Football

Lionel Messi's summer schedule is shaping up to be a whirlwind of international commitments and club obligations. The Argentine maestro will be a key figure for his country at the Copa America (June 20-July 14) and is rumored to be considering participation in the Paris Olympics (July 24-August 10).Adding to Messi's packed itinerary, Inter Miami, his current club, will compete in the Leagues Cup (July 26-August 25). The tournament pits MLS teams against Liga MX clubs, further complicating Messi's availability.Javier Mascherano, Messi's former Barcelona and Argentina teammate, provided an update on the star's potential Olympic involvement. "Lionel is aware that age is catching up with him," Mascherano told Tyc Sports. "He has to manage his workload because he has had a year of heavy activity."Mascherano emphasized that the invitation to the Olympics was extended to give Messi time to consider his options. "We believed it was necessary to extend this invitation so that he has the time to think it over and analyze it because he would have to leave his club," he said.Mascherano also commented on the possibility of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez joining the Olympic squad. "How could we not consider Dibu Martínez? We have the advantage of having the World Cup-winning team," he said. "Dibu is among the best goalkeepers in the world."However, Mascherano ruled out the inclusion of Ángel Di María, another former Argentina teammate. "Ángel appreciated the call, but he has no intention of going to Paris," he said. "We have ruled him out; he wants to give space to the younger players."Messi has previously won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, but his participation in Paris remains uncertain. He is expected to be a key player for Argentina in their Copa America title defense, as they aim to retain the trophy they won in 2021.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is cautiously optimistic about Mohamed Salah's return to action against Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday. The Egyptian star has been sidelined for the past four games due to muscle fatigue.Salah joined his Liverpool teammates on Wednesday's flight to Prague after missing the previous four games due to muscle fatigue. The 31-year-old has played just 46 minutes for Liverpool since leaving the Africa Cup of Nations early when he sustained a hamstring injury in a group-stage game against Ghana in January.Salah's substitute appearance came against Brentford on February 17, the forward scoring at the Gtech Community Stadium before subsequently being sidelined with the muscle issue. He trained with the rest of the Liverpool squad on Wednesday and could feature in the last 16 first-leg meeting with Sparta.Salah's availability is significant for Klopp ahead of Sunday's seismic showdown with Manchester City in the Premier League. Second-placed City will arrive at Anfield one point behind leaders Liverpool in a tense title race."It is so good that he (Salah) is back," Klopp told a pre-match press conference on Wednesday. "Two days in team training: in a different situation players are not in the squad in this moment but now the situation makes sense."The German added: "We want to be careful, we have to be careful but we're in the middle of a super-intense period of the season and we need everyone. So let's see how long we can use him and these kinds of things."Quadruple-chasing Liverpool won the League Cup final against Chelsea without Salah, and also beat Luton, Southampton, and Nottingham Forest in his absence. But having Salah back is a huge boost for Liverpool heading into the decisive final weeks of Klopp's last season in charge.The Egyptian has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season, including 15 in 21 league games. Klopp has taken his strongest available squad to Prague, with Darwin Nunez and Wataru Endo in contention to start after coming on as substitutes in last weekend's win at Forest.

Manchester City's relentless pursuit of Champions League glory continues as they secured a 3-1 victory over Copenhagen on Wednesday, advancing to the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-2 aggregate scoreline. The triumph marks the seventh consecutive season that Pep Guardiola's team has reached the last eight of Europe's elite club competition.Manuel Akanji opened the scoring for City within five minutes, capitalizing on a corner from Julian Alvarez. Alvarez doubled the lead shortly after, with a long shot that slipped through the grasp of Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. Despite Copenhagen's impressive goal from Mohamed Elyounoussi, Erling Haaland restored City's two-goal advantage just before halftime.Guardiola praised his team's consistency, highlighting their unbeaten home run in the Champions League that stretches back to 2018. "It's a question of time, a process," he said. "We are a team that believes we can do it."City's victory sets up potential clashes with European giants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain in the next round. However, few teams would relish facing the defending champions, who remain on course to become only the second team after Real Madrid to retain the trophy in its modern format.Guardiola's team extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 20 games, showcasing their ominous form. "We can compete everywhere because we come from the final, semifinal, final, and now the quarterfinals again," Guardiola said.City's seven consecutive quarterfinals appearances equal the feats of Bayern and Manchester United. Barcelona holds the record for the most consecutive last-eight appearances, with 13 between 2008 and 2020.The defending champions remain in contention for a treble this season, sitting just a point behind Liverpool in the Premier League and having reached the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory.The match started with both teams cautious, but it was Madrid who broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Jude Bellingham, who had been impressive throughout the tie, initiated the move in his own half and surged forward before releasing a perfectly weighted through ball to Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian forward calmly slotted the ball past Janis Blaswich to give Madrid the lead.However, Leipzig responded swiftly, with Willi Orban equalizing just three minutes later. The German defender headed home a corner kick to level the score and give Leipzig hope of a comeback.Despite Leipzig's efforts, Madrid held firm and managed to see out the match, securing their place in the last eight. The result extends Madrid's impressive record in the Champions League, as they have reached the quarter-finals in 12 of the last 14 seasons.Bellingham's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he became the third-youngest player to either score or assist a goal in six consecutive Champions League appearances. The 20-year-old midfielder has been in scintillating form this season and is attracting interest from some of Europe's top clubs.After the match, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his team had struggled to control the game. "We had to dig deep, more than we thought we might have to," he said. "It was difficult and we played badly. Now we're pleased to reach the quarter-finals."Ancelotti also highlighted the need for improvement in Madrid's mental resilience. "When we have a small lead, we don't know how to handle it mentally," he said. "We don't press and we lack intensity. That's where we have to improve and evaluate what we didn't do well."

Spanish prosecutors have requested a four-year and nine-month prison sentence for Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, alleging that he failed to declare earnings to the tax office. The charges stem from undeclared image rights earnings in 2014 and 2015, amounting to over one million euros.Prosecutors accuse Ancelotti of establishing a complex system of shell companies to conceal his earnings from image rights and other sources. They allege that he "simulated" the transfer of his image rights to entities outside Spain to avoid paying taxes.In 2014, Ancelotti earned 1.24 million euros from image rights sales, and 2.96 million euros in 2015. A Spanish court ordered him to stand trial in July, but a date has not yet been set.Ancelotti has acknowledged the actions that deprived the treasury of money, according to court documents. This could lead to an agreement with prosecutors to settle the case without trial and avoid prison.Spain has recently cracked down on tax evasion among high-profile football players. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jose Mourinho have all faced charges and received sentences.Ancelotti took over as Real Madrid coach in 2013 and left in 2015. He has since managed Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton before returning to Real Madrid in 2021. He has won the Champions League four times and domestic league titles in multiple countries.

Aitana Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d'Or and FIFA Player of the Year, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of women's football. Her exceptional skills and unwavering ambition have earned her comparisons to legendary players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.Bonmati's 2023 has been a year of triumph, with individual accolades and team victories. She attributes her success to the winning mentality and improved physicality of the Spanish national team. However, her hunger for more is insatiable."I want to be a better Aitana every year," she declares. Her sights are set on Olympic gold in 2024 and a record-breaking four titles for Barcelona in 2023-24.Barcelona's women's team has been on a roll, winning the Liga F, Champions League, and Supercopa de Espana in 2022-23. They currently lead the Liga F standings and are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.While Bonmati acknowledges the team's success, she emphasizes the importance of creating space for teammates. "Football is more than moving on your own," she says. "It is also about creating space for your teammates."Beyond trophies, Bonmati aspires to leave a lasting legacy. She wants to be remembered for her impact on teammates and coaches. "One of the most important things I would like to have when I retire is what other players and coaches say about me," she reveals.Bonmati's newfound status as a global icon gives her a platform to advocate for women's football. She believes that institutions need to invest more in the sport to provide opportunities for growth."There is a lot to do and salary is just one of the things," she says. "I would like institutions to make a good investment in women's football so that it gives us an opportunity to grow."Bonmati hopes that one day, boys and girls will have women footballers as idols. "That didn't exist" in her time, she says. "I grew up idolising Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi for the way they took care of the ball."

Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, two of the most prolific strikers in the world, showcased their exceptional abilities in the Champions League Round of 16, leading their respective teams, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, to victories.Mbappe's brace against Real Sociedad was a testament to his speed, power, and panache. He tormented the Spanish side's defense, leaving them bewildered with his blistering pace and clinical finishing. His first goal was a stunning solo effort, where he left two defenders in his wake before firing a powerful shot into the far corner. His second goal was equally impressive, as he outmuscled a defender and slotted the ball home with ease.Kane's goals against Bayern Munich were equally impressive. The English striker displayed his poacher's instinct, scoring two headers from close range. His first goal came from a Raphael Guerreiro shot that he cleverly redirected into the net. His second goal was a tap-in from a Leroy Sane rebound.Both Mbappe and Kane have been in scintillating form this season, averaging a goal per game for their clubs. Their performances in the Champions League have further cemented their status as world-class strikers.Mbappe's goalscoring prowess has been a key factor in PSG's success this season. The French giants are on course for a domestic treble, having already won the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. Mbappe's pace and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenders, and he is one of the most feared attackers in the world.Kane has been equally impressive for Bayern Munich. The German champions have struggled for consistency this season, but Kane's goals have kept them in contention for the Bundesliga title. His ability to score goals from all angles makes him a valuable asset to any team.Mbappe and Kane are two of the most exciting young players in the world. Their performances in the Champions League have shown that they are capable of reaching the very top of the game. They are both destined for greatness, and it will be fascinating to see how their careers unfold in the years to come.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham has been handed a two-match suspension by La Liga for his actions following the 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday. The England international was shown a red card after the final whistle for showing contempt towards the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano.According to the referee's report, Bellingham displayed an "aggressive attitude" as he disputed Manzano's decision to blow the whistle when he headed Brahim Diaz's cross into the net in the ninth minute of added time. The goal would have given Real Madrid a dramatic victory.Bellingham's suspension means he will miss Sunday's home game against Celta Vigo and the trip to Osasuna on March 16. The 20-year-old is the leading scorer in La Liga with 16 goals in his first season at the club.Despite the suspension, Bellingham will be available for Real Madrid's Champions League last-16 second leg against RB Leipzig on Wednesday. The Spanish giants hold a 5-2 advantage from the first leg.Real Madrid are seven points clear of Girona at the top of La Liga. They will be looking to extend their lead when they face Celta Vigo on Sunday.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has vehemently denied allegations of financial impropriety and misconduct leveled against him in recent media reports. In a letter to Member Associations and Executive Committee members, Chaubey asserted that he has served a defamation notice on Advocate Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, who initiated the "media trial."Chaubey clarified the circumstances surrounding the proposed partnership with IndiGo. He explained that the idea emerged during his tenure as IOA Joint Secretary and was presented to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers. While a sponsorship deal was not feasible, the airline expressed interest in a marketing and promotion partnership. The agreement, which has not been finalized, involves barter arrangements to promote Indian football through IndiGo's platforms. Chaubey emphasized that there are no potential financial implications or losses for AIFF.Regarding production tenders, Chaubey stated that I-League production companies were selected after a joint evaluation by AIFF and FSDL. He requested a report from FSDL on the technical evaluation process and the selection of KPS Studio. Chaubey also noted that Bhattacharjee was involved in the tender selection process and did not raise any concerns at the time.Chaubey addressed allegations of dummy cameras being used by production teams. He has requested the Acting Secretary-General to gather match details and form a committee to review the recordings. He questioned why Bhattacharjee did not report this issue earlier, raising concerns about his credibility and motives.Chaubey denied allegations of financial wrongdoings, including sharing legal retainership fees, personal use of AIFF credit cards, interference with judicial bodies, and personal trips at AIFF's expense. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that the allegations are baseless and intended to malign his reputation.