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Edison Azcona has revealed that, in a bid to protect Lionel Messi from injury, Inter Miami “don’t let him play” in some training matches.

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Argentine inspired Leagues Cup triumphMissed important games through injuryHandled with care by those in FloridaWHAT HAPPENED?

The MLS outfit are delighted to have the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner on board, and saw him inspire them to a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival in the United States. He has, however, also suffered a knock that prevented him from figuring in the U.S. Open Cup final and a late push for a playoff berth.

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Inter Miami are aware of the need to handle Messi with care, with Azcona telling of how the all-time great is treated behind the scenes: “Everyone understands that we are not going to try to hurt him. One tries to defend, but they are a little more careful. We don't let him play in the games we play among ourselves, we defend him, but with caution. Nobody gets into it very hard.”

WHAT THEY SAID

It is not just in training that Inter Miami stars are changing their ways for Messi, with Dominican Republic international Azcona revealing that a number of players are learning a new language. He added: “I have not heard Leo speak English… Sometimes, he has said 'good morning' when he comes in, but those who speak English and do not know Spanish are learning to speak Spanish.”

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Messi has hit 11 goals for Inter Miami through 14 appearances and will not be heading out on loan in January – amid talk of a return to Barcelona – as he seeks to ensure that he is in peak condition for the start of the 2024 MLS campaign.

Lionel Messi has a World Cup win to his name, and he may have helped to inspire India captain Rohit Sharma to glory in cricketing circles.

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Cricket World Cup reaching conclusionIndia captain a clear Messi fanInter Miami owner provides special giftWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup continues to play out on Indian soil, with the hosts preparing to lock horns with old adversaries Australia in an epic final showdown in Ahmedabad. Rohit, along with team-mates such as Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, will be called upon to deliver on the expectations of millions in their homeland.

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Virat has been rubbing shoulders with a man that knows all about the challenges of performing under pressure, with Manchester United and England legend David Beckham paying a visit to to India in his role as a UNICEF ambassador.

DID YOU KNOW?

Beckham swapped jerseys with Rohit during their brief encounter, as a Real Madrid shirt featuring his name and No.23 was passed on, while the Inter Miami co-owner was also able to deliver a Messi top for one of the Argentine icon’s biggest fans – with Rohit’s daughter proudly taking ownership of that gift.

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WHAT NEXT?

Rohit’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, said in a post shared on her Instagram account: “Thank you for making this little Leo Messi fan very happy David Beckham.” India will compete for a global crown against Australia on Sunday, while Messi is readying himself for a 2026 World Cup qualification clash with Brazil next Tuesday.

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Riyad Mahrez has explained why he left Manchester City for the Saudi Pro League while still having “unfinished business” in the Champions League.

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Won the Treble with City last seasonGuardiola wanted him to stayNew challenge sought in Middle EastWHAT HAPPENED?

The Algerian winger formed part of the mass exodus that saw leading lights in European football head for the Middle East in the summer of 2023. Mahrez linked up with Al-Ahli in a £30 million ($37m) transfer, with that move completed on the back of savouring Treble glory with City.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MAHREZ SAID ABOUT LEAVING CITY

Pep Guardiola wanted Mahrez to remain at the Etihad Stadium, despite leaving him on the bench for a Champions League final win over Inter, and the 32-year-old forward has told of why he bid farewell to England: “I had two years left on my contract with Manchester City, I could have stayed. It was really me who decided to leave. I felt that this opportunity would not come again. Maybe it was time to leave because I had spent five years at City and won everything. Txiki Begiristain (technical director) really wanted me to stay, and even Pep Guardiola. They made it clear to me. I weighed the pros and cons. And finally, I decided to leave. I don't regret it, I'm happy to be here."

WHAT MAHREZ SAID ABOUT THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE

Mahrez added on the quality of the Saudi Pro League: "The level of the Saudi league is not bad. It's going to get better and better. It’s a championship that I’m learning. Here, they have put the resources into recruiting the best players. There's definitely quality, I think it's just the beginning. Can we compare it to Europe? I don't think so yet. But at this rate, in the near future, they can be among the five, six or seven best Championships in the world."

