Lionel Messi set up both goals for Inter Miami as the Major League Soccer champions drew 2-2 with Atlanta United on Saturday in the Argentina star's first match since announcing his retirement from international football.
Thunderstorms and lightning delayed the start for 90 minutes, but there were sparks aplenty on the field after with Messi, Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player, at the heart of the action.
Miami grabbed the lead in the 32nd minute when Brazil's Casemiro rose to head home Messi's corner.
Atlanta equalized three minutes later when former Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron blasted home a low shot.
Former Liverpool and Barcelona star Luis Suarez put Miami into the lead with a measured finish on the cusp of half-time after a move down the left started by Messi.

#lionel

Michael Carrick insisted Manchester United have a stronger squad than they did last season as he said they have made the most of their money - despite being outspent by their Premier League rivals
United paid £148m for three midfielders, in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, who came in as Casemiro left.
But they did not buy in other positions while Manchester City spent more than £400m, both Chelsea and Tottenham more than £300m and ***** nal, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Liverpool more then £200m.
Michael Carrick is happy with Manchester United's business (Getty)
Carrick is content with the business United have done and said: "We went in wanting to come out stronger from the group that we had last season, and we've definitely added to that. I think we've done a lot of good work in that respect. The situation is what it is, in terms of finances and what we can work with and what we're trying to get the most of.

#manchester #we 've

By Justin Ruderman
Ranging from the Philadelphia Union's teenage phenoms to Inter Miami CF's global icons, stars proved age is just a number and earned their spot on Matchday 23's Team of the Matchday presented by Audi.
Starters: Brian Schwake (NSH) - Casemiro (MIA), Neil Pierre (PHI), Reggie Cannon (COL) - Allan Saint-Maximin (CLT), Carles Gil (NE), Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Cavan Sullivan (PHI) - Antoine Griezmann (ORL), Dejan Joveljić (SEA), Lionel Messi (MIA)
Coach: B.J. Callaghan (NSH)
Bench: Hugo Lloris (LAFC), Oleksandr Svatok (ATX), Mamadou Fofana (NE), Thomas Müller (VAN), Nicolás Fernández Mercau (NYC), Anders Dreyer (SD), Robert Lewandowski (CHI), Sam Surridge (NSH), Kelvin Yeboah (MIN)

#matchday #philadelphia #Miami

Thanks to an early goal from Casemiro and a historic night for Lionel Messi, who scored four times including two free-kicks, Inter Miami thrashed CF Montréal 7-1 in Fort Lauderdale in the MLS.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 20th minute, rising highest to head home Telasco Segovia's corner.
The Canadians briefly levelled through Herbers, but Messi soon restored Miami's advantage with a free-kick that took a touch off Petrasso before wrong-footing Thomas Gillier.
Messi struck again early in the second half, weaving through the defence after a pass from Luis Suárez before making it 3-1.
Suárez then added a fourth, rounding Gillier after being played through by Messi, who completed his hat-trick moments later with a delicate finish over the goalkeeper.

#messi #early

Lionel Messi continues to defy age by producing breathtaking performances.
The Argentine was at the peak of his powers on Saturday as he smashed four goals to help Inter Miami beat Montreal 7-1.
It was the first time Messi had scored four goals in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match.
Miami were on a five-game winless run in all competitions, but they returned to winning ways thanks to a vintage performance from the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Casemiro delivered a breakthrough in the 20th minute by heading past the goalkeeper.

#saturday #Inter

Lionel Messi scored four goals as Inter Miami snapped their five-game winless streak with a 7-1 thrashing of struggling Montreal in Major League Soccer on Saturday.
Miami have endured a rocky spell since the resumption of play following the World Cup finals, losing four of their previous five games heading into Saturday's clash in Florida.
But the reigning MLS Cup champions got back to winning ways with a confident performance against Montreal, who are languishing second from bottom in the Eastern Conference.
Brazil international Casemiro, who joined Miami after the World Cup, bagged his first goal for the champions with a 20th minute header at the Nu Stadium.
Montreal though hit back with a 37th-minute goal from Fabian Herbers, the German midfielder's low shot from the edge of the area squeezing into the bottom corner.

#World #champions #back #minute

Casemiro is off and running in the pink shirt of Inter Miami, putting the Herons ahead against CF Montréal at the Nu Stadium.
After Miami piled on the pressure in the opening 20 minutes, it took a set piece to break the deadlock.
After a couple knocks on the Montréal door, Casemiro went up strong to fire home his first goal for the club with a bullet header.
Inter Miami are heading into a new era with Kily Gonzalez in the door as the club's fourth head coach.
But getting goals from you midfield star can only help pull them back into the picture after a recent slump.

#kily #gonzalez

Manchester United have completed the signing of midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton for a fee up to $95 million, to complete the Red Devils' expensive midfielder makeover during the transfer window.
The 22-year-old Cameroon international is the final piece of the puzzle for Michael Carrick's side after also adding Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos ($111 million combined) this summer. Put the new-boy trio alongside Bruno Fernandes and Man United's midfield has gone from definite weakness to potential strength, at least one paper.
Fernandes is fresh off breaking the Premier League's single-season ***** ist record with 21 last campaign as Man United finished 3rd after two terribly disappointing seasons down in 8th and 15th. The rest of the midfield was made up of Casemiro (33 PL starts), Kobbie Mainoo (16 starts) and a rotating carousel of Mason Mount (12) and Manuel Ugarte (8).
Casemiro ended up scoring nine goals last season (mostly from set pieces), but him and Ugarte were tasked with providing the defensive cover that gave Fernandes the freedom to win games in the final third. It worked well enough to get back in the UEFA Champions League, but Casemiro's age (34, now at Inter Miami) and Ugarte's lack of mobility (prior to tearing his ACL at the World Cup), and both player's lack of forward passing, meant they were a band-aid solution that needed ripping off sooner rather than later.
That's because this season, Man United have to win more games in which they dominate possession. They proved they can be a devastating attacking team with Fernandes feeding Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Amad Diallo, but they struggled terribly against opponents that defended deeper and flat out refused to give them ***** e in behind, instead setting up their own counter-attacks and — you guessed it — taking advantage of Man United's much slower defensive midfielders and defenders.

#midfielder #final

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to £70 million ($95 million).
After securing a Champions League return with last season's third-place finish, there has been a focus on bolstering Michael Carrick's midfield heading into the new Premier League campaign.
United saw influential Casemiro depart and Manuel Ugarte sustain a serious knee injury during a summer in which Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.
Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils' midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months after agreeing a £65 million deal plus £5 million in add-ons and a sell-on with Brighton.
"It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour," the Cameroon international said.

#million

Manchester United are set to announce the signing of Carlos Baleba imminently after all documents were exchanged with Brighton.
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign the Cameroon midfielder from Brighton for an initial fee of £65, with a further £5m dependent on add-ons. Brighton will also retain a sell-on clause for the 22-year-old as part of the agreement.
Baleba will become Michael Carrick's third midfield signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The focus on midfield comes amid Casemiro's exit and a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that all documents have been exchanged with official confirmation expected shortly. It will represent the conclusion of a long-term pursuit for Manchester United, who saw an approach for Baleba rejected last summer.
The transfer also represents a boost for the Red Devils following their opening day loss at Hull City. Carrick's side lost 2-0 to the newly-promoted Tigers in an upset at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

#baleba #brighton #signing #midfield

Manchester United begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a trip across the country to take on Hull City. Michael Carrick starts his first full season as manager having impressed during his interim tenure last season.
A mixed pre-season campaign has seen the squad come through it relatively unscathed with only Mason Mount suffering a significant injury which is likely to keep him on the sidelines. United have also replaced Casemiro with midfield reinforcements Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans while they are negotiating to bring in Brighton's Carlos Baleba as well.
The Red Devils' opponents are Hull City who won promotion from the Championship via the play-offs. Hull finished 6th in the second division with 21 wins from their 46 games but only won one of their last seven league matches before victory in play-off rounds against Millwall and Middlesbrough in the final.
Hull vs Man United LIVE: Team news and latest updates as Carrick's side take on newly-promoted Tigers
Their aim for the season is to secure their place in the top-flight and any points they can take of United in this opening encounter will be beneficial for the rest of their season. Here's everything you need to know:

#season #take #league #only

European experience might not be everything in MLS, but it goes far when it comes to player ratings for EA Sports FC 27.
Lionel Messi is the top-rated MLS player with an 89 overall, the game-makers revealed on their official channels, but he's closely followed by a pair of players who arrived in MLS this summer - both of whom, like Messi, played for FC Barcelona in their standout careers.
Robert Lewandowski, the Polish forward who joined the Chicago Fire this summer, and Orlando City signing Antoine Griezmann, who joined from Atlético Madrid on a free transfer, both are rated 84 overall.
The respect for new arrivals with experience in Europe doesn't end there. Next on the list is Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder who became Messi's Inter Miami teammate this summer after four seasons with Manchester United and a decade with Real Madrid before that.
Casemiro is an 83 overall, as is Rodrigo De Paul, another member of Inter Miami who joined the club after Messi moved across the Atlantic to suit up for the Herons.

#casemiro #experience

[Getty Images]
We asked for your views on Manchester United heading into the new season and whether more reinforcements are needed.
Here are some of your comments:
Ian: We have not increased our depth in midfield, only replaced what we have lost (Casemiro/Ugarte). We have woefully inadequate cover for injuries and our lone striker has not figured since the end of last season. All of Carrick's great work of last year will be lost if we do not support him better and give him adequate tools to complete his task. It will be the hope that kills us.
Nigel: I am concerned with United's lack of urgency in the transfer market. However, if the hierarchy is reluctant to sanction funds to bring players in, then Carrick will have to turn to our talented academy players. Some might think this is not a good idea but can I remind you of the famous Alan Hansen comment, "you won't win anything playing kids"? Look how that turned out. Give them a chance.

#give #players #getty #manchester

Casemiro told Los Angeles Galaxy he "only wanted to play for them" the club's general manager Will Kuntz says, amid an investigation into his transfer to Inter Miami.
The Brazil midfielder, 34, joined Lionel Messi at Inter Miami on a free transfer from Manchester United in July, signing sadeal that runs to the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend until June 2029.
Casemiro scored an own goal in Miami's 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew on Sunday as Messis returned to a vtion after the World Cup.
Kuntz, who oversees LA Galaxy's transfers, was speaking to the media after his side's goalless draw with Dallas when he was asked about Major League Soccer's review into Inter Miami's signing of Casemiro.
"It is true that Casemiro called and said that he always wanted to play for Inter Miami," Kuntz said. "It's also true that came two months after he told us that he only wanted to play for the Galaxy."

#casemiro #Miami #wanted #transfer

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time and a former FC Barcelona superstar, entered the game after occupying the bench for 52 minutes against the Crew Aug. 1. Miami forward Luis Suarez, another former La Liga star, recorded a goal and an ****** ist in the first half while former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro made his home debut for Miami.
But it was a former La Liga player on the Crew side who came up big late.
Making his MLS debut after the Crew acquired him during the summer transfer window, former Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Brais Mendez helped Columbus earn a point in a 2-2 draw by scoring a free kick roughly 20 minutes after he took the field in the 61st minute.
"I am very happy about my debut and the goal," Mendez said after the game via a translator. "... We want to keep this strong run going and earn wins to continue to move up in the table."
The Crew matched their best result against a Messi-led Miami team and prevented him from scoring in his World Cup return. The Crew will enter Leagues Cup play with solid performances in their last two games, including a 2-1 victory over rival FC Cincinnati last week.

#minutes

Major League Soccer
Inter Miami 2 - 2 Columbus Crew FT
Messi had 12 goal involvements for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup [Getty Images]
Lionel Messi returned to action on Saturday following Argentina's World Cup final defeat by Spain, coming on as a substitute for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew as team-mate Casemiro scored an own goal.
Messi had not played competitively since captaining his country in their 1-0 loss on 19 July. The 39-year-old scored eight goals and registered four ***** ists during the tournament.

#Inter #columbus #World #major

Lionel Messi returned to Major League Soccer action after World Cup duty on Saturday, coming on in the second half as his Inter Miami side drew 2-2 with Columbus Crew.
Two weeks after Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi was back on the pitch, entering in the 53rd minute to the delight of fans at Miami's Nu Stadium.
But Messi could not mark his return with a goal, twice shooting wide.
Uruguayan Luis Suarez scored his seventh goal in his last four games to put Miami 1-0 up in the 16th minute.
Miami's former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro scored an own goal in the 34th minute which drew Columbus level at 1-1.

#goal #Miami

Casemiro made his debut for Inter Miami on the 25th, when he helped the Florida franchise beat CF Montréal 1-0 on Canadian soil.
His first clash in front of the new fans, meanwhile, is taking place this Saturday (1st).
And the Brazilian defensive midfielder has been in the spotlight so far for having scored an own goal.
Playing at Nu Stadium, Inter Miami opened the scoring against Columbus Crew thanks to Luisito Suárez (16')

#Florida

Brazilian international Casemiro has become the latest in a rapidly growing list of high-profile names to have called Inter Miami home. The 34-year-old signed a deal with the Herons after the FIFA World Cup, joining through the 2027 MLS Sprint season, with the option for a further two years.
In joining Miami, which is co-owned by fellow Manchester United and Real Madrid legend David Beckham, Casemiro will become one of the few players to have had the opportunity to play alongside two of the all-time greats in Cristiano Ronaldo and Miami's Lionel Messi.
Looking ahead to this prospect, with Messi having recently returned to training following Argentina's run to the World Cup Final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time, Casemiro called his new teammate and former El Clásico rival "one of the gods, if not the god of football."
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#World #casemiro #fifa #become

Manchester United have expressed an interest in signing Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos this summer, according to the BBC. Man United want a new midfielder despite bringing both Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to the Old Trafford club. The Red Devils are now keeping tabs on Danilo, with Newcastle United also keen on bringing the former Nottingham Forest star back to the Premier League. The 25-year-old Brazil international made four appearances at the World Cup and Man United could do with his services as manager Michael Carrick eyes a specialist defensive midfielder.
Botafogo prefer to sell Danilo abroad after rejecting an offer of around £23 million, including bonuses from Verdao. The Man United target reportedly has a £17m clause for foreign clubs, which could be a big boost for the Red Devils and other European admirers. He played 50 Premier League games for the City Ground club before returning to Brazil in July 2025. Danilo has been impressing back home, with all his eight caps for Brazil thus far coming this year. His passing, relentlessness and the knack for being absolutely everywhere are some qualities of his which would come in handy at Man United.
The 6ft 2in midfielder is also physical, dynamic and technical, and he has what it takes to replace Casemiro at the Theatre of Dreams. Botafogo have also received offers of about £25m from Palmeiras and Zenit St Petersburg for Danilo, and more suitors could come calling. It is unknown whether Man United have plans to make a concrete move for him. They are exploring multiple options, including not signing another midfielder this summer, and fans will hope they make the right decisions.

#united #premier

Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to investigate the circumstances surrounding Casemiro's high-profile move to Inter Miami.
Miami officially unveiled the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder on Wednesday after he signed a two-year deal. The contract also includes an option to extend his stay until 2029.
However, the excitement around the signing has been overshadowed by an MLS investigation into an alleged tampering issue involving the acquisition of the Brazilian midfielder.
Under MLS rules, clubs can place players on a discovery list, giving them the first opportunity to negotiate with those players and preventing rival teams from pursuing them without first reaching an agreement.
LA Galaxy reportedly held Casemiro's discovery rights before Miami secured them in a deal believed to be worth around £750,000.

#around #major #Soccer

Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Manu Kone’s representatives over personal terms, per Corriere dello Sport.
The Red Devils have completed the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.
But they want to add a third midfielder to the squad after Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte sustaining a long-term injury at the World Cup.
United have agreed personal terms with Kone and they are ready to submit a €50 million transfer bid.
However, that may not be enough for Roma, who are reportedly demanding a fee around €60m.

#manu #corriere #sport

MIAMI, July 22 (UPI) -- Inter Miami signed midfielder Casemiro through the end of the 2027 MLS sprint season, with a multiyear option, the club announced Wednesday.
Casemiro's pact is pending receipt of his visa. An extension option could keep Casemiro under contract until June 2029.
The 34-year-old, who played for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, spent the last four seasons at Manchester United. The English Premier League club announced in January he would leave after the 2025-26 campaign.
"What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow," Casemiro said in a news release. "The project the club presented to me, along with the effort everyone made to bring me here, means a lot to me.
"I'm incredibly grateful, and I can't wait to get started so I can repay that trust -- not only during the 90 minutes on match day, but every day in training, as well. All I can say is thank you, and I'll give everything I have to return the affection and confidence the club has shown me."

#announced #every #july

Major League Soccer says it is investigating allegations of tampering by Inter Miami after the club signed Brazil midfielder Casemiro.
On Wednesday, Miami announced they had signed the 34-year-old - who left Manchester United at the end of last season - on a deal that runs to the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend until June 2029.
But moments later, the MLS released a statement saying it was "reviewing a tampering allegation" against the club.
"The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete," it added.
"While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the discovery priority [first rights] to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation."

#casemiro #club #released

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has completed his transfer to Inter Miami – but the deal is now being investigated by Major League Soccer (MLS) amid claims of tampering.
The 34-year-old Brazil international, who was a free agent following the conclusion of his contract at Old Trafford last season, joins the Major League Soccer club on a deal that runs until the end of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season.
The agreement includes an option to extend his stay until June 2029, pending visa approval.
Casemiro's discovery rights were held by LA Galaxy, and by league rule that would have prevented Inter Miami from negotiating with him.
The teams reached a settlement that allowed Inter Miami to get the long-awaited signing done, but the league is still probing the tampering allegation.

#tampering

Inter Miami tampering investigation, explained: Why signing of former United star Casemiro raised red flags originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On the heels of the 2026 World Cup, club soccer seasons are getting back into full swing. Brazilian and former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro's move to Inter Miami is being investigated by the MLS for tampering.
The American soccer league has a system in place, called discovery rights, in which a player joining the MLS from another league can only negotiate with a club that has the player's rights. If a club signs a player without those discovery rights, it is required to make a payment and officially acquire their rights.
While Casemiro was signed as a free transfer, Miami will likely have to pay an additional fee for signing the Brazilian because the LA Galaxy had his discovery rights.
Here's the rundown on why Inter Miami's latest signing is being investigated by the MLS.

#Miami #club #discovery #united

Inter Miami on Wednesday announced the signing of Brazil star Casemiro but Major League Soccer immediately said it was investigating allegations of tampering by the club over the deal.
Casemiro, who has 91 caps for Brazil and won five Champions League ****** les with Real Madrid, was a free agent after Manchester United opted not to renew his contract following a mixed four-year stint at the Premier League giants.
The veteran 34-year-old midfielder opted to join Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul at Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham.
"Casemiro's arrival reflects the vision and ambition that define Inter Miami. We never settle. We're always looking to grow, improve, and raise our standards every season," said Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas.
"We've built a global club with the vision of becoming not only the best club in the United States, but also a benchmark globally."

#united #opted #vision

MIAMI (AP) — Inter Miami announced the signing of Brazil midfielder and five-time Champions League winner Casemiro on Wednesday, and Major League Soccer is now investigating whether the reigning league champion engaged in tampering to get that deal done.
The 34-year-old Casemiro — who appeared in all five of Brazil's matches at this year's World Cup, scoring one goal — is under contract with Inter Miami through the end of next year's sprint season, with an extension option through June 2029.
Casemiro's discovery rights were held by the LA Galaxy, and by league rule that would have prevented Inter Miami from negotiating with him. The teams reached a settlement that allowed Inter Miami to get the long-awaited signing done, but the league is still probing the tampering allegation.
"The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete," MLS said in a statement. "While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the Discovery Priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation."
It's unclear when Casemiro will debut for Inter Miami. The team said he is still waiting on the necessary visa.

#Miami #league #tampering

Manchester United's pursuit of AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone may have taken a complicated turn. The Red Devils endured a slow start to the summer but have picked up the pace in recent days.
With the midfield a priority following Casemiro's exit, INEOS have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The English giants have also secured the services of Karl Darlow on a free transfer to bolster their goalkeeping department.
While Santos and Tielemans could prove to be shrewd acquisitions and should add quality to the middle of the park, United remain on the hunt for a third midfielder. The Red Devils need more steel and tenacity in midfield and are understandably looking at defensive midfielders.
Several candidates remain linked with the Premier League giants, including Kone, who has impressed for both club and country of late.
Kone spent his formative years at several clubs before arriving at Toulouse in 2016. He earned his senior debut with the club from southern France, before moving to Borussia Monchengladbach in 2021.

Manchester United’s summer has acquired shape, purpose and, at last, a sense of football logic. In a transfer market that can often resemble a chase after noise, reputation and panic, the latest developments around Old Trafford suggest a club responding to clear need. According to The Athletic, United are moving decisively in midfield, with Youri Tielemans set to join and Andrey Santos already through the door, two deals that speak to necessity as much as ambition.
The original report was wide-ranging, taking in much of the Premier League and beyond, but the Manchester United portion stood out because it addressed the area where repair was most urgent. The line that cuts through everything is stark and revealing: “Manchester United accelerated their midfield rebuild and are now set to finalise a deal for Youri Tielemans.” It is a sentence that tells the story of a club aware of the shortages in its squad and finally acting with conviction.
Photo: IMAGO
Tielemans, available because of a “£35million release clause”, has emerged as a sharp market opportunity. United have “identified an opportunity to land the 29-year-old midfielder” and, crucially, “he favours a move to Old Trafford.” That matters. In every successful rebuild there is an emotional as well as tactical dimension. Players who want the shirt, who understand the weight of the place and who see themselves as contributors rather than mere arrivals, tend to settle faster and carry themselves better.
For too long, United’s midfield has looked either overburdened or underpowered. The latest report lays out the issue with refreshing bluntness: “Very much so. Following the departure of Casemiro as a free agent and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury, Kobbie Mainoo would have been their only senior, recognised and available central midfielder heading into the new campaign.” That is not squad imbalance, that is a warning siren.