On Monday, the Chiefs announced a number of roster moves, including waiving Haener, who spent only a few months in Kansas City after signing a reserve/future contract in February.

Haener was released alongside DE Ethan Hurkett and DT Zacch Pickens as the Chiefs made room for free agents WR Xavier Loyd, DB Marlen Sewell, and T Kahlil Benson.

Jake Haener’s brief NFL experience

Haener, 27, spent three years with the New Orleans Saints (2023-2025) after being selected with the 127th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

In eight appearances with the Saints (one start), Haener completed 18 of 39 passes for 226 yards for a touchdown and an interception. He also had 11 scrambles for 22 yards and got sacked six times.

Chiefs QB room has enough depth behind Mahomes

When Haener joined the Chiefs, the team was heading into the offseason with Chris Oladokun as its only healthy QB under contract. Mahomes, facing a long rehab after underdoing knee surgery to repair ACL and LCL injuries, had the team wondering how to navigate these months until his recovery.

But the Chiefs QB situation got clearer with free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. Kansas City first signed Justin Fields, who has a big fan in Reid, and then went on to draft LSU product Garrett Nussmeier, who’s willing to sit back and learn from Reid and Mahomes.

The Chiefs now have enough options in the QB room, which GM Brett Veach considers the best in the NFL. And with Reid recently suggesting Mahomes is on track to be at OTAs (Organized Team Activities) later this month, Haener was no longer needed.

“I would give Julian the advice to follow his heart,” Bradley replied to Bolavip during his Tuesday media availability ahead of Wednesday’s derby against New York City FC in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup round of 16.

Hall, born and raised in the US, also has Polish citizenship through his mother, who met with Poland‘s soccer federation president Cezary Kulesza this week.

Bradley not putting pressure on Hall to choose the USMNT over Poland

Despite being an icon of the US national team with 151 caps, Bradley understands that Hall’s decision will be personal, which is why he’s encouraging his player to decide what he feels best.

“For any football player who has the possibility to play for two countries, I personally can’t imagine what goes into a decision like that. I was only able to play for one national team, and so that is not something that I have experience with,” Bradley added.

“But for me, when it comes to any big decisions in life, you think about things, and you reflect, and then ultimately you make a decision based on your heart, and based on where you want to go and what you want out of your life and what you want out of that decision. And when you make the decision, then you go for it and you don’t look back.“

Poland FA president meets with Hall’s mother in New York

Kulesza’s post on X revealing the meeting with Hall’s mother made noise on social media, hinting at Poland’s interest in recruiting Hall before he suits up for the Stars and Stripes.

“I met in New York with Julian Zakrzewski Hall’s mom, Ms. Agnieszka. It’s impressive how she supports her son on his soccer journey. We were of the same opinion – that the surname Zakrzewski looks beautiful on a white-and-red jersey,” Kulesza wrote.

Julian Hall’s excellent start to 2026 puts him on Poland’s radar again

Hall has been in great form for New York early in 2026, boasting six goals and two assists in just 10 MLS appearances. All of this with his mother’s birth name, Zakrzewski, on the back of his shirt.

This fact, combined with Kulesza’s recent meeting, could worry USMNT fans about Poland’s chances to recruit Hall.

That said, the forward already had the possibility to represent Poland at the youth international level, yet he only played for the US. Only time will tell what flag he ends up representing for the rest of his career.

Selected 32nd overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2009 NFL Draft, Hood’s life as a pro got off to an eventful start. After making a name for himself as a defensive tackle at Missouri — making the First-team All-Big 12 in 2008 — the Amarillo, Texas native immediately had to switch to defensive end in Mike Tomlin‘s system.

Joining the Steelers paid off though, as Hood enjoyed a trip to Super Bowl XLV in his second year as a pro. Aaron Rodgers‘ Green Bay Packers ended up standing in Pittsburgh’s way, a result that still hurts but doesn’t make Hood lose sight of the bigger picture.

In an exclusive interview with Bolavip, Ziggy reflects on his NFL journey, which began with a fruitful five-year stint in the Steel City (2009-2013), followed by stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-15) and Chicago Bears (2015). His career also included a tenure in Washington (2016-18), where he overlapped with Kirk Cousins, before finishing with the Miami Dolphins (2018) and the New Orleans Saints (2019).

Ziggy Hood on being drafted by Tomlin, Steelers

Bolavip: You once said that you were surprised by being picked in the first round. How did you take that decision? Did it give you confidence or did it put more pressure on you?

Ziggy Hood: You know what, coming from a small town here in Amarillo, Texas, not too many guys have, you know, transcended in the next level from college, it has only been a select few. And having that opportunity to even make it to the league was a blessing itself.

With the draft, it was up and down with different picks that they were telling me, so when the teams pass you up, you think you’re going to drop. (It was) just a surprise you know, the Steelers with the 32nd pick chose me. I felt like I wasn’t worthy but hey, thank God I got the blessing and it was a history wrap from there.

Bolavip: What was it like to play under Mike Tomlin?

Hood: He was a great coach, great organization. I have nothing bad to say about anybody, really, any organization because they gave me the opportunity to play. And so, I could never bring myself to badmouth anybody because, like I said, with with the opportunity to play, it’s my choice and my decision to do whatever I need to do to prolong my career.

So, you know, thank God for the blessings and everything that they gave me. They got me to play the game I love, that I played all the way from little league, middle school, high school, college, and then my dream to play professional.

Bolavip: You had to switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. What was it like? How did you feel about that?

Hood: Really, you had to rewire yourself on how you need to do certain things. Luckily, I had a group of older vets to teach me and to learn from them. I think that was the best thing to do.

And these guys were, you know, 35, 36 years old. They were on the verge of retiring, even though they could have played three or four more years. I had the blessing, I had the opportunity to learn from these older guys and to see how it’s done when it’s done correctly.

The culture set by Big Ben and Tomlin in Pittsburgh

Bolavip: And even though he wasn’t a player in your position, you had a leader like Ben Roethlisberger. What was it like to have him as the quarterback and leader of the franchise?

Hood: Well, he already knew how to win because they had just recently won a Super Bowl the year before me against the Cardinals. They won again, I think several years beforehand. So, they already had the recipe of winning.

So I came into a great organization. And I came into a great culture that understood winning and what it takes to win. It started with practice and making sure you do everything as perfect as you can. Even when you fall short, you’re still good enough.

Bolavip: Were you surprised to see Tomlin leave Pittsburgh after all these years?

Hood: No, I wasn’t. The man has been over there what, over 20 years or something like that? And then to have a run and to have another, you know, not a losing season. That’s a blessing opportunity. He’s going to go down as one of the greatest coaches in the NFL for being with that organization.

And I’m pretty sure he likes the time off right now. He gets to spend time with his family, do the things he normally couldn’t around this time because they either be preparing for the draft, getting ready for OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and training camp. So, I’m pretty sure he’s going to take a year off and then he’s going to start getting the itch to coach back again.

Losing Super Bowl XLV to Aaron Rodgers’ Packers

Bolavip: What do you remember about that season where you played Super Bowl XLV?

Hood: You know what? Everybody was on point, everybody was clicking and it seems like every time things were go were about to go bad, it took a turn for the good to have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but not too many guys can say they did that. And you know, if (there’s) one thing I could redo, it’s that particular game, because it’d be a different type of world to have a ring and in a different kind of class to have that opportunity to play and win again.

Bolavip: It was a very close game and against a very good team, against Aaron Rodgers. What was it like to face this type of quarterback in that game?

Hood: The guy was athletic and he was smart, we caught him at the young age of Aaron Rodgers. If we would have caught him at the very crafty, little bit older vet, it definitely would have been a harder game to play.

But just to go against somebody of his caliber, and then he was able to play for them towards the end of his career, that shows that guys like him can make these jumps and bring a team to win at any opportunity he plays at.

The toughest quarterbacks to play against

Bolavip: And who was for you the toughest quarterback to play against in the NFL?

Hood: I got to give it to Tom Brady. The man delivered the ball so fast, trying to get back there to him was difficult. Because he knew he where he wanted to go with the ball and how to get there. So when the ball was delivered in less than a second, that’s what it was.

When you have opportunity to sack him, you better take advantage, because it’s those type of opportunities don’t come, you know, a dime a dozen. You have to be be ready and be able to try to capitalize whenever you have it.

Bolavip: And do you remember a tough quarterback in college?

Hood: Either Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy, because they had one of the best two offensive linemen in front of them. And so those guys played a long career as well. Not only that, they came from a winning program as well.

I had an opportunity to play against those teams, originally in the Big 12 before they moved to a different conference. So, like I said, that was a great time at Missouri.

The importance of defensive players in football

Bolavip: Going back to your position, do you think that defensive players and especially defensive tackles or defensive ends are underrated? Either by fans or media, or even coaches.

Hood: There’s a bunch of guys that are underrated. I follow a lot of guys on Instagram or I look at a lot of different guys on clips of pass rushing and I’m sitting there like, ‘Man, these guys are moving.’ I wish I had that type of wiggle back then. It’d be a different ball game.

But what I’m seeing now, how fast the game moves, these guys are very special to watch. I love watching the football games. I like watching my position because I’m seeing how they’re moving and what they see out there. I’m like, ‘Man, that’s pretty neat that he was able to do that.‘

Bolavip: Which players do you like to see or do you believe are the best today in your position?

Hood: I know (Jeffery) Simmons from Tennessee. I didn’t realize how big and built he is until you actually look at him. I wish Aaron Donald would have stayed several more years because that guy was wreaking havoc every time.

(Danielle) Hunter with Houston because he’s unorthodox and I love how he gets off on the ball and does these weird combinations, with moves and stuff. It’s just like, man, it gets me excited to see somebody like that. I love seeing other guys shine and get the opportunity to extend their careers.

Spending time with Kirk Cousins and other teams after Pittsburgh stint

Bolavip: There are still many players of your era, maybe in other positions, who continue to play. You overlapped with Kirk Cousins in Washington. He’s now joining the Raiders. How do you see him this year, and what do you remember of him as a teammate?

Hood: He’s a great man to follow. I never had a bad note from him. He was a great leader when I played at Washington. So I’m pretty sure he’s going to do great things in Vegas. He gives it everything he’s got.

Not only that, he’s a great family-based type of man. That’s the guy who I love to follow. He’s the family-based type of man, because he’s playing more for than just for money. He’s playing for his kids. He’s playing for his wife. So that’s a great opportunity to stand behind him.

Bolavip: What difference did you see between the Steelers and the teams that you went on to play for afterwards?

Hood: It’s the front office. A lot of different organizations are ran a lot different. Like I said, I could never be on the phone and badmouth any organization because I’m saying they gave me an opportunity. But different levels come where the top has blueprint. ‘This is how we win.’ And it stems down all the way down to the players. Even the custodian staff knows what time it is.

“The Steelers was a top-notch organization because they knew how to run.”

It all starts up in the front office. How they draft, how they organize the schedule, what type of personnel or people that they bring in, who do they surround the players with, and for them to put the players in a great position to be successful.

The Steelers was a top-notch organization because they knew how to run. I had a great time at Washington regardless, I got close to a lot of guys, I got close to a lot of the men on the coaching staff and in the training room as well. So, I had a great time. Either place I went to.

The advice for young players

Bolavip: As a former first-rounder, what advice would you give to any prospect who’s entering this year’s draft class?

Hood: Doesn’t matter what opportunity, what round, what pick you go, utilize it and capitalize. And so the biggest thing I try to stress the players is let your ability take over. Don’t put yourself in a cookie cutter, routine, to where it got you playing like a robot. Go out there, enjoy the moment because when it’s done, it’s done. And there’s going to be days where you reminisce.

And so when you’re a lot older like me being at age 39, I go around telling the high school kids who I coach and I have the opportunity to share some of my experiences: I had opportunities to play with future Hall of Famers, Hall of Famers, and guys that bring business every single day. And this is the blueprint, how you got to get there in order to achieve that. But the minute you stop being you, that’s when everything will change and go downhill.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ZIGGY HOOD ON BOLAVIP US:

Rosenior was in charge of Chelsea for only 23 matches, with 11 wins, two draws, and 10 losses across all competitions. His departure comes after a disappointing losing streak, with the London side losing its last five matches with no goals scored.

Before the club’s official announcement, football.london reported Chelsea would have to pay Rosenior around £24M (€28M) to fire him, since he was under contract until 2032. However, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Rosenior’s firing won’t be that expensive.

“Chelsea had included a break clause into Liam Rosenior contract and will not pay out full salary for next years, fee to be lower,” Romano wrote on X.

Rosenior’s short-lived stint with Chelsea

Rosenior, 41, was hired in January as the club had recently parted ways with Enzo Maresca. In only his second game at the helm, Chelsea lost to Arsenal in the first leg of the EFL Cup semifinals, eventually getting knocked out with another loss in the second leg.

While his Premier League tenure started well with a streak of games avoiding defeat, Chelsea were humiliated by PSG in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League round of 16, losing 8-2 on aggregate.

But the Blues’ recent Premier League form simply sealed Rosenior’s fate: a 1-0 loss to Newcastle was followed by consecutive 3-0 defeats to Everton and Manchester City, respectively, with a 1-0 loss to Manchester United preceding another 3-0 defeat to Brighton, which turned out to be his last game in charge.

What’s next for Chelsea

Chelsea find themselves 7th in the 2025-26 Premier League standings after 34 games with 48 points, seven shy of Liverpool – who hold the last Champions League spot with a game in hand.

On Sunday, the Blues face an opportunity to bounce back with an FA Cup semifinal clash against Leeds United. These will be Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures:

• vs Nottingham Forest (home) – May 4
• vs Liverpool (away) – May 9
• vs Tottenham (home) – TBD
• vs Sunderland (away) – May 24

“As we often say in soccer, ‘everything has already been invented.’ There are certain coaches who have their own playbook, their style of play, their way of tranining, and of handling the day-to-day, which I believe is the most important thing,” Falcon said.

“But you also gain experience over time and realize that these things can happen. A player sometimes has a four-year deal and a certain level of stability, but for a coach it’s different. Sometimes, because of losses or other factors, they end up leaving a club after three our four games. It’s not nice, but as players we have no choice but to get used to it and try to reset our mindset quickly.“

Falcon optimistic about Inter Miami’s future

Shortly after Mascherano‘s exit, The Herons started the Hoyos era on the right foot, with Falcon playing the full 90 minutes as a Messi brace led Inter Miami to a 3-2 road win over Colorado Rapids.

“The other day it was a very tough match, in which they probably didn’t feel sorry for us at all,” Falcon added. “They were just thinking about winning the game, regarldess of how we got there. I think it’s about that, to change the mindset quickly.

“The coaching staff is there to give you tools and show you the opponents’ weaknesses, and then, obviously, we have to execute it on the field. So, to start with a win after three days of practice with the new coaching staff, I think it’s always positive to win. There always are things to fix, of course, but we’re training for that every day, and I believe we’re on the right track.“

Frustrating streak before Mascherano’s exit

With the 2025 MLS Cup win still fresh in the memory, a club statement explained Mascherano left Miami due to personal reasons, in a move that came weeks after the team suffered an early Concacaf Champions Cup exit at the hands of Nashville SC.

Additionally, the Herons failed to win their first two games at their new arena, with a draw against Austin FC at the Nu Stadium opener being followed by another tie against the New York Red Bulls.

But as Falcon suggested, Messi and Inter Miami are still in a good position, being second in the Eastern Conference standings with 15 points, four shy of Nashville after eight games.

In the end, Pep Guardiola‘s team gained the upper hand, reducing the gap with Mikel Arteta‘s side in the Premier League standings.

Thanks to their 2-1 win, Manchester City (67) are now just three points shy of leaders Arsenal (70) with a game in hand, which means the Citizens can tie the Gunners on points if they win their pending league fixture.

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

Arsenal’s schedule: What’s next for them in the Premier League?

While Arsenal are also alive in the UEFA Champions League (they will face Atletico Madrid in the semifinals), the Gunners have five games left in the 2025-26 Premier League season:

• Newcastle (home) – April 25
• Fulham (home) – May 2
• West Ham (away) – May 10
• Burnley (home) – TBD
• Crystal Palace (away) – May 24

Manchester City’s remaining Premier League fixtures

Unlike Arsenal, Manchester City are no longer in UEFA Champions League contention but they do have the chance to lift the FA Cup, facing Southampton (who knocked Arsenal out) in the semifinals.

In Premier League action, Pep Guardiola’s men have six fixtures left this term, one more than Arsenal:

• Burnley (away) – April 22
• Everton (away) – May 4
• Brentford (home) – May 9
• Bournemouth (away) – TBD
• Crystal Palace (home) – TBD
• Aston Villa (home) – May 24

Mamardashvili left the field in a stretcher after colliding with Robertson during Beto’s goal, which tied the game for the Toffees. Until then, the Reds were leading 1-0 thanks to Mohamed Salah’s first-half goal.

The game changed in the blink of an eye for Arne Slot, who had no option but to hand Woodman his Premier League debut as Mamardashvili appeared to suffer a serious injury.

However, the game had a positive ending for Liverpool, who won 2-1 thanks to a late Virgil van Dijk header. On top of that, Arne Slot later revealed Mamardashvili’s injury won’t be long term.

Arne Slot provides update on Mamardashvili

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Slot revealed that, while Mamardashvili had a “big wound,” the goalkeeper shouldn’t be out for a long time.

“He has gone off to hospital. It looked to me, and that’s also what they told me, that he had a big wound – an open wound. That’s of course not going to be a long-term injury. Let’s see if he is available for next week,” Slot said, as quoted by Liverpool’s official website.

More about Liverpool GK Freddie Woodman

At 29, Woodman could find himself as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper to finish the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. Of course, it will depend on the extent of Mamardashvili’s injury.

It would be a surprising turn of events for Woodman, who spent much of the season as the third-string goalie at Anfield after years bouncing around different clubs in the UK.

Having made his first steps at the Crystal Palace academy, Woodman went on to make his first pro appearances for Newcastle. Even though he was under contract with the Magpies from 2014 to 2022, he spent most of those years away from Newcastle on loan.

That included stops with Hartlepool United, Crawley Town, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Swansea City, and Bournemouth. From 2022 to 2025, Woodman made 127 appearances for Preston North End. At the end of his contract, he made his way to Liverpool.

Alisson’s injury

Alisson has been out for Liverpool since March 18, when he played the full 90 minutes of the 4-0 win over Galatasaray in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg.

The Brazilian goalkeeper has dealt with hamstring issues throughout the campaign, and a new setback before the March international break saw him return to the sidelines.

What’s next for Liverpool?

Even though Liverpool are out of the Premier League and Champions League title race, they still have something to play for as they’re looking to book a place in next season’s UCL.

If Mamardashvili and Alisson remain out, Woodman would get to start in high-profile showdowns, including the derby against Manchester United, as well as crucial games against Chelsea and Aston Villa in the battle for a Champions League spot.

Here’s a look at Liverpool’s remaining fixtures in the 2025-26 Premier League season:

• Crystal Palace (home) – April 25
• Manchester United (away) – May 3
• Chelsea (home) – May 9
• Aston Villa (away) – TBD
• Brentford (home) – May 24

Pep Guardiola’s men head into this massive clash in high spirits, having avoided defeat in their last nine Premier League games. Manchester City haven’t lost in league play since their derby defeat to Manchester United in January.

Mikel Arteta’s side, on the other hand, arrives on Matchday 33 with pressure on its shoulders and a point to prove. Last time out, Arsenal were shocked by Bournemouth at home, which boosted the Citizens‘ confidence. Additionally, Man City beat Arsenal in the EFL Cup final in March. Will the Gunners redeem themselves today?

What happens if Arsenal beat Manchester City today?

If Arsenal beat Manchester City today, they will reach 73 points and provisionally extend their lead over the Sky Blues to nine points. Guardiola’s team would remain second in the Premier League table with 64 points, but with a game in hand.

What happens if Arsenal and Manchester City tie today?

A tie between Arsenal and Manchester City would leave the Premier League title race wide open, as the Gunners would remain six points clear of the Citizens but with one more game played.

What happens if Arsenal lose to Manchester City today?

If Arsenal lose to Manchester City today, Guardiola‘s men would reduce the gap with the London club to only three points and with a game in hand. This would leave the Sky Blues in a strong position, as they would tie the Gunners in points if they win their pending league fixture.

A defeat would be the worst possible scenario for Arteta‘s side today, as it could see its title hopes seriously in danger after leading the standings for much of the 2025-26 campaign.

While Yamal has already played in three UEFA Champions League seasons without winning the title, Barcelona won it in Messi’s second season with the first team.

That 2006 triumph sparks debate though, since Messi didn’t play in the final. The first Champions League trophy Barcelona lifted with the Argentine star on the field came in 2009, during Messi’s fifth season with the senior squad.

Yamal’s Champions League results with Barcelona so far

Yamal’s first UEFA Champions League season ended with a quarterfinal exit against Paris Saint-Germain. Firmly established as a starter in his second campaign with the first team, Yamal and Barcelona went a bit further in the 2024-25 season but still fell short of the decider, losing to Inter Milan in the semifinals.

With the number 10 on his back, the Spanish sensation hoped to lead Barca to the promised land once and for all, but Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid held on to their aggregate lead to upset the Cules again in 2026.

Messi’s first Champions League results before first final win

On the other hand, Messi saw Barcelona fall in the round of 16 during his first season as a pro. The team won the title the following year, with the Argentine missing the final against Arsenal due to a hamstring injury.

Following a lackluster 2006-07 campaign where Barca lost in the round of 16, Messi and company reached the semifinals but lost to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United, who ended up lifting the trophy in 2008.

Then Pep Guardiola arrived and Barcelona went on to redeem themselves against the Red Devils, with Messi scoring the game-winning header in the 2009 UCL final.

The 8x Ballon d’Or winner went on to win two more Champions League titles with Barcelona, helping the club beat Manchester United again in 2011 before a big win over Juventus in 2015. That remains the last UCL success to date for Barcelona, who hope Yamal eventually leads the Blaugrana back to the top.

Messi’s age in first UCL final win proves Yamal has time

Even though the recent loss hurts, the future is still bright for Barcelona as long as they have Yamal. At only 18, the Spanish gem looks destined for big things in the beautiful game.

Messi was 21 years old in the first Champions League final he played in and won with Barcelona. Therefore, there’s no reason to panic. Yamal is still young, and it could be just a matter of time before he and Barca get over the hump.

“Yeah, his impact has been huge,” Bradley said when asked by Bolavip about Mascherano’s impact in MLS during his short time in the league.

“Obviously, he did an incredible job with Miami, he was able to lead them to their first MLS Cup. I think that part is there for everybody to see, and nobody can ever take that away from him.“

Bradley wishes Mascherano ‘all the best’

Bradley’s comments came during a media session ahead of New York’s US Open Cup fixture against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET). Shortly before Bradley addressed the press, Inter Miami announced Mascherano will be replaced by Guillermo Hoyos, at least on an interim basis.

“Obviously without being there, on the inside of things, it’s impossible to know, it’s impossible to understand the situation,” Bradley added. “You know, in the last little bit, I saw things about personal reasons, and so obviously, again, without being on the inside, you never know exactly what the situation is.

“As a colleague, I wish him all the best for his future, and I know that with his qualities as a coach, with his experience in football, with his personality, he’s gonna continue to do great things in the game, and so I wish him all the best.“

Bradley revealed having one of Mascherano’s jerseys

Bradley had already shown his respect for Mascherano during the weekend. During his postgame press conference after Saturday’s 2-2 draw in Miami, the New York Red Bulls HC remembered the day he exchanged jerseys with the Argentine legend after an international game.

“I have a huge amount of respect for Javier, I always did as a player and now as a coach. He won’t remember this, but one of the proudest moments in my career was after a game with Argentina, he sent somebody into the locker room because he wanted to exchange jerseys with me. So I have one of his Argentina jerseys at home,” Bradley revealed.

“I was a never a guy who went out of my way to trade jerseys but when somebody like Javier Mascherano went out of his way to ask for mine, then you can be sure that I’ve kept his.

“He was an incredible player, had a huge career at some top, top clubs, and now as a young coach has done a really good job, obviously, led Miami to the MLS Cup last year. For me, the experience of coaching against other really good managers is exciting.“

Mascherano’s praise for Bradley

Before shocking the MLS community on Tuesday, Mascherano also heaped praise on Bradley during Saturday’s pre-game interview with Apple TV.

“I faced him in international games many times, he was a very good player and a very important player for the USA,” Mascherano said of Bradley before facing the New York Red Bulls, in what turned out to be his last game at the helm of Inter Miami.

“He did really well last season, winning the MLS Next Pro championship. This season you can see his ideas about football, and for me, he will be a really successful coach in this league.”

“Yeah, I’ve always said one of the guys I worked with closely in my youth was someone I always worked to be similar to is Damian Las,” Brady said of his former teammate at the Chicago Fire academy.

“To me, he embodied the hard work it takes to be a goalkeeper at the professional level, and he really pushed the limit with speed, power, those type of attributes in the position. So, for me, it’s always been him, and I’ve been lucky I’ve been able to work closely with him.

“On a bigger stage, the world scale, guys that have been around. (Manuel) Neuer, (Thibaut) Courtois, Alisson, these guys. They’ve got a lot of very clean ways they play the position, and that’s stuff we look at every week.

“That’s stuff we discuss, if it’s someone who made a big save or a nice play, we talk about these things. In that way, we would look up to any of those guys.“

Brady’s great form ahead of 2026 World Cup

Brady is enjoying a fantastic moment early in his career. A strong start to the 2026 MLS season saw him make the USMNT roster in March, and even though Brady didn’t log minutes, his presence proves he’s on Mauricio Pochettino’s radar with only a few months to go the World Cup.

The Naperville native picked up right where he left off in his return to club action, posting his third clean sheet of the year to help the Fire beat Nashville 1-0. It was a statement win by Chicago, considering the Eastern Conference leaders were unbeaten before that game.

Brady’s four-save performance earned him a place on the MLS Team of the Matchday for the second time in the campaign, making the Best XI both times.

At 22, the future looks bright for the Fire sensation. It makes sense he tries to take note of what Neuer does at Bayern, Courtois at Madrid, or Alisson at Liverpool. With his current form, Brady is probably inspiring future goalkeepers as well.

“They don’t get distracted at all,” Bradley told Bolavip during a media session on Thursday. “We have a really good group. Training has been excellent all week. Like we have all season long, we continue to talk about the idea that we play one game at a time.

“You play the team that’s in front of you, and you get ready, you do everything you can all week to prepare and to be ready, when that whistle blows, to spill your heart and soul into that game and that 90 minutes. And when that’s done, then we get ready to do it again.“

Inter Miami chasing first win at Nu Stadium

Saturday will be only the second-ever game to be held at Nu Stadium, a venue Inter Miami heavily invested in to play near Miami International Airport after years of making Fort Lauderdale their temporary home.

A Messi header saw Inter Miami share a 2-2 draw against Austin FC in the Nu Stadium opener, so the Herons are still chasing their first-ever win at their new home.

Bradley says NY Red Bulls are excited and ready

Bradley had nothing but praise for Inter Miami, calling them “a very good team with a lot of very good players,” while describing Messi as “the best player of all time,” praising how the Argentine star can play in different positions in Javier Mascherano’s scheme.

However, the NY Red Bulls head coach let everyone know that neither the new stadium nor the opponents’ strength will prevent his team from concentrating on winning the game.

“As I said, we are excited. The new stadium in Miami looks incredible. Anytime as a player you get to play against good teams, good players, that’s what it’s all about. You want to play in the biggest games. As a group, we are really excited, and I know that we’ll be ready when the game starts,” Bradley added.

Dylan Nealis excited to return to Miami

An interesting storyline ahead of Saturday’s game has to do with defender Dylan Nealis, who also addressed the press on Thursday.

The 27-year-old will be facing the team that drafted him third overall in 2020. Curiously, Nealis’ professional debut came against his current team during an Inter Miami 1-4 loss to the New York Red Bulls.

“Yeah, it was quite long ago,” Nealis told Bolavip. “I mean, I haven’t really changed much as a player, at least I don’t think so, but maybe just a bit more mature. I was changing, I was playing different positions at that time. Just excited, that’s the club I started at, so happy to get back down there.”

This game will have implications in the top spots of the 2026 MLS Eastern Conference regular season standings. Inter Miami arrive in fourth place with 11 points, with New York just one point shy in seventh place.

36 years separated the title Ruggeri celebrated in Mexico from the trophy Messi lifted at Qatar 2022, which gave Argentina their third World Cup star. Now, Messi and company will be looking to go back to back — something Ruggeri almost did in 1990, when Argentina lost to Germany in a controversial final.

The legendary defender, who had 97 international caps, went on to win two Copa America titles (1991, 1993) and a FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992 before retiring from international soccer.

His club career included stints with iconic Argentine teams such as Boca Juniors, River Plate, and San Lorenzo; and most notably, a Real Madrid tenure from 1989-90. Ruggeri also took his talents to Liga MX, playing for Club America from 1992-1993.

Decades later, following an eight-year managerial career and firmly established as a TV analyst and commentator in Argentina, Ruggeri sits down with Bolavip to discuss a wide number of topics.

Ruggeri’s World Cup experience and expectations for 2026

Bolavip: What do World Cup years mean to you? Especially since the 1986 title.

Oscar Ruggeri: Well, special. Special. I walked in here and you guys were around. You didn’t notice, but I didn’t even look at you. I looked at this right here (the World Cup). It’s something… You say “Look at the Cup,” the most beautiful one of all.

When a World Cup starts, with so many teams competing, and (Carlos) Bilardo telling us “look, if we’re not there until the last day it’s a failure,” meaning we had to play the final, and in the final you walk out onto the pitch and the Cup is right there inside, and we couldn’t look at it. We couldn