Latest news with #MLSEasternConference
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Roy Keane meets Inter Miami superstars like Luis Suarez but fans reckon he ‘must be disappointed'
ROY Keane got to meet Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi not Lionel Messi while visiting Inter Miami's facility. The Corkman has jetted stateside to take in the knockout stages of the inaugural - 4 Meeting arguably the best striker of his generation isn't a bad consolation prize Credit: @intermiamicf 4 What a central midfield pairing this would've been in an alternate universe Credit: @intermiamicf 4 Jordi Alba also followed pal Messi to Florida Credit: @intermiamicf 4 The Argentine wizard turned 38 on Tuesday Credit: Getty The MLS outfit have a daunting last-16 match-up ahead of them against But at least Keane got to meet some of their most recognisable squad members while they're still in the competition and still in chipper form. Aside from a few followers noting he's bearing quite a resemblance to Shane reckoned: "Must be disappointed to not meet Messi." Read More On Irish Football While Curtis suggested: "Could use him against PSG keep them straight." Sean hailed: "The best Irish player of all time." And finally, someone else surmised en Espanol: "Roy livin la vida buena." Messi is set to face Most read in Football Inter Miami - sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference - face a formidable challenge against the Ligue 1 giants. David Beckham in hospital as Victoria shares picture of star with arm in sling & sweet 'get well soon daddy' message However, they appeared to lose momentum in a surprise defeat to Brazilian side Botafogo, and looked far from their fluent best in a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. Now into the knockout rounds, PSG are expected to find another gear, with a potential quarter-final clash against either Flamengo or The bookmakers clearly agree, pricing the Parisian giants at 1/6 to win in 90 minutes, while Jordi Alba described PSG as 'the best team in the world right now'. As for Inter Miami, they came close to topping Group A but conceded two late goals against Palmeiras, setting up this tough tie. It would have been Botafogo otherwise. ABOUT TO GET MESSI? Still, they have shown they can compete at this level - sandwiching a win over Porto between draws against Palmeiras and Al Ahly. The Florida-based side are unbeaten in six matches across all competitions, scoring 16 goals in that stretch - a solid run of form but unlikely to trouble their imperious opponents. Sorry if it sounds disparaging to all those Inter Miami supporters out there - but this could easily be a cricket score providing PSG can snap out of their two-game malaise. And they should be able to. The European champions looked a completely different class during their Champions League success, and their 5-0 final win over Inter Milan only highlights their ability to humble even the best. Suarez and Messi, both aged 38, should have their work cut out against such a young, quick, powerful and dynamic PSG side. Inter Miami have also shipped a colossal 29 goals in their last 13 games in all competitions. PSG, meanwhile, have scored 3+ goals in five of their last seven games.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canadian international Nathan Saliba leaves CF Montreal for Belgium's Anderlecht
MONTREAL – Canadian international Nathan Saliba is moving to Belgium. CF Montreal announced the 21-year-old midfielder was transferred to Belgian first-division club R.S.C. Anderlecht on Thursday. The Major League Soccer team did not reveal the transfer fee, but said it would retain a percentage on Saliba's next move. The Longueuil, Que., native has signed a contract through 2029, Anderlecht announced. Saliba is currently playing at the Gold Cup as Canada prepares for a quarterfinal matchup against Guatemala on Sunday in Minneapolis. In 68 games over three seasons with CF Montreal, the academy product tallied two goals and two assists. Saliba was also named Canada Soccer's young player of the year in 2024. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'We are very proud of Nathan's progression over the last few years,' said CF Montreal executive Luca Saputo in a statement. 'Despite his young age, he has established himself as a starter and leader on the team, which has also allowed him to earn a spot with the national team. 'He began his career with us at the academy and is now fulfilling his dream of playing in Europe. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Nathan for his contribution over the years.' Saliba joined fellow Canadian internationals Mathieu Choinière, Alistair Johnston and Ismaël Koné in transferring from Montreal to Europe in recent years. Montreal (2-12-5) is currently last in the MLS Eastern Conference. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2025.
Miami Herald
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Amid injuries and uncertainty, Inter Miami's Club World Cup debut fast approaches
By the time the first official FIFA Club World Cup practice began Monday morning, it was already 90 degrees on Inter Miami's practice pitch. Even without key players Lionel Messi, Fafa Picault, and Telasco Segovia — who are all out of the country on international fixtures for FIFA World Cup qualifying matches — the men in pink got down to business quickly, running shooting and passing drills. Fans are waiting anxiously for Inter Miami's first stint in the Club World Cup, which takes place Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. The team will open the tournament against Egyptian club Al Ahly, but it's a difficult bet to make on how Miami will fare in the tournament. The team had a particularly treacherous May, losing MLS matches to Minnesota and Orlando and drawing San Jose and Philadelphia. By the end of the month, the team had been mocked mercilessly on social media, and fans were calling for new head coach Javier Mascherano's firing. Before their games versus Montreal and Columbus, Miami had dropped to sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings — a far cry from their high ride at the same time in 2024. But with the Club World Cup fast approaching, the team seemed to turn a corner, blowing out both Montreal and Columbus, 4-2 and 5-1, respectively, to end the month. Once the rest of the star-studded roster returns, things could be looking up for Miami entering the tournament. Except many key players still appear to be down for the count. Star left back Jordi Alba and center back Gonzalo Luján were not present at the first official Club World Cup practice. Both sustained unspecified muscle injuries during the team's win over Montreal and have yet to return. Similarly, midfielder Yannick Bright, who suffered a hamstring injury during the team's match versus Philadelphia was off training and rehabbing to the side with fellow midfielder David Ruiz. Ruiz sustained an injury early in the season and has been out since March. Both midfielders spent the hot, Monday morning practice working on cardio and agility, but notably did not work with the ball or the rest of the team on any shooting or passing drills. In happier news for Inter Miami fans, both goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who just signed a contract extension with the team through 2026, and 20-year-old center back Tomas Aviles were back training with the team Monday morning following injuries which took them off the roster in mid-May. They looked to be in top form – Aviles worked through all of practice with the majority of the team on the pitch, while Ustari kept ball after ball out of the net during drills with fellow goalkeepers Rocco Ríos Novo and Will Yarbrough. But with a crucial week for the team ahead, it's ultimately uncertain who will take the field versus Al Ahly on Saturday. Will Ustari's and Aviles' return to practice keep them in good shape for the match? How will Messi, Picault, and Segovia, alongside rising young stars Benjamin Cremaschi and Santiago Morales, fare during their time abroad? Only time will tell.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Can Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami to FIFA Club World Cup 2025 glory?
