da dobrowin： A Rangers star who Russell Martin is looking to keep at Ibrox is now “ready to quit” the club this summer, according to a new report.
Martin expecting new Rangers signings before Panathinaikos clash
da bet7： The Gers don’t have long until their first competitive game of the 2025/26 season, with a two-legged Champions League qualifier against Greek side Panathinaikos scheduled for the end of July.
Martin and the 49ers Enterprises are therefore looking to get deals over the line before July 22 and the first leg at Ibrox, with the new manager expecting a couple of signings by then.
Midfielder Lyall Cameron became the club’s first official signing of the summer after penning a pre-contract agreement back in February, whereas right-back Max Aarons will move to Rangers on loan from Bournemouth.
More could be on the way, but several incomings may also be coupled with a few departures. The likes of Robin Propper and Cyriel Dessers heavily linked with leaving Ibrox.
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There have also been rumours of an exit for Nicolas Raskin, however, Martin wants to keep both Raskin and Hamza Igamane and build his Rangers side around the pair.
Despite this, a new worrying transfer update has now emerged on Raskin’s Rangers future.
Nicolas Raskin "ready to quit" Rangers
According to a report from Ibrox News, Raskin is “ready to quit” Rangers over the coming months and “could soon inform Rangers of his decision to leave”.
It is added that the Belgium international “is only willing to depart Ibrox if a side from a top league is to show a strong interest in his signature”.
The 24-year-old, dubbed “unbelievable” in the past, has been linked with the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds United, with the latter also owned by the 49ers.
Nicolas Raskin 24/25 stats
Games
48
Goals
5
Assists
11
Yellow cards
11
Red cards
0
Minutes played
3,845
After joining in January 2023, Raskin has gone on to make 95 appearances in total for the Gers, half of which came in 2024/25 where he was a key man under both Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson.
Ibrox News have added that “there is no guarantee of a move as things stand”, but with plenty of time until the transfer window closes, it does look as if an exit could materialise between now and September 1.
يستأنف برشلونة مشواره في الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، بعد الخسارة أمام ريال مدريد في الجولة العاشرة في الكلاسيكو بهدفين لهدف واحد.
وقد ارتفع رصيد ريال مدريد للنقطة 27 في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم، بينما تجمد رصيد برشلونة عند النقطة 22 في الوصافة.
وكان كيليان مبابي قد افتتح التسجيل لصالح ريال مدريد في الدقيقة 22، بعد أن تلقى تمريرة رائعة من زميله الإنجليزي جود بيلينجهام.
وتعادل فيرمين لوبيز لصالح برشلونة في الدقيقة 38 من أحداث الشوط الأول، بصناعة من الإنجليزي الآخر في برشلونة ماركوس راشفورد.
اقرأ أيضاً.. خبير تحكيمي: حكم الكلاسيكو اتخذ قرارًا خاطئًا في مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة
وقبل نهاية الشوط الأول في الدقيقة 43 أحرز جود بيلينجهام هدف ريال مدريد الثاني بعد أن تابع كرة من داخل منطقة جزاء برشلونة.
ولم يظهر برشلونة بمستواه المعهود في مباراة اليوم، وفشل في الخروج بنقطة من ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” متأثراً بالعديد من الغيابات والإصابات في صفوفه. موعد مباراة برشلونة القادمة بعد الخسارة أمام ريال مدريد في الدوري الاسباني
يلتقي برشلونة ضد إلتشي، على ملعب مونتجويك، يوم الأحد 2 نوفمبر، في الجولة الحادية عشر من الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم، في تمام الساعة السابعة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت مصر.
Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin finally has the chance to meet some of his players in the flesh for the first time after they returned for pre-season testing on Monday.
The Light Blues head coach will have a lot of difficult decisions to make over the playing squad at Ibrox in order to end the summer transfer window with a squad that is capable of competing for the Scottish Premiership title.
Martin will be working with sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who is now in his first window at Ibrox as well, to secure new signings to bolster the team.
In fact, Thelwell is reportedly pursuing a deal for a new player who would leave the Scottish manager with a big decision to make on two of his current options in the same position.
Rangers set to bid for Premier League defender
According to DAVEOCKOP, Rangers are interested in a deal to sign left-back Owen Beck from Premier League champions Liverpool this summer.
Transfer Focus
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The report claims that the Light Blues are planning to submit a bid to sign the Wales international, as Thelwell aims to add another full-back option to Martin’s squad.
It adds that Liverpool have held talks with Beck over a potential new contract and that the plan has been to send him out on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.
Liverpool defender Owen Beck.
However, Rangers are now looking to disrupt those plans by swooping in with an offer to sign the left-footed star on a permanent deal this summer, although it remains to be seen how likely a move is at this moment in time.
Why Rangers should sign Owen Beck
The Light Blues should push to convince the Reds to part ways with the 22-year-old full-back because his performances on loan at Dundee in the Premiership in the 2023/24 season suggest that he has the potential to be an upgrade on Jefte.
