Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 9:03 AM ET

FIFA and Messi Family

FIFA has hit out at what it called "a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine" world soccer's governing body and its president Gianni Infantino, according to a FIFA statement. The football world mourned the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, who died Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina at age. Inter Miami paid tribute to their absent captain during Saturday's Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey following the death of his father, with the club honoring Messi at the match as detailed in the Miami tribute.

Transfer Market: Key Moves and Rumors

The summer window remains active with several high-profile stories. Ferran Torres has told Barcelona he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain after agreeing personal terms, a source told ESPN. Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero is reportedly open to joining Arsenal, though Spurs are resisting, with the situation covered in both initial reports and further details from Sunday's papers. Manchester City value Rodri at more than €70 million (£60m) amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, and City won't sanction a cut-price departure as sources confirm. Barcelona have made a second bid for Rodri, according to Sunday's gossip. Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone insists the club's position on Julián Álvarez remains unchanged despite Barcelona's interest and the striker's desire to leave, as Simeone stated. Rangers have made an improved offer for PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech, per club gossip. Manchester United and Arsenal both want Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito, as transfer rumors indicate. Trent Alexander-Arnold faces a defining second season at Real Madrid under new boss Jose Mourinho, while Vinícius Júnior ended weeks of speculation by signing a new six-year Real Madrid contract – an inside account details how it played out. The LA Galaxy have confirmed the signing of former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto. Youri Tielemans made an impressive debut for Manchester United in a 1-1 friendly draw with PSG, with his cameo performance hinting at a key future role.

Pre-Season Friendlies and Club Updates

Several clubs were in action over the weekend. Marcus Rashford is set to rejoin Manchester United's squad at their preseason camp in Ireland, as sources told ESPN. In a friendly in Seville, Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Real Betis' Antony were sent off after a confrontation during a 2-2 draw. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle got a winning start as substitute Yoane Wissa scored twice to secure a 2-1 comeback win over 10-man Valencia; the match was covered in both the full report and a live update as Wissa's double sealed it. Hornicek and Bamba were handed debuts by Jaissle in that game, as live coverage noted. Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring the equalizer in an encouraging display that left boss Michael Carrick seeing good signs. Udinese beat Spanish champions Barcelona and Premier League side Nottingham Forest to win the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup, as Udinese's upset was reported. Arsenal host Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup with Martin Ødegaard back in the squad, while Celtic visit Kilmarnock with Shaun Maloney in charge – both matches are live and covered. Manchester City face Atletico Madrid in a pre-season friendly, with team news available. Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Luis Garcia hopes long-time friend Xabi Alonso's Chelsea finish second to Liverpool this season, as Garcia joked. A look at World Cup burnout shows clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern dealing with player fatigue as they prepare for the new season – an analysis examines the challenges.

Scottish Football: St Mirren, Dundee, and Summit

St Mirren defy expectations after being tipped for relegation; they sit top of the Scottish Premiership following a 1-0 win over St Johnstone, with Killian Phillips scoring again. The club's strong start has raised eyebrows, and the match report highlights Phillips' winner. Joe Bevan tormented Aberdeen with a double as Dundee won 2-0 at Dens Park to get their first points, with Bevan's double dazzling the home fans. In other news, Arbroath FC held a minute's silence for nine-year-old Minnie Merriman, whose family said they were "overwhelmed" by the support, as Arbroath's tribute was reported. The Scottish Football Association has called a "critically important" summit on the future of the national game, as the summit aims to address key issues.

Women's Football: Algeria and London City

Algeria became the first team to reach the WAFCON semifinals, securing qualification for the Women's World Cup for the first time, as goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham cancelled out Ines Konan's opener in a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast – Algeria's historic achievement was celebrated. Meanwhile, Alexia Putellas' arrival at London City Lionesses was the biggest transfer in WSL history; an in-depth feature unmasks the superstar behind the global stardom.

Carabao Cup and Other Competitions

In the Carabao Cup first round, Burnley edged out Notts County 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor, with Kyle Walker scoring the winning spot-kick – the penalty shootout decided the tie. West Ham also advanced. Additionally, BBC Sport has rounded up some of the best new kits for the coming season – fans can vote for their top 10 among the best new kits.