قال ليونيل ميسي نجم إنتر ميامي إن فريقه يجب أن يتحسن دفاعياً لينافس بشكل قوي على لقب الدوري الأمريكي لكرة القدم.

وقال ميسي في مقابلة نشرتها شبكة “ESPN”: “أعتقد أننا تطورنا كثيراً هذا العام، مثل العام الماضي”.

وأضاف: “صحيح أن العديد من اللاعبين الجدد انضموا لنا ورحل آخرون، كانت هناك لحظات تنافس فيها الفريق بمستوى عال جداً، ولكن صحيح أن أداءنا الدفاعي كان غير منتظم واستقبلنا الكثير من الأهداف وهذا ما نفتقده حتى الآن”.

وواصل :”يجب أن نكون أفضل في هذا الجانب إذا أردنا حقاً الفوز بكأس الدوري الأمريكي”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. مستشهدًا بـ ميسي.. فابريجاس: يجب على نيكو باز التواضع

وكان ميسي قد ساهم في فوز فريقه إنتر ميامي ضد ناشفيل في المباراة الأولى من التصفيات بثلاث أهداف لهدف واحد، وقد سجل هدفين في المباراة.

وتابع: “نعم، نستطيع الفوز بالدوري الأمريكي، لن يكون الأمر سهلاً، لدينا خبرة العام الماضي عندما أنهينا الموسم في المركز الأول ثم خرجنا من بداية الأدوار الإقصائية”.

وأكمل: “أعتقد أن مرحلة البلاي أوف مختلفة تماماً، تختلف المباريات، نلعب ضد الفرق الأكثر حرصاً واهتماماً بكل التفاصيل، في أي تفصيلة قد يتم إقصاؤك، نحن مستعدون للقتال ومحاولة الفوز وهذا ما نتمناه جميعاً”.

وحول خروج إنتر ميامي بدون الفوز بأي بطولة خلال العام الحالي، رد ميسي: “على الرغم من أننا لم نفز بأي بطولة لكنها كانت سنة إيجابية ولا تزال لدينا فرصة لتقديم أفضل ما لدينا للفوز بكأس الدوري الأمريكي”.

The New York Yankees have hit a bit of a slump, going 3-7 in their last 10 games including a 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. The two teams will play against each other in Game 2 of their three-game set tonight.

With a win tonight, the Rays will get back to .500 as they try to make a push for a spot in the American League Wild Card.

Let's dive into everything you need to know to bet on tonight's game.

Yankees vs. Rays Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

Yankees +1.5 (-225)Rays -1.5 (+172)

Moneyline

Yankees +102Rays -120

Total

8.0 (Over -112/Under -108)Yankees vs. Rays Probable PitchersNew York: Marcus Stroman (7-4, 3.58 ERA)Tampa Bay: Zach Eflin (5-5, 4.19 ERA)Yankees vs. Rays How to WatchDate: Wednesday, July 10Time: 6:50 p.m. ESTVenue: Tropicana FieldHow to Watch (TV): Bally Sports Sun, Amazon Prime VideoYankees record: 55-38Rays record: 45-46Yankees vs. Rays Players to WatchNew York Yankees

Ben Rice: The Yankees' prospect has been on fire since getting called up to the team last month. He has a strong .267 batting average while also sporting a .914 OPS, including five dingers and 14 RBIs. He's the storyline to watch for the Yankees.

Tampa Bay Rays

Josh Lowe: The Rays need to see some improvement from Josh Lowe to help them make a run at a postseason berth. He missed a majority of the season with an injury, but since returning has been batting just .215. That's a significant drop off from last season when he batted .292. He needs to find his form in a hurry.

Yankees vs. Rays Prediction and Pick

Is now the time to buy low on the Rays? After a rough first half of the season, their offense may finally be waking up. They're now 11th in OPS in the Majors over the past 30 days while the Yankees continue to spiral, ranking 20th in that stat over that span.

It's not just their offense that's been slumping, but Marcus Stroman has had a bad stretch of games as well. He has allowed at least three earned runs in four straight starts. I have little faith in the Yankees due to both their offense and starting pitcher in the midst of a slump.

Give me the Rays as slight home favorites tonight.

Anthony Gordon is convinced Newcastle United can be “anything we want to be” this season after playing a key role in igniting their Champions League campaign.

The 24-year-old England international started the Magpies’ impressive 4-0 victory over Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels on Wednesday evening as Eddie Howe’s new-look side finally rediscovered its swagger.

Goals had been in short supply for much of the season previously, dulling the effect of good performances, in particular the 3-2 home defeat by champions Liverpool with 10 men following Gordon’s dismissal.

Asked what the season could hold for his team, Gordon replied: “We can be anything we want to be this season. We can beat anyone in any game.

“I never go into a game thinking we’re going to lose. As long as we can keep that defensive structure, that creativity, we can beat anyone.

“You saw that in the Liverpool game. For the first 30 minutes before I got sent off, we dominated them and they’re the champions of England.”

Better than Gordon: Newcastle star is now one of the best in the world

Newcastle romped to a big win in the Champions League this week, with Anthony Gordon starring.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 2, 2025

Newcastle had won just two of eight games in all competitions before they ran out at Lotto Park, and they did so knowing a failure to add to that tally after a 2-1 home defeat by Barcelona in their opening European fixture would significantly dent their qualification hopes.

However, they need not have worried as they turned in perhaps their most coherent display to date to brush aside a team that had won 3-1 at PSV Eindhoven last month.

Gordon reacts to comments on Newcastle striker Woltemade

Nick Woltemade’s cheeky 17th-minute flick, which went in off defender Kevin Mac Allister, set the ball rolling, and two penalties calmly dispatched by Gordon and a fourth goal from substitute Harvey Barnes completed the job in style.

Record signing Woltemade had found himself in Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s firing line ahead of kick-off with the Bayern Munich executive claiming Stuttgart had found “an idiot” to pay £69million for a player the German club had also been chasing.

£150,000-a-week Gordon’s assessment of Rummenigge’s comments on a man who scored for the third time in four starts, however, was withering.

Woltemade might have added to his tally had he managed to get his hands on either of the two penalties, but having seen former team-mate Alexander Isak boost his goals tally from the spot during his time on Tyneside, Gordon was in no mood to let that happen.

He said: “I don’t mind him wanting to take it. A striker should want to take it. But I’ve won too many and not taken them at this club. Now Alex is gone, they’re definitely mine.”

With their move for Shanghai Port manager Kevin Muscat continuing to progress, reports are now suggesting that a 52-year-old coach who’s previously worked with Ange Postecoglou could also join Rangers.

Latest on Kevin Muscat's Rangers move

After Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl dropped out of contention, Muscat remains Rangers’ leading candidate. Talks have been held and a deal has now reportedly been agreed with the manager to take the vacant position at Ibrox. However, there’s still work for the Gers to do if they want to get Muscat out of his current position at Shanghai Port.

What is a certainty is that he will not be in charge this weekend. As Rangers look to thrash out a deal with the Chinese Super League’s champions-elect, they have handed the reins to Steven Smith, Brian Gilmour, Rhys Owen and Sal Bibbo for Saturday’s game against Dundee United.

Speaking about his first and potentially only game in the dugout, Smith told reporters: “We know tomorrow will be a tough game, Dundee United are well organised, so the game is about the players and not me.

“We have to give the players everything they need in order to win. I have been doing this for a long time and have been in the Academy. I trust my processes and my method.”

It’s the perfect chance for Smith to impress ahead of what could be another disrupted spell for Rangers. Even if they hire Muscat, reports are indicating that he wants to finish the Chinese Super League season and seal the title with Shanghai Port before officially arriving at Ibrox. That would mean the Gers would have to wait for their manager and his coaching staff until November 22.

Aloisi expected to join Muscat at Rangers

As those at Ibrox continue their wait for Muscat, rumours about his backroom staff have emerged. According to The Daily Record, Ross Aloisi is expected to join the manager in Scotland if he completes a move.

The 52-year-old assistant manager previously worked with Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar and was targeted by Celtic when the Australian was in charge in 2021. On paper, Aloisi represents another solid, experienced addition who’d be getting his chance to prove that in European football for the first time.

Bad news for Thelwell: TalkSport pundit shares "rumbles" from Rangers manager target

It’s not a good look for Thelwell…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 17, 2025

Meanwhile, alongside the assistant, Vince Ierardo is also expected to join Rangers if Muscat’s signed on the dotted line. The 42-year-old has only been a coach since 2023, but is seemingly in line for his biggest move yet.

Everything aside from the timeline is falling into place for Rangers, who must get a compensation fee with Shanghai Port agreed before announcing their new manager.

Although they may choose to make a delayed start, Muscat and his coaching staff may well prove to be shrewd acquisitions after Russell Martin’s disastrous 123-day tenure.

Everton have come on leaps and bounds under David Moyes’ leadership (again), but Tuesday evening’s defeat at Molineux was a tough one to take.

Yet again, the Toffees have fallen from the League Cup at an early stage. Four times in five seasons have they exited in the third round, and Moyes will very much plan to revive the outfit’s trophy-winning ambitions after so many years without silverware.

However, there’s ample reason to be excited as the Merseysiders continue to make headway in the Premier League and shape back into an outfit of a higher station.

And it’s rousing to note that Jarrad Branthwaite has yet to kick a ball this season, injured but preparing for a comeback that could take Everton to the next level.

The latest on Branthwaite's fitness

For the second season running, Everton have kicked things off with Branthwaite in the infirmary. This year, though, the Blues have avoided an early-season slump, sat in tenth place with seven points after five fixtures.

The 23-year-old’s return will work wonders, though, with Branthwaite recognised as one of the most talented and valuable centre-backs in the country.

Solid, strong and deceptively dynamic on the ball, Branthwaite will calm a backline hardly in need of placation, and he will improve the overall fluency of an Everton side transitioning to a more modern-tailored form.

A look at the England international’s past two Premier League campaigns tells you all you need to know about his prowess.

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

30 (28)

Goals

3

0

Assists

0

1

Clean sheets

12

8

Touches*

52.2

51.9

Accurate passes*

31.4 (80%)

32.7 (83%)

Ball recoveries*

5.2

3.1

Tackles*

1.9

1.2

Interceptions*

1.4

0.9

Clearances*

4.5

6.3

Ground duels won*

2.5 (67%)

1.9 (69%)

Aerial duels won*

2.7 (68%)

2.1 (59%)

The defenders are doing well, but Everton still need a bit more solidity and dynamism in midfield. Branthwaite’s return will help in that regard, but certain stars, such as Tim Iroegbunam, have left plenty to be desired over the opening weeks of the term.

Iroegbunam is still young, but he’s not been at the races so far, branded a “passenger” against Aston Villa by Everton writer Lyndon Lloyd, and then looking unconvincing against Wolves on Tuesday.

Everton could do with an upgrade, and instead of breaking the bank in next year’s transfer market, they might fancy repeating a trick that worked well with Branthwaite and promoting Harrison Armstrong to Moyes’ first team.

Armstrong could become an Everton starter

Armstrong, 18, is widely regarded as one of Everton’s most talented players within the academy system, and on transfer deadline day, he joined Preston North End in the Championship on loan until the end of the season.

Everton view this as a campaign of significance for the teenager, who is considered a potential superstar and who is anticipated to dovetail into Moyes’ senior set-up in the coming years.

Already he has featured eight times for Everton’s senior side, claiming three assists. Against Mansfield Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup this term, he started and played the full 90, registering two assists, winning four duels and completing 91% of his passes (data via Sofascore).