Beck spent this season on loan at Blackburn in the second tier of English football and started 21 of his 24 appearances in the division, averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game at left-back.
Owen Beck in a press conference on international duty.
The Welsh star, who was once hailed as a “spectacular” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, really caught the eye whilst playing in Scotland with Dundee, though.
Jefte started 30 of his 33 appearances in the top-flight during his debut campaign in Glasgow in the 2024/25 campaign, but the arrival of Beck on a permanent deal could put an end to his role as a regular starter.
Appearances
25
33
Big chances created
6
4
Assists
4
4
Key passes per game
2.3
1.0
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.9
3.3
Ground duel success rate
57%
53%
Dribble success rate
60%
46%
As you can see in the table above, Beck’s performances for Dundee suggest that the potential is there for him to offer more to the team as a creator and as an out-and-out defender.
The 22-year-old star put up more impressive creative numbers than Jefte did whilst playing in an inferior team, with respect to the Premiership, which suggests that he could thrive even more at the top end of the pitch as part of a ball-dominant Rangers team led by Martin.
Jefte
Couple that with his superb defensive numbers, which suggest that he does not shirk his responsibilities going back the other way, and it appears as though Beck would come in with a real chance of being an upgrade on Jefte.
As a proven Premiership performer, the Liverpool dynamo would also have the potential to hit the ground running without having to get used to the physical demands of the style of football in Scotland.
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Therefore, this is a signing that would make a lot of sense for the Light Blues, but it would also leave Martin with some big decisions to make on Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz.
Manchester United have been desperately hunting for a new striker throughout this summer transfer window, understandably so, too, given their lack of clinical edge.
Ruben Amorim’s side registered just 44 goals in their 38 Premier League outings this season, with only four sides scoring fewer – three of which were relegated to the Championship.
Their inability to find the back of the net on a consistent basis undoubtedly contributed to their lowly league standing, with no player in the squad managing to hit double figures for goals.
Rasmus Hojlund, who was the Red Devils’ main talisman, only netted four goals, highlighting the need for reinforcements in such a department this window.
Countless players have already been touted with summer moves to Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen which talisman the hierarchy will go after for the manager.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Viktor Gyokeres is a player who appeared out of reach this window, but it appears United have been handed a lifeline after it was confirmed he would be open to a reunion with Amorim in 2025/26.
He’s not the only talent on their radar, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović also considered as an option, potentially leading to a swap deal with Jadon Sancho moving to Italy as a result.
However, the aforementioned duo aren’t the only ones being considered, as work is being done over a potential deal to land RB Leipzig talisman Benjamin Sesko, according to TBR Football.
They claim that internal talks have been held behind the scenes at Old Trafford in recent weeks, with the Slovenian popping up as an option after netting 21 goals in 45 appearances this year.
It also states that the staff behind the scenes have been extensively monitoring the 22-year-old in recent times, but confirmed that no deal is yet at an advanced stage.
Why United’s latest target would become world class alongside Bruno
Bruno Fernandes will go down as one of United’s best ever additions, thriving beyond all imagination after his £47m move from Sporting CP back in January 2020.
The Portuguese international rapidly made himself a fan favourite, offering a creative and clinical threat that the side had often been lacking before his arrival.
However, he’s sustained such levels, registering over 20 combined goals and assists in each of his seasons in Manchester, often being the shining light in tricky periods – none more so than this campaign
The 30-year-old accumulated a total of 37 combined goals and assists, with it unimaginable to think where the side would be without his contributions in 2024/25.
He undoubtedly has the creative nature, but has been lacking that lethal striker ahead of him, which could further bolster his tallies should the hierarchy land one in the coming months.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
Sesko could prove to be the beneficiary should he move to Old Trafford, having the chance to thrive alongside Bruno, who managed to create 2.7 chances per 90 this season.
He also registered a pass accuracy of 82%, which aided him, allowing him to notch 18 assists, something which the Slovenian could take his game to the next level with.
The Leipzig star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Antonio Mango, registered 1.2 shots on target per 90 at an accuracy rate of 44% – handing Amorim’s side the talisman they’ve needed.
The youngster has also completed 52% of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst coming out on top in 59% of aerial battles, with his all-round nature certainly handing the side a new dimension.
Games played
33
Goals & assists
18
Shots on target per 90
1.2
Shot on target accuracy
44%
Take-ons completed
52%
Aerials won
59%
Progressive carries
1.8
He’s also demonstrated his desire to run in behind and play off the shoulder of the defender, a skillset that is extremely rare in today’s game, making himself a real nuisance to the opposition backline.
Such a deal would be a phenomenal one for the Red Devils, allowing them to take a huge step under the guidance of Amorim throughout 2025/26.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
If he can strike up a partnership with Fernandes next season, it would massively help the Red Devils catapult up the table, making the club a force to be reckoned with once again.
