Lionel Messi scored twice for Inter Miami in their 2-1 win against Nashville.
Messi had both goals for Inter Miami, one of which was a free kick. At 0-0, Inter Miami were awarded a free kick and it was Messi who took it.
The 38 year old took it and he would kick it low into the bottom corner to give Inter Miami the 1-0 lead. Nashville would draw level but once more, it was Messi.
At 1-1, the Argentine would press to win the ball and score to give Inter Miami the 2-1 lead. Messi now has 11 goals and four assists in Inter Miami’s last five matches.
Atletico Madrid have made contact over Thiago Almada possibly joining the club.
Diego Simeone’s team could be getting another Argentine player. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish club made contact on Saturday to be informed on Almada possibly joining them.
They were informed on deal conditions with initial contacts taking place and the decision up to the club. Benfica had direct talks for Almada earlier this week.
Talks between Inter Miami and Atletico Madrid for Rodrigo De Paul are in their final stages.
Rodrigo De Paul could soon be an Inter Miami player. According to Fabrizio Romano, the talks between the two clubs for the Argentine are in their final stages.
Inter Miami are confident with details remaining to be sorted before a deal is done.
Ángel Di María scored on his return for Rosario Central but was later substituted out injured.
Di María was back playing for Rosario Central after 18 years and had the only goal for them in their 1-1 draw against Godoy Cruz. The 37 year old was in the starting eleven after being officially presented as a Rosario Central player.
With the score at 0-0, Rosario were awarded a penalty kick and it was the Argentine who took it. Di María went to the goalkeeper’s left with the goalkeeper diving the wrong way and he would score to give Rosario Central the 1-0 lead.
With Rosario Central leading 1-0, Di María was tackled from behind and substituted out due to injury.
Lionel Messi has joined El Club de la Milanesa as a global partner and shareholder. The announcement, made official earlier this week, marks a new step for the Argentine food chain, which currently operates in Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States. In an exclusive interview with Mundo Albiceleste, Reinaldo Bacigalupo, who oversees marketing and international development for the brand, discussed the details of the partnership and the company’s expansion strategy.
Lionel Messi’s Role in the Project
Bacigalupo explained that the relationship between Messi and the company began informally years ago, when the footballer visited one of their restaurants in Rosario.
“Messi came to our location in Pellegrini (Rosario) with his brothers years ago. It was a normal lunch, but a big moment for us. Later, through mutual contacts, we were able to make a formal proposal.”
According to Bacigalupo, Messi is now a passive partner in the company.
“He’s currently focused on football, but he became a global partner in the brand. The idea is that, over time, his involvement may grow as the relationship develops.”
The company has plans to gradually integrate Messi’s presence in different ways, possibly including a product line or a menu item selected or inspired by him.
“Unlike other collaborations, here he’s a co-owner. That implies a different type of commitment,” Bacigalupo said.
El Club de la Milanesa opened its first U.S. location in Miami in 2024. The company chose Miami after conducting market studies in several cities, including New York, Madrid, and Barcelona.
“We spent time living in each city to understand the local food scene. Miami stood out because of its strong Latin American presence,” Bacigalupo explained.
The company plans to open new locations in the state of Florida.
“We already signed for a second location in North Beach, on the corner of 71st and Collins, and we’re looking into Doral and Aventura. We’ve also started conversations to have a presence at Inter Miami’s new stadium.”
By the end of 2025, the group expects to operate five locations in the U.S., with long-term plans to enter other major markets such as New York and the West Coast. The same expansion model is being considered for parts of Europe.
“We’re looking for experienced operators in each region. The goal is to grow through local partners who already manage restaurants.”
The restaurant’s concept is centered around the milanesa, a traditional Argentine dish. Bacigalupo described the brand’s positioning as informal and accessible.
“It’s about sharing a meal—milanesa, beer, conversation. It’s a simple environment meant to reflect everyday Argentine customs.”
The restaurants are designed to serve a broad customer base.
“People can come as they are. It’s not a formal setting. The idea is to replicate the experience of eating your favorite dish outside of home, with consistent quality.”
The menu adapts slightly by time of day, with lighter options offered at lunch and more typical milanesa plates available in the evening.
“In Argentina, people have strong opinions about football, politics, and milanesas. It’s something everyone connects with. That’s part of what makes the concept scalable to other regions.”
Messi’s incorporation into the business coincides with the company’s broader efforts to expand internationally. The brand currently operates over 70 locations in Argentina and Uruguay, and its U.S. presence is expected to grow in the coming years.