During a previous loan spell with Derby County, John Eustace described the prospect as one of “phenomenal” potential, and there has been little since to have dissuaded the Toffees hierarchy from maintaining this stance.

His tenacity in the duel and flowering quality on the ball, creating chances, has already seen him win over the Everton fanbase, with some no doubt hankering for his presence ahead of Iroegbunam’s in the Toffees centre.

There are more who will be frustrated with the decision to loan him out, but Everton are well-stocked, and a short-term stint in the Championship could work wonders in the long run.

After all, Armstrong may well be looking to take a leaf out of Branthwaite’s book

Branthwaite cut his teeth over in Holland with PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 campaign, and he returned to the Premier League a more refined and robust defender, hailed by pundit Ian Wright as a “monster” who has “got everything” needed to be an elite centre-half.

Still young and with much to learn, Branthwaite is already regarded as one of the Premier League’s best defenders, and Moyes’ side are only going to improve when he returns to full fitness.

The club’s Young Player of the Year across each of the past two terms, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Armstrong emulate him there, slotting into the middle of the park with ease, providing new levels of technical support while shielding the backline too.

Branthwaite came back a better player after his year abroad, and now, Armstrong has opted to develop his talents away from Everton before returning the full package.

When he does return to his parent club, it feels likely that Moyes will look to hand the youngster plenty of opportunities to prove himself, and that may well come at Iroegbunam’s expense.

The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland remarked toward the end of pre-season that there is an “awful lot to like” about Armstrong, and if he completes another successful term in the second tier, there is every belief among The Friedkin Group officials and Moyes and Everton that he will grow into a leading light at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

His rise may indeed hinder Iroegbunam’s own prospects of thriving at the club, but if that is for the greater good of Moyes’ Everton project, it’s something of a no-brainer.

Everton must rue losing homegrown Dibling with "unbelievably high ceiling"

Everton once released a star for nothing when he could have been a homegrown Tyler Dibling.

ByDan Emery Sep 25, 2025

Teenage wonderkid JJ Gabriel has been promoted to first-team training at Manchester United, with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim eager to take a look at the exciting 15-year-old. The hottest of prospects, who has been dubbed 'Kid Messi', is being tipped to enjoy a bright future. United do, however, have a fight on their hands when it comes to retaining his services.

Exit fear: Can Man Utd retain the services of Gabriel?

There remains the threat of Gabriel being prised out of United’s clutches at some point before a professional contract can be signed. The Red Devils are, however, doing everything they can to convince the highly-rated playmaker that he is in the best possible place for his future development.

A rival academy scout recently told the : "United is a big club, a huge club, and it fits JJ’s profile and JJ fits United’s profile, he’s something they haven’t got at all. But United have to be careful they don’t get things wrong with him. They know they are in a fight to keep him."

AdvertisementGettyRonaldo advice: CR7 used as an example for 'Kid Messi'

Gabriel was invited to attend United’s opening Premier League game of the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford, alongside his family. He was given tickets to the directors’ box, allowing him to cast an eye over the Red Devils’ senior stars as they lined up against Arsenal.

While forming part of the Red Devils’ youth system, Gabriel was recently introduced to head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese was already aware of the talented teenager and how much hype he is generating.

Amorim is said to have spoken to Gabriel about his efforts to become a senior star, with Cristiano Ronaldo – a former team-mate of United’s current boss – being used as an example of how hard work is integral to any success. 'Kid Messi' is considered to already boast the mindset of a professional footballer, with no stone being left unturned in his bid to unlock full potential.

Big break: Amorim welcomes Gabriel into Man Utd first-team fold

That ongoing quest has been offered another boost, with Gabriel revealing on Instagram that he has been working with United’s first-team squad. According to BBC Sport, he took part in a full 11 versus 11 practice match at the Red Devils’ Carrington training base.

There is no word on how he fared in the company of Bruno Fernandes and Co, but the expectation is that he will have held his own. Gabriel has already been likened to Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo and Brazilian superstar Neymar.

A source has told the : "He’s going to end up like Ronaldo. Just goals, goals, goals.” Alfie Brooks, owner of Ole Futsal and Gabriel’s specialist one-to-one coach, added: “He was very raw but he was very competitive. When he first started training, those were the standout attributes.

"I’ve coached nearly 1,000 academy players over my time – four of them in Josh Nichols (Arsenal), Josh Acheampong (Chelsea), Sydie Peck (Sheffield United) and Tyrique George (Chelsea) have made their senior debuts – and JJ is the best I’ve ever seen. He could go into a Premier League changing room right now and technically he would be better than all of them. It wouldn’t even be close."

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History maker: Man Utd & Premier League records that Gabriel can break

Speculation is already rife regarding a potential senior debut for Gabriel that could break all kinds of records. As things stand, Angel Gomes (16 years, 263 days), Shola Shoretire (17 years, 19 days) and Chido Obi (17 years, 79 days) are the youngest players to make a Premier League appearance for United.

Gabriel could rewrite the history books at Old Trafford, and in the English top-flight as a whole. He only turned 15 on October 6, meaning that time is on his side when it comes to bettering the efforts of Arsenal starlets Ethan Nwaneri (15 years, 181 days) and Max Dowman (15 years, 235 days) – who are the youngest players to grace a Premier League fixture.

United will not want to rush Gabriel, but competitive game time would help to convince him to stay put and offer supporters a glimpse of what the future will look like as the inconsistent Red Devils work through another rebuilding project.

Instagram

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are enamored with another young “potential superstar” at the club who could be set to rival teenage duo Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray making real progress at Tottenham

When called upon, Thomas Frank could hardly ask for more from both men.

The youngsters have played key roles at times under Frank, and not just the Dane, with Gray forced to play out of position with extreme professionalism and stuck to his duties as best he could during Spurs’ injury crisis last season.

Gray’s versatility was invaluable for Ange Postecoglou, who struggled for options throughout 2024/2025, and he can certainly feel hard done by when it comes to match action this term.

The former Leeds United starlet has played just one Premier League minute since starting against Burnley on the opening day, but he showed flashes of true quality when coming off the bench away to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League recently.

Frank, despite barely picking him so far, has tipped the Englishman for a “big future”.

Gray is looking to battle his way into a stacked Tottenham midfield where Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha have formed an indomitable partnership in his position, with the 19-year-old also having to contend against Bergvall.

Every time the latter plays, Bergvall makes his £8.5 million transfer fee from Djurgardens look like daylight robbery.

Appearances

55

Goals

2

Assists

7

Bookings

9

Minutes played

2,881

via Transfermarkt

In the space of a few days against West Ham and Villarreal earlier this season, the Swede picked up two Player of the Match awards, scoring his first ever Premier League goal against Spurs’ London rivals and impressing when given the nod ever since.

The Lilywhites also signed 22-year-old Dutch sensation Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in the summer, in a deal which could be worth £125 million when factoring in wages over a possible seven-year contract (Paul O’Keefe).

The attacking midfielder notched his first Premier League assist for the club against West Ham, swinging in a corner for Pape Sarr to head home, but hasn’t managed to register a goal contribution since then.

Tottenham convinced Xavi Simons is a "potential superstar"

Some minor concerns have surrounded the Netherlands international’s form as a result, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, there are zero worries inside Tottenham.

It is quite the opposite, as Spurs insiders are “so impressed” by Simons and believe the North Londoners have a “potential superstar” on their hands.

Interestingly, Ruud van Nistelrooy has already said that Simons has an “unprecedented” mentality, and this appears to be coming to fruition at Hotspur Way as the versatile forward turns heads behind-the-scenes.

Simons could’ve joined Chelsea, but according to super agent Ali Barat, Frank was key in convincing the former PSG sensation to choose the other side of London instead.