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      Lionel Messi tells live TV cameras new football rule is ‘not good’ after Gary Lineker slammed ‘ridiculous nonsense’

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      LIONEL MESSI slammed a new MLS rule that prevented him from taking a free-kick during Inter Miami’s 3-2 win over Montreal.The Argentine icon, 36, had to receive treatment during the first half when he was fouled by Samuel Piette.Lionel Messi was annoyed by the new rule that prevented him from being allowed back on the pitchCredit: X / CentreGoals🇦🇷😤 Lionel Messi Expresses Frustration Towards the Camera Over MLS Rule Requiring Players to Wait Exactly 2 Minutes Before Re-entering the Pitch After Treatment. pic.twitter.com/eY6QCTZ9H2— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 12, 2024

      Matias Rojas ended up curling the free-kick into the top cornerCredit: X / CentreGoalsIt turned out Inter Miami did not need Messi to pull themselves back into the gameCredit: X / CentreGoalsBut a new MLS law introduced for the start of the 2024 season states players going off for treatment cannot come back on for two minutes.This is an attempt to clamp down on time wasting.Ex-England striker Gary Lineker labelled the change “ridiculous nonsense” when it was announced back in February.And Messi was left thoroughly unimpressed as he was forced to watch the resulting free-kick from the sideline.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Barcelona legend was heard turning around and complaining to the officials, saying: “These kind of rules, not good.”Thankfully for Messi and Inter Miami, Matias Rojas stepped up to take the set-piece and curled it straight into the top corner with his left-foot.It was a stunning goal reminiscent of many Messi free-kicks in the past.Yet it was still the bizarre rule that caught the headlines.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLineker previously wrote on X: “More ridiculous nonsense.”Punishing players and teams for getting hurt/injured thus rewarding those that commit fouls that cause injuries.Pique reveals he and Lionel Messi were lined up for double transfer to Premier League giants before Man Utd swooped”You couldn’t make it up, but they do.”Along with a two-minute wait for players that have received treatment, the MLS have also implemented a law which states substituted players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds of the board going up.If they do not, their replacement cannot come on for 60 seconds, meaning the team has to cope for one minute with a player disadvantage.Meanwhile, Inter Miami went on to win the match 3-2 thanks to goals from Rojas, Luis Suarez and Benjamin Cremaschi.It leaves Inter Miami three points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference.Messi has 12 goals and 11 assists in 12 appearances so far this season.In total since arriving in America, he has scored 23 times and provided 16 assists in 26 matches. More

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      Why Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney told everyone he was called ‘Ian’ in America

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      WAYNE ROONEY has revealed why he called himself “Ian” while in the United States.The Manchester United legend spent a total of two years across the pond as a player and then manager of DC United.Wayne Rooney went by the name of ‘Ian’ in the USCredit: GettyDespite Rooney’s fame, he was often not recognised in Washington and had trouble ordering coffee.The ex-England star explained: “When I was in the US, everyone thought I was Irish. “When I was at Starbucks, I don’t think they got my name right once.”I got called ‘Won’, I got called ‘Win’.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”So in the end, I just start saying my name was Ian.”Rooney left DC United at the end of the 2023 MLS campaign and shortly after joined Birmingham as the club was purchased by American owners.But the 38-year-old lasted just 15 games at St Andrew’s, having won just twice.Ahead of the final day of the Championship season, Birmingham are in a perilous position and need to win against Norwich to give them hope of staying up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRooney since Birmingham sacking

      Pundit on Sky Sports, TNT Sports and BBC
      Pulled out of Match of the Day debut
      Playing EA FC with streamers
      Watched Man Utd’s Under-18s win the league
      Tipped to have a celeb boxing match
      Joined The Overlap

      Since his sacking, Rooney has gone into punditry and featured on TNT and Sky Sports.He also set to take to the Match of the Day studio but had to pull out due to an injury.Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney ‘told Coleen he couldn’t do school run for EA FC TRAINING’ reveals YouTuber Angry GingeRooney has also been gaming in his spare time, joining streamer Angry Ginge and his pals online to play EA FC.And it was revealed this week that he has joined Sky Sports show The Overlap alongside his old team-mates Gary Neville and Roy Keane.Rooney has been playing EA FC with streamer Angry Ginge More

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      Major European football league could be played in US as early as NEXT YEAR in shock move

