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Barcelona, Spain – August 7, 2024 – FC Barcelona will face a team from Italy in the 58th edition of the Joan Gamper trophy on Sunday, august 10th at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The match will also serve as a showcase for young talents like Nico Paz and potentially Cesc Fàbregas,both vying for a prominent role in the upcoming season.
Following the Gamper Trophy, Barcelona will begin their 2024-2025 LaLiga campaign with an away match against Real Mallorca at the Estadi de Son Moix on August 16th. This match marks the start of their defense of the LaLiga title won under former manager Xavi Hernández, a title they will aim to revalidate under the new leadership of Hansi flick.
The upcoming season places significant emphasis on Barcelona’s performance in the UEFA Champions League. The club finished the 2023-2024 Champions League season in the quarter-finals, losing to Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona will be looking to improve upon this result and advance further in the competition, aiming for their sixth Champions League title, last won in 2015.
The Joan Gamper Trophy, an annual friendly match, traditionally serves as Barcelona’s pre-season curtain-raiser and a tribute to club founder Joan Gamper. The opponent from Italy has yet to be officially announced, but reports suggest it will be a Serie A club. The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, with a capacity of 55,973, will host the match as Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium undergoes renovations expected to be completed by the 2026-2027 season.
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Miami, FL – In a dramatic turn of events following Inter Miami’s victory over Atlas in the Leagues Cup, Lionel Messi‘s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been handed a lifetime ban from the tournament adn the MLS for his actions. The disciplinary committee also issued an undisclosed fine to Inter Miami CF.
The incident occurred during a post-game skirmish where cheuko was seen physically intervening, pushing Atlas players who were attempting to approach Messi. Videos circulating on social media captured the confrontation, highlighting Cheuko’s aggressive stance in protecting the Argentine superstar.
The disciplinary committee’s statement confirmed the sanctions, citing violations of the Leagues Cup 2025 tournament regulations. Cheuko’s suspension extends to all technical areas for the remainder of the 2025 Leagues Cup and he is also barred from MLS games.
This development casts a shadow over Inter Miami’s or else triumphant entry into the Leagues Cup, underscoring the intense security measures surrounding Messi and the potential repercussions for overzealous protection.
? there was a Yassine Cheuko sighting tonight in the Leagues Cup – as he got physical and pushed Atlas players away during a post-game skirmish.
Reminder: Cheuko hasn’t been seen during MLS games this year because he is no longer permitted on the field.#InterMamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/6EHqxkknjM
– Franco Panizo (@Francopanizo) July 31, 2025
?OFFICIAL!?
? The Messi bodyguard (yassine cheuko) was suspended by the rest of the tournament and Inter Miami received an economic fine?
The sanctions were also revealed to the players who received a red card on day 1 of the #LeaguesCup.pic.twitter.com/k0gpOls06e
– Raúl Orvañanos (@raulorvananos) August 1, 2025
Lionel Messi, whose arrival in mid-2023 has considerably impacted the league, is reportedly set to extend his contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028.
Journalist Xavi Campos stated, “Messi will renew with Inter Miami for three seasons, until 2028. If it becomes official in the coming weeks,Messi will play until he is 41 years old.” he added, “He will sign the renewal for three seasons with Inter Miami and beyond the 2026 World Cup, in theory he will play two more seasons in the MLS.”
The potential arrival of Rodrigo de Paul from Atlético Madrid is seen as a significant factor, offering Messi the possibility to play alongside an Argentine teammate.
Messi remains active in the current International Tournament featuring teams from mexico and the United States. He recently assisted Marcelo Weigandt in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory against Atlas.
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Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Tenure
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has played 69 games, scoring 58 goals and providing 28 assists. He led the team to their first official title, the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Messi‘s Record Against Mexican Teams: One Defeat, Two Draws, Five Wins
Lionel Messi has faced Mexican opposition a total of seven times in official matches and international friendlies, with his record showing five victories, two draws, and one defeat. The argentine superstar has scored three goals against Mexican clubs.
The sole loss Messi has suffered against a Mexican team occurred in the 2024 concacaf Champions Cup, where his side was defeated 3-1 by Rayados de Monterrey, leading to their elimination from the tournament.Prior to this,Messi’s encounters with Mexican clubs had been accomplished. In the 2023 edition of the Leagues Cup, he scored a free-kick goal to secure a 2-1 victory for his team against Cruz azul.His earliest recorded match against a Mexican team was in the 2009 Club World Cup, where he netted a goal in Barcelona’s 3-1 win over atlas.
messi’s Record vs. Mexican Teams:
Official Matches: 3
International Friendlies: 4
Total Clashes: 7
Victories: 5
Draws: 2
Defeats: 1
* Goals Scored: 3
American League stars Triumph Over Mexican League Stars in All-Star Showdown
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The american league Stars emerged victorious, defeating the Mexican League Stars 3-1 in a spirited all-star exhibition match. The contest drew over 20,000 fans to QIS.
Sam Sorridge,Tai Baribo,and Brian white found the back of the net for the American League Stars in the 28th,51st,and 80th minutes,respectively. Gilberto Mora scored the sole goal for the Mexican League Stars in the 64th minute.
Messi and Alba’s Potential Absence
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba may miss their club’s upcoming match against Cincinnati on Saturday. Their participation in the all-star game could lead to their unavailability.
messi has a history of missing this particular fixture,having been absent last year due to injury. He currently leads the American League’s top scorer standings with 18 goals, a total he shares with Nashville’s Sam Sorridge.
Past Context of the All-Star Series
The American League Stars have a strong record in this inter-league rivalry, having won three out of their last four encounters. Last year, the Mexican League Stars secured a 4-1
Ekitike Set for Liverpool Move,Faces Familiar Challenge at Anfield
Liverpool,England – Hugo Ekitike is reportedly on the verge of joining Liverpool,a move that could see the young striker face a similar competitive landscape to the one he experienced at Paris Saint-Germain. Sources indicate Liverpool has agreed to a transfer fee of €79 million with Eintracht Frankfurt, comprising an initial €69 million with additional performance-based bonuses.
Ekitike is expected to arrive in Liverpool on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, for his medical examinations and to finalize a six-year contract.This potential transfer marks another important step in the career of the 20-year-old forward, who previously joined PSG in 2022 from Reims for €35 million.
At PSG, Ekitike struggled to establish himself amidst a star-studded attacking lineup featuring Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi. Despite his talent, he found consistent playing time elusive, making only 33 appearances across all competitions and scoring four goals. Even as a backup, Ekitike reportedly developed a rapport with Messi, who is said to have nicknamed him “Iron Rod” due to his tall, slender frame.
Now, Ekitike appears poised to join Liverpool, a club renowned for its formidable attacking talent, including Premier League superstar Mohamed Salah. Salah’s recent accolades include being named the Premier League’s best player last season, securing both the top scorer and top assist titles.The question remains whether Ekitike can forge a triumphant partnership with Salah and contribute to Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware.