VID Music Group last month filed claims of fraud and breach of contract against Messi and the Argentine Football Association in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, court ​records show. The lawsuit also names sports executive Julian Marcos Kapelan.

According to ​the complaint, VID signed an agreement with the AFA last summer ⁠, granting it exclusive rights to organise and promote Argentina’s international friendlies in October against ​Venezuela and Puerto Rico, in exchange for ticketing, broadcast and sponsorship revenue.

The promoter says ​the deal required Messi to play at least 30 minutes in each match unless he was injured, with his participation “a central element of the match’s commercial value” and the “primary economic driver of the ​matches.”

The lawsuit accuses Messi of conspiring with Kapelan and the AFA “to engage in ​conduct” designed to induce VID into entering the contracts with AFA “under false pretences”. Messi is also accused ‌of ⁠negligent misrepresentation.

The claims against the AFA include alleged negligent misrepresentation and breaches of contract relating to the match against Venezuela, the October fixture versus Puerto Rico, and two proposed matches that were scheduled to take place in the United States in June ​2026, while Kapelan is ​accused of fraud.

Messi, ⁠38, did not play in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Venezuela on October 10, instead watching the match from a suite at ​Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida, according to the lawsuit.

The following ​day, Messi ⁠started and scored twice for Inter Miami in a 4-0 win over Atlanta United.

He later appeared for Argentina in a 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico on October 14, recording ⁠two ​assists in a match that was also organised and ​promoted by VID, a game that was moved from Chicago and played at Inter Miami’s then home ​ground, Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

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The 38-year-old Argentine World Cup winner brought ‌up the milestone with a left-footed strike in Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw with Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The 900th goal came 21 years after ​Messi scored his first in senior football for Barcelona as ​a 17-year-old in 2005.

Inter manager Javier Mascherano said Messi’s tally ⁠was “insane”.

“I’ve been lucky enough to see most, or many, of the ​goals he’s scored, much closer than you all, and that’s a privilege,” ​he added.

“The number we’re talking about is insane, and that’s why Leo is a one of a kind.”

Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, reached ​the landmark in his 1,142nd appearance for club and country, nearly ​100 games fewer than Ronaldo, who took 1,236 games to reach the milestone in September ‌2024.

Portuguese ⁠forward Ronaldo has now reached 965 goals and has targeted the 1,000-mark before he quits the game.

The majority of Messi’s goals came during his spell at Barcelona, where he scored 672 times. He added ​32 at Paris ​St-Germain and 81 ⁠for Inter Miami and scored 115 for Argentina, with whom he won the World Cup in 2022.

Messi’s ​teammates have been able to depend on him at ​crucial times ⁠with 175 of his goals coming in knockout matches, including 35 in finals.

His 129 goals in Europe’s Champions League is second only to Ronaldo’s ⁠140.

Messi’s ​milestone goal came on a bittersweet night ​for Miami, who exited the competition on away goals after the first leg of their ​tie ended 0-0.

-Reuters

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Trump celebrated the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup champions, Inter Miami, in a ceremony that ‌blended athletic prowess and military might, as the president boasted about the United States’ ongoing operation in Iran.

“The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy, far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before,” Trump said as Argentine ​great Messi stood next to him.

Trump then turned his attention to what he called “soccer-slash-football,” mixing both the American and ​international terms for the game.

“It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever ⁠had the chance to say before: Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi,” Trump said.

Trump said Messi’s visit snuck up on him, as the White House has been engulfed in the operation in Iran since Saturday, and that he realised Thursday’s event was scheduled only after his son pointed it out to him.

“I got a lot of things going on,” Trump quipped.

With a World Cup on America’s doorstep, Trump praised Miami coach Javier Mascherano, and other soccer greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian legend Pele, but raved the most over Messi and the Florida team.

“Leo ​is the reigning FIFA World Cup MVP. You could have gone anywhere in the world. You could have chosen any team ​in the world, and you chose to go to Miami. I don’t blame you. The weather’s extremely good,” Trump said.

