In Sunday’s Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference semifinal between Cincinnati and Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi scored a second-half brace, and Lionel Messi collected three assists.
No 3 seed Miami, which advanced to its first East final after its longest MLS Cup Playoff run in club history, made it a goal and an assist with Mateo Silvetti, 19. New York City FC, the No. 5 seed, will take on it, which defeated Philadelphia Union by a score of 1-0 on Sunday night.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Cincinnati was knocked out of a home game by a match short of making the second East final for the third time in a row.
After coming home from Nashville in the final game of the round one series two weeks ago, Miami’s second straight 4-0 victory came as manager Javier Mascherano made the decision to not start starting striker Luis Suarez.
Suarez, who was previously Messi’s long-term teammate at Barcelona, was given a red-card suspension in the final game of the regular season but scored 10 goals and added 10 assists.
However, over the course of the final 180 minutes, Messi and a more recent Miami front four have begun to show signs of maturity.
After scoring 29 goals and adding 19 assists in what is likely to be his second consecutive regular-season MLS MVP-winning regular season, Messi now has six goals and six assists in the postseason, which contributes to every single Miami tally.
As Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano, third from left, tries to defend against Messi in the opening period of their Eastern Conference semifinal [Tanner Pearson/AP]
Messi dominates the East semifinal.
In the 19th minute of what was a level-headed match’s opening, Messi scored his goal on Sunday.
Jodi Alba made the transition possible when he stepped forward from his left-handed position to intercept a Cincinnati pass.
After passing goalkeeper Roman Celentano with a strong header, Silvetti eventually found space on the left and delivered an outswinging cross that Messi had hoped would take seriously.
On a sequence that started with a throw-in to the right, Silvetti doubled Miami’s lead in the 57th minute. Allende did a fantastic job of receiving the throw before quickly turning his body to pass a defenseman and find Messi in space close to the penalty line. With a layoff into Silvetti’s path, Messi continued to move the ball to the left and delivered a superb curling finish beyond Celentano and inside the far right post.
Billy Mayhew, the vicar who led his Weatherfield flock for 11 years, will be heartbroken for millions of Coronation Street viewers, but actor Daniel Brocklebank explains why he’s not upset.
View 4 Images
Daniel Brocklebank has played Billy Mayhew on Coronation St for 11 years.(Image: Supplied)
Coronation Street’s vicar Billy Mayhew may be leaving the cobbles but the actor who plays him, Daniel Brocklebank, says he hasn’t shed a tear about leaving.
But only because he’s been far too busy. Forty minutes after receiving uproarious applause from 150 members of the cast and crew, he sped down the cobbles to a Manchester theatre to join rehearsals for his next role in the cult comedy classic Young Frankenstein.
“I don’t think I’ve ever finished one job and started another one on the same day,” he laughs. “I walked out of the Coronation Street studio at ten to one on Tuesday last week and I was at the theatre and in rehearsals for Young Frankenstein by half past one. My feet literally didn’t touch the ground.
“I’ll spend five weeks with Young Frankenstein, and after that, I might be able to get over things.” It’s difficult to explain after 11 years in one place how much has changed. Billy will be missed.
READ MORE: ‘Granchester’s DI Geordie Keating is the worst ever TV detective’ says Robson Green
It’s like having two lives when you play someone for that long. But I’ll miss the cast and crew’s camaraderie the most, though.
Daniel claims he had been considering the show’s departure for a year after it was announced over the summer. He recalls that I had spoken to my other half and said, “maybe it’s time.” “I enjoy being challenged, and I was very quiet there for the entire year. I was wondering what exactly was left to Billy after the Motor Neurone Disease storyline, which is probably what I’m most proud of.
He could enter a new relationship, marry his daughter Summer, and be a grandfather. However, the impact of his husband Paul’s MND storyline prevented me from figuring out what might have happened to him if it hadn’t already been done.
“He’d been a drug addict, he’d adopted a child, got married, had the first ever same sex wedding on the show and lost his husband. It’s not like he hadn’t packed it in – it’s been quite a colourful 11 years. I was in a show at the Palladium earlier this year and it just reminded me that there was a whole world happening outside of that Weatherfield bubble.”
The producer of Coronation Street then called Daniel in June and informed him that Billy had been written out. He recalls: “They claimed it was entirely storyline-based, as is so frequently the case. I was philosophical about it because it felt so good. At the end of the day, there is no other character more important than the show.
We only have a year’s contract, and I don’t believe anyone in their right mind would want to live there permanently because you could be in the market for a fall. As the show’s structure changes, new producers are eager to insulate old characters and exit characters who they believe have had enough.
“When it was announced in the press, I received a lot of messages from producers and directors I’ve worked with in the past saying, “This is great news, when are you free?” I’m going to think of you because of this, I promise. That was nice, and those people didn’t forget me.
One such call came from the producers of Young Frankenstein the Musical, offering Daniel the lead role of Dr Frederick Frankenstein, who inherits his grandfather’s Transylvanian castle. A musical comedy horror, based on the 1974 film written by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, Daniel stars in the show for a limited five-week run at the Liverpool Playhouse over the Christmas season.
He exclaims, “It’s fun and eccentric.” “My character incinerates a 7-foot-green monster with a brain!” The writing is a little sloppy; I enjoy the old-fashioned humor and the tap dancing. After leaving Coronation Street, I wanted to do something a little left-field. I’m usually interested in watching a kangaroo eat some b*****ks in the jungle, so I’m going to do a panto and maybe a little reality TV, but I’m not particularly interested in that!
Young Frankenstein does both of my goals, which is to terrify and stretch me. It’s been fascinating to meet some lovely new faces, and part of the appeal is that I’m playing a completely different character in Frankenstein. Even though I’m not like Billy, the thing about playing one character for so long is that you become a synonym for that person.
Daniel claims he was pleased with the scripts, but it’s a closely guarded secret how and when Billy leaves Weatherfield. I’m really pleased with Billy’s departure because it’s appropriate for a character who has been at the center of the show for a lot of his time, and it’s funny that he smiles.
“On the street, where 150 people gathered to wave me off and give me a hug, was the last scene I shot.” Thank goodness for my daughter Summer, Harriet Bibby, who plays her, was very emotional. You’re saying goodbye to a time in your life in an emotional way. I avoided tears myself, primarily because I didn’t want the Young Frankenstein cast to see me as a blubbering wreck.
Away from work, Daniel has a camper van and loves hiking, walking his three sausage dogs, Colin, Jean and Doris, and working on his allotment near the Manchester home he shares with his partner of two years, singer Jordan Coulthard. He began acting at 14, playing the lead role in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Lord of the Flies. At just 19 he starred in the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love.
He has collaborated with other household names, including Dustin Hoffman, Kirsten Dunst, and Sam Neill, in addition to the screen success that he has had in The Hours. He joined Coronation Street at the age of 34 in 2014, and despite his distinguished career, he has no worries about what the future might hold.
He goes on to say, “I think I would have been terrified about how I would exist outside of the show if Corrie had been everything I’d ever known.” I know that I can come out and live beyond it because I lived for 22 years before I started it. After Young Frankenstein, there is already a ton of work in progress, including a Jersey short film and a horror movie, which is fantastic considering I only finished Corrie last week.
Only two people have lived there their entire lives in the 65 years of Coronation Street, and that’s Barbara Knox and Bill Roache, and hundreds, perhaps thousands of actors have passed through the cast during that time. It was perfectly put by David Neilson (Roy Cropper). You must remember that this is the beginning, he said, despite how sad it is that you are leaving us. And he was correct.
The next chapter of my life will begin with this statement. I’m only 45. Corrie is a wonderful challenge, and I look forward to returning to it because I’ve loved every second of it and will cherish it forever. I firmly believe that everything happens in the right way. I believe that the universe has the right timing for what you need, and I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, Israel struck Beirut for the first time since June, causing the death of five people and injuring 25 others.
Haytham Tabatabai, Hezbollah’s chief of staff, was killed in the Israeli military’s statement on Sunday, according to the Israeli military, and the Lebanese-based organization was warned against rearming a year after the two’s most recent war.
As Pope Leo XIV prepares to visit Lebanon, Hezbollah has confirmed Tabatabai’s death and warned that the attack was likely to escalate hostilities.
Israeli airstrikes over southern Lebanon have increased in recent weeks, despite the capital’s attack being the first to target the capital.
Israel and the United States continue to press Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, which was a requirement of the ceasefire agreement that put an end to the conflict a year ago. Israel asserts that the organization is attempting to resurrect its military might.
These assertions have been refuted by the Lebanese government. Although it claims that Hezbollah’s stronghold in the south has been given more resources, the country’s cash-strapped army is also in need.
Since the ceasefire began, Hezbollah has not attacked Israel.
In a statement, Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun accused Israel of refusing to uphold its right under the ceasefire agreement and issued a condemnation of the strike.
He demanded that the world community “intervene with all seriousness and strength to put an end to the attacks on Lebanon and its people.”
Israel’s military said it is still committed to the “understandings” agreed upon.
The country’s president stated last week that he was ready to engage in negotiations with Israel to stop the country’s ongoing airstrikes and to halt its ongoing airstrikes on Lebanese territory.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes that Mohamed Salah should be dropped by Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
The Egyptian, who has scored five goals this season, was also unaffected by Saturday’s 3-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest.
In his most recent podcast episode, Rooney said, “If I were Slot, I’d try to make a big decision so that the rest of the team can benefit.”
Salah doesn’t assist them defensively, they claim.
JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.
The 33-year-old won the player of the season award last term and the first player in Premier League history to finish the campaign with the most goals and assists.
His impressive form came at the same time as his admirable debut as manager of Liverpool, where he succeeded Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds have struggled following a busy summer transfer window that saw the signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a total investment of £241 million.
Liverpool has 18 points from 12 games, which places them 11th overall.
They are going through a difficult time, aren’t they? Rooney, who has won five Premier League titles, was added.
You’ve probably got to examine the effects of Jota’s tragic passing. What impact does that have on the players as teammates? That must undoubtedly have a positive impact.
Klopp’s name is constantly raised.
Images courtesy of Getty
The Dutchman’s legacy is beginning to loom over him as Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk said after Saturday’s defeat that “everyone in the team has to take responsibility.” Slot’s team has only managed one win in their last seven league games, so the shadow of his predecessor is starting to appear over him.
Rooney said, “I believe Slot has a big job to get them back playing and winning.”
Klopp’s name keeps getting raised when he has a run of results like this.
It resembles Sir Alex Ferguson’s presence a little bit. For instance, Fergie’s name would always be raised when David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal first started playing for Manchester United.
Klopp “keeps getting brought up with Slot.” He is not as good as Jurgen Klopp, and he is not.
“But I believe Liverpool supporters simply need to get over that and stop.”
On Thursday, December 18, the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year event will take place at MediaCityUK in Salford.
From 19:00 GMT, the broadcast will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website, and BBC Sport app.
It will celebrate England’s triumphs in the Women’s Euros and Women’s Rugby World Cup, Team Europe’s victory in the Ryder Cup, Liverpool’s Premier League title, Arsenal’s success in the Women’s Champions League, and the British and Irish Lions’ series win in Australia.
Seven prizes, including the prestigious main prize, were presented, including Keely Hodgkinson, the 800-meter champion last year.
That will once more be decided by a public vote, just like the Team of the Year, which will be the first time.
BBC Sport’s Director Alex Kay-Jelski stated: “This year was once again filled with incredible sporting moments and stories. I’m glad I didn’t have to choose who to vote for!
Our homegrown stars, especially the women, have delivered like never before, and we’ve seen drama, triumph, and unforgettable moments on a global scale.
“I’m looking forward to seeing who the electorate chooses to win and how it celebrates another fantastic year.”
The seven award categories for 2025 are the Lifetime Achievement award, World Sport Star of the Year, Helen Rollason award, Young Sports Personality of the Year, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year, and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
In December, nominees for the Sports Personality of the Year and Team of the Year awards will be revealed.
Before the live performance, viewers will also be able to select the World Sport Star of the Year.
According to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., seven people have been detained in the Philippines as part of an investigation into a sizable corruption scandal involving flood control projects in the Southeast Asian nation.
In the first of what are anticipated to be numerous inquiries into so-called “ghost” infrastructure projects, the Sandiganbayan, a special anticorruption court, has indicted more than a dozen people.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
After thousands of people took to the streets of Manila in September to demand accountability, Marcos established a commission to look into the scandal, which the Department of Finance estimates cost the nation 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion).
In a video message posted on Facebook on Monday, Marcos stated that seven suspects were still at large while two were on the lookout for surrender.
Marcos cautioned against doing the law that anyone who aids the fugitives in hiding would also be held accountable.
Marcos remarked, “To the rest, give up,” and he specifically referred to Zaldy Co, a former House of Representatives member, by name.
According to officials, Co’s family owns Sunwest Corporation, a construction company that was hired to construct a dam on the Mag-asawang Tubig River in Oriental Mindoro.
The court has been looking into the project’s 289 million pesos ($4.9 million) for the first time since the scandal was made public.
Co’s whereabouts, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, are unknown, but three other suspects may soon be flown back home to the Philippine embassies in the United States, New Zealand, and Jordan.
At a press conference where mug shots of the arrested suspects were shown with orange shirts, Remulla said, “No matter where you are in the world, we will find you.”
Eight Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, according to the Philippine media outlet Rappler, were already in police custody on Monday over the Oriental Mindoro case.
According to Rappler, they include two regional directors, an engineer, and an accountant for the bidding and awards committee.
Senators, house members, and wealthy construction company owners “jailed before Christmas,” according to Marcos, who has promised that dozens more criminal corruption lawsuits will result in their cases being “jailed before Christmas.”
The leading corruption suspects’ lavish lifestyles, mansions, suitcases of cash, and fleets of luxury cars and private jets have sparked widespread protests.
The dominant Roman Catholic Church supports an upcoming demonstration that is scheduled for November 30.
Representative Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin and key ally, who has resigned as speaker of the House of Representatives, is one of those who has been implicated. He has denied any involvement and has since resigned.
Francis Escudero, a former member of the Senate, has also been accused of stealing kickbacks. He has resigned from his position, but he has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
deadly floods
The island nation, which has some 7 641 islands, is extremely prone to flooding, with poor communities reporting that their homes have been destroyed by the corruption scandal.
More than 250 people were killed earlier this month when two super typhoons slammed into the Philippines one week later.
