Following the loss to the 20-year-old Prizmic, Djokovic snapped a streak of 18 consecutive victories in his opening matches at the Rome Masters 1000. On the other side of the net, Prizmic secured his second-ever win over a Top 10 opponent, adding to his previous upset of Ben Shelton at the Madrid Masters.

Djokovic appeared dominant at the start, cruising through the first set while dropping only two games. However, physical issues became apparent in the second set, visibly hampering his movement across the clay. Prizmic seized the opportunity, shifting to an aggressive style of play and capitalizing on every opening to claim the second set and the eventual decider.

Djokovic won’t play before Roland Garros

During his post-match press conference, the Serb confirmed that he does not intend to play any further tournaments before the French Open. This means he will arrive at the year’s second Grand Slam with only one competitive match played on clay.

“No. This year, no,” said Djokovic when asked if he would enter another event before Roland Garros. “I’ll just go to Paris straight”. The decision is a notable departure from his schedule over the last two seasons, during which he competed in the Geneva Open as a warm-up for Paris.

Djokovic says Rome preparation was ‘not ideal’

While the physical struggles during the second set were evident, Djokovic admitted that his buildup to the Italian Masters was compromised by lingering health concerns.

“I don’t recall the last time I had in the last couple years a preparation where I didn’t have any kind of physical issues or health issues coming into the tournament. There’s always something,” Djokovic told reporters during his press conference. “It’s kind of a new reality that I have to deal with. Yeah, it is frustrating. At the same time, it’s my decision to still perform in that kind of state and conditions. It is what it is”.

With his recent strike against Al Shabab, Cristiano Ronaldo completed the rare feat of scoring against every single team in the league within a single season. According to Transfermarkt, he is the only player in the history of the Saudi Pro League to achieve this.

Despite his age, the forward continues to prove he is among the world’s elite. By reaching the 100-goal mark, Ronaldo officially became the first player ever to score 100 goals in three different leagues, having previously reached the century mark in LaLiga and the Premier League.

Ronaldo is one step from Saudi glory

Al Nassr are now in a prime position to secure the Saudi Pro League title, which would mark Cristiano Ronaldo’s first major trophy in Saudi Arabia. However, the path to glory is a difficult one: they must defeat second-place Al Hilal to be crowned champions.

Jorge Jesus’ men currently lead the table with 82 points, followed closely by Al Hilal with 77 points. The crucial showdown on May 12 will be the deciding factor; an Al Nassr victory would give them an 8-point lead with only six points left to play for, mathematically securing the title.

In addition to the domestic hunt, Al Nassr have the opportunity to secure continental silverware. Ronaldo’s squad will face Japan’s Gamba Osaka on May 16 in the AFC Champions League Two final, with the chance to become the first Saudi Arabian team to lift this specific trophy.

A third SPL Golden Boot slips away

Despite a prolific season in which he scored 26 goals in 28 matches, it is unlikely that Ronaldo will secure his third consecutive Golden Boot. With only two matches remaining, the Portuguese captain has a massive gap to close. To claim the award, he would need to overtake Al Qadsiyah’s Julian Quiñones (29 goals) and Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who currently leads the race with 30 goals.

In an official statement, the club clarified that the internal investigation has reached its conclusion: “…Both players have made themselves available to Real Madrid to accept the sanction that the club deems appropriate. Under these circumstances, Real Madrid have resolved to impose a financial penalty of five hundred thousand euros on each player, thus concluding the corresponding internal procedures”.

The club further noted that the midfielders appeared before the case investigator today to express their deep regret for the incident. The pair issued formal apologies to each other, their teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans, signaling a desire to move past the tension as a critical stretch of the season approaches.

Valverde denies physical altercation with Tchouameni

Following Real Madrid’s confirmation that Federico Valverde will miss El Clásico against Barcelona due to cranioencephalic trauma, the Uruguayan midfielder took to social media to clarify the incident involving his teammate.

Via his Instagram account, Valverde denied any physical altercation with his teammate, though he did confirm they were involved in a heated argument. “Today we had another disagreement…Tchouameni never hit me, I didn’t hit him either. Still, I reckon it’s easier for many to believe we threw hands at each other, but that didn’t happen,” Valverde wrote.

According to the midfielder’s account, he accidentally struck his forehead against a table during the discussion with the Frenchman, which required him to be hospitalized. The club later announced that Valverde must rest for 10 to 14 days, ruling him out of the match against Barcelona and the subsequent fixture against Real Oviedo.

A turbulent week in Madrid

This incident adds to a week from hell for manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Between the ongoing backlash over Kylian Mbappe’s recent vacation to Italy and this latest physical confrontation, Real Madrid face a massive leadership test.

With a second consecutive season without a major trophy looming, the €500,000 fines represent one of the heaviest financial penalties ever imposed by the club on its own players, underscoring the severity of the breach in discipline.

While the Portuguese star has recorded 100 goals in 105 Saudi Pro League matches, Messi has tallied 58 goals in 63 Major League Soccer appearances for Inter Miami.

By reaching this milestone in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has set an unprecedented record as the only player in history to score 100 or more goals in three different domestic leagues, having previously achieved the feat in LaLiga and the Premier League.

Breaking down Ronaldo’s 100 SPL goals

In his debut 2022–23 campaign, Ronaldo appeared in only 16 matches after joining mid-season. Even in that limited window, he managed 14 goals, offering a glimpse of the prolific scoring to come.

His first full season (2023–24) was truly historic; he scored an incredible 35 goals in 30 games, winning his first Golden Boot in Saudi Arabia. In doing so, he broke the single-season scoring record previously held by Abderrazak Hamdallah (34 goals).

Ronaldo secured his second consecutive Golden Boot in the 2024–25 season with 25 goals in 30 matches. In the current 2025–26 campaign, the captain reached the 100-goal career milestone in the Saudi Pro League after netting his 25th goal in 28 games. With two matches remaining in the season, that number is likely to rise further.

Messi’s goal tracker in MLS

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami late in the 2023 season, appearing in only six MLS matches and scoring his lone league goal during his debut against the New York Red Bulls.

His first full season in 2024 was hampered by injuries, limiting him to 19 appearances. Nevertheless, he was highly efficient, scoring 20 goals and earning his first MLS MVP award.

Messi’s most dominant stretch came in 2025, when he led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title. He was the league’s standout performer, winning the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals in 25 games and securing his second consecutive MVP trophy. The Argentine legend is currently on pace for another successful individual campaign in 2026, having already scored eight goals in 10 matches.

Cristiano scored the third goal for Al Nassr in their 4-2 win against Al Shabab, reaching the century mark in the Saudi Pro League in just 105 appearances. This milestone marks the third time he has dominated a top-flight division after previously setting historic numbers in Spain and England.

His first century came during his legendary stint with Real Madrid, where he remains the club’s all-time leading scorer with 451 total goals, including 311 in La Liga across 292 matches.

He reached the 100-goal mark for a second time in the Premier League with Manchester United, tallying 101 goals in 236 games over two separate tenures. Ronaldo nearly extended this record to a fourth league during his time with Juventus, though he finished his Serie A career just shy of the milestone with 81 goals in 98 matches.

How does Messi compare?

Regarding Messi, the Argentine icon remains far from achieving this impressive feat even across two different clubs. The vast majority of his goals came during his legendary tenure at Barcelona, where he spent nearly his entire career and netted 474 goals in La Liga over 520 matches, cementing his status as the all-time leading scorer for both the competition and the club with 672 total goals.

During his stint with PSG, the Argentine was unable to replicate the prolific scoring he displayed during his golden era in Barcelona. Having spent only two seasons in France, Messi recorded just 22 goals in 58 Ligue 1 appearances.

He is currently attempting to write his next chapter in the United States, where he serves as the all-time leading scorer for Inter Miami with 86 goals, 58 of which were scored in Major League Soccer across 63 matches.

While he is still short of the 100-goal milestone, his remarkable scoring rate of 0.92 goals per game in MLS suggests the Argentine legend is well on his way to reaching that objective.

Against this backdrop, Real Madrid supporters have launched a viral campaign across social media and online platforms, gathering signatures to petition for the Frenchman’s departure. Yet, the backlash isn’t solely due to the team’s lack of hardware over the last two years.

The final straw for many fans was an off-field incident. After sustaining an injury during a 1-1 draw against Real Betis, Mbappe missed the club’s 2-0 victory over Espanyol. During this recovery period, fans were outraged to see photos of the striker on a leisure trip to Italy with his girlfriend, Ester Exposito.

While the club authorized the time off, the optics were disastrous. Supporters have loudly questioned Mbappe’s commitment and leadership, criticizing his decision to vacation while the team faces a sensitive and defining stretch of the season.

The ‘Mbappe Out’ campaign

Disgruntled Real Madrid supporters have launched a massive online campaign calling for the club to move on from Mbappe. The initiative’s impact was immediate, gathering over 2 million signatures within hours.

“Madridistas, make your voice heard. If you believe change is needed, don’t stay silent — sign this petition and stand for what you think is best for the club’s future,” the petition read.

The petition currently boasts over 37 million signatures, though it is worth noting that the campaign allows users to join the protest with a single click. This ease of access suggests that not all signatures necessarily originate from verified Real Madrid supporters.

