Sports
Messi Named MLS MVP After Historic Season With Inter Miami
Lionel Messi has been crowned Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after an exceptional season with Inter Miami, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s record-breaking campaign.
The 37-year-old Argentine forward helped Miami secure its first-ever Supporters Shield, finishing the regular season with 36 goal contributions—20 goals and 16 assists — leading the league.
Despite an injury-plagued season that saw him make only 19 appearances, Messi’s influence on the field was undeniable.
READ MORE: Tony Okocha Elected APC Chairman In Rivers, Eyes 2027 Election Victory
His remarkable performances propelled Miami to a historic points tally, setting a new benchmark for the club.
However, Messi and Miami’s season ended in disappointment as they suffered a shock first-round exit in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Messi’s MVP recognition adds to his list of accolades, making him the 10th South American to win the award and the fifth Argentine to do so, joining the ranks of Luciano Acosta, Diego Valeri, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Christian Gomez.
Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. has officially announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable 16-year career with the Brazil national team and closing one of the most celebrated chapters in the country’s football history.
The 34-year-old Santos forward confirmed his decision after his side’s 4-2 victory over Universidad Central in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana knockout round playoffs, putting an end to months of speculation about a potential return to the Seleção.
SEE ALSO: World Cup Setback: Neymar Ruled Out of Brazil’s Crucial Haiti Clash
Reflecting on his decision, Neymar said he had given everything for his country.
“My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, I gave my blood, my life. I always fought for the yellow jersey, but now I don’t want to anymore,” he said.
Neymar’s final appearance for Brazil came in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Norway. Although he converted a stoppage-time penalty, Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat, ending their hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer, having scored 80 goals to surpass the legendary Pelé’s record of 77.
Since making his senior debut in 2010, Neymar represented Brazil in four FIFA World Cups, multiple Copa América tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Olympic Games.
He played a key role in Brazil’s 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup triumph and captained the nation to its first-ever Olympic men’s football gold medal at the Rio 2016 Games.
Despite his extraordinary achievements, injuries often hampered his international career. A calf injury sustained while playing for Santos ruled him out of Brazil’s opening two matches at the 2026 World Cup.
He later returned as a substitute against Scotland in the final group-stage match before making his final international appearance against Norway, scoring the last goal of his Brazil career.
Neymar’s retirement marks the end of an era for Brazilian football, leaving behind a legacy of record-breaking achievements, unforgettable moments and unwavering commitment to the famous yellow jersey.
Sports
‘They Have No Reason to Hate Us’ — Lisandro Martinez Breaks Silence on Argentina World Cup Backlash
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has strongly defended Argentina against mounting criticism over the team’s conduct during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Albiceleste have done nothing to deserve the level of hostility directed at them.
LArgentina’s journey to the World Cup final was overshadowed by controversy, with the South American side facing accusations of overly aggressive play, disciplinary issues and claims of receiving favourable refereeing decisions throughout the tournament.
SEE ALSO: BREAKING: Spain Dethrone Argentina to Win 2026 FIFA World Cup
The criticism intensified after Argentina suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final. Following the match, several Argentine players turned their backs while Spain celebrated lifting the World Cup trophy, an action that sparked widespread backlash from football fans and pundits.
The final itself was also marred by heated confrontations between players, further fuelling debate over Argentina’s conduct on the biggest stage in football.
Responding to the growing criticism, Martinez dismissed the accusations and insisted the team had always treated opponents with respect.
Speaking to Foot Mercato, the Manchester United defender said the anti-Argentina narrative was unfair.
“The anti-Argentina campaign? I’m a little annoyed because they have no real reason to hate us.
“They say we’re arrogant, but that says more about them than about us. We have always been very respectful towards every opponent we have faced.”
Martinez’s comments echo those of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who also defended Argentina’s World Cup campaign despite the controversies that surrounded the team.
Fernandez was sent off late in the final after picking up a second yellow card for a challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi. Meanwhile, teammate Leandro Paredes later came under FIFA investigation over his conduct after the match.
Argentina also attracted criticism after displaying a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) following their semi-final victory over England, a gesture that reignited political tensions surrounding the disputed South Atlantic islands.
Despite the criticism, Fernandez maintained that the players represented Argentina with pride and gave everything for the national team throughout the tournament.
In a message shared on Instagram, the Chelsea midfielder said the squad had always represented the country “in the best possible way,” adding that football is not only about winning trophies but also about fighting with commitment, pride and determination for the national jersey.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have unveiled a striking new 10-star jersey ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), celebrating the team’s unparalleled success on the African continent.
The newly designed kit features 10 stars encircling the team’s badge, with each star representing one of Nigeria’s 10 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles.
The symbolic design reflects the Super Falcons’ legacy as the most successful side in the history of the competition.
READ MORE: Germany Appoint Jurgen Klopp as New National Team Head Coach
The nine-time defending champions first wore the special jersey during Thursday’s 2-1 international friendly victory over Tanzania’s Twiga Stars, giving supporters a glimpse of the new look ahead of the continental showpiece.
Justin Madugu’s team will now turn its attention to Morocco, where it will be aiming to capture a record-extending 11th WAFCON title and further cement its dominance in African women’s football.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to begin on Saturday, with Nigeria opening its title defence against tournament debutants Malawi on Tuesday at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
See the jersey below
Shell Bids Farewell to EVP Nigeria and Country Chair Marno, as Elohor Assumes Role
Oil Industry Opposes Proposed 3% South-South Development Levy
NMDPRA Calls for ECOWAS Petroleum Products Pricing Policy
ExxonMobil Declares Force Majeure on Erha Crude Exports
DPRP Aims for 2.5% of Globally Traded Crude
Chevron Takes Oil, Gas Supply Chain School to UNILAG
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
Thank you for your entire efforts on this site. My aunt delights in making time for investigations and it is easy to understand why. Most of us know all about the powerful form you present vital thoughts via the blog and foster participation from other people about this point and our own girl is without question understanding a lot of things. Enjoy the remaining portion of the new year. You’re performing a pretty cool job.
Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task.
There are some attention-grabbing closing dates in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There may be some validity however I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as nicely
Hello, Neat post. There is an issue with your site in web explorer, would test this… IE nonetheless is the market chief and a good part of people will leave out your wonderful writing because of this problem.
Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
I haven¦t checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
This actually answered my problem, thank you!
You have remarked very interesting points! ps decent internet site.
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I not to mention my buddies ended up going through the good secrets and techniques found on the website and unexpectedly I had an awful suspicion I had not expressed respect to the web blog owner for them. Those young boys are actually so joyful to read through them and have very much been enjoying those things. Appreciate your getting very kind as well as for picking out varieties of important tips most people are really wanting to understand about. My very own honest regret for not expressing appreciation to you sooner.
Thanks for another magnificent post. Where else could anybody get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such info.
Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. That is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I’ll definitely return.
I like this web site its a master peace ! Glad I found this on google .
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
I really like your writing style, good information, regards for posting : D.
You made some good points there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most guys will agree with your website.