Messi quickly scores in return to lineup, Inter Miami tops Philadelphia Union 2-1

Messi returned to the lineup and scored less than two minutes after subbing into the match early in the second half (AP)
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Updated 30 March 2025
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Messi quickly scores in return to lineup, Inter Miami tops Philadelphia Union 2-1

FORT LAUDERDALE: Lionel Messi made an immediate impact for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night, with what became the winning goal in a 2-1 victory that lifted the Herons into first place in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.

Messi returned to the lineup and scored less than two minutes after subbing into the match early in the second half. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took a pass from Luis Suarez on the right side of the penalty box, made a quick move and sent a right-footed shot past two defenders into the net for a 2-0 Inter Miami lead.

It was Messi’s second goal in three Major League Soccer matches this season. He did not start the match, but was cleared to play earlier in the week after missing some time — including two World Cup qualifiers for Argentina — with an adductor injury.

Daniel Gazdag got the goal for Philadelphia (4-2-0) in the 80th minute, but Inter Miami held on from there.

Messi also was dealing with an issue with his left thigh along with the adductor injury, which happened two weeks ago in an Inter Miami game against Atlanta. But the team did not play during that two-week stretch, so the only matches Messi missed were the World Cup qualifiers — when Argentina, which Messi captained to the 2022 title, qualified for the 2026 tournament.


Youthful Chelsea ready for Thiago Silva reunion at Club World Cup

Updated 7 sec ago
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Youthful Chelsea ready for Thiago Silva reunion at Club World Cup

  • Brazilian team marshalled by former Blues defender Thiago Silva who is still going strong at the age of 40
EAST RUTHERFORD, United States: Chelsea’s young side are targeting a place in the final of the Club World Cup when they take on Fluminense in the last four on Tuesday, with the Brazilian team marshalled by former Blues defender Thiago Silva who is still going strong at the age of 40.
Silva was already a veteran when he signed for Chelsea in 2020 before going on to have an impressive four-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
One of the finest center-backs of his generation, Silva arrived after eight years at Paris Saint-Germain and in his first season at Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League.
He played 155 games for the London club and left 12 months ago after helping oversee the development of some of the young talents now featuring regularly under Enzo Maresca.
“He’s a legend of football, a top player,” Marc Cucurella, a teammate of Silva’s for two years, told English media, adding that the two had exchanged messages about their impending reunion.
“We have the opportunity to play against him again and hopefully we can do good things, win this game and play in the final.”
Silva initially made his name at Fluminense, featuring in the team that reached the Copa Libertadores final in 2008 before losing to LDU Quito of Ecuador.
He returned there upon leaving Chelsea, once again pulling on the green, red and white of the Rio de Janeiro outfit who won the Copa Libertadores in 2023.
The evergreen Brazil international was then reunited earlier this year with Renato Gaucho, the coach in 2008 who is now in his sixth spell in charge.
An impressive run at the Club World Cup has seen Fluminense hold Borussia Dortmund in the group stage, eliminate Inter Milan in the last 16 and get the better of Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal in the quarter-finals.
“If you had asked me beforehand if we would have got this far I would have said we were a long way away from doing so,” Silva told broadcaster DAZN after the victory over Al Hilal.
“We know the financial size of these teams, the difference is enormous, absurd. But often our collective, the family atmosphere that we have, gives us strength that you maybe don’t think you have.”
It is not just Silva raising the average age at Fluminense. There is also 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, wing-back Samuel Xavier at 35 and 37-year-old Argentine forward German Cano.
But the man giving them the X-factor is 27-year-old Colombian winger Jhon Arias, unquestionably one of the players of the tournament.
“I have watched some games that they have played and you can see that they are very well organized. They have some very good players. The manager is doing a fantastic job,” Maresca said as he prepares to face Brazilian opposition for the third time at the tournament.
They lost to Flamengo in the group stage but beat Palmeiras in the quarter-finals in Philadelphia.
“The energy from Brazilian teams in this competition has been high – probably the reason why is because they are at the start of their season while we are finished the season,” Maresca added.
Chelsea now get their first taste of the MetLife Stadium, the hulking 82,500-capacity venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York City.
Many of Maresca’s players may not have been sure what to make of FIFA’s new tournament which came at the end of a campaign in which they finished fourth in the Premier League and won the UEFA Conference League.
But suddenly they stand one game from the final, in which they would face either Real Madrid or PSG.
With Silva gone, Maresca has been working with a young squad at Chelsea, and the average age of his starting line-up against Palmeiras last Friday was just 24.
There are more young players coming in too, with 23-year-old Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, formerly of Fluminense, making his debut in the quarter-finals.
Brazil prodigy Estevao Willian, 18, will join from Palmeiras ahead of next season and 20-year-old winger Jamie Gittens has just signed from Borussia Dortmund.
Moises Caicedo, the midfield linchpin who is still only 23, will return to the midfield against Fluminense after suspension.

Mexico defeat USA 2-1 to retain CONCACAF Gold Cup

Updated 07 July 2025
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Mexico defeat USA 2-1 to retain CONCACAF Gold Cup

  • Win gives Mexico its record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title
  • Mexico improved to 6-2 in Gold Cup finals against the US

HOUSTON, Texas: Edson Álvarez scored a tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute after a video review reversed an offside call, and Mexico beat the United States 2-1 on Sunday night for its record 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title.
Chris Richards put the US ahead in the fourth minute, heading in a Sebastian Berhalter free kick for the second time in the tournament, but Raúl Jiménez tied the score in the 27th with his third goal of this Gold Cup.
Mexico was awarded the free kick when Diego Luna fouled Alexis Vega on a flank. Johan Vásquez flicked the restart across the goal mouth and Álvarez burst past the defense, redirecting the ball from 3 yards just inside Matt Freese’s far post. While the play was initially called offside, the goal was awarded by the VAR, and Mexico defended its title from 2023 while improving to 6-2 in Gold Cup finals against the US
Patrick Agyemang had a chance two minutes into stoppage time but he didn’t make good contact on his short-range shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
A sellout crowd of 70,925 at NRG Stadium was about 70 percent pro-Mexico and booed US players when they walked out for pregame warmups. Mexico dominated with 60 percent possession and had 12 corner kicks to none for the Americans.
This was the last competitive match for the US and Mexico before co-hosting next year’s World Cup with Canada.
The US, which has seven Gold Cup titles but none since 2021, used a starting lineup with only a handful of players currently projected as World Cup starters, missing regulars due to vacation, injuries and the Club World Cup.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino used their absence to evaluate players who could push for starting jobs during the friendlies this fall and next spring, and Luna and Agyemang emerged as contenders for World Cup roster spots.
Richards out the US in front when he headed Berhalter’s free kick from about 40 yards off the crossbar. The ball bounced straight down and just crossed the goal line.
Jiménez scored his 42nd international goal, third-most in Mexican history. He burst past the defense and one-timed the pass from Marcel Ruiz, beating Freese from about 10 yards on a shot that might have nicked defender Tim Ream.
Jiménez celebrated by grabbing a Mexico No. 20 jersey with “DIOGO J” in honor of Diogo Jota, his former Wolverhampton teammate who died in a car crash Thursday in Spain. Jiménez ran to a corner, sat down with the jersey and mimicked playing a video game.
 


Sabalenka downs former doubles partner to power into Wimbledon quarters

Updated 06 July 2025
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Sabalenka downs former doubles partner to power into Wimbledon quarters

  • Sabalenka has never reached a final at the All England Club
  • Now she is the only one of the top six seeds in the women’s draw still standing

LONDON: World number one Aryna Sabalenka marched into the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Sunday as her former doubles partner Elize Mertens fell short of upsetting the US Open champion.
Sabalenka has never reached a final at the All England Club but is the player to beat as the only one of the top six seeds in the women’s draw still standing.
The 27-year-old missed last year’s Wimbledon due to injury and was banned in 2022 as part of a blanket suspension on Russian and Belarusian athletes due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Sabalenka looks determined to make up for lost time and, just like in her third-round victory over Emma Raducanu, had to overcome a tough test from Mertens to progress 6-4, 7-6 (7/4).
The pair won the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open together as a doubles partnership, but Sabalenka has now won their last 10 meetings against each other in singles.
“It’s tough to play against someone you know quite close, it’s tricky facing her,” said Sabalenka.
“I know how smart she is, I know she is going to fight until the very end.
“She really challenged me today and I’m super happy with the win.”
A fast start from Sabalenka saw her stretch out to a 4-1 first set lead, only for Mertens to battle back and level at 4-4.
The three-time Grand Slam winner responded in style, winning eight of the next 11 points, to take the set.
Mertens got the early break in the second, but the world number 23 could not hold on.
Sabalenka broke back to tie up the second set at 3-3 and after six straight holds of serve, the match was decided in a tie-break.
Mertens again had the early advantage, but Sabalenka’s blistering ground strokes forced the Belgian onto the back foot before a volleyed winner sealed victory in just over 90 minutes on court.
Sabalenka faces Germany’s Laura Siegemund in the last eight on Tuesday.
“It’s such a beautiful tournament. I always dreamed of winning it,” she added of potentially claiming a first Wimbledon title.
“I’m just trying to give my best and really hope for the best.”
 


Saudi Pro League takes over financial oversight of clubs in major governance shift

Updated 28 min 36 sec ago
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Saudi Pro League takes over financial oversight of clubs in major governance shift

  • Ministry of Sport transfers oversight to new SPL committee
  • To improve ‘governance and financial sustainability’ of clubs

RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League announced on Sunday it had officially taken on the financial oversight of its clubs.

The announcement follows a decision by the Ministry of Sport to transfer oversight duties from the Financial Sustainability Committee to a newly established body under the league.

The move is designed to enhance financial governance, streamline regulatory processes, and strengthen institutional discipline within the rapidly growing Saudi football sector.

The committee will consist of representatives from the Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, SPL, and include independent members.

“This is an important step toward unifying oversight, simplifying procedures, and promoting a more professional work environment across clubs,” the SPL said in a statement.

“The aim is to raise compliance levels and improve the speed and efficiency of financial reviews,” it added.

While the new mandate is limited to Saudi Pro League clubs, officials said the reform marks a broader commitment to improve governance and financial sustainability across the sport.

The SPL added that it would continue its work on existing oversight functions, such as tracking late payments and ensuring clubs meet their financial obligations, as a part of the existing certification process.

The issuance of financial competency certificates will remain a key condition for clubs to operate. In addition, new regulatory standards and planning tools are being gradually introduced.

These are intended to bolster long-term investment in club infrastructure and administration, while also helping clubs avoid financial distress through better discipline.

The SPL noted that the changes come in response to past financial and administrative challenges faced by several clubs, and reflect a coordinated effort between the SPL, ministry, and the SAFF to promote sustainable growth.

“This development is part of an integrated approach,” the SPL stated.

It is “aimed at supporting clubs in building strong, stable institutions that match the ambitions of their fans.”


Emotional Norris wins epic rain-hit British Grand Prix

Updated 06 July 2025
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Emotional Norris wins epic rain-hit British Grand Prix

  • Nico Hulkenberg finished a stirring third for Sauber to claim the first podium appearance of his long career after 239 races

SILVERSTONE, UK: An emotional Lando Norris boosted his world title bid in memorable fashion on Sunday when he drove to a commanding rain-splashed victory ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in a chaotic British Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Briton made the most of series leader Piastri’s mid-race misfortune, when he was given a 10-second penalty for slowing excessively while leading behind the safety car, to finish 6.8112 seconds clear.

It was his first home win, his fourth win of the year and the eighth of his career, lifting him within eight points of the Australian.

“Thank you, McLaren, thanks everyone,” said Norris.

“This is beautiful. Winning at home. This is a dream.”

Nico Hulkenberg finished a stirring third for Sauber to claim the first podium appearance of his long career after 239 races.

“It feels good,” the veteran German said.

“A long time coming! But we had it in us and I had it in me somewhere. It’s pretty surreal. All a bit crazy now.”

Piastri was careful not to express his disappointment at the time penalty verdict.

“I want to congratulate Nico,” he said.

“That’s the best story of the day — but I don’t want to say much else to avoid getting into trouble.”

Norris became the 13th different home winner of the British race.

Lewis Hamilton took fourth for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen.

In an epic event run in extreme and changeable weather conditions, Pierre Gasly was sixth for Alpine, ahead of Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, Williams’ Alex Albon, two-time champion Fernando Alonso in the second Aston Martin and Mercedes’ George Russell.

On a cool and wet summer’s day in central England, the race began as the sun slanted through the clouds following torrential rain, Verstappen leading a controlled formation lap behind the safety car.

In F1’s 75th anniversary year, it was the 1,173rd race since the inaugural world championship event at Silverstone on May 13, 1950, and with the field so closely-packed few races had been more keenly anticipated.

Russell and Leclerc gambled on switching to slick tires before the start as Verstappen led the opening lap from his 44th pole ahead of Piastri, Norris and Hamilton.

RB’s’ Liam Lawson went off at Stowe on lap one, triggering a virtual safety car (VSC), and Franco Colapinto retired his Alpine after stalling in the pit-lane.

The race re-started on lap five with Piastri hounding Verstappen before a second VSC intervention when Gabriel Bortoleto abandoned his Sauber. It was stop-go stuff with everyone waiting for more rain.

After chasing him, Piastri passed Verstappen at Stowe on lap eight to lead. Verstappen then ran off at Becketts and Norris passed him before they all pitted as the rain resumed.

Norris suffered a slow stop, giving second, behind Piastri, back to Verstappen, in appalling conditions that prompted another full safety car and wiped out the Australian’s 13-second advantage.

“There’s water in my visor, a huge splash and I can’t see,” reported Leclerc after bouncing across the grass at Becketts.

Hamilton was also blinded by spray, dropping to eighth, as the field cruised through puddles.

Racing resumed on lap 18 amid plumes of spray before a third full safety car was deployed when RB rookie Isack Hadjar crashed into Antonelli’s Mercedes at Copse.

The action re-started on lap 22 with a gripless Verstappen sliding off out of Copse as he spun, after Piastri had braked dramatically in front of him before the safety car peeled in.

After a brief investigation, Piastri was given a 10-second penalty.

By lap 26, and mid-race, Piastri led Norris before the Australian pitted to serve his time penalty, leaving Norris to soak up a memorable win.