As the football world turns its gaze to the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the spotlight inevitably falls on Lionel Messi . The Argentine legend will lead MLS club Inter Miami into the global tournament with hopes of etching his name into yet another chapter of football history. Despite questions surrounding Inter Miami's qualification, there is no denying the buzz generated by Messi's presence. Messi, who will be turning 38 on June 24, may not possess the blistering pace of his prime, but his vision, technique, and leadership remain unmatched. Surrounded by a growingly competitive MLS squad, he brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality that could inspire Inter Miami on the big stage. The victory will not only be a big achievement for Inter Miami, but will also provide a big boost to the United States, who will be co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 along with Mexico and Canada. Is Messi ready for the Club World Cup? Following an exceptional performance in the 2025 MLS season, Messi has netted five goals in his previous three fixtures. His remarkable contribution has elevated Inter Miami's position from sixth to third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Messi has become the top performer in MLS, accumulating 16 goal contributions this season, with 10 goals and 6 assists. His outstanding form includes 5 goals and 4 assists during Inter Miami's ongoing three-match unbeaten run. Messi, who has become first back-to-back Player of the Matchday winner this season, is all set for the high-stakes tournament. Live Events Inter Miami, led by Messi, will commence their Club World Cup campaign in the tournament's opening match on June 14, facing Egyptian side Al Alhy at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Inter Miami will then take on against Portugal's FC Porto at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 19, followed by their final group stage encounter with Brazilian club SE Palmeiras back in Miami on June 23. Will Messi play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US? The primary concern among football enthusiasts worldwide, beyond the Club World Cup discussions, centres on Messi's potential appearance in Argentina's colours at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The uncertainty remains as Messi has not made any definitive statement about his participation in the tournament, despite his current involvement in the FIFA qualifiers. The football icon landed in Argentina on Monday to join his World Cup-winning national team for the 2026 tournament qualifiers. The schedule includes an away fixture against Chile on June 5, followed by a home match against Colombia on June 10 in Buenos Aires. Messi's last appearance for the national side was in November 2024. He failed to find the net during Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Paraguay on November 14, while in the next match on November 19, he provided the crucial assist for Lautaro Martinez in their 1-0 victory against Peru. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
USA Today
28-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal live updates: Time, how to watch Lionel Messi play tonight
Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal live updates: Time, how to watch Lionel Messi play tonight Show Caption Hide Caption Messi 'never imagined' he would achieve what he has Lionel Messi says his dream was only ever to be a professional, and thanked God for all his success Stats Perform Video FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Can Lionel Messi and struggling Inter Miami get back on track Wednesday night against one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer? Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal – ranked last place in the East, and second-to-last among all MLS teams – at Chase Stadium. It's the first of two matches this week for Inter Miami before they turn their focus to competing in the FIFA Club World Cup next month. And Inter Miami enters the match in desperate search of a victory. Overall, Messi's side has won just twice in their last 10 matches across all competitions, and dropped to seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference. They've conceded 23 goals, and scored 16 goals while losing five times and settling for three draws during that span. In their last match, Inter Miami stormed back with two late goals – a free kick by Messi, and another goal assisted by Messi – in a 3-3 draw with the first-place Philadelphia Union last Saturday. Here's everything you need to know about the Messi game today, and stay tuned for live updates from USA TODAY Sports during the match: Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal at Chase Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The match will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Messi is expected to play against Montreal, but his status will be confirmed when Inter Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before the match begins. Inter Miami 4, Montreal 1: Expect Messi, Luis Suarez and Inter Miami to get back on track with a multi-goal performance at home. Montreal and Inter Miami enter their match ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in surrendering goals to their opponents. However, Montreal is tied with Austin as the lowest-scoring clubs in MLS with just 10 goals from 15 matches this season. -Safid Deen Inter Miami is the favorite to win at home (-250), while a draw (+400) has better odds than a road win by Montreal (+550). The over/under is set at 3.5 goals, according to BETMGM. May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) June 5: Chile vs. Argentina, 9 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying) Chile vs. Argentina, 9 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying) June 10: Argentina vs. Colombia, 8 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying) Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup
