Messi helped Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over Nashville SC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16, scoring a goal and providing an assist. However, he did all of that in the first half and was forced to leave the pitch just five minutes into the second period.

Speaking with reporters, Martino explained that Messi has “muscle overload” in his right leg and that the team is taking a cautious approach. 

“I don’t want to take any risks, but I imagine that he won’t be available for Saturday’s game,” Martino said via ESPN. “That’s the only thing I can say about it now. We’ll have some tests soon, and we’ll see how he feels.”

Messi’s “muscle overload” appears to be an issue that has been around for some time. He was noticed getting treatment in the first leg of the Nashville SC matchup last week while also missing the MLS game against CF Montreal this past weekend.

Messi has five goals and two assists in five games in all competitions this season. Miami is through to the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals while also sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference.

The post Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi Dealing With a Leg Injury, Will Miss D.C. United Game appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

In Miami, Suarez will be welcomed by former Barca teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

Suarez has been linked with a move to Inter Miami since the summer. However, his then-club Gremio didn’t want to sanction the 36-year-old’s departure at the time and only agreed to release him from his contract once the 2023 season in Brazil’s Série A wrapped up in early December.

Despite entering the twilight years of his career, Suarez has been in great form with Gremio. He scored 29 goals in 54 games played in all competitions this year and helped the club finish runners-up while winning the Best Player award.

Inter Miami didn’t disclose what type of contract Suarez signed. The club has all of their Designated Player spots filled with Messi, Busquets, and Gregore but could possibly strike a deal with the latter to free up the DP slot for Suarez.

“I will give my all to bring joy to these great fans I’ve heard so much about while I wear Inter Miami colors, and look forward to reuniting with great friends and players. I’m also eager to meet my new teammates and coaches, “said Suarez in a statement released by Inter Miami. 

The post Inter Miami Confirms the Signing of Ex-Barca Star Striker Luis Suarez appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Miami’s co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed the Alba deal, saying that the move is in its final stages.

“We’re going to sign Alba today,” Mas told reporters on Tuesday. “I know that [manager] Tata [Martino] is counting on him for the second half of the Cup.”

Alba will sign with Miami as a free agent after agreeing to contract termination with Barcelona following the end of the 2022-23 season. He was targeted by clubs from Europe and Saudi Arabia, but prospects of reuniting with Messi and Busquets proved crucial in his decision to come to MLS.

Getting Suarez on board as well might be more challenging. Suarez is still under contract with Brazilian side Gremio and his current club isn’t willing to let him walk away that easily.

Mas acknowledged that Inter has an interest in Suarez but said that there are significant hurdles in completing the deal.

“I don’t know how Luis Suárez can leave Grêmio. But if he does, we are free to talk to Luis and bring him to Inter Miami. That possibility would be there,” said Mas.

The post Inter Miami Set to Sign Jordi Alba, Eyeing a Move for Luis Suarez appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Martino, who last served as a head coach of Mexico’s national team, arrives as a replacement for recently-fired Phil Neville. Inter made the move official on Tuesday.

“Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself,” said Inter’s co-owner David Beckham in a statement. “We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team and excite our fans and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field.”

Messi never tried to hide the fact that “Tata” Martino is one of his favorite coaches. Martino is legend of Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s boyhood club. The two also collaborated together at Barcelona and Argentina’s national team.

Inter Miami now hopes that getting Messi and Martino back together, as well as the addition of Busquets, can help the club turn around their fortunes. Miami is currently last in Eastern Conference, with only five wins and 15 points in 18 matches in 2023.

This will also be Martino’s return to MLS, where he had significant success coaching Atlanta United. With Martino at the helm, Atlanta won the MLS Cup in 2018.

The post Inter Miami Hires Ex-Barca and Atlanta Head Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Messi is currently on holiday in his native Argentina and is not officially considered Inter Miami’s player just yet. He needs to wait for his contract with Paris Saint-Germain to expire at the end of June, and there are several details that need to be finalized in his agreement with the MLS side.

Still, Miami is already making preparations for Messi’s arrival. This includes increasing the capacity of their DRV PNK Stadium by 3,000 seats, getting the capacity up to 22,000.

Speaking with Miami Herald earlier this week, Mas confirmed that Messi’s Inter Miami debut is set to take place against Cruz Azul next month. He also talked about the influence Messi will have on soccer and sport overall in the United States.

“I think there will always be a ‘before and after Messi’ when we talk about the sport in the United States,” Mas said. “I cannot overemphasize the magnitude of this announcement. Having the world’s greatest player here is something that is significant for our league and for the football ecosystem in the United States.”

The details of Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami remain under wraps. However, it is certain that the 35-year-old will remain one of the highest-paid players in the world. Reportedly, his annual salary will be in the $60 million range while he’ll also receive part of the profit from streaming and merchandise deals.

The post Lionel Messi to Make His Inter Miami Debut on July 21 Against Cruz Azul appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

MLS later confirmed the move on social media.

“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don’t have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there,” Messi said about his decision.

Messi is currently a free agent after his contract with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of the 2022-23 season. The 35-year-old player had an offer from Saudi Arabia, which was believed to be worth up to $1 billion, and La Liga side Barcelona but ended up choosing the MLS.

“After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day-to-day more,” Messi added. “Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”

In order to attract Messi, MLS got very creative. Messi will reportedly be entitled to a share of profits from revenue that would be generated by new subscribers to MLS Season Pass and a profit-sharing agreement with sportswear giant Adidas.

On top of this, Messi will receive a rumored annual salary of $60 million to $100 million and an option to purchase a stake in an MLS team after he finishes his playing career. This is a similar option that David Beckham had when he came to MLS, and it resulted in his involvement in Inter Miami.

Another thing that might have lured Messi to MLS is the fact that Miami is considering hiring Gerardo “Tata” Martino as their new head coach. Messi is known as a huge fan of Martino, having worked with him in Barcelona and with Argentina’s national team.

The post Lionel Messi to Continue His Career in MLS, Set to Join Inter Miami appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Speaking with the UK media outlet The Times, Neville said that among the players Inter is targeting are Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi and longtime Barcelona standout Sergio Busquets.

“I’m not going to deny (it and say) there isn’t truth in the speculation that we’re interested in Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets,” Neville shared.

“We’re always going to be linked with the best players in the world,” he added. “We had Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi. Now we’ve got the opportunity to bring in some new designated players following their retirements.”

Both Messi and Busquets are set to become free agents at the end of the 2022-23 season in Europe, which would allow Inter to sign them without paying a transfer fee. However, the MLS side is facing an uphill battle as the duo will most likely draw interest from plenty of other clubs. PSG is rumored to have offered Messi a new deal, while Busquets is drawing interest from Saudi Arabia.

Inter Miami is entering the 2023 campaign after an encouraging run last year. They ended the regular season as the sixth seed in Eastern Conference before being eliminated by the New York City FC in the playoffs.

The post Inter Miami is Targeting Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets Says Head Coach Phil Neville appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to represent Inter Miami and give the best of myself,” Martinez stated following the announcement. “This is a club with high aspirations and that aims to be amongst the best in the league. I hope to help the team achieve its objectives and leave my mark at the club.”

After signing for Atlanta in 2017, Martinez established himself as a club legend, scoring 19 goals in his debut season to win the MLS Golden Boot. After scoring a league record of 31 goals in 2018, Martinez was voted the league’s MVP.

Martinez continued his fine form in 2019, scoring 27 goals before suffering a torn ACL that ruled him out of the 2020 season entirely. Since his injury, Martinez has struggled to return to form, scoring 12 goals in 2021 and nine last year as Atlanta missed the playoffs.

Following Gonzalo Higuaín’s retirement at the end of last season, Martinez is expected to become Inter Miami’s new key striker.

The post Inter Miami Signs Atlanta Legend Josef Martinez appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Gibbs, who is currently playing for West Bromwich Albion, has reportedly been on Inter Miami CF’s radar for a while. They already presented an offer to the player’s representatives in January but were rejected.

Under his current contract, Gibbs is making close to $100,000 a week while Inter’s proposal was believed to be “a fraction” of that figure.

After Gibbs showed readiness to engage in talks with Inter Miami, other MLS teams took notice. According to reports, the New York Red Bulls and NYCFC are also thinking about joining the race and try to lure the Englishman to the United States.

Kieran Gibbs, who is a product of Arsenal’s academy, made his pro debut in 2007. He was considered one of the most talented backs in the Premier League at the time, but the injuries and subsequent inconsistency stopped him from achieving his full potential.

Gibbs spent 10 years in Arsenal, making 230 appearances in a Gunners jersey and helping the club win four trophies, including two FA Cups. He joined WBA in 2017 and has played close to 100 games since then.

The post MLS Team Pursuing Ex-England International Kieran Gibbs appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Reportedly, the MLS side has been working on this transfer for a while and feels confident that the move could be finalized in the next few days. Shawcross is also keen on coming to the United States and is working with Stoke to have his contract terminated.

Stoke’s manager Michael O’Neill recently confirmed that Shawcross, who is serving as the club’s captain since 2009, could leave the club soon.

“There is interest from an MLS club, discussions are open and forthright on that, but nothing is concluded at this minute in time,” said O’Neill. “To be fair to the player, Ryan has expressed the interest if the opportunity is given, and we as a club have to recognize what Ryan has given us in terms of service.”

If the move gets finalized, Shawcross would be playing under fellow former England international Phil Neville. Miami hired Neville as their new manager in January after previously parting ways with Diego Alonso.

Ryan Shawcross started his pro career with Manchester United but never really got an opportunity at Old Trafford. He joined Stoke City in 2007 and went on to become a club icon, playing 453 games in all competitions.

Shawcross also played for England’s national team, making his only appearance in 2012.

The post Inter Miami in Talks with Stoke City Legend Ryan Shawcross appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Messi helped Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over Nashville SC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16, scoring a goal and providing an assist. However, he did all of that in the first half and was forced to leave the pitch just five minutes into the second period.

Speaking with reporters, Martino explained that Messi has “muscle overload” in his right leg and that the team is taking a cautious approach. 

“I don’t want to take any risks, but I imagine that he won’t be available for Saturday’s game,” Martino said via ESPN. “That’s the only thing I can say about it now. We’ll have some tests soon, and we’ll see how he feels.”

Messi’s “muscle overload” appears to be an issue that has been around for some time. He was noticed getting treatment in the first leg of the Nashville SC matchup last week while also missing the MLS game against CF Montreal this past weekend.

Messi has five goals and two assists in five games in all competitions this season. Miami is through to the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals while also sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference.

The post Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi Dealing With a Leg Injury, Will Miss D.C. United Game appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

In Miami, Suarez will be welcomed by former Barca teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

Suarez has been linked with a move to Inter Miami since the summer. However, his then-club Gremio didn’t want to sanction the 36-year-old’s departure at the time and only agreed to release him from his contract once the 2023 season in Brazil’s Série A wrapped up in early December.

Despite entering the twilight years of his career, Suarez has been in great form with Gremio. He scored 29 goals in 54 games played in all competitions this year and helped the club finish runners-up while winning the Best Player award.

Inter Miami didn’t disclose what type of contract Suarez signed. The club has all of their Designated Player spots filled with Messi, Busquets, and Gregore but could possibly strike a deal with the latter to free up the DP slot for Suarez.

“I will give my all to bring joy to these great fans I’ve heard so much about while I wear Inter Miami colors, and look forward to reuniting with great friends and players. I’m also eager to meet my new teammates and coaches, “said Suarez in a statement released by Inter Miami. 

The post Inter Miami Confirms the Signing of Ex-Barca Star Striker Luis Suarez appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Miami’s co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed the Alba deal, saying that the move is in its final stages.

“We’re going to sign Alba today,” Mas told reporters on Tuesday. “I know that [manager] Tata [Martino] is counting on him for the second half of the Cup.”

Alba will sign with Miami as a free agent after agreeing to contract termination with Barcelona following the end of the 2022-23 season. He was targeted by clubs from Europe and Saudi Arabia, but prospects of reuniting with Messi and Busquets proved crucial in his decision to come to MLS.

Getting Suarez on board as well might be more challenging. Suarez is still under contract with Brazilian side Gremio and his current club isn’t willing to let him walk away that easily.

Mas acknowledged that Inter has an interest in Suarez but said that there are significant hurdles in completing the deal.

“I don’t know how Luis Suárez can leave Grêmio. But if he does, we are free to talk to Luis and bring him to Inter Miami. That possibility would be there,” said Mas.

The post Inter Miami Set to Sign Jordi Alba, Eyeing a Move for Luis Suarez appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Martino, who last served as a head coach of Mexico’s national team, arrives as a replacement for recently-fired Phil Neville. Inter made the move official on Tuesday.

“Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself,” said Inter’s co-owner David Beckham in a statement. “We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team and excite our fans and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field.”

Messi never tried to hide the fact that “Tata” Martino is one of his favorite coaches. Martino is legend of Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s boyhood club. The two also collaborated together at Barcelona and Argentina’s national team.

Inter Miami now hopes that getting Messi and Martino back together, as well as the addition of Busquets, can help the club turn around their fortunes. Miami is currently last in Eastern Conference, with only five wins and 15 points in 18 matches in 2023.

This will also be Martino’s return to MLS, where he had significant success coaching Atlanta United. With Martino at the helm, Atlanta won the MLS Cup in 2018.

The post Inter Miami Hires Ex-Barca and Atlanta Head Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Messi is currently on holiday in his native Argentina and is not officially considered Inter Miami’s player just yet. He needs to wait for his contract with Paris Saint-Germain to expire at the end of June, and there are several details that need to be finalized in his agreement with the MLS side.

Still, Miami is already making preparations for Messi’s arrival. This includes increasing the capacity of their DRV PNK Stadium by 3,000 seats, getting the capacity up to 22,000.

Speaking with Miami Herald earlier this week, Mas confirmed that Messi’s Inter Miami debut is set to take place against Cruz Azul next month. He also talked about the influence Messi will have on soccer and sport overall in the United States.

“I think there will always be a ‘before and after Messi’ when we talk about the sport in the United States,” Mas said. “I cannot overemphasize the magnitude of this announcement. Having the world’s greatest player here is something that is significant for our league and for the football ecosystem in the United States.”

The details of Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami remain under wraps. However, it is certain that the 35-year-old will remain one of the highest-paid players in the world. Reportedly, his annual salary will be in the $60 million range while he’ll also receive part of the profit from streaming and merchandise deals.

The post Lionel Messi to Make His Inter Miami Debut on July 21 Against Cruz Azul appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

MLS later confirmed the move on social media.

“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don’t have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there,” Messi said about his decision.

Messi is currently a free agent after his contract with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of the 2022-23 season. The 35-year-old player had an offer from Saudi Arabia, which was believed to be worth up to $1 billion, and La Liga side Barcelona but ended up choosing the MLS.

“After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day-to-day more,” Messi added. “Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”

In order to attract Messi, MLS got very creative. Messi will reportedly be entitled to a share of profits from revenue that would be generated by new subscribers to MLS Season Pass and a profit-sharing agreement with sportswear giant Adidas.

On top of this, Messi will receive a rumored annual salary of $60 million to $100 million and an option to purchase a stake in an MLS team after he finishes his playing career. This is a similar option that David Beckham had when he came to MLS, and it resulted in his involvement in Inter Miami.

Another thing that might have lured Messi to MLS is the fact that Miami is considering hiring Gerardo “Tata” Martino as their new head coach. Messi is known as a huge fan of Martino, having worked with him in Barcelona and with Argentina’s national team.

The post Lionel Messi to Continue His Career in MLS, Set to Join Inter Miami appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Speaking with the UK media outlet The Times, Neville said that among the players Inter is targeting are Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi and longtime Barcelona standout Sergio Busquets.

“I’m not going to deny (it and say) there isn’t truth in the speculation that we’re interested in Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets,” Neville shared.

“We’re always going to be linked with the best players in the world,” he added. “We had Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi. Now we’ve got the opportunity to bring in some new designated players following their retirements.”

Both Messi and Busquets are set to become free agents at the end of the 2022-23 season in Europe, which would allow Inter to sign them without paying a transfer fee. However, the MLS side is facing an uphill battle as the duo will most likely draw interest from plenty of other clubs. PSG is rumored to have offered Messi a new deal, while Busquets is drawing interest from Saudi Arabia.

Inter Miami is entering the 2023 campaign after an encouraging run last year. They ended the regular season as the sixth seed in Eastern Conference before being eliminated by the New York City FC in the playoffs.

The post Inter Miami is Targeting Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets Says Head Coach Phil Neville appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to represent Inter Miami and give the best of myself,” Martinez stated following the announcement. “This is a club with high aspirations and that aims to be amongst the best in the league. I hope to help the team achieve its objectives and leave my mark at the club.”

After signing for Atlanta in 2017, Martinez established himself as a club legend, scoring 19 goals in his debut season to win the MLS Golden Boot. After scoring a league record of 31 goals in 2018, Martinez was voted the league’s MVP.

Martinez continued his fine form in 2019, scoring 27 goals before suffering a torn ACL that ruled him out of the 2020 season entirely. Since his injury, Martinez has struggled to return to form, scoring 12 goals in 2021 and nine last year as Atlanta missed the playoffs.

Following Gonzalo Higuaín’s retirement at the end of last season, Martinez is expected to become Inter Miami’s new key striker.

The post Inter Miami Signs Atlanta Legend Josef Martinez appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Gibbs, who is currently playing for West Bromwich Albion, has reportedly been on Inter Miami CF’s radar for a while. They already presented an offer to the player’s representatives in January but were rejected.

Under his current contract, Gibbs is making close to $100,000 a week while Inter’s proposal was believed to be “a fraction” of that figure.

After Gibbs showed readiness to engage in talks with Inter Miami, other MLS teams took notice. According to reports, the New York Red Bulls and NYCFC are also thinking about joining the race and try to lure the Englishman to the United States.

Kieran Gibbs, who is a product of Arsenal’s academy, made his pro debut in 2007. He was considered one of the most talented backs in the Premier League at the time, but the injuries and subsequent inconsistency stopped him from achieving his full potential.

Gibbs spent 10 years in Arsenal, making 230 appearances in a Gunners jersey and helping the club win four trophies, including two FA Cups. He joined WBA in 2017 and has played close to 100 games since then.

The post MLS Team Pursuing Ex-England International Kieran Gibbs appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Reportedly, the MLS side has been working on this transfer for a while and feels confident that the move could be finalized in the next few days. Shawcross is also keen on coming to the United States and is working with Stoke to have his contract terminated.

Stoke’s manager Michael O’Neill recently confirmed that Shawcross, who is serving as the club’s captain since 2009, could leave the club soon.

“There is interest from an MLS club, discussions are open and forthright on that, but nothing is concluded at this minute in time,” said O’Neill. “To be fair to the player, Ryan has expressed the interest if the opportunity is given, and we as a club have to recognize what Ryan has given us in terms of service.”

If the move gets finalized, Shawcross would be playing under fellow former England international Phil Neville. Miami hired Neville as their new manager in January after previously parting ways with Diego Alonso.

Ryan Shawcross started his pro career with Manchester United but never really got an opportunity at Old Trafford. He joined Stoke City in 2007 and went on to become a club icon, playing 453 games in all competitions.

Shawcross also played for England’s national team, making his only appearance in 2012.

The post Inter Miami in Talks with Stoke City Legend Ryan Shawcross appeared first on yoursportspot.com.