European Leagues

Messi’s shirt is the hottest commodity in Miami for hefty $199

Lionel Messi’s iconic #10 shirt was the hottest commodity at his official presentation with Inter Miami on Sunday night.

The adidas shirt was on sale at the stadium for a hefty $199 dollars.

Messi didn’t put on his new shirt
When it came time for Messi to be unveiled in front of the thousands of fans present at DRV PNK Stadium, the Argentine superstar opted to keep it casual (and promote his brand) by wearing jeans with a white shirt from his new collection with adidas.

However, fans got a glimpse of the soccer legend with the full Inter Miami kit via the club when they shared a video of a recent greeting between Messi and David Beckham.

The variations of Inter Miami’s uniform
Inter Miami fans who want to purchase a Messi shirt can do so in one of the three variations available to the public: the primary white home jersey, the “Heart Beat” pink, and the “La Noche” black jersey with pink details.

Inter Miami C.F. first showed off Lionel Messi’s shirt in its “La Noche” variation on July 11th, and since then, fans have been dying to get their hands on it.

Because the shirt with Messi’s name and number isn’t available yet on the official site in any variation, fans in attendance at the official presentation were some of the first to be able to purchase one for their collection.

It is expected that Messi’s shirt sales will break the all-time MLS sales record.

So far, the best-selling shirt of 2023 has been LAFC’s Carlos Vela’s #11 shirt.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Liverpool seal first place in Champions League despite PSV defeat in five-goal thriller

A much-changed Liverpool side secured the top spot in the Champions League group phase despite a dramatic 3-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven, ending their perfect winning streak.

The Reds, who had won their previous seven matches, led twice in the Netherlands but conceded two late first-half goals. Despite the defeat, Barcelona’s failure to beat Atalanta ensured Liverpool finished top with 21 points, two clear of their closest rivals.

Cody Gakpo opened the scoring from the penalty spot against his former club after Joey Veerman fouled Federico Chiesa. Johan Bakayoko equalized with a brilliant turn and finish, but Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool’s lead after a parried Chiesa attempt.

PSV responded with goals from Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi, handing Liverpool their first European defeat of the season.

Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when substitute Amara Nallo received a straight red card in the 87th minute for a foul on Bakayoko.

With their place in the last 16 already secured, Liverpool manager Arne Slot rested key players ahead of a crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

PSV, now guaranteed a play-off spot, celebrated a significant win, while Liverpool await the draw for their round of 16 opponents.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

AC Milan fall to Dinamo Zagreb, to face Champions League play-off round

AC Milan missed the chance to secure an automatic spot in the Champions League last-16 after a 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, who also failed to advance to the knockout stage despite the victory.

Dinamo struck first when Martin Baturina capitalized on a loose touch from Matteo Gabbia, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Already assured of a next-round spot but aiming for a top-eight finish, Milan’s hopes dimmed when Yunus Musah received a second yellow card for pulling back Luka Stojkovic.

Dinamo squandered chances to extend their lead, with Sandro Kulenovic missing a golden opportunity before halftime. Stojkovic appeared to score early in the second half, but a handball in the build-up nullified the goal.

Milan responded swiftly, with Christian Pulisic’s low strike slipping past Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic to equalize.

However, Dinamo regained the lead on the hour mark through Marko Pjaca’s precise finish from a tight angle. Milan’s hopes of a comeback faded when a potential penalty was overturned due to a foul by Rafael Leao.

Dinamo’s win fell short of securing their first-ever knockout stage appearance, while AC Milan will now contend with a play-off tie.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Barcelona miss Champions League top spot as they settle for draw against Atalanta

Barcelona missed the opportunity to finish top of the Champions League league phase after a 2-2 draw with Atalanta, who dropped into the play-off round.

With Liverpool suffering a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona only needed a victory to secure the top position.

After a scoreless first half, Lamine Yamal put Barca ahead two minutes after the break, converting Raphinha’s cross. Atalanta responded with a brilliant strike from Ederson to level the match.

Ronald Araujo’s diving header restored Barcelona’s lead in the 72nd minute, but Mario Pasalic equalized for Atalanta by slotting the ball past Wojciech Szczesny.

The draw, coupled with wins for Lille and Aston Villa, dropped Atalanta from seventh to ninth, sending them to the play-offs where they will face either Sporting or Club Brugge.

Barcelona, meanwhile, bypass the play-offs and advance directly to the last 16. The play-off draw is set for January 31 at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.