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☆ Lionel Messi’s last-gasp goal earns Inter Miami a draw against LA Galaxy in front of star-studded crowd
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The stars were out in force to watch Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami against LA Galaxy in Sunday’s 1-1 draw – and the Argentine, unsurprisingly, didn’t disappoint. LA Galaxy, once a home for some of Major League Soccer’s superstar signings following David Beckham’s arrival in 2007, took the lead in the 75th minute through Serbian striker Dejan Joveljić. Despite its new star-studded lineup, which now also features Luis Saurez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami was thoroughly outplayed for much of the match and looked to be heading for defeat until Messi’s intervention in the 92nd minute. Former Galaxy star Beckham, who has a statue outside of the the club’s stadium and is now a part-owner of Inter Miami, didn’t celebrate the equalizing goal against his former team. Actors Edward Norton and Liv Tyler watched alongside David Beckham and son Brooklyn Beckham.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Novak Djokovic, Halle Berry, Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Anderson Paak, Tobin Heath, Diana Taurasi, David Beckham’s, Dejan Joveljić, Luis Saurez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Kevork Djansezian, Messi, Alba, John McCarthy, Marco Delgado, Busquets, Beckham, “, Riqui Puig, Gerardo Martino, ” Martino, Joseph Paintsil, David Beckham, Brooklyn Beckham, Leo, ”, Cristiano Ronaldo Organizations: CNN, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, Argentine, Christen Press, Major League, Serbian, Inter Miami, Barcelona, Galaxy, Miami, didn’t, North, Messi Locations: Miami, Argentina, North America

☆ Lionel Messi: World Cup winner’s dazzling skill lights up Inter Miami’s MLS season opener against Real Salt Lake
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Lionel Messi produced a memorable piece of skill during Inter Miami’s 2-0 victory against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, the opening game of the MLS season. In possession on the edge of the Real Salt Lake box, Messi looked to get a shot away while injured opponent Andrew Brody lay on the ground in front of him. And he showed some speed too,” Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said of the 2022 World Cup winner’s performance, according to ESPN. The star-studded side started to deliver on those expectations in Wednesday’s curtain-raiser to the new season, with Messi at the heart of Miami’s best moments. Messi’s first full season in the US has seen a huge ticket demand for Miami’s games, and Wednesday was no exception.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Andrew Brody, Ballon, “, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, ” Messi, Miami’s, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Robert Taylor, Zac MacMath, Suárez, Diego Gómez, MacMath, Diego Gómez's, Megan Briggs, Justen, Julian Gressel, Messi’s, Gómez, Busquets ’, Drake Callender Organizations: CNN, Inter, Real, Real Salt Lake, MLS, Miami, ESPN, “, Chase, Barcelona, Messi, Salt Lake, Inter Miami, Martino’s Inter Miami, Leagues, Salt Lake’s, LA Locations: Real Salt, Salt, Miami, Real Salt Lake, Carson , California

☆ MLS season preview: Messi and Inter Miami target domination of US soccer in ‘year two’
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

How to watch the MLS season openerThe MLS season opener between Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake kicks off at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast in the US and UK on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, following the 10-year streaming deal signed in 2022 between MLS and the technology company. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty ImagesDays before the MLS season began, league commissioner Don Garber said he believed Miami could still add more superstar firepower to its squad. The Columbus Crew will likely pose a threat once again to win the MLS Cup. Writing for ESPN, Luis Miguel Echegaray said he doesn’t see Inter Miami winning the Eastern Conference.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, it’s, Messi, Luis Suárez, Gerardo ‘ Tata ’ Martino, Suárez’s, ” Messi, Tim Nwachukwu, Don Garber, “, ” Garber, Leo, Garber, Maddie Meyer, Wilfried Nancy, ’, Luciano Acosta, “ We’re, Luis Miguel Echegaray, Tata Martino, ”, ” GOAL.com’s Ryan Tolmich Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Barcelona, MLS Eastern Conference, Leagues, MLS, Miami, Apple, Uruguayan, Gremio, Messi, CONCACAF Champions League, ESPN, Argentine, Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, Miami Herald, ”, Eastern Conference Locations: Miami, Real Salt, Brazil, Barcelona, French, Ohio, Argentine

