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76ers’ James Harden Attends Lionel Messi’s Match in Los Angeles

James Harden took on a soccer game in LA on Sunday night.
Justin Grasso|
76ers’ James Harden Attends Lionel Messi’s Match in Los Angeles
76ers’ James Harden Attends Lionel Messi’s Match in Los Angeles

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Philadelphia 76ers

After spending time doing some promotion out in China, James Harden has been back in the U.S., handling business as usual. On Sunday night, the Philadelphia 76ers’ ten-time All-Star took some time to attend the MLS matchup between LAFC and Inter Miami, as Lionel Messi played his first match in Los Angeles since joining the league.

To no surprise, there were a ton of celebrities in the building during the September 3 match at BMO Stadium. Harden was one of two NBA stars in attendance, joining Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James. 

Messi and Inter Miami waltzed into the hostile, star-studded environment and took care of business. As they look to make a late-season push for the playoffs with their improved roster, Miami defeated the reigning MLS champions with a score of 3-1.

After checking out the match, Harden’s back to business and focusing on the upcoming NBA season. Recently, Harden had to cooperate with the NBA on an investigation regarding his comments during a Q&A session out in China.

When Harden spoke publicly about his trade request for the first time, the star guard criticized Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey. Referring to the front office leader as a “liar,” Harden made it clear he wouldn’t play for a Morey-led team again.

The NBA did not find any wrongdoing on Morey and the 76ers’ behalf after interviewing Harden. As a result, Harden was fined six figures for his comments. The NBPA will look to push back on the fine, as they believe Harden didn’t bend any rules with his comments.

At this point in the offseason, it’s apparent the Sixers would like to head into training camp with Harden suited up and ready to play for them. Meanwhile, Harden still wants to be traded — specifically to the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Soon enough, the Sixers will find out if they have a holdout on their hands or not. In the meantime, Harden will continue working on his game while out in LA. 

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s Philadelphia 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia Threads: @JGrassoMedia

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