Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 12:06 PM ET

Tributes & Tragedy

The soccer world was stunned Saturday by the death of Jorge Messi, father of Inter Miami and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, who passed away at a hospital in Rosario at the age of 68 and was a constant presence as his son's agent and protector. Inter Miami played their Leagues Cup match against Monterrey later that day without their captain, and the club paid tribute with a moment of silence and a shirt bearing his name, honoring Messi even in his absence. In Scotland, Arbroath FC held a minute's silence for nine-year-old Minnie Merriman from West Yorkshire, who died after being found seriously injured. Her family said they were overwhelmed by the support. Meanwhile, Brazilian Serie A side Coritiba are using their kits to honor an English fan from Norwich, Jonny Butcher, who lives with motor neurone disease, raising awareness through a unique tribute.

Preseason & Club News

New Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has already laid down the law, publicly criticizing summer signing Bernardo Silva for reporting to preseason out of shape and demanding immediate improvement, with the coach expecting the Portuguese to be match-fit within two weeks. Marcus Rashford is ending his extended break and will rejoin Manchester United's preseason camp in Ireland, with sources confirming his return to begin work under new boss Erik ten Hag. At Newcastle, Matthias Jaissle got his tenure off to a winning start as substitute Yoane Wissa scored twice in the second half to overturn a 1-0 deficit and beat 10-man Valencia in a 2-1 preseason win. In Seville, a friendly between Bournemouth and Real Betis turned ugly when Alex Scott and Antony were both sent off after a confrontation, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw. Several high-profile friendlies continue this weekend, with Liverpool hosting Monaco at Anfield, both sides expected to field strong lineups; follow the live team news. Arsenal welcome Borussia Dortmund for the Emirates Cup, with Mikel Arteta set to give minutes to key players, live from the Emirates. Manchester City face Atletico Madrid in a blockbuster clash, with Pep Guardiola's squad nearly at full strength; get live updates.

Transfer Market Heats Up

The summer window continues to produce big moves, as Fulham have struck a deal worth up to £30 million for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, who is set for a medical as the club bolsters its Premier League squad. Sevilla are nearing a £7.9 million move for Scotland Under-21 striker Robbie Ure from Swedish outfit IK Sirius, a significant investment in the 19-year-old who scored 12 goals last season. Hearts have agreed to sell Greece international Alexandros Kyziridis to a Turkish club for around £1.7 million. Manchester United continue to build for the future, working on a deal for Leicester City teenager Louis Page, a highly rated 16-year-old. In Spain, Ferran Torres has informed Barcelona he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain, with personal terms already agreed, according to a source. Across north London, Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is reportedly open to a shock switch to rivals Arsenal, as transfer rumors swirl around the Argentine center-back. Celtic face competition from Burnley and Malaga for PAOK left-back Greg Taylor, while Rangers have improved their bid for PSV winger Couhaib Driouech, per gossip. And in the most entertaining transfer unveilings of the year, Mohamed Salah and World Cup cult hero Vozinha have been making headlines with creative introductions that captured fans' imaginations.

Scottish Premiership Action

Celtic sent a statement on the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership, with new record signing Kasper Hogh silencing early doubts by scoring a first-half hat-trick as the Hoops swept past hapless Kilmarnock on the newly grassed Rugby Park pitch in a 5-0 victory, and the result gives boss Ange Postecoglou plenty of optimism. Meanwhile, Rangers look to keep pace when they host Hibernian in the early kick-off; follow the live action as both sides aim for three points.

Off-Pitch Drama & FIFA Feud

LaLiga president Javier Tebas launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, claiming the Swiss official is destroying football and that his era is over. FIFA responded forcefully, accusing Tebas of leading a concerted campaign to undermine the governing body and its president, and the war of words shows no signs of cooling. In a lighter off-field story, false rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo was marrying Georgina Rodríguez in Funchal led hundreds of fans to gather outside the cathedral, only to witness a different couple's wedding, and Ronaldo was reportedly amused by the mix-up.

Women's Football Milestone

Algeria made history by becoming the first team to qualify for the WAFCON semifinals, securing a spot at the Women's World Cup for the very first time, as goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham overturned an early deficit from Ines Konan's opener for the Ivory Coast in a thrilling quarterfinal in Casablanca.

Cricket & Rugby

In the women's Hundred competition, Sunrisers Leeds kept their eliminator hopes alive with a dominant win over Welsh Fire in a one-sided contest at Headingley. In rugby league, St Helens legend Tommy Makinson, a five-time Super League champion, announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 season, bringing an end to a decorated career.