Connect with us

Sports

Messi Shines As Inter Miami Clinches MLS Supporters’ Shield

Published

on

In a thrilling match, Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice as Inter Miami secured a 3-2 victory over defending MLS champions Columbus Crew, clinching the coveted Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record.

Messi, who had been relatively quiet for much of the first half, sprang to life just before halftime.

In the 45th minute, he broke the deadlock, chesting down a long ball in the box and capitalizing on a deflection off Columbus defender Malte Amundsen to poke the ball into the net.

Read Also: President Tinubu Sets Off For UK On Annual Leave

Just minutes later, Messi doubled Miami’s lead with a masterful free-kick, curling the ball past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who remained rooted to the spot.

Messi’s two goals capped a remarkable return from a two-month injury, bringing his season tally to 17 goals and 15 assists in just 17 matches.

Columbus responded swiftly after the break, with Diego Rossi scoring just 20 seconds into the second half.

Rossi curled a clever shot into the far corner to make it 2-1, reigniting hopes for the reigning champions.

However, Columbus’ momentum was short-lived. Straight from the restart, Schulte’s miscommunication with defender Rudy Camacho allowed Luis Suarez to head into an empty net, giving Miami a 3-1 advantage.

The Crew fought back once more, with Cucho Hernandez converting a penalty after Noah Allen was penalized for handball in the box, cutting Miami’s lead to 3-2.

Columbus’ chances took a major hit, though, when Camacho was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a studs-up challenge.

Columbus had a final opportunity to level the score in the 83rd minute after a VAR review awarded them a second penalty.

However, Hernandez’s shot lacked power, and Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender made a crucial save, ensuring Miami’s victory and sealing the Supporters’ Shield.

“I’m happy to achieve the first goal and think about what’s coming. Today was a very tough opponent. We knew it, they are the last champion,” Messi told Apple TV after the match. “We suffered until the end, and that shows what this team is.”

With the Supporters’ Shield now in hand, Inter Miami’s focus will shift to the playoffs as they continue their impressive campaign led by Messi.

 

Sports

Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return

Published

on

Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.

Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.

READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.

Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.

After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.

Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.

Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Continue Reading

Sports

Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca

Published

on

Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.

This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.

Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.

READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea

The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.

While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.

Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.

Continue Reading

Sports

Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs

Published

on

 

RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.

This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.

READ MORE: Wizkid Breaks Spotify Records With ‘Kese (Dance)’ Release

The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.

Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.

With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.