In the postgame press conference, Mitch Johnson did offer an injury update. “No. I think it would be a positive that he felt like he could come back and he played the last four or five minutes in the first half. So, that’s a positive from my perspective.”

Victor Wembanyama suffered a left rib contusion, per NBA insider Brett Siegel. He initially grabbed his left shoulder in pain, but the injury was later identified around his midsection.

The Spurs situation

San Antonio sits at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings behind the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City can secure the top seed with just two more wins.

Victor Wembanyama has raised his scoring average to 24.9 points per game this season, fueling MVP conversations across the league. The priority now is keeping him healthy with the NBA playoffs approaching, as Wembanyama is expected to be a key contender.

He recorded 17 points against Philadelphia before exiting early, reaching that total in just 16 minutes of action. He also added five rebounds and three blocks, shooting 7-of-11 from the field.

The Spurs led 85-80 through three quarters at home against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Wembanyama remained the team’s leading scorer despite leaving the game.

Shaquille O’Neal appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he was initially asked whether it is unfair to compare different eras. The legendary center agreed, using the example of himself and Wilt Chamberlain.

“Try to put me up against a Wilt, his era versus my era, me personally, I think I would have completely dominated him. So I like to break it down by eras, but when you talk about that GOAT conversations, I would like to hear all the names, and I’m about to add one more name, because he’s unbelievable, rather just going Mike and LeBron…Got to put Kobe in there,” O’Neal said.

“And now I’m standing here on the Pat McAfee show, got to put Steph Curry in it,” O’Neal continued. “The only thing Steph Curry has not done that those other guys have done is the finishing dunk. Think about what I’m saying. Like all the other guys, they have a finishing dunk play, but Steph Curry, behind that line, the impact is similar to a finishing dunk, but you definitely got to put him as one of the greatest players of all time.”

Why Curry and Kobe deserve to be in the GOAT debate?

Kobe Bryant was the closest competitor to Michael Jordan in terms of playing style and mental toughness, known for the “Mamba Mentality.” With five championship rings, one more than LeBron James and one fewer than Jordan, Kobe proved he could win across different stages of his career, first alongside Shaquille O’Neal and later as the unquestioned leader in 2009 and 2010.

His 12 All-Defensive Team selections surpassed those of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, strengthening his case as one of the most complete players on both ends of the floor in NBA history.

On the other hand, Stephen Curry deserved a place in the debate not only for his four championships and two MVP awards, including the only unanimous MVP in NBA history, but also for transforming the way basketball is played. Before Curry, the three-point shot was a complementary weapon; after him, it became the primary offensive tool across the league.

His ability to score from virtually anywhere forced defenses to completely adjust. His impact went beyond statistics, as he led a tactical revolution that even players like LeBron James did not achieve at the same transformative level.

Stephen Curry spoke about what it meant to him during his postgame press conference. “That was special,” Stephen said, via 95.7 The Game. “And we’ve both had a very difficult year. Honestly, him more than me with injuries, and I was joking, calling us the rehab brothers ’cause it’s been like that all year. But to have that moment coming out of a timeout and talking about our matchups, and I was having flashbacks to Charlotte Christian High School, my senior year, his sophomore year.

“That was the last time in an actual game, I know he was on our training camp roster in 2013, but last time we actually played a game together,” Stephen continued, mentioning the injuries both have dealt with and the hope that they can now be seen together more often, especially after Steve Kerr provided a positive update on Steph’s injury.

The special moment for the Curry brothers

They stepped on the court together as teammates at the 6:19 mark of the second quarter. Stephen Curry and Seth Curry made history in the process, as it was the first time two brothers had played together for the Warriors in a regular-season game. It was not the first time they had shared the court in a game for the team, though.

The Golden State Warriors drafted Stephen Curry with the seventh pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Four years later, they signed Seth Curry to a non-guaranteed contract after he went undrafted in 2013. The younger Curry appeared in six preseason games for the Warriors in 2013 and played alongside his older brother for 100 seconds.

The Golden State Warriors reunited the brothers when they signed Seth Curry to a one-year deal on Oct. 1, 2025. They waived the 35-year-old later that month, but with the intention of signing him again later in the NBA season. The Warriors then signed Seth for the remainder of the 2025-26 season on Dec. 1, and he made his team debut a day later against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Their performance in the game together

Stephen Curry finished with 29 points on 11-21 shooting from the field, along with two rebounds, four assists, and one steal in his long-awaited return. The 12-time All-Star had a chance to win the game in the final seconds, but missed a long three-pointer.

As for Seth Curry, he recorded six points on 1-3 shooting and one steal on the night as the Golden State Warriors fell to 36-42. They face the Sacramento Kings next at Chase Center on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET.

Coach Steve Kerr provided an update on Curry’s process as he returned from the knee injury. “Kerr says Steph is feeling good the first day after his first game back. He’ll be right around 25 minutes again tomorrow,” Nick Friedell wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Kerr says the hope is to ramp him up a little more by the end of the week. They still haven’t decided which side of back-to-back Steph will sit.”

In the loss to the Rockets, Stephen Curry came off the bench and played 29 minutes, recording a team-high 29 points on 11-21 shooting from the field, along with four assists, two rebounds, and a steal.

How Curry felt in his return

Stephen Curry now has to focus on regaining rhythm and taking care of his body ahead of the play-in race, which will not be easy and would be a consecutive scenario considering they were in the same position last year.

If there was one thing for sure in the loss to Houston, the Golden State Warriors were energized to have their top player back, though there was some rust early on, as Curry admitted.

“First run was tough. Second run was great,” Curry said after the game, according to Kenzo Fukada. “It’s not as much rust as it’s the endurance. Kind of picking and choosing a little bit of your spots to maintain. It’s not like you’re going 100 miles per hour the whole time. I’m just feeling it out. But after I traveled and got my shot blocked, the first two possessions, I kind of settled in.”

Curry looks to continue ramping up his recovery in Golden State’s next NBA game on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings. It is already difficult for the Warriors to push for the eighth seed, trying to avoid a first-round matchup against the Thunder if they get through the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns, or Los Angeles Clippers.

The superstar guard is listed out ahead of the Pistons’ road game against the Magic. Early today, he was upgraded to doubtful, marking the first time he has been upgraded from out since he went down with a collapsed left lung against the Washington Wizards on March 19.

The team announced Thursday that Cunningham will be reevaluated in one week as he “continues to progress in his return to play process under the supervision of physicians and Pistons medical and performance staff.”

Playoff push

Monday marks Cunningham‘s 11th straight absence, but the improvement in his injury status is encouraging, with four games remaining in the regular season’s final week and Game 1 of their first-round playoff series set for April 19, less than two weeks away.

Another key absence for Detroit

Isaiah Stewart, dealing with a left calf strain, was also upgraded to doubtful after missing 11 NBA games and was cleared to resume basketball activities on March 28. Neither Cunningham nor Stewart were with the team during Monday morning’s shootaround and will not play despite their upgraded status.

The Pistons have continued to win without Cunningham and Stewart, improving to 57-21 on Saturday to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Pistons are 8-2 since Cunningham’s lung injury.

Cunningham’s numbers

In 61 contests, Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.9 assists, while shooting 46.1% from the field, 34.6% from three-point range, and 81.4% from the free throw line, underscoring his efficiency on significant volume.

The last time Curry came off the bench in a regular-season game was 14 years ago, in a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 7, 2012, a remarkable statistic that highlights just how consistent and pivotal he has been for the Warriors.

Curry entered the game with three minutes remaining in the first quarter, marking his return after missing nearly two months and a total of 27 consecutive games due to a persistent knee injury.

Curry’s return brings excitement

The return of Steph immediately boosted the Warriors’ outlook, especially with Kristaps Porzingis and even his brother Seth Curry also back in the lineup, giving the team a morale boost ahead of the play-in. Coach Steve Kerr knows the impact Curry has.

“These last 12 years have really shown that we’ve been able to play a really entertaining style and win championships. Frankly, Steph is responsible for more of that than anyone. One of the greatest players of all time, but he’s the greatest face of a franchise in any sport that I’ve ever seen,” Kerr said before the match against Rockets.

“We want to bring joy to this building, we want to bring joy to our fans, that’s what this is about. It’s about winning, yes, but it’s about people really enjoying coming to the building and watching our team play. It’s the most important thing,” Kerr added, raising expectations for the team.

