Latest news with #Soccer
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marquinhos hails Luis Enrique's impact and says PSG is ready for anything in the final
Marquinhos hails Luis Enrique's impact and says PSG is ready for anything in the final The Paris Saint-Germain captain highlighted the manager's role in getting the team to the UEFA Champions League final.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lionel Messi Issues Demand To MLS After Inter Miami Loss
Inter Miami CF only has one win in its past seven games following a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Florida rival Orlando City SC on "Sunday Night Soccer" during MLS Rivalry Week. Pressure was already mounting on captain Lionel Messi and head coach Javier Mascherano to turn things around before the match against Orlando, but the Herons' funk only worsened on Sunday. Inter Miami has now conceded at least three goals in five of its last six matches in all competitions. Advertisement After the game, Messi did a rare postgame interview. The international soccer star used the platform to issue a demand to MLS about another dynamic causing frustration amid the Herons' poor form: the officials. Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts against Orlando City during the first half at Chase Navarro-Imagn Images The Argentina forward spoke with Apple TV's Michele Giannone on the Spanish-language broadcast airing via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. It is worth noting that as the face of the league since his arrival in July 2023, the Inter Miami star reportedly has contract incentives tied to the success of the streaming service. "There's always something going on with the referees, some isolated plays," Messi said in Spanish, as translated and shared by USA Today writer Safid Deen on X. Advertisement "I think MLS needs to look a little more closely at the referees,' demanded Messi, 37. MLS' Spanish-language account originally posted a 1:56 video of Messi's interview on X, but it was deleted and a shorter version was reposted to remove his comments about the officials. Messi received a yellow card for showing "poor sportsmanship" toward the referee in the 75th minute of the loss to Orlando. Following Inter Miami's 3-3 draw on Wednesday, he had to be held back by San Jose Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena while going at the referee after the final whistle. MLS has a policy that prohibits public criticism of officials or other league members, which can result in fines. Former Inter Miami manager Phil Neville was fined in 2021 for claiming that the team is officiated differently from MLS opponents. Advertisement Related: Lionel Messi's Behavior Toward Inter Miami Fan Draws Strong Reaction Related: Argentina Makes Lionel Messi Announcement Amid Inter Miami Conflict
Washington Post
20 hours ago
- General
- Washington Post
United's ‘biggest result' under Troy Lesesne: An unexpected win at Cincinnati
D.C. United reached the midway point of the MLS regular season Saturday night with a hearty performance belying its turbulent spring. United scored twice in an early 17-minute span after going 495 minutes between its previous two goals. The improving defense played with resolve, Luis Barraza made a key late save, and visiting United startled FC Cincinnati, 2-1.
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
5 Reasons Liverpool Is Splashing The Cash On Florian Wirtz
Wirtz has emerged as one of the most talked about soccer talents out there. It's getting closer. Liverpool is working to complete the transfer of Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz in a deal that would shatter its transfer record. All seems complete, barring a final few details around payments. Regardless, should it happen, the total sum will hit nine figures, almost certainly entering the top ten most expensive soccer signings ever. Perhaps the top five. So, why is Liverpool going all out for the Germany international? Wirtz isn't a youngster who may become a household name one day, nor an established star fast approaching 30 years old. He's both young, 22, already superb, and will get even better. In today's climate, teams should expect to pay up for someone like that. His statistics back up his easy-on-the-eye style—quick feet, drop of the shoulder, you name it. A regular selection for his country, he's got at least ten goals and assists for Leverkusen these last two campaigns—Mohamed Salah his only company in Europe's top leagues. The number 10 is almost the complete package. Performing well on the field, Liverpool's commercial revenue appears to be rising, despite overheads—like player wages and the expanded Anfield stadium's costs—holding it back a little and leading to a loss in 2023/24. However, a key difference now is having a more cemented place in the lucrative Champions League, with overall finances looking positive. The Reds also held back in the transfer market last year, presumably sensing a Wirtz-like signing, earmarked before, could be budgeted for and achieved later. He's a long-term buy, too, an asset whose value will likely plateau or increase. Recently turned 22, Wirtz is an established senior player for club and country. One of the best moments to invest is when you're on top. Indeed, the Premier League champion may not pull such an upmarket talent when things aren't going as smoothly, so, from a Liverpool stance, now's the time to assert authority. And there's space for growth. On the road to the title (comfortably sealed ahead of second-placed Arsenal despite both slowing down as the result crystallized), it only accrued two more points than its third-place spot from the previous campaign while falling short in the cups. Ex-Liverpool CEO Peter Moore recently spoke about the virtuous cycle—win, improve, repeat. That's a good path. For Liverpool, it's convenient that Wirtz represents Adidas. From this summer onward, the same German sports manufacturer will return to the kit after 13 years away—in a partnership reportedly earning Liverpool at least €71 million ($80 million) annually. If Wirtz thrives in an LFC jersey, it will mutually benefit Liverpool and Adidas. The playmaker would help market the apparel. And, if Adidas sees enough value, it could feasibly pay the team much more down the line, edging closer to rivaling the most lucrative deals on the continent: Real Madrid, Barcelona, etc. As with every target, Liverpool will have done tonnes of homework on Wirtz, poring over all the data. For the money it's offering, it knows Wirtz can play centrally and on the flanks to a high standard, giving coach Arne Slot more tactical flexibility. Beyond the stylistic factors, a decent level of English will help him settle, not to mention a familiar face, newly joined wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, with whom he combined so well at Leverkusen. Although there's never a guarantee, Liverpool has cause to be confident.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fans shocked by Achraf Hakimi's surprise act after scoring in the Champions League final
Achraf Hakimi shocked fans on social media after refusing to celebrate when he scored his side's opener against Inter Milan in the Champions League final. The PSG star found himself unmarked in the box after a cross from Desire Doue, and poked the ball into an empty net to hand the French champions a 1-0 lead within 12 minutes. After bagging his ninth goal from right back this season, Hakimi declined to celebrate against Inter - whom he played with for one season in 2020-21. The Moroccan's gesture left fans online confused, considering the magnitude of the game. Many believed Hakimi was well within his right to cherish his moment, and derided his no celebration 'gimmick'. One fan wrote on X: 'Bro it's the UCl final, drop this nonsense gimmick.'
