ATLANTA: Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist as Inter Miami CF secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) action on Saturday night. The Argentine superstar delivered a decisive performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, helping Miami strengthen its position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Neither team managed to score in the opening stages, but Miami broke the deadlock just before halftime. Germán Berterame headed home a cross from Luis Suárez in the 45th minute, with Messi also contributing to the move. Messi then took control of the match after the break. He doubled Miami’s advantage in the 56th minute with a left-footed finish following a combination with Berterame.

Four minutes later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struck again. Messi raced through Atlanta’s defence and calmly finished to make it 3-0, completing his brace and further extending his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. Berterame played a key role in both second-half goals, providing the assist for Messi’s first strike and helping create space for the second.

Atlanta continued to push for a response and finally found the net in the 89th minute. Fafà Picault converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, but the home side could not mount a late comeback.

The victory marked Inter Miami’s third consecutive win in the regular season. The result also highlighted Messi’s continued influence, as he combined goalscoring with creative play to guide his team to another important result.

Atlanta United, meanwhile, will look to recover in its next league fixture after suffering a home defeat. Inter Miami are scheduled to face the New York Red Bulls on October 24, while Atlanta United will host Chicago Fire on the same day.

NEW YORK: New York City FC and Los Angeles FC played out a 1-1 draw in their Major League Soccer (MLS) clash at Citi Field on Saturday night, leaving both teams with one point as the race for the playoffs intensifies.

LAFC took the lead through Finnish midfielder Leo Walta, who scored from a free kick from around 30 yards in first-half stoppage time. The goal was his first in MLS since joining the Los Angeles club on loan in late August.

NYCFC responded strongly after the break and found the equalizer in the 59th minute. Andrés Perea powered home a header from a corner delivered by Nicolás Fernández Mercau to bring the home side level.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, creating a dramatic finish. LAFC forward Son Heung-min came particularly close to scoring in stoppage time, but his shot struck the inside of the post and bounced away.

The draw extended LAFC’s unbeaten run under interim head coach Xavi Tamarit to three matches. The club remained sixth in the Western Conference with 46 points, moving closer to securing a place in the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.

For NYCFC, however, the result was another setback in a difficult season. The team continued to struggle for consistency and remained under pressure to collect points in its remaining regular-season fixtures to keep its postseason hopes alive. LAFC will next host its city rival, the LA Galaxy, on October 25, while NYCFC is scheduled to visit Orlando City on October 24.

CHESTER, Pa. — In a captivating showdown between women’s soccer titans, the U.S. Women’s National Team fought back from a two-goal halftime deficit to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw against reigning World Cup champion Spain at Subaru Park. The result brought a spirited end to the October international window, showing the growth and fight head coach Emma Hayes demanded following a 2–0 loss to La Roja three days earlier in Washington, D.C.

Spain picked up right where they left off in the opening match, overwhelming the American defensive lines with relentless possession and crisp combination play. The visitors broke through in the 26th minute when two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas marked her 150th international cap with a pristine finish past the U.S. defense.

Just five minutes later, Spain capitalized on a costly defensive mix-up in the box. Salma Paralluelo pounced on the error to double the lead, sending the world champions into the halftime tunnel firmly in control at 2–0.

Refusing to fold before the crowd of 18,648, the USWNT emerged from the break with renewed urgency and direct vertical play. The rally began in the 48th minute through Ashley Sanchez. Making her first national team start in nearly two years, Sanchez collected a pass on the edge of the penalty box and drilled a low shot into the far corner to slice the deficit in half.The momentum fully swung toward the Americans as they pressed higher up the pitch.

The dramatic moment arrived in the 86th minute when substitute Michelle Cooper floated a dangerous ball into the box. Mallory Swanson, making her return to the squad following parental leave, controlled the pass and volleyed it past Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. The equalizer marked Swanson’s first goal for the national team since the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal match.

While going winless across the two-game series against Spain leaves room for growth, Emma Hayes embraced the challenge of measuring her squad against the top-ranked team in the world. “If I’m here to merely protect a wins record, then I’ll pick a lesser opponent,” Hayes said after the match. “I’m here to see how much the gap has closed with them, and then how far away are we, and keep working towards it, because they’re the best team in the world for a reason.”

The USWNT will now regroup before official competition begins on November 27, 2026, when they face El Salvador in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf W Championship in Mansfield, Texas. The tournament serves as the official qualifying pathway for both the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that alongside the iconic children’s talent hunt programme ‘Notun Kuri’, his government is now planning to introduce another nationwide programme named ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ aimed at hunting new talents in the sports arena.

“As you know, we pledged in our party’s election manifesto that we want to create new players for various sports in Bangladesh’s sports arena and to give the sports a professional shape,” he said.

