Daily News 19

Tag: Inter Miami

  • Lionel Messi’s Sweaty Embrace Sparks Ciro’s Unexpected Reaction, Leaves Both Laughing After Inter Miami Win

    Lionel Messi’s Sweaty Embrace Sparks Ciro’s Unexpected Reaction, Leaves Both Laughing After Inter Miami Win

    Key Highlights

    • Lionel Messi celebrated Inter Miami’s 2-0 Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul with his three sons in a candid, sweaty family moment on the field.
    • Youngest son Ciro sparked laughter by touching Messi’s sweat-soaked jersey and smelling his hand, while Thiago initially hesitated before embracing his father.
    • Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami to open the scoring before Casemiro sealed the win on September 16, 2024.

    Messi’s Historic Night Ends in Unscripted Family Comedy

    Lionel Messi added another milestone to his storied career on September 16, netting his 100th goal for Inter Miami as the Herons dispatched Cruz Azul 2-0 to lift the 2026 Campeones Cup at Chase Stadium. Yet the image that lingered longest from the Florida night had nothing to do with statistics or silverware. Still dripping from the exertion of a full 90 minutes, the Argentine captain walked toward the touchline where his three boys—Thiago, 11, Mateo, 8, and Ciro, 6—waited, turning a routine post-match embrace into a spontaneous slice of family life broadcast to millions.

    The Sweat Check That Stole the Show

    Ciro, the youngest of the Messi clan, provided the evening’s most genuine humor. After tentatively patting his father’s soaked shoulder, the six-year-old lifted his hand to his nose, inhaling deeply with the curiosity only a child could muster. Messi, ever expressive, caught the gesture instantly. Father and son locked eyes and erupted in shared laughter, a moment of unfiltered connection that no choreographed celebration could replicate. Cameras caught Mateo watching the exchange with a grin, while Thiago, approaching adolescence, wore the look of a boy negotiating the boundary between public coolness and private affection.

    From Reluctance to Embrace

    Thiago’s hesitation was palpable. He pulled a exaggerated face, wiping his palms on his shorts as if preparing for an unpleasant chore, before finally surrendering to the pull of family gravity and wrapping his arms around his father’s neck. The progression—from comedic recoil to wholehearted hug—encapsulated the unique dynamic of growing up Messi: equal parts global spectacle and ordinary bedtime routine. By the time the confetti settled, all three boys were clinging to their father, the weight of a historic 100th club goal rendered secondary to the gravity of dad coming home.

    Why This Matters

    The Campeones Cup triumph marks Inter Miami’s second piece of silverware in 2024, following the Leagues Cup title, and underscores the immediate impact of a roster built around Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and now Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder’s late strike—his first for the club—signaled depth beyond the headline names. Yet the post-match scenes also humanize a franchise often viewed through a purely commercial lens. In a league striving for mainstream cultural relevance, unscripted authenticity—especially involving the world’s most recognizable athlete—generates organic reach that marketing budgets cannot buy. With the MLS Cup playoffs looming, the psychological boost of a trophy and a healthy, happy captain could prove decisive.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What competition did Inter Miami win on September 16?
    Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup, a single-match showdown between the reigning MLS Cup and Liga MX champions.
    How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami?
    The opening goal against Cruz Azul was Messi’s 100th in all competitions for the club since his July 2023 arrival.
    Who scored Inter Miami’s second goal?
    Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder signed from Manchester United in August 2024, netted the insurance goal in the second half.
  • Casemiro backs Messi to win Ballon d’Or: ‘He's still the best’

    Casemiro backs Messi to win Ballon d’Or: ‘He's still the best’

    Key Highlights

    • Inter Miami midfielder Casemiro publicly endorses teammate Lionel Messi as a contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.
    • The Brazilian World Cup winner declares Messi “still the best” despite the Argentine forward approaching his 39th birthday.
    • The verdict signals growing confidence within the Inter Miami locker room ahead of a pivotal 2025-26 season spanning MLS, Leagues Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

    Casemiro’s Bold Prediction for Messi’s 2026 Ballon d’Or Prospects

    Inter Miami’s high-profile midfield addition Casemiro has thrown the weight of his considerable reputation behind Lionel Messi’s bid to claim an unprecedented ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The five-time UEFA Champions League winner, who arrived at Chase Stadium this summer after a trophy-laden spell at Manchester United, assessed his new captain’s chances with unambiguous clarity. “He’s still the best.” The verdict, delivered without qualification, underscores the reverence Messi continues to command from elite peers even in the twilight phase of an historic career.

