From Lionel Messi's Inter Miami having their homecoming spoiled to Julian Hall leading the way for the Red Bulls, MLS delivered another compelling weekend of football
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has joined the long list of sporting icons left in awe of Lionel Messi’s genius on the pitch. The Red Bull driver believes the Argentina and Inter Miami maestro possesses a unique ability to read the game that renders tactical preparation almost useless.
Barcelona icon Ronaldinho has offered a glowing endorsement of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, insisting that the club's legendary No.10 shirt is being "well taken care of" by the academy graduate. Speaking from Miami, the Brazilian reflected on the heavy legacy of the jersey he famously passed to Lionel Messi before praising Yamal’s incredible early impact at the club.
David Beckham has received high praise from Hollywood royalty for his transformative impact on Major League Soccer following the historic opening of Inter Miami's new $1 billion stadium. The Manchester United legend saw his side play their first-ever match in Miami city limits on Saturday, a momentous occasion marked by a special message from Austin FC co-owner Matthew McConaughey.
Son Heung-min has proven he remains one of the world's most elite creators after a historic performance for LAFC that saw him match a record previously set by Lionel Messi. The South Korean international dismantled Orlando City in a 6-0 rout, cementing his status as the premier playmaker in Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami needed late heroics from Luis Suarez to salvage a point after being largely outplayed by Austin FC in a mixed inaugural showing at their brand new stadium. Lionel Messi, inevitably, grabbed a goal, but the visitors created the better chances throughout and Miami were fortunate to walk away with a 2-2 draw on opening night.
Questions are being asked of whether Lionel Messi fever in MLS has peaked, with Inter Miami’s GOAT roadshow being likened to the travelling WWE extravaganza. Audiences will flock to watch superstar performers when that particular sporting circus passes through their town, but is mass appeal retained over a long period of time? Former USMNT star Kasey Keller believes Messi-mania may have plateaued in the United States.
Kylian Mbappe has offered a fascinating glimpse into what it was like to share a training pitch with Lionel Messi during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. The Real Madrid superstar admitted he was left stunned by the Argentine's metronomic consistency in front of goal.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber backed MLS to continue to invest in top European talent in an appearance on the Late Run. The executive, who oversaw the acquisitions of David Beckham and Lionel Messi, asserted that MLS no longer has to reach out to the top stars of the global game. He also touched on the possibility of promotion-relegation being a part of the league's future.
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