Inter Miami player ratings vs Orlando City: Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez put MLS on notice by throwing it back to Barcelona heydays in destruction of Lions

The two legendary attackers made a massive statement in what will be remembered as a legendary win over their arch-rivals.

It was the moment we've all been waiting for. From the minute that Luis Suarez arrived to play alongside Lionel Messi again, you were just waiting for them to inevitably turn back the clocks. They connected so many times during their years at Barcelona; how long would it take for them to put in a signature performance in Inter Miami pink?

The answer, as it turned out, was three MLS matches. The two were held largely quiet all preseason and had shown flashes in their first two games of this season, but, Saturday was a lot more of a flash; it was an explosion.

Suarez scored two and assisted two more in Inter Miami's 5-0 win over Orlando City, while Messi joined him on the scoresheet with a brace of his own. It was a dominant day for the ex-Barcelona duo, who sent a big message to the rest of MLS; they've arrived.

They weren't the only standouts, even if they were the two main ones. Jordi Alba set up a goal, too. Robert Taylor was back on the scoresheet, showing some of that late-2023 form.

New signing Nicolas Freire looked plenty comfortable in defense in his first Inter Miami start.

This one was all about Messi and Suarez, though. In this kind of form, they may just be unstoppable. The rest of MLS has just been reminded of that fact as Inter Miami looks like a team that is finally ready to play.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…

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    Goalkeeper & Defense

    Drake Callender (6/10):

    Didn't have too much to do. Could have been a bit cleaner when in the ball, but that's some nitpicking.

    Jordi Alba (7/10):

    Broke through in a big way to set up the fourth. Unlucky not to get the goal due to Robin Janssen's ridiculous clearance off the crossbar.

    Tomas Aviles (7/10):

    Rock solid. Looked very good next to his new centerback partner.

    Nicolas Freire (6/10):

    Feels like he makes an immediate difference. Provides a bit more pace than Serhiy Kryvstov and looked totally comfortable in this first start.

    DeAndre Yedlin (7/10):

    Didn't get forward much, but didn't have to. Helped hold down the right-hand side with ease.

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    Midfield

    Diego Gomez (6/10):

    The least effective of the midfield three, which is fine given how solid he was in the first two games.

    Sergio Busquets (6/10):

    Miami's midfield completely bypassed Orlando's all day, even without Busquets at his best. A scary, scary sight.

    Julian Gressel (9/10):

    This is what Inter Miami thought they were signing. Gressel was actively bad the first two games, but this performance showed what he can bring to a midfield. His two assists headline his performance, but this was a complete effort from a player who really can change a game.

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    Attack

    Robert Taylor (7/10):

    Got his goal in the 29th minute, but was totally overshadowed by his two superstar strikemates. A very good game overall, though.

    Luis Suarez (10/10):

    We don't throw 10s around lightly, but when you do what Suarez did, you earn one. Absolutely dominated the game, scoring two and assisting two more. Could have had a few more goals, too, putting down any concerns about his fitness.

    Lionel Messi (9/10):

    While the first half was the Suarez show, Messi claimed the second half as his own. His first was a bit fortunate while his second was an uncharacteristically good header, capping a big day for the Argentine star.

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    Subs & Manager

    Leonardo Campana (6/10):

    Came on to replace Suarez, who can use all the rest he can get. Sting was way out of the game by then, though.

    David Ruiz (6/10):

    Provided the fresh legs needed in midfield. Passed the ball well and popped up with decent moments both in attack and defense.

    Serhiy Kryvtsov (6/10):

    Defense didn't miss a beat once he came on in the 78th minute.

    Noah Allen (5/10):

    Similar to Kryvtsov, although he loses a point for a needless yellow card.

    Jena Mota (N/A):

    Only had a few touches of the ball.

    Tata Martino (8/10):

    Got everything right and gave Suarez some rest ahead of Thursday. Only question mark is if he should have taken Messi and Busquets out earlier, too.

Southampton confirm Lyanco signing

Southampton look to have signed their replacement for Jannik Vestergaard, with it confirmed earlier this week that Lyanco had joined on a permanent deal from Torino.

What’s the word?

Following the Danish centre-back’s departure for Leicester City earlier in the window, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were linked with a host of different defenders as a potential replacement and in the end, they opted for the 24-year-old Brazilian, who joins on a four-year deal.