    The Inter Miami Connection Reshapes Expectations

    Casemiro’s endorsement carries particular resonance given his front-row seat to Messi’s daily routine since joining the Herons. The 32-year-old Brazilian international operates as the midfield anchor tasked with providing the defensive solidity and distribution platform that allows Miami’s attacking talisman to conserve energy and influence matches decisively. Their on-field partnership, still in its embryonic stages, has already produced glimpses of the telepathic understanding that characterized Messi’s most dominant Barcelona eras. With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and a congested 2026 World Cup qualifying calendar looming, the synergy between South America’s two most decorated active players could determine both club and continental fortunes.

    Historical Precedent and the Age Barrier

    Messi would be 39 years old by the time the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place, an age at which only Stanley Matthews (1956) and Fabio Cannavaro (2006) have previously claimed football’s most prestigious individual honor. However, the Argentine’s 2023 triumph at age 36 already rewrote the record books for oldest winner. Casemiro’s insistence that his teammate remains the sport’s premier performer suggests the Inter Miami camp views chronological age as secondary to Messi’s sustained output—18 goals and 12 assists across 22 appearances in his debut MLS campaign—and the unique tournament structure awaiting in 2026, where a potential World Cup swansong on home soil could provide the narrative crescendo voters historically reward.

    Why This Matters

    The Casemiro-Messi alliance represents more than a feel-good storyline for Major League Soccer; it encapsulates the league’s accelerating trajectory toward global relevance. When a player of Casemiro’s pedigree—four Champions League titles, five Club World Cups, a Copa América, and over 70 Brazil caps—voluntarily departs Europe’s elite tier to join Messi in Miami, it signals a paradigm shift in player power dynamics and league perception. The 2026 Ballon d’Or conversation will inevitably orbit around the FIFA World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where Messi could captain Argentina in defense of their 2022 crown. A deep run, combined with MLS silverware and Club World Cup success, would construct a compelling portfolio for voters. Casemiro’s public backing also reflects Inter Miami’s internal culture under Javier Mascherano, where veteran leadership is empowered to shape narrative and accountability.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Has Casemiro played with Messi before joining Inter Miami?

    No. Casemiro and Messi never shared a club team prior to the Brazilian’s 2024 move to Inter Miami. They faced each other numerous times in El Clásico matches during Casemiro’s Real Madrid tenure and in Argentina-Brazil internationals, but this is their first experience as teammates.

    What competitions could boost Messi’s 2026 Ballon d’Or case?

    The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (expanded 32-team format), the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, and the 2025-26 MLS season including Leagues Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup all offer high-visibility platforms for Messi to accumulate trophies and standout performances before voting concludes.

    How many Ballon d’Or awards has Messi won previously?

    Lionel Messi holds the all-time record with eight Ballon d’Or titles (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023). A ninth in 2026 would extend his lead over Cristiano Ronaldo (five) to four.

  • David Beckham’s Emotional Reaction to Lionel Messi’s Farewell from Argentina’s National Team

    David Beckham’s Emotional Reaction to Lionel Messi’s Farewell from Argentina’s National Team

    Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine forward announced his retirement from the Argentina national team for official matches.

    Beckham, a former England international and a personal friend of Messi, shared his message on Instagram, where he has more than 88 million followers.

    “This is the moment to look back and realize how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young boy with a dream… Leo, you have been a source of pride for yourself, your family, your friends, and your country. You led by example and became an inspiration to millions of children, not only in Argentina but throughout the world. Leo, you gave your country the greatest gift, and for that your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on everything you achieved with Argentina.”

    Lionel Messi announces Argentina retirement

    Messi announced his decision on Monday, August 31, sharing a statement he had written by hand two days after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.

    “After all this time since the final and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell you all that I am retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt me and still hurts me deeply, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear that I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but also before. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” Messi said.

    “No much time remains and different stages are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me tremendously. I love, loved, and will always love having been part of the national team. I gave everything and I have nothing left to give. Also, there are great young players coming up who deserve to be here. Thanks to my family for always being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more convinced of this decision,” he said.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Messi Leaves Teammates Stunned With Another Effortlessly Brilliant, Iconic Performance

    Messi Leaves Teammates Stunned With Another Effortlessly Brilliant, Iconic Performance

    Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his career during Inter Miami’s 7-1 MLS victory over Montreal, delivering a four-goal performance and providing an assist.

    The world champion reached 927 professional goals and moved into the all-time top three for free-kick goals. His spectacular free-kick finish left his Inter Miami teammates stunned, with their reactions quickly going viral.

    Messi’s teammates react to another historic performance

    Messi’s teammates appeared unable to believe they were sharing the pitch with him as he continued to reach iconic milestones despite being a veteran of the game. One teammate reacted with disbelief, while another celebrated with pure euphoria at the ease with which Messi makes extraordinary achievements look routine.

    The latest performance further strengthens Messi’s place in football history as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Messi Surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo in Goals, With His Lead Set to Grow

    Messi Surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo in Goals, With His Lead Set to Grow

    Leo Messi produced another performance worthy of his growing legacy as Inter Miami responded to a difficult run with a historic rout. The Argentine captain scored four goals and provided one assist, leading the club to the biggest win in its history.

    At 39, Messi continues to defy expectations. Rather than manage his workload, he remains central to Inter Miami’s attack while adding new records to an already extraordinary career. His latest display also reignited comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, even without the two players meeting on the pitch.

    Messi moves further ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in free-kick goals

    The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo defined more than a decade of football, with the two competing for goals, trophies, individual awards, and records. Although their careers are now at different stages, comparisons continue to emerge through increasingly specific statistics.

    Free kicks have become one of the most notable developments of Messi’s later career. The Argentine was rarely his team’s primary free-kick taker early on, but he has since established himself as one of the greatest specialists in football history.

    Ronaldo remains widely regarded as one of the game’s best long-range shooters. However, when it comes to direct free-kick goals, the statistics place Messi clearly ahead of the Portuguese forward.

    Messi scored two free kicks during his four-goal performance, moving within four goals of Marcelinho Carioca, the all-time leading scorer from direct free kicks. He also drew level with Jair Rosa Pinto on 74 goals.

    “La Pulga” scored one free kick before halftime and another in stoppage time. Between those goals, he added two more from open play to complete the first four-goal game of his MLS career.

    The performance also gave Messi his 62nd professional hat-trick and his 51st at club level. He has now scored 18 goals in the MLS regular season, moving to the top of the league’s scoring chart, and has registered 10 assists in the competition.

    Messi and Inter Miami face Atlanta United next

    Inter Miami’s next match is against Atlanta United on Saturday, September 5, at home. The club’s official schedule lists the game as its next MLS fixture after the meeting with Montréal.

    Messi will enter the match in outstanding form after scoring four times in his previous appearance. The focus will not only be on whether he can score again, but also on whether he can continue extending a statistical lead that once seemed almost impossible to build.

    As long as his legs continue to respond, Messi’s record collection appears far from complete. After a night featuring four goals and two direct free kicks, the question ahead of the Atlanta match is unavoidable: How much further can that lead grow?

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Messi’s Four-Goal Masterclass Narrows Cristiano Ronaldo’s Lead in Race to 1,000

    Messi’s Four-Goal Masterclass Narrows Cristiano Ronaldo’s Lead in Race to 1,000

    Lionel Messi has intensified the race with Cristiano Ronaldo to reach 1,000 career goals after another extraordinary performance at the age of 39.

    Messi scored four goals and provided an assist as Inter Miami defeated CF Montreal 7-1, taking his official senior career tally to 927 goals. The result also ended Miami’s five-match winless run in emphatic fashion.

    Messi scores four against Montreal

    Messi’s display was far more than a routine statistical boost. His four-goal performance included two free kicks, while he also created Luis Suarez’s goal.

    The Argentine has now scored 927 goals in 1,171 senior appearances. That return is particularly remarkable because much of his career has involved creating chances and controlling play rather than operating solely as a penalty-area striker.

    Messi has scored 31 goals in 34 appearances for club and country during 2026, underlining that his pursuit of 1,000 career goals is being driven by current form as well as past achievements.

    Ronaldo still leads the 1,000-goal race

    Cristiano Ronaldo remains ahead after scoring for Al Nassr against Al Taawoun. His official career total stands at 978 goals, leaving him 22 short of the 1,000-goal landmark.

    Messi needs another 73 goals, giving Ronaldo a substantial mathematical advantage in the immediate contest. However, the age gap between the two players could keep the race open.

    Ronaldo is 41, while Messi is 39. If both continue playing beyond the current season, Messi could have more time to reduce the remaining distance.

    Ronaldo also leads Messi in international goals, having scored 146 for Portugal compared with Messi’s 125 for Argentina.

    Even so, Messi’s four-goal exhibition against Montreal has added another twist to football’s latest individual race. Ronaldo may be only 22 goals away from history, but Messi’s remarkable scoring form means the contest is far from a procession.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Casemiro Puts Messi Ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo: “He is still the best”

    Casemiro Puts Messi Ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo: “He is still the best”

    Lionel Messi has quickly lived up to the expectations that followed Casemiro to Inter Miami just over a month ago. The Brazilian midfielder already knew what Messi could do after facing the Argentine in numerous club and international matches. Now, however, Casemiro is enjoying having Messi as a teammate and makes no secret of his admiration.

    Following Messi’s latest four-goal performance against Montreal, Casemiro praised both the forward’s ability and his influence on the team.

    “This is what it means to have Messi on your team. He showed it at the World Cup. We have to enjoy these moments because he is a player and a person who keeps making history,” he said after witnessing his latest four-goal haul against Montreal.

    “What we saw today is something we have to enjoy. We must keep supporting him and competing alongside him because he is still the best. This is what Messi continues to show the world. With him, we really are much stronger,” he added.

    Casemiro wanted to play alongside Messi

    Casemiro previously spent years playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at both Real Madrid and Manchester United, during a period when the Portuguese forward was regularly praised and ranked above Messi. Despite that history, the midfielder had made it clear that he did not want to finish his career without sharing a dressing room with Messi.

    That ambition became reality on July 22, when Casemiro left Europe to continue his career in the United States alongside the Argentine superstar.

    Casemiro scores first Inter Miami goal

    Inter Miami’s latest match also featured a significant contribution from Casemiro. The Herons recorded a historic 7-1 victory over Montreal, and the Brazilian scored his first goal for the club.

    Casemiro opened the scoring with a header from a corner kick, helping Inter Miami end a difficult run under Kily González, who replaced Guillermo Hoyos.

  • Lionel Messi Scores Four Goals as Inter Miami Net Seven in Record Win

    Lionel Messi Scores Four Goals as Inter Miami Net Seven in Record Win

    Lionel Messi scored four goals as Inter Miami defeated visiting CF Montréal 7-1 on Saturday, ending the club’s winless run in emphatic fashion and setting a new Miami record for most goals in a game.

    Messi opened his account in the 40th minute with a deflected free kick. He struck again in the 52nd minute after a remarkable solo run, then assisted Luis Suárez before completing his hat trick with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper with seven minutes of regulation time remaining.

    Messi added his fourth goal deep into stoppage time, curling a free kick with trademark precision into the side netting.

    Messi reaches another career milestone

    “That’s what it means to have Messi on the team,” Miami midfielder Casemiro told Apple TV. “We have to enjoy these moments because he is a person, a player that makes history.”

    We saw today that we have to enjoy it, keep supporting and keep competing with him because he continues to be the best. He proved it in the World Cup. We have to enjoy it because, with him, we are so much stronger.”

    The four-goal performance was the eighth of Messi’s career and his first since joining Inter Miami. His previous four-goal game came in February 2020, when he scored four times for Barcelona against Eibar in Spain’s LaLiga.

    At 39, Messi is also the fastest player in MLS history to reach 20 regular-season multigoal games, achieving the mark in 72 appearances. He leads MLS scoring this season with 18 goals in 19 games, two ahead of FC Dallas forward Petar Musa.

    “There are no words to describe such footballing beauty,” Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos, who was suspended for the game, said. “So much is going on that words simply fall short.”

    He is constantly looking for that goal, that play, that pass; I don’t think he’s an ordinary footballer. Analyzing him, both as a player and as a person, goes so deep that you run out of words.”

    Inter Miami ends five-game winless run

    The victory was Inter Miami’s first in MLS play since July 25 and ended a five-game winless streak in all competitions, including the Leagues Cup.

    Hoyos watched from the stands while serving a suspension for repeated violations of the league’s late kickoff policy. The club named Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez as his permanent successor this week, but Gonzalez is still waiting for his work permits before beginning his new role.

    “The significance of this victory is huge for everyone,” Hoyos said. “First and foremost for the players, the team itself, who truly deserved it and still do. For the club, which also deserves it given the immense effort involved; and for all of us working together.”

    We all deserve this, and what we’re experiencing right now is truly a great blessing. It’s also important for the club’s objectives, coming at what I believe is a crucial moment.”

    Assistant coach Rafael Pérez led Miami in Hoyos’ absence. Casemiro opened the scoring with his first goal for the club since arriving in the summer, while 18-year-old Alexander Shaw scored Miami’s other goal in the 89th minute.

    The result keeps Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, 10 points behind Nashville SC. Montréal, which introduced new arrival and Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Alexis Sánchez in the second half, remains 14th, second to last in the Eastern Conference.

    Source: www.espn.com