Off the Pitch

5 animals Lionel Messi should keep an eye on while living in Florida

Among the reasons Lionel Messi decided to play for Inter Miami is the idea of enjoying soccer "in a calmer way" while having more time around his family.

Sure, it sounds like a long-term vacation, a downgrade to an ill-called "retirement league," but the truth is Messi shouldn't let his guard down.  

Not only because there are defenders like Walker Zimmermann and Miles Robinson that can make him run for his money, but also because off the pitch, there are a series of animals and critters living in Florida that he — and his lovely family — should be keeping an eye on.

Forget Messi! Ronaldo's number one enemy is now the wrinkles around his eyes

We spent over a decade thinking Lionel Messi was Cristiano Ronaldo's biggest nemesis, but how wrong we were: the player's real enemy is no other than the wrinkles surrounding his eyes.

He hates them.

I know it sounds egregious, but we have proof.

Cristiano scores a bazillion goals every season and keeps his body in perfect shape, masking the fact he's already 38. But he's no fool. He knows that the passage of time is ruthless, and he's very conscious of it.

Cristiano Ronaldo hates wrinkles

Take, for instance, his last game against Iceland.

Lindsey Horan shares beautiful, romantic engagement photos – who is her fiancé?

Wedding bells in the USWNT! Midfielder Lindsey Horan announced she is engaged!

The Colorado native shared a series of pictures on social media where you can see her fiancé, Tyler Heaps, kneeling and popping the question in front of a breathtaking mountain backdrop. 

"My heart is, and always will be, yours," Horan captioned.

Inter Miami confirms date of Lionel Messi's debut

Lionel Messi is set to play his first game for Inter Miami on July 21 when the Major League Soccer side host Mexico's Cruz Azul in their Leagues Cup opener, managing owner Jorge Mas told the Miami Herald newspaper on Tuesday.

Messi and Miami have agreed terms on a deal and are finalizing paperwork and visas after the Argentine great's announcement this month of his intention to join the club.

The 35-year-old will sign a two-and-a-half year deal worth $50 million to $60 million per year with an option to extend until 2026, according to the Miami Herald.

Meet the two promoted teams in the Bundesliga for the 2023-24 season

Agony and ecstasy go hand in hand. The pain of losing is heightened when victory is within reach, only to be snatched at the final second with no hope of recovery. Such is the nature of the final day of a soccer season. 

USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn will miss 2023 World Cup due to injury

United States captain and veteran defender Becky Sauerbrunn will not be included in the squad for the Women's World Cup due to a foot injury she suffered in April, the Athletic reported on Friday.

Sauerbrunn is one of several injured American players to miss the tournament, which kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand, after attacker Mallory Swanson went down with a knee injury in April.

Watch: Kid wearing U.S. jersey takes off Mexico headband while celebrating Ricardo Pepi’s goal

Thursday night’s wild game between the United States men’s national team and Mexico ended prematurely due to Mexican fans repeated homophobic chanting. The 3-0 win for U.S. was a bit overshadowed by the actions off the field, however one fan has won the hearts of the internet.

What goes down, must come up — Meet the three promoted teams in Serie A for 2023-24 season

The Italian Serie B season has finished and we now know the three teams returning to the top flight. From midseason managerial changes to last-second winners, this year had it all, so let's meet the three newest members of Serie A and learn how they got here.

Frosinone Calcio

They say defense wins championships, but Frosinone took it a step further. The club boasted the league’s best offense and defense to claim the Serie B title for the first time by six points. After a challenging but rewarding campaign, difficult days may be in store for I Canarini.

USMNT boys trying to teach Folarin Balogun golf is hilariously wholesome

The United States men’s national team is gearing up for a second run at the Concacaf Nations League title with the semifinal vs. Mexico on Thursday and the final or third-place match scheduled for Sunday.

A total of 23 players were called up for the tournament and the roster includes big names like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and newcomer Folarin Balogun.

Kylian Mbappé won’t renew PSG contract next year meaning club could sell him this summer

Kylian Mbappe has told Paris Saint-Germain he will not take up the option of a one-year extension in his contract when it expires next June, L'Equipe reported, with the France forward adding that the club had been notified of his decision last year.

Mbappe, a World Cup winner in 2018, confirmed his decision in a letter to the club and could even be sold this summer as PSG will seek to avoid losing him for free, according to the local reports.

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