<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="704" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Lionel-Messi">Lionel Messi</keyword> could wind up playing in the United States.</li><li>The six-time Ballon d'Or winner told <a href="https://www.lasexta.com/programas/messi-con-evole/leo-messi-sorprende-a-evole-al-hablar-de-su-futuro-siempre-tuve-la-ilusion-de-vivir-y-estar-en-la-liga-de-eeuu_202012275fe8fbf03005ce0001f74fe5.html">Spanish TV station La Sexta</a> that he "would like to play in the United States someday" and that "it's always been one of my dreams."</li><li>Though <keyword id="104460" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="MLS">MLS</keyword> is unlikely to land <keyword id="6355806" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="messi">Messi</keyword> immediately following his <keyword id="6039" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="FC-Barcelona">FC Barcelona</keyword> expiration in 2021, the 33-year-old could join the likes of <keyword id="1942634" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="NYCFC">NYCFC</keyword> or <keyword id="8106095" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="inter-miami">Inter Miami</keyword> later in his career.</li></ul><p>Lionel Messi stateside?</p><p>It may not be as far-fetched as it seems.</p><div type="image" title="Lionel Messi" height="1236" width="1648" msid="80001468" hostid="261"></div><p>In a wide-ranging interview with <a href="https://www.lasexta.com/programas/messi-con-evole/leo-messi-sorprende-a-evole-al-hablar-de-su-futuro-siempre-tuve-la-ilusion-de-vivir-y-estar-en-la-liga-de-eeuu_202012275fe8fbf03005ce0001f74fe5.html">Spanish TV station La Sexta</a>, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner hinted that he could, eventually, wind up landing with a Major League Soccer team and that he "dreams" of experiencing life in the United States.</p><p>"I would like to play in the United States someday, it's always been one of my dreams," Messi told journalist Jordi Évole. "... But I don't know if it will happen!"</p><p>MLS fans and team owners have long aspired to recruit an international superstar of Messi's stature to the league. And during the height of his <a href="https://www.insider.com/lionel-messi-leaving-barcelona-decision-family-devastated-crying-2020-9">battle to leave FC Barcelona</a> this past fall, the speedy offensive weapon was rumored to be on the verge of <a href="https://www.insider.com/lionel-messi-transfer-told-pep-guardiola-wants-to-quit-barcelona-2020-8">signing with Manchester City</a> with an eventual option to <a href="https://www.insider.com/lionel-messi-transfer-manchester-city-contract-mls-nycfc-2020-8">join its MLS sister club, New York City FC</a>.</p><div type="image" title="Lionel Messi" height="1479" width="1972" msid="80001469" hostid="261"></div><p>Inter Miami - where Manchester United-turned-LA Galaxy legend David Beckham is running the show - also appears to be in the mix for the 33-year-old's talents. Beckham and Messi have a personal relationship, and the former England national team captain has previously said Inter Miami intends "to bring in big name players from Europe into our city" should the opportunity present itself.</p><p>"Every team in the world would want Messi and Ronaldo on their teams, but we always talked about us being different from any other team, which I am sure every other owner says exactly the same thing," <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-usa-beckham/build-it-like-beckham-inter-miami-target-big-names-idUSKCN20K3DM">Beckham told Reuters</a> at the start of 2020. "So that's what we will try to do. If we have the opportunity to bring big name players in then great. We're lucky we have an ownership group that has that vision and wants to succeed and has that competitiveness where we want the best players."</p><div type="image" title="Messi" height="1333" width="1778" msid="80001470" hostid="261"></div><p>Messi's contract with <keyword id="6355518" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="barcelona">Barcelona</keyword> expires in 2021, and there's a chance he'll finally part ways with the only professional club he's ever known at this season's end. Even though the Argentinian international said during the recent La Sexta interview that he loves Barcelona because "it is my life," he also acknowledged that "the club is having a difficult moment ... and it's going to be difficult to return where we once were."</p><p>No matter where he lands, Messi will undoubtedly bring a huge audience - and command an even bigger paycheck. We'll just have to wait to see which fandom wins out in what could arguably be the biggest sweepstakes in soccer history.</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:<a></a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/watn-2009-barcelona-starters-earned-6-trophies-in-year-2020-8">Where are they now? The starters from Lionel Messi's 2009 FC Barcelona squad that dominated Europe en route to 6 trophies</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/photos-lionel-messi-fc-barcelona-career-by-year-2020-8">Photos of Lionel Messi from every year of his historic career show just how long he was with Barcelona</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/lionel-messi-scores-644th-barcelona-goal-breaks-peles-santos-record-2020-12">Lionel Messi scored the 644th of his Barcelona career to break a Pele record nearly half a century old</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/megan-rapinoe-fifa-fifpro-world-xi-selection-after-months-off-2020-12">Megan Rapinoe doesn't even think Megan Rapinoe deserved to receive one of the most prestigious international soccer awards</a></li></ul>

Lionel Messi says he dreams of playing soccer in the United States, giving MLS fans renewed hopes of seeing the star stateside

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In a <a href="https://theathletic.com/2213536/2020/11/23/david-villa-nycfc-alleged-harassment/">tell-all for The Athletic</a>, an <keyword id="1942634" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="NYCFC">NYCFC</keyword> <keyword id="6402175" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="intern">intern</keyword> accused the <keyword id="3071" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Soccer">soccer</keyword> star <keyword id="97101" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="David-Villa">David Villa</keyword> of <keyword id="16048" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="sexual-harassment">sexual harassment</keyword>.</li><li>Skyler Badillo described unwanted touching and inappropriate comments from Villa. She alleges that her bosses treated his behavior as a joke.</li><li>Most involved in the events are no longer with the club, though NYCFC says it took "corrective action" with one employee who remained.</li><li>The club's investigation supported Badillo's claims, but it denied having "an unhealthy culture" overall.</li></ul><p>A former New York City FC intern accused the international soccer icon David Villa of sexual harassment in July, prompting an internal investigation.</p><p>Skyler Badillo, who interned with the team's training staff, shared harrowing details in a <a href="https://theathletic.com/2213536/2020/11/23/david-villa-nycfc-alleged-harassment/">tell-all with The Athletic's Pablo Maurer</a>. Badillo accused Villa of interrogating her about her dating life, grabbing her, and repeatedly telling her that he loved her, even within earshot of her colleagues.</p><p>She said the former World Cup winner made increasingly intense advances over time.</p><p>In one instance, she said, she'd mentioned weekend plans in the city.</p><p>"I was standing there and my back was to [Villa]," Badillo told The Athletic. "He got up and walked up behind me and put his hands on my hips and sort of pressed me into the counter I was standing at and whispered, into my ear, that I should 'be careful of men in the city.' And then he just left."</p><p>In its subsequent report, NYCFC said it found evidence of "inappropriate and unacceptable" behavior, though the club also characterized some conduct as "teasing."</p><div type="image" title="david villa.JPG" height="1754" width="2339" msid="79412095" hostid="261"></div><p>Badillo said Villa's repeated passes were common knowledge among club staff members and accused higher-ups of treating the behavior as a running joke. Badillo added that one of Villa's teammates even texted her once to suggest she slap the star the next time he invaded her personal space.</p><p>"You're getting harassed and everyone's seeing it but not saying anything," he wrote, according to a message reviewed by The Athletic. "They can't be mad when you react."</p><h2>NYCFC's statement on Badillo's allegations did not mention Villa by name</h2><p>Badillo said she decided to share her story with The Athletic in part because the club did not hold Villa directly accountable.</p><div type="image" title="david villa.JPG" height="1544" width="2058" msid="79412099" hostid="261"></div><p>In a statement to Insider, the club said senior leadership at the franchise became aware of potential wrongdoing only after reading posts Badillo wrote on social media after Villa left NYCFC.</p><p>"The allegations made during the course of the investigation were that a small number of players and staff did not act in accordance with the Club's standards in their interactions with the intern and with other Club staff," the statement said. "This behavior included unnecessary physical contact, teasing, and comments regarding clothing and appearance."</p><p>The club also said that "nearly all of the individuals concerned in the allegations are no longer involved with the Club" and that leaders took "corrective action with respect to the one employee that remains."</p><p style="font-weight: 400;">NYCFC's full statement on the matter is available below:</p><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" title="NYCFC Statement" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/485658076/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-MA6mtxW0OiXgoC79nbr7" scrolling="no" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe><p style="   margin: 12px auto 6px auto;   font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;   font-style: normal;   font-variant: normal;   font-weight: normal;   font-size: 14px;   line-height: normal;   font-size-adjust: none;   font-stretch: normal;   -x-system-font: none;   display: block;"><a title="View NYCFC Statement on Scribd" href="https://www.scribd.com/document/485658076/NYCFC-Statement#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;">NYCFC Statement</a> by <a title="View Meredith Cash's profile on Scribd" href="https://www.scribd.com/user/71398685/Meredith-Cash#from_embed" style="text-decoration: underline;">Meredith Cash</a></p><p style="font-weight: 400;">Badillo, however, said she took issue with the club's characterization of the offenders as "a small number of players and staff," since she said she saw Villa as the heart of the issue.