Inter Miami sets a new MLS record as Lionel Messi bags a hattrick.
Lionel Messi delivered a spectacular 11-minute hat trick, leading Inter Miami to a 6-2 win over New England Revolution and breaking the MLS record for most points in a season. Miami finished the regular season with 74 points, surpassing the Revolution’s 2021 record of 73. Luis Suárez sparked Miami’s comeback after trailing by two goals, scoring twice in four minutes. Messi, after assisting on Benjamin Cremaschi’s go-ahead goal, netted his first hat trick for Miami, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 33 goals. Miami also made history as the first MLS team with multiple players scoring 20 goals in a season. Messi and Suárez each finished with 20, second in the Golden Boot race behind D.C. United’s Christian Benteke. Miami was awarded the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the club’s participation in the 2025 Club World Cup. Miami now heads into the playoffs with home-field advantage.
FT: Inter Miami 6-2 New England Revolution.
INTER MIAMI HAVE REACHED THE MOST POINTS IN MLS HISTORY, AND HISTORY HAS BEEN WRITTEN! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/LlI66LnTtW
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 20, 2024
Saliba red-carded as Bournemouth secures an emphatic victory over Arsenal.
Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League start came to a halt with a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. William Saliba’s red card in the 30th minute, for bringing down Evanilson after a wayward Leandro Trossard back-pass, left Arsenal with 10 men. Bournemouth capitalized on the advantage in the 70th minute when substitute Ryan Christie converted a well-worked corner. Another error from Arsenal, a poor back-pass from Jakub Kiwior, led to David Raya fouling Evanilson in the box. Substitute Justin Kluivert calmly slotted home the resulting penalty to secure the win for Bournemouth. The loss leaves Arsenal in third place, missing the chance to place at the top, while Bournemouth moved up to 10th, marking their first victory over Arsenal since January 2018 and breaking a nine-game winless streak against the Gunners.
FT: Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal.
ARSENAL LOSE THEIR FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON, LIVERPOOL CAN GO 4 POINTS CLEAR TOMORROW! ❌🤯 pic.twitter.com/XIM2Gtz4E8
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 19, 2024
Francis Ngannou makes emphatic return to MMA with big win over Renan Ferreira.
Cameroon’s Francis Ngannou made a victorious return to mixed martial arts by knocking out Renan Ferreira in the first round of their heavyweight bout at the PFL’s “Battle of the Giants” event on Sunday morning. After an exchange of early kicks, Ngannou, who hadn’t fought since January 2022, took the fight to the ground, securing a dominant position behind Ferreira and delivering powerful punches to end the fight with 88 seconds left in the first round. An emotional Ngannou dedicated the win to his late 15-month-old son, Kobe, who passed away in April. “I fought for him,” Ngannou said in his post-fight interview. “I hope his name is remembered, because without Kobe, we wouldn’t be here tonight.”
Francis Ngannou becomes the first man to win both a UFC and PFL title. Legend 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/cId3a2v6lb
— Owen 🥋 (@owen_swd) October 19, 2024
Al Hilal announces Neymar’s return after a long battle with ACL.
Neymar is set to return to Al Hilal’s squad for their AFC Champions League Elite match against Al-Ain on Monday, after a year-long injury absence. The Brazilian star announced his comeback in a Social Media video, stating, “I know you’re anxious. I am too. On October 21st, I’m back.” Neymar’s marketing company, NR Sports, highlighted his passion for soccer and hopes of playing in the next World Cup as key motivators for his return. Neymar, who joined Al Hilal in August 2023, underwent surgery after tearing his meniscus and ACL during international duty last October. His recovery journey involved months of rehabilitation, with the support of family, friends, and fans. While his coach, Jorge Jesus, has not confirmed if he will play Monday, Neymar has been training since July. He is eligible for AFC Champions League matches and could return to Brazil’s national team in November.
💙🇧🇷 Neymar Jr returns available after long injury and he’s part of Al Hilal squad today!
“Every day away from football it’s pain for me. I love football. It’s the thing I love the most in my life”. pic.twitter.com/a8cEK7kX9Z
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 20, 2024
The Boston Celtics waive guard Lonnie Walker IV ahead of season opener.
NBA star, Lonnie Walker IV will not make the Boston Celtics’ opening night roster, as the team has decided to waive him, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Walker, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics on August 28, now enters the waiver wire, where other teams can claim him. If he goes unclaimed, he will likely return to Boston’s G League affiliate in Maine. Last season, Walker averaged 9.7 points in 17.4 minutes per game for the Brooklyn Nets, and previously posted a career-high 12.1 points per game with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021-22. Despite showing promise during the preseason, Walker couldn’t secure a spot on the Celtics’ roster, which brought back 13 players from last season’s championship team. With his departure, Boston has an open roster spot ahead of their regular-season opener against the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
The Boston Celtics are waiving guard Lonnie Walker IV, sources tell ESPN. Walker averaged 7.3 points in 16.4 minutes per game in Celtics preseason. pic.twitter.com/uznog6EiEQ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2024