Latest news with #MLSAll-Stars
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati live updates: How to watch, latest on Messi
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Inter Miami will host FC Cincinnati without two of its biggest stars on Saturday, July 26. Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba won't play for Inter Miami, both serving a mandatory one-game absence for skipping the MLS All-Star Game earlier this week. It's a battle between two of the best clubs in the MLS Eastern Conference. Cincinnati sits atop the MLS Supporters' Shield standings with 48 points, while Inter Miami is fifth place in the East with 41 points. While Inter Miami has three games in hand to play this season due to their congested schedule, losing twice in two weeks to Cincinnati could hurt their chance to win the conference and contest for their second consecutive Supporters' Shield title. More: MLS All-Stars 30 years later: How the league moved the ball forward Cincinnati beat Inter Miami 3-0 on July 16, led by MVP candidate Evander, who scored two goals in the matchup. Here's what you need to know and stay tuned for live updates from USA TODAY Sports: What time is the Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati match? The match begins at 7:15 p.m. ET. More: Lionel Messi MLS All-Star Game debacle is ugly own goal for everybody How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati on TV? The match will be broadcast on FS1. How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati on live stream? The match will also be available to stream on AppleTV+ and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. More: 'Messi cam' on TikTok live will let you follow Inter Miami star in MLS games Is Lionel Messi playing tonight? No, Messi is not playing against FC Cincinnati. Why is Lionel Messi not playing tonight? Messi was disciplined with a one-game absence by MLS commissioner Don Garber for skipping the MLS All-Star Game earlier this week in Austin, Texas. More: Inter Miami adds Lionel Messi friend and World Cup champion to MLS roster When is Messi's next game? Inter Miami upcoming schedule Inter Miami will begin the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament after facing FC Cincinnati.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lionel Messi MLS All-Star Game debacle is ugly own goal for everybody
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Major League Soccer experienced the worst week in their two years together, collectively mishandling his 2025 All-Star Game absence. Messi and Jordi Alba were disciplined by MLS commissioner Don Garber for skipping the All-Star Game, causing them to miss a marquee matchup against first-place FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 26. Soccer fans won't see Messi, the 2024 MLS MVP, on a grand stage against Cincinnati's Evander, a rising Brazilian who captained the MLS All-Stars in Messi's place and is in the conversation with him for 2025 MVP. Instead, there will be numerous shots of Messi stewing in an on-field suite, likely sitting next to Inter Miami's newest signee, Argentina World Cup-winning teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The situation marks lowest point of the Messi era in this the league's 30th season – all while he's been in ongoing contract negotiations to continue his career with Inter Miami. 'He's very upset,' Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said of Messi during a Zoom press conference. 'I'm hopeful it doesn't have an impact long term.' Messi, Inter Miami and MLS should have collectively agreed on him missing the All-Star Game. Garber could have granted Messi an excused absence. And Messi should be on the pitch Saturday doing what he does best. This matter should have been resolved before All-Star Week, offering the spotlight to the MLS players who played in the showcase instead of the shadow cast by Messi's whereabouts and whether he would be disciplined. 'I hope they respect the decision I made, and I understand they're going to be disappointed by that decision,' Garber told USA TODAY Sports. 'I hope that Leo's commitment to our league, and the journey he's been on and we've been on growing Major League Soccer is as important to him going forward as it has been in the past.' What went wrong? There was miscommunication from a series of phone calls exchanged between Inter Miami and MLS. There was no formal meeting on the matter, or a request from the club for Messi to miss the All-Star Game in Austin, Texas. Mas spoke to the league on July 21 and 22, while some around the league expected Messi and Alba to show the day of the All-Star Game on July 23. Mas believed Messi would be exempt from attending – and the one-game suspension – because of his workload. Messi played every minute in 22 of 23 matches since April 2, logging more than 2,000 minutes during the span. His last game off was April 27. He recently set an MLS record scoring two goals in five straight matches, and six of his last seven in the regular season. 'Load management is on Lionel Messi,' Mas said. 'When he steps on the pitch, he will step off when the final whistle blows.' The All-Star Game fell four days after Messi completed nine matches in 35 days, which included representing MLS on a global stage in the FIFA Club World Cup. Inter Miami didn't want Messi and Alba to travel to Texas, following road trips to face Cincinnati and the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey, with their second match with Cincinnati starting another stretch of 10 games in 34 days. 'He's played more games than any player this year, and their schedule has him wanting to take a break. It was based on his commitment to his club, and I understand and respect his decision,' Garber said. 