GREATEST ARGENTINIAN PLAYERS IN FOOTBALL HISTORY

 

JAVIER MASCHERANO CLAIMS INTER MIAMI WERE MISLEAD OVER DONALD TRUMP MEETING ASPECT

The Inter Miami squad visited the White House and President Donald Trump on Thursday to commemorate their MLS Cup win.

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Head coach Javier Mascherano has claimed that Inter Miami were told something different to what actually occurred prior to their White House meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Inter Miami were invited to meet President Trump to commemorate their MLS Cup win at the end of 2025.

The entire squad, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, joined the President on-stage as he addressed the media at the White House.

Trump then presented Messi with a signed pink football.

Speaking to the Argentinian legend directly, Trump said that Messi 'may be better than Pele', before declaring that son Barron is a 'big fan' of his.

Messi was handed a signed football by Trump (Image: Getty)

"He thinks you're just a great person," he said. "He's a tremendous fan of yours, as well as a gentleman named Ronaldo.

"Cristiano is great. Some big champions, some great, great athletes in that sport."

Shortly after their arrival, the Inter Miami squad listened on stage as Trump gave updates on the ongoing US and Israel attacks on Iran.

Among other topics, Trump repeated his baseless claim that the 2020 presidential election was 'rigged and stolen', before he turned to secretary of state Marco Rubio and appeared to ask him to prepare for a war on Cuba.

He also discussed the Dow Jones stock market, the political situation in Venezuela, and baseball icon Alex Rodriguez.

During a media conference on Friday, Mascherano has claimed that he and his squad were told they would 'only talk about football' before their White House meeting.

He admitted, however, that the visit had been scheduled around 'two months ago', long before the US and Israel began their 'major combat operation' on Iran.

"I thought we were going to talk football," he said (via the Miami Herald).

Mascherano stood on stage as Inter Miami were welcomed by Trump (Image: Getty)

"We complied with a protocol that is a tradition to come to the White House for being the championship team. It was planned a long time ago for the week we would play here in Washington.

"We were there a few hours, got to see a little bit of the White House, not much, what we could.

"The contact with President Trump was what was seen on TV, not much more than that.

"The White House visit was planned between a month and a half and two months ago."

- Ryan Smart

LIONEL MESSI MAKES MLS CUP PLAYOFFS HISTORY WITH DOMINANT INDIVIDUAL DISPLAY IN INTER MIAMI ROUT OF FC CINCINNATI

Getty/GOAL

Lionel Messi made MLS Cup playoffs history with a dominant individual display as Inter Miami thrashed FC Cincinnati 4-0 to progress to the Eastern Conference finals. The World Cup-winning Argentina legend was involved in every goal, contributing one of his own and three assists for his team to leave the David Beckham-owned club just two games away from winning their first-ever MLS Cup.

Messi scripts MLS Cup Playoffs history

Messi opened the scoring for Inter Miami with a brilliant header in the 18th minute. The goal came after a swift counterattack sparked by former Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba, who intercepted a misplaced pass from Nick Hagglund in midfield. The Spaniard quickly found Messi in a central pocket, and the Argentina star slid a perfectly-weighted ball out to Mateo Silvetti on the left. The youngster then sent an inch-perfect cross into the box, and Messi met it with a bouncing header that beat goalkeeper Roman Celentano and nestled into the far corner.

The 38-year-old then returned the favour to his compatriot Silvetti as he provided the assist for his goal in the second period. Messi went on to set up two more assists for Tadeo Allende as Inter Miami completed the rout of FC Cincinnati. With a combined four goals and assists in the clash, Messi created history as he now has 12 goal contributions, the most in the history of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Inter Miami two games away from winning MLS Cup

Messi has certainly changed Inter Miami's fortunes since joining the club in a high-profile transfer in 2023. The club which made its debut in 2020 and finished among the top 10 teams in the MLS Eastern Conference, won the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2024 under the leadership of the Argentina captain. In the subsequent campaign, Messi has now led the Herons to the Conference finals and is only two games away from helping the club win its first-ever MLS Cup. He has also enjoyed a stellar run of form in the current season, as he has scored 43 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions and has provided 23 assists. He is on course to win back-to-back MVP awards in the MLS.

Getty/GOAL

Mascherano hails Messi

Speaking after the crucial victory, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said: "Messi is an amazing player. He is good at handling the ball and pressing. Coaching him is my privilege." He added: "We still haven't achieved anything. We need more focus. We must show our best performance in the next match to reach the MLS final."

Up next: Inter Miami gear up for New York City

In the other Eastern Conference semi-final, New York City FC edged out Philadelphia Union 1-0 and will now face a red-hot Inter Miami side, led by Messi, in the final on November 29. The kind of form Messi and his team have displayed, fans can remain hopeful of reaching the final game for the ultimate prize. 

- Ritabrata Banerjee

LA LIGA: MESSI & COMPANY PUT 7 PAST OSASUNA

Osasuna are surely going to be relegated after a humiliating defeat in the hands on Barcelona...

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CUP: LIVERPOOL YAIGARAGAZA VIBAYA SANA BARCELONA

Liverpool waipeleka shule ya mabao Barcelona kwa kuwachapa 4-0...Ilimchukua dakika 15 tu kwa kifaa kipya cha Liverpool, Sadio Mane, kutikisa wavu...Baada ya hapo Javier Mascherano alijifunga....Wengine waliofanya mambo ni David Origi na Marko Grujic...Barca walikuwa na nyota wao Luis Suarez na Lionel Messi...Ilikuwa mara ya kwanza Suarez anakutafuta na club yake ya zamani toka ahamie Barca mwaka 2014...Bofya hapa upate habari zaidi.