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The club fell short when it comes to the postseason, but there were too many big wins elsewhere to call this season a failure

Inter Miami's 2023 season is effectively over. There are still two games to be played, both against Charlotte FC, but in Miami's case at least, those don't matter. Their fate is sealed at this point. Even with those two games, their race has been run.

Before each and every season, MLS clubs embark with one primary goal in mind: make the playoffs. In reality, it isn't the hardest of goals. More than half of the league reaches the postseason, some through talent, some through sheer force of will and others through… well, lots and lots of luck combined with too much incompetence from those below them.

There are secondary goals, too: trophies, transfers, off-field initiatives. Still, when every team kicks off preseason in the early months of the year, the first mission that everyone starts pushing towards is the playoffs.

And, in that part, Inter Miami failed. After squeaking into the postseason in 2022, they fell short this time around. With two games left, they're already eliminated. There will be no more high-stakes games in South Florida this year.

But, as always, this discussion deserves just a little bit more nuance than that. Inter Miami may have failed in their postseason goal, but this campaign can't be labelled as anything other than a big success.

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  Pre-Messi

  Do you remember what we said about teams stumbling into the playoffs due to the incompetence of those at the bottom of the league? Well, that was nearly Inter Miami.

  For two-thirds of the season, the Herons were those incompetent bumblers. They were in last place for large stretches, costing manager Phil Neville his job. For months, Miami looked nothing like an actual team, let alone a playoff team, as just about everything that could go wrong did go wrong at DRV PNK Stadium.

  Those months, and they were long months, were total failures. The club made the postseason in 2022, partly thanks to the heroics of Gonzalo Higuain, but, with the Argentine now gone, all hope was essentially lost in Miami by the time the summer started.

  Things change rather quickly in MLS, though. Admittedly those changes don't always involve the arrival of perhaps the greatest player the game has ever seen, but that's exactly where Miami turned.

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  The GOAT arrives… and wins a trophy!

  When we talk about it 25 years from now, it'll be hard to explain the mania that gripped MLS following Lionel Messi's arrival to those that weren't there to see it. Messi, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, showed up with two of his best friends to play for MLS' worst team, instantly turning them into an unstoppable juggernaut that ran through the region's best.

  Miami's Leagues Cup run will define that competition for years to come. It's the competition that Messi built, and he did so in Inter Miami pink as for several weeks straight, Miami captured not just the American public, but the world's attention.

  Fans from around the globe tuned in as Messi and co. trampled teams from both MLS and Liga MX, ultimately winning the club's first-ever trophy. Free-kicks, late goals, crazy assists, penalty shootouts… The run had it all and, most importantly for Miami, it had silverware at the end.

  To be fair, we still don't know how much the Leagues Cup means and where it fits in the evolving ecosystem that is North American soccer. But it's fair to say that trophy is more important because Messi touched it, won it and defined it to announce himself to the American public.

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  'Mission Impossible' falls short

  The first weeks after the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami rode that high. They won some big games and, in the process, ignited the slightest flicker of hope. In the end, though, reaching the playoffs proved impossible, even for Messi, who was forced to helplessly watch on as the club's MLS campaign came crashing down.

  They had dug too deep of a hole, in the end. Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets stepped into a last-place team and, once the former two went down with injuries, that team couldn't dig itself out.

  It all ended on Saturday against Supporter's Shield winners FC Cincinnati, whose 1-0 win over Miami stretched Inter's winless run to five games in all competitions. Messi made a second-half appearance, a last-gasp roll of the dice for a Miami team that needed a win, but he couldn't save them, especially not at way less than 100 percent.

  So it'll be a long offseason in Miami. No playoffs, no postseason and plenty of time to think about it over the coming months. That's the bad news. The good news is that this isn't the end of Inter Miami's project, even if it is the end of their season.

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  Squad built for future success

  Anything that happens with Inter Miami can be separated into two buckets: on-field and off-field. For now, we'll start with the on-field portion.

  It was a season of two eras, really: pre and post-Messi. The pre-Messi portion was a disaster. The post-Messi portion was a rollercoaster of success.

  There's no denying that, from an on-field standpoint, Inter Miami are in a better place than they were a year ago, even if they aren't heading to the postseason this time around. They have Messi, Alba and Busquets, of course, and those are just the headliners. Rising stars like Facundo Farias, Diego Gomez and Tomas Aviles have committed their future to Miami, and American talent like Benjamin Cremaschi and Drake Callender took massive steps forward in their own careers.

  If you look at the actual squad, and the manager in Tata Martino, Miami have constructed one of the best teams in MLS. Unfortunately for them, that all happened after the team established itself as one of the worst teams in MLS for just a bit too long.

  Still, from a sporting perspective, Inter Miami knocked it out of the park. They won a trophy and set themselves up for success for years to come. That success wasn't immediate, but it rarely is.

  Starting in 2024, no club will want to go toe-to-toe with Inter Miami and, because of that, you have to give credit to those that built, and will continue to build, this squad.

Cristiano Ronaldo's sister showed her support to the Al-Nassr star and appeared to take a swipe at Lionel Messi after the Argentine's Ballon d'Or win.

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• Messi named Ballon d'Or winner
• Ronaldo's sister had dig on Instagram
• Post said brother 'earned' his prizes

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Katia Aveiro commented on an Instagram post that showed an image of Ronaldo posing with his many individual awards, including his five Ballons d'Or.

  The caption on the post read: "Earned, not given". Aveiro commented with five applause emojis.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The image was seen as a dig at Messi, who won his eighth Ballon d'Or on Monday. The attacker was voted the best player in the world in the last year after he guided Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar at the end of 2022.

  However, many have criticised the move to give Messi the prize after Erling Haaland helped fire Manchester City to an incredible European and English treble, scoring 52 goals in all competitions last season.

• WHAT'S MORE

  Ronaldo and Messi dominated the Ballon d'Or awards for a decade from 2008. However, Ronaldo won his fifth and final prize in 2017 and came in second to Luka Modric the following year. Messi has won it three more times since then.

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Messi's first game since winning the trophy again will come later this month as Argentina prepare to face Uruguay and Brazil in World Cup qualifying. Ronaldo, on the other hand, will compete with Al-Nassr on Saturday when they face Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League.

Cole Palmer has been a rare bright spark for Chelsea this season, but he was only named on the bench for a home date with Brighton.

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• Palmer on the bench
• Mauricio Pochettino has explained decision
• Chelsea dealing with hectic schedule

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 21-year-old winger was snapped up by the Blues during the summer transfer window when a £40 million ($51m) deal was put in place with Premier League rivals Manchester City. Palmer has settled quickly in west London – registering four goals, including a nerveless stoppage-time penalty against his former club.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The European U21 Championship winner has already made his senior international debut in 2023-24, with his obvious potential being noted by Gareth Southgate. Chelsea are, however, wary of asking too much from him in a first campaign as a regular starter in top-flight football.

• WHAT POCHETTINO SAID ABOUT PALMER

  As a result, Palmer was only named among the substitutes for a meeting with Brighton. Explaining that decision, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino said: “He feels something during the week and we don't want to take a risk. We have too many games ahead, now we are going into a very busy period and we don't want to take a risk.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Chelsea have midweek action in the Premier League to think about, as they prepare to head for Manchester United on Wednesday, while they will stay out on the road next weekend when travelling to Goodison Park for a meeting with Everton.

Leon Gortezka feels like Bayern Munich are trapped in a never-ending horror film amid their disastrous run of results.

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• Bayern suffered third straight loss
• Eight points behind Bundesliga leaders
• Goretzka says they must 'question everything'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern appear to have crashed out of the Bundesliga title race and are in danger of elimination from the Champions League following a woeful run of three straight losses, with summer signing Harry Kane among those to have suffered an alarming dip in form in recent weeks. The reigning German champions lost 3-2 to Bochum on Sunday and Goretzka admitted his side must now "question everything".

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  WHAT GORETZKA SAID

  "It feels like a horror film that doesn't stop. Everything is just going against us at the moment," he told . "We can now stand up again and say that we got into the game well. That's us also, but now you feel stupid for limiting yourself to half an hour. In the end, we tried everything with one less man, so you can't blame us. At the end of the day, it's individual mistakes we make – and too many of them. At the moment, I think we have to question everything."

  Asked if he "believes" his team can still win the title, Goretzka said: "Not right now. I'm being honest about that."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Bavarian team are now eight points behind unbeaten Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, while they trail Lazio 1-0 after the first leg of their last-16 tie in the Champions League after their midweek defeat in Rome. Coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted that challenging for the German title is now "not realistic" but despite the growing pressure on the manager, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has insisted he will not be sacked this week.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

  Tuchel will remain in charge of the German giants for their match against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga next week, which will be followed by a trip to Freiburg on March 1, four days before they take on Lazio in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has issued a response amid reports of interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich for next season.

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• Xabi Alonso linked with Bayern and Liverpool
• Wants to focus on Leverkuen's title charge
• Assuming the he will be a t the club next season

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alonso has done an excellent job at the Bay Arena, generating interest from major clubs as well as former sides Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Both will have managerial vacancies to fill in the summer, with Jurgen Klopp departing Liverpool and Thomas Tuchel poised to mutually end his contract with the Bavarians.

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• WHAT ALONSO SAID

  Alonso told reporters: "I’m assuming that right now [I will be Leverkusen coach next season]. It’s not a problem for me. I know that my goal is to be successful with the team. This is my work. We are in a very good situation right now. We want to continue like this. Right now I’m the coach. That's for sure. I have nothing new to say for the future. We will see. It's normal that there are questions, but it's off-topic now. Now is not the time for me to talk much about it."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since taking over at Leverkusen in October 2022, the Spaniard has led Die Werkself from second from bottom the season prior to an eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with 12 games remaining in the current campaign. Alonso's remain unbeaten this season, having won an astounding 28 of 32 games across all competitions, making him a top managerial candidate for multiple clubs.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ALONSO?

  The Spaniard will be hyper-focused on the job at hand as he looks to end Bayern Munich's 11-year-long reign in the Bundesliga. His Leverkusen side will be in action next up when they take on Mainz on Friday, February 23.

Weston McKennie has handed the USMNT an untimely injury headache, with Juventus revealing the extent of his shoulder problem.

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• American impressed in 2023-24
• Forced off against Frosinone
• Confirmation of dislocation

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international midfielder contributed two assists in his latest Serie A appearance, as he helped to inspire the Bianconeri to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Frosinone. He was, however, unable to see that contest out.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In the closing stages, McKennie slid into a challenge with Kaio Jorge and landed awkwardly, leading to him being forced from the field. It has now been confirmed by Juve’s press office that the 25-year-old is nursing a dislocated shoulder.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It has also been announced that France international Adrien Rabiot dislocated a toe in his left foot against Frosinone. He had to be replaced in the first half following a collision with team-mate Gleison Bremer that left him hobbling badly.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MCKENNIE?

  No timescale has been put on the rehabilitation programmes for McKennie and Rabiot. The USMNT will be hoping that McKennie is not out for long as they have the CONCACAF Nations League finals to come in late March – with Jamaica next up in the semi-finals – with a Copa America on home soil to follow in June.

Sunderland could reportedly now sell Ross Stewart to one of their new Championship rivals.

The Lowdown: ‘Incredible’ season

As Black Cats legend Kevin Phillips has pointed out, Stewart has had an ‘incredible‘ season at the Stadium of Light, scoring no fewer than 26 goals in total over all competitions, double the next best in Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead with 13 (Transfermarkt).

Fittingly, he also scored their final goal of the campaign as well, the one that sealed promotion back up to the Championship in the 2-0 League One play-off final win over Wycombe Wanderers.

The Latest: Clubs swarming

As per the print edition of The Daily Mirror (via The Sunderland Echo), fellow Championship sides Middlesbrough, QPR and Sheffield United are all now in the hunt to sign Stewart, as well as Glasgow Rangers.

However, Alex Neil’s team would like to tie him down to a lucrative new contract that would make him their best-paid player.

The Verdict: Keep at all costs

There is no denying how important Stewart is to the team with his goal output, and if they are to have the best possible chance of staying in the division next term, then there is no doubt that the striker would have to stay.

At 25 years of age, it is scary to think that Stewart’s best playing days are ahead of him, and so tying him down to a new deal would be huge.

Nonetheless, selling the Scotsman to a Championship rival would surely be seen as unforgivable by the Wearside club’s supporters.

In other news, find out who SAFC will now ‘hold talks’ over signing here!

Everton manager Frank Lampard could sign his next Mason Mount in the form of midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer, with both players having a lot of similarities.

What’s the story?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT journalist Peter O’Rourke has said that there are many similarities between Gallagher and Mount and that if Everton were to get him it would be a “huge signing”.

It was recently reported by The Daily Star that Everton are one of the clubs interested in signing the player from Chelsea. He spent this past season on loan at Crystal Palace where he impressed greatly.

It was confirmed by Blues boss Tomas Tuchel that Gallagher would return to Chelsea for pre-season and then a decision would be made then.

It’s thought the midfielder’s price tag is as much as £50m.

He can solve Everton’s problems

If a move to Merseyside did happen then it would go a long way in helping solve Everton’s current problems. They secured their Premier League status with a game to spare and are now looking to rebuild.

A player of Gallagher’s quality would surely pull them away from the relegation dogfight for next season. The Toffees scored just 43 goals as they secured a 16th placed Premier League finish and Gallagher’s creative ability would help increase that number.

The 22-year-old made 34 appearances for Palace in the league this season, scoring eight and assisting three. If you compare that to Everton’s players, only forward Richarlison scored more.

When you look at Gallagher in relation to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, his performances are outstanding. He ranks in the top 2% for successful dribbles that lead to a goal, and the top 3% for pressures in the attacking third which shows his work rate.

It’s no wonder he has been dubbed as the “next Mount” by pundit Noel Whelan to Football Insider.

“Even though he is young, he’s very much in the mould of Mason Mount. He’s got that kind of attitude where he wants to be the star, the next Mount, he wants to be the player who gets hold of the game and is always making things happen.

“He’s brave, he makes himself available, he’s got no fear. That’s the way it should be,” he added.

Chelsea have yet another talented academy product on their hands, but he’s not going to want to sit on the bench. If Tuchel can’t offer him enough game time then he’ll want to go somewhere that will.

Although he would be offered that at Everton, it would take a lot of money to buy him permanently given his talent. A loan deal would look more likely, Gallagher only earning £17k per week would allow The Toffees to recover financially.

AND in other news: Everton eye £30m swoop for 21 y/o “special talent”, just imagine him and Gordon…

Wolves are reportedly interested in making a move for St Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Ruddy moves on

Bruno Lage is sure to have a busy summer ahead of him, as he looks to bolster his squad options ahead of what will hopefully be a successful 2022/23 season.

John Ruddy will leave Wanderers when his current expires at the end of next month, meaning a replacement in his squad role will have to be found.

Now, a new claim has emerged regarding the hunt for a Jose Sa deputy.

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The Latest: Vasilj link emerges

According to a recruitment source speaking to Football Insider, Wolves are one of three clubs eyeing up a move for Vasilj in the coming months.

Celtic and West Brom are also battling for his signature. The trio will send officials to watch the 6 foot 4 giant in action for his country in this month’s Nations League games, with the 26-year-old winning five caps for Bosnia to date.

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The Verdict: Perfect Ruddy replacement?

Vasilj would be an ideal replacement for Ruddy but the only stumbling block could be whether or not he is happy to be on the substitutes’ bench most weeks.

In Sa, Wolves have a fantastic goalkeeper who isn’t going to be dislodged any time soon, so it could be domestic cup appearances at best for Vlasilj.

His experience speaks for itself, though – he made 33 appearances in the Bundesliga II last season and has kept 47 career clean sheets in 160 total games. He could be an ideal squad option for Lage if a back-up role is what he desires.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly in the running to sign one striker. Find out who it is here.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered his verdict on the potential Leeds United pursuit of Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino. 

The lowdown: Whites’ interested

This comes following a report from The Times claiming Leeds are among the frontrunners to sign Minamino this summer after the Japan international was made available by Liverpool.

The Whites have been heavily linked with the versatile 27-year-old previously, including under former manager and fan favourite Marcelo Bielsa.

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With Jesse Marsch now at the helm in Yorkshire and having worked alongside the mercurial Minamino previously at Red Bull Salzburg, the interest looks set to be ramped up…

The latest: Jones on Minamino

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones suggested having already clinched deals to reunite Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson with Marsch, a similar move for the 40-cap Japan starlet would be smart from Victor Orta.

He said: “People like Minamino might be the guys that fit into that.

“They’re not going to sound like world beating signings, but they might just be exactly what Jesse March needs as he kind of transitions his side and adds steps to it.”

The verdict: No brainer

For the reported £17million asking price, signing Minamino would be a superb piece of business as Marsch looks to build a squad to steer way clear of the Premier League drop zone next season.

Despite being somewhat of an also-ran in the major tournaments since arriving in England, the man hailed as a ‘special’ player by former Liverpool forward Luis Garcia has managed 17 direct goal contributions in 54 outings for the Merseyside giants.

During 2021/22, Minamino notched up an impressive ten goals and one assist from just 24 outings, hitting the back of the net four times in five appearances in the Carabao Cup, earning an outstanding 7.38 Sofascore rating whilst taking 3.2 shots on average per game in the process.

Supremely versatile with the capability to play across the frontline and in deeper roles, adding the dynamic attacker to the Elland Road ranks could be considered an Orta masterstroke so long as the fee doesn’t get out of hand.

In other news: Leeds now eyeing move for ‘lethal and sublime’ gem, read more here