Lionel Messi Earns Record-Extending Eighth Ballon d’Or

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi has extended his record…

The 36-year-old Argentine soccer star, who currently plays for Inter Miami CF, has won the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time, after leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title last year.

Messi, who beat out Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, becomes the first Major League Soccer-based player to claim the coveted prize, although the triumph comes largely on the back of his exploits with his country in Qatar.

Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham handed his prize-signing Messi the award in Paris.

Haaland, who scored 52 goals last season as Manchester City won the Treble in 2022-23, finished second in the voting and won the Gerd Muller Trophy given to the best striker of the year.

“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved,” Messi said after getting his award. “The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies.

“To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”

Prior to Messi receiving his award, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin after a record-breaking year with club and country. She helped Barça win Liga F and the Champions League last season, before leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.

In other awards handed out on Monday, Messi’s Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper and England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was handed the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21.

During his acceptance speech, Messi made a point of wishing Argentina countryman Diego Maradona happy birthday. The 1986 World Cup winner, who died on November 22, 2020, would have been 63 on Monday.

“My last mention is for Diego [Maradona],” Messi said. “Today is his birthday. So I would like to remember him from here, surrounded by the best players, coaches and people who love football like he did.

“Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you.”

Even prior to Monday’s ceremony in Paris, no player had won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi, who first won it in 2009 and then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten are all three-time winners.

Messi scored 21 goals in 41 appearances last season as Paris Saint-Germain retained the Ligue 1 title before moving to Inter Miami earlier this year.

Since moving to the U.S., he has scored 11 goals in 14 games for Miami, helping the franchise win its first-ever piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup.

However, he missed several matches through injury at the end of the regular MLS season as Gerardo “Tata” Martino‘s side came up short in their late push for a playoff spot.

It is Messi’s performances at the World Cup at the end of 2022 which have earned him an eighth Ballon d’Or, though, as Argentina ended a 36-year wait to be crowned world champions for the third time.

Messi, as captain, was instrumental to Argentina’s success in Qatar, scoring seven goals and assisting three more as he was named as the Player of the Tournament.

He scored twice in the final and again in the penalty shootout against France as Lionel Scaloni‘s team edged one of the most memorable showpieces in the competition’s history.

Having come up short with Argentina at four previous World Cups, including losing the 2014 final to Germany, it was deemed by many to be his last chance to get his hands on football’s biggest prize.

At 36 years and four months old, he also becomes the second oldest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or, replacing last year’s winner Karim Benzema. Only the inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews in 1956, was older when he won it aged 41.

Messi’s first six Ballons d’Or were won while he played for Barcelona, where he is the club’s record goalscorer and appearance holder, while he won it for a seventh time shortly after joining PSG in 2021 following Copa America success with Argentina.

Lionel Messi Reportedly In Talks to Join MLS’ Inter Miami

Posted on November 27, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi may be playing Major League Soccer next season…

The 35-year-old Argentine professional footballer is reportedly close to an agreement with Inter Miami to join the team after the conclusion of the 2022-23 European season, according to the Sunday Times.

Messi would be the highest-paid player in MLS history and also the highest-profile player to ever play in MLS.

Inter Miami is co-owned by David Beckham, the man who made waves in the 2000s when he came to MLS to play for LA Galaxy.

The Sunday Times also reports that Inter Miami is looking to recruit players who have played with Messi previously in Europe to join him in the United States.

Messi currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France’s Ligue 1 after playing most of his career at Barcelona. Messi established himself as one of the best players ever at Barcelona and has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards given to the best player in soccer.

Messi joined PSG ahead of the 2021-22 season after he couldn’t come to a contract agreement with Barcelona amidst the club’s financial issues. Messi scored 474 goals in 520 LaLiga appearances for Barcelona and tallied a staggering 96 goals over 69 appearances over the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons as Barcelona was one of the best squads modern soccer history.

