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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Defector

Protect The Head That Reads Defector

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Merch v3

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Tom Ley

Chicago Fire fans celebrate from the stands at SeatGeek Stadium on June 6, 2023 in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Houston Dynamo v Chicago Fire – Quarterfinals: 2023 U.S. Open Cup

Chicago Fire Tries Bribing Fans To Attend Game Messi Might Not Play In

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Billy Haisley

Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi and NY Red Bulls' Colombian defender #04 Andres Reyes (R) vie for the ball during the Major League Soccer 2023 match between Inter Miami and New York Red Bulls at the Red Bull arena in Harrison, New Jersey, August 26, 2023.

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Everyone Wants To Watch Lionel Messi


<p>Defector visual editor. Runs <a href="http://defectorstore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defectorstore.com</a>. Philadelphia-based, if you couldn’t tell. dhm@defector.com</p>


Dan McQuade in front of a march madness basketball court

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Dan McQuade

CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 15: A fan holds a sign in the stands during the Leagues Cup 2023 semifinals match between Inter Miami CF and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on August 15, 2023 in Chester, Pennsylvania.

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Messi Was The Attraction, But The Philadelphia Union Were The Story

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Luis Paez-Pumar

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami hoist the trophy with his teammates after defeating the Nashville SC to win the Leagues Cup 2023 final match between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC at GEODIS Park on August 19, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Leagues Cup 2023 – Final: Inter Miami CF v Nashville SC

Lionel Messi Shared The Spotlight

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half during the Leagues Cup 2023 semifinals match between Inter Miami CF and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on August 15, 2023 in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Leagues Cup 2023 – Semifinals: Inter Miami CF v Philadelphia Union

A Little Messi Goes A Long Way

Leo Messi control ball in the first half time at Toyota Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.

Leagues Cup 2023 – Round of 16: Inter Miami CF v FC Dallas

Lionel Messi Has Earned His American Victory Lap

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Samer Kalaf

Karim Benzema at his signing with Al Ittihad

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Saudi Arabia’s Plan Is To Make A Better Version Of MLS

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Albert Burneko

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Lionel Messi Chooses Inter Miami

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Ray Ratto

Wales' striker Gareth Bale celebrates after winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 play-off final qualifier football match between Wales and Ukraine at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, south Wales, on June 5, 2022.

Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale To LAFC Is Just Another Business Arrangement 


<p>Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can reach her at diana@defector.com or, if you prefer protonmail, dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. If security is a concern, download the Signal app and send her a text at 929-251-8187.</p>


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Diana Moskovitz

Portland Timbers fans hold up a tifo before their match against the Minnesota United at Providence Park on March 3, 2017 in Portland, Oregon.

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The Stench Of The Portland Timbers Is A Familiar One