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    Lionel Messi finally meets the pop legend he’s named after as fans ask ‘is this true?’

    LIONEL MESSI finally got to say Hello to his namesake as the football legend linked up with pop icon Lionel Richie.The Argentina star was named after crooner Richie by his mother.Lionel Messi finally met his namesake Lionel RichieCredit: Dirk VanoucekIt was the first meeting between the football legend and pop iconCredit: Dirk VanoucekMessi was all smiles as he finally linked up with the croonerCredit: Dirk VanoucekMessi was named after Richie by mum Celia CuccittiniCredit: Instagram @leomessiCelia Cuccittini is a major fan of the ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ hitmaker.And she decided to name son Messi in his honour.Amazingly, the pair had never met each other before.But that changed when the pair linked up for the first time on Friday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRichie posted several photos to social media showing him shaking hands with Messi at an event.The pair were all smiles as they exchanged pleasantries.And Richie went online to express his delight at their interaction.He said: “When Lionel meets Lionel!Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“His mother named him after me… and now here we are.“Great meeting you after all these years.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures However, fans were less certain whether Messi really had been named after Richie.One said: “Is this true?”Another declared: “Where did this Messi lore come from?”One noted: “Imagine being named after Lionel Richie.”Another added: “Messi’s family recognise greatness.”Richie had previously declared that Messi had indeed been named after him.In 2014, the singer said: “(Us meeting) is gonna happen, because I’m quite honoured.“They named him after me, how about that? I love it.”Two years later, after Messi’s Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile, Richie noted: “Yes, Lionel, just make it easy like Sunday morning. Don’t get all out of shape here. “If I told you how many times I lost at the Grammies and it only made me do one thing – get better.Read More on The Sun”So, I’m not even worried about my namesake – he’s going to be just fine. “He’s a winner obviously. I’m sure he’s down right now but he’s a Lionel, he can’t go wrong.” More

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    How Arsenal boss Arteta is using MUSIC to motivate his players with huge speakers positioned around training pitches

