Los Llanos · Tercera División RFEF - Promotion - Play-offs · Goalkeeper · #25 · Spain · 0 yrs
During his presentation, new Inter Miami star Casemiro filled Lionel Messi with praise: "Messi is one of the gods, if not the god of football." Casemiro has emerged as Inter Miami’s marquee addition of the 2026 summer transfer window, instantly filling the high-profile defensive midfield void the club struggled to replace. Set to share the pitch with Lionel Messi, the Brazilian superstar offered glowing praise during his official introduction: “Messi is one of the gods, if not the god of football.“ Following his starting run with Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, Casemiro opted to join Inter Miami in free agency, providing the Herons with a proven defensive anchor in the wake of Sergio Busquets’ retirement. Although the 34-year-old made his club debut last Saturday, logging a full 90 minutes in a 1-0 road victory over CF Montreal, his formal unveiling took place Thursday at Nu Stadium. During Thursday’s press conference, as reported by journalist José Armando, Casemiro spoke passionately about teaming up with Messi: “I am living a dream to play with one of the greatest of all time. I want to enjoy it, I want to help him continue winning because he is a winner. He teams up with another player who wants to win, who wants to compete. In the end, the margin between winning and losing is always very close, we know that, but we want to compete, and we want to compete.“ Casemiro expressed gratitude to managing owner Jorge Mas and co-owner David Beckham, noting that despite lucrative interest from European suitors, South Florida was his top priority. “I had many options—I had offers in Italy, I had many teams reaching out—but I am exactly where I want to be,” he stated. Casemiro sobre la oportunidad de jugar con Messi: "Quiero ayudarle a seguir ganando; es el Dios del fútbol"#InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/9Lxx6yGgPI— José Armando (@Jarm21) July 30, 2026 He concluded by placing Messi among the most influential figures in sports history: “I want to enjoy that, being with him, making him win, making him greater; he is one of the gods, if not the god of football. So I want to enjoy it with him and keep winning with him.“ Since Busquets hung up his boots, Inter Miami struggled to replicate the midfield balance that drove their previous championship runs, a vulnerability Casemiro’s presence is expected to resolve. The five-time Champions League winner inked a deal through June 2027 that includes a club option through 2029. Casemiro joins exclusive club to play alongside Messi and Ronaldo During their prime years in Europe, Messi and Casemiro shared an intense rivalry on opposite sides of El Clasico, featuring in epic Barcelona–Real Madrid clashes alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as heated international battles between Argentina and Brazil. Now in the twilight of his career, the decorated midfielder finds himself partnering with the player he once spent years trying to suppress. With the move, Casemiro becomes just the 28th player in soccer history to play alongside both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He is also the eighth former Real Madrid player to subsequently share a locker room with Messi, joining Angel Di Maria, Sergio Ramos, Gonzalo Higuain, Achraf Hakimi, Keylor Navas, Pablo Sarabia, Fernando Gago, and Ezequiel Garay. Complete List of Players to Play with Both Messi and Ronaldo Angel Di MariaGerard PiqueSergio RamosPaulo DybalaGonzalo HiguainCarlos TevezAchraf Hakimi Keylor NavasDecoVitinhaHenrik LarssonMartin CaceresMiralem PjanicArthur MeloNelson SemedoAndre GomesDanilo PereiraNuno MendesRenato SanchesFrancisco TrincaoPablo SarabiaAlejandro GarnachoLisandro Martinez Gabriel HeinzeFernando GagoEzequiel GarayGonzalo MartinezCasemiro
Federico Valverde has reflected on the former teammates who helped shape his career. A new chapter at Real Madrid has begun for Federico Valverde after being named the club’s first captain, with the midfielder revealing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are among the former teammates who helped shape him during his time in the locker room in an interview with Real Madrid TV. Valverde said: “I grew a lot with the players I had the chance to share so many years with in the locker room, such as Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez. I will never get tired of naming them. They are players who helped me a lot to grow as a person, as a captain and as a player.” The midfielder joined Real Madrid in 2016 from Peñarol and initially played for the club’s youth teams before making his first-team debut in 2018. Since then, he has become one of the most important players in the squad, making more than 300 appearances for the club and winning multiple major trophies, including the Champions League and La Liga. Valverde on working with Mourinho The main change for Real Madrid as they try to leave behind two years without trophies was the hiring of José Mourinho, who already knows the expectations that come with managing such a club. Mourinho returned to the club (Alex Livesey/Getty Images) This was part of the excitement for Valverde because the midfielder proved to be very eager to work under an experienced coach like Mourinho, who should push the players to be at their best every day. Valverde said: “I am really looking forward to learning from him, listening to every piece of advice he gives me and getting as much as possible out of every second of every training session I get to share with him and his coaching staff. He is a special person who I can learn a lot from and take many things from.” Valverde on becoming Real Madrid captain The midfielder admitted that becoming the club’s first captain has filled him with emotion and pride. Valverde said: “I feel a lot of emotion and a great sense of honor. Whenever someone approaches me on the street or someone within my circle says that to me, it really fills you with pride and emotion.”
Before the final between Spain and Argentina, Iker Casillas commented the winner. After more than a month of competition, the 2026 World Cup final was set with Spain and Argentina reaching the tournament’s biggest stage. Moments after Argentina defeated England, Iker Casillas shared a message about the upcoming final. Casillas posted: “There won’t be a fourth ⭐️, Argentina! We’re going for our second!! Come on, Spain! This Sunday it’s the Finalissima… and the World Cup! Get both trophies ready, @FIFAWorldCup! You won’t be stitching the fourth ⭐️.” The legendary goalkeeper was present at several matches alongside fellow members of the team that made history in 2010, including Xavi, Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol. Casillas on England’s match Spain’s semifinal was far less dramatic, as they controlled France throughout the match. The other semifinal was very different, with England taking the lead before Argentina completed a late comeback. No habrá una 4ª ⭐️, 🇦🇷! Vamos a por la 2ª!! Vamos 🇪🇸!— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) July 15, 2026 What drew criticism was the approach after Anthony Gordon’s goal, as they focused almost entirely on defending their advantage by sitting deep. That was the main point highlighted by Casillas. Casillas posted: “England scored and immediately sat back. A cowardly approach. They barely left their own box and allowed Argentina to keep coming forward. The logical outcome followed. England lost the match entirely because of their game plan. They let Argentina dictate play for the final 30 minutes.” Casillas gives his verdict on the match The former goalkeeper believed England’s tactical approach was the main reason Argentina were able to complete the comeback. Casillas posted: “That simply can’t happen. Final: Spain vs Argentina. It’s going to be incredible! England committed footballing suicide.”
Casemiro appears set to begin a new chapter of his career after agreeing to join Inter Miami, a move that would see the experienced Brazilian midfielder continue playing at the highest level alongside Lionel Messi after years of sharing the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo. Casemiro appears set to begin a new chapter of his career after agreeing to join Inter Miami, a move that would see the experienced Brazilian midfielder continue playing at the highest level alongside Lionel Messi after years of sharing the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo. The transfer has generated excitement for more than just its soccer implications, as it would also place the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star into a unique piece of soccer history. With Messi already leading Inter Miami’s ambitious project and Ronaldo having shared some of Casemiro‘s greatest triumphs at Real Madrid, the transfer represents another landmark moment in the Brazilian’s decorated career. While the official announcement is still pending, reports indicate that all major details have already been agreed. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano: “Inter Miami complete deal to sign Casemiro as new midfielder, here we go! Verbal agreement sealed with all parties involved and all formal steps resolved, now waiting to sign and announce the Brazilian.” The reported agreement follows months of speculation linking Casemiro with Major League Soccer. Although several clubs, including LA Galaxy and teams from the Saudi Pro League, were credited with interest, Inter Miami ultimately won the race for one of the world’s most accomplished defensive midfielders. 🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Inter Miami complete deal to sign Casemiro as new midfielder, here we go!Verbal agreement sealed with all parties involved and all formal steps resolved, now waiting to sign and announce the Brazilian.Casemiro wants to play with Messi. Future in MLS. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/gHty3SWAIM— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2026 Casemiro is expected to arrive as a free agent following the expiration of his Manchester United contract. The proposed three-year deal would reunite him with several familiar faces from Spanish soccer, including Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul, while strengthening an area the Herons have sought to improve since Sergio Busquets’ retirement. Casemiro set to join an exclusive soccer club Beyond the transfer itself, the Brazilian veteran’s move carries another remarkable significance. By joining Inter Miami and becoming Messi’s teammate, he will become part of an elite group of just 27 players who have played alongside both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during their senior careers. Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF poses with Carlos Casemiro The list includes some of the biggest names of the modern era, such as Angel Di Maria, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Paulo Dybala, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain, Keylor Navas, Achraf Hakimi, Deco, Miralem Pjanic, Arthur Melo, Lisandro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, and Henrik Larsson, among others. No.PlayerPlayed with Lionel Messi atPlayed with Cristiano Ronaldo at1.Angel Di MariaArgentina / PSGReal Madrid2.Gerard PiqueBarcelonaManchester United3.Sergio RamosPSGReal Madrid4.Paulo DybalaArgentinaJuventus5.Gonzalo HiguainArgentinaReal Madrid / Juventus6.Carlos TevezArgentinaManchester United7.Achraf HakimiPSGReal Madrid8.Keylor NavasPSGReal Madrid9.DecoBarcelonaPortugal10.VitinhaPSGPortugal11.Henrik LarssonBarcelonaManchester United12.Martin CaceresBarcelonaJuventus13.Miralem PjanicBarcelonaJuventus14.Arthur MeloBarcelonaJuventus15.Nelson SemedoBarcelonaPortugal16.Andre GomesBarcelonaPortugal17.Danilo PereiraPSGPortugal18.Nuno MendesPSGPortugal19.Renato SanchesPSGPortugal20.Francisco TrincaoBarcelonaPortugal21Pablo SarabiaPSGReal Madrid22..Alejandro GarnachoArgentinaManchester United23.Lisandro MartinezArgentinaManchester United24.Gabriel HeinzeArgentinaManchester United25.Fernando GagoArgentinaReal Madrid26.Ezequiel GarayArgentinaReal Madrid27.
