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United News of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Messi mania turns Miami into America's soccer city - as big decisions loom
Atlanta, June 29 (UNI) Lionel Messi will be pitted against his former club and the reigning European champions in the last 16 of the Club World Cup. Inter Miami against Paris St-Germain here on Sunday is expected to attract one of the biggest crowds of the tournament so far, with the Messi factor a large reason. There was huge controversy about how Inter Miami and Messi entered the expanded new-look tournament. Fifa granted, in a one-off rule, a host-nation slot to a US club for this expanded 32-team edition. And instead of MLS Cup play-off winners LA Galaxy, they chose Inter Miami, who are the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield winners by virtue of having the best regular-season record. But, despite the pre-tournament scepticism, Inter's unbeaten run in the group matches puts them into the knockout stages on merit. Up next are Luis Enrique's PSG, currently regarded as the best football team on the planet, who will go head to head with most people's choice as the greatest player of all time, according to a BBC news. Messi's impact on Miami has been seismic, but what comes next for the 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, and will he be back on the big stage with Argentina to defend the World Cup next summer? Messi has never been eliminated in the group stage of any major international competition - not with Argentina, not with Barcelona, not with PSG, and now not with Inter. His role now though is perhaps a little different to what it used to be. These days he plays deeper and closer to midfield and defence, much more in a ball-collecting position, allowing him to launch attacks from further back, either with runs through the middle or by spreading passes to either wing. Over and above everything else, what remains undimmed is a ferocious competitive spirit and a passionate desire to win. This is something that is borne out by his anger and frustration, which he showed when a two-goal lead was lost to Palmeiras in the final group game - not because it cost Inter Miami being group winners but simply because it meant they failed to win the game. Winning is, has always been, and always will be, paramount to Messi; it is his reason for playing. UNI BM
Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Inter Miami goalkeeper Ustari credits Messi for making things easy
Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Group A - Al Ahly v Inter Miami CF - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. - June 14, 2025 Inter Miami CF's Oscar Ustari looks on IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Sam Navarro/File Photo REUTERS Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari credited Lionel Messi's presence for helping him settle in at the club after joining the team last September, having played alongside the Argentine great since youth level. Ustari, who put in a stellar performance as the Major League Soccer side kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly on Saturday, joined Inter Miami two months after his contract with Chilean team Audax Italiano expired. He said the decision to reunite with Messi was influenced by the club's ambitions and his long-standing friendship with his Argentine compatriot. "I wasn't retired. I joined ... because I was attracted by the club's aspirations," the 38-year-old Ustari told Reuters in an interview. "And obviously by sharing a squad with Leo again. And of course, Leo's presence on the team made everything easier." Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, earned a spot in the expanded Club World Cup after winning the MLS Supporters' Shield. Ustari said he was delighted to be playing in the tournament after a career, which included stints in Spain, England, Mexico and Uruguay. "Having the opportunity to play in a Club World Cup made us all very happy, especially in my case, given that I'm someone who has had an extensive career," he said. "It's a reward for how well Inter Miami is doing things." While the world eagerly anticipated seeing Messi and Luis Suarez in the opening match of the tournament, it was Ustari who stole the spotlight and was named 'Superior Player of the Match', after saving a penalty and blocking eight shots. He said, however, that the credit belonged to his teammates. "We were all part of that award for best player. Maybe saving a penalty gave me the opportunity to receive it, but there were some very high points from my teammates who could have also been awarded it," he said. Ustari and Messi have shared a close friendship since playing together for Argentina's youth teams over two decades ago, a bond that extended into their senior team careers. They were in the same Argentina squad that won the 2005 Under-20 World Cup and clinched gold together at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Reflecting on their time together, Ustari said: "My memories with Leo are from youth training camps, the senior team, the titles we won, training sessions, etc." He added that Messi's personality has remained unchanged, describing him as "affectionate, respectful, and always competitive." "Because of who he is, he's achieved everything, and that's why he's the best player in the history of this sport." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Inter Miami goalkeeper Ustari credits Messi for making things easy
Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Group A - Al Ahly v Inter Miami CF - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. - June 14, 2025 Inter Miami CF's Oscar Ustari looks on IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Sam Navarro/File Photo (Reuters) -Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari credited Lionel Messi's presence for helping him settle in at the club after joining the team last September, having played alongside the Argentine great since youth level. Ustari, who put in a stellar performance as the Major League Soccer side kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly on Saturday, joined Inter Miami two months after his contract with Chilean team Audax Italiano expired. He said the decision to reunite with Messi was influenced by the club's ambitions and his long-standing friendship with his Argentine compatriot. "I wasn't retired. I joined ... because I was attracted by the club's aspirations," the 38-year-old Ustari told Reuters in an interview. "And obviously by sharing a squad with Leo again. And of course, Leo's presence on the team made everything easier." Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, earned a spot in the expanded Club World Cup after winning the MLS Supporters' Shield. Ustari said he was delighted to be playing in the tournament after a career, which included stints in Spain, England, Mexico and Uruguay. "Having the opportunity to play in a Club World Cup made us all very happy, especially in my case, given that I'm someone who has had an extensive career," he said. "It's a reward for how well Inter Miami is doing things." While the world eagerly anticipated seeing Messi and Luis Suarez in the opening match of the tournament, it was Ustari who stole the spotlight and was named 'Superior Player of the Match', after saving a penalty and blocking eight shots. He said, however, that the credit belonged to his teammates. "We were all part of that award for best player. Maybe saving a penalty gave me the opportunity to receive it, but there were some very high points from my teammates who could have also been awarded it," he said. Ustari and Messi have shared a close friendship since playing together for Argentina's youth teams over two decades ago, a bond that extended into their senior team careers. They were in the same Argentina squad that won the 2005 Under-20 World Cup and clinched gold together at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Reflecting on their time together, Ustari said: "My memories with Leo are from youth training camps, the senior team, the titles we won, training sessions, etc." He added that Messi's personality has remained unchanged, describing him as "affectionate, respectful, and always competitive." "Because of who he is, he's achieved everything, and that's why he's the best player in the history of this sport." (Reporting by Mohamed Yossry in CairoEditing by Toby Davis)
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Soccer-Inter Miami goalkeeper Ustari credits Messi for making things easy
June 19 - Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari credited Lionel Messi's presence for helping him settle in at the club after joining the team last September, having played alongside the Argentine great since youth level. Ustari, who put in a stellar performance as the Major League Soccer side kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly on Saturday, joined Inter Miami two months after his contract with Chilean team Audax Italiano expired. He said the decision to reunite with Messi was influenced by the club's ambitions and his long-standing friendship with his Argentine compatriot. "I wasn't retired. I joined ... because I was attracted by the club's aspirations," the 38-year-old Ustari told Reuters in an interview. "And obviously by sharing a squad with Leo again. And of course, Leo's presence on the team made everything easier." Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, earned a spot in the expanded Club World Cup after winning the MLS Supporters' Shield. Ustari said he was delighted to be playing in the tournament after a career, which included stints in Spain, England, Mexico and Uruguay. "Having the opportunity to play in a Club World Cup made us all very happy, especially in my case, given that I'm someone who has had an extensive career," he said. "It's a reward for how well Inter Miami is doing things." While the world eagerly anticipated seeing Messi and Luis Suarez in the opening match of the tournament, it was Ustari who stole the spotlight and was named 'Superior Player of the Match', after saving a penalty and blocking eight shots. He said, however, that the credit belonged to his teammates. "We were all part of that award for best player. Maybe saving a penalty gave me the opportunity to receive it, but there were some very high points from my teammates who could have also been awarded it," he said. Ustari and Messi have shared a close friendship since playing together for Argentina's youth teams over two decades ago, a bond that extended into their senior team careers. They were in the same Argentina squad that won the 2005 Under-20 World Cup and clinched gold together at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Reflecting on their time together, Ustari said: "My memories with Leo are from youth training camps, the senior team, the titles we won, training sessions, etc." He added that Messi's personality has remained unchanged, describing him as "affectionate, respectful, and always competitive." "Because of who he is, he's achieved everything, and that's why he's the best player in the history of this sport."
New York Post
19-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Club World Cup 2025: How to watch Inter Miami vs. Porto for free
New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Inter Miami and Porto are both looking to score their first goals of the FIFA Club World Cup when they square off today at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Both teams kicked off the tournament over the weekend with twin 0-0 draws. FIFA announced Inter Miami's addition to the Club World Cup in October after Lionel Messi's squad won the MLS Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the league's best regular-season record in 2024. Their tournament debut on Saturday against Cairo's Al Ahly ended in a stalemate — but not for lack of effort. Goalie Oscar Ustari came through with a remarkable eight saves. Porto earned a place in the tournament via UEFA's performance-based entry slots, rewarded for their consistent performances in the Champions League over the 2021-2024 cycle. The Portuguese team battled to a 0-0 draw against Brazil's Palmeiras on Sunday. All eyes are on today's Group A matches, as all four teams are scheduled to play and zero goals have been scored so far. Inter Miami vs. Porto: what to know Date and time: June 19, 3 p.m. ET June 19, Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia) Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia) Streaming: DAZN Here's everything you need to know about Miami vs. Porto, including how you can tune in for free on DAZN. When is the Inter Miami vs. Porto match? Inter Miami and Porto play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup today, June 19, at 3 p.m. ET. How to watch Inter Miami vs. Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup for free: The Inter Miami vs. Porto match, like every match in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is streaming on DAZN. No matter where you are in the world, you can watch the FIFA Club World Cup for free on DAZN. All you need to get started is an email address. No subscription is required, but you will have to make a free account on the streamer to start watching. DAZN also has premium, paid options available to enhance your viewing experience with HDR picture, Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, and fewer ads. DAZN Premium plans begin at $19.99/month. Inter Miami Club World Cup schedule: Miami 0, Al Ahly 0 vs Porto – June 19, 3 p.m. ET Porto – June 19, 3 p.m. ET vs. Palmeiras – June 23, 9 p.m. ET Porto Club World Cup schedule: Porto 0, Palmeiras 0 vs. Inter Miami – June 19, 3 p.m. ET vs. Al Ahly – June 23, 9 p.m. ET 2025 FIFA Club World Cup key dates: Group Stage : Saturday, June 14 – Thursday, June 26 : Saturday, June 14 – Thursday, June 26 Round of 16 : Saturday, June 28 – Tuesday, July 1 : Saturday, June 28 – Tuesday, July 1 Quarter-Finals : Friday, July 4 – Saturday, July 5 : Friday, July 4 – Saturday, July 5 Semi-Finals : Tuesday, July 8 – Wednesday, July 9 : Tuesday, July 8 – Wednesday, July 9 Final: Sunday, July 13
