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Leagues Cup Drama: Lionel Messi Ruled Out of Quarter-Final Clash Against Tigres UANL
Lionel Messi Misses Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup Quarter-Final Against Tigres UANL Lionel Messi was unable to feature for Inter Miami in their Leagues Cup quarter-final clash against Tigres UANL on Wednesday, a development that has sent ripples through Major League Soccer and the tournament’s fanbase. Just a day prior, Miami coach Javier Mascherano had revealed that the Argentine superstar was still struggling to regain full fitness, signaling concerns about his participation in such a crucial match.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Asia Cup 2025: Shreyas Iyer Left Out of India Squad, Former Cricketer Voices Worry
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, and one of the biggest talking points has been the absence of Shreyas Iyer. Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain for the tournament, while Iyer, despite his consistent performances across formats, did not make the cut. This decision has sparked debate, with former cricketer Aakash Chopra openly questioning the selection committee’s reasoning. Chopra, while analyzing the squad, made it clear that Iyer has done more than enough to deserve a place in the team. However, he also added that Iyer’s omission from the Asia Cup squad does not mean the end of the road for him. According to Chopra, Iyer will likely be part of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Mbappe’s Penalty Secures Real Madrid’s 1-0 Win Over Osasuna in La Liga Opener
Real Madrid have begun a fresh chapter following a title-less season, entering the new La Liga campaign under the guidance of new head coach Xabi Alonso and bolstered by several new signings. Their start has been promising, even if the opening match against Osasuna required a penalty from star forward Kylian Mbappe to secure a 1-0 victory. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Los Blancos relied on Mbappe’s spot-kick to break the deadlock and claim all three points at the Santiago Bernabeu.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Bavuma Confirms Dewald Brevis Could Earn First ODI Cap Against Australia 2025
The much-anticipated three-match T20 series between South Africa and Australia has concluded, and now the focus shifts to the upcoming three-match ODI series, scheduled to begin on August 19. Ahead of this series, much of the discussion in cricket circles has centered around the young and exceptionally talented batsman Dewald Brevis, whose recent performances have sparked excitement among fans and cricket experts alike.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Kedar Jadhav Guarantees: India-Pakistan Match Impossible in Upcoming Asia Cup
Before the start of the Asia Cup 2025, former Indian cricket star and BJP leader Kedar Jadhav stirred discussions with his strong remarks on the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match. The Asia Cup is scheduled to begin on September 9, with the India-Pakistan clash set for September 14. Historically, encounters between these two cricketing giants have drawn immense attention from fans worldwide, but this particular match has generated controversy due to recent geopolitical tensions. The backdrop of this situation is the Pahalgam attack, where a few months ago, terrorists from Pakistan entered Indian territory in Kashmir and brutally killed tourists. This incident significantly strained India-Pakistan relations and raised safety and ethical concerns regarding sporting engagements between the two nations. Adding to the debate, during the Legends League Cricket World Championship held last month, several former Indian cricketers openly refused to play against teams representing Pakistan, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding such fixtures.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Former India All-Rounder Irfan Pathan Talks About Career End and Captain’s Influence on Playing XI
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan was considered a vital asset for the Indian cricket team during a period when the side struggled to find quality fast bowlers and genuine all-rounders. His ability to open the bowling with pace and swing, coupled with his batting skills lower down the order, made him a versatile player who could fit into various team combinations. Between 2004 and 2009, Pathan was a consistent presence in the national side, contributing both with the ball and with the bat in crucial situations. His performances in ODIs, Tests, and T20s often turned matches in India’s favor, and he was widely praised for his capacity to swing the ball both ways while maintaining control in limited-overs cricket. However, with the emergence of younger talents and changing team dynamics, Pathan gradually found it increasingly difficult to retain his spot, eventually leading to his exclusion from the national team.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Red Cards Haunt Mallorca as Barcelona Secure Dominant 3-0 Victory
Defending La Liga champions Barcelona began their 2025-26 season with a convincing display that highlighted both their attacking firepower and Mallorca’s disciplinary collapse. Hansi Flick’s men secured a commanding 3-0 victory, with goals from Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, while Mallorca were reduced to nine men after two red cards in the first half. The match at Mallorca’s home ground quickly turned into a one-sided contest, as Barcelona dominated possession, created chance after chance, and capitalized on their opponent’s mistakes to make a strong opening statement in their title defense campaign.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Neymar Set to Return to Brazil National Team After 22 Months
Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr., one of the most talented and recognizable footballers in the world, has finally been cleared to return to the Brazil national team after a long hiatus of 22 months. Neymar suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a World Cup qualifier against Argentina in October 2023, which forced him to step away from international duty. Since that injury, he has been diligently working on his recovery and regaining full fitness. Although he was initially expected to return during the June FIFA window, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti opted not to include him in the squad at that time, stating that Neymar was still not fully ready to compete at the highest level. Now, after nearly two years away from the Selecao, Neymar is set to make his much-anticipated comeback, much to the excitement of fans and teammates alike.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Former Indian Cricketer Accuses BCCI of ‘Internal Politics’ Behind Virat and Rohit’s Omission
Team India is witnessing a significant transition period, as several senior players have announced their retirements in recent months. The change began with Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest spinners, bidding farewell to Test cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 held in Australia. Soon after that, in May 2025, two of India’s biggest batting stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, also announced their retirement from the longest format ahead of the highly anticipated Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Their decisions shocked the cricket fraternity, as both were still active and seen as capable of contributing to Indian cricket for at least a few more years. While many reports suggested that their below-par performance in the series against Australia was the reason behind their decision to step away, former Indian pacer Karsan Ghavri has stirred up the debate further by claiming that there is more to the story than just form and fitness.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Former Cricketer Sreesanth Reflects on Kohli’s Intensity and His Own Career Journey
Former Indian cricketer S. Sreesanth recently opened up about Virat Kohli’s intense and aggressive playing style, sharing insights not only into Kohli’s on-field behaviour but also reflecting on his own cricket career. Sreesanth, who was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad alongside Kohli, emphasized that Kohli’s strong personality and fiery presence on the field are key factors behind his extraordinary success. According to Sreesanth, Kohli’s so-called aggression should not be misunderstood; rather, it is passion and obsession that drive him to perform at the highest level. Speaking on Sehrawat’s YouTube channel, Sreesanth said, “I wouldn’t change anything about him. What people call aggression, I see as passion. Is Virat Kohli aggressive? No. I think he’s obsessed. People say he’s very aggressive, but if he toned it down, he wouldn’t be the same player.” His comments offered a unique perspective on how Kohli’s determination and intensity are integral to the player he has become over the years.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Liverpool Beat Bournemouth 4-2 in Emotional Premier League Opener Remembering Jota
The 2025-26 Premier League season kicked off in an emotional and thrilling fashion at Anfield on Friday night, as Liverpool welcomed Bournemouth for the season opener. From the very start to the final whistle, the match was filled with highs and lows, excitement, and moments of reflection. The occasion was heavy with emotion, as the entire stadium paid tribute to the late Liverpool star Diego Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain along with his younger brother just a month ago. Fans, players, and coaching staff all paused to honor his memory, ensuring that his presence was felt throughout the match. The tribute set the tone for an intense evening that would see Liverpool showcase their attacking prowess while navigating moments of controversy and challenges from a determined Bournemouth side.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Basit Ali Suggests India Should Skip Asia Cup Clash Against Pakistan to Avoid Humiliation
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has sparked discussions ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup by suggesting that India should consider skipping their scheduled match against Pakistan. His comments stem from past instances when the Indian cricket team refused to play Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends due to ongoing conflicts, including tensions arising from the Pahalgam war. India had boycotted the match on two separate occasions, and Basit believes that a similar approach might be more suitable this time around. According to him, playing against a dominant Indian side while Pakistan is struggling could lead to further embarrassment for the team and its supporters. Basit’s viewpoint emphasizes the psychological and competitive pressures that come with facing India, especially when the Pakistani side is not in top form.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
