Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract Through 2028

Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract Through 2028

Lionel Messi will remain with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season after signing a contract extension, the club announced Thursday. Messi shared the news on social media with a video of him signing the deal at the club’s new Freedom Park stadium, still under construction, captioned: “He’s Home.” “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi, 38, said. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.” Co-owner David Beckham praised Messi’s dedication, saying: “He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. To have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done so much to inspire the next generation in this country, we feel very lucky.” Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after an unsettled period at Paris Saint-Germain, having spent most of his career at Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies. Internationally, he led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and has scored 114 international goals, along with two Copa America wins in 2021 and 2024. The extension ensures Messi will continue playing well beyond the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He could appear in a sixth World Cup, potentially setting a record, and is three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record. Argentina qualified comfortably for the 2026 tournament, with Messi finishing as South America’s top scorer with eight goals. In MLS, Messi has continued to shine, earning 2024 MVP honors, becoming the fastest player to reach 40 MLS goals in 2025, and leading Inter Miami back into the playoffs this season. He capped the regular season with a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC, finishing with 29 goals in 28 matches to claim the MLS Golden Boot.

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Showmax Premier League Chat with Conor Bradley on Liverpool’s Difficult Run

Ahead of Liverpool’s crucial game against Brentford this weekend, Showmax Premier League caught up with marauding Reds right back Conor Bradley. This wasn’t just a standard chat – Bradley got candid with us about the team’s “emotional” slump after those tough defeats and what it takes for them to pull out of a difficult moment. Liverpool FC right-back Conor Bradley has opened up about the club’s recent difficult run, emphasising that the team’s only path forward is to “stick together and keep fighting.” The Reds suffered four consecutive defeats across all competitions before securing an emphatic 5-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. Reflecting on the preceding Premier League loss to Manchester United, Bradley admitted the results were hard for everyone at the club. “We’re just trying to recover from it,” Bradley said. “It was a tough setback for Arne Slot and the whole team, but with the group we have, we’re determined to bounce back.” The young defender acknowledged the gravity of the four losses, stressing that the focus must now shift entirely to the upcoming away fixture against Brentford. “I think the focus has to be on beating Brentford. We need to perform on the pitch, that’s the only way.” “Losing four times in a row is never easy, especially for Liverpool – it’s emotional for everyone. But we just have to stick together and keep fighting.” Bradley offered insight into the team’s current struggle, attributing it to collective performance issues. “It’s hard to point fingers. It’s just been a tough period for us. We’re not creating enough chances and we’ve been conceding too many goals,” he explained. “It’s been a difficult spell, but I’m confident we’ll find our rhythm again soon.” Having overcome his own injury setbacks during the pre-season, Bradley spoke about the challenge of finding consistent form. “It’s never easy. When you’re ready to go and then get hit by an injury, it really disrupts your momentum. It’s frustrating, but I’m just trying to get as many games as possible under my belt and help the team wherever I can.” The arrival of several new signings has also brought a period of adjustment to the squad, which Bradley believes requires patience. “Yes, it will definitely take time. Building relationships doesn’t happen overnight, it takes weeks and months,” he said. “But I think the new lads are settling in really well. They’re top players and great people too, so that helps a lot.” He singled out one of the new arrivals, Florian Wirtz, as a player he has best connected with.   “Probably Florian Wirtz. We got to know each other when playing for our national teams against one another crazily enough.” Addressing the frequent comparisons made between himself and fellow right back Jeremy Frimpong, Bradley welcomed the intensity. “Competition is always healthy, it pushes you to be your best. Jeremy’s a great guy and a top player. He’s brought great energy from Germany, and I think that kind of challenge only makes us both stronger.”   “For me, it would be about cementing my place in the team and helping Liverpool win trophies. Whether that’s the Champions League, Premier League, or FA Cup, any silverware would mean a lot. We just have to keep striving, and I believe we can go again even stronger next season.” Watch Liverpool take on Brentford away in the Premier League, LIVE on Showmax Premier League this Saturday at 8pm (WAT). How can fans get Showmax Premier League on their phones? Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for N3,600 at www.showmax.com for all the Premier League action.

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2026 WAFCON Race: Super Falcons Seek Comfortable Win over Bénin’s Amazons

The 25,000 -capacity Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, Lomè is venue for Friday’s 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture, first leg match between 10-time champions Nigeria and their Bèninoise counterparts, known as Amazons, with the Cup holders seeking a comfortable win that will render the return leg in Nigeria on Tuesday a mere formality.   Head Coach Justine Madugu has a total of 19 players available for the encounter, and has promised his squad will go all out for the goals that will earn it the ticket to a defence of the title won in Morocco this summer. The Kingdom of Morocco will also host next year’s houseparty, where all semi-finalists will collect automatic qualification tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.   “We have a team that will go out there and make us proud. Yes, we would have loved to have Jennifer (Echegini) but we do not and we can only pray for her to recover quickly.   “On Friday, we will go out and play our game and seek the goals that will put us in a good stead ahead of the return leg.”   With Echegini out, Madugu is likely to opt for US-based impresario Deborah Abiodun to start, alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe in the middle, with Chiamaka Nnadozie (one of the best goalkeepers in the world) marshalling a defence-line of Michelle Alozie, Tosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Ashley Plumptre.   In the fore, Madugu has Esther Okoronkwo (doubtless one of Nigeria’s impact players at this year’s Women AFCON), the pushful Chinwendu Ihezuo, six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, new-face Joy Omewa and China-based Folashade Ijamilusi, who was also a delight as Nigeria won a tenth AFCON title in Morocco this summer.   Gambian official Ngum Fatou will be the referee of the encounter that begins at 3pm Togo time (4pm Nigeria time).   SUPER FALCONS TO FACE AMAZONS:   Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)   Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)   Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)   Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)  

