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Inter Miami have gone 11 games unbeaten with Lionel Messi at their disposal, but how will they fare as he prepares to head off on international duty?

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All-time great yet to suffer defeat in the StatesRemains in the hunt for potential trebleWorld Cup qualifiers next up for himWHAT HAPPENED?

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been included in Argentina’s latest squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia. He will not be available to Inter Miami as a result and will miss at least one game for his new MLS employers.

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Messi will be unavailable for the meeting with Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, as Inter Miami seek to keep their play-off bid on track, but could be rushed back for the clash with Atlanta United on September 16 if he picks up no untimely knocks while away with the 2022 World Cup winners.

WHAT THEY SAID

Tata Martino is the man charged with the task of concocting a winning formula without Messi in his ranks, with the Argentine coach ready to take on that challenge after seeing Inter Miami move to within eight points of a place in the MLS post-season. He has said of coping without Messi's talismanic presence: “We will try to put together the best performance possible against Kansas City. We’ll also hope that the players leaving come back healthy and well so that we can continue this stretch.”

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Messi has registered 11 goals and five assists for Inter Miami through 11 appearances in all competitions, with those efforts helping to deliver Leagues Cup glory, a place in the U.S. Open Cup final and a shot at reaching the MLS play-offs.

New Birmingham boss Wayne Rooney says the club's story could be one of the "biggest" in football and hopes to guide them to success.

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Rooney appointed Birmingham coachAims to lead team to Premier LeagueSays club has a "huge story"WHAT HAPPENED?

The former Everton and Manchester United striker was confirmed as the Championship team's new manager on Wednesday, signing a three-and-a-half year contract after he left his role as D.C. United coach.

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Birmingham was bought over by American company Shelby Companies Ltd in July and brought on former NFL superstar Tom Brady as a minority owner.

After sacking manager John Eustace this week, the owners turned to England legend Rooney to lead the team's bid to return to the Premier League and he is excited to get underway.

WHAT THEY SAID

"Obviously I went out to the States for the experience and to keep developing as a coach but when this opportunity came up to join Birmingham, it was something which I was so happy for," he told the club's YouTube channel. "I was excited, happy to be back coaching in England, I'm looking forward to it.

"It's a massive club and it's clear what the owners'ambitions are and how the club want to move forward. It's a huge story and this could be one of the biggest stories in football over the next few years. I want to be involved in that, I want to be part of trying to bring success back to this football club."

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Birmingham are currently sixth in the Championship and will play their first game under Rooney against Middlesbrough on October 21.

Mykhailo Mudryk will have many wondering if he meant to score when he fired Chelsea into a 2-0 lead against Arsenal on Saturday.

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Mudryk doubled Chelsea leadScored from incredible angleHis second goal for BluesWHAT HAPPENED?

The winger took the ball down the right wing and lashed it towards goal, seeing it fly over David Raya and into the back of the net.

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Mudryk's effort was a beautiful one but it will have sparked debate about whether or not he intended to score. With Raheem Sterling running in towards the back post, it looked like he may have been trying to find his team-mate with a cross. On the other hand, it's possible he saw that goalkeeper David Raya was off of his line and decided to give it a go.

DID YOU KNOW?

After Cole Palmer's penalty 15 minutes into the game, Mudryk's goal doubled the Blues' lead against the Gunners. Mauricio Pochettino's team entered the match on a three-game winning run, having beaten Brighton in the Carabao Cup and then Fulham and Burnley in the league before the international period.

Mudryk, meanwhile, has now scored twice for Chelsea in 26 appearances since joining, having opened his account in the 2-0 win at Fulham.

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After the London derby against Arsenal, Chelsea will take on Brentford in the league next week.

Andre Onana has brutally been told that his weaknesses are his “abilities as a goalkeeper” following an poor start to life at Manchester United.

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Cameroonian signed for big money from InterYet to convinced in English footballTalk of Spanish star being brought back(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Cameroon international was acquired by the Red Devils in the summer transfer window when a £48 million ($60m) deal with Serie A giants Inter was pushed through. Onana was considered to be the perfect choice to succeed long-serving David de Gea between the sticks at Old Trafford.

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While his ball-playing ability has never been in doubt, questions are being asked of Onana’s struggles to keep opposition shots out of the back of his net. A number of costly mistakes have been made, leading some to suggest that Spanish shot-stopper De Gea could be invited back to Manchester as a free agent.

Getty/GOALWHAT THEY SAID

Former United defender Paul Parker, who won two Premier League titles during his time with the Red Devils, is not a fan of Onana and has told of how the 27-year-old is falling well short of expectations: “Andre Onana´s weaknesses have to be his abilities as a goalkeeper, especially his ability to save the balls, his shot stopper abilities and his handling. He is erratic and he is never in control of his saves, it bounces off him. I hope it will be a David De Gea story, where he all of a sudden he gets to understand English football. Everyone keeps telling me how great he was for Inter Milan but I just can't see it. Italian football is not as intense as English football and he is challenged a lot more now than he was in Italy.”

Parker added: “David De Gea was a goalkeeper you could rely on and Onana is not that. David De Gea´s mind was right, and I´m wondering if he will ever perform well for Man United. His strengths… What are his strengths actually? I don´t know. It has to be that he is actually decently confident on the ball but he is still miles away from Ederson or Allison, even though everyone expected him to be on that level with his feet. He is definitely struggling both mentally and physically, way more than he did in Italy.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

Amid the talk of De Gea potentially being offered a route back to Old Trafford, Parker said of United’s former No.1 – who is a four-time Player of the Year award winner at the Theatre of Dreams: “People were very cynical and disrespectful to David De Gea because he was better at saving balls than playing as an outfield player, but we have to say that Onana is not that good with his feet. He might be above average and it tells me a lot if people were highlighting his abilities with his feet if he is not better than what he has shown so far. I think everyone can see that Onana has a poor back four in front of him, but De Gea had that as well and he did what he did and Onana has never been close to doing that.”

Gotham FC standout Imani Dorsey explains why she stepped back during the 2023 campaign, highlighting a mental health battle.

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Dorsey explains 2023 campaign absence from Gotham FCSays it was due to mental health battleNWSL CBA allowed her to be successful during absenceWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year – and one-time USWNT capped player – watched Gotham FC lift the 2023 NWSL championship trophy from the bench last weekend, just as she did all campaign. However, it was her choice, with the support of the club, staff and her teammates.

Dorsey shared via Instagram that during 2023 she stepped back from the game this past Spring due to a mental health battle. Her absence was also supported by the NWSL's collective bargaining agreement that was ratified in 2022; the agreement provides players with up to six months of paid leave to support their mental health.

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The 2022 NWSL CBA was ground-breaking for the league and the respective players who compete in it. For someone like Dorsey, who was in need of mental health support, she was able to rely on both the league and her team over the course of the campaign.

Over the course of the year, her social media post highlights different things she was able to do as a result of her break, describing it as 'unforgettable memories' and as a result of her choice, she walks away a 'CHAMPION.'

WHAT DORSEY SAID:

Her Instagram post reads in full: "My year looked a little different than my teammates. Back in April with the help of my family I made the really hard decision to step back from soccer to focus on my mental health. While I didn’t know where this journey would take me, the time I got to spend with friends and family, exploring aspects of myself I typically had little time or capacity to enjoy, helped me better understand who I am, what I love and what makes me, me – without soccer.

"When I took a step back in April I didn’t know if I would return, but I am grateful to say my time away helped me rediscover what I love about this sport – competing, being active, and being a part of a team – and am now so excited to continue playing. As grateful as I have always been to play as a pro, it often felt like a burden rather than the privilege and opportunity it most definitely is. I may not have known where I would be come November initially, but I am so happy to see where I have ended up – and how far I have come. I am so grateful to our CBA and all the work put in by players and our PA to advocate for mental health.

"Thank you to Gotham for supporting me every step of the way and welcoming me back with open arms. And thank you to my family, friends, and everyone who has shown me love and support this year – it is really hard to be vulnerable and with your help I was able to take care of myself in a way I didn’t know I needed.

"To everyone who is struggling, who doesn’t see an end in sight and doesn’t know what to do – know that it is ok to put yourself first. Lean on the people around you and confide in those you trust. Without my family and my faith, I don’t know where I’d be right now. It is really hard to do, but sometimes it’s ok and it’s the right choice to take a step back. It gave me the perspective and energy and confidence I needed. I would never trade this journey or my decision.

"Because of it, I walk away from this year a CHAMPION, incredibly proud of who I have become along the way, all the unforgettable memories I have made, and excited for what my future holds."

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WHAT NEXT FOR DORSEY AND GOTHAM?

The 27-year-old will now look to prepare for the 2024 campaign with the Bats, where she will hopefully make a return to the pitch. Coming off of their first-ever NWSL Championship, Gotham has high hopes for 2024 and now, they have the biggest offseason the in the history of their organization.

Everton fans have flown planes over Manchester City's clash with Liverpool with a message aimed at the Premier League after their points deduction.

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Everton fans angry at 10-point deductionFly plane over Man City vs LiverpoolPremier League targeted by strong messageWHAT HAPPENED?

Angry Everton fans have demonstrated their frustrations with the Premier League by flying planes over Manchester City's top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool on Saturday at the Etihad. "Premier League – corrupt" read a banner in protest at the Premier League's recent decision to dock the Toffees 10 points for breaches of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Another banner organised by Amnesty International was also flown over the game. The banner read "UAE: Free Ahmed Mansoor", calling for the release of the prominent activist in the United Arab Emirates.

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Everton have been handed the biggest points deduction in Premier League history in a move which manager Sean Dyche has admitted has left the club in shock. The punishment has also prompted speculation as to the type of sanction that could be handed out to Manchester City. The Cityzens are under investigation and charged with over 100 breaches of financial rules, leading to claims they could face a stiffer penalty that Everton. Manager Pep Guardiola has insists he will not resign even if City are relegated to League One.

Getty/Premier LeagueWHAT EVERTON FANS HAVE SAID:

Everton fans have also staged a protest outside the Premier League's headquarters in London. One fan, Alan Newton, told the PA the 10-point penalty was too harsh.

"Nobody’s saying that we’re not guilty as a club of anything, but the points that have been taken off is far too harsh a penalty," he said. "Do I think that some of the other bigger clubs are going to get penalties like this or it’s going to play out the same? Probably not. I think the likelihood is we’ll get a reduced penalty, it’ll set a precedent for other clubs and we’ll see what happens next.”

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The points deduction has dropped Everton into the relegation zone ahead of their next match against Manchester United in the Premier League. The Toffees are expected to appeal the sanction and will hope to have their points reinstated.

Dougie Freedman could be set to join Manchester United as the club's new sporting director after previously ignoring advice from Sir Alex Ferguson.

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Freedman tipped to join Manchester UnitedHas done impressive job at Crystal PalaceIs a long-term ally of Sir Alex FergusonWHAT HAPPENED?

Freedman has been tipped to be appointed as the club's new sporting director once Sir Jim Ratcliffe has completed a deal to take a 25% stake in Manchester United. Perhaps surprisingly, Freedman's decision to previously ignore advice from Sir Alex may help him secure a move to Old Trafford. The 49-year-old was previously advised by the United legend to take a job at Hearts as a manager, but opted to become Crystal Palace's sporting director instead, according to . Freedman has gone on to impress with the Eagles, signing starlets such as Marc Guehi, Michael Olise, Sam Johnstone and Eberechi Eze, which has subsequently attracted interest from United.

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Ratcliffe is expected to shake things up at Manchester United when he takes up his minority stake. United have already confirmed CEO Richard Arnold will leave before the end of the year, while football director John Murtough is also expected to depart. Ratcliffe is thought to have already spoken to Sir Alex to ask his advice, with Freedman a long-time friend of the Scot. Meanwhile, the former United boss has given his verdict on Ratcliffe's imminent arrival and has said he is "optimistic" about the future.

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Palace have played down Freedman's potential departure. Chairman Steve Parish has said no talks have yet been held with Manchester United, while manager Roy Hodgson is hoping Freedman will stay at Selhurst Park.

“Am I surprised that he’s being linked with other clubs? Not at all," he told reporters. "People like him are hard to find. I’m pretty certain that Steve Parish and the other directors of the club won’t be at all happy if he’s stolen away from us with a club who have more resources then we have got.

“I hope, as a Crystal Palace person and a person working here, that the club are able to keep him. It’s flattering for him that he’s being recognised for his talents. To some extent, it’s flattering for the club as well that we’re producing people of that sort of stature, who clubs with the sort of stature as Manchester United are interested in."

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Ratcliffe's investment is still yet to be announced by the club, but changes are expected to be made once the British billionaire's 25% stake is confirmed. The INEOS chief is expected to reshape the club's recruitment process and appoint multiple sporting directors in a bid to enhance the transfer process and allow manager Erik ten Hag to focus on his first-team squad.

Ange Postecoglou has defended Son Heung-min for "being Sonny" after the Tottenham forward dislocated his finger in an altercation on South Korea duty.

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Son dislocates finger on international dutyCame in argument over ping pong requestPostecoglou defends captain's actionsWHAT HAPPENED?

The South Korea captain was involved in a row with his younger team-mates at the Asian Cup, reportedly a result of their desire to leave dinner early to play ping pong. Son injured his finger and Paris Saint-Germain's Kang-in Lee came out to publicly apologise shortly after. But Postecoglou backed his skipper and claims those events show his high "standards", which can lead to being put "in the firing line" of a squad.

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The Australian said in Friday's press conference: "It was Sonny being Sonny. When you're a leader, sometimes you get in the firing line. That's what leadership is all about. Leadership is not about being popular and trying to make everybody happy, it's about when you see something that you don't feel is right then you stand up for it because it's the best thing for the group. I see that in Sonny.

"Sometimes people are mistaken about Sonny because he's such a positive guy, who whenever you see him is smiling and everyone has a real affection for him, but he wants to win. He doesn't like standards slipping and I've seen him do that around here. If something is not right, he will say it. Sometimes it is not the popular thing to do. Sometimes that puts you in the firing line with the playing group and with coaches or the club, but as a leader if you think this is the right thing to do, then you should go strongly on it. Sonny by nature is a nice guy. He is very polite and very respectful but that doesn't mean he can't be a real winner and a guy who has high standards."

