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New York Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Will Messi be banned after no-show? Plus: MLS calendar change talks, Spain reach Euros final
The Athletic FC ⚽ is The Athletic's daily football (or soccer, if you prefer) newsletter. Sign up to receive it directly to your inbox. Hello! Lionel Messi skipped Major League Soccer's All-Star game. The league is under pressure to respond in kind. On the way: Let's get the basic details out of the way first. Major League Soccer's finest took care of its 2025 All-Star game last night, beating a Liga MX select side, 3-1. Gilberto Mora, the 16-year-old sensation, did his stock no harm by scoring for Mexico's representatives (below). Fun was had by all. But the main topic of conversation in Austin centred on a particular player who didn't show: Lionel Messi. Two other big names, Jordi Alba and James Rodriguez, were conspicuous by their absences too but with the best will in the world, nobody was talking about them. MLS' poster boy swerving its annual showpiece gave the event an awkward narrative. Advertisement Messi was slated to appear in the All-Star fixture because, duh, he's Major League Soccer's main man by a mile, in performance terms and profile terms. The Inter Miami forward choosing to take the evening off puts MLS in an unenviable position. Technically speaking, punishment should follow. MLS rules have long held that anybody declining an All-Star call-up for reasons other than injury will be hit with a suspension. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, then at LA Galaxy, was banned for one game after sitting out the 2018 edition. 'It's ridiculous,' Ibrahimovic said, with trademark diplomacy. 'They do whatever they want. I come from a different world. I come from the real world.' Miami, as yet, have not indicated that Messi is injured. All the noises say that after Club World Cup duty and then five MLS fixtures in 15 days (in which he scored eight goals), the 38-year-old opted for a spot of rest. We're waiting with interest to see how the league responds. Club Leon's Rodriguez dropping out of the Liga MX line-up is neither here nor there. The Mexican league has no regulations or sanctions covering withdrawals. MLS does and if it pulls ranks with Messi and Alba, both could miss Miami's game against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati on Saturday — a key fixture, with implications for the Supporters' Shield. The temptation to treat Messi with kid gloves will be there, though. For the past two years, he's been the face of MLS, generating publicity for the league like no player before him (and adding value to Apple TV's 10-year, $2.5bn broadcast contract). Some would say he's bigger than MLS itself, and an icon that league officials would want to keep happy — not least because his contract with Miami expires after this season. All MLS commissioner Don Garber would say last night was that he and his colleagues were 'managing through that process (of whether to discipline Messi and Alba) as we speak'. 'We have an All-Star game that we think is a real priority,' Garber said. 'It is an important midseason break for us.' Advertisement MLS places a lot of weight on the occasion but it's a fixture of no competitive consequence, and in that context, I see where Messi is coming from. He turned 38 a month ago today and his physical reserves aren't as deep as they used to be. MLS could seek to fudge this one out. But rules are rules… right? At a specially-convened press conference yesterday, Garber had a whole lot more to say about the future of his league. Changes are afoot and in reality, they ought to be. The MLS commissioner revealed that its games are drawing an average TV audience of 120,000 — an increase of 50 per cent on the 2024 season, seemingly, but a modest number still. The competition wants to adjust its play-off and roster systems but by far the biggest proposal is a switch of calendar from the current spring-winter schedule (the way of things ever since MLS' launch in 1996) to a autumn-spring fixture list, aligning with Europe and, therefore, the European transfer window. An official vote hasn't been taken so far but Paul Tenorio did some digging and established that 27 of the 30 MLS owners are in favour of the switch. The existing season dates took into consideration the wide range of climates in the U.S. and the fact that, for a while each year, its main viewing competition would be Major League Baseball. Today, the title-deciding MLS Cup play-offs are up against the sharp end of the NFL and college football regular seasons, baseball's World Series and the beginning of the new NBA and NHL campaigns, all of them, turning eyeballs elsewhere. In short, it's going to happen. We just don't know when exactly. MLS has been evolving for almost 30 years and it feels like time for the competition to partially reinvent itself again. The women's European Championship this summer really is all about the goalkeepers. This, above, is how close Spain came to elimination in Switzerland yesterday, rescued by Cata Coll with literally the last touches of normal time in their semi-final. Recovering from inside the net might come to be her defining moment. Advertisement They went on to edge past Germany 1-0 when Ann-Katrin Berger — she of the wondersave to match all wondersaves in the previous round— allowed Aitana Bonmati to beat her at her near post deep in extra time (below). An attritionally frantic (and hitherto goalless) contest needed somebody to force the issue, and who else but the best women's player in the world? Bonmati came into the Euros with a question mark over her health. In the days leading up to it, she was admitted to hospital with a bout of viral meningitis, but footballers of her ilk stare such things in the face and do not blink. Did Bonmati mean that finish? Was it a fluke? Who cares? As England's win over Italy in the other semi-final on Tuesday showed, finding a way is all that matters. TAFC likes to acknowledge random or exemplary pieces of skill, and here's one from Champions League qualifying this week: Mons Bassouamina overhead-kicking like a demon for Pafos of Cyprus in their 1-1 draw with Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv. The deflection towards him veers up so steeply that it's virtually dropping from space. It's about the best judgement of a high ball I can remember seeing, and worth the admission fee on its own.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FC Cincinnati's Evander shines as MLS wins All-Star Skills Challenge over Liga MX, despite absences from Inter Miami's Jordi Alba and Club Leon's James Rodriguez
MLS bests Liga MX in All Star Game skills challenge Evander crucial in shooting challenge, passing challenge Jordi Alba, James Rodriguez did not show up despite invitations WHAT HAPPENED? MLS came out on top in the 2025 All Star Game skills challenge, besting Liga MX, 4-2 across a captivating five-challenge slate. MLS took the lead in the first challenge, Evander setting a new record with 72 points on the shooting challenge. Liga MX responded, though, as Brian Rodriguez led the way in a convincing touch challenge win. The third posed things nicely, with the honors split in the headers and volley challenge - largely thanks to hometown goalkeeper Brad Stuver making a flurry of saves as time expired. "It was fun, because I wasn't trying to break the record. To do so was great," Evander said after the match. "I'm really happy because we won today." And then, the North Americans took over. USMNT legend Clint Dempsey also did his part, appearing for MLS in the passing challenge and teaming up effectively with Evander to steer to push the momentum towards the Americans. Evander released ping after ping to see MLS through in the passing round to give the hosts a 3-2 lead. There was a chance for one last moment, too. And goalkeeper Yohei Takoaka provided it, floating a ball off the top of the crossbar to secure a win in the final challenge. Orlando City SC's Alex Freeman, who was participating in his first All-Star experience and skills challenge, praised Evander's efforts. "The experience was amazing," Freeman said. "It was a great experience to get to know the guys a bit we were able to win the challenge. We were all happy and we had fun out saw it today [with Evander] he did very good on the shooting challenge. He was very good on all of the things he was created a lot of stuff so he showed his ability there and I did what I could do to help him." THE BIGGER PICTURE Although the competition was marked by a fine level of quality, questions remain over ASG participation of MLS and Liga MX stars. James Rodriguez and Jordi Alba were both supposed to partake in festivities, but neither showed up. There is no definitive answer as to whether both players will partake in the ASG proper Wednesday night. Inter Miami's Lionel Messi has also not appeared in either All-Star training sessions or media day. DID YOU KNOW? Evander turned in a record breaking showing in the shooting challenge. He hit a duo of 10 point targets late to eclipse the record set by Hector Herrera, who set the mark with 65 in 2023. WHAT NEXT FOR MLS AND LIGA MX? The two leagues' rivalry will continue tomorrow night when they face off in the MLS All Star Game. Major League Soccer will be looking to change their fortunes after being seen off, 4-1, last year.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