'But we have a long-standing policy that is related to All-Star participation for all players. And unfortunately, I had to enforce the policy. It was a difficult decision to make.' The MLS All-Star policy was first initiated in 2015 after players used 'phantom injuries' to avoid the exhibition in previous years. Zlatan Ibrahimović was suspended when he played for the LA Galaxy for skipping the event in 2018, criticizing the rule at the time for being 'ridiculous.' Messi missing the All-Star Game, however, is a different story. 'From the league's perspective, this is really frustrating,' analyst and former U.S. men's national team star Landon Donovan said on social media. 'You have your best player. Your partners want him there. The owners want him there. The sponsors want him there. The fans want him there. The other guys on the MLS All-Star team want the chance to play with Messi. That's a dream for them. So, this becomes a really challenging situation.' Lionel Messi is 'different' for MLS Messi isn't entirely blameless in this, either. He could have jumped on a plane for the day, signed autographs and posed for photos with fellow players, waved at the fans, and even played a half so MLS could have a moment to celebrate having him in the league. But Messi has done everything asked of him since he joined MLS in July 2023 – outside of playing in this All-Star Game, of course. 'Obviously, Lionel Messi is Lionel Messi. He is different. He has completely changed the economics of this league for every single club, every team, every sponsor, the league, media, etc.,' Mas said. 'He's important … But at the end of the day, league corporate sponsors are already taking advantage of Lionel Messi's presence in the league.' Messi has the best-selling jersey around the world and brought international attention to MLS. He's provided awe-inspiring highlight plays and historic moments that make you wonder "how is this guy still doing this at 38 years old?" Mas said Inter Miami's Club World Cup loss to UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain was viewed globally by more than 30 million people. 'I know Leo Messi loves this league. I don't think there's been a player, or frankly just about anyone, who has done for MLS than Leo Messi has,' Garber said. 'His games are special moments. Every one of them is a must-see match, and it's that commitment what he does on the field that makes this decision so complicated.' Messi stayed in Miami this week while his wife and three sons went to Italy on vacation. He practiced Friday, thinking he would be able to play against Cincinnati. After practice, Messi reunited with De Paul on Inter Miami's training fields. Then, he signed hundreds of autographs and posed for photos with kids attending Inter Miami's summer camp before he received Garber's decision. 'This whole Messi MLS All-Star game mess was avoidable,' analyst and former U.S. men's national team standout Alexi Lalas said on social media. 'Now, he can have a rest.'
Nahar Net
3 days ago
- Sport
- Nahar Net
MLS, playing without Messi, beats Liga MX 3-1 in All-Star Game
by Naharnet Newsdesk 25 July 2025, 15:59 Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White scored goals and Major League Soccer defeated Liga MX of Mexico 3-1 in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday night playing without Lionel Messi. Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, both face possible league suspensions for their team's next match against Cincinnati on Saturday for missing the All-Star game. "Messi's the greatest," MLS coach Nico Estévez said. "Playing with him and coaching him would be something amazing. But we have to show respect for the guys that showed up today. They did great. It's a special week, a unique event. Not everyone can enjoy this. I'm fortunate." Liga MX's James Rodríguez also chose not to play in the game played in front of more than 20,000 fans at Q2 Stadium. MLS has defeated Liga MX three times in four tries. Last year Liga MX won 4-1 in Columbus, Ohio. The MLS All-Stars won in 2022 and beat Liga MX on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw a year prior. Messi has yet to appear in an MLS All-Star Game. He missed the game last year with an injury. Messi is currently tied with Nashville's Surridge for the MLS lead in goals with 18. Surridge scored another goal on Wednesday, from the middle of the box, heading in to the lower right corner a ball directed by LAFC's Denis Bouanga in the 28th minute. The opportunity developed after Bouanga had a point-blank attempt stopped by Liga MX goalkeeper Luis Malagon (Club America). Bouanga hustled to retrieve the long rebound and sent it to Surridge. Before the goal, both teams had attempts rejected with diving stops by Luis Malagón and Austin FC's Brad Stuver in the 13th and 18th minutes. MLS went ahead 2-0 in the 51st minute when Diego Rossi (Columbus) passed ahead to Baribo (Philadelphia), whose right footed shot from the center of the box made it to the lower left corner of the goal. Liga MX closed the gap to 2-1 just 13 minutes later when Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana) converted a pass from Elias Montiel (Pachuca) from the middle of the box. "We had moments when we played good soccer," Liga MX coach André Jardine said. Liga MX's bid to tie the match was snubbed when a shot by Diber Cambindo (Necaxa) was stopped by Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver) in the 75th minute. White (Vancouver) finished the scoring in the 80th minute. Baribo ranks fourth in MLS with 14 goals and White has scored 11 as they chase Messi and Surridge. "They are competitive," Estévez said. "One scores and the other says 'I have to score.' Brian in the end said 'I have to score.' " Up next MLS and Liga MX continue their rivalry with the Leagues Cup that begins on July 29 and concludes Aug. 31. The competition features a new format, with all 18 clubs from Liga MX and the top 18 from MLS competing. Last year all 47 clubs from the two leagues were included.
Edmonton Journal
4 days ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
MLS beats Liga MX 3-1 in All-Star Game
Article content AUSTIN, Texas — Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White scored goals and Major League Soccer defeated Liga MX of Mexico 3-1 in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday night playing without Lionel Messi. Article content Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, both face possible league suspensions for their team's next match against Cincinnati on Saturday for missing the All-Star game. Article content Article content Article content 'Messi's the greatest,' MLS coach Nico Estevez said. 'Playing with him and coaching him would be something amazing. But we have to show respect for the guys that showed up today. They did great. It's a special week, a unique event. Not everyone can enjoy this. I'm fortunate.' Article content Article content MLS has defeated Liga MX three times in four tries. Last year Liga MX won 4-1 in Columbus, Ohio. The MLS All-Stars won in 2022 and beat Liga MX on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw a year prior. Article content Surridge scored another goal on Wednesday, from the middle of the box, heading in to the lower right corner a ball directed by LAFC's Denis Bouanga in the 28th minute. Article content Article content The opportunity developed after Bouanga had a point-blank attempt stopped by Liga MX goalkeeper Luis Malagon (Club America). Bouanga hustled to retrieve the long rebound and sent it to Surridge. Article content Before the goal, both teams had attempts rejected with diving stops by Luis Malagon and Austin FC's Brad Stuver in the 13th and 18th minutes. Article content MLS went ahead 2-0 in the 51st minute when Diego Rossi (Columbus) passed ahead to Baribo (Philadelphia), whose right footed shot from the center of the box made it to the lower left corner of the goal. Article content Liga MX closed the gap to 2-1 just 13 minutes later when Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana) converted a pass from Elias Montiel (Pachuca) from the middle of the box. Article content 'We had moments when we played good soccer,' Liga MX coach Andre Jardine said. Article content Liga MX's bid to tie the match was snubbed when a shot by Diber Cambindo (Necaxa) was stopped by Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver) in the 75th minute. Article content White (Vancouver) finished the scoring in the 80th minute. Article content 'They are competitive,' Estevez said. 'One scores and the other says 'I have to score.' Brian in the end said 'I have to score.' ' Article content
UPI
5 days ago
- Sport
- UPI
MLS All-Stars crush Liga MX despite Lionel Messi absence
July 24 (UPI) -- Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White each found the net to steer a dominant MLS victory over Liga MX in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas. Liga MX launched 21 shot attempts, but placed just seven on target in the 3-1 setback Wednesday at Q2 Stadium. The MLS All-Stars placed 7 of 13 attempts on target, including two second-half scores. "It was a special week," MLS All-Stars coach Nico Estevez told reporters. "I think I've been in the country enough to value what this event means. ... This is special. It's a unique event. "Not everyone can come enjoy this thing. I'm honored and fortunate to coach the MLS All-Stars." Philip Zinckernagel, Diego Rossi and Denis Bouanga logged assists for the MLS All-Stars, who played without Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba. Elias Montiel assisted Gilberto Mora for Liga MX's lone score. "It was my first time in the All-Star Game," Baribo said on the Apple TV broadcast. "I scored and we won, MVP, it's the best feeling. Great night." The win helped the MLS All-Stars avenge a loss to Liga MX in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. The MLS All-Stars won three of the four previous editions of their matchup with Liga MX. "What I told them is that we have quality when we have the ball if we can do combinations, being together, get the good relations and interactions that will help us to break the opponent," Estevez said. "When we had the ball, it was less instruction and more about being a unit and being compact." The Liga MX All-Stars threatened early on, but were often denied by Austin FC goalie Brad Stuver. Those heroics included a one-handed diving block in the 19th minute. But Liga MX goalie Luis Malagon also stood strong between the posts, keeping the game scoreless until the 28th minute. Denis Bouanga Sam Surridge There's a reason he's the top goalscorer in MLS. #MLSAllStar // @NashvilleSC Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 24, 2025 Bouanga started that sequence by leading a breakaway into the Liga MX box. He blasted a shot on net, but the attempt was denied by Malagon. Bouanga regained control on the left flank and fired a pass back toward the far post. Surridge -- who is tied with Messi with a league-leading 18 goals this season -- jumped into the area and headed a point-blank range shot past Malagon for first blood. Bouanga and Surridge each earned separate attempts about five minutes later. Bouanga drilled the right post with a volley, while star defender Sergio Ramos blocked Surridge's shot. The MLS All-Stars finally doubled their lead with Baribo beat goalie Kevin Mier in the 51st minute. Ross cut off several Liga MX defenders with a ball into the box for Baribo on that play. The Philadelphia Union striker let the ball roll onto his right foot and finished with a shot just inside the left post. Mora cut the deficit in half by beating Minnesota United goalie in the 65th minute, but White went on to add the clincher in the 80th. Carles Gil gained control in transition, weaved through defenders and found fellow midfielder Cristian Espinoza on the left flank to lead that attack. Espinoza proceed to tap a pass ahead for Zinckernagel, who spotted White about eight yards in front of the net. The All-Star striker finished with a one-touch shot off Liga MX All-Star Brian Rodriguez and into the net. The MLS regular-season slate will continue with six games Friday. Orlando City will host the Columbus Crew at 7:30 p.m. EDT in Columbus, Ohio. The New England Revolution will host CF Montreal at the same time in Foxborough, Mass. Messi and Alba, who were the leading vote getters for their positions, could be open to one-game suspensions for not playing in the MLS All-Star game. Their fifth-place Herons will host first-place FC Cincinnati at 7:15 p.m. Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
