Latest news with #MajorLeagueSoccer
News18
14 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Terry Phelan Wants Lionel Messi To Leave MLS: 'It's Not Healthy...'
Last Updated: Terry Phelan thinks that Lionel Messi needs tougher competition than MLS for the FIFA World Cup, suggesting the Saudi Pro League could enhance Messi's performance. Former Manchester City left-back Terry Phelan has said that if Lionel Messi wants to develop an 'appetite' ahead of the FIFA World Cup next year, he needs to ensure that he plays in a tournament which provides strong competition and not Major League Soccer because it isn't healthy for him. Speaking to GOAL, Phelan said that the American league wasn't ideal for Messi as he was finding it too easy on the field. Phelan said that the Saudi Pro League teams performed well in the FIFA Club World Cup and the league could help Messi raise his level again before taking the field with the Argentina team in 2026. 'That's the $100 million question isn't it. I think David Beckham has done a wonderful job at Miami. He's built a club with the support around him and a support network," Phelan said. 'Are we looking at Messi looking at the World Cup and going 'I need to play in a better competition because I need to be in form for the World Cup next year?' Saudi Arabia? He doesn't need the money to go and play there," Phelan added. Meanwhile, Messi had two goals and two assists, Telasco Segovia scored twice as well and Inter Miami defeated the New York Red Bulls 5-1 on Saturday, July 19. It was Messi's sixth multi-goal match in his last seven games. He became the fifth player in Major League Soccer history to record at least 35 goals and 25 assists over two years, joining Robbie Keane (2013-14), Sebastian Giovinco (2015-16), Carlos Vela (2018-19), and Cucho Hernández (2023-24). Miami scored two goals in three minutes midway through the first half to take the lead. Messi's beautiful pass to Jordi Alba tied it at 1-all in the 24th minute. Then Messi's lofted pass over the defense led to Segovia's first goal. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Al Ahly Looks to Sign Free Agent Kouka After Departure of Abou Ali
H-Tayea Al Ahly is preparing to open formal negotiations with Ahmed Hassan Kouka, as the club looks to secure a replacement for Wessam Abou Ali, who is on the verge of completing a move to Major League Soccer in the United States. With the team's foreign player quota already full, Al Ahly has been actively seeking an Egyptian option to lead the attack next season. Kouka, a product of Al Ahly's own youth academy, has emerged as the top candidate for the role. His interest in returning to the club, combined with his availability and vast experience, makes him an ideal solution for the club's current needs. The Red Devils' five foreign player slots are currently occupied by Achraf Dari, Achraf Bencharki (both from Morocco), Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Tunisia), Aliou Dieng (Mali), and Gredašek (Slovenia). This means any non-Egyptian addition would require releasing a foreign player—something the management prefers to avoid. At 32 years old, Kouka is nearing the end of his contract with Le Havre, the French side he joined in January 2024 on a free transfer from Portugal's Rio Ave. During the last season, Kouka made 16 appearances, scoring three goals and assisting once. Despite limited minutes, his performance showed that he remains a capable and experienced striker at a high level. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
How Beckham and Messi have together helped MLS evolve into a bigger brand
Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen exponential growth over the last two decades, and two of the biggest catalysts behind this transformation are David Beckham and Lionel Messi. These two global icons have not only changed the perception of the league but also contributed significantly to its commercial, cultural, and footballing development. Beckham's groundbreaking move and long-term vision When David Beckham signed with LA Galaxy in 2007, it was more than just a high-profile transfer, it was a pivotal moment for MLS. Beckham's arrival gave the league credibility on a global scale and set the precedent for European stars considering the U.S. as a viable career destination. His charisma, global appeal, and unwavering commitment to growing soccer in America laid a solid foundation for future superstars to follow. Fast forward to his current role as co-owner of Inter Miami, Beckham's vision continues to reshape the landscape of American soccer. By leveraging his influence and long-standing relationships within the footballing world, Beckham helped orchestrate one of the most significant moves in MLS history: bringing Lionel Messi to Inter Miami in 2023. Messi's Impact: On and off the field Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami was a game-changer. Coming off his World Cup triumph with Argentina in December 2022, Messi joined MLS at a time when the league was ripe for global attention. His decision to choose Inter Miami over returning to Barcelona or moving to Saudi Arabia gave MLS a credibility boost it had never experienced before. On the pitch, Messi brought instant quality and excitement, helping Inter Miami become playoff contenders and setting the tone for the club's future. Off the pitch, his influence was nothing short of transformative. Inter Miami's games started drawing global viewership, and ticket prices soared wherever he played. A jersey revolution and record sales Messi's presence ignited a surge in MLS merchandise sales, particularly jerseys. For three consecutive years, 2023, 2024, and 2025, Messi topped MLS's jersey sales charts. His kits became a global phenomenon, blending Argentinian national pride with Miami's vibrant pink and black branding. Special edition jerseys, including a 'Miami Vice'-inspired teal and orange kit, broke sales records across MLS platforms. The jersey success also boosted teammates like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and even young stars like Benjamín Cremaschi, all of whom featured prominently on MLS's top-selling lists. This surge in merchandise revenue signaled MLS's growing stature as not just a league of footballing quality, but of global marketability. Shared legacy and cultural influence What connects Beckham and Messi is not just their fame, but their shared experiences as footballers who balanced global stardom with national expectations. Beckham faced criticism while playing for England, while Messi struggled to earn love from Argentine fans until his late-career triumphs. These shared journeys have helped foster a strong personal bond between the two, which was key in Messi's decision to join MLS. Together, their presence has created a new blueprint for MLS, a league no longer seen as a retirement destination, but a legitimate stage for world-class talent. From stadium sellouts to social media buzz, training ground visits to jersey launches, Beckham and Messi have given the league both a human face and a historic legacy. David Beckham and Lionel Messi didn't just play in MLS, they changed it. Beckham's strategic foresight and Messi's unmatched star power have brought the league into a new era, where the world is no longer watching MLS with curiosity, but with genuine admiration. As the league prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025, their influence remains at the heart of its evolution.
India Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Late surge helps Argentine overtake CR7 in major feat
Legendary Lionel Messi overtook Cristiano Ronaldo in an elite feat with Inter Miami thrashing NY Red Bulls 5-1 in Major League Soccer on Sunday, July 20. Messi's surge in the last 8 games in the MLS helped him overtake his rival in the number of non-penalty goals scored in brace against NY Red Bulls helped Messi take his tally of non-penalty goals up to 764, one more than Ronaldo. Messi has played 167 fewer matches than his rival and was still able to achieve the incredible legendary Argentine, now 38, has a total of 874 goals in his career against Ronaldo's 938, but as mentioned before, has played 167 games fewer than him. Messi, however, is much ahead of Ronaldo in terms of assists. He has 386 against Ronaldo's 257. Messi's recent rise in form has seen him score 6 braces in the last 8 games. Messi has scored 13 goals and 5 assists in the last 8 games helping Inter Miami stay at the top five positions in the Eastern Conference table. Miami are placed in the 5th spot with 41 points in 21 games. Miami have played 3 games less than the top 4 clubs. If they win all of them, they would surge over the competition and take the top spot in the league. Messi vs Ronaldo in Stats (As of July 20, 2025)GoalsMessi: 874Ronaldo: 938AssistsMessi: 386Ronaldo: 257PenaltiesMessi: 110Ronaldo: 175FreekicksMessi: 69Ronaldo: 64Player of the Match AwardsMessi: 425Ronaldo: 220While Lionel Messi has found his second innings in the MLS, Ronaldo continues to help the Saudi Arabian footballers improve themselves in the Pro League. Last season Ronaldo scored 25 goals in the Saudi Pro League. The footballer extended his contract with Al Nassr despite rumours that the club wanted the player out. However, Ronaldo penned a new 2-year deal with the side on June 26.- EndsTrending Reel
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Lionel Messi double as Miami bounce back against Red Bulls
NEW YORK: Lionel Messi rediscovered his scoring touch with two goals as Inter Miami bounced back from defeat to complete a 5-1 drubbing of the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer on Saturday. Messi's red-hot season was rocked on Wednesday as Miami stumbled to a 3-0 defeat against FC Cincinnati. But the Argentinian superstar was back to his inspired best as Miami turned on the style at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey to record an emphatic victory. The Red Bulls had threatened to deliver another upset after Alexander Hack bundled home a 14th-minute opener to fire the hosts into an early lead. But Messi swiftly orchestrated Inter Miami's recovery from that setback, providing a sublime pass to set up former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba's equaliser in the 24th minute. Iran book final ticket to 2026 women's Asian Cup Messi then combined with Alba for Miami's second goal, producing another brilliant pass to pick out the Spaniard, who crossed for Telasco Segovia to prod home on 27 minutes. Segovia then swept in his second of the night deep into first-half stoppage time to leave Miami firmly in control. Messi then took over in the second half as Miami cut loose. A majestic through ball by another former Barcelona team-mate, Sergio Busquets, sent the Argentine World Cup-winner racing through on goal in the 60th minute. Messi took his time and coolly feinted to wrongfoot Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel before tucking away the finish for 4-1. Another Barcelona old boys combination delivered Messi's second. Luis Suarez crossed from the left and Messi controlled on the edge of the six-yard box to send a thumping finish past Coronel.
