Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: May 26, 2026, 5:55 AM ET

World Cup Anxiety & Squad News

Lionel Messi limped off the pitch in the 72nd minute of Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia, clutching his left thigh and heading straight to the locker room, sparking immediate concern ahead of this summer's World Cup. The injury has placed the 37-year-old's fitness in question as Argentina fans hold their breath, and it comes as the tournament draws closer with squads being finalized across confederations. Spain named a 26-man squad featuring Lamine Yamal but notably without a single Real Madrid player, while Colombia's Nestor Lorenzo included James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz after the captain overcame illness to earn his place. Meanwhile, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch expressed confidence that captain Alphonso Davies will play in the tournament, though he is unlikely to be available for the group-stage opener. The injury landscape is being tracked closely across World Cup teams as managers balance fitness with squad depth heading into a summer many believe could decide nations' fortunes.

European Transitions & Club Shakeup

A golden era at Liverpool came to a tearful close as Mohamed Salah said he "cried more than in my whole life" during his final Anfield appearance, joining Andy Robertson in departing the club after years of trophy-winning football. The departures raise major questions for new manager Arne Slot and leave Liverpool with a busy summer ahead of reinforcements. In Serie A, Cesc Fabregas guided Como into the Champions League with an improbable final-day victory, while AC Milan were beaten at home and fell out of European competition — a result that prompted the club to fire Massimiliano Allegri and CEO Giorgio Furlani in what the board called "an unequivocal failure" of a season. Across the Bundesliga, Christian Eriksen and VfL Wolfsburg were relegated after a 2-1 playoff loss to Paderborn, marking a difficult end to the Danish midfielder's campaign in Germany. Back in England, Tottenham Hotspur escaped relegation on the final day, but the club's non-executive chairman Peter Charrington admitted in an open letter that "football success was not driving our decisions", signaling a summer of reckoning for one of the Premier League's so-called Big Six. The club will need a major rebuild after surviving by the narrowest of margins.

Guardiola's Farewell & Managerial Moves

Basketball legend Michael Jordan headlined the star-studded tribute at Pep Guardiola's farewell party in Manchester, joining a cast of figures celebrating 10 transformative seasons at City that ranked among the greatest managerial runs in English football history. Guardiola's departure has triggered a wave of managerial changes across the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester United already making decisions about who will lead their dugouts next season. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte confirmed he is leaving Napoli after two years that delivered a Serie A title, though he downplayed speculation linking him to the Italy job. In Scotland, Steve Clarke could extend his stay as Scotland head coach beyond the World Cup, with midfielder Scott McTominay saying he would "love that" if the deal gets done. Lower down the Scottish leagues, interim manager Craig McLeish kept St Mirren up after a rollercoaster season, but has not been fancied for the permanent role despite securing Premiership status with a 1-0 play-off win.

Transfers, Rebuilds & Off-Field Drama

Manchester United want to keep midfielder Bruno Fernandes while Tottenham are chasing multiple targets including Savinho and Arsenal reportedly eye Julian Alvarez. In a twist, Bruno Fernandes accused Roy Keane of putting "words in my mouth" after the club legend made comments about his leadership. AC Milan's Champions League failure has left the club looking at major changes, and Christian Pulisic is among those affected by the fallout after failing to secure a move. Celtic are linked with winger Breum while Rangers pursue a Windass return, and Spider Media reports Yan Diomande has topped Liverpool's list of Mohamed Salah replacements. Over in MLS, Phil Neville was dismissed from Portland Timbers after two-and-a-half seasons of ongoing struggles, while Vancouver and Nashville are the hottest teams in MLS heading into the World Cup break. In Mexico, Cruz Azul won the Liga MX title with midfielder Rodolfo Rotondi redeeming himself after conceding a decisive penalty the previous year. Across the women's game, Khadija Shaw signed a new four-year deal with Man City days after it appeared she was set to leave, and Utah Royals soared to the top of the NWSL standings in a stunning turnaround.