Tag Futebol

The GOAL guide on how to score a bargain in the world of sports streaming

Editors' pick

ESPN+

Sports available: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, UFC, boxing and more.

Offline downloads: Yes

Entertainment: No

DVR capabilities: No

Monthly from

$9.99

Get ESPN+Cheapest choice

Paramount+

Sports available: NFL, NCAA, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, CONCACAF, Serie A and more.

Offline downloads: Yes

Entertainment: Yes

DVR capabilities: No

Monthly from

$4.99

Get Paramount+Good value

Hulu

Sports available: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, UFC, boxing and more.

Offline downloads: Yes

Entertainment: No

DVR capabilities: Unlimited w/ Live TV package

Monthly from

$12.99

Get HuluEditors' pick

ESPN+

Sports available: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, UFC, boxing and more.

Offline downloads: Yes

Entertainment: No

DVR capabilities: No

Monthly from

$9.99

Get ESPN+Cheapest choice

Paramount+

Sports available: NFL, NCAA, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, CONCACAF, Serie A and more.

Offline downloads: Yes

Entertainment: Yes

DVR capabilities: No

Monthly from

$4.99

Get Paramount+Good value

Hulu

Sports available: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, UFC, boxing and more.

Offline downloads: Yes

Entertainment: No

DVR capabilities: Unlimited w/ Live TV package

Monthly from

$12.99

Get HuluEditors' pick

ESPN+

Sports available: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, UFC, boxing and more.

Offline downloads: Yes

Entertainment: No

DVR capabilities: No

Monthly from

$9.99

Get ESPN+Cheapest choice

Paramount+

Sports available: NFL, NCAA, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, CONCACAF, Serie A and more.

Offline downloads: Yes

Entertainment: Yes

DVR capabilities: No

Monthly from

$4.99

Get Paramount+Good value

Hulu

Sports available: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, UFC, boxing and more.

Offline downloads: Yes

Entertainment: No

DVR capabilities: Unlimited w/ Live TV package

Monthly from

$12.99

Get Hulu

Delving into the world of online video streaming services, it's typical to encounter a minefield of information. Increased competition can lead to increased confusion for the customer.

With so many plans, price points, add-ons, bolt-ons, and you name it, you need a digestible guide and luckily GOAL is on hand to help you out!

Through the lens of a sports-specific focus, this list will take you through the major players on the streaming scene. Ordered by cheapest first, we go through where the best value for money is for you and your particular preferences. So, without further adieu…

RELATED: The best streaming services for sports fans

#1. Paramount+ – $5.99 per monthShop Paramount+ plans

At $5.99, Paramount+ offers the cheapest sports subscription service currently on the market. As you might imagine at such a price point, coverage is limited and Paramount+ have so far only dabbled into the sports world via football and soccer.

Paramount+'s American football offering includes the latest from both the NFL as well as the NCAA.

When it comes to soccer, Paramount+ is the home of the UEFA Champions League and several other high profile tournaments across Europe. You can also watch Team USA in action in the CONCACAF Nations League.

RELATED: How to watch live sports on Paramount+: plans, cost, coverage and more

Start a Paramount+ subscription todayFind a plan

#3. ESPN+ – $10.99 per monthFind a plan

Priced at $10.99 per month, you can’t argue with ESPN+ when it comes to value for money. If you’re a fan of one particular sport, there is a good chance that ESPN+ will cover it in one guise or another.

Basketball, baseball, football soccer, UFC, boxing. The list goes on and on. But fair word of warning: some specific events within ESPN+’s sporting coverage is behind a PPV paywall that a standard plan won’t grant you access to.

ESPN+ Annual Plan Discounts

ESPN+ is available for $109.99 for the year. This would give you around a $20 saving if chosen instead of the monthly option – a worthwhile commitment for sports fans who are sure to get more than their money’s worth across 12 months.

RELATED:How to watch live sports on ESPN+: stream live soccer and more

Start an ESPN+ subscription todayFind a plan

#2. Fanatiz -$9.99 per monthGetty Images / GOALFind a plan

Fanatiz do actually have two options cheaper per month but their most popular Front Row Monthly plan is a fairer reflection of their typical price point.

Cheaper plans at Fanatiz – like the Liga1 Play, Brasileirao Play and AFA Play plans only give customers access to one specific soccer league. If, of course, you are a fan of either Peruvian, Brazilian or Argentinian football, then by all means take advantage of their cheapest price offering! A $5.99 per month option – the HandballSCA Plan – is also available

Fanatiz Annual Plan Discounts

All plans at Fanatiz come with a 33% discount when purchased annually. This means the most popular Front Row Annual plan will set you back $79.99 for a 12 month commitment (equivalent to $6.67 per month).

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#4. Hulu – $12.99 per monthGetty Images / GOALFind a plan

Hulu offer perhaps the biggest of price points on the live streaming market. Their Disney Bundle Trio at $12.99, however, is the fairest reflection for this particular list.

While their cheapest price starts at $7.99 per month, it isn’t until you get the bundle that includes ESPN+ as standard where you get value for your money as a sports fan.

At the higher end of their pricing is Hulu + Live TV, and it is here where you get into the territory of some real comprehensive coverage. Among their access to 85 live channels, customers can find live sports on ESPN, FS1, SEC, BTN and ACCN.

Hulu Premium and Live TV Add-ons

Along with everything mentioned above, further add-ons are available to various Hulu plans.

Premium add-ons – which can be tacked on to Hulu plan – include Max ($15.99 per month), Cinemax ($9.99 per month), SHOWTIME ($10.99 per month), STARZ ($9.99 per month).

Soccer fans will be interested to know that Max, the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max, has exclusive coverage to both men’s and women’s Team USA matches.

SHOWTIME, meanwhile, is a word and network that has always gone hand-in-hand with the world of boxing.

The Sports Add-on is priced at an additional $9.99 per month. It is one of four Live TV Add-ons that you can add to any Live TV plan. The Sports Add-on has six on-demand and live streaming services: NFL Redzone.

RELATED:How to watch live sports on Hulu + Live TV

Start a Hulu subscription todayFind a plan

The cusp of immortality. A feverish sense of anticipation emanates across East London and Prague as West Ham prepare for one of the biggest games in their history.

They play Fiorentina in the last stage of the Europa Conference League Final – their first European showpiece since 1976.

David Moyes is not a man prone to experimentation, rotation, or romantic storylines – there is no room for error, and his most trusted lineup must start the occasion.

On the final day of the Premier League season, with safety already secured, the Scotsman named a much-changed side.

One of his ever-presents that was rested at the King Power Stadium was Jarrod Bowen, whose recent rise in popularity and stardom has been a fantastic spectacle over the past couple of years.

The 26-year-old cannot contain his excitement for the final and said: “When I first signed, I couldn’t in my wildest dreams have thought about playing in a major European final three years later, so to be here and so close to winning a trophy for all of us and do to it with players who are my teammates and friends for everybody would be so special. That’s what our focus is on.”

Bowen has been an imperious asset for the Hammers, and he could write his name into Irons folklore tonight.

Why is Jarrod Bowen so important to West Ham?

In the last three Premier League campaigns, the former Hull City starlet has registered 49 goal involvements in 112 outings and has been a formidable component of a Hammers side that secured consecutive top-half finishes and has reached this monumental final.

During this phenomenal upsurge, the £60k-per-week man also received his first England call-up in June 2022.

On West Ham’s endearing journey to the verge of glory, Bowen has been at the centre and Moyes has recognised his contribution, saying: “He has been very much part of the journey from a team third-fourth bottom of the Premier League to a team challenging to be fourth-fifth in the Premier League.

“You have all the right characteristics with Jarrod whether it be a starter or a non-starter.”

Although he has endured a quieter season, Bowen has still emerged as the hub of West Ham’s productivity and creativity – he is the club’s joint top-scorer in the Premier League with Said Benrahma (6), without having the advantage of being the designated penalty-taker.

The four-cap international has also averaged the second-most key passes in the squad (1.3), as his effervescence and final ball have been imperative to attacking sequences.

Described as “unbelievable” by Jurgen Klopp, it would surprise no one if Bowen emerged as the hero tonight, and it would be fitting when considering his input across the years.

Brighton left it very late to sink the Red Devils but fully deserved their win against Erik ten Hag's lacklustre side

Brighton avenged their recent shootout defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final by scoring the latest of penalties to secure a thoroughly deserved 1-0 win over the Red Devils.

A VAR review spotted a handball by Luke Shaw after the five minutes of added time had been played, in a reversal of what happened in this fixture in the 2020-21 campaign, when Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty after the final whistle had initially been blown.

Alexis Mac Allister dispatched his 98th minute spot-kick ruthlessly to boost Brighton's hopes of qualifying for Europe and simultaneously harm United's hopes of securing a top-four spot early.

Although United were unfortunate to lose so late in the game, this was yet another poor away showing by Erik ten Hag's side, who could have taken an early lead but were left to rue Antony missing a real sitter after being played clean through by Bruno Fernandes.

GOAL rates Man Utd's players from the Amex Stadium…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

David de Gea (7/10):

Took an early whack on the head from Mitoma's shot but stayed focused and made a fine save late on to keep out Alexis Mac Allister's low drive, also parrying a last-gasp shot from Caicedo. Could do little about Mac Allister's emphatic penalty.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (8/10):

Dealt expertly with Kaoru Mitoma, keeping tight on him without committing himself and getting beaten. United's man of the match.

Victor Lindelof (5/10):

Shaky in possession, gifting a clear chance to Mitoma. Improved as the game went on.

Luke Shaw (4/10):

Was not very commanding and made a big mistake by leaving his hand in the air to give away the penalty.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

Had very little joy in attack but was sound defensively.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Fred (5/10):

Brought energy to the midfield but was unable to prise open Brighton and United missed the creative passing of Christian Eriksen, who dropped to the bench.

Casemiro (7/10):

A strong stabilising force although the Brazilian picked up a first-half booking for a tactical foul and then lived on the edge, still diving into tackles and risking getting a second yellow card.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

Created the early chance for Antony but did not get much freedom in attack, having to work hard defensively instead.

Getty ImagesAttack

Antony (4/10):

Wasteful and ineffective. Missed the target with a great early chance and grew increasingly frustrated with his inability to get beyond Brighton's defence. Booked for kicking out at Mac Allister.

Anthony Martial (5/10):

Made very few runs behind defence and struggled to link the play or hold the ball up.

Marcus Rashford (6/10):

The only United attacker who looked a threat. Got in down the left wing a few times but his only real shooting chance was saved by the leg of Jason Steele. Took a whack on the ankle from Caicedo.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Jadon Sancho (5/10):

Unable to help United put Brighton under any real pressure.

Marcel Sabitzer (5/10):

Barely got involved in the game when he came on.

Wout Weghorst (N/A):

Only introduced for the final six minutes.

Erik ten Hag (4/10):

Made the wrong call in dropping Eriksen for Fred, meaning United struggled to keep the ball for long periods and allowed Brighton to take the initiative. His changes came too late and offered very little.

Tottenham Hotspur manager candidate Arne Slot has become slightly more likely to get the Spurs job after rising up their manager list.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

The north Londoners are working to appoint Antonio Conte's successor in the background of their hunt for a top four Premier League finish.

Spurs could be seen as outside contenders to seal Champions League qualification after recent results, and if they fail to do so, chairman Daniel Levy may face a difficult task in trying to persuade world football's most elite coaches.

Julian Nagelsmann, another managerial target for Spurs, apparently sees Europe as a deal-breaker if he is to take the Spurs job so Levy and co may well need to prepare for alternative options if that is the case.