Mbappe’s incredible campaign amidst the controversy

The most striking aspect of this situation is that Mbappe has proven to be one of the team’s most vital assets through his individual performances, even if collective success hasn’t followed.

So far this season, the French forward has netted 41 goals in 41 matches across all competitions. These figures actually outpace his production from last season, where he scored more total goals (44) but required significantly more appearances (54) to reach that mark.

The Al Nassr captain was instrumental in the victory, netting a goal to seal the result and reach the historic 100-goal milestone in the Saudi Pro League. However, it was Joao Felix who stole the headlines with a brilliant hat trick, leading the charge and ensuring the club walked away with all three points.

With this result, Al Nassr extend their lead at the top of the table to 82 points, currently five points clear of Al Hilal (who hold a game in hand). With only two matches remaining in the season, the upcoming fixture serves as a literal final; a victory for Ronaldo’s side would make it mathematically impossible for Al Hilal to catch them, officially ending the title race.

Ronaldo eyes a historic multi-trophy campaign

This season is shaping up to be one for the record books for the Portuguese superstar. Beyond being on the verge of his first domestic league title in Riyadh, Al Nassr are also just one match away from international glory.

Jorge Jesus’ men have reached the final of the AFC Champions League Two, where they are scheduled to face Japan’s Gamba Osaka on Saturday, May 16. Should they emerge victorious, Al Nassr would become the first Saudi Arabian club in history to win this specific continental trophy.

While Ronaldo previously led the team to the Arab Club Champions Cup—scoring a brace in a 2-1 win over Al Hilal—that trophy is not officially recognized by FIFA or the AFC. This month offers him the chance to fill his cabinet with official silverware.

A century of goals in Saudi Arabia

Beyond the team’s success, the match against Al Shabab marked yet another landmark in Ronaldo’s legendary career. By finding the back of the net, he officially reached 100 goals in the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo now sets his sights on becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer. While he still trails Omar Al Somah (161 goals), the 41-year-old’s current form—28 goals in 34 games this season—suggests that no record is safe from the most prolific scorer in the history of the game.

With nearly three minutes remaining in the game, the forward went for a dunk and was seen limping after the landing. Shortly after Mikal Bridges converted a jump shot on the following possession, Anunoby signaled to the bench for a substitution and did not return to the court.

Anunoby’s injury has been diagnosed as a right hamstring strain, and he will be day-to-day for the remainder of the series. Facing this setback, Bridges was clear about the team’s approach without their versatile forward. “We’ll see what it is, but next man up. That’s really it,” Bridges said, via SNY’s Knicks Videos.

A major blow to the rotation

Anunoby has been one of the Knicks’ most productive players throughout this postseason. During the opening series against the Atlanta Hawks, he was a cornerstone of the offense, averaging 21.5 points and 8.7 rebounds, highlighted by 29-point performances in both Game 3 and the clinching Game 6.

Against the 76ers, Anunoby posted 18 points in Game 1 and had already notched 24 points and five rebounds in Game 2 before the injury. Beyond the scoring, the forward is one of the best two-way players in the NBA. His elite defensive presence would be a significant loss for the Knicks, especially if Joel Embiid returns to full strength for Game 3.

Who steps up?

Replacing Anunoby will be no small feat. He is currently the Knicks’ second-leading scorer this postseason at 21.4 points per game and provides the defensive versatility that New York’s system relies on.

Miles McBride is the leading candidate to see increased minutes in his absence. However, McBride acknowledged that filling Anunoby’s shoes is a collective effort rather than a one-man job. “He’s one of the best two-way players in the league, so it’s tough to replace that, but you don’t replace him with one guy,” McBride said after the Game 2 win, per Ian Begley of SNY. “Everyone is going to have to step up”.

Currently, Ronaldo’s side leads the league with 79 points, but it is being pursued relentlessly by Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal, who sit just behind with 77 points. Al Ahli occupy third place with 72 points, effectively narrowing the title fight to a showdown between the two former Real Madrid icons.

With only three matches remaining in the season, Al Nassr have no room for error. Today presents a golden opportunity to collect points against 13th-placed Al Shabab before the schedule leads them to a massive, potential title-deciding head-to-head battle against Al Hilal in the next matchday.

What happens if Al Nassr win vs Al Shabab?

If Al Nassr secure a victory at King Fahd Stadium, they would reach 82 points. This would put the club in a position to clinch the championship in the very next round with a win over Al Hilal at Alawwal Park.

What happens if Al Nassr and Al Shabab draw?

A draw against Al Shabab would leave Cristiano Ronaldo and company with 80 points. This would set the stage for a winner-takes-all finale against Al Hilal, where Karim Benzema’s side could pull even on points if it manages to defeat Al Nassr in its head-to-head matchup.

What happens if Al Nassr lose vs Al Shabab?

A loss would be the nightmare scenario for Al Nassr. Not only would it allow Al Hilal the chance to leapfrog them in the standings next week, but it would also give Al Ahli a mathematical lifeline to rejoin the title race.

In this case, the Matchday 34 clash against Al Hilal becomes do-or-die. Simone Inzaghi’s men would enter that contest with a game in hand, meaning a victory over Al Nassr would put the fate of the Saudi Pro League title entirely in Al Hilal’s hands.

The top of the Saudi Pro League table ahead of Al Nassr vs Al Shabab

Argentine transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo reported on the radio program Vorterix that talks are “very advanced” for Otamendi to join River Plate on an 18-month deal, following the tournament in North America.

However, Benfica won’t let him go easily. The Portuguese club is expected to do everything possible to extend his stay beyond June 30. Despite his age, Otamendi has evolved into a vital leader for the Eagles, and the front office has no intention of simply letting him walk away.

Mourinho on Otamendi’s future

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho—who has yet to define his own future for next season amid rumors of a return to Real Madrid—admitted that Otamendi has earned the right to choose his own path.

“I think it depends only on him,” Mourinho said during a press conference on Friday, April 24. “There are people who have the right to choose their future based on everything they have built in the game. Otamendi is one of them. He played his final game for the national team on Argentine soil by his own choice, he will retire from international play after the World Cup by his own choice, and it will be his decision to play for River Plate or stay at Benfica“.

A growing trend of returning stars

If Otamendi eventually makes the move to River Plate, he’ll be joining a growing list of Messi’s international teammates who have traded European glory for a return to the roots where their careers began.

The trend kicked off with Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña. Following their 2022 World Cup triumph, both defenders opted to leave Sevilla in 2024 to bolster River Plate’s backline. That same year, German Pezzella followed suit, making the jump from Real Betis to reunite with Montiel and Acuña in Buenos Aires.

In 2025, the legendary Angel Di Maria added his name to the list. The winger moved on from Benfica to return to his boyhood club, Rosario Central, turning down lucrative offers from across the globe to play in front of his home crowd once again.

Most recently, Leandro Paredes made headlines by leaving AS Roma to rejoin Boca Juniors, where he currently serves as the club’s captain and undisputed leader. Heavy rumors are swirling that Paulo Dybala could reunite with Paredes after the 2026 World Cup—but this time in Argentina rather than Europe.

The visitors essentially put the tie on ice just two minutes after the opening whistle. Ousmane Dembele delivered an early blow, slotting home a clinical finish following a sensational run and assist from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Holding a commanding 6-4 aggregate lead, PSG looked comfortable throughout the remainder of the match, while Bayern Munich struggled under the mounting pressure of needing a massive comeback to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Despite a defensive masterclass from Luis Enrique’s men, Bayern managed to find an equalizer in the dying moments. Harry Kane found the back of the net with just one minute remaining, but it was too little, too late to threaten the aggregate score. PSG now move on to defend their title against Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest, where they will aim to deny the Gunners their first-ever Champions League trophy.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA on SL Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni to have worldwide effect,” a FIFA spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday, according to The Athletic.

Of the six games mandated by the ban, Prestianni has already served one provisionally during Benfica’s Champions League clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. Furthermore, three of the remaining five games are “subject to a two-year probationary period” starting from the date of the official ruling.

This leaves two matches of immediate suspension that Prestianni would likely have to serve during the 2026 World Cup group stage, in case of being called up by Scaloni.

Which games could Prestianni miss?

If Scaloni includes Prestianni in the final squad, the forward would be ineligible for Argentina‘s first two matches against Algeria and Austria. The Benfica star would only become available for selection in the final group stage fixture against Jordan, and would remain eligible for the knockout rounds should the defending champions advance.

FIFA’s decision could significantly impact Scaloni’s squad selection, as he now knows he will be without the forward for the opening two matches. Consequently, the manager may be forced to choose between calling up a replacement who is available from the start or sticking with Prestianni and accepting his absence during the early stages of the tournament.

Prestianni reportedly files appeal with FIFA

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) initially explored whether Prestianni could serve a game of the suspension during the upcoming friendly against Honduras on June 6 in the United States. However, FIFA’s ruling dictates that the ban applies only to official competitive matches.

Reports indicate that Prestianni and his legal team have already filed an appeal with the FIFA Committee, seeking an injunction that would put the suspension on hold and allow him to be fully available for the World Cup.

If the World No. 1 lifts the trophy at the Rome Open, he will achieve the Career Golden Masters—winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once—joining Djokovic as the only players in history to accomplish the feat.

The key distinction remains that the Serbian legend has done it twice. The 24-time Grand Slam champion first completed the set in 2018 at the Cincinnati Masters, before repeating the achievement at the same tournament in 2020.

Djokovic’s unmatchable Masters record

When it comes to the Masters 1000 circuit, Djokovic stands alone. The Serb has dominated these events, holding the record for the most titles with 40 trophies, a benchmark that currently seems untouchable.

Following the Serbian in the record books are Rafael Nadal (36 titles), Roger Federer (28 titles), Andre Agassi (17 titles), and Andy Murray (14 titles). While the Italian currently has nine Masters trophies in his cabinet, he has the unique chance to match a specific record that no one besides Djokovic has been able to touch.

Sinner breaks Djokovic and Nadal’s streak

In his pursuit of the Career Golden Masters, Sinner has already snatched a record from the hands of both Djokovic and Nadal. With his victory at the Madrid Open, the Italian became the first player in history to win five consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments.

The previous record held by both legends was four consecutive titles. However, a dominant run through Paris (2025), Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and now Madrid has allowed Sinner to set a new standard on the ATP Tour.

Arteta has now become only the fourth Spanish manager to lead a non-Spanish club to a Champions League final. He joins a legendary trio that includes Rafa Benitez (Liverpool), Guardiola (Manchester City), and Luis Enrique (PSG).

This victory marks a monumental moment for Arsenal, granting them passage to just the second Champions League final in club history. The Gunners will face either Bayern Munich or PSG at Budapest’s Puskas Aréna on May 30.

Chasing European glory

Arsenal head to Budapest with a historic opportunity. If they lift the trophy, they will be crowned unbeaten Champions League winners, becoming only the 12th club in history to win the competition without suffering a single defeat.

Arteta’s squad has been nearly flawless throughout the campaign, boasting a record of 11 wins and 3 draws. Its defensive discipline has been the backbone of this run, conceding only six goals in the tournament while racking up nine clean sheets.

A season for the record books

By reaching the final, Arsenal have equaled their all-time record for wins in a single season with 41 victories, matching the historic mark set during the 1970/71 campaign, according to statistics from Squawka.

The Gunners are currently in a unique position to complete a historic double: winning their first-ever Champions League title while securing their 14th Premier League crown. Arsenal currently hold a five-point lead over Manchester City (who have a game in hand) with only nine points left to play for in the domestic season.

The match began as a tactical carbon copy of the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with Arsenal dominating possession but struggling to convert their control into genuine scoring threats against a disciplined Spanish defense.

However, just as the match seemed destined to go into halftime scoreless, the breakthrough arrived. Leandro Trossard unleashed a powerful strike that forced a parry from Jan Oblak, and Bukayo Saka pounced on the rebound to slot home the game’s only goal.

Atletico threw everything at the Gunners in the second half in search of an equalizer, but Arsenal’s backline remained impenetrable. With their ticket to their second Champions League final in their history officially punched, the Gunners now await the winner of Wednesday’s clash between Bayern Munich and PSG at the Allianz Arena.

“League sources say Tom Thibodeau is also very interested in a comeback,” Sam Amick reported for The Athletic. The 68-year-old was let go from his post with the New York Knicks last summer and is reportedly searching for the right fit to resume his coaching career.

While Thibs appears eager to head back to the United Center, the Bulls’ front office has been quiet regarding a potential reunion. Chicago hired Bryson Graham away from the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, and it remains to be seen if he and the Reinsdorf family are interested in bringing the former Knicks coach back into the fold.

Thibodeau’s tenure with the Bulls

The 68-year-old coach is certainly no stranger to the Bulls, as the franchise served as the site of his first head coaching opportunity. After building an elite resume as an assistant with the Spurs, 76ers, Knicks, Rockets, and the Celtics, Thibodeau officially took the reins in Chicago in 2010.

In his debut season at the helm, Thibodeau proved to be a perfect fit for the roster, leading the Bulls to a dominant 62-20 record and earning NBA Coach of the Year honors. During that memorable postseason run, Chicago pushed all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before ultimately falling in five games to LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

Throughout his five-season tenure in Chicago, Thibodeau maintained a perfect streak of playoff appearances, with that 2011 conference finals trip marking his deepest run with the team. The storied partnership between the coach and the franchise eventually came to an end following the 2014-15 season after a 4-2 series loss to the Cavaliers in the conference semifinals.

Competition for Thibs’ Services

The Bulls aren’t the only team looking for a veteran voice. The Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and New Orleans Pelicans are all currently in the market for a new head coach and could draw interest from the former Knicks leader.

Given his track record, it is highly likely we see Thibodeau back on the sidelines next season. Historically, after his exits from Chicago, Minnesota, and New York, he has taken exactly one season off before returning to the bench. With 2026 marking that comeback window, the Thibs era appears ready for its next chapter.

The match opened with early dominance from the home side. After goals from Ian Fray (4′) and Telasco Segovia (25′) put Miami ahead 2-0, the team capitalized on the momentum to hunt for a third.

The moment of the match arrived in the 33rd minute. After receiving a crisp pass from Luis Suarez, Messi skillfully maneuvered past an Orlando City defender with a signature feint before firing a powerful, clinical shot into the corner, leaving goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau with no chance. This goal marks Messi’s 8th of the season in just 10 MLS games, further solidifying his MVP-caliber form.

Inter Miami looking for first Nu Stadium victory

Inter Miami are putting together a standout MLS campaign so far, currently sitting in second place with 22 points—just one point behind the leaders, Nashville. Despite their strong form across the league, the Herons have yet to secure a single victory in their new home, an almost unbelievable statistic.

To date, Inter Miami have only managed three draws at Nu Stadium. Their debut at the venue ended in a 2-2 stalemate against Austin FC, which was followed by another 2-2 draw against the NY Red Bulls.

Most recently, they shared the points in a 1-1 tie with the New England Revolution, making tonight’s Florida Derby a crucial opportunity to finally turn their new house into a home.

A landmark night for Messi

Adding to the gravity of tonight’s match, Lionel Messi is making his 100th official appearance for Inter Miami. Under the guidance of coach Guillermo Hoyos, who stepped in following Javier Mascherano’s resignation in March, Miami is desperate to break the home draw curse, and Messi is leading the team to that objective.

The current record stands at four consecutive Masters 1000 trophies, a feat Sinner currently shares with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The Serbian legend achieved this on three separate occasions, while the Spaniard reached the mark in 2013.

The World No. 1 joined this elite company by sweeping the first three Masters 1000 tournaments of this season, following a win in the final one of 2025. His current streak includes titles in Paris (2025), Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo (2026).

Sinner nearing Career Golden Masters

Should he lift the trophy in Madrid, Sinner will also move one step closer to becoming just the second player in history to complete the Career Golden Masters—winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once.

If he defeats Zverev, the Italian would only need a victory at the Rome Masters to join Djokovic as the only players to achieve this feat. The Serbian legend first completed the set in 2018 and incredibly repeated the achievement in 2022.

Sinner’s dominance in the ATP Rankings

The World No. 1 is also in a prime position to extend his lead over Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP Rankings. Entering Madrid with no points to defend, Sinner knew he could only gain ground with zero risk of losing points.

By reaching the final, he has already secured 650 points, which could rise to 1,000 with a victory on Sunday. Furthermore, with Alcaraz sidelined for the upcoming Rome Masters and Roland Garros due to injury, Sinner is poised to vastly increase the numerical cushion between himself and his Spanish rival.

The pressure now shifts entirely to Real Madrid, who cannot afford to drop points in their Sunday clash against Espanyol. If Los Blancos lose or draw tomorrow, Barcelona will officially secure their 29th league title, effectively ending the race before the two giants meet at the Camp Nou.

Hansi Flick’s men earned the three points in a match that appeared destined for a stalemate. Despite standout performances from both goalkeepers keeping the score level for much of the night, Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 81st minute with a powerful header. Ferran Torres then sealed the result five minutes later, ensuring Barcelona left Pamplona with a vital result.

Madrid could give Barcleona guard of honor in Camp Nou

If Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol, Barcelona will officially clinch the LaLiga title with four matches left in the season. Should this happen, Los Blancos would face the traditional—and often controversial—prospect of giving a “pasillo” (guard of honor) to the newly crowned champions at the Camp Nou.

This rare display of sportsmanship between the two giants has occurred before, most notably in 1991 when Real Madrid honored a Barcelona side that had secured the title early. However, the Blaugrana have also found themselves on the other side of the tradition, performing the guard of honor for Real Madrid in both 1988 and 2008.

With the title now potentially decided before the next El Clásico, all eyes are on Real Madrid’s upcoming result to see if they will be forced into this iconic, yet tension-filled, ritual.

Real Madrid going for a second year straight without trophies

Real Madrid face the grim prospect of a second consecutive trophy-less season as the 2025-26 campaign nears its end. Closing the gap in LaLiga has become a nearly impossible task for Los Blancos, who seem destined to watch their arch-rivals celebrate for another year.

The season has been a series of disappointments for the capital club. Madrid missed out on silverware early in the year after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final. Their struggles continued in the Copa del Rey, where they suffered a stunning Round of 16 exit at the hands of Albacete.

The Celtics superstar sparked major concern during Game 6 at the Wells Fargo Center when he exited with four minutes remaining in the third quarter and headed straight to the locker room. While he eventually returned to the bench, he spent the remainder of the game on a stationary bike as the Celtics fell 106-93.

It will be a devastating blow for the Celtics, who squandered a prime opportunity to close out the series after holding a commanding 3-1 lead. Now, without Tatum, they must find a way to clinch their ticket to the next round in front of the home crowd at TD Garden.

Mazzulla downplayed Tatum’s fitness issue

Seeing Tatum head directly to the locker room undoubtedly sparked a sense of dread among Celtics fans. However, Mazzulla made it a point to clarify after the game that the superstar was not injured and that there was no cause for alarm.

“He went in the back, just got stretched, got some treatment,” Mazzulla told reporters during his press conference, per Bobby Manning of Celtics on CLNS, effectively ruling out any significant injury. “That was about it”.

76ers dealing with concerns on the injury report

Philadelphia also enters the decisive Game 7 with its own concerns on the injury report. Both Joel Embiid and Paul George are listed as probable for the matchup, though both stars are expected to be in the lineup tonight at TD Garden.

The silver lining for the 76ers is that Tyrese Maxey is officially available to play after previously appearing on the injury report. Maxey has been essential to Nick Nurse’s scheme, scoring 20+ points in every game of the series against the Celtics thus far.

A dominant first-half performance saw Mikel Arteta’s side cruise to a 3-0 lead behind a brace from Viktor Gyokeres and a strike from Bukayo Saka. With the victory, Arsenal moves to 76 points, establishing a six-point cushion over Manchester City at the top of the table.

Crucially, Pep Guardiola’s men still hold two games in hand, meaning the title is still technically in their control. However, this clinical performance by the Gunners ramps up the pressure on City ahead of their Monday clash with Everton, where anything less than three points could prove disastrous in their pursuit of the leaders.

What’s next for Arsenal?

While Arsenal currently sit atop the table, they cannot afford a slip-up. Beyond domestic duties, Mikel Arteta’s men are balancing a deep European run. They are set to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Arsenal’s remaining schedule:

• Atletico Madrid (Champions League) – May 5
• West Ham (Away) – May 10
• Burnley (Home) – TBD
• Crystal Palace (Away) – May 24

Manchester City’s road ahead

Manchester City find theirself in a familiar position, chasing from behind with matches to spare. While they are no longer in the Champions League, their schedule is packed with high-stakes fixtures, including a massive FA Cup Final against Chelsea.

City’s remaining schedule:

• Everton (Away) – May 4
• Brentford (Home) – May 9
• Crystal Palace (Home) – May 13
• Chelsea (FA Cup Final) – May 16
• Bournemouth (Away) – May 19
• Aston Villa (Home) – May 24

Hansi Flick’s squad currently holds a commanding lead at the top of the table as the league’s sole frontrunners with 85 points. This puts them 11 points clear of second-place Real Madrid, who currently sit at 74 points.

The outlook is incredibly bright for Barcelona; the club has the chance to clinch its 29th league title shortly after this match, provided results fall in their favor during Real Madrid’s upcoming fixture.

What happens if Barcelona win vs Osasuna?

A victory in Pamplona would propel Barcelona to 88 points, extending their lead to 14 points ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Espanyol tomorrow. If Madrid fails to win that game, Barcelona will officially be crowned LaLiga champions.

Even if Madrid wins, Barcelona would remain 11 points ahead with only 12 points left to play for, needing just one more win to seal their 29th league title.

What happens if Barcelona and Osasuna tie?

A draw would bring Barcelona to 86 points. In this scenario, the champagne stays on ice regardless of Real Madrid’s result tomorrow. However, it sets the stage for a cinematic finish: if Madrid drops points against Espanyol, Barcelona could clinch the title with a win or a draw in El Clásico at the Camp Nou next weekend.

What happens if Barcelona lose to Osasuna?

A loss for Barcelona against Osasuna wouldn’t derail their championship plans, though it could delay the celebration. A Real Madrid victory would shrink the gap to eight points, but if the Blaugrana can defeat Los Blancos in the upcoming El Clásico, they would officially be crowned LaLiga champions for the second consecutive year.

The title fight would only be extended further if Real Madrid manage to secure at least a draw at the Camp Nou. However, given Barcelona’s current form and substantial lead, the pressure remains squarely on the shoulders of the Madrid side to keep its slim hopes alive.

Currently sitting in sixth place with 70 points, the Red Dragons hold the final promotion playoff spot. However, they face a tight battle for that last position against Hull City (70 points) and Derby County (69 points). Their opponent, fourth-place Middlesbrough, enter the match still harboring hopes of an automatic promotion spot.

Coming off a loss in their previous outing against league champions Coventry City, the Red Dragons’ destiny will be decided on the final matchday. They are looking to make even more history by becoming the first club in English soccer history to achieve four consecutive promotions.

What happens if Wrexham win vs Middlesbrough?

A victory is the most direct path to the playoffs. If the Red Dragons take all three points, they will finish on 73 points. This would guarantee them a playoff spot unless Hull City defeat Norwich City by a massive margin to overtake Wrexham’s +1 goal difference. If Hull fail to win or doesn’t close the goal difference gap, Wrexham officially clinches their place.

What happens if Wrexham and Middlesbrough tie?

Should the match at the Racecourse Ground end in a draw, Wrexham’s fate will hinge on Hull City’s result against Norwich City. A draw or a loss for Hull would secure the coveted playoff spot for Wrexham, while a Hull victory would leave the Red Dragons without a chance at promotion this season.

Derby County also remain a threat in this three-way battle. A win for the Rams against Sheffield United would allow them to leapfrog both Wrexham and Hull City, snatching the final playoff berth and ending Wrexham’s hopes of moving up.

What happens if Wrexham lose to Middlesbrough?

A loss would be the worst-case scenario for Wrexham, as Hull City could potentially overtake them even if they also lose. Because the Red Dragons currently hold a slim +1 goal difference, a heavy defeat could allow Hull City to snatch the final playoff spot if they lose by a smaller margin and finish with a superior goal differential.

It goes without saying that a Wrexham loss, combined with a win or draw by Hull City, would officially end the Red Dragons’ hopes of achieving a historic fourth consecutive promotion.

Furthermore, Derby County remain a major threat; if both Wrexham and Hull City fail to pick up points, a victory or a draw for John Eustace’s men would propel them into sixth place, securing the final ticket to the promotion playoffs.

From his home in Miami, Messi recorded a heartfelt video addressed exclusively to the professional squad, the coaching staff, and the club’s employees. “I wanted to say hello and tell you that we are here to grow and to help in whatever is necessary,” Messi said. “We are very excited about this project“.

Beyond the formalities, Messi revealed that he is already a dedicated follower of the team, noting that he watches their matches every weekend. This personal touch—which he had previously hinted at on social media by sharing a photo of himself following a game—was met with a standing ovation from everyone gathered in the club’s press room.

UE Cornella’s current standing

Messi’s arrival coincides with a pivotal moment for the club on the field. With only two matches remaining in the Tercera RFEF regular season, UE Cornella currently sits in third place in Group 5. This strong campaign has already guaranteed them a spot in the promotion playoffs, where they will fight to move up to the fourth tier (Segunda Federación).

The motivation behind Messi’s investment is rooted in his deep connection to Catalonia. Founded in 1951, UE Cornella is located just 12 kilometers (roughly 7 miles) from Barcelona and plays at the Municipal de Cornella, a modest stadium with a capacity of 1,500.

A premier youth academy

Historically, UE Cornella have been renowned for its world-class youth system. The academy has produced elite talents such as Jordi Alba, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, current Barcelona defender Gerard Martin, and Real Betis captain Aitor Ruibal. In recent years, the club also gained a reputation as a “giant killer” in the Copa del Rey.

Now, under the ownership of the World Cup champion, the club looks to take a significant leap in quality, aiming to climb the Spanish football pyramid while maintaining its community-focused identity.

To the relief of Celtics Nation, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Boston superstar is in good condition and is fully prepared for tomorrow night’s win-or-go-home clash.

“It’s positive right now. Everyone in Boston is downplaying anything with Jayson Tatum… I’m told that Jayson Tatum told teammates after the game he’s fine, he’s good to go. So, I think the expectation in Boston is Game 7 Jayson Tatum is all good,” Charania said on Get Up.

Tatum clarifies the situation

Many in Boston were uneasy watching Tatum retreat to the locker room during the third quarter and later appearing on a stationary bike without returning to the floor. Following the loss, Tatum addressed the media to explain that the lopsided score played a role in his continued absence.

“You guys probably saw when I went to the back, saw me on the bike; my leg just was a little stiff when I came out in the third quarter,” Tatum told reporters. “But just kind of assessing the moment, the game was a little out of reach”.

Joe Mazzulla confirms Tatum’s availability

The sight of Tatum on the stationary bike sparked fears among fans, especially given his history with a previous Achilles rupture. However, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was quick to shut down any speculation regarding a setback.

