LiveScore Daily: Today's football news in bite-sized chunks

Danny Ryan
LiveScore
England's World Cup campaign kicks off on July 22
England's World Cup campaign kicks off on July 22

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

World Cup warm-up

England have announced they will play Portugal in a final warm-up match for the Women's World Cup.

The two sides will face off in Milton Keynes on July 1, just four days before the Lionesses make the journey Down Under for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

On the send-off fixture, England manager Sarina Wiegman said: "I'm really pleased to have a competitive game for our last home fixture.

"We had two big games in April against Brazil and Australia where we learned so much. This will be another challenging match against a team that have performed well and are going to their first World Cup. 

"Portugal will also want to show they can be a threat to teams in Australia, and they have very technical players with good ability. 

"For us, it will be important to come together again as a team after the end of the club season and feel the support of our fans.

"We'll do our best to give them a good performance. It will only be three weeks until our opening World Cup game so it will be such an important moment in our preparation."

Messi message

Sergio Aguero has shared some insight into Lionel Messi's mindset ahead of his move to Inter Miami.

Messi, 35, has agreed to join the MLS outfit after two years at Paris Saint-Germain.

But initial success in Florida may be hard to come by for the Argentine World Cup winner, with the team currently bottom of the Eastern Conference and searching for a new manager following the sacking of Phil Neville.

Messi's compatriot Aguero said: "I spoke to Messi yesterday, I sent him a message with a screenshot of the Eastern Conference standings and I said: 'Your team is behind! You have to move up to 8th/9th!'

"Messi cracked up. He said, ‘We have to make the playoffs!'"

Sergio Aguero has welcomed Lionel Messi's move to MLS
Sergio Aguero has welcomed Lionel Messi's move to MLS

Werder Nab Keita

Naby Keita has joined Werder Bremen on a free transfer, returning to the Bundesliga after five years at Liverpool.

The midfielder, 28, was ravaged by injuries during his time in England and they resulted in him making only 129 appearances for the Reds.

Keita will be hoping his latest move can help him rediscover the form and fitness he showed previously at RB Leipzig.

The Guinean national team captain said: "I'm really looking forward to my new role in Bremen.

"I was convinced by the discussions with those responsible, the environment and the game idea from Werder. 

"The coach made me feel really good and showed me that I can help the team. Werder is a special club and I know the Weserstadion from my time in Leipzig. 

"The club and the philosophy suit me, it's the right move for me."

Bayern boost

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig on a free transfer.

The Austria international, 26, has signed a contract until 2027.

On the move, he said: "It's a dream come true for me. Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I will give everything for the club and the fans.

"Bayern always has the highest goals — just like me. I'm in the right place here. 

"I'm only capable of giving 100%, and that's what I'll put into every training session from day one. I can hardly wait."

All-action midfielder Laimer made 21 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring three goals.

He also played the full 90 minutes in Leipzig's 2-0 DFB-Pokal final win over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend.

Konrad Laimer has joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer
Konrad Laimer has joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer

World Cup fever

The 2023 World Cup is on course to become the most attended women's sporting event in history.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared a message on Instagram detailing that over one million tickets have now been sold for the tournament, which kicks off on July 20.

He wrote: "Delighted to share with the world that FIFA has passed one million tickets sold for this year's Women's World Cup, to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand!

"As I write this, 1,032,884 tickets have been sold. 

"This means that with over one month to go before kick-off, we have surpassed the numbers sold for France 2019, thus meaning that Australia and New Zealand 2023 is on track to become the most attended Women's World Cup in history. 

"The future is women — and thanks to the fans for supporting what will be the greatest Women's World Cup ever!

"The momentum is building in the host countries and across the globe, and I look forward to seeing you there to witness the stars of women's football shine on the world stage."

Tags

Lionel MessiSergio AgueroInter Miami CFBayern MunichKonrad LaimerArgentinaBarcelonaLaLigaParis Saint-GermainLigue 1Women's World CupMajor League SoccerNaby KeitaWerder BremenLiverpoolPremier LeagueBundesligaEnglandEngland W