Sport
Mascherano Angry as Messi Misses Home Game After Suspension
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.
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up about a difficult period in his career, revealing that he almost stepped away from football.
Speaking during a recent interview, Bassey shared that he once made a personal promise to himself to quit pursuing football professionally if he failed to secure a spot at a professional club.
“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get into a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” he said.
“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.”
It has been reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined Egypt $5,000 following their clash with Zimbabwe for failing to manage post-match media obligations.
It was noted that after the match, the Egyptian players ignored the media. This action was said to be a violation of CAF’s media regulations, which led to the fine being imposed.
Head of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, shared that the big-name players on the team are not happy about being benched.
He recalled when he took out Samuel Chukwueze during the match against Tanzania.
“Yes, of course, we’ve in this team a lot of big names. They are competitors; they aren’t happy when they go to the bench,” Chelle said at his post-match interview.”
“My job is to make choices, and we’re playing a 4-4-2 diamond, and at this moment I feel we have to protect the wing.”
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