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After months of speculation about their long-term future in Vancouver, the Whitecaps appear to have found a path forward in the Canadian city. Fresh off their first MLS Cup final appearance, the club announced plans with the City of Vancouver for a new stadium. After more than a decade at BC Place, Vancouver are preparing to negotiate the construction of a purpose-built venue at Hastings Park.

Lease challenges at BC Place prompt search

Since relocating to BC Place in 2011, the Whitecaps have called the iconic stadium home, having initially played at Empire Stadium during their inaugural MLS season. However, recent lease renewal discussions hit a stalemate, with MLS commissioner Don Garber describing the current arrangement as "untenable." The uncertainty surrounding the lease had even sparked rumors that the club might be forced to leave Vancouver if a resolution was not reached, casting doubt on the team’s future in the city.

AdvertisementCity and club commit to stadium development

In a press conference at Vancouver City Hall, Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster joined Mayor Ken Sim to announce a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that commits both parties to advancing plans for a new stadium at Hastings Park. This move represents a collaborative effort to secure a permanent home for the club and reflects the city’s recognition of the Whitecaps’ growing importance to Vancouver’s sporting landscape.

“We’re grateful for the City’s partnership and look forward to working together to determine whether Hastings Park can become the location for a future home of our club,” Schuster said in a statement as per TSN. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this is a positive step forward, and we hope many more will follow as we work to secure a permanent home that will allow us to compete with long-term stability in Major League Soccer.”

AFPMayor highlights economic and community benefits

Mayor Sim emphasized the broader impact the new stadium could have on the city, noting that the partnership has the potential to create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and revitalize Hastings Park as a hub for sports, concerts, and community events. He expressed enthusiasm about the Whitecaps’ recent success and the opportunity to build on that momentum by providing a venue that matches the team’s ambitions and fanbase.

“After an incredible year that saw the Whitecaps reach the MLS Cup Final for the first time in club history, it’s clear just how much this team means to our city, and we’re incredibly excited to be taking the next step forward,” Sim said. “This MOU demonstrates a firm commitment by both the City and the Whitecaps to advance work towards a new stadium here in Vancouver.

“The partnership we are building today has the potential to create jobs, boost our local economy, and transform Hastings Park into an even more vibrant destination for sports, concerts, and community events.”

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Getty Images SportNew stadium marks a pivotal moment for Whitecaps

The announcement marks a turning point for the Whitecaps, offering stability and growth prospects after years of uncertainty regarding their home ground. 

Mohamed Salah has been urged to follow Son Heung-min's example and head to Major League Soccer in January, with Chris Waddle insisting the Liverpool legend should consider a new life in America as age and tactical demands catch up with him. With tensions under Arne Slot still raw, the Egyptian winger is again being pushed toward an Anfield exit as speculation intensifies.

Salah back in Liverpool squad but relations at an all-time low

Liverpool’s internal crisis involving Salah has escalated to the point that external voices are now openly encouraging the Egyptian to pursue a January exit, with the MLS positioned as an ideal landing spot. The fallout from Salah’s public criticism of Slot, followed by his temporary exclusion from the squad, has raised deeper questions about his role, future, and adaptability within the manager’s high-energy tactical model. Although peace talks have paved the way for his return to the squad for the Brighton match this weekend, the wider narrative remains one of uncertainty as Salah prepares to depart for AFCON after the clash with the Seagulls.

This unsettled backdrop has led former Premier League winger Waddle to suggest that Salah, who is now 33, may no longer be well-suited to the physical demands of the Premier League. The winger has struggled defensively in Slot’s system, particularly in tracking back on Liverpool’s right flank, an issue that has contributed to several damaging goals. Combined with a season of declining output with five goals and three assists in 19 appearances, the idea of an early departure has gained momentum.

