Arsenal will be looking to make amends for their festive period slump when they restart their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta may be hoping that the break has helped his frontline rediscover their goalscoring form and that the rest of the side can go back to their best of last season.

However, with the transfer window in full swing, the club have also been linked to several potential recruits, with one of the latest having the potential to be the perfect partner for William Saliba – and he just so happens to have been likened to Gabriel.

Arsenal look to Germany for a new defensive stalwart

As per a report from The Athletic last month, Arsenal are keeping an eye on highly-rated Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt – with the Gunners, therefore, likely to be interested in recent developments in Bavaria regarding the centre-back.

According to a more recent report from German publication BILD this week, the former Ajax star has had a 'fall-out' with Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel over his lack of game time this season, which has, in turn, led to an opportunity for the Gunners.

However, the north Londoners aren't the only ones in the picture, as the BILD report also notes Manchester United as a possible suitor, with Erik ten Hag's time with the centre-back in Amsterdam potentially set to help the Red Devils jump ahead of Arsenal.

No transfer fee has been reliably reported as of yet, but the CIES football observatory values the 24-year-old at £43m, and with his position in the team plus his aforementioned relationship with the manager, this could well be accurate.

How De Ligt compares to Gabriel

Now, if the Dutch "monster", as he was described by data analyst Ben Mattinson, ends up signing for Arsenal, it would almost certainly be with the guarantee that he would be given a starting role alongside Saliba, meaning that, unfortunately for Gabriel, a seat on the bench would beckon.

While learning how to play with a new partner can take time for centre-backs, it could be a relatively painless experience for Saliba, as according to FBref, the second most similar player in Europe's top five leagues to De Ligt is Gabriel.

FBref comes to this conclusion by looking at where each player ranks for several key metrics across those leagues and then ranks the ten most similar players for those who play in said leagues.

However, how do the pair stack up when comparing their underlying numbers? Should Gabriel be worried?

Well, it's more bad news for the former LOSC Lille man, as in almost every relevant metric, Bayern's "generational" talent, as described by talent scout Jacek Kluig, has him beaten, although the fact that De Ligt has played fewer minutes this season does mean that there is perhaps an element of doubt with these figures.

Stats per 90

De Ligt

Gabriel

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.31

0.11

Progressive Passes

4.63

3.99

Progressive Carries

0.98

0.55

Passing Accuracy

93.0%

86.6%

Tackles Won

0.98

0.61

Blocks

0.73

1.04

Clearances

4.63

2.45

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

That said, with how emphatic the gap is in some areas, more minutes would likely make little difference to the overall outcome.

Arsenal could repeat Martinelli masterclass by signing "flawless" £52m gem

The 16-year-old could one day rival Saka.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 19, 2024

Ultimately, Gabriel is a brilliant defender, of that there is no doubt, but if Arsenal can get their hands on De Ligt for a relatively modest price, they absolutely should, as a partnership between him and Saliba could make a massive difference in the title race and beyond.

West Ham are looking at signing a 28-year-old who has an admirer in former Irons captain Declan Rice, according to broadcast giant Sky Sports.

Moyes after new January additions

Manager David Moyes watched on as his West Ham side crashed out of the FA Cup on Tuesday evening, with Bristol City sealing a 1-0 win over the east Londoners at Ashton Gate.

"Very interesting" – Sky reporter surprised as West Ham eye "unique" target

Michael Bridge says they’re looking at him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 16, 2024

West Ham fielded a pretty weakened eleven and were forced to pay for their considerable lack of depth. The hardly-seen Maxwel Cornet partly made up a front three of the Ivorian, exit-linked Said Benrahma and out-of-favour striker Danny Ings – with the trio failing to find a way past the home side's defence.

It is believed Moyes is keen to make January signings in key areas to bolster the squad before January 31. Michail Antonio will be absent for an extended period after his injury setback alongside Lucas Paqueta, while Mohammed Kudus is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana.

The Hammers are targeting a new forward in particular, with technical director Tim Steidten thought to be eyeing up Sunderland winger Jack Clarke among other options. It will be interesting to see if they can add more quality and strengthen yet another charge for European qualification under Moyes, with Sky now claiming Steidten and co are interested in Man City outcast Kalvin Phillips as well.

West Ham looking at signing Phillips

As per the broadcaster, West Ham are looking at signing Phillips in January alongside a few other English top-flight sides.

The 28-year-old is surplus to requirement at Eastlands with City willing to let him go before the deadline. Alongside West Ham, it is thought Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle and Serie A giants Juventus are targeting Phillips.

The England international will prove a costly deal, which is West Ham's main obstacle in their pursuit, but he's been heavily endorsed in past seasons by former star Declan Rice. Rice, commenting on Phillips to talkSPORT, called him "one of the best" for his sheer professionalism – which could be an attractive trait for Moyes.

Shoulder injury – 2022/2023

18

Hamstring injury – 2021/2022

16

Calf injury – 2020/2021

6

Shoulder injury – 2020/2021

7

“He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever seen, if I’m honest with you," said Rice.

“I’ve seen players who don’t play and throw their toys out of the pram completely and with Kal, every time he comes back here he pops on a shirt and puts in 110 per cent."

However, a sticking point may be Phillips' injury record and his wages – which Sky claim are at around £135,000-per-week.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em duelo válido pela 2ª rodada do Campeonato Paulista, Santos e Ferroviária empataram por 1 a 1 na Vila Belmiro. Sabino abriu o placar, eFelipe Marques igualou na segunda etapa.Com o resultado, o Peixe chega aos dois pontos e
ainda não venceu no Paulistão. Os comandados de Pintado somam quatro pontos no Grupo B do torneio.

Veja 15 bons nomes “sumidos” na Europa que seu time poderia tentar

Na próxima rodada, o técnico Ariel Holan irá fazer sua estreia no comando técnico do Peixe, no clássico contra o São Paulo, sábado (6), às 19h, no Morumbi. A equipe de Araraquara recebe o Botafogo SA na segunda-feira (8), às 20h.

>> VEJA A CLASSIFICAÇÃO ATUALIZADA DO PAULISTÃO

COMEÇO MORNO NA VILA

O Santos começou a partida controlando a posse de bola, mas tendo dificuldades em acertar o último passe nas jogadas de ataque. A Ferroviária alternava momentos de pressão, e buscava seus jogadores mais criativos, Renato Cajá e Vinícius Zanocelo.

O camisa 7 da equipe visitante teve a primeira boa chance. Na entrada da área, ele bateu cruzado. A bola desviou na marcação, e Vladimir se esticou para dar um tapinha na bola e realizar boa defesa.

PEIXE PUNE NA BOLA AÉREA

O Peixe passou a insistir nas bolas aéreas e começou a chegar com perigo. Alex, de cabeça, e Ivonei, em tentativa de gol olímpico, ficaram perto de inaugurar o marcador. O gol, que parecia maduro, saiu nos minutos seguintes.

RelacionadasSantosATUAÇÕES: Bem na defesa e no ataque, Sabino é o destaque do SantosSantos03/03/2021SantosSabino celebra estreia com gol pelo Santos: ‘Emocionado’Santos03/03/2021SantosSantos e WTorre avançam em projeto da Nova Vila BelmiroSantos03/03/2021

Aos 29 da etapa inicial,Ivonei cobrou falta e Sabino se antecipou para abrir o placar na Vila Belmiro.Com 24 anos, Sabino voltou de empréstimo do Coritiba e, em sua estreia como profissional do Santos, balançou as redes. O árbitro de vídeo analisou e validou o gol.

ZAGA SANTISTA SEGURA O TIME ANTES DO INTERVALO

Com o gol sofrido, os visitantes pressionaram os mandantes nos minutos finais da primeira etapa. Vladimir saiu errado e Bruno Mezenga ficou perto de igualar o marcador, mas Sabino apareceu e afastou o perigo.

A Locomotiva terminou o primeiro tempo com apenas uma chance real de gol, mas pouco sofreu na defesa.

PRESSÃO DA LOCOMOTIVA

A Ferroviária começou o segundo tempo na mesma intensidade do final da primeira etapa, pressionando a saída de bola do Santos.Meritão antecipou cruzamento na primeira trave e a bola passou ao lado da trave de Vladimir.

O Santos por outro lado seguia com problemas na troca de passes e não conseguia causar problemas ao adversário.

PINTADO MUDA BEM E FERROVIÁRIA EMPATA

Buscando o empate, Pintado colocou Yuri, Rogério e Everton. As mudanças surtiram efeito e a Locomotiva chegou com perigo. Aos 14,Everton dominou no peito e tocou para Rogério. Ele devolveu para Everton, acertou bonito chute de primeira, mas a bola foi para fora.

Seis minutos depois, veio o empate. Na boa troca de passes dos visitantes, Renato Cajá, com toque de letra, achou Felipe Marques. Com a direita, ele chutou no contrapé de Vladimir e igualar a partida.

Com o gol, a Ferroviária passou a ser mais ofensiva, enquanto o Peixe, mesmo com as alterações, seguia sem conseguir finalizar e a partida terminou 1 a 1.

FICHA TÉCNICA
Santos 1 x 1 Ferroviária

Data e hora: 3 de março de 2021, às 17h
Estádio: Vila Belmiro, em Santos (SP)
Árbitro: Raphael Claus
Assistentes: Daniel Luiz Marques e Leonardo Tadeu Pedro
VAR: Marcio Henrique de Gois

Gols: Sabino(SAN) (29’/1T) – (1-0) eFelipe Marques (FER) (20’/2T) – (1-1)

Cartões Amarelos: Santos -Vinícius Balieiro (45’/1T) / Ferroviária -Vinícius Zanocelo(3’/2T)eBruno Mezenga(33’/2T)

SANTOS
Vladimir, Vinícius Balieiro, Sabino, Alex e Wagner Leonardo (Bruno Marques, 13’/2T); Ivonei (Lucas Lourenço, 23’/2T), Kevin Matheus e Taílson (Jhonnathan, 23’/2T); Ângelo, Allanzinho(Fernandinho, 23’/2T) e Arthur Gomes (Guilherme Nunes, 23’/2T). Técnico: Marcelo Fernandes

FERROVIÁRIA
Saulo,Diogo Mateus, Matheus Salustiano, Xandão e Arthur; Higor Meritão, Zanocello(Rogério, 1’/2T) e Renato Cajá (Anderson Rosa, 29’/2T); Hygor (Yuri, 1’/2T), Bruno Mezenga(Everton 10’/2T) e Felipe Marques. Técnico: Pintado

Everytime a Leeds United player is linked with a big club, it's bound to trigger memories of the summer of 2022. After Leeds had narrowly stayed up, Barcelona swooped in to sign their hero Raphinha, while Manchester City struck a deal for Kalvin Phillips.

The following year, without the two stars, Leeds dropped back down to the Championship, and while they look a strong bet for a play-off place, sitting nine points clear of seventh spot in the Championship table, they won't want their season to be derailed by a high-profile mid-season exit. But based on a report from a major US broadcaster, a Champions League club may be about to come knocking on the Elland Road door.

Archie Gray's spectacular Leeds breakthrough

Archie Gray joined Leeds back in 2014, when he was only eight years old, and worked his way up through the ranks before earning his first professional deal at the club earlier this year, one that runs until the summer of 2025 (Leeds official website).

Even though he's just 17, he's established himself as a key player for Daniel Farke this season, starting 19 of his side's 22 Championship matches and appearing in all but one. While he's primarily a central midfield player, he's split his minutes between the middle of the park and right-back (Transfermarkt).

Borussia Dortmund eye Archie Gray

Now, according to ESPN, Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund are "seriously considering" a move for Gray. He's one of three teenage players on their radar, alongside PSG midfielder Senny Mayulu and Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

Dortmund currently sit fifth place in the German top-flight, which has just entered its winter break, and have a six-point gap to the top four to make up in the new year. They've performed better in Europe, topping a group that also included PSG, AC Milan and Newcastle to set up a round of 16 tie against PSV in February.

Losing Gray would be a big blow to Leeds and their new owners, 49ers Enterprises, because he's one of the players they would surely look to build around long-term. EFL expert Ali Maxwell says Gray has looked "absolutely unbelievable" in his breakthrough season (Not The Top 20 Pod), while former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford says "you forget about his age" when you watch him play (Leeds Live).

Archie Gray for Leeds this season	Volume	Leeds rank
Minutes played	1,728	4th
Tackles	45	1st
Dribblers tackled	27	1st
Blocked passes	20	2nd

Indeed, Gray has already earned the complete trust of his manager, ranking third among outfielders in the squad for minutes played (1,728) and leading all teenagers in the second tier for that metric. Despite his youth, he's certainly not afraid to get stuck in – he tops the Leeds table for tackles (45) and places inside the division's top ten for dribblers tackled (27). What's more, his tally of 20 blocked passes (2nd for Leeds) shows how well he's reading the game already (FBRef).

Sometimes young players would shy away from making a big move at this stage of their career because of concerns around playing time, but Dortmund have already shown him that there's a clear first-team pathway. 19-year-old winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has racked up seven Bundesliga starts this season, while striker Youssoufa Moukoko played 13 games before he got injured earlier this month.

The most obvious yardstick for Gray, of course, is Jude Bellingham, who also left the Championship as a teenage midfielder to join Dortmund, and ended up at Real Madrid within three years. His story is certainly an almighty recruitment tool for Dortmund.

West Brom are advancing in talks to sign an experienced Championship player hailed for being "everywhere on the pitch", according to a new transfer update.

West Brom transfer news

The Baggies have the chance to make some key signings during the January transfer window, and manager Carlos Corberan has even hinted that new faces will arrive in attack, saying:

"Without any type of doubt we're going to need a winger, because we have lost, let's say, the two first XI wingers we've been using in the games – they were Phillips and Jeremy. We have a gap in this position. After, when you cover the gap, you can evaluate the different possibilities, to see if it's better to add another winger, or to add a player who can give you more than one position."

Fenerbahce striker Umut Nayir is one player who has been linked with a move to West Brom this month, but Cardiff City are providing competition for his services. Meanwhile, Wales and Bournemouth ace Kieffer Moore has also emerged as an option for the Baggies, as he looks for more regular playing time away from the Cherries.

West Brom in talks with Andreas Weimann

According to a fresh update from The Bristol Post, West Brom are now in "advanced talks" with Bristol City captain Andreas Weimann over a January move to the Hawthorns.

"Bristol City forward Andi Weimann is in advanced transfer talks with Championship rivals West Brom, Bristol Live understands, with the Austrian international in the final six months of his contract at Ashton Gate.

"It's unclear whether it's a loan or long-term permanent switch but he's unlikely to be offered a new deal this summer, either way, it will end Weimann's five-and-a-half year stay in the West Country. The 32-year-old is club captain but has struggled for game time all season, mainly due to injury, but also the change in management."

Weimann could be a strong option for West Brom to bring in before the end of the month, with the 32-year-old a player who now has a wealth of experience at this level. The former Aston Villa man has now made an eye-catching 326 appearances in the Championship, scoring 65 goals and also chipping in with 38 assists in that time. Not only that, but he has also tasted plenty of action in the Premier League in the past, appearing 113 times overall.

Former Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has lauded Weimann for being "everywhere on the pitch", such is his versatility and ability to cover ground, and he would add a combination of firepower and work ethic to West Brom's squad.

West Brom could sign dream Moore alternative who scored 17 goals last season

West Brom could distance themselves from the Kieffer Moore transfer race by signing this striker instead.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 11, 2024

At 32 years of age, the 21-time capped Austria international admittedly isn't getting any younger, but he could be an excellent short-term addition at the Hawthorns for a few years, doing his bit to get Corberan's side back into the Premier League.

Unai Emery and Aston Villa have thus far been frustrated in their efforts to sign Morgan Rogers from Championship side Middlesbrough. Michael Carrick's side have rejected two offers for the forward, and they're adamant that they won't compromise on a fee.

Rogers himself is thought to be keen on making the move to the Premier League high-flyers this month, and Villa are pushing to make him their main signing of the window after an earlier buy-and-loan-back deal for Red Star Belgrade's Kosta Nedeljkovic. There was a feeling, though, that this could become a saga that runs until the deadline.

Related Aston Villa could sign Duran replacement who's "out of this world"

Unai Emery is keen to reinforce his attack this January.

Posts ByTom Lever Jan 25, 2024

As it turns out, Villa may be taking matters into their own hands by running the rule over an alternative who's also been impressing in the second tier.

Villa send scouts to watch Rowe

According to The Telegraph's John Percy, Villa are showing a "strong interest" in Jonathan Rowe at Norwich City. Three of the club's scouts were in attendance to watch him at Elland Road as Leeds beat Norwich 1-0 in midweek.

Percy clarifies that "Villa are still hopeful" of landing Rogers, but Rowe is very much "on their radar" as a possible Plan B after catching the eye with his impressive performances so far this season. After all, they wouldn't be sending multiple members of their recruitment team if they weren't huge admirers.

Rowe edges Rogers for goal threat

Norwich manager David Wagner recently said there are "no indications" that Rowe would be moving on and expressed confidence that he would remain with the Canaries past the winter deadline, but an official bid from Villa would drastically alter the landscape.

A 20-year-old academy graduate, Rowe is one short of 50 appearances for the club, with 31 of those coming this season. He's capable of playing on both wings and has been immensely productive this season, scoring 12 goals without any penalties to rank third in the division. It's worth noting that the England Under-21 international has over-performed his xG by a whopping 6.9, and while this shows that he's been devastating in front of goal, Villa would have to expect an initial regression, especially in a stronger league.

Greg Crane, one of Rowe's former coaches at Carrow Road, says he's a player who's always possessed a certain "wow factor", and he's demonstrating that in the second tier this season. The table below shows how he compares with Rogers as a goalscorer, creator and one-on-one threat:

Per 90

Morgan Rogers stats

Jonathan Rowe stats

Goals

0.14

0.57

Assists

0.41

0.09

Successful take-ons

1.86

1.47

Fouls drawn

1.24

2.37

You can see that the only area where Rogers has a standout advantage is assists, and Rowe more than makes up for that by finding the net more often. Fouled 50 times already this season (the fifth-most in the league), he's a player defenders find difficult to stop by fair means.

It remains to be seen how much Norwich will demand for his signature, but if he's available for less than Rogers, then there's a strong case for Villa pivoting away from the Boro man in the final days of the window.

MatériaMais Notícias

O processo de adquirir novas peças para o elenco do Fortaleza deve ganhar uma novidade nos próximos dias de acordo com a informação publicada inicialmente pelo portal ‘UOL’. Isso porque o meia Isaque, do Grêmio, teve avanço nas tratativas para que seja emprestado pelo clube gaúcho ao Leão.

RelacionadasJuventudeApós deixar o Juventude, Genilson recebe sondagens de dentro e fora do BrasilJuventude15/03/2021FortalezaFlores reconhece atuação ruim do Fortaleza na Copa do NordesteFortaleza14/03/2021Futebol NacionalCopa do Nordeste: Fortaleza só empata e ABC deixa vitória escapar diante do ConfiançaFutebol Nacional13/03/2021

>Como está a disputa da primeira fase na Copa do Nordeste

A ideia pautada na negociação seria para que, entrando em um elenco com quantidade menor de alternativas do que o Grêmio apresenta, Isaque consiga mais oportunidades de demonstrar seu futebol e, consequentemente, também se valorizar no mercado.

Apesar de ser natural da cidade de São Paulo, o jogador tem toda a sua formação feita na equipe do Grêmio se aproveitando, também, do recente sucesso na gestão da base do clube que revelou ótimos valores para a equipe principal como Arthur, Everton Cebolinha, Matheus Henrique, dentre outros.

Desde que teve sua primeira oportunidade na equipe profissional do clube de Porto Alegre em 2019, o atleta de 23 anos de idade já atuou em 45 oportunidades (40 delas só na temporada passada) onde balançou as redes seis vezes.

يفتتح فريق مانشستر سيتي مشواره في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، اليوم الأربعاء، بنظام البطولة الجديد.

ويلتقي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي مع إنتر ميلان الإيطالي على ملعب “الاتحاد” في مرحلة الدوري.

وأسفرت قرعة دوري أبطال أوروبا، عن تواجد مانشستر سيتي في مجموعة تضم أندية إنتر ميلان ويوفنتوس وباريس سان جيرمان وكلوب بروج وفينورد وسبورتنج لشبونة وسبارتا براجا وسلوفان براتيسلافا.

وحقق مانشستر سيتي فوزًا أمام برينتفورد في الجولة الماضية بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بهدفين لهدف، ويتصدر الترتيب بـ 12 نقطة.

وإنتر ميلان تعادل بهدف لمثله أمام مونزا في منافسات الدوري الإيطالي بالجولة الماضية، ويحتل المركز الثالث بـ 8 نقاط خلف المتصدر أودينيزي بفارق نقطتين. موعد مباراة مانشستر سيتي وإنتر ميلان

تنطلق المباراة في العاشرة مساء اليوم الأربعاء (10:00) بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مانشستر سيتي وإنتر ميلان

تذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN sports HD 1. معلق مباراة مانشستر سيتي وإنتر ميلان

يعلق على المباراة، عصام الشوالي.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Australia’s search for their best starting XI this World Cup continues, according to assistant coach Brad Haddin. Australia are comfortably placed with four wins and a loss to India, but there’s a sense that a few of the wins haven’t been entirely convincing. Then, there’s also the absence of Marcus Stoinis – injured – that hasn’t helped team balance.”At the moment we’re still trying to find that best XI,” Haddin said. “Marcus has thrown a spanner into everything there with his injury and how important an allrounder he is. We’re still trying to find what best works for us. Come later in the tournament, we’ll start to understand what the conditions are like a lot better and what is our best XI.”Haddin also admitted while it wasn’t yet a matter of concern, they’ve spoken about the need to be flexible at all times if they are to win a sixth World Cup. “The players understand that and we’re training them accordingly,” he said. “I think one of the luxuries at the moment is we’re still winning, and we still haven’t found the perfect rhythm for our game, which is a dangerous sign moving forward.”It’s not just about the healthy headaches. There’s also an issue surrounding the lack of certainty around batting roles. Usman Khawaja, for example, has mostly alternated with Steven Smith at No. 3 and No. 4. He also dropped to No. 6 against Pakistan. All this despite establishing himself with runs at the top of the order while David Warner was serving his one-year ban for ball-tampering.Australia have generally relied on a right-left combination to follow the openers, but Khawaja has struggled for rhythm lower down the order; his effectiveness not at the same level as it was while he was opening. Haddin, though, insisted the team management is happy at where he’s at.”He’s playing a different role. It’s not that he’s not having success, he’s been in a role where he’s had limited opportunities,” Haddin explained. “Before, he could go out and set the pace of the innings and now the innings is dictating the role he needs to play.”He’s been okay with it – he’s a class act. We’re pretty happy with where he’s at – he’s just got to bat the situation, and No.3 is not uncommon to him. He’s played most of his career at No.3 in state cricket and Test cricket.”Australia are also posed with the question of just when is the right time to send in Glenn Maxwell. He was promoted to No. 4 against Pakistan but has batted a position lower in the other games. An undefeated 48 against Sri Lanka has so far been his best score in the tournament.”The one thing we’ve found with Glenn is he’s an explosive player and as you’ve seen [against Sri Lanka] he can turn a game very quickly by himself, but he’s also got to fit into what’s best for the team at that time,” Haddin said. We’ve moved him up and down, and that might look like nervous decisions that we’re making, but we’ve spoken about them a lot before.”It’s not a shock that he’s moving up and down the order, and all the players understand that. He’s pretty confident as well. I don’t think it’ll worry him.”Australia will be encouraged that despite these issues, they have still been able to win. But they don’t want to have unanswered questions into the next phase of the tournament.”What we’re doing at the moment is some really good signs in tournament play,” said Haddin. “There’s some signs out there we’re doing some things really well, and some signs that we need to work on things.””It’s important we get to these bigger games and see where we really are leading into the back-end of the tournament. It’s sort of panning out how we expected in tournament play.””Now is a really exciting time in the tournament – a run against some of the top nations that are playing some really good cricket. It’s exciting to see where we’re at and hopefully as we get deeper into the tournament we’ll know which is our best XI.”

Lionel Messi has teamed up with Bad Boys stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, as the Inter Miami forward showcases his Hollywood appeal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Argentine plying his trade in Florida
• Teamed up with South Beach cops
• Marketing dream on & off the pitch

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The third instalment of the Bad Boys film franchise, Ride or Die, is due for cinematic release in early June. Smith and Lawrence, who play Miami cops in the blockbuster production, are calling upon the assistance of other Florida-based icons when it comes to a promotional campaign.

  Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi is being kept busy in his day job, despite being rested for Inter Miami’s latest MLS fixture, and has his sights set on more major honours in 2024 – with club and country. The Argentina international is, however, happy to step out of his comfort zone at times.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  There was not too much ‘acting’ for Messi to do when linking up with Smith and Lawrence. The video in question, which has been shared on social media, allows Messi to stick to what he knows best – kicking a ball with his wand of a left foot.