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      Fans joke Premier League legend didn’t know what he was letting himself in for after horrific weather in MLS clash

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      HUGO LLORIS endured horrific weather conditions in his second MLS appearance on Saturday.The former Tottenham goalkeeper played in a snowstorm as LAFC were beaten 3-0 by Real Salt Lake in Utah.Hugo Lloris played in a snowstorm for LAFC against Real Salt LakeCredit: X/ @MLSThe former Premier League goalkeeper was left covered in snow during the 3-0 defeatCredit: GettyLloris, who joined the MLS side in January, was left covered in snow as fans joked he did not know what he had got himself into.The match at America First Field was delayed by two hours due to the conditions.Once the game finally got underway, though, it was suspended after just four minutes because of lightning.Two goals from Andres Gomez and another from Cristian Arango were enough for a comfortable home victory.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe cameras even picked up a frozen Lloris grimacing in the snow after conceding for the second time.He was left with a pile of snow on top of his head after being beaten by Gomez.Reacting on social media, one fan wrote: “The amount of snow just resting on Hugo Lloris’ head here. A long day for him.”Another joked: “Not even a cold and windy night in Stoke could have prepared him for this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third fan also commented: “I bet he didn’t expect this.”Meanwhile, one more asked: “How’s this game not called off?”‘He’s just taking the p**s,’ say fans as they spot ‘savage’ Messi’s ‘disrespectful’ skill against injured opponentLloris signed a one-year deal with LAFC in January after more than 11 years at Tottenham.He has since made two appearances in the MLS, having racked up 361 in the Premier League for Spurs. More

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      ‘Infectious’ former Newcastle star who ‘lived his dream’ at boyhood club given classy farewell by Eddie Howe

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      EDDIE HOWE has delivered a classy farewell message to ex-Newcastle United star Matt Longstaff, who has finally landed a new club.Older brother Sean Longstaff has been tipped for an England call-up by the Toon boss due to his displays in both the Premier League and Champions League this term.Ex-Newcastle ace Matty Longstaff has landed himself a new clubCredit: AFPThe star famously burst on the scene with a winning goal against Man UtdCredit: GettyThe midfielder, 26, has been cheered on from the stands by his younger brother Matty, 23, who could quite easily have been the one making the headlines after his own dramatic breakthrough into the Newcastle first-team.Matty, who says he “lived his dream” playing for his hometown team, burst on the scene in October 2019 with a debut man of the match display and the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.Back then he was only earning £850-a-week and a host of big clubs were soon circling as they chased his signature with Italian sides Inter Milan and Udinese both allegedly keen as were French giants Marseille.However, things failed to pan out as expected when his development contract ran out in 2020 after three goals in 15 appearances during his maiden campaign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA downward spiral then led to him ending up unemployed after he finally agreed a two-year contract.Matty suffered a big drop in form and injuries restricted his progress and he failed to shine in loan spells at Scottish club Aberdeen and in League Two with Mansfield.Then last season he headed to the fourth tier again to try to reignite his career at Colchester United but suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Boxing Day.The Geordie was released by Newcastle in June when his contract expired – but the Magpies did not turn their back on him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowe and his staff allowed him to continue coming into the training ground while undergoing his rehab and now that gesture has paid off after Matty landed himself a new club.He has joined MLS side Toronto FC on a two-year deal, with an option of a further year.Fan’s baffling request to Alan Shearer picked up by BBC mic on live TV during Blackburn’s FA Cup clash with NewcastleAnd after the news emerged this morning, Howe said: “I’m delighted for Matty. He’s an inspirational character.“We obviously have close connections with the family with Sean, but Matty has worked incredibly hard and is an infectious guy. We wish him all the best.”His new manager John Herdman said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad.“His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”Eddie Howe delivered a classy message to the star after the transfer announcementCredit: PA More

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      Gary Lineker fumes at introduction of ‘ridiculous nonsense’ new football rule ‘you couldn’t make up’

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      GARY LINEKER has slammed a new set of rules being introduced in the MLS.The league’s lawmakers are looking to clamp down on time wasting during the 2024 season.Gary Lineker has fumed at new anti-time wasting rules introduced by the MLSCredit: AlamySubstituted players must now leave the pitch within ten seconds of the sub board going up.If not, their replacement cannot come on for 60 seconds, leaving their side a man short.In addition, players going off for treatment cannot come back on for two minutes.Reacting to the new rules, Lineker wrote on X: “More ridiculous nonsense.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Punishing players and teams for getting hurt/injured thus rewarding those that commit fouls that cause injuries. You couldn’t make it up, but they do.”There are several exemptions to MLS’ new set of anti-timewasting regulations, however.The substitution rule does not apply to goalkeepers or injured players.Exemptions can also be applied for special situations pre-approved by the league as well as for safety or security reasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs for players receiving treatment, the rule will not apply if they do not need medical staff or they voluntarily go off for treatment.Head injuries are also exempt, as are cardiac issues and life threatening events.He might sneak in’ predicts Gary Lineker as three young talents tipped to make England’s Euro 2024 squadIf a player requires treatment following a challenge which results in a yellow or red card, they will also not be required to stay off for two minutes.The new set of rules have been installed by the MLS for the 2024 season, which got underway last week. More

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      My dad is a Real Madrid icon… now I’m playing alongside Barcelona legend Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend David Beckham has welcomed a promising young ace to his Inter Miami side.And the youngster is set for an exciting adventure as he will be linking up with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
      Federico Redondo has joined Lionel Messi at Inter MiamiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fede.redondo/
      Federico is the son of Real Madrid legend Fernando Redondo
      The Argentine will also be rubbing shoulders with some of Messi’s most legendary Barcelona teammates in Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
      But hanging out with football icons is nothing new for Federico Redondo, 21, as he grew up in that environment as the son of the legendary Fernando Redondo.
      Fernando enjoyed a stunning 19-year career that saw him dazzling the crowds around the world during his time at Real Madrid, AC Milan and Argentina.
      And now Federico is looking to follow in his dad’s footsteps, starting in the MLS.
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      Inter Miami announced they signed the midfielder from Argentinos Juniors, which is the same club where Fernando’s career kicked off.
      The Argentina Under-23 international has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with a club option to extend until 2028.
      Federico has penned a youth contract and the paperwork is expected to be completed once his visa is finalised.
      Inter Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said: “We’re pleased to bring an exciting young midfielder like Federico to Inter Miami.
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      “He’s a very promising player who is sharp with the ball at his feet, and shows awareness out of possession.
      “We believe in his potential, but also feel he will immediately be a strong addition to our squad as we look to build on our successes in 2024.”
      ‘He’s just taking the p**s,’ say fans as they spot ‘savage’ Messi’s ‘disrespectful’ skill against injured opponent
      Federico joined Argentinos Juniors in 2013 at the tender age of 10 years old and spent nine years in the youth ranks.
      The defensive midfielder made his senior debut in 2022 and went on to amass two goals as well as two assists in 58 appearances.
      Federico said: “I’m very happy to join a Club that is growing so much. It’s a great opportunity to share the pitch with top players.
      “I’m looking forward to integrating in the group with my teammates. We have to go step by step but always dream big.” More

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      Man Utd ‘secret weapon takes shock manager’s job abroad in blow to Ten Hag… but will stay until after Man City clash’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED coach Eric Ramsay is set to be appointed Minnesota United manager.The 32-year-old has reportedly been in talks with the MLS club this week and a deal is close to being agreed.
      Eric Ramsay is set to join Minnesota UnitedCredit: Getty
      It is a huge blow for Erik ten Hag as Ramsay has been dubbed United’s ‘secret weapon’Credit: Reuters
      It will see Ramsay land his first job in management and become the youngest ever gaffer in the division’s history.
      Minnesota play their first game of the new MLS season against Austin on Sunday.
      Interim boss Cameron Knowles will be in charge as Ramsay will not join until after March 3.
      His final game as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom team will be the Manchester derby against City.
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      Ramsay is a highly-rated coach and has been dubbed Man Utd’s “secret weapon”.
      He arrived at Old Trafford in 2021 in a player development and set-piece coaching role while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was boss.
      But he soon earned a promotion, forming a more integral part of the coaching setup under Ralf Rangnick and Ten Hag.
      Ramsay is fluent in French and Spanish, helping several new players settle in.
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      And his attention to detail has seen the Welshman receive praise from Dragons boss Rob Page, who labelled him “one of the best young coaches in football”.
      Ramsay’s rise up the ranks began at Loughborough University alongside ex-United assistant and Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna.
      Scott McTominay reveals two strict rules implemented by Erik ten Hag at Man Utd
      He then spent four years working in Swansea’s academy and then as a first-team coach at Shrewsbury.
      Prior to joining Man Utd, he coached Chelsea’s Under-23s.
      At Minnesota, Ramsay will manager ex-Premier League star Teemu Pukki.
      They finished 11th in the 14-team Western Conference last term. More

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      Spring Training at Coachella: Can the M.L.S. Cash In on Its Preseason?

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      AEG, the entertainment giant, is trying to organize large-scale training camps marketed to fans, as other sports have done. Will it work?On a recent Wednesday afternoon, Dan Perkin and Scott Bissmeyer, work buddies on vacation, sat on metal bleachers watching the Portland Timbers play the San Jose Earthquakes in the first of four preseason Major League Soccer games that day.They had spent $125 each on V.I.P. day passes, which included food, drink and access to tents to keep cool. Self-described “M.L.S. road trippers,” they have visited numerous M.L.S. stadiums, and have watched teams in Tucson, Ariz., where as many as 11 clubs came together for preseason training in the past.But this year, with 12 M.L.S. teams — along with two from the United Soccer League and four from the National Women’s Soccer League — gathered at a 1,000-acre property outside Palm Springs, Calif., for preseason training, Mr. Perkin and Mr. Bissmeyer decided to check it out.“Compared to Tucson, they put on a nice operation here,” Mr. Perkin said of the site, the Empire Polo Club, best known as the annual site of the Coachella Music Festival. “If you’re going to drive six hours, we might as well treat ourselves.”Attendance was expected to grow about 40 percent this year.Dan Perkin and Scott Bissmeyer are self-described “M.L.S. road trippers.”We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      David Beckham hell-bent on Inter Miami world domination as Man Utd legend reveals when he’ll know MLS club are global

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      DAVID BECKHAM is hell-bent on world domination with Inter Miami.Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, now calls South Florida home and has catapulted the club to a level of global recognition they could only have dreamed of six years ago.
      David Beckham and a group of investors bought Inter Miami in 2021Credit: AP
      Becks managed to lure footie superstar Lionel Messi to Chase StadiumCredit: GETTY
      Beckham has huge plans for the MLS franchiseCredit: GETTY
      But Beckham, fellow owner Jorge Mas and all involved in this frenzied football club are not stopping there.
      Having played at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Beckham knows what it means to be a truly big club.
      Javier Morales, the assistant manager who has been with the club since the start and played against Beckham when he played for LA Galaxy, said: “When I first spoke to David, he said he thinks this could be a big club.
      “Obviously he came from Man United and he used to play for big teams. That is his idea.
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      “He wants Inter Miami to be not just a top team not just in the country but also in the world.”
      Their ambitions are, in a very American and Miami fashion, straightforward and stratospheric. Inter Miami are aiming to become the New York Yankees of football.
      With the stardust of Messi, Beckham and the celebrities who are regulars at their Chase Stadium – Inter Miami want their pop of pink to be as recognisable as the pinstripes of the Yankees.
      And when you see Messi, having dazzled in the Major League Soccer season opener on Wednesday night, hugging Hollywood star Will Smith as he heads down the tunnel at half-time it is hard to say it is not possible.
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      Hollywood superstar Will Smith was in attendance for Inter Miami’s midweek clash with Real Salt LakeCredit: Instagram
      Xavier Asensi, one of the top figures at the club who joined after a decade on the Barcelona board, said: “Football is global, Messi and Beckham.
      “After Covid a lot of celebrities moved here, it is super well connected.
      ‘He’s just taking the p**s,’ say fans as they spot ‘savage’ Messi’s ‘disrespectful’ skill against injured opponent
      “It is a mosaic and a place that embraces and welcomes people from all over the world.
      “You have the two largest languages in use around the world here.
      “All this combined creates this aura, which gives a power if you know how to action it that the sky is the limit.
      “Do you like baseball? I don’t. But do you have a cap with the NY of the Yankees? How cool is that?
      “For me, that is the potential we have. We have the potential of the sexiness, the brand that can be a fashion.
      “We have that potential. In order to unlock that, only the best are enough.
      David Beckham recently secured the services of Luis Suarez for Inter MiamiCredit: EPA
      Becks is loving the latest chapter of his football careerCredit: AP
      “We need to surround ourselves with the best people to unlock the potential that we have as a brand.
      “This is not just football, we can go bigger and better.”
      The attitude of only the best being enough has seen Beckham’s club chase not only Messi but a trio of his former teammates from Barcelona.
      Luis Suarez was unveiled by the ex-England captain along with a fireworks display ahead of their win over Real Salt Lake, with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who struggled somewhat, also starting.
      Landing Messi was a statement of intent, proving they can compete not only with European clubs but also the emerging threat of Saudi Arabia.
      And more will follow. World Cup winner Antoine Greizmann is expected to join the club in the not-too-distant future, potentially following Messi as the biggest name once the Argentine calls it a day.
      Asensi said: “More players from Barcelona? Yeah, why not? What we want is good players and if they are coming from Barcelona, perfect.”
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      Messi made Inter Miami the most Googled sports club in the world last year and helped them embark on a world tour across pre-season, something unprecedented in MLS.
      A first League title is the expectation this season, but Beckham’s ambitions go way beyond MLS and even Messi. More