He's better than Gyokeres: Wilcox plots Man Utd move for £150m talisman
Manchester United have joined a long list of suitors in the race to sign a new striker.
The Mexican midfielder is not part of West Ham United’s plans and is set to leave during this transfer window.
Already played four seasons with AjaxMonaco will compete in the Champions LeagueCurrent market value is $29 millionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
A few days ago, it was reported that Edson Álvarez is no longer in West Ham United’s plans, with the club now looking to move him on during this transfer window.
Multiple reports are now suggesting that Ajax – where the Mexican international played from 2019 to 2023 – are interested in bringing him back. Meanwhile, French side AS Monaco, set to compete in the upcoming Champions League, is also keen on signing the Mexico captain.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Álvarez lost prominence at the Hammers following the arrival of Graham Potter, making his potential departure an expected one. Borussia Dortmund had previously been linked with him as well, but it now appears as if he will be heading to either Ligue 1 or Eredivisie.
In total, Álvarez played 73 matches for West Ham United, scoring twice.
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Edson's move to Ajax in 2019 remains the most expensive outgoing transfer in Liga MX history, with the Dutch club paying $15.6 million to América. Now, the midfielder is seeking a new opportunity to regain valuable minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?
Mexico will face Japan on Sept. 6 and South Korea on Sept. 9, with both friendlies taking place in the United States.
Champions Trophy match in Lahore on February 26 had been under threat after calls for boycott
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Feb-2025The ECB board has confirmed that England’s men will fulfil their fixture against Afghanistan at the Champions Trophy this month, despite describing the “appalling oppression” of women in the country as “gender apartheid”.Richard Thompson, the ECB’s chairman, said in a statement following a board meeting on Thursday that a “coordinated international response” would achieve more than unilateral action. The board has come under political pressure to boycott the fixture, with more than 160 British politicians calling for England to pull out of the match in Lahore on February 26.”What is happening in Afghanistan is nothing short of gender apartheid,” Thompson said. “At a cricketing level, when women’s and girls’ cricket is growing rapidly around the world it is heartbreaking that those growing up in Afghanistan are denied this opportunity, but the appalling oppression of women and girls by the Taliban goes so much further.”The Board recognises there are different views and opinions on the issue of boycotting the match and has listened carefully. We have been in close contact with the Government, the International Cricket Council (ICC), our England Men’s players and other stakeholders to discuss this matter, as well as considering how best the ECB can support those women cricketers who have fled Afghanistan.Related
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“Following this, we remain of the view that a coordinated international response by the cricketing community is the appropriate way forward, and will achieve more than any unilateral action by the ECB in boycotting this match, while we have also heard that for many ordinary Afghans, watching their cricket team is one of the few remaining sources of enjoyment. As such, we can confirm that we will play this fixture.”Thompson said that the ECB will press the ICC for further action, including ring-fencing funding to support female players from Afghanistan, and considering recognising an Afghanistan women’s refugee team. Last week, the board donated £100,000 to the MCC’s Global Refugee Cricket Fund.An Afghanistan women’s XI played an invitational T20 against a Cricket Without Borders XI in Melbourne last month, mounting pressure on the ICC to support their players.Afghanistan remain full ICC members – with full funding – despite no longer being able to fulfil the requirement to field a women’s team under its Taliban government. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo last month, two exiled players, Firooza Amiri and Benafsha Hashimi, called on Afghanistan’s men to be “the voice of the girls”, despite acknowledging that speaking out against the regime could come with its own risks.”The cricketing community cannot tackle all of Afghanistan’s problems,” Thompson added. “But we urge our international partners to stand together and demonstrate through our actions that we support the women and girls of Afghanistan, including those cricketers now in exile who just want to play and should be allowed to play the sport they love.”
Messi has undoubtedly raised the profile of MLS, but his decision to skip ASG could have lasting reverberations for the league
AUSTIN, Texas – Lionel Messi means the world to Jesus Rodriguez.
For the 22-year-old, who has Cerebral Palsy and developmental disabilities, the Argentine star is a light – a beacon of hope in an otherwise challenging life. Whether it's weaving through multiple defenders or beating goalkeepers with pinpoint precision on free kicks, Messi doesn’t let obstacles stand in his way, and that inspires Rodriguez to keep fighting. So much so that his mother, Tanya Jasso, wanted to find a way for her son to finally see Messi.
She originally tried last season and was ready to take her son, husband, and Jesus’ stepfather, Javier Partida, to see Messi in Columbus, Ohio, for the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. But in the 2024 Copa America Final, Messi injured his ankle. The plan was scrapped. Then, in March, Jasso got the exciting news that the 2025 MLS All-Star would be held in Austin.
For the family who lives in Alamo, New Mexico, the Texas capital was within driving distance. They wanted to give Jesus the experience of a lifetime, saving money and then spending thousands of dollars to get tickets in the VIP section 7, row 3, behind the MLS All-Star bench. Everything was in motion, and when Jesus heard the news, he was brimming with excitement.
Then Wednesday happened.
Messi and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba had been no-shows for MLS All-Star training sessions earlier in the week, and on the morning of the All-Star Game, the league confirmed what had increasingly appeared inevitable – neither would play, both removed from the final MLS roster.
Jasso said that she and her family were devastated when they heard the news. Jesus sat motionless with his head drooping toward the concrete sidewalk, and Jasso was furious about the timing and the manner in which both MLS and Messi handled the situation.
“I’m very sad because I did everything I could so my son could come see Messi, especially since he has a disability,” Jasso told GOAL Wednesday before the All-Star Game. “I feel heartbroken for him. It’s always been his dream to meet Messi, but he’s not going to be here. I made a lot of sacrifices… We drove 10 hours from Alamo, New Mexico, to get here, and we’re very tired.”
Jasso was perplexed as to why MLS waited until the day of the game – at 11:15 a.m. Central Time, to be exact – to reveal that the face of their league would not be playing in its midseason showcase.
“I think they should be more honest and give fans a heads-up so we don’t go through so much for nothing,” she said. “I feel sad because [Messi] should think about his fans – and right now, he’s not. I believe Messi is partly to blame, as is the league, because he should’ve made an effort to be here.”
Jasso wasn’t alone in feeling let down by MLS and its Argentine superstar. Social media was flush with fans who said the league should have done more to hold Messi accountable, and some who cynically suggested the league was aware of Messi’s status ahead of the game, intentionally promoted his participation, and withheld the information to build buzz for the game.
Austin’s leading newspaper, , ripped Messi and MLS to shreds for the way the situation was handled, with Eric Goodman writing, “Messi’s decision not to show up for one night in Austin is a huge middle finger to MLS and its fans.”
Despite the very public angst, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, in his All-Star Game midseason address, declined to confirm whether the players would face discipline, saying only that the league should have been more proactive in determining Messi and Alba’s availability. In several unprompted moments, Garber appeared to gush over Messi’s positive impact on the league – noting his sizable social media presence and the credibility he brings to MLS.
Sports commissioners essentially work for team owners, which means occasionally having to tow the line. But considering the circumstances, Garber’s responses – and in some cases, lack thereof – seemed tone deaf. Failing to be firm and resolute could both set a precedent and have consequences, signaling to MLS fans that their role in All-Star voting effectively doesn’t matter.
On Friday, two days after the All-Star Game, MLS finally announced a decision, suspending both Messi and Alba for Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Garber praised Messi's overall contributions, but said the league had to follow its policies.
“The most important thing is I know Leo Messi loves this league, and MLS is an entirely different league because of the years he’s been here helping to show the world what MLS is and what it’s capable of being,” Garber told the Athletic. “Nobody has done more for Major League Soccer than Lionel Messi. Not just what he’s done off the field, but what he’s done on the field. Every game is a must-see match. I fully understand and respect and admire his commitment to Inter Miami.
"His decision is not one that I really can argue with whatsoever and I understand it. But unfortunately we have a longstanding policy relating to player participation in the All-Star Game and we had to enforce that policy. It was a very, very difficult decision, but one I hope both [Messi] and everyone else can understand and respect. He has shown up for his club, for his teammates, for our league time and time again and I respect his decision.”
Garber added that MLS plans to re-evaluate the policy.
“We are going to take a very hard look at the rule moving forward," he said. "It is important to all of our players and all of our fans that we have a policy that reflects and involves the realities of our league and its players going forward. I am committed to working with all of our players and to start working with Leo Messi to adapt this rule so it makes sense going forward.”
Calling MLS rules for sanctioning players who skip its All-Star game "draconian," Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas on Friday said that Messi was "extremely upset' by the suspension. Mas claimed it was the club's decision to let both Messi and Alba skip the ASG, keeping their long-term health and fitness in mind amid a congested schedule, and that the players' were upset by the league's actions.
"I believe it’s a bad rule, but it’s a rule nonetheless," he said. "And it’s a bad rule because I think it puts the players in an untenable position to have to choose between participating in an All-Star festivity, which is an exhibition match, or choosing a regular-season game that I think matters. And I admire both Lionel and Jordi for always thinking of club first.”
Messi is the first MLS starter in the past 30 years to skip an All-Star game for non-injury reasons – the first being Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In most other major U.S. sports – the NBA, MLB, NHL and NFL, leagues that represent the best of the best in their respective games – it would generally be unthinkable for a player equal to Messi’s stature to skip its marquee match for reasons other than injury.
So how did MLS get to this point with the face of the league?
GOAL spoke to MLS All-Stars, former executives, and insiders to assess the fallout from Messi’s no-show and what it signals about the league’s present and future.
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Compare and contrast, Beckham and Messi
Messi may be the most famous – and as an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, the most accomplished – player ever to join Major League Soccer, but the way he’s avoided an active ambassador role for the league stands in stark contrast to the global icon who preceded him: David Beckham.
While Beckham was never as strong a footballer as Messi, he was arguably just as popular in the pre-social media era. From the moment Beckham joined MLS in a star-studded, Hollywood, celebrity-fueled arrival in 2007, he made it clear that his move to MLS was about more than just playing soccer – it was a mission.
“I’m coming there to make a difference,” Beckham said at his introductory LA Galaxy news conference. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could make a difference.”
Beckham didn’t just show up, he leaned into the responsibility of helping MLS grow – on and off the field. It wasn’t enough to attract 66,237 fans to Giants Stadium, as he did when the Galaxy traveled to face the New York Red Bulls in a 5-4 loss, or to amplify attendance for opposing clubs by more than 40 percent during his first two years in the league.
He was also making media rounds, and serving as a highly visible face of American club soccer. Whether it was appearing on late-night talk shows, doing photo shoots for leading magazines, or surprising fans at sports bars, Beckham treated the league’s promotion as part of the job.
“Of course, being an ambassador of the league, being an ambassador of the game here is obviously important,” he said at an appearance in 2012 at the ESPN Zone, meeting individually with a group of 70.
Two former leading members of the LA Galaxy staff who worked closely with Beckham told GOAL that visibility was never optional for the England star, with one source saying, “I would say that media exposure and growth of the league was greatly important to Beckham and Ibrahimovic.”
That went far beyond what was written in any contract. Yes, Beckham wasn’t initially as successful on the pitch as Messi – he didn’t make the playoffs until his third year in the league. But as USMNT icon and former Galaxy GM Alexi Lalas summed it up in 2011, Beckham’s arrival was monumental for MLS.
“He brought relevancy and credibility,” Lalas said, “which is something that U.S. soccer – and maybe even more so Major League Soccer – has and continues to crave.”
And Beckham went to extreme lengths to meet obligations. Former teammate Landon Donovan recalled a moment during the 2012 Olympics when Beckham juggled personal and league duties with incredible effort.
“He flew out right after our game – maybe Saturday or Sunday night – to London,” Donovan said in reaction to the news that Messi had skipped Wednesday’s All-Star Game. “He had to do preparations for the opening ceremonies, then got back on a plane, flew to wherever the All-Star Game was, played the game on Wednesday, and flew back to London that night.”
The irony is striking, considering Beckham is now a co-owner of Inter Miami. Messi, Beckham’s hand-picked superstar and so-called “gift” to elevate MLS into a new era, chose not to show up for the league’s marquee summer event.
And while Messi’s global reach and on-field brilliance are unquestionable, his absence in Austin has pointed to what has become increasingly telegraphed over the past few months: There is a different set of rules for Messi.
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The Messi Rules
This wasn’t the first time Messi’s unique status bent the norms at MLS. There’s no denying Messi’s impact for Inter Miami. Since arriving in 2023, he’s tallied 64 goal contributions in 43 league matches (39 goals, 25 assists), led the Herons to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield with a record 74 points, and won league MVP.
He’s also played the role of recruiter, helping bring former star teammates and friends Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba to MLS – and it appears Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul will be next.
Off the field, Messi has transformed the club’s profile. Inter Miami’s valuation exploded from $585 million to more than $1.2 billion since his arrival. Attendance, too, has soared, nearly doubling from an average of 12,613 fans per game in 2022 to 21,245 in 2024 – second-best in MLS.
But has Messi had the same impact on the league overall? He’s a guaranteed box office draw, selling out nearly every road match and helping teams such as Sporting KC move games to larger venues to capitalize on the draw and maximize attendance.
Yet beyond the gate, the returns are mixed.
MLS viewership, by most accounts, remains modest. Garber said this week that MLS games streaming on Apple TV average 120,000 unique viewers each, with about one million unique viewers tuning in across all matches on Saturdays. During Beckham’s first two years in the league, MLS averaged 241,000 viewers for games and had a single-match high of 650,000. Of course, in Beckham’s era, matches were broadcast on traditional cable TV, which has greatly declined over the past decade. Today, MLS’s matches are largely streamed via Apple TV.
And Messi’s voice, publicly, has been largely absent. Unlike past MLS stars such as Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, or Kaka, Messi has limited his media opportunities, outside of his introductory news conference.
Yes, he’s done a smattering of one-on-one interviews, but they have generally been well-coordinated and structured – often lacking any real emotion. American sports fans are used to seeing passion. Due to the controlled nature of Messi’s limited interviews, fans have little insight into his thoughts on MLS, the competition level, or even life in the U.S. That might be normal for athletes in Europe, but in North America – where megastars such as LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes regularly speak to the media – it’s a missed opportunity.
Historically, MLS has fined players who skip media duties. Henry often grumbled about the requirement but still fulfilled it. Ibrahimovic stirred headlines with brash, unfiltered takes that MLS likely didn’t always appreciate. Messi, by contrast, appears to operate under different rules.
The Athletic reported that Messi struck a handshake deal to avoid regular media obligations. Some within MLS circles have contrasted Messi’s silence outside of a handful of preselected opportunities to Cristiano Ronaldo’s outspoken promotion of the Saudi Pro League.
The question, ultimately, is how much impact Messi as a “brand” has lifted the league? MLS is now home to more of the highest valued soccer franchises than any other league in global soccer, according to Sportico's annual rankings. North America's top flight has 19 of the top 50, and five of the top 20, eclipsing every other top division in world football.
The league’s average valuation is $700 million, with LAFC and Inter Miami – Messi’s club – sitting at the top, both valued north of $1.2B.
“There’s no doubt that there’s a before and after Lionel Messi in this league,” Mas said. “Lionel Messi, he is different. He has completely changed the economics of this league, for every single club, every team, every sponsor, the league, media, etc… Lionel Messi has created, for the first time in the league history, $10 million gates where he goes. Clubs change stadiums so Lionel Messi can perform and play, and Inter Miami can play. And that’s an amazing asset and an amazing thing for the league."
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Marquee event no-show
What started as a question Monday became seemingly inevitable by Tuesday afternoon: Messi might skip All-Star week entirely. The league has generally accepted the “Messi rules” – flexibility in exchange for brilliance on the pitch. But this was uncharted territory, even by North American standards.
All-Star events, while rarely competitive, are marketing engines built on fan participation. They're celebrations of a sport and a league, and there is generally a kind of unspoken pact with fans. You vote, they show up.
The tradition runs deep. Babe Ruth was an All-Star. Michael Jordan was an All-Star. Even when selections spark debate, that debate fuels connection. Fans can’t control lineups or referee decisions – but All-Star votes are theirs.
No story captures this better than John Scott’s in 2016. A journeyman NHL enforcer with just five career goals, Scott was voted by fans into the league’s All-Star game. The league reportedly tried to block him – even demoting him to the minors after a trade – but he played anyway, scored twice, and was named MVP. That’s the magic of sports: unpredictability and presence.
For the 28 MLS All-Stars who did show up in Austin, that mattered.
“When you have eyes on you, and to be able to have a voice and showcase yourself … it's very important,” said U.S. international Diego Luna. “MLS is in a big year leading up to the World Cup – this brings more focus and attention.”
Chucky Lozano and Cristian Espinoza echoed that sentiment. Garber, meanwhile, downplayed Messi’s absence, citing Inter Miami’s packed schedule and Club World Cup obligations.
"Miami has had a schedule that is unlike any other team," Garber said. "Most of our teams had a 10-day break. Miami hasn't. We had Leo playing 90 minutes in almost all the games that he's played."
But the numbers tell a more nuanced story. Inter Miami and LAFC each played 16 matches between the league and Club World Cup; Seattle played just one fewer. And of those three, Miami actually had the longest break – 14 days – between league play and the Club World Cup.
Getty Images Sport
Where MLS goes from here
Now that the league has enforced its rules, suspending the two Miami players, the question remains: How can this be avoided next time?
It starts with expectation and accountability. Did MLS and Miami adequately outline expectations for Messi when he arrived in the league, including responsibilities at tentpole events such as the All-Star game? Media responsibilities aren’t as critical as they were in the Beckham era, but skipping an MLS All-Star game both damages trust and could set a precedent for other stars in the league.
Zlatan skipped an All-Star game. Now Messi has done the same. How can MLS discourage repeat offenses? How does the league impart the value of its marquee game to its top stars, especially those who have previously played in Europe, where All-Star games are literally foreign concepts?
Does the league need harsher penalties? Neither Messi or Alba are likely to lose sleep because they didn’t have a chance to play with Brad Stuver or Sam Surridge in the ASG – no offense to either – or the fact they must sit out one match, even if it’s against a contending Cincinnati side. Or as Garber suggested Friday – the league "working with Leo Messi to adapt this rule" – could MLS go the opposite direction, and forego future sanctions, thus potentially risking more players skipping out?
One suggestion that has gained traction within league circles is changing the scheduling for the ASG, or even canceling it in years in which there are other major tournaments, such as the Club World Cup or the World Cup. One insider suggested MLS follow the NHL’s lead and postpone All-Star the way the NHL did during the Olympics.
While Garber has already gone on record that he wants the 2026 Charlotte All-Star Game to be the best ever, riding momentum from the World Cup, the league might be better served by pressing pause.
"What I think is that if they want to do this type of event, it's great to do it, and the truth is that it's great for the league. There shouldn't be a date in the schedule. It's crazy,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano said Friday before the league announced the suspensions. “We've been playing four of the last five games away. We've been playing four away. We've been playing practically every three days.”
While a one-game suspension might seem like a slap on the wrist, Garber and MLS aren’t helped by Messi’s uncertain future in the league, a situation Donovan outlined.
“From the League's perspective, this is really frustrating because you have your best player, your partners want him there, the owners want him there, the sponsors want him there, the fans want him there, the other guys on the MLS All-Star team want the chance to play with Messi – that's a dream for them," Donovan said. “So this becomes a really challenging situation, and from the league standpoint now, what do you do? … Inter Miami and the league are trying to renegotiate, so that he stays here – his contract is up at the end of the season."
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami comes to an end in December 2025, meaning the team and league have less than five months to extend the face of the league. Messi’s impact on MLS is undeniable – record crowds, global attention, Apple TV subscribers, he checks all those boxes.
But, make no mistake, Garber and MLS need to find answers to all of this soon. It can’t risk fan trust all for the sake of revenue or reputational gains. Or fans will look elsewhere. As the Jasso and Partida family noted.
“Hey, we might have better luck seeing [Messi] at the World Cup,” Partida quipped.
Moments like what happened – or didn’t happen – in Austin this week remind us that the league’s future won’t be built on star power alone.
Tottenham Hotspur have a new manager at the helm in Thomas Frank, though he could now have a decision to make on one of his key stars, according to a report.
Tottenham make Tel second signing under Frank
There were plenty of mixed opinions when Ange Postecoglou was relieved of his duties at Tottenham. He delivered on his promise to bring a trophy to North London, but Daniel Levy couldn’t look past the Lilywhites’ dismal form in the top flight.
Frank has since been appointed and arrives as a revered figure among many of his Premier League peers. The former Brentford boss released an emotional statement after swapping Hounslow for N17 as he gets to work ahead of pre-season.
He stated: “I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one.
“For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community – it’s an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.”
Mathys Tel has been announced as a permanent Tottenham star and has signed until 2031, becoming an early signal of the former Brentford man’s transfer intent. Kevin Danso has also joined after his loan spell from RC Lens.
Looking to tempt one of his old flames to work together again, Spurs boss Frank is targeting a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has reportedly changed his stance on potentially swapping the Gtech Community Stadium for Manchester United amid recent talks.
Tottenham meet asking price for "key" Thomas Frank target after lodging bid
The Dane personally wants him in north London.
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Jadon Sancho has also been linked with a surprise switch to Spurs. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils would be willing to deal with a direct Premier League rival after his spell at Chelsea.
Making inroads, Frank has now been left with a crucial decision to make after a big-money proposal came to light for one of his established stars.
Tottenham star Son Heung-min has offer to join Fenerbahce
According to reports in Spain, Fenerbahce have tabled a big-money proposal to Tottenham icon Son Heung-min that could see the South Korea international earn around £195,000 per week in Istanbul.
The outlet suggests that a deal between all parties is ‘very close’ despite nothing being fully set in stone, which could mark the end of an era for the 32-year-old after lifting the Europa League trophy last month following a decade-long wait for silverware.
Son Hueng-min – the end of an era at Tottenham Hotspur?
Appearances
454
Goals
173
Assists
101
Trophies won
UEFA Europa League
Admittedly, he did wane during a difficult campaign on a week-to-week basis for the Lilywhites, though he still managed to register 11 goals in 12 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
From a personal perspective, Son bowing out with a winners’ medal in-hand would be the perfect way to depart, even if his exit would be an emotional one following his excellent ten years in North London.
da winzada777： Glasgow Rangers have officially made their first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.
da blaze casino： Right-back Max Aarons joins on a season-long loan deal, and the dynamic Englishman will certainly add some competition for James Tavernier.
The Ibrox faithful will be hoping that Russell Martin has several more announcements to make over the coming weeks, especially with the Champions League second round qualifying matches against Panathinaikos just weeks away.
Building a team capable of making it through to the next stage is Martin’s priority, especially with the financial rewards on offer if the Gers qualify for the lucrative group stages.
Buying new players could well depend on the club’s ability to sell a few of their prized assets this summer.
Indeed, Hamza Igamane potentially looks like he could be on the move. According to the Daily Mail, the striker has reportedly agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 side Lille, although no offer has been made.
The Light Blues only signed the player last summer, but it now looks as though Martin is aiming to rake in a solid profit, as Rangers could hold out for a fee in the region of £15m.
He isn’t the only centre-forward who looks set to leave. Cyriel Dessers might well be on his way this summer also. The Nigerian international has been a polarising figure during his two years in Glasgow, but will the club miss him?
Cyriel Dessers’ Rangers record
Just a few weeks ago, it looked as though Greek side AEK Athens were set to secure a move for Dessers. After days of negotiating over a transfer fee, however, this move looks like it could perhaps be in jeopardy.
Cyriel Dessers’ Premiership stats for Rangers
Metric
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
16
18
Assists
4
2
Big chances created
8
2
Big chances missed
27
21
Goal conversion percentage
16%
22%
Via Sofascore
Now it appears that Feyenoord are looking to hijack a move for the Gers frontman after they failed to land a couple of their main targets.
Much will depend on whether the Dutch side can offer a fee that the Glasgow outfit are happy with, as this is why the deal with AEK Athens has broken down.
Dessers cost the club around £4.5m in the summer of 2023 and Martin is looking to recoup the majority, if not all, of that outlay.
Across his two seasons in Scotland, the 30-year-old has netted a more than respectable tally of 51 goals across 109 games. This works out as a goal every 2.1 games.
Despite this stellar record in front of goal, Dessers often takes two or three chances to eventually find the back of the net in matches.
Indeed, during the 2023/24 Premiership campaign, the former Feyenoord striker missed a staggering 27 big chances across his 35 matches.
Last season, this figure dropped to missing 21 big chances, but having someone who is far more clinical in the opposition penalty area, as well as being able to link up well with those behind him, is Martin’s priority.
Moving on Dessers could be a smart piece of business by the new manager, especially considering who he is lining up as his potential replacement…
Latest on Rangers' search for a new striker
With Igamane looking likely to depart Ibrox, alongside Dessers, it is evident that the club need another centre-forward or two ahead of the Champions League qualifiers.
Israeli player Dor Turgeman has been on the club’s wish list for a while, but it remains to be seen whether Martin makes his move for the striker.
According to TEAMtalk, the Light Blues are now exploring a move for Croatian striker Matija Frigan, who is keen to make the move to Scotland, as per the report.
Martin will have to spend around £6.5m to sign the Westerlo player this summer, but if he can move on Igamane and Dessers for roughly £20m, he will have money to spend.
The club will be hoping a deal can be sealed before the crucial games against Panathinaikos, especially if Martin is lacking in firepower before then.
Frigan has the potential to be an excellent signing for the Gers. There is no doubt about that.
Why Rangers must sign Matija Frigan
The 22-year-old is yet to hit his peak and a move to Rangers would give him the platform to get even better, especially by playing European football.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Across 41 games for the Belgian side last term, Frigan scored 14 goals and grabbed four assists in all competitions.
In the Belgian Pro League, the 22-year-old recorded 2.2 shots per game, while also creating six big chances and finishing the season with a goal conversion percentage of 14% for Westerlo.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig lauded the Croatian as a “complete forward” two years ago, even stating that he was similar in style to Ciro Immobile.
As such, signing a player with his talent is surely a key priority for the manager, especially considering he has plenty of room to grow.
Although Dessers may have scored more goals last season, the fact that Frigan is eight years younger, meaning he is a crucial long-term prospect.
Last term, Frigan missed just 12 big chances, compared to Dessers’ 21, while he averaged more touches (22 vs 18.8) and successful dribbles (0.7 vs 0.3) per game in their respective domestic leagues.
If Martin is able to sell the Nigerian player for the same price which Rangers bought him for, then it would be a wonderful piece of business by the new boss.
Frigan – who was also hailed as an “interesting youngster” by Jacek Kulig – has the potential to go from strength to strength by making a move to Glasgow.
Funds shouldn’t be an issue, as the report states the Light Blues may be willing to structure a deal so they will pay a lower fee initially, adding on potential add-ons to make the move more attractive.
With Aarons arriving in Glasgow, the supporters will be looking forward to more arrivals over the coming weeks.
Could Frigan be the next big summer signing? Only time will tell.
Rangers' top 15 goalscorers of all time
Rangers have had plenty of natural goalscorers at Ibrox over the last 150 years.
The batter, who averages nearly 70 in first-class cricket, has been picked in the Zimbabwe squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-2025Batter Antum Naqvi is in line for a Zimbabwe debut in their upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan after being named in their 16-man squad. Fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa, who has played 14 white-ball internationals for Zimbabwe, is another potential debutant.Left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava and allrounder Brad Evans, both of whom were not part of Zimbabwe’s most recent Test series against New Zealand in July-August earlier this year, returned to the squad. Evans, 28, has played a solitary Test so far, which came in February 2023.Of Indian and Pakistani descent, Naqvi was born in Brussels, Belgium and moved to Australia when he was four, where he earned a commercial airline pilot’s license. He put his aviation career on hold, as per BBC Sport, to pursue cricket. He has recently qualified to represent Zimbabwe, according to a statement from Zimbabwe Cricket.Related
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Naqvi is one of the brightest emerging talents in Zimbabwe, boasting an average of over 60 in both first-class and List A cricket. In January 2024, he became the the first player from a Zimbabwean team to hit a triple-century at any level of representative cricket. Overall, he has racked up 1626 runs in 26 first-class innings at an average of 67.75 and strike rate of 72.65.In his most recent first-class fixture, he scored 68 and 108, his sixth hundred in the format, for Zimbabwe A against MCC in Harare last week.Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Newman Nyamhuri, Clive Madande and Vincent Masekesa all were left out from the previous Test squad. It is understood that Williams missed out due to personal reasons.Craig Ervine will captain the team, with Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani lending more experience to the team.Harare will host the one-off Test against Afghanistan from October 20 to 24. This will be Zimbabwe’s first international assignment since they secured qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe squad
Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brendan Taylor, Nick Welch