Warriors struggle without Curry

Curry leads the Warriors in scoring with 27.2 points per game, and his absence has been noticeable. Golden State (36-41) had lost three straight games overall and went 13-25 this NBA season without Curry, including a 9-18 stretch while he was sidelined by patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored just one header in 2026, on February 21 against Al-Hazem. The match ended 4-0 in favor of Al Nassr during the 23 Matchday of the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo has had a prolific start to 2026, totaling 10 goals across league and cup competitions. Most of his strikes have come with his right foot or from the penalty spot, but his aerial ability remains undeniable, and more headed goals are likely throughout the year.

Messi and heading, a rarely used skill

Known for dazzling with his left foot and long-range shots, Messi surprised fans and opponents alike with a less common skill in his repertoire: aerial play. He opened the scoring at 1-1 with a precise header, revealing a facet of his game that, while not his signature, appears in critical moments.

This is not an isolated incident in Messi’s career. In the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester United, Messi left his mark with a memorable header for the 2-0 final score for FC Barcelona, a play that remains etched in European soccer history.

Throughout his extraordinary career, the Argentine captain has scored a total of 31 headed goals. While fewer than his other methods of finishing, it is significant given his height (1.70 m) and style of play.

The race to 1,000 goals

With his goal against Austin, Messi reached 903 career goals, leaving 97 to reach the milestone of 1,000. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in Al Nassr’s 5-2 win over Al Najma. With those goals, Ronaldo reached 967 career goals, putting him 33 away from the historic 1,000-goal mark.

How Messi scored his 903 goals

Messi’s primary weapon, his left foot, accounts for 758 of his career goals, representing the bulk of his scoring output. However, he has proven to be a complete finisher: 110 goals with his right foot and, following his strike against Austin, 31 goals with his head.

Son was the driving force behind LAFC’s dominant 6-0 victory over Orlando City SC, delivering a stunning performance on Saturday. With four assists on the night, the South Korean star matched an MLS milestone previously reached only by Messi.

The performance made Son just the second player in MLS history to record four assists in a single half of a single game, a remarkable achievement that placed him at the top of the 2026 season assist leaderboard with six.

How Son’s assists happened

The match started quickly in the seventh minute when Son broke down the right side and delivered a low cross, but the ball deflected off David Brekalo and resulted in an own goal.

Son’s influence continued to grow, as Denis Bouanga completed a first-half hat trick with goals in the 20th, 23rd, and 28th minutes, all assisted by the South Korean, before Sergi Palencia made it 5-0 in the 39th minute with another assist from Son.

The first goal was officially recorded as an own goal, meaning Son’s involvement in that play did not count as an assist. Even so, his direct impact on five of LAFC’s six first-half goals was undeniable.

When did Messi reach that mark

The only other player to accomplish that feat was Lionel Messi, who in May 2024 delivered not four but five assists in Inter Miami’s 6-2 win over the New York Red Bulls. Unlike Son, Messi recorded all five assists in the second half and also scored, reaching six direct goal contributions in a single MLS game, a record that still stands.

The first half was intense but lacked clear chances, with Flamengo controlling possession and Santos struggling to create danger. Both teams showed imprecision in the final third, despite solid defensive performances. Flamengo were slightly superior, but neither side managed to break the deadlock before halftime.

In the second half, Santos struck first, but Flamengo reacted quickly and shifted the momentum. Flamengo found their rhythm, scoring three goals to complete the comeback, including a penalty from Jorginho and a late finish from Paqueta.

“It feels great,” Curry said of the patellofemoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his right knee that sidelined him for the past 27 games. “It’s been a long, long process, longer than I thought. But just happy to have a little clarity and a little window to get back out there and try to get to the level I was playing at and finish the year strong. I’m excited.”

After 64 days of reorganizing injury timelines, reconfiguring recovery plans, and passing physical checkpoints, Stephen Curry is finally ready to return to the Golden State Warriors. He was listed as questionable for the game against the Rockets.

Curry’s presence likely for Sunday

Curry will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup with the Houston Rockets, but the plan is for him to play, according to coach Steve Kerr.

Regardless, Curry’s likely return marks a much-needed boost for the Warriors. With Curry sidelined, Golden State went 9-18, dropping from the eighth seed in the West to 10th, where they will need to win two play-in games to save their season. Curry’s recovery process, however, has been just as frustrating as the team’s struggles.

“I thought I was going to be out for like, a week, 10 days max. Let it calm down,” Curry explained. “And every time I got on the court or tried to push it in that first month, there was always, they call it, a reaction, or you knew it just wasn’t healing as fast as you thought.

“So the patience then was tough, just because it’s one of those injuries that you really just have to let rest. There’s nothing you can kind of push through or be on the court while it’s healing, and it’s just a different experience than most injuries that I’ve had.”

The opening half saw Austin dominate early possession and create clear chances, but Inter Miami grew into the game after Messi’s goal. Both teams had opportunities, with shots rattling the post and goalkeepers making key saves to keep the score level.

In the second half, both sides made several substitutions to inject fresh energy. Inter Miami pushed hard for the win, while Austin FC remained dangerous on the counter. In the end, the match finished 2-2, marking an exciting debut in the MLS for Inter Miami at Nu Stadium.

The NBA launched an investigation into the Bucks after Antetokounmpo claimed he was healthy enough to play while the team had kept him sidelined, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Bucks did not share further details in the report.

“The Bucks have told NBA investigators that Giannis Antetokounmpo declined the opportunity to play 3 on 3 scrimmages as part of return protocol from a mid-March knee injury,” said Charania. “Antetokounmpo told the league he is healthy enough to resume action.”

Giannis wants to play

It was clear that the Bucks preferred to protect their star and keep him off the court, especially with the team not competing for major goals this season. However, Antetokounmpo’s competitive mindset remained evident throughout the situation.

Based on Charania’s reporting, Antetokounmpo appeared healthy enough to return. The Bucks informing the league that the 10-time All-Star declined to participate in a three-on-three scrimmage as part of the recovery process suggested that this was a key reason Milwaukee had not yet cleared him to play.

Antetokounmpo suffered the injury after landing awkwardly during the Bucks’ 134-123 win over the Indiana Pacers on March 15. He had missed 10 consecutive games for Milwaukee following that incident.

Giannis numbers this season

The two-time MVP had played in 36 games during the NBA season. Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 62.4 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.

According to league insider Tim Kawakami, a deal had been in place to send Leonard to the Warriors before it collapsed at the last moment. “Multiple league sources indicated this week that the Warriors were reasonably close to trading for Kawhi Leonard last February, apparently with much of the deal terms generally agreed to, before the Clippers ultimately decided to pull out of the talks,” Kawakami reported.

“Leonard’s name continued to be connected to possible Warriors moves, either in ongoing trade discussions or, as many around the league speculated, if his remaining contract with the Clippers was voided after the investigation into salary cap circumvention.”

Is Kawhi worth it?

There was once again a debate surrounding the Warriors. There was no doubt that Leonard was an elite player, one of the best in the NBA when healthy. However, he was approaching 35-years-old, and the Warriors also needed to consider building toward a younger core while maximizing their remaining window with Curry.

At 34 years old, he fit their timeline in the short term, and his two-way game complemented Curry, who was known as an offensive first perimeter shooter. While his availability had been inconsistent, his production remained strong, averaging 28.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per NBA game on 50.3 percent shooting from the field and 38.0 percent from three.

The final push with Curry

The Warriors remained committed to this approach because Curry continued to perform at a high level despite his injury, and his impact remained undeniable. In 39 games that season, the two-time MVP averaged 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 46.8 percent shooting from the field and 39.1 percent from three.

While he had missed the previous 25 games, he was expected to return healthy the following season, increasing pressure on the front office to build a competitive roster. With Butler still recovering from an ACL injury, the Warriors could not afford to wait, and their limited window to contend made finding a reliable co-star essential.

“It’s crazy, it’s not the same as Neymar, he does everything right. I’ll tell you an anecdote, we were doing finishing drills in Paris, Neymar and I were among the best, we scored six or seven out of ten, but he took nine shots and scored nine goals exactly the same, all perfectly placed, and I was looking at the goalkeeper like ‘don’t you see it?’, it’s exaggerated.”

The story not only illustrated Messi’s clinical precision but also the impact he generated even among players used to competing at the highest level. Mbappe’s comments reinforced an idea that had spanned generations, beyond titles or statistics, Messi’s legacy was also built on the admiration of his peers.