Spain will mount their 2026 World Cup campaign in North America without their most capped player in history, as legendary defender Sergio Ramos is no longer part of the international setup. Sergio Ramos will not be part of Spain’s squad for the 2026 World Cup campaign in North America, as the legendary defender has already retired from international duty at the beginning of 2023. Unlike his long-time compatriots Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets—who both retired after capturing the MLS Cup with Inter Miami—Ramos spent the 2025–26 club season continuing to defy father time on the pitch with Mexico’s Monterrey. Yet, despite his ongoing club availability, his absence from the Spanish national team has long been set in stone. Ramos’s omission from the 2026 tournament roster comes as no surprise to the Spanish public. The legendary center-back officially announced his retirement from international football on February 23, 2023, after 18 years since his debut. After Ramos’ departure, De la Fuente has successfully reconstructed Spain‘s defense around a new generation of center-backs. For the 2026 World Cup in North America, the manager has placed his full trust in Aymeric Laporte and Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsí. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de Sergio Ramos (@sergioramos) Ramos’ impressive tenure with the National Team Ramos made his senior international debut under Luis Aragonés in March 2005 at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest Spanish debutant in 55 years at the time. Over an astonishing 180 senior caps—a historic record that makes him the most capped player in the history of the Spanish national team—Ramos proved to be an unprecedented weapon. His defensive ferocity was matched by an incredible aerial threat, racking up 23 international goals, a tally that places him among Spain’s top ten goalscorers of all time despite playing in the backline. Ramos was an important piece during Spain’s golden era of global dominance, starting every single game as La Roja captured UEFA Euro 2008, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and UEFA Euro 2012.
Before the Geopolitics World Cup circus gets under way, Real Madrid would like you to know there’s always another show in town. Los Blancos have an odd, difficult relationship with the tournament. Spain’s 2010 triumph involved Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas being bolted on to a raft of Barcelona players, somewhat demeaning to any aristocratic pretensions. Back in 2018, Madrid upended the Spain national team by snaffling away Julen Lopetegui to be their coach, such that he was sent back from Russia before a ball was kicked. After Fernando Hierro, a Madrileno final boss, took the reins, the tournament was a bust for Spain, and relations have been strained ever since.Yesterday Ray Anselmo questioned why Andoni Iraola would join Liverpool, who won something last year and then weren’t satisfied with fifth place and the quarter-finals of Bigger Cup this year. Is it safe to assume that Ray is a Spurs fan?” – Neale Redington.Jon Millard is stout in his defence of AOR musos but I disagree with his comment that Tapestry (Carole King) has no links with ‘Antipodean Journeymen’. Surely So Far Away and Home Again allude to travels of the two Australasian teams – the latter probably applying a short time after the teams land in North America. And Where you Lead could apply should one of these teams snatch the first goal in a match? Beautiful is a normal epithet of the game of association football, OK not always bandied about when discussing Kiwi or Aussie football, but y’know. Will You Love Me Tomorrow: of course we will, even when faint hopes are dashed in the group stage. Lastly, I feel the Earth Move is mainly a song about a daily occurrence here in the shaky isles of New Zealand, but should we win a match …” – Rod de Lisle.A simple request on behalf of the rest of us friendless virtual barflies – please publish every single response to Jon Millard’s broadside. The fact that Toto, Boston, Journey, and the entire AOR genre all caught strays in one almighty righteous take makes this tea-timely email worth reading, and I for one am here for it” – Daniel Stauss.To quote the inimitable Half Man Half Biscuit, ‘Everything’s AOR’ (football Daily letters passim). Now can we please move on?” – David Bell. Continue reading...
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