Interest in Salah has remained strong despite the controversy, especially from the Saudi Pro League and increasingly from MLS, where clubs see an opportunity to attract one of world football’s biggest names. MLS has already lured stars such as Messi, Thomas Muller, and former Spurs icon Son, whose switch in the summer to LAFC set a notable precedent. As Salah edges toward the final stretch of his Liverpool career, the prospect of becoming a marquee figure in the United States is growing increasingly realistic.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWaddle urges Salah to follow Son to the MLS

Speaking to WhichBookie, Waddle discussed the potential of Salah moving to MLS, saying: “Salah will argue that he wants to play every game,” he said. “Especially given he signed that new contract, there would’ve been expectations that came with that. The game changes, though, so he has to adapt to that.

“If he’s not happy, he should put in a transfer request for January. There’ll be plenty of clubs interested, he’ll have offers. He could do what Heung-min Son did and go to the MLS and have a nice break after AFCON, to start training in March and start a new career in America where he’d be a big fish.”

Waddle went on to discuss Salah's age and his lack of defensive effort being one of the reasons for his fall down Slot's pecking order. “Players want to play forever, but you can’t help the fact that you’re getting old. Unfortunately for Mohamed Salah, he is getting old,” he said. “The game is getting quicker, especially in the Premier League, and there have been cases this season where Conor Bradley has been exposed on that right-hand side because Salah isn’t tracking back, and that’s led to goals.

“What’s being asked of him, to track back and help out the defense, that’s sadly not in his game at the moment. The only way he’ll get that freedom is to play him floating up the pitch, in a Florian Wirtz-type role and tell him that they don’t need him to track back and everyone else picks up the slack.

“You can organise your team to do that and let him get on with things, but he’s getting to that age now where he’ll be feeling the pace of the game, whether he likes it or not. He doesn’t want to be on the bench, so I think Arne Slot is doing the right thing by playing him as and when he sees fit.”

Salah's public fallout with Liverpool has its consquences…

Salah’s current predicament has its roots in a season of poor form for both player and club, with Liverpool languishing tenth and having failed to score in the first half of their last five league matches. Slot’s tactical demands, particularly the need for wingers to contribute defensively, have clashed with Salah’s strengths as he ages into a more attack-focused role. The situation reached boiling point when the Egyptian declared that his relationship with Slot had “completely broken down,” accusing the club of throwing him “under the bus” in a stunning interview that shocked supporters.

This outburst triggered internal sanctions, including Salah’s omission from the Champions League squad to face Inter Milan, which further inflamed speculation about his future. Liverpool officials were forced into a delicate balancing act—protecting team stability while preventing the public spat from overshadowing the club’s season. Although Salah’s subsequent peace talks with Slot have reopened the door to reintegration, the relationship remains fragile and could deteriorate quickly once AFCON begins.

Waddle went on to add that Salah has handed things badly at Liverpool as he added: “I think the way he handled things was wrong,” he said. “I don’t know why players go and do that with the media. Why didn’t he just go and knock on the manager’s door and talk about the options? That’s what’s frustrated everyone.

“If you’re not in the manager's plans, ask to leave and then it’ll get sorted behind closed doors. It should be between him and the club; he shouldn’t be involving the public.

“Wherever he goes, he’ll still be a Liverpool legend, and rightly so. For the goals he’s scored, what he’s done for the club and the titles he has helped them win. That’ll never go away but you don’t want to leave it on a sour note.”

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Getty ImagesSalah will soon head away for AFCON duty

Liverpool’s short-term priority is restoring stability, with Salah expected to return for the Brighton match before heading to AFCON, where his absence could further complicate decision-making. Slot insists the next steps depend on their private conversations, maintaining that player-manager discussions must stay behind closed doors to avoid additional crises. Should Salah struggle for minutes or harmony upon returning from international duty, January offers a clear escape route.

MLS remains an increasingly viable option, bolstered by commercial interest, the Son Heung-min precedent, and Waddle’s public endorsement of an American move. Saudi Arabia, too, remains poised to act if a breakdown occurs, though Salah may prefer a less intense spotlight in the United States. As Liverpool weigh financial, tactical, and cultural implications, the next month could define whether Salah completes a turbulent final chapter or ends it early with a high-profile switch overseas.

Real Madrid legend David Beckham has joined forces with current Blancos stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold to help launch the new throwback Predator Mania from adidas. The ex-England captain is mingling with Three Lions performers of the present as an iconic design is brought back to life in a stunning colourway that will stand out on the field.

Beckham & Zidane helped to make Predator boots iconic

Beckham, alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Zinedine Zidane, helped to build the Predator brand back in his heyday. While turning out for Manchester United, Real Madrid and England, the legendary No.7 sported the most recognisable of boots.

Known for setting trends and breaking the mould, Becks became synonymous with fabled footwear that has gone down in football folklore. He is now bringing an iconic boot back, as another era is defined by superstars of the present.

AdvertisementHistoric colourway delivered by adidas

The Predator Mania for 2025, which is delivered in ‘Gunmetal’ grey, is said to blend “early-2000s nostalgia with modern construction”. The colourway itself is steeped in history. Beckham sported it during his early days in Madrid – with a striking combination of siler, white and an "unmistakable red tongue” allowing him to stand out from the crowd.

Said boot is considered to have been “one of the most photogenic of its time” and adidas are reviving it with “care.” The modern Predator “once again features a steely, metal-optic sheen that reads as both polished and aggressive, contrasted sharply by crisp white Three Stripes”. Adidas also point out how “the fold-over tongue, a visual trademark of the Mania series, returns in vivid red leather with embroidered adidas detailing, completing a look that defined a generation of playmakers”.

Predators gracing the field at Santiago Bernabeu again

While the look of the latest Predator remains “faithful” to its roots, “the craftsmanship has been elevated”. The remake has been produced at the historic Scheinfeld factory in Germany, with said facility adding “a layer of authenticity that mirrors how high-end Predators were once built”.

The Mania has seen “subtle refinements in structure, comfort, and responsiveness” that make the boot “feel prepared for today’s game without losing the weight of its past”. It will be gracing the field at Santiago Bernabeu again as Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold form part of adidas’ current stable of talent.

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Bellingham helps return Real to winning ways

Bellingham has followed in the footsteps of legendary Frenchman Zidane at Real, inheriting the No.5 jersey that the World Cup winner once wore with such distinction. He has drawn comparisons to Beckham throughout his career, with both able to blend on-field ability with off the pitch marketing appeal.

All-action midfielder Bellingham wore the gunmetal Predators when Madrid returned to winning ways in their latest La Liga fixture – with a 3-0 victory away at Athletic Club ensuring that they remain just one point adrift of Clasico rivals Barcelona in another thrilling title race.

According to joint-administrator Kris Wigfield, Sheffield Wednesday are now expecting “concrete” takeover bids “soon” as the Owls push towards a new era.

The numbers of bidders for Sheffield Wednesday are “well into the double figures” but Wigfield urged “patience” in the effort to find a new buyer for the club. Wednesday’s well-established financial issues culminated in them being placed into administration last month, which led to a 12-point deduction and left them rooted to the foot of the Championship.

Sheffield Wednesday now targeting two more Man Utd academy stars in Amass repeat

Amass has been a great success.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 13, 2025

A flexible deadline of next Friday has been set for offers for the Owls, four weeks after they went into administration, and Wigfield has been encouraged by the number of suitors for the club.

Any sale can only be completed once a prospective owner has passed the English Football League’s fit and proper persons’ test, and Wigfield insisted finding feasible applicants will take time.

Wigfield took the time to thank fans for their support since arriving at the club, which has helped those at Hillsborough pay their staff and players in time.

Regarding the takeover, a number of parties have reportedly shown proof of funds worth £50m and an American party has even been shown around the club ahead of a potential bid.

Sheffield Wednesday braced for "concrete" takeover bid

With next Friday’s soft deadline in place, the Owls are bracing themselves for a “concrete” takeover bid, which may be on its way imminently ahead of next week’s soft deadline.

Wigfield revealed the news and told fans that he expects bids to arrive as soon as enquiries are thinned down to “serious” buyers. The join-administrator once again reiterated that there has been substaintal interest in buying the club.

He said: “This discussion is to be expected for such a big club and as we quickly approach the end of the EFL’s compulsory marketing deadline it is likely to intensify.

“However, we will hope to see concrete offers made soon as enquiries – which have been well into the double figures from across the globe – are thinned down into serious and viable bidders that can secure the long-term future of Sheffield Wednesday. It is during this period that even more patience will be required.”

Whilst they look destined for relegation on the pitch, things are finally beginning to look up for Sheffield Wednesday in the boardroom as they look to meet next Friday’s takeover deadline.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover latest

Rebel United introduces players who prefer to swim against the tide, such as Barcelona and Spain legend Gerard Pique, who has achieved great significance beyond the pitch thanks to his Catalan pride and innovative spirit…

"It was the toughest game," said Gerard Pique after Barcelona's seemingly unremarkable 3-0 victory over Las Palmas in October 2017. That was because the match coincided with an all together more important event in the world-class defender's life. On that Sunday, Pique was thinking about something even more important to him: the referendum that was supposed to secure Catalunya's independence from Spain, in which Pique himself had cast his vote a few hours earlier.

"It was a tough day. I am and feel Catalan, today more than ever. I am proud of the behaviour of the people of Catalunya. Voting is a right that must be defended," said Pique through tears.

As a precaution, the match at Camp Nou was played behind closed doors, while outside dramatic scenes were unfolding as the Spanish police took violent action against what was deemed to be an illegal referendum.

Getty ImagesFace of a movement

Although around 90 percent of voters were in favour of independence, the autonomous community in the north-east of the country remained part of Spain because the nation's government did not recognise the result. For Pique, who calls himself not only a proud Catalan but also a Spaniard, this was a bitter outcome.

In the run-up to the referendum, the defensive giant had campaigned intensively to get as many people as possible to vote, increasingly becoming one of the faces of the Catalan independence movement. Pique, however, felt the painful consequences to his reputation immediately after the referendum.

During a public training session for the Spain national team in preparation for a World Cup qualifying match against Albania in early October 2017, the then-Barca star was not only booed by some spectators, but also insulted. 'Pique, get out' was written on one of the signs directed towards the defender, and after only about 20 minutes, the session had to be stopped because the atmosphere became so hostile.

AdvertisementGettyBetween two worlds

The previous day, Pique had tearfully offered his resignation to Spain coach Julen Lopetegui, who declined it, and the day after the training session was cut short, Pique appeared at a press conference to signal unity while emphasising that he had quickly dismissed thoughts of an early end to his career with La Roja.

"I've been playing for Spain for almost 10 years now. I'm not going to disappear through the back door," said the then-30-year-old while refusing to publicly take a stand on Catalunya's independence: "We footballers are global figures, we can't take sides. In this difficult political situation, dialogue is the only way forward, otherwise things will get even worse. Who cares how I react? I can and am allowed to have my opinion. Many want independence – many don't."

Nevertheless, Pique often found himself caught between two worlds in the national team environment. The tensions between the proud Barca icon and the stars of his counterparts from the Spanish capital ran too deep, and not just because of the well-known club rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

AFPKey to two dynasties

"Every victory against Real Madrid is symbolic," said Pique after a Clasico triumph in March 2019, and it was clear to everyone that he was also referring to the political tensions between the two clubs. He also endured a love-hate relationship with Blancos legend Sergio Ramos, as the pair came together for the national team despite being rivals at club level.

"I defend my colours, Pique defends his. And when we defend the same thing, we do it together. But don't expect me to hug him after a Clasico," Ramos once said of his international team-mate.

Although they obviously never got along particularly well, Pique and Ramos celebrated huge successes togther. They were fixtures in Spain's defence during the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship titles, playing a decisive role in the Iberians' most successful era.

At club level, Pique, who grew up in Barca's famous La Masia academy, left the Blaugrana at the age of 17 to join Manchester United. But after failing to make his big breakthrough at Old Trafford, he returned to Barcelona in 2008 and became a cornerstone of their successful era under Pep Guardiola.

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Getty Images SportOff-field headlines

Pique combined resolute tackling, heading ability, outstanding positioning and elegance on the ball, thus setting the style for the ideal Spanish centre-back. However, even around the time of his first major tournament, the 2010 World Cup, he was also making headlines off the pitch.

After all, it was then that he laid the foundation for his long-term relationship with singer Shakira, with whom he has two children. The Colombian singer performed 'Waka Waka', the official song of the tournament in South Africa, and after meeting her during his brief appearance in the accompanying music video, Pique went on the offensive.

"I told her that we had to get to the final so that I could see her again – she performed at the final," the Spaniard later revealed .

Both plans worked out. Spain reached the final, where they crowned themselves world champions with a victory over the Netherlands, and Pique won Shakira's heart. Their relationship lasted 11 years before, in the summer of 2022, the couple announced their separation. Pique is alleged to have cheated on Shakira, and in the months following the break-up, a public mudslinging match took place.

Marseille fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Atalanta in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, a match overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions late on. Several Marseille players, along with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, were left furious after the referee declined to award a potential penalty just moments before Atalanta netted the decisive goal in the dying minutes.

• Controversy clouds Marseille's Champions League defeat

  Marseille welcomed Atalanta to Stade Velodrome on Wednesday evening in a crucial Champions League encounter for both teams. The match eventually ended in a narrow 1-0 win for the Italian outfit, with substitute Lazar Samardzic scoring the lone goal in the 90th minute, just minutes after he was introduced off the bench. 

  However, the game has sparked outrage from several Marseille players, as well as the head coach and sporting director. Just moments prior to the goal, the hosts made strong claims for a handball by Ederson inside the Atalanta area, which were swiftly rejected by the referee. Pressed deep in his own box, the Brazilian midfielder’s touch lifted the ball onto his arm, but the referee opted not to award a penalty. Atalanta immediately broke forward, and Samardzic capitalized on the counterattack to score.

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• Marseille players fuming at refereeing decisions

  After the match, several Marseille players expressed their thoughts on the controversial decision. "At least he should be fair, go and see [the video], go and check. Take the time. It's an important match, it's the Champions League," defender Nayef Aguerd told almost immediately after the match ended. "He doesn't even want to go and see if there's a penalty. I'm proud of the team. We'll continue to work and improve. It's hard to find the words tonight."

  Left-back Ulisses Garcia was left frustrated, too, saying: "A huge feeling of injustice, you see the hand clearly out. We're all sure it's a penalty and then we concede a goal. It's really difficult. We see the penalty that was given in Madrid, there was no penalty, and then here we see a hand clearly out. They don't whistle, we don't understand."

• De Zerbi and Medhi Benatia agitated

  Marseille head coach De Zerbi was shown a yellow card by referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez when he protested the decision to not check a potential handball on Atalanta's Ederson. After the game, he voiced his frustrations and labelled the entire episode "dubious".

  "It's a shame to have lost, they're a strong team," he told after the match. "The first 20 minutes weren't good, not up to our level. We didn't play well, we lost possession too often. After that, we played better, we absolutely didn't deserve to lose.

  "Then there's this somewhat dubious episode… I'm optimistic. We had eight or nine injured players, important players. I must remind you of that. 

  "I'm not a referee, I don't know the rules perfectly. But I have a good memory and I know we lost a match in Madrid for a similar reason. That's all I can think of. I think we've suffered three bizarre defeats. We haven't been lucky. The rules are different in Madrid and Marseille. In Lisbon, we also lose in isolated incidents. At 11 against 11, we never lose. We probably even win. And there's tonight."

  Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia didn't mince his words either. "For my part, yes. It's hard to accept [the result]," the Marseille chief admitted. "They say it's a natural position (Ederson's arm being held away from the body), but I don't think it's natural to have your arm like that. You see [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] preparing to shoot, so his arm completely changes the trajectory of the ball.

  "Everything they tell us at the beginning of the year when they hold meetings… For me, there was everything that should have led to that penalty being awarded. Then we conceded the goal that killed us, so it was obviously a big responsibility. 

  “Also, I didn’t appreciate the arrogant attitude of the referees. After these incidents, we have to focus and do our job to the best of our ability.” 

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• AFP
  

  Marseille face Champions League elimination

  The result leaves Les Phoceens in 25th position on the overall Champions League standings with just three points. While they are in a strong position domestically, sitting in second position just two behind than Paris Saint-Germain, their European campaign is in danger of falling apart if they fail to win their next couple of games. Their next opponents in the competition are Newcastle, Union Saint-Gilloise, Liverpool and Club Brugge.

Erling Haaland continued his devastating goal-scoring form with a hat-trick in Norway’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Israel in Oslo.

Haaland’s night did not get off to the best of starts as he saw his sixth-minute penalty saved by Daniel Peretz, who denied him again after the kick had to be retaken, but he more than made amends to make it 18 goals in his last nine games for club and country.

The Manchester City striker, who scored five times against Moldova on his last international appearance, scored Norway’s second between a pair of own goals from Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias.

One of the best strikers in the world, Haaland, winning his 46th cap, scored his 50th goal for his country when he nodded in Antonio Nusa’s cross and the pair combined again as the in-form forward grabbed his third of the night.

Victory for Norway gave them a sixth win from sixth in Group I as they edged closer to qualification for the World Cup, which Haaland spoke about after the game: “I don’t think I’ll say too much about that. I’m just focused on winning the next match. That was my mindset in the last game, and it still is now.”

The striker was then sent home to Manchester by Norway manager Staale Solbakken before they took on New Zealand in a friendly, which ended 1-1.

“Players with particularly tight match schedules are returning home,” a statement from the the Norwegian Football Association read. “Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Braut Haaland and Fredrik Bjorkan. Felix Horn Myhre is leaving the squad due to a sore ankle.”

Haaland reacts to Norway 5-0 Israel

Haaland has never shared his opinion on the conflict between Palestine and Israel, but eagle eyed fans on social media believe they have found a cheeky dig at Israel on his Instagram story, on which he posted a selfie after the match against Ran Ben-Shimon’s team.

The 25 year-old posed with the match ball but included the City fans’ chant for him, which is titled “Haaland (Ha Ha Ha)”.

Israel’s participation in international sporting events has caused controversy due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, although it is hoped a recent ceasefire agreement will ease tensions in the region.

Samson returned from his injury while South Africa’s Maphaka took Archer’s spot for RR

ESPNcricinfo staff18-May-2025

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and put faith in his “powerhouse” batting line-up by choosing to set a total. There were some changes to that XI that’s been putting up those big runs with Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis still to return to the IPL. In their absence, BBL winner, with a century in the final this season, Mitchell Owen, and fast bowler Xavier Bartlett get a go.The break allowed Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson time to recover from his abdomen injury earlier this season and he seemed happy with the way the toss went, saying he wanted to bowl anyway. Samson based that on the way the pitch had behaved during the last match played on it, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, when it was a bit slow to start off.Samson confirmed that RR will continue opening with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi and it will be him shifting down the order to accommodate the youngster after his record-breaking century at the top of the order. Nitish Rana made way. The other change – along expected lines – was South Africa’s Kwena Maphaka coming in for Jofra Archer who did not rejoin the team for the IPL’s resumption.Rajasthan Royals bowl-first XI: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 3 Sanju Samson (capt, wk), 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Dhruv Jurel, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Kwena Maphaka, 9 Tushar Deshpande, 10 Akash Madhwal, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi
Impact Subs: Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Ashok Sharma, Kunal RathorePBKS bat-first XI: 1 Prabhsimran Singh (wk), 2 Priyansh Arya, 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4 Mitchell Owen, 5 Nehal Wadhera, 6 Shashank Singh, 7 Azmatullah Omarzai, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Xavier Bartlett, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Subs: Harpreet Brar, Pravin Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Musheer Khan

حقق الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إنتر ميامي فوزًا مهمًا على نظيره ناشفيل بالمباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدور الإقصائي لبطولة الدوري الأمريكي.

وشهدت المباراة تتويج ميسي بجائزة الحذاء الذهبي بعدما تصدر جدول هدافي الدوري الأمريكي برصيد 29 هدفًا.

كان الفريق الأمريكي قد أعلن تجديد عقد ميسي واستمراره في ارتداء قميص إنتر ميامي حتى 2028 لمدة موسمين آخرين مع العلم أن الاتفاق الجديد يتضمن خيار التوقيع لموسم إضافي.

ونجح رفاق ميسي في تحقيق فوز رائع على حساب ناشفيل بثلاثية مقابل هدف ضمن أولى جولات “البلاي أوف” لبطولة الدوري الأمريكي.

اقرأ أيضًا | رسميًا.. إنتر ميامي يعلن تجديد عقد ليونيل ميسي

ويحتاج إنتر ميامي للفوز بمباراة العودة على ناشفيل حتى يتمكن من التأهل إلى الدور القادم، أما في حالة الخسارة سيلجأ الفريقان إلى مباراة فاصلة.

وفي الدقيقة 19، جاء أول أهداف المباراة عن طريق ليونيل ميسي، وبطريقة لا تحدث كثيرًا إذ وضع النجم الأرجنتيني الكرة برأسه في مرمى منافسه، وأضاف هدفه الثاني والثالث لفريقه في الدقيقة 96 من عمر وأحداث اللقاء.

فيما سجل تاديو أليندي الهدف الثاني لصالح إنتر ميامي في الدقيقة 62 من عمر اللقاء، وأحرز هدف ناشيفل الوحيد اللاعب هاني مختار في الدقيقة الـ 12 من عمر الوقت بدلًا من الضائع. هدف ميسي الأول أمام ناشفيل في الدوري الأمريكي

Messi magic in Game One! 💥

What a start for @InterMiamiCF. // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/6ugOORVHGT — Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 25, 2025

هدف ميسي الثاني أمام ناشفيل في الدوري الأمريكي

Easy as you like for Leo.

A postseason brace for Messi in Game One! // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/h58M9JNhTf — Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 25, 2025

Mitchell Marsh and Tim David are expected to re-sign with Perth Scorchers and Hobart Hurricanes respectively after the BBL and WBBL contracting embargo period lifted on Monday.Marsh, Australia’s T20I captain, and one of the team’s key death hitters in David were two of the most notable uncontracted BBL players when the embargo period began after the new player movement window ended in early February, when seven players found new clubs.Marsh and David had not been part of the maximum 10 players that clubs were allowed to retain prior to that window opening after both men had come off long-term contracts at their BBL clubs.Despite both fielding offers to move elsewhere it appears likely both will re-sign, with Marsh set to have much more availability to play for Scorchers in the coming years having lost his Test place while David will be aiming for more success with Hurricanes after playing a key role in their first title last season.Related

• Mitchell Marsh re-signs for three years with Perth Scorchers in BBL

• Swepson moves to Melbourne Stars on deadline day

• Melbourne Renegades sign Doggett, Jewell set to follow

• Beau Webster returns to Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL

• Melbourne Renegades sign Jason Behrendorff in first BBL free agency move

Matt Renshaw is also likely to remain at Brisbane Heat after coming out of contract. Uncontracted players in both the BBL and WBBL can be signed by any club after the embargo period ends.Clubs are also free to sign one overseas player if they do not already have one, but that player must be available for the full season plus the finals.Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers do not currently have an overseas signing for the BBL while WBBL defending champions Melbourne Renegades and Strikers do not have an overseas player signed.Seven players found new BBL clubs during the trade window with Jason Behrendorff, Brendan Doggett and Caleb Jewell all joining Renegades, Mitchell Swepson and Liam Hatcher signing with Melbourne Stars, while Beau Webster and Joel Paris returned to Hurricanes and Scorchers respectively.Ellyse Perry is currently uncontracted in the WBBL•Getty Images

In the WBBL, Sixers have yet to secure Ellyse Perry while Renegades title-winning skipper Sophie Molineux and star legspinner Georgia Wareham are currently uncontracted, as is Heat skipper Jess Jonassen and Stars and Australia seam bowler Kim Garth.There has also been a new rule introduced for the WBBL with clubs required to keep one spot available on their list for an Australian domestic player who performs in the domestic T20 Spring Challenge competition.”The new rule ensuring WBBL clubs will draft a player from the Spring Challenge is also exciting with some great emerging talent to be rewarded with a chance to win in the world’s strongest women’s T20 league,” Big Bash Leagues general manager Alistair Dobson said.Meanwhile, Cricket Victoria (CV) has confirmed it will host the inaugural Melbourne T10 Invitational tournament at the Junction Oval next week with five BBL academy teams from Stars, Renegades, Sixers, Strikers and Sydney Thunder all taking part.CV has been involved in the running of the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket and was the only Australian state to send a team to the Global Super League in the Caribbean last year. Cricket New South Wales has been involved in the running of Washington Freedom in the MLC.The T10 tournament is designed to provide playing opportunities for young Australian players outside of the domestic season that finished last weekend. It will be played from April 7 to 17 at Junction Oval, during a mandatory leave period for contracted Australian international and domestic players who are not playing overseas, and will be live streamed in Australia and India.

Current BBL squads

Adelaide Strikers: Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, Matt Short, Henry ThortonBrisbane Heat: Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro (NZ), Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Callum VidlerHobart Hurricanes: Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Nathan Ellis, Chris Jordan (ENG), Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Matthew Wade, Beau Webster, Mac WrightMelbourne Renegades: Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Brendan Doggett, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Caleb Jewell, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Tom Rogers, Tim Seifert (NZ), Will Sutherland, Adam ZampaMelbourne Stars: Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran (ENG), Liam Hatcher, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell SwepsonPerth Scorchers: Ashton Agar, Finn Allen (NZ), Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton TurnerSydney Sixers: Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Todd Murphy, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve SmithSydney Thunder: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG), Ollie Davies, Chris Green, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner

Current WBBL squads

Adelaide Strikers: Darcie Brown,Tahlia McGrath, Anesu Mushangwe, Maddie Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade WellingtonBrisbane Heat: Nadine de Klerk (SA), Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Charli Knott, Grace Parsons, Georgia RedmayneHobart Hurricanes: Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee (SA), Hayley Silver-Holmes, Lauren Smith, Molly Strano, Elyse VillaniMelbourne Renegades: Emma de Broughe, Tess Flintoff, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Georgia Prestwidge, Naomi StalenbergMelbourne Stars: Sophie Day, Marizanne Kapp (SA), Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Ines McKeon, Sophie Reid, Annabel SutherlandPerth Scorchers: Chloe Ainsworth, Sophie Devine (NZ), Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, Alana King, Beth MooneySydney Sixers: Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Amelia Kerr (NZ), Courtney SippelSydney Thunder: Chamari Athapaththu (SL), Sam Bates, Hannah Darlington, Hasrat Gill, Laura Harris, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Taneale Peschel, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson