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☆ 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

We have everything you need right here on where to watch the Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake live stream tonight from anywhere in the world. How to watch Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake live stream in the USThere are multiple options for subscribing to the MLS season pass on the Apple TV+ platform. If you already have Apple TV+, the MLS Season Pass costs $12.99 monthly or $79 for the whole season. How to watch Messi and Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake live stream from anywherePrices are generally similar around the world. This tool lets you trick Apple TV Plus or other live TV streaming services into thinking you're signing up from within a supported country.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, We've, ExpressVPN Organizations: Business, MLS, Inter Miami, League, Apple, Plus, Apple TV Locations: Salt, Turkey, Jamaica, Iceland, Albania, Romania, Russia, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Singapore, China

☆ 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

Kylian Mbappe has told Paris Saint-Germain he will leave the club at the end of the season, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. Mbappe, who has consistently been linked with a move to Real Madrid, will be a free agent at the end of the campaign after seven years with PSG. Mbappe has been at PSG since 2017 after signing from Monaco in a transfer worth a reported $190 million. Mbappe will be the latest superstar player to leave the French club in recent times following the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar last year. Mbappe won five French league titles with PSG, but has so far failed to lead it to success in the Champions League.

Persons: Kylian Mbappe, Germain, Mbappe hasn’t, PSG President Nasser Al, Khelaifi, Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar Organizations: Paris Saint, Associated Press, PSG President, PSG, France, Monaco, Real, Champions League, ___ Locations: Real Madrid, Madrid, Mbappe

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami closed out their tumultuous Major League Soccer preseason with a 1-1 draw against Messi's boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys on Thursday night. Messi checked out of the game Thursday with Inter Miami's Luis Suárez in the 60th minute. Photos You Should See View All 33 ImagesShanyder Borgelin put Inter Miami ahead 1-0 with a header in the 64th minute, and Newell's Franco Díaz tied it in the 83rd minute. Inter Miami set off on a global tour of exhibition games aimed at promotion and marketing, featuring Messi and the Uruguayan star Suárez. Inter Miami was outscored 12-7 in its first five games before a win in Hong Kong.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Ballon d’Or, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Messi, Martino, Inter Miami's Luis Suárez, Borgelin, Newell's Franco Díaz, Messi's, Suárez, Leo, Luis Suarez, ” Martino, Luis, fizzling, ___ Organizations: Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Messi's, Newell's, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami's, Messi, MLS, Uruguayan, ” Inter Miami, Salt Lake Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, Rosario, Argentina, Hong Kong, Salt

☆ Opinion: A thrilling Super Bowl that was also about something more
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Opinion Amy Bass | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Amy Bass Rodney BedsoleThis time around, football pundits wondered if Super Bowl LVIII would be the coronation of Chiefs coach Andy Reid and the establishment of a Kansas City dynasty with a third title in five years. This Super Bowl matchup, of course, had history. “We’re not done.”Key to any Super Bowl, of course, is the halftime show. Compared to Usher on roller skates, the commercials – which often take center stage of any Super Bowl broadcast — were relatively tame. “Taylor Swift is in Las Vegas,” commentator Ian Rappoport had assured Taylor Nation.

Persons: Amy Bass, Read, Patrick Mahomes, Mecole, ” Hardman, Tom Brady, Michael Che, ”, Donald Trump’s, Lady Gaga, Amy Bass Rodney Bedsole, Andy Reid, Kyle Shanahan’s, Mike, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Reid, Kelce, Shanahan, Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Swift, Taylor, Purdy, Jake Moody’s, Harrison Butker, Moody, Butker, Mahomes, “ We’re, Usher, Alicia Keys, Lil Jon, Ludacris, Lionel Messi, Dan Marino, Jason Sudeikis shilled, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Dunkin, Robert F Kennedy Jr, ’, Kennedy, Kennedy Jr’s, Taylor —, “ Taylor Swift, Ian Rappoport, “ I’ll, —, Ashley Avignone, Joe Biden, Trump, ” Taylor, Joe Biden ”, Biden, Biden — Organizations: Manhattanville College, CNN, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Budweiser, Denver Broncos, Chiefs, 49ers, Super, Kansas City, Verizon, PAC, “ GO CHIEFS, NFL, Truth Locations: America, Kansas, San Francisco, Japan, Las Vegas, Mahomes, Cetaphil’s, Massachusetts, Sephora

