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Lionel Messi pitch invader Inter Miami Independiente del Valle 2026

📽️ | Messi tackled by pitch invader during chaotic friendly

Lionel Messi was tackled to the turf by a pitch-invading fan during Inter Miami’s chaotic friendly clash with Independiente del Valle. The MLS Cup winners had been due to face Ecuadorian opponents on February 13, but the contest had to be rearranged. It eventually took place in Puerto Rico on February 26, with Argentine GOAT Messi among the stars on show.

L. MessiInter Miami CF
Fenerbahce-vs-Aston-Villa-UEFA-Europa-League-2025-26-MD7

Duran booked five minutes into Zenit debut

Jhon Duran’s career continues to be a whirlwind of goals and controversy, with his latest chapter in Russia starting in explosive fashion. The former Aston Villa striker, who recently completed a loan move to Zenit St Petersburg, found himself in the referee's notebook just five minutes into his debut for the club. It was a baptism of fire for the Colombian international, whose reputation for high-intensity play and occasional loss of discipline preceded him to his new surroundings. The 22-year-old was named in the starting XI for a pre-season friendly against Shanghai Port, a match intended to integrate him into the squad. However, the "friendly" nature of the contest was quickly forgotten when Duran became embroiled in a physical altercation with an opposition defender while chasing a long ball. The forward appeared to lose his composure during a battle for possession, leading to a confrontation that left spectators and officials stunned by its intensity so early in the game.

J. DuranZenit St. Petersburg
Lionel Messi Inter Miami Barcelona SC 2026

📽️ | Messi turns the clock back with stunning solo goal

Lionel Messi turned the clock back when scoring a stunning solo goal for Inter Miami in their latest pre-season friendly. The Argentine GOAT found himself lining up against Barcelona. He was not reunited with former employers from Camp Nou, but was in action on Ecuadorian soil. The all-time great gave those in the stands what they came for when dancing past defenders and hitting the back of the net.

L. MessiMajor League Soccer
Lionel Messi Rene Higuita 2026

📽️ | Messi recreates iconic scorpion kick with keeping icon

Lionel Messi recreated an iconic scorpion kick with legendary goalkeeper Rene Higuita ahead of Inter Miami’s latest friendly outing. The Herons, fresh from their historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, are readying themselves for the start of a new campaign. Javier Mascherano’s side are working their way through a pre-season programme in South America.

L. MessiInter Miami CF
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Lionel Messi Inter Miami Alianza Lima

Messi shirt swap leaves rival in tears after first game in 2026

There is always a scramble to secure Lionel Messi’s shirt whenever he takes to the field for Inter Miami or Argentina, with the South American GOAT facing plenty of requests. Alan Cantero was the lucky recipient of an iconic No.10 jersey following Messi’s first outing of 2026. The Alianza Lima striker broke down in tears after landing a prized momento at the end of a friendly fixture.

L. MessiInter Miami CF

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Nicki Nicole Lamine Yamal Barcelona

Nicki Nicole spotted wearing Yamal's Barcelona shirt

Argentine musician Nicki Nicole caused a stir as she turned up for Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy clash with Como wearing Lamine Yamal’s No.10 shirt. The global celebrity, who has been romantically linked to the teenage wonderkid, was joined by friends also donning the winger’s name – fuelling further talk about their relationship.

L. YamalBarcelona
FC Barcelona v Como1907 - Joan Gamper Trophy

Rashford’s open goal nightmare for Barca leaves Raphinha stunned

Marcus Rashford left Raphinha stunned as he missed the chance tap into an open goal during a friendly against Como. The 27-year-old forward, who arrived at the Nou Camp on loan from Manchester United this summer with an option for a permanent deal, was handed a golden chance to pad the scoreline. Instead, he somehow contrived to miss an empty net in front of a stunned crowd.

M. RashfordRaphinha
Arsenal v Athletic Club: Emirates Cup

Arteta claims Gyokeres will 'destroy' defences

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on new signing Viktor Gyokeres, who scored his first goal for the Gunners since his move to North London from Sporting CP this summer. The Premier League giants thrashed La Liga side Athletic Club 3-0 in their final pre-season friendly courtesy of goals from Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.

V. GyoekeresArsenal
Newcastle United FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League

ANOTHER Newcastle blow as Gordon suffers injury scare

Newcastle United have been dealt a major injury blow as Anthony Gordon picked up an injury during a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Gordon, who started as a No.9 in the absence of a main striker, limped off the field with a knock, leaving the fans sweating, although manager Eddie Howe later provided a positive update on the player's condition.

A. GordonNewcastle United

Frequently asked questions

Club America hold the record for the most Liga MX titles, having secured the championship 15 times.

Liga MX consists of a single table featuring 18 teams that compete in two annual tournaments, known as the Apertura and Clausura. This format allows for two champions to be crowned each season, fostering a dynamic and competitive environment in Mexican football.

Oscar Perez holds the record for the most appearances in Liga MX history, having played in an impressive 741 matches throughout his career.

Brazilian-born Cabinho is Liga MX's all-time topscorer. Cabinho scored an impressive 312 goals in just 415 games, featuring for sides like Tigres UANL, Leon, Atlante, and UNAM.

Former attacking midfielder Rubens Sambueza, who hails from Argentina, is the player with the most assists in Liga MX, registering 115 assists in 456 games.

Oscar Perez holds the record of being the oldest player to feature in Liga MX history. The legendary Mexican goalkeeper was 45 years and 247 days old when he achieved this feat in 2018.

Victor Manon, at the age of 15 years and 217 days, became the youngest player to ever feature in a Liga MX game. Manon was playing for Pachuca at the time.

Liga MX has seen a number of prominent players who have made significant contributions to the league. Notable figures include Hugo Sanchez, Rafael Marquez, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Carlos Vela, Andres Guardado, and Oribe Peralta.

Ricardo Ferretti, Miguel Herrera, Javier Aguirre, Guillermo Vazquez, and Matías Almeyda are among the most eminent managers in Liga MX history.

Estadio Azteca, which is the home of reigning Clausara champions Club America, is the biggest stadium in Liga MX. Azteca has an official capacity of 87,523.

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