Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has voiced his frustration over Lionel Messi’s suspension, calling out Major League Soccer for what he sees as inconsistent treatment. The Argentine legend missed Inter Miami’s goalless draw against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, a match where his absence was strongly felt.

Speaking after the game at Chase Stadium, Mascherano, who once played alongside Messi at Barcelona, didn’t hold back his feelings about the league’s decision. He questioned the timing of the suspension, pointing out that Messi had played numerous matches without complaints, especially when his presence helped sell tickets and pack stadiums.

“But now that we have a home game, he’s suddenly suspended? Would this have happened if we were playing away?” Mascherano asked, clearly irritated by the situation.His comments followed MLS’ announcement just a day before the match, confirming that Messi had been suspended for missing the All-Star Game, along with teammate Jordi Alba.

Both players were part of the All-Star squad but opted not to participate, which led to a one-match ban under league rules. Mascherano hinted at double standards, suggesting the league was more interested in profits than fairness.

Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal is reportedly unhappy with the club’s decision to bring in Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United. According to reports, the 18-year-old feels let down by the club, especially after being told during his contract renewal that Nico Williams was the only player they planned to sign for the left flank.

Yamal, who shares a strong connection with Williams from their time with the Spain national team, had hoped to build Barça’s attack alongside him at club level too. He believed Barcelona would activate Williams’ €58 million release clause, but instead, the club failed to secure his signature after Athletic Bilbao filed a complaint with LaLiga. Bilbao eventually tied Williams down with a massive 10-year deal until 2035.

Yamal is said to be frustrated not just by the failed pursuit of Williams, but also by the lack of communication before Rashford’s arrival. He reportedly feels that the club could have pushed harder to land Williams and is now disappointed with how the situation was handled.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Super Falcons for their remarkable victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. In a gripping final held Saturday night in Rabat, the Nigerian team came from behind to defeat the host nation, Morocco, 3-2.

The Atlas Lionesses had taken an early lead with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanna Mssoudy, but the Super Falcons showed resilience and turned the game around in the second half.

Esther Okoronkwo sparked the comeback, followed by goals from Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini, who came off the bench to seal the win. This marks the 10th time Nigeria has lifted the WAFCON trophy.

Reacting to the win, President Tinubu commended the team on his official X account, calling them “Superior Super Falcons” and applauding their never-give-up spirit. He noted that the players embraced the challenge and represented the country in true Nigerian fashion.

“They went, they saw, and they conquered again,” he said. Also, Super Falcons is expected to be received by the president when they return home.