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Miami Herald
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
All eyes on Messi, Inter Miami as they face Al Ahly in Club World Cup opener Saturday
The first hint that Inter Miami's Club World Cup opening match Saturday is much bigger than a typical MLS game was the crowd of international media that showed up at the team's training site Friday morning. Club co-owner David Beckham was also there, another telltale sign that the game against Egyptian power Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium is a Big Game, capital B, capital G. Despite a roster that includes Argentine icon Lionel Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba (who is injured and will not play), Inter Miami is the underdog in Group A, which includes Al Ahly, 30-time Portuguese champion Porto and Palmeiras of Brazil, a perennial regional champion that features Chelsea-bound teen phenom Estavao. 'There are huge teams coming from all over the world, and that moves a lot of people everywhere; we're talking about great teams, with very important players that people love to watch,' Messi said in a FIFA video clip released Friday. 'It's a first for us. It's a different, new tournament. So, it's a great opportunity to watch the best players play out here in the United States. It's a big opportunity for South American teams, and also for teams that are coming up, to compete with European clubs — the top teams, the ones that are at the top of the game, that everyone looks up to.' Al Ahly is the highest-ranked African team in the world, a team that won that region's Champions League three of the past four years and has racked up 155 trophies over its 118-year history. Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, who was hired last month, makes his Al Ahly debut Saturday and vowed that his team will be ready. The whole world, and especially the rabid Red Devils fans, will be watching (8 p.m., TBS, TUDN) Meanwhile, there will be pressure on Messi and Inter Miami to prove that an MLS team can compete with some of the most storied clubs in the world. It will not be easy, as MLS has restrictive roster and salary rules, and Miami is still in its infancy, in its sixth season, while Ah Ahly was founded in 1907. 'The expectations are very high for a global tournament like this and the status of the clubs competing,' Suarez said Friday morning. 'But those of us who are veteran players are trying to impart to the younger ones to enjoy the moment and take advantage of this opportunity because a lot of people will be watching us.' Suarez acknowledged that the three MLS clubs (Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, LAFC) are at a disadvantage due to financial restrictions, but they remain optimistic that they can make a statement. 'We have the roster we have and we know the restrictions MLS has, that it doesn't allow us to compete at the level economically that we would like, but now we have a game Saturday and we are focused on doing the best we can with who we are. There are always favorites, but at the end of the day it's 11 v 11 on the field and that's where games are decided.' Miami will be playing with a depleted roster, as Alba, Gonzalo Lujan, and Yannick Bright are out injured, and David Martinez is questionable, according to Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. Unlike Al Ahly, which signed a half dozen new players to strengthen the roster for the Club World Cup, Inter Miami did not, despite Mascherano's requests to sign reinforcements. Asked why Miami did not add any players, a clearly frustrated Mascherano replied: 'Those of us inside the day-to-day at Inter Miami have been saying for two months that clearly we needed to get stronger, not only for this moment, in which we may be exposed with the injuries we have, but also because in planning our roster, in April we decided to unload two big salaries of Robert Taylor and Julian Gressel so we could have the possibility of making additions.' He reiterated that he has been asking for roster additions for quite some time. 'I have been saying for a long time, I am in charge of preparing the team and coaching the players I am given, and I would have liked to have had some reinforcements, especially in this type of competition,' he said. 'It is surely the most important competition in this club's short history. I worry about what I can control, and in the end, others will have to take responsibility for theirs.' Mascherano stressed that Al Ahly is a formidable opponent, and this tournament is a barometer to measure where Inter Miami stacks up on the global stage. 'It is one of the top teams in Africa, a team that wins its league regularly and comfortably,' Mascherano said. 'They made five or six additions to their roster, something we did not do. They changed their coach recently, but we don't expect them to change their style much. They are a physical team, which is very characteristic of African and Arab teams, and they have interesting players, especially from the midfield forward.' Spaniard Jose Riveiro, who recently took over as Al Ahly coach, discussed the challenges of facing Messi and Inter Miami. 'Messi is a player who can change the game at any moment, who impacts every facet of the game,' Riveiro said. 'You can't leave him alone for a moment. He has an incredible understanding of the game, which has not changed throughout his career.' Suarez added that he and the other veteran Miami players are highly motivated, though they have won many of the sport's biggest titles. 'We have a chance to compete for a prize, and we have to enjoy that at the age we are at, to be able to play another Club World Cup,' said the 38-year-old Uruguayan forward. 'On the field sometimes it's difficult because of how intensely competitive we are and we sometimes don't enjoy games as much as we should, but we have to. After many years of not having an opportunity to play a Club World Cup, now we do, and that is spectacular.' Messi turns 38 on June 24. Busquets and Alba are 36. Mascherano echoed Suarez's sentiments that this tournament is special for the quartet. 'We can't predict the future, but surely for some of these players, this will be their first and last time playing in this [new formatted] tournament because of their age,' he said. 'That is the challenge. It is a privilege to be here, but there is no need to put added pressure on ourselves.' Parking, Stadium Rules Parking opens four hours before kickoff at 4pm. Please do not arrive earlier as lots, roads will not be open. Driving to the match? Prepurchase your parking now to save $10 USD (link below). Gates will open three hours before kick-off at 5pm. Fans are encouraged to arrive to the stadium early and to be in their seats by 7:15 p.m. ET to enjoy the opening ceremony, featuring Vikina and Richaelio, curated by Grammy-winning producer Emilio Estefan Jr., and global stars French Montana and Swae Lee. For international visitors – don't forget that there will be a clear bag policy in place For more information or to purchase parking you can download the CWC2025 FIFA App or visit either or the Hard Rock Stadium Website. Direct link to the parking here.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manchester United pondering shock move for Alexsandar Mitrovic
Manchester United are considering a surprise move for Al-Hilal striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to talkSPORT. Given Mitrovic's familiarity with English football, he is viewed as a low-risk option if terms can be agreed with Al-Hilal. Advertisement The Serbian international left Fulham for the Saudi Pro League in 2023 but could now be set for a sensational return to the Premier League, with as many as three clubs reportedly keeping an eye on him. Alongside United, West Ham and Everton are also keen on a swoop for Mitrovic who scored 111 times in 206 matches across all competitions during his time at Fulham and was renowned for his aerial ability. The Serbian has also continued to deliver the goods for Al-Hilal with 68 goals in 79 matches. However, his place in the team could be under threat with the Saudi outfit planning a move for Victor Osimhen. That could open the door to Mitrovic's exit from the Kingdom Arena, and he is not short of suitors. Advertisement Having missed out on the now Chelsea-bound Liam Delap, Man United remain in the hunt for further offensive reinforcement after signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ruben Amorim's side have been linked with a move for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Lyon's Rayan Cherki. Given their current financial situation, Ruben Amorim's side are believed to be eyeing cut-price deals at the moment, but the potential sale of Bruno Fernandes could give the Red Devils more leeway in the market. Fernandes is a target for Al-Hilal, who have already offered the Portuguese international a lucrative contract, although he is yet to greenlight a move, while United remain firm in their desire not to sell. After recently completing their Asian tour, United are next in action next month when they face off against newly promoted Leeds United at the Strawberry Arena in Sweden.
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal face Champions League rivals battle as they look to follow Real Madrid and Chelsea with wonderkid transfer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL are facing intense competition for the signature of teenage Brazilian forward Luighi, who has been on the Gunners' radar for over a year. Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are stepping up their interest in the Palmeiras starlet after he extended his contract with the Sao Paulo-based club this week. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Arsenal are facing intense competition for the signature of teenage Brazilian forward Luighi Credit: Reuters 2 Arsenal are set to take guidance from Chelsea, who are set to welcome Estevao from Palmeiras this summer Luighi's new deal now runs until 2029 with an updated release clause of over £70million, but European clubs have been able to negotiate lower sale prices with Palmeiras in the past. Chelsea-bound Estevao, one of the players keeping Luighi out of the club's starting line-up, had a £60m clause before the Blues agreed a £28m deal to take him to Stamford Bridge. Estevao's summer switch to London should lead to more first-team opportunities for Luighi, which could be the key to him qualifying for a UK work permit. The teenager caught Arsenal's eye with a couple of goals for Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup in 2023. The 19-year-old played a starring role in Palmeiras' run to the final of the Under-20 Copa Libertadores earlier this year and appears to be on the brink of a first-team breakthrough. Reports of the Gunners' interest emerged in October when Joao Freire of Nosso Palmeiras described him as a player with 'an eye for goal and an ability to create space where none seems to exist.' Luighi's talents — chiefly his athleticism, fluid movement and close control — are well-suited to the fast-paced demands of European football and he has a similar dribbling style to Wolves star Matheus Cunha. Palmeiras' reputation as Brazilian football's top talent factory that launched the careers of Estavao, West Ham's Luiz Guilherme, Manchester City's Vitor Reis and Arsenal's own Gabriel Jesus adds to the belief that Luighi is destined for the top. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates Fellow Champions League semi-finalists Inter were alerted to Luighi's talent last year when an Italian agent based in Brazil recommended him to the club. And Borussia Dortmund are also showing serious interest as they look for potential replacements for Premier League-linked left-winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens It comes after Arsenal's Champions League victims Real Madrid scouted Endrick from Palmeiras in 2022.
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Arsenal face Champions League rivals battle as they look to follow Real Madrid and Chelsea with wonderkid transfer
ARSENAL are facing intense competition for the signature of teenage Brazilian forward Luighi, who has been on the Gunners' radar for over a year. Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are stepping up their interest in the Palmeiras starlet after he extended his contract with the Sao Paulo-based club this week. 2 Luighi's new deal now runs until 2029 with an updated release clause of over £70million, but European clubs have been able to negotiate lower sale prices with Palmeiras in the past. Chelsea-bound Estevao, one of the players keeping Luighi out of the club's starting line-up, had a £60m clause before the Blues agreed a £28m deal to take him to Stamford Bridge. Estevao's summer switch to London should lead to more first-team opportunities for Luighi, which could be the key to him qualifying for a UK work permit. The teenager caught Arsenal's eye with a couple of goals for Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup in 2023. The 19-year-old played a starring role in Palmeiras' run to the final of the Under-20 Copa Libertadores earlier this year and appears to be on the brink of a first-team breakthrough. Reports of the Gunners' interest emerged in October when Joao Freire of Nosso Palmeiras described him as a player with 'an eye for goal and an ability to create space where none seems to exist.' Luighi's talents — chiefly his athleticism, fluid movement and close control — are well-suited to the fast-paced demands of European football and he has a similar dribbling style to Wolves star Matheus Cunha. Manchester City 's Vitor Reis and Arsenal's own Gabriel Jesus adds to the belief that Luighi is destined for the top. Fellow Champions League semi-finalists Inter were alerted to Luighi's talent last year when an Italian agent based in Brazil recommended him to the club. And Borussia Dortmund are also showing serious interest as they look for potential replacements for Premier League-linked left-winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens It comes after Arsenal's Champions League victims Real Madrid scouted Endrick from Palmeiras in 2022.
New York Times
25-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Estevao Willian leaves pitch on stretcher after vomiting in Palmeiras win on 18th birthday
Chelsea-bound forward Estevao Willian left the pitch on a stretcher after vomiting during Palmeiras' game against Bolivar on Thursday. The teenager, who is set to officially join Chelsea from Palmeiras this summer, turned 18 on Thursday and celebrated his birthday by scoring in his side's 3-2 Copa Libertadores win over Bolivar. Advertisement However, later in that game, Estevao dropped to the turf and vomited, subsequently leaving the pitch on a stretcher and being substituted just before the hour mark. The Brazil international explained after the game that he struggled to get used to the high altitude, with the match played at an elevation of around 3,650 metres at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz, Bolivia. 'It took me a while to get used to it and unfortunately I couldn't continue,' he told Paramount+, as reported by Globo. 'It was really a matter of the altitude. It's surreal here.' Não dá pra fazer aniversário sem ganhar presente, né, Cria? 😂 Então tome dois: o gol e a vitória na altitude! QUE NOITE, ESTÊVíO! 😎 — SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras) April 25, 2025 The teenager was treated by the Palmeiras medical staff after returning to the bench. 'I told the players that they would suffer,' head coach Abel Ferreira said of the conditions. 'Here they would have to look for air to breathe. I climbed the stairs and I'm tired, imagine the players.' Estevao has scored seven goals and provided one assist in 22 games this season and will compete in the revamped Club World Cup this summer, where Palmeiras have been drawn into a group with Porto, Al Ahly and Inter Miami. Chelsea will pay €34million (£29m; $38.5m) up front for the 18-year-old winger with another €23m (£19.6m; $261m) tied to performance-based incentives at both his current club and his new one. Palmeiras are next in action against Bahia on April 27. ()