Tottenham have compiled a list of candidates for the job, with Vincent Kompany, Luis Enrique, Ange Postecoglou and Slot featuring in their thinking.

The latter manager has performed brilliantly at Feyenoord this season, prompting Spurs to take note and consider a move for him.

Sharing an update on Tottenham's links to the 44-year-old, a report by Soccer News now claims that Slot 'rises one place' on Spurs' list of candidates as he becomes more likely to get the job.

This is partly due to Chelsea and Todd Boehly effectively ruling out a move for tactician, and while Tottenham still prefer other coaches, Slot's odds have increased.

While he is a step behind for the time being, it's claimed that Spurs do see him as an 'interesting option'.

What could Slot bring to Spurs?

The former AZ Alkmaar boss has shone at Feyenoord this season, guiding them to top of the Eredivisie standings whilst losing just once all season.

Slot has also been heralded by Dutch football experts, like Marcel van der Kraan, who have raved over his attacking philosophy.

Van Der Kraan said this on the manager to talkSPORT recently:

“He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time.“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine.“I don’t think he will leave now with three trophies up for grabs, but in the summer, big chances.”

It's little surprise he is in Levy's thinking based off plaudits like this, and it will be interesting to see if he rises further on Tottenham's list.

Tottenham Hotspur are still without a permanent manager, but under Ryan Mason, things have looked better. In a remarkable turn of events, despite failing to win both games, the 31-year-old has inspired this sluggish group of failures to fight for the shirt once again.

Twice they came back from at least a two-goal deficit, suggesting that quality remains in this squad despite what their performances over the season might have suggested.

It bodes well for whoever is set to take charge after the former Spurs midfielder, that hope remains despite the doom and gloom surrounding the club and Daniel Levy's tenure as chairman.

Despite this, a revolution is still needed. The 61-year-old needs to pull something out of the bag this summer, and in Arne Slot, the Dutchman could prove the perfect catalyst to turn this club around from the depths of despair.

This is made especially pertinent after the words of De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen, who told Vandaag Inside (via Fr12.nl):

"Slot has been invited by Tottenham for a conversation. He has a conversation, but the English club have this conversation with three or four managers and actually always do it that way.

"Nagelsmann, Slot and Pochettino come by and tell their story. Slot will have this conversation".

How does Arne Slot set his team up?

Having impressed this season with Feyenoord, the 44-year-old is set to end Ajax's monopoly over the Eredivisie title with a philosophy that has captured the attention.

Across his 97 matches his taking the helm, Slot boasts 62 wins with a points-per-game average of 2.12. For comparison, this even surpasses the 1.84 of Mauricio Pochettino during his north London reign a few years ago.

What makes this even more appealing is that the former AZ Alkmaar tactician has done this with a 4-3-3 system that has earned huge praise from Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan.

He claimed: "The best thing about Arne Slot is that he is probably the best attacking coach I have seen in the last 35-40 years at Feyenoord.

"He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time.

“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."

Such vast praise, and the latter statement of his transformative capabilities, all culminate to suggest that Slot could easily be the man to kickstart the revolution that Spurs so richly desire.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsSri Lanka might have feared the only thing they could catch in Durham would be a cold, but instead they caught a collection of stunners to keep England just about in sight on the opening day of the second Test. Four of the wickets would easily fit into a ‘classic catches’ compilation and though the final score of 310 for 6 was healthy enough for England – and given the fragility of Sri Lanka’s batting may already be enough – there was a wastefulness about the dismissals.Both England’s openers missed milestones; Alastair Cook left waiting a little longer still to reach the 10,000-run milestone which he has been on the cusp of since January and Alex Hales throwing away the chance of a maiden century for the second innings running. Joe Root’s iffy conversion rate did not improve when he fell for 80 and shortly before the close the in-form Jonny Bairstow, after adding 70 in 19 overs with Moeen Ali either side of the new ball, bottom edged Nuwan Pradeep who finished the day with a worthy 3 for 69.Sri Lanka struck each time partnerships started to form. Hales and Root added 96 for the third wicket, the highest stand so far after Nick Compton’s lean run had continued when he was spectacularly caught at long leg by Suranga Lakmal from a top-edged hook. Hales moved to his fifty off 102 balls, clumping Rangana Herath over mid-on, but fell the ball after lofting Milinda Siriwardana straight for six when he tried to cut the left-arm spinner and Angelo Mathews held a stinging catch to his right at slip.To have worked hard against some decent pace bowling in consecutive Tests and then fall attacking the spinner in May will have left Hales cursing. He had played confidently, boosted by his 86 at Headingley, with another astute display of attack and defence. In tricky conditions, he waited for a delivery he was sure he could take advantage of and the standout part of his batting was the off-side driving which brought five of his boundaries.Nothing had seemed more certain than a Root century as he breezed his way into the 80s. He was jaunty before lunch, when scoring had been hard work for the top three against some tight bowling, and progressed serenely during the afternoon, with a 70-ball half-century, barring a tight stumping appeal against Herath when he just managed to push his back foot over the line.A sluggish outfield kept the boundary count down, but Root’s deft placement and scampering between the wickets more than compensated to such an extent that England scored at four an over during the afternoon session. However, shortly after tea, Pradeep got a delivery to bounce awkwardly at Root and he spooned a catch into the covers – by far the simplest of the catches taken. Root had a face of thunder as he stomped off and thumped his bat as he strode up the pavilion steps: since the start of 2015 he has fallen between 70 and 98 on nine occasions.James Vince, having shown glimpses of his cover driving, completed the quartet to be acrobatically dismissed when he carelessly drove in the air to short cover. It gave Siriwardana his second of the day and was bonus for Sri Lanka from a player brought in to strength the batting, at the expense of Dasun Shanaka, but it may also have left Herath scratching his head a little about when his 300th wicket would arrive.There would have been a strong temptation for Cook to stick Sri Lanka in on overcast morning after they managed just 91 and 119 in similar conditions last week at Headingley. However, the occasional signs of uneven bounce and some turn for Herath suggested he made the correct call.Cook had looked compact as he set out collecting the 20 needed to tick off the 10,000 landmark and played a delightful whip-pull to open his boundary account before, on the stroke of the first hour, he was undone by the round-the-wicket line of Lakmal which the paceman had switched to just the previous ball. The delivery was short of a length and could have been ignored, but Cook jabbed at it and the catch was held by a tumbling Dimuth Karunaratne at second slip to begin Sri Lanka’s impressive catching theme.Both morning dismissals came from smart pieces of bowling with Pradeep out-thinking Compton with a rare bouncer. Lakmal put in a nine-over spell with the new ball although even that extended burst was unlikely to have worked up much of a sweat in conditions that saw the Sri Lankans retain multiple layers, but he certainly hadn’t cooled to a stand-still when Compton’s top edge flew in his direction. For a moment it appeared he had misjudged the chance, but managed to arch his body and take the ball diving backwards then, equally impressively, keep himself inside the boundary rope. It was reward for a hard-working spell from Pradeep, who had threatened the pads of the batsmen with some late movement.Compton had spoken before the match about playing for his Test future, and a 34-ball stay which included a close call for lbw against Herath, which replays showed would have taken a good chunk of leg stump although was umpire’s call, and a dicey single will not have furthered his cause. This series began with question marks over both Compton and Hales after their uncertain returns in South Africa and already, less than halfway into the series, fortunes are diverging.

Cheikhou Kouyate was something of a fan favourite during his time at West Ham United but his performances since leaving suggest that the Hammers did very well to sell him for £11m.

How did Kouyate do during his time at West Ham?

West Ham signed the Senegal international from Belgian side Anderlecht in the summer of 2014, with the powerful midfielder joining in a deal worth £7m.

He quickly established himself as a regular with the east London outfit, contributing an impressive four goals and three assists in 31 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign at Upton Park.

The 6 foot 2 titan was a mainstay in the Hammers' side throughout his five years at the club, registering 15 goals and ten assists in 147 appearances in all competitions, so it was no surprise that he would earn West Ham a profit when he departed for Crystal Palace in 2018.

The Eagles would pay £11m to bring him to Selhurst Park ahead of the 2018/19 campaign but he simply wouldn't be able to replicate the form he showed at West Ham after moving across London.

During his time with the Hammers, Kouyate consistently averaged above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League, apart from his final season at the club, which saw him earn a strong 6.80 rating.

Journalist Sam Inkersole also summed up the midfielder's inconsistency when describing his "dreadful" performance in an embarrassing 0-0 draw with Shrewsbury Town back in 2018.

It makes it even more impressive therefore that the club were able to sell him for £11m to Palace on the back of his worst campaign as a West Ham player, and that regression has continued with age.

The defensive-minded midfielder failed to average above a 6.75 rating from WhoScored during his time at Selhurst Park and managed just three goals and five assists in 141 appearances, certainly a 'dreadful' return to quote Inkersole again. Indeed, he couldn't replicate the attacking nous he showed on regular occasions in east London.

It was perhaps no surprise therefore when Palace released Kouyate upon the expiry of his contract last summer, with newly-promoted Nottingham Forest later picking up the 33-year-old on a free transfer.

The £42k-per-week earner has managed just 12 Premier League appearances for Steve Cooper's side so far this campaign, averaging a less-than-impressive 6.50 rating from WhoScored, which has unsurprisingly seen his market value according to CIES Football Observatory drop to just €2m (£1.8m).

Therefore, while West Ham have been criticised for some of their transfer business in recent years, it seems clear that they hit the jackpot with Kouyate by selling him at the perfect time.

Thomas Tuchel's savage speech to his players following confirmation of his sacking by Bayern Munich has been leaked.

• Tuchel to leave Bayern in summer
• Addresses players after departure confirmed
• Has savage message for certain players

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern confirmed they will be parting ways with Tuchel after crisis talks following a run of three straight defeats, amid talk of a dressing room revolt led by Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich. Tuchel spoke to his players after news of his forthcoming departure was announced and had a special message for those players who were eager to see him depart.

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• WHAT TUCHEL SAID

  According to , Tuchel told the dressing room: "Everyone can show up for the new coach now."

  The Bayern boss then urged his team to finish the season strongly, adding: "There are no longer discussions every week, everyone knows about it. We can still achieve something, we have to win."

  Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen also had some harsh words for the players. "We will now look closely," he said. "You are responsible!"

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bayern have opted to change coach after seeing Tuchel's side fall behind in the title race. The Bavarian giants are now eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen and have already been dumped out of the German Cup. Tuchel's men also face a battle to stay in the Champions League. Bayern trail 1-0 from the first leg of their last 16 tie with Lazio. Harry Kane has been the one bright spot for Bayern since his arrival from Tottenham last summer, scoring 31 goals in his first 31 appearances, and he has also stood behind Tuchel, but there has been a serious drop-off in collective standards at Allianz Arena.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN AND TUCHEL

  Bayern are now looking for a new manager and are reportedly set to battle Liverpool for Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso. Meanwhile, Tuchel is thought to be keen to return to the Premier League and is interested in the Manchester United job.

Lionel Messi appears to have “fully recovered” from the injury that has disrupted his pre-season, just in time for the start of the 2024 MLS campaign.

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Argentine has been nursing a knockGame time limited as a resultRaring to go ahead of 2024 seasonGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner saw his fitness generate plenty of headlines during a historic international tour for Inter Miami that took them from El Salvador to Japan via Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. His absence from one friendly fixture in the Far East sparked a sporting and political storm that continues to rage.

AdvertisementWHAT MARTINO SAID ABOUT MESSI

Messi was, however, able to play an hour of the Herons’ final warm-up game against Newell’s Old Boys – his boyhood club – and is raring to go ahead of the new domestic season in the United States. Tata Martino told reporters when asked for an update on the Argentine icon: “Our plan was for Leo to play 45 to 60 minutes and he played almost 60 and felt good. The way he was playing, the way he accelerated, it looked like he is fully recovered. The idea is for him to be ready for the 21st.”

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

While Messi has worked his way up to full speed, Inter Miami are still waiting on Luis Suarez to find a spark in the final third. Martino added on the veteran Uruguayan striker, who is having to manage long-standing knee problems: “Physically he looked good, but what impeded his preseason is not enough time working with the group. Leo, (Sergio) Busquets and (Jordi) Alba know him from before but the other players don’t know his tendencies, especially players who will be in the attack with him, like (Julian) Gressel and (Diego) Gomez. They need more time together.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Inter Miami will open their MLS campaign at home to Real Salt Lake on February 21. Martino admits that there may be more movement on the transfer front prior to that game – in and out of DRV PNK Stadium – with a deal said to be close for Argentine midfielder Federico Redondo.

Liverpool have had a transformative summer in the transfer window, with not only a number of fresh faces joining the fold at Anfield but also a large amount of first-team outgoings.

Now, a fresh update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential transfer target, as Jurgen Klopp prepares for the potential departure of Mohamed Salah.

Who could replace Mo Salah at Liverpool?

According to Football Transfers, Liverpool are lining up a move for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.

As per the report, it is claimed that Felix is being considered as a replacement for Salah should he leave the club over the next few days, as Saudi Pro club Al-Ittihad are set to make a lucrative £100m offer that the Merseysiders may find difficult to refuse.

Is Mo Salah leaving Liverpool?

There is no doubt that the Anfield faithful will be feeling nervous over the dying days of the transfer window, with speculation mounting that their star player could be set to follow Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE..

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed in his daily briefing on Monday morning [28th August] that Liverpool have no intentions to negotiate with any clubs interested in snapping up the services of their Egyptian winger:

"Even though there have been a lot of rumours about Mohamed Salah’s future over the weekend, Liverpool have been clear every day on this story: they have no intention to negotiate.

"Al Ittihad tried by improving their salary proposal to Salah, the bid is huge for the Liverpool star and would tempt any player in the world but Liverpool have no intention of negotiating."

Having said that, the rumours continue to swirl and should Liverpool find themselves in a position where they cannot retain the services of Salah for the season ahead, it would be wise for the club to line up a potential replacement, with Felix an intriguing option for the Reds.

How good is Joao Felix?

The former Chelsea loanee has been one of the hottest prospects in Europe for a long time, with his performances and development at Atletico Madrid pushing him into the spotlight as one of the most exciting forwards in top-level football.

As per FBref, Felix ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots in total, shot-creating actions, progressive passes, progressive carries, successful take-ons and tackles per 90 minutes played, boasting Lionel Messi as his most comparable player over the last 12 months. Not bad at all.

Not only that, the 23-year-old – once hailed an "absolute nightmare for defenders" by scout Jacek Kulig – is incredibly versatile in his positioning which has always been an attractive attribute that the Liverpool boss looks for in his players.

Felix has experience playing as a second striker, centre-forward, attacking midfielder and is comfortable operating on both the left and right wing, which makes him not only an ideal replacement for Salah but offers Klopp a player who can provide depth across the attacking threat.

It was reported earlier this year that Atletico Madrid will command a fee of around €100m (£89m) to part ways with their Portuguese talent, but Football Transfers expect a more realistic price tag to sit at £40m. That shouldn't trouble the Merseyside giants should they find themselves agreeing to a £100m departure for their very own goal machine.

With that being said, Salah's situation will be something worth watching closely over the remaining days of the transfer window, and being prepared for the worst-case scenario by lining up a move for Felix would be massively advantageous to Liverpool should disaster strike in the final days and hours.