may have, we have an analysis with Luis and an analysis without Luis.”
      And Messi’s wife, Antonela, has now poured petrol on the fire of the rumours.
      She posted a collage of her and Suarez’s wife, Balbi, on her Instagram story to celebrate her 34th birthday.
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      Her caption read: “Happy birthday. For more laughter, more stories, and more sunsets together. I adore you and miss you.”
      And then the kicker: “PS: we have to renew our photos friend.”
      Rumours of Suarez, 36, joining up with Messi in Miami are now at fever-pitch – with the club even releasing Josef Martinez to help make room for the former Premier League golden boot winner.
      There is a definite ex-Barcelona feel at Inter Miami and the club are keen to maximise whatever Messi nostalgia they can generate.
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      Messi already plays alongside former Barca team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at the Florida side.
      Manager Gerardo Martino also previously managed Barcelona for the 2013-14 season, a year before Suarez arrived at the club.
      He resigned following a disappointing campaign after the star-studded team failed to win a trophy.
      Messi and Suarez are close friends off the pitch and formed a lethal partnership on it.
      Suarez has provided the most assists of any player for Lionel Messi in his career, with his tally standing at 47.
      The pair spent six seasons together at the Nou Camp – and will look to add to that tally should they be reunited in Miami. More

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      Forgotten one-cap England international became Inter Miami coach but missed working with Messi to join Championship side

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      A FORMER England international missed out on working with Lionel Messi after returning to the Championship.The one-cap Three Lions star had been coaching Inter Miami II after hanging up his boots in 2022.
      Lionel Messi missed out on playing with a forgotten England star at Inter MiamiCredit: Reuters
      Ryan Shawcross’ only England cap came against Sweden in 2012Credit: PA
      However, he had left the club by the time Messi headed stateside this summer.
      The World Cup winner has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for Miami since then, claiming the golden boot as his side lifted the Leagues Cup.
      He could have worked with a Manchester United academy graduate had he made the move a year earlier, though.
      The ex-England defender in question is Stoke legend Ryan Shawcross.
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      His one and only senior international cap came in a friendly defeat to Sweden in November 2012.
      Despite failing to return to the England fold, Shawcross went on to make over 300 Premier League appearances for Stoke.
      He retired aged 34 at the start of 2022 following 11 months playing for Miami.
      Shawcross remained in Florida, working as an assistant manager for the club’s reserve side as he launched his coaching career.
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      Shawcross ended his career with Inter Miami before spending a year on their coaching staffCredit: Getty
      Come Messi’s arrival, though, he had already returned to England after leaving the MLS club at the end of last year.
      He is now back with Stoke, serving as assistant manager for the Potters’ under-18 side.
      During his playing days with the Championship outfit, Shawcross made 453 appearances.
      The defender was also the club’s captain for 11 years as well as winning promotion to the Premier League and appearing in their 2011/12 Europa League campaign. More

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      Phil Neville house hunting in Portland but what clues do his former £5m mansion and Miami pad give to what he’s seeking?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED icon Phil Neville has started house hunting in Oregon following his Portland Timbers appointment.The 46-year-old was named as the club’s new manager on Monday, five months after leaving Inter Miami.
      Phil Neville used to live in this mansion in the vicinity of ManchesterCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Neville also had a £2m penthouse in the centre of ManchesterCredit: Rightmove
      Neville was named as Portland Timbers manager this week – and is now looking for a new homeCredit: AP
      He was sacked by ex-United team-mate David Beckham in June following a terrible start to the MLS campaign.
      Just a week after leaving the DRV PNK Stadium, Neville briefly accepted a job working with the Canadian national team alongside manager John Herdman.
      However, the former defender recently decided to return to the MLS and has since moved across the US to Portland.
      Following his arrival, Neville admitted that the city reminds him of his hometown.
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      He said: “I have great memories visiting Portland, which reminds me of Manchester, my hometown, and I can’t wait for my family to get to know this beautiful city.”
      And while he is yet to find a permanent place to live in the area, he will likely go for something similar to his old home in the north of England.
      Cheshire mansion
      Before moving to the US, Neville sold his £5.25million Cheshire mansion.
      The six-bedroom property came with a swimming pool, gym, cinema, games room, mini indoor football pitch, underground car park and a steel-lined panic room.
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      The games room included a customised pool table – a feature Neville might want to replicate in Portland should be stick around in the job long enough.
      Neville’s £5.25m mansion was sold in 2021Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      It came with a customised games roomCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      As well as framed football shirts, it included a white leather sofaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The house also has an indoor poolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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      Manchester penthouse
      He also owned a two-storey penthouse flat in Manchester city centre.
      The £2m flat had been on the market for 13 years but it finally sold in January after a price reduction.
      It spans 4,400sq ft and boasts panoramic views of the city centre skyline.
      The property also has a curved entrance hall, a spiral staircase and a swimming pool and hot tub.
      The two-storey flat was on the market for 13 yearsCredit: Rightmove
      It boasts stunning views of ManchesterCredit: Rightmove
      It included a huge living roomCredit: Rightmove
      The master bedroom came with great views over the city – something he could be keen to replicate if he opts for a city centre homeCredit: Rightmove
      The bathroom spared not expense with his and hers sinksCredit: Rightmove
      Miami house
      Neville continued living in luxury after moving to Miami.
      His Florida house boasted a swimming pool in the garden and a grand piano in the hall.
      It also has a spacious kitchen and outdoor living area.
      Any new property has a lot to live up to to meet Neville’s high standards.
      Neville has lived in a spacious house in Miami since moving to the USCredit: Instagram @philipneville18
      His Miami home has a grand piano in the hallCredit: Instagram @philipneville18
      There was a large outdoor seating area – perfect for family get togethersCredit: Instagram @philipneville18 More

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      Phil Neville gets new job five months after being brutally sacked by ex-Man Utd team-mate David Beckham at Inter Miami

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      PHIL NEVILLE has been named new Portland Timbers boss – and claims it reminds him of Manchester.Nev got his wish of a swift MSL return, five months after ex-Old Trafford team-mate David Beckham sacked him at Inter Miami.
      Ex-Man Utd and Everton ace Phil Neville was dismissed by Inter Miami in June after 10 defeats in 13 MLS Eastern Conference matchesCredit: Getty
      David Beckham took the difficult decision to sack pal Phil Neville, replacing him with ex-Barcelona manager Gerardo MartinoCredit: AFP
      The former Lionesses chief, 46, was also linked with New England Revolution.
      But having been axed by Miami just before legends like Lionel Messi arrived, he’s found a club he insists rekindles golden memories.
      The ex-England full-back said: “I am massively excited about the challenge ahead.
      “From the very first moment I met the staff I knew it was the right opportunity for me, the right club for me and the right city for me.
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      “The fans are the most important part of this football club with their intensity and support, and I think this journey is going to be something special.”
      Nev added: “I have great memories visiting Portland, which reminds me of Manchester, my hometown, and I can’t wait for my family to get to know this beautiful city.”
      Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy is “thrilled” to lure the ex-Everton star, whose last job was as assistant manager of the Canadian national team.
      Grabavoy said: “We look forward to making Phil and his family feel at home in Portland. 
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      ‘Phil’s character makes him the right person to lead this team forward as we continue to reshape the group with a goal of returning to sustained success.
      “His leadership qualities, diverse experience as a coach, and ambition to evolve made him a terrific fit here with us in Portland.”
      Neville will take over Oregon club Portland for the 2024 campaign after they finished tenth of 14 teams in this year’s MLS Western Conference.
      He succeeds former Millwall striker Giovanni Savarese, 52, who was ousted by the Timbers in the middle of last term after six years in charge. More

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      Shocking moment referee is surrounded by fuming players and MANHANDLED with shirt grabbed in angry scenes

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      AN MLS referee has been manhandled by fuming players in angry scenes from the weekend.The incident occurred during Sunday’s MLS Cup play-off match between the Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC.
      MLS referee Timothy Ford was surrounded by angry Vancouver Whitecaps playersCredit: FOX Soccer
      Ford appeared to be manhandled during the angry scenesCredit: FOX Soccer
      Vancouver were trailing 1-0 in stoppage time when one of their players was blocked by referee Timothy Ford.
      LAFC then went on to score to the fury of the Whitecaps players, although the goal was disallowed.
      One of the players had collided with Ford as they went to take a shot following a Vancouver corner.
      The collision allowed LAFC to clear the ball and counter, with Carlos Vela teeing up Denis Bouange to roll the ball into an empty net with the goalkeeper caught up the field.
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      Ford was immediately surrounded by angry Whitecaps players, who could be seen pushing each other out of the way as they crowded round the official.
      Several of the fuming stars appeared to manhandle the official before a VAR review disallowed the goal.
      Reacting to the angry scenes on social media, one fan commented: “The ref has got to stop that, he stopped the play.”
      Another added: “Absolutely appalling from the referee.”
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      Manager Vanni Sartini was also seen raging on the touchline and ripped into Ford during his post-match press conference.
      “I don’t understand, to be honest,” he fumed.” Why he didn’t stop [play] because every time that the referee touches the ball… he stops and gives the ball to the team that was in possession of the ball.
      “We were in possession of the ball, and we lost possession because of him. I don’t know why he didn’t give us possession immediately.”
      The match would end 1-0, with LAFC sealing a series win and advancing to the next round of the play-offs.
      Steve Cherundolo’s sides will face either the Seattle Sounders or FC Dallas next for a place in the Western Conference final. More

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      Man Utd icon Phil Neville ‘in advanced talks to land new manager job’ five months after Inter Miami sacking

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      PHIL NEVILLE is in “advanced talks” to become Portland Timbers boss – five months after Inter Miami sacked the Manchester United legend.The ex-England defender is keen to return to the MLS and has also been linked with New England Revolution.
      Ex-England and Man Utd full-back Phil Neville is poised for an MLS boss returnCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But The Athletic say Neville, 46, who managed the Lionesses from 2018-2021, is close to being named Portland coach.
      Miami supremo David Beckham axed his former Old Trafford team-mate in June after the ambitious club went bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference.
      Having taken over in 2021, Nev took Miami to the play-offs the next year.
      But ten defeats in 13 MLS games in 2023 cost him his job.
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      In his final season, Neville’s team were hit by injuries and a $2.3million (£1.9m) cut in allocation funds.
      Miami suffered that cash reduction after being fined $2m (£1.6m) for the club breaking pay and roster guidelines three years ago.
      Becks’ fledgling outfit were also saving funds for a summer spree that saw Barcelona icons Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba arrive.
      But Nev didn’t last long enough to manage those greats.
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      He has since admitted not expecting to be in charge when Messi came in.
      And indeed his successor Gerardo Martino had a far richer pedigree at the highest level of management.
      The Argentine bossed Barca as well as his home nation and Mexico.
      But Neville has also said: “Forget Messi, the results weren’t good enough the last month I was in the job and I knew that. That is the reason I left.”
      Soon after exiting Miami, Nev took on the assistant manager’s job with Canada for this year’s CONCACAF Nations League Final and Gold Cup. More

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      Luis Suarez ‘agrees emotional Lionel Messi reunion’ with Barcelona legends set for one last hurrah after free transfer

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      LUIS SUAREZ has agreed to join Inter Miami to reunite with Lionel Messi, according to reports.The Uruguayan played with the superstar at Barcelona between 2014-20, where they won the Treble together in 2015.
      Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi could reunite at Inter MiamiCredit: AFP
      The pair became close friends and often take their families on holiday together.
      And now they could reunite in the twilight of their careers at David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      Suarez has been in contact with the MLS club over a January move, according to Spanish outlet El Pais.
      The striker, 36, has been offered a one-year deal to link up with Messi and former Barca team-mates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
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      Suarez is expected to travel to Miami next month to finalise the deal once his contract with Gremio expires.
      He has scored 22 goals in 46 games for the Brazilian club since joining last December.
      However he could decide to retire due to a knee injury which has plagued much of his Gremio career.
      Suarez shortened his Gremio contract by a year due to the ongoing problem, which he needs daily injections and special treatments to deal with.
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      Inter Miami finished second bottom in the Eastern Conference this year but Messi’s arrival had a big impact, with The Herons winning the Leagues Cup.
      Gerardo Martino also joined as manager midway through the season and won nine of his 22 games in charge. More

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      Lionel Messi hints at emotional transfer from Inter Miami after winning Ballon d’Or with ‘bitter taste’ still lingering

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      LIONEL MESSI has hinted at a return to boyhood club Barcelona from Inter Miami after leaving with a “bitter taste” in 2021.The Argentine football icon revealed his emotion at the transfer after collecting his eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday night.
      Lionel Messi has hinted that he could make an emotional return to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Messi confirmed the news after collecting his eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday nightCredit: AP
      Due to Barcelona’s financial woes, Messi had to depart from the Nou Camp in 2021 as the club could not afford to renew his contract.
      The 36-year-old then headed to Paris Saint-Germain until the summer of 2023.
      Some fans speculated that the GOAT would go back to Barcelona but Messi chose to go to the MLS instead.
      But after winning football’s most prestigious award for the eighth time in Paris on Monday, Messi confirmed he wants to have a proper farewell with Barcelona fans.
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      He said: “There was a bitter taste when I left and I don’t like that. I’d like to change the way the story ended.
      “I deserve to say goodbye to the people that gave me so much joy. If it happens I’ll be very happy to be there of course.”
      The World Cup 2022 winner is Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances during his 17-year spell at the club.
      And Barca president, Joan Laporta has reassured that the club will give their star player a warm welcome back.
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      Fans will also be pleased that two dates for Messi’s eagerly anticipated reunion have been leaked.
      Laporta revealed an official event for Messi will be held in June 2026 – when Camp Nou’s stadium renovations will be complete.
      Alternatively, his return could be even sooner, in November 2024, when the historic ground welcomes back the first team.
      For now, Messi will resume playing for Inter Miami and join the pre-season training ahead of their new MLS season which is set to kick off in February.
      Messi spent 17 years at Barcelona where he scored 672 goals in 778 appearancesCredit: AFP More