The Messi-Mbappe partnership

The connection between Mbappe and Messi at PSG lasted two seasons, from August 2021 to June 2023. During that span, they shared the field in 67 matches, winning two Ligue 1 titles and one French Cup.

The Argentine provided 14 assists to the current Real Madrid player, while the Frenchman returned 20 assists to the Inter Miami forward. Despite forming a powerful attacking trio alongside Angel Di Maria and Neymar, the team led by Mauricio Pochettino did not manage to secure the UEFA Champions League title.

Alongside them, Neymar remained another elite talent, and the chemistry between Messi and Neymar, carried over from their time in Barcelona, combined with Mbappe’s speed and explosiveness, made PSG the most-watched team in the world, producing more than 100 combined goals across all competitions.

However, despite the statistical output and attacking firepower, the trio did not achieve their ultimate objective of winning the UEFA Champions League. Neymar’s injuries at key moments, early round of 16 eliminations against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and the lack of defensive balance exposed the challenges of building a team around three superstars of that magnitude.

Power forward Draymond Green addressed concerns from fans about the team potentially bringing Curry back just days before the play-in tournament. “There’s a lot of fear growing that Steph Curry might not have enough runway for the play-in game… I don’t think Steph’s getting shut down for the season… If Steph is capable of playing, he’s gonna play,” said Green, per The Draymond Green Show on X.

The Warriors had been trying and failing to weather the storm with Curry sidelined due to injury, falling to four games below .500 after a recent loss against the San Antonio Spurs. The positive news was that Curry was expected to return to the lineup that weekend when the Warriors took the floor against the Houston Rockets.

Difficult moments for the Warriors

The Warriors need to climb at least a few spots to improve their play-in positioning. They are likely to win two straight elimination games to secure a playoff matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which is far from ideal for a 38-year-old Curry who had not played in two months while recovering from a knee issue.

However, as Green pointed out, the team would not have brought Curry back or risked his long-term health unless they had felt he was ready to play.

The Warriors sat in tenth place in the Western Conference and are projected to face the Portland Trail Blazers on the road in the play-in if the standings hold. In the meantime, they are set to return to action Thursday night in a challenging home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

What did Curry say about his return?

Curry had provided updates on his condition, and there was significant attention surrounding his timeline. He made it clear that nothing was certain and that he did not know how his knee would respond, suggesting he was not fully ready.

“It felt great. I’m checking the boxes,” Curry told reporters after the session. “But with this, it’s always unpredictable. I don’t know how the knee will respond because it hasn’t responded well in past attempts to get to this 5 on 5 level.” Curry had been sidelined for two months, dealing with a setback in a season marked by injuries.

James responded when asked about when he actually felt like he was 41 years old: “When I wake up. I tell my teammates all the time, I go to sleep available and I wake up doubtful. Every time I wake up, I go to bed. I am completely available for the game. And when I wake up. I’m f*****g doubtful every single time,” said James, per Bob Does Sports, via NBA Courtside on X.

It was an honest answer from James, who missed the opening stretch of the season due to injury but remained mostly healthy afterward, continuing to be a well-rounded offensive player, a threat in transition, and a strong communicator on defense, even if he was no longer the same on-ball stopper from his prime. However, it remained important for him to stay healthy for what was ahead.

Waking up doubtful but maintaining a high level

James may not have felt great every time he woke up, but he still performed at a high level once he stepped on the court. In 55 games, he averaged 20.7 points on 51.2 percent shooting, along with 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 33.5 minutes per game.

The 50-26 Lakers are also enjoying a strong season, as they have won 16 of their last 18 games. They sit third in the Western Conference and look to finish the regular season on a high note, starting with a road matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Another memorable LeBron story

Another moment James discussed during the interview involved the well-known hand signals used by Kobe Bryant. Most NBA players feared Bryant in his prime, and even a player like James admitted he was not immune to it.

James explained how Bryant’s signals used to confuse him. “I swear he used to trick the s***t out of me,” James said. “I’m like what play is he running? What the f***k play is Kobe runnin’? Then every time they swing the ball to him, he goes iso. This ain’t no play, this guy trying to kill me.”

James had one of the highest basketball IQs the game had ever seen, so for him to admit being fooled by Bryant spoke volumes about how special the former Lakers star was. If James was caught off guard by those moments, it likely meant many other players were as well.

The answer is no, Doncic had never received that recognition, but the nomination marked a positive step in his overall game, as his defense had long been questioned, both during his time with the Dallas Mavericks and now with the Los Angeles Lakers. He had also never been named to an All-Defensive First or Second Team.

Still, Doncic did win the Western Conference Player of the Month award, and that defensive nomination went hand in hand with his overall production, further highlighting the elite level he showed throughout March. This was the seventh time in Doncic’s career that he received this award and the second time this season, after also winning it in January.

Doncic’s numbers this month

First, it is important to mention the other defensive nominees, players who consistently stand out on that end of the floor, unlike Doncic. He joined a talented group of defenders, with Western Conference candidates including Donovan Clingan (POR), Kris Dunn (LAC), Rudy Gobert (MIN), Chet Holmgren (OKC), and Doncic himself from the Lakers.

March was a standout stretch for Doncic, as he posted remarkable all-around numbers. He averaged 37.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 2.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, leading the Lakers to a 15-2 record during the month and strengthening their position near the top of the Western Conference standings.

Following that surge, the Lakers held a 50-26 record and sat in the third seed in the West, trailing only the Spurs and the Thunder, who, along with the Detroit Pistons, were widely considered among the top teams in the NBA that season.

Performances that defined Doncic’s month

One of the most notable performances during that stretch came in a 60-point outing on the second night of a back-to-back on the road against the Miami Heat. Doncic shot 18-of-30 from the field, made nine three-pointers, and added seven rebounds, three assists, and five steals.

A week earlier, he nearly recorded a 50-point triple-double, finishing with 51 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists against the Chicago Bulls. In the following game, he hit the game-winning shot with less than a second remaining in overtime to lift the Lakers past the Denver Nuggets.

Doncic also made history during the month, breaking Kobe Bryant’s franchise record for most points in March and joining Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to record 600 points in a single month of March.

Bolivia were officially eliminated from the World Cup after falling 2-1 to Iraq. They had entered the match after defeating Suriname 2-1 in the playoff semifinals, keeping their hopes alive, but ultimately fell short in their decisive match. Bolivia, who had dreamed of achieving this milestone in a unique opportunity, let it slip away.

It was a unique chance because this edition expanded to 48 teams, opening more spots in the South American qualifiers. Bolivia, who relied on their strategy of playing at high altitude, managed to reach the playoff position but came up just short of making history.

When was the last time Bolivia played in a World Cup?

The last time Bolivia qualified for a World Cup was in 1994, held in the United States. That qualification for the United States 1994 World Cup is considered the greatest achievement in Bolivian soccer history.

Under head coach Xabier Azkargorta and led by iconic players such as Marco Antonio “El Diablo” Etcheverry, Erwin “Platini” Sanchez, and striker Joaquin Botero, Bolivia accomplished what many believed was impossible. The most memorable moment of that campaign was the historic 2-0 victory over Brazil in La Paz, marking the first time Brazil had ever lost a World Cup qualifying match.

How many times have they qualified for the World Cup?

Bolivia have qualified for the World Cup three times in their history: Uruguay 1930, Brazil 1950, and United States 1994. However, there is a key distinction between those appearances, as in 1930 and 1950, Bolivia participated by invitation or due to withdrawals from other South American teams, while their qualification in 1994 was the first and only one earned through the qualifying process on the field.

Bolivia still hold an unfortunate record: they have never won a match or advanced past the first round in a World Cup. In 1930 and 1950, they exited with heavy defeats and without scoring goals. In 1994, while they showed a more competitive level, they drew 0-0 against Korea Republic and lost to Germany 1-0 and Spain 3-1.

Mexico controlled much of the first half, creating the most dangerous chances and neutralizing Belgium’s midfield. Jorge Sanchez found the opener after a corner, rewarding a strong collective performance led by Julian Quinones, who consistently caused problems in the attack.

Belgium improved significantly in the second half, with Dodi Lukebakio scoring a standout equalizer moments after the restart. The game became more physical and balanced, with both teams battling in midfield but struggling to create clear chances late on. In the end, both sides shared the points after a competitive encounter.

In a post on his Instagram, Lewandowski included no caption, but the message was clear through the song accompanying it: Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, signaling an unmistakable farewell.

This could very well have been Lewandowski’s last match with Poland. At 37 years old, his international career may be coming to an end, and the choice of a song that represents a goodbye only reinforces the message.

Poland’s missed opportunity

Poland had a difficult run, beginning the playoffs against Albania, where they came from behind to win 2-1, with Robert Lewandowski scoring the first goal. They arrived at Strawberry Arena hopeful of securing a spot, but Sweden stole their chance in the final minutes.

The match started in Sweden’s favor with a goal from Anthony Elanga in the 19th minute. Poland responded in the first half with an equalizer from Nicola Zalewski, but Sweden regained the lead before halftime thanks to a goal from Gustaf Lagerbielke.

Just minutes into the second half, in the 55th minute, Karol Swiderski scored to tie the game again. The score remained 2-2 until the 88th minute, when Viktor Gyokeres, the Arsenal standout, delivered the decisive goal that secured Sweden’s qualification.

How many World Cups has Lewandowski played?

Robert Lewandowski has played in two World Cups: Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. In Russia 2018, he made his World Cup debut, appearing in all three group stage matches against Senegal, Colombia, and Japan, but did not score, and Poland were eliminated in the first round.

In Qatar 2022, Lewandowski played in all four matches for Poland. He scored his only two World Cup goals: one against Saudi Arabia in the group stage and a penalty against France in the Round of 16, where Poland were eliminated 3-1.

Denmark were eliminated after conceding in the third minute through Pavel Sulc, who finished with his right foot from the center of the box following a corner kick. They regained hope with a 72nd-minute goal from Joachim Andersen, which forced extra time, where both teams scored to make it 2-2 and send the match to penalties. Denmark had previously defeated North Macedonia 4-0 in the same playoff stage.

With this result, Group A will be composed of Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, and Czech Republic. After battling and with more spots available in this edition, Denmark missed the opportunity, while Czech Republic secured their place.

When was the last time Denmark played in a World Cup?

The last time Denmark played in a World Cup was at Qatar 2022. In that tournament, the team coached by Kasper Hjulmand entered with high expectations after reaching the semifinals of the European Championship and delivering a strong qualifying campaign, but their performance fell short.

Denmark were eliminated in the group stage after a scoreless draw against Tunisia and defeats to France, 2-1, and Australia, 1-0, finishing at the bottom of their group.

When was the last time Denmark missed a World Cup?

The last time Denmark missed a World Cup was ahead of the World Cup in Brazil 2014. On that occasion, despite finishing second in their qualifying group behind Italy, they failed to reach the playoffs after being ranked as the lowest second-place team among the UEFA groups.

Before their appearance in Qatar, Denmark had delivered notable performances in previous editions, reaching a total of six World Cup appearances: 1986, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022. Their best result remains the quarterfinal run at France 1998, where they were eliminated in a 3-2 match against Brazil led by Ronaldo Nazario and Rivaldo. In Russia 2018, they also showed a solid level, reaching the Round of 16, where they were eliminated on penalties by Croatia.

Before the game against the Wizards, Redick spoke at a press conference and first praised Doncic’s physical condition. He began by saying, “probably as good as it’s been since he was a first- or second-year player.”

“If we continue to finish the season the way we’re playing right now, and he continues to play that way, to me, he is the MVP. But sometimes there’s a recency bias, sometimes there’s a bias of a certain stretch of the season,” Redick said. “When we started the season, 15-4, you could have made an argument he was the MVP then. He’s been the MVP for two of the three segments of the season.”

Luka Doncic’s performance this season

As Redick pointed out, Doncic has played what looks like three different seasons in one year. In the first 25 games of the season, he averaged 33.6 points, 8.7 assists, and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 45.9% from the field and 31.7% from beyond the arc.

The Slovenian superstar averaged 33.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists while shooting 48.5% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range over the last 25 games of the season, which are truly impressive numbers.

However, it is important to consider the parameters of the NBA. Beyond the exceptions of Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook, who averaged triple-doubles in a season, the most common standard for the MVP award has been that it goes to the best player on the best team in the league.

Other aspects to consider

Despite the records, it is also important to note that some players are out of contention due to the number of games played. For example, Cade Cunningham is likely out of the race, and it is reasonable to say that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Jaylen Brown may have a stronger case for the MVP award than Doncic.

It was difficult to give a clear answer, but for now, it was a clear no. Messi entered in the second half of that match without a standout performance and did not contribute significantly, but it was hard to draw firm conclusions given it was a friendly. In addition, his presence remains essential for many due to his leadership and the impact he generates on the field, with his talent never in doubt.

Messi no longer has the same physical capacity as before, but a moment of brilliance could still decide any match, which makes him a key piece for Argentina. Scaloni had already mentioned that they must submit a preliminary list of up to 55 players by May 11, followed by the final 26-man roster by May 30. While assembling the preliminary list has not been an issue, Scaloni faces the tougher task of trimming 29 players with the World Cup fewer than 80 days away.

What Scaloni said

When asked about the roster situation during Monday’s press conference, Scaloni offered a candid assessment. “We have already submitted the 55-man list to the AFA, which they will then have to pass on to FIFA. As for the final 26, in terms of percentages, we are over the limit. We will have to start cutting players based on performance.”

Reports had emerged suggesting Scaloni had 21 of the 26 spots already decided, with Messi leading the group. While the coach has not officially confirmed a single name, not even his captain, it is the final five spots that proved the most difficult to settle.

Scaloni also acknowledged that the narrow 2-1 win over Mauritania could factor into his thinking as he worked toward the final roster. “There’s no other way, and the match the other day might have been a warning sign, or just a one-off. But these are things that, as a coach, you take note of. The final decision will be made at the end,” he said.

“What matters most is the team. We will think about the good of the team, and based on that, we will make decisions. I have the list fairly clear in my head, but if performances are not up to par, we will take action,” Scaloni added, sending a clear message that no player’s place was guaranteed and that a dip in form could cost them a spot.

What’s next for Argentina and Messi

Following the disappointing showing against Mauritania, Scaloni confirmed that Messi would start Tuesday’s friendly against Zambia. When asked about his plans, he made it clear he intended to use a full-strength lineup.

“Most of the boys we know well will play tomorrow. I think it’s the final test, and regardless of how the match goes, as the minutes pass, we will make changes and look at more of the boys again. The idea is to field a more familiar team, the one everyone is used to seeing, and see how things turn out.”

Speaking on the Nightcap podcast, McGrady did not overcomplicate it. “It’s money, it’s money bro. Did you realize like in the 90s, Reggie Miller and Michael Jordan, they were only making $2-3 million? And they were the top guys, I don’t think anybody making $2-3 million dollars in the league right now. These guys making so much money.”

“It’s the money and how the league has really catered to the players. They made the league soft for these guys, trying to cut the 82 games now, trying to go from 82 to 72. I think it’s just all the other stuff of babying and coddling the players when they are making all this money. It has to be that the players got so much.” McGrady said.

Is McGrady’s point valid

The answer is yes. Salaries have increased significantly to the point where a role player can earn what Michael Jordan made during his era. However, this is also a result of the growth of both the NBA and the sport itself, although there is also an argument that the league has become overly commercial.

In 1991, the average NBA salary was roughly $870,000. The minimum salary during the 1990 to 1991 season ranged between $100,000 and $130,000. At the top end, Larry Bird led the league at around $7 million, which was considered massive at the time.

Today, the scale is completely different. The average NBA salary is now close to $11.9 million, and even the lowest entry point has increased significantly. The rookie minimum for the 2025 to 2026 season is projected at $1,272,870, already exceeding what many established players earned decades ago.

At the top level, Stephen Curry is making close to $59 million in a single season, nearly eight times what Bird earned as the highest-paid player in 1991. Several other stars are also making over $50 million, and that number is expected to continue rising every year.

Los Angeles have to face the reality that, sooner or later, the quarterback’s playing career would come to an end. McVay addressed that for NBC. “I don’t think about that, ever,” McVay joked. Stafford arguably had the best season of his career in 2025, winning his first MVP award while leading the Rams to the NFC Championship Game.

“No, you think about it short and long term. And here’s the thing, he’s earned the right to be on a year-to-year basis. If he told me that he wanted to play a couple more years, I’d believe him. If he told me it’s one more year, he’s earned that right. So, we understand that. I do think he’s in a situation where it wouldn’t shock me if he played more than one year. But we also have to be prepared, that if this is the last year, what does that look like?”

