Messi makes goalkeeper helpless!
The Argentina superstar delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring two goals and providing two assists as his team dismantled the 2024 MLS Cup finalists at their home ground. The hosts started off strongly, with Alexander Hack putting them in the lead during the 14th minute. However, the star-studded Inter Miami was quick to respond, with Jordi Alba levelling the scores in the 24th minute thanks to a Messi assist, according to Goal. Messi’s brilliance made the custodian helpless It was Messi’s sixth multi-goal game in his last seven matches. Messi became the fifth player in MLS history to record at least 35 goals and 25 assists over a two-year span, joining Robbie Keane (2013-14), Sebastian Giovinco (2015-16), Carlos Vela (2018-19), and Cucho Hernandez (2023-24). Miami scored two goals in three minutes midway through the first half to take the lead. Messi’s beautiful pass to Jordi Alba tied it at 1-all in the 24th minute. Then Messi’s lofted pass over the defense led to Segovia’s first goal. Messi scored on a breakaway in the 60th and he chested down Luis Suarez’s pass for a left-footed blast in the 75th for his 18th goal of the season. Miami (12-4-5) has dominated the past three matchups with the Red Bulls, winning 6-2 on May 3, 2024 and 4-1 on May 3, 2025. New York (9-9-6) lost for just the second time at home this season, dropping to 8-2-2. The Red Bulls’ 26 points through their first 11 home matches this season had ranked second in franchise history. As per ESPN, Messi’s goal tally during the ongoing MLS season has increased to 18, and he has contributed to 27 goals. He has scored 40 goals for the American club since joining the team back in summer 2023.
China fails to qualify for 2026 World Cup, converts its focus to E-sports!
China’s top football body said on Tuesday it planned to form a national e-sports team, a surprise foray into virtual gaming after a dismal performance saw the country fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The new national e-sports football team will compete in “events organized by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation and other organizations”, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said. The CFA last month sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after a 1-0 defeat to Indonesia, a result that effectively dashed China’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. But while China languishes at 94th in FIFA’s world rankings, two places below tiny Luxembourg, to the dismay of its vast fan-base, the country’s e-sports sector is booming. In 2024, the industry boasted approximately 490 million users, generated $38.5 billion in annual revenue, and hosted 124 e-sports competitions. At the 2023 Asian Games, China’s e-sports team secured four out of five gold medals. The CFA’s venture into e-sports sparked mixed reactions among Chinese football fans. “I believe this might actually work,” one Weibo user said. “We have quite a considerable e-sports player base in our country, and the talent selection is relatively fair,” he said. Others were less optimistic. “They have messed up football in real life and now they want to mess up football in e-sports,” wrote another.
Butt taunts yuvraj’s decision of cancelling pakistan match
Former Pakistan opening batter Salman Butt questioned the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions team’s decision to withdraw from the contest against Pakistan. Butt sought a promise from the Indian team that they would maintain the same stance when the two teams are scheduled to play against each other in an ICC event. Whenever it comes to a cricketing contest between India and Pakistan, such narratives often become the talk of the town but it isn’t the same when other sporting contests between the two countries are scheduled. Butt wants India vs Pakistan sporting battles to be prohibited even in events like the Olympics. Salman Butt said on his YouTube channel. “The whole world is talking about them – what message have they sent to cricket as a whole and to the fans? What are you trying to show? What are you trying to prove? Now don’t play in the World Cup…don’t play against us in any ICC tournament. Make this a promise. See, we understand that everything has its own place. But now that you are interlinking, don’t play against us at any level or tournament. Not even the Olympics. Please do that. I would love to see. The stakes would be high, and I’d see how much nationalism they can show at that level, The former Pakistan cricketer said that the country wouldn’t forget what India pulled off at the World Championship of Legends, adding that they will keep reminding them of their nationalism if they break their stance in ICC tournaments. The veterans’ cricket match between India and Pakistan scheduled for Sunday in the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham has been cancelled after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, withdrew citing the Pahalgam terror attack in April. The decision came after Indian players faced criticism on social media for agreeing to play against Pakistan, leading to multiple players including Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan boycotting the match.The WCL explained that the India-Pakistan fixture was announced following a recent volleyball match between the two nations, with the hope of creating happy memories for fans. However, they acknowledged that the decision may have unintentionally hurt sentiments and caused discomfort to several Indian legends. In light of this, the match was called off. The WCL also issued an apology for causing any hurt. The statement read: “We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments. Hence, we have decided to call off the India vs Pakistan match. We sincerely apologise again for hurting the sentiments and hope people will understand that all we ever wanted was to bring a few happy moments to the fans.” According to a report by India Today, According to a report by India Today, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and all-rounder Yusuf Pathan were among the first to opt out of the fixture. While the report did not confirm whether their withdrawals were officially communicated, it noted: “It is believed that the Pahalgam attack and its aftermath had a bearing on their decision.” Irfan Pathan also reportedly withdrew from the game. Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan confirmed on May 11 that he would not participate in the match against Pakistan. In a post on X, Dhawan shared an email he had sent to the tournament organisers, stating that the decision was made in light of the prevailing geopolitical situation.
Ashwin says Anshul is an amazing bowler, a blend of Zaheer and Bumrah!
Former India off-spinner R Ashwin believes that the uncapped Anshul Kamboj belongs to the rare breed of fast bowlers, like Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah, who are not only skillful but also have an understanding of plans that goes beyond just trying to “express themselves and enjoy the game.” Kamboj was drafted into the Indian team for the forthcoming fourth Test against England at Old Trafford due to injuries to all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and the pace duo of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, which occurred last week. “The appreciable thing about Anshul is that he understands the plan. I have seen so many fast bowlers. If you ask them about the plan, they just say they want to express themselves and enjoy the game,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’. Kamboj, a 24-year-old pacer, has impressed across formats for the last year and risen in the ranks of Indian cricket. Before being purchased for Rs 20 lakh, the Haryana quick shot to fame last season in the Ranji Trophy, where he picked all 10 wickets in an innings against Kerala at Lahli. He ended the season with 34 wickets in six matches. He also had a stunning performance in Duleep Trophy, finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 16 wickets in three matches at an average of 17.12. His bowling figures of 8/69 in the match between India-C and India-B in Anantapur were the second best in the tournament’s history. Later, he went one better in the Ranji Trophy with a 10-wicket haul for Haryana against Kerala at Lahli. He was only the third player in the history of India’s premier first-class competition to take 10 wickets in an innings. Kamboj earned a call-up to the Indian-A team for the tour of England last month and impressed with five wickets in two matches against England Lions. Overall, he has played in 24 first-class matches and taken 79 wickets at an average of 22.8. The 24-year-old is also a handy batter and made a half-century in the second unofficial Test against the Lions. Anshul’s brother, Sanyam Kamboj, described the emotion that swept through their home upon hearing the news. “We are very happy, and the entire family is happy for him,” Sanyam told IANS. He also added, “He used to practice a lot in the academy and only used to go home to sleep.”
Disciplined Sarfaraz Khan Loses 17 Kgs, Here’s How
Cricketer Sarfaraz Khan left his fans shocked when he shared his dramatic weight loss transformation picture on his Instagram Stories. Sarfaraz Khan, who has played six Tests scoring 371 runs, was not picked for the India squad that is currently playing in England. He, however, featured in the India A Tour of England Sarfaraz Khan has shown the world how turn rejection into redemption, courtesy of his dramatic body transformation and a renewed focus on elite-level fitness. Overlooked for India’s ongoing tour to the English shores, the 27-year-old responded with a dramatic physical transformation. His leaner self is not only going viral on social media but also shows how he changed his body with intent. Sarfaraz, was often questioned for his fitness despite raking up tons of runs in the Ranji Trophy but now he has shown how to change the narratie by shedding 17 kilograms. Behind the scenes of this transformation is a carefully designed nutritional overhaul. In an interview earlier this year, Sarfaraz’s father and coach, Naushad Khan, revealed the family’s collective commitment to a cleaner diet. “We stopped having roti, rice, sugar, flour, and anything bakery-related,” Naushad shared in an earlier conversation with Hindustan Times. “Our meals now include grilled fish, chicken, boiled eggs, fresh salads, broccoli, cucumber, and avocados. We’ve even switched to green tea and green coffee. It’s been 1.5 months of this strict routine.” The shift wasn’t temporary. It reflects a long-term vision to improve energy levels, muscle recovery, and overall well-being, all of which are crucial for elite performance. A Doctor Suggests on Weight Loss Journey: However, such transformations are not just limited to athletes but to individuals of all walks of life. Dr. Chirag Tandon, Director of Internal Medicine at Sharda Care Health City, shared his own weight loss journey to explain the importance of lifestyle changes and mental resolve. Sarfaraz Khan “I made both dietary and physical changes. I started taking the stairs instead of the lifts during hospital rounds, increased my cardio, and introduced some weight training. I cut down on carbs, rice, and excess protein, and shifted to a more fruit- and vegetable-rich diet,” explained Tandon. “While I’m a foodie at heart and have had my fair share of cheat days, I believe that diet and fitness are more about mindset than deprivation. Once you’re mentally in, it gets easier to stay consistent.” About Sarfaraz Khan Born in Mumbai in 1997, Sarfaraz first gained national attention during the U-19 World Cup and went on to become one of the most consistent run-scorers in the Ranji Trophy. A prolific talent in domestic cricket, he represents Mumbai and has made a mark with consistent performances over the years. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has played for franchises including Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
