Lionel Messi grabbed two goals and an assist in his first start for Inter Miami as they secured a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in the group stage of the Leagues Cup on Tuesday night.

Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets were both in Miami’s starting lineup, with the two pairing up to open the scoring. Busquets provided a lofted pass over the Atlanta defense to Messi, and while the number 10 hit the post with his first shot, he was able to collect the rebound, putting it in the back of the net.

22 minutes into the game, Miami hit Atlanta on the counterattack, with Messi getting on the end of a Robert Taylor pass to double both his and Inter Miami’s tally.

Taylor then went on to score before the halftime break before scoring in the 78th with an assist from Messi to complete a brace of his own.

“It was a good performance and I’m pleased we were able to make our fans happy. A very good game and we took another step in the right direction,” Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino said after the game.

This victory sees Miami top their group and book their spot in the round of 32.

The post Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Trounces Atlanta United appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Former Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets is in talks with Inter Miami over the possibility of joining former teammate Lionel Messi at the MLS club this summer, sources confirmed on Thursday.

The 34-year-old player is also believed to be in talks with Saudi Pro League clubs Al Nassr, the club of Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al Hilal after he decided last month against renewing his contract with FC Barcelona when it lapses on June 30.

Busquets’ possible move to Miami comes after Lionel Messi secured a deal on Wednesday to move to the MLS club. The pair played alongside each other for around a decade at FC Barcelona.

“The media said I was going with Busi to Saudi Arabia, that we had it all sorted,” Messi explained. “Everyone looks out for their own future. I am obviously awaiting [his decision], what he will do, but never in any moment did we agree to go one place or another. I made my decision and I don’t know what he is going to do.”

The post Busquets in Talks to Join Messi at Inter Miami appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi is considering a transfer to Saudi Arabia club Al Hilal, the rival of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, a source familiar with the negotiations revealed to ESPN on Wednesday.

Although a move back to Barcelona appeared more likely for Messi, it now seems more probable that the 35-year-old player will move to Saudi Arabia, where he heads the Visit Saudi tourism campaign.

The revelation comes after it was reported that Messi is unlikely to extend his contract at PSG. The contract which he signed in 2021 is set to expire at the end of the current season.

While FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his interest in bringing Messi back to the Camp Nou, his team’s financial problems make it increasingly unlikely for the Catalan club to sign Messi this summer.

Inter Miami has also been in the mix, offering Messi the opportunity to take his career to the United States. While the MLS club has been involved in long-term negotiations with the Messi camp, it remains unlikely that they will be able to compete financially with any offers out of the Saudi Pro League.

The post Messi Move to Saudi Arabia Increasing Likely, Sources Claim appeared first on SportzBonanza.

FC Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste confirmed on Friday that the Catalan club has contacted Lionel Messi to explore a potential return of the Argentina star to Camp Nou in the summer. This comes after much media speculation over Messi’s future and whether or not he would depart PSG at the end of his current contract.

After famously leaving Barcelona in an emotional farewell ceremony to the club in 2021, Messi signed with reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain as a free agent. While his PSG contract includes an option to extend for another season, Messi has so far not chosen to activate this option.

“Leo [Messi] and his family know the affection I have for them,” Yuste said during a press conference on Friday for the Barca Academy World Cup. “I participated in the negotiations that unfortunately did not lead to a successful conclusion. Of course, I would love for him to come back, for what it could represent at a sporting, social, and economic level. We are in contact with them, yes.”

The post FC Barcelona Confirms Club’s Interest In Signing Messi appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi was named Best FIFA Men’s Player in Paris on Monday, beating fierce competitors Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the award. This is the second time that Messi has won the award, having won in 2019 as well.

“It’s amazing. It was a tremendous year and it is an honor for me to be here tonight and win this award,” Messi stated upon winning the trophy at the full capacity Salle Pleyel. “I want to express my thanks to [coach Lionel] Scaloni and my teammates; without them, I would not be here. I achieved a dream I had been hoping for so long and finally, I achieved it. It’s a dream for any player; very few people can achieve that and I was lucky enough to do so.”

Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title; the nation’s first in 36 years. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored seven goals throughout the tournament along with two in the final en route to winning the Golden Ball award as the player of the tournament.

Messi won a total of five player of the match awards in Qatar; the most in a single World Cup tournament. He also scored a goal in every round of the competition, becoming the first player in history to do so.

The post Lionel Messi Wins FIFA Men’s Player Award appeared first on SportzBonanza.

FC Barcelona manager Xavi expressed his openness to allowing Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou after rumors reemerged regarding a potential transfer back to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

“This is his home and the door is always open,” Xavi stated during a news conference leading up to Barcelona’s Europa League playoff clash with Manchester United. Having drawn 2-2 with the Red Devils in the first game, Barca will have to win this match in order to progress.

“[Messi] is a friend and we are in permanent contact. It depends on what he wants for his future and how the club see it. He is the best player in the world and the best ever. He would always fit [the team],” Xavi continued.

Messi’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire at the end of the season. While PSG is eager to secure a new deal to keep Messi at the club, rumors emerged of Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, meeting with Barcelona President Joan Laporta.

In addition to the possibility of a Barcelona return, several other clubs have expressed their interest in signing Messi, including new additions to the MLS Inter Miami CF and several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

The post Xavi Expresses Willingness to Bring Messi Back to Barcelona appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos has confirmed that the reigning Ligue 1 champions are in talks with Lionel Messi over a potential contract extension. The 35-year-old forward’s current contract with the club is set to lapse at the end of the season.

“At the moment we are negotiating with Messi his renewal,” Campos announced. “I’d love to keep him in the project, I can’t hide it. We are negotiating to achieve that goal and for him to continue with us.”

Having joined PSG in the summer of 2021 after Barcelona was unable to renew his contract, Messi struggled to make an impact during his first season in France. This season he has adjusted more to life in Paris, scoring 15 goals and making 14 assists in 25 appearances for the Ligue 1 club.

Messi has become a crucial member of the PSG lineup, particularly after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. With Kylian Mbappe injured since the 3-1 win over Montpellier on February 1, Messi has become a more relied-upon member of the squad.

The post PSG Confirms Messi Contract Extension Talks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

A VIP seat for the clash between Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi team has been purchased for $2.6 million. The game, set to commence at the King Fahd International Stadium on Thursday will see PSG go head-to-head with a team made up of Al Hilal and Al-Nassr players.

The “Beyond Imagination” ticket, as it was marketed, was offered by the Saudi Arabian government. The ticket includes the opportunity to meet both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as well as access to both teams’ dressing rooms and the trophy award ceremony.

Bidding for the ticket started at $260,000 with the winning bid announced at the close of the auction on Wednesday. According to the Saudi government, the proceeds from the sale will be donated to charity.

The game will be the first time that Messi and Ronaldo have faced one another since December 2020, when Ronaldo’s Juventus defeated Messi’s Barcelona 3-0. It also marks Ronaldo’s first appearance since signing his $214 million per year contract with Al-Nassr. Ronaldo is set to make his official Al-Nassr debut when the Saudi Pro League leaders host Ettifaq on Sunday.

The post VIP Seat for Messi Vs. Ronaldo Game Sells for $2.6 Million appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from the Argentinian national squad after lifting the World Cup 2022 trophy on Sunday after a thrilling penalty shootout win against France.

Messi revealed that it has been his “childhood dream” to win the World Cup, thereby emulating Diego Maradona as he won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986. While he has achieved his ultimate goal, Messi admitted that he is still not ready to hang up his boots.

“I won the Copa America and the World Cup in a short time,” the Argentina captain stated. “I love what I do, being in the national team, and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion. I am going to take the Cup to Argentina to enjoy it with you.”

The final marked Messi’s 26th appearance in the World Cup; a new record for all-time appearances at the tournament. In addition, Messi is now Argentina’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, having taken his tally to 13 thanks to his two goals in the final.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his support for Messi’s decision, explaining that the Argentina captain is welcome to continue playing for the national team going forward.

The post Messi Decides Against Retiring From Argentina Following World Cup Win appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties following a tense 3-3 draw to lift the 2022 World Cup trophy at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday night. This marks the South American nation’s first World Cup triumph since 1986 and their third win in total.

“I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything,” Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni remarked on his team’s performance. “I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group. With the blows we received today, with the draws, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy, it’s a historic moment for our country.”

While Argentina raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half courtesy of a Lionel Messi penalty and an Angel Di Maria strike, the reigning champions clawed their way back as Kylian Mbappe scored twice during the final 10 minutes of regular time. Argentina looked to have grabbed the winner when Messi doubled his goal tally in the 108th minute, however, Mbappe converted a second penalty for France with just two minutes to play of extra time, thereby sending the game to a penalty shootout.

By lifting the World Cup trophy, captain Lionel Messi has finally won the trophy that had eluded him throughout his career.

The post Argentina Crowned World Cup Champions Following Triumph Over France appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi grabbed two goals and an assist in his first start for Inter Miami as they secured a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in the group stage of the Leagues Cup on Tuesday night.

Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets were both in Miami’s starting lineup, with the two pairing up to open the scoring. Busquets provided a lofted pass over the Atlanta defense to Messi, and while the number 10 hit the post with his first shot, he was able to collect the rebound, putting it in the back of the net.

22 minutes into the game, Miami hit Atlanta on the counterattack, with Messi getting on the end of a Robert Taylor pass to double both his and Inter Miami’s tally.

Taylor then went on to score before the halftime break before scoring in the 78th with an assist from Messi to complete a brace of his own.

“It was a good performance and I’m pleased we were able to make our fans happy. A very good game and we took another step in the right direction,” Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino said after the game.

This victory sees Miami top their group and book their spot in the round of 32.

The post Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Trounces Atlanta United appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Former Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets is in talks with Inter Miami over the possibility of joining former teammate Lionel Messi at the MLS club this summer, sources confirmed on Thursday.

The 34-year-old player is also believed to be in talks with Saudi Pro League clubs Al Nassr, the club of Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al Hilal after he decided last month against renewing his contract with FC Barcelona when it lapses on June 30.

Busquets’ possible move to Miami comes after Lionel Messi secured a deal on Wednesday to move to the MLS club. The pair played alongside each other for around a decade at FC Barcelona.

“The media said I was going with Busi to Saudi Arabia, that we had it all sorted,” Messi explained. “Everyone looks out for their own future. I am obviously awaiting [his decision], what he will do, but never in any moment did we agree to go one place or another. I made my decision and I don’t know what he is going to do.”

The post Busquets in Talks to Join Messi at Inter Miami appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi is considering a transfer to Saudi Arabia club Al Hilal, the rival of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, a source familiar with the negotiations revealed to ESPN on Wednesday.

Although a move back to Barcelona appeared more likely for Messi, it now seems more probable that the 35-year-old player will move to Saudi Arabia, where he heads the Visit Saudi tourism campaign.

The revelation comes after it was reported that Messi is unlikely to extend his contract at PSG. The contract which he signed in 2021 is set to expire at the end of the current season.

While FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his interest in bringing Messi back to the Camp Nou, his team’s financial problems make it increasingly unlikely for the Catalan club to sign Messi this summer.

Inter Miami has also been in the mix, offering Messi the opportunity to take his career to the United States. While the MLS club has been involved in long-term negotiations with the Messi camp, it remains unlikely that they will be able to compete financially with any offers out of the Saudi Pro League.

The post Messi Move to Saudi Arabia Increasing Likely, Sources Claim appeared first on SportzBonanza.

FC Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste confirmed on Friday that the Catalan club has contacted Lionel Messi to explore a potential return of the Argentina star to Camp Nou in the summer. This comes after much media speculation over Messi’s future and whether or not he would depart PSG at the end of his current contract.

After famously leaving Barcelona in an emotional farewell ceremony to the club in 2021, Messi signed with reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain as a free agent. While his PSG contract includes an option to extend for another season, Messi has so far not chosen to activate this option.

“Leo [Messi] and his family know the affection I have for them,” Yuste said during a press conference on Friday for the Barca Academy World Cup. “I participated in the negotiations that unfortunately did not lead to a successful conclusion. Of course, I would love for him to come back, for what it could represent at a sporting, social, and economic level. We are in contact with them, yes.”

The post FC Barcelona Confirms Club’s Interest In Signing Messi appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi was named Best FIFA Men’s Player in Paris on Monday, beating fierce competitors Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the award. This is the second time that Messi has won the award, having won in 2019 as well.

“It’s amazing. It was a tremendous year and it is an honor for me to be here tonight and win this award,” Messi stated upon winning the trophy at the full capacity Salle Pleyel. “I want to express my thanks to [coach Lionel] Scaloni and my teammates; without them, I would not be here. I achieved a dream I had been hoping for so long and finally, I achieved it. It’s a dream for any player; very few people can achieve that and I was lucky enough to do so.”

Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title; the nation’s first in 36 years. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored seven goals throughout the tournament along with two in the final en route to winning the Golden Ball award as the player of the tournament.

Messi won a total of five player of the match awards in Qatar; the most in a single World Cup tournament. He also scored a goal in every round of the competition, becoming the first player in history to do so.

The post Lionel Messi Wins FIFA Men’s Player Award appeared first on SportzBonanza.

FC Barcelona manager Xavi expressed his openness to allowing Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou after rumors reemerged regarding a potential transfer back to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

“This is his home and the door is always open,” Xavi stated during a news conference leading up to Barcelona’s Europa League playoff clash with Manchester United. Having drawn 2-2 with the Red Devils in the first game, Barca will have to win this match in order to progress.

“[Messi] is a friend and we are in permanent contact. It depends on what he wants for his future and how the club see it. He is the best player in the world and the best ever. He would always fit [the team],” Xavi continued.

Messi’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire at the end of the season. While PSG is eager to secure a new deal to keep Messi at the club, rumors emerged of Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, meeting with Barcelona President Joan Laporta.

In addition to the possibility of a Barcelona return, several other clubs have expressed their interest in signing Messi, including new additions to the MLS Inter Miami CF and several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

The post Xavi Expresses Willingness to Bring Messi Back to Barcelona appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos has confirmed that the reigning Ligue 1 champions are in talks with Lionel Messi over a potential contract extension. The 35-year-old forward’s current contract with the club is set to lapse at the end of the season.

“At the moment we are negotiating with Messi his renewal,” Campos announced. “I’d love to keep him in the project, I can’t hide it. We are negotiating to achieve that goal and for him to continue with us.”

Having joined PSG in the summer of 2021 after Barcelona was unable to renew his contract, Messi struggled to make an impact during his first season in France. This season he has adjusted more to life in Paris, scoring 15 goals and making 14 assists in 25 appearances for the Ligue 1 club.

Messi has become a crucial member of the PSG lineup, particularly after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. With Kylian Mbappe injured since the 3-1 win over Montpellier on February 1, Messi has become a more relied-upon member of the squad.

The post PSG Confirms Messi Contract Extension Talks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

A VIP seat for the clash between Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi team has been purchased for $2.6 million. The game, set to commence at the King Fahd International Stadium on Thursday will see PSG go head-to-head with a team made up of Al Hilal and Al-Nassr players.

The “Beyond Imagination” ticket, as it was marketed, was offered by the Saudi Arabian government. The ticket includes the opportunity to meet both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as well as access to both teams’ dressing rooms and the trophy award ceremony.

Bidding for the ticket started at $260,000 with the winning bid announced at the close of the auction on Wednesday. According to the Saudi government, the proceeds from the sale will be donated to charity.

The game will be the first time that Messi and Ronaldo have faced one another since December 2020, when Ronaldo’s Juventus defeated Messi’s Barcelona 3-0. It also marks Ronaldo’s first appearance since signing his $214 million per year contract with Al-Nassr. Ronaldo is set to make his official Al-Nassr debut when the Saudi Pro League leaders host Ettifaq on Sunday.

The post VIP Seat for Messi Vs. Ronaldo Game Sells for $2.6 Million appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not be retiring from the Argentinian national squad after lifting the World Cup 2022 trophy on Sunday after a thrilling penalty shootout win against France.

Messi revealed that it has been his “childhood dream” to win the World Cup, thereby emulating Diego Maradona as he won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986. While he has achieved his ultimate goal, Messi admitted that he is still not ready to hang up his boots.

“I won the Copa America and the World Cup in a short time,” the Argentina captain stated. “I love what I do, being in the national team, and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion. I am going to take the Cup to Argentina to enjoy it with you.”

The final marked Messi’s 26th appearance in the World Cup; a new record for all-time appearances at the tournament. In addition, Messi is now Argentina’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, having taken his tally to 13 thanks to his two goals in the final.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his support for Messi’s decision, explaining that the Argentina captain is welcome to continue playing for the national team going forward.

The post Messi Decides Against Retiring From Argentina Following World Cup Win appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties following a tense 3-3 draw to lift the 2022 World Cup trophy at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Sunday night. This marks the South American nation’s first World Cup triumph since 1986 and their third win in total.

“I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything,” Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni remarked on his team’s performance. “I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group. With the blows we received today, with the draws, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy, it’s a historic moment for our country.”

While Argentina raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half courtesy of a Lionel Messi penalty and an Angel Di Maria strike, the reigning champions clawed their way back as Kylian Mbappe scored twice during the final 10 minutes of regular time. Argentina looked to have grabbed the winner when Messi doubled his goal tally in the 108th minute, however, Mbappe converted a second penalty for France with just two minutes to play of extra time, thereby sending the game to a penalty shootout.

By lifting the World Cup trophy, captain Lionel Messi has finally won the trophy that had eluded him throughout his career.

The post Argentina Crowned World Cup Champions Following Triumph Over France appeared first on SportzBonanza.