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☆ Portland Timbers name Neville as head coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

FILE PHOTO:Soccer Football - England - Phil Neville Press Conference - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - February 18, 2020 Phil Neville during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 7 (Reuters) - Major League Soccer (MLS) side Portland Timbers named former Manchester United full back Phil Neville as head coach on Monday. Neville, who joined the Canada national team's coaching staff after leaving Inter Miami in June, had signed on until the end of the 2026 season, the Timbers said in a news release. The 2015 MLS Cup winners parted ways with Giovanni Savarese in August, ending his five-and-a-half year tenure as head coach. Assistant coach Miles Joseph served as interim head coach until Neville's appointment. Neville, who won six Premier League titles as a player with Manchester United and was part of their 1999 treble-winning side, was the England women's head coach before joining Miami.

Persons: Phil Neville, Peter Cziborra, Neville, Giovanni Savarese, Miles Joseph, Chiranjit, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Football, Phil Neville Press Conference, Wembley, Major League Soccer, Portland Timbers, Manchester United, Canada national, Inter Miami, Timbers, Premier League, Miami, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, England, Bengaluru

Major League Soccer suspended Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner on Tuesday for three matches for violating the league’s on-field anti-discrimination policy after the league launched an investigation into whether he used a racial slur against a New England Revolution player. Wagner will begin serving the penalty on Wednesday when the Revolution hosts the Union in Game 2 of their MLS Cup Eastern Conference semifinals matchup. MLS said in a statement that Wagner acknowledged wrongdoing. Political Cartoons View All 1237 Images“In reaching this decision, MLS considered many factors, including Wagner’s immediate acceptance of responsibility, willingness to participate in a restorative practices process to repair the harm caused, and his cooperation with the league’s investigation,” the league’s statement said. As part of the suspension, Wagner has begun MLS-mandated education and training, a process the league said will continue.

Persons: Kai Wagner, Wagner, Bobby Wood, Wood, ” Organizations: Major League Soccer, Philadelphia Union, New, Union, MLS, Eastern, Philadelphia, Athletic, New England Locations: New England, New, Hawaii

☆ MLS player forcibly removed from officials' locker room - referees' body
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Cincinnati beat New York at Red Bull Arena in a penalty shootout on Saturday, advancing to the semi-finals of the MLS Playoffs. "After the Nov 4th NYRB/FC Cincinnati match, a player gained unauthorized entry into the Officials' locker room & was forcibly removed by stadium security while acting in an aggressive & hostile manner," the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) said on social media. PSRA referees officiate matches for MLS, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United Soccer Leagues (USL). The PSRA did not confirm which player was removed or the nature of their dispute. "Major League Soccer is aware of the report of a player gaining unauthorized access into the officials’ locker room," the league said in a statement.

Persons: Enisa, Vincent Carchietta, Amy Tennery, Toby Davis Organizations: FC Cincinnati, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull, Major League Soccer, Cincinnati, New York, MLS, Professional Soccer Referees Association, National Women's Soccer League, United Soccer Leagues, USL, Thomson Locations: Harrison , NJ, USA, New, New York

Inter Miami announced Wednesday that its planned trip to China for a pair of exhibition matches has been called off. Political Cartoons View All 1227 Images“The tour promoter, NSN, has informed Inter Miami CF of the cancellation of its China Tour due to unforeseen circumstances in China,” read Inter Miami's statement. Messi returned to the U.S. early Tuesday after winning the Ballon d'Or and was with Inter Miami for a training session that morning. He remains under contract to Inter Miami for the 2024 and 2025 MLS seasons, making between $50 million and $60 million annually. He and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham have enormous followings in Asia, along with several endorsement deals in the region.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, Messi, Ballon, —, Li Keqiang, ”, “, NSN, Messi's ballyhooed, — hasn’t, David Beckham Organizations: Inter Miami, Argentina, TyC, Inter Miami CF, “ Inter, Inter Miami's, Major League Soccer, —, Australia, Olympic, Beijing Games Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, China, Argentina, U.S, Beijing, Asia

☆ Lionel Messi Wins Eighth Ballon D’Or as Soccer’s Best Player
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Victor Mather | More About Victor Mather | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual soccer award of the year, rewards the best player over a 12-month period. But Lionel Messi essentially won it in just about a month late last year. Rather it was his performance in helping carry Argentina last December to its first World Cup since 1986. He won the tournament’s most valuable player award as well. That performance more or less locked up the Ballon d’Or 11 months before it was handed to him.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Aitana, Germain Organizations: Messi, Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Spanish, France, Ballon, Paris St, Miami Locations: Barcelona, Miami, Argentina, Paris

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

☆ David Beckham: Filmmaker Fisher Stevens explains how ‘Succession’ and Leonardo DiCaprio helped land him Netflix documentary series
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Don Riddell | Glen Levy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —At first glance, the American actor and filmmaker Fisher Stevens wasn’t the obvious choice to helm the four-part Netflix documentary series about English soccer great David Beckham. “When they first called me, my response was …’why me for David Beckham?’” the 59-year-old said to CNN Sport’s Don Riddell. “I said, ‘Hey, I have a call with David Beckham, but I’m not sure,’” Fisher fondly recalled. I say what’s really strong, their relationship is really strong and if you can work with your wife and it works, God bless, man,” he said. But that’s why he’s also such a good guy, because he’s worried about you too.”A second series?

Persons: Fisher Stevens, David Beckham, Stevens, ’, CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, “, ”, Beckham, Alex Ferguson, Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi, ” Adams, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Becks ’, Jesse Armstrong, HBO’s, Tony Roche, Hugo, Oscar, Leonardo DiCaprio, DiCaprio, ‘, I’m, ’ ” Fisher, Logan Roy, ” Brand Beckham, David, he’s, “ Beckham, Ted, Ferguson, Scot, Megan Briggs, Victoria, ‘ David we’ll, ‘ David, that’s, Joseph West, ” Stevens Organizations: CNN, Netflix, Manchester United, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Argentina, Spice, HBO, Warner Bros, United, Real Madrid, Variety, Qatar, Jewish Locations: American, England, Spain, America, Italy, France, United States, “, Victoria

☆ Apple TV+ is raising prices and expanding its content ambitions — here are the shows and movies it wants now, per leaked Hollywood agency documents
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Apple TV+ is a small but influential player in the streaming wars. And Apple has signaled it wants to grow its streaming content slate at a time when other media companies are contracting. Apple is "always looking" for films that "highlight humanity," according to one of the agency documents. As a side hustle of a massive retail business, Apple TV+ can fly under the radar, insulated from economic pressures that have roiled the entertainment business. (Apple TV+ was the first streamer to win the best picture Oscar, in 2022, for "CODA," which it acquired at the Sundance Film Festival).

Persons: Martin Scorcese's, Reese Witherspoon, Apple, execs, Apple hasn't, Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso, Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Jon Stewart's, Isaac Asimov's, John Krasinski, Stephen Curry, Ridley Scott's, Napoleon, They're Organizations: Apple, Netflix, Disney, New York Times, Major League Soccer, Major League Baseball, New England Patriots, Sundance Locations: China

☆ Lionel Messi’s final game of the season for Inter Miami ends in defeat
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —After a fairy tale start to his Inter Miami career, Lionel Messi’s Major League Soccer (MLS) season ended in a 1-0 defeat on the road to Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday. “When we arrived, we had two competitions in which we had the potential to compete well: the Leagues Cup and the U.S. Open Cup. David Jensen/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images“Out of the three tournaments, one was won by Inter Miami. The Argentine captained Miami and played the entire match. Miami ends the season 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference, finishing with 34 points, while Messi concludes his campaign having scored 11 goals in 14 games in his debut season.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Kerwin Vargas ’, ”, Gerardo Martino, Lionel Messi, David Jensen, Messi, Ballon, Kristijan Kahlina Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s Major League Soccer, Charlotte FC, Bank of America, Miami, Charlotte, Leagues, Messi, U.S, MLS, Argentine, Eastern Conference Locations: Miami

☆ Even Lionel Messi Couldn’t Save a Doomed American Season
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The first season of Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi project was all going to plan. The greatest player of his generation ws banging in goals, driving subscriptions to Major League Soccer matches on Apple TV and selling out stadiums wherever he went. Messi seemed happy and engaged. He even looked good in Miami’s flamingo-pink kit. It turns out that adding a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner midway through the season wasn’t quite enough to turn around what had been one of the worst teams in MLS before Messi’s arrival.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Ballon Organizations: Inter, Major League Soccer, Apple, Miami, MLS

Like many other Black Protestant churches, Calvary Baptist struggled economically during the coronavirus pandemic. But the church has transformed its parking lot to accommodate game-day fundraisers, with volunteers from the congregation staffing the lots and selling spaces for $15 per vehicle. All 250 parking spaces at the Calvary lot were full when Messi’s Inter Miami played the Union. Sometimes, rival fans park at the church. The church parking lot is often full on game days.

Persons: Martin Luther King Jr, Keith Dickens, Calvary, ”, Dickens, Lionel Messi, Jeffrey Scholes, “, Scholes, ” Scholes, King, ” Abe Gitterman, Lisa Lewis, Leslie Cranford, RVs —, Jones, Cranford, Kevin Ness, Jill Connerym, Connery, Taylor, Kevin Ulmet Organizations: Eagles, NFL, Calvary Baptist Church, Major League Soccer, Philadelphia Union, Subaru, Union, Calvary Baptist, Green Bay Packers, MLS, Messi’s Inter Miami, Sports, Chester’s Crozer Theological Seminary . Chester, John’s United Methodist Church, Texas Tech, Red Raiders, T, ”, Christian Science Church, Red Sox, Christian, Christian Science, Bethany Church, Packers, Nashville, Church, Nazarene, Nissan, Tennessee Titans, Lilly Endowment Inc, AP Locations: CHESTER, Pa, Philadelphia, Delaware, Calvary, Lubbock , Texas, St, Boston, Fenway, Green Bay , Wisconsin, Nashville, Haiti, Kenya, “

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi says he will play in Inter Miami's season finale on Saturday, although the club hasn't confirmed that is the actual plan. Inter Miami says Messi's contract, a 2 1/2-year deal that runs through the 2025 season, is worth about $150 million. Messi is also expected to play in Inter Miami’s colors in early November, when the team plays two exhibition matches in China. But a leg injury derailed his season, and essentially ended Inter Miami’s chances of making the postseason. He was able to play as a reserve on Oct. 7 against Cincinnati, but Inter Miami lost 1-0 in the outcome that sealed its playoff elimination.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, hasn't, Messi —, Messi, ” Messi, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Charlotte, Ballon, It’ll, Ronald Blum, ___ Organizations: Inter, Argentina, Peru, Inter Miami's, Major League Soccer, Charlotte, Wednesday, Inter Miami, MLS, Charlotte Observer, Association, Orlando City, World, Leagues, U.S, Miami, Cincinnati, AP Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, Inter Miami, Peru, Miami, Argentina, Paris, China, New York

☆ A Major League Soccer whistleblower's tax-fraud lawsuit against the owner of DC United has been dismissed after law enforcement deemed it 'pointless'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Jack Newsham | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A former lawyer for DC United accused owner Jason Levien of cheating on his taxes. AdvertisementAdvertisementA whistleblower case filed by the former in-house lawyer for Major League Soccer team DC United that accused team owner Jason Levien of cheating on his taxes has been thrown out. AdvertisementAdvertisementIn addition to owning DC United, Levien reportedly owns pieces of Swansea City, the English football club, and the Brisbane Bullets, part of Australia's National Basketball League. Levien filed tax returns for past years and paid about $250,000 to the District in 2022, according to one of Deubert's filings. But DC tax officials concluded that Levien actually didn't owe a dime; Kya Henley, a spokesperson for Levien, said he received a refund check.

Persons: Jason Levien, Levien, —, Christopher Deubert, Deubert, Kya Henley, Levien's Organizations: DC United, DC, Service, Major League Soccer, Columbia, Revenue, Swansea City, football, Brisbane Bullets, Australia's National Basketball League, District Locations: New York, Washington ,, Florida, Swansea

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

☆ Rooney appointed new manager at Birmingham City
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sep 9, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; D.C. United head coach Wayne Rooney looks on from the sidelines during the second half against San Jose Earthquakes at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 11 (Reuters) - Former Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney has been appointed manager of Birmingham City on a three-and-a-half-year contract, the second-tier Championship club said on Wednesday. Former DC United coach Rooney replaces John Eustace, who was sacked on Monday with the Midlands side sixth in the standings -- 12 points behind runaway leaders Leicester City. Rooney, 37, stepped down as manager of Major League Soccer (MLS) club DC United last week after they missed out on the MLS Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. As a player, Rooney scored 253 goals for United, won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with the Old Trafford club.

Persons: Wayne Rooney, Amber Searls, Rooney, John Eustace, " Rooney, Ashley Cole, John O'Shea, Wayne, Tom Wagner, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: District of Columbia, United, San Jose Earthquakes, Audi Field, Manchester United, Birmingham City, Former DC United, Midlands, Leicester City, Blues, England, Ireland, Major League Soccer, DC United, MLS, Birmingham, Premier League, Champions League, Old, England's, Middlesbrough, Thomson Locations: Washington, District, USA, England, Derby County, Old Trafford, Bengaluru

☆ Wayne Rooney named manager of Birmingham City, the club part-owned by Tom Brady
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Soccer legend Wayne Rooney has been announced as the new manager of Birmingham City, the English club that NFL icon Tom Brady owns a minority stake in. Earlier this year, Brady joined a partnership to become a minority owner of Birmingham City and was named the chairman of a new advisory board. We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the Club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey,” Birmingham City co-owner Tom Wagner said in a statement. Birmingham City co-owner Tom Brady at a game in August. It’s a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can’t wait to get started.”Since becoming a minority owner in the club, Brady was spotted at a Birmingham City game in August and even visited a local pub to meet fans.

Persons: Wayne Rooney, Tom Brady, Rooney, Brady, Ashley Cole, John O’Shea, “ Wayne, Tom Wagner, “, John Eustace, Mike Egerton, ” Rooney Organizations: CNN, Soccer, Birmingham City, NFL, Major League Soccer, D.C, United, English Premier League, Manchester United, Club, ” Birmingham, Derby, DC United, Birmingham Locations: England, ”, Derby County

☆ Lionel Messi suffers first defeat in Inter Miami colors while Wayne Rooney parts ways with D.C. United
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Lionel Messi suffered his first defeat for Inter Miami on Saturday, succumbing to a 1-0 loss against FC Cincinnati which ended the club’s hopes of reaching the playoffs. Messi had missed Miami’s last four games due to injury and the club faltered in his absence, losing two and drawing two of its fixtures. “His injury is healed, but his rhythm was just off,” Miami’s head coach Gerardo Martino said, according to ESPN. Geoff Burke/USA Today/ReutersThe former England and Manchester United forward was appointed head coach last July after a two-year spell at the helm of English Championship club Derby County. Rooney first joined D.C. United as a player in 2018 and made 48 appearances for the team during the final chapters of his playing career.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Miami’s, Álvaro, “, ”, Gerardo Martino, hasn’t, Wayne Rooney, ” Wayne Rooney, Geoff Burke, Rooney Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, FC Cincinnati, Cincinnati, ESPN, Miami, Paraguay, Major League Soccer, United, New York City FC, Audi Field, Reuters, Manchester United, English Championship, Derby County, MLS, D.C Locations: Argentine, Peru, USA, England

☆ NBA can shift the balance of power in media with its next rights deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Every media rights renewal for the NBA is an important event because it only happens about once a decade. But with the National Football League's media rights locked up until 2033, the NBA has a unique opportunity to play media kingmaker. CNBC first reported NBCUniversal's interest in again airing NBA games earlier this year. Carving up the piewatch nowThe NBA will have to balance demand against restricting supply to maximize the price for rights. Discovery's TNT, NBA TV, NBA League Pass or a regional sports network.

Persons: Jimmy Butler, Jamal Murray, Justin Edmonds, clamor, John Skipper, Ted Sarandos, Netflix hasn't, We've, Sarandos, that's, Netflix's Ted Sarandos, Jeff Kravitz, That's, Serbian Nikola Jokić, Victor Wembanyama, It's, Peacock, Michael Jordan, Discovery's Max, Aurelien Meunier, Kevin Durant Organizations: Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Ball Arena, Getty, Basketball, Comcast, Google, Apple, Netflix, YouTube, NBA, Disney, Warner Bros, Discovery, National Football, ESPN, Global, Slovenian Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, NBCUniversal, NBC, CNBC, U.S, Metropolitans, Nielsen, Major League Soccer, Major League Baseball, ABC, TNT, NBA TV, Twitter Locations: Denver , Colorado, NBCUniversal, Hollywood , California, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Slovenian, Serbian, Levallois, Perret, U.S

☆ Streaming companies chase Spanish-language sports rights to capture growing Hispanic viewership
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

It's an effort to diversify viewership and advertising opportunities — and to capitalize on a growing Hispanic streaming audience. Hispanic audiences spend nearly nine hours per day consuming media, the majority of which is TV viewership, according to a recent study from Nielsen based on viewership habits from July. The study noted the Hispanic audience has been at "the forefront of cord-cutting," making it a growing majority of streaming viewership, too. According to the findings, Hispanic viewers spend more than 50% of their time consuming TV through streaming, eclipsing the general population, at nearly 40%. Traditional media companies across the board have been doling out cash for sports as live games still command the highest traditional TV viewership.

Persons: Roberto Firmino, Eder Militao, NBCUniversal's, It's, Shirin Malkani, Perkins, Lea, Eli Velazquez, Lionel Messi Organizations: Liverpool, Real Madrid, UEFA Champions, Liverpool FC, Anfield, . Media, Canela Media, Telemundo, ESPN, Nielsen, Telemundo Deportes, Major League Soccer's Inter Miami Locations: Real, Liverpool, England, Spanish, U.S

☆ Inter Miami suffers bruising defeat with Lionel Messi absent again through injury
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Inter Miami suffered a chastening Major League Soccer defeat by Chicago Fire on Wednesday – losing 4-1 – with talisman Lionel Messi missing through injury yet again. Messi has now missed the last four matches and his team has struggled to fill the gap left by the 36-year-old forward. Late last month, Miami manager Gerardo Martino said Messi was dealing with an old scar tissue problem. Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesWith doubts around whether Messi would play the match at Chicago’s Soldier Field, the hosts offered fans a financial incentive to attend. “I understand the expectation in Chicago, like there’s been in other places, but when a player isn’t in condition to play, he can’t play.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Gerardo Martino, Xherdan, Maren Haile, Selassie, Josef Martínez, Martino, ”, Michael Reaves, there’s, “, wasn’t Organizations: CNN — Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Chicago Fire, –, English Premier League, Chicago, Miami, Eastern Conference, MLS, ” Inter Miami, Chicago’s, Inter, FC Cincinnati Locations: Miami, Chicago, United States

☆ Chicago Fire offer fans credit amid Messi uncertainty
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sep 20, 2023; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) runs with the ball against the Toronto FC during the first half at DRV PNK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 3 (Reuters) - Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire have offered a financial incentive to ticket holders who attend their home game against Inter Miami on Wednesday given the uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi's availability. Mindful that Messi may not play, Chicago said on Tuesday they will offer a $250 credit toward new memberships for next season -- or a $50 credit for anyone unable to use the new member credit -- to all single-game ticket buyers who attend the Miami match regardless of which players make an appearance. "While we don't yet know the official status of Lionel Messi's availability for our match tomorrow ... we understand that many of our fans may be disappointed if they don't get the chance to see him play," Chicago said in a news release. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Sam Navarro, Ballon, Messi, Lionel Messi's, Frank Pingue, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Inter Miami CF, Toronto FC, USA, League, Chicago Fire, Inter Miami, Soldier, Chicago, Miami, Thomson Locations: Fort Lauderdale , Florida, USA, Miami, Argentina, Qatar, Toronto

☆ David Beckham on Netflix: What the new documentary reveals about the soccer icon
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —One of the most recognizable people in the world, David Beckham has a well-trodden story: a former England soccer captain, married to a Spice Girl and now the owner of Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. But, as it turns out, Victoria Beckham is “not into football” and never will be, she says in the documentary, despite marrying one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. David and Victoria Beckham pictured in April 2004. Bruno Vincent/Getty Images“I don’t know how we got through it in all honesty,” Beckham said haltingly in the documentary. David Beckham enjoys beekeepingAfter retiring from football, Beckham has become a co-owner of Inter Miami and found some other ways to occupy his time too, including beekeeping and cooking.

Persons: David Beckham, “ Brand Beckham, David, Victoria Beckham, Fisher Stevens, “, ”, Victoria, Mel C, Beckham, Bruno Vincent, ” Beckham, haltingly, Diego Simeone, David Gardner, –, Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, …, “ You’ve, Anthony Harvey, Shutterstock, Lopez Organizations: CNN, England soccer, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Netflix, ”, Manchester United, British, “, Real, Getty, Argentina, England Locations: England, Beckham, Real Madrid, Victoria, ”, Beyoncé

☆ Liverpool VAR: The ‘monumental error’ that put English soccer in crisis mode
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesAt the heart of this is a failure in communication by match officials and a failure to put pragmatism before protocol. There is an acceptance that mistakes will happen, and there have been plenty already this season in the Premier League. The release of the audio of the conversations between the match officials would likely influence what Liverpool does next. In rugby union, fans can listen to discussions between match officials on crucial decisions, making the process clear and open for all. The immediate consequence has been that VAR officials England and Cook have not been selected to feature in this weekend’s Premier League games.

Persons: wasn’t, ”, Mohamed Salah’s, Luis Díaz, Salah, Darren England, Simon Hooper, Hooper, –, Dan Cook, PGMOL, Curtis Jones, Marc Atkins, VARs –, Jurgen Klopp, “, Alan Shearer, Visionhaus, Neil Atkinson, ’, CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, Klopp, Joel Matip, Justin Setterfield, Stephen Taylor Heath, they’ve, ” Taylor Heath, Taylor Heath, Henry Winter, Howard Webb, PGMOL’s, Díaz, Peter Cziborra, Webb, Cook Organizations: CNN, English Premier League, Liverpool, Tottenham, Premier League, Manchester, Spurs, England, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Sunday, Fulham, Chelsea, Daily Telegraph, BBC, Anfield, JWM Solicitors, CNN Sport, “, Times, Major League Soccer, PA Media, Sky Sports, International Football Association Board Locations: Liverpool, Colombian, England

☆ Da’vian Kimbrough: Soccer player makes historic debut at age 13
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Soccer player Da’vian Kimbrough made his debut for the Sacramento Republic on Sunday at the age of 13, marking a historic moment for US sports. The match was played in front of a capacity crowd at Heart Health Park, according to the Sacramento Republic website. Aged 13 years, seven months, and 13 days, Kimbrough also became the youngest professional soccer player to make their debut in a competitive match. Sacramento Republic plays in the USL Championship, the second-tier of US soccer. Da’vian Kimbrough makes his professional debut at 13 years, 7 months, 13 days with his hometown club.

Persons: Da’vian Kimbrough, Kimbrough, Axel Kei, Maximo Carizzo Organizations: CNN — Soccer, Sacramento Republic, Sunday, Las Vegas, Heart Health, Real Monarchs, Colorado Springs, New York City FC, USL Championship, Western Conference . Historic, Republic FC, Sacramento, MLS, League Soccer’s, –, Republic, Western Conference Locations: Sacramento, @SacRepublicFC

☆ Formula 1 could be coming to Apple as it mulls offering up to $2 billion a year to show races, report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Apple is interested in the exclusive global rights for Formula 1 races, Business F1 reported. The iPhone maker could offer up to $2 billion a year for the rights, per the report. AdvertisementAdvertisementApple is reportedly considering making a bid of up to $2 billion a year for the rights to show Formula 1 races, according to a report by Business F1. Formula 1 Group declined to comment to Business F1 and didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider. CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty ImagesAn MLS Season Pass costs $14.99 a month or $29 a season, while Apple TV+ subscribers pay $12.99 a month or $25 a season.

Persons: —, Tim Cook, JIM WATSON, Lionel Messi, CHANDAN KHANNA, Apple wouldn't Organizations: Apple, Business, Major League Soccer, Service, Prix, Liberty Media, Sirius XM, MLS, Inter Miami, Wall Street, ESPN, ABC, Forbes, Sky, Revenue, Parks Associates, Amazon, Football, Sports Media Watch Locations: Austin , Texas

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