Latest news with #MLSEasternConference
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Can Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami to FIFA Club World Cup 2025 glory?
As the football world turns its gaze to the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the spotlight inevitably falls on Lionel Messi . The Argentine legend will lead MLS club Inter Miami into the global tournament with hopes of etching his name into yet another chapter of football history. Despite questions surrounding Inter Miami's qualification, there is no denying the buzz generated by Messi's presence. Messi, who will be turning 38 on June 24, may not possess the blistering pace of his prime, but his vision, technique, and leadership remain unmatched. Surrounded by a growingly competitive MLS squad, he brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality that could inspire Inter Miami on the big stage. The victory will not only be a big achievement for Inter Miami, but will also provide a big boost to the United States, who will be co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 along with Mexico and Canada. Is Messi ready for the Club World Cup? Following an exceptional performance in the 2025 MLS season, Messi has netted five goals in his previous three fixtures. His remarkable contribution has elevated Inter Miami's position from sixth to third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Messi has become the top performer in MLS, accumulating 16 goal contributions this season, with 10 goals and 6 assists. His outstanding form includes 5 goals and 4 assists during Inter Miami's ongoing three-match unbeaten run. Messi, who has become first back-to-back Player of the Matchday winner this season, is all set for the high-stakes tournament. Live Events Inter Miami, led by Messi, will commence their Club World Cup campaign in the tournament's opening match on June 14, facing Egyptian side Al Alhy at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Inter Miami will then take on against Portugal's FC Porto at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 19, followed by their final group stage encounter with Brazilian club SE Palmeiras back in Miami on June 23. Will Messi play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US? The primary concern among football enthusiasts worldwide, beyond the Club World Cup discussions, centres on Messi's potential appearance in Argentina's colours at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The uncertainty remains as Messi has not made any definitive statement about his participation in the tournament, despite his current involvement in the FIFA qualifiers. The football icon landed in Argentina on Monday to join his World Cup-winning national team for the 2026 tournament qualifiers. The schedule includes an away fixture against Chile on June 5, followed by a home match against Colombia on June 10 in Buenos Aires. Messi's last appearance for the national side was in November 2024. He failed to find the net during Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Paraguay on November 14, while in the next match on November 19, he provided the crucial assist for Lautaro Martinez in their 1-0 victory against Peru. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
USA Today
28-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal live updates: Time, how to watch Lionel Messi play tonight
Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal live updates: Time, how to watch Lionel Messi play tonight Show Caption Hide Caption Messi 'never imagined' he would achieve what he has Lionel Messi says his dream was only ever to be a professional, and thanked God for all his success Stats Perform Video FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Can Lionel Messi and struggling Inter Miami get back on track Wednesday night against one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer? Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal – ranked last place in the East, and second-to-last among all MLS teams – at Chase Stadium. It's the first of two matches this week for Inter Miami before they turn their focus to competing in the FIFA Club World Cup next month. And Inter Miami enters the match in desperate search of a victory. Overall, Messi's side has won just twice in their last 10 matches across all competitions, and dropped to seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference. They've conceded 23 goals, and scored 16 goals while losing five times and settling for three draws during that span. In their last match, Inter Miami stormed back with two late goals – a free kick by Messi, and another goal assisted by Messi – in a 3-3 draw with the first-place Philadelphia Union last Saturday. Here's everything you need to know about the Messi game today, and stay tuned for live updates from USA TODAY Sports during the match: Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal at Chase Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The match will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Messi is expected to play against Montreal, but his status will be confirmed when Inter Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before the match begins. Inter Miami 4, Montreal 1: Expect Messi, Luis Suarez and Inter Miami to get back on track with a multi-goal performance at home. Montreal and Inter Miami enter their match ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in surrendering goals to their opponents. However, Montreal is tied with Austin as the lowest-scoring clubs in MLS with just 10 goals from 15 matches this season. -Safid Deen Inter Miami is the favorite to win at home (-250), while a draw (+400) has better odds than a road win by Montreal (+550). The over/under is set at 3.5 goals, according to BETMGM. May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS) June 5: Chile vs. Argentina, 9 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying) Chile vs. Argentina, 9 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying) June 10: Argentina vs. Colombia, 8 p.m. ET (World Cup qualifying) Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal: Time, TV, how to live stream Wednesday
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi and struggling Inter Miami remain a work in progress with two matches remaining before the FIFA Club World Cup next month. Inter Miami, which had the best regular season in MLS history last year, is seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference after a recent stretch of just two wins, three draws and five losses in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Messi's side desperately needs a victory, but it isn't a forgone conclusion one could come Wednesday when Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal – ranked last place in the East, and second-to-last among all MLS teams. "Regardless of their position, I think if you watch Montreal's games, you'll see that in many of them they deserved much more than they got," Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said before Tuesday's training session. Montreal enters the match after relinquishing leads and settling for draws at home against two standouts MLS clubs in their last three matches: They finished 1-1 against Columbus Crew on May 14, and drew 2-2 against LAFC on May 28. Inter Miami ousted LAFC from the Concacaf Champions Cup earlier this season. They beat Columbus Crew 1-0 on April 19, and will host the Crew on Saturday before preparing for the Club World Cup. Inter Miami enters the Montreal match after storming back with two late goals – a Messi free kick, and another assisted by Messi – in a 3-3 draw with the first-place Philadelphia Union last Saturday. Overall, Inter Miami has conceded 23 goals while scoring 16 goals in their last 10 matches. "Above all, I want to prioritize and focus on ourselves, try to maintain what we've done in Philadelphia, improve in some areas – especially defensively – and get another win to boost the team's confidence," Mascherano said. When is the Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal match? Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal at Chase Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. How to watch Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal live stream? The match will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Is Messi playing vs. CF Montreal on Wednesday? Messi is expected to play against Montreal, but his status will be confirmed when Inter Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before the match begins. How has Inter Miami fared in their last 10 matches? April 13: Inter Miami settles for scoreless draw on the road vs. Chicago Fire. Messi to join Argentina before Club World Cup Messi has been called up by the defending World Cup champions, and expected to play with Argentina for two qualifying matches for the 2026 tournament. Argentina will visit Chile on June 5 and host Colombia on June 10. Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup June 14: Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami) Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami) June 19: Inter Miami vs FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta) Inter Miami vs FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta) June 23: Inter Miami vs. Palmerias, 9 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Messi and Miami fight back for 3-3 draw at Philadelphia
INTER Miami fought back from 3-1 down to grab a 3-3 draw at MLS Eastern Conference leaders the Philadelphia Union on Saturday thanks to a stoppage-time leveller from substitute Telasco Segovia. Israeli forward Tai Baribo scored twice for Philadelphia to give them the two goal advantage but Lionel Messi gave Miami hope with an 87th-minute free-kick before Venezuelan Segovia dramatically grabbed the point. Quinn Sullivan, called up this week by Mauricio Pochettino to the US national team squad, fired Philadelphia ahead in the seventh minute with a sweet strike after Miami's defence had failed to close down. Baribo made it 2-0 with an instinctive finish in the 44th minute as Miami's defensive troubles continued. The visitors got a foothold in the game in the 60th minute when Noah Allen floated in a cross from the left which was met by a firm header from Argentine Tadeo Allende. But Philadelphia restored their two-goal cushion when, from a long throw, Miami were unable to clear and Jean-Jacques Danley pounced on the loose ball and Baribo fired home. Messi beat Union keeper Andrew Rick with a characteristically well driven free-kick for his sixth goal of the season three minutes from the end of regulation time to set up a frantic finale. Jovan Lukic hit the bar from inside the box early in stoppage time as Philly looked to wrap-up the win but they were left crestfallen in the fifth minute of stoppage time when, after good work from Messi, Segovia pounced and blasted home. There was still time for one more chance but an unmarked Danley, who had an outstanding game in midfield, somehow headed wide from close range. While the result was a welcome sign of character from Miami, they remain with just one win in their past eight games in all competitions having conceded 23 goals.
Business Recorder
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Messi and Miami fight back for 3-3 draw at Philadelphia
WASHINGTON: Inter Miami fought back from 3-1 down to grab a 3-3 draw at MLS Eastern Conference leaders the Philadelphia Union on Saturday thanks to a stoppage-time leveller from substitute Telasco Segovia. Israeli forward Tai Baribo scored twice for Philadelphia to give them the two goal advantage but Lionel Messi gave Miami hope with an 87th-minute free-kick before Venezuelan Segovia dramatically grabbed the point. Quinn Sullivan, called up this week by Mauricio Pochettino to the US national team squad, fired Philadelphia ahead in the seventh minute with a sweet strike after Miami's defence had failed to close down. Baribo made it 2-0 with an instinctive finish in the 44th minute as Miami's defensive troubles continued. The visitors got a foothold in the game in the 60th minute when Noah Allen floated in a cross from the left which was met by a firm header from Argentine Tadeo Allende. But Philadelphia restored their two-goal cushion when, from a long throw, Miami were unable to clear and Jean-Jacques Danley pounced on the loose ball and Baribo fired home. Messi beat Union keeper Andrew Rick with a characteristically well driven free-kick for his sixth goal of the season three minutes from the end of regulation time to set up a frantic finale. Jovan Lukic hit the bar from inside the box early in stoppage time as Philly looked to wrap-up the win but they were left crestfallen in the fifth minute of stoppage time when, after good work from Messi, Segovia pounced and blasted home. There was still time for one more chance but an unmarked Danley, who had an outstanding game in midfield, somehow headed wide from close range. More misery for Messi and Miami with Florida derby defeat While the result was a welcome sign of character from Miami, they remain with just one win in their past eight games in all competitions having conceded 23 goals. Javier Mascherano's side are sixth in the Eastern Conference and the former Barcelona and Argentina midfielder praised his team's response. 'We showed character, personality. It was another difficult start of the game for us because in the beginning we conceded the goal… but the guys showed they want want to fight to get out of this situation,' said the Miami coach. 'We are in a bad trend, but with a lot of spirit to come back to be the team we were at the beginning of the season,' he added before demanding better from his back line. 'We cannot concede every single corner kick and every single throw in and give opponents opportunities to score… we need to be more focused in those situations,' Mascherano said. USA forward Patrick Agyemang had scored twice for Dean Smith's Charlotte but Malte Amundsen looked to have earned the Columbus Crew a point before Spaniard Pep Biel grabbed a 75th-minute winner for a 3-2 triumph. Mexican star Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano's stoppage-time header earned San Diego a 2-1 victory over the winless defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy. Former Arsenal and France striker Olivier Giroud's 77th-minute goal earned Los Angeles FC a 2-2 draw at Montreal while Duncan McGuire's first league goal of the season gave Orlando a 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers. Argentine Max Urruti's 84th-minute goal gave the New England Revolution a 3-3 draw at Sporting Kansas City after the visitors had let an early 2-0 lead slip.