After a 0-0 draw in regulation, the match went to penalty kicks and Vissel won the shootout 4-3. But it wasn't close to the level of booing that broke out in Hong Kong after Messi stayed on the bench for the entire game with a groin injury. The match in Tokyo wrapped up Inter Miami's global promotional tour — stretching from El Salvador to Dallas into Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong and ending in Tokyo. Inter Miami is loaded with former Barcelona players including Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Andres Iniesta, another former Barcelona star, played several seasons in Japan with Vissel Kobe and spoke briefly to the crowd before the match.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Vissel, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, ___ Organizations: TOKYO, Wednesday, Inter, Tokyo’s, Miami, Newell's Old, Inter Miami, Barcelona, Vissel Locations: Hong Kong, Tokyo, Asia, Kobe, Argentina, El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, Florida, Rosario, Barcelona, Japan, Vissel Kobe

☆ Lionel Messi no-show ignites booing and calls for refunds at Inter Miami match in Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Hong Kong CNN —Thousands of soccer fans in Hong Kong were left disappointed when Argentine superstar Lionel Messi failed to take to the field in a friendly match for Inter Miami on Sunday. What started with overwhelming cheers and rapture ended in boos and calls for refunds in the sold-out, 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium. Inter Miami — out to prove a point having gone winless during a worldwide pre-season tour — comfortably defeated a Hong Kong XI 4-1 in an event branded as Tatler XFEST Hong Kong. According to Reuters, tickets went on sale in December and cost between 880 and 4,880 Hong Kong dollars (about $113 and $624). “This whole Messi in Hong Kong thing has been building up for quite some time.

Persons: Lionel Messi, —, Messi, Ballon, Hong, “ Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Louise Delmotte, David Beckham, Messi ”, ”, XFEST, Suárez, “, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Leo, Luis, ” Martino, apologetically, Hong Kong, “ Leo, Suarez, ” Suárez, Martino, Yapp Hung, Yapp, Messi superfan Christer Leung, ” Leung, Lionel, Lam Yik, Reuters “ Messi Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Argentine, Inter Miami, Hong Kong Stadium, Inter Miami —, Hong, Reuters, CNN, Miami, Al, MLS, Major League Soccer, Hong Kong XI, fai, Messi, Argentina, ’, Inter, USA, Sports, Ardent, Argentina national, Australia, Nigeria, Vissel Kobe Locations: Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, America, China, Beijing, Argentina, Ivory Coast, Hangzhou, Japan

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Inter Miami played six preseason matches last season. It's basically an around-the-world, big-crowd, big-money, bright-spotlight batch of preseason games for Inter Miami, which instantly became a global brand when Messi announced last summer that he was joining the Major League Soccer club. Political Cartoons View All 253 Images“It’s incredible,” said DeAndre Yedlin, the Inter Miami defender who was captain until Messi arrived. But Inter Miami not only understands the value of having Messi, it welcomed this massive preseason stretch in advance of an MLS season that starts Feb. 21. “You have to see how many times these people are going to have this possibility.”The financial benefit of Inter Miami and Messi playing in Saudi Arabia hasn't been revealed.

Persons: Lionel Messi's, Al Nassr, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, ”, DeAndre Yedlin, it’s, Leo, he’s, what's, Ballon, Messi —, Germain, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Saudi Arabia hasn't, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, LIV Golf, hasn't, ” Messi, Drake Callender, “ Organizations: — Inter Miami, Inter Miami, Al, Dallas, Cotton, Major League Soccer, ” Inter Miami, Argentina, MLS, Inter Miami —, Paris Saint, “, Messi, Saudi, Florida International University, it's, Ronaldo Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, Florida, Saudi Arabia, Hilal, Portugal, El Salvador, Hong Kong, Japan, Saudi, Spanish, Riyadh, “

Even, as it turns out, his Inter Miami teammates. He was the captain for Inter Miami to start this season. He’s making somewhere between $50 million and $60 million per season with Inter Miami, and the revenue streams are making that possible. “And then I will come back again, preseason, start from scratch and prepare for the best possible outcomes as always.”Everything is different for Inter Miami now. It was a ride like none other for Inter Miami this season, and the club knows 2024 will be another whirlwind.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Messi, ” Yedlin, He’s, —, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, “, Ballon d’Or, ”, Guardiola, Germain, Jordi Alba, They’re, “ I’ll, ” Messi, — Messi, Alba, Sergio Busquets —, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, ” Martino, — Luis Suarez, “ I’ve, I’ve, Drake Callender Organizations: Inter Miami, Premier League, U.S, Major League Soccer, Manchester City, Messi, Barcelona, Paris Saint, MLS, Leagues, Inter, Apple, CONCACAF, ”, Argentina, ” Inter Miami Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, Florida, Paris, Miami, China, Argentina, Uruguayan, North America