As the president regaled the ‌East ⁠Room crowd with a play-by-play of the team’s victory, Trump gushed about the “good-looking” men on the team, who stood lined up behind him.

Surveying the squad, Trump paused to single out Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and asked, “Do you have any bad-looking players?”

“I don’t like good-looking men,” Trump joked, “You don’t feel so good about yourself.”

The team presented the president with a jersey featuring the number ​47, a reference to Trump ​as the 47th president, and ⁠a soccer ball and watch with the team’s signature pink colour.

Trump also looked ahead to the summer. “We have the World Cup and the Olympics,” he said. The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., across 16 cities, runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be the first to feature 48 teams.

Argentina will arrive as defending World Cup and Copa America champions.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi had previously been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Joe Biden, Trump’s Democratic predecessor, in January 2025. However, Messi said he was unable to ⁠attend the ​ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.

Turning back to politics, Trump complimented Secretary of State ​Marco Rubio’s handling of the Iran operation, and said when that war is finished, the United States could turn to focus on communist Cuba.

Cuba wants “to make ​a deal so badly,” Trump said.

-Reuters

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According to The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism arm of The New York Times, Inter Miami CF received an invitation to the White House to commemorate their 2025 MLS Cup championship. The Miami Herald confirmed that the ceremony will take place on Thursday, just two days before the Herons face D.C. United in Washington, D.C.

Reports indicate that the entire squad — including Messi — is expected to attend the event with President Trump.

Inter Miami secured the first MLS Cup title in franchise history with a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on December 6 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The triumph marked a milestone moment for the relatively young club and capped a season highlighted by Messi’s continued influence both on and off the pitch.

White House visits have long been a tradition for championship-winning American sports teams, and Inter Miami’s appearance will place the club alongside a distinguished list of title holders honoured in Washington.

The visit will also carry added significance for co-owner David Beckham, who previously attended a White House ceremony in 2012 during his time with the LA Galaxy after the club’s 2011 MLS Cup victory.

For Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, the White House reception adds another high-profile chapter to a decorated career that has spanned Europe, South America and now North America.

The ceremony is expected to take place in Washington before Inter Miami shifts focus back to league action, with their upcoming fixture against D.C. United is looming shortly after the White House engagement.

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The fan reached the centre circle and wrapped his arms around twice-reigning MLS Most Valuable Player Messi before the security guard intervened and pulled the pitch invader to the ground while dragging the Argentine great down in the process.

By the time the individual got to Messi, there were two other fans — one in a Barcelona jersey and the other in a Miami shirt — in the middle of the field, where one took a selfie with the player while Messi signed the other’s shirt.

The 38-year-old Messi, who came on at halftime and converted the winner from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, got up immediately and appeared to be unharmed in Thursday’s incident.

The game at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel in Bayamon was originally scheduled for February 13 and was supposed to be Miami’s pre-season finale, but it was postponed after Messi suffered a hamstring strain.

-Reuter

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MLS reviewed the incident, which occurred on Saturday and was captured on video, and determined the area Messi entered was not the referees’ locker room, nor was it a restricted area, and therefore no policy was violated, the spokesperson told Reuters.

In the video, Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez is seen attempting to restrain Messi by the arm, but the Argentine still managed to walk through the doorway in the bowels of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before re-emerging moments later.

The spokesperson said restricted areas at the venue would have had clear signage.

Inter Miami did not immediately respond when asked by Reuters for comment.

Defending champions Miami opened the season with a 3-0 loss in a game that drew 75,673 fans and was the highest-attended match in MLS opening weekend history.

-Reuters

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Inter Miami, who are scheduled to open their MLS campaign on February 21, said the two-time reigning league MVP sustained the injury during a preseason game last weekend against Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador, where he scored but was substituted in the second half.

Messi underwent additional medical tests that confirmed the diagnosis.

“His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,” Inter Miami said.

As a result of the injury, the friendly between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, scheduled to be played on Friday at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Puerto Rico, has been postponed to February 26.

-Reuters

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The 22-year-old Nigerian international is signed through 2028-29 with club options for 2029-30 and 2030-31.

Ojediran will occupy an international roster slot for the Rapids, who open the season on Feb. 22 at Seattle.

“Hamzat is a brilliant addition to the squad,” Rapids coach Matt Wells said. “He has the elite mentality, technical ability and physicality we need in order to compete at the highest level. He brings excellent experience of European football, and his identity of breaking up play and stopping opposition counter-attacks will help us impose our dominant style.”

Ojediran spent two seasons with RC Lens in the French top flight, logging one goal in 17 appearances.

“We’re excited to bring a player of Hamzat’s calibre into our group,” Rapids president Padraig Smith said. “He brings outstanding physical presence, defensive discipline and explosiveness to our midfield. He’s an ideal fit for Matt’s system and is motivated and hungry to continue his own development and contribute to our success.”

Ojediran spent two seasons with RC Lens in the French top flight, scoring one goal in 17 appearances.

Ojediran began his professional career in Albania and also spent time on loan in Hungary before joining RC Lens.

-Reuters

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Despite Thomas Mueller driving a Vancouver side that controlled long stretches and created the better chances, the final ultimately swung on the Argentine’s influence, as he secured his first MLS league title and capped his finest season on American soil.

“This was one of our main goals,” Messi, who was named MVP, said.

“Last year we finished first in the league and unfortunately we were knocked out in the first round. The MLS was the ultimate prize. The team put in a tremendous effort and rose to the occasion,” the 38-year-old added.

Miami opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Messi slipped Allende into space and the winger’s low cross deflected off Vancouver defender Edier Ocampo and into his own net.

Vancouver kept control of the ball after the break and finally made it count on the hour mark when Ali Ahmed drove into the box and fired a low shot that Rios Novo reached but could not keep out, the ball rolling over the line to bring the visitors level

Miami restored their lead in the 71st minute when Messi pounced on a loose Vancouver touch and slid the ball across the box for Rodrigo De Paul, who swept his finish past Yohei Takaoka to cap the move with trademark composure.

The hosts sealed the title deep into stoppage time when Messi threaded a pass to Allende, sparking emotional scenes with Jordi Alba in tears as he and Sergio Busquets — longtime friends and former Barcelona teammates — closed out their final match.

“I’m happy for them. Finishing their careers this way is very nice for everyone,” Messi said of his teammates.

“Something very beautiful is coming to an end for them, something to which they have devoted their entire lives. I wish them all the best. They are two friends whom I love very much, and I am happy that they can leave with this title.”

JOY FOR BECKHAM

David Beckham, the club’s co-owner and longtime architect of Miami’s project, joined the on-field celebrations after the final whistle.

“All credit to Vancouver, they played a great game and put us under a lot of pressure. After their goal they were on top of us,” the former England captain said.

“When you give the ball to Leo (Messi), he creates chances. The team stuck together, and they’ve done that all year.”

He added that the path to the title had been anything but smooth: “There were a lot of sleepless nights. I always believed in Miami and in bringing a team here… We promised our fans we’d bring the best players and bring success. Next year is a new year and we go again — but tonight, we celebrate.”

-Reuters

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Olatunji, 25, arrives for a reported $2.5 million transfer fee and is under contract through June 2028 with options for the rest of 2028 and all of 2029.

To complete the deal, Real Salt Lake is sending $125,000 in 2026 general allocation money to D.C. United to obtain Olatunji’s discovery priority.

“We are excited to welcome Victor to Utah, another move we’ve been working on for some time,” RSL chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid said. “Victor’s speed, strength and intelligence in the box should allow him to fit into our attack.”

Olatunji has racked up 42 goals and 11 assists in 192 club appearances in Austria, Cyprus, Slovakia and the Czech Republic since 2017.

-Reuters

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