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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Gomez slams LA Galaxy for 'bush league' treatment of Delgado
Gomez slams LA Galaxy for 'bush league' treatment of Delgado Show Caption Hide Caption Relegation in MLS? Tyler Adams thinks it should be added USMNT and Premiere League player Tyler Adams thinks relegation would make the MLS as a whole more exciting and competitive for the players and fans. Sports Seriously Herculez Gomez has hit out at the LA Galaxy for the club's "bush league" treatment of former midfielder Mark Delgado surrounding Sunday's match against LAFC. Delgado was a vital part of the Galaxy's MLS Cup-winning side in 2024, but was shipped to LAFC in an offseason trade. The midfielder faced his former team for the first time on Sunday in El Tráfico, but the Galaxy's plan to present the 30-year-old with his championship ring from last season went awry. Delgado was given his ring in an emotional ceremony on Friday. According to the midfielder, the Galaxy told him that video of the presentation would be played on the big screen at Dignity Health Sports Park during warmups on Sunday. The video would give Galaxy fans the chance to recognize Delgado's contributions to the team's record sixth MLS Cup triumph. But the Galaxy didn't show the video on the big screen at all. Instead, the club posted it on its social media channels the day before the game. 'I did that [filming] on Friday and I was told that it was going to be put on the day of the game during warmups, and clearly that didn't happen, just to clarify that," Delgado told reporters after the match. "So it was supposed to be a nice reception, a thank you, but clearly that didn't happen. 'It was nice [getting the ring], but, clearly what I was told didn't happen, so I was not happy about it. A lot of people were not happy about it, but I guess it was out of my control. I was told one thing, and another thing happened.' According to Gomez, the Galaxy threw Delgado under the bus with the late switch, attempting to show that he still maintained loyalty to his former team ahead of a big rivalry match. "This is just so bush league from the LA Galaxy on so many levels," the former Galaxy and U.S. men's national team striker said on "Futbol Americas." "They weaponized a social media video to try to hurt LAFC, like how he's one of us, he's never one of you, etc, etc. And fans see this and they get angry at Mark Delgado." Delgado was emotional in the video, which Gomez said had nothing to do with the Galaxy as a club, but rather the presence of so many coaches who have been with the midfielder throughout his career. "Make no mistake, LA Galaxy, Mark Delgado wasn't crying for you," Gomez said. "Those weren't tears for the Galaxy. Those were tears for his family. Those were tears for the people that were an extended part of his family. "I feel bad to see what the LA Galaxy has turned into this season. This is a storied franchise, act like one." The Galaxy and LAFC drew 2-2 in El Tráfico, pushing the Galaxy's winless start to 14 games (0W-4D-10L) — a MLS record for the longest winless run to start a season.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lionel Messi's Issue With Inter Miami Teammates Revealed
Inter Miami CF's 4-1 victory against New York Red Bulls in MLS play last Saturday was a breath of fresh air after a crushing 5-1 CONCACAF Champions Cup defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps. The bounce-back win appeared to be a huge relief for everyone in the squad — except captain Lionel Messi. Advertisement The Argentinian World Cup winner was in a good mood most of the match, most notably when he held off security to graciously allow a pitch invader to snap a photo with him. The Herons went up 3-0 in the first half, and Messi polished off the win when he got his goal in the 67th minute. However, soccer is about much more than the scoreline. Messi left the pitch at Chase Stadium against New York looking far from satisfied. In the buildup to IMCF's next MLS match against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, the source of his frustration has been revealed — a problem with his teammates. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that for Messi, the standard of the team was not high enough in the 4-1 win. Advertisement "He's a competitive beast," Mascherano said of Messi's frustration against Red Bulls. "That's normal. We know his level of demand, not only with himself but with all around him.' Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suarez (left) reacts after a goal opportunity created by Lionel Messi (right) against Los Angeles FC at Chase Navarro-Imagn Images Former United States Men's National Team forward Hercules Gomez, who attended the match in Fort Lauderdale, added a layer of context on ESPN's "Futbol Americas." "I was in the stadium for Inter Miami vs NYRB and Messi's frustration with his teammates was evident," Gomez wrote on X. "Things are quickly coming to a head." "If (Messi) gives it to one of Messi's friends — (Jordi) Alba, (Sergio) Busquets, Luis Suarez — he knows there's the capacity to return that play to him," Gomez explained. "There's a little more purpose and effort to the run. A lot of times when he gives it to another player, he waits. Because he knows, that's probably not going to get there... You can see Messi frustrated." Messi's frustrations are set to continue Saturday amid the absence of one of his "friends" that Gomez referenced, Suarez. The Uruguayan striker has been away from the team this week due to "personal reasons," and is not expected to play against Minnesota. Advertisement Messi and Suarez previously played together at FC Barcelona, as did Alba and Busquets. Suarez missing is a more direct issue for Messi, who plays next to him up top. Messi combines less frequently with Busquets, who sits deep in midfield, and Alba, who is deployed at left back. The Barcelona boys have assisted 13 of Messi's 25 MLS regular season goals for Inter Miami. As long as Suarez is out, Messi will have to find comfort playing alongside the likes of Fafa Picault, Allen Obando, Benjamin Cremaschi and Telasco Segovia. Every interaction will be under the microscope against the Loons as IMCF tries to build chemistry around the reigning MLS MVP at a crucial juncture in the 2025 campaign. Related: Lionel Messi's Behavior Toward Inter Miami Fan Draws Strong Reaction Related: Luis Suarez Sends Clear Message on Lionel Messi's Retirement
