Tag: MLS

Messi to miss another MLS game as Inter Miami star aims for Monterrey clash

The 36-year-old will miss his fifth straight match on Saturday

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Inter Miami’s match against New York City FC on Saturday, but the club is hopeful he’ll be fit for Wednesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal first leg against Monterrey.

Messi has been sidelined for four matches now with a hamstring issue, missing two MLS games with Inter Miami and also sitting out both of Argentina’s friendlies over the international break.

After suffering the injury on March 14, the Argentina superstar won’t be ready in time for Saturday’s MLS match at Chase Stadium.

“Leo is working with the physios,” assistant coach Javeier Morales told reporters on Friday. “He is ruled out for tomorrow, he will not be available because we will be trying to do our best so that he can play at home next Wednesday against Monterrey.”

With Messi sidelined, Miami defeated D.C. United on March 16 in the nation’s capital, before falling to a heavy 4-0 defeat in a match at the New York Red Bulls a week later.

Miami currently sits second in the Eastern Conference table with a record of 3W-1D-2L.

The matchup with Monterrey represents a huge test for Miami, which has only faced a Liga MX team once since Messi’s arrival. That came in Messi’s debut, which saw him score a last-second free kick to defeat Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup in July.

Monterrey will be a formidable opponent for the Herons, as Los Rayados currently top the Liga MX table.

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Inter Miami owner Beckham says Neymar meeting ‘only for dinner’

Neymar recently said he’d love to play alongside Lionel Messi once again

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham posted a photo alongside Brazil superstar Neymar, but attempted to tamp down any speculation by saying that the meeting was “only for dinner.”

Given Miami’s recent track record of signing copious amounts of former Barcelona stars, Neymar would appear to fit the bill as an ideal addition for the Herons — roster rules notwithstanding.

Neymar added some fuel to the fire earlier this month when he told ESPN Argentina that he would love to once again play alongside Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

“Hopefully we can play together again,” Neymar said. “Leo is a great person, everyone knows him in football and I think he is very happy and if he is happy, I am too.”

Neymar, 32, only signed with Saudi power Al Hilal last summer, and is currently recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in October.

The Brazil star has been spotted around Miami in recent days, throwing the opening pitch at a Miami Marlins game, watching tennis at the Miami Open and partying with a host of celebs.

Beckham also got some face time in with Neymar, posting a photo on Instagram with the forward and his wife Victoria. Knowing that the picture would likely lead to even more speculation, Beckham added the caption: “Welcome to Miami my friend (only for dinner).”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5GWN4ioUZv/

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The Cavan Sullivan hype train will be tough to slow down

The “best 14-year-old in the world” is set for a move to Manchester City

Before saying anything else about Cavan Sullivan, it’s probably worth emphasizing that, yes, he is 14 years old.

The world of soccer is filled with previously hyped-up 14-year-olds who never amounted to anything. Freddy Adu is the archetype here but let’s not forget he earned 17 senior national team caps, played well over 100 MLS games, and represented European powers like Benfica and Monaco.

He didn’t live up to the hype, obviously, but Adu went much farther than many other 14-year-old future Pelés.

But Sullivan, who is per multiple reports set to sign with Manchester City, does appear to be more can’t-miss than the average player his age.

Taylor Twellman has claimed that Man City scouts consider the U.S. under-15 attacker the best 14-year-old in the world, which is some heady stuff to hear for an American prospect. It also ensures the attention on Sullivan is only set to increase.

Fair or unfair (and it’s probably the latter), Sullivan captures the imagination right now because he seems to represent the next hope for American fans to finally see one of their own among the world’s best men’s players.

With apologies to the current crop of USMNT stars, there are no future Ballon d’Or candidates among them. As long as the country continues to lack that player everyone hoped Adu would become 20 years ago, the next 14-year-old prodigy will always have a little extra riding on their development.

Sullivan, of course, isn’t doing much on the field to tamp down the excitement. In his first pro game last weekend, he delivered the game-winning assist for Philadelphia Union II in MLS Next Pro.

“Those that maybe haven’t learned yet, a young Cavan Sullivan has the talent and ability to become, I’ll just say a household name and is doing really big things,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said last year.

Curtin appears as though he’ll have one of the first cracks to help shape Sullivan at the pro level. The teenager won’t be eligible for Man City until he’s 18, and The Athletic reports that he is set to sign the richest Homegrown Player contract in MLS history with the Union in the meantime.

Though the agreement comes with the stipulation that Sullivan could be sent to a City Football Group side in Europe “if his development surpasses MLS before his 18th birthday,” the possibility of Sullivan actually playing for his hometown team is strong.

That didn’t appear to be the case when early reports emerged of City’s interest. This appears to be a win-win for all parties, as Sullivan has the chance to play at home for a few more years, presumably joining his older brother Quinn on the first team eventually. The Union will get to see one of their brightest prospects play for them, and reap the financial benefits from a sale and future a sell-on percentage.

And if Sullivan is as good as they say he is — a big if, obviously — then Man City could have a future first-team contributor. That would put Sullivan in a rarified space that few American players have ever reached.

It’s a long way away, but it’s possible. And for a clamoring American fan base, that possibility is intoxicating.

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Messi: I’ll keep playing as long as I still enjoy the game

It sounds like the Argentina superstar isn’t going away anytime soon

Lionel Messi has said age won’t be a factor in his eventual decision to retire, instead saying he’ll only hang up his boots when he is no longer enjoying the sport.

The Inter Miami star will turn 37 in July, but has continued to be a high-impact player for club and for Argentina even in the latter stages of his career.

Messi has started the 2024 season in strong form again for Miami, tallying five goals and two assists across five matches in all competitions. He is, however, currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

The World Cup winner spoke about his playing future in an appearance on the Big Time podcast, which was broadcast on Saudi Arabian TV this week.

“I know that as soon as I believe that I can no longer perform, or no longer enjoy the game, or I’m not able to help my teammates, then I will stop,” Messi said.

“I am really self-critical; I know when I am good and when I am bad. So for my retirement, it will not matter what age I am. If I feel good, I will keep playing.”

Messi added that he hasn’t thought about retirement yet, saying: “I hope to continue playing for a while longer, that is my plan. After that, I will try to do something I like in a new role.”

Messi learns to love the other football

The Argentina international also said that living in the U.S. has opened his eyes to that other football that’s so popular in his new home country.

Asked about his favorite non-soccer sports, Messi said: “Tennis, padel, basketball, and also American football. I am learning a lot about American football and have come to understand it more and I’m enjoying it!”

It sounds like the Miami Dolphins need to roll out the red carpet to get Messi out to a game this fall.

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Giroud reportedly set for LAFC move this summer

Giroud could well be linking up with France teammate Hugo Lloris in the near future

Olivier Giroud is set to be the latest big name to move from Europe to MLS.

Per The Athletic, the AC Milan striker is in the final stages of contract talks with Los Angeles FC over a summer transfer that would come once his contract with the Rossoneri expires.

Giroud, 37, would join fellow France veteran Hugo Lloris on LAFC’s roster should the move go through. The MLS summer transfer window opens on July 18, less than a week after the end of Euro 2024.

With 56 goals in 130 caps, Giroud — France’s all-time leading scorer on the men’s side — is still a pivotal player for les Bleus, and barring injury is expected to play in that tournament.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that LAFC made a formal offer in recent days, with both sides nearing an agreement.

Giroud has had a strong season in Milan, leading the line as Stefano Pioli’s first-choice striker. In 36 total appearances this season, Giroud has a team-leading 14 goals, while his nine assists are third-best on the squad.

Should the move come off, Giroud will give LAFC an out-and-out No. 9 presence that the club has lacked since Cristian “Chicho” Arango’s departure after the 2022 season. Last year, Carlos Vela largely functioned as a false No. 9; since the Mexican forward’s departure this winter, that role has gone to midfielder Mateusz Bogusz.

The club has certainly worked to keep the door open for a signing in line with Giroud, with 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner Dénis Bouanga currently LAFC’s only Designated Player. Steve Cherundolo’s side has had a history with signing prominent, aging European stars, with Gareth Bale playing a critical role in the club’s 2022 MLS Cup triumph.

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MLS referee lockout ends as union signs new contract

After one month, the replacement referees have been replaced

After one month, the MLS referee lockout is over.

The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) has signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) that will run through January 2031.

MLS referees will return to the job this weekend, following the use of replacement officials for the 2024 season’s first month.

“We thank the hundreds of officials in the U.S. and Canada who stood in solidarity with us showing their strength and professionalism,” the referees union PSRA said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Standing strong with each other, we have been buoyed by the support of players, fans, supporters clubs and other unionized workgroups during our employer-imposed lockout. Together, we have won much-needed improvements while demonstrating the value of having the best referees in Major League Soccer on the pitch.”

According to The Athletic, the PSRA was able to obtain significant pay increases for referees, assistant referees and video assistant referees.

“We look forward to welcoming our senior match officials back this upcoming match round. It has been a difficult time for everyone as we worked to reach an agreement,” said Mark Geiger, PRO’s general manager.

“This seven-year term provides enhanced pay and benefits for all officials and the stability that will support the growth of the professional game in the United States and Canada.

“On behalf of PRO, I would like to thank the PSRA negotiating team and the federal mediator for their commitment to finding a mutually agreeable conclusion to these negotiations and their hard work in finalizing the terms.”

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Messi ruled out for Argentina friendlies in Philadelphia and Los Angeles

The Inter Miami star will be forced out of matches against El Salvador and Costa Rica

Lionel Messi has been ruled out for a pair of upcoming Argentina friendlies in the United States due to injury.

Messi suffered what the Argentina Football Federation (AFA) called a “minor injury” in his right hamstring last Wednesday during Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup match against Nashville SC.

After missing Inter Miami’s game against D.C. United over the weekend, Messi has now been ruled out for Friday’s game against El Salvador in Philadelphia and a March 26 match against Costa Rica in Los Angeles.

“Argentina captain Lionel Messi won’t be able to be in the squad for the friendlies in the USA due to a minor right hamstring injury suffered in Inter Miami’s match against Nashville SC,” an AFA statement read.

