Messi scores two goals, sets new MLS record in Inter Miami win

Lionel Messi scored twice in the first half of Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Wednesday, continuing a run of form unprecedented in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The 38-year-old Argentinian star has scored two goals in each of his last four MLS games to become the first MLS player to score multiple goals in four straight games.

He launched the record streak in late May with two goals in a 4-2 win over Montreal, followed by two in a 5-1 victory over Columbus.

Miami then paused their MLS campaign to compete in the Club World Cup – where Messi scored one goal in four matches and Miami were eliminated in the round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain.

Javier Mascherano’s team returned to MLS action on Saturday with a 4-1 victory at Montreal – also prompted by a brace from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

In all, Messi has 14 goals in 15 MLS games, putting him two behind leading scorer Sam Surridge, who has appeared in six more games for Nashville than Messi has played this season.

“Obviously, Leo is a special player,” Mascherano said. “For me, he’s the best player that has played this sport in history. It’s unbelievable how he continues doing things that maybe many years ago we thought that we cannot see at this moment.”

Messi put Miami up 1-0 in the 27th minute at Gillette Stadium, taking advantage of a Revolution miscue and firing a left-footed shot from the heart of the area.

The Argentinian star doubled the score 11 minutes later, charging onto a long through ball from Sergio Busquets and curling a left-footed shot beyond the reach of Slovenian goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic.

Messi strikes the ball at goal during the MLS regular season match between New England Revolution and Inter Miami CF at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 9, 2025 [Joseph Prezioso/AFP]

“They have played for many years so just when they see each other they connect and they know what they think,” Mascherano said of the Busquets-Messi connection. “In the second goal, Busquets understands when and where Leo wants the ball. It’s fantastic for us.”

Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also starred for Miami, coming up with six saves before Spaniard Carles Gil managed to put one by him, picking off Tadeo Allende in the 79th minute and rifling in a shot from outside the box.

With the victory, Miami climbed from sixth to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. On 35 points, they are seven points behind leaders FC Cincinnati, but with three fewer matches played after their Club World Cup break.

Their jam-packed July schedule continues on Saturday against Nashville, one of three matches in the next 10 days.

Mascherano said New England’s late goal meant he couldn’t afford to take Messi out.

England too strong for Wales? Brown-Finnis’ Euros predictions – final group games

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England can make sure of a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2025 by beating Wales on Sunday, but will the holders get the result they need?

BBC Sport football expert Rachel Brown-Finnis is predicting the outcome of all 31 games in Switzerland.

She got seven of the eight second round of group matches correct, compared to 5/8 in the first set of games, but was caught out by Portugal’s draw with Italy.

You did not see that result coming either, with 50% of you backing Italy to win, and like Rachel you ended up with a score of 7/8 overall.

One of the games that pretty much everyone was right about was Spain’s victory over Belgium – 87% went with a win for the world champions – but out of the thousands of votes, only one reader got the 6-2 scoreline spot-on. A big shout-out to them, for the best prediction of the tournament so far.

Will you and Rachel do better next time? You can make your own predictions for the final set of group games below.

Brown-Finnis has also picked her two teams to go through from each group into the knockout stage, and given her reasons why.

Group A

What information do we collect from this quiz?

I had Switzerland to go through and am sticking with that as they are growing into the tournament. There is not a lot between these two teams and a draw would do it for the Swiss.

Finland have not particularly looked prolific. They got their 1-0 win over Iceland in the opening game but the red card to Iceland’s Hildur Antonsdottir helped them more than anything.

Switzerland were unlucky against Norway in their opener but I believe they can do it and the Swiss crowd will help with that. It would be huge for the tournament if the host nation go through.

A potential quarter-final tie against Spain is on the cards but you can’t look that far ahead.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Norway are already through as group winners and there is nothing to play for so it’s an opportunity to try out different players and I would expect some changes.

In recent history they have been underachievers for all their super firepower, but they have two types of performances and that first-half performance against Switzerland was memorable for all the wrong reasons. It was an unrecognisable Norweigan team. For the quality on the pitch, they were 2/10 and some players might benefit from the rest against Iceland.

I can see Iceland getting something from the game because they will be bitterly disappointed that they are already out of the tournament. They have had two draws against Norway already in the Nations League this year and will want to prove a point and get the win.

Group B

What information do we collect from this quiz?

If Italy lose to Spain and Portugal beat Belgium, we could have a situation where the quarter-finalist is decided on goal difference. That is a worry for Italy because as we have already seen, Spain can score six quite easily.

Spain need to avoid defeat to top the group and even if they rest players I don’t think it will make any difference because the players they have brought on have been players that would start in most other international teams.

Spain are playing like a team from another planet and have been the best side to watch so far. They just seem to have clicked. Italy will be a different test. They can keep the ball quite well, they can be physical and a little bit dirty at times and that could rattle Spain.

Italy have scored some absolute peaches. I have really enjoyed watching them. They have improved massively. Italy are going for a win and it is unlikely they are not going to go through, but it could be another really open game.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

I originally thought Portugal would progress from the group behind Spain but now it is a massive ask.

Facing Spain in the opener is always tough, but the 1-1 draw against Italy was the critical game and the one that killed Portugal. I had them to go through but then Italy have improved more and they have edged it with more quality in the final third that Portugal have not had.

There is still a chance for Portugal and they have to go for it. They know they are good at attacking, they just haven’t had that final bit of quality as much as they would have needed.

Belgium have not had the cutting edge and the quality to get the points. They played against teams that have been really difficult to play against. We have seen Belgium can catch you on the counter-attack and they could get three points against which would be a consolation, but nothing else.

Group C

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Both of these teams have a huge amount of pride in tournament football but Sweden are sick to death of being the bridesmaids since their 1984 triumph, while Germany have won the tournament a record eight times in the past.

Germany, without their injured captain Giulia Gwinn, will be wounded but they want to prove they can still push for the title in this battle for top spot in the group.

Sweden haven’t conceded a goal yet but it will be a big ask for them to keep another clean sheet with the German firepower.

Germany had 16,000 fans at their game against Denmark and will have huge support in Zurich once again, but there will always be a sea of Sweden’s blue and yellow. The fans might come into it but both sets of players are used to playing in sellout stadiums both domestically and internationally and they are ready for the big stage.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

There is nothing riding on this game and Denmark will be so disappointed their tournament is over, with the likes of their captain Pernille Harder potentially playing her last tournament.

They had high hopes coming into Euro 2025, but to get Sweden and Germany in that group was a tough ask.

Poland haven’t been embarrassed on their major tournament debut and they have held their own.

They have made progress and that’s why they are here and they should be very happy with that. I would love them to score a goal and especially Ewa Pajor because she is a quality player. That would make history and she is probably the right person to do that for Poland.

Group D

What information do we collect from this quiz?

France’s attack at this tournament has been frightening, with only Spain scoring more than them. The potential of the squad hasn’t always translated into performances at major tournaments. Their team is impressive just on paper, so as a neutral it is great to see them use their players to get results and performances.

They are going to be hard to stop but they have conceded goals and shown teams how you can get at them. It will be interesting to see if there is any wavering.

The Netherlands will be desperate to bounce back and know they have the quality and the tactics to hurt France. It will be interesting whether they start with Lineth Beerensteyn in the nine shirt and put Vivianne Miedema a little bit deeper. Miedema was pretty much man-marked by England and had no breathing space.

England didn’t let the Dutch play at all, but being well-beaten by the Lionesses might just do what the France game did for England and reinvigorate them. It could be a really tasty game. France have scored loads of goals, but the Netherlands are here to get through to the knockouts.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Group D is going to go right to the wire and the head-to-head between the home nations will be the biggest game for both teams.

I had full confidence that with the obvious task at hand, England would bring a whole new level of performance against the Netherlands and they did absolutely that. They pulled out all the stops and Sarina Wiegman’s tactical tweaks and subtle changes worked brilliantly.

They all performed individually and collectively towards their maximum and it was all-round a really watertight performance. There were no cracks. It was as close to a perfect performance as you can have.

For Jess Fishlock to score Wales’ first ever goal at a major tournament was really monumental and poignant and couldn’t have been written better as a script. They didn’t get the result ultimately but to go toe-to-toe with France was really impressive.

England know that it is not going to be easy and will be relatively conservative. They won’t want to leave any gaps for Wales to nick something.

Wales would absolutely love to get something from England, especially if it means that England don’t go through to the knockout stages. They will try and rattle the Lionesses and want to go out with a bang. England need to not get drawn into that.

Related topics

  • England Women’s Football Team
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  • UEFA Women’s EURO
  • Football
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Oti Mabuse sports affordable £22 tennis dress to Wimbledon as fans say she looks ‘beautiful’

Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse was spotted wearing one of the most affordable celebrity Wimbledon looks yet in a ‘beautiful’ £22 tennis dress

Oti Mabuse in affordable look with Champagne Lanson at The Championships, Wimbledon(Image: Getty/Champagne Lanson/Tu Clothing)

Wimbledon is almost over for another year, and we’ve had one of the most stylish and best dressed Championship yet with celebs acing their courtside fashion.

From Frankie Bridge’s chic pinstripe Karen Millen midi dress, currently £149.50 here to Samantha Cameron’s Cefinn seersucker dress, £290 here and Louise Thompson’s on-theme Lulu Guiness strawberry punnet handbag, available to rent from £5.16 a day here, we’ve spotted some amazing outfits.

And the latest celeb to catch our eye in potentially the most affordable look yet is Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse. The pro dancer headed to Wimbledon earlier this weeking sporting a £22 tennis dress from Tu Clothing.

The REAKTIV Navy Tennis Dress is actually from the range that Oti is an ambassador for, and is totally on theme for Wimbledon.

READ MORE: Wimbledon’s best dressed celebrities including Olivia Dean’s butter yellow midi dress

READ MORE: ‘I was genuinely wowed by these 31 Amazon Prime Day deals – they’re the best I’ve seen’

Oti Mabuse with Champagne Lanson at The Championships, Wimbledon
Oti’s £22 tennis dress is one of the most affordable Wimbledon looks we’ve seen(Image: Getty/Champagne Lanson/Tu Clothing)

If you’re after something that’s the perfect mix of sporty and stylish, this blue marl polo tennis dress ticks all the boxes. The classic white collar gives it that preppy, polished feel, while the moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool and airy whether you’re actually playing tennis or heading to watch a match yourself.

It’s soft, flowy and easy to move around in. Just throw on some chunky white trainers, and a slogan cap for the ultimate athleisure look. Equally, take a page out of Oti’s style book and dress it up for Centre Court with a pair of white heels and some minimalist jewellery.

With its flattering cut and smart detailing, this dress definintely works for slightlier fancier outings too and Oti has just proved it. This is the kind of piece you’ll be reaching for day after day.

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If you’re on the lookout for more tennis dresses to add to your activewear wardrobe, Abercrombie’s YPB motionTEK Halter Bubble Hem Mini Dress is currently half price at £32.50 down from £65.

Tennis pro Amanda Anisimova’s reality star boyfriend and ‘unbearable’ reason for retiring

American tennis star Amanda Anisimova will face world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semi finals at Wimbledon but the determined talent, thought to be dating a famous model, is accustomed to facing huge battles in her life

Amanda has faced some personal battles in her life

US star Amanda Anisimova has reached the second grand slam semifinal of her career and will now face world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka after beating the Russian Anastasiya Pavlyuchenkova in the quarter finals at Wimbledon. The American was visibly overjoyed at her achievement and remarked on how much she was relishing the tournament.

“It’s been an extraordinary year for me,” she said in her on-court interview after Tuesday’s quarter final round. “So many highs. It’s just been such a ride, and I’ve been enjoying every step of the way.” She topped off the moment by bringing her four year old, achingly cute nephew, Jaxon, out onto the court to melt the hearts of the delighted crowd.

READ MORE: Wimbledon star Aryna Sabalenka’s millionaire boyfriend who was rock through personal tragedy

Her next match will be her first semi final at Wimbledon but the 23 year old also reached the same stage at the French Open in 2019 when she was just 17. The achievement catapulted the then teenager onto the world stage. However that same year just before her 18th birthday and as her star was rising, she suffered a personal tragedy when her father and former coach, Konstantin, was found dead after suffering a heart attack. She withdrew from the US Open that year.

Amanda Anisimova with nephew on court
Amanda with her adorable nephew after her win(Image: Getty Images)

“It was the worst thing that ever happened to me,” Anisimova told the New York Post in 2020. “It was very tough.” She immediately withdrew from the 2019 US Open and her performances on court were a mixture of successes and failures over the next few years.

The year after her dad passed away it’s thought she did manage to find some happiness in her personal life when she met and started dating the Australian, Tyler Roos. The son of Australian Football League legend Paul Roos, Tyler is an athlete who at the time played for the Southport Australian Football Club. Tyler is also a model and starred in Season 4 of the hit reality TV series The Amazing Race Australia. It’s thought the couple are still together.

Although Anisimova continued to play tennis, in May 2023 she announced she was retiring from the game due to mental health issues. “I’ve really been struggling with my mental health and burnout since the summer of 2022,” she announced at the time. “It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments. At this point my priority is my mental well-being and taking a break for some time,” she said.

Amanda Anisimova celebrates with her nephew
The little boy melted hearts at Wimbledon(Image: PA)
Amanda Anisimova and Tyler Roos.
Amanda and Tyler have been dating since 2020

She found a new hobby and turned to painting during her free time to help with relaxation and her mental state. She also launched a campaign Art for Hope, donating the funds raised from selling her paintings to mental health charities.

Making her Wimbledon comeback in 2024, she lost in the qualifying round but spoke extensively to ESPN about the importance of taking care of every area of your health.

“You can struggle with your mental health. It’s just as important as your physical health,” she said. When she was asked what made her decide to return to the sport she said she knew she would one day. “I always knew deep down that no matter how long I was gonna take off, I was gonna come back to the tour.

Amanda Anisimova and Tyler Roos.
Tyler is an athlete and model

“I still felt like there were so many things I wanted to achieve in the sport. Winning a Slam is definitely one of them, and I didn’t wanna walk away so early after sacrificing so much of my life and working so hard,” she revealed. “Once I came back, I found this new passion for it. I feel like it’s a passion I didn’t feel back then or maybe when I was a teenager. Every win is that much more special now.”

She also spoke about the importance of being “honest and vulnerable” about a topic which is often stigmatised. Explaining that a lot of tennis players struggle with loneliness due to the lifestyle and travel she emphasised the importance of finding a balance.

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Farrell on bench for final Lions game before Tests

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Australia and New Zealand Invitational XV v British and Irish Lions

Date: Saturday, 12 July Kick-off 11:00 BST Venue: Adelaide Oval

Owen Farrell has been named on the bench for the British and Irish Lions’ final tour match before the Test series against Australia.

The 33-year-old, who joined the tour last week as a replacement for the injured Elliot Daly, is one of two outside backs among the replacements for the game against the AUNZ Invitational side, with Marcus Smith alongside him.

Scotland’s Ben White starts at scrum-half on Saturday, with Jac Morgan afforded another chance to impress at open-side flanker.

Presuming he comes off the bench, Farrell will be playing his first game in more than two months after a concussion in a European Challenge Cup semi-final against Lyon at the start of May.

It was his final appearance in an underwhelming one-season stint at French side Racing 92, with Farrell’s search for form interrupted by a persistent groin injury.

Farrell brought his stay in Paris to an early end, securing a return to Saracens earlier this summer.

If head coach Andy Farrell opts for his son as part of the 23-strong squad for the first Test against the Wallabies on 19 July, it would mark a remarkable return to Test rugby.

Farrell stepped away from international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup to prioritise his and his family’s well-being, before the move to Racing made him unavailable for England selection.

His last Test remains the third-place play-off win over Argentina in October 2023.

Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan, whose tour has so far been limited by injury and illness to 50 minutes in the win over the Queensland Reds, starts at full-back in what could be an audition for a Test starting spot.

Blair Kinghorn, his main rival for the position, is still being assessed after picking up a knock in Wednesday’s win over the Brumbies.

Marcus Smith, who started the loss to Argentina in Dublin at full-back, has been restricted to a replacement role since. Fin Smith is preferred at fly-half.

Tadhg Beirne captains the Lions from the second row.

The Australia/New Zealand invitational XV – a revival of a combined side that last played when the Lions toured in 1989 – includes 63-cap Wallabies wing Marika Koroibete and All Blacks Hoskins Sotutu, Shannon Frizell and Ngani Laumape.

Tane Edmed, who made his Australia debut off the bench against Ireland in November and could return to the Wallabies squad after the injury to their first-choice 10 Noah Lolesio, is at fly-half.

Former Wasps and Ulster prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen also starts, while Pete Samu, a key part of European champions Bordeaux-Begles back row this season, is at open-side flanker.

British and Irish Lions: Keenan; Hansen, Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; F Smith, White; Schoeman, Cowan-Dickie, Stuart, Ryan, Beirne (c), Pollock, Morgan, Earl

Replacements; Kelleher, Porter, Bealham, Cummings, Van der Flier, Mitchell, M Smith, Farrell

AUNZ Invitational: Stevenson; Lam, Laumape, Havili (cc), Koroibete; Edmed, Fakatava; Ross, Paenga-Amosa, Toomaga-Allen, Blyth, Salakaia-Loto, Frizell, Samu, Sotutu.

Related topics

  • British & Irish Lions
  • Rugby Union

Levi’s 501 jeans loved by Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber are slashed to £40 from £100

Levi’s 501 jeans are a staple in the wardrobes of celebs like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, and they’ve just been slashed from £100 to £40 in Amazon Prime Day sale

Kendall Jenner is a known fan of the Levi’s 501 jeans(Image: Kendall Jenner/Instagram)

There isn’t a wardrobe in the world that doesn’t have at least one pair of jeans in it, and one of the most iconic silhouettes around is the Levi’s 501 jeans. They’ve been around since 1873 and were the first ever pair of jeans to be patented, making them a key piece in fashion history.

They’re also the go-to style and fit for some of the most stylish celebs, with stars like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney and even Princess Diana all photographed wearing the jeans over the years. Although Levi’s 501 jeans are usually pretty pricey at £100, the Amazon Prime Day sale means you can currently get your hands on them for £39.67 – saving you more than £60.

READ MORE: ‘Excellent quality’ Radley handbag that fits a laptop for work has almost £200 off

READ MORE: Vicky Pattison praises £22 flattering maxi dress for ‘giving me curves I don’t have’

The Prime Day discount currently only applies to the light blue denim wash in the 90s style, but considering this is the go-to colourway for almost every celebrity out there, we’re more than happy to get our hands on a pair. Almost every size is still in stock, and you can pick from any combination of a 23 to a 34 waist and 30 and 32 leg measurement.

Levi's 501 90s jeans
The Levi’s 501 90s jeans are now under £40(Image: Amazon)

One reason the Levi’s 501 90s jeans are so popular is because of their fit, which has a mid-rise waistband and a loose, relaxed fit. They tend to be fitted around the waist and hips with a looser fitting leg that makes them look both flattering and effortless, although it’s suggested that if you prefer a slimmer fit to opt for a size down from your usual.

Their 100% lightweight cotton material means they’re also breathable and comfortable to wear, and retain their shape no matter how often you wear them. Levi’s always recommends only washing your jeans after every 10 wears or so, to help preserve their life span and keep them looking as good as the day you bought them.

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Although Levi’s 501 jeans are the original, plenty of other brands have brought out their own versions, like Abercrombie & Fitch’s Mid Rise 90s Straight Jean which are currently £56.99 down from £75. They’re one of the brand’s best-sellers, coming in seven different colours and washes and a choice of 23 to 37 waist measurements, and five leg lengths spanning extra short to extra long.

Nobody’s Child has also launched its Dark Wash Straight Leg jeans which replicated the 501’s silhouette by being fitted around the waist and hips with a relaxed straight leg. They’re also currently on sale, now £52 down from £75.

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However if you want a true classic, Amazon Prime Day is the perfect time to get your hands on Levi’s 501 90s jeans at a fraction of the price. In fact they have so much slashed off them you could buy two pairs and still save yourself £20 on the usual price of one pair – definitely a winner.