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      LA LIGA president Javier Tebas insists league games will be played abroad in the US as early as 2025.Tebas, 61, wants to hold some Spanish league games overseas come the 2025-26 season as North America is the competition’s second biggest market after Spain.La Liga president Javier Tebas insists league fixtures will take place in the USCredit: ReutersTebas is adamant some games will move to the US as early as 2025Credit: GettyThe football chief added that more leagues are trying to do the same as they also bid to expand across the globe.Tebas told Spanish newspaper Expansion: “I think it could be in the 2025-26 season, but La Liga will play official matches abroad.“An official match in the U.S. will strengthen our position in the North American market, which is the second market for La Liga after Spain.“Other very competitive leagues are coming so we cannot always do the same thing, but we cannot allow them to overtake us.”Read More on FootballThis comes after a landmark lawsuit between Fifa and US events promoter Relevent.The American company was denied by the football governing body in its attempts to put together a La Liga fixture between Girona and Barcelona in Miami back in 2018.Fifa referenced their directive that states domestic games should only take place in the respective country’s territory.Relevent, which was founded by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, argued that this rule acted as a monopoly and prevented fair competition.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe two sides ultimately settled their case after all those years earlier this month.That means the Americans reserve the right to reopen their litigation if Fifa do not come up with a satisfactory reconsideration of their position.Watch moving moment Real Madrid fans hail new hero Jude Bellingham with iconic song as he scores another two goalsReal Madrid are top of the table this season with a whopping 11 points separating them from second-placed Barcelona. More

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      Kevin De Bruyne tipped for stunning MLS transfer by former Belgium team-mate as Man City ace’s contract runs down

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been tipped for a transfer to the MLS by a former team-mate.The Manchester City midfielder’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season.Kevin De Bruyne has been tipped for a move to the MLS by Christian BentekeCredit: RexBenteke believes his former team-mate would be a good fit for two clubsCredit: AFPCity have yet to extend his deal after putting off talks during his lengthy injury lay-off.De Bruyne missed four months earlier this season with a hamstring injury.He has now been tipped to join either LAFC or LA Galaxy once he leaves the Etihad Stadium.His former Belgium and Genk team-mate Christian Benteke believes De Bruyne would be a good fit for the MLS.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBenteke told the MLS’ Extratime show: “He’s 32 and he’s been around in Europe for many, many years.”I can see him at a team in LA.”De Bruyne has continued to impress since returning from injury for City.The 32-year-old has scored five goals and provided 14 assists in 19 appearances this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Phil Foden has emerged as his creative successor in the City midfield after amassing 14 goals and seven assists in the league.De Bruyne previously played with Benteke for both Belgium and Genk earlier in his career.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanThe striker also spent a decade in England with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace before joining MLS side DC United in 2022.He has since scored 21 goals in 44 league appearances in the USA and has praised the standard of the competition.Speaking about the MLS in general, he added: “I would describe the league as physical and technical.Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

      “It’s a mix of both because people think, ‘Oh yeah, MLS is easy. They don’t really care about football or soccer.'”Until you play the game, you understand that you will enjoy yourself. But you better be ready, you better respect the league because it’s not that easy.” More

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      Shock moment Lionel Messi’s bodyguard charges ‘faster than Mbappe’ on to pitch in the middle of Inter Miami clash

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      LIONEL MESSI’S bodyguard left fans stunned after storming onto the field to protect the Argentine from a pitch invader.The Barcelona legend, 36, scored Inter Miami’s second goal in a 3-2 win over Sporting KC in the MLS on Saturday.A pitch invader was swiftly spotted by Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine ChuekoCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe invader managed to hug Messi while wearing a replica Inter Miami shirtCredit: AFPBut Chueko swiftly diffused the situation after furiously storming across the pitchCredit: ReutersBut it was a moment in the first minute of stoppage time that went viral on social media.With the ball over the other side of the pitch, Messi was minding his own business when a fan ran on to have a moment with the iconic footballer.The supporter, wearing a “Messi 10” Inter Miami shirt, managed to hug the South American for a couple of seconds.But he was then swiftly tackled by the Argentina captain’s bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, after he sprinted onto the pitch at lightning speed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt took him less than five seconds to run across two-thirds of the width of the field and diffuse the situation.And fans were quick to comment on the pace of the bodyguard.One said: “Give that man a contract 😂🤣.”Another added: “This man assists Messi more on the pitch than any player during his 2 years at PSG.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third replied: “Draft him in the NFL 😭😂😂.”A fourth responded: “Faster than Mbappe, could honestly see him playing professional football 😭.”‘Messi doesn’t know who this guy is’ fans joke as Inter Miami star meets Patrick Mahomes ahead of MLS clashAnd a fifth said: “I’ve seen enough, put him in the XI 😭😭😭.”Meet the bodyguardChueko is a former soldier of the United States Army and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Navy Seal, according to La Nacion.He was recommended to be Messi’s bodyguard by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.However, he is not the only one with the responsibility to keep the footballer safe.There is reportedly a team of 50 members, led by Chueko, that work around the clock to ensure Messi is kept safe in Miami.During matches, his responsibilities include patrolling the perimeter of the pitch and monitoring Messi’s every movement.READ MORE SUN STORIESInter Miami sit top of the Eastern Conference with four wins, three draws and two defeats from their opening nine games.Messi has scored four goals in five games so far this season, taking his tally since arriving in the US to 18 in 22 matches. More

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      Lionel Messi fan invades pitch during Inter Miami game as security snatch them away in chaotic MLS scenes

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      SOCCER legend Lionel Messi returned from injury on Saturday and was greeted with a bizarre moment when a young fan ran onto the field for a photo. Messi was back on the pitch for the first time since March 13 for Inter Miami’s match against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday when an overzealous fan dashed towards the international icon.Lionel Messi was surprised by a fan running onto the field during the matchCredit: AP:Associated PressThe fan ran onto the field to get a photo with MessiCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe moment occurred late in the game, with the score tied at 2-2.It’s unclear how the fan made it onto the field, but she was able to run up and approach Messi for a selfie.She got close enough to put her around the soccer star and held her smartphone out to take a photo of the two. The incident was quickly handled with a wave of security intervening and removing the fan from the field.Messi’s security guard and ex-US Navy seal, Yassine Chueko, also assisted in removing the girl. MLS fans swarmed social media with reactions to the fan “risking it” for a photo.”She risked it all but got rewarded lol,” this fan said.Another fan said, “It’s Messi, at the end of the day. That moment will stay with her forever.”Most read in Football”Ahhh people are so lucky,” a third expressedThe eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been out and stepped on the field first time after missing over two weeks with a hamstring injury. His impact was felt instantly as he came off the bench and scored a goal, helping the team force a draw.Messi joined the MLS in July of 2023 after a decorated international career.Football Food Tour: Behind the Scenes of Hospitality at Inter Miami, with incredible foodHowever, since joining, he has had several run-ins with fans invading the pitch. In July 2023, a fan was detained by security after attempting to run onto the field at DRV PNK Stadium to reach Messi after he was subbed off against Atlanta United.Last September, Messi’s bodyguard was in the headlines for taking down a fan.In the middle of the match, a fan donning a Messi Barcelona jersey ran onto the field until he was pulled away.Another incident happened in October when a young fan was seen sprinting onto the field.READ MORE SUN STORIESOnce again, Chueko stopped the kid, but this time, he allowed him to walk up to Messi, who then passed with the kid for a photo and signed his shirt.Messi is currently at Inter Miami, and his contract expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season – but that deal includes an extension option for 2026.The young fan was hyped after she got the photoCredit: APMessi scored in the gameCredit: Reuters More

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      Lionel Messi could become co-owner of Inter Miami with David Beckham thanks to clause LA Galaxy used on Becks

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      LIONEL MESSI could become a co-owner of Inter Miami alongside David Beckham – using a very familiar clause. Messi took his career to America last year after walking out on French champions PSG and snubbing a move to Saudi Arabia. Lionel Messi with Inter Miami co-owner David BeckhamCredit: instagramMessi is earning a huge amount in the USACredit: AFPThe man who convinced the Argentine icon to head Stateside was majority owner of Inter Miami, Jorge Mas, who also appointed Beckham club president. And part of Messi’s package was the option to take part ownership of the club without needing a buy-in exercised. Beckham had a similar clause when moved from Madrid to LA Galaxy in a high-profile transfer in 2007. Per his contract, it allowed him to purchase an MLS franchise for just $25m (£20m) when retiring – paving the way for the launch of Miami. READ MORE ON MESSIMessi’s option instead gives him direct ownership in just Miami. Mas has a net worth of £1.3BILLION having made his fortune in construction and engineering. And his funds have helped in signing Messi’s ex-Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Messi and his wife Antonela along with their three sons have enjoyed the luxury of living in the South of Florida where they stay in an £8.5m mansion. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Messi and his team-mates and close pals have all rubbed shoulders with boss Beckham and their other halves. In a revealing interview with Forbes, Beckham’s business partner Mas claimed Messi is earning a guaranteed sum of £40m-£50m per year. I’m an ex-Premier League star who plays with Lionel Messi – but I’m richer than him at just 23 despite his $650m fortuneBut the 2022 World Cup winner also has potential to bank even MORE through individual revenue sharing deals with Apple and Adidas. Last year – with only half-season – Miami more than doubled its revenue to £94m after Messi’s arrival. The club now expect that to soar past £160m in 2024 thanks to Messi-fueled ticket sales, ads and a massive global pre-season tour. Messi’s influence has also doubled subscriptions for MLS’s Apple TV streaming service, and teams hosting Miami profited from an increase in ticket sales. Forbes estimates that Miami are now the second-most valuable club in MLS at £1bn, with only Will Ferrell’s Los Angeles FC ahead of them. With success off the field, Messi is also inspiring Miami on it with five goals in as many matches to kick off the season. Messi & Co trail Cincinnati by just a point in the Eastern Conference. Messi’s stunning £8.5m mansionCredit: The Mega AgencyLionel Messi and wife Antonela with Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba in HollywoodCredit: Instagram / @sofiavergaraBeckham with Sergio Busquets and Messi alongside MasCredit: INSTAGRAM @davidbeckhamBeckham, Messi and Busquets take their Wags out for dinnerCredit: INSTAGRAM @davidbeckhamMessi with team-mates Suarez and AlbaCredit: Getty More

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      I could barely walk and spent 15 months unemployed after boyhood club released me – now I’m thriving at new team

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      FORMER NEWCASTLE whizzkid Matty Longstaff is thriving again after a nightmare 15 months of unemployment where he was barely able to walk.The midfielder had spent most of the last year-and-a-half cheering his brother Sean Longstaff on from the St James’ Park stands after suffering an injury nightmare.Matty Longstaff is now loving life playing for Toronto FC in the MLSCredit: GettyNow the 24-year-old is looking to get back to his best after starting a new life in Canada.However, while he cheered on his younger sibling, it could quite easily have been Matty being the one making headlines after his own dramatic breakthrough into the Newcastle first-team.He says he “lived his dream” playing for his hometown team after bursting 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.Matty was earning just £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 keen.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnfortunately, things failed to pan out as expected when his development contract expired in 2020 after three goals in 15 appearances during his maiden campaign.He finally agreed to a two-year contract but a big drop in form and injuries restricted his progress.Matty failed to shine in loan spells at Scottish club Aberdeen and in League Two with Mansfield only for things to get worse.Last season he headed to the fourth tier again to try to reignite his career at Colchester United, but he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Boxing Day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Geordie was released by Newcastle in June when his deal expired but Eddie Howe did not turn his back on him and allowed him to use the training ground while undergoing his rehab.However, Matty was handed a career lifeline by fellow Geordie John Herdman after he impressed enough to earn a two-year contract at MLS side Toronto FC.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersLongstaff told ChronicleLive: “I had not played football for 15 months so you don’t know if you’re going to be good or you’re going to be rubbish.“I thought I may as well enjoy it. I might never get another chance.“It is the one you fear the most. I had two surgeries and so many questions run through your head.“One day you feel good; the next day you’re struggling to walk or your knee starts to crack a little bit when you try to walk down the stairs.“You go from having really positive days to negative ones so quickly. You have so many thoughts.”However, he now has four appearances for his new team under his belt and he appears to be loving life in Canada.He said: “You cherish the moments a little bit more knowing what you have gone through.“I look forward to waking up and coming to training every day. When you have days off, you’re a bit disappointed because you’re enjoying it so much.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When we start playing twice a week in a few months’ time, I might say something different! But I’ve absolutely loved it.“I’ve absolutely loved working with the manager and all his staff. There are such great people working in the building that hopefully we can do something special.”The Geordie burst on the scene with his boyhood team Newcastle before his injury hellCredit: Getty More