</p><p style="font-weight: 400;">A representative for Villa, who last played for NYCFC in 2018 and is now retired, denied any wrongdoing to The Athletic.</p><p>A source close to the club confirmed to Insider that Villa participated in the investigation and was cooperative throughout. Still, for both pragmatic and leagal reasons, NYCFC refrained from directly naming the Spanish star in its statement.</p><p>The powers that be widened the investigation in order to evaluate the culture across the entire club, the source told Insider, so other individuals and other staff members — including in the front office, on the field, in the academy, and elsewhere — were included. The club wanted to be sure that the investigation was not just focused on Villa and instead took stock of issues across its entire ranks.</p><div type="image" title="david villa" height="1666" width="2222" msid="79412100" hostid="261"></div><p>The investigation's findings, though, did not suggest that the franchise fosters a toxic work environment, Insider's source said. And though they acknowledged that details from The Athletic article are horrifying, the source underscored the point that the club was in no way attempting to protect Villa or cover up an unhealthy culture.</p><h2>'I don't think anything changes when people bite their tongue'</h2><p>Badillo told The Athletic that in one instance a club higher-up suggested that Villa's fame would make it difficult to hold him accountable for poor behavior.</p><p>"He said something along the lines of 'if it was anybody else, we could maybe do something,'" Badillo said.</p><div type="image" title="nycfc" height="1861" width="2481" msid="79412103" hostid="261"></div><p>But the source close to NYCFC suggested that was not the club's approach overall and that Villa didn't get any sort of protection because of his status as an acclaimed international footballer.</p><p>The source insisted that club officials would not have hesitated to take action had the appropriate staffers known about the allegations. And even though there were processes in place to report such offenses, they noted that such procedures clearly did not work appropriately in Badillo's instance and that there is room for improvement.</p><div type="image" title="david villa" height="963" width="1284" msid="79412104" hostid="261"></div><p>Badillo told The Athletic that after Badillo tweeted about her experiences with the club, City Football Group — the company that owns NYCFC and several other clubs — offered her financial compensation in exchange for signing a non-disparagement agreement. But Badillo insisted she doesn't "want their money."</p><p>"Part of it is that I don't think anything changes when people bite their tongue," she said.</p><p>According to portions of internal documents provided to Insider, NYCFC has made several internal policy changes. It will now require all employees — including interns and people employed by third-party staffing agencies — to complete two sexual-harassment trainings each year. Onboarding and training will also include clearer explanations of the club's workplace-misconduct policies, which have been revamped to allow people to report grievances directly to human resources.</p><div type="image" title="david villa" height="1628" width="2178" msid="79412105" hostid="261"></div><p>In its statement, NYCFC said "the Club wishes to place on record its thanks to the former intern for her time and cooperation with the investigation and wishes her well for the future."</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/uswnt-roster-megan-rapinoe-carli-lloyd-off-netherlands-squad-2020-11">Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, and 7 other 2019 World Cup stars were left off of the USWNT's roster just 8 months ahead of the Olympics</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/uswnt-roster-new-players-vs-netherlands-2020-2020-11">Get to know the newest additions to the USWNT ahead of the team's 2019 World Cup final rematch against the Netherlands</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/video-tobin-heath-goal-manchester-united-vs-manchester-city-derby-2020-11">Tobin Heath launched a rocket to put Manchester United on the board and spur a comeback in the WSL's Manchester derby</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/nascar-josh-reaume-suspension-social-media-swastika-post-2020-11">NASCAR suspended a driver after he shared a photo of his Toaster Strudel with icing that looked like a swastika</a></li></ul>

A 20-year-old intern for NYC Football Club accused a major star of sexual harassment. Here's what the club is ready to do about it.

