Lionel Messi menjadi sorotan di paddock Formula 1 akhir pekan ini saat bintang Inter Miami tersebut dan istrinya, Antonela Roccuzzo, menghadiri Grand Prix Miami. Pemenang Ballon d'Or delapan kali itu menyempatkan diri beristirahat sejenak dari kesibukannya di MLS untuk berbaur dengan para pembalap tercepat di dunia dalam sebuah acara yang dipenuhi bintang-bintang di sirkuit Hard Rock Stadium, dan berkesempatan bertemu dengan George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, serta Franco Colapinto.
Mantan penyerang Barcelona, Maxi Lopez, telah mengungkap kisah awal karier Lionel Messi, dengan mengungkapkan bahwa bahkan Ronaldinho yang sedang berada di puncak kariernya pun mengakui bahwa remaja itu memiliki bakat yang lebih unggul. Meskipun saat itu ia merupakan pemain terbaik di dunia, ikon Brasil tersebut dilaporkan menyadari bahwa anak didik mudanya itu ditakdirkan untuk mencapai prestasi yang lebih gemilang.
Lionel Messi melontarkan kritik pedas terhadap keruntuhan pertahanan Inter Miami baru-baru ini, dan menyebut kekalahan 4-3 mereka dari rival Orlando City sebagai "tidak dapat diterima". Bintang asal Argentina itu tampak sangat kesal saat juara bertahan MLS Cup itu menyia-nyiakan keunggulan tiga gol di kandang baru mereka, Nu Stadium, sehingga memperpanjang rentetan hasil tanpa kemenangan mereka di stadion tersebut menjadi empat pertandingan.
Lionel Messi seharusnya menikmati malam perayaan di Nu Stadium, saat ia menandai penampilan resmi ke-100-nya bersama Inter Miami dengan sebuah gol yang mengingatkan dunia mengapa ia tetap menjadi penyerang paling tajam di dunia sepak bola. Namun, legenda Argentina itu pun tercengang saat Herons mengalami keruntuhan pertahanan yang parah hingga akhirnya kalah 4-3 dalam laga Florida Derby.
Inter Miami membuang keunggulan 3-0 atas Orlando City dalam sebuah kekalahan yang cukup mengejutkan melawan rival sekota mereka di Florida, kalah 4-3 dan memperpanjang rentetan hasil tanpa kemenangan mereka di Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi mencetak satu gol dan dua assist, namun pertahanan Miami-lah yang menjadi sorotan, dengan banyaknya kelengahan yang membuat mereka kehilangan poin di kandang untuk keempat kalinya berturut-turut.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
When were Arsenal founded?
A group of workers from the Woolwich Arsenal Armanent Factory, who called themselves Dial Square, formed a football team in 1886. They would later rename themselves to Royal Arsenal in the same year. In 1893, the club was renamed to Woolwich Arsenal, before finally being named just Arsenal in 1919, six years after they moved to Highbury.
Who are the owners of Arsenal?
American billionaire Enos Stanley Kroenke is the owner of Arsenal, purchasing the club via Arsenal Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE).
What is Arsenal's stadium called?
The Emirates Stadium is the name of Arsenal's stadium. It has been the team's home ground since 2006, replacing Highbury, which served as Arsenal's home venue from 1913.
What is Emirates Stadium's capacity?
The Emirates Stadium has a capacity of 60,704 and is among the UK's biggest football venues.
How many trophies have Arsenal won?
Arsenal have won 48 trophies till date, including 13 league titles and a record 14 FA Cups.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have Arsenal won?
Arsenal have 13 English top flight titles to their name, making them the third-most successful team behind Man Utd and Liverpool. They, however, won their last title over two decades ago.
Who has made the most appearances for Arsenal?
London-born Irish defender David O'Leary sits at the top of the list for most Arsenal appearances in history. O'Leary spent 18 years at the club and made 722 appearances in all competitions, ahead of Tony Adams, George Armstrong, and Lee Dixon.
Who is Arsenal's all-time top goalscorer?
Thierry Henry is Arsenal's leading goalscorer of all-time with 228 goals in 377 games. No other Arsenal player has scored over 200 goals for the club, with Ian Wright sitting in second place (185 goals in 288 games).
Which famous players have played for Arsenal?
Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, Dennis Bergkamp, Mesut Ozil, Robert Pires, and Robin van Persie are among the popular footballing names to have played for Arsenal.
Which famous managers have been in charge of Arsenal?
Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery, George Graham, and Herbert Chapman are among the biggest names to have been in charge of Arsenal throughout their notable history.
What is Arsenal's nickname?
Arsenal have a pretty unique nickname, called The Gunners. This nickname is a reference to the club's origins in the late 19th century, when a group of workers from the Royal Arsenal armanent factory in Woolwich formed the club. That's also the reason why the Arsenal badge includes a cannon.