Messi and MLS

[Sean Miller Fan]

Winning the Leagues Cup gets them into the CONCACAF Champions Cup next year with a bye, and finishing second or third (or winning the US Open Cup) gets them into the First Round of that tournament. There's also talk of having CONCACAF teams in the Copa Libertadores.

Given how far back they are in the League, maybe they should just prioritize the other two tournaments?

MLS is shut down until after the Leaguea Cup so they dont have to de-prioritize MLS. I still doubt very much that Messi plays at Cincy in the US Open Cup. My guess is they go all out and try to go something like 8-2-2 to make the MLS playoffs because if they made it, they'd likely win it.

Also, I hope Miami finishes Top 3 in Leagues Cup and then win the CCL next year because that gets them a bid to the 32 team summer 2025 Club World Cup in the US. Similarly, I hope Al-Nassr win Asia. Can you imagine a group of Miami, Al-Nassr, and 2 Euro giants?

 

[brdst11]

MLS is shut down until after the Leaguea Cup so they dont have to de-prioritize MLS. I still doubt very much that Messi plays at Cincy in the US Open Cup. My guess is they go all out and try to go something like 8-2-2 to make the MLS playoffs because if they made it, they'd likely win it.

Also, I hope Miami finishes Top 3 in Leagues Cup and then win the CCL next year because that gets them a bid to the 32 team summer 2025 Club World Cup in the US. Similarly, I hope Al-Nassr win Asia. Can you imagine a group of Miami, Al-Nassr, and 2 Euro giants?

If Inter loses against Dallas and Messi isn't playing against Charlotte because of the turf, you don't think he'd play in the US Open game?

It'd be their best path into the CCL.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

If Inter loses against Dallas and Messi isn't playing against Charlotte because of the turf, you don't think he'd play in the US Open game?

It'd be their best path into the CCL.

The game vs Charlotte is in Fort Lauderdale. He will play that game. He isnt going to fly the distance from Barcelona to London to a game 3 days later and then on to New Jersey for a game 3 days after that. He wont even make the trip to Cincy.

 

[brdst11]

The game vs Charlotte is in Fort Lauderdale. He will play that game. He isnt going to fly the distance from Barcelona to London to a game 3 days later and then on to New Jersey for a game 3 days after that. He wont even make the trip to Cincy.

I don't know what they'll do, but if he wants to play in the CCL, if they're already eliminated from the Leagues Cup, and he's going to play in the US Open Cup final why not play in the semifinal?

It's going to be difficult for them to even make the playoffs, especially if Messi doesn't play the two turf away games on their schedule..

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I don't know what they'll do, but if he wants to play in the CCL, if they're already eliminated from the Leagues Cup, and he's going to play in the US Open Cup final why not play in the semifinal?

It's going to be difficult for them to even make the playoffs, especially if Messi doesn't play the two turf away games on their schedule..

I highly doubt that Messi cares about playing in the CCL. He would play the US Open Cup final but I dont see him traveling up for that when they are going for the MLS playoffs.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I'm trying to go to a Messi game this year but the road dates are ridiculous. $470 cheapest on Stub for tonight. I couldn't get tickets from their website on Thursday as I was put in a virtual queue and they were sold out before it was my turn. Well, I take that back. They had maybe 50 tickets left. On the "20 yard line" for $3000 each. Those were NOT secondary market tickets. People were paying those prices to FC Dallas and they weren't special seats. Like 20 yard line 10 rows up. If you go like 20 rows up, they dropped to $2500. My best bet is to fly down to Miami for a game. Awful sports town so tickets down there are pretty cheap even though its the smallest stadium in MLS.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

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[Sean Miller Fan]

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Ferreira is having a terrible game. Should have 3 goals by now but he is playing Miami and not a tiny Caribbean island. He had a breakaway, 5 yards on Kamal Miller (Canada CB) and Miller ran him down. Reminded me of Greg Lee vs Nebraska and there was another Pitt WR who did that. I think it was Jester Weah at VT when we couldn't punch it in from the 1 on 4 tries.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

And another one

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I believe the kids call this a cheat code. Lol

How many goals would Erling Haaland score in MLS. 100?

 

[brdst11]

I'm trying to go to a Messi game this year but the road dates are ridiculous. $470 cheapest on Stub for tonight. I couldn't get tickets from their website on Thursday as I was put in a virtual queue and they were sold out before it was my turn. Well, I take that back. They had maybe 50 tickets left. On the "20 yard line" for $3000 each. Those were NOT secondary market tickets. People were paying those prices to FC Dallas and they weren't special seats. Like 20 yard line 10 rows up. If you go like 20 rows up, they dropped to $2500. My best bet is to fly down to Miami for a game. Awful sports town so tickets down there are pretty cheap even though its the smallest stadium in MLS.

Aren't the only MLS, drivable road games (played on grass) Chicago or Harrison? Limited choices, flying may be your best option.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Aren't the only MLS, drivable road games (played on grass) Chicago or Harrison? Limited choices, flying may be your best option.

Yea. May go to Miami Friday. The NJ tickets are too expensive. Can probably get a cheap flight to South Florida.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I believe the kids call this a cheat code. Lol

How many goals would Erling Haaland score in MLS. 100?

There was a viral clip of some ESPN guy defending MLS saying Messi has done this everywhere, the Premier League, La Liga, etc.

The Premier League 😅

He also had a hockey assist in 18 year old homegrown player (future USMNT)'s goal from Alba. And he whipped in a free kick from just outside the box that Farfan from Dallas inexplicably headed into his own goal. You'll probably see that one a blooper real. It almost seemed as if he forgot what goal he was scoring in because his approach and form didn't look at all like someone who was trying to clear. Taylor Twellman even said that was as clinical a finish as you'll ever see......but in the wrong goal.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

There was a viral clip of some ESPN guy defending MLS saying Messi has done this everywhere, the Premier League, La Liga, etc.

The Premier League 😅

He also had a hockey assist in 18 year old homegrown player (future USMNT)'s goal from Alba. And he whipped in a free kick from just outside the box that Farfan from Dallas inexplicably headed into his own goal. You'll probably see that one a blooper real. It almost seemed as if he forgot what goal he was scoring in because his approach and form didn't look at all like someone who was trying to clear. Taylor Twellman even said that was as clinical a finish as you'll ever see......but in the wrong goal.

Yeah I just saw the reel and had to look at that a couple times. Was he trying to head it out for a corner? Crazy one for sure. And Messi’s free kick was so exquisite. Unbelievable stuff. That’s the free kick stuff Rapinoe was supposed to provide and if she had the US would be comfortably through. .

Also just heard that Apple has already reached their target on subscriptions and the rest will now be gravy. It’s safe to say the Messi deal has already worked out. Ronaldo must be really kicking himself that he’s in Saudi Arabia and no one sees him and no one cares.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Yeah I just saw the reel and had to look at that a couple times. Was he trying to head it out for a corner? Crazy one for sure. And Messi’s free kick was so exquisite. Unbelievable stuff. That’s the free kick stuff Rapinoe was supposed to provide and if she had the US would be comfortably through. .

Also just heard that Apple has already reached their target on subscriptions and the rest will now be gravy. It’s safe to say the Messi deal has already worked out. Ronaldo must be really kicking himself that he’s in Saudi Arabia and no one sees him and no one cares.

None of the analysts could figure out what Farfan was doing. Its possible he had a brain fart, maybe disoriented due to the heat, and thought that was his goal. There's not a lot of other explanations. The other thing that comes to mind is point shaving.

As for Messi and Ronaldo, Ronaldo chose money over lifestyle for his family. It cant be too fun for his kids to grow up in a desert medieval kingdom. Messi will be making far less but what price can you put on family happiness? They are already insanley rich. Now, if the Big Ten comes calling though, I'd keep an eye on that.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

None of the analysts could figure out what Farfan was doing. Its possible he had a brain fart, maybe disoriented due to the heat, and thought that was his goal. There's not a lot of other explanations. The other thing that comes to mind is point shaving.

As for Messi and Ronaldo, Ronaldo chose money over lifestyle for his family. It cant be too fun for his kids to grow up in a desert medieval kingdom. Messi will be making far less but what price can you put on family happiness? They are already insanley rich. Now, if the Big Ten comes calling though, I'd keep an eye on that.

Do we know if Messi will make less? He went to SA and spent a few days there weighing his options. He chose the American deal over SA which looks better and better every day.

Ronaldo was presented with an opportunity mid season when he was out of favor at Man United. He took the only deal on the table that frankly he couldn’t say no to.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Do we know if Messi will make less? He went to SA and spent a few days there weighing his options. He chose the American deal over SA which looks better and better every day.

Ronaldo was presented with an opportunity mid season when he was out of favor at Man United. He took the only deal on the table that frankly he couldn’t say no to.

He is making $60 million/year in MLS and was offered $500 million per year in Saudi Arabia so yea.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

He is making $60 million/year in MLS and was offered $500 million per year in Saudi Arabia so yea.

So 60 mil per year is the ceiling? And there were no other revenue sources or investments as part of the deal that will yield more?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

So 60 mil per year is the ceiling? And there were no other revenue sources or investments as part of the deal that will yield more?

A piece of jersey sales and Apple TV subscriptions. Also, an ownership stake in Inter Miami. Still, you cant make up that gap. Its about lifestyle over money for him. Too bad college athletic departments arent more like him. They'll fly to another coast for an extra $1.50.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

A piece of jersey sales and Apple TV subscriptions. Also, an ownership stake in Inter Miami. Still, you cant make up that gap. Its about lifestyle over money for him. Too bad college athletic departments arent more like him. They'll fly to another coast for an extra $1.50.

Those are the numbers I want to see. I realize there’s a huge Delta there, and when you have Monopoly money like he does, then money doesn’t need to be the driver. But I’d like to see what betting on himself has come out to financially already, what it will amount to over the next few years, and whether his long game will be more fruitful in the long run.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Those are the numbers I want to see. I realize there’s a huge Delta there, and when you have Monopoly money like he does, then money doesn’t need to be the driver. But I’d like to see what betting on himself has come out to financially already, what it will amount to over the next few years, and whether his long game will be more fruitful in the long run.

I dont think its a long game. You cant beat Saudi Arabia money. I think he probably feels over time, he could maybe get somewhere in the ballpark with endorsements and the share of Inter Miami but he has to realize that he would have made more money in Saudi Arabia. But, again, this wasnt about money for him. I mean think about. If any of us had more money than we could ever spend in our lifetimes or our kids' lifetimes, would you rather spend 2.5 years in Miami or Riyadh.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

 

[Pitt79]

I have said for years that Miami is the worst sports town in America. They didnt sell out Messi's 2nd game and have about 30% of tickets remaining for tomorrow. Now, tickets are expensive but its the smallest stadium in MLS and its Messi. Miami lost an MLS team once, should lose an NHL team, and barely anyone goes to Marlins, Hurricanes, or Heat (unless they have LeBron).

I don't blame anyone if prices are insane, I would never pay more than maybe $200 to see any sporting even or concert, of course I'm old and have been to literally hundreds of major events, so I don't care. There's nothing out there happening that is worth that much to me. I'd rather never see Messi or Taylor Swift than pay $500 to see them, people paying these huge sums are insane.

 

[Pitt79]

I did see the first game Beckham ever played in MLS, for $22 in DC.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

I don't blame anyone if prices are insane, I would never pay more than maybe $200 to see any sporting even or concert, of course I'm old and have been to literally hundreds of major events, so I don't care. There's nothing out there happening that is worth that much to me. I'd rather never see Messi or Taylor Swift than pay $500 to see them, people paying these huge sums are insane.

I’m with you. I am the same way. But everyone is different.

Btw a friend texted me last night and said “remember when I suggested to you that we buy season tickets and you said no??” He’s the same guy I bet a steak dinner that Haaland wouldn’t score 30 goals in the EPL. I need to start listening to him more. Lol.

 

[brdst11]

Inter Miami MLS regular season game against Charlotte has been postponed due to the tems' participation in the Leagues Cup. Messi now scheduled to make his MLS league debut in Harrison, NJ

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Inter Miami MLS regular season game against Charlotte has been postponed due to the tems' participation in the Leagues Cup. Messi now scheduled to make his MLS league debut in Harrison, NJ

That makes it slightly more likely he will play in the US Open Cup semis.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

So….what do I need to do and pay to watch MLS and Leagues Cup the rest of the year?

I’ve tried to make Charlotte FC my team but haven’t been able to get invested or stay interested. Tonight might be a good time to try watching again.

 

[Pitt79]

So….what do I need to do and pay to watch MLS and Leagues Cup the rest of the year?

I’ve tried to make Charlotte FC my team but haven’t been able to get invested or stay interested. Tonight might be a good time to try watching again.

Leagues Cup is on almost every night on FS1 or Telemundo, but only one has been a Miami game

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

So….what do I need to do and pay to watch MLS and Leagues Cup the rest of the year?

I’ve tried to make Charlotte FC my team but haven’t been able to get invested or stay interested. Tonight might be a good time to try watching again.

Go to the Apple TV app (you dont need to buy Apple TV). Buy MLS Season Pass. $39 gets you the rest of the season.