“Therefore, alongside the “Notun Kuri” programme, we have decided to introduce ‘Notun Kuri Sports’. We have a plan to introduce interclass sports competition in every school in every district, upazila, and union level,” the premier added.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while distributing prize of a friendly football match at the national stadium here this afternoon. Bangladesh Football Federation organized the match on the occasion of the Independence and National Day. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the match and along with his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman enjoyed the game.

The premier greeted everyone on the occasion of Independence and National Day. Noting that the government has a goal to ensure that Bangladesh can bring more honor in international sports forums, he said his government has a plan and effort to develop skilled players so that the country can achieve better results in international competitions.

On the occasion of Independence Day, Tarique Rahman called upon everyone, especially those who are directly or indirectly involved in sports, to take a collective decision and work together to develop the sports sector.

He said that efforts should be made to build the sports sector of Bangladesh in a beautiful and inclusive manner, beyond difference of party or opinion. “I believe that sports have the ability to create bonds of friendship and brotherhood among us, just as it can bring honour for the country,” the Prime Minister said.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division and Railways Ministry Habibur Rashid, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Dhaka City South BNP Convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present at the function.

Retired USWNT legend Alex Morgan says the NWSL will continue to attract top domestic and international players even under its $3.3M salary cap, which rises to $5.1M by 2030. Speaking ahead of her jersey retirement with the San Diego Wave, Morgan pointed to the league’s competitiveness, improved facilities, and consistent high-level matches as major draws.

Her comments follow Alyssa Thompson’s record move to Chelsea and other big-money transfers abroad, which have fueled debate over whether Europe’s spending power could lure away talent.

Morgan, now a Wave minority owner, acknowledged the growing fees — with multiple $1M+ transfers this year — but said the NWSL’s week-to-week intensity still makes it “the most competitive league in the world.”

USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson has joined Chelsea from Angel City FC in a record-breaking transfer, one of the most expensive in women’s soccer. The 20-year-old leaves behind her role as Angel City’s star player to test herself against some of the world’s best in England.

For Chelsea, the signing fits their “Vision 2030” strategy of securing elite young talent. With Mayra Ramírez sidelined long-term, Thompson adds immediate depth and long-term promise as the club continues its push for the elusive Champions League title.

For Thompson, it’s a chance to grow: daily training with top players, tougher league and European matches, and a more competitive environment than the mid-table NWSL side she leaves. While she won’t walk into Chelsea as the star, she will gain valuable experience that should also benefit the USWNT.

For Angel City and the NWSL, it’s a major loss — both on the field and symbolically. Thompson was a hometown face of the league, and her departure highlights the challenge U.S. clubs face in keeping top talent amid Europe’s growing pull.

In her own words, Thompson’s goals with Chelsea are clear: “Win the Champions League. Develop as a player. Win — a lot.”

Bangladesh have achieved their biggest-ever leap in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking, climbing 24 places to reach 104th, up from 128th. This dramatic rise follows their historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 — the first time Bangladesh have reached the continental finals.

In the latest rankings released by FIFA, the Bengal Tigresses earned 1179.87 points — the highest gain among all nations in this cycle, with a net increase of +80.51 points. The improvement reflects the team’s consistent performances, especially against higher-ranked opponents, during the Asian Cup qualifiers held in Yangon, Myanmar.

Coached by Englishman Peter Butler, Bangladesh emerged as group champions, defeating host nation Myanmar (ranked 55th at the time), Bahrain (ranked 36 places higher), and Turkmenistan. The team maintained a perfect winning record throughout the campaign, showcasing tactical discipline, defensive strength, and attacking flair.

With this boost, Bangladesh are now ranked 19th among AFC (Asian Football Confederation) nations. Within the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), they are now third, only behind India (63rd) and Nepal (87th) — a significant milestone that highlights their growing stature in regional football.

The qualifiers marked a turning point for Bangladesh women’s football, with the team demonstrating resilience and a growing maturity on the international stage.

Their rise in the rankings signals a strong step forward for South Asian women’s football and sets high expectations for their Asian Cup debut.

Meanwhile, Spain — runners-up in the recent UEFA Women’s Euro — have reclaimed the top position in the global standings, pushing the United States down to second. However, Bangladesh’s 24-place climb remains the most remarkable gain in this update.

With momentum on their side, the Tigresses now look ahead to making a bold statement in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The same PSG that defeated clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to reach the final was brought down by Chelsea. On Sunday (July 13) at midnight, Chelsea beat the in-form PSG 3-0 to win the FIFA Club World Cup.

Although PSG dominated possession throughout the match, Chelsea led in attacks, build-up play, and creating scoring chances. They reaped the rewards as early as the 22nd minute, when Cole Palmer found the net from a pass by Gusto inside the box.

Just eight minutes later, Palmer scored again—this time assisted by Colwill. Trailing by two goals, PSG began to lose composure, and Chelsea took advantage. In the 43rd minute, João Pedro scored the third goal. It was his third goal since joining Chelsea.

While PSG couldn’t create any notable chances in the first half, they began pressing for opportunities early in the second half. However, Dembélé and his teammates couldn’t break Chelsea’s solid defense. As the match began slipping out of PSG’s hands, frustration started to show.

In the 85th minute, PSG’s Portuguese star João Neves received a red card for pulling Chelsea defender Cucurella’s hair. In the 87th minute, Ousmane Dembélé was shown a yellow card for arguing with the referee. Ultimately, Chelsea walked off the field with a convincing 3-goal victory. After the match, players from both sides clashed physically, and PSG coach Luis Enrique also lost his temper and got involved.

Thus, PSG’s dream of a perfect season came to an end. After winning the treble, they were the hot favorites to win the Club World Cup. They even made it to the final, but couldn’t secure the title. On the other hand, Chelsea, who had earlier won the Conference League, ended their season with another trophy. This marks their second Club World Cup title. They first won it in 2021 by defeating Brazilian club Palmeiras.

Sagorika’s brilliant hat-trick saw defending champions Bangladesh get off to a flying start in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 Women’s Championship 2025 today, Friday. Bangladesh women thrashed Sri Lanka by 9-1 goals in their first match of four-nation tournament held at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka.

From the very outset, Bangladesh looked very sharp, hungry and in complete control of the match. Dominating possession and dictating the tempo, they pegged Sri Lanka deep into their own half with a series of attacks.

Apart from Sagorika’s hat-trick with three goals in the 37, 53 and 58 minutes, Munni Akhter struck twice in the fifth and 48 minutes while Sapna Rani, Sinha Jahan Sikha, Rupa Akter and Shanti Mardi supported them with lone goals in the second, 50, 86 and 90+4 minutes respectively for Bangladesh in the one-sided affairs. Layansika Jasotharan scored a consolation goal for Sri Lanka in the 90+2 minute of the match.

Bangladesh will play their next match against Nepal while Sri Lanka will meet Bhutan Sunday at the same venue. Four South Asian nations- Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and host Bangladesh- are taking part in the 11-day meet on round robin league basis.Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is organising the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship 2025.

Chelsea must somehow try to stop an irresistible Paris Saint-Germain side from adding the Club World Cup trophy to their UEFA Champions League title as the final of the first edition of FIFA’s expanded competition takes place on Sunday. PSG travelled to the United States fresh from becoming European champions with a stunning 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in Munich in late May, and they have lived up to their favourites tag at the Club World Cup.

Luis Enrique’s side put four goals past Atletico Madrid in the group stage, four more past Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the last 16, and then proved too strong for Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.They appeared to hit new heights as they tore apart Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid in the last four, when their 4-0 winning margin could have been far greater.

The Parisians now stand on the verge of an extraordinary achievement, as they look to complete a clean sweep of trophies in this marathon 2024/25 season and add the world title to their French and European crowns.

‘That is the objective we have had since the beginning but it is always very difficult to achieve these things — very few teams can do what we are trying to do,’ said Luis Enrique after the semi-final.

PSG are therefore overwhelming favourites for the game which will be played at the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop — and which is set to be attended by Donald Trump.

However Desire Doue, one of their standout performers during a remarkable campaign, insisted there were no concerns about complacency.

‘We are not over-confident, not at all,’ France international Doue told reporters before PSG trained at Rutgers University, south of New York City, on Friday.

‘We have been favourites for most matches in this competition and throughout this season, but what matters is what we do on the pitch.’

Chelsea have plenty of reason to believe too, with Sunday’s game finally wrapping up a campaign in which they won the UEFA Conference League and also finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League.

While PSG lost to Botafogo during the group stage, Chelsea were also beaten by Brazilian opposition in Flamengo.

However, they have gone on to defeat Benfica as well as two other Brazilian teams, Palmeiras and Fluminense, to reach the final.

‘If everyone thinks we are going to lose, then we have nothing to lose. We have to go out there and play our football, be confident and hopefully try to surprise everyone,’ defender Levi Colwill said on Friday.

PSG’s record against English opposition in 2025 shows the size of task facing Chelsea — the French club faced four Premier League teams in the Champions League and beat them all, from Manchester City and Liverpool, to Aston Villa and then Arsenal.

‘It is a super high-level game. They are one of the hottest teams in the world at the moment but this is the final, a one-off game,’ said Reece James.

‘Everyone has them down as strong favourites but I have been in many finals before where we have been favourites and we have not come out on top.

‘I don’t really care that everyone is bigging up the opposition. We are just preparing in the right way and we are going out to win.’

The match brings down the curtain on a month-long competition that FIFA is already hailing as a huge success.

But concerns over the heat of an American summer have plagued the tournament, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez saying Friday that playing in the middle of the afternoon was ‘very dangerous’

Whatever happens in the final, the tournament has already been a huge success for the participants from a financial viewpoint.

Chelsea and PSG are assured to go home with over $100 million in prize money, with the definitive amount to become clear after the final — that money will be particularly welcome for Chelsea after they were recently fined by UEFA for breaching financial rules.