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Live updates from the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Taylor Swift reached LAX in her journey from Tokyo to the Super Bowl, online sleuths sayWill she make it in time? Read moreThree longtime friends have attended every Super Bowl — and don’t intend to stopAs long as they still have each other, they’re still going to go to every Super Bowl. Here’s why millions are excited for Super Bowl SundayMillions of Americans will find something to be excited about when it comes to Super Bowl Sunday. Four in 10 U.S. adults are extremely or very excited for at least one part of the Super Bowl day’s festivities.

Persons: Woo, “, Tony, Susan Chiosso, Tony Chiosso, Taylor Swift, they’ve, Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, Andy Reid, Purdy, Kyle Shanahan’s, Jimmy Garoppolo, they’re, Don Crisman of, Gregory Eaton of, Tom Henschel, Taylor, Swift, belting, Rhonda LeValdo, Bill Vinovich, Jennifer Anniston, Christopher Walken, Arnold Schwarzenneger, Jenna Ortega, Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, Judy ” Judy Sheindlin, Usher, That’s, Taylor Swift ., Trent Williams savors, Trent Williams, Williams, ___ Organizations: LAS VEGAS, Super, CBS, Nickelodeon, San Francisco 49ers, Area, Kansas City Chiefs, LAX, Intrepid, NFL, Chiefs, 49ers, San Francisco, Kansas City, KC, U.S, NASCAR, Reading Phillies, Super Bowl, Haskell Indian Nations University, Sunday’s, Rams, Saints, Sunday, Associated Press, NORC, for Public Affairs Research, Fame, Pro, Kansas City ., Team, Lahainaluna, School Locations: Las Vegas, Allegiant, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Miami, Don Crisman of Maine, Gregory Eaton of Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania, Acoma Pueblo, Kansas City, U.S, Washington, Hawaii, Lahaina

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

☆ Chinese city cancels Argentina soccer match after Messi backlash in Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —A city in mainland China has canceled its plan to host a soccer match featuring Argentina’s national team amid a growing backlash in the country against star player Lionel Messi. Messi has faced an outpouring of criticism after he remained on the bench during an exhibition game featuring his Major League Soccer team Inter Miami in Hong Kong. Public relations nightmareMessi stayed on the substitute bench when Inter Miami played the Hong Kong team on February 4, despite repeated requests from the Hong Kong government and organizer, Tatler Asia, for him to get on the field. Messi later said this had been a “shame,” and that he had wanted to participate. “Our aspiration was to create an iconic moment in support of the government’s efforts to remind the world how relevant and exciting Hong Kong is.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, jeered, hasn’t, XFEST, ” Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Argentina’s, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Hangzhou Sports Bureau, Hangzhou Olympic Sports, Argentina, Beijing Workers, Hong Kong, Hong, Tatler Asia, Vissel Locations: Hong Kong, China, Hangzhou, Argentina, Nigeria, Ivory, Vissel Kobe, Japan, Beijing, Asia

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSports streaming is here. Will TV break? But now, you've got Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime, Lionel Messi on Apple TV, WWE Smackdown on Netflix, and Google's YouTube TV as the fourth biggest TV provider in the country. Even traditional TV is giving in, with a new mega-sports app from Fox, Disney's ESPN, and Warner Brothers Discovery. This week on TechCheck, we update our "Great Rebundling" deep-dive and ask, does live sports break the dam?

Persons: you've, Lionel Messi Organizations: Sports, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, WWE, Netflix, YouTube, Fox, ESPN, Warner Brothers Discovery

☆ 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

☆ Super Bowl Ads Ditch Politics for Celebs, Taylor Swift and AI
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

By Sheila Dang(Reuters) - Fans can expect celebrities and more lighthearted commercials, along with glimpses of Taylor Swift, during the Super Bowl on Sunday, as corporate advertisers avoid the recent practice of using the big game to promote social causes. While high-priced Super Bowl commercials often play for laughs in trying to make an impression, the flashy productions can also reflect the national mood. Budweiser in 2017 used the Super Bowl to depict Anheuser-Busch's founder making the journey from Germany to America in 1857, encountering xenophobia and discrimination along the way. NONPROFITS GET IN ON THE GAMEWhile corporations may steer clear of potentially divisive issues, at least two nonprofits have announced Super Bowl ads. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will air a tense anti-cheese commercial featuring actress Edie Falco and a mother cow in distress.

Persons: Sheila Dang, Taylor Swift, ”, Kim Whitler, Lionel Messi, Swift, Travis Kelce, Charles R, Taylor, “ It's, ” Taylor, Bud Light, Light Genie, Dana White, Hall, Peyton Manning, Todd Allen, Whitler, ” Whitler, Robert Kraft, Clarence B, Jones, Martin Luther King Jr, Edie Falco, Bill Berkrot Organizations: University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, Procter & Gamble, Budweiser, Anheuser, Clydesdale, Super Bowl, NFL, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Chiefs, Villanova University School of Business, Swift, CBS, UFC, Hall of Fame, Google, Foundation, Combat, New England Patriots, Clarence, Animals, PETA Locations: Germany, America, Israel, Austin

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

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

TOKYO (AP) — Look for Lionel Messi to play in Wednesday's friendly in Tokyo with Inter Miami facing Japanese club Vissel Kobe. He sat alone on a stool on stage, wore a pink warm-up jacket, and showed a bit of humility. But I feel much better and I really want to be able to do it.”Messi tried to explain to Hong Kong fans, saying it was impossible for him to play with a groin injury. Through five games from El Salvador, to Dallas, to Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, Inter Miami has won only once and has been outscored 12-7. “I hope we can return and we can play another game and I can be present,” he said.

Persons: Lionel Messi, refeunds, Luis Suarez —, —, Messi, Andres Iniesta, ” Messi, ”, Suarez, Mark Conrad, ” Conrad Organizations: TOKYO, Inter Miami, Vissel Kobe, Hong Kong, Kobe, ” Inter, Tokyo Olympics, Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business, Associated Press Locations: Tokyo, Barcelona, Japanese, Hong Kong, El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia

☆ Lionel Messi expresses regret over not being able to play in Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Teele Rebane | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi expressed regret Tuesday over not being able to play in a friendly match in Hong Kong. Messi, who plays for Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, did not step onto the pitch to play against a Hong Kong XI on Sunday, causing outrage among fans. A sellout crowd of 40,000 attended the match in Hong Kong, but the occasion ended acrimoniously when fans booed, jeered and called for ticket refunds as Messi remained on the bench. Even the Hong Kong government said it was “disappointed” that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wasn’t brought on during the match. Messi added that he could understand why people were upset that he had not participated in the match, but expressed hope that Miami could play in Hong Kong again at some point.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, ” Messi, clamoring, jeered, ”, Ballon, wasn’t, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Luis Suárez Organizations: CNN, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Hong, Hong Kong XI, Inter, Miami, Wednesday, Vissel Locations: Argentine, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kobe, Vissel Kobe

☆ Hong Kong officials demand answers for Lionel Messi no-show
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —The Hong Kong government’s repeated requests for Lionel Messi to play in a sell-out soccer match went unanswered Sunday, a city official said, as cheers turned to jeers for the Argentine soccer legend. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong government, which provided more than $2 million in grants to the match organizer, also said it was “extremely disappointed” the star did not play. Fans make their feelings clear after Lionel Messi's Hong Kong no-show. ‘We do feel a bit scammed’“Messi mania” had captured Hong Kong with Inter Miami’s arrival on Friday as fans swarmed the Major League Soccer team’s hotel. Meanwhile, the stadium reached full capacity during the Inter Miami’s open training session the evening before the match.

Persons: Hong Kong government’s, Lionel Messi, jeers, –, Messi, Ballon, Kevin Yeung, XFEST, Lionel Messi's, Justin Chin, Yeung, “, ” Yeung, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, ‘, ’ “ Messi, ”, Ada Kam, Luis Suárez Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Hong Kong, Inter Miami’s, Hong, Hong Kong XI, Culture, Bloomberg, Getty, Inter, Major League Soccer team’s, CNN, Nigeria Locations: Hong Kong, Hong, Argentine, Lionel Messi's Hong Kong, Miami, Inter Miami’s, Tokyo, China, Argentina, Hangzhou, Ivory Coast, Beijing

☆ Hong Kong government may cut support funding after Messi did not play in friendly match
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

HONG KONG, CHINA - FEBRUARY 04: Fans react after not seeing Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi play during the friendly match between Hong Kong Team and Inter Miami CF at Hong Kong Stadium on February 4, 2024 in Hong Kong, China. The Hong Kong government said it may cut funding for a friendly match after soccer legend Lionel Messi did not take the pitch on Sunday. The Miami Herald reported that Messi had an MRI last week ahead of a friendly match in Saudi Arabia. The friendly match had been awarded "M" Mark status which is granted to major sporting events held in the city. Hong Kong said it had awarded the event a matching grant of 15 million Hong Kong dollars ($1.9 million) and a venue grant of HK$1 million.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi Organizations: Inter Miami's Argentine, Hong Kong Team, Inter Miami CF, Hong Kong, Hong, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Argentine, Miami Herald, Florida, China, HK Locations: HONG KONG, CHINA, Hong Kong, China, ., Saudi Arabia

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

☆ 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

HONG KONG (AP) — Lionel Messi stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes on Sunday as Inter Miami defeated a Hong Kong XI 4-1 in the latest stop on the MLS team’s preseason Asian tour. Messi played the final seven minutes of the losing effort but a tight hamstring kept the eight-time Ballon D’or winner on the sidelines in Hong Kong along with Uruguayan forward and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez. The fans who filled the same arena a day earlier at least saw the 2022 World Cup winner in an open training session along with Miami co-owner David Beckham. Robert Taylor opened the scoring for Miami five minutes before the break with a curling shot from the corner of the area. Miami finishes its Asian tour in Japan on Wednesday as it takes on Vissel Kobe.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Saudi Arabia’s, Messi, Ballon, Luis Suarez, David Beckham, Robert Taylor, Henri Anier, Jorn Andersen, Lawson Sunderland, Miami’s, Leonardo Campana, Ryan Sailor, ___ Organizations: Inter Miami, Hong, MLS, Hong Kong, Miami, Saudi, Uruguayan Locations: HONG KONG, Hong Kong, Nassr, Riyadh, Barcelona, Japan, Kobe

☆ It’s not just the Super Bowl. Catching a game is becoming unaffordable
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

In 2023, the average NFL ticket climbed 8.6% to $120, according to Team Marketing Report, a sports market research company. Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home of the Super Bowl, is the third smallest NFL stadium. The closing of the upper deck in Oakland helped the Athletics raise ticket prices during the early 2000s, for example. Five of the most recent seven NFL stadiums have seating for 71,000 or less. Relatively small, that ranks it 27th out of 30 NFL stadiums in capacity.

Persons: ”, Victor Matheson, Lionel Messi’s, Todd Kirkland, ” Matheson, Kirby Lee, Dennis Coates Organizations: New, New York CNN, Super, NFL, College of, Nebraska, Lionel Messi’s MLS, Atlanta Braves, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, Ticketmaster, New York Yankees, USA, Reuters, Athletics, Oakland, Las, University of Maryland, Minnesota Twins, Florida Marlins, NFL’s Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers Locations: New York, Las Vegas, Oakland, Baltimore County

☆ Lionel Messi: Paper napkin ‘contract’ to seal move to FC Barcelona heads to auction with a $380,000 starting bid
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The paper napkin containing the agreement which saw Lionel Messi join FC Barcelona will go to auction with a starting price of $380,000 (£300,000). Together with Rexach, Minguella helped organize Messi’s initial audition with the Blaugrana in September 2000. On December 14, Rexach, Minguella and Gaggioli met for lunch at the Pompeia tennis club to sign the napkin. “Yes, it’s a paper napkin, but it’s the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi’s career. It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.”

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Carles Rexach, Minguella, Horacio, ” Rexach, Horacio Gaggioli, Josep Minguella, Rexach, Gaggioli, Joan Gaspart –, – Messi, ” Ian Ehling, “, Lionel Messi’s Organizations: CNN, FC Barcelona, Messi, Barcelona, Camp, La Liga, Bonhams Locations: Barcelona, Argentine, York

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