Kambi, a B2B provider of sports betting services, has reported that the arrival of the soccer legend Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has led to an unprecedented spike in Major League Soccer betting activity.

As reported by the sports betting specialist, the popularity of Inter Miami and the MLS as a whole has skyrocketed, leading to a whopping 33% increase in bets on the MLS compared to 2022. This announcement comes ahead of the MLS Cup this weekend and highlights the growing growth of soccer and betting in the US.

For reference, Lionel Messi, who previously helped Argentina win the FIFA 2022 World Cup, joined Inter Miami in July, revitalizing interest in the MLS and MLS betting among Kambi’s operator partners.

In fact, Inter Miami quickly cemented itself as the most bet on MLS team of the year thanks to the addition of Messi to its roster. For reference, the ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player forward played six times and scored four goals in the MLS. Inter Miami also participated in 8 of the 10 most bet on games during the season.

Prior to the acquisition of Messi, Inter Miami was only the 15th most bet on team.

Messi Helped Inter Miami Rise

Messi’s contribution to Inter Miami is not surprising considering the soccer star’s immense popularity. The player quickly cemented himself as the most bet on player in the MLS over the past four years, exceeding the bets on Denis Bouanga, the second most bet on player, by a whopping 140%.

Kambi’s head of soccer, Jonathon Hurst, commented on Messi’s contribution to the MLS, saying that it is a “landmark moment” the importance of which cannot be understated. According to Hurst, the popularity of Inter Miami is poised to explode even further as Messi is about to be joined by his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.

Hurst added that Messi has an undisputable global appeal that will continue to positively affect his team.

Messi’s global appeal and star power have captured the attention of fans worldwide, and this has translated into a significant increase in betting engagement on MLS matches.
Jonathon Hurst, head of soccer, Kambi

Speaking of Kambi, the group just proceeded with a $3 million share buyback program that will be conducted over several transactions on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Stockholm.

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Hard Rock International has unveiled a new partnership with its global brand ambassador, Lionel Messi. According to the announcement, the company will work with the soccer star on a new namesake menu item.

The new item will be a Messi Chicken Sandwich that was “Made For You by Leo Messi.” The dish is inspired by the Milanesa, one of the Argentinean player’s favorite foods.

The new item is described as a “Milanese style” sandwich, with its release coinciding with Messi’s historic entrance into Major League Soccer and his foray into South Florida, which houses the Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.

The Milanesa is an Argentinean staple Messi grew up with. Hard Rock’s sandwich version features a crispy Milanese-style chicken breast topped with melted provolone cheese and herbed aioli. The dish also features tomatoes, arugula and a toasted artisan bun. According to Hard Rock, the new item will provide “a winning bite every time.”

The Messi Chicken Sandwich will be available at participating Hard Rock Cafe locations and Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos via in-room dining worldwide starting today.

Hard Rock International celebrated the release of the new item with a new commercial directed by Marco Grandia and the Yes, We’re Open agency. The video is called “Something New is Cooking” and stars Messi. By scanning a unique QR code, fans can hear a welcome message from the soccer star himself and access unique 360 digital experiences, trivia games and more.

Messi Wants to Share the Milanesa with the Rest of the World

Lionel Messi commented on the new collaboration with Hard Rock, sharing his excitement to bring the flavors of Argentina to the rest of the world. He praised Hard Rock International for being the best partner to bring this project to life.

Like any great teammate, Hard Rock has been with me through historic milestones, and I can’t wait for my fans all over the world to get a taste of one of my childhood favorites that still makes me feel at home, wherever in the world I am.

Lionel Messi, brand ambassador, Hard Rock International

Jim Allen, Hard Rock International’s chairman, commented on the partnership with the soccer star. He lauded Messi as one of the greatest athletes and a major cultural icon. In addition to that, Allen noted, Messi is a Hard Rock ambassador whose values align with the company’s.

We are extremely honored to partner with someone who embodies the champion and winning spirit in all facets of his professional and personal life, and we look forward to welcoming him to the U.S. as part of our extended Hard Rock family.

Jim Allen, chair, Hard Rock International

Previously, Hard Rock and Messi teamed up to release a Messi Burger that has since become a fan favorite. The burger’s launch celebrated Messi’s world championship run and historic win. The release is a part of the company’s “LIVE GREATNESS” campaign.

The post Hard Rock Launches a Messi Chicken Sandwich in Partnership with the Soccer Star appeared first on Keno Wizard.

On Saturday, April 15^th, 2023 the young talent in Kylian Mbappé as well as the old legend in Lionel Messi both scored a goal each as the French League leading Paris Saint – Germain benefitted from a red card in order to defeat the 2^nd – place in the French League, Lens, with a final tally of 3 to 1. Paris Saint – Germain now will move to 9 – points in front of their rival in France.

Kylian Mbappe

It was an extremely special goal score for Kylian. Earlier this season Mbappe became Paris Saint – Germain’s all – time leading goal scorer when he managed to surpass Edinson Cavani’s 200 – goal mark.

Kylian’s dominant strike on Saturday vs. Lens made the only 24 – year – old French striker as the overall all – time top goal scorer for Paris Saint – Germain in the French Leaguewith 139 – total goals. Cavani netted a total of 138 – goals. Overall, Mbappé now counts 203 – goal strikes for Paris Saint – Germain.

Marseille now can move above Lens with a home win of their own versus the struggling Troyes on Sunday, April 16^th, 2023 with just 7 – games remaining following the matches over this weekend’s round.

Lens seemed to be in complete control of the contest up until the midfielder in Salis Abdul Samed was ejected for a reckless challenge on the right back, Achraf Hakimi, during the 19^th – minute of match play.

Kylian Mbappé just as happened to score his league – leading 20^th – goal score when he accepted a nice pass from his midfielder, Vitinha, and Kylian turned very fast prior to slamming his 1^st – time shot that slapped into the bottom right corner of the net during the 31^st – minute of game time. Vitinha managed to double the lead for PSG just 6 – minutes after that with a 25 – meter smash into the same corner of the opposing goal.

Lionel Messi

Lionel then struck during the 40^th – minute with his buddy from France, Mbappé, who back – heeled the football to the Argentine – native for a low strike finding the back of the net. That was Messi’s 15^th – league goal score.

Lens so seemed to perform better than Paris Saint – Germain did during the 2^nd – half of this match, even though they were playing with a man down. A hand – ball from Paris Saint – Germain’s midfielder, Fabian Ruiz, after a corner – kick gave Lens a penalty – shot, and the Polish winger, Przemysław Frankowski, sent goal – keeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, to the wrong side during the 60^th – minute of game play.

Lens’ 15 – goal top scorer in Loïs Openda put up a shot that was saved during the 64^th – minute, and then he forced a corner – kick as the visitors kept up the intense pressure on Paris Saint – Germain.

Paris Saint – Germain’s Head Coach

The Paris Saint – Germain head coach, Christophe Galtier, has recently been under extreme pressure following his 8 – losses this season across all of the competitions. This week he passionately disagreed with all of the allegations that he had made racist as well as anti – Muslim remarks while Galtier was in charge of Nice during the previous European football season.

The Parc des Princes fans became quite quite when Lens controlled the action early on, with Samed’s header neatly saved by Donnarumma in just the first 2 – minutes of the game.

Paris Saint – Germain’s defender in Danilo almost managed to score on an ever so embarrassing own – goal when his winding back – pass from somewhere near half – way downfield surprised Donnarumma during the 10^th – minute of match play, but it luckily bounced just wide of the net.

The game seemed to turn in favor of Paris Saint Germain’s when the midfielder, Samed, lunged at Hakimi as he caught his left ankle in a very dangerous slide – tackle.

Other Match Play last Saturday, April 15^th, 2023

Also on Saturday, April 15^th, 2023 Rennes defeated Reims with a final tally of 3 to nil in order to move just 1 – point in front of Lille and into 5^th – place. The Belgium winger, Jérémy Doku, scored 2 – times for Rennes during the first 20 – minutes of that game. The defender in Arthur Theate made scored another goal to make it 3 to nil during the 69^th – minute of that contest.

Kylian Mbappe’s Football Career Achievements, Honors, & Awards

Monaco

• Ligue 1: 2016 – 2017
• Coupe de la Ligue Runner – Up: 2016 – 2017

Paris Saint-Germain

• Ligue 1: 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019, 2019 – 2020, 2021 – 2022
• Coupe de France: 2017 – 2018, 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021; Runner – Up: 2018 – 2019
• Coupe de la Ligue: 2017 – 2018, 2019 – 2020
• Trophée des Champions: 2019, 2020
• UEFA Champions League Runner – Up: 2019 – 2020

France U19

• UEFA European Under – 19 Championship: 2016

France

• FIFA World Cup: 2018; Runner – Up: 2022
• UEFA Nations League: 2020 – 2021

Individual

• UEFA European Under – 19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2016
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2018 – 2019, 2020 – 2021, 2021 – 2022
• UNFP Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year: 2016 – 2017, 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019
• UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2016 – 2017, 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019, 2020 – 2021, 2021 – 2022
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month: April 2017, March 2018, August 2018, February 2019, February 2021, August 2021, February 2022, November / December 2022, February 2023
• UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: 2016 – 2017, 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021, 2021 – 2022
• FIFA FIFPRO World 11: 2018, 2019, 2022
• Golden Boy: 2017
• FIFA World Cup Golden Boot: 2022
• FIFA World Cup Silver Ball: 2022
• FIFA World Cup Young Player Award: 2018
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2018
• Kopa Trophy: 2018
• IFFHS Men’s World Team: 2018, 2021, 2022
• IFFHS World’s Best Top Goal Scorer: 2022
• French Player of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2022
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2018
• Ligue 1 Top Goalscorer: 2018 – 2019, 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021, 2021 – 2022
• Ligue 1 top assist provider: 2021 – 2022
• Globe Soccer Best Player of the Year: 2021
• Onze de Bronze: 2019
• UEFA Nations League Finals Golden Boot: 2021

Orders

• Knight of the Legion of Honor: 2018

Lionel Messi’s Football Career Achievements, Honors, & Awards

Barcelona

• La Liga: 2004 – 2005, 2005 – 2006, 2008 – 2009, 2009 – 2010, 2010 – 2011, 2012 – 2013, 2014 – 2015, 2015 – 2016, 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019
• Copa del Rey: 2008 – 2009, 2011 – 2012, 2014 – 2015, 2015 – 2016, 2016 – 2017, 2017 – 2018, 2020 – 2021
• Supercopa de España: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018
• UEFA Champions League: 2005 – 2006, 2008 – 2009, 2010 – 2011, 2014 – 2015
• UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015

Paris Saint – Germain

• Ligue 1: 2021 – 2022
• Trophée des Champions: 2022

Argentina U – 20

• FIFA World Youth Championship: 2005

Argentina U – 23

Argentina

• FIFA World Cup: 2022
• Copa América: 2021
• CONMEBOL – UEFA Cup of Champions: 2022

Individual

• Ballon d’Or / FIFA Ballon d’Or: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021
• FIFA World Player of the Year: 2009
• The Best FIFA Men’s Player: 2019, 2022
• European Golden Shoe: 2009 – 2010, 2011 – 2012, 2012 – 2013, 2016 – 2017, 2017 – 18, 2018 – 2019
• FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2014, 2022
• FIFA World Cup Silver Boot: 2022
• FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2009, 2011
• FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball: 2005
• FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Boot: 2005
• Copa América Best Player: 2015, 2021
• Copa América Top Goalscorer: 2021
• La Liga Best Player: 2008 – 2009, 2009 – 2010, 2010 – 2011, 2011 – 2012, 2012 – 2013, 2014 – 2015
• Pichichi Trophy: 2009 − 2010, 2011 – 2012, 2012 − 2013, 2016 – 2017, 2017 − 2018, 2018 – 2019, 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021
• Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: 2020
• Argentine Footballer of the Year: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Sources:

The Associated Press News Services. “Mbappé sets league goals record for PSG in 3 – 1 win vs Lens”. The Associated Press. Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Football Reference News Services. “Kylian Mbappe”. Football Reference. Sunday, April 16, 2023.

Football Reference News Services. “Lionel Messi”. Football Reference. Sunday, April 16, 2023.

The post Mbappé & Messi score to lead PSG to Victory vs. Lens appeared first on Keno Wizard.

On Sunday, February 19^th, 2023 the Paris Saint – Germain football club was just several minutes away from losing a 4^th– straight match when Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi victoriously came to the rescue of PSG in order to prevent a major crisis at the hands of the Qatari – backed football club of Lille.

The leaders of the French league managed to give away a 2 – goal advantage as they were eventually losing by only 1 – goal score with just 4 – minutes remaining in the match until Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi somehow happened to turn things around in order to transform a major debacle in the making into a 4 to 3 win for Paris Saint – Germain versus Lille last Sunday.

