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☆ Lionel Messi and the unmistakeable sense of an ending
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-15 | by ( Jack Lang | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

And Lionel Messi is not a player who goes down for nothing. A second or two later, the camera returned to Messi, zooming in on the most recognisable face in football. For Messi, wherever he treads in this extended career outro, is always accompanied by the unmistakable sense of an ending. Post-game, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said that Messi didn’t want to come off but his injury rendered any other option redundant. Advertisement“I’m lucky I can do something I’m passionate about,” Messi said in the Apple documentary about his American adventure.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Messi, Leandro Paredes, —, ”, “, there’s, Juan Mabromata, Lionel Scaloni, Messi didn’t, “ Leo, Lautaro Martinez, Tata Martino, Leo, ” Messi, Buda Mendez, Chandan Khanna, Ray Orr Organizations: Messi, Messi gambol, ESPN Argentina, Getty, Inter Miami, MLS, Apple Locations: Argentina, United States, Mexico, Canada, “, AFP, Miami

☆ Copa América final delayed in Miami as ticketless fans try to force entry, Hard Rock Stadium says
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-14 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | Jacob Lev | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

“In anticipation of tonight’s Copa America Final, thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, putting other fans, security and law enforcement officers at extreme risk,” the statement said. “All fans without tickets MUST leave the Hard Rock Stadium premises. Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesPhotos and video from outside the stadium showed massive overcrowding, with visibly distressed women and children among thousands of fans stuck outside the gates. At least one photo showed fans falling on top of each other at an overturned crush barrier. Young Argentina fans outside the stadium before the Copa América final.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Maddie Meyer, WSVN, ” Organizations: CNN, Copa América, Argentina, Copa America, Miami - Dade Police Department, Young, Getty, Sunday, Colombia’s, Uruguay, Uruguayan Locations: Argentina, Colombia, Miami Gardens , Florida, Miami, Young Argentina, Charlotte , North Carolina

☆ Lionel Messi scores his first goal of Copa America 2024, Argentina heads to the final again
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( The Athletic Staff | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +10 min

Headed into Tuesday’s semifinal against Canada, Messi had gone four games without finding the back of the net, including a failed Panenka in a penalty kick shootout against Ecuador in the quarterfinal. The Athletic was at the match to dissect the key plays…How did Messi score his first goal of Copa America 2024? Argentina’s second goal started with a Messi burst into the Canada penalty area. Messi is now onto 109 goals by scoring his first goal of this summer’s Copa America to double the Argentine lead against Canada. Messi, 37, is 21 goals behind the record holder, his great rival, the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo who has 130 goals.

Persons: Paul Tenorio, Felipe Cardenas, Joshua Kloke, Adam Crafton Lionel Messi, Messi, Enzo Fernandez, Maxime Crépeau, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Canada’s Stephen Eustáquio, Rodrigo De Paul, Koné, Messi opportunistically, Li, sy, c. J, Jo Organizations: Canada, Ecuador, Copa America, MetLife, Canadian, Copa, Australia, Qatar, MESSI, AMERICA, eads Locations: Argentina, New Jersey, Canada

☆ Lionel Messi misses penalty but Argentina still reaches Copa América semifinals
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Goalkeeper Emi Martínez was the hero for Argentina as La Albiceleste reached the Copa América semifinals with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Ecuador following a 1-1 draw. Argentina led for most of the match in Houston, Texas, after Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez headed home from a corner on 35 minutes. Martínez, who has developed a reputation as a penalty shootout specialist, performed his trademark dance after brilliantly keeping out Minda’s spot kick. The Aston Villa goalkeeper has faced 24 penalties for Argentina and has conceded just 12 of them, including nine saves, per the BBC. Lionel Messi missed his penalty in the shootout.

Persons: Emi Martínez, Albiceleste, Lisandro Martínez, Kevin Rodríguez, John Yeboah’s, Jordy Caicedo, Lionel Messi, Martínez, Ecuador’s, Ángel Mena, Alan Minda, Charly Triballeau, ” Martínez, ” Organizations: CNN, Copa América, Argentina, Manchester United, Tri, Ángel, Aston Villa, BBC, Getty, Argentina Football Association Locations: Argentina, Ecuador, Houston , Texas, Venezuela, Canada, AFP

☆ Argentina wins penalty shootout to reach semifinals, Messi misses from spot
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Felipe Cardenas | Paul Tenorio | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +9 min

Messi missed Argentina’s opener but penalty king Emiliano Martinez saved Argentina’s blushes, stopping Ecuador twice to see his side progress to the last four. Every time Messi floated wide to try to get on the ball in space, Ecuador closed down with multiple defenders. Lisando Martinez, unmarked at the far post, calmly headed the ball into the net to score his first goal for Argentina. Through the first 30 minutes, Ecuador had fairly good control of the game. On the ball, Ecuador was pushing quickly up the field, especially through the left side and Jeremy Sarmiento.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Lisandro Martinez, Enner Valencia, Kevin Rodriguez, Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Argentina’s, ”, ” Martinez, Logan Riely, Felipe Cardenas, Paul Tenorio, Emi Martinez, Angel Mena, Julian Alvarez, Alan Minda, Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, John Yeboah, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, Enzo Fernandez, Paul Tenorio Valencia, Valencia, Mac, Juan Mabromata, Argentina …, He’s, hasn’t, Ecuador’s, Lisando Martinez, Charly Triballeau, Felipe Cardenas Emi Martinez, Aston, Lionel Scaloni, Jeremy Sarmiento, Moisés, Sarmiento, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, “, ” Emiliano Martinez, ” De Paul, ” What’s Organizations: Copa America, Peru, Ecuador, NRG, Houston, Messi, Copa América, Chelsea, Qatar, Venezuela, Valencia, Valencia didn’t, Getty, Argentina, Olimpico, Mercedes, Benz, Aston Villa, Canada, MetLife Locations: Argentina, Ecuador, AFP, Valencia, Atlanta, Venezuela, Canada, New Jersey

☆ Chile 0-1 Argentina takeaways: Late winner, Messi’s injury scare, Argentina in quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Felipe Cardenas | Melanie Anzidei | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

Messi was off to the side of the pitch for a few minutes in the first half. Argentina pressed on with one or two offensive plays without him, as Argentina’s trainer worked on Messi’s upper right leg area. Chile did not record a shot in the first half (their first came in the 72nd minute) as Argentina dominated possession. But victory came for Argentina after two quick corner attempts – the first with Messi yet again attempting the elusive Olimpico. Argentina’s final game is against Peru (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL) and Canada face Chile (Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, FL).

Persons: Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi, Felipe Cardenas, Melanie Anzidei, …, Messi, Tata Martino, Tim Nwachukwu, Andres Matonte, “ dos, Ricardo Gareca Organizations: America, MetLife, Messi, Inter Miami, Copa America, Uruguayan, ARGENTINA Locations: Argentina, Chile, Chilean, U.S, Argentina’s

☆ Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina defeats Canada in opening game of Copa América
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Argentina began its defense of the Copa América title with a 2-0 victory against Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday. Lionel Messi broke an appearance record which had stood for over 70 years by playing in his 35th Copa América match, and was at the heart of Argentina’s goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Canada, appearing in this expanded edition of the Copa América for the first time, was a heavy underdog against the 15-time champion but did squander several promising opportunities to get on the scoresheet. Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty ImagesArgentina is now on a nine-match unbeaten run in the Copa América, having won the 2021 tournament as well as its third-place playoff against Chile in 2019. Victory in this year’s competition would be Argentina’s third-straight trophy in major tournaments having won the World Cup in 2022.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Julián, Ángel Di María, Alexis Mac Allister, Maxime Crépeau, Canada’s, Stephen Eustáquio, Emi Martínez, Alphonso Davies, Messi, Mac, couldn’t, Crépeau, Derek Cornelius ’, Jonathan David, Charly Triballeau Organizations: CNN — Argentina, Copa, Canada, Mercedes, Benz, Liverpool, Crépeau, Argentina, Getty, Copa América, Chile Locations: Atlanta, Canada, Argentina, AFP, Peru