Its also free if you are a season ticket holder. I may get Crew season tickets next year to get a decently priced Messi ticket and sell most of the others. I'd get MLS Season pass too. Gotta look into that. I cant keep flying to Miami, which is where I am right now. I'll tell Leo you said hi tonight.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

Go to the Apple TV app (you dont need to buy Apple TV). Buy MLS Season Pass. $39 gets you the rest of the season.

Its also free if you are a season ticket holder. I may get Crew season tickets next year to get a decently priced Messi ticket and sell most of the others. I'd get MLS Season pass too. Gotta look into that. I cant keep flying to Miami, which is where I am right now. I'll tell Leo you said hi tonight.

Say hello to Leonard. Thanks.

 

[Pitt79]

Go to the Apple TV app (you dont need to buy Apple TV). Buy MLS Season Pass. $39 gets you the rest of the season.

Its also free if you are a season ticket holder. I may get Crew season tickets next year to get a decently priced Messi ticket and sell most of the others. I'd get MLS Season pass too. Gotta look into that. I cant keep flying to Miami, which is where I am right now. I'll tell Leo you said hi tonight.

"You're out of your freaking mind all that effort and expense to "see Messi"

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

"You're out of your freaking mind all that effort and expense to "see Messi"

Yea. Miami is a terrible sports town so secondary market tickets are relatively cheap. I paid less than $200 for row 10 on the 40. And flights are cheap. I tried to get tickets for Tuesday in Philly but couldn't. So similar seats there literally cost $1000 before fees.

He's the GOAT and how many chances do you get to see him in a real game and not some friendly?

 

[Pitt79]

Yea. Miami is a terrible sports town so secondary market tickets are relatively cheap. I paid less than $200 for row 10 on the 40. And flights are cheap. I tried to get tickets for Tuesday in Philly but couldn't. So similar seats there literally cost $1000 before fees.

He's the GOAT and how many chances do you get to see him in a real game and not some friendly?

$200 plus paying for a flight, possibly a hotel, I'd rather never see the GOAT

I saw him on TV that's good enough.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

$200 plus paying for a flight, possibly a hotel, I'd rather never see the GOAT

I saw him on TV that's good enough.

I’m with you. I don’t yearn to attend games or concerts. That said, a little getaway to Miami is well worth it. We do it already because flights are so cheap. So I have no problem spending the money on flights and hotel nights. The question then becomes if I would want to waste time and money on a soccer match. Now, if you go to England, then hell yes you spend the money on the football because it’s so much part of the culture. But Miami soccer? Nah.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

$200 plus paying for a flight, possibly a hotel, I'd rather never see the GOAT

I saw him on TV that's good enough.

Cheap flight. And its Miami. If he played for Kansas City, I wouldn't have flown out there for that.

 

[Pitt79]

OK I see your point, Miami, it's a vacation where you include a soccer game.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Another Miami beatdown. 4-1 at Philadelphia. They advance to the final Saturday at Nashville. Tried to get tickets but its harder than Taylor Swift. And secondary market prices are Taylor Swift-like too. That's why its cheaper to fly down to Miami to see him.

Messi scored one from 30 yards out but Andre Blake's slow reaction time was cringey. Truthfully, a few of the goals he's scored have been borderline blooperish defending/goalkeeping.

Announcers said he had less than 50 touches which is crazy low. He is notorious for walking around the pitch and only getting involved when he needs to be and that was really noticeable and a little annoying watching him live. He really wasnt involved a ton but then all of a sudden he appears and its a shot, good pass, goal, etc. His goals per touch rate in MLS so far has to be off the charts. I just wonder how different he was to watch live 10 years ago. Would he be working harder away from the ball or defensively?

Back to Miami, they are basically an SMF dream team. Its exactly what I want to see in MLS, even if you take Messi out of it:

Busquets and Alba - 2 older legends who can still play

Yedlin - USMNT

Kamal Miller - Canada's starting CB and also played at Syracuse

Josef Martinez - one of the best MLS strikers ever and a regular for Venezuela

Robert Taylor - plays for Finland, which isnt great but kinda cool

Benjamin Cremaschie and David Ruiz - 2 American teenagers who have both scored in this tournament and guys I like to keep an eye on for future USMNT

They just signed a 20 year old Argentinian who scored 16 goals in the Argentinian league and supposedly was going to Europe but wanted to play with Messi. He's supposed to be the real deal.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

 

[brdst11]

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Goalies ended up deciding it. Congrats to Messi and Inter

 

[Allan McMurray]

Messi is an alien