    MIKEL ARTETA is willing to try anything to gain an extra inch in his pursuit of silverware.The Arsenal manager’s latest out-of-the-box thinking involves transforming the dreary weather of London Colney into a sun-kissed Samba Boys beach through the medium of MUSIC.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is hoping to get a tune out of his players for the title run-inCredit: Amazon Prime Video SportArsenal’s players trained with Samba music on speakers ahead of Euro clashCredit: GettyBoss Mikel Arteta spoke with Brazilian-born Eduardo at London ColneyCredit: GettyAhead of their penultimate Champions League group phase match against Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow tonight, Arteta’s injury-plagued Gunners squad trudged out for training in chilly conditions at their North London base.But their moods were instantly lifted by a popular Brazilian tune blasting through several speakers around the pitches as they started their warm-up – the song in question being Mais Que Nada by Sergio Mendes.A beaming Arteta was clearly enjoying its impact, getting involved in the Rondo’s with his players to a soundtrack most people associate with Samba legends Ronaldinho and Kaka.And Arteta explained: “It’s something we’ve been doing for many years now.read more arsenal“And as part of training we use music as another element of our sessions to build the energy, to change some purposes that we want in the training session and I think the players enjoy it.“It depends on the drill, depends on the day. Some players pick the first song, the first two songs, the last song. It’s definitely interesting.”Arsenal and Arteta are in dire need of a mood change after a gruelling month that has seen them crash out of the FA Cup to Manchester United in the third round on penalties and lose the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final 2-0 at home to Newcastle.Their Prem title dreams have also taken another knock, blowing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa on Saturday night – leaving them six points off Liverpool who have a game in hand.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, their treatment room is filling up with key figures Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu still on the road to recovery.In November 2021, Arteta tried to prepare his players for a trip to Anfield by playing the anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ during a training session, only to get smashed 4-0.’I’m flabbergasted’ – Paul Merson tears into Thomas Partey’s ‘schoolboy’ defending as Arteta blasts performance vs VillaArteta continued: “Music is very much part of our culture. We have music in a lot of different places, and music has the capacity to change your mood, to change your energy to a certain place.“It happens in all of us. You play a song and immediately you feel different, and we have certain songs that trigger something in our team, because they have some history as well with us.“I will use it when we believe it’s the right way to do it.“Sometimes I play a song many, many times with my family and [the kids] say: ‘Dad, can we stop it, please?’ I don’t know, it’s a feeling.”Winger Leandro Trossard – who is set to make his 100th appearance in all competitions for Arsenal after signing from Brighton two years ago this week – added: “I’m not sure who’s on the tunes when we’re doing the warm-up. You just get used to it, I guess.Bukayo Saka update as Arsenal star spotted at Emirates without crutches… but Gunners suffer fresh injury blow“At the start when I joined it was a bit weird for me that we had this, but now it’s just natural for us to have the music playing when we’re warming up.“[Arteta’s methods] are a bit different to any other manager I had. But it helps players on some days to focus more and get the meaning, the importance of the game.”Despite having two-and-a-half years with an option of a further 12 months left on his contract, Trossard has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this term.The Belgian has started just 14 Prem games term, and often shows his disappointment through grumpy facial expressions, with Arteta jokingly calling him a “moaner” in the past.Trossard laughed: “I wouldn’t use moan. I’m just a winner. If something goes against me and I think it’s unfair, I think that’s really personal, I would say. That’s how I am.“That should be the mind-set of every footballer. I don’t do it on purpose, maybe my body language at that point could be, but I am always ready. Even if I am on the bench, I can make an impact.”Arsenal can take a huge leap towards confirming a top eight spot in the new league format of the Champions League with victory over Fabio Cannavaro’s Dinamo Zagreb.With his men in third place with 13 points from six outings, Arteta said: “We are in a really strong position and now we try to capitalise.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t want [my players] to feel unlucky with recent results. We have to control what we can control. Is there anything better we could have done to win [against Villa] by a big margin? Yes.“We focus on that. Now it is in our hands to change it and move forward.” More

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    World Cup winner and Lionel Messi enforcer Rodrigo de Paul’s ex-Wag moves on with female footballer-turned-rapper

    WORLD CUP winner Rodrigo de Paul’s Wag has left him … for a female footballer-turned-rapper.Atletico Madrid star De Paul, 30, helped Argentina beat France to lift the 2022 World Cup.Rodrigo De Paul’s relationship with Tini Stoessel ended in August 2023Credit: AFPShe has since appeared to move on from the midfielderShe is now reportedly dating Young MikoCredit: GettyShe is a rapper with seven million followers on social mediaCredit: GettyThe midfielder was at the time in a relationship with Argentine singer Tini after splitting with longtime partner Camila Homs.However, Tini, a huge star in Spain and Latin America, and De Paul went their separate ways two summers ago.The 27-year-old pop star has since been romantically linked with rapper Young Miko.The Puerto Rican, also 27, played for her country’s Under-20 women’s team before switching careers to music.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA former right-back or defensive midfielder, her full name is Victoria Ramirez de Arellano Cardona.The one-time tattoo artist came out as gay a number of years ago.Now a multiple award-winning singer, she has worked with top Latin American music stars including J Balvin and Bad Bunny.Tini, born Martina Stoessel in Buenos Aires, posted pictures on social media of herself with Miko.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEven though the rapper’s face was not visible, fans quickly recognised her from her distinctive tattoos.And footage surfaced earlier this week of the couple together in a bar.Watch Argentina star Rodrigo De Paul SLAP Lionel Messi in face in training and ask ‘are you stupid?’De Paul currently plays for Atletico MadridCredit: ReutersTini Stoessel has insisted she is ‘happier than ever’Credit: AFPRecently quizzed about her personal life, Tini said she was in a new relationship – insisting: “I’m happier now than ever.”Tini has over 21 million followers on Instagram, while Miko herself boasts seven million fans on the site.De Paul played for Racing Club, Valencia and Udinese before joining Atletico in 2021.Capped 75 times, he has helped Argentina win the Copa America twice as well as the World Cup.During his time in the national team he has often been referred to as Lionel Messi’s enforcer and bodyguard.He has two children from his 12-year relationship with Argentine model Homs.He won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022Credit: Getty More

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    Meet Jude Bellingham’s rumoured new flame as Spanish pop star ‘spotted wearing England ace’s T-shirt’ and liking pics

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has been romantically linked with a pop star by Spanish press.The Real Madrid star’s performances have improved on the pitch, scoring seven league goals in eight games.Singer Aitana has been romantically linked with Jude Bellingham by Spanish pressCredit: Instagram @aitanaxAitana at the LOS40 Music Awards in 2022Credit: GettyShe was recently spotted watching Real Madrid playCredit: Instagram @aitanaxThe singer and Bellingham follow each other on InstagramCredit: GettyThey have liked each others’ postsCredit: RexBut his personal life has been subject to speculation in Spain after being linked with musician Aitana. According to Madrid-based reporter Laura Roige, the pair could be dating after following each other on Instagram. They are also said to have “liked” each others’ posts on the social media app. That is despite Aitana being born in Barcelona and claiming to be a fan of the side. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlthough she watched the El Clasico from Madrid and called it “home”.But the performer – full name Aitana Ocana Morales – had been in Miami just before so she could have been referring to returning to Spain. Bellingham played in the match but it ended in a disastrous 4-0 defeat.Spanish outlet ElDesmarque also pointed out that Aitana and Bellingham were both spotted wearing the same white Acne Studios T-shirt.Most read in FootballSpanish outlet ElDesmarque spotted that the two wore the same topCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlthough they say it’s impossible to know whether it was Bellingham’s or just a coincidence.Bellingham, 21, was linked with Dutch model Laura Celia Valk during the summer when England reached the Euro 2024 final.But Laura herself recently confirmed to her followers that she is not in a relationship.Bellingham has eight goals in 22 games this season with Madrid topping LaLiga – with rivals Atletico two points behind but with a game in hand. Dutch model Laura Celia Valk was linked with BellinghamCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavRomance rumours swirled in the summerCredit: InstagramBut Laura revealed she does not have a boyfriendCredit: Instagram More

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    Former Premier League star begins new career as rapper with debut album set to be released

    A FORMER Premier League star is set to release his debut album while competing in Serie A.The striker currently plays for Fiorentina but has found the way to share his time between the football pitch and the music stage.Fiorentina star Moise Kean is releasing his debut rap album ‘Chosen’Credit: Instagram @moise_keanKean used to play in the Premier League with EvertonCredit: GettyKean has been enjoying an impressive season with FiorentinaCredit: RexThat’s none other than Moise Kean, who made a name for himself during stints with Juventus, Everton and Paris Saint-Germain before linking up with the Viola.According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Kean, 24, will launch his debut album “Chosen” on December 16.The Italy international’s album comprises of a total of 11 rap tracks.The centre-forward has had a long passion for music and never hid it during his football career.Read More on FootballBack in 2019, the Italian appeared in a video by Turin rapper Boro Boro. And last year, Kean’s first single “Outfit” dropped and was seen performing with rap group 19F.The forward joins a group of footballers that have tried their luck in music.Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij and Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana have all released songs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Kean is one of few footballers to have managed to release an album.AC Milan star Rafael Leao also belongs in that small list as he dropped “Beginning” in 2021.Gutted Everton fan spent ‘all his savings’ travelling 10,000 miles for Merseyside derby before Storm Darragh KO’d matchIn fact, Kean recently revealed that he and Leao are working on an album together.The striker spent four years at Everton, three of which were out on loan, and only managed four goals and two assists in 39 appearances before his departure in 2023 for Juventus.Kean has rediscovered his goalscoring prowess in Italy as he’s stood out this season with Fiorentina by registering a total of 13 goals and one assist in 17 appearances.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Andrew Cushin once played Non-League football now he’s working with Noel Gallagher and Aston Martin

