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• Joan Laporta scathingly responds to Xavi Hernandez accusations

  Barcelona President Joan Laporta has scathingly dismissed Xavi Hernández’s allegations of “shadow rule” at the club, claiming the former coach is being used as a political tool by rival Víctor Font to undermine the upcoming elections. ​Joan Laporta has hit back at Xavi Hernández’s explosive claims, suggesting the former manager’s dismissal was purely performance-based. During a presidential debate, Laporta noted that the decision was vindicated by Hansi Flick’s current success, stating, “The same players who lost with Xavi, now win with Flick.” He accused rival candidate Víctor Font of “pulling the strings” behind Xavi to destabilize his re-election campaign with “lies and falsehoods.” ​The president also refuted claims he blocked Lionel Messi’s 2023 return, maintaining that the player’s camp chose Inter Miami to avoid pressure. Laporta defended his advisor, Alejandro Echevarría, against Xavi’s “shadow manager” accusations, asserting that the change in leadership was necessary for the club’s sporting future. “With Xavi I saw that we would continue to lose,” Laporta added, doubling down on the controversial 2024 sacking.

• Lionel Messi cleared by MLS review after appearing to confront Referees

  MLS has cleared Lionel Messi of any wrongdoing following a post-match incident in Los Angeles, leaving him available for Inter Miami’s upcoming derby against Orlando City on March 1.

  Major League Soccer has officially cleared Lionel Messi of any misconduct following an investigation into a video showing him approaching a restricted area after Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to LAFC.

  Despite footage appearing to show Luis Suárez restraining the captain near the referees’ quarters at the LA Memorial Coliseum, the league determined the door did not lead to the officials’ locker room.

  An MLS spokesperson confirmed that Messi did not enter a prohibited zone or violate league policy during the Saturday night incident.

  The ruling effectively closes the case, ensuring the Argentine remains eligible for selection.

  The league noted that while Messi frequently interacts with officiating crews in his role as captain, his actions on this occasion did not warrant any disciplinary fines or a suspension.

  The “Herons” will now turn their attention toward a massive intrastate clash against Orlando City on March 1.

  After being stifled by Son Heung-min’s LAFC in their season opener, the defending MLS Cup champions are eager to reclaim their form.

  Messi, who netted 29 goals last season, remains the focal point as Javier Mascherano’s side looks to avoid an early-season slump in the “Sunshine Clasico.”

• Lionel Messi, Inter Miami suffer 3-0 loss to LAFC in 2026 MLS opener

  LAFC delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over defending champions Inter Miami in the 2026 MLS opener, as Lionel Messi’s side struggled to break down a disciplined Los Angeles defense.

  ​LAFC secured a convincing 3-0 win against Inter Miami to kick off the 2026 MLS season.

  David Martinez opened the scoring after a midfield error by Rodrigo De Paul, followed by a composed solo effort and chip from Denis Bouanga.

  Despite Lionel Messi’s creative efforts alongside Germán Berterame, Miami failed to capitalize on their chances, eventually conceding a late third goal to Nathan Ordaz.

  ​Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano had confirmed Messi’s fitness pre-match, stating, “Messi is fine; he’s been training at the same level as the rest of the team all week.”

  However, the visitors were outmatched by LAFC’s clinical counterattacks and the partnership of Bouanga and Heung-Min Son.

  The result leaves the defending MLS Cup holders searching for offensive solutions early in the new campaign.

• Tottenham set to appoint City Football Group’s Rafi Moersen as Director of Football Operations

  Tottenham Hotspur is in advanced talks to appoint Carlos-Raphael “Rafi” Moersen, the highly-regarded Director of Football Transactions for the City Football Group, as their new Director of Football Operations.

  Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in advanced talks to appoint Carlos-Raphael Moersen, a highly-rated executive from the City Football Group (CFG), as their new Director of Football Operations.

  Moersen, known as “Rafi,” currently serves as CFG’s Director of Football Transactions. His imminent move represents another significant step in the ongoing restructuring of the senior hierarchy at the North London club.

  Moersen’s expertise lies in managing contract negotiations for both current Manchester City players and prospective transfer targets. He has spent the last decade rising through the ranks of the CFG structure, becoming a crucial operator.

  Reports indicate he stepped into sharing key responsibilities after the recent departure of Omar Berrada to rivals Manchester United.

  The potential hiring is viewed as a significant show of intent from Tottenham as they continue to transform the structure above the coaching staff and playing squad.

  Securing an executive of Moersen’s calibre would bring crucial experience in complex contract management and high-level football administration to the club.

• David Beckham praises Messi’s unprecedented feat with Inter Miami

  David Beckham became the first person to win the MLS Cup as both a player and an owner after co-owned Inter Miami defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final, fueled by two assists from MLS Cup MVP Lionel Messi.

  Inter Miami CF clinched their first MLS Cup on Saturday, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

  The victory solidified an unprecedented feat for co-owner David Beckham, who became the first person to win the league trophy as both a player and an owner. Lionel Messi, named the MLS Cup MVP, orchestrated the triumph with two decisive assists.

  Celebrating the historic achievement, Beckham reflected on the realization of his long-term ambition for the club.

  He noted, “[The MLS Cup win] has been pretty surreal and it’s a moment that I’ll cherish forever, being a player that has won it and now being an owner that has won it with this team, and these fans.”