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      Inside Lionel Messi’s ‘unbearably competitive’ training plan as Barcelona legend does ‘naked pull-ups’ in changing room

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      LIONEL MESSI has an “unbearably competitive” training plan that once included him doing naked pull-ups in front of his team-mates.The superstar is still going strong at 37-years-old and was named the MLS MVP in 2024.Lionel Messi is still going strong at 37Credit: APAn ex team-mate revealed how has been able to maintain his performanceCredit: Instagram @leomessiOscar Ustari played with Messi for Argentina and Inter MiamiCredit: AFPHe helped Inter Miami win the Eastern Conference before they were knocked out in the play-offs by Atlanta United.Former team-mate Oscar Ustari has revealed some of the secrets behind Messi’s longevity and praised the Argentine’s character.He told DSports Radio: “Messi is unbearably competitive, he is incredible at everything. There are team-mates who had never seen him and are surprised. “Nothing is a coincidence at that level. You see that his passion is football, training, being well and showing every day who he is.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He has fun doing what he does. The first day I arrived at the club he was doing pull-ups buck naked, and all the guys were around him. “He treats everyone equally, he’s very family-oriented. He’s a person who generates a lot for everyone. “He is very involved in the academy, he is aware of everything. That is how I see it.”Another of Messi’s former team-mates spoke about the presence the legend has, admitting he was too nervous to speak to him when they first met.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSComo star Nico Paz met Messi when playing for Argentina Under-23s.He said of their encounter: “I had met him once before, when I was 17 years old, with the U20s, in a training session with the senior national team.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action “This was the second time I saw him, but the first time I was in the locker room with him.”I didn’t talk to him, I was too ashamed. I get nervous when I see him.”Nico Paz admitted he was too nervous to speak to Messi when they first metCredit: Getty More

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      Miguel Almiron set for £16million Newcastle transfer exit in January to play for Premier League winner

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      MIGUEL ALMIRON looks set for a £16million exit from Newcastle to Charlotte FC.The Paraguayan winger, 30, saw a move to the MLS side collapse in the summer as they refused to meet Toon’s asking price.Miguel Almiron looks set for a £16million exit from Newcastle to Charlotte FCCredit: GettySince then he has barely featured for the Mags in the Premier League and has attracted a host of interest from both Europe and South America.Olympiacos are interested in bringing Almiron to Greece but Brazilian rivals Santos and Botafogo are looking to snap him up.However, the switch Stateside appears to be BACK ON after Charlotte FC assistant manager Christian Fuchs revealed the ex-Atlanta United attacker is closing in on an MLS return.Fuchs, Prem title winner with Leicester in 2016, said: “He’s a great player but I don’t really want to talk about him as he hasn’t signed yet.READ MORE IN football “There are always a lot of names being associated with Charlotte FC and all I know is that, once it is signed, Almiron will be a great addition to our club and I would really look forward to him joining us and playing for us.“We are very ambitious, coming up into our fourth year and it has been a steady progression within the club, within the MLS and we are really looking forward to getting going again.“We are coming back on January 12th, going into pre season, and it is going to be a great season ahead.”As revealed by SunSport, Newcastle are also poised to cash in on former England star Kieran Trippier. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrippier is one of the Toon’s highest earners and the club’s hierarchy are ready to cash in on the 34-year-old as they look to stick by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.The defender – who won the Spanish title with Atletico Madrid before joining Newcastle in 2021 – is believed to be open to another move abroad.Clubs in Spain, Italy and Turkey have all registered interest in the set-piece specialist who won 54 England caps before retiring from international duty after last summer’s Euros.Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 years More

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      Wilfried Zaha BLOCKED from making Premier League return due to little-known rule but could still make shock transfer

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      WILFRIED ZAHA could be BLOCKED from a return to the Premier League in January by a little-known rule.But a shock transfer may still be on the cards.Wilfried Zaha’s hopes of a Premier League return could be dashed by Fifa rulesCredit: GettyZaha, 32, left Crystal Palace at the end of the 2022-23 season and joined Galatasaray.But after a superb opening campaign in Turkey, scoring ten in 42 appearances, he only featured as a substitute in the 5-0 Turkish Super Cup defeat to Besiktas on August 3 before being shipped out on loan to Lyon.However, his stint in France has not gone according to plan.The Ivorian winger has managed just 112 minutes of football across six matches, assisting one and starting one. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that means Lyon could terminate the loan deal and send Zaha back to Turkey.But Galatasaray could be open to letting the former Manchester United man join another team.Palace may have been willing to consider a loan swoop for their academy graduate – and speculation accelerated when he was in attendance for last week’s 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal. But it appears Zaha – who has 458 Palace appearances – may not be allowed to play for a team in the Premier League.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFifa rule 5.4 states: “Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. “During this period, a player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs.Wilfried Zaha leaves press room in stitches with hilarious response to whether he is bothered about failed Man Utd spell”As an exception to this rule, a player moving between two clubs belonging to associations with overlapping seasons (i.e. start of the season in summer/autumn as opposed to winter/spring) may be eligible to play in official matches for a third club during the relevant season, provided they have fully complied with their contractual obligations towards their previous clubs, and provided that the provisions relating to registration periods and the minimum length of a contract are respected.”As a result, the Mirror claim Zaha may be prevented from representing a third team in the 2024-25 campaign after his 15-minute cameo in the Turkish Super Cup thumping should Fifa deem that an official match. And that could mean a dream return to Selhurst Park is off the cards. Palace owner Steve Parish did admit in the summer the club would love to sign Zaha once again – nine years after bringing him back from Old Trafford – despite links to Leicester and Wolves.Parish told talkSPORT: “I’d have Wilf Zaha back in a heartbeat. He’s part of our club, part of our history.”There’s a few people that can lay claim at the heart of the resurgence of this club and Wilfried is very much one of them.”We stayed in the division [Premier League] sometimes by the force of his will, so, of course, we would.”Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like it’s going to be possible this summer for various reasons. “I’m in contact with him every now and again. I am glad he had a good season last season and he fulfilled his dreams. He played in the Champions League, so it’s a great story for him but of course if he was available we would be interested.”And if Fifa take the hard-line approach, a transfer to a league that runs in line with the calendar may be possible. READ MORE SUN STORIESAccording to the Daily Mail, the MLS may be a suitable option with interested parties in North America, whose regular season starts in February and ends in October before the play-offs culminating in December. However, finding a team willing to pay his £72,000-a-week wages could be a major stumbling block. Zaha watched his old team lose 5-1 to ArsenalCredit: GettyThe winger was sent out on loan after one year at GalatasarayCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I ain’t paying £10m… because of everything’ – Former Man Utd star slams Rashford and says he should move to MLS

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      MARCUS RASHFORD could end up moving to an MLS club, claims former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.Rashford, 27, is out of favour at Old Trafford under boss Ruben Amorim.Marcus Rashford is out of favour at Man UtdCredit: GettyBen Foster had his say on Rashford’s futureCredit: TikTok / benfcyclinggkThe forward has been left out of United’s last three matchday squads.He recently admitted that he is ready for a “new challenge” and is thought to be available for around £40million.But Foster, 41, doesn’t think the Red Devils will get anywhere near that price.Speaking on his Cycling GK podcast, he said: “Marcus Rashford, there’s so many people that talk about him that say ‘on his day, on his day’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His day is once every 10 games. Genuinely, it’s once every 10 games and you can’t have a luxury player in the modern game that will give you one game out of 10, it’s as simple as that.”Coupled with fact that he gets so much reputation and baggage and everything that comes with it, I don’t think Mikel Arteta wants that anywhere near that Arsenal.”He has to get away from Manchester United. I think it’ll be an MLS (transfer) or something. It’s going to have to be a massive wage cut.”Rashford earns in the region of £325,000 a week and is under contract at United until the summer of 2028.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has made 15 Premier League appearances this season, scoring four goals.On what could be holding Rashford back, Foster added: “Once that fire goes, can you get that back? It has to come from him. I don’t think he can get it back.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ “Again, you’re talking about money which does really ruin everything lads.”Once people have that massive contract and they’ve got that five years in the bank and they’ve got everything they’ll ever need for the rest of their life, that takes it (that fire) away.”They were talking £40m you know as well. Even 10, I ain’t paying £10m… because of everything.”Amorim, 39, was recently asked about Rashford’s situation by Sky Sports.’A HARD SITUATION’The Portuguese said: “It is a hard situation. I understand that these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the first idea from the player.”I am always here to help Marcus as another player. I have to do what I have to do.”They chose to do the interview as it is not just Marcus. I have understood that.”As a coach I focus on performance and the way you train. The rest, it is better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMan Utd are set to take on Wolves later today.Rashford’s last appearance came in the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. More

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      I was too ashamed to speak to Lionel Messi when training with him – now I’m playing for another Barcelona legend

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      NICO PAZ has admitted he was “too ashamed” to speak to Lionel Messi when he trained with him.The midfielder made his Argentina debut in October in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.Nico Paz was ‘nervous’ when he first met Lionel MessiCredit: GettyPaz is currently starring for Como in ItalyCredit: EPAPaz, 20, made an assist for Messi during the 6-0 victory and was hailed by the former Barcelona star afterwards.Messi claimed that the Como star can “continue to grow” and that he “understands the game perfectly”.He added: “I hope he continues like this.”He played, he enjoyed it and I think he’ll feel comfortable in this team because he likes having the ball.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPaz had revealed that he first met Messi when he was 17 years old.The midfielder trained with the Argentine national team when he was in the youth side.He admitted that he was “too ashamed” to try and speak to Messi and got “nervous” when seeing him.He told DAZN: “I had met him once before, when I was 17 years old, with the U20s, in a training session with the senior national team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This was the second time I saw him, but the first time I was in the locker room with him.”I didn’t talk to him, I was too ashamed.Flooded pitch causes chaos in Argentina’s draw with Venezuela as Lionel Messi rants about ‘ugly’ match”I get nervous when I see him.”Since then, Paz has become one of the most promising midfielders in Europe.After progressing through the youth academy at Real Madrid, he made the bold decision to leave in August.He joined Serie A newcomers Como for £5m and has become a key player for manager Cesc Fabregas.This season, he has made 15 appearances in Serie A, scoring two goals and assisting three more.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Lionel Messi beats Prem cult heroes to win MLS MVP award after Inter Miami chief’s big update on icon’s retirement plans

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      LIONEL MESSI has won the MLS MVP award after a stunning season with Inter Miami – and could be set for more with David Beckham’s club.Messi led Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference and helped them lift their first ever Supporters’ Shield by having the best overall record during the regular season.Lionel Messi won the MLS MVP Award after a stunning season with Inter MiamiCredit: X @InterMiamiCFMessi beat three former Premier League aces for the MLS awardCredit: AFPThe eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also registered a staggering 21 goals and 11 assists in 22 appearances after missing almost two months of action as he joined Argentina in the Copa America where he got injured.That led the star forward to the Landon Donovan MVP Award, which he won with 38.43 per cent of the vote.The Barcelona legend beat runner-up and ex-Watford ace Cucho Hernandez of Columbus Crew (33.70 per cent) as well as Portland Timbers star Evander, who came third with 9.24 per cent.Ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke won 7.10 per cent of the vote for DC United, while Messi’s team-mate and Reds legend Luis Suarez finished fifth with 2.71 per cent.Read More on FootballMessi said in front of Inter’s young academy players: “Truly, it is an honour for me to receive this award from all of you. It’s a source of pride to watch you all train.”I’m very happy to be here every day. I’m very happy to be in this city, in this club that is growing… “It’s a pleasure to see you grow day by day. I invite you to keep fighting and striving for your dreams.”Messi couldn’t lead Miami all the way to the MLS Cup as they suffered a shock elimination to Atlanta United in the first round of the play-offs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Argentina captain’s contract runs out next December, but co-owner Jorge Mas is “very confident” that his star player will sign a new deal.Mas said: “As I said before, I’m very confident that he’ll be opening our new stadium in ’26.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action “I’ll be sitting with Leo, you know, now at some point in the off-season.”And I’m optimistic that as long as Leo’s health holds up, that we’ll be seeing him in pink.”Messi overcame runner-up and Columbus Crew star Cucho HernandezCredit: GettyMessi also beat ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa ace Christian Benteke of DC UnitedCredit: AP More

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      Lionel Messi set to be edged out for MVP award by Premier League flop, 34, topping MLS goalscoring charts

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      LIONEL MESSI is set to be edged out for the MLS’ coveted MVP award by a Premier League flop who has topped the scoring charts.Messi enjoyed a stunning season in America with Inter Miami, helping his side finish top of the Eastern Conference.Lionel Messi could miss out on the MLS’s MVP award to a Premier League flopCredit: GettyThe Argentina captain also helped himself to 20 goals throughout the campaign.And he even bagged 16 assists along the way as well.However, it’s reckoned that Messi could miss out on the coveted MVP award, which is handed to the MLS’ best player.Inter Miami were expected to cruise to the league’s Cup final, where the ultimate winner of the season is decided.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut David Beckham’s franchise crashed out early in the knockouts, suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to Atlanta United.It means the final will be contested by LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls.And that could see Messi fail to land the MVP award.Instead, it’s reckoned that Christian Benteke could end up winning it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Belgian striker is best known by Premier League fans for spells at Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.Benteke netted 49 goals in 101 games for the latter.David Beckham imposes strict fashion rule on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates leaving Rio Ferdinand stunnedChristian Benteke is the top scorer in the MLS this seasonCredit: AlamyThe Belgian played for Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Aston VillaCredit: GettyBut his barren year at Liverpool resulted in just 10 goals from 42 matches.And at Palace, he only managed 37 goals in 177 outings.Yet Benteke has managed to finish top of the leaderboard for goals scored in the MLS this term.The hitman bagged 23 goals for DC United, who he joined from Palace in 2022.They only managed a 10th place finish in the Eastern Conference.And without Benteke’s goals, DC may very well have finished bottom of the league.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs a result, his contribution could be viewed in some quarters as more valuable than Messi’s, which occurred in a better team which ultimately underachieved.And it now remains to be seen if Benteke does scoop the award ahead of Messi, whose Inter Miami side will be part of Thursday’s draw for next summer’s Club World Cup. More

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      David Beckham ‘appoints ex-Premier League star’ and former Lionel Messi team-mate as Inter Miami boss

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      DAVID BECKHAM has appointed former Prem star Javier Mascherano as Inter Miami’s new manager, according to reports.Mascherano, 40, will now coach his ex-Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.David Beckham has brought another former Prem star in to manage Inter MiamiJavier Mascherano will be reunited with fellow Argentine and ex-Barca team-mate Lionel MessiMascherano is set to leave his position as manager of Argentina’s under-20sThe former Liverpool star has signed a long-term contract with the MLS franchise, according to transfer journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.He will also leave his position as manager of Argentina’s under-20 team, where he coaches a number of Inter Miami’s young prospects.It’s Mascherano’s first position at a senior men’s club as the Athletic report that documents are “being prepared”.Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino stepped down as gaffer just three days ago after Miami’s shock elimination from the first round of the MLS play-offs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMiami lost the three-game series with a 3-2 defeat in Game 3 to Atlanta United, sealing their exit and ending their 2024 campaign.Messi, Alba and Suarez played in all three games, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or scoring in the final loss. Mascherano joined Liverpool in 2006 and played three seasons at Anfield where he formed part of an incredible midfield trio with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.Mascherano then went onto to win trophies with Messi, Suarez, Alba and Busquets during his eight seasons at Barcelona.Most read in FootballJavier Mascherano spent eight years at BarcaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuring his time in Spain, Mascherano won five LaLiga titles and the Champions League twice.He’s not the first former Prem star to take the reigns at Inter, with Phil Neville previously managing the club for two-and-a-half years before he was sacked by pal Beckham.David Beckham imposes strict fashion rule on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates leaving Rio Ferdinand stunnedMartino, who guided Miami to the best regular season record in MLS history this season, made the decision to leave for personal reasons.The 61-year-old Martino – who also coached Messi with Barca and Argentina’s national team before reuniting with him in South Florida – gave no signs of leaving when the season ended earlier this month.Miami were 26-9-12 in MLS regular season and won the Leagues Cup and the Supporters Shield in 2023.Mascherano is likely to face a hectic 2025 as the team will likely venture out on another international pre-season tour.There’s also the 34-match MLS slate and Miami will be one of the teams in the Club World Cup that starts in June as well.But Miami won’t gather for training camp to start the 2025 season until January. Mascherano is the latest ex-Messi teammate to join the MLS franchise – but the first in a coaching capacity. He coached Argentina at the 2024 Paris Olympics to a quarterfinal exit losing out to silver medallist France.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s likely to be the final year with all four of the team’s ex-Barcelona superstars.Busquets and Messi see their deals expire after the 2025 season, Suarez is in negotiations over a one-year extension, and Alba has an option for a further year on his deal. More