⭐️ The stars set to shine in the All-Star Game
The Liga MX and Major League Soccer, MLS, will meet again on the field to compete in the All-Star Game, where the best talents from each league come together to compete in a soccer match and a skills challenge. This year, the event will be quite unique, as the growth of both leagues will allow us to see reunions of great stars who previously played in European soccer. From Liga MX, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Canales, and James Rodríguez will reunite with Lionel Roster MLS Goalkeepers: Dayne St Clair, Brad Stuver, Yohi Takaoka. Defenders: Jordi Alba, Max Arfsten, Tristan Blackmon, Michael Boxall, Alex Freeman, Jakob Glesnes, Andy Najar, Miles Robinson. Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter, David Da Costa, Cristian Espinoza, Evander, Carles Gil, Diego Luna, Hany Mukhtar, Jeppe Tverskov, Philip Zinckernagel. Forwards: Patrick Agyemang, Tai Baribo, Denis Bouanga, Anders Dreyer, Chucky Lozano, Lionel Messi, Marco Pasalic, Diego Rossi, Sam Surridge, Brian White. LIGA MX Goalkeepers: Luis Malagón, Kevin Mier. Defenders: Sebastián Cáceres, Willer Ditta, Luan García, Jesús Gallardo, Joaquim Pereira, Sergio Ramos, Israel Reyes, Ignacio Rivero, Carlos Rotondi. Midfielders: Roberto Alvarado, Juan Brunetta, Sergio Canales, Rodrigo Dourado, Erik Lira, Elias Montiel, Gilberto Mora, James Rodríguez, Marcel Ruiz, Agustín Palavecino, Alejandro Zendejas. Forwards: Dibier Cambindo, Hugo Camberos, Henry Martín, Paulinho, Brian Rodríguez, Alexis Vega This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 Ira L. Black - 2025 Getty Images
New York Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez headline Liga MX All-Stars to face MLS
Liga MX has named its squad for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, pitting the two North American leagues against one-another in a midsummer exhibition. James Rodríguez, Sergio Ramos and El Tri starlet Gilberto Mora headline a very strong roster for Liga MX, which will face an MLS selection in Austin on Wednesday, July 23. Advertisement This summer's event will see MLS and Liga MX face off for the fourth time in five All-Star Games, further shifting MLS's approach away from booking European opponents as part of their summer preseason preparations. After MLS won the first clash (in 2022) via a penalty shootout and won the 2023 installment outright 2-1, the Liga MX All-Stars got their first victory last summer in a 4-1 rout. Each league cobbles its All-Star rosters through a variety of means. For MLS, it's a balance of players who are voted in (by fans, media members and active players), selected by the host team's coach (Nico Estevez of Austin FC) and a pair of picks by commissioner Don Garber. For Liga MX, there's even greater variety. Some, including Mora – the youngest player to ever lift an international trophy by virtue of El Tri's Gold Cup triumph – and Mexico striker Henry Martín, were nominated for Mexico's annual Balón de Oro award. Others were named the best player at their position, including Paulinho (forward of the year), Alexis Vega (attacking midfielder), Agustín Palavecino (defensive midfielder), Jesús Gallardo (full back), Willer Ditta (center back) and Kevin Mier (goalkeeper). Another 14 players were selected by Club América coach Andre Jardine, who helms the team after being voted Liga MX coach of the year. Jardine ensured the inclusion of Rodríguez, Ramos, Uruguay international Sebastián Cáceres and U.S. international Alejandro Zendejas. Mexican Football Federation president Mikel Arriola will make the final two player selections in the coming days. To date, seven of Mexico's Gold Cup winners will take part, returning to Texas after having lifted the trophy there this past Sunday night. MLS announced its All-Star squad in late June. Lionel Messi will make his second straight appearance in the spectacle, joined by