Messi’s contract with PSG is up at the end of the season and a possible move to MLS has long been rumored. It’s unclear how much he’d actually play for Inter Miami after he would join the team in 2023. Major League Soccer’s schedule doesn’t match up with the schedule for major European club soccer. Combine the overlapping schedules with the 2022 World Cup and Messi would be facing over 14 straight months of soccer without a break if he joined Inter Miami as soon as PSG’s season was over and immediately featured in the squad.

Rodolfo Pizarro Returning to Liga MX’s Monterrey Side

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Rodolfo Pizarro is returning to his old stomping grounds…

Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF has loaned the 27-year-old Mexican professional footballer and Mexico international to Liga MX club Monterrey, the clubs announced on Tuesday.

It marks a return to Los Rayados for Pizarro, who initially left the club to join David Beckham‘s Miami side as a Designated Player for its inaugural 2020 season. The loan includes an option to make the move permanent.

“This loan gives the club more options to continue managing our roster. We are working tirelessly to acquire the right players that will help us attain our objectives moving forward. We’re glad to have found an opportunity for Rodolfo to continue developing in Mexico and wish him well during his loan,” said Inter Miami CF Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson.

Pizarro appeared in 47 matches and tallied seven goals and 12 assists during his time at Miami, playing under coaches Diego Alonso and Phil Neville. He played 64 games with nine goals during his first stint with Monterrey.

The Tampico, Tamaulipas native won a Liga MX title in each of his stints with Pachuca, Chivas and Monterrey and also won the CONCACAF Champions League with the latter two sides.

By joining the defending CONCACAF Champions League winners for a second time, Pizarro is set to participate with Monterrey at the Club World Cup in February.

Shakira to Take Part in Global Citizen’s “Global Goal: Unite for Our Future – The Concert”

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Shakirais going global…

Global Citizen and the European Commission have joined forces for Global Goal: Unite for Our Future – The Concert, with the43-year-oldColombian singer-songwriter set to perform.

Dwayne Johnson will host the event, which will take place on Saturday, June 27.

The Concertwill be televised worldwide and digitally streamed special that will highlight the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has on marginalized communities.

In addition to Shakira, The Concertwill feature performances from Jennifer Hudson, Chloe x Halle, Christine and the Queens, Coldplay, J Balvin, Justin Bieber and Quavo, Miley Cyrus, Usher and Yemi Alade.

In addition, there will be appearances from Billy Porter, Charlize Theron, Chris Rock, David Beckham, Derrick Johnson, Diane Kruger, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Jackman, Ken Jeong, Kerry Washington,Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Olivia Colman, Opal Tometi, Salma Hayek Pinault, Antoni Porowski and more.

“Global Citizens around the world are calling for systemic change, change that brings about justice for everyone, everywhere, regardless of where they were born or the colour of their skin,” said Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen. “If we are to end COVID-19 for all, we need our world leaders to commit the billions of dollars needed to develop and equitably deliver testing, treatments and vaccines. Global Goal: Unite for Our Future – The Concertwill bring the centuries-old concept of music as a motivator for change and unity, together with science and data, to honour the problem solvers – including doctors, scientists, lab workers, essential workers and human rights advocates – who are racing to not only create the cure for COVID-19, but also to ensure that it’s available for everyone who needs it.”

The Concertwill air on broadcasters across the globe including ARD,Canal+ Group, RTVE in Europe, Bell Media, CBC, Citytv, and Global TV, in Canada, NBC and iHeartMedia in the U.S.,Grupo Globo in Brazil, MultiChoice Group and SABC in Africa, Fuji TV and Star India in Asia, and Channel Nine in Australia.

The Concert will also be streamed on global platforms.

The virtual broadcast will celebrate innovators, scientists, health workers, activists and organizations working to develop and distribute COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines to everyone, everywhere who need them.

The Concertfollows Global Goal: Unite for Our Future—The Summit, a global pledging moment where world leaders, corporations and philanthropists will announce new commitments to help develop equitable distribution of COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines, as well as rebuild communities devastated by the pandemic.

The Summit will feature panel discussions and interviews moderated by journalists Katie Couric, Mallika Kapur, Morgan Radford, Isha Sesay and Keir Simmons. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Miley Cyrus, Angelique Kidjo and Ken Jeong will join the conversation as well as experts including Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Melinda Gates, Dr. Vin Gupta, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Eddie Ndopu, Abiola Oke, Kate Upton and Justin Verlander.

Prince Royce Appears in Major League Soccer’s New “Our Soccer” Campaign

Posted on February 18, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Prince Royce is ready for some futbol…

Major League Soccer has revealed its newest campaign titled Our Soccer, featuring the 29-year-old Dominican American bachat asinger.

The campaign — produced by The FADER and Cornerstone, MLS’ creative agency of record, and directed by Clayton Vomero— expresses the unique experience of being an MLS fan and the growth of the soccer movement in North America.

“The ‘Our Soccer’ campaign captures the unique spirit, confident attitude and diverse environment that embodies MLS,” said David Bruce, MLS vp/brand and integrated marketing in a statement.

The spot, voiced by Prince Royce in Spanish and English, features him wearing Inter Miami CF gear, the MLS expansion club co-owned by cultural icon David Beckham, while at a party watching a soccer game alongside producer and DJ TOKiMONSTA, who wears a Los Angeles Football Clubjersey.

Prince Royce said, “I think it’s one of the sports that has the most passion. You see so many cultures, languages — that’s the great thing about music and the great thing about soccer.”

“MLS truly marries culture and sport and unites players and people from diverse backgrounds like no other sport in North America,” added Jon Cohen, co-ceo of Cornerstone and co-founder and co-ceo of The FADER.

Bailon to Co-Host Fox’s Summer Reality Series “Knock Knock Live”

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

It looks like Adrienne Bailon is ready for a knock off….

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian American singer, actress, dancer and television personality will serve as one of the five co-hosts on Fox’s summer reality series Knock Knock Live.

Bailon, a former star The Cheetah Girls member and current co-host of Fox’s talk show The Real, will be joined by American Idol alum Kellie Pickler, TV host Ross Mathews and radio personalities Jordan “Shorty” Johnson and Chuey Martinez.

Bailon and the gang will travel the country rapping on people’s front doors and giving them a chance to win prizes and meet celebrities.

The network also announced that celebrities set for the Ryan Seacrest-hosted show include Common, David Beckham, Luke Bryan, Mike Holmes, Lea Michele, Meghan Trainor and country duo Florida Georgia Line.

Knock Knock Live is set to premiere on July 21 at 9:00 pm on Fox.

Diaz to Appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night”

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s game on for Cameron Diaz…

The 41-year-old half-Cuban American actress will appear during Jimmy Kimmel’s primetime editions of Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night.

For the seventh consecutive year, in conjunction with the NBA Finals, ABC will air the late night talk show host’s primetime specials, which will air every night of the NBA Finals beginning with Game 1 on Thursday, June 5.

Broadcasts will feature basketball editions of Kimmel’s signature comedy bits Mean Tweets and Lie Witness News.

In addition to Diaz, guests for these shows include Jason Segel, Tracy Morgan, Mila Kunis, Martin Lawrence, Snoop Dogg, Psy, Ice Cube and more.

Previous JKL: Game Night guests include President Barack Obama, Adam Sandler, David Beckham, Liv Tyler, Magic Johnson, Will Ferrell, Matthew McConaughey, Ashton Kutcher, Drew Barrymore, Chris Rock, Danny DeVito and Denzel Washington.

Previous JKL: Game Night specials have premiered comedy pieces featuring Mike Tyson, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Dwyane Wade.

Nadal Outlasts Novak Djokovic to Win U.S. Open Title…

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Thirteen isn’t really that unlucky of a number for Rafael Nadal…

The 27-year-old Spanish tennis star defeated Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open men’s final 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to win the 13th Grand Slam title of his career and his second U.S. Open title.

Nadal’s victory caps a remarkable comeback season. He’s won 60 of his 63 matches since returning from a seven-month hiatus forced by the chronic tendinitis in his knees.

Against Djokovic, regarded as the sport’s speediest retriever, Nadal proved the fitter man, pummeling the Serb with heavy topspin forehands, crafty backhand slices and rock-steady serves to win the championship.

“Probably nobody brings my game to the limit like Novak,” said Nadal, who fell on his back in relief when Djokovic’s final forehand plowed into the net to end the match, then jogged to the net to embrace his longtime rival.

With the triumph, Nadal moves into third on the list of all-time major titlists, behind Roger Federer (17) and Pete Sampras (14), and cemented his status as the most relentless competitor in tennis.

He also collected $3.6 million for his effort, which includes a $1 million bonus for dominating the North American hard-court season that feeds into the season’s final major.

Monday’s match was the 37th between Nadal and Djokovic and their third in a U.S. Open final. Nadal won the title in 2010; Djokovic exacted revenge in 2011.

Nadal had steamrolled into the match, compiling a 21-0 mark on hardcourts this season. He had lost his serve only once all tournament and conceded only one set.

But he hadn’t faced a challenger like Djokovic, the game’s best defender and a gutsy battler with a go-for-broke approach to big points.

While fans relished the matchup of the world’s No. 1 and 2 players, it was a fight both players knew would drain their last breath. Their last clash in a major, three months ago in the French Open’s semifinals, was a 4 hour, 37-minute classic that Nadal won 9-7 in the fifth set. And they staged the longest Grand Slam final in history, a 5 hour, 53-minute standoff for the 2012 Australian Open title that Djokovic claimed.

Monday’s reprise drew glitterati from around the globe, including Queen Sofia of Spain, famed Scottish actor Sean Connery and soccer legend David Beckham. But it was the 24,000-plus everyday ticket-holders who made Arthur Ashe Stadium crackle with electricity, screaming “Vamos Rafa!” and chanting “No-le! No-le!” at every shift of momentum.

In the end, Nadal outlasted Djokovic in a match that lasted 3 hours 21 minutes.

Afterward, he called it the most emotional match of his career.

Anthony Receives ASCAP’s Founders Award

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He’s the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time… And, now Marc Anthony is being celebrated for his songwriting talents…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, a two-time Grammy award winner, received ASCAP’s Founders Award at the 20th annual ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

Anthony received the award from ASCAP president and chairman Paul Williams and soccer star David Beckham during a music-filled night that honored the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed Latin music songs in 2011.

“When I left home today I felt handsome, and then they stand me next to this,” Anthony said with a laugh when he picked up his award, pointing to Beckham, a good friend. “This award goes to my team,” he added on a more serious note. “I’m not an island. It’s all about the love of music and the fight for music.”

The evening included performances of Anthony’s songs by Victor Manuelle, Pia Toscano, La Mafia and Natalia Jimenez.

Past recipients of the Founders Award include Rod Stewart, Annie Lenox, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and Ruben Blades.

Described as a “renaissance man,” Anthony also shared the best pop song award with Cuban American rap superstar Pitbull for their collaboration, “Rain Over Me.”

The Songwriter of the Year award was given jointly to Claudia Brant and Anthony “Romeo” Santos. Meanwhile, the Latin song of the year award went to “Di Que Regresarás,” written by Carlos M. Ferraresi “Ferra“, and recorded by regional Mexican band La Original Banda El Limón.

Awards were also presented in the Pop, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Urban and Television categories.

Vergara’s Got the Moves Like a Latin Jagger…

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no denying she can act… But did you know Sofia Vergara can seriously bust a move too?

While wrapping up filming of a new Diet Pepsi commercial in Miami with noted director, McG—the man who helmed the Charlie’s Angels films—the 39-year-old Colombian bombshell brought the house down when she lead an impromptu salsa dance with the cast and crew.

The new clip will debut in mid-January and cements Vergara’s continued relationship with Pepsi, the company for whom the then-17-year-old student appeared in her first TV commercial.

Last year, Vergara and Diet Pepsi enjoyed the buzz that surrounded their widely popular commercial, which featured an appearance by soccer superstar David Beckham.

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