☆ Argentina 2, Canada 0 takeaways: Halftime mind games and Maxime Crepeau’s impressive stops
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( The Athletic Staff | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +8 min

Spaces opened up, but when they switched to Di Maria on the right, or to Marcos Acuña on the left, Argentina rarely took that chance. It appeared as if midfielder Leandro Paredes and defender Cristian Romero knew that Di Maria wouldn’t outrun Alphonso Davies. Missed chances from Messi, Di Maria and Mac Allister kept the first 45 minutes even in Atlanta. Three minutes into the second half, Paredes sent a long diagonal ball to Di Maria, forcing Davies to backpedal. Yet with highlight-reel saves against Argentina, Crepeau stepped into the limelight and showed why Canada’s goal is now his and his alone.

Persons: Paul Tenorio, Felipe Cardenas, Joshua Kloke, Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez’s, Messi, Alexis Mac Allister —, Lautaro Martinez, Canada’s midblock, Di Maria, Marcos Acuña, Leandro Paredes, Cristian Romero, Di Maria wouldn’t, Alphonso Davies, Acuña, Mac Allister, gamesmanship, Paredes, Davies, backpedal, Alvarez, Jesse Marsch, ” Marsch, ” Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul, Stephen Eustaquio, Todd Kirkland, Maxime Crepeau, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David, would’ve, Buchanan, Dibu Martinez, David, Cyle Larin, Milan Borjan, Canada’s, –, Marsch’s, Dayne, Clair, Crepeau, Di María, Omar Vega, —, ”, ” What’s, Easter, CHARLY TRIBALLEAU Organizations: Canada, Mercedes, Benz, Messi, Copa, “, Getty, Argentine, MLS, Dayne St, Argentina, Canadian, MetLife Locations: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Atlanta, Qatar, Canada, U.S, “ Argentina, La Nacion, Davies, Belgium, France, Turkey, Spain, Netherlands, Canadian, Chile, Easter Rutherford , NJ, Peru, Mercy, , Kansas City, KS, AFP

☆ Copa America 2024 predictions: Who will win it all, how far will the U.S. go? Our writers’ picks
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( The Athletic Soccer Staff | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +15 min

Click here to follow Copa America on The Athletic and get relevant stories in your personalized feed. AdvertisementMelanie Anzidei: Winning a second Copa America in a row would solidify Argentina’s place as one of football’s greatest teams. With both nations tied on a record 15 Copa America titles each, I’ve got my fingers crossed for a meeting in the final. Cardenas: Luis Diaz scored four goals at the 2021 Copa America, leading Colombia to the semifinals. GO DEEPER The Radar – The Athletic’s Copa America 2024 scouting guideTell us one thing you really want to see happen…Cardenas: The Copa America is such an important tournament for South American countries.

Persons: Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Will Vinicius Junior, Paul Tenorio, I’m, Felipe Cardenas, Messi, Carl De Souza, Jeff Rueter, Melanie Anzidei, Joshua Kloke, Brazil —, Thom Harris, Marcelo Bielsa, I’ve, Tenorio, Lionel Messi Cardenas, Lionel Messi Rueter, Lautaro Martinez Anzidei, Julian Alvarez Kloke, Luis Diaz Harris, Darwin Nunez, Cardenas, Luis Diaz, Diaz, It’s Messi, Vinicius, Gustavo Pagano, Vinicius Jr’s, Harris, … James Rodriguez, Nestor Lorenzo, James Rodriguez, Josh, Jeremy Reper, Enzo Fernandez ’, Yaser, Colombian Phil Foden, Paul, I, Piero Hincapie, Bayer, That’s, Hincapie, Dario Osorio, Alexis Sanchez’s, He’s, Osorio, Santiago Gimenez, Jonathan David, Europe’s, Snagging, … Cardenas, Leon Bailey, Michael Miller, Osorio dazzles, holdovers, Eduardo Vargas, Peru’s Paulo Guerrero, Vargas, Ricardo Gareca’s Organizations: Copa America, The Athletic, Reigning, Argentina, Messi, Saudi, AFP, Getty, Brazil, Guatemala, Inter Milan, C, Uruguay, Group, Colombia, Tenorio, Watford, Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga, Premier League, The, Midtjylland, Feyenoord, Canada, Copa, South, U.S, Reggae, MetLife, United, London, Paraguay, Red Bull Arena Locations: United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, U.S, Saudi Arabia, Miami, —, Uruguay, Mexico, Colombia, The U.S, Chile, Colombian, England, Asprilla, Ecuador, Chilean, Denmark, Lille, Rueter, Jamaica, Barcelona, Copa America, Spain, Cardenas, Italy, Venezuela, Senegal, France

☆ Copa América 2024: Lionel Messi’s final ‘Last Dance’ with Argentina?
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —For just the second time in the tournament’s 108-year history, the Copa América will be played outside of South America. “Today, all I think about is to get well to the Copa América and play it. The squad for the 2024 Copa América is largely inexperienced, with 15 players on less than 10 caps for their country. UruguayPerennial overachiever Uruguay once again goes into a Copa América among the favorites to win the title. The nation of just 3.5 million people holds the joint record alongside Argentina for most Copa América titles won with 15.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Messi, ”, ” Messi, Ángel Di María, Catherine Ivill, Lionel Scaloni, “, he’s, ” Scaloni, Leo, Di María, West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá, Neymar, Brazil’s, Vinícius, –, Fernando Diniz, Dorival Júnior, Vinícius Jr, Marcelo Bielsa, Argentina –, Ander Gillenea, Luis Suárez, Giménez, Ronald Araújo, Federico Valverde, Matt Turner, Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Folarin Balogun, Ron Jenkins, Gregg Berhalter’s, ’, Juan Antonio Pizzi, Ricardo Gareca, Marcelo Hernandez, Alexis Sánchez, Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, Cafeteros, Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno, Luis Díaz, James Rodriguez, David Ospina, Yerry Mina Organizations: CNN, Copa, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF Nations League, Nations League, América, Brazil, Messi, Argentine, Star, “, Copa América, ”, Beijing, Getty, England, USA, Real, La Liga, League, overachiever, Argentina, CONCACAF, US, Panama, Uruguay, Copa Américas, Roja, La Roja, Qatar Locations: South America, United States, US, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rica, Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Qatar, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Spain, Real Madrid, Uruguay, overachiever Uruguay, AFP, Colombia, Washington, Bolivia, Russia, Peru, Paraguay, Albania, France, Marseille, Colombia Colombia

☆ Lionel Messi is taking on Prime with a new sports drink
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Logan Paul’s Prime drink has some new competition in the form of the G.O.A.T. And the drink is also a new foray into non-alcoholic drinks for Mark Anthony Brands, as Americans consume less alcohol. Más+ by Messi is a low-sugar drink containing electrolytes and vitamins without artificial sweeteners, colors or caffeine. Hydration and energy drinks are projected to be a $60 billion market by 2032, growing roughly 6% annually, according to Precedence Research. “Gen Alpha is up for grabs, and that is who these new generation energy drinks are aiming to capture especially as they enter teenage years.”

Persons: New York CNN — Logan, Lionel Messi, White, Mark Anthony Brands, Messi, Miami Punch, Ballon, Seltzer, Andrea Hernández, ”, “, ” Hernández, Alpha Organizations: New, New York CNN, Soccer, Paul’s, Gatorade, Miami, Inter Miami, Orange, Major League Soccer, Messi, Beverage Co, Research, BodyArmor, CNN Locations: New York, Miami, America

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo may be in the twilight of his career, but the soccer star still tops Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes thanks to his huge wages in Saudi Arabia. According to Forbes’ list, which was released on Thursday, Ronaldo earned $260 million over the last 12 months, $200 million from his club contract with Al-Nassr and $60 million in off-field earnings. Rahm’s total earnings are $218 million, Forbes calculated – $198 million through playing wages alone – while Messi’s are $135 million, more than half of which ($70 million) are off-the-field payments. Ronaldo, one of four Saudi-based soccer players on the list of the 50 highest-paid athletes, made his debut for Al-Nassr in January 2023. Forbes’ 10 highest-paid athletes in 2024:

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Forbes, Ronaldo, Jon Rahm, LIV, Lionel Messi, Nassr, Neville Hopwood, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, Karim Benzema –, Mbappé, Lamar Jackson, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Li Na, Naomi Osaka Organizations: CNN, Forbes, Al, Inter Miami, Saudi Pro League, Neymar, –, Baltimore Ravens, NFL, Forbes ’ Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Hilal

☆ Lionel Messi breaks more Major League Soccer records in astonishing performance
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Luis Suárez scored a hat trick for Inter Miami on Saturday, but it is not that impressive feat which is the focus of attention. Instead, it is once again Lionel Messi dominating headlines courtesy of a performance which almost defied belief. In a 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls, Messi broke two MLS records. Last week, in Miami’s victory over New England Revolution, Messi had set two other MLS records. Messi and Suárez formed a formidable partnership while at Barcelona and the pair have seamlessly transferred that understanding onto the pitch when playing for Miami.

Persons: CNN — Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Messi, ”, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Suárez, Dante Vanzeir, Matías Rojas, Rojas, Emil Forsberg Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, New York Red Bulls, MLS, Argentine, Chase, New England Revolution, Miami, Messi, Eastern Conference, CF Montreal Locations: Barcelona, New York

☆ Lionel Messi scores twice and breaks two Major League Soccer records in emphatic Inter Miami win
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lionel Messi’s start to the new Major League Soccer season has been impressive, even by the Argentine great’s lofty standards. Inter Miami sits atop the MLS Eastern Conference after a brilliant start which has included six victories in 11 games. In front of 65,612 fans – a new attendance record for a Revolution home game – Messi set two MLS records. “People come to every stadium to see Leo, that’s true, but they also want their team to win,” Miami head coach Gerardo Martino said in Spanish postgame, per the MLS. He has also contributed significantly to the transformation of Miami’s fortunes, helping the team win its first trophy last August, as well as taking it to the top of the Eastern Conference standings this campaign.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Messi, –, – Messi, Maddie Meyer, Tomás, Benjamin Cremaschi, Luis Suárez, Leo, that’s, Gerardo Martino, “ We’re, ” Messi, Ballon d’Or Organizations: CNN, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, New England, Gillette, MLS Eastern Conference, MLS, Messi, New, “, Miami, Argentina, Chase Field, Nashville SC, Eastern Conference Locations: Argentine, Miami, Spanish

☆ Lionel Messi says he hasn’t yet thought about when he will retire
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Age, they say, is just a number – an adage that appears to ring true for soccer star Lionel Messi. “The truth is I haven’t thought about it yet,” said Messi, who turns 37 in June. “Today, I try to enjoy it day-by-day, enjoy every moment without thinking about it more than that. Messi celebrates winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. Asked about what will factor into his decision to retire, Messi said: “The moment that I’m not at the level to deliver, that I’m not enjoying it, that I’m not helping my teammates.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, hasn’t, Ballon d’Or, ”, it’s, Cristiano Ronaldo, aplenty, Nassr, Carl Recine, Reuters Messi, I’m, “, ” Messi, Argentina’s, El Savaldor Organizations: CNN, Argentina, La Liga, Barcelona, Reuters, MLS, Inter Miami, Leagues, Eastern Conference, El, Inter, New York Locations: “, Portugal, Saudi Arabian, Costa Rica, New York City

CNN —Portuguese and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one match and fined for “provoking” fans in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday. In footage from the game, Ronaldo can be seen cupping his hand to his ear, taking in the chanting from the opposing Al-Shabab fans. Ronaldo gestures towards the Al-Shabab fans. As a result, Ronaldo has been suspended for one match, ordered to pay around $2,666 (10,000 riyals) to the SAFF and an additional $5,333 (20,000 riyals) to Al-Shabab for complaint filing fees. Ronaldo, a five-time Balon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr following an acrimonious exit from English Premier League side Manchester United in late 2022.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s, Ronaldo, Al, Lionel Messi’s, Yasser Bakhsh, Waleed Al, Farraj, ” Ronaldo, Yannick Carrasco’s, Nassr, Anderson Talisca, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, Talisca, Hazm Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Riyadh, Al, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, English Premier League, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Reuters Al Locations: Shabab, Al, Saudi

☆ 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

☆ Ticket prices are crazy to see Lionel Messi in his MLS season debut against Salt Lake
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Lionel Messi’s debut in his first full Major League Soccer season might not cost fans the extraordinary prices seen last year for his first-ever game with Inter Miami, but they do show that “Messi Mania” hasn’t diminished despite his rocky preseason. That’s 1,257% more expensive than the cheapest, or “get in” price of last season’s home opener when it cost $7 for a seat. Prices on the secondary market are elevated for the rest of Inter Miami’s season with tickets about 70% more expensive than last year. In particular, Inter Miami sales are 150-times higher compared to the start of last season and is the most in-demand MLS team, with the Los Angeles Galaxy in second and the New England Revolution in third. “The surge in sales for Inter Miami, and the league as a whole, are a testament to his legacy as a soccer star,” said StubHub spokesperson Adam Budell told CNN.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, “ Messi, ”, Messi, TickPick, “, ‘ Messi, ’, ” Brett Goldberg, Adam Budell, Messi’s, Billy Lalor Organizations: New, New York CNN, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, MLS, Miami, Real Salt Lake, Inter Miami’s, Montreal, Inter, CNN, MLB, NHL, Los Angeles Galaxy, ”, North Locations: New York, Real Salt, Argentina

On February 4, Messi’s absence from the match between Inter Miami and the Hong Kong XI team sparked significant backlash. Many on Weibo questioned how the star was able to make such a quick recovery three days after the Hong Kong game. Others lashed out against what they saw as disrespect for Hong Kong – and China. In Monday’s video, Messi denied that his absence was due to political reasons and reiterated that he was unable to make the game because of an inflamed adductor that had worsened the day before the game in Hong Kong. “I’ve had a very close and special relationship with China and I’ve done a lot of things in China,” Messi said in the video.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Weibo, “ I’ve, ” Messi, “, Hong Kong, XFEST, CNN’s Simone McCarthy, Chris Lau Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Hong Kong XI, Argentina’s, Vissel, Weibo Locations: Hong Kong, Weibo, Vissel Kobe, Tokyo, China, China’s Sichuan, Beijing

Tickets for the game cost up to 4,880 Hong Kong dollars ($624) each. In its statement, Tatler Asia said it would refund 56 million Hong Kong dollars ($7.2 million) in total, resulting in a loss of 43 million Hong Kong dollars ($5.5 million). Before the refund, its net income stood at 13 million Hong Kong dollars ($1.7 million), the organizer said. In response to the announcement, the Hong Kong government welcomed the arrangement in a statement, calling it as a responsible move. “One theory is that their actions have political motives, as Hong Kong intends to boost economy through the event and external forces deliberately wanted to embarrass Hong Kong through this incident,” it said.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Messi’s, “, Regina Ip, “ Messi, Hong Kongers, ___ Organizations: Inter, Global Times, Tatler Asia, Tatler, Hong Kong, Hong, Inter Miami, Associated Press, Weibo, Messi, ”, Executive, Miami, Newell’s Old Locations: HONG KONG, Hong Kong, China, Argentina, Tokyo, Asia, Japan, Tatler Asia, Inter Miami, Beijing, Regina, Weibo, El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, Florida, Rosario

☆ Messi’s ‘miracle’ return stirs Chinese anger and conspiracy theories
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“(He) played in five of the six preseason games and only missed the game in Hong Kong, China! Don’t come to China, China doesn’t welcome you,” another user wrote in a post liked by 20,000 others. “Why didn’t Messi play in Hong Kong or participate in the handshake with HK (the Hong Kong) chief executive? Messi's no-show sparks an outcry in Hong Kong on February 4, 2024. One social media user noted that it was not only Messi who played in Tokyo, but not Hong Kong.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi didn’t, Messi, “ Messi, Hong Kong, Kenneth Fok, Hu Xijin, didn’t Messi, ” Hu, ”, Louise Delmotte, “ Don’t, Hong, David Beckham, Beckham, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Luis Suárez couldn’t, Philip Fong, “, nimbly, Regina Ip, ” “ Messi, Kenneth Chan, Taylor Swift, ’ Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Sunday, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Vissel, Hong, CNN, Weibo, HK, Global Times, Inter, National Basketball Association, Houston Rockets, Soccer, Ardent, Messi, Argentina national, Australia, Inter Miami's, Getty, The Inter Miami, Hong Kong Baptist University Locations: China, Hong Kong, Argentine, Japan, Vissel Kobe, Tokyo, Beijing, State, China’s Sichuan, Argentina, AFP, Asia

CNN —Inter Miami star Lionel Messi returned to action on Wednesday in a match against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo, though Chinese fans remain upset that the star did not play in Sunday’s game in Hong Kong. “Hello to all my fans in mainland China and Hong Kong! Philip Fong/AFP/Getty ImagesDuring Wednesday’s game against Vissel Kobe, Messi was brought on for David Ruiz as a second-half substitute. Fans in Hong Kong booed and called for ticket refunds due to Messi’s non-appearance in Sunday’s game, and even the Hong Kong government shared its dismay that the forward had not taken to the field. Luis Suárez, Messi former teammate at Barcelona, was also sidelined with an injury in Hong Kong but played 75 minutes for Miami against Vissel Kobe.

Persons: Lionel Messi, “, ” Messi, Messi, Vissel Kobe, Philip Fong, David Ruiz, Luis Suárez Organizations: CNN — Inter Miami, Vissel, Weibo, Messi, Vissel Kobe, Miami, Hong, Barcelona Locations: Vissel Kobe, Tokyo, Hong Kong, China, Sichuan, Weibo, AFP, Japan

Through five games, Inter Miami has been outscored 12-7 and won only once. Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino apologized for Messi's absence after Sunday's Hong Kong match. Fans who saw practice on Saturday at least saw the Argentina captain in a kick-around, with Miami co-owner David Beckham also on the field. “We understand the disappointment of the fans for the absence of Leo (Messi) and Luis Suarez,” Martino said. Inter Miami is to practice on Tuesday on the outskirts of Tokyo with snow in the forecast.

Persons: —, Lionel Messi, Messi, Uruguayan Luis Suarez, Suarez, ” John Grady, ”, Grady, Gerardo Martino, David Beckham, Leo, Luis Suarez, ” Martino, “, Luis, ” Messi, Nassr, It's, Martino Organizations: TOKYO, Inter Miami's, Uruguayan, Vissel Kobe, Newell’s, Inter Miami, University of South, Associated Press, Miami, Al, Saudi Arabia —, MLS Locations: El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Florida, Argentina, University of South Carolina, Riyadh, Japan, Tokyo

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