sports volleyball Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the SenateShould the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers?The finals countdown: Mead football charges into semis against Pomona

Manchester City's struggles continued as Pep Guardiola's side remarkably blew a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain to leave the French club in danger of elimination. There were also big wins for Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen, while Inter Milan went top of the standings after five games and Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski reached a century of Champions League goals. However, the biggest drama came at the Etihad Stadium, where City were cruising early in the second half with a three-goal advantage as they sought to end a run of five successive defeats in all competitions. Erling Haaland opened the scoring from a penalty just before half-time, and Ilkay Gundogan's deflected shot made it 2-0 in the 50th minute. Haaland struck again to make it 3-0, but Feyenoord's comeback began on 75 minutes when Anis Hadj Moussa took advantage of hapless defending to round goalkeeper Ederson and pull one back. Substitute Santiago Gimenez bundled in to make it 3-2 on 82 minutes and the equaliser arrived a minute from the end. Ederson was again caught out with Igor Paixao going around the goalkeeper and crossing for Slovak international David Hancko to head in. "We concede a lot of goals because we are not stable," complained Guardiola. "We lost a lot of games lately. We are fragile and of course we need a victory." It is the first time that a team has gone into the last 20 minutes of a Champions League game trailing by three goals and still avoided defeat, as the point boosts the Dutch side's hopes of progressing. City are two points outside the top eight places which offer direct qualification for the last 16, while Bayern moved above them by beating PSG 1-0 in Munich. South Korean defender Kim Min-jae scored the only goal seven minutes before half-time, heading in after goalkeeper Matvei Safonov failed to clear a corner. PSG had Ousmane Dembele sent off in the second half and the French champions have just four points, and three goals, from five games. They are a lowly 26th in the 36-team league, a point adrift of the positions which offer a place in the play-off round in February. "We need to win our last three matches, otherwise we risk being eliminated," admitted PSG coach Luis Enrique. Lewandowski notched his 100th goal in the competition with an early penalty in Barcelona's 3-0 home win over French side Brest. Dani Olmo netted midway through the second half before Lewandowski sealed Barca's win at the death, his 101st goal in the Champions League -- only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have scored more. Inter lead the standings with 13 points, a point ahead of Barcelona and Liverpool, after a 1-0 win at home to RB Leipzig which means they are also still yet to concede a goal. Castello Lukeba's own goal made the difference at San Siro, and Leipzig are one of only three teams to have lost five games out of five. Arsenal romped to a 5-1 victory away to Sporting in Lisbon, as the Portuguese side adapt to life without coach Ruben Amorim, who has departed for Manchester United. Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes all scored in the first half for Arsenal, before Goncalo Inacio pulled one back shortly after the restart. Bukayo Saka converted a penalty on 65 minutes after Martin Odegaard had been brought down, and Leandro Trossard headed in to seal Arsenal's win late on. Atalanta romped to a 6-1 win over rock-bottom Young Boys in Switzerland, with Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere both scoring braces. Sead Kolasinac and Lazar Samardzic also netted for the Italians, with Silvere Ganvoula getting the hosts' reply. Florian Wirtz struck twice, including a penalty, as Leverkusen crushed Red Bull Salzburg 5-0, with Alejandro Grimaldo scoring a superb free-kick and Patrik Schick and Aleix Garcia also netting. Julian Alvarez and substitute Angel Correa each scored twice and Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann once as Atletico romped to a 6-0 win away to Sparta Prague. Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao and Tammy Abraham were the scorers in AC Milan's 3-2 win at Slovan Bratislava, whose goals came from Tigran Barseghyan and Nino Marcelli. Marko Tolic saw red at the end for Slovan, who are without a point. as/nfSyra Health to Present at NobleCon20VW, Goldman and pension funds: Who has most on the line in Northvolt bankruptcy?

Recent developments in the crypto market have brought Binance Coin (BNB), Avalanche (AVAX), and B lockDAG (BDAG) into focus for their respective reasons. The Binance Coin (BNB) value is nearing $697 as institutional and crypto investors show increasing interest. On the other hand, AVAX technical analysis highlights volatility, with recent upgrades introducing both potential and uncertainty. While the developments are notable, BlockDAG’s recent AMA session has captured significant attention for confirming the project’s mainnet launch in 2025. The session highlighted BlockDAG’s 2024 milestones, including surpassing $172 million in presale, reinforcing its status as the top crypto to buy today. Binance Coin (BNB) Value Nears $697 Mark BNB continues to attract attention as its value nears $697, driven by institutional interest and whale activity. While it shows potential for reaching $1,000, the coin faces hurdles in sustaining momentum. Maintaining support above $690 is crucial to avoid a downward correction toward $651, raising concerns for cautious investors. While the Binance Coin (BNB) value climb remains significant in the market, some analysts caution that its current valuation may limit short-term returns. Additionally, its dependence on the Binance ecosystem makes it susceptible to regulatory pressures, which could not appeal to those seeking the best crypto to buy today. AVAX Technical Analysis Highlights Volatility Avalanche (AVAX) is grappling with volatility after significant network upgrades, including the Avalanche9000 mainnet and Etna improvements. Currently trading at $42.71, the token has broken through key support levels, leaving investors cautious. AVAX technical analysis reveals a neutral RSI at 45.46, suggesting limited momentum. Investors are also concerned about the delayed market impact of its upgrades, which could prolong its recovery. The token’s inability to sustain higher prices adds to skepticism and its volatile trajectory. These challenges emphasize the importance of identifying the best crypto to buy today, especially for those seeking more stable investment options amid market fluctuations. BlockDAG Sees Massive Gains as Mainnet Launch Announced BlockDAG’s recent 4th AMA session has left the crypto world buzzing with excitement, as it shed light on how BlockDAG is rewriting blockchain technology with its remarkable achievements. The AMA also offered an inspiring recap of its 2024 achievements, including raising over $172 million during its presale, a thriving community of 70K+ Telegram members, and the successful launch of its Alpha Testnet with 100 nodes. The BlockDAG team also completed its DAG-based core blockchain back in October 2024. In the AMA, the team highlighted how this reflects that BlockDAG is technically ready to launch, but it is prioritizing additional features and hitting presale milestones first. Moreover, the AMA also revealed some crucial updates on BDAG’s potential listings. Crypto fans were thrilled to hear about the project’s ongoing talks with four venture capital firms and plans to list BDAG on at least 10 exchanges at launch, with tier-1 listings expected later. Following the AMA, the project is experiencing a massive influx of new traders, driving daily inflows past $5 million and boosting the total presale funds to $172 million. With the rising interest in the project, market experts are predicting BlockDAG could reach its ambitious $600 million presale target soon, marking itself as the biggest presale of the decade. Early supporters have already seen returns of 2240% as BDAG’s price has climbed from $0.001 to $0.0234 across 26 presale batches. For those looking to join this rapidly growing project, now is the perfect time to act. BDAG coins are currently available at an accessible price of just $0.0234. However, this low entry point won’t last much longer, as the project is on the verge of entering batch 27, which will bring a significant price increase. The Best Crypto to Buy Today While Binance Coin (BNB) value hovers near $697 amid institutional interest and AVAX technical analysis points to ongoing volatility, BlockDAG raises the bar high with its advanced DAG technology and record-breaking presale progress. Following its recent AMA, which revealed plans for 2025 and tier-1 exchange listings, BlockDAG has experienced a significant boost in market confidence. This surge has propelled its presale funds to over $172 million, with daily inflows exceeding $5 million. For those seeking the best crypto to buy today , BlockDAG stands out as a rare opportunity, offering unmatched growth potential. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.Alex Ovechkin expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks with a broken left leg

Judge denies retired Montana Highway Patrol chief’s motion to find AG in contempt

Navigation Satellite System Technology Market: Scope, Trends, and AI Impact 12-23-2024 06:57 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: Statifacts The navigation satellite system technology market has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for precise geolocation services across various industries. From everyday smartphone applications to mission-critical military operations, satellite navigation systems form the backbone of modern positioning technologies. As this market continues to evolve, new opportunities and challenges are emerging, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Market Scope The scope of the navigation satellite system technology market is extensive, encompassing global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. These systems provide critical services for sectors like transportation, agriculture, defense, telecommunications, and urban planning. The market also includes ancillary technologies such as ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS), receivers, and software solutions that enhance navigation accuracy and reliability. With the proliferation of IoT devices and connected technologies, the demand for GNSS-enabled applications is surging. Autonomous vehicles, drones, smart cities, and precision farming are prime examples where navigation satellite systems are integral. Furthermore, the growing reliance on location-based services (LBS) in retail, healthcare, and emergency response underscores the increasing relevance of this market. View Detailed Dataset@ https://www.statifacts.com/outlook/navigation-satellite-system-technology-market Top Trends Shaping the Market 1.Multi-Constellation Support: Modern navigation devices are increasingly designed to support multiple GNSS constellations, enhancing accuracy and reliability in challenging environments such as urban canyons or dense forests. 2.Miniaturization and Cost Reduction: Advances in semiconductor technology are leading to smaller, more affordable GNSS receivers, enabling widespread adoption in consumer electronics and industrial applications. 3.Integration with Emerging Technologies: GNSS is being integrated with technologies like 5G, IoT, and blockchain to deliver enhanced security, low-latency services, and improved synchronization in networks. 4.Focus on Cybersecurity: As reliance on GNSS grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against spoofing and jamming attacks. 5.Regional Expansion: Countries are investing heavily in indigenous satellite systems to reduce dependence on foreign GNSS, such as India's NavIC and Japan's QZSS. Unlock critical market insights by exploring the sample via the link@ https://www.statifacts.com/download-product/7129 AI's Transformative Impact Artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role in transforming the navigation satellite system technology market. AI algorithms are being leveraged to process vast amounts of GNSS data, improving positioning accuracy and reliability. For instance, AI-powered machine learning models can predict and mitigate signal interference caused by weather conditions, buildings, or other obstacles. Moreover, AI is critical in autonomous navigation, enabling vehicles and drones to make real-time decisions based on GNSS data combined with sensor inputs. Predictive analytics powered by AI is also enhancing GNSS applications in agriculture, optimizing irrigation, and crop monitoring by analyzing location data. The convergence of AI and GNSS is fostering innovations such as AI-driven crowdsource mapping, where real-time data from millions of users is analyzed to update maps dynamically. Additionally, AI is being employed in cybersecurity solutions to detect and counteract spoofing and jamming attempts, ensuring the integrity of navigation services. Navigation Satellite System Technology Market Top Companies: Qualcomm Broadcom MediaTek SkyTraq Intel STMicroelectronics FURUNO Raytheon Collins Aerospace Systems TomTom Topcon Trimble Navigation u-blox Browse More Insights: •Plant-Based Spreads Market: https://www.statifacts.com/outlook/plant-based-spreads-market •Multiplex Biomarker Imaging Market: https://www.statifacts.com/outlook/multiplex-biomarker-imaging-market •IV Therapy and Vein Access Devices Market: https://www.statifacts.com/outlook/iv-therapy-and-vein-access-devices-market •Natural Tea Extract Market: https://www.statifacts.com/outlook/natural-tea-extract-market •Pharmaceutical Grade Sodium Chloride Market: https://www.statifacts.com/outlook/pharmaceutical-grade-sodium-chloride-market Statifacts offers subscription services for data and analytics insights. This page provides options to explore and purchase a subscription tailored to your needs, granting access to valuable statistical resources and tools. Access here - https://www.statifacts.com/get-a-subscription Buy this Databook@ https://www.statifacts.com/order-report/7129 Contact Us: Ballindamm 22, 20095 Hamburg, Germany About Us: Statifacts is a leading provider of comprehensive market research and analytics services, offering over 1,000,000 market and customer data sets across various industries. Their platform enables businesses to make informed strategic decisions by providing full access to statistics, downloadable in formats such as XLS, PDF, and PNG. Visit Our Sitemap: https://www.statifacts.com/outlook/sitemap.xml This release was published on openPR.

Brazilian police formally accused Bolsonaro of an attempted coup. What comes next?Ransomware attack on software supplier disrupts operations for Starbucks and other retailers

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.Denver, CO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bobby Rusnak, franchisee and Area Director for Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Colorado and Wyoming, has become a key figure in the brand’s regional operations. His journey with Dickey’s began in 2016 when he stepped in to assist his family during a challenging period. In 2021, Rusnak officially took ownership of the business, evolving into a leadership role that combines operational excellence with a dedication to franchisee support and community engagement. “My role is to support the brand and my fellow franchisees while ensuring we deliver exceptional barbecue experiences to our guests,” Rusnak said. “As an Area Director, I’m focused on strengthening operations and helping franchisees overcome challenges, one store at a time.” Rusnak oversees 15 locations across Colorado, balancing ownership of his stores with responsibilities as an Area Director. This includes guiding franchisees in stabilizing operations and adhering to the high standards Dickey’s is known for. “Bobby’s ability to lead by example and his deep understanding of the challenges franchisees face make him an exceptional Area Director,” said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “He is a true partner in growing the brand and supporting our franchisees in achieving their goals.” Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., added, “Bobby’s story embodies the heart of our brand—stepping up for family and community. His leadership as an Area Director strengthens not only the Dickey’s franchise system but also the relationships we value so deeply with our owner-operators.” Under Rusnak’s leadership, Dickey’s locations in Colorado continue to deliver the slow-smoked barbecue experience that has defined the brand for over 80 years. His commitment ensures franchisees have the tools and resources they need to thrive. “Stepping into this role was about doing what was needed to stabilize and grow the business,” Rusnak said. “It’s rewarding to see the impact we’re making in our communities and across the region.” Bobby Rusnak’s journey underscores Dickey’s dedication to empowering franchisees and fostering a collaborative network that drives success. About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can’t be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment Bobby Rusnak

Ransomware attack on software supplier disrupts operations for Starbucks and other retailers

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden . Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in the slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row: , convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber, ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Opponents of the death penalty for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of , a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move just weeks before the president-elect takes office. Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by one of the men whose death sentence was commuted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.” Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a bank robbery in South Carolina in 2017, called Biden's commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post, adding that the weeks she spent sitting in court with the hope of justice were now “just a waste of time.” “At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.” There has always been a broad range of opinions on what punishment Roof should face from the families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. Many forgave him, but they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did. Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing and said then she can’t even close her eyes to pray because Roof started firing during the closing prayer of Bible study that night. In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift. Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for. “This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.” But the Rev. Sharon Richer, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out all of death row. She said every time Roof’s case comes up through numerous appeals it is like reliving the massacre all over again. “I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Richer said in a statement. Richer, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, was driven to tears by conflicting emotions during a Zoom news conference Monday. “The families are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come,” Richer said. “I’ve got to stay away from the news today. I’ve got to turn the TV off — because whose face am I going to see?” Biden is giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of what drove them to kill, said Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director. “These three racists and terrorists who have been left on death row came to their crimes from political motivations. When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said. Two of the men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire with assault rifles during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin. Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. She said his case “reflects many of the system’s flaws,” and thanked Biden for commuting his sentence. “Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.” Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writer Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, contributed to this report.US to send $1.25 billion in weapons to Ukraine, pushing to get aid out before Biden leaves office

Long-time teammates for both club and country, Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi are finally reunited. After near misses and emotional words on both sides, Mascherano is now Messi’s manager after he replaced Gerardo Martino at Inter Miami this week. Following Miami’s disastrous exit in the first round of the MLS playoffs, Martino announced his own departure citing “strictly personal reasons” for his exit. Whether it was his or the club’s decision, there was no surprise at the end of Martino’s tenure as Miami aim to maximize the limited time they have left with Messi. Embarking on a new era, Miami have now hired one of Messi’s closest former teammates and friends, Mascherano, who most recently oversaw Argentina’s U23 team at the Paris 2024 Games. Mascherano will have already fulfilled the number one requirement in managing Inter Miami, that being a close bond with Messi. And this renewed partnership has been a long time in the making. The two Argentininan legends have seen their careers tied to each other for much of the past two decades, starting with joint success at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Country connection turned to club when Mascherano joined Messi at Barcelina in 2010 and from there, the duo flourished alongside each other. For much of the next ten years, Mascherano and Messi were focal members of one of the most impressive clubs sides in recent history, winning five La Liga titles, five Copa del Reys, and two Champions Leagues together. On top of that, the two legends sit first and second in the table of most caps for Argentina, Mascherano losing the lead to Messi who is now closing in on 200 senior appearances. But their physical time together and the titles won alongside each other is just the tip of the iceberg for a genuine friendship that has transcended much of their two careers. Not always known for laying his emotions bare in public, Messi took the opportunity to mention Mascherano in a heartfelt message after passing the former Liverpool midfielder for most Argenmtina caps in 2021. “I am proud to have been able to wear the blue and white as many times as my friend Masche whom I love very much, and who I have always respected and admired." Meanwhile, Mascherano not only recognises the player Messi has been throughout this era, but even believes his greatness could have translated to other areas of the pitch. "If Messi were a defender, he would perhaps be one of the best defenders in the world," he said. "Sometimes, at Barca we played 1v1 and it was impossible to get past him. We had no chance against him! "Sometimes, attackers know how to defend. Leo defends very well. He was very fast and when you tried to dribble past him it was impossible." The relationship that has led to so much success for each of these two Barcelona and Argentina legends nearly reignited this summer, Mascherano making his best effort to get Messi on his side. Despite Messi playing for Argentina in the Copa America, Mascherano who was in charge of their country’s Olympic squad, did everything in his power to make Messi one of the three overage players in his group. "I spoke with Leo and we agreed to keep talking," Mascherano said in March. "He has just started the season with Inter Miami and we still have some time until the Olympic Games. And we have to consider he also has the Copa América ahead this summer. It is not an easy situation. "We have to see if he really has the energy to be there [in Paris]. It is not our intention to bother him or pressure him. We made him an invitation in advance and we gave him all the facts he needs to think about it and to talk with his club. "It is not easy for him, either, to manage it with Inter Miami and the MLS and to be absent for a while. He will decide at the right time" In the end, Messi at his advanced age chose not to play a second tournament of the summer and Mascherano’s side were eliminated by hosts France in the quarter-final stage. Still though, Mascherano has made no secret of his desire to manage Messi and work with his long-time friend once again. He even placed the decision of his own national team fate all the way back in 2016 on the outcome of Messi’s choices. Following a third successive defeat in an international final - this time to Chile in the Copa America - Messi announced his retirement from La Seleccion. "The fact that a teammate and a friend, who is also the [Argentina] captain, said that he didn't want to come back anymore, made you think," Mascherano said. "We all asked ourselves what we would do if Leo didn't return. Because behind that decision there was a reason." Messi ended up returning and Mascherano followed him. Now, for the third time in their careers - after Barcelona and Argentina - Mascherano is following his former club and country captain. Whether Mascherano ends up as the answer to Inter Miami’s MLS Cup quest, it is clear that his close relationship with Messi will remain at the centre of everything they aim to build in south Florida.AHL suspends Griffins’ William Lagesson three games for UFC-style chokehold

Katahdin Bankshares Corp. announces quarterly dividend

Four people lose 45 lakh in online share trading fraudRomanian lawmakers narrowly approves new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil