Football

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will miss Inter Miami's Leagues Cup knockout match against reigning MLS champion Columbus on Tuesday due to an ongoing right ankle injury. Messi sustained the injury during Argentina's Copa America final victory over Colombia a month ago and has not yet resumed training with his Miami teammates.The Leagues Cup is a tournament featuring MLS and Liga MX Mexican clubs, with Messi playing a pivotal role in Miami's inaugural title triumph last year. The showdown between Columbus, the 2022 MLS champions, and Miami, the current league leaders, is one of eight matches scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to determine the quarter-final pairings on Friday and Saturday.The round of 16 kicks off on Monday with the Seattle Sounders hosting Mexico's Pumas, a team they defeated in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final. Other knockout matches on Tuesday include Philadelphia at Cincinnati, Cruz Azul against Mazatlan, Tigres against New York City, Toluca at Colorado, Club America at St. Louis, and San Jose at Los Angeles FC.Messi's absence is a significant blow to Inter Miami's hopes of retaining their Leagues Cup title. The 35-year-old forward has been in impressive form this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists in 19 MLS appearances.Despite Messi's injury, Inter Miami remain confident in their ability to overcome Columbus and advance to the quarter-finals. The team has a strong squad featuring experienced players such as Gonzalo Higuaín, Blaise Matuidi, and Kieran Gibbs.The Leagues Cup provides a unique opportunity for MLS and Liga MX clubs to compete against each other in a meaningful tournament. The competition has grown in popularity since its inception in 2019 and is expected to attract a large audience this year.

Manchester City's impending hearing regarding alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations could be expedited to September, according to The Times. The hearing, initially scheduled for November, is now expected to commence in mid-to-late September and span approximately 10 weeks. A verdict is anticipated in early 2025.The Premier League and Manchester City have refrained from commenting on the matter.The Times also reported that the outcome of a separate legal case initiated by City against league regulations governing sponsorship and revenue deals with businesses linked to club owners is expected within the next two weeks. This development could pave the way for the hearing into the 115 charges against City to be brought forward, assuming no further legal obstacles arise.Abu Dhabi-owned City faces allegations of violating financial regulations between 2009 and 2023. If found guilty, the club, which recently secured its fourth consecutive English top-flight title, could face severe penalties, including points deductions or even relegation from the Premier League.The charges stem from an investigation launched by the Premier League in 2018 following the publication of leaked emails by German outlet Der Spiegel. The emails allegedly revealed financial irregularities and potential breaches of UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations.Manchester City has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to vigorously defend itself against the allegations. The club has also expressed confidence in its ability to clear its name and maintain its status as one of the most successful clubs in English football.The outcome of the hearing will have significant implications for Manchester City and the Premier League. If City is found guilty, it could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of financial regulations in football. Conversely, if City is exonerated, it could raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the Premier League's financial oversight.

Fabio Carvalho, a promising 21-year-old Portuguese forward, has made a significant move from Liverpool to Brentford on a five-year contract. The transfer fee remains undisclosed, but British media sources estimate an initial payment of £22.5 million ($28.7 million, €26.3 million), with potential add-ons of £5 million. Liverpool will also receive a 17.5% sell-on fee for Carvalho, whom they acquired from Fulham for £5 million two years ago.Carvalho's contract includes an optional one-year extension. Brentford manager Thomas Frank expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting Carvalho's versatility and attacking prowess. "He can play in all of the front three or four positions in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1," Frank said. "His best position is probably as a number 10 or coming in from the left."Frank praised Carvalho's technical abilities, including his dribbling, passing, and chance creation. He also emphasized Carvalho's work ethic and cultural fit with the Brentford squad. "His ability and mentality to work hard in the pressure is also very, very good," Frank added.Carvalho spent the previous season on loan at RB Leipzig in Germany and Hull City in England's second tier, where he scored nine goals in 20 appearances. Brentford, who finished 13 points clear of the relegation zone last season, will kick off their Premier League campaign at home against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Maximilian Beier, the German international striker, has joined Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract. The 21-year-old arrives from Hoffenheim, where he spent the past six years after coming through the Energie Cottbus youth system.Beier's move to Dortmund is a significant step in his career. He has been one of the most promising young strikers in the Bundesliga, scoring 16 goals in 33 games in his first full season. He also received his first senior international call-up in March and was part of Julian Nagelsmann's Germany squad for the European Championship.Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said Beier was the club's "top target" after Niclas Fuellkrug's departure for West Ham. "He's very self-assured on the pitch despite his young age, and he has impressive pace, he never stops running and he poses a real goal threat," said Kehl."On top of that, he has the versatility to play in several positions and in various systems. There's scope for him to develop further, and we'll help him become an even better player. He's a down-to-earth person who's willing to learn, and his hard work and commitment make him the perfect fit for BVB."Beier is excited about the opportunity to join Dortmund. "I'm really excited to take this next major step in my career," he said. "Borussia Dortmund is a great club with a rich history and a passionate fan base. I'm looking forward to playing in front of the Yellow Wall and helping the team achieve success."Beier's arrival is a boost for Dortmund, who are looking to challenge for the Bundesliga title this season. The club has already signed Niklas Sule from Bayern Munich and Karim Adeyemi from RB Salzburg this summer.

Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation, has joined Real Madrid in a record-breaking move that has made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. Despite taking a pay cut to leave Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé's monthly salary at Real Madrid still eclipses the combined earnings of Indian cricket superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Mbappé's lucrative deal with Los Blancos will see him earn an estimated INR 285 crore in his first year at the Santiago Bernabeu. This translates to a staggering INR 23.7 crore per month, making him the highest-paid player in the Spanish league.In comparison, Kohli and Sharma, two of the most celebrated cricketers in India, are expected to earn around INR 7 crore each per year from the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) annual central contracts. While they are also the faces of their respective teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), their combined IPL salaries still fall short of Mbappé's monthly earnings at Real Madrid.Mbappé's astronomical salary is a testament to his exceptional talent and marketability. The 25-year-old forward has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the world, winning numerous individual and team accolades. His move to Real Madrid has been highly anticipated by fans and pundits alike, and he is expected to play a key role in the club's quest for more silverware.While Mbappé's salary may seem excessive to some, it reflects the growing financial power of football clubs and the increasing value of top-tier athletes. In recent years, several football players have signed contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, highlighting the lucrative nature of the sport.Mbappé's move to Real Madrid is a significant moment in his career and a testament to his status as one of the most sought-after players in the world. His astronomical salary is a reflection of his exceptional talent and the financial power of football clubs.

Punjab FC emerged victorious in their final Group C match of the 133rd Durand Cup, defeating Mumbai City FC 3-0 at the Kishore Bharati Stadium on Sunday. The win propelled Punjab FC to the top of the group standings, while Mumbai City FC, fielding a young reserve team, finished without a point.Norwegian forward Mushaga Bakenga was the star of the show for Punjab FC, scoring twice, including a crucial penalty in injury time. Croatian midfielder Filip Mrzljak also found the net for the winning side.The match began with Punjab FC dominating possession and creating several chances. However, Mumbai City FC's young defenders held firm, preventing the Shers from finding the breakthrough.As the first half progressed, Mumbai City FC grew into the game and began to threaten Punjab FC's goal. However, the Shers' defense remained resolute, and the teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.The second half saw Punjab FC continue to press for the opening goal. Their efforts were rewarded in the 62nd minute when Bakenga broke the deadlock with a clinical finish.Mumbai City FC responded well to the setback and pushed for an equalizer. However, Punjab FC's defense held strong, and the Shers doubled their lead in the 90th minute through Mrzljak.In the dying moments of the match, Mumbai City FC conceded a penalty, which Bakenga converted to seal the victory for Punjab FC.The win sees Punjab FC finish their group league engagements tied with Kerala Blasters on seven points. However, Kerala Blasters took the top spot in the final standings for having a superior goal difference. Punjab FC remains the best second-placed team currently in the tournament and will now have to wait for the results of the other matches to confirm its place in the knockouts.

Indian Football Embarks on New Era with Manolo Marquez at the HelmSpanish coach Manolo Marquez has taken over as the head coach of the Indian men's football team, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the nation. Marquez, who will also continue to coach FC Goa, has wasted no time in identifying areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for a shift in mentality among Indian players.With qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup out of reach, Marquez has set his sights on enhancing the overall level of the players. He believes that Indian players can achieve significant growth by stepping outside their comfort zones and playing abroad."The level of Indian players can be better and can improve faster," Marquez stated. "Everyone knows my feeling - maybe some players don't like - that they are very comfortable playing in the Indian Super League (ISL). They are very comfortable in India."Marquez stressed that playing in a more competitive environment abroad can accelerate player development. "You will grow when you play abroad. I'm not saying the top level, like the Premier League or La Liga. If you play in one division where the opponents are the same or better than you, you will improve 100 per cent," he added.While acknowledging the importance of comfort, Marquez pointed to the example of FC Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan, who had an unsuccessful stint at Croatian club HNK Sibenik. "I understand that life is very good for most of them in ISL and it's difficult for them to go abroad. For example, Sandesh tried to do it in Croatia," he said.Marquez also emphasized the crucial role of mental strength in football. "In football, technique, tactics, and physique are very important. But if this doesn't work (points to head), you cannot do anything, not only in football but also your life," he stated.The Indian men's football team will next play on September 9, 2024, in a friendly against Syria. Marquez's appointment and his focus on improving mentality and encouraging players to seek opportunities abroad signal a new era for Indian football, with the aim of raising the level of the team and achieving greater success on the international stage.

Manchester United's talismanic captain, Bruno Fernandes, is poised to become the club's highest-paid player after agreeing to a lucrative new contract extension. The Portuguese maestro, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer, is set to sign a deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2027, with an option to extend for a further year.Fernandes's new contract, which is expected to be announced imminently, will reportedly see him earn a staggering £250,000 per week, eclipsing the current top earner, David de Gea. The 28-year-old has been a transformative figure for United since his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020, inspiring a resurgence in the club's fortunes.In 233 appearances for the Red Devils, Fernandes has amassed an impressive tally of 79 goals and 66 assists, establishing himself as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League. His leadership qualities and creative brilliance have made him a fan favorite and a key component of Erik ten Hag's rebuilding project.Despite United's disappointing Community Shield defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, the club has been active in the transfer market, bolstering their defensive options with the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The departures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Andreas Pereira have also freed up space in the squad for new arrivals.Ten Hag has acknowledged the need for further reinforcements, particularly in defense, and has hinted at more transfer activity in the coming weeks. The Dutchman is keen to build a squad capable of challenging for major honors and believes that Fernandes's long-term commitment is a significant step in that direction.

Manolo Marquez, the newly appointed coach of the Indian men's football team, faces a daunting task. With the departure of Igor Stimac and the retirement of Sunil Chhetri, Marquez inherits a team in transition. However, the Spaniard is undeterred, vowing to improve the team's mentality and performance.Marquez, who also coaches ISL club FC Goa, acknowledges the potential conflict of interest but believes in professionalism. He draws inspiration from renowned coaches like Guus Hiddink and Rinus Michels, who successfully managed both club and country.Marquez's appointment stems from his impressive work in the ISL. After initially dismissing the possibility of coaching in India, he has come to appreciate the country's footballing potential. He believes that Indian players have improved but need to develop a stronger mentality."They are improving, but it is the Indian mentality," Marquez observed. "We need to improve in this aspect. They have to be stronger mentally. In football, technique, tactics, physical condition are important, but if the head doesn't work, you can do nothing."Marquez's immediate goal is to enhance the individual and collective abilities of Indian players. He recognizes the importance of overseas experience and encourages players to seek opportunities abroad."The level of Indian players is better than what it was five years ago. But it can be better and improve faster," said Marquez. "My feeling is that Indian players are very comfortable in ISL. You will grow when you play abroad."Marquez understands the challenges ahead but remains optimistic. He believes that with the right attitude and collective effort, the Indian team can achieve positive results.