Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Major League Soccer
Inter Miami espn.com captain Lionel Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million annually, including ownership shares, according to co-owner Jorge Mas. The Argentine superstar scored his 899th career goal espn.com in a 2-1 victory over D.C. United before 72,026 fans at Audi Field. Meanwhile, U.S. defender Sergiño Dest limped off with a hamstring injury espn.com during PSV Eindhoven's 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar, raising concerns for the national team.
FA Cup Drama
Manchester City showed their depth without Erling Haaland espn.com in a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United, with Omar Marmoush starring. Manager Pep Guardiola expects a two-game touchline ban espn.com after his furious reaction to officiating during the match. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted his side were taught a tough lesson bbc.com in the defeat. Chelsea needed VAR to survive a Wrexham scare skysports.com, twice coming from behind to win 4-2 in extra time after Wrexham's James Dobson was sent off for a challenge on Alejandro Garnacho. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said the next target is Premier League promotion espn.com after the reality check against Chelsea. Arsenal needed late heroics from Eberechi Eze bbc.com to avoid an upset against League One side Mansfield, while teenage duo Max Dowman and Marli Salmon made history bbc.com in the victory.
La Liga & European Action
Barcelona regained a four-point lead espn.com thanks to a stunning strike from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao. In Madrid, a pigeon briefly stopped play during Atletico Madrid's 3-2 victory bbc.com over Real Socica, with defender Jose Gimenez calmly removing the bird from the pitch. Borussia Dortmund confirmed Julian Brandt will leave in summer espn.com, while scrutiny intensifies on England coach Steve Borthwick skysports.com after Six Nations defeats.
Women's Soccer
The United States defeated Colombia 1-0 to win the SheBelieves Cup espn.com, with Alyssa Thompson scoring the decisive goal in the 82nd minute. England defender Lucy Bronze made her 145th senior appearance bbc.com in a standout performance. Northern Ireland interim manager Kris Lindsay said the decision on his future rests with the Irish FA bbc.com.
Transfer Rumors & Contracts
Liverpool secured Ryan Gravenberch's future with a new long-term contract espn.com. Roma striker Evan Ferguson will miss the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off bbc.com due to a season-ending ankle injury. Transfer rumors suggest Tottenham could replace manager Igor Tudor soon espn.com, while Napoli hopes to secure Scott McTominay's future bbc.com.
Other Sports
Jack Draper began defending his Indian Wells title with a three-set win skysports.com over Roberto Bautista Agut. Rory McIlroy withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational skysports.com due to a back injury. Russian athletes won their first medals under their own flag at the Winter Paralympics skysports.com. In Formula, Max Verstappen had an X-ray on his hands after a crash in qualifying skysports.com, while Lewis Hamilton expressed confusion over Mercedes' advantage skysports.com after his former team secured front-row lock-out at the Australian Grand Prix.