Lionel Messi fans promised ‘priceless moments never captured before’ in final three episodes of Apple TV+ docuseries focusing on start to life at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi fans are being promised “priceless moments never captured before” in the final three episodes of the ‘Messi Meets America’ documentary.

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Argentine icon now in the United StatesDelivered Leagues Cup gloryCameras following his every moveWHAT HAPPENED?

That series has already opened on Apple TV+, with cameras capturing the historic events in Florida before, during and immediately after the Argentine icon’s arrival in the United States. Messi inspired Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory within weeks of his arrival, with a record-setting run through that competition delivering a blockbuster script for film makers.

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With the docuseries set to conclude in November, showrunner Scott Boggins has told the of how viewers are being taken behind the scenes in a remarkable sporting spectacle: “The first three episodes tell the story of this magical transformational moment, and you get a real sense of how it happened because there was a lot going on behind the scenes. Then you’re taken on this incredible ride through the Leagues Cup. Absolutely no one expected what had happened. You’re with that team during that incredible historic moment. That’s a great sports story.”

WHAT THEY SAID

Boggins added on what to expect from the season finale – with two more episodes set to be released on November 1: “The next three episodes are an amazing personal story. You start to see and really understand these individuals and you truly have a better understanding of Leo himself. These are priceless moments that no one has ever been able to capture before, and we’re so thrilled and so honoured that we were able to do it.”

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Messi scored 11 goals through his 14 appearances for Inter Miami in 2023. His season has now been brought to a close, with Tata Martino’s side missing out on a place in the MLS play-offs, but the all-time great is poised to land his eighth Ballon d’Or at a glitzy ceremony in Paris on Monday.

Barcelona schedule US friendly with Club America – due to take place just 24 hours after La Liga fixture with Almeria

Barcelona are set to take on Club America in Dallas on December 21, only a day after their final La Liga fixture before the Christmas break.

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Blaugrana schedule exhibition match in Dallas just before Christmas Set to play Almeria on December 20Club America currently top of Liga MXWHAT HAPPENED?

The Blaugrana have organised a friendly against Club America for late December, due to take place with very little time for the Spanish side to recover and fly to Dallas.

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The fixture comes just four months after Xavi's side embarked on a lengthy trip to America for their 2023-24 preseason tour. They have played in Dallas before, beating Real Madrid 3-0 in a summer clasico. According to a cut of the proceeds from the match will be donated to relief efforts for Hurricane Otis, which hit Mexico a few weeks ago.

DID YOU KNOW?

This is the second time Barca have announced a fixture with a quick turnaround this year. They flew to Japan on June 6 to take on Vissel Kobe, a game that kicked off less than two days after the final contest of their 2022-23 title-winning season.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Barca's next fixture is on November 25, when they will line up against Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga clash.

WATCH: Vintage Jose Mourinho! Roma boss runs to bear hug ball boy as he celebrates Giallorossi goal in victory over Udinese

An elated Jose Mourinho bear hugged a ball boy on the sideline after AS Roma scored a late goal against Udinese on Sunday.

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Mourinho bear hugged ball boy after Roma's win over UdineseRoma beat Udinese 3-1 in Serie AGiallorossi fifth in Serie AWHAT HAPPENED?

Giallorossi took the lead through Gianluca Mancini's strike in the first half before Florian Thauvin brought Udinese back in the game with a 57th-minute equaliser. The hosts then regained their lead in the 81st minute thanks to Paulo Dybala's goal before Stephan El Shaarawy ensured all three points for his side with a 90th-minute goal.

Manager Mourinho could not keep his calm after El Shaarawy's winner as he ran towards the Roma bench and bear-hugged the first person he saw which happened to be a ball boy.

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Speaking to reporters after the match, the legendary manager said, "I celebrated the goal that closed the match… there was a kid, luckily it wasn’t a woman or a policeman. He was the first one I saw in front of me!"

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AS Roma finally got back to winning ways and climbed up to the fifth position in Serie A as they now have 21 points from 13 matches. They will next take on Servette in the Europa League on Thursday.

Man Utd outcast Donny van de Beek sensationally offers himself to Barcelona as potential Gavi replacement – despite Juventus negotiating loan transfer

Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek has sensationally offered himself to Barcelona as potential cover for the injured Gavi.

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Dutch midfielder struggling for game timeEndured a testing spell at Old TraffordLikely to be on the move in January windowWHAT HAPPENED?

The Liga giants are exploring their options heading towards the January transfer window. The intention at Camp Nou is to bring in another midfielder that can help to bolster Xavi’s ranks while teen sensation Gavi recovers from a season-ending ACL injury.

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A loan deal could be done in the winter window and, according to , Van de Beek is ready to answer the call in Catalunya. The Netherlands international midfielder has played just 21 minutes of football for United this season through two substitute appearances in Carabao Cup and Premier League competition.

DID YOU KNOW?

Van de Beek has struggled to make an impact since moving to Old Trafford from Ajax in 2020 and desperately needs a new challenge in order to get his faltering career back on track. He has already spent time on loan at Everton amid struggles for game time in Manchester and has made Barca aware that he would jump at the chance to join their cause.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR VAN DE BEEK?

Van de Beek is, however, already being lined up for a move to Serie A giants Juventus. Talks are said to be taking place there regarding a six-month loan in Turin, but the 26-year-old could shun interest from the Bianconeri were Barcelona to decide that he could slot into their squad alongside fellow countryman and former Ajax team-mate Frenkie de Jong.

Erik ten Hag provides Luke Shaw update as Man Utd full-back ruled a ‘doubt’ for Luton clash – with Aaron Wan-Bissaka sidelined for longer

Erik ten Hag is hopeful that Luke Shaw will be fit for Manchester United's Premier League match against Luton on Sunday after suffering an injury.

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Shaw substituted as precaution vs VillaTen Hag hopes he is available on SundayWan-Bissaka ruled out of Luton fixtureWHAT HAPPENED?

Shaw was substituted at half-time during his team's 2-1 win at Aston Villa last Sunday, sparking fears that he may have suffered a setback after sustaining another injury after a recent return to action for the Red Devils. Ten Hag says the defender was taken off as a precaution and may be available for the weekend's match.

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Ten Hag told reporters: "Yes, so he is doubtful for the weekend but we are positive he can make it. So, he fell out [of the game], it was a precaution [to substitute him] and I think it was the right decision, especially when you, afterwards, win the game. But we are working to Sunday."

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While the manager is optimistic about the England international, he revealed some bad news about fellow defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia as well as midfielder Mason Mount.

He added: "First, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will take some weeks because he picked up another injury in the training last week. Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia will take some more weeks."

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United sit sixth in the Premier League table and are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions. The Red Devils will hope to stretch that run to seven games in an effort to boost their hopes of breaking into the top four.

Lionel Messi mania! Inter Miami fill every spot in top 25 most in-demand MLS games for 2024 – with fans from 44 countries buying tickets

Lionel Messi mania is showing no sign of slowing down, with Inter Miami filling every spot in the top 25 most in-demand MLS games for 2024.

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Argentine icon moved to America in 2023Made immediate impact on & off the fieldEveryone wants to see all-time great in actionWHAT HAPPENED?

The Herons pulled off a stunning transfer coup in 2023 when luring eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi to Florida. He has made an immediate impact on and off the field, with major silverware already secured, and interest in the Argentine remains high heading into the new season.

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Data from , based on cumulative ticket sales, shows that everyone wants a piece of Inter Miami. Ten of their away games for 2024 feature in the top 25 in-demand list – with a trip to face the LA Galaxy on February 25 – topping the charts.

DID YOU KNOW?

A meeting with the New England Revolution, which will take place in front of 65,000 fans at the Gillette Stadium home of the Patriots NFL franchise, is second on the list – while Inter Miami have sold out their season tickets and sales in the Sunshine State are up 150% from the start of 2023.

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StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli has said of the surge in interest since Messi arrived in America: “The impact of Messi's arrival to Inter Miami CF continues to be momentous, with increased global demand on StubHub. The surge in sales for Inter Miami, and the league as a whole, are a testament to his legacy as a soccer star. Messi's influence extends beyond the confines of his home stadium, driving demand on the road, from buyers all over the world and most especially his native country, Argentina.”

VIDEO: Fabio Carvalho has a cannon! Liverpool loanee scores brilliant 20-yard screamer for Hull to continue bright start to life in Championship

Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho continued his bright start to his spell with Hull City after scoring a stunning long-range strike against West Brom.

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Carvalho scores stunner for HullLiverpool loanee in good formWinger's third goal in eight gamesWHAT HAPPENED?

The on-loan Reds youngster thumped the Tigers ahead against the Baggies with a superb 20-yard strike, only for Darnell Furlong to equalise as the Championship clash ended in a 1-1 draw. That goal was Carvalho's third goal in eight games since joining Liam Rosenior's side in January.

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Much was expected of Carvalho when he moved to Liverpool from Fulham in 2022 for a fee potentially rising to £7.7 million ($10m). Despite popping up with some important goals, he struggled to break into Jurgen Klopp's first-team. After failing to impress on loan at RB Leipzig at the start of this season, the 21-year-old is reminding many just how talented he is.

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WHAT NEXT?

Carvalho's Hull, who are sixth in the Championship and are on course for a play-off place, are next in action away to fellow promotion hopefuls Preston on March 2, before hosting Birmingham City three days later.

Leeds: Jones drops exciting Traore claim

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made an exciting claim regarding Leeds United and a possible pursuit of Wolves winger Adama Traore. 

The lowdown: Traore’s troubles

In January, the 26-year-old joined Barcelona on loan until the end of the season, with a £29m permanent option included in the deal.

However, since arriving in Spain, the powerful ace has made just 10 La Liga appearances for the Catalan giants, completing 90 minutes on only one occasion.

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Traore is now expected to return to Molineux at the end of the season, where his future remains in the balance.

The latest: Traore ‘open’ to Leeds move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has suggested that Leeds will likely be among the leading contenders to land the Spain winger in the summer.

The journalist explained: “He knows they want him. I think he’s been open to it in the past. If there’s no future for him at Wolves, or Barcelona, then he will have to consider it.”

The verdict: Worth the risk

Traore was once dubbed ‘undefendable’ by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp due to his frightening pace, power and direct running style, possessing all the raw attributes to succeed at a high level, but he has often flattered to deceive in the final third.

Despite the eight-cap Spain international’s frightening physicality, he has just 24 direct goal contributions in 160 Premier League appearances and has earned a lowly 6.94 Sofascore rating in the Spanish top flight this term – taking only 23 touches per game – in a disappointing 2021/22 campaign.

However, with the long term future of Raphinha at Elland Road in doubt and fellow winger Dan James failing to hit the ground running in Yorkshire, Whites manager Jesse Marsch would indeed be wise to keep Traore in mind if the price is right this summer as Wolves potentially look to cut their losses on the 26-year-old.

In other news: Leeds want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Sunderland make move to sign Alex Gorrin

A big update has emerged regarding Sunderland’s pursuit of Alex Gorrin heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, a source has revealed that the Black Cats have made their move to land the midfielder as their first signing ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that he will be a free agent at the end of next month if he is unable to agree fresh terms with Oxford United, and Kristjaan Speakman is pouncing on the opportunity to snap the gem up.

A number of other clubs are also said to be keen on the 28-year-old’s services, whilst his current employers have not given up hope of keeping hold of him.

Alex Neil will be buzzing

Neil will surely be buzzing with this news, as the Spaniard can be a solid addition to his Sunderland squad heading into next season.

In League One this season, Gorrin averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.83 across 13 matches prior to suffering a blow in the first half of the campaign. This comes after he averaged scores of 6.87 and 6.84 in the two previous third-tier campaigns, showing that he is a consistent performer at this level.

For context, Dan Neil, Corry Evans, Jay Matete, Carl Winchester and Lynden Gooch are among the Sunderland players who averaged ratings of 6.83 or lower this season.

This suggests that the Oxford man would provide strong competition in the middle of the park and bolster Neil’s options in that area. He has shown that he is a reliable player in League One and, if the Black Cats fail in the play-off final, he would be a shrewd addition to the squad for another crack at trying to get out of the division.

However, he is currently sidelined with an ACL injury that he sustained in November, which means that the club are running the risk of him returning in pre-season and not being at the same level he was before.

It is worth the risk for Sunderland, though, as they would not be shelling out a fee for the Spaniard and would therefore not be losing out on too much if he flops.

Neil will be buzzing with the club’s efforts to sign the midfielder and will be delighted that he is on course to receive a potential improvement to his squad without a huge chunk of his budget being used.

Speakman must now piece together a contract offer which will tempt Gorrin to reject a new deal at Oxford and convince him to make the switch to the Stadium of Light.

AND in other news, Speakman nightmare: Sunderland had a disaster on “instrumental” 27 y/o who’s “outstanding”…

Rodri stole show in Man City’s title win

Manchester City defeated Aston Villa 3-2 to finally be crowned Premier League champions in a thrilling encounter at The Etihad Stadium today. Ilkay Gundogan grabbed the headlines with two goals that made sure City were victorious, but it was “monster” midfielder Rodri who stole the show and was key to them winning the title.

A player that’s often overlooked, the Spaniard has been pivotal for City this season and is the natural successor to the outgoing Fernandinho.

The 25-year-old moved to Manchester back in 2019 for £62.8m joining from Atletico Madrid as a relatively unknown player. However, like many others, he has been moulded into a world-class superstar by manager Pep Guardiola.

With City 2-0 down at the break his aggression one on one and ability to recover the ball ensured that City had enough time to score the goals they needed to. He also got himself on the scoresheet netting the equaliser.

When you look at his statistics in more depth his incredible work rate is proven. He won over half of his duels and made nine ball recoveries in the game.

As well as working hard at recovering possession for the Citizens he also had the composure to find a man when he had the ball with an overall pass accuracy percentage of 92%.

Rodri also made one key pass and had the fourth most touches out of anyone on the whole pitch.

He was given a score of 7.6 by SofaScore which was perhaps harsh given how much his performance meant to the victory and therefore City’s season. He’s made 32 appearances in the Premier League this season and despite playing a deep role has managed to score six times and get two assists.

He is one of the most important players at the club and his quality is appreciated by the fanbase but needs to be appreciated more by those outside the club.

The win means that City don’t end the season trophyless and retain the title for the first time since 2019 and secure their 4th title in five years.

They will head into next season full of confidence that they can do it all over again but will face yet another massive challenge from Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.

IN other news: Huge blow: Big behind the scenes Man City claim emerges, it’s bad news for supporters…

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