“He’ll play,” Mazzulla said bluntly when asked by the Boston Globe about Tatum’s status for the series finale. With the season on the line, the Celtics will have their best player on the floor as they look to avoid a historic upset at the hands of the 76ers.

At just 24 years old, Sinner surpassed the record set by Djokovic, who completed the set at age 25 when he reached the 2012 Shanghai final. For comparison, Rafael Nadal (Cincinnati 2013) and Roger Federer (Paris 2011) didn’t achieve this milestone until they were 27 and 30, respectively.

The World No. 1 will now face the winner of the Alexander Zverev vs Alexander Blockx semifinal on Sunday, May 3. Should Sinner lift the trophy, he will break another joint record held by Djokovic and Nadal, becoming the first player in the Open Era to win five consecutive Masters 1000 titles.

Sinner aiming for the Career Golden Masters

Sinner is now on the verge of completing the Career Golden Masters—winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once—an elite feat currently only achieved by Djokovic.

To check the first box of this ultimate goal, Sinner must win Sunday’s final in Madrid. He would then need to claim the title at the Italian Open in Rome, scheduled for May 7–17, to finalize the sweep.

Sinner extends historic winning streak

With his victory over Fils, Sinner extended his incredible Masters 1000 winning streak to 27 consecutive matches, the fourth-longest in the history of the tour. If he secures the Madrid title, he will reach 28 wins, moving just one victory shy of equaling Federer’s personal best.

Looking ahead to Rome, Sinner will have the opportunity to surpass Djokovic’s legendary marks of 30 and 31 consecutive wins, which would establish a new all-time ATP record.

While the Rockets’ recent update left the door open for Durant to return for the crucial matchup, the odds of him seeing action tonight remain slim. His status is expected to be a game-time decision, but given the severity of the sprain, he will remain sidelined tonight.

Due to his recurring ankle issues, the 14-time All-Star has only been available for Game 2, which resulted in a Rockets loss at Crypto.com Arena. While Durant is unlikely to suit up tonight, if Houston manages to tie the series, there is a possibility he could return for a high-stakes, win-or-go-home Game 7 back in Los Angeles.

Rockets fighting back without their star

Despite missing their primary offensive engine for four of five games, the Rockets have shown incredible resilience. After falling into an 0-3 hole—a deficit no team in NBA history has ever overcome—Houston roared back with two consecutive wins to extend the series.

The Rockets have relied on their young core to stay afloat. Amen Thompson led the way in Game 4, while Jabari Smith Jr. stepped up in Game 5. With Durant likely to be sidelined again tonight at the Toyota Center, the pressure falls on these young stars to force a seventh game against a veteran Lakers squad.

Lakers still without Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with their own major injury concerns. Luka Doncic remains out indefinitely after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Reports indicate that even if the Lakers advance to the second round, the Slovenian star is expected to miss that entire series as well.

However, the Lakers did receive a boost with the return of Austin Reaves. After overcoming an oblique strain, Reaves played 22 minutes in Game 5, contributing 22 points, four rebounds, and six assists. Now fully recovered, he is expected to be in the starting lineup tonight as the Lakers attempt to close the door on Houston’s comeback attempt.

By defeating Cobolli, Zverev became only the fourth man to reach the semifinals at each of the first four Masters 1000 events of the season (Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid) since the series began in 1990. He joins an elite list featuring Federer (2006), Nadal (2010, 2011), and Sinner (2026). “It’s amazing but, of course, I need to get past this stage now,” Zverev said with a smile during his on-court interview.

While he reached the semifinals in the three previous Masters events this year, he fell to Sinner on all three occasions. Fortunately for the German, the World No.1 is on the opposite side of the bracket this time; Zverev will face Alexander Blockx, who is coming off an upset win over reigning champion Casper Ruud.

Zverev gets redemption against Cobolli

The victory was particularly sweet as it came just two weeks after Cobolli defeated Zverev in the Munich Open final (6-3, 6-3). While the loss in Munich cost Zverev a title on home soil, the story was different in Madrid.

“No revenge. I love Flavio. He’s one of my favorite guys on Tour,” Zverev told the ATP Tour website. “I have a great relationship with him and a great relationship with his father. This is sport… Sports can change very quickly. In Munich, he played an amazing match and I didn’t play a very good match. Today, it was maybe the opposite”.

A new German milestone on clay

Beyond the tournament bracket, the win was historic for German tennis. With his victory over Cobolli, Zverev now records 179 career wins on clay. This breaks his tie with Philipp Kohlschreiber (178), making Zverev the German player with the most wins on this surface in the Open Era.

Following the final whistle, Ronaldo spoke with his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand on the pitch. The Portuguese superstar used the moment to advocate for greater disciplinary measures against those who undermine the league’s officials.

“I think, as I said before, they should respect the league more. The players who make posts on Facebook or Instagram about the referees and speak poorly about the league should be banned,” Ronaldo told Ferdinand. “Like in the Premier League, if you speak about the referees, you get punished. I think we should do it here because if not, the league is not going to grow”.

The root of the conflict

The atmosphere at the stadium was charged due to a series of complaints from the Al Ahli camp. Following a controversial 1-1 draw against Al Fayha earlier this month, star striker Ivan Toney slammed the officiating, implying that the league was doing everything possible to help Al Nassr secure the championship.

Al Ahli’s Galeno was even more direct, stating that Al Nassr and Ronaldo are being favored in the title race. The Brazilian later took to X (formerly Twitter) to post: “They want to hand the trophy to one person,” a clear jab at the Al Nassr captain.

The club itself took the unusual step of issuing an official statement condemning the refereeing in the Al Fayha match. Al Ahli demanded a full review of match footage and VAR communications, along with a formal explanation for several controversial decisions.

Al Nassr’s path to the title

The victory over Al Ahli leave Al Nassr in a commanding position at the top of the table with 79 points, maintaining a comfortable eight-point cushion over Al Hilal, who still have a game in hand. With only four matches remaining, Jorge Jesus’ men must now navigate a challenging final stretch of the season.

Their gauntlet begins with a high-stakes clash against fourth-place Al Qadsiah, followed by a matchup with Al Shabab in 12th. The season will then build toward a massive title-decider against second-place Al Hilal before Al Nassr officially concludes their campaign with a season finale against Damac.

With his latest strike, Ronaldo reached 25 goals for the season. Although he managed to close the gap on Ivan Toney (who sits at 27 goals), Quiñones surged ahead with a clinical performance to reach 29 tallies.

The road ahead is steep for the Portuguese superstar, who has just four league fixtures remaining to overtake his rivals and claim his third consecutive Golden Boot.

Does Ronaldo have a chance to win the Golden Boot?

While the situation is challenging, Cristiano Ronaldo can never be counted out in the race for the league’s top scorer. The Portuguese star is currently in fantastic form, having netted nine goals in his last nine matches.

Several factors keep his third Golden Boot in Saudi Arabia within reach: he remains the primary penalty and free-kick taker, and he serves as the focal point of an elite offense where Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman provide world-class service.

However, the strength of the remaining schedule remains a significant hurdle. Al Nassr must still navigate high-stakes fixtures against Al Qadsiah (4th) and Al Hilal (2nd), while Quiñones faces a theoretically easier path with 6th-place Al Ittihad as his toughest remaining opponent. Meanwhile, Toney will close out his campaign against teams currently outside the top 10.

Ronaldo chases third consecutive Golden Boot

If Ronaldo manages to top the scoring charts by the end of the campaign, he will become only the third player in Saudi Pro League history to claim the Golden Boot in three consecutive seasons.

Securing this feat would place him in the exclusive company of league legends: Majed Abdullah, who achieved the triple for Al Nassr between 1978/79 and 1980/81, and Omar Al Somah, who dominated for Al Ahli from 2014/15 to 2016/17.

“I don’t think this is good for the league. Everyone complains. Everyone is doing more than they should. This is football, not war,” Ronaldo told Canal GOAT in his post-match interview. “Everyone wants to win, but not everything is allowed… Many players complain, post on Instagram, Facebook. They talk about referees, the league, the project. I don’t think that’s good. That’s not the goal of the league”.

Ronaldo’s remarks were a clear response to Al Ahli’s public frustrations. Following a controversial 1-1 draw against Al Fayha earlier in the season, the club filed an official complaint regarding the officiating, while several players took aim at the league’s organization through social media.

Merih Demiral joins the fray

The tension didn’t subside after the game. Al Ahli center-back Merih Demiral echoed his teammates’ sentiments, doubling down on claims that the league is tilting the scales in favor of Ronaldo’s side.

“They are helping Al Nassr so that they can win the league. This is a disgrace,” the Turkish defender told reporters. “Al Ahli doesn’t need help to achieve anything. Thank God I’m with Al Ahli”.

Al Nassr closing in on the Championship

This victory marks a massive step forward for Al Nassr as they navigate a grueling gauntlet against their top competitors. After taking down third-place Al Ahli, they move on to face fourth-place Al Qadsiah before a showdown with second-place Al Hilal.

With this win, Ronaldo and company sit atop of the Saudi Pro League with 79 points, holding an eight-point lead over Al Hilal (who currently have a game in hand).

