Major League Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 113 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Lionel Messi not playing for MLS All-Stars?

      by

      INTERNATIONAL football star Lionel Messi has officially signed his new contract with Inter Miami, which will last through 2025. He signed the contract just days before the start of the Major League Soccer All-Star Game, but he will ultimately not be playing and now fans want to know why.
      Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023Credit: Sunday Times
      Why is Lionel Messi not playing for MLS All-Stars vs Arsenal?
      Lionel Messi joined David Beckham’s Inter Miami team after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in June 2023.
      The agreement was signed before the MLS All-Star game against Arsenal began, which is why many fans thought he would be taking the field, but by the time terms were reached, he was unable to be a part of the player selection process.
      Who is playing for MLS All-Stars?
      The MLS All-Star roster is made up of 12 players who were voted in by fans, media, and players, 14 players who were selected by MLS All-Star head coach Wayne Rooney, and two who were chosen by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
      Those players include:
      Read More on MLS All-Stars
      Forwards and Wingers

      Midfielders

      No. 11 Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati)
      No. 23 Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)
      No. 29 Mathieu Choinière (CF Montréal)
      Carles Gil (New England Revolution)
      No. 16 Héctor Herrera (Houston Dynamo FC)
      No. 8 José Martínez (Philadelphia Union)
      No. 5 Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew)
      No. 10 Hany Mukhtar (Nashville, SC)
      No. 6 Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy)
      No. 30 Lucas Zelarayán (Columbus Crew)

      Defenders

      No. 31 Álvaro Barreal (FC Cincinnati)
      No. 17 Jon Gallagher (Austin FC)
      Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union)
      No. 24 Ryan Hollingshead (Los Angeles Football Club)
      No. 21 Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati)
      No. 26 Tim Parker (St. Louis City SC)
      No. 47 John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls)
      No. 25 Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

      Goalkeepers

      No. 1 Roman Bürki (St. Louis City SC)
      No. 28 Tyler Miller (DC United)
      No. 12 Djordje Petrovic (New England Revolution)

      Most read in Football
      The MLS All-Star Game will be played on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Audi Field in Washington, DC.
      Inter Miami will not play in the 2023 MLS All-Stars GameCredit: AP
      When will Lionel Messi make his debut?
      The Messi effect is in full swing in Miami, Florida, and the superstar is eager to get started.
      “I’m sure we’re going to have many wonderful experiences,” Messi told a crowd of fans after he signed his multi-million-dollar MLS contract, via the Associated Press.
      “I’m very much moved to be here in Miami, to be with you,” he continued.
      “I want to thank you, all of you, on behalf of my family, for the kindness that you have given me.”
      He is expected to make his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul on July 21 in the Leagues Cup.
      Tickets to watch Messi’s debut for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul will cost anywhere from $350 to $2,000 on Ticketmaster. More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi Gives M.L.S. First Taste of the Weight of His Star