How they prepare in case of Stafford’s absence

Jimmy Garoppolo may have competition for the backup role as McVay admitted interest in Kirk Cousins. However, neither Garoppolo nor Cousins appear to be a long-term solution. While Stetson Bennett remains on the roster entering the final year of his rookie deal, he has yet to play in a regular-season game.

For now, any long-term successor at quarterback would have to come from outside the organization. As for the present, while Stafford and the Rams had a lengthy contract negotiation last year, and the quarterback was allowed to meet with other teams before ultimately returning to Los Angeles, things were much smoother in that regard in 2026.

“We’ve had a lot of good discussions and dialogue,” McVay said. “And you know what, it’s really along the lines of, what do you and Kelly Stafford really want? Does that look like, hey, are we going to keep that kind of year in place? Do we do anything additional? Or do we put two years in place? So, he’s working through that. But it’s been a lot smoother than last year, to say the least.”

Stafford’s numbers

Stafford, who turned 38 in February, led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025, winning his first MVP award. He was also named AP first team All-Pro for the first time.

In Pro Football Talk, Haslam said Watson has a “great chance” and a “fresh start” with first-year coach Todd Monken. “Deshaun has a great chance, fresh start, offensive minded coach, who has in his past been able to work with all kinds of different quarterbacks and make them successful,” Haslam said.

“So, Deshaun has a great chance to do that now. We talked to him the other day, he said he weighs the least he has in several years. He’s in great shape, he’ll be in Cleveland on April 7 when we start the offseason workout program. Let’s see what Deshaun can do. We’re all excited.”

Sanders and Gabriel are the other in-house options for the Browns right now, although General Manager Andrew Berry suggested that group will grow when he spoke to reporters over the weekend. The direction the Browns take with any outside move will likely determine how strong Watson’s chances are to win the job.

How Watson arrives to the Browns

Haslam’s comments last year came after Watson’s season-ending Achilles tear in October 2024, which marked the second consecutive season in which he suffered a season-ending injury, following shoulder surgery in November 2023.

Watson missed the entire 2025 season after retearing his Achilles and undergoing a second surgery in January 2025. The 30-year-old is now healthy and expected to compete with Sanders and Gabriel for the starting quarterback role, and based on Haslam’s comments, he appears to have an early edge.

Suspensions and injuries have limited Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Texans, to just 19 games since the Browns traded three first-round picks and signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million deal in March 2022.

Since joining Cleveland, his 33.1 Total QBR has ranked last among qualifying passers. The Browns will pay Watson a $46 million salary in 2026, and they recently restructured his contract to reduce what had been an NFL-high $80.7 million cap hit for the upcoming season.

In one of his most recent columns in The Stein Line, Stein recounted conversations around the league that suggested James leaving the Lakers in free agency and signing with the Warriors is not implausible. “The Warriors are likewise routinely described by rival teams as one of the few credible destinations for LeBron James’ 24th NBA campaign if James and the Lakers indeed part ways after eight seasons together,” Stein wrote. “It has some legs,” one league source said of the link between LeBron and the Warriors.

The Warriors have reportedly inquired about acquiring James via trade with multiple teams over the past couple of years, as reported by Brett Siegel. James is approaching free agency, as the Lakers star is in the final year of his contract.

Nothing decided by LeBron

While the rumors continue, James has not made any public statement on the matter, which keeps the situation uncertain. He has repeatedly said that he does not yet know what his plans are after this season, whether that involves continuing his career or retiring. Speculation about his future is unlikely to slow down as the season progresses.

The 23-year veteran continues to set historic marks, including recently becoming the league’s all-time leader in regular-season games played, surpassing Robert Parish. Earlier this year, James also became the NBA’s leader in most made shot attempts, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

In addition to those milestones, he continues to produce at a high level. He has appeared in 53 games this NBA season, averaging just over 33 minutes per game, while posting 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals, with shooting splits of 51.2 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from three-point range and 74.3 percent from the free-throw line.

What would LeBron’s role be

If the move were to happen, the main question would be how James would fit alongside Stephen Curry and who would take on the leading role. There may already be a glimpse of that based on what has been seen this season with the Lakers, where James has adjusted his role, sharing responsibilities and supporting the team in key areas.

A similar dynamic could emerge with the Warriors, although there remains skepticism around the league. Many believe the idea is driven more by the appeal of seeing two historic rivals and NBA legends sharing the same team rather than by a scenario that is truly likely to materialize.

Following the Spurs’ victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, Wembanyama was asked postgame what people do not understand about playing defense in the NBA. “Before I got here, it was a lot of talk, nobody defends anymore, or there’s no defense in the NBA,” Wembanyama said, via the Spurs.

“I heard that a lot before coming here, but it’s just not true. Players are just that good. I was surprised by the dedication of the whole staff when I got here, people actually do guard in the NBA and do lots of scouting.”

It has been one of the biggest criticisms of today’s NBA that no one plays defense. It has not only come from older media voices or players from the 1980s and 1990s, but also from broader discussions around how the game has evolved, especially with less physical contact and more emphasis on positioning and strategy rather than constant physical play.

What makes it seem like there is less defense

While that perception may seem fair, defensive players are covering much more ground today due to spacing. With nearly every player capable of shooting from the perimeter, teams are forced to expend significantly more energy on defense, making it inaccurate to suggest a general lack of effort.

When combining spacing with the defensive three second rule and the ban on hand checking, playing defense becomes far more difficult. The rules clearly favor offenses in today’s NBA, but that does not mean defense has disappeared, rather, it has evolved under different conditions.

Wembanyama’s numbers

Wembanyama has been averaging 24.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game for the Spurs in 2025 26. The two time All Star would likely be recording even more blocks if opponents were not so hesitant to attack the basket when he is nearby.

Against the Bucks, Wembanyama recorded 23 points, 7-21 from the field, 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block, helping the Spurs improve to 56 18.

Following a 127-95 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, Wembanyama pointed to a third key factor: the Spurs’ chemistry. “Where we’ve improved the most is using each other’s strengths and I think it shows because often it’s a different guy on the team that shines,” Wembanyama said.

“One day it can be Keldon Johnson because his ability to get downhill and finish through contact has been really emphasized on a certain day. It can be Dylan Harper, with one of the highest rim frequency percentages in the league. It can be Stephon Castle, like vs the Milwaukee Bucks, showing his control over the game.”

While Wembanyama’s performances have placed him in the NBA MVP conversation, Keldon Johnson has emerged as a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. Dylan Harper, the second overall pick in this past summer’s draft, has also played a key role in shaping what is widely considered one of the team’s most dangerous offensive dynamics, their attacking guard play.

Wemby is not the only one making an impact

Completing a 1-2-3 backcourt alongside Harper and veteran All-Star De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle recorded his fourth triple-double of the season in the win over the Bucks, continuing to build on his development after a Rookie of the Year campaign.

Wembanyama also highlighted how chemistry has become essential, noting that the group has taken the time to understand one another’s tendencies. “It’s funny because I’ve learned more this year than any previous year before about all my teammates,” Wembanyama said.

“And it just feels like everybody’s ready to notice and apply how others want to play. I know it takes a lot to learn how I play, obviously. Being in this position of winning just allowed us to learn so much, allowed myself personally to learn so much about my teammates. I would say the thing we got the most better at is learning each other’s strengths.”

Fox, Harper and Castle as key pieces

In his second NBA All-Star appearance, De’Aaron Fox is averaging 18.8 points per game during his ninth season. Although that number is lower than the 25 points per game he averaged in previous years before his trade from the Sacramento Kings, he remains the team’s second leading scorer while adjusting his role to create opportunities for Castle and Harper.

Castle’s production has increased across the board since his Rookie of the Year season, with improvements in scoring, assists and rebounding compared to last year. His 16.6 points per game rank just behind Fox and Wembanyama on the team.

At 11.5 points per game, Harper’s scoring has also trended upward. He records back to back 20 point games for the first time in his professional career just before the victory against the Bucks.

Colombia tried to respond after going down early, pressing high and creating a few chances, including a strong opportunity for Luis Diaz that was blocked by Jonathan Lacroix. France’s defense held firm, while the French attack remained dangerous on counters.

The match also saw key substitutions, including the introduction of Kylian Mbappe for France, who tested Colombia’s backline. Colombia will take lessons from this friendly ahead of upcoming fixtures, while France leaves Northwest Stadium confident and prepared for future challenges in the World Cup.

Mexico generated the clearest chances, especially in the first half, relying on their midfield pressure and quick transitions to trouble Portugal. However, they were unable to capitalize, while Portugal grew into the match after halftime with better possession and rhythm.

In the end, neither side managed to break the deadlock, but the match served as a valuable test ahead of the World Cup, both in terms of competition and for Estadio Azteca as a key venue.

Ronaldo is not playing due to injury and precaution. Portugal’s leading scorer is not called up by Roberto Martinez for this FIFA window and does not travel to North America for the friendlies against Mexico and the United States. Cristiano continues to deal with a hamstring issue suffered on February 28 while playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi league.

Although the injury initially does not appear serious, further tests indicate that he requires more recovery time, leading to his exclusion from the squad to avoid unnecessary risk. The decision reflects a cautious approach with a long-term focus.

Is Ronaldo at risk of missing the World Cup?

The apparent answer is a clear no, which is why the staff are prioritizing his recovery. Head coach Roberto Martinez addresses the situation directly to ease concerns about Ronaldo’s availability for the tournament, making it clear that his participation is not in danger.

“Cristiano is not at risk of missing the World Cup. It is a minor muscle injury and he will return in one or two weeks.” The plan is for him to reach the 2026 World Cup at full fitness, with the tournament set to take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

This Thursday, 48 hours before the friendly in Mexico City, Cristiano confirms his return to training with Al Nassr and enters the final stage of his recovery in Saudi Arabia, preparing to return to official competition in the near future.

How does Portugal look without Cristiano Ronaldo?

Despite the absence, Portugal still feature a talented squad for the friendly, including Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Vitinha and Joao Cancelo, among others.

The match serves as an opportunity to test attacking options and build rhythm ahead of the World Cup. However, Portugal also deal with key absences, as Diogo Costa, Rafael Leao and Rodrigo Mora are sidelined, while Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha and Nelson Semedo are also left out.

Portugal have already secured their place at the World Cup after topping their qualifying group with 13 points from six matches, closing their campaign with a dominant 9-1 win over Armenia in their final game. The team showed consistency and attacking strength throughout the process.

Mexico did not participate in World Cup qualifiers as one of the host nations, so they have relied entirely on friendly matches for preparation. Their most recent outing was a convincing 4-0 win over Iceland, featuring mostly Liga MX players, showing intensity and cohesion, two elements they need against a stronger opponent like Portugal.

Portugal confirmed lineup

Head coach Roberto Martinez will be without several key players for this camp. Cristiano Ronaldo misses out due to a hamstring issue suffered with Al Nassr, and he is joined on the sidelines by Diogo Costa, Rafael Leao and Rodrigo Mora, while Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha and Nelson Semedo have also been left out.

Portugal’s confirmed starting XI features a 4-3-3 built on midfield control and fluid attacking movement: Rui Silva; Joao Cancelo, Antonio Silva, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Samu Costa, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Francisco Conceiçao, Joao Felix, Gonçalo Ramos.

Mexico confirmed lineup

Mexico’s confirmed starting XI features a compact, possession‑oriented structure: Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes; Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Omar Vargas, Bryan Gutierrez; Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez.

Kerr, in a press conference, addressed the harsh reality of the situation. “It hasn’t changed, but it’s actually a conversation now,” Kerr said. “The way I would phrase it is, we want to see him. [But] we’re not bringing him back [just] for the play in game. He needs to play some games, and we need to give him a runway if this is going to work. And we are running out of games.”

The Warriors have maintained two key points over the past month: there is no deadline for Curry to return before the team decides whether to shut him down, and Curry wants to come back, doing everything humanly possible to do so.

Last injury update for Curry

The Dubs’ franchise star received another update on the patella-femoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his right knee that has kept him out for 23 games and counting. The re-evaluation indicated that Curry continues to make “good” progress, but he will miss another week as the team aims to get him into a 5-on-5 scrimmage in the coming days.

This latest update raises questions about whether Curry will have enough time to make a proper return this season. Another week of recovery will leave Curry, at best, five games in the NBA regular season to ramp up for the Warriors’ play-in tournament game.

Curry’s ongoing struggle

These circumstances place Curry and the Warriors in a difficult position. In the same press conference, Kerr spoke about Curry’s mindset amid the uncertainty with his injury, showing that he remains a leader even while absent from the courts.

“He’s been, at times, frustrated,” Kerr said. “He’s in a good place right now. He’s encouraged. And you know, he’s such a competitor. This matters so much to him. He loves the game so much. He loves the process of preparing for the games.”

“[And] it means a lot to [the team]. You can see the emotion. We’re all really so lucky to have him, just because it’s great for the other guys to see how much it means to him.”

France’s 2-1 victory over Brazil earned Didier Deschamps’ team 3.96 points, enough to push the reigning world champions down to third place. Mbappe played a decisive role, scoring a standout goal. The cancellation of the Finalissima and the lower coefficient of recent opponents have impacted Argentina’s position, after they had already lost the top spot to Spain following 29 months at No. 1.

The current ranking reflects a tight race at the top. Spain lead with 1877.18 points, followed by France with 1873.96, while Argentina sit third with 1873.33. Portugal climb to fifth place and could strengthen their position with a win in their next match against Mexico, even without Cristiano Ronaldo due to injury. Brazil drop to sixth, while England remain fourth.

The top 10 of the ranking

The most relevant movements are those already mentioned, but this is a list to monitor closely ahead of the World Cup, as it includes the main contenders for the title. Here is the top 10:

1. Spain (1877.18)
2. France (1873.96)
3. Argentina (1873.33)
4. England (1834.12)
5. Portugal (1760.38)
6. Brazil (1756.49)
7. Netherlands (1756.27)
8. Morocco (1754.59)
9. Belgium (1730.71)
10. Germany (1724.15)

Expectations for the end of the window

Beyond the battle at the top, the update also reflects interesting movement among other teams in the region. Chile are the South American side that gained the most ground, moving up three positions to 52nd after a win over Cabo Verde.

It is important to note that this ranking remains provisional in terms of its full statistical impact. The official FIFA ranking will be released once the entire international window concludes, when all match results are accounted for, including Argentina’s game at La Bombonera, which could help them recover lost ground.

Mauritania showed resilience despite conceding early, using pace on the wings and direct attacks to challenge Argentina’s defense. Koita and Gassama caused occasional problems, and their persistence paid off with a late goal from Jordan Lefort’s free-kick rebound.

The friendly provided Lionel Scaloni with valuable insights as he experiments with his squad ahead of the World Cup. Argentina rotated several key players, tested new combinations, and left La Bombonera with a positive 2-1 result, while Mauritania earned praise for their competitive display.

For their second friendly, expectations remain modest, as Zambia is ranked 85th. This situation reflects the uncertainty surrounding the Finalissima, which was ultimately canceled, despite Spain having already confirmed its own friendlies. The late organization left Argentina with limited options for high-level opponents.

This late scheduling means top-tier teams were already committed to other matches, forcing Argentina to select “what was left,” a scenario that has concerned the Argentine fan base. Since the Qatar World Cup final, the team has not faced a high-caliber opponent in nearly three and a half years of friendlies.

Other friendlies Argentina played

Amid this backdrop, the matches against Mauritania (Friday, 27th at La Bombonera) and Zambia (31st at La Boca) are added to a list that includes unusual opponents such as Angola and Panama. Of all the friendlies played post-2022 World Cup, only Ecuador and the surprising Curacao will appear at the 2026 World Cup.

These matches have limited sporting stakes and are designed primarily to integrate younger players into the squad and strengthen team cohesion. Financial considerations also play a role, as organizing friendlies with lower-tier teams helps monetize the status of being world champions.

Why there were no Europeans

European teams have commitments in the Nations League, the Euros, and qualifiers, making scheduling difficult. At the same time, no major African teams, such as Morocco, Senegal, or Cameroon, were available, nor were top sides from Asia or Concacaf.

A clear economic explanation also applies: Argentina’s appearance fee is very high, making it nearly impossible for organizers to invest in matches between two high-cost teams. Under the leadership of Chiqui Tapia, the AFA sets strict financial conditions, leveraging Argentina’s status as the world champion and taking advantage of Messi latest matches with the national team. This leads to selecting smaller opponents who require less investment but still gain prestige from playing against the reigning champion.

