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Latest football stories across the world

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By Timothy Akintola

Updates on Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Onuachu, Rasmus Højlund and Lamine Yamal.

Luis Suárez pens a new one-year contract extension with Inter Miami.

Uruguayan striker, Luis Suárez has signed a one-year contract extension with Inter Miami, securing his place in Major League Soccer through the 2025 season. Suárez joined the Herons in December 2023 on a one-year deal and had an outstanding 2024 campaign, tying for second in the MLS Golden Boot race and earning a nomination for the MLS Newcomer of the Year. The 37-year-old Uruguayan led Inter Miami to a record-breaking season, including the MLS regular-season points record and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. He scored 25 goals across all competitions, tying Lionel Messi with 20 regular-season goals, and contributed nine assists. Suárez expressed his excitement about staying, stating, “I’m very happy and excited to continue for another year.” He will reunite with former Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano, who has been named Miami’s new head coach. This extension marks Miami’s first offseason roster move.

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Lionel Messi nominated for FIFA The Best Men’s Player Award.

Inter Miami star and Argentina captain, Lionel Messi has been named among 11 nominees for FIFA’s latest accolade despite being excluded from the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist. The list includes players such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr., all of whom were also Ballon d’Or nominees. Messi, notably the only nominee playing outside Europe, scored 20 goals in MLS as Inter Miami secured the Eastern Conference title but faced an early playoff exit to Atlanta United. FIFA’s inclusion of Messi highlights their recognition of his influence, granting Inter Miami a place in the expanded Club World Cup, bypassing Western Conference champions LAFC and the forthcoming MLS Cup winners. However, the decision has fueled debate, with fans arguing that players like Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, and Ademola Lookman were more deserving of recognition.


Paul Onuachu’s beautiful scorpion kick goal nominated for the Puskas Award.

Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu has been nominated for FIFA’s prestigious Puskas Award, recognized for his stunning scorpion kick goal against Konyaspor during his Loan spell at Trabzonspor last season. The goal is among 11 shortlisted, placing Onuachu in contention for an honor previously claimed by icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Other nominees include English-based players Alejandro Garnacho, Mohammed Kudus, and Jaden Philogene. Onuachu joined Southampton in the winter transfer window of 2023 but struggled for minutes during his debut season. He was subsequently loaned to Trabzonspor, where he delivered standout performances.
Now back with the Saints, the towering 6’7″ forward has returned to manager Russell Martin’s plans after the club’s unsuccessful attempts to secure his transfer during the summer. Onuachu’s Puskas nomination not only celebrates his skill but also highlights his potential as a key asset for Southampton moving forward.

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Højlund scores a brace as United secure second consecutive Europa league win.

Ruben Amorim’s debut match at Old Trafford as Manchester United manager was a thrilling 3-2 UEFA Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt. The game saw the Red Devils lead, fall behind, and reclaim their advantage in a rollercoaster encounter. Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring just 50 seconds after capitalizing on a goalkeeping error. However, Bodo/Glimt quickly turned the tide with Håkon Evjen’s brilliant curling effort in the 19th minute and Philip Zinckernagel’s counterattack goal four minutes later, leaving Old Trafford stunned. Rasmus Højlund leveled just before halftime with a sublime volley off Noussair Mazraoui’s cross. A tactical change by Amorim during the interval saw United dominate the second half, and Højlund netted the decisive goal on 50 minutes after a well-worked move. Despite Garnacho missing late chances, the victory pushed United to 12th in the Europa League standings. They now prepare for Amorim’s first Premier League home game against Everton.


Flick confirms Lamine Yamal’s return ahead of Las Palmas clash.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will return to action this weekend as the Blaugrana host Las Palmas at Montjuic. The 17-year-old, sidelined since the start of the month with an ankle injury, resumed training this week. Yamal’s absence coincided with Barcelona’s struggles in La Liga, where they dropped points in two consecutive matches. Flick expressed optimism about the young forward’s return, stating, “I told Lamine Yamal that I hope he’ll be with us on Saturday against Las Palmas. He’ll train with us tomorrow.” While it remains uncertain whether Yamal will start, his availability is expected to boost Barcelona as they aim to return to winning form. Flick highlighted that his presence alone could make a significant impact, even if he doesn’t play the full match. Fans will undoubtedly welcome Yamal’s return to the pitch.

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