Lionel Messi has urged his Inter Miami teammates to stick together and fight through their current rough patch following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Orlando City on Sunday night in the MLS. The loss added to a worrying run for Inter Miami, who have now managed just one win in their last seven games across all competitions.

Speaking to Apple TV after the match, the Argentine star admitted it’s a tough moment for the team but believes it’s also a time to show true character.

“It’s in times like this you see the real team,” Messi said. “It’s easy when things are going well, but now we need to be more united than ever and pull through this together.” Inter Miami will face table-toppers Philadelphia next, as they look to bounce back. The team currently sits in 6th place with 22 points.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has named three key players he wants to see join the club this summer, including Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Rooney believes Osimhen would be a strong addition as a No. 9 and expects him to be available in the upcoming transfer window.

In a recent interview with Amazon Prime, Rooney also suggested bringing back former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. He feels the team has missed De Gea’s presence and that the experienced keeper can still perform at a high level for the Red Devils.

For his third choice, Rooney recommended Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, saying Guehi could make a significant positive impact at Old Trafford. Despite a tough Premier League season, Manchester United is set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final this Wednesday, giving the team a chance to end the season on a high note.

Former US international Alexi Lalas has spoken out against Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi after the Argentine’s heated confrontation with referee Tim Ford in their recent 3-3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. The incident happened late in the match at PayPal Stadium when Messi made a sharp run in the 93rd minute and seemed to be fouled just outside the penalty area following a sliding tackle by Daniel Munie. Messi quickly demanded a free kick, but the referee waved play on.

After the game, Messi was visibly upset and confronted Ford over his decisions. The situation escalated to the point where San Jose’s coach Bruce Arena had to step in and hold Messi back, as Ford reportedly threatened to show a red card. Lalas wasn’t impressed with Messi’s behavior. On his State of the Union podcast, he said he thought Arena handled the situation well and called Messi’s actions “a bad look.”

He praised the referee for standing firm and not giving Messi special treatment, saying the official repeatedly told Messi to get up and continue, regardless of his star status. Messi, who joined Inter Miami a few years ago after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, has been known for his incredible skills on the field, but this episode shows even the greatest can clash with referees.