Football/Soccer 8-Hour Briefing
×Major League Soccer
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million annually, including ownership shares, according to co-owner Jorge Mas. The Argentine superstar scored his 899th career goal in Miami's 2-1 victory over D.C. United before 72,026 fans at Audi Field.
USMNT defender Sergiño Dest limped off with a hamstring injury during PSV Eindhoven's 2-1 Dutch league win over AZ Alkmaar, raising concerns ahead of international duty.
English FA Cup
Manchester City showcased their squad depth with a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United, even without Erling Haaland in the lineup. Manager Pep Guardiola faces a potential two-game touchline ban after his heated exchange with officials during the match.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe admitted his team received "a tough lesson" in their 3-1 defeat to City, highlighting the gap between the clubs. The Magpies' heavy rotation strategy came under scrutiny after they were eliminated from the competition.
Chelsea twice came from behind to defeat 10-man Wrexham 4-2 in extra time, with manager Liam Rosenior defending his rotation policy despite needing additional time to advance. The Blues were described as "lucky" by Rosenior after two crucial VAR decisions went their way against the Championship side.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said the team's next target is Premier League promotion after their FA Cup exit, while acknowledging Chelsea provided "a reality check" for the ambitious Welsh club.
La Liga
Barcelona moved four points clear at the top of La Liga thanks to a 1-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal scoring another decisive goal. The 17-year-old's stunning strike demonstrated his growing influence on the team's success.
Atletico Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 3-2 in a match briefly interrupted when defender Jose Gimenez removed a pigeon that had landed on the pitch, carrying it to safety.
Women's Soccer
Alyssa Thompson scored in the 82nd minute to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Colombia in the She Believes Cup final. The win secured the tournament title for the USWNT in Frisco, Texas.
International Soccer
Northern Ireland interim manager Kris Lindsay said it's "up to the powers that be" at the Irish FA to decide his future after the team's recent performances. The national team is evaluating its options following mixed results in recent fixtures.
Transfer News
Manchester United have set their sights on Bournemouth's star player as they look to strengthen their squad, while Unai Emery's position at Aston Villa faces uncertainty. Newcastle United is also targeting a new goalkeeper to bolster their options.
Other European Action
Borussia Dortmund confirmed that Julian Brandt will leave the club at the end of the season, with managing director Lars Ricken acknowledging the Germany international's departure. The Bundesliga side is now planning for life without the midfielder.
Dunfermline stunned Scottish Cup holders Aberdeen with a 3-0 victory at East End Park, eliminating the defending champions from the tournament in a major upset.