List of All Articles with Tag 'al'

Lionel Messi began his Inter Miami career with a bang as the Argentinian magician ended his debut with a stunning free-kick winner against Cruz Azul deep in stoppage time. Seven months on from lifting the World Cup, the eyes of the footballing world were trained on Florida as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his eagerly anticipated first appearance. Messi’s Miami debut has been years in the making and proved well worth the wait. After Robert Taylor’s excellent opener was cancelled out by Uriel Antuna, the 36-year-old struck at the death to send DRV PNK Stadium delirious and seal an unforgettable 2-1 Leagues Cup win. It was the dream end to an evening that attracted fans of all ages in ‘Messi 10’ shirts, with stars like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian and, of course, David Beckham among those in the sold-out, expectant crowd. The proud Miami co-owner watched on from a box next to the dugout, where the early exchanges made for uncomfortable viewing as Miami looked every bit the Eastern Conference’s bottom side. Inter rode out that early storm and took the lead just before the break as Taylor’s exquisite low strike went in off the post to Messi’s delight. The forward was cheered throughout and received a rapturous reception when brought on in the 54th minute, taking the armband as Sergio Busquets also came on for his debut. Jordi Alba has also signed up to join their former Barcelona boss Tata Martino in Miami, but there remains work to do and that was clear as Cruz Azul deservedly levelled through Antuna. The Mexicans could easily have won it as the clock wound down, but this was Messi’s night. The 36-year-old won a free-kick deep in stoppage time and there was an air of inevitability before he sent the resulting set piece into the top left-hand corner as fireworks filled the air. This was a huge moment for Major League Soccer and momentous night for North American football, 48 years on from Pele’s New York Cosmos bow and 16 years to the day since Beckham made his LA Galaxy debut. Messi’s name was chanted by excited fans through a match that the hosts began in ragged fashion as Cruz Azul toyed with the hosts. Carlos Rotondi sent an early effort off the post during that early barrage. Miami offered precious little in return but – following a break to deal with Ian Fray’s nasty-looking injury – a moment of magic lit up the game. Robbie Robinson’s diagonal pass found Taylor high and wide on the left, with the Finland international cutting inside, making space and slamming a low right-footed shot in off the far post. Messi was on his feet celebrating and soon gearing to come on, with the big moment eventually arriving in the 54th minute. Benjamin Cremaschi made way as the Argentina skipper jogged on to a huge roar and took the captain’s armband. Former Barca team-mate Busquets and Josef Martinez joined him as part of an exciting triple substitutions. There was an electric atmosphere whenever Messi touched the ball but the Mexican visitors were still making opportunities and drew level in the 65th minute. Antuna collected the ball in a dangerous and Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender was unable to deal with his drilled strike. Messi showed flashes of quality, skill and poise as play swung from end to end with both sides seeking a winner. Ignacio Rivero was denied Callender and there were a few hairy moments as this helter-skelter clash continued, with Messi threaded through by Busquets only to see a shot blocked. Martinez looked to have won it but Messi had strayed well offside before passing it and at the other end Christian Tabo was brilliantly stopped by Callender. Play was set to end in a penalty shoot-out but Messi had other ideas. Fouled by Carlos Salcedo, it set up the chance for an unforgettable finish and the debutant delivered a thrilling final blow. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Lee McGregor loses unbeaten record in punishing title contest Dunston v Gateshead friendly abandoned after masked men drive hearse onto pitch Jonny Bairstow hits back at critics after putting England on top in fourth Test

The Indianapolis Colts unveiled their new alternate uniforms and helmets. The reception has been less thanpositive.The Indianapolis Colts have arguably the most classic uniforms in football. The simple white and blue (or blue and white) with two stripes on the shoulder and two stripes down the p...

The US women’s national team triumphed 3-0 against Vietnam in their 2023 Women’s World Cup opener at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand as goals from Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan propelled the American side to three points.

Zack Martin is threatening to hold out of Dallas Cowboys training camp. With the front office juggling multiple contract negotiations, let's rank Dallas' priorities as camp gets underway.As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the new season, Zack Martin is here to infuse some stakes into Je...

The United States begin the defence of their Women’s World Cup crown as the four-time champions play Vietnam in Auckland tonight. The USA are aiming to become the first team to win the World Cup three times in a row, with stars such as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe returning from their victory in France four years ago. The defending champions are favourites to retain their title but they will face competition from the top European sides, such as England and Germany, who are confident they have closed the gap. The stage is set for the next generation to shine, such as star forward Sophia Smith, who is one of 14 players in the squad who are making their first appearance at the World Cup finals. The USA also have a new head coach from four years ago, with Vlatko Andonovski taking over from Jill Ellis, who led the team to titles in 2015 and 2019. Follow live updates as the USA begin their Women’s World Cup campaign. Read More FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures and full schedule Are the United States still the team to beat at the Women’s World Cup? Everything to know about Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird’s relationship, from Olympic first meeting to engagement

Group of 20 energy ministers were meeting for talks in India as extreme weather impacts parts of Europe,

No team has been more prolific than the Miami Heat when it comes to developing second-round picks and undrafted free agents into bankable NBA players. Five former Heat miracles are currently on the free agent market.The Miami Heat have put their offseason plans on hold while the Damian Lillard t...

Even though Bill O'Brien was hired as the new Patriots offensive coordinator, Joe Judge is still sticking around in an ambiguous role.What does Joe Judge have on Bill Belichick?It's the only question to ask after official confirmation that Judge is remaining on the Patriots staff t...

The Washington Commanders are once again mulling over the possibility of a name change. Here are five ideas to end the cycle once and for all.The Washington Commanders have only been the Washington Commanders for a little over a year. Before that was a brief stint as the 'Washington Footbal...

The Yankees revealed Jose Trevino will miss the rest of the season because of an injury he's tried to play through, days after Aaron Boone said he was fine.There's a reason a lot of Yankees fans don't take Aaron Boone seriously. It's not just because his in-game decision maki...

The Giants added free agent wide receiver Cole Beasley in a move that shows New York is throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks in the slot.To say that the Giants are covering all their bases in the slot for 2023 would be an understatement.On Friday, New York added to their alread...

Alex Morgan isn't retiring yet.