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      Seven former Premier League stars you forgot were still playing in the MLS including shock Lionel Messi team-mates

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      MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER is no longer simply a retirement home for players on their way down.American football has exploded in terms of popularity, turbocharged by the arrival of Lionel Messi, and is attracting more and more players with Premier League experience.
      Major League Soccer is stacked full of talent who have played in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Lionel Messi is the face of MLS footballCredit: AFP
      It’s not hard to see why Messi is a key selling point for stars considering the incredible skill he pulled off in Inter Miami’s season opener against Real Salt Lake.
      As the 2024 season gets underway in Miami this week, SunSport takes a look at some former Prem players making a living Stateside.
      Luis Suarez, Inter Miami
      Former Liverpool star Luis Suarez joined Inter Miami ahead of this seasonCredit: Reuters
      A Liverpool great, Suarez has joined the Barcelona tribute act at David Beckham’s Inter Miami, alongside Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
      The club is even managed by former Barca boss Tata Martino.
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      This year is Suarez’s first in MLS as the South Florida side look to back up their first ever trophy, last season’s Leagues Cup, with a tilt at winning the MLS Cup in 2024.
      He starred alongside Messi and co during Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake but failed to get on the scoresheet.
      Hugo Lloris, Los Angeles FC
      Hugo Lloris left Tottenham in December to head to the StatesCredit: AFP
      The French World Cup winner, 37, is also gearing up for his first season in MLS.
      Lloris made an emotional exit from Tottenham in December having failed to secure a move away from North London last summer.
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      LAFC, who are part-owned by Hollywood star Will Ferrell, joined MLS in 2018 and won last season’s Play-Offs.
      Victor Wanyama, CF Montreal
      Former Southampton and Spurs star Victor Wanyama has been in the MLS since 2021Credit: Alamy
      The Kenyan midfielder made his name in English football with Southampton and Tottenham before heading to MLS.
      ‘He’s just taking the p**s,’ say fans as they spot ‘savage’ Messi’s ‘disrespectful’ skill against injured opponent
      Wanyama, who starred for Celtic before moving to the Premier League, now has more than 100 appearances for Canadian side CF Montreal.
      While Montreal have not threatened to win much in MLS, Wanyama did win the Canadian Cup in 2021.
      Christian Benteke, DC United
      Christian Benteke joined DC United under Wayne RooneyCredit: Getty
      The former Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace striker could be unplayable on his day in the Premier League, but also went through notorious dry spells in front of goal.
      Benteke joined DC United in 2022 when former England captain Wayne Rooney was in charge.
      The Belgian scored a stunning bicycle kick against Charlotte in April last year and took part in the annual MLS All Star game in Washington.
      DeAndre Yedlin, Inter Miami
      DeAndre Yedlin starred at Newcastle before finding his way to the USACredit: Reuters
      The American international right-back has gone from lining-up behind Jeff Hendrick or Ayoze Perez at Steve Bruce’s Newcastle to sharing a flank with Messi in South Florida.
      Quite the rise for the full-back, who also played for Sunderland and, very briefly, Tottenham during his time in England.
      The 30-year-old started his career in MLS with Seattle Sounders before crossing the Atlantic to spend seven years in Europe. Yedlin spent a season at Galatasaray before making the move to Inter Miami.
      Like Suarez, Yedlin featured against Real Salt Lake but lasted the whole game.
      Inter Miami 2-0 Real Salt LakeDAVID BECKHAM’S biggest season yet at Inter Miami got off to a fine start as Lionel Messi inspired their win over Real Salt Lake.
      Beckham flew into Florida for the curtain raiser of the 2024 Major League Soccer season, watching his star-studded side alongside Hollywood icon Will Smith among other celebrities.
      The former England captain needed a performance to live up to the glitz and hype ahead of the game. Fireworks shot above the Chase Stadium as Beckham introduced new signing Luis Suarez ahead of kick-off.
      While Messi did not score the opening goal, he was still putting on a show, playing with swagger and a smile.
      Having hit the bar trying to score directly from a corner, the World Cup winner setup Robert Taylor to grab the first after 39 minutes with a fine through ball.
      Then the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner really started showing off.
      Messi drove towards goal but found the injured Andrew Brody sprawled out in his path.
      Whereas for anyone else the move would end there, the Argentine showed supreme touch to lift the ball over Brody, tip-toe around him and get a shot off.
      There was a sign of the new Stateside circus around Messi, who was stalked from the touchline by his own personal bodyguard, as he shared a hug with Smith in the pitchside hospitality seats as he headed down the tunnel.
      Miami, who won their maiden trophy following Messi’s arrival last season, are looking to claim the MLS Cup – effectively the league title – for the first time in the club’s history.
      With their capture of Messi followed by the arrival of former Barcelona teammates Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Beckham’s boys are clear favourites with the bookies to storm MLS this season.
      There were a few mistakes from the hosts dotted throughout the second half which went unpunished to prove that stardust alone won’t get them across the line.
      But on occasion it does. After a second half on the back foot, a tired looking Messi and Suarez burst back into life to combine and set up Diego Gomez to score a stunning second with a scintillating break from the halfway line.
      Seconds later Suarez was denied his first goal for the club when Zac MacMath made a stunning near post save from the Uruguayan’s close range strike which came at the end of another Messi break.
      The Argentine then almost got his own name on the scoresheet with a seamless run from the right, before seeing his effort stopped.
      At full time the fireworks went up again into the South Florida sky and Beckham will be praying they can continue all season long.

      Teemu Pukki, Minnesota United
      Ex-Norwich ace Teemu Pukki joined Minnesota United last JuneCredit: Getty
      The Finnish striker has swapped Norfolk for the Twin Cities on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.
      Pukki joined Minnesota United in June last year after scoring 88 goals in more than 200 appearances for the Canaries in the Premier League and Championship.
      The 33-year-old has a fine strike rate of ten goals in just 14 MLS appearances.
      Bryan Oviedo, Real Salt Lake
      Bryan Oviedo has already played 41 times for Real Salt LakeCredit: Getty
      The former Everton and Sunderland man returned to former club FC Copenhagen after leaving English football, but has been with Real Salt Lake since 2022.
      A versatile left-back, Oviedo scored twice in 60 Premier League appearances but is yet to register a goal in 41 outings for Salt Lake.
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      He begins his season with the biggest task of all, up against Messi in Miami in front of Beckham.
      Oviedo was an unused substitute in the game against Inter Miami. More