In the 11th minute of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup penalty kick victory over Mexico’s Necaxa on Saturday at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium, Lionel Messi suffered an injury and was taken off.
Before making his way out of the locker room under his power and entering the locker room, the 38-year-old Argentine superstar appeared to be receiving treatment for his upper right leg or groin.
However, Miami coach Javier Mascherano predicted it would be Sunday before the exact nature of the injury and the setback’s severity would be known following a 5-4 victory in penalties after a 2-2 draw.
After the game, Mascherano said, “Well, he felt a discomfort, and we won’t be able to determine how severe the injury is,” Mascherano said.
“There is probably something there,” the statement read. He was not in pain, so perhaps not as significant. But he did experience a pull.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami FC injured himself in the Leagues Cup Phase One game between Inter Miami FC and Club Necaxa at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on August 2, 2025. Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP)
Messi dribbled into the Necaxa back line before stumbling to the ground and pounding the pitch as the ball was scuffled.
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Herons captain Messi lay on his back briefly on his back until trainers arrived while he was by himself and was standing in a seated position near midfield on the left wing.
Federico Redondo was chosen to take Messi’s place after Mascherano’s decision.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami FC looks defeated as he leaves the field of play in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 2, 2025, while recovering from an injury in the Leagues Cup Phase One match between Inter Miami FC and Club Necaxa. Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP)
After the 10-man teams played to a 2-2 draw at full time, Inter Miami prevailed 5-4 on penalties.
In the third round of the shootout, Rodrigo De Paul, Ben Cremaschi, Jordi Alba, Redondo, and Luis Suarez hit penalties for Miami, with Uruguayan striker Suarez receiving the decisive penalty kick.
Telasco Segovia of Inter Miami, a midfielder from Venezuela, scored in the 12th minute, but Herons defender Maximiliano Falcon of Uruguay received a red card in the 17th minute.
Necaxa was reduced to 10 men as a result of Cristian Calderon’s red card in the 60th minute, and Badaloni scored the equalizer in the 33rd minute to give the visitors a half-time lead.
Ricardo Monreal scored in the 81st minute after leaving the Necaxa bench, but only Alba from Spain equalized for Miami in stoppage time in the second minute.
Messi was nagged by thigh strain issues during the Argentine World Cup qualifiers in March.
In his 18 MLS appearances this year, Messi has scored 18 goals and provided nine assists.
In their opening game of the Leagues Cup, an MLS and Mexican League squad had two goals scored by him in a 2-1 victory over Atlas on Wednesday.
On Wednesday when Miami plays Pumas, the group stage will be over.
D’Tigress, a Nigerian women’s basketball team, qualified for the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, marking their fifth consecutive appearance at the tournament’s climax, according to President Bola Tinubu.
The President praised the team’s resilience and dominance following their “hard-fought 75–68 victory” over arch-rivals Senegal at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President praised the team for defeating Senegal for the seventh consecutive time and advancing to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers, saying, “This was more than a semi-final. It was the final before the final.”
“I have observed D’Tigress consistently displaying the qualities that have earned respect for our players and coaches around the world,” he said. “I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit that he has consistently displayed throughout this tournament.
Nigeria are currently champions. X@DtigressNG in photo
Rena Wakama, the team’s head coach and the first woman to lead the side, received special praise from President Tinubu for her inspiring leadership both as a former player and tactician.
Her leadership, according to the President, “continues to propel D’Tigress toward new heights in this highly competitive sport.”
READ ALSO: UPDATED: Senegal’s D’Tigress Defeat Senegal To Reach Afrobasket Final
As they continue to fight for a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and further international success, President Tinubu reassured the team of his unwavering support.
In a fiercely contested match on Saturday, D’Tigress came out of behind to defeat Senegal 75-68. At the start of the fourth quarter, the reigning champions made a strong comeback to win.
Cierra Dillard of Senegal led the team in the third quarter, scoring 26 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Ezinne Kalu, who had 19 points, made a crucial steal and basket to close the gap, as Nigeria responded. Nigeria rose to 69-66 after Victory Macaulay’s crucial hook shot. In the final three minutes, the team won with a score of 10-3.
D’Tigress from Nigeria defeated a tenacious Senegal to reach the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket final five times in a row.
The Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, dubbed the “final before the final,” the Nigerians won 75-68 in a hotly contested game.
Please accept this D’Tigress squad’s Commander-in-chief as we bask in the glory of yet another victory. Our very own coach was very impressed with the work! Africa’s Prince !! King of the women! Coach Rena !! pic. https://twitter.com/g9Cu4cjnpf
At the start of the fourth quarter, Senegal had an 8-point lead. Rena Wakama’s women, however, outperformed the silver medalists by 7 points in the final AfroBasket, showing their mettle.
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Top Actors
#AfroBasketWomen Fin de la journée, Les Lionnes descendent devant les D’Tigresses en finale de l’Afrobasket Féminin #AfroBasketWomen #Senegal photo. twitter.com/lpLCdQdrd0
Cierra Dillard, who scored 26 points, seven rebounds, and three assists for Senegal, helped them outscore Nigeria 21-9 in the third quarter.
Ezinne Kalu, who had 19 points in the contest, was on hand to help the Nigerians avoid falling to the Senegalese, who haven’t defeated the D’Tigress since 2011.  ,
Lena Timera gave Kalu the ball before making a two-pointer. Victory Macaulay’s hook shot gave Nigeria a strong 69-66 lead.  ,
A comeback in the late fourth will help them put pressure on both ends on the DTigress to defeat long-standing rival and advance to the final! #LeadWithLegacy pic: #AfroBasketWomen #LeadWithLegacy. twitter.com/y0APv00rvX
Senegal won the game’s final three minutes to book their spot in the final score.  ,
D’Tigress’ Date with Destiny
The six-time champions’ winning streak now includes 28 matches with Saturday’s victory. In a third-place match in October 2015, Nigeria was the last nation to defeat the opposition.  ,
Son Heung-min, the club’s captain, announced on Saturday that he would leave this summer after ten years in north London.
The 33-year-old attacker left Bayer Leverkusen for the Premier League in 2015 and started for Spurs more than 450 times.
He won the Europa League title in May, but despite his high standards, he had a poor season overall and suffered from numerous leg injuries.
The South Korean stated to reporters in Seoul, where Tottenham are on a pre-season tour, that “I want to leave the club this summer.”
The club, in turn, is assisting me in making this choice.
Son, who has 173 goals for Spurs, did not specify where he wanted to go next and cut a sentimental figure.
He has been linked to a move to the American MLS.
Also read: Super Falcons Want to Be Ajibade’s Best Women’s Team in the World
The decision I made in my career was the most challenging. Such wonderful memories. Son, who is accompanied by Thomas Frank, the new Tottenham boss, said, “It was very difficult to make the decision.”
To push myself, I need a new environment. I need a little bit of a turnaround; ten years is a long time. I was 23 years old when I first arrived in North London.
I leave this club as a mature, self-assured individual.
Son asserted in a Korean interview that having won Tottenham’s first European title in 41 years “played a significant role” in his thinking.
He said, “Winning a title in Europe felt like I had accomplished everything.”
I had these conversations with myself over and over again as I debated whether I wanted to play football in a different setting.
Frank paid tribute to the South Korean skipper when he left Brentford for Spurs in June.
The Dane, who succeeded Ange Postecoglou, said, “For me personally, I would have loved to have worked with this fantastic person and player.”
One of the best players to ever play in the Premier League, he calls himself a true Spurs legend in every way.
Son is guaranteed a rousing reception in front of his home fans when Spurs take on Newcastle United in Seoul on Sunday.
Since signing attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, Spurs have had a relatively quiet summer.
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White had a plan to resign, but a $60 million move to her failed.
Following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), it has been raining for the Super Falcons, who have received numerous accolades and rewards.  ,
The D’Tigress, the country’s basketball team, are also on the verge of making history in Cote d’Ivoire, following a week-long tour that saw the Nigerian girls take to the country.  ,
The transfer window is still buzzing as the football season approaches the kickoff, with teams preparing their squads for the upcoming campaign.  ,
The most talked-about sports headlines are covered in First 11 as a recap of the events that have shaped sports in the last seven days.  ,
Osimhen Releases Blockbuster Act
Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray’da, yeniden! ❤️ pic. twitter.com/tWY5Lh4frA
Starting with football, but this time Victor Osimhen, one of the game’s most elite strikers, will be the one. The Nigerian made a major move to Galatasaray by completing a €75 million contract with Napoli.  ,
Osimhen’s four-year deal with Italian side Napoli means he will receive a salary of €15 million per season.  ,
Victory Parade for the Super Falcons
Following their victory in the 2018 World Football Championship, his contract was signed just as the Super Falcons received a rousing welcome home. President Bola Tinubu lavished $100, 000 on each player, a house, and technical crew members, as well.  ,
In Lagos State, the team celebrated their 10th WAFCON title with a trophy parade. The World Cup victory is what the Super Falcons hope to achieve next.  ,
Fintiri Rewards Justin Madugu in WAFCON, Inc.
I was honored to receive Justine Madugu, a true son of Adamawa and the champion of Nigeria’s WAFCON 2025 victory, today.
We have given him a 3-bedroom home and $500,000 as a reward for his bravery and patriotism. Our sporting renaissance is inspired by his success. pic. twitter.com/5ZTG00RLEK
Coach Justin Madugu was given a reward by his governor, Adamawa State, for leading the team to the title. He received both a house and N50m.  ,
Fintiri thanked the coach for making Adamawa proud at a ceremony held at the Yola Government House.
D’Tigress on the storied Afrobasket Run
Admin reporting while on duty. All Cameroonian units have been completely neutralized. I repeat myself. Down for everyone. The court is in full control of Nigeria. Our squad performed with precision and precision. D’Tigresses left no lasting impression on Targets. Request authorization to begin the formation of Victory. over . pic. twitter.com/Sgv6NcTOt6
In the semi-finals of the competition this year, the D’Tigress are attempting to win their fifth consecutive Afrobasket title.  ,
The Nigerian women will now face Senegal, a member of the West African region, in the quarter-finals.
Lionesses from Burna Boy Thrills
On July 29, 2025, the England women’s national football team celebrates its homecoming victory on the Mall outside Buckingham Palace in London with Nigerian singer Burna Boy (L) and England’s Dutch head coach Sarina Wiegman (R) in a performance a la Carte, outside of Buckingham Palace. (Photo by Adam Davy/POOL/AFP)
Nigerian singer Burna Boy made headlines earlier this week for kicking off England’s Women’s Euro trophy tour.  ,
The afrobeat legend, known as Damini Ogulu, was a surprise guest at Buckingham Palace during the Lionesses’ tour. Burna Boy’s 2022 song “For My Hand” was performed to the delight of the venue’s managers, players, and audience members.  ,
December 5th, 2018 World Cup Draw will be held.
On December 13, 2024, the FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich ahead of the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup European qualifiers. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP)
In the US, reports have surfaced that Las Vegas will host the 2026 World Cup draw on December 5. The expanded 48-team competition, which will be held by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, had been chosen for draw.  ,
Twelve groups of four will be drawn out overall. The draw ceremony took place in Las Vegas when the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup. FIFA has not yet made any comments on the subject.
London and Berlin to feature NBA players
Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, during Game Four of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 13, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Dean/ NBAE/Getty Images/Getty Images via AFP)
The NBA announced on Wednesday that regular-season games would be played in London and Berlin during the US campaign for 2025-26.  ,
On January 15, 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic will square off in Berlin and then again in London. The decision to move the games “reflects the incredible momentum and appetite for NBA basketball in France, Germany, the UK, and the entire region,” according to NBA Europe managing director George Aivazoglou.
Transfer: Diaz relocates to Germany, and Xhaka re-enters England.
I’m eager to play alongside…
Granit Xhaka will finish the sentence! pic. twitter.com/dOEIwOpQj1
The football transfer window has been buzzing all week as the new season approaches. It’s been all fireworks in England and throughout Europe as clubs bolster their teams and players make the moves.  ,
One of the biggest stories in the game was Bayern Munich’s signing of forward Luis Diaz from Liverpool, the Premier League champion. Granit Xhaka, a former Arsenal player, joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen, a German side.  ,
Pedro and Aubameyang are given new homes.
Joo Félix spent time at Barcelona and Chelsea. X@AlNassrFC_EN is the credit.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made a season-long break in Saudi Arabia and then made his return to Marseille. The 36-year-old striker arrived in southern France on Wednesday night.  ,
Portuguese international Joo Félix will join Cristiano Ronaldo in signing a two-year deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr. In 2019, Felix, 25, made the big move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid, but his fortunes have since deteriorated.
The Athletics Championship Contest Starts
The Nigerian Athletics Championships, the world’s premier athletics competition, are taking place at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos. The nation’s top sprinters, jumpers, throwers, and distance runners will be featured there.  ,
Due to the disparate national titles, the 2025 edition has a special significance. Additionally, it will serve as a staging area for Tokyo’s 2025 World Championships.  ,
Nigeria Up for CHAN
A 23-person squad has been chosen to play for the Super Eagles at #CHAN2024, according to head coach Eric Chelle.
Finally, the local Super Eagles are finishing up their 2024 African Nations Championship preparations.  ,
However, in their final preparatory match before the competition, Nigeria blew a 2-0 lead to Zanzibar on Friday. From August 2 through August 30th, the tournament will take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.  ,
French authorities ordered Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi to stand trial for the alleged 2023 rape of a woman, which the Moroccan international denied on Friday.
The prosecutor’s office in Nanterre informed AFP that they had requested that the prosecutor take the rape case before a criminal court.
The prosecutor’s office told AFP in a statement that “it is now up to the investigating magistrate to make a decision within the parameters of his order.”
Hakimi, 26, scored the winning goal in the 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the May final, which was crucial for PSG’s first Champions League triumph.
Hakimi, who helped Morocco reach the 2022 World Cup’s historic semi-finals, was accused of raping a 24-year-old woman in March 2023.
Also read: Super Falcons Want to Be Ajibade’s Best Women’s Team in the World
On the eve of Paris Saint-Germain’s second leg semi-final UEFA Champions League game against Arsenal, on May 6, 2025, at the club’s training facility in Poissy, west of Paris, Moroccan defender #02 Achraf Hakimi addresses the audience. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)
While his wife and children were away on vacation, Hakimi allegedly paid for his accuser to visit his home in Boulogne-Billancourt on February 25, 2023.
Following the incident, the woman alleges rape and is now being questioned by police at a police station.
Prosecutors decided to bring charges against the player despite the woman’s refusal to make a formal accusation.
She claimed to have met Hakimi on Instagram in January 2023 when she was reporting to the police at the time.
She claimed that she had taken a taxi from his house the night before to his home. Before raping her, she claimed to have told police that Hakimi had started kissing her and making consensual sexual advances, according to a police source.
She claimed she was able to free herself and text a friend who had arrived to pick her up.
In light of the facts surrounding the case, Hakimi’s lawyer, Fanny Colin, who spoke with AFP after the news was made, described the trial request by the prosecution as “uncomprehensible and meaningless”.
“We and Achraf Hakimi continue to be as composed as they were when the proceedings began.
We would obviously pursue all possible appeals, she continued.
The woman’s lawyer, Rachel-Flore Pardo, told AFP, “My client welcomes this news with immense relief.
Hakimi, who was born in Madrid, joined Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga in 2018 after spending some time in the youth system at Real Madrid.
He then made 73 Bundesliga appearances.
He made his first team-related move to Inter Milan in 2020, before moving on to PSG in 2021.
Hakimi played a key role in the Morocco team’s transition from Africa to the Arab world cup semifinals in Qatar.
