Messi and Suárez fined for on-field incidents in Inter Miami’s season opener.
Major League Soccer has fined Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent” rule during their season-opening match against New York City FC. Following the final whistle, Messi grabbed NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy by the back of his neck. Ballouchy remained composed and did not retaliate before Messi left the field. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano downplayed the incident, calling it a matter of the game. Suárez was fined for touching NYCFC’s Birk Risa on the back of the neck during a heated argument at halftime. Their confrontation was quickly interrupted by NYCFC’s Strahinja Tanasijević. Despite the fines, both players remain eligible as Inter Miami prepares to face Houston Dynamo FC in their second match of the 2025 MLS season.
Lionel Messi has been fined by the MLS after grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coach at the end of Saturday’s game🚨 pic.twitter.com/5dxn99OA0X
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 26, 2025
Haaland to the rescue as Manchester City edge Tottenham to reclaim top-four spot.
Manchester City secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Wednesday, moving back into the Premier League’s top four. Pep Guardiola’s side displayed resilience, taking the lead after 12 minutes when Jérémy Doku’s deflected cutback found Erling Haaland unmarked for an easy finish. Doku nearly doubled City’s lead, but Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario denied his long-range effort. City missed further chances as Doku set up Savinho, who fired over, while Haaland also saw an attempt saved. Tottenham came close to equalizing after halftime when Pedro Porro’s cross reached Wilson Odobert, but the winger failed to convert. Matheus Nunes then recovered brilliantly to prevent Mathys Tel from scoring. Goalkeeper, Ederson made key saves, including a crucial stop against Son Heung-min. Haaland thought he had a second, but it was ruled out for handball. In stoppage time, Pape Matar Sarr’s header flew over, allowing City to hold on for the win.
FT: TOTTENHAM 0 – 1 MANCHESTER CITY
HAALAND WITH A VERY IMPORTANT GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY TOTTENHAM LOSES AGAIN AT HOME!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/nZJdDAeocF
— The Screenshot Lad (@thescreenlad) February 26, 2025
Didier Drogba defends former coach, José Mourinho amid racism allegations.
Former Chelsea and Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba has defended his former coach José Mourinho amid racism accusations. Mourinho, now managing Fenerbahçe, was accused by Galatasaray of making racist remarks after a 0-0 draw on Monday. During a post-match discussion, Mourinho suggested a Turkish referee would have issued a yellow card “after the big dive and their bench jumping around like monkeys.” Galatasaray condemned the comments, filed complaints with football authorities, and announced plans for legal action. Fenerbahçe dismissed the accusations, claiming Mourinho’s remarks were misinterpreted and pledging legal action against the allegations. Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea, voiced support on social media, stating, “I have known José for 25 years, and he is not a racist.” The Ivorian striker, referring to Mourinho as a father figure, urged fans to focus on football. The Turkish football federation is expected to rule on the matter soon.
🚨 Didier Drogba sends message to Galatasaray after José Mourinho accused of racism ❤️
“Dear Galatasaray… You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey, also my love for the most decorated club in Turkey”.
“We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be,… pic.twitter.com/m99ZTkst9i
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 26, 2025
Endrick fires Real Madrid to Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg win.
A brilliant assist from Jude Bellingham set up Endrick for the decisive goal in Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday. The Brazilian forward remained composed in a one-on-one situation, netting his team’s only goal and becoming their top scorer in the competition. Real Sociedad started strong, with Take Kubo forcing a save from Andriy Lunin early on. However, Madrid struck first as Bellingham’s pinpoint pass sent Endrick through, allowing him to finish clinically. Vinicius Jr came close to doubling the lead, but his effort was well saved. Madrid never fully dominated but created occasional chances, including Endrick rattling the crossbar after halftime. As the game wore on, they managed their lead, though Dani Ceballos’ knee injury raised concerns. With the return leg at the Bernabéu on April 1, Madrid holds a slight but significant advantage.
🏁 @RealSociedadEN 0-1 @RealMadridEn
⚽ 19' @Endrick
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/nCC96Vre0m— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 26, 2025
10-man Man United defeats Ipswich Town to steer clear of relegation zone.
Harry Maguire’s second-half header sealed a vital 3-2 victory for Manchester United over Ipswich Town on Wednesday, lifting Ruben Amorim’s side further from the Premier League relegation zone. United endured a shaky start as poor defending allowed Jaden Philogene to open the scoring early for Ipswich. However, they responded quickly, with an own goal from Ipswich captain Sam Morsy and a Matthijs de Ligt finish putting them ahead by the 26th minute. The game took another turn just before halftime when United’s Patrick Dorgu was sent off for a reckless challenge. Ipswich immediately capitalized, with Philogene scoring his second to level the match. Despite being a man down, United found the winner after the break through Maguire’s towering header. The win moved United up to 14th, 16 points ahead of relegation-threatened Ipswich. Amorim acknowledged the need for better home performances, as United had lost five of their previous seven league games at Old Trafford.
FT: MANCHESTER UNITED 3 – 2 IPSWICH
MANCHESTER UNITED WINS OVER IPSWICH TOWN BY 10 MEN!!!!! pic.twitter.com/EQdK82eKGH
— The Screenshot Lad (@thescreenlad) February 26, 2025