Colombia dominated the ball with 60% possession and several promising attacks, yet Croatia proved more clinical, converting two of their key opportunities. Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez had moments of brilliance for Colombia, while Dominik Livakovic made several important saves to keep the European side ahead.

In the closing stages, Colombia pushed hard for an equalizer, generating dangerous free kicks and crosses into the box. Despite their pressure and substitutions to add attacking options, Croatia held firm to secure the 2-1 victory. Both teams will take lessons from the encounter as they continue their World Cup preparations.

This move would not be possible under the current structure unless MLS introduces a fourth Designated Player spot or more flexible regulations. The Designated Player rule allows teams to pay a player above the salary cap without the full cost impacting the roster. At present, this limitation represents the main obstacle to any potential deal involving Salah joining Inter Miami.

It is already official that Salah is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years, during which he set multiple records and won major trophies. He joined in 2016 when Liverpool were still in a long wait for a league title, and went on to lift the Premier League in 2019-20 and 2024-25, as well as the Champions League in 2018-19.

Who occupies the other designated player spots?

As mentioned, Inter Miami do not have a Designated Player slot available to offer Salah, as Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame currently occupy those positions. De Paul originally joined Inter Miami on loan in the middle of the MLS season without a DP spot available at that time, a path that is not viable for Salah now.

The Argentina midfielder arrived just months before the contract of former Designated Player Sergio Busquets expired, which allowed De Paul to replace him on the roster at the end of the season. Once the campaign ended, Inter Miami triggered De Paul’s clause to make his move permanent under the new DP position.

Salah’s departure from Liverpool, however, comes at a complicated moment for Inter Miami to adjust their DP structure. Messi has recently signed a contract extension through 2028, while De Paul and Berterame are under contract through the 2028-2029 MLS season.

What Salah would bring to Inter Miami

If Salah were to arrive at Inter Miami, it would create an imbalance within MLS. A partnership between Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah would likely form one of the most dangerous attacking duos in league history, capable of consistently overwhelming opposing defenses.

Even though Salah may no longer be at the absolute peak of his career, he recently helped Egypt qualify for the 2026 World Cup. In the current season with Liverpool, he has recorded 10 goals and 9 assists in 34 matches across Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Community Shield.

[Watch Colombia vs Croatia live in the USA on Fubo]

Colombia come into this match after a strong CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, finishing third with 28 points, only behind Argentina and Ecuador. They have shown consistency and competitiveness, and in their last outing, they secured a convincing 3-0 win over Australia in a friendly, leaving a positive impression on both ends of the field.

Croatia, meanwhile, are preparing for their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, having finished second and third in 2018 and 2022. Zlatko Dalic’s squad, still led by 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric, qualified dominantly by topping UEFA Group L with a six-point margin, winning seven of eight matches.

Colombia confirmed lineup

Nestor Lorenzo will go with a strong lineup for this friendly, using it as an important test ahead of what is to come. He will rely on the strong form of forward Luis Diaz, who is enjoying an outstanding campaign with Bayern Munich, while captain James Rodriguez is set to reach his 123rd international appearance. However, they have a notable absence, as defender Yerry Mina is not part of the squad.

In addition to Yerry Mina, Portilla and Asprilla were not called up. Colombia will line up as follows: Camilo Vargas; Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez; Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez.

Croatia confirmed lineup

Croatia also arrive with important absences and hope to have those players available for the World Cup. Still, they are expected to adjust accordingly, as Gvardiol and Kovacic are out due to injury.

Croatia will line up as follows: Dominik Livakovic; Nikola Vlasic, Igor Matanovic, Martin Erlic, Mario Pongracic; Nikola Moro, Petar Sucic, Luka Vuskovic, Mario Pasalic; Ivan Perisic, Marco Pasalic.

James addressed his scoreless first half after the game, saying, “It’s the role that I’m playing for the ball club,” showing the maturity and experience he continues to display at this stage of his career while also sending a message that he is no longer the primary scoring option, instead sharing that responsibility with Luka Doncic amid uncertainty about his future and rumors of a potential pay cut next season.

He and Los Angeles eventually took a 113-110 loss at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night. James, however, showed no frustration toward the winners and instead praised Detroit, saying via Spectrum Sports, “Of course you give credit where credit is due. They’re the No. 1 team in the East. I give a lot of credit to them. We gave ourselves a chance. That’s all you can ask for.”

JJ Redick acknowledges LeBron’s new role

Detroit’s defensive approach frustrated LeBron James in the first two quarters, marking just the third time in his career that he went scoreless in a first half. His head coach, JJ Redick, did not focus on the scoring struggles after the game.

“I thought he played a really unselfish game,” Redick said to reporters. “I thought he did a good job of not just trying to score, but make the right play like he always does and he gets 10 assists.”

James embraced the role of facilitator. The four-time NBA champion came close to a triple-double, finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds. Luka Doncic led the scoring effort for Los Angeles with 32 points, while Austin Reaves added 24 points and DeAndre Ayton contributed 13.

However, LeBron James remains productive and continues to chase more milestones, including his most recent achievement of surpassing Robert Parish for the most games played in NBA history.

LeBron still has several notable records within sight, although they are increasingly difficult to achieve given his age and the proximity of his retirement. The categories where he still holds a presence include the following:

• The all-time assists record
• The all-time steals record
• Made 3-pointers
• Total triple doubles

Which records can he reach?

Reaching No. 1 on these all-time lists is unlikely, but LeBron James can still climb a few spots in multiple categories if he returns next season. Realistically, he may not finish as the all-time leader in any of them, but there are still opportunities to move up.

For example, James currently ranks fourth on the all-time assists list with 11,935 and is unlikely to catch John Stockton, who leads with 15,806. However, he could pass Jason Kidd, who has 12,091, early next season, and potentially surpass Chris Paul, who has 12,552, by the end of it.

In steals, Stockton’s record of 3,265 appears out of reach, and the marks held by Chris Paul and Jason Kidd also seem unlikely targets. However, James, currently sixth with 2,403, could catch Gary Payton at 2,445 and Michael Jordan at 2,514 with another season.

The records LeBron already holds

LeBron James has already secured an extraordinary number of records, many of which are considered among the most difficult to break in NBA history due to his longevity and sustained excellence. These are the records:

• Most points scored in NBA history
• Most minutes played
• Most field goals made
• Most field goal attempts
• Most consecutive double digit games
• Most award selections
• Most double digit games
• Playoff scoring

LeBron James might be running out of records to chase. He already holds many of the most significant marks, including most points scored, most seasons played, most minutes played, most All-NBA selections, most All-Star selections, most field goals made, most field goals attempted, most playoff games, most playoff points and highest career earnings, reinforcing his place among the most accomplished players in NBA history.

Given how high that total is, it is difficult to imagine it being reached, but for example, Luka Doncic was 149 points away from reaching the 15,000 career points mark, sitting at 14,851 points, and approximately 17,442 points behind Durant. This is an estimate, as Durant continues to add to his total while Doncic does the same, and he has done this in less than a decade in the league.

If he plays close to two decades as Kevin Durant has, he could realistically reach or even surpass that record. On the other side, Anthony Edwards surpassed the 10,000 point mark in January 2026 and currently sits at 10,807 points, putting both players on a path toward that milestone.

Averages of Edwards and Doncic

To understand their trajectory, the Minnesota Timberwolves star has averaged 24.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 439 regular-season games, shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from three-point range, which keeps him on a strong path and suggests that his scoring average could increase in future NBA seasons.

Meanwhile, the Lakers superstar has averaged 29.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.2 assists over 509 regular season games, shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from three-point range.

Luka Doncic has even said that he does not expect to play until age 41 like LeBron James, but considering he is currently 27 years old, another decade in the league could be enough to approach Durant’s mark.

The challenge of catching Durant

Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards will not have an easy path, especially if Kevin Durant remains in the NBA at his current level for a few more seasons, which would continue raising the bar.

Taking into account that the Houston Rockets veteran has averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists across 1,190 regular-season games, while shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three-point range throughout his career, the gap could become even more difficult to close.

The last time Joel Embiid and Paul George played together was not long ago, as it happened earlier this same NBA season. Their most recent appearance came on January 22, 2026, in an overtime win against the Houston Rockets, 128-122.

It was a game where both made an impact. Paul George recorded 10 points in 37 minutes, along with six rebounds and four assists, while Joel Embiid finished with a triple-double, posting 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, showing how important they are for the 76ers.

