Football
Messi attacked in savage blast after no-show – ‘You need to grow up’
Lionel Messi has faced criticism for missing the MLS All-Star match, with some voices in American soccer telling the Inter Miami star to “grow up.”
Both Messi and teammate Jordi Alba skipped the event and were subsequently handed a one-game suspension, missing Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati.
According to MLS regulations, players who are not injured and choose to sit out the All-Star game are subject to automatic suspension.
While Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano cited fatigue as the reason for Messi’s absence, not everyone was convinced, especially Alexi Lalas — a former U.S. international and current LA Galaxy president — who offered a pointed critique of Messi’s decision and the support he’s received.
Lalas argued that Messi knew what he was agreeing to when he signed with MLS.
Speaking on his State of the Union podcast, the 55-year-old emphasized that participating in the All-Star match was part of Messi’s contractual obligations and should have been negotiated if he wanted out of it.
“We’ve all grown up with the concept of All-Star games — it’s a regular fixture in American sports,” Lalas said. “But portraying Messi as some kind of hero battling the flaws of the MLS or its structure just doesn’t add up.
“He signed the contract with full knowledge of what it included. So really, Messi should have honored that commitment. If he didn’t want to be part of the All-Star game, he had the leverage during contract talks and should have made that clear then.”
Meanwhile, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas defended Messi and Alba, stating the decision to withhold them from the match was made by the club. He pointed to a grueling schedule — nine games in 36 days — as justification for resting the two players.
“Messi is just as disappointed as the rest of us that he couldn’t play,” Mas said. “As a club, we have to stand together and face challenges head-on. The penalty imposed feels extremely harsh.”
Mas added that the players were eager to be part of the upcoming game and were frustrated by the ban. “Their reaction was exactly what you’d expect from competitive professionals — confused and frustrated. They don’t understand how missing an exhibition match automatically results in a suspension, especially when they want to be on the pitch doing what they came here to do: compete and win.”
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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