Football/Soccer 3h Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 7:38 PM ET
MLS Weekend Preview
Lionel Messi will be rested for Charlotte match espn.com as Inter Miami travels to Bank of America Stadium Saturday night, a source confirmed to ESPN. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's absence comes as Miami sits third in the Eastern Conference standings with three games remaining in the regular season.
La Liga Title Race
Federico Valverde's scoring streak continues espn.com with his fourth goal in nine days during Real Madrid's 4-1 dismantling of Elche. The Uruguayan midfielder's performance keeps Madrid within one point of Barcelona atop the table with four matches remaining. Meanwhile, Arsenal's teenage sensation bbc.com Max Dowman broke records when he pulled on the Gunners' shirt, playing a key role in what could prove a season-defining 2-1 victory over Everton at the Emirates.
Premier League Developments
Newcastle's Anthony Gordon responded to pundit criticism bbc.com after scoring the winner against Chelsea, calling comments from Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer "complete nonsense." The England international's strike secured a crucial three points in Newcastle's push for European qualification. In transfer news, Real Madrid open to Camavinga offers bbc.com as Premier League clubs circle the French midfielder, while Arsenal are in talks for Leipzig's Castello Lukeba and Adam Wharton attracts interest from three top-flight teams.
Goalkeeping News
Liverpool have triggered Alisson's contract extension espn.com until 2027, sources confirmed to ESPN. The Brazilian goalkeeper's new deal secures his future at Anfield through his 35th birthday, providing stability for the Reds' defense as they push for Champions League qualification.
Women's Soccer Milestone
Boston's NWSL expansion team made history in debut defeat espn.com after three years of planning, stadium renovations, and branding changes. The Legacy's opening match marked a significant moment for both the club and the league, despite the loss, as Boston joins the growing women's professional soccer landscape in the United States.
International Rugby
France clinched Six Nations title skysports.com with a dramatic 48-46 victory over England in Paris, sealed by Thomas Ramos' last-gasp penalty. The 13-try thriller saw England fall agonizingly short of a famous victory as Les Bleus retained their championship on the final kick of the match at the Stade de France.
Scottish Premiership Shakeup
Kilmarnock dealt Hearts' title hopes a blow skysports.com with a 1-0 victory at Rugby Park, dropping the league leaders three valuable points in the championship race. The win keeps Kilmarnock's European aspirations alive while injecting fresh uncertainty into what had appeared a straightforward title chase for the Edinburgh club.
Celtic's Asian Influence
Hyun-jun Yang made immediate impact for Celtic bbc.com in the win over Motherwell, sparking his team's performance with crucial contributions. The South Korean forward's arrival adds another dimension to Brendan Rodgers' squad as they chase domestic trophies and prepare for Champions League qualification.