Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 9:04 PM ET

Messi Family Tragedy

Inter Miami and Argentina star Lionel Messi will miss Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at a hospital in Rosario at age. The elder Messi died Saturday, with Inter Miami confirming the forward’s absence as the club prepares for the fixture.

FIFA and Executive Turmoil

FIFA has hit back at what it called “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” world soccer’s governing body and its president Gianni Infantino. Norway’s soccer federation president has called on Infantino to resign, saying there is “no trust” in him now, while Mexico and Argentina have expressed their support for the embattled FIFA president. The Norwegian FA leader’s demand comes amid continued fallout over FIFA’s governance.

Major Transfer Moves

Arsenal have completed the £75m signing of midfielder Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle, with analysis of where the Brazilian fits into the Arsenal midfield now under the microscope. Barcelona have increased their bid for Rodri, but Manchester City value the midfielder at more than €70m (£60m / $81m) and will not sanction a cut-price departure for the star. Ferran Torres has told Barcelona he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain after agreeing personal terms with the French club, a source has told ESPN. The Torres development comes as Tottenham resist interest in their defender, with Cristian Romero open to joining Arsenal but Spurs blocking any move, according to Sunday’s transfer rumors.

Real Madrid have spent big to sign World Cup star Yan Diomande, adding him to a forward line already featuring Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. Liverpool have agreed a surprise loan deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo for the season, with the Uruguayan set for a medical. Ipswich Town have signed Serbia midfielder Saša Lukić from Fulham for an undisclosed fee. Manchester City have agreed a £17m deal to sign Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli from Marseille. Middlesbrough have signed Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek for an undisclosed fee. Aberdeen have signed Belgian forward Mitchy Ntelo from Swiss side Yverdon-Sport, with manager Stephen Robinson citing his versatility. PSV have rejected an improved Rangers offer for Couhaib Driouech as speculation mounts over wingers linked with Rangers and Celtic.

Diego Simeone insists Atlético Madrid’s position on Julián Álvarez has not changed despite Barcelona’s interest and the striker’s desire to leave. Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito is wanted by Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United, according to transfer talk. The LA Galaxy have confirmed the signing of former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto. Mohamed Salah and World Cup viral goalkeeper Vozinha have been involved in amazing transfer unveiling ceremonies this summer.

Preseason Friendlies and Club News

Marcus Rashford is set to rejoin Manchester United’s squad at their preseason camp in Ireland to begin his preparations for the new season, sources have told ESPN. The Rashford return comes as United played a 1-1 friendly draw against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring the equalizer. Manager Michael Carrick was encouraged by the “good signs” from his side, and Youri Tielemans made an impressive debut in that match, hinting at a bright future for the £35m signing. The Tielemans cameo against PSG has drawn praise, while U.S. women’s coach Emma Hayes said she is “delighted” that Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new deal to remain the U.S. men’s team coach for another four years. Hayes believes Pochettino’s stay can help “raise” the level in the U.S.

Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle started his tenure with a win, but he was not planning to “smash the locker room” after lifting a trophy in a friendly against Valencia. The Jaissle victory saw two debutants: Hornicek and Bamba were given playing time by Jaissle as Newcastle faced Valencia live. Hornicek and Bamba were handed debuts, and Wissa’s double gave Newcastle’s Jaissle a winning start against 10-man Valencia.

Udinese beat Spanish champions Barcelona and Premier League side Nottingham Forest to win the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup. The Udinese upset of Barcelona was a notable preseason result. In a friendly between two Liverpool legends, Luis Garcia said he hopes Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea finish behind their former club in the Premier League.

Domestic Competitions: EFL Cup and Scottish Premiership

The Carabao Cup first round produced drama: Burnley edged Notts County 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor, with Kyle Walker striking the winning spot-kick. Burnley advanced, while West Ham also made it through. Middlesbrough beat Wrexham 1-0 in their cup opener thanks to a debut goal from Will Lankshear, who scored after a pass from Berhalter. Another Carabao Cup first-round match saw Saints take a late lead, with Charlton and West Brom winning. Coverage of the Carabao Cup on Sky continued throughout the round. BBC Sport has also looked at some of the wildest games and scorelines in EFL Cup history.

In the Scottish Premiership, St Mirren were tipped for relegation but sit top after two wins. Killian Phillips scored again to give St Mirren a 1-0 win over St Johnstone, keeping them on top of the league. Phillips hit the winner as St Mirren defied expectations. Joe Bevan tormented Aberdeen with a double as Dundee got their first Premiership points with a deserved 2-0 victory at Dens Park. Bevan dazzled as Dundee crushed sorry Aberdeen. The Scottish FA is to hold a “critically important” summit around the future of the national game, with Scotland also closing in on the appointment of a new head coach to succeed Steve Clarke. Summit and coach search are key developments.

International and Women’s Football

Algeria have become the first team to reach the WAFCON semifinals and qualified for the Women’s World Cup for the first time. Goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham cancelled out Ines Konan’s opener for the Ivory Coast in the first quarterfinal in Casablanca. Algeria will now prepare for their debut on the global stage. The technology and investment angle in football was explored in a piece asking why tech investors wanted a slice of the World Cup and whether football is AI-proof. Tech investors looked to the tournament despite the now-canned plan.

Rugby and Other Sports

South Africa scraped past Argentina 17-10 in Test rugby at the possible expense of inspirational captain Siya Kolisi, who suffered an injury. Ireland’s Aaron McKenna defeated Etinosa Oliha to become middleweight world champion. Callum Walsh maintained his unbeaten record with a unanimous decision victory over Tyler Denny, battling through cuts and a knockdown. Walsh then dismissed a call-out from Stevie McKenna, saying he would rather fight Aaron for a world title. Joe Ward staved off disaster, beating Artjom Kasparian on a unanimous decision after 10 rounds in Dublin. Ward rescued his career with a valiant win.

In cricket, Trent Rockets pair Mitch Santner and Tim David helped steer their side into the knockout stage of The Hundred with a 78-run partnership in a six-wicket win over MI London. Rockets also booked a place in the women’s knockouts with a thumping nine-wicket win over the same opponents. Rockets women clinched qualification.

In horse racing, Ryan Moore bagged a Shergar Cup double to help Great Britain and Ireland win the team event at Ascot. Moore also was crowned leading rider. The legendary staying hurdler Big Buck’s has died at the age of, with trainer Paul Nicholls paying tribute.

MLS and Other Club News

San Jose Earthquakes have hired former Portland executive Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant, despite his dismissal in 2022 after the Yates Report. Former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Phil Parkes has died at the age of. A feature on life as a WAG explores the challenges when a last-minute transfer means uprooting your life.