The Saints conceded 68 goals in the top-flight last season and Vestergaard was one of their most consistent performers, so it was vital that Hasenhuttl’s side brought in an adequate replacement for the former Borussia Monchengladbach man.

Will Lyanco be a good signing?

Lyanco began his career in his native Brazil playing for Sao Paulo before moving to Torino in 2017, where he would go on to make 53 appearances, contributing one goal and no assists.

He also spent one season on loan with Bologna, where he made 13 appearances, so has plenty of experience in the Italian top-flight, and Southampton fans will be hoping that he can quickly adapt to the demands of Premier League football.

Hasenhuttl already has Mohammed Salisu, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens, as well as young Dynel Simeu, as centre-back options in his side at St Mary’s, so the £4.5m-rated Lyanco will have to impress quickly in training at Staplewood if he is to become a regular starter for the Saints this season.

However, at 24-years-old, the Brazilian defender still has a lot of time to improve under Hasenhuttl’s coaching and he joins a relatively young Southampton squad, with the club’s focus this summer clearly on building a solid team for the future.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Therefore, Southampton fans will surely be delighted that the club worked so quickly to bring in a replacement for Vestergaard this summer and will be looking forward to seeing Lyanco make his first appearance in a Saints shirt.

And, in other news… Forget Elyounoussi: Saints gem who played 4 key passes was Ralph’s star vs Newport

Chaos in Napoli! Serie A champions 'seriously considering' sacking manager Walter Mazzarri before Champions League last 16 tie with Barcelona

Napoli could part ways with manager Walter Mazzarri before the club's Champions League clash against Barcelona on Wednesday.

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  • Napoli could sack Mazzarri before Barcelona clash
  • Won just five times in 16 games under Mazzarri
  • Slovakia coach Calzona tipped to be next manager
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Since taking charge of the club in November from Rudi Garcia, Walter Mazzarri managed to guide Napoli to just five wins in 16 matches across all competitions. On Saturday, the reigning Serie A champions scored a late goal to hold Genoa to a 1-1 draw.

    Now journalist reports that the club are "seriously considering" sacking Mazzarri and the Italian coach's exit could even come before they take on Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash on Wednesday.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The journalist further claims that The Blues have already contacted Slovakia national team coach Francesco Calzona who is likely to replace the Italian coach at the helm. Calzona, who had formerly worked at Napoli as an assistant to Maurizio Sarri and Luciano Spalletti, would then manage the Italian side and The Falcons simultaneously.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Jose Mourinho was strongly linked with the Napoli job after he parted ways with AS Roma last month, although the move never materialised. Some reports suggested that the Portuguese coach was supposed to meet club president Aurelio De Laurentiis to discuss a potential move.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

    It remains to be seen if Mazzarri will sit on the bench for the club's upcoming European clash against the Catalan giants. After facing the reigning Spanish champions, the Blues will take on Cagliari in the Serie A on February 25.

Leeds pundit’s brutal verdict on £16m first-team ace

Former All Leeds TV pundit Joe Wainman insists that Helder Costa simply isn’t good enough to play for Leeds United.

The winger has been with the Whites since 2019, coming in on an initial loan deal, before arriving permanently for a fee of £16m from Wolves.

During his time in the Championship, Costa made 43 appearances and scored four goals, while also laying on six assists.

In the Premier League last season, though, he made 22 appearances, but just 13 of those were starts, and he scored three goals and assisted three more.

Costa was not included in the squad for any of the final five games of the season, and Wainman does not believe he has the ability to be a genuine first-team player under the management of Marcelo Bielsa.

Indeed, he has expressed his concern around the prospect of Raphinha sustaining an injury, with the only other back-up being Ian Poveda within Bielsa’s first-team.

The JustJoe Football Show host said: “I don’t think he’s good enough, personally. I want him to be but I just don’t think he’s quite there.

“We have Poveda as well, who there is still question marks over long term for me. So I think if Raphinha was to get injured, then I’d start to worry, of what’s underneath that.

“We need a little bit more, better depth, for me.”

Another transfer battle between Real Madrid & PSG! Spanish & French giants lock horns in bid to sign €60m teenage centre-back Leny Yoro

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are set to fight it out for Lille's centre-back Leny Yoro, with Manchester United also in the mix.

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  • European giants interested in wonderkid Yoro
  • Agent Jorge Mendes will be key to transfer
  • Lille set €60m price tag on defender
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The upcoming summer transfer market is already heating up, and one of the hottest prospects attracting attention is the 18-year-old central defender from Lille. With the Kylian Mbappe transfer saga still dragging on between Madrid and PSG, the focus now shifts to Yoro, who has been dubbed as one of the most promising talents in European football.

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    According to Madrid have been monitoring Yoro for months and the technical staff of Los Blancos hold the young centre-back in high regard. Meanwhile, PSG had already attempted to secure his services in the previous winter window, but Yoro opted to remain at Lille until the end of the current season.

    However, PSG face a significant obstacle in their pursuit of Yoro: Lille's reluctance to sell to a direct competitor like the Parisians, with whom they have strained relations. Lille's president, Olivier Letang, favours selling Yoro to an overseas club rather than PSG, given the history between the two clubs. However, the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, has a strong relationship with PSG's sporting advisor, Luis Campos which could tilt the scales in favour of the reigning Ligue 1 champions.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Lille has reportedly set Yoro's price tag at €60 million (£51m/$65m), a significant rise from the €20m (£17m/$21.56m) at the beginning of the season. However, Lille's negotiating position has weakened as talks for Yoro's contract renewal have allegedly stalled and his current deal expires in 2025. Amidst this backdrop, Manchester United have also expressed interest in Yoro, further intensifying the competition for his signature.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    As the summer transfer window approaches, the battle for Yoro's services is expected to escalate, with Lille facing the prospect of losing their prized asset to one of Europe's elite clubs. In the short term, Yoro will be in action against Le Havre in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Erik ten Hag fumes at Anthony Martial! Man Utd boss storms onto touchline to berate lack of work rate as Frenchman turns in another sorry performance against Newcastle

Erik ten Hag did not hold back his frustration at Manchester United No.9 Anthony Martial's abject performance against Newcastle.

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  • Ten Hag seen shouting at Martial from touchline
  • Frenchman replaced by Hojlund after 60 minutes
  • Time running out for Martial at Old Trafford
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The United boss cut a visibly-irritated figure on the touchline as he flailed his arms in the direction of his striker. Ten Hag, who was clearly attempting to rouse some fighting spirit from Martial, was left disappointed as the forward failed to impose himself on the game. He was eventually replaced by Rasmus Hojlund on the hour mark.

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  • DID YOU KNOW

    The incident in question occurred during the first half. Martial bit back at his manager after being criticised, with TNT Sports pundit Jermaine Jenas claiming that the disagreement speaks to the current atmosphere at Old Trafford. "This seems to be the culture at the moment. A lot of arms raising, a lot of blaming one another and no cohesiveness," Jenas said during the interval.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Newcastle overwhelmed their opponents for the majority of the game – often outworking and outrunning a tepid Manchester United. Martial's performance typified the United performance as a whole as they struggled to assert any control in a boisterous St James' Park. The striker is yet to complete a full 90 minutes this season and it does not appear that he will any time soon. £72 million ($91.4m) Rasmus Hojlund replaced the Frenchman but was also unable to offer United any real attacking outlet. Desperate for any attacking verve to spark their season into life, Ten Hag will likely be on the hunt for another new striker in January.

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG AND MARTIAL?

    Lots has been documented already about Ten Hag falling out with his players, however few can blame him for losing his temper at Martial. The Frenchman's naturally-languid style does not help, but it is hard to imagine Martial will be in Manchester much longer. Ten Hag needs a result against Chelsea on Wednesday to keep the pressure on his own back at bay.

Pundit praises Everton’s transfer business - Exclusive

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Everton striker Marcus Bent has praised Rafael Benitez’s transfer business.

Whilst the Toffees manager hasn’t been able to recruit the high-profile likes of James Rodriguez and Allan, like Carlo Ancelotti did 12 months ago, he’s still added three new faces to his current squad.

Free agents Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic joined following their releases from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively, whilst Demarai Gray made a swift return to the Premier League, just two years after he left to sign for Bayer Leverkusen.

Benitez doesn’t perhaps have the same attraction as his predecessor but is clearly looking into bringing in players with Premier League experience, with Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff and Harry Winks two other names who’ve been mentioned as potential incomings.

Those three additions, who all played at least 45 minutes at Manchester United on Sunday, will bolster Benitez’s squad, although they’re unlikely to make the difference in helping Everton bring European football back to Goodison Park.

However, Bent exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s on board with the business his former side have managed to complete, simply saying: “I think it’s smart business.”

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney suffer stadium blow at Wrexham as council refuse 'Kop' condition as part of SToK Racecourse upgrade

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have suffered a stadium blow at Wrexham, with full clearance yet to be granted for the club’s rebuilt ‘Kop’ stand.

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  • Hollywood co-owners updating famous venue
  • Work underway on impressive new stand
  • Council yet to green light full capacity
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The ambitious Welsh outfit have seen their Hollywood co-owners generate the funds required to give SToK Racecourse a serious facelift. Part of that project includes refurbishing the famous ‘Kop’ stand, taking its total capacity to 5,500.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Planning permission was granted over 12 months ago, with the old terrace being flattened. Wrexham are, however, seeing local authorities restrict them to 4,900 spectators in the new stand once it is completed. That is due to a council-imposed condition regarding the impact of potential river pollution.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Talks regarding the proposed structure have continued for some time, with Reynolds and McElhenney confident that they would receive the required clearance. A decision notice within the planning section of Wrexham council’s website does, however, show that concerns remain and no green light has been given. The decision notice reads: “The council hereby confirms that it considers the amendments, as described in the application, to be material. Your application for a non-material amendment to the above mentioned planning permission is refused. The applicant is advised that there is no right of appeal against the council’s refusal to grant this non-material amendment. The applicant is advised to contact the council to discuss other options and procedures for making the desired changes to the existing planning permission. The applicant is advised to contact the council’s head of community wellbeing and development prior to the preparation of detailed plans.”

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    WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

    More detailed evidence, or a revised plan, will need to be submitted in order to appease the planning department. The new ‘Kop’ stand at SToK Racecourse is expected to be in a position to welcome supporters through the turnstiles in time for the 2024-25 campaign – with Wrexham hoping to have added promotion out of League Two to their roll of honour by then.

USMNT star Yunus Musah still has his ‘head held high’ at AC Milan despite defeat to international team-mates Weston McKennie and Tim Weah

Yunus Musah is eager to point out that he still has his “head held high” despite forming part of AC Milan’s frustrating defeat to Juventus.

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  • Rossoneri came unstuck against Juventus
  • Reduced to 10 men in that contest
  • Slipped from the top of Serie A table
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The United States international was handed another Serie A start by the Rossoneri in that contest, as he lined up against fellow countrymen Weston McKennie and Tim Weah. It was to be the visitors to San Siro that had the last laugh, with a solitary goal from Manuel Locatelli settling the tie in Juve’s favour.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Milan endured a disappointing evening on home soil, with USMNT star Christian Pulisic having to be taken off shortly before half-time following a costly red card picked up by Malick Thiaw. Stefano Pioli’s side were unable to hold out with 10 men, leading to them slipping from the top of the Serie A table.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Musah was, however, to put in another impressive performance – with his work rate in the middle of the park being noted once again – and he has posted on social media of the need for everybody in the Milan camp to stick together: “Head held high and always united.”

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  • WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

    Musah has now taken in nine appearances for the Rossoneri on the back of his summer transfer from Valencia, with the 20-year-old midfielder earning plenty of plaudits in Italy for the speed at which he has settled in new surroundings.

WHU fans love Pereira news

West Ham United fans are delighted after reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has revealed the Hammers are interested in signing Matheus Pereira from West Bromwich Albion.

The Hammers enjoy a fantastic campaign last time out as they finished sixth in the Premier League table – they will therefore be competing in the Europa League this coming season.

However, although the campaign is fast approaching and expectations will only increase on the back of their success, they are yet to complete a marquee signing this summer.

ExWHUemployee has now provided some positive news for the Irons supporters though, revealing the London-based outfit are interested in Pereira, who was relegated to the Championship with the Baggies last season.

The £13.5m-valued 25-year-old was one of few bright sparks for West Brom, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in the top flight (Transfermarkt).

The news was also shared on Twitter by @WestHam_Central, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Pereira news below

“SIGN THE MAN”

Credit: @jmac2313

“cmonnnnn”

Credit: @morgzwhu

“Love it But need defender and DM.”

Credit: @just_wasik

“him and benhrama? i’ll honestly never complain again.”

Credit: @regannnnnnnn_

“Pereira, Fornals, Benrahma, Bowen. One can dream”

Credit: @camwestham

“Benhrama, Fornals, Matheus Pereira, Bowen and Tammy Abraham. Just give us the Europa League trophy already boys”

Credit: @joaonuno_10

In other news, West Ham fans want to sign this Barcelona man.

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