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Lionel Messi has expressed his strong desire to compete in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina next summer, saying it would be "wonderful" to get the chance to defend his nation's title of World Champions and play in the tournament for the sixth time in his glittering career. But the Inter Miami superstar explained that he wants to feel good about himself physically if he is to take part, so that he can "contribute and be important" for Lionel Scaloni's side.

• Messi wants to play in 2026 World Cup with Argentina

  Speaking in an interview with Fabrizio Romano, Messi expressed his strong desire to go to the US, Canada and Mexico with Argentina next summer, should the circumstances be right for the 38-year-old to star for the 2022 World Cup winners.

  Messi continues to shine for his national side, scoring twice in four matches in 2025. Though he announced that September’s 3-0 qualifying victory over Venezuela was to be his final competitive fixture on home soil, he had not publicly confirmed his desire to compete in the World Cup until now.

  The Inter Miami star has been in scintillating form in the MLS this season, scoring 39 goals in 44 appearances in 2025 in all competitions. If he continues to play at such a high level for his club, Messi will hope to have a similar impact for Argentina next summer.

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  Messi has 'so much desire' to play in World Cup

  Messi said when asked by Romano about which factors will influence his decision to compete in the World Cup next summer: “Obviously, I have so much desire and excitement to be there, it is obvious, but I want to go there feeling good about myself, so that I can contribute and be important. I think it’s a bit about being physically fit and making sure I can perform at my highest level."

  Asked about the possibility of playing World Cup matches in Miami, Messi added: “[The World Cup] is always special, the best, playing with the national team, in official competitions and more so in a World Cup. With everything it means and I think it’s going to be a special World Cup. Because being in the United States, I think that on an organisational level, beyond the fact that there is a very long trip and if I have to go play in Canada or Mexico, different games, the trips will be very long and I think that on an organisational level, it will be something extraordinary.

  “But well, as I’m telling you, it would be wonderful to be able to be in another World Cup and defend the last world title that we were lucky enough to win… and to be able to participate in another one."

• Messi speaks on new Inter Miami contract and MLS Cup

  Elsewhere in the interview, Romano asked Messi about his future at Inter Miami after the Argentine recently committed to a new three-year deal with the MLS outfit.

  “The truth is that I’m happy [to sign a new contract] and it was an easy decision. Because we’re doing very well, both in the family, in the day-to-day, in the life we lead and in the club as well, you know? Enjoying myself and feeling good physically and having positive results.

  “And the truth is that being able to continue playing here, and continue to help the club grow, after everything that has happened since my arrival, and that of the other team-mates, which was a very big change, is something very nice, so I’m very happy.

  “The truth is no, it wasn’t difficult because from what I’m telling you, I’m very happy here, so we hope to continue contributing to this growth, both on and off the field.

  “Hopefully we can achieve the image of [Inter Miami with the trophy in the] MLS Cup. Because it would be great for the club to be able to achieve it, because it would help with the entire growth process that the club has undergone in recent years. Winning an important title for the club would be spectacular for the entire locker room. On a personal level, winning another title would be extraordinary. So hopefully we’ll put up a picture like that."

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  What comes next for Messi?

  If Messi's domestic form is to be a key deciding factor on if he does decide to compete in North America next summer, the Argentine will have an important period ahead of him as he attempts to continue his imperious form with Inter Miami.

  Messi has made a massive 195 appearances for Argentina, scoring 114 goals, and will hope to see his total number of caps surpass 200 if Scaloni's side go far in the tournament next summer. The 38-year-old's influence remains undeniable, and from these latest words it appears as though the great man is not done on the international stage just yet.

Donald Trump, president of the United States of America, once hinted at which Premier League he supports in a chat with Arsenal fan Piers Morgan.

Donald Trump is a sport fanatic with love for golf, UFC, football and baseball

The 79-year-old, who is currently into his second term as president, has never hid his love for sport and recently made the trip to New York to watch The Ryder Cup at Bethpage.

Trump regularly plays golf and through his holding company, the Trump Organization, even owns 17 different courses around the world.

Trump also enjoys watching UFC and his relationship with UFC president Dana White has been well-documented.

When it comes to American Football, Trump’s team is thought to be the New England Patriots due to friendships with CEO Robert Kraft and legendary quarterback Tom Brady.

Also a fan of Major League Baseball, Trump’s team appears to be the New York Yankees, although he does have appreciation for the New York Mets as well.

Over in England, Trump even appears to have a favoured football team in the Premier League, and it isn’t Chelsea despite being involved in the Blues’ Club World Cup celebrations.

Donald Trump hints at which Premier League team he supports

Talking to journalist and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan back in 2018, Trump was presented with a Gunners shirt with his name on the back. Trump’s son, Barron, is a fan of Arsenal, with Morgan looking to make the President a supporter of the north London side.

However, Trump admitted that his allegiance lies with another Premier League giant, Manchester United.

That “friend” in question appears to be Edward Glazer, co-owner of the Red Devils. In fact, it is claimed that Glazer donated £45,000 during Trump’s first ever US presidential campaign.

The American president isn’t the only famous Man Utd supporter from across the pond, with singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake also a huge Old Trafford fan.

The New York Yankees live to play another game of baseball after taking Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night. One of the highlights of the Yankees’ win-or-go-home matchup involved not a New York player, but a New York fan who inserted himself into the game.

At the bottom of the first inning, Dodgers star Mookie Betts chased down a foul ball in right field and reached over the wall to make an impressive catch. Two Yankees fans in the front row then tried to physically pry the ball out of Betts’s glove by grabbing at Betts’ hands, and one of them was actually able to take the ball from him. 

After the Dodgers’ 11-4 loss, Betts curtly addressed the wild incident. 

“No, I didn’t even know he grabbed my hands,” Betts told reporters. “When it comes to the person and play, it doesn’t matter. We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine, he’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game, that’s what I’m trying to focus on, we gotta turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”

The two Yankees fans who fought Betts for the ball were ejected from the stadium shortly after the tussle. 

The Yankees and Dodgers will face off for Game 5 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, with the Dodgers leading the series, 3-1. Hopefully, this upcoming matchup will be less tinged by off-field distractions and controversy, though the Yankees fans who were ejected were apparently told they will be allowed to attend.

West Ham have reportedly held discussions over signing a Brazil international duo who’ve both impressed in front of goal this year, with Nuno Espírito Santo badly in need of a new focal point up front.

The club’s January transfer window plans are becoming increasingly focused on three key priorities — a defender, midfielder and forward (Sky Sports).

The urgency for a striker stems largely from the ongoing issues surrounding Niclas Fullkrug’s persistent injury problems, which have severely limited his availability and impact for the Hammers since his move last year.

Fullkrug was brought in with high hopes as a reliable goal-scoring option to lead the line, but his torrid injury record has prevented him from consistently delivering those expected contributions.

Time and again, injuries have sidelined Fullkrug, and this inconsistency has left West Ham very short of choices upfront.

Callum Marshall, while tipped for a promising career, is too inexperienced to lead the Irons’ forward line, while it is believed that Nuno privately doesn’t rate summer signing Callum Wilson.

This has resulted in Nuno experimenting with Lucas Paqueta as West Ham’s false nine in their last two Premier League matches — which both ended in defeat.

The lack of a dependable number nine is a major concern for Nuno as he looks to avoid a dreaded drop back down to the Championship, which is now a serious possibility.

In the last fortnight alone, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the Hammers board have been linked with a host of intriguing options.

Real Madrid sensation Endrick is apparently a top target for West Ham, but they’ll have to move quickly as Ligue 1 giants Lyon have already made a formal approach with the player himself keen.

Journalist Alan Nixon has said that West Ham have already worked on a loan deal for Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney as well, with the Irons also holding discussions over Gonzalo Garcia (Graeme Bailey).

West Ham "offered" Brazil duo Pedro and Kaio Jorge

Now, according to Hammers News and journalist Graeme Bailey, you can add Brazilian strikers Pedro and Kaio Jorge to West Ham’s list of potential targets this winter.

Pedro, who’s scored 15 goals for Flamengo during this 2025 season, once plied his trade for Fiorentina in Europe but has spent the majority of his career in South America — where he’s earned six caps for the national team.

Jorge’s scored a seismic 20 goals for Cruzeiro this year, and the 23-year-old ex-Juventus sensation is still yet to reach his prime.

Jorge only has one senior appearance for Brazil so far, but considering his stellar 2025 campaign, Carlo Ancelotti will certainly be keeping a keen eye on the striker ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Bailey reports that West Ham have held discussions with agents about signing Pedro and Jorge, with Nuno’s side “offered” the duo by representatives.

That is as far as it’s gone, but there is reason to believe shopping in the Brazilian Serie A market could prove fruitful.

Jorge carries a market value of just £15 million according to Transfermarkt, while Pedro’s value comes in at around £17.5 million — making them pretty affordable options.

They’re also both represented by Bertolucci Sports, an agency that’s helped Brazilian talents like Gabriel Magalhaes, Bruno Guimaraes and Matheus Cunha seal moves to the Premier League in recent years.

Legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praise on new Manchester United signing Senne Lammens as he also shared valuable advice for manager Ruben Amorim, amid the club's unbeaten run in the Premier League. After a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign, the Red Devils have endured a brilliant unbeaten run, including a three-game winning streak, since October.

• Man Utd chose to sign Lammens over Emi Martinez

  After a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, doubts were raised over Andre Onana's future at Old Trafford. In the summer, United were tipped to replace the underperforming Cameroonian goalkeeper with a new signing, as they were strongly linked with a move for World Cup-winning Argentine custodian and Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez.

  Following Altay Bayındır's poor start in the new season and Onana leaving for Trabzonspor in Turkey on loan, a new goalkeeper's arrival was imminent. The club eventually signed young Belgian custodian Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day as they snubbed Emi Martinez. 

  Since moving to England, Lammens has appeared in five Premier League games thus far, during which he has conceded seven times. He played an important role in Amorim's side winning three back-to-back matches in October against Sunderland, Liverpool, Brighton and has also been compared to legendary Red Devils goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, although the youngster dismissed any such comparisons. 

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  Ferguson hailed Lammens

  Ex-Red Devils boss Ferguson spoke highly of the Belgian goalkeeper as he told : "There are signs, the manager has had some good signs. Particularly the goalkeeper has been outstanding, he’s only played three or four games and he’s looking really good. Of course, Mbeumo and Cunha, the new players from Wolves and Brentford, they’ve added to it. I hope the manager gets a bit of success because at United you need to have success – the signs are getting better. I think back-to-back wins is something teams like United should always expect. But having gone through a cycle where the improvement has to come by waiting and being patient, they’ll enjoy it now."

• Lammens isn't worried despite Onana's misfortune

  Goalkeepers have had to face severe criticism at Old Trafford in recent years, including David De Gea, towards the end of his journey with the club. Then came Onana from Inter but he failed miserably. However, Lammens is not worried about the pressure as he told reporters: "There's been a lot of commotion about the goalkeepers in recent years. They've received a lot of negative comments. I wasn't worried about that. I want to be someone people look up to. My dream is to play here for the next ten years, be important to the club, and build a legacy. That's a long-term goal. 

  "It hasn’t taken long for the Stretford End to fall in love with him. Many fans are hailing him as the next Schmeichel, but the keeper has his feet firmly rooted to the ground. "It was wonderful to hear the supporters sing that to me. A huge compliment, especially after my first match. But I'm not getting too carried away with their enthusiasm. I still have a lot to prove to be mentioned in the same breath as Peter Schmeichel, you know."

  Lammens added: "I ran into him (Schmeichel) on the sidelines after a match. He was very friendly. Schmeichel knows it's not easy to be compared to him. He told me to be there for the team, but above all, to be myself. It was nice to hear that from someone you look up to. It also reassured me in a way."

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  Man Utd aim to get back to winning ways

  After three consecutive wins in the Premier League in October, Amorim's side were held to back-to-back 2-2 draws by Nottingham Forest and Tottenham. They will now aim to get back to winning ways after the international break as they take on Everton on November 24. 

Max Fried has officially begun his time with the New York Yankees.

On Thursday, we got our first look at Fried in Yankees gear as pictures emerged from the team's training facility in Tampa, Florida. The 31-year-old looked right at home.

Fried was the franchise's big acquisition this offseason. After losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets in free agency, the Yankees pivoted and inked Fried to the largest contract ever for a left-handed pitcher. They gave the two-time All-Star an eight-year deal worth $218 million.

New York's newest hurler will join a loaded rotation that features Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt and Marcus Stroman.

Fried is one of MLB's steadiest pitchers and proved that over the past eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He hasn't posted an ERA higher than 3.25 since 2019. During the 2024 campaign, he went 11–10 with a 3.25 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts against 57 walks in 174 1/3 innings.

He should fit in perfectly with that Yankees starting rotation.

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has made an admission about his future at the club amid repeated suggestions he could leave in January.

Paqueta’s time at West Ham has been intriguing to say the least, and fresh speculation has emerged recently about a potential winter exit from the London Stadium.

West Ham paid £51 million to secure his services in a club-record deal from Lyon three years ago, with the Brazilian quickly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted playmakers in his debut season under David Moyes.

Paqueta helped the Hammers to a glorious Conference League triumph that year, their first major trophy since 1980 and first European trophy since 1965, but a spot-fixing scandal then began to overshadow his time at the London Stadium.

The 28-year-old was charged with four alleged breaches of FA rule E5.1 in May 2024, relating to matches involving West Ham, with allegations that he directly sought to influence matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for influence of the betting market.

The investigation, which began in August 2023, cast a dark cloud over his future, with the FA once seeking a lifetime ban for him. Throughout the ordeal, West Ham stood firmly by their star man, and in July this year, he was finally cleared.

With that uncertain point of his career finally over, Paqueta got back to focusing on the pitch, and clubs also started taking an interest in the £150,000-per-week star.

Aston Villa tried to sign Paqueta in the summer, but he ultimately chose to stay put and show loyalty to a side who backed him off the field.

However, credible reports are indicating that his long-term future could be away from Rush Green. The Times recently reported that Paqueta is keen to leave West Ham as early as next month, with Fabrizio Romano also backing up that the ex-Ligue 1 star’s exit is a realistic possibility.

Lucas Paqueta makes West Ham transfer admission and expects move to happen

Now, the player himself has come out to make a revelation of his own.

Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo, as translated by Standard Sport, Paqueta says that he had a desire to return to Flamengo in the most recent summer window, and he expects that transfer to happen eventually due to his close ties with the club.

Paqueta’s current deal expires in 2027, and while Nuno Espirito Santo won’t want to lose him in January, a summer transfer certainly appears on the cards next year.

Unfortunately for chairman David Sullivan, by that point, the Irons wouldn’t be in a position to demand big money for the player with just one year remaining on his contract.

Flamengo’s best opportunity to strike a reunion could be next year, if a more illustrious European or Premier League big-hitter don’t move to entice him first.

Santiago Giménez’s future at AC Milan has become increasingly uncertain, even though his contract runs through 2029. Local reports suggest the Mexican striker may be nearing the end of his spell at San Siro, drawing interest from several clubs across Europe – including a surprising contender in the Premier League with Sunderland.

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  Joining the Black Cats?

  Among the teams monitoring his situation, Sunderland have surfaced as one of the most serious candidates, according to Calciomercato.com. The Premier League club has started the season in unexpected form, sitting fourth in the table with 19 points, ahead of giants such as Tottenham, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Their rise – and need for added depth in attack – has put Giménez firmly on their radar.

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  A difficult debut season in Italy

  Giménez’s time with Milan has not unfolded as hoped. Through eight Serie A matches, he has yet to score or provide an assist, a downturn that has fueled speculation about a winter overhaul of attack. Giménez has also been linked to West Ham, who are reportedly exploring a swap involving Niclas Füllkrug – a sign that Milan could be preparing to move on from the Mexican forward.

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  Injury concerns complicate his situation

  Adding to the frustration, Giménez is recovering from a lingering ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for several weeks. His absence has hurt his rhythm in Milan and limited his opportunities with the Mexican national team. The lack of playing time has only intensified conversations about whether a change of scenery would benefit both sides.

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  Other Prem options emerge

  According to the same outlet, Milan would consider signing a new center forward in January – but that move may hinge on Giménez leaving to free up a roster spot. In addition to Sunderland, Brentford have also inquired about a potential loan deal.

  This wouldn’t be his first chance to cross into England: Giménez previously turned down an offer from Nottingham Forest during his final months at Feyenoord.

  Now, with Sunderland flying high and Brentford solidly mid-table, both clubs see an opportunity to bring in a striker who, at Feyenoord, became one of Europe’s breakout goalscorers.

Texas Rangers left-handed pitcher Patrick Corbin made his start as scheduled on Wednesday, delivering 5 1/3 strong innings on the mound, but he was almost forced to miss the game.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters Thursday that Corbin almost missed his start due to some kind of venomous insect bite that was impacting him––and his ability to walk––ahead of first pitch.

"We weren't even sure if he was going to pitch," said Bochy, via Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. "He could hardly walk when he came into the clubhouse. Some kind of venom got in there. Not sure if it was a spider or what. He was 50/50 on whether he would make the start or not."

Ultimately, Corbin was able to overcome the venomous bite and deliver an excellent outing. He struck out six batters and surrendered just one run while picking up his first win of the season.

Corbin addressed the matter on Thursday, too.

"Something bit me, but I still don't know what. They were able to kind of work it out and just kind of maintain it throughout the day. But it's pretty sore still. It's just kind of just something that's really strange. I was just fortunate to get through yesterday, and I have some time to recover and be good to go," Corbin said of the venomous bite.

Corbin will have a few days to recuperate ahead of his next start, which is slated for Tuesday, April 22 against the Athletics.

Quite simply, Liverpool have been a shambles in defence this season. Arne Slot’s side have a slew of problems, mounting by the matchweek, but the crux of it comes down to disorganised, error-strewn defending.

Five defeats from six Premier League games, nine losses from 12 in all competitions, successive Anfield defeats against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, seven goals shipped, this is a crisis for the Reds.

It beggars belief. And right at the struggling heart of it is Ibrahima Konate, whose future on Merseyside is very much up in the air.

Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool future

It really cannot be understated how dismal Konate has been throughout the 2025/26 campaign. He has been indescribably weak in key battles, his resolve far too brittle.

Errors have littered the France international’s campaign, and Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher even suggested that it has been a “sackable offence” on Slot’s part for continuing to field the 26-year-old after such consistent inconsistency.

It’s clear that the centre-back’s contractual conundrum, out of a deal next summer, has been weighing heavily on his mind, especially since Real Madrid have made their vested interest known over the past year.

However, the £70k-per-week defender has been so unconvincing that Los Blancos have ended their pursuit. Liverpool remain committed to renewing their struggling star’s deal, even with interest from further suitors sure to intensify come January.

There is surely a way back to the ascendancy for a player who served so confidently in a title-winning campaign, but with Virgil van Dijk getting old, it’s clear that FSG need to find new defenders regardless.

There’s no doubt that sporting director Richard Hughes will feel rueful after missing out on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, a deal effectively in place on deadline day and the Three Lions star ready to complete his medical before the Eagles failed to source a replacement.

However, there is another who could end up succeeding Konate, though this Liverpool prospect has endured a tough start to his career at the club.

Liverpool have a teenage Konate upgrade

Liverpool’s dearth of defensive options this season have meant that Slot has been unable to drop Konate and bring in another. However, Giovanni Leoni was slated to be that man.

Leoni, 18, joined Liverpool from Serie A side Parma this summer in a £27m deal, Hughes drawn to his potential to become one of the best in the business. The Italian is powerful, dynamic and prodigiously talented on the ball, with his long and limber frame making him the perfect fit in the Premier League.

However, disaster struck on his debut in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton, when Leoni ruptured his ACL, sidelining him until the end of the season.

It was only one fixture – and against second-tier opponents at that – but Leoni showed a lot of promise for his new club, very much at place on the ball and winning four of five contested duels, including each of his three aerial battles.

It was the kind of display that proved Leoni is “one of the best young centre-backs in the world”, something noted by Liverpool reporter James Wathland as the fanbase chews on their frustration over losing such a shrewd defensive solution for the campaign.

Liverpool’s defenders are often tasked with initiating forward moves from the back, and while Leoni is not refined in this regard, there is undeniable promise that Slot and Liverpool’s coaching team will be developing even in the teenager’s period of convalescence.

Liverpool have a sensational defensive talent in their mix, and while fans won’t be able to witness him in action again until the latter months of 2026, they can rest assured that Leoni has what it takes to reach superstar status down the line.

This may be considered when Hughes and co weigh up Konate’s value and whether they should extend his time on Merseyside for his prime years.

Best signing since Szoboszlai: Liverpool lead race for "world-class" talent

Liverpool’s crisis has amplified noise around the need for new recruits at Anfield.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 29, 2025