    ANDREW CUSHIN was once playing Non-League football for Newcastle Benfield – now he’s sharing the studio with Noel Gallagher. The 24-year-old Geordie, who wanted to be a PE teacher, has also now teamed up with Aston Martin and headlined a gig at the F1 team’s revamped £200million base. Andrew Cushin and Noel Gallagher worked on a track called ‘Where’s my family gone’Credit: TwitterThe 24-year-old Geordie has teamed up with Aston Martin and headlined a gig at the F1 team’s revamped £200million baseCushin was once playing youth Non League football for Newcastle BenfieldCushin once supported One Direction’s Louis Thomlinson at a gigCredit: GettyCushin has been championed by both Oasis star Gallagher and Pete Doherty, and has also played as the support act for One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson. His career cranked up another gear after teaming up with Lawrence Stroll’s Aston Martin to perform at the team’s Soundcheck Concert at their Silverstone HQ last week. Ex-England manager Steve McLaren was in the crowd watching Cushin, who is a die-hard Newcastle fan. Cushin said: “I’m quite new to F1 but learning about the sport. I’ve never performed in front of an F1 car before so that was pretty cool. “It’s great to see Aston Martin Aramco getting behind music and showing support for artists. “I’ve always felt that music and sport belong together so I’m really proud to begin collaborating with a brand that values creativity and inclusivity. “Music always brings people together and these events will bring amazing energy to inspire the team and its fans.“I’m a big Fernando Alonso fan now!”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCushin started out playing his songs around the pubs of Newcastle and within three weeks he had secured a manager with links to Gallagher. Cushin’s manager worked for British Airways in Heathrow and Oasis came through the terminal. Onlookers left stunned as F1 star Fernando Alonso’s £2.3m Aston Martin Valkyrie is filmed on back of tow truckCanadian businessman Lawrence Stroll owns the £200million Silverstone baseThe Aston Martin F1 Team Technology Campus includes a brand new experience centre, complete with a stage which Cushin played onGallagher’s guitar had gone missing on a flight which the manager found and sent first class to the Oasis singer. The two stayed in touch ever since through text, and Cushin’s manager, who is also a friend from his coaching days, came to his second-ever gig.  He took a video of Waiting For the Rain, a song that Cushin wrote, he sent it to Gallagher who got in touch and gave his seal of approval. Cushin produced demos and sent them to Gallagher, who put him in touch with a record label – and the rest is history. Cushin said: “Noel was interested to do a song with me. We got the ball rolling with it. He is a top bloke, he has given me the opportunity to change my life which I’m forever grateful for. Gallagher produced, sang backing vocals and played guitar on Cushin’s 2020 track “Where’s My Family Gone”. Cushin added: “The best bit of advice Noel gave us was told us to graft.“He just said keep your head down, work hard and write, write, write.”The Aston Martin F1 Team Technology Campus includes a brand new experience centre, complete with a stage which Cushin played on. There is also a spin studio, running track, gym and restaurant at their revamped base. It is a lot different to the muddy pitches which Cushin used to perform on for his goalkeeping days in youth Non League football. He said: “Unfortunately I can’t play football anymore. It wasn’t an easy decision hanging the gloves up.“My goalkeeping hero was Shay Given back when he was at the Toon. I had the pleasure of meeting him as a youngster once or twice, top bloke.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAston Martin are going to bring Cushin to perform on the F1 paddock next year for media, fans and guests. His second album is due to be launched in spring next year and he also has tours planned for UK, USA and Europe throughout 2025. More

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    Ipswich superfan Ed Sheeran stepped in to secure major Tractor Boys summer transfer, reveals club chief

    ED SHEERAN stepped in to help Ipswich secure a major transfer during the summer, it has been revealed.Ipswich chairman and CEO Mark Ashton has lifted the lid on how the club’s most famous fan also played a key part in their recruitment team over the summer.Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton revealed Ed Sheeran played a key role in finalising a major transferCredit: ReutersThe Tractor Boys earned promotion to the Premier League for this season for the first time since 2002 under Kieran McKenna, but knew they needed reinforcements if they hoped to avoid relegation.Sheeran was already a major investor in the club, but received a call to help finalise a huge transfer.Speaking at a Soccerex event broadcast by Sky Sports, Ashton said: “A local man, global superstar, sponsor of the football club, now a shareholder and now officially part of our recruitment team.”In the summer we were trying to persuade one particular player to join the football club and realised very quickly that he was an Ed Sheeran fan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Ed jumped on a Zoom call with him at the training ground, hopefully that was a key part of getting the player across the line.”We’ve gone from the third tier of English football to the Premier League, but we haven’t forgotten our roots and Ed’s a key part of that, the work that we do in our local communities is central to us.”Without outright saying who the player was, Ashton was asked how the star was doing for them.He replied: “Certainly scoring a few goals!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe player is former Manchester City striker Liam Delap, who is the club’s top goalscorer this season with six in all competitions including the winner against Tottenham.The 21-year-old signed for the club for £20million on July 13. Watch Ed Sheeran down beer with Ipswich fans and FaceTimes players as he celebrates promotion to Premier LeagueDelap and Sammie Szmodics both netted in their recent 2-1 win against Tottenham.Sheeran was present at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when for the game, which saw Ipswich score twice before half-time.Szmodics and Sheeran were seen posing for a photo together after the game.Ipswich’s next game sees them host Manchester United in Ruben Amorim’s first game in England.McKenna’s side sit one point above the relegation zone with one win, five draws and five defeats from 11 games.Liam Delap scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over TottenhamCredit: AlamySheeran celebrated Ipswich’s first win of the season by getting a photo with SzmodicsCredit: Instagram / @samszmodics_ More

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    Ipswich’s pink kit divides fans as some blast ‘Ed Sheeran disasterclass’ after pop star helped design third shirt

    IPSWICH fans have been left divided as the club debuted its Ed Sheeran collaboration third kit.Before the season began, Town announced they would have a special third kit for the season designed with musician and Tractor Boys superfan Sheeran.Ipswich debuted their pink third kit for their trip to TottenhamCredit: ReutersIt was designed in collaboration with Ed Sheeran, who was in attendance at the gameCredit: Sky SportsThe kit finally saw the light of day as Ipswich paid a visit to Tottenham in the Premier League, with Sheeran in attendance in North London.However, the pink colour scheme inspired by “Suffolk Pink” left fans divided.Taking to social media, one fan said: “Ed Sheeran disasterclass.”A second said: “[It] Hurts my eyes.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother said: “That Ipswich kit is so clean.”A fourth added: “That Ipswich kit is gorgeous.”A club statement when the kit was revealed in the summer said: “Inspired by ‘Suffolk Pink’, representing the iconic cottages scattered across the county, the new shirt features the silhouette of Framlingham Castle, made famous by Ed’s track ‘Castle on Hill’. “The Wolsey Gate, which inspired the turrets at the top of the Town crest, is also included in the design.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Ed Sheeran x Ipswich Town’ appears inside the neck whilst an Ipswich Town heart motif takes its place on the back of the shirt.”Soundwaves created from the cheer of the crowd as players run out of the tunnel also appear on the front of the shirt, along with a representation of the 60 miles of Suffolk coastline, running from Felixstowe to Lowestoft.”Inside the luxury hotel owned by Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna’s familyBefore the Spurs game, Kieran McKenna’s side were winless in the Premier League, having racked up five wins and five defeats from the opening ten games.Two of those draws had come away from home. More