Messi has struggled with injury on multiple occasions so far in 2024, with a preseason muscle injury limiting him during Inter Miami’s tour of Asia.

After recovering in time for the MLS regular season, Messi returned to his usual outstanding form by tallying five goals and two assists across five matches in all competitions.

Though Messi won’t be part of Argentina’s squad for its March friendlies, fans in the U.S. will still have plenty more chances to see the legendary figure if he is healthy this summer.

Argentina will face Ecuador at Soldier Field in Chicago on June 9, before a June 14 match against Guatemala at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Those two friendlies will take place just before the 2024 Copa América, which could see Argentina play up to six more games in the United States.

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The wind helped Chicago Fire FC’s Kellyn Acosta score a stunning goal from half field to beat FC Montréal

WHAT A GOAL

Chicago Fire FC topped FC Montréal with one of the most jaw-dropping goals you’ll ever see in stoppage time.

In the extra minutes of Chicago’s regular season bout with Montréal at Soldier Field, midfielder Kellyn Acosta took a last-minute prayer shot from beyond the middle of the field to try and break the 3-3 tie and get his team its first win of the year.

Well, the wind gave Acosta’s shot an assist as it floated the ball down the pitch and right into the hands of goalie Jonathan Sirois, who was unable to stop the momentum and inadvertently knocked the ball right into the goal.

Seriously, they have to give the Chicago wind an assist on this absolutely spectacular goal. It won the game for the Fire and also proved, oh yes, they really don’t call this the Windy City for nothing.

As for Montréal, well, there’s only so much you can do when the elements get involved.

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FC Cincinnati suspends journalist for crime of doing journalism

The MLS club seems to have banned a reporter for not toeing the company line

With the specious claim that it was forced into the move, FC Cincinnati decided to make its feud with journalist Laurel Pfahler public on Thursday night.

Pfahler, who runs the independent website Queen City Press, said last week that the club revoked her credential for two weeks, but declined to elaborate on the reason.

Now, we do know why the MLS club decided to suspend a member of the press who, by all accounts, is entirely well respected and ethical in her conduct.

In short, Pfahler was suspended for not toeing the company line.

That is the only conclusion that can be drawn from two competing statements that came out on Thursday — one from the club and one from Pfahler.

The statement from FCC was full of insidious-sounding allegations, but light on any actual detail.

“We had no intention of making this story public,” the club said, before doing exactly that.

“However, since Laurel Pfahler has driven public attention to the matter, we have no choice but to provide answers to the many questions our fans are asking,” it added, before providing no actual answers.

“Laurel has failed to act in accordance with the standards and practices of the Society of Professional Journalists and the MLS Notice of Credentials Use Conditions,” it continued.

As Awful Announcing pointed out, that first thing doesn’t even exist.

“She refuses to accept responsibility for her actions, despite multiple conversations and attempts at working together to forge a productive relationship between her and the club. Out of professional decorum, we will not be sharing the details publicly.”

This is a situation that should have been handled behind closed doors. With the MLS club declining to take that very logical decision, it is very much not “professional decorum” to publicly accuse a reporter of violating their ethical duties without providing any other details.

Thankfully, Pfahler ended her policy of silence around the situation in a statement of her own.

“I will not stand for bullying but for now this is my lone response to FC Cincinnati’s statement of attack on me in response to others standing up for me,” she said on X.

“I strongly disagree with the statement that I violated any journalism ethics or MLS Credential guidelines. Last week, when I asked for examples as to why I had lost credentials, I was told three situations where I spoke to sources outside of the facility or team approved interviews. I do not believe simply talking with sources within the team is how to cover a professional franchise. I believe the fans deserve more.”

Basically, what Pfahler claims she is accused of is doing journalism.

This, crucially, is not the first time FC Cincinnati has allegedly acted this way toward the media. It seems that the club hasn’t yet recognized the value of independent media coverage, which is baffling from a franchise that quite recently finished dead last in MLS for three seasons in a row.

Pfahler was there for those lean years, giving the club consistent coverage during a time when many others wouldn’t. Even now, when FC Cincy is one of the best teams in MLS, there are no more than a handful of reporters who cover the team on a consistent basis.

FC Cincinnati has chosen to alienate one of those and the fans who follow her, making itself look very small in the process.

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Photos: LAFC and Real Salt Lake’s soccer match in the snow looked incredibly fun, cold and chaotic

Soccer in early March in Utah means you can celebrate goals by making a snow angel.

When you play a soccer match in Utah in early March, there’s a decent chance that you might be playing in the snow.

Players for Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake put on their cold gear, broke out the orange ball and played on the snow-covered turf at America First Field on Saturday as the flurries fell down in Sandy, Utah.

The conditions didn’t seem to bother RSL. Andres Gomez scored twice, and Cristian Arango netted a third goal for the home side. LAFC put six shots on-frame but couldn’t find the back of the net amid all the fluffy white stuff on the ground. RSL took the win and three points, 3-0.

Below are the three goals from the match, and a few photos from the game that best illustrate the chaotic conditions.