      by

      One day after Messi’s contract with Inter Miami became official, the club presented him to fans in a rain-soaked stadium and on the league’s streaming platform.Just before 9 p.m. on Sunday, the greatest soccer player of his era, and maybe the greatest of all time, walked across a makeshift stage in his new home stadium. He hugged the owners of his new team, including the former star David Beckham. As he held his new jersey — a pink No. 10 — Lionel Messi grinned and looked up at the crowd and the fireworks.If it has felt like a dream that Messi, who won the World Cup in December as Argentina’s captain and who has claimed seven Ballons d’Or as the world’s best player, chose Inter Miami of M.L.S. as his team for the twilight of his career, his unveiling event was proof that, yes, this has actually happened.“Before anything, I want to give thanks to Miami for this reception and the kindness since I arrived to the city,” Messi said in Spanish in his first public comments since his monumental deal, which runs through the 2025 M.L.S. season, was announced on Saturday. “To be honest, I’m very emotional and very happy to be here in Miami and to be with you.”For two minutes, Messi, 36, spoke directly to the Inter Miami fans who chanted his surname throughout the night at DRV PNK Stadium, about 30 miles north of downtown Miami. Messi’s introduction was called La PresentaSíon, or the Presentation in Spanish, but with “Sí” (“Yes”) emphasized. And in typical South Florida fashion, it took place in the rain.In choosing Miami, where he owns property, Messi turned down a chance to play in Saudi Arabia, where a team had offered him significantly more money. He also declined the possibility of returning to Barcelona, where he signed at 13, won every major trophy and wanted to remain before moving to Paris-St. Germain in 2021.Long before Messi’s time in France came to an unceremonious end this summer, the owners of Inter Miami had dreamed of bringing him to South Florida. The event on Sunday and the weeks leading up to it have shown how much of a jolt Messi has already provided to the franchise, the region and soccer in the United States.“There will always be a before and after Lionel Messi,” said Jorge Mas, the Cuban American billionaire and managing owner of Inter Miami, which played its inaugural season in 2020.David Beckham, part of Inter Miami’s ownership, once made a similar move to M.L.S., joining the L.A. Galaxy as a player in 2007.Saul Martinez for The New York Times“We are recipients of the legacy of the greatest player in the world that started at Newell’s Old Boys, went to Barcelona, ended at P.S.G.,” Mas continued, listing Messi’s previous teams, including his youth team in Argentina. “But today it sits in the hands of Inter Miami and its fans. This is our moment. Our moment to change the football landscape in this country.”The rain subsided by the time Messi spoke, but a torrential downpour hindered the early festivities and flooded parts of this interim stadium. (Inter Miami hopes to move to a proposed new stadium near Miami International Airport in 2025.) On Sunday, the 19,000-seat stadium certainly didn’t have the size or energy of Camp Nou in Barcelona or Parc des Princes in Paris, but most fans donned team or Messi gear. One shirtless fan waved a huge flag featuring Messi in an Argentina jersey. Argentina jerseys were the second most popular clothing choice, with a few fans wearing Messi’s Barcelona shirt.The celebration, broadcast globally in English and Spanish on Apple TV+, M.L.S.’s first-year streaming partner, with a few glitches, purposefully coincided with halftime of the Concacaf Gold Cup final, which Mexico won by 1-0 over Panama.Before Messi addressed the crowd, Mas and Beckham spoke. Beckham, an Englishman who famously signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy of M.L.S. in 2007, read his prepared comments from his cellphone, sprinkling in some Spanish. Mas used both languages for the entirety of his address. Miami, after all, is the unofficial capital of Latin America, and Florida has the largest Argentine community in the United States.“I know that the people of South Florida will take you all into their hearts,” Beckham said. “We are building a special club here at Inter Miami, a club that represents this special place and its people.”Inter Miami pink and Argentina blue dominated the stands in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.Saul Martinez for The New York TimesBefore Messi appeared, Beckham introduced the team’s second marquee signing of the summer, Sergio Busquets, Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona. Busquets spoke, too, but briefly. The night, imperfect and all, belonged to Messi.Not known for being loquacious, Messi was concise on Sunday. Wearing a white Inter Miami T-shirt and jeans, he thanked the team’s ownership group for making him and his family feel welcome. He said he hoped fans would keep watching and growing with the team.“I have a lot of desire to start training and to compete,” said Messi, who joins a team in last place in M.L.S.’s Eastern Conference. “I came with a desire to always compete and want to win.”Messi also thanked his teammates, several of whom were on the field.“I’m very happy to have chosen to come to this city with my family and to have chosen this project,” he said. “I don’t have a doubt that we’ll enjoy it and we’ll have a good time and beautiful things will happen.”After Messi handed over the microphone, a video played on the big screen featuring many celebrities, such as the retired Argentine basketball star Manu Ginóbili and the Miami residents Gloria and Emilio Estefan, welcoming Messi to town and wishing him luck. Then the families of Messi and the owners joined them onstage for photos. Musical acts followed.Afterward, Messi signed autographs for fans in the stands. Tuesday is his first official training session with his teammates, and Friday will be his first game. This is his new home. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs MLS All-Stars: Gunners start USA pre-season tour with Declan Rice in line for debut – FREE stream, TV channel

      by

      ARSENAL start their pre-season tour in the US against an MLS All-Star Team – and here’s what you need to know. Mikel Arteta is preparing his side for a one-off match against ex-Premier League star Wayne Rooney’s MLS All-Star this Wednesday.
      Declan Rice is expected to make his Arsenal debut this Wednesday.Credit: Getty
      The Gunners were runners-up in the Premier League last season after missing out on the title to Manchester City.
      Arsenal have announced their signings of Declan Rice, Jurrien Timer and Kai Havertz so far this summer.
      Havertz has already made his debut for the club after playing in his home country, Germany, last Thursday against FC Nurnberg.
      New Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will not be playing as he is yet to make his MLS debut and, therefore, was not included in the MLS All-Stars selection process.
      Read More Arsenal
      Kai Havertz made his Arsenal debut during the pre-season friendly against FC NurnbergCredit: Getty
      When is Arsenal vs MLS All-Stars?

      The game will be held at 8:30pm local time (ET) on Wednesday, 19 July.
      This means kick-off will be at 1:30am BST on Thursday 20 July, in the UK.
      Audi Field, Washington DC, will host.

      Where can I watch Arsenal vs MLS All-Stars?

      The match will be shown live on Apple TV, where fans can sign up for a FREE seven-day trial or pay £6.99 ($6.99 in the USA) for a monthly subscription.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all of the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team News
      Arsenal fans will be keen to see the club’s new record signing, £105million Declan Rice, make his debut alongside fellow new boy Jurrien Timber.
      The London giants will have some absences, such as Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Nicholas Pepe and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
      Most read in Football
      Captain Martin Odegaard is in the US but sustained a calf injury during the warm-up last Thursday before the friendly against FC Nurnberg.
      Meanwhile, MLS All-Star will have some familiar faces playing.
      Ex-Liverpool striker Christian Benteke and World Cup winner Thiago Almada have been named in Wayne Rooney’s squad.
      Rooney is the MLS All-Star guest manager this year.Credit: Reuters
      MLS All-Stars squad
      Goalkeepers: Roman Burki (St. Louis City SC), Tyler Miller (D.C United), Djordje Petrovic (New England Revolution)
      Defenders: Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls), Tim Parker (St. Louis City SC), Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati), Ryan Hollingshead (LAFC), Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union), Jon Gallagher (Austin FC), Alvaro Barreal (FC Cincinnati)
      Midfielders: Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew), Riqi Puig (LA Galaxy), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew), Jose Martinez (Philadelphia Union, Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo FC), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Mathieu Choiniere (CF Montreal), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), Luciano Ascota (FC Cincinnati)
      Forwards: Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Kei Kamara (Chicago Fire), Giorgos Giakoumakis (Atlanta United), Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas), Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes), Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Christian Benteke (D.C United) More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi Inter Miami unveiling LIVE — carnival atmosphere as star emerges after lengthy delay — latest updates

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has been unveiled as an Inter Miami player – but only after a 90-minute severe weather delay.The Argentina superstar is the biggest signing in MLS history.
      David Beckham bent over backward to sign the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain icon, who won the World Cup with Argentina just eight months ago.
      Inter Miami announced the arrival of Messi on Saturday and he will meet the fans at the DRV PNK Stadium alongside ex-Barca boss Gerardo Martino.

      Stay up to date with all the latest from Lionel Messi’s unveiling…
      And just like that…
      It’s over.
      Messi looks happy. Inter Miami’s fans sound happy.
      The MLS has acquired the greatest player to ever play the game. Goodnight.

      Grand entrance
      This was the moment.
      This was when Inter Miami’s new hero arrived.
      Obviously the fans went wild.
      The fireworks were decent too.

      The moment they waited for
      Messi, on stage, with Beckham and Co.
      Oh, and the small matter of holding up his Inter Miami jersey in front of his fans.

      What Busquets said
      Hello everyone, thank you for coming, I’m happy to be here in Miami. For me it’s a blessing to be part of Inter Miami and I want to thank owner Jorge [Mas], Jose [Mas], David [Beckham]… for making it all possible. I’m so excited to start training and playing with my team-mates and see you soon.”Sergio Busquets
      Beckham’s full speech
      Ten years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team. It’s always been a dream of mine to bring the best players in the world to the club and the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country, who would inspire the next gen’ and help build a legacy in this sport… joins our family… please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It really is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.
      “Leo we are so proud you have chosen this club for the next stage of your career…. Welcome to the family… we’re also so proud to be joined by the one and only Sergio Busquets. One of the most complete midfield players of his generation.
      “We are building a special club here in Miami, a club that cares about the community it serves, our fans are what makes Inter Miami unique… together we will create unforgettable memories
      “Like a lot of you, I can’t wait to see Leo take the field in our colors. Ladies and gentlemen the next chapter of our story starts here.”David Beckham
      Cruz control
      Cruz Beckham is now on stage getting a huge from his old man.
      David looks very emotional.
      He did say he wanted to deliver a big name to the City.
      It doesn’t get bigger than Messi.
      Messi’s words in full
      “Thank you very much, good night. First of all I want to thank all the people of Miami for this welcome, this affection. I am very happy to be here, to be with you. I want to thank Jose, David. They are making everything easy for us, everything has been spectacular since we arrived. I really want to start training and compete. I want to win, for the club to continue growing. I hope that you will join us as we have since the season began. I thank my new colleagues for the welcome. I am very happy to have chosen this city with my family, to have chosen this project. I have no doubt that we are going to have a good time. Thank you all very much for this day.”Messi at his unveiling
      Celebs in tow
      Tom Brady pops up on the screen.
      Steph Curry too, and DJ Khaled and Pitbull.
      It’s a spectacle befitting of the world’s greatest talent from sport and music.
      And they are all welcoming Messi to US shores.
      Messi’s moment
      In Spanish, Lionel Messi delivers his message to his adoring supporters.
      “Thank you for the welcome. It has felt like home very quickly, ” he says into the mic.
      “I want to start training and competing.”
      Beckham on stage
      Becks’ looked the business as he delivered his speech to Inter Miami’s fans.
      He looks pleased as punch to announce his man.

      ‘Your no 10, America’s no 10 Lionel Messi…’
      And there it is. Announced by Mas.
      Messi takes to the rain-soaked cat walk, avoiding injury thanks to his nimble balance and managing to stay on his feet.
      The crowd are loving this.
      Mas takes centre stage
      Never short of a sound bite or opinion, Jorge Mas dishes his two pence.
      “This rain is like holy water,” he jokes.
      “This is a city built of dreams,” he continues.
      “This is our moment to change the landscape of football in this country.”
      Support act
      Sergio Busquets makes an appearance.
      “I am so happy to be here,” he reveals. His English is superb.
      Meanwhile, an Apple TV camera has spotted Sergio Aguero in the crowd.
      He’s here for the main event.
      Chapter and verse
      “The next chapter of our story starts now,” Beckham proudly declares.
      That’s after bigging up Sergio Busquets, who will be joining Messi on this crusade.
      Don’t forget, Inter Miami are hopelessly bottom of their MLS conference and are unlikely to qualify for the play offs.
      It’s been emotional
      David Beckham can’t hide his feelings on the Messi capture.
      “Forgive me for feeling a bit emotional tonight,” he tells the crowd.
      Is that a tear drop streaming down his face?
      No, it’s probably rain.
      Careful now!
      Beckham and Mas take to the stage.
      It is still raining, and it’s a hazardous runway they have to negotiate.
      Oops! Mas nearly slips!
      Beckham begins… in Spanish. “Bueno,” he starts.
      Licence to thrill
      One of the presenters on stage is urging fans to buy an Inter Miami licence plate.
      But they only have one thing to say… or sing.
      “Messi, Messi, Messi.’
      They are waiting (patiently) for their talisman.
      It’s getting heavier
      Now we’re being treated to a wall of sound in the shape of techno.
      Is this Inter Miami’s stadium or a South Beach hotspot, one asks?
      We’ll soon find out!
      When’s the unveiling!
      Kick in the pyrotechnics
      It’s wild now at the DRV PNK.
      Fireworks are going off and it’s a party atmosphere.
      The fans are, unsurprisingly, lapping it up says The US Sun reporter Steve Brenner in the field.
      It. Is. Going. Off.
      Here we go!
      Lights down, light show incoming.
      Messi’s image is flashed on the big screens around the stadium.
      Fans gasp.
      Becks fulfilling his TV duties
      With Apple TV being host broadcasters, David Beckham is doing an interview with them pitchside.
      Skirting across the sodden turf, he’s there suited and booted.
      Careful of those shoes, Becks.
      The commissioner is giving interviews
      Don Garber is doing some press.
      It’s a big day for the MLS Commissioner, welcoming an all-time great to US soccer fans.

      A clue to the entertainment
      Marc Anthony has also arrived at the DRV PNK Stadium.
      The singer was famous for his marriage to Jennifer Lopez.
      Will he be performing tonight?

      Busquets is here
      Inter Miami new boy Sergio Busquets has also shown up.
      Will it be a double unveiling?

      He’s here!
      Lionel Messi has arrived on site.
      He is flanked with wife Antonella and their kids, Thiago, 10, Mateo, 7 and Ciro, 5.
      Credit: Getty
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi unveiling LIVE – Inter Miami fans await arrival of MLS’ biggest star as David Beckham calls it a ‘dream’

      by

      LIONEL MESSI is set to be unveiled as an Inter Miami player today, with the Argentina superstar becoming the biggest star in MLS history.David Beckham has bent over backward to sign the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain icon, who won the World Cup with Argentina just eight months ago.
      Inter Miami announced the arrival of Messi on Saturday and he will meet the fans at the DRV PNK Stadium alongside ex-Barca boss Gerardo Martino.

      Stay up to date with all the latest from Lionel Messi’s unveiling…
      ‘OVERJOYED’
      Lionel Messi will be available to play for Inter Miami against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul on 21 July in their opening match of Leagues Cup.
      And it is not only him and David Beckham that cannot wait to see him in action.
      MLS commissioner Don Garber said: “We are overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami and Major League Soccer, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our league and our sport in North America.
      “We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game.
      “We look forward to seeing his debut for Inter Miami in our Leagues Cup tournament later this month.”
      Credit: Getty
      ‘COULDN’T BE PROUDER’
      INTER owner David Beckham has also been speaking about pulling off the huge coup.
      The England and Man Utd legend said: “10 years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamed of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city.
      “[I wanted] players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy, to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much.
      “Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.
      “The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”
      ‘VERY EXCITED’
      Lionel Messi struggled to contain his emotions after officially joining MLS side Inter Miami on a deal that runs until the end of 2025.
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, 36, left French champions Paris St-Germain last month.
      And ahead of his official unveiling later, he said: “I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States.
      “This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.
      “The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
      Messi brings his wife and kids to Miami
      The world’s biggest football star has brought his wife Antonella to Florida, along with their three sons.
      She has known the Barcelona star since she was five years old as her cousin, Lucas Scaglia, was a childhood friend of his.
      If Messi has a reputation of being shy, this was certainly not the case in his pursuit of Antonela, as he regularly visited her home from a young age, just to see her.
      It is not known how long the pair have been together behind closed doors, but they went public with their relationship in 2008.
      The bond between the couple was believed to have strengthened in 2007, when Messi flew back to Rosario to comfort Antonela after the death of her friend.
      The pair have been inseparable ever since and celebrated on the pitch together with the three boys after the World Cup final in Qatar.
      Credit: Getty
      ‘The dream becomes a reality’
      David Beckham has finally got his man – and has been delighted to share it.
      The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend has posted a picture alongside the ex-Barcelona man.
      And Becks’ grin could hardly be wider.

      Last night’s Messi announcement
      Inter Miami put together a slick ‘welcome to Miami’ video to announce Messi as their new player.
      In the video a graffiti artist sprays his name in the Inter Miami font on a screen, before cutting to Messi with the city’s skyline behind him.

      When is Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut?
      Needless to say, he will NOT be making his US debut in in the MLS All Stars clash against Arsenal.
      Instead, Messi will play for Inter Miami in their Leagues Cup clash against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
      That takes place at the DRV PNK Stadium on July 22 at 1am UK / 8pm ET.
      Mega contract – how much Messi is earning at Inter Miami
      Lionel Messi’s new deal is worth $150million or £115m.
      That equates to $60m a year and $1.1m a WEEK.
      He gets his regular salary, a signing-on bonus and a share in the club.
      Revenue-sharing agreements with Adidas and Apple have been negotiated as part of Messi’s Miami salary.
      There really has never been anything like it in MLS history.
      Blink and you’ll Mess it
      Hello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Lionel Messi’s unveiling from the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami.The MLS – and more importantly Inter Miami – have finally got their man.
      David Beckham and the team have been trying relentlessly to get some top talent from Europe to the MLS, just as he did in 2007 when he moved to LA Galaxy.
      And now, Messi joins the likes of Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney and Andrea Pirlo to make the move Stateside.
      After playing for some of the most historic clubs in Europe, Messi has arrived at one of the MLS’ newest clubs.
      Inter Miami only played their first match in 2018, but in that time they have been trying to woo the Argentina ace.
      The timings have finally aligned, Messi arrives as a world champion and content that he has won every trophy that matters in the club and international game.
      He is ready to be the latest name to add legitimacy and quality to the MLS’ growing reputation to go with its impressive crowds.
      Load more entries… More

    • 288 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney puts ex-Man Utd hero on ‘Discovery List’ – which could make DC United money even if he joins rival MLS side

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY has put a former Manchester United hero on DC United’s “Discovery List”.It means that the club could make money even if the player joins a rival MLS side.
      Wayne Rooney has put Jesse Lingard on his Discovery ListCredit: Getty
      Each club in the league can name up to seven players on their Discovery List.
      The list consists of players a club has scouted who are playing outside the MLS and are exempt from being drafted or assigned.
      If another club signs a player on a rival’s Discovery List, then they must also pay a fee to that team.
      Rooney has revealed that Jesse Lingard is on his DC United Discovery List in case he chooses to move to the USA.
      READ MORE MAN UTD
      The former England striker explained to The Times: “You don’t know about ‘discovery’ players? OK, take Erling Haaland.
      “We could put Haaland on our ‘Discovery List’ and it means that if he ever came to the MLS but let’s say wanted to play for one of the LA teams and not us, the LA team would have to pay Man City – and us. Because we’ve “discovered” him! It’s crazy.

      “But if you’re clever, you can make money. Last year when Jesse Lingard signed for a year with [Nottingham] Forest we put him on our Discovery List because you thought there’s every chance that after a year at Forest he’ll want to come to the US and that would mean we could sign him or get money for him.”
      Lingard is currently a free agent following the expiry of his one-year deal with Nottingham Forest.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The midfielder, who has previously been linked with DC United, made 20 appearances for the club last season but played just two minutes in the league after March.
      He previously played 46 times with Rooney for United and England before the DC United boss retired.
      Rooney is now into his first full season as an MLS manager, with DC United ninth in the Eastern Conference after 24 matches.
      Jesse Lingard is a free agent after leaving Nottingham ForestCredit: Alamy More

    • 288 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I’ve played in the Premier League & MLS… English fans are ignorant, I knew after first trip to US I’d never come home

      by

      BRADLEY WRIGHT-PHILLIPS believes English fans are ignorant of other leagues and he would encourage players to move to MLS.The former striker started his playing career at Manchester City and made 32 Premier League appearances for the club.
      Bradley Wright-Phillips is New York Red Bulls record goalscorerCredit: Getty
      The former striker played alongside Thierry Henry at the clubCredit: Getty
      Wright-Phillips also played for Southampton, Plymouth, Charlton and Brentford in the EFL with varying success, but proved he had an eye for goal when he struck more than 20 goals in successive League One seasons between 2010-2012.
      But his career really took off following a transfer to New York Red Bulls in 2013.
      Wright-Phillips played alongside the likes of Thierry Henry in the Big Apple and loved the club from the moment he touched down in the US.
      He became the club record goalscorer with 126 goals in all competitions and now works as assistant sporting director at New York Red Bulls.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      In an exclusive interview with SunSport the 38-year-old reflected on his MLS move and revealed he was never going to return to England after his first visit to the Red Bulls.
      Wright-Phillips said: “I enjoyed my stint here. There was something about playing in England – it was my dream to play in the best league in the world.
      “It just wasn’t my story and I felt at a certain time when I went on loan to Brentford it just felt like I wasn’t supposed to be here. I was supposed to find a different path and adventure and it worked out well for me.
      “I went to New York on holiday. My agent had told me ‘listen they’re interested in you signing here but go over and train for a while’.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      “I just wanted to go on holiday. It was New York and I get to train with Theirry Henry, but when I got there I saw the facilities, the standard of player, I was never coming back home.
      “It was eye-opening for me, us English folk are ignorant to every other league almost, and rightly so we grow up with the Premier League, EFL and we think that’s the only thing in the world. I was very surprised when I got to the MLS and New York, it was amazing.”
      Asked whether he would encourage young players to move to the US, Wright-Phillips added: “Yes 100 per cent. Without being disrespectful you can play in lots of places around England, but [in the US] you can play in Boston, New York, LA, Portland, St Louis.
      “All amazing cities to play football in, these are unbelievable places with great atmospheres.”
      Wright-Phillips has moved into punditry since hanging up his boots but it has proved to be more difficult than his first anticipated.
      Luckily his dad Ian Wright was on hand to point him in the right direction, and provided a key bit of advice to help him ease into the world of analysis.
      Wright-Phillips explained: “He told me to be myself, [and] as long as you can take that comment you made about a team or a player to bed with you, then I guess it’s okay.” More

    • 100 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi Signs With Inter Miami and M.L.S.

      by

      Messi is expected to join the team this week on a contract that runs through the 2025 Major League Soccer season.The greatest soccer player of his era, and maybe the greatest of all time, is coming to the United States for the twilight of his career. Lionel Messi, 36, officially joined Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, the club announced in a release on Saturday.His contract commits him to the team through the 2025 M.L.S. season.“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi said in a statement. “This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project.”Messi had revealed his plans to play for Miami last month and was spotted shopping with his family at a Miami-area grocery this week.He is expected to join the team in the next week, which would put him on track to make his debut for Inter Miami in a Concacaf Leagues Cup game against Cruz Azul of Mexico on July 21.A soccer prodigy as a child in Argentina, Messi moved to Spain to sign with Barcelona at age 13 and soon became a talked about young player. He made his debut with the first team at 16 and went on to a spectacular career, winning every major trophy and six Ballons d’Or as the world’s best player. He moved on to Paris-St. Germain in 2021, where he won another Ballon d’Or, and his team dominated the French league, although it failed to win the Champions League.He has been the leader of the Argentine national team almost since his 2005 debut, and added the final trophy missing from his collection when he won the World Cup with them last summer.The consensus of fans and historians has been that his greatness as a player is rivaled perhaps only by Cristiano Ronaldo in his own era and by Pelé and Diego Maradona from any era.Messi’s signing completes what could be described as the quiet Barcelona-fication of Inter Miami that preceded his formal arrival. The team’s chief business officer and its top operations and facilities executive are both former Barcelona employees. Last month, Inter Miami announced that Messi’s former midfield teammate at Barcelona, Sergio Busquets, would be its second marquee signing of the summer.Then, two weeks ago, Gerardo Martino, the Argentine known as Tata who had coached Messi at Barcelona, was hired as Inter Miami’s coach. At his introductory news conference, he spoke openly of working with Messi and Busquets, and left little doubt that he saw his new challenge as more than a reunion.“Sometimes we associate the United States, Miami, are linked with the idea of a vacation,” Martino said. “This isn’t that. We want to compete.“They are not players who are going to come here to not compete.”The signing is reminiscent of 2007, when Los Angeles Galaxy of M.L.S. signed the world’s most famous player, if not the best, David Beckham, at age 32. Beckham played in L.A. for six years, winning two championships, and brought the league unprecedented exposure.M.L.S. has long spoken of eventually matching the quality and visibility of the world’s top leagues. It will hope that Lionel Messi’s golden years help push it in that direction. More