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container full"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/528a286a6da8114e041ab8c0-1200-667/nycfc-ad.jpg?maxX=800" border="0" alt="nycfc ad" width="800" /><p class="source"><keyword id="1942634" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="NYCFC">NYCFC</keyword></p></div><p></p></div>New York City FC, the MLS expansion franchise owned by <keyword id="39498" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Manchester-City">Manchester City</keyword> and the New York Yankees, won't begin play until 2015 but they're already rolling out their first ad campaign.</p>
<p>Judging by the first video, NYCFC is going to lean on the star power of Man City to recruit new fans.</p>
<p>The ad shows City players going from neighborhood to neighborhood. They visit Brooklyn Bridge Park, the High Line, Yankee Stadium, and Rucker Park, doing nifty dribbling tricks the whole time.</p>
<p>It's really clever, especially the Rucker Park scene:</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TzRtJg0y_Sc"></iframe></p>

Manchester City Players Do Dribbling Tricks All Over New York City In An Ad For NYC's New MLS Team

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Philadelphia sports are having quite a moment, with the Phillies in the World Series, the Eagles undefeated, the Union in the playoffs, and the 76ers and Flyers just starting their seasons.</li><li>Lifelong Philly fan Mike Butz, known as "Broad Street Mikey," is going to try and see all five teams play in the span of six days.</li></ul><p>The city of Philadelphia is riding a sports high.</p><p>The Phillies are in the midst of a shocking run to the World Series. The Eagles are undefeated. The Flyers and 76ers, just starting off their seasons, still have hope for a good year. Even the Philadelphia Union, the city's MLS squad, is firing on all cylinders, with the conference final set for Sunday night against NYCFC.</p><p>Every year in late October, there is a chance of what is known as a "sports equinox," when all four major sports are holding events on the same day. Coming into 2022, it had happened 26 times in history.</p><p>But thanks to the Phillies rally into the World Series, Philadelphia sports fans are experiencing a similarly rare occurrence — teams from five different professional sports leagues all hosting a game within a single week. </p><p>Seeing all five in person would be no easy feat — World Series tickets are hard to come by, Eagles tickets are scarce, and simply put, it's a lot of time to spend in the stadium complex at the south end of Broad Street that hosts all three of the city's major athletic arenas.</p><p>But Mike Butz has a plan.</p><p>Known as "Broad Street Mikey," Butz has been a diehard Philadelphia sports fan his entire life.</p><p>"The first voice I heard was the late, great Harry Kalas," Butz told Insider over the phone on the eve of what could go down as a historic weekend for Philadelphia sports. "Right there and then, I was hooked."</p><div type="image" title="&quot;Broad Street Mikey&quot; and Kim react after Bryce Harper's go-ahead home run in Game 5 of the NLCS." height="1536" width="2048" msid="95166801" hostid="261" sizebytes="303042"></div><p>Butz was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, and now resides in Westville, New Jersey, just across the Delaware river from South Philadelphia. He has a Wawa order — italian hoagie with pepperoni, provolone, oil, and spicy mustard — and can tell you where he was for basically any key moment in Philadelphia sports history during his lifetime. </p><p>His first core Philadelphia sports memory was the 1980 World Series.</p><p>"Sitting at home, watching Tug [McGraw] strike out Willie Wilson," Butz recalls. "I did not get to go to the parade because I was too young to take off school, and my mom wouldn't let me go to Philly by myself at that age."</p><p>Butz has made up for it since then, sitting in the right field stands as the final outs were recorded in both the 1993 and 2022 NLCS.</p><div type="image" title="Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto celebrate a home run against the San Diego Padres." height="1718" width="2290" msid="95166804" hostid="261" sizebytes="209312"></div><p>Fates aligned this year so that Butz has a chance to attend games of all five of Philadelphia's top flight teams over the course of the next few days.</p><p>The streak starts when the Flyers host the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. It will be an early start to the day, as local radio station 97.5 The Fanatic is hosting its Fan Fest at Xfinity Live — a giant bar and restaurant complex located right in the middle of Philadelphia's stadium plot — starting at noon. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.</p><p>On Sunday, Butz will start the day with the Eagles — albeit not as a fan, but as an employee — working the gate at Lincoln Financial Field, as the Eagles host the Steelers in an all-Pennsylvania matchup. Butz says that his streak might come with an asterisk, as he won't technically be in the stands for the Eagles game, but between the game on the loudspeakers and the reactions of the fans, he's gotten good at following the action from his spot at the gate.</p><p>"I can hear [Eagles radio announcers] Merrill and Mike over the loudspeakers," Butz says. "And we have little monitors that you can see just enough to know what's going on."</p><p>Once the Eagles game goes final, things start moving fast. Butz doesn't drive, relying on Philadelphia's public transit system to get him in, out, and around the city. After the Eagles are done, Butz plans to hop on the 37 bus at Broad and Snyder and head towards Chester, where the Union play their home matches.</p><p>"I'm at Subaru Park in plenty of time for kickoff," he says.</p><p>While Butz had not yet acquired his ticket for the upcoming Union match, "I expect that to be rectified in a day or so," he tells me.</p><p>After a couple days of rest, Butz's week of Philly sports should continue with the Phillies playing Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday. And finally, he'll head back to the Wells Fargo Center to watch the 76ers host the New York Knicks on Friday.</p><div type="image" title="&quot;Broad Street Mikey&quot; loves all things Philly sports, attending games for the Flyers, Union, and Sixers." height="1800" width="2400" msid="95166809" hostid="261" sizebytes="364816"></div><p>For Broad Street Mikey, the chance to see every team in a week just fell into place.</p><p>The Flyers and Sixers games had already been on his schedule, and he was of course set to work the gate for the Eagles as well. A friend with a partial season-ticket plan was able to score tickets for Game 5 of the World Series, and at that point, why not just hit the Union game to finish the streak?</p><p>"Trust me," Butz says. "I've done spur-of-the-moment very well."</p><p>Of course, a few things still have to break Mike's way for everything to work out. In order for Game 5 to happen, both teams will need to win at least one of the first four games of the World Series. Granted, if it's a Phillies sweep, Butz probably wouldn't be all too displeased, but if the Astros sweep, as they have through the first two rounds of the MLB postseason, the dream could be spoiled.</p><p>Further, there's the chance that what starts as a week filled with hope and potential turns to disappointment, but after years as a Philadelphia sports fan, Butz is ready for anything.</p><p>"I think the older you are, the more Teflon skin you've built over the years," Butz says of what he's learned as a Philly sports fan. "When I was younger, I let everything get to me. I expected them to win all the time.</p><p>"I have learned over the years — you can't expect it every year, but when it comes, it's fun."</p><div type="image" title="Jalen Hurts reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys." height="1549" width="2066" msid="95166811" hostid="261" sizebytes="226744"></div><p>For Butz, there's joy to be found in the surprise of this year's Phillies' run.</p><p>"Nobody expected this one bit," Butz says. "They could have lost in two straight to St. Louis and people would've said, 'Okay, they got to the playoffs. Yeah. That's all we can expect.'</p><p>"Then <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq5cm17hu5A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">that six-run inning in the ninth happened</a>, and it all mushroomed. And that's all you need in the playoffs. You get to the dance, you don't know what might happen."</p><p>With the Phillies on the verge of a title and the Eagles undefeated, the next seven days in Philadelphia could be filled with a decade's worth of joyous celebration or a healthy dose of heartbreak.</p><p>Whichever it is, Broad Street Mikey will be in the stands watching.</p>

One Philadelphia diehard fan is about to embark on the ultimate sports week — watching the Flyers, Eagles, Union, Phillies, and Sixers in six days

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="704" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Lionel-Messi">Lionel Messi</keyword> has told Barcelona he wants to leave the club, and his move could eventually land him in <keyword id="104460" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="MLS">MLS</keyword> to close out his career.</li><li>According to a report from ESPN, <keyword id="39498" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Manchester-City">Manchester City</keyword> is working on a deal that would bring Messi to the club for three seasons to chase trophies before ending his career with sister club NYCFC in MLS.</li><li>The deal would put Messi on a similar trajectory as many European <keyword id="3071" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Soccer">soccer</keyword> stars, who have chosen to take up a stint in MLS near the end of their careers.</li><li>Messi still has plenty of world-class play left in him, so don't expect the jump to MLS to happen any time soon.</li></ul><p>If Lionel Messi strikes a deal with Manchester City, it could eventually lead him to MLS, according to a report from ESPN.</p><p>On Tuesday, the Argentinian superstar shocked the world when <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">news</keyword> broke that he informed Barcelona of his desire to leave the club.</p><p>Given Messi's high wages and the potential for an astronomical transfer fee — though that may be up to the courts to decide — only a few big-spending clubs could afford to make a move for him, and Manchester City immediately emerged as the front-runner to sign the GOAT.</p><p>But <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4167274/man-citys-messi-contract-could-include-new-york-city-fc-clause-sources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to a report from Rodrigo Faez and Moises Llorens at ESPN</a>, Manchester City may have more than the next few seasons in mind for Messi and the next stage of his career.</p><p>As sources told ESPN, Manchester City is weighing the option of offering a deal that would bring Messi to the club to chase trophies for three seasons, and then potentially send him off to play for sister club NYCFC in MLS for his final seasons.</p><p>The move would put Messi on track to follow a path that many European superstars have taken in the latter stages of their careers, moving to MLS for a solid payday before hanging up their cleats. However, Messi is in another stratosphere when it comes to both skill and celebrity, and is still playing at a world-class level that any club would be eager to swoop up. A swan song in MLS still feels years away, but City is planning for the future and seems to have a blueprint ready for Messi for as long as he wants to keep playing.</p><p>Messi's departure from Barcelona still isn't set in stone, but for the teams hoping to sign him, the next few years are already starting to take shape.</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/lionel-messi-puyol-suarez-vidal-back-decision-to-leave-barcelona-2020-8">Lionel Messi's teammates past and present, including his former captain, have publicly backed his decision to leave Barcelona</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/lionel-messi-transfer-barcelona-star-faces-legal-battle-over-contract-2020-8">Lionel Messi and Barcelona are heading for a huge legal battle over a clause in his contract that the Argentine says allows him to leave for free</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/photos-lionel-messi-fc-barcelona-career-by-year-2020-8">Photos of Lionel Messi from every year of his historic career show just how long he was with Barcelona</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/lionel-messi-transfer-barcelona-fans-demand-bartomeu-resign-2020-8">Barcelona fans took to the streets to demand club president Josep Bartomeu resign after superstar Lionel Messi told the team he was ready to leave</a></p>

Lionel Messi is being targeted by Manchester City in a deal that could bring the superstar to the US after 3 years in the Premier League

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="7841238" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Rose-Lavelle">Rose Lavelle</keyword> has blossomed into one of the most lethal offensive weapons on a stacked <keyword id="9096091" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="uswnt">USWNT</keyword>.</li><li>But on the club level, the 25-year-old is struggling to find playing time with <keyword id="39498" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Manchester-City">Manchester City</keyword>.</li><li>Keeping Lavelle on the bench is a missed opportunity for the WSL side and its manager, Gareth Taylor.</li></ul><p>Rose Lavelle has blossomed into a bona fide star for the perennially stacked US Women's National Team.</p><p>Even the most casual women's <keyword id="3071" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Soccer">soccer</keyword> fans will remember Lavelle's megawatt breakout during the 2019 World Cup final when the then-24-year-old fired a left-footed bullet off the dribble to deliver the nail in the Netherlands' coffin and secure the USWNT's fourth star. Lavelle has been one of the national team's most lethal weapons ever since, <a href="https://www.insider.com/video-rose-lavelle-goal-vs-netherlands-left-footed-rocket-2020-11">scoring a handful of goals</a> from her post as an attacking midfielder and earning starts in most of her appearances for Vlatko Andonovski's squad.</p><div type="image" title="rose lavelle.JPG" height="1874" width="2500" msid="81132062" hostid="261"></div><p>All of this is to say Lavelle is one of the top players on <em>the </em>top team on the planet. So why isn't she getting substantive playing time with her club?</p><h2>Lavelle's tenure with Manchester City has been lackluster</h2><p>This summer, Lavelle <a href="https://www.insider.com/european-soccer-clubs-poaching-american-stars-covid-19-pandemic-2020-9">followed the lead of her USWNT teammate</a> Sam Mewis and signed a one-year contract with Manchester City. From the beginning, expectations were high that Lavelle would facilitate out of the midfield or create opportunities for herself in space to provide an instant jumpstart to the FA Women's Super League club's attack.</p><p>But instead, Lavelle has largely taken in the team's matches from the sidelines.</p><div type="image" title="manchester city" height="1827" width="2436" msid="81132063" hostid="261"></div><p>Thanks to an ankle injury, her debut for the club came six games after her arrival overseas. In that 28-minute stint off the bench versus Tottenham, Lavelle showed promise in that No. 10 spot that's given her so much success with the USWNT.</p><p>After that, though, the young star mostly found herself riding the bench or playing out of position for Gareth Taylor's squad. Taylor has insisted that Lavelle can "affect the game wherever she plays," but, unsurprisingly, her production has suffered as a result.</p><p>And just as she appeared to be finding her footing within Taylor's scheme, Lavelle sustained an injury. In an early December match against Everton - her second start for Manchester City in roughly three months with the club -she fell awkwardly, tweaking her knee severely enough to require multiple weeks of recovery.</p><div type="image" title="rose lavelle" height="1406" width="1875" msid="81132064" hostid="261"></div><p>Since returning, Lavelle has seen herself fall further out of Taylor's midfield rotation. She earned just 26 minutes off the bench in Manchester City's victory against West Ham on January 31. And even after scoring a goal in the lopsided affair, Lavelle was granted four and six minutes, respectively, off the bench in the Blues' following two matches.</p><h2>All the while, Lavelle's output for the USWNT has been characteristically stellar</h2><p>Since Lavelle joined ranks with Manchester City in the summer of 2020, the USWNT has played four matches. In the squad's first match since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic - a grudge match against the Netherlands to end a 261-day hiatus for Andonovski's side - Lavelle got the starting nod. She delivered<a href="https://www.insider.com/video-rose-lavelle-goal-vs-netherlands-left-footed-rocket-2020-11"> an absolute rocket</a> in the 41st minute to put the US on the board.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—U.S. Soccer WNT  (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1332389859114233856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote><p>In a pair of friendlies against Colombia two months later, Lavelle subbed-in 64 minutes into the first match and earned the start in the next. Although her efforts on the pitch didn't translate to the stats sheet, her extended time in the game was a stark contrast from her recent experience at the club level.</p><p>Then, in Thursday night's SheBelieves Cup match against archrival Canada, she once again broke through. After the US struggled to make headway in the attacking third, Lavelle came in off the bench in the 64th minute and, 15 minutes later, one-touched a loose ball into the back of the net to give the USWNT the 1-0 win.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—U.S. Soccer WNT  (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1362580900945485826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote><p>The strike even prompted outside back Midge Purce - who enjoyed a stellar performance in her own right - to call Lavelle the game changer of the rivalry match.</p><p>"Rose was remarkable," Purce said. "Her goal was beautiful."</p><p>"Rose, in particular, brings this creativity that is just so special," she added later. "You get lost watching it, and I have to remind myself, 'Get up, go with the team!' because you can just get lost watching her."</p><h2>Lavelle's success with the USWNT renews calls to give her more time in Manchester City</h2><p>Following each of Lavelle's breakthroughs for the USWNT, fans and analysts alike are typically quick to point out how lethal she is on the attack when employed appropriately. Many - admittedly, myself included - have questioned her use overseas and called on the powers that be at Manchester City to review the tape and reconsider their stance on the American star.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Grant Wahl  (@GrantWahl) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1327622747170672642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2020</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Molly Hensley-Clancy  (@mollyhc) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1332389205679411200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Elisabeth Schendel  (@lis_ashlee) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1332389117540274176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Emma N  (@enchi165) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1362583621002027009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Men in Blazers  (@MenInBlazers) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1362579139136524288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—BLUE BALLS NYCFC  (@BlueBallsPod) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1362580243895250944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—ashna  (@ashnaguliani) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1352789636775432192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2021</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Meredith Cash  (@mercash22) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1362579152684081152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Claire Watkins  (@ScoutRipley) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1360305857188093952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2021</a></blockquote><p>There is little doubt that Lavelle is at her best when she is empowered to attack from the center of the field, but she hasn't been afforded that luxury since her early days in Britain. To this point, Taylor has largely appeared unwilling to compromise on his typical formation (4-3-3) which boasts three true forwards and usually holds midfielders back from pushing up to attack with regularity.</p><div type="image" title="rose lavelle" height="1753" width="2345" msid="81132066" hostid="261"></div><p>In other words, Lavelle's natural 10 positioning doesn't fit the scheme Manchester City has in place. And, to be fair, it is tough to argue with Taylor's logic when his team has won each of its last five <keyword id="10056419" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fa-wsl">FA WSL</keyword> matches and sits in second on the league table.</p><p>Even still, Lavelle is a bright enough star to warrant a system molded to her strengths. And every time she shines for the world's greatest team in its most crucial moments, Lavelle raises more eyebrows in Taylor's direction.</p>

Rose Lavelle has been sensational for the USWNT, so her lack of playing time for Manchester City is puzzling

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/538ccddbeab8ea896d926f0e-594-448/davidvilla.jpg" border="0" alt="attached image" style="color: #000000;" /><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/daniel-carvajal-and-david-villa-of-atletico-madrid-in-news-photo/494006189#">Jean Catuffe/Getty</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div>Days after <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/frank-lampard-signs-new-york-3631083">The Daily Mirror linked</a> both Frank Lampard and David Villa to New York City FC, the new MLS club co-owned by the Yankees and Manchester City, t<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">he Spanish striker </span><a href="http://nycfc.com/News/Latest-News/2014/June/David-Villa-signs-for-NYCFC">has officially inked a three-year deal</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> with the club that will play out of Yankee Sta</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">dium b</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">e</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">ginning in March.</span></p>
<p><span>Villa, 32, is Spain's all-time leading goal scorer and was an integral member of the Spanish sides that won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. His club career has been equally impressive, particularly his stint at FC Barcelona from 2010-2013, when he helped win both La Liga and the UEFA Champion's League. This past season, Villa helped Atletico Madrid win its first La Liga title since 1996 and took them to the Champion's League final.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"Throughout my career I've always tried to keep pushing myself to achieve new targets and this represents another important goal for me," <a href="http://nycfc.com/News/Latest-News/2014/June/David-Villa-signs-for-NYCFC">Villa said today</a>.  "I want to try and help MLS continue to grow, through playing, working hard, scoring goals and at the same time try to make New York City FC become the best team in the league. It's a real honor that the people who have formed the club have focused their attention on me. I'm keen to do the best I can, take on board that extra responsibility and prove my worth by repaying the confidence they have shown in me."</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span>Lampard, the 35-year-old English veteran midfielder, </span><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2644893/Frank-Lampard-told-no-new-deal-Chelsea-MLS-newcomers-New-York-City-favourites-sign-him.html">confirmed this morning</a><span> that he's departing from Chelsea, but no offical deal has been made with New York City FC, despite reports.  Lampard, Chelsea's all-time leading goal scorer (211) </span><span>had also been </span><span></span><a href="http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/291919.html">previously linked to the L.A. Galaxy</a><span>, and will serve as the vice captain on England's World Cup squad this summer. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Villa's signing marks a trend in recent years of high-profile European players joining MLS late in their careers. The Spaniard will share New York City's soccer limelight with French striker Thierry Henry, currently playing for the New York Red Bulls. Here's hoping Villa's arrival sparks the beginning of a new sports rivalry in New York City.</span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>So excited to be the first player in the history of <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCFC">@NYCFC</a>! I'm ready for this new challenge! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23VillatoNYCFC&amp;src=hash">#VillatoNYCFC</a> <a href="http://t.co/q1ygpyKYLv">pic.twitter.com/q1ygpyKYLv</a></p>
- David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Guaje7Villa/statuses/473464640765431810">June 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>On the plane heading to the USA, my next home! A quick hi to all New Yorkers! I hope you support me in the World Cup <a href="http://t.co/APjvYmaroe">pic.twitter.com/APjvYmaroe</a></p>
- David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Guaje7Villa/statuses/473480219341619201">June 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<p>Here's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VbQJ8TCrjE">a video</a> from Villa's signing this morning:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4VbQJ8TCrjE"></iframe></p>

Spanish Soccer Star David Villa Joining New York City's Newest MLS Team

Adidas CEO explains how the company pulled off a startling American turnaround, what the future of sportswear is, and why Kanye West is still good for business

You Searched For "NYCFC" and got 8 results

Lionel Messi says he dreams of playing soccer in the United States, giving MLS fans renewed hopes of seeing the star stateside

Meredith Cash

A 20-year-old intern for NYC Football Club accused a major star of sexual harassment. Here's what the club is ready to do about it.

Meredith Cash

Manchester City Players Do Dribbling Tricks All Over New York City In An Ad For NYC's New MLS Team

Tony Manfred

One Philadelphia diehard fan is about to embark on the ultimate sports week — watching the Flyers, Eagles, Union, Phillies, and Sixers in six days

Tyler Lauletta

Lionel Messi is being targeted by Manchester City in a deal that could bring the superstar to the US after 3 years in the Premier League

Tyler Lauletta

Rose Lavelle has been sensational for the USWNT, so her lack of playing time for Manchester City is puzzling

Meredith Cash

Spanish Soccer Star David Villa Joining New York City's Newest MLS Team

Emmett Knowlton

Adidas CEO explains how the company pulled off a startling American turnaround, what the future of sportswear is, and why Kanye West is still good for business

Dennis Green