Inter Miami was eliminated from playoff contention earlier this month. He and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham have enormous followings in Asia, along with several endorsement deals in the region. This is the first international tour for Inter Miami, which is about to end its fourth MLS season. The team won the Leagues Cup this season, doing so shortly after Messi began playing for Inter Miami in July. That suggests this trip could be another major financial win for Inter Miami.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Messi, Ballon, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Chris Henderson, Messi —, —, David Beckham, “, Xavier Asensi, hasn't, ___ Organizations: Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Chinese Super League, Qingdao Hainiu, Chengdu Rongcheng, MLS, Inter, ” Inter Miami, men's, Rose, Argentina, Australia, Olympic, Beijing Games, Leagues, Beijing, Charlotte, Wednesday, Argentina's, World Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, China, Qingdao, Chengdu, Argentina, California, Beijing, Asia

☆ Prince Harry among star-studded crowd watching Lionel Messi and Inter Miami defeat LAFC
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —No athlete attracts an A-list crowd quite like Lionel Messi, as demonstrated by Sunday’s Major League Soccer game between Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC. Ticket demand for Miami games has soared since the Argentinian’s arrival, with the average prices around $690 for Sunday’s match – the most expensive MLS game ever, according to online marketplace TickPick. Since moving from Paris Saint-Germain, Messi is having a huge impact on the pitch, as well as off it. Messi spoke with actor Owen Wilson after the game between LAFC and Inter Miami. It next faces Sporting Kansas City on September 9, while LAFC, currently third in the West Conference standings, plays the Portland Timbers.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Prince Harry, Leonardo DiCaprio, Owen Wilson, Edward Norton, Will Ferrell –, LAFC, Selena Gomez, Tyga, Germain, Messi, Harry, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Facundo Farías, Alba, John McCarthy, Aaron Long, Leonardo Campana, Ryan Hollingshead, Bouanga, Gary A, Vasquez, McCarthy, Gomez, “, ” Messi, “ Zoolander, ” Selena Gomez, Mark J, Terrill, We’ve Organizations: CNN, Sunday’s Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, Miami, MLS, Paris Saint, LAFC, Sunday, Reuters, BMO, ”, Eastern Conference, Sporting Kansas City, West Conference, Portland Timbers Locations: California, Paris, Miami, Barcelona

☆ Andrés Iniesta: Soccer legend on Lionel Messi and his own new adventure in the UAE
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Ben Church | Becky Anderson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —In his prime, Andrés Iniesta was widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in history. After leaving Spain, Iniesta signed for Japanese club Vissel Kobe and enjoyed reasonable success in following five years. Mohamed Farag/Getty ImagesAmid interest from around the world, including Major League Soccer (MLS), Iniesta eventually signed a one-year deal with UAE side Emirates Club. There were reports earlier this year that Iniesta may team up with Lionel Messi in the MLS, although it didn't materialize. “Football is a global sport, it’s a world sport where everybody would like to have different football players,” he said.

Persons: CNN —, Iniesta, – La Roja, Mohamed Farag, ” Iniesta, CNN’s Becky Anderson, “, I’m, he’s, Lionel Messi, Mike Hewitt, – Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Germain, Messi, ”, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema Organizations: CNN, Spain, Vissel Kobe, Barcelona, Major League Soccer, UAE, Emirates, Ajman Club, “, Emirates Club, Inter Miami, MLS, Messi, Argentine, Paris Saint, Europe’s Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Japan, UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, North America, Barça, Catalonia, Catalan, ., Saudi Arabian, Europe

☆ Lionel Messi and Inter Miami capture first trophy in club history with nail-biting victory over Nashville FC in Leagues Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lionel Messi scored a signature goal Saturday to lead Inter Miami past Nashville FC in a penalty kick shootout to capture the Leagues Cup title and score the club’s first trophy. Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba all scored their penalties for Inter Miami as the shootout progressed into sudden death. Although Inter Miami sits last in MLS standings, the club has had quite the turnaround since the 2022 World Cup winner Messi joined the squad in June. On their journey to the club’s first title, Inter Miami won four of its seven matches in the tournament by multiple goals. With the victory, Inter Miami qualifies directly to the 2024 Concacaf Champions League Round of 16.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Fafa Picault, Inter Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi, Drake Callender, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Callender, Elliot Panicco’s, Ballon d’Or, – Messi Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Nashville FC, Leagues, MLS, Inter Miami’s, Nashville, ESPN, Liga, Concacaf Locations: Geodis, Tennessee

☆ Lionel Messi is making transition to US look easy as he scores twice for Inter Miami against Atlanta United in Leagues Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

On Tuesday, Messi powered his Inter Miami team to a dominant 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup, scoring twice and assisting another in his first start for his new team. Messi celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Atlanta United. Lionel Messi scores his second goal for Inter Miami against Atlanta United. The Leagues Cup, an annual tournament between MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX, was expanded this year to include all teams in each league. The Leagues Cup round-of-32 takes place between August 2 and August 4.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Cruz, Megan Briggs, Sergio Busquets ’, Messi slickly, David Beckham, Robert Taylor, Finn, Taylor’s unselfishness, Ballon, Taylor, Sam Navarro, Thiago Almada –, Drake Callender, Almada, Messi –, Busquets, Phil Neville, Tata Martino, Cruz Azul, ” Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Atlanta United, Leagues, Cruz Azul, Messi, Argentine, Atlanta, USA, Network, Reuters, Poland, Inter Miami’s, MLS, Liga, Eastern Conference, DC United, Apple TV, Sports Business Locations: Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Argentine

July 25 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi scored two first half goals and assisted on another in the second to lead Inter Miami to a 4-0 dismantling of Atlanta United and advance to the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup on Tuesday. After coming off the bench to score a dramatic game winner in his debut on Friday night, the World Cup champion from Argentina wasted no time in his first start with the MLS side. Messi slotted home a second in the 22nd minute on a diving cross from teammate Robert Taylor, who notched a brace of his own on a hot night in Miami. After scoring, Messi stopped and pointed from the field at the team co-owner David Beckham, who was watching the game. Messi and fellow Argentinian Almada hugged when Messi was subbed out in the 78th minute and the pair exchanged jerseys after the match.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Messi, Robert Taylor, David Beckham, Atlanta's, Thiago Almada, Drake Callender, Almada, subbed, Curz Azul, Ballon, Rory Carroll, Christian Schmollinger Organizations: Inter Miami, Atlanta United, Leagues, MLS, Manchester United, Miami, Curz, Liga, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Barcelona, Miami, Saudi Arabia, Los Angeles

☆ LeBron James and Serena Williams wowed, David Beckham close to tears, as stars watch Lionel Messi’s stunning debut winner
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —LeBron James and Serena Williams have become accustomed to tens of thousands of fans screaming their names whenever they enter a sporting arena. But in a complete role reversal, James and Williams became the adoring fans witnessing sporting greatness on Friday. David Beckham, Victoria Beckham and daughter Harper Beckham look on as Messi plays in his first Inter Miami game. mpi04/MediaPunch /IPX/AP“I’m happy to be here with Victoria and David and everyone, it’s going to be such a fun game,” Kardashian told broadcaster Apple TV before the match started. He’s so excited to see Messi,” Kardashian responded.

Persons: LeBron James, Serena Williams, James, Williams, Lionel Messi, Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Harper Beckham, Messi, David, ” Kardashian, Saint, Kardashian, “, He’s, ” James, Sergio Busquets, Ballon, Cruz, Marco Bello, Reuters Beckham, videoed, Leo, Sergio, ”, Patrick Mahomes Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Apple, Argentine, FC Barcelona, Cruz Azul, Reuters, ” Inter Miami, Kansas City Chiefs Locations: Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Victoria, American

☆ Former Barcelona defender Alba to sign for Inter Miami, says club president
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 18 (Reuters) - Former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba will join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club's president Jorge Mas said on Tuesday. Alba, who has won more than 90 caps for Spain, will be part of a strong ex-Barcelona contingent at Inter Miami, with Messi and Sergio Busquets having already joined the club. Miami are also looking to sign another former Barca player, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who plays for Gremio in Brazil. Mas said that talks had taken place but "he is a Gremio player and I respect that". The MLS team's president also confirmed the arrival of Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez from Libertad, and said they had made formal contact with Argentine side Racing Club to enquire about Tomas Aviles.

Persons: Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi, Jorge Mas, Alba, Messi, Sergio Busquets, Gerardo Martino, Mas, Luis Suarez, Diego Gomez, Tomas Aviles, Angelica Medina, Toby Davis Organizations: Barcelona, Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Tata, TyC Sports, Barca, Uruguayan, Gremio, MLS, Libertad, Argentine, Racing Club, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Miami, Brazil, Paraguayan, Mexico

☆ Rodolfo Pizarro: As US soccer goes crazy over Lionel Messi’s arrival, one Inter Miami player suffers brutal consequence of superstar’s signing
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Fans turned out in their droves to watch Lionel Messi’s official unveiling as an Inter Miami player. When Pizarro signed for Inter, he filled one of the club’s three ‘Designated Player’ spots. The rule is also known as the ‘Beckham Rule’ after David Beckham – now Inter’s co-owner – became the first designated player when he joined LA Galaxy in 2007. So, with Messi signing a contract reportedly worth between $50 to $60 million per year, the 35-year-old Argentine fills one of Inter’s designated player spots. Either Inter can look to move one of their designated players on or they can “buy down” a player’s contract.

Persons: CNN —, Lionel Messi’s, Rodolfo Pizarro, Pizarro, Beckham, David Beckham –, –, Messi, Ira L, Matías Almeyda, “, ”, Messi’s, Sergio Busquets, – Messi, Busquets, Josef Martínez, Blaise Matuidi, Andrés Reyes, Leandro González Pirez, Nicolás, Julián Carranza, Jorge Mas, ” Mas, Chris Henderson Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Argentine, Inter, Major League Soccer, MLS, LA Galaxy, Messi, Philadelphia Union, AEK Athens, Mexican, Chivas, ” Inter, Soccer, Sporting, “ Inter Miami Locations: Argentine, Mexican, Instagram, Barcelona, America’s

☆ Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract worth between $50 to $60 million per year, according to club’s part-owner
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi is to earn between $50 and $60 million per year when he joins Inter Miami, the club’s part-owner Jorge Mas told Spanish publication El Pais in an interview. The lower of those figures would make Messi the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS) by over $40 million, according to sports salary tracker Spotrac. According to that site, Xherdan Shaqiri currently earns the most in the league with an annual wage of $8,153,000. Mas named Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez as players the team had talked to, as well as Messi’s compatriot Angel Di Maria, most recently of Juventus. Messi is reportedly due to make his debut for the club on July 21 against Mexican side Cruz Azul.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Jorge Mas, Messi, Xherdan Shaqiri, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mas, El, Jorge, David Beckham, Messi “, Sergio Busquets, ”, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, Angel Di Maria Organizations: CNN, Argentine, Inter Miami, El Pais, Major League Soccer, Forbes, MLS, Apple TV, Adidas, Apple, El, Messi, Barcelona, Juventus, Cruz Azul Locations: Spanish, Saudi Arabian, El Pais, Messi’s, Mas, Barcelona, Cruz

☆ Barcelona sign Gundogan on free transfer after Man City exit
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona have signed Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer after his departure from treble winners Manchester City with the German midfielder signing a two-year contract, the LaLiga club said on Monday. "For me it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years," Gundogan said in a statement. "Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City. Gundogan leaves City having made over 300 appearances, scoring 60 goals and grabbing 40 assists in all competitions. "Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career."

Persons: Gundogan, Pep Guardiola's, Txiki Begiristain, Ilkay, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Rohith Nair, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Manchester City, City, Premier League, FA, League, Borussia Dortmund, Barca, Barcelona, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Spanish, England, Manchester, City, Bengaluru

☆ Inter Miami to sign Barca midfielder Busquets as free agent
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 23 (Reuters) - Barcelona's former Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets is joining Inter Miami as a free agent, the Major League Soccer club announced on Friday. Miami made the news official by posting a video on social media showing quotes from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric and Messi praising Busquets. loadingThe former Barcelona captain, who retired from international duty last year, played over 700 games for the Spanish champions, winning nine LaLiga crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups. Busquets was also linked with moves to the Saudi Arabian league as Al Hilal and Al Nassar made bids for his services. Miami are reportedly looking to sign a third former Barca player as they are keen on left-back Jordi Alba, who is also leaving the Spanish club after the end of the season.

Persons: Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric, Messi, Busquets, Al Nassar, Jordi Alba, Janina Nuno Rios, Ken Ferris Organizations: Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Barca, Copa del Rey, League, Saudi, Al, Spanish, Thomson Locations: Spain, Nou, Miami, Barcelona, Al Hilal, Mexico City

☆ FC Barcelona: How Xavi's defensive revolution brought La Liga title back to Catalunya
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Such has been the Blaugrana’s dominance this season, Xavi’s side clinched the trophy with four games still remaining and his iteration will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest defensive teams in La Liga history. With only 13 goals conceded so far this season, Xavi’s Barcelona is set to obliterate that record. “Not only for me, but for the club and for all Barcelona fans it’s very important to win La Liga,” Barça striker Robert Lewandowski told CNN Sport ahead of the match against Espanyol. I think the first round [of fixtures] was very important, we proved that we can think about winning La Liga. Barcelona fans celebrate Sunday's La Liga success -- the club's first league title since the 2018-19 season.

☆ Xavi relies on flawless defence mechanism to lead Barcelona back to glory
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The change in mentality may not have sat entirely comfortably with Xavi who said Barca's style was "non-negotiable" when he was appointed coach in November, 2021. A former Barca player himself, Xavi was a symbol of their attacking style as a flamboyant midfielder who won every major title with the club and with Spain. They have conceded 13 goals in the league, by far the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues. The trio hold the key to stifling their rival's attacking threats, particularly Araujo who has arguably been Europe's top defender this season. Barcelona were last champions of Spain in 2018-19 when they still had club greats Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez leading their attack up-front.

☆ Busquets to leave Barcelona at end of season
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Getafe - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - January 22, 2023 FC Barcelona's Sergio Busquets holds the Spanish Super Cup trophy aloft before the match... Read moreMay 10 (Reuters) - Barcelona defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets will leave the club at the end of this season after spending 18 years with the Catalan outfit, the team said on Wednesday. Busquets, 34, began his youth career at Barcelona in 2005 before making his first-team debut in 2008. He helped Barcelona win eight LaLiga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups. He could add another league title to his achievements this season, with Barcelona leading the points table by 13 points with five games remaining. A report on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito de Jugones said that Busquets has accepted an offer by Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal along with Lionel Messi.

☆ Barcelona scrapes by Atlético Madrid 1-0 to remain in firm control of La Liga title race
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —FC Barcelona scraped by Atlético Madrid 1-0 at the Camp Nou to extend its lead at the top of La Liga over eternal rival Real Madrid to 11 points. Ferrán Torres’ goal in the 44th minute made the difference, ensuring Atlético continued its 17-year winless drought – with 8 draws and 15 losses – at the Camp Nou. Antoine Griezmann was Atlético's main offensive threat, but he was thwarted by the crossbar and Marc-André ter Stegen twice. Just when Barça’s domination of possession in the first half seemed to be fruitless, the first goal materialized near the stroke of half-time. The win means Barcelona remains in firm control in the La Liga title race with eight matches remaining and an 11-point lead ahead of Real Madrid.

☆ Barcelona ease to 3-1 victory over Real Madrid to win Super Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 15 (Reuters) - Barcelona were crowned Spanish Super Cup champions after goals from Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Pedri earned them a 3-1 win over bitter rivals Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Barcelona were dominant in every aspect of the game and took advantage of three mistakes by Real Madrid to score. Lewandowski extended the lead 12 minutes later on the counter when defender Dani Carvajal was caught out of position and left Gavi alone on the left wing. Real Madrid, who had no shots on target in the first half, spent most of the second in panic mode, trying to avoid a bigger defeat. Substitute Dani Ceballos lost the ball in midfield and Gavi sprinted forward and crossed for Pedri to fire point-black into the empty net.

☆ Beware the penalty specialist if final goes to shootout
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The less than magnificent shootout seven:Jamie Carragher, England v Portugal, 2006 World Cup quarter-final. =Marcus Rashford, England v Italy, Euro 2020 final. =Sancho, England v Italy, Euro 2020 final. Italy missed their fifth attempt, which left Bukayo Saka with the chance to keep the shootout going but his was also saved and Italy were European champions. =Badr Benoun, Morocco v Spain, World Cup 2022, last 16.

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