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Chelsea 5–1 Ajax: Blues Thrash 10-Man Dutch Side in Wild First Half to Claim Second Champions League Win

Chelsea 5–1 Ajax: Blues Thrash 10-Man Dutch Side in Wild First Half to Claim Second Champions League Win

Chelsea produced a stunning display at Stamford Bridge, dismantling 10-man Ajax 5–1 in a chaotic first half that featured five goals, three penalties, and a red card — securing their second Champions League victory of the season. Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor’s reckless tackle on Facundo Buonanotte in the 17th minute earned him a straight red card, setting the stage for a frenetic opening period that Chelsea completely dominated. With an average starting age of just over 22 years, Enzo Maresca’s youthful side became the first team in Champions League history to have three teenagers — Marc Guiu, Estevao, and Tyrique George — score in the same game. Chelsea made ten changes from their weekend Premier League win over Nottingham Forest, with only Romeo Lavia retaining his place. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez returned to the lineup, and both quickly made their presence felt. Guiu opened the scoring from close range before Caicedo doubled the lead with a deflected strike from distance. Ajax briefly fought back when Wout Weghorst converted a penalty after Tosin Adarabioyo’s foul on Raul Moro. However, the Dutch striker then conceded a penalty at the other end with a rash challenge on Fernandez, who calmly restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion from the spot. The chaos continued as Estevao — one of Chelsea’s standout performers — won another penalty before confidently converting it himself after Fernandez handed him the ball. The first half ended 4–1, with the game effectively settled before the interval. Early in the second half, substitute Tyrique George added a fifth for the hosts, his deflected effort putting the result beyond any doubt. Chelsea continued to press, with Jamie Gittens and Estevao going close, but the damage had already been done in a relentless first 45 minutes. After the match, Maresca praised Estevao’s performance, drawing comparisons to former protégé Cole Palmer: “He reminds me of Cole at a similar age — playing wide now, but in time he’ll move inside. He’s humble, polite, and eager to learn, which makes him special.” Sky Sports’ David Richardson described the young side’s performance as a glimpse into Chelsea’s bright future. “It looked more like a Conference League lineup on paper, but the youngsters proved their worth on Europe’s biggest stage. The kids are alright,” he wrote. With four consecutive wins across all competitions, Chelsea’s momentum is growing — and they’re doing it without injured star Cole Palmer. Under Maresca’s guidance, the future looks increasingly bright for the Blues.

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Eintracht Frankfurt 1–5 Liverpool: Slot’s Men End Losing Streak With Dominant Champions League Win

Liverpool snapped their four-game losing streak in emphatic style with a 5-1 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, despite manager Arne Slot benching star forward Mohamed Salah for a second consecutive European match. The Reds endured a shaky start when former Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen opened the scoring for Frankfurt in the 26th minute. However, Liverpool responded in devastating fashion, scoring three goals in nine minutes before halftime to turn the game on its head. Hugo Ekitike — playing against his former club — levelled in the 35th minute after a swift counter-attack, calmly slotting past the goalkeeper. Captain Virgil van Dijk (39’) and Ibrahima Konate (44’) both scored headers from corners to give Liverpool a 3–1 lead at the break. Liverpool continued their dominance in the second half despite losing Alexander Isak to a groin injury at halftime. Florian Wirtz set up Cody Gakpo (66’) for Liverpool’s fourth, before Dominik Szoboszlai (70’) sealed the win with a stunning long-range strike. It was a night of redemption for Arne Slot’s side, who had struggled in recent weeks. The Liverpool boss told TNT Sports: “We needed a win. More importantly, we needed a performance where we create chances and get the reward. That’s what happened. The main difference today was that we scored from set pieces instead of conceding from them.” Mohamed Salah came off the bench with 15 minutes left but couldn’t end his six-game goal drought, while Ekitike — named Man of the Match — impressed again, scoring his first Champions League goal for Liverpool. Slot confirmed post-match that Isak’s substitution was due to injury: “Alexander had to go off at half-time because he felt his groin a little bit. Let’s hope for the best, but it’s not an easy balance when a player has been out for so long.” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk praised the team’s response after a difficult run. “I don’t know if it’s a statement, but it’s a win and something to build on,” he said. “We’ve been disappointed with losing games, but the only way forward is to stick together, block out the noise, and keep working.” With the victory, Liverpool remain firmly in contention in their Champions League group, and attention now turns to their Premier League clash with Brentford this weekend — where Slot’s rejuvenated side will aim to maintain their newfound momentum.

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Alexander Isak Suffers Groin Injury In Liverpool’s 5-1 Champions League Win Over Frankfurt

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that striker Alexander Isak was withdrawn at half-time during the Reds’ emphatic 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt due to a groin injury. The Swedish forward, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for £125 million this summer, was replaced by Federico Chiesa at the break after feeling discomfort. Speaking after the game, Slot told TNT Sports: “Alexander had to go off at half-time because he felt his groin a little bit. That’s a pity. I’ve said many times it’s such a difficult balance to find with a player that missed three months. We’ve now played him for the second time in three days and unfortunately, he had to go off.” Isak’s fitness has been a concern since joining the club, with past records showing he missed one game in 2024/25 and twelve in 2023/24 due to similar issues. Slot expressed hope that the injury would not be serious, warning that a few weeks on the sidelines could set back the striker’s recovery progress. “Let’s hope for the best,” he said. “If he’s out for a few weeks, it will put him back, so let’s wait.” Meanwhile, Isak’s strike partner Hugo Ekitike, who also joined Liverpool this summer, said their partnership was still developing. “It was not our best half together, but we can improve. He’s a very good player, and with time, the links will come,” Ekitike said. The match also saw right-back Jeremie Frimpong suffer a hamstring injury, forcing him off for Conor Bradley in the first half. The Dutch defender is expected to be out for a few weeks, adding to Liverpool’s growing injury list. Despite the setbacks, Slot was relieved to see his team return to winning ways after four straight defeats. “We needed a win,” he said. “The difference today was that we scored from set-pieces instead of conceding from them. When you’re 3-1 up, you control the game differently.” Ekitike, who scored against his former club, refused to celebrate and expressed gratitude to Frankfurt for shaping his career. “It was special for me to come back. I have so much respect for them. They made me the player I am today,” he told TNT Sports. Captain Virgil van Dijk, who also found the net, said the win was an important morale boost rather than a statement. “I don’t know if it’s a statement, but it’s a win and something to build on,” he said. “We’ve been disappointed with losing games, but the only way forward is to stick together, block the outside noise, and keep working.” Liverpool will now turn their attention to their next Premier League fixture against Brentford, hoping to maintain momentum while monitoring Isak’s recovery closely.

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Port Harcourt to Host 2025 NWFL Annual General Assembly

Port Harcourt to Host 2025 NWFL Annual General Assembly

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has officially announced that its 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGA) will be held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Confirming the development, the Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, Ms. Modupe Shabi, stated that the 2025 AGA will bring together Chairmen and General Managers of NWFL Premiership and Championship clubs, alongside key stakeholders, to deliberate on the progress and future of women’s football in Nigeria. According to Ms. Shabi, delegates are expected to arrive on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, ahead of the main congress scheduled for the following day. Some of the major highlights of this year’s Assembly will include the announcement of the 2025/2026 NWFL Premiership kickoff date and the official Premiership Draw, which will unveil fixtures for the upcoming league season. The Annual General Assembly serves as the NWFL’s highest decision-making platform, providing an avenue for club representatives, administrators, and stakeholders to review the past season’s activities, discuss strategic reforms, and set the agenda for the continued growth of women’s football across the country. Ms. Shabi expressed optimism about the gathering, noting that, “the AGA will offer an opportunity for fruitful deliberations as we collectively advance the growth and development of women’s football in Nigeria.” The NWFL COO expressed readiness to host all participating clubs and stakeholders in Port Harcourt for what promises to be a pivotal session in shaping the next chapter of the women’s game in Nigeria. Meanwhile, preparations for the new season are in top gear following the conclusion of the 2024/2025 campaign, which saw Bayelsa Queens emerge Premiership champions for a record sixth time after clinching the Super Six title in Ikenne. Promoted to the NWFL Premiership are Sunshine Queens (Ondo), Castmog Ladies (Ogun), Ahudiyannem Queens (Abia), and Imo Striker Queens (Imo), expanding the top-flight to 20 teams ahead of the 2025/2026 season. In the Championship, newly promoted clubs include Dreamstar Ladies (returnees), Rangers Women (debutants), Rosaria Victrix (debutants), and Solo Wonders (debutants), all securing their places in the NWFL Championship 2026.

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Real Madrid Beat Juventus 1-0 To Keep Perfect Champions League Record

Real Madrid claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on October 22, 2025, extending their perfect run in the Champions League group stage. The decisive moment came in the 57th minute when Vinícius Júnior’s shot hit the post, and Jude Bellingham was first to react, slotting the ball into the net for his first goal of the season since returning from shoulder surgery. Juventus pressured at intervals but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Real Madrid’s defense, led by Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger, remained solid, while Thibaut Courtois made key saves to keep the clean sheet, including a sharp stop from a long-range strike by Ángel Di María. The win gives Real Madrid three wins from three group stage matches, while Juventus remains winless with just two points from three games, facing an uphill task to advance. Bellingham’s performance underscored the growing impact of Real Madrid’s young stars in pivotal moments.

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