a less star-fueled roster instead propped up by some of the year's best performers to date. Among the selections are Mexico winger Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano and U.S. international playmaker Diego Luna (who chose to represent the U.S. over Mexico). Advertisement Here is the Liga MX squad to date: GOALKEEPERS Luis Malagón – Club América | Balón de Oro nominee Kevin Mier – Cruz Azul | Goalkeeper of the Year DEFENDERS Sebastián Cáceres – Club América | Coach's Selection Willer Ditta – Cruz Azul | Center Back of the Year Luan García – Toluca | Coach's Selection Jesús Gallardo – Toluca | Fullback of the Year Joaquim Pereira – Tigres UANL | Balón de Oro nominee Sergio Ramos – CF Monterrey | Coach's Selection Israel Reyes – Club América | Coach's Selection Ignacio Rivero – Cruz Azul | Coach's Selection Carlos Rotondi – Cruz Azul | Balón de Oro nominee MIDFIELDERS Roberto Alvarado – Chivas Guadalajara | Coach's Selection Juan Brunetta – Tigres UANL | Coach's Selection Sergio Canales – CF Monterrey | Balón de Oro nominee Rodrigo Dourado – Atlético San Luis | Coach's Selection Érik Lira – Cruz Azul | Balón de Oro nominee Elías Montiel – CF Pachuca | Coach's Selection Gilberto Mora – Club Tijuana | Balón de Oro nominee James Rodríguez – Club León | Coach's Selection Marcel Ruíz – Toluca | Coach's Selection Agustín Palavecino – Necaxa | Defensive Midfielder of the Year Alejandro Zendejas – Club América | Coach's Selection FORWARDS Diber Cambindo – Necaxa | Coach's Selection Hugo Camberos – Chivas Guadalajara | Newcomer of the Year Henry Martín – Club América | Balón de Oro nominee Paulinho – Toluca | Forward of the Year Brian Rodríguez – Club América | Coach's Selection Alexis Vega – Toluca | Attacking Midfielder of the Year
Globe and Mail
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Canadian men to face No. 14 Colombia in October friendly
Canada will face No. 14 Colombia in a men's soccer friendly during the October FIFA international window. The game is scheduled for Oct. 14 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J., the home of the New York Red Bulls. 'We look forward to facing more South American competition following our experience at the 2024 Copa America,' Canada coach Jesse Marsch said in a statement. 'Colombia is the type of high-level opponent that we want to be competing against as we continue our preparations for the upcoming World Cup.' The 30th-ranked Canadian men, who finished fourth at last summer's Copa America, have played Colombia three times before. Canada defeated the South Americans 2-0 in the final of the 2000 Gold Cup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and lost in two friendlies: 1-0 in October 2014 at the same New Jersey venue and 3-0 in March 1988 in Armenia, Colombia. Colombia was runner-up to top-ranked Argentina at last year's Copa America, losing 1-0 after extra time. Colombia captain James Rodriguez, who plays for Mexico's Leon, earned the Best Player Award and was named to the tournament all-star team along with Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez (Galatasary, Turkey). Fullback/wingback Alistair Johnston (Celtic, Scotland) was the lone Canadian on the Copa all-star squad. The Canadian men will play a second game in the October window in Montreal against a yet-to-be-announced opponent, Canada Soccer said. The Colombia fixture adds to a Canadian calendar that includes games against No. 45 Romania on Sept. 5 in Bucharest and No. 29 Wales on Sept. 9 in Swansea. Canada is currently at the CONCACAF Gold Cup where it faces No. 106 Guatemala in quarterfinal action Sunday in Minneapolis. The Canadians went 2-1-0 in the Gold Cup group stage, defeating No. 75 Honduras 6-0 and No. 81 El Salvador 2-0, and drawing 1-1 with No. 90 Curaçao. With two matchdays remaining in South American World Cup qualifying, Colombia stands sixth at 5-4-7, four points ahead of No. 47 Venezuela and five ahead of No. 80 Bolivia in the 10-team table. The Colombians, who drew Argentina 1-1 in Buenos Aires in their last qualifying outing, are scheduled to host Bolivia and visit Venezuela in the September window. The top six South American teams automatically qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup. The seventh-place side has a chance to join them via an inter-confederation playoff. Colombia winger Luis Diaz, who plays his club football for England's Liverpool, leads South American qualifying in scoring with seven goals.
