Lionel Messi has retained his place as Major League Soccer’s top earner after agreeing to a new big-money contract with Inter Miami CF. Data published by the MLS Players Association yesterday showed that the Argentina national football team captain now receives an annual base salary of $25 million (£18.5 million), which is more than twice the earnings of any other player in the league.
President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for Nigeria to host two major continental football events — the 2026 Confederation of African Football Awards and the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly. The approval was announced in a statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on Tuesday after Tinubu met with CAF President Patrice Motsepe at the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
Former Manchester United F.C. midfielder Owen Hargreaves has singled out goalkeeper Senne Lammens as the club’s best signing of the season. Manchester United F.C. secured Lammens from Belgian side Royal Antwerp F.C. during last summer’s transfer window as part of a major squad rebuild.
Former Premier League referee Darren Cann has called for a major change to football laws following the controversial VAR decision during Arsenal’s dramatic victory over West Ham United. Cann suggested that attacking players should no longer be allowed inside the six-yard box before corners are taken, arguing that it would reduce the growing trend of “grappling” and “wrestling” during set-pieces. The debate followed West Ham’s disallowed equaliser against Arsenal in a crucial Premier League clash. The goal was ruled out after referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed the incident and determined that West Ham defender Pablo had fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya during a crowded melee in the penalty area.
American football wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been found not guilty of assaulting his personal chef, bringing an end to a closely watched legal case in Massachusetts. The 32-year-old, who most recently played for the New England Patriots, had denied charges of felony strangulation and a lesser assault offence stemming from an alleged incident on 2 December last year.
Spain’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been clouded by fresh concerns over teenage star Lamine Yamal, following a significant injury setback at FC Barcelona. The 18-year-old winger has been ruled out for the remainder of Barcelona's season after sustaining a hamstring injury, raising questions about his readiness for football's biggest tournament. However, both club and country remain optimistic that he will recover in time to feature in the competition across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
