Lionel Messi Archives

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi gets final injury update vs. Orlando City

September 22, 2023

Inter Miami‘s Lionel Messi will not feature in the upcoming MLS match against Orlando City, and his availability for the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday remains in doubt after he suffered an injury while on international duty, reported by GOAL.

Messi sustained the injury while representing Argentina in World Cup qualifying matches. After missing Inter Miami’s recent 5-2 loss to Atlanta, he made a return to domestic action against Toronto but was forced to leave the match after just 37 minutes. His early substitution, along with that of his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, raised concerns for the Inter Miami medical staff ahead of the impending clash with Orlando City.

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Both Messi and Alba missed the team’s training session on Friday. Manager Tata Martino confirmed that Messi will not be available for Sunday’s game against Orlando City. Messi is currently dealing with a “scar” injury, and while Martino couldn’t provide specific details about the injury, he expressed concern about its impact, stating, “It’s bothersome. I don’t know if it hurts. I can’t really explain as it’s more a medical topic. It’s probable it bothers him (Messi) to the point, including mentally, that he isn’t able to play freely.”

Messi has been in fine form since joining Inter Miami, scoring 11 goals in just 12 appearances and helping the team secure Leagues Cup glory earlier this summer. However, his availability for the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston on Wednesday remains uncertain. Martino has emphasized that neither Messi nor Alba will be involved in the final if they are not match-fit.

The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Lionel Messi can recover in time to feature in Inter Miami’s quest for silverware in the U.S. Open Cup final scheduled for September 27.

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Inter Miami: USMNT star wants to join Lionel Messi in MLS

September 22, 2023

Former USMNT star Julian Green has expressed his willingness to make a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), potentially joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, reported by GOAL.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who made his senior international debut at a young age in 2014 and began his career at Bayern Munich, is currently playing in Germany with Greuther Furth. In the 2023-24 season, he has been putting in impressive performances and is in the final year of his contract. As a result, he could become a free agent in 2024.

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When asked by ESPN about the possibility of returning home to the United States, Green, who hails from Tampa, Florida, said, “Of course I’m happy here, and I still have one more year here. Maybe there will come more because I am glad to be part of Furth, but I can definitely imagine playing in MLS one day. My dad still lives in Florida, so that’s a big reason, of course.”

Green emphasized his preference for a move to a Florida-based MLS club, narrowing down his options to Inter Miami, where he could team up with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, and Orlando City. He explained, “If I could, of course I would probably choose [a Florida club] because I’m born there, my dad lives there. But the style of play has to fit, and you have to be happy to live there and be comfortable there. We are also recognizing in Germany how MLS is getting bigger and bigger every year, especially with Messi right now. So of course MLS is always an option for me. But right now I’m focused on Furth and on this season. I want to have a good season, and then we’ll see where I am.”

If Julian Green does decide to join MLS in the future, it would be an exciting development for American soccer fans, potentially seeing him playing alongside global superstar Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

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Inter Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi opens up on Lionel Messi moment

September 22, 2023

Benjamin Cremaschi, an 18-year-old Argentine talent at Inter Miami, recently shared his unforgettable experience of celebrating a goal with football icon Lionel Messi, reported by GOAL. The young midfielder has been living a dream in 2023, having the privilege of playing alongside the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner at Inter Miami.

Cremaschi’s rapid progress at the club level earned him a call-up to the senior United States national team, and he made his debut for the USMNT against Oman during the last round of international fixtures. His remarkable journey and development have coincided with Messi’s presence at Inter Miami.

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One particularly memorable moment came during a Major League Soccer (MLS) clash against the New York Red Bulls in August. Cremaschi set up a goal for Messi, and the celebration that followed was a dream come true for the young talent. Messi pointed at Cremaschi in dedication before leaping into his arms in celebration.

Reflecting on the moment, Cremaschi described it as incredible and expressed his admiration for Messi’s character, emphasizing that Messi never celebrates alone. He revealed that he was so overwhelmed by the experience that he didn’t want to let Messi go.

Cremaschi has been making his mark on the field as well, scoring three goals of his own this season. Messi, on the other hand, has been in fine form, netting 11 goals in 12 appearances for Inter Miami. Messi’s presence has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the club, with Inter Miami winning the Leagues Cup and reaching the final of the U.S. Open Cup.

However, Lionel Messi is currently nursing a knock and will be carefully managed in the coming weeks as Inter Miami continues its pursuit of success in the MLS playoffs. The partnership between Messi and Benjamin Cremaschi has not only produced memorable moments but has also contributed to the team’s success on the pitch.

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Lionel Messi gives update on 2026 World Cup plans

September 22, 2023

Lionel Messi, Argentina’s footballing legend, has left the door slightly open for a potential appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reported by GOAL. This comes as a surprise twist to his previous stance, where he hinted that he would not defend Argentina’s title after securing a memorable victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Messi’s focus, for now, remains on the upcoming 2024 Copa America, which is to be held in the United States. The 36-year-old forward, who has reached an impressive 176 caps and scored 104 goals for his national team, explained his current outlook, saying, “I don’t know if I will reach it. I said that before. I’m not thinking about it yet because it’s far away, but I’m thinking about Copa America. The goal is to arrive in good shape for Copa America in the United States. It’s going to be great. It will be looked into depending on how I feel at the time.”

Messi, who is currently under contract with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) through 2025, with an option for a 12-month extension, may contemplate participating in another World Cup if he believes it’s feasible. However, he has also expressed a strong desire to return to his roots at Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina before retiring.

“The idea was always there – and even more so after becoming a World Cup winner – to enjoy Argentine football, to play for Newell’s,” Messi revealed. “I used to go there as a kid. I used to go to the pitch there; it was my dream.” Messi initially joined Newell’s youth system before embarking on his illustrious career at Barcelona, where he became a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

While Messi’s decision regarding the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain, his fans will eagerly anticipate the possibility of witnessing his magic on the world’s biggest footballing stage once again, should he decide to participate.

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Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami against Orlando City?

September 22, 2023

In the midst of a challenging stretch of fixtures, Inter Miami finds itself facing a conundrum with two of its star players, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba. Following Messi’s early exit during Inter Miami’s commanding 4-0 victory over Toronto FC, questions have arisen about whether the legendary forward is injured or simply fatigued.

Inter Miami’s head coach, Tata Martino, has shed some light on the situation. He states that both Messi and Alba are currently considered day-to-day as the club navigates a grueling six-match series within an 18-day span. While Inter Miami’s next match looms large against Orlando City, the club’s sights are set on the U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo scheduled for September 27.

Unfortunately for fans, Coach Martino has confirmed that neither Messi nor Alba will be taking the field in the upcoming clash against Orlando City. As for their availability for the U.S. Open Cup final, it remains uncertain. Martino emphasizes the importance of taking a cautious approach: “We have to go day by day to see the doctor’s report and what they are telling us. I know we have a final, but there is no way they will enter the field if they are not in a position to do so.”

Messi’s injury appears to stem from a previous ailment, exacerbated by the demanding schedule that saw him play 12 matches in just 48 days since joining Inter Miami. Martino clarifies, “It is a scar from an old injury that bothers him.” While Messi underwent examination during his time with the Argentine National Team earlier this month, it was determined that the issue was not a muscular injury but rather a lingering concern from a past injury.

As Inter Miami strives for success in the MLS postseason and the impending U.S. Open Cup final, the club must carefully manage the fitness of their star players, especially Messi, to ensure they are in prime condition when it matters most.

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“Schon entspannter”: Messis ehrliches Bekenntnis

September 21, 2023

Über Jahre hinweg prägte Lionel Messi den europäischen Klubfußball, inzwischen kickt der Argentinier in den USA – und gab nun offen zu, dass es dort “entspannter” sei.

Für ihn sind die Dinge inzwischen entspannter: Leo Messi.

IMAGO/Icon Sportswire

Im Sommer schloss Lionel Messi das Kapitel Europa und wechselte mit viel Getöse in die Major League Soccer in die USA. Bereits im Sommer, als er seinen Entschluss bekannt gab, ließ er durchblicken, dass er sein Leben abseits des in Europa vorherrschenden großen Erfolgsdrucks fortsetzen wollte.

Sportlich schlug der 36-Jährige in Florida voll ein, zehn Tore und eine Vorlage im Leagues Cup, zwei Assists in US-Open-Cup und ein Tor sowie zwei Vorlagen in vier MLS-Spielen bislang – seine Bilanz in Florida kann sich sehen lassen. Dennoch gibt der Weltmeister zu, dass es jenseits des Atlantiks gemächlicher zugeht.

“Ich will gewinnen, ich will mich dem Wettbewerb stellen, aber hier ist es schon entspannter”, gab Messi in einem Interview mit “OLGA en Vivo”, einem spanischsprachigen YouTube-Kanal, offen zu. Das heißt aber noch lange nicht, dass er keine Lust auf Fußball hat. “Mir macht es weiter Spaß zu spielen. Aber jetzt ist es natürlich etwas anderes. So kam auch unsere Entscheidung, hierherzukommen und nicht weiter in Europa zu spielen”, ergänzte Messi. “Ich trainiere und spiele, wie ich das immer getan habe, aber es stimmt auch, dass ich älter bin, Tausende Spiele hinter mir habe, die Zeit schreitet für uns alle voran.”

Messi beklagt sich über PSG-Zeit

In dem kuriosen Interview gab “La Pulga” auch ungewohnte private Einblicke, so plauderte er über den Alltag seiner Familie, seine Freunde in der argentinischen Nationalmannschaft – auch verriet der Vater dreier Söhne, dass er noch gerne eine Tochter hätte.

In den sozialen Medien sorgte er jedoch mit Äußerungen über Paris St. Germain für Aufregung. So beklagte er sich darüber, dass er im Prinzenpark “Buh-Rufe und Pfiffe” gehört habe, während sein französischer Teamkollege Kylian Mbappé “lauten Applaus” erhalten habe. Zudem erwähnte er, dass er der einzige Argentinier gewesen sei, der von seinem Klub nicht für den Gewinn der Weltmeisterschaft ausreichend Anerkennung erhalten hatte. Dafür habe er aber auch Verständnis, immerhin hatte er Frankreich auf dem Weg zum WM-Titel “aufgehalten”. Dennoch betonte Messi auch, dass er weiterhin ein gutes Verhältnis zu Mbappé und jedem anderen bei PSG habe.

Aktuell dreht sich bei ihm viel um Miami, dessen kommendes Ligaspiel gegen Orlando City Messi voraussichtlich verpassen wird. “Ich denke nicht, dass es etwas Ernstes ist”, wird Trainer Tata Martino von “USA Today” zitiert: “Ich denke, dass es er nur erschöpft ist.”

Lionel Messi sets the record straight on relationship with Kylian Mbappe

September 21, 2023

Lionel Messi has no problems with Kylian Mbappe whatsoever.

Messi departed PSG this summer for Inter Miami after his initial two-year deal came to a close. The Argentine — who notably won the World Cup against France during his time in Paris — has made it no secret that his PSG spell was mixed to say the least.

In fact, PSG didn’t even recognize his achievement as a World Cup winner. But despite all that, Messi believes things happen for a reason.

“It happened like that,” Messi said during an interview with comedian Migue Granados for Olga (via Forbes). “The truth is that it wasn’t as I expected, but I always say that things happen for a reason.”

“And although I wasn’t doing well [at PSG], I had to be world champion there. Everything happens for a reason. It had to be like that.”

Part of the supposed animosity may have come from the fact that Messi not only defeated France in the World Cup final, but also bested PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe along the way.

Mbappe notably scored a hattrick in the final in what many believe to be the greatest World Cup final of all time. Messi, meanwhile, scored a brace with the game ending 3-3 and Argentina eventually winning on penalties.

There have also been reports that Mbappe was not only notably pleased with the departures of Messi and Neymar, but never had the best relationship with either of them during their time together at the club.

Messi, however, set the record straight on his relationship with the French striker.

“The truth is that I like him,” he added.

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Lionel Messi drops shocking admission on return to PSG after 2022 World Cup title with Argentina

September 21, 2023

Last December, Lionel Messi led Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, beating France in penalties in what will go down as one of the best football games in history. After that, he of course had to return to PSG, a club that Messi has voiced wasn’t the most enjoyable to play for.

In a recent interview with comedian Miguel Granados of Olga, the 36-year-old Inter Miami superstar revealed that Paris didn’t congratulate him at all for his World Cup victory, which he believes has to do with La Albiceleste beating Les Bleus in the showpiece.

Quotes via Forbes:

“Afterwards it was understandable: we were in the country [of who we] won the final [against] and it was ‘our fault’ that they had not been world champions again. I was the only player who had no recognition [from his club] apart from the other 25 players,” Messi said.

Regardless, that’s an extremely unprofessional look from PSG, who are supposed to be one of the most elite sides in the world. I mean, Messi literally took Argentina to the Promised Land in the Middle East, scoring seven goals and supplying three assists. He deserved recognition from his club for doing so. No wonder he wanted to leave.

Shortly after arriving back in the French capital, the Parisiens actually suspended Lionel Messi for taking an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia to fulfill his duties as an ambassador for the Kingdom.

It was a tumultuous two-year spell for Messi at PSG and I’m sure he’s glad it’s over. Now, the legend is thriving in the MLS and giving Inter Miami fans hope for better days ahead. His impact has already been evident, helping David Beckham’s outfit win the Leagues Cup while also reaching the US Open Cup Final.

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Lionel Messi drops shocking admission on return to PSG after 2022 World Cup title with Argentina

September 21, 2023

Quotes via Forbes:

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Lionel Messi addresses possibility of playing for Argentina at 2026 World Cup

September 21, 2023

Lionel Messi is now 36 years old and just led Argentina to a World Cup title last December in Qatar in heroic fashion. The forward solidified himself as the GOAT after scoring seven goals in as many games while also supplying three assists. In other words, the Inter Miami star propelled La Albiceleste to the biggest trophy in international football.

The question that all fans around the world are now asking is this: Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup in North America? Technically, he would be nearing 40 years old by then, but the former Barcelona man hasn’t completely closed the door on the possibility of suiting up the tournament, despite saying a few months ago that it probably won’t happen.

Via Fabrizio Romano (H/T Olga):

“I want to arrive to the next Copa America in good condition then I will see depending on how I am”.

“I’m not thinking about the next World Cup yet. The years have passed and we have to see how I feel, I will see it day by day.”

It is hard to imagine him featuring in the World Cup in just under three years but never say never. For now, Lionel Messi is focused on helping Argentina win their second straight Copa America title after beating Brazil in the 2021 showpiece. The tournament is scheduled for next summer and will actually be held in the United States.

Messi is off to a flying start to begin his MLS career, bagging 11 goals in as many appearances. While he did limp off with an injury on Wednesday against Toronto FC, Inter Miami still secured a convincing 4-0 victory.

The reality is Messi has already accomplished everything for both club and country. Playing in another World Cup would be nice, but it’s likely not a priority for him.

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