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Last season, Newcastle United’s supporters watched their high hopes flake away, bit by bit. The thing is, the avalanche of injuries precluded success in the Champions League, and the Premier League too.

It’s a testament to Eddie Howe and his finely-wrought system that Newcastle came oh-so-close to returning to continental competition once again, but for Manchester United’s triumph in the FA Cup, looting St. James’ Park of its European place.

Now, the Tynesiders are hoping to rise once again, and though Alexander Isak has taken the limelight after netting in four successive matches, praise must also be placed at Joelinton’s feet.

Joelinton is thriving for Newcastle

Joelinton has ebbed and flowed throughout his Newcastle, joining from Hoffenheim in a club-record £40m deal back in July 2019. Once a wayward centre-forward, the titan of a player has been repackaged as a roving number eight across recent years.

It’s been a bona fide success. Joelinton has been praised as a “machine” in the middle by his manager and has been vital in restoring style and balance in recent weeks.

Hitting a rich vein on the left side of the starting line-up with Joe Willock, the Brazil international has started all 11 top-flight fixtures this season and has averaged 1.1 key passes, 2.5 tackles, 5.1 ball recoveries and 6.2 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore, emphasising his completeness.

​​​​​​He’s a real gem, basking in a resurgence that would hardly have been dreamt of at the start of his Newcastle career – having been described as “like gold dust” by his manager

Joelinton has certainly repaid the faith of that initial £40m investment, although that figure has actually been eclipsed by a certain Magpies starlet who was allowed to venture off for pastures new this season. His name’s Yankuba Minteh and it’s a sale that might just prove to bite Howe’s side in the future.

Yankuba Minteh's market value in 2024/25

Admittedly, Minteh’s sacrifice enabled Newcastle to keep their mitts on coveted trio Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes, all of whom were eyed up by some high-profile suitors this summer.

Minteh, along with academy graduate Elliot Anderson, were cast out like lambs, but it was a necessary evil, for Newcastle were trapped in the shadow of the Premier League’s PSR rules and needed to placate the wicked beast.

It was perhaps obvious that Minteh should be sold for a lucrative figure, given that the young winger had never actually played for Newcastle. The Toon signed Minteh from Danish side Odense Boldklub in July 2023 for about £6m but loaned him straight out to Arne Slot’s Feyenoord for the 2023/24 campaign.

It was a productive year, with the Gambian posting 11 goals and six assists across all competitions, winning the KNVB Cup (the Dutch equivalent of the FA Cup).

He was a profitable asset, and so when Brighton & Hove Albion offered a £30m sum for the 20-year-old, it was something of a no-brainer. That’s £24m profit thanks to a player who never actually donned the black-and-white shirt.

Even so, Minteh is making headway on the South Coast and is already regarded to have seen his price mushroom, for CIES Football Observatory have recorded his valuation at £43m.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Newcastle had to sell, sure, but given the lack of potency on the right flank, with Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy toiling, Minteh might have been the perfect option to keep on the books.

If only the powers that be had found another way; Minteh is already worth more than Joelinton’s price tag and may soon enter the same ballpark as that aforementioned triumvirate too.

Shearer wants Newcastle to sign £60m striker who's even better than Isak

Alan Shearer believes Newcastle need to dip into the transfer market

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 8, 2024

Super agent Jorge Mendes is trying to broker a deal for AC Milan star Rafael Leao amid interest from Chelsea and Barcelona.

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• Leao could be sold in the summer
• Pulisic to become AC Milan's main man
• Chelsea and Barca showed interest in Leao

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leao is one of the key figures in the AC Milan dressing room and is the club's highest paid player in the current squad. The player, however, could be sold in the summer as his agent Jorge Mendes is keen on getting the Portuguese winger out of the Serie A club, according to . Despite Leao being one of the best players in the team, he has managed to start in just nine out of the 26 league appearances he has made thus far in the 2024/25 campaign.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amid rumours of the Portuguese star exiting the Rossoneri, European giants Chelsea and Barcelona have shown strong interest in the forward as both clubs are keen on bolstering their attacking line ahead of the 2025/26 season.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  If Leao moves out of San Siro, Christian Pulisic will become the club's main man in the attack. The USMNT star has already scored 14 goals across all competitions and recently starred in the team's dramatic comeback win over Lecce last weekend.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

  Sergio Conceicao's side will be back in action next Saturday as they take on Cesc Fabregas' Como in the Serie A.

David Moyes may not have been everyone’s cup of tea at West Ham United, but no one can deny how much he transformed them during his spell, notably steering the club to European glory in 2023.

With Julen Lopetegui under some pressure, was moving Moyes on perhaps a tad hasty? Of course, feelings are mixed regarding the former manager, especially with some of his final few signings in charge.

David Moyes' wayward 2023 summer window

James Ward-Prowse cost the club £30m last summer from Southampton but failed to live up to this fee at the London Stadium and was loaned to Nottingham Forest ahead of the current campaign.

Kalvin Phillips joined in January 2024 on a loan deal from Manchester City, with the Irons paying a loan fee and covering his wages during this temporary spell. The Englishman made just ten appearances for the club in what was a disastrous signing by Moyes.

One of his worst pieces of transfer business, especially in terms of value for money, was spending £15m to sign Danny Ings from Aston Villa.

Danny Ings’ West Ham statistics

Ings was fairly critical of his time at Villa Park, dubbing his maiden season in the Midlands as “underwhelming” after scoring just seven goals in 30 appearances for the club.

Although Moyes needed some more attacking reinforcements when he signed Ings nearly two years ago, the English striker was hardly going to be prolific under him.

Indeed, during his first six months, the former Liverpool centre-forward managed to score just two Premier League goals across 17 matches.

The 2023/24 campaign – his first full season at West Ham – was somehow even worse. Ings started only three times in the top flight, scoring a solitary goal against Burnley, a team who would be relegated.

It is clear that his time in London has been dismal. Ings was arguably one of Moyes’ worst-ever signings for the Irons, especially over his final 18 months in charge.

The Englishman’s market value has, unsurprisingly, dropped drastically since he moved to the club in January 2023.

Danny Ings market value at West Ham

Paying £15m for a striker who was clearly past their best was a terrible error of judgement by Moyes and the club are now paying for this move.

Indeed, according to Football Transfers, Ings is currently worth just €1.8m (£1.5m), which represents a major dip from the fee the club shelled out for him a little over 18 months ago.

His contract expires at the end of the season, but will West Ham be able to sell him in January? Especially considering how low his value is at this moment in time.

If not, he will likely be released next summer, with the club wasting money on paying his wages even though he is failing to contribute.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

The 33-year-old has scored just once this term from six appearances, starting only one of those games as Lopetegui prefers the likes of Michail Antonio to be unleashed in the starting XI.

There is no doubt Ings has been one of the worst signings the club has made recently, costing them a fortune in the process.

West Ham eyeing Lopetegui upgrade with "one of the best styles" in Europe

West Ham could make a managerial change should they lose in the Premier League this weekend.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 8, 2024

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery could be a busy man when the January transfer window comes around.

The club are in a great position to make it through to the knockout round of the Champions League, with these added games adding more pressure to the squad.

That pressure has been ramped up after six consecutive games without a win, meaning another few bodies will surely do in the upcoming transfer window.

Who Aston Villa could sign in January

According to reports emerging in recent days, it looks as thought the Villa Park side are in the mood to sign a new forward despite the form of Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins this season. Indeed, it’s claimed that they are showing interest in Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, who is currently struggling at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim is looking at making some drastic changes at the Red Devils and this could see the Dutchman sold in January.

Elsewhere, CaughtOffside has reported that Emery is looking to sign Real Madrid youngster Arda Güler on loan, with the Spanish side open to let the teenager leave on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

These two signings could certainly offer something extra for Villa going forward, although will Emery need to move some players on to free up the wage bill and raise funds?

That may well be the case, so who is the most expendable asset?

How Aston Villa can raise funds in January

One name who might be open to leaving the club is Emiliano Buendia, who hasn’t been getting too many opportunities under Emery since returning from a serious injury.

The Argentinewas signed by former manager Dean Smith in the summer of 2021, it was initially seen as an exciting move. Smith was only too pleased to capture the attacking midfielder, saying:

His first season saw the attacking midfielder score four goals for the club in the top flight, while the 2022/23 campaign saw Buendia net just five times. Nine goals in two seasons for a player who cost Villa £33m was hardly the best return.

Things went from bad to worse, however, when he cruelly picked a cruciate ligament injury that ruled out the former Norwich star for the entirety of last term.

Villa subsequently went on to make great strides without him, signing new England international Morgan Rogers in January, who eventually settled into the number 10 role – Buendia’s favoured position.

Of course, he is still battling back from this injury, yet the midfielder has played only 196 minutes in all competitions for the club this season. With a contract until the summer of 2026, might Emery look to use January as the time to cash in on their once-record signing?

Taking home £75k-per-week for minimal output on the field, he should be one of the players who the club must be keen on moving on sooner rather than later.

Although hailed by Smith as being an exciting signing in 2021, he hasn’t quite lived up to his lavish fee. That’s a certainty.

Aston Villa hit gold on £0 signing who's now similar to a £105m maestro

Aston Villa have hit the jackpot on midfielder who is like a current Premier League star

By
Ross Kilvington

Nov 24, 2024

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has given his verdict on the controversy surrounding Julian Alvarez's penalty as Atletico Madrid lose shootout.

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• Penalty controversy in Real's win over Atleti
• Ancelotti gives his verdict on Alvarez's strike
• Real Madrid go through to the quarter-finals

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid were able to drag their round of 16 second-leg Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid into a penalty shootout despite Los Rojiblancos' early opener. In the shootout, former Manchester City star Alvarez stepped up to take Atleti's second spot kick, with Real Madrid having scored both their attempts. The Argentinian slipped but scored past Thibaut Courtois, and the goal was given.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, referee Szymon Marciniak then announced that Alvarez's penalty did not stand as the Argentine striker took two touches during his shot, much to the dismay of Atletico Madrid and boss Diego Simeone. Ancelotti has now given his verdict as he claims the decision was the correct one.

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  WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  Speaking to the media, Ancelotti said: "Football… It's very strange. He touches it, he takes two touches because he shoots with his right foot and touches with his left foot.

  "I think they'd already detected it. By the time we realised this doubt, they'd already detected it from the VAR. I didn't realise this. I saw it, and it seems to me he's playing with his left foot on the second touch."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Ancelotti now has to prepare his side for La Liga action as Real Madrid will now have to face Villarreal on Saturday, March 15, as they look to chase down Barcelona.

Chelsea has often been home to some of the biggest talents in world football, helping them win two Champions League titles and five Premier League trophies.

However, the club have suffered over the last couple of years, failing to hit the heights they managed in the days under the likes of José Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel, with the trio all winning at least one major trophy.

In 2024/25, that responsibility falls on the shoulders of Enzo Maresca, who arrived from Leicester City during the off-season, already making an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge.

He’s led the club to seven wins in their opening 13 matches, sitting level on points with London rivals Arsenal and looking to emulate the success of compatriot Conte, who was the last manager to win a league trophy for the Blues.

Maresca will be reliant on numerous players throughout the campaign if they are to mount a serious push for the top four or even a late title charge, looking to close the gap opened up by Liverpool.

Maresca’s record as Chelsea manager

After the dismissal of Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the season, many Chelsea supporters wanted a big name to come in and replace the Argentine in West London.

However, the 44-year-old, who previously spent time working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, was appointed the new boss on a five-year deal after winning promotion with Leicester City last season.

Despite many questions being asked about his appointment, Maresca has already demonstrated that owner Todd Boehly made the right call in hiring him, producing some phenomenal results during the opening months of his tenure.

He’s overseen 20 matches so far at the Bridge, winning 13 and only suffering three defeats, achieving a win rate of 65% – highlighting the immediate impact he’s made in recent months.

There have been multiple magnificent displays, including the 6-2 win against Wolves at Molineux, which saw winger Noni Madueke grab a hat-trick after a controversial social media post accidentally came from his account.

The 4-2 win over Brighton and Hove Albion was another huge victory against a side who have been just as impressive under their new manager Fabian Hurzeler, but Cole Palmer’s four-goal haul saw off any threat from the Seagulls.

With January just a couple of weeks away, the Blues boss will be hoping to bolster his ranks with one player who could be their own version of a star currently plying his trade in England’s top flight.

Chelsea targeting move for £42m superstar

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Chelsea are eyeing a move for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders despite the 26-year-old closing in on a new deal at the San Siro.

The Dutchman, who joined from AZ Alkmaar last summer, has been in impressive form over recent weeks, scoring seven times in his 18 appearances in all competitions, including a double in the 3-0 win over Empoli at the weekend.

However, the Blues aren’t the only side interested in Reijnders, with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Tottenham also interested in the talent valued at €50m (£42m) as per the report.

He would be a superb addition for Maresca, potentially becoming his own version of Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard, who’s consistently been one of the best talents in the division over the last couple of years.

The pair possess similarities in their game, with both being attacking-minded midfielders, featuring slightly deeper to fit into their respective systems, but still having a huge impact within the final third.

FBref categorises the Gunners’ talent as a similar player to the Dutchman, an understandable comparison given their respective stats from the Serie A and Premier League throughout 2023/24.

The “world-class” Reijnders, as dubbed by commentator Matteo Bonetti, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists last campaign, but did demonstrate his creative spark by completing more of the take-ons he attempted.

He also completed more passes, scoring whilst achieving more progressive carries per 90 – showcasing his ability to get the ball into forward areas and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Whilst they may face competition from elsewhere, the Milan talent would be a huge coup, with Maresca getting his hands on a player who can bolster his ambitions of being successful during his first season at the helm.

The £42m valuation on his head seems like an excellent price tag, with owner Boehly needing to get his chequebook out once more to complete a deal.

Chelsea could regret selling £20m PL star who's now just like Cole Palmer

The former Chelsea ace has been impressive after his move away from Stamford Bridge.

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 3, 2024

TV presenter Maya Jama says she has to be a "secret agent" when dating amid rumours of a budding romance with Manchester City star Ruben Dias.

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• Jama rumoured to be with Dias
• Acts as "secret agent" when dating
• Admits she's a "big leaver"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 30-year-old has admitted she can be a "big leaver" if she is not happy in a relationship and that dating in the public eye is a bit of a "ball-ache". The Love Island host added that she is currently "really, really happy" at a time when she is said to be dating Portugal and Manchester City defender Dias.

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  WHAT MAYA JAMA SAID

  She told Julie Adenuga on the video series, Now You Know: "I’m such a lover but I am a big leaver as well. I know what makes me happy and I know what I like — and this is no disrespect to anyone I’ve been in a relationship with, but if it’s not that then I will leave it. Dating is a bit of a ball-ache if I am honest because I am like, 'I can’t go anywhere with you because even if I step out with my friend they are going to say I am dating him'. That’s a bit annoying, having to be a secret agent to date. My point I always try to make is that I am really, really happy and I have curated this lovely little life for myself and my friends. I only want you if you are going to add to that or make it better, otherwise I am not really on it."

• THE GOSSIP

  Jama broke up with rapper Stormzy last summer before reportedly getting together with Dias later that year. She and the 27-year-old were then spotted together on New Year's Eve and now it seems they may be the latest celebrity/sporting power couple.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While this romance may continue to blossom, Dias will be in action for Portugal in the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final at home to Denmark on Sunday.

The striker has been questioned for his performance and attitude since his return to Mexico

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• Hernández has scored three goals since his return to Chivas

• The former Galaxy player has one goal in eight matches

• El Rebaño sits in 10th place in the Clausura 2025.

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  One of the highest-level players to have arrived in Mexican football defended Javier Hernández after his level and attitude haven't lived up to expectations since returning to Chivas. André-Pierre Gignac, Tigres' striker, who joined Liga MX in 2015 and has become one of the stars – scoring 219 goals with the club in all competitions – said that Chicharito is unfairly criticized by the media and fans.

  "Football isn’t that easy – be careful," Gignac said in an interview with Fox Sports Mexico. "But I’m happy he’s here because he’s going to contribute a lot to the young players at Chivas… You guys are terrible, honestly – sorry, but all of you. You’re terrible with him, yes. It’s not because I want him to be well or anything like that, but the truth is, you’re terrible, you tear him apart.

  "He comes to Chivas because he wants to finish his career at the club he loves, where he gave so much when he started. They sold him, he comes back with love and all that, and you guys tear him apart."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chicharito was welcomed by Chivas and its fans like a star when his return was announced in 2024. The striker was presented in front of a packed Estadio Akron, marking the return of the prodigal son to the club that saw him rise.

  After a successful career, he made the leap to European football, playing for high-profile teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Sevilla, and West Ham. However, the "star" role has proven too big for the 36-year-old player, who has only managed to score three goals in 31 matches since his return to El Rebaño.

  Chicharito has not been the leader on the pitch that Amaury Vergara, the club’s owner, had hoped for when he returned.

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  WHAT ANDRÉ-PIERRE GIGNAC SAID

  The French striker praised Chicharito's career in Europe: "I'm sure he can still help and score goals, but a player who played for Real Madrid, Manchester, Leverkusen, at big clubs, who scored goals everywhere – even at Real Madrid. They can say whatever they want, but you have to score goals and play alongside these monsters. He has a fantastic career, he might be the Mexican with the best career in Europe."

• AFP
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  During his time in European football (2010-2020), Chicharito scored a total of 127 goals. The team where the player shone the most was with Manchester United, his first club after leaving Chivas.

  Hernández scored 59 goals with the Red Devils, who were then managed by Sir Alex Ferguson. The second club where Chicharito had the best adaptation was Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, where he recorded 39 goals. With Real Madrid, he only scored 9 goals in 33 matches.

Leeds United look in a strong place to end their stint in the Championship by the end of the season, with boss Daniel Farke doing a phenomenal job in charge.

His side were ransacked during the summer window, arguably losing their three most important players in Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray for a combined £105m before add-ons.

Despite such departures, the German has led the Whites to second place after the first 21 matches, sitting three points off current leaders Sheffield United.

However, despite the club having the best goalscoring record of any side in the division, the hierarchy are targeting added reinforcements in January to bolster their promotion ambitions.

As a result, they’ve identified one player who could dramatically improve Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch should they complete a deal for his services.

Leeds United targeting European star in January

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds are eyeing a potential move for Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Dor Turgeman ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The 21-year-old has impressed in recent months, scoring nine times in 21 matches this campaign, including four goals in the Europa League to date, including one against Spanish giants Real Sociedad.

The report fails to mention a potential price tag for the Israeli talisman, but does claim that Farke’s side have been scouting him over the last few months ahead of a potential swoop.

However, Turgeman has a valuation of €3.5m (£2.9m) as per Transfermarkt, but it’s highly unlikely that the youngster would be available for that sort of fee given his recent goalscoring exploits.

Turgeman can also operate off either wing, making him a versatile option, with his relentless pressing nature making him an excellent talent in the final third for the club as they enter the final months of the 2024/25 campaign.

Such a move could end one player’s spell at Elland Road, also providing an upgrade on the star and supercharging the Whites’ promotion ambitions.

Why Turgeman signing could be the end for Bamford

Leeds striker Patrick Bamford will forever be a name that the supporters will cherish after his goalscoring record during their return to the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign.

The Englishman scored 17 times during the Whites’ return to the top flight, finishing as the fourth top scorer in the division – leading to a maiden England call-up under Gareth Southgate.

However, he’s massively struggled in recent years, scoring the same amount of goals as he did in the aforementioned year, but this time over four campaigns rather than just the one.

Injuries have restricted him to just nine appearances in 2024/25 to date, with Turgeman providing the quality that they have been desiring at the top end of the pitch in recent weeks.

The Maccabi Tel Aviv talisman, who’s been dubbed “a beast on the pitch” by current boss Zarko Lazetic, has produced some impressive numbers, as demonstrated by his goalscoring tallies.

In the Europa League, the 21-year-old has completed 50% of his dribbles, whilst also winning 21 duels, showcasing he can star in a variety of roles, creating opportunities for teammates whilst doing the dirty work for the side.

Such figures would make him the perfect striker for Farke’s current 4–2-3-1 system, handing the club that added attacking threat as they look to return to the Premier League.

However, on the flip side, such a transfer could spell the end of Bamford’s stint in Yorkshire, especially considering his hefty wages, which see him pocket a staggering £70k-per-week.

It would be a sad closure to his time at Elland Road, but ultimately, football is a brutal industry with the Englishman potentially needing to be sacrificed if they are to complete a deal for Turgeman.

Leeds had a star who was "similar" to Klich & Phillips, then he left for £0

The former Leeds United star was highly-rated by Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 18, 2024

Javier Mascherano has explained why Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s other “elite players” were not rotated against Toronto FC.

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• Argentine icon has been given regular rests
• Workload is now being ramped up
• Herons boss confident star turns can cope

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Herons welcomed Canadian opposition to Chase Stadium in their latest MLS fixture. With the second leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final to come on Wednesday, the Florida-based outfit were expected to shuffle their pack.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mascherano did, however, go strong as Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets (who will be suspended against LAFC in midweek) all made his starting XI. Argentine superstar Messi netted Inter Miami’s goal in a 1-1 draw with Toronto and completed the full 90 minutes.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  He also figured from start to finish in the first leg of a continental clash with LAFC, with his game time being ramped up after taking in rests on a regular basis at the start of the 2025 campaign. Messi and his fellow Barcelona legends are accustomed to quick turnarounds.

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  WHAT JAVIER MASCHERANO SAID

  With that in mind, Mascherano says he had no issue with asking plenty of them during a hectic schedule. Inter Miami’s boss said: “As far as roster rotation, we spoke to the [four aforementioned] players and these are elite players who have played every three days their entire lives, they are used to it and we felt we had to make changes in other positions.

  “I understand sometimes people can be surprised, but I had said in my pre-game press conference that we would not overlook this game.”