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The bust-up between Son, Lee and others happened before Korea's semi-final exit to Jordan, who place 64 spots below them in the world rankings. That dire showing, combined with the ping pong fiasco, led to Jurgen Klinsmann's demise at the helm. The ex-USMNT boss was relieved of his duties on Friday, with the Korean FA president issuing a brutal statement calling him out for "falling short of people’s expectations". It is believed Son's ping pong altercation played a part in his sacking.

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The mercurial forward returned to Premier League action sporting the war wounds of said bust up, making an instant impact to assist the winning goal in Tottenham's dramatic 2-1 win over Brighton last weekend. Spurs are in action later on Saturday against Wolves.

Liverpool fans have been fuming on social media after Moises Caicedo's reckless game-ending challenge on Ryan Gravenberch went by unpunished.

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Caicedo stamps on Gravenberch's ankle No reprimand as Gravencerch stretchered off Liverpool fans fume at decision WHAT HAPPENED?

As Chelsea took on an already depleted Liverpool side, a reckless stamp from Caicedo compounded Jurgen Klopp's problems further as Gravenberch, the recipient of the stamp had to be stretchered off the field. Liverpool fans and fans in general took to social media to express their frustrations over the referee not having sent off the Ecuadorian midfielder.

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Manchester United fan @UtdTrey on X took a shot at Caicedo: "Caicedo is only good at making terrible tackles. Awful player"

Another take came for @lfcleanne: "Bradley getting a yellow for being pushed twice and Caicedo avoiding one for a reckless challenge perfectly summing up the standard of refereeing in that first half and as a whole."

@ShreeGZunjarrao on X said: Jones also got an accidental slip and received a red by the way, Caicedo not even a yellow, not even a VAR check. This is why Klopp said he's running out of energy… the game is rigged 😤

@BigLFC said: "When is Caicedo going to be booked? F*cking joke"

@AnfieldAgenda referred to Liverpool's opener being ruled out by VAR: "Went to the monitor for a non-existent offside but nothing said about Caicedo nearly snapping Gravenberch's ankle"

@innerv1sions said: "Dodged an insane bullet with Caicedo he wouldn’t have even made the team in the Chunkz charity match let alone our starting 11"

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As it turned out, the non-sending off of Caicedo wasn't going to be the last of Liverpool fans' grievances with the VAR as the Reds had their goal by Virgil van Dijk chalked off after Wataru Endo was adjudged to have been offside during the play. The game stands evenly poised with no goals as Chelsea will look to tire out a far superior but much less deep Liverpool squad to extra time or maybe even penalties.

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WHAT NEXT?

The issue with Gravenberch seems like a major one and will definitely be a cause for concern for Klopp not just tonight but for the coming matches as the club has already suffered from a fair few injuries so far and have a massive list of players unavailable.

Lionesses star Georgia Stanway stunned manager Sarina Wiegman during a press conference when she revealed that she lost her suitcase and her boots.

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Stanway reveals she lost her football possessionsSays she used an U-23 player's bootsLeaves Sarina Wiegman stunned at revelationGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

After playing for Bayern Munich in Germany, Stanway took a plane to the national team camp in Marbella. Unlike most of her teammates who arrived from England, she arrived without most of her possessions, including her football boots.

The midfield player and manager Wiegman discussed the incident at a press conference on Thursday. Interestingly, Wiegman was unaware that Stanway had spent the previous two days training while wearing U-23 player Freya Gregory's boots.

AdvertisementWHAT STANWAY AND WIEGMAN SAID

As per Kathryn Batte of Mail Sport, the conversation between Stanway and her coach went as follows:

Stanway: At the moment I'm spending all my time trying to find my suitcase because it didn't turn up when I landed here on Monday. At the moment I'm just trying to locate where it is.

Wiegman: You don't have your football stuff?

Stanway: You don't know that story!

Wiegman: If you need some stuff from me that's fine.

Stanway: We had a little bit of a drama because it got left in Germany and I had nothing. But a U23 player, Freya [Gregory], I was able to wear her boots for the first two days.

Wiegman: *gasps*

Stanway: And then we sent Maria to the shop last night. But hopefully, my suitcase will turn up in the next few days. The biggest lesson I learned was to put your boots in your hand luggage.

Wiegman: I thought you would have learned that a long time ago on the pathway!

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The Lionesses have left behind the cold and rain at home and made their way to the south of Spain in preparation for warmer weather. As they get ready for the April Euro 2025 qualifying round, they have friendlies against Austria and Italy coming up.

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WHAT NEXT FOR THE LIONESSES?

Stanway and the Lionesses will be in action later today when they take on Austria in the first friendly of the break. They will then have a short turnaround before facing Italy on February 27.