The Heroics of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi

As Paris Saint – Germain looked like they were heading very close to yet another hindrance, Mbappe pulled through with a late equalizer at the Parc des Princes. Then Messi struck home the deep winning strike from a free kick opportunity, with a deadly left – footed game – winning shot that found its way into the bottom right corner of the net.

Media Statement from the Head Coach of Paris Saint – Germain

“I will simply say that it’s a great relief,” the head coach of Paris Saint – Germain, Christophe Galtier, expressed.

The Standings of the French League

The elusive and hard – fought victory for Paris Saint – Germain came shortly after a 1 to 0 loss at home last week versus Bayern Munich during the Champions League match following a 3 to 1 loss to Monaco in the French league, as well as another defeat that they suffered vs. their bitter – tasting rival in Marseille via the French Cup.

Paris Saint – Germain held a 5 – point advantage over the 2^nd – place Marseille in the standings, which should have kept all of the pressure on the leaders with a 3 to 2 victory at Toulouse in front of their match up next week at the Stade Velodrome in the biggest contest in all of French football.

The Match

After running just 1 – half an hour vs. Bayern Munich, following the return from a thigh injury, Mbappe was back in action against Galtier’s starting – line – up. Kylian’s overall impression throughout the match made up for Paris Saint – Germain’s defensive shortcomings as well as their lapses of total concentration.

Paris Saint – Germain’s 2 to 0 lead after only 17 – minutes of game action with goals by both Mbappe as well as Neymar allowed PSG to feel very comfortable, but the French champions then proceeded to concede 3 – goals asBafode Diakite, Jonathan David, and Jonathan Bamba all scored a goal shortly after that, and PSG lost Neymar to an injury on top of all of those goals from Lille. This definitely caused serious signs of nerves amongst the Paris Saint – Germain football club.

The host side was immediately under intense pressure as Tim Weah’s shot took a deflection and Gianluigi Donnarumma was obligated into an instinctual save in order to stop the football with nothing else but his feet to make the enormous save. Paris Saint – Germain’s defender, Presnel Kimpembe, then put Donnarumma in a tough spot when he headed the football back in towards the goal – keeper, only to set up David for a sweet one – on – one. The Lille forward then presented himself to be surprised by the accidental assisted attempt as his right – footed strike went nowhere near scoring in order to get past the Italian goalie.

Looking weak, Paris Saint – Germain trusted on Mbappe to lead the way to their victory. Set up by the Brazilian great in Neymar, the forward burst down to the left, and then he cut inside in order to come up face to face with Tiago Djaloand Diakite. Mbappe beat his way through Djalo on his way to forcing his way between the two, then he beat the goal – keeper, Lucas Chevalier, with a low shot that hit gold during the 11^th – minute of game play.

Paris Saint – Germain managed to double their lead with a quick group – effort move which ignited and was concluded by Neymar, who put the ball into his opponents’ empty net. Although, Neymar was taken off of the field on a stretcher during the 2^nd – half of the game following him twisting his right ankle.

Notwithstanding the comfortable cushion, Paris Saint – Germain was viewed as shaky and that they could not dominate the play of the match. The host team often found themself set back on their half of the pitch, and they did not hold onto the lead of the contest for very long after that.

Lille was compensated for their effort from a set piece during the 23^rd – minute, with Diakite heading the football home into the net from a Andre Gomes’ cross following a corner – kick.

Things seemed to take a turn for the worse when Paris Saint – Germain’s Marco Verratti pulled Djalo’s uniform in the box that prompted the referee to signal a penalty which was protested from Paris Saint – Germain players, coaches, and staff. David took the penalty kick and calmly put Donnarumma in his place to level the score.

Bamba then placed Lille in control with a spectacular strike from a very tight angle into the top corner of the goal, leaving Mbappe shaking his head in complete skepticism.

Kylian refused to give up though, and Mbappe put Paris Saint – Germain back into the game when he connected on a back pass from Juan Bernat to stick the football in to the back of the goal prior to Messi delighting Paris Saint – Germain fans with his unbelievable free – kick.

Games Elsewhere

Elsewhere, goals coming from Aleksandr Golovin as well as Myron Boadu gave the 3^rd – place Monaco a 2 to 1 victory at Brest and Lens also defeated Nantes 3 to 1 in order to remain in 4^th – place and just 8 – points behind Paris Saint – Germain.

Lorient managed to beat Ajaccio 3 to 0. The forward of Rennes, Arnaud Kalimuendo, scored two – times in their 2 to 0 whipping of Clermont while Wahbi Khazri just so happened to score a late game – winner to lead Montpellier to a 1 to 0 victory at Troyes.

Kylian Mbappe’s Football Career Achievements, Honors, & Awards

Monaco

• Ligue 1: 2016 – 2017
• Coupe de la Ligue Runner – Up: 2016 – 2017

Paris Saint – Germain

• Ligue 1: 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019, 2019 – 2020, 2021 – 2022
• Coupe de France: 2017 – 2018, 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021; Runner – Up: 2018 – 2019
• Coupe de la Ligue: 2017 – 2018, 2019 – 2020
• Trophée des Champions: 2019, 2020
• UEFA Champions League Runner – Up: 2019 – 2020

France U – 19

• UEFA European Under – 19 Championship: 2016

France

• FIFA World Cup: 2018, Runner – Up: 2022
• UEFA Nations League: 2020 – 2021

Individual

• UEFA European Under – 19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2016
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2018 – 2019, 2020 – 2021, 2021 – 2022
• UNFP Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year: 2016 – 2017, 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019
• UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2016 – 2017, 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019, 2020 – 2021, 2021 – 2022
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month: April 2017, March 2018, August 2018, February 2019, February 2021, August 2021, February 2022, November / December 2022
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2016 – 2017, 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021
• UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: 2021 – 2022
• FIFA FIFPro World11: 2018, 2019
• Golden Boy: 2017
• FIFA World Cup Golden Boot: 2022
• FIFA World Cup Silver Ball: 2022
• FIFA World Cup Young Player Award: 2018
• FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2018
• Kopa Trophy: 2018
• IFFHS Men’s World Team: 2018, 2021, 2022
• IFFHS World’s Best Top Goal Scorer: 2022
• French Player of the Year: 2018, 2019
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2018
• Ligue 1 Top Goal Scorer: 2018 – 2019, 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021, 2021 – 2022
• Ligue 1 Top assist provider: 2021 – 2022
• Globe Soccer Best Player of the Year: 2021
• Onze de Bronze: 2019
• UEFA Nations League Finals Golden Boot: 2021

Orders

• Knight of the Legion of Honor: 2018

Lionel Messi’s Football Career Achievements, Honors, & Awards

Barcelona

• La Liga (10): 2004 – 2005, 2005 – 2006, 2008 – 2009, 2009 – 2010, 2010 – 2011, 2012 – 2013, 2014 – 2015, 2015 – 2016, 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019
• Copa del Rey (7): 2008 – 2009, 2011 – 2012, 2014 – 2015, 2015 – 2016, 2016 – 2017, 2017 – 2018, 2020 – 2021
• Supercopa de España (8): 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018
• UEFA Champions League: 2005 – 2006, 2008 – 2009, 2010 – 2011, 2014 – 2015
• UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015

Paris Saint – Germain

• Ligue 1: 2021 – 2022
• Trophée des Champions: 2022

Argentina U – 20

• FIFA World Youth Championship: 2005

Argentina U – 23

Argentina

• FIFA World Cup: 2022
• Copa América: 2021
• CONMEBOL – UEFA Cup of Champions: 2022

Individual

• Ballon d’Or / FIFA Ballon d’Or (7): 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021
• FIFA World Player of the Year: 2009
• The Best FIFA Men’s Player: 2019
• European Golden Shoe (6): 2009 – 2010, 2011 – 2012, 2012 – 2013, 2016 – 2017, 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019
• FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2014, 2022
• FIFA World Cup Silver Boot: 2022
• FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2009, 2011
• FIFA U – 20 World Cup Golden Ball: 2005
• FIFA U – 20 World Cup Golden Boot: 2005
• Copa América Best Player: 2015, 2021
• Copa América Top Goalscorer: 2021
• La Liga Best Player (6): 2008 – 2009, 2009 – 2010, 2010 – 2011, 2011 – 2012, 2012 – 2013, 2014 – 2015
• Pichichi Trophy (8): 2009 − 2010, 2011 – 2012, 2012 − 2013, 2016 – 2017, 2017 − 2018, 2018 – 2019, 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021
• Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: 2020
• Argentine Footballer of the Year (14): 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Sources:

The Associated Press News Services. “Mbappe, Messi inspire PSG to 4 – 3 win against Lille”. The Associated Press. Sunday, February 19, 2023.

Football Reference News Services. “Kylian Mbappé”. Football Reference. Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Football Reference News Services. “Lionel Messi”. Football Reference. Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

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