Tag: inter miami

Messi left out as Argentina beats Bolivia in World Cup qualifier

With Messi watching on, Argentina cruised to a 3-0 win

Lionel Messi was left out of Argentina’s squad for Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier at Bolivia, but the defending champions still cruised to a 3-0 win.

Messi’s status for the match in La Paz was in doubt after he did not train with his teammates on Monday.

In Argentina’s opening World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Friday, Messi scored a stunning free-kick winner and later requested to be substituted due to what he called fatigue.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after the game that Messi “felt something” and would undergo further tests ahead of the match at Bolivia.

Though Messi travelled with his teammates to Bolivia, the Inter Miami star was ultimately not risked for the game at Estadio Hernando Siles.

Messi watched on from the bench as Argentina emerged victorious, with goals from Enzo Fernández, Nicolás Tagliafico and Nicolás González carrying the World Cup champions.

After the game, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi tried to pass a late fitness test, but ultimately was deemed too much of an injury risk.

“Leo wasn’t ready to play. Today he tried to recover but he didn’t feel comfortable so we didn’t want to risk him,” Scaloni said after the game.

“It wasn’t necessary because important games are coming. And it was a difficult game, even him coming from the bench could be an injury risk.”

(Photo by Jorge Bernal / AFP)

Messi is currently tied with his longtime Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez on 29 South American World Cup qualifying goals, which is the most of all time.

Messi, 36, has already played 11 matches with Inter Miami after only joining the MLS club less than two months ago. That heavy fixture pile-up was increased by Miami’s run to the Leagues Cup title last month.

Inter Miami is next in action on Saturday against Atlanta United, with Messi’s status unclear for the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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Messi family purchases $10.8 million Fort Lauderdale mansion

Messi and his family will have room to roam in their 10,500-square-foot home

Lionel Messi and his family have purchased a home in Fort Lauderdale for $10.8 million.

The purchase was confirmed by The Real Deal, and also reported by several other outlets.

The home that Messi will share with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons is a 10,500-square-foot, eight-bedroom, 9.5 bathroom estate in the Bay Colony neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale.

The home at 91 Compass Lane also includes two boat docks, a spa, fitness room and 1,600-square-foot primary bedroom. It was created by designer Lori Morris and has been featured in Florida Design magazine.

Per Google Maps, the mansion is conveniently located just five miles away from Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium.

The Real Deal said that John and Stacy Dickerson sold the home to the Messi family, making a $1.8 million profit just 16 months after purchasing the house for $9 million.

Messi has been spotted house hunting in various areas of south Florida since signing with Inter Miami in July, and has finally settled on a large and luxurious option.

Should Messi wish to spend more time closer to Miami, he’s in luck. The Argentine star also owns three luxury condos in Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach.

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MLS player saves Argentina with stunning free-kick winner

Argentina needed a hero. You can probably guess what happened next

Argentina needed a hero as its opening 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador neared its latter stages still scoreless.

If Lionel Messi wasn’t already the most likely person to fill that role, it became nearly inevitable when Argentina was given a free kick right at the top of the box in the 78th minute.

It was the kind of range from which Messi stepped up in his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul in July.

And just like he did in that Leagues Cup match in Fort Lauderdale, and as he’s done countless other times when the pressure was at its highest, Messi delivered.

Ecuador goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez wasn’t able to even offer a courtesy dive as Messi’s free kick sent the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires into raptures.

The legend’s free kick would be the game’s only goal, as Argentina’s run to a World Cup title defense got off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory.

It was the kind of moment that once again underscored how wild it truly is to have a player of Messi’s stature playing in MLS while he still possesses these kinds of powers.

“We know that they are difficult matches in the qualifiers,” Messi told reporters after the match. “Ecuador has very good players, they know what they are doing and they are very good physically. It was a very tough match, very physical.

“Not long ago, we were world champions, but it seems like a lot happened since then. We have to keep going, competing and qualifying for the next World Cup, take it game after game.”

Messi was given a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 89th minute. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that Messi “felt something” and asked to come off, though Messi himself insisted he was just tired.

“I was a bit tired. It just happened and it probably won’t be the last time I come off during a match,” Messi said. “But I felt very good, even though it was very difficult to play.”

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Inter Miami youngster Cremaschi impressing Pulisic, Ream at first USMNT camp

Add Pulisic and Ream to the list of players who see big things for Cremaschi

These are heady days for Inter Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi.

Less than a year ago, the 18-year-old was suiting up for the club’s MLS Next Pro side, pursuing an MLS contract.

Flash forward just 10 months, and the dual national is routinely connecting with Lionel Messi and getting U.S. men’s national team call-ups.

The latest chapter showing just how much Cremaschi’s life has changed came Thursday, when USMNT veterans Christian Pulisic and Tim Ream both singled the versatile Miami midfielder out for praise.

Asked on Ream’s The American Dream podcast for new faces in camp that have impressed, Pulisic cited Cremaschi right away.

“I really like this kid out of Miami, man,” said Pulisic. “Nice kid. It’s been exciting to follow Miami recently for obvious reasons. And yeah, I like him. In the few trainings I’ve seen him, I see a lot of potential there as well. So that’d be one that I would say [has impressed], but, I mean, [I’ve] seen good things from a lot of them, to be honest, a lot of the new guys.”

Cremaschi has been a high-energy compliment to Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, producing one goal and four assists since the trio of former Barcelona stars joined Miami. New manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino has used the Miami native as both a box-to-box midfielder and on the wing, and like teammate Robert Taylor has thrived in the open space created by opponents collapsing on Messi.

Cremaschi looking ‘sharp’ at USMNT camp

For his part, Ream’s evaluation of the USMNT’s newcomers took him to the same conclusion, with the Fulham defender praising Cremaschi’s game as well.

“Yeah, I would agree,” said Ream, adding that in his view, Cremaschi “has looked good.”

“He’s looked sharp. He’s technical, not afraid to get into a tackle,” continued Ream. “Benja and I think Kristoffer [Lund], he’s kind of settling in [too]. Obviously English is more of a second language, but both very good with their English. [Cremaschi] has been the most impressive for sure in the couple of training sessions that we’ve had.”

Ream alluded to another dual national in camp, the Danish-American fullback Lund. That proved timely, as FIFA approved the Palermo left back’s one-time federation switch shortly after the podcast episode was published.

For Cremaschi, meanwhile, an appearance in the USMNT’s friendlies against Uzbekistan (Sept. 9) and Oman (Sept. 12) would not guarantee his international future to U.S. Soccer. As both matches are friendlies, Cremaschi would still be eligible to play for Argentina, who have Messi lobbying his club teammate to keep the Albiceleste in mind.

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Argentina defender Pezzella subscribed to MLS Season Pass to watch Messi

The Apple TV service is seeing a huge jump in subscribers, including some of Messi’s Argentina teammates

Argentina defender Germán Pezzella said he’s signed up for MLS Season Pass in order to follow Lionel Messi’s progress with Inter Miami.

Messi has been a major success since his move to the United States, leading Inter Miami on an 11-game unbeaten run and scoring 11 goals in the process.

The Argentina legend has made a major impact off the field as well, with Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas saying last month that subscriptions to Season Pass on Apple TV had more than doubled after Messi’s move to MLS in July.

One of those subscribers appears to be Pezzella, who was Messi’s teammate on Argentina’s World Cup-winning side last year and is now back with the national team alongside the Inter Miami star for World Cup qualifiers.

Asked if he was watching Messi in MLS, Pezzella told reporters: “Yes, I had to sign up for the subscription because I didn’t have it.”

Pezzella added: “It motivates you because you see everything he has achieved and he continues with the same hunger and desire to compete, wherever he is, in the national team, his previous club, or now in the United States. He always wants more. We have to learn from what he shows, not only with the ball at his feet, but on and off the field.”

MLS and Apple signed a 10-year, $2.5 billion media rights deal last year which saw the technology giant acquire the rights to every game in English and Spanish on its Season Pass subscription service.

In a boost for the partners and for Pezzella, who plays in Spain with Real Betis, there are no geographic restrictions on any of the matches.

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Full list of 2023 men’s Ballon d’Or nominees

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland lead the 30-player shortlist

France Football has released its 30-player shortlist for the men’s Ballon d’Or award.

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland lead the list, with the Inter Miami and Man City stars considered the two top contenders for the award.

Messi is looking to win the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Haaland, meanwhile, is aiming for his first Ballon d’Or after scoring 52 goals in 53 games last season as City took home a treble.

Karim Benzema, who won the award last year, was named to the shortlist again after making an offseason move to Saudi club Al Ittihad.

Below is the list of 30 nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 30.

Pulisic wants to see some of those Messi-watching celebs at USMNT games

Note to Prince Harry and Leonardo DiCaprio: The USMNT star wants you!

A plethora of A-list celebrities were in the crowd on Sunday in Los Angeles, catching a glimpse of Lionel Messi as he starred for Inter Miami in a 3-1 win at LAFC.

Seeing the likes of Owen Wilson, Prince Harry, Selena Gomez, Edward Norton and Leonardo DiCaprio at BMO Stadium has led Christian Pulisic to wonder: Where are all those celebs when the U.S. men’s national team is playing?

MLS posted a video on Instagram highlighting the star power in the stands on Sunday, to which Pulisic responded on his own Instagram story.

“Let them know they’re invited to U.S. national team games too,” the USMNT star said with a laughing emoji.

To be fair to said celebs (or at least the LA-based ones), the USMNT doesn’t give them a whole lot of big occasions at which they can make their presence known.

Outside of winter camp friendlies involving squads full of reserve players, the last time the USMNT played a game in the Los Angeles area was the CONCACAF Cup against Mexico at the Rose Bowl in 2015.

Mexico won that game 3-2 in front of a very pro-El Tri crowd in Pasadena.

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Half of Hollywood watches Messi, Inter Miami crush LAFC

Messi now has 11 goals and eight assists in just 11 games with the Herons

Of all of the stars at BMO Stadium on Sunday night, Lionel Messi unsurprisingly shined the brightest.

Messi and Inter Miami rolled past LAFC 3-1, in a game that saw some of the biggest names in Hollywood watch the continuation of Miami’s remarkable turnaround.

The likes of Selena Gomez, Prince Harry, Owen Wilson, Edward Norton, and Leonardo DiCaprio (and lots more!) witnessed what fans in South Florida and all over the country have seen in the last six weeks: Messi running the show.

Messi grabbed two assists as Inter Miami defeated the defending champions in a result that kept their playoff dreams very much alive. Facundo Farías opened the scoring 14 minutes in before Messi assisted Jordi Alba and Leo Campana in the second half.

After leading Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup title and the U.S. Open Cup final, Messi said after the game that he had his sights set on the biggest prize MLS has to offer.

“The group is growing more. I’ve been saying it since the beginning of all of this, we were lucky to get in a tournament and get to a final,” Messi told MLS Season Pass.

“Now, we’re going to look to hit the objective of being among the best eight to try and win the league. This is the way. We continue growing and obviously winning provides a lot of confidence.”

Even with Miami still one place off the bottom of the Eastern Conference and eight points from a playoff spot, who would want to bet against him?

Farías grabbed the opener with a tremendous improvised sliding finish, before Messi provided a pair of assists in the second half to put the game away. LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead grabbed a late consolation in the 90th minute.

Inter Miami has now gone 11 games unbeaten since Messi’s arrival, with the Argentine tallying an incredible 11 goals and eight assists in that timespan.

LAFC defender Giorgio Chiellini was fully impressed by Sunday night’s opponent — and he said it’s not just Messi, Alba and Sergio Busquets who are making Inter Miami such a force right now.

“It’s not just about the three guys from Barcelona. They built a really good team,” Chiellini said. “This team is the best by far that I have faced in the MLS, to be honest. By far.”

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Inter Miami defender Alba retires from Spain national team

The defender earned 92 caps and scored nine goals over a 12-year international career

Inter Miami left back Jordi Alba has announced his retirement from the Spain national team.

Alba, who joined his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi with Inter Miami this summer, bows out after winning the UEFA Nations League this June in what would be his final Spain appearance.

Overall, the 34-year-old earned 92 caps and scored nine goals after making his senior international debut in October 2011. Alba played in three World Cups, three European Championships, the London Olympics and a Confederations Cup.

In addition to this year’s Nations League, Alba was also a part of Spain’s Euro 2012-winning squad, with the defender scoring in a 4-0 final victory over Italy.

Alba has made eight appearances for Inter Miami since signing in July, scoring one goal and adding two assists.

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Argentina calls up nearly as many MLS players as USMNT

A record three MLS players will be joining Argentina ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Argentina has called in a record three MLS players for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United) and Alan Velasco (FC Dallas) all getting the call.

The world champions will play Ecuador on September 7 and Bolivia on September 12 as they begin their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

With three call-ups, Argentina is only one short of the four MLS players the U.S. national team called in for its upcoming friendlies against Uzbekistan and Oman.

Ironically, one of those USMNT call-ups — Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi — is still eligible to play for Argentina. The other three MLS players called in by Gregg Berhalter are Drake Callender (Inter Miami), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United) and Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes).

Almada and Messi were teammates on Argentina’s 2022 World Cup winning squad. Almada, who played six minutes total in the tournament, became the first active MLS player to win the World Cup.

Messi, of course, played a considerably bigger role, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player as he finally lifted the game’s biggest international prize with Argentina.

For Velasco, the call-up represents the first time he’s been invited to join Argentina’s senior national team. The 21-year-old winger has been previously called into the Albiceleste’s U-17 side.

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