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WHAT MAHREZ SAID ABOUT UCL FINAL SNUB

Mahrez has signed a contract worth £43m ($53m) per year in Saudi Arabia and is fully committed to his new cause despite having some regrets at how his time in Europe finished – as he failed to take to the field before claiming a Champions League winners’ medal. He added: “To be honest, I still have a taste of unfinished business. In the Champions League, I did not play the semi-final or the final. In previous seasons, I always started in the Champions League while always being impactful for my team. This last year, I couldn't say it went badly, but I have a bit of this feeling of unfinished business. I was offered four years in Saudi Arabia, in a Muslim country where I can definitely protect (and provide for) my family. There was also a new challenge, and a new project. So, I decided to leave, it wasn't a big deal.”

Everton boss Sean Dyche has revealed how he and his players reacted to being deducted 10 points by the Premier League.

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Everton handed strongest punishment in EPL historyDyche admits surprise at verdict Toffees looking to shock Man Utd on Sunday Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Toffees received the punishment after being found to have breached Profit and Sustainability Rules. The deduction leaves them in the relegation zone on four points heading into Sunday's meeting with Manchester United at Goodison Park.

AdvertisementWHAT SEAN DYCHE SAID ABOUT POINTS DEDUCTION

“Like everyone, well everyone in these parts, we’re shocked. With the wave of noise after that, it seems as though most people in football are shocked… the enormity of it, disproportionate is a word that’s been used by the club," Dyche said.

WHAT DYCHE SAID ABOUT HOW EVERTON WILL BE AFFECTED

Despite the bad news, Dyche insisted that his team's task has not shifted as a result. He added: "Obviously we’re going to feel a bit aggrieved by that. On the other hand it doesn’t change the focus. The focus since I got here has been sorting things out on the pitch. Getting the team to win, getting the team to feel different, the performances to be different and we were obviously on the right lines for that and delivering strong performances, I felt, and this has just given us a push backwards to then come forwards again. The job hasn’t changed for me. It’s just made it more difficult in the current circumstances until the appeal of course."

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Last week's bombshell points deduction news came as a shock, not only to the Toffees but rival clubs and supporters as well. The decision led to a Premier League shareholders meeting to discuss the verdict, while potential punishments for other sides may well have been on the agenda. Indeed, Manchester City have previously been charged for 115 alleged breaches of FFP regulations and, following the strict action taken against Everton, they may well be worried about what could be to follow for them.

Harry Kane could lose Thomas Muller at Bayern Munich as the veteran has been urged to leave, with Manchester United one potential destination.

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Muller advised to leave Bayern Struggling for minutes under Thomas TuchelTen Hag ready to bring him to Old TraffordWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2014 World Cup winner has slipped down the pecking order at Allianz Arena, particularly with the arrival of Kane. Moreover, competition from other players like Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has made it difficult for him to be a regular. This has prompted Lothar Matthaus, a World Cup-winning captain, to suggest Muller consider a move away from Germany which would see Kane lose one of his closest friends in the Bayern dressing room. Matthaus even touted the MLS as a potential destination for Muller where he could unite with former Uefa Champions League rival Lionel Messi.

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Writing for Sky Germany, Matthaus said: "At Bayern Munich, he will no longer get the minutes he got two years ago. If he has the confidence to play from the start like he did two years ago, then he has to change clubs. You have to say that openly. Muller’s situation looks like a gradual decline.

"As far as Muller’s future at Bayern is concerned, the question is what Thomas wants. Is he content with only being a part-time worker or even not playing at all? Muller is rooted in Munich, but perhaps he can imagine a new life experience, for example in North America?"

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According toTen Hag is an admirer of Muller and would want him at his disposal at Old Trafford in 2024. The Dutch manager wanted to get him in the previous winter but could not thrash out a deal for the striker. However, this time the winds are in his favour as Muller's contract is expiring at the end of the season.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United are struggling for goals as Marcus Rashford has been just a shadow of his former self and Rasmus Hojlund is bizarrely yet to find the net in the Premier League after 651 minutes of action. The Red Devils had been linked with a move for Napoli's Victor Osimhen but their president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed that the striker is on the verge of extending that would see him stay in Naples beyond 2025. Hence Muller could be an option who could lift United, at least in the short term.

Cristiano Ronaldo spared no expense on Valentine’s Day, as he gifted partner Georgina Rodriguez a huge bouquet of roses and luxury jewellery.

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Portuguese working on lucrative contractHas had plenty to celebrate off the field off lateLooking to enjoy more success on itGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner can afford to shower his partner with gifts as he continues to work on the most lucrative contract in world football at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr. He made sure to make Georgina feel special on February 14.

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The pair have had plenty of cause for celebration over recent weeks, with Georgina turning 30 on January 27. Ronaldo then took in a birthday of his own on February 5, with the evergreen frontman still going strong at 39 years of age.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ronaldo and Georgina like to treat each other whenever the opportunity presents itself, and CR7 was happy to pass on an impressive bunch of flowers and special gifts from luxury jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels as lovers around the world made their feelings clear on Valentine’s Day.

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Ronaldo has endured a frustrating time in his professional life of late, sitting out a meeting with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami through injury before then suffering a Riyadh Cup defeat to Al-Hilal. He was, however, back in match-winning mode for Al-Nassr in their latest outing, with the all-time great earning them a first leg lead in an AFC Champions League clash with Al Feiha.

A furious Enzo Fernandez had to be restrained after being mocked by a Liverpool fan following Chelsea's loss to the Reds in the Carabao Cup final.

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Chelsea lose Carabao Cup finalLiverpool fan taunts FernandezArgentine has to be held backWHAT HAPPENED?

The Carabao Cup final saw Virgil van Dijk score the lone goal, as Liverpool won the trophy with a header in the 28th minute of extra time. As Fernandez made the lengthy walk up the Wembley stairs to collect his runners-up medal, one Liverpool supporter yelled: "Enzo, unlucky lad!" and laughed uncontrollably, hoping to elicit a response from the World Cup winner. The infuriated midfield player moved to face the fan who had made the remark, giving him a death stare, before a Chelsea team-mate escorted him away.

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In an intense first half at Wembley, Raheem Sterling had a goal disallowed for offside, and Chelsea were guilty of missing several good chances. The presence of Wataru Endo and his team-mates limited the effectiveness of Chelsea's record-signing Fernandez in the midfield. The loss also meant that boss Mauricio Pochettino's hunt for his first trophy in England continues with no end in sight.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDEZ?

Fernandez was caught up in his emotions during his almost-outburst at the fan, but he will surely look to try to will his team into gear come Wednesday when they take on Leeds United in the FA Cup – their only possible shot at silverware this season.

Dani Dyer has revealed what she thinks of the vulgar West Ham fan chant in which she figures prominently alongside partner Jarrod Bowen.

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Hammers fans serenade star wingerPartner has no issue with the chantFather does not interfere in private lifeWHAT HAPPENED?

Crude terrace songs are nothing new in football circles and former Love Island star Dyer knew what she was getting in to when linking up with England international winger Bowen in 2021. The London Stadium can often be heard rocking to the sound of “Bowen's on fire and he's sh*gging Dani Dyer” – with said chant sung to the tune of Nineties dance classic ‘Freed from Desire’ by Gala.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT DANI DYER SAID

Dyer has told the podcast when asked for her take on being the unfortunate star of a crass chant: “Not that long ago I went to an away game, and I don’t usually like going to the away games because there’s the die-hard fans that are crazy. I really needed a drink, so I was like, I’d rather have died of dehydration to be honest, that was the better option. I came out and they were all looking at me and they all sung the song, I was literally in the midst of the crowds. It’s fine, it’s so fine, it really doesn’t bother me.”

THE GOSSIP

Dani and Jarrod are now proud parents to twin girls, while Bowen has been welcomed into the Dyer family by film star and EastEnders actor Danny. Asked if her Hammers-mad father would have allowed her to date a player from arch-rivals Millwall, Dani said: “No! I don’t know, he wouldn’t care. Listen, people always say ‘oh, I bet your dad loves that because you’re dating someone from West Ham’, but he could be a total ars*hole, do you know what I mean? And he’s not, so I think that was just a bonus. The West Ham thing was a bonus.”

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@danidyerxx & GettyWHAT NEXT?

Bowen – who netted the winning goal for West Ham in the 2023 Europa Conference League final – has continued to star for the Hammers this season. He has found the target on 11 occasions, while providing five assists, and will be hoping to form part of England’s plans at Euro 2024 this summer.

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has been gifted a timely triple injury boost ahead of this afternoon’s crunch match with Brighton and Hove Albion…

What’s the latest?

A trio of defeats have seen the Yorkshire outfit slip into the relegation zone with only two games left to play in the 2021/22 campaign.

They could be bolstered ahead of kick-off as a Tottenham Hotspur win against Burnley would mean that a point is enough to rise out of the bottom three, though the Clarets still have a game in hand against Aston Villa, who have nothing to play for, in midweek.

But the American head coach will be buoyed by the availability of three attackers, namely Patrick Bamford, who is pushing for some involvement at Elland Road.

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As revealed by The Athletic, both Raphinha and Jack Harrison will be available for selection after they hobbled off with injuries against Chelsea, whilst the England striker could be amongst the substitutes.

“Harrison’s contusion looks positive. He’s training tomorrow and ready for Sunday. Rapha is fine,” Marsch claimed. “Patrick’s (injury) is too early to tell. We’ll evaluate that in the next few days.”

Difference-maker

Even if it’s 20 or so minutes from the bench, Bamford’s availability would be something of a game-changer for Leeds and the manager. The side has sorely missed his presence up top after a 17-goal campaign last term.

Only Raphinha has hit double figures for the Whites this campaign, with the likes of Rodrigo, Daniel James and Joe Gelhardt all struggling to plug the gap up top.

James will not play again this season after being sent off at Stamford Bridge, so right now, it appears as if Raphinha is Leeds’ best chance of getting out of their current situation – playing him at right wing-back again would be a disservice to the club and the fans.

Without his ten goals and three assists, they’d be in a far worse spot and potentially already back in the Championship.

Bamford has only touched the pitch nine times in the Premier League this term but he’s still provided two goals and two assists, also making an impact from the bench under Marsch in games against Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

If the 28-year-old forward can manage a few minutes in a cameo late on, it could prove to be the difference-maker in their quest for survival – that combined with the likely involvement of both Harrison and Raphinha is certainly great news for Marsch and co.

AND in other news, Marsch must axe £13.5m-rated Leeds flop vs Brighton, he’s been “completely anonymous”…

Manchester United are hijacking AC Milan’s proposed move for Lille centre-back Sven Botman, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Botman profiled

Botman is 22 years of age and has been on the books with Lille since 2020 after leaving Ajax’s academy in a deal worth £7.2m. Since then, the Dutch defender has made 78 appearances for the French side – 31 of which have come in 2021/22.

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Labelled as a “golden boy” by agency director Francesco Miniero, Botman has been heavily linked with both Newcastle United and AC Milan in recent months, but it looks as if Erik ten Hag now wants the towering defender at Old Trafford.

The Latest: Source shares update

FI shared a transfer update regarding Botman after being informed by a Manchester United source. They claim that the Red Devils are hijacking Milan’s £25m swoop for Botman, describing it as a ‘sensational twist’.

The report adds that Botman came up in conversation during Ten Hag’s transfer meeting last week, with the United boss a big admirer of the Lille star.

The Verdict: Get it done

United are in need of a defensive overhaul under Ten Hag after conceding 56 times in 37 games, more than the likes of Burnley and Brentford.

Botman appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high £27m Transfermarkt valuation which has soared in recent years. Milan were reportedly in advanced talks over a deal below Botman’s valuation, so United could take full advantage and get themselves a bargain.

He has excelled in France and has Champions League experience under his belt, and with the likes of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones likely to leave, Ten Hag may have just three senior centre-backs left.

Therefore, Botman could be an ideal addition at a respectable price, and it looks as if United are making their move to pip Milan and Newcastle to the in-demand defender.

In other news: Agreement reached: Man Utd now strike deal for ‘top’ gem who ‘dominates’ on the ball.