While Al Nassr are currently riding a 16-game winning streak, Ronaldo has been on the pitch for 12 of those consecutive victories. This matches his personal record of 12 straight league wins set with Real Madrid during the 2014-15 season, according to data from Transfermarkt.

Ronaldo will have the chance to set a new personal best when Al Nassr face fourth-place Al Qadsiyiah on Sunday, May 3. A win in this crucial fixture, combined with favorable results in Al Hilal’s and Al Ahli’s games, could virtually seal the Saudi Pro League title for Cristiano and company.

A multi-title pursuit

Al Nassr are enjoying a dominant campaign that could see Ronaldo claim his first major trophies since arriving in Saudi Arabia. However, the club’s success isn’t limited to domestic play.

They have also reached the final of the AFC Champions League Two, where Al Nassr are scheduled to face Japan’s Gamba Osaka for the continental trophy on Saturday, May 16.

The race to 1,000 goals and the Golden Boot

On an individual level, Ronaldo continues to defy age. His strike against Al Ahli was the 970th goal of his career, leaving him just 30 goals shy of becoming the first player in soccer history to reach the legendary 1,000-goal milestone.

Despite his prolific form, the race for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot remains a steep climb. Ronaldo currently has 25 goals this season, trailing both Ivan Toney (27 goals) and Julian Quiñones (28 goals) with only four games left on the schedule.

By reaching the final four in Madrid, Sinner has now reached the semifinals of all nine Masters 1000 tournaments. He becomes only the sixth player to complete the semifinal set, joining Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, Andy Murray, and Alexander Zverev.

Furthermore, Sinner has reached the semifinals of the first four Masters 1000 events of the season (Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid). He joins Federer (2006) and Nadal (2010, 2011) as the only players to achieve this feat while ranked World No. 1.

Sinner chasing the Career Golden Masters

Sinner is currently enjoying a dominant season, having swept all four Masters 1000 titles so far in 2026. He is now on a collision course with history as he seeks the Career Golden Masters—winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once.

If Sinner triumphs in Madrid and follows it up with a win at the upcoming Rome Masters, he will complete the collection. Currently, Novak Djokovic is the only player in the Open Era to achieve this feat, completing it in 2018 and incredibly repeating the cycle in 2020.

Sinner praises rising star Jodar

The Italian faced a stern test against the 19-year-old local favorite. Jodar’s incredible run in Madrid included his first Top 10 win over Alex de Minaur and a victory over Joao Fonseca. While Sinner cruised through the first set, Jodar pushed the second to a tiebreak. However, Sinner’s experience shone through as he swept the breaker 7-0.

“He pushed me to the limit,” Sinner said of Jodar in his post-match interview. “He’s an incredible player. I tried to be ready as much as I could. I’m incredibly happy; it was a very high-quality match. I got a bit lucky in the second set, but also had a bit of experience. I’m obviously very happy to be in the semis here for the first time. It means a lot to me”.

With his penalty strike, the Atletico forward became the fastest Argentine in history to reach 25 Champions League goals. Alvarez achieved the feat in just 41 matches, surpassing Messi, who reached the mark in 42, and Sergio Aguero, who needed 48.

The Argentine forward is currently enjoying a career-best European campaign, boasting 10 goals and four assists in 14 matches this Champions League season. He remains the crown jewel of Diego Simeone’s offensive arsenal.

Julian Alvarez sparks alarms after being subbed off

Despite his historic night at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the atmosphere turned tense when Alvarez was forced off with a visible injury. In the 77th minute, Eberechi Eze accidentally landed on Alvarez’s left leg and the Argentine immediately signaled he was in pain.

Although he attempted to play through the discomfort, he eventually dropped to the turf and requested a substitution. He was greeted with a standing ovation from the Metropolitano faithful as he made his way to the bench, but his availability for the second leg remains a major question mark.

A historic milestone for Atletico Madrid

Alvarez’s tenth goal of the campaign doesn’t just put him in the record books for Argentina, but for his club as well. He is now the first player in Atletico Madrid history to reach double-digit goals in a single Champions League season.

The only player to ever surpass that scoring mark in a European season for the club was Radamel Falcao, who netted 12 goals during the 2011/12 campaign. However, it is worth noting that Falcao’s feat came in the UEFA Europa League, making Alvarez the first to achieve this feat in a Champions League season for Atleti.

Following a balanced first half where neither side could find an edge, Arsenal caught a massive break just before the interval. Viktor Gyokeres clinicaly converted a penalty in the final minutes of the half to give the Gunners the lead.

In the second half, Atletico Madrid came out determined to find an equalizer in front of their home crowd. They eventually leveled the score using the same method as their opponents; after a handball by Ben White, the referee pointed to the spot, and Julian Alvarez made no mistake, burying the penalty to make it 1-1.

With the tie perfectly balanced, both clubs will fight for a ticket to the grand final in Budapest when they meet again next Tuesday, May 5, at the Emirates Stadium.

By simply stepping onto the pitch, Ronaldo will become the first player in history to appear in six different World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026). While Lionel Messi is also expected to reach this milestone, Ronaldo’s longevity as a focal point for Portugal remains unprecedented.

If Portugal secures their first-ever star, Ronaldo would become the oldest player to ever win a World Cup. He would surpass the record held by Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who was 40 years and 133 days old when he lifted the trophy in 1982. Ronaldo will be 41 during the 2026 final.

Ronaldo going for scoring records

Ronaldo already holds the record as the only man to score in five consecutive World Cups. If he finds the back of the net in 2026, he will extend this to six tournaments. Notably, while Messi may play in six, his scoreless 2010 campaign means he cannot match Ronaldo for this specific scoring longevity record.

The Al Nassr star currently has 8 World Cup goals, placing him just one behind the legendary Eusebio, who scored 9 (all in the 1966 edition). One goal would see him tie the record; two would make him the undisputed greatest World Cup scorer in Portuguese history.

Battling with Messi for more games played

The final record within Cristiano’s reach currently belongs to Messi. While the Portuguese star has 22 World Cup appearances to his name, the Argentine leads the category with 26 matches played.

Messi’s record is expected to increase to 30 matches during the group stage, while Ronaldo’s is projected to reach 26, making this a particularly difficult milestone for the Portuguese forward to overtake.

With the biggest win of her career, Baptiste became only the second American woman to defeat a World No. 1 at the Madrid Masters. The only other player to achieve this was Serena Williams in 2012, when she defeated Victoria Azarenka in the final, according to OptaAce.

The 24-year-old American delivered a resilient performance, saving six match points to secure her first-ever victory over a top 5 opponent and reach her maiden WTA 1000 semifinal.

Baptiste capitalized on her only match point

The defining difference in the match was clinical efficiency. While Sabalenka failed to convert six different opportunities to close out the contest, Baptiste made her very first match point count.

“I definitely had a lot of nerves. I had 28 chances yesterday and I didn’t get it done. I told my team, ‘When I get my match point today I’m gonna win the first one that I get,’ and I did it,” Baptiste said in her post-match interview.

Her comments refer to her Round of 16 battle against Belinda Bencic, where she missed six match points in a grueling second-set tiebreak that ended 16-14 in favor of the Swiss. This time, she didn’t let the opportunity slip away.

What’s next for Baptiste?

Baptiste will now compete in her first Masters 1000 semifinal on Thursday, April 30, against World No. 8 Mirra Andreeva, who advanced after defeating Leylah Fernandez in her respective quarterfinal.

The only previous meeting between the two took place in the third round of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, where the Russian dominated with a 6-1, 6-3 victory. Baptiste will be looking for revenge and a spot in the biggest final of her career.

The start of the match gave little indication of the high-scoring thriller that was to follow. It wasn’t until the 17th minute that Harry Kane broke the deadlock from the penalty spot to give Bayern Munich the initial lead.

However, PSG responded rapidly through goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Joao Neves, turning the game on its head. The German giants refused to back down, and Michael Olise fired in a spectacular effort to equalize late in the half. Just as a halftime draw seemed certain, Ousmane Dembele restored the lead for the Parisians with a last-minute penalty, sending PSG into the locker room ahead.

In the second half, the hosts looked to run away with the tie. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele both struck in quick succession to extend the lead to an imposing 5-2. While it appeared PSG had all but secured their place in the final, the Germans mounted a late surge. Goals from Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz brought the final score to 5-4, keeping the series wide open as the action heads back to Munich.

According to reports from David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Mourinho is the preferred choice of President Florentino Perez. While the Portuguese tactician is currently under contract with Benfica, a specific release clause—reportedly around €3m—makes him a low-risk economic gamble for Madrid.

While Ornstein and Cortegana noted that Perez’s decision does not have unanimous support within the club—contrasting with the previous pursuit of Xabi Alonso, which was led by General Manager Jose Angel Sanchez— the club president is taking personal charge of this selection process.