Embiid injury update

The 76ers have been without Joel Embiid for the past 12 games as he has been dealing with a right oblique injury. Before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, head coach Nick Nurse said that Embiid participated in an on-court workout after shootaround as he continues his recovery.

Embiid’s season was impacted by injury. He has been limited to 33 games, averaging a little over 31 minutes per game. The last time he played was on Feb. 26 in a win against the Miami Heat, when he recorded 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and one steal.

He has been averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks, with shooting splits of 49.5 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from three-point range and 85.8 percent from the free-throw line.

Paul George suspension

The 76ers have also been without Paul George, who received a 25-game suspension for violating NBA rules. At the time, the league announced, “forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA NBPA Anti-Drug Program.”

It was a significant blow for Philadelphia, especially as he had been finding rhythm during the season. The nine-time All Star, in his 16th season, was averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists through 27 games.

Historically, James has prioritized securing the maximum salary to protect the market value of players, but this would not be the first time he sacrificed money for a competitive goal. The most notable instance came in 2010, during the formation of the Big Three with the Miami Heat.

To make the contracts of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh fit under the salary cap, LeBron signed a six year, $110.1 million deal, leaving roughly $15 million on the table compared to the maximum he could have earned.

That sacrifice was not only about bringing the three stars together, it also allowed the team to add key pieces such as Mike Miller and retain Udonis Haslem, which ultimately resulted in two championships.

A small sacrifice with the Lakers

More recently, in his latest extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2024, LeBron showed another sign of flexibility. While it was a technical move, James signed for $101.3 million instead of the $104.2 million maximum he was eligible for.

That nearly $3 million difference proved crucial in keeping the Lakers below the second apron, avoiding significant roster building restrictions and allowing the front office more flexibility to maneuver.

What to expect from LeBron

It is very likely that LeBron James decides to play at least one more season in the NBA, with rumors linking him to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a possible move to the Golden State Warriors alongside Stephen Curry, or staying with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Regardless of the destination, a salary reduction could be required, especially considering age and injury risk. Whatever the decision, it is expected that LeBron would accept it if his goal remains to compete for another NBA championship.

The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann has been one of the most consistent over the past decade, with a total of 34 head-to-head matchups across clubs and international play. They frequently faced each other in La Liga, with Messi at Barcelona and Griezmann representing Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, as well as in matches between Argentina and France.

At club level, the two players have faced each other in 31 official matches, primarily in Spanish competitions such as La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa, as well as in the UEFA Champions League. At the international level, they have faced each other three times.

Club matchups

During those matchups, Lionel Messi has held a clear edge, recording 19 wins compared to five for Antoine Griezmann, along with seven draws. In terms of scoring efficiency, Messi has been particularly dominant, netting 26 goals against teams featuring the French forward, Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, while Griezmann has scored six goals in those direct matchups against Barcelona.

International matchups

At the international level, the story has been different, though equally significant overall. The record stands at one win for each side and one draw, which ended in the historic penalty shootout in 2022. In terms of goals in these matchups, Lionel Messi leads with two goals, both in the 2022 final, while Antoine Griezmann has one goal, scored in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.

These were results that made history. In 2018, France went on to be crowned champions, and arguably their toughest opponent was Argentina in the Round of 16, where Antoine Griezmann scored a penalty that opened the scoring in the victory.

In contrast, Argentina responded in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where Lionel Messi scored twice, one from the penalty spot to open the scoring and another in extra time to give them the lead. Griezmann was substituted in the first half of that match, where Kylian Mbappe emerged as the standout performer with a hat trick that forced a penalty shootout, where they ultimately became world champions.

What to expect in MLS

As mentioned, Antoine Griezmann is expected to arrive in MLS with Orlando City SC, where he will likely face Lionel Messi again. It will not be just another match; it will represent the Florida derby between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami, one of the most important fixtures for both teams, making it a matchup worth following when it takes place.

Speaking on his Boardroom platform after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, Durant did not celebrate in a loud way. Instead, he reflected. His message was simple and direct: time is moving. “There’s gonna come a time when it’s not my place, and we’re creeping closer to that. And it’s crazy to think about as the season winds down.

“This is what I spent all my life doing, every day. This is a part of my routine. This is what I center my life around, is the game. So, to know that, having a handful of years, hopefully, left to do this, gotta start getting prepared for that next phase.”

Durant’s recent milestone and deeper perspective

The timing of this admission is significant. Durant had just moved into fifth on the all-time scoring list, surpassing Michael Jordan, trailing only LeBron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Karl Malone, and Kobe Bryant. That is rare territory, and while most players celebrate milestones like this, Durant instead focused on what comes next.

He shifted his attention toward the future and explained how deeply basketball is tied to his identity. This is not simply a job for him; it is his structure, his routine, and his daily purpose, something that goes beyond the game itself and will define his transition after basketball.

Durant still averages more than 25 points per game and remains one of the most efficient scorers in the league. His game has aged well, relying on skill, footwork, and shot-making rather than explosive athleticism, which gives him a longer window than most players at this stage.

Durant’s numbers this season

Kevin Durant has maintained a high level this NBA season with the Houston Rockets, a young team that does not place all the responsibility on the veteran, as he is averaging 25.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.

Lionel Messi has recorded two free-kick goals in 2026, and also reached 71 in this category compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has not scored from that situation and remains with 63 free-kicks in his career. Messi’s first goal of the year came in the match against Orlando City SC during Matchday 2 of the MLS season.

Messi scored that first free-kick in the 90th minute against Orlando City to secure the win and earn valuable points for Inter Miami. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has found it more difficult to score from direct free kicks in recent years.

When was the last time Cristiano Ronaldo scored a free kick?

The last time Cristiano Ronaldo scored a free-kick goal was on August 27, 2024, during a Saudi Pro League match with Al Nassr. In that game, he scored his team’s second goal in a 4-1 win over Al Feiha, delivering a precise strike that cleared the wall and went into the top corner.

This goal was especially significant as it brought him to 899 official goals. It also made Ronaldo the first player in soccer history to score a direct free kick in 23 consecutive seasons, a streak that ended in 2025.

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, although he has continued scoring regularly through open play, penalties and headers, he has not found the net from a direct free-kick in official competition, keeping that goal against Al Feiha as his most recent in that category.

The competition remains active

Despite Messi’s consistency in this area, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be a prolific scorer, and the race toward 1,000 career goals remains active, with Ronaldo at 965 official goals and Lionel Messi at 901, including the free kick against NYCFC to complete the comeback 3-2 for Inter Miami.

The second half saw Inter Miami respond quickly, with Messi’s creativity and Micael’s decisive header helping the team take the lead and complete the comeback. NYCFC had opportunities to equalize, but St. Clair and Miami’s defense held firm.

Both sides battled intensely in midfield, with tactical changes from Mascherano and NYCFC keeping the match dynamic. Ultimately, Inter Miami’s persistence and clinical finishing made the difference in this thrilling MLS encounter.

Kevin Durant reached this milestone after playing more than 1,180 regular-season games and playoffs in his NBA career. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan recorded his total across 1,251 games in the NBA, including regular season and playoffs.

Kevin Durant is undoubtedly one of the elite scorers in the NBA, and this record further proves it, especially by surpassing a player widely considered the greatest in league history.

The historic game for the Rockets

The game in which this happened could not have been more dramatic for the Houston Rockets against the Miami Heat. In addition to Kevin Durant reaching the milestone, the Rockets also memorably won 123-122, with Amen Thompson scoring the game-winner on a tip-in just before the buzzer off a missed shot by Durant. Durant finished the game with 27 points.

How Kevin Durant reached the record

In the final minutes of Saturday night’s win, Miami’s 2-to-3 zone, which had long been effective, was set up with Durant stationed in the right corner, patiently waiting for the ball. Most of the trust from head coach Ime Udoka was placed in Durant’s teammates, Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard, whose two-man action near the top of the key forced the defense to shift slightly.

By the time the ball reached Durant again, it was too late for Simone Fontecchio. The 37-year-old released the shot quickly, and with his scoring ability, he did not need much time to create space. The shot went cleanly through the net, a moment that reflected the consistency he has shown throughout his career.

The players Durant has surpassed

In a season and career defined by consistency and growth, Durant moved past Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki on the scoring list, and now sits behind Kobe Bryant, who currently holds fourth place with 33,643 points.