Messi

Messi event chaos: Ganguly slaps ₹50 cr defamation suit on fanclub official

Sourav Ganguly has slapped a Rs 50 crore defamation suit notice on an official of a Kolkata-based football fan club for "falsely" dragging his name into the Lionel Messi fiasco and making derogatory and defamatory public statements about the former India cricket captain. Cricketer-turned-sports administrator Ganguly had also lodged a police complaint against Uttam Saha of 'Argentina Football Fan Club' on Thursday. "Besides the police complaint, I have sent this official of the football fan club a Rs 50 crore legal notice. They keep saying anything that comes to their mind," Ganguly told PTI. Saha, while speaking to a journalist, had accused Ganguly of being the actual man behind organising Messi's G.O.A.T India tour and alleged that it's now-arrested prime organiser Satadru Dutta was only a front. In his complaint emailed to the Cyber Cell of the Kolkata Police, Ganguly said the person's statements have adversely affected his reputation and mental peace. "The complaint states that

Messi event chaos: Probe panel flags procedural violations, recommends SIT

The inquiry committee, investigating the vandalism at the Salt Lake Stadium during an event involving Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, has recommended the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident, an official said on Tuesday. The panel, headed by Justice (Retd) Asim Kumar Roy, submitted its preliminary report within three days on Monday, he said. "The incident warrants a thorough and independent investigation. We have recommended the formation of an SIT to ascertain responsibility and lapses," a member of the committee told PTI, referring to the preliminary findings. The committee was formed on the instructions of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and is headed by Roy and comprises Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, following unrest at the stadium during Messi's visit to Kolkata on December 13. The report raised serious questions over violations of standard operating procedures, particularly regarding the entry of wate

Messi event chaos: Inquiry panel inspects Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata

Members of a committee, set up by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to inquire about the chaos during Argentine football icon Lionel Messi's event in Salt Lake stadium a day ago, reached the venue on Sunday to carry out an on-ground inspection, officials said. The panel members, headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, will conduct the probe, they said. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Home Secretary Nandini Chakravorty are also members of the inquiry team. The members will inspect the stadium premises, crowd management arrangements and facilities provided to spectators as part of the probe into the alleged mismanagement during Messi's event on Saturday, the officials said. CCTV footage might also be probed, they said. The committee has been tasked with fixing responsibility for the lapses that led to the chaos and recommending measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents at high-profile events. What was billed as a marquee sporting specta

Messi lost his cool? What actually happened in Kolkata leg of GOAT tour?

According to fans who were present at the venue, the situation began to go south as soon as Messi stepped onto the field

Messi India Tour 2025 Day 2: What fans can expect from Mumbai leg of event?

On December 14, the second day of Lionel Messi's India tour will unfold in Mumbai with a packed line-up of public appearances and sporting engagements

Rahul Gandhi to attend friendly football match between Messi, Revanth Reddy

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will attend the GOAT India Tour event featuring football legend Lionel Messi at the RGI Cricket Stadium here on Saturday evening, Telangana Congress sources said. A friendly match will be played between the two teams -- Singareni RR9 and Aparna-Messi All Stars. These two teams will be playing a 15-20 minute friendly match and five minutes before the game, the chief minister, a football enthusiast and Messi will join and will dribble the ball together. Rahul Gandhi will land here on a special flight at 4.30 PM and will proceed to Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel where Messi will be staying. After watching the game, Gandhi will leave for the national capital by 10.30 PM. Elaborate security arrangements are being made for the event at the RGI Cricket stadium. Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu said security would be provided with 3,000 personnel.

Messi mania grips Kolkata, arrival sparks frenzy as his India tour begins

Thousands braved the December chill and waited past midnight to give a rousing welcome to Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi as he arrived in Kolkata for his whirlwind three-day, four-city GOAT India Tour 2025. The Barcelona legend's 2.26 am touchdown in the early hours of Saturday sent the city into an frenzy. Gate 4 of the international arrivals turned into a roaring sea of chants, flags and flashing phones, with fans sprinting between gates for even a fleeting glimpse of their favourite sports star. Children perched on shoulders and drums rolled as Messi was whisked out through the VIP gate under massive security. A heavy convoy then escorted him to his hotel, where another huge crowd was waiting deep into the night. Barricades, police deployment, and non-stop cheering completed a citywide eruption of "Messi mania." Messi arrived with long-time strike partner Luis Surez and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul. Over the next 72 hours, he will zip across Kolkata, Hyderab

Messi's Argentina to play FIFA friendly in Kerala in November: AFA confirms

Argentina's only previous visit to India came in 2011, when they faced Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata

Inter Miami overcome Messi's absence, beat Tigres 2-1 with Suarez brace

Luis Suarez scored twice on penalty kicks and Inter Miami overcame Lionel Messi's absence to beat Tigres UANL from Mexico 2-1 in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal. After leading his team to victory over the LA Galaxy, Messi did not train ahead of the game on Wednesday. "We all go off what Messi is feeling. Today, Javier (Mascherano) spoke with him and he wasn't feeling the best. We preferred to not risk him and take a step back," Inter Miami assistant coach Javier Morales told reporters postgame. Suarez converted his first penalty after Jordi Alba's cross hit the arm of sliding Tigres defender Javier Aquino. ngel Correa scored for Tigres, slicing through the defense for the equalizer. Then, the ball once again hit Aquino's arm in the box and Suarez scored the winner from the penalty spot. A late header from Tigres' Edgar Lopez ricocheted off both posts. Mascherano was given a red card before the second half began. Mascherano was seen talking on the phone and giving instructions after bei

Messi shines on return, helps Inter Miami overcome Philadelphia 2-1

Lionel Messi made an immediate impact for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night, with what became the winning goal in a 2-1 victory that lifted the Herons into first place in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference. Messi returned to the lineup and scored less than two minutes after subbing into the match early in the second half. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took a pass from Luis Suarez on the right side of the penalty box, made a quick move and sent a right-footed shot past two defenders into the net for a 2-0 Inter Miami lead. It was Messi's second goal in three Major League Soccer matches this season. He did not start the match, but was cleared to play earlier in the week after missing some time including two World Cup qualifiers for Argentina with an adductor injury. Daniel Gazdag got the goal for Philadelphia (4-2-0) in the 80th minute, but Inter Miami held on from there. Messi also was dealing with an issue with his left thigh along with the ..

Messi-Picault stars as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 2-1 in MLS 2025

Lionel Messi scored early and Faf Picault scored the winner after subbing in late to rally Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Picault's first goal this season came in his second appearance with an assist from defender Jordi Alba his second in the 89th minute on Sunday night. Messi scored the equaliser in the 20th minute. It was his first goal in two starts this season. Brooks Lennon made his 200th career start and first this season and immediately had an impact in the 11th minute when he sent a crossing pass to Emmanuel Latte Lath, who sent a header past former Atlanta United goalkeeper Rocco Ros Novo. It was Latte Lath's third goal in his fourth career start. Miguel Almirn also had an assist his second this season and 30th of his career. The goal ended a 195-minute scoring drought. It was a club-record-tying 39th career assist for Lennon equaling the mark of Julian Gressel. Lennon saw action for the first time since injuring his shoulder

Javier Mascherano becomes Inter Miami coach, five years after player link

The first few minutes of Javier Mascherano's introductory news conference as Inter Miami coach were rough. He was coughing, struggling to get words out and needed a few sips of water before finally calming down. Air conditioning in Miami, he explained. It causes me problems. Luckily for Mascherano, Inter Miami's matches are played outside. Lionel Messi's former teammate is now Lionel Messi's coach, and Mascherano hired last week to replace Gerardo Tata Martino is already in his new office, working toward a training camp that will start next month. I am convinced I can do it, Mascherano said. I have no doubt. Mascherano Messi's teammate with Barcelona and Argentina's national team was the hire after a brisk search that took only a few days to complete once Martino informed Inter Miami that he wasn't returning for personal reasons. In actuality, Mascherano's path to Inter Miami started five years ago. Mascherano was initially recruited by the team in August 2019 in what Inter M

Lionel Messi scores in Inter Miami's 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC in MLS

Lionel Messi moved Inter Miami another step closer to the No. 1 seed for the MLS Cup playoffs. And the MLS single-season points record remains in the club's reach as well. Messi scored in the 67th minute and Inter Miami pushed its unbeaten streak to eight straight Major League Soccer matches with a 1-1 tie against Charlotte FC on Saturday night. It was Messi's 15th goal in 16 league matches this season. Messi became the sixth player in MLS history with at least 15 goals and 15 assists in a single season and he's done that while missing 15 of Inter Miami's league contests. The tie, combined with Columbus' 2-2 draw with D.C. United on Saturday, left Inter Miami eight points clear of the Crew for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Inter Miami is also seven points up on the LA Galaxy for the No. 1 overall seed in the MLS playoffs. Inter Miami plays at Columbus on Wednesday, and a win would wrap up the No. 1 overall seed not just the East, but the Supporters Shield as the ...

Colombia beat reigning world champions Argentina by 2-1 in WC qualifiers

James Rodrguez scored from the penalty spot and had an assist to help Colombia edge defending champion Argentina 2-1 on Tuesday in a South American World Cup qualifier. The Argentina attack missed Lionel Messi, who was sidelined because of injury for the between the teams since the Copa America final. Yerson Mosquera opened the scoring in the 25th minute but Argentina equalized in the 48th when Nico Gonzalez capitalized on a defensive blunder from the Colombians. Rodrguez' 60th-minute penalty, which was awarded after a video review, secured the win at the Metropolitano Stadium. It is a great win against an Argentina team that has won it all," Rodrguez said. The weather was tough, it was so hot, but we had an excellent match. It is a fair win. World Cup champion Argentina lifted the Copa America trophy after a 1-0 overtime victory over Colombia in July. Colombia, which hadn't triumphed over Argentina since 2019, is still unbeaten in South American World Cup qualifying. Also on Tue

Inter Miami confirms that their new stadiums will be available from 2026

Inter Miami revealed Wednesday that it will not open a long-awaited, oft-delayed new stadium near Miami International Airport until 2026. Jorge Mas, one of the team's owners, previously told multiple outlets that he was targeting a 2025 opening for the stadium. The team, in its announcement Wednesday, did not reveal any reason why the expected opening has changed. Legal challenges and logistical issues led to many other delays along the way; in 2018, for example, the team said it was hoping to play at the Miami stadium by the start of the 2022 season. Miami Freedom Park is the culmination of years of hard work and a desire to realize a vision and create a lasting legacy for the fans and the community of Miami and South Florida," said David Beckham, part of the team's ownership group. "I'm so happy to see that dream finally coming to life. The team joined Major League Soccer in 2020 and has played in a stadium in Fort Lauderdale since. The capacity of the stadium was expanded last y

Suarez's brace take Inter Miami to playoff with 2-0 win over Cincinnati

Luis Surez scored 30 seconds into the match and again in the sixth minute and that was all goalkeeper Drake Callender needed as Inter Miami beat FC Cincinnati 2-0 on Saturday night to become the first team this season to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Inter Miami (17-4-5) avenged a 6-1 drubbing in Cincinnati earlier this season and moved eight points ahead of second-place Cincinnati (15-8-3) in the Eastern Conference and in the Supporters' Shield race. Rookie defender Marcelo Weigandt picked up his first career assist and fellow rookie defender Yaniick Bright notched his second just 30 seconds into the match as Inter Miami grabbed the lead. Surez netted his 15th goal in his 15th start and 19th appearance in his first season with the club when he used rookie midfielder Matas Rojas' third assist to make it 2-0. Inter Miami was forced to play a man down from the 42nd on after defender Toms Avils was tagged with his second yellow card. It did not matter in the end. Callender turned aw

Messi asked to apologise for Argentina players' racist chant post win

Lionel Messi faced calls to apologize for racist chants made by Argentina's players after they won the Copa America. An Argentinean government official said Messi, who is the team captain, and the president of the country's soccer federation, Claudio Tapia, should apologize after a video was shared on social media showing members of Argentina's triumphant squad singing a racist chant about French players with African heritage. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez said he was truly sorry for the incident and his Premier League club Chelsea said it had begun disciplinary action, describing discriminatory behavior as completely unacceptable. It is unclear from the video if Messi widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time participated in the chant. But Argentina's sports sub-secretary, Julio Garro, said he should say sorry. The national team captain must also come out to apologize for this case. The same AFA (Argentina Football Association) president," Garro said in radio

Messi exits Copa America final in 64th minute with apparent leg injury

Lionel Messi's night ended early during the Copa America final when he emotionally exited the field in the 64th minute with an apparent leg injury. The 37-year-old appeared to suffer a noncontact injury while running full speed on the pitch as defending champ Argentina remained in a scoreless match against Colombia. Messi immediately looked toward the Argentina bench as he went to the ground. He remained down for several minutes as trainers came out. He was helped to his feet and immediately took his shoe off his right foot. As he walked off the field, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took off his captains armband and threw his shoe to the ground in frustration. An emotional Messi was then shown covering his face, sobbing in his seat. Messi went down in the first half after landing awkwardly when chasing a ball out of bounds. He rolled over several times as he grabbed at his lower right leg. Trainers worked on the area for a few minutes before helping him to his feet. He walked ..

Spain's birthday boy Lamine Yamal wins Euro 2024 & best young player award

Spain's teenage phenom Lamine Yamal won the European Championship and the tournament's best young player award just a day after he turned 17. Yamal earned it mostly while he was still 16, but he crowned his contribution to Spain's success by setting up Nico Williams' opening goal in a 2-1 win over England in the final on Sunday. This is the best (birthday) gift I could have asked for. It's a dream come true, Yamal said. It got tough when they tied the score, but I don't know what this team is made of because we always fight back. England substitute Cole Palmer had equalized for England, but Mikel Oyarzabal clinched Spain's win in the 86th. Yamal set up Williams to score in the 47th by drifting inside Luke Shaw and playing the ball across to the left for the Athletic Bilbao winger to hit first time inside the far post. Yamal also brought two good saves from England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Lamine is incredible, as you've all seen during this tournament, Williams said. The sky'

Messi to start against Canada in Copa America semifinal: Coach Scaloni

Lionel Messi won't be stopped by a leg injury and will play in Argentina's Copa America semifinal against Canada on Tuesday night. Messi has been dealing with a right leg problem since the group stage win over Chile on June 25. He missed the first-round finale four days later but played the entire match in the quarterfinal victory over Ecuador last Thursday. "Leo is good. He will be playing tomorrow, Albiceleste coach Lionel Scaloni said Monday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. At 37, Messi has 13 Copa America goals and is four behind the record shared by Argentina's Norberto Mndez and Brazil's Zizinho but hasn't scored in this year's tournament. It's an easy decision for me, Scaloni said. It's a fairly honest decision: I ask him how he feels. If he says I'm not good,' then he will play the last 30 minutes. When he's available, he will play. Seeking a record 16th Copa America title, Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the June 20 tournament opener when Messi set up ...