Mourinho’s performance since leaving Real Madrid

Since departing Real Madrid in 2013, Mourinho has managed several of Europe’s most prominent clubs:

• 2013–2015: Chelsea
• 2016–2018: Manchester United
• 2019–2021: Tottenham Hotspur
• 2021–2024: Roma
• 2024–2025: Fenerbahce
• 2025–Present: Benfica

In terms of silverware, since his exit from the Spanish giants, he has secured the following trophies:

With Chelsea:

• Premier League: 2014–15
• League Cup: 2014–15

With Manchester United:

• League Cup: 2016–17
• FA Community Shield: 2016
• UEFA Europa League: 2016–17

With Roma

• UEFA Conference League: 2021–22

Other options for Real Madrid

While Mourinho is reportedly Florentino Perez’s top choice, there are other managers on Real Madrid’s radar. One of them is Lionel Scaloni, whose contract expiration with Argentina has opened the door for speculation about a move to the Spanish capital following the 2026 World Cup.

He isn’t the only Argentine on the shortlist, as reports have also linked Mauricio Pochettino as a potential candidate. The current USMNT head coach is under contract through the end of the next World Cup, but he hasn’t ruled out a return to the club level.

Jurgen Klopp’s name has also surfaced, though reports suggest his need for long-term project-building is seen as a potential obstacle. Finally, Didier Deschamps has been mentioned, as he is set to leave the French National Team after the 2026 World Cup; however, L’Équipe reports that his camp denies any rumors linking him to Real Madrid.

“The club has faced well-documented structural challenges around stadium economics, venue access, and revenue limitations that have made it difficult to attract buyers committed to keeping the team in Vancouver… It remains the strong preference of this ownership group to find a solution in Vancouver,” the club stated in an official release.

The organization also issued an urgent call to local investors, seeking a domestic ownership group with the vision and resources to chart a sustainable path forward that keeps the Whitecaps in British Columbia.

Why is MLS considering a move?

Despite the team’s significant growth and deep cultural roots in Canada, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has labeled the club’s current financial framework untenable.

The core of the issue lies with BC Place. Because the stadium is publicly managed, the Whitecaps lack control over concessions, secondary commercial revenue, and high-end hospitality income.

This puts Vancouver at a severe disadvantage compared to MLS clubs that own their stadiums or have more lucrative lease agreements, limiting their ability to reinvest in the squad and infrastructure.

Success on the field amid uncertainty

The relocation rumors come at a bittersweet moment, as the Whitecaps are currently enjoying arguably the greatest era in club history. The team has become a powerhouse in North American soccer, bolstered by the arrival of German legend Thomas Muller, who is now in his second season with the club.

Last season, Vancouver established itself as an elite force, reaching both the MLS Cup Final and the Concacaf Champions Cup Final, falling to Inter Miami and Cruz Azul, respectively.

The momentum has carried into the 2026 season, where the Whitecaps currently sit second in the Western Conference with 24 points (7 wins, 1 loss, and a game in hand). Only time will tell if they will ultimately take this great momentum elsewhere, or if fans will be able to continue enjoying their team in their own city.

Following their 1-0 win over Oxford United on Tuesday, Wrexham sit 6th in the table with 70 points, holding the final playoff spot on goal difference over Hull City.

The team owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney is aiming to become the first club in English soccer history to achieve four consecutive promotions. With only two games left—this trip to Coventry and a home finale against 4th-place Middlesbrough—the stakes couldn’t be higher.

What happens if Wrexham win vs Coventry?

If Wrexham manage to secure a victory on the road against the league champions, they will claim three golden points that would put them on the verge of clinching a playoff berth. In this scenario, a draw in their final match against Middlesbrough would be enough to guarantee their spot and keep the dream of a historic fourth consecutive promotion alive.

Even a defeat in that final match against Middlesbrough could still result in qualification, provided that Hull City fail to win their final game against Norwich City or fail to overturn Wrexham’s advantage in goal difference.

What happens if Wrexham and Coventry tie?

A draw against Coventry City would keep Wrexham’s playoff hopes alive, but it would set the stage for a high-stakes finale. Moving to 71 points would keep the Red Dragons in 6th place heading into the final day, but they would lose the luxury of being able to rely on other results.

What happens if Wrexham lose vs Coventry?

A defeat against Coventry City would push Wrexham’s playoff dreams to the absolute limit, essentially turning the final matchday into a winner-takes-all cup final against Middlesbrough.

If Hull City win their final match, they would reach 73 points as well. Because Wrexham and Hull are currently separated by only two goals in the goal difference column (+6 vs +4), a loss to Coventry combined with a narrow win over Boro might not be enough if Hull win big.

“I don’t know. I think this is not what we should talk about,” Sinner stated firmly during a press conference at the Madrid Masters, when asked if Alcaraz’s absence paved a clear path for him in Paris.

With Alcaraz sidelined, Sinner faces a massive opportunity to secure his first Roland Garros title and complete the elusive Career Grand Slam. Having already triumphed at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, the clay-court major is the final piece of the puzzle.

Standing in his way are heavyweights like Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic—the latter being the last man to defeat Sinner in a Grand Slam match (Australian Open 2026 semifinals).

‘Tennis needs Alcaraz,’ says Sinner

Far from celebrating the absence of his greatest rival, Sinner emphasized that the sport is diminished when the Spaniard is not on court. He noted that the competitive spirit of the tour is simply better when Alcaraz is healthy and participating.

“I think the most important thing to say is that, first of all, tennis needs Carlos—tennis has a much better spirit when he’s around,” Sinner added. “Also for me personally, it’s nice when he’s around; it makes me look at the draw and individual matches in a different way”.

When could Alcaraz return?

With his absences confirmed for both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros, Alcaraz is now targeting a return for the grass-court season, specifically aiming to be fit for Wimbledon.

Medical experts expect the current World No. 2 to participate in warm-up tournaments to find his rhythm before the year’s second Grand Slam in England. His most likely comeback event is the Queen’s Club Championships, where he would be looking to defend the title he captured in 2025.

However, the six-star club was expected to have a third member. Guillermo Ochoa, who—like Messi and Ronaldo—has been present at every edition since Germany 2006, is now facing reports that he may be left out of Javier Aguirre’s final plans for the Mexican national team.

Should Ochoa fail to represent his country this summer, the 40-year-old goalkeeper would remain at five participations, leaving the path clear for Messi and Ronaldo to become the only players in history to reach the six-tournament milestone.

The battle for Mexico’s goal

Reports from Mexico indicate that Raúl ‘Tala’ Rangel (Chivas) and Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna) have virtually secured their spots following the devastating Achilles injury to Luis Angel Malagon, which has ruled the expected starter out of the World Cup.

The battle for the final goalkeeping slot appears to be between veteran Jose Antonio Rodriguez (Xolos) and Ochoa. Currently, Rodriguez seems to have the edge in the eyes of the coaching staff.

“All I know is that Javier [Aguirre] has had talks with Antonio; whether he will call him up, I don’t know,” a member of Aguirre’s staff told Mexican outlet Record. “Personally, Antonio is a goalkeeper with good stats and the level to be at the World Cup, but Javier has the final word”.

Messi and Cristiano chasing the all-time scoring throne

The appearance record isn’t the only history on the line for these legends. Both Messi and Ronaldo are likely entering their final World Cup and have one last chance to become the competition’s all-time top scorer.

Achieving this record will be no easy feat for either player, as Germany’s Miroslav Klose continues to hold the all-time mark with 16 goals. Messi is currently the closest to catching the legendary striker, sitting at 13 goals after his dominant performance in Qatar, where he netted seven goals.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, faces a much steeper climb. With 8 career World Cup goals, the Portuguese captain would need to double his current tally in a single tournament to equal Klose—a monumental challenge even for one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the sport.

Since Guillermo Hoyos took over as head coach, Inter Miami have remained undefeated. Under his leadership, the team has secured two massive road victories—a 3-2 thriller against the Colorado Rapids followed by a disciplined 2-0 shutout of Real Salt Lake.

However, today presents a formidable challenge. The New England Revolution arrive in Miami on a hot streak of four consecutive wins. Revolution coach Marko Mitrovic acknowledged the difficulty of the task in his pre-match press conference, noting that Messi can change the game at any moment, highlighting the constant threat the World Cup winner poses.

Inter Miami dealing with some absences

Hoyos will be without his full squad for the match against the Revolution. Sergio Reguilon and Mateo Silvetti have been ruled out due to injury, while Yannick Bright and Telasco Segovia are currently serving suspensions.

Bright was sanctioned by MLS for violating the league’s non-discrimination policy during the victory over Real Salt Lake, and Segovia picked up his fifth yellow card in the same match. Both players must serve a one-game ban and will be eligible to return for the following fixture against Orlando City in the Florida Derby.

Miami seeking elusive first win at Nu Stadium

Tonight’s clash against the Revolution is more than just a typical league fixture for the hosts; it is a quest for a historic milestone. Despite their strong form on the road, Inter Miami are still searching for their first-ever victory at Nu Stadium since the venue’s grand opening earlier this month.

The home win drought has been a surprising storyline for the Herons. In the stadium’s inaugural match, Miami salvaged a 2-2 draw against Austin FC, with Messi and Luis Suarez scoring the first historic goals at the new grounds.

They followed that with another 2-2 stalemate against the New York Red Bulls, meaning the fans at Miami Freedom Park are still waiting to celebrate a three-point result in their own backyard.

Before this match, the two title contenders were locked on points, but Mikel Arteta’s men had slipped to second place because the Citizens held a superior goals scored tiebreaker.

With this result, Arsenal move to 73 points, establishing a three-point cushion over Manchester City (70 points). However, the title race remains extremely tight: Pep Guardiola’s men have a game in hand, as they were absent from league play this weekend to defeat Southampton in the FA Cup semifinals.

Here’s how things stand in the 2025-26 Premier League after today’s game:

Arsenal’s path to the Premier League title

The Gunners have just four games left in their quest to secure the Premier League trophy. However, Mikel Arteta’s men must navigate a dual-front battle, as they remain heavy contenders in the Champions League, where a high-stakes semifinal clash against Atletico Madrid awaits.

To clinch the domestic title, Arsenal will need to maintain their momentum through these final league fixtures:

• Fulham (home) – May 2
• West Ham (away) – May 10
• Burnley (home) – TBD
• Crystal Palace (away) – May 24

Manchester City’s remaining Premier League schedule

Unlike Arsenal, Manchester City have five matches remaining on their domestic calendar. The Citizens have a game in hand due to their FA Cup semifinal game, where they faced Southampton.

As Pep Guardiola’s squad looks to close the gap at the top of the table, it will needs to navigate a congested May schedule that includes three home fixtures and two crucial away trips. Here are the remaining Premier League matches for the defending champions:

• Everton (away) – May 4
• Brentford (home) – May 9
• Bournemouth (away) – TBD
• Crystal Palace (home) – TBD
• Aston Villa (home) – May 24

Spurs have endured a nightmare campaign, currently sitting 18th in the table with just 31 points (7 wins, 10 draws, 16 losses). Their situation grew more dire following Nottingham Forest’s 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland, a result that allowed Forest to pull away from the drop zone.

This leaves Tottenham locked in a two-way duel with West Ham (33 points) to decide who will occupy the final relegation spot. While Burnley (19th, 20 points) and Wolves (20th, already relegated) seem destined for the drop, Tottenham’s fate hinges on today’s results.

What happens if Tottenham win vs Wolves?

If Spurs secure three points on the road, they will reach 34 points, momentarily leapfrogging West Ham to move into 17th place. However, because West Ham are playing Everton simultaneously, Tottenham’s final standing at the end of the day will depend on the Hammers’ result in London.

What happens if Tottenham and Wolves tie?

A draw does little to help Tottenham’s cause, as gaining only one point would keep them in 18th place. This result only gains value if West Ham lose to Everton; in that case, Robert De Zerbi’s men would move within one point of safety with four matches remaining.

What happens if Tottenham lose to Wolves?

A defeat is the worst-case scenario for Tottenham. Should they fall to the bottom-ranked Wolves, Spurs would remain at 31 points and would be forced to pray for an Everton victory over West Ham to keep the gap at two points. If West Ham win while Tottenham lose, the Hammers would pull five points clear, leaving Spurs in a massive hole with time running out.

With only 48 days remaining until the 2026 World Cup, the French forward asked to be replaced in the 81st minute with an apparent injury. Following the substitution, Mbappe bypassed the bench and headed directly to the locker room.

Initial reports from Spain suggest a minor muscular discomfort, but the club will wait for comprehensive medical scans on Saturday to ensure the star’s physical status hasn’t taken a major hit.

Mounting injury crisis for Real Madrid

If a significant injury to Mbappe is confirmed, it would present a massive tactical challenge for manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who is already navigating a squad decimated by absences.

The French star would join an infirmary that has been crowded for months, starting with long-term casualties Thibaut Courtois, currently recovering from a tear, and Rodrygo, who remains out after suffering an ACL rupture in his right knee earlier this season.

The defensive unit is also under severe strain following the loss of Eder Militao. The Brazilian center-back had recently returned from a lengthy layoff only to suffer a femoral biceps injury in his left leg during the victory over Alaves. This latest setback has officially ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Similarly, Arda Guler has seen his season come to a premature end due to an identical hamstring injury, leaving Arbeloa with dwindling options as the season reaches its climax.

Real Madrid’s title hopes fading

The draw against Real Betis was a critical juncture for Real Madrid to keep their championship aspirations alive. However, after conceding a late equalizer in the final minute, Los Blancos have suffered a major setback, leaving Barcelona as the overwhelming favorite to secure the LaLiga crown.

Following the latest results, Barcelona currently hold an eight-point lead over Real Madrid with a game in hand. Should Hansi Flick’s men defeat Getafe on Saturday, April 25, they will widen the gap to 11 points with only five matches remaining in the schedule—a margin that would effectively seal the title race.

The same reality applies to Ronaldo, who will be 45 by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, making his continued activity at that level highly improbable. Consequently, the 2026 tournament represents a final chance for both icons to dethrone Germany’s Miroslav Klose, the current record holder.

Klose currently leads the all-time list with 16 goals scored across four different tournaments. Messi is the closest active challenger with 13 goals in five editions, while Ronaldo sits further back with 8 goals, also recorded across five appearances.

Messi and Ronaldo face tough competition

While the Argentine icon is just three goals shy of equaling the historic mark, the Portuguese superstar would need to net eight goals to do the same—a daunting task, though not impossible for a scorer of Ronaldo’s caliber.

However, Messi and Ronaldo are not the only players eyeing the crown. They face stiff competition from other modern stars, most notably Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman has already amassed 12 goals in just two tournaments, while England’s Harry Kane sits at eight goals from two editions.

The defining difference between these groups is longevity: while Mbappe and Kane are expected to feature in several future World Cups, 2026 represents the final farewell for Messi and Ronaldo on the world stage.

Ronaldo holds a unique World Cup record

While Cristiano Ronaldo faces long odds to finish as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, the Portuguese captain already holds a distinct record in the tournament’s history.

Ronaldo is the only player to have scored a goal in five different editions of the World Cup. His historic run began in Germany 2006 (1 goal), followed by single tallies in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014. He achieved his most prolific output in Russia 2018 with four goals, before adding another in Qatar 2022 to finalize his unprecedented streak.

“I hope so—God willing,” Hoyos replied when asked after training if he felt Messi would make the final cut for Argentina’s roster. “I believe the soccer that he has is pure magic, and that magic never turns off”.

When pressed further on how Messi looks physically to handle the rigors of a World Cup at this stage of his career, Hoyos—who observes the captain’s daily fitness and preparation—simply smiled and reiterated his faith in the veteran’s legendary talent, stating once more, “that magic never turns off“.

Messi expected to be on preliminary roster

The uncertainty surrounding Messi’s presence in North America this summer is nearing a resolution. While the final 26-man roster must be formalized by May 30, a critical procedural step will provide the first official hint of his status much sooner.

Per FIFA regulations, all participating nations must submit a preliminary 55-player list by May 11. Reports out of Argentina indicate that Messi headlines this initial pool for the defending champions.

According to La Nación insider Leandro Contento, manager Lionel Scaloni views Messi as the foundational piece of this expanded group, which will serve as the selection pool for the final squad heading to the tournament.

Messi on the verge of unprecedented World Cup history

Should Messi ultimately decide to represent Argentina in North America, he would stand alone as the only player in the history of the sport to compete in six different World Cup editions. However, the Argentine icon may not be the only one reaching this summit.

Cristiano Ronaldo also enters the summer with five tournament appearances under his belt. Barring any physical setbacks, Ronaldo’s inclusion in Roberto Martínez’s Portugal squad is considered nearly certain, setting the stage for the two greatest rivals of their generation to potentially share this historic achievement on the world’s biggest stage.

“After reviewing the test results today, we have decided that the most prudent course of action is to be cautious and skip both Rome and Roland Garros, while we evaluate the recovery process to determine when I can return to the court,” Alcaraz shared on social media. “It is a difficult moment for me, but I am certain I will come back stronger”.

With his absence from the clay-court season confirmed, Alcaraz is now aiming for a return during the grass-court swing in June. It is highly probable that he will make his comeback at the Queen’s Club Championships or another warm-up event to find his footing before Wimbledon.

A massive opening for Jannik Sinner

Alcaraz’s unfortunate injury, which sidelines him until mid-June, provides Jannik Sinner with a golden opportunity to solidify his status as the undisputed World No. 1.

The rivalry between the two stars dominated the 2025 season, where they split the four Grand Slam titles: Sinner claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon, while Alcaraz took Roland Garros and the US Open.

With his primary rival out of the picture for the next two months, Sinner—who is currently competing in Madrid—has the chance to sweep the upcoming 3,000 points available in Rome and Paris, potentially creating an insurmountable lead in the ATP Rankings.

Alcaraz likely to maintain World No.2 status despite absence

Despite confirming his withdrawal from both Rome and Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz is in a strong position to remain the World No. 2 when he eventually returns to competition. This stability is due to the substantial points cushion he has built over his closest pursuer in the ATP Rankings, Alexander Zverev.

Alcaraz currently holds a commanding 12,960 points, while Zverev sits in third place with 5,255 points. Because of this massive gap of over 7,000 points, it is mathematically improbable for the German to overtake Alcaraz in the immediate future, even with the Spaniard unable to defend his titles in the coming weeks.