Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has handed Major League Soccer a huge boost and LiveScore is the place to be for all the big talking points from the United States. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.
New role for Giorgio
Former Juventus and Italy centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has taken on the role of a player development coach at Los Angeles FC.
The 39-year-old spent 18 months as a player at the Major Soccer League outfit before announcing his retirement last month, shortly after LAFC’s MLS Cup final defeat to Columbus Crew.
LAFC co-president John Thorrington said: “We are excited to add a truly brilliant football mind, incredible leader and an even better person to our staff for the upcoming season.”
Pulisic hails Messi
Christian Pulisic has hailed Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer as “fantastic” — and says he will “absolutely” return to America later in his own career.
The AC Milan forward told The Athletic: “He [Messi] is, of course, the best to really ever do it. After having the [2022] World Cup he did and then obviously being back in MLS, it’s been fantastic for the league.
“Obviously, I’m not an old player. I hopefully have some great years in Europe ahead of me. I’m loving my time here, so of course MLS is not in my head at the moment. But at the end of my career? Absolutely.”
Linking up with Leo
Luis Suarez admits he is relishing an unexpected chance to play alongside former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi again with Inter Miami.
The Uruguayan, who agreed a deal with the MLS outfit last month, said: “I didn’t imagine [reuniting with Leo] as I thought he’d end his career at Barcelona.
“Sergio [Busquets] and Jordi [Alba] too. I left first and then they followed me. But I think meeting again says a lot about the friendship we have on and off the pitch.”
Suarez on show
Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets is relishing the prospect of lining up alongside former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez once again.
Ahead of the Uruguayan forward’s expected debut against El Salvador next Friday, Busquets said: “We’re very excited. He’s very excited. We know what to expect from him. He has scored goals his entire career.
“He just won the best player of the Brazilian League, which is very challenging and tough league. He scored many goals, many assists and hopefully he’s coming here to continue with that streak.”
Gressel joins Messi
Inter Miami have signed two-time MLS Cup winner and USA international Julian Gressel.
Gressel, 30, enjoyed success with Columbus Crew last season and also under Miami boss Gerardo Martino at Atlanta United in 2018.
The German-born utility man has penned a contract until 2026, saying: “I’m ready to get to work and use my experience in this league to help my new team-mates and this great club achieve its dream of winning more titles.”