Tab Ramos Named New England Revolution Assistant Coach

It’s a revolutionary time for Tab Ramos.

The 56-year-old Uruguayan American former soccer player, former Houston Dynamo FC and U.S. U-20 national team manager has signed with the New England Revolution  as an assistant coach, according to ESPN.

Tab RamosRamos will assist current interim manager Clint Peay until the end of the season.

The former U.S. international joins a coaching staff that has experienced significant upheaval in the last six weeks. Back in late July, then-manager and sporting director Bruce Arena was placed on administrative leave pending an MLS investigation into allegations of “insensitive and inappropriate remarks.”

While the precise results of the investigation haven’t been made public, Arena resigned from both positions on September 9, with the league stating that Arena must petition Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber in order to work in the league again.

Richie Williams was initially named interim manager, and recorded a 1-1-4 record in all competitions, but was relieved of his duties on September 12 amid reports of player complaints at the lack of transparency surrounding the investigation into Arena, and Williams reported role in facilitating it.

Peay, who had previously been the manager of the Revolution’s second team, was tasked with leading the first team through the end of this season, with former Revolution II assistant until the end of the season.

Revolution II assistant Marcelo Santos was also promoted to the first team. Peay’s first game in charge came last weekend, with the Revs falling on the road to the Colorado Rapids, 2-1.

Ramos’ presence is intended to provide Peay with an additional layer of MLS knowledge. Ramos managed the Dynamo from January of 2020 through November of 2021.

He oversaw two seasons in which Houston failed to make the postseason, compiling a regular season record of 10-26-21.

Ramos went on to manage USL Championship side Hartford Athletic from September of 2022 through July of 2023, with a record of 5-13-4 over two seasons.

Ramos had considerably more success managing the U.S. U-20 national team, a post he held from 2011-19. From 2015-19 he led the U-20s to three consecutive quarterfinal finishes at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

His spell with the U-20s also saw him serve as an assistant coach to the full national team under Jurgen Klinsmann as well as hold he youth technical director for the U.S. Soccer Federation.

As a player, Ramos spent time with clubs in Spain, Mexico and the U.S. and was the first signing in the history of MLS when he joined what was then known as the MetroStars, the forerunner of the New York Red Bulls.

At international level, Ramos made 81 appearances for the U.S., scoring eight goals. He was on the U.S. roster for the 1990, 1994, and 1998 FIFA World Cups.

Lionel Messi Leads Shortlist of Nominees for FIFA’s The Best Mens Player Honor

Lionel Messi is hoping to best his fellow professional soccer players…

The 36-year-old Argentine soccer star leads the 12-player shortlist for FIFA’s The Best Mens Player nominees alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.

Lionel MessiMessi, Haaland and Mbappé are joined by Declan Rice, who is nominated after captaining former club West Ham United to Europa Conference League success.

Argentina’s national team captain, Messi, now playing for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, is aiming to win the award for a record third time having been given the honor in 2019 and 2022.

But despite helping Argentina to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022, Messi faces stiff competition from Manchester City forward Haaland after the Norway international scored 52 goals as Pep Guardiola‘s side completed a Premier LeagueChampions League and FA Cup treble last season.

Julián ÁlvarezMarcelo BrozovicKevin De Bruyne, Ilkay GündoganRodri, Khvicha KvaratskheliaVictor Osimhen and Bernardo Silva make up the shortlist alongside Messi, Haaland, Mbappe and Rice.

Voting for the eighth annual awards opened on Thursday on FIFA.com and closes in mid-October. National team coaches, captains, journalists and fans make up the list of voters.

Lionel Messi Scores in MLS Debut to Help Lead Inter Miami to Win Over New York Red Bulls

Lionel Messi is celebrating a goal-tastic MLS debut…

In his long-awaited Major League Soccer debut, the 36-year-old Argentine soccer star netted a late goal to put the seal on a 2-0 win for Inter Miami at the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

Lionel Messi After playing nine games in just over a month following his arrival in South Florida, leading his new team to the Leagues Cup title and the final of the U.S. Open Cup, Messi was handed a well-earned rest and began the game on the substitute’s bench as Miami returned to league play in New Jersey. 

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his entrance to a thunderous reception in the 60th minute, and still had enough time to provide the fans with a moment to treasure.

He both set up and finished the goal, playing a pass that perhaps no one else on the field or stadium could even see — let alone play — to Benjamin Cremaschi before receiving the ball back for a simple finish in the 89th minute.

It was Messi’s eighth goal already for his new team and matched the goal he scored in his one previous appearance as a substitute — in his debut against Cruz Azul on July 21.

With Messi’s effort adding to a 37th-minute goal by Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gómez, Miami secured what was a much-needed win for the star-studded team in its uphill task to make the playoffs later this year.

Miami entered the game with an 11-game MLS winless streak that included eight defeats and had just one road victory this season. It’s 22 points were the fewest among the league’s 29 teams and there was a 12-point gap to erase to get into a playoff position.

That coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino saw that his team could prosper without Messi for an hour of the game will be a welcome bonus, particularly as the forward will be needed for the start of Argentina’s World Cup qualifying campaign next month.

However, there was doubtless initial disappointment for many watching on in Red Bull Arena and beyond.

The streets around Red Bull Arena were packed 2 1/2 hours before the match, filled with dozens of scalpers and people selling unlicensed Messi jerseys. A simulcast of the game was scheduled on a videoboard in Times Square.

Inside the stadium, fans began a chant of “we want Messi” within the first 10 minutes of kickoff.

Instead there was a chance for Miami’s three young South American signings, who joined as the less-heralded half of Miami’s summer squad overhaul alongside the three big-name ex-Barcelona stars — Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Fellow Argentine Facundo Farías took Messi’s spot supporting Leonardo Campana in attack, Gomez offered intensity in the midfield and another Argentine Tomás Avilés held thee Red Bulls at bay in defense.

And it was Gomez who put Miami ahead with his first goal in Miami pink. After Alba’s free-kick had been half-cleared, Noah Allen sent the ball back into the box and Gomez was left free to turn and finish into the bottom corner of the net.

Messi, his eyes focused on the field throughout, rose from the bench to applaud the 20-year-old’s goal and a 1-0 lead.

The noise level inside the stadium rose once more at the start of the second half as Messi began to warm up on the sideline. It would not be long before he made his entrance, gracing the field in an MLS game for the first time more than 2 1/2 months since he announced his stunning decision to continue his career in the U.S.

At that point Miami was coming under growing pressure from the Red Bulls. But Messi’s presence, coupled with that of fellow substitute Sergio Busquets, allowed Miami to regain its composure and superiority.

His late brilliance this time was just the icing on the cake.

Apple TV+ Lands Untitled Six-Part Documentary of Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi’s move to Major League Soccer is getting the doc treatment…

Apple TV+ has landed a new untitled six-part documentary featuring the 36-year-old Soccer star with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the football great  s he arrived in America to play for MLS and Inter Miami CF, chronicling his debut in Leagues Cup and beyond.

Lionel MessiThe new docuseries will join the previously announced Apple Original documentary that will track the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner through his storied career, including five FIFA World Cup appearances, capped by his FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 win.

After over twenty years with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with the Argentina national football team, Messi recently decided to join Major League Soccer and Inter Miami CF, whose games are available on MLS Season Pass, the subscription service from Apple and Major League Soccer.

“I couldn’t be happier coming to Miami and joining such an amazing group of people and organization,” said Messi. “I’m joining with the desire to compete, win and help the club continue to grow. I also think we’re going to really enjoy ourselves, have a good time and that very special things are going to happen.”

The yet untitled documentary is produced by Smuggler Entertainment in association with Major League Soccer. It is executive produced by Emmy Award winner Tim Pastore (Free Solo), Emmy and Tony Award winners Patrick Milling Smith and Brian Carmody, and Emmy Award winner Matt Renner (Free Solo) of Smuggle, alongside Scott Boggins (The Circus).

Lionel Messi Scores Game-Winning Goal in Inter Miami Debut

Lionel Messi has kicked off his Major League Soccer career with a banger…

The 36-year-old Argentine professional footballer, a World Cup champion and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, came off the bench to score one of his trademark free kicks in second-half stoppage time as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-1 in a Leagues Cup opener for both teams.

Lionel MessiIt was 9:26 p.m. ET when Messi stopped warming up in front of the packed south stands at DRV PNK Stadium, grabbed his pink jersey and jogged to the halfway line before replacing 18-year-old midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, himself of Argentine descent, in the 54th minute.

Up until that point, fans had only seen Messi on the bench, as the Miami substitutes strangely did their pregame and first-half warm-ups out of sight, presumably back by the locker room.

Messi’s first historic touch came with 55:30 on the clock, but it was his touch past the 90-minute mark that was the only one that mattered.

When the visitors committed a foul 25 yards out with five seconds left in the two minutes extra, everyone knew what could potentially happen next.

And it did.

Messi curled the resulting free kick into the top corner with his legendary left foot, sending the sellout crowd of around 21,000 into a frenzy.

“It was a very good game for us. We were looking for a match like this one and to give a win to these fans,” Messi told Apple TV.

“I want to thanks all these people. They are making me feel very welcomed here so I’m very happy to give this victory back to them.”

For Miami, which has the worst record in MLS, the goal was the perfect start to the team’s new era.

“I knew it was the last chance,” Messi added of his free kick. “I just tried like I always do and fortunately the goalkeeper couldn’t get the ball.

“It is important for this team to get wins because we are not in a good position in the league. I know this is another tournament but it will help our morale.”

Even before the goal, every touch from Messi was met with intense anticipation, and when he turned on a dime in the 67th minute, leaving Cruz Azul defenders in the dust, the roar from the crowd would have drowned out any small jet departing from the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport next door.

Of course, the doubters will point out that Messi showed little interest in tracking back during the game and that Cruz Azul scored their tying goal through Mexico International Uriel Antuna when Messi was on the pitch, but none of that mattered.

“It’s such a moment for this country,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said. “It’s such a moment for the league. And it’s a very proud moment for us.”

For those who suggested he was coming to South Beach for an end-of-career vacation, Messi provided an ideal response.

“We should be surprised by what Messi did because it is a constant achievement,” said Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Miami’s head coach and Messi’s former one at both Barcelona and Argentina.

“For him [to sign with Miami] is a life and family choice, but he said he came to play and win and he showed that from his first game.”

New York City FC Star Valentín “Taty” Castellanos Joins S.S. Lazio on Permanent Transfer

Viaggi sicuri, Valentín “Taty” Castellanos.

New York City FC has completed the transfer of their 24-year-old Argentine professional soccer star forward to Italian side S.S. Lazio for a team-record transfer fee, the team has revealed.

Valentín "Taty" CastellanosThe MLS club did not disclose financial details, but multiple reports said Lazio paid about $16.7 million (€15m) to complete the transaction.

NYCFC also will receive a percentage if the Serie A side get a transfer fee in the future for the striker.

Castellanos won the 2021 MLS Golden Boot with 19 goals and added three more tallies during NYCFC’s march to their first MLS Cup.

“Taty is a legend here at NYCFC,” sporting director David Lee said. “… We all wish Taty the best and are excited to follow his journey in Italy.”

Castellanos collected 50 goals and 20 assists in 109 MLS matches (91 starts) with New York City FC from 2018-22. He set a franchise record with four goals in a game against Real Salt Lake in 2022.

“I’d like to sincerely thank everyone at NYCFC and City Football Group for always looking after me so well and for making this move possible,” Castellanos said. “It’s like being part of a family. I’d also like to thank the fans who have always believed in me and supported me every single game.

“I will always be an NYCFC fan. The Club and the amazing people there have played such an important role in my career and my life. It has always been a dream of mine to play in Europe and in the Champions League and I couldn’t be more excited.”

Castellanos left New York in July 2022 on loan to the La Liga side Girona FC, where he had 14 goals and one assist in 37 matches. He scored four goals in a match against Real Madrid.

Inter Miami Completes Signing of Sergio Busquets 

It’s official… Sergio Busquets will be playing Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami has completed the signing of the 35-year-old Spanish professional footballer and former Barcelona midfielder on a deal until 2025, the MLS side has revealed.

Sergio BusquetsThe 2010 World Cup winner will join the squad in the coming days and will occupy a designated player slot, the club added.

“I am excited to welcome Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami,” said managing owner Jorge Mas. “Since day one we have set out to bring the world’s best players. Sergio’s repertoire speaks for itself.”

The former Barcelona captain, who retired from international duty last year, played more than 700 games for the Spanish champions, winning nine LaLiga crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups.

Busquets was also linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as Al Hilal and Al Nassr made bids for his services, according to media reports.

 

Miami expect Busquets to be available to play next Saturday when they host Mexican side Cruz Azul for their Leagues Cup opener, when Messi is set to make his debut.

 

The MLS designated player rule allows clubs to acquire up to three players whose total compensation and acquisition costs exceed the salary cap.

Gerardo “Tata” Martino Named Coach of Inter Miami CF

Gerardo “Tata” Martino is returning to Major League Soccer

The 60-year-old Argentine professional football manager and former player has been hired as the coach of Inter Miami CF, the club has revealed.

Gerardo "Tata" MartinoThe hire comes in the wake of fellow Argentine Lionel Messi‘s announcement earlier this month that he intends to sign with the club. Martino previously coached Messi with Barcelona (2013-14) and the Argentina national team (2014-16).

“We are very happy to be able to welcome Tata to Inter Miami. We feel he is a coach who matches our ambitions as a club and we’re optimistic about what we can accomplish together,” Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said in a statement.

“Tata has coached at the highest levels and we believe that experience will be hugely beneficial to us as we aim to compete for titles here.”

Most recently, Martino coached the Mexico national team (2019-2022) after a two-year stint with Atlanta United, where he won MLS Cup and the Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year award in 2018.

“Right now, this is a team that shows an adverse picture in the standings,” Martino said of the Eastern Conference‘s last-place team. “It is also decimated by injuries and by the players called up to their national teams.

“But there are great expectations around the new players that are going to come soon. They are really important. I hope that they can help us to make the team better from an emotional and playing point of view so we can have a season-ending more in line with what is expected of this club.”

Martino is the third permanent head coach Inter Miami has had since joining the league in the 2020 season. Former Uruguay national team coach Diego Alonso coached the team during its expansion season before Phil Neville was hired prior to the 2021 season.

Miami qualified as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs last season but was eliminated in the first round. Neville was fired earlier this month with the team in last place.

Mas told media outlets last week he expects Messi to play his first game for the club on July 21 in the Leagues Cup against Liga MX‘s Cruz Azul. The club also announced Messi’s longtime teammate at Barcelona, Sergio Busquets, will also make the move to South Florida and Inter Miami this summer.

Jesús Ferreira Named to 26-Man Roster for Major League Soccer’s 2023 MLS All-Star Game

Jesús Ferreira is readying for all-star action…

The 22-year-old Colombian soccer player and United States Men’s National Team star is among the headliners on the 26-man roster for the Major League Soccer 2023 All-Star Game to be played on July 19.

Jesús FerreiraHe joins Jordan MorrisWalker Zimmerman on the roster.

Midfielders Thiago Almada and Hany Mukhtar, forwards Giorgos Giakoumakis and Dénis Bouanga and emerging homegrown stars John Tolkin and Aidan Morris were also among the 26 players to make the cut, announced Tuesday.

The MLS All-Stars, managed by D.C. United coach Wayne Rooney, will take on Arsenal at D.C. United‘s home stadium, Audi Field.

It will mark the second appearance in an MLS All-Star game for Arsenal.

The roster was selected through a combination of fan, player, and media voting (12 players), designations by All-Star head coach Wayne Rooney of host club D.C. United (12 players), and a pair of selections by MLS commissioner Don Garber.

The commissioner’s picks for the 2023 MLS All-Star Game are Chicago Fire FC‘s Kei Kamara and CF Montréal‘s Mathieu Choinière.

One of the league’s most prolific scorers, Kamara sits one goal shy of second place in MLS history with 144 goals, trailing only Landon Donovan (145) and Chris Wondolowski (171).

A homegrown midfielder out of Québec, Choinière has recorded a career-best and team-high five goal contributions for CF Montréal this season and has been a key component of the club’s rebuilt attack in 2023.

Cincinnati, which leads the Supporters’ Shield standings with 43 points, garnered three rosters spots with midfielder Luciano Acosta and defenders Álvaro Barreal and Matt Miazga.

The 2023 MLS All-Star roster by position and selection mechanism:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Roman Bürki (St. Louis CITY SC / voted in), Tyler Miller (D.C. United / coach’s selection), Djordje Petrović (New England Revolution / coach’s selection)

DEFENDERS (7): Álvaro Barreal (FC Cincinnati / voted in), Jon Gallagher (Austin FC / voted in), Ryan Hollingshead (LAFC / coach’s selection), Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati / voted in), Tim Parker (St. Louis City SC / coach’s selection), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls / coach’s selection), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC / voted in)

MIDFIELDERS (9): Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati / voted in), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United / voted in), Mathieu Choinière (CF Montréal / commissioner’s selection), Héctor Herrera (Houston Dynamo FC / coach’s selection), José Martinez (Philadelphia Union / coach’s selection), Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew / voted in), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC / voted in), Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy / coach’s selection), Lucas Zelarayán (Columbus Crew / coach’s selection)

FORWARDS / WINGERS (7): Christian Benteke (D.C. United / coach’s selection), Dénis Bouanga (LAFC / voted in), Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes / coach’s selection), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas / voted in), Giorgos Giakoumakis (Atlanta United / coach’s selection), Kei Kamara (Chicago Fire FC / commissioner’s selection), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC / voted in)

Lionel Messi Reveals Plans to Join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF

Lionel Messi isn’t just switching sides… He’s switching continents, too.

The 35-year-old Argentine soccer star is set to make the stunning move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain.

Lionel MessiMessi made the announcement about his next club in an interview with Spanish publications Mundo Deportivo and Sport. MLS later confirmed the proposed deal on social media.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner was linked with a return to former club Barcelona as well as a possible move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, but ultimately decided to join co-owner David Beckham‘s Inter Miami in MLS.

“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don’t have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there,” Messi said.

“After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day-to-day more. Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”

Sources confirmed to ESPN that terms include an option for part-ownership of Inter Miami, but it would not be subsidized by the league as it was for Beckham in 2007. When Beckham moved to the LA Galaxy, he was given the option to purchase an MLS team for a discounted price of $25 million.

ESPN also confirmed that a cut of revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV‘s MLS Season Pass streaming service was part of negotiations. Any agreement involving Messi and Adidas would strictly be between the player and the company and wouldn’t directly involve MLS.

“We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” MLS said in a written statement. “Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League.”

After Messi and Inter Miami made their announcements, Barcelona wished Messi “the best of luck in his new professional phase” and said an offer was presented before Messi made the decision to move to MLS.

Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barça, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear blaugrana,” Barca said in a statement.

The Catalan club revealed the intention to work with Messi in the future “to promote a proper tribute from Barça fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barça.”

The arrival of Messi promises to be the biggest signing in the 27-year history of MLS, rivaled only by the signing of Beckham.

His signing will also be a major boost for a Miami team that sits bottom of the Eastern Conference and last week dismissed coach Phil Neville.

lMiami has reportedly held talks with Tata Martino about taking the managerial role there. Martino is a former manager for Argentina and for Barcelona, having worked with Messi on both teams.

Barcelona repeatedly stated their desire for Messi to return to the Catalan club, but sources told ESPN’s Jordi Blanco that despite Barca’s efforts to adjust their payroll to make the move work financially, Messi opted not to wait any longer and ruled out his former club as a destination for next season.

Messi began his career at Barcelona, joining as a 13-year-old youth player and ending as the club’s record appearance-maker and top goal scorer, as well as winning 10 LaLiga trophies and four Champions League titles.

However, amid a financial crisis, Barca were unable to renew his contract in August 2021, forcing him to leave. He joined PSG on a free transfer later that month.

Alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, he helped PSG to the Ligue 1 title in both seasons he spent in the French capital. However, back-to-back round-of-16 exits from the Champions League meant the club’s search for a first European title continues.

He was booed by some fans on numerous occasions during his time in Paris, including in his final match for the club when he bid farewell.

Messi scored 32 goals in 75 games in all competitions for PSG, as well as recording 35 assists.

His stint at PSG came alongside other accomplishments, too. In December, Messi led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup, ending his wait for the only major honour to have eluded him in his career.

He was then named men’s footballer of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards in February — his second time winning the award, adding to his record seven Ballon d’Or trophies.