Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 25, 2026, 8:43 PM ET

World Cup Squads & Injury Updates

International managers named preliminary World Cup rosters across multiple confederations as the June tournament approaches, with Colombia selecting James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz despite the captain's recent illness. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente included Lamine Yamal in his 26-man squad while omitting all Real Madrid players, a move that follows Yamal's recovery from a significant injury. Canada's Jesse Marsch confirmed Alphonso Davies will miss the World Cup opener but should feature later in the group stage, providing a boost to the co-host nation's defensive options after his extended absence.

Messi Injury Concerns Inter Miami Victory

Lionel Messi's left hamstring muscle fatigue overshadowed Inter Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union, forcing the Argentine star's 73rd-minute exit as fans feared a World Cup setback. The muscle fatigue diagnosis came after Messi grabbed his thigh and headed directly to the locker room, ending his night prematurely despite the team's record-breaking first-half performance. Inter Miami officials confirmed the injury was not severe, though the timing raises questions about Messi's availability for Argentina's World Cup preparations beginning next month.

Managerial Upheaval Across Europe

AC Milan dismissed Massimiliano Allegri after the club deemed the season an "unequivocal failure" following their failure to secure Champions League qualification, with CEO Giorgio Furlani also exiting amid what the organization called unacceptable results. Antonio Conte confirmed his Napoli departure after two seasons that included a Serie A title but ended without Champions League progression, while Cesc Fabregas guided Como to an improbable Champions League berth that highlighted the chaotic Serie A finale. Phil Neville parted ways with Portland Timbers by mutual consent after two-and-a-half seasons, leaving the MLS club searching for leadership ahead of the World Cup break.

Relegation Drama & Promotion Celebrations

VfL Wolfsburg dropped to Bundesliga 2 after losing 2-1 at SC Paderborn in the promotion/relegation playoff, marking Christian Eriksen's unfortunate exit from Germany's top flight. St Mirren avoided relegation via Marcus Fraser's close-range volley against Partick Thistle, keeping the Scottish Premiership side intact after a nerve-shredding playoff final. Tottenham Hotspur escaped relegation on the final day as chairman Peter Charrington admitted "football success had not been driving our decisions," while West Ham's fate hinged on Nuno Espirito Santo's future following their Championship drop.

Transfer Market Activity Intensifies

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes publicly challenged Roy Keane over reported comments about the captain's pursuit of the Premier League assists record, calling the analysis a "lie" and requesting Keane's phone number to address the matter directly. Tottenham rekindled interest in Savinho while Liverpool's transfer shortlist includes Yan Diomande as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement, with Barcelona maintaining pursuit of Marcus Rashford and Arsenal targeting Julian Alvarez. AC Milan unveiled their new home kit featuring Christian Pulisic prominently as the club aims to rebuild for Champions League contention next season.

Women's Football & Domestic Leagues

The Utah Royals climbed to NWSL supremacy after Matchday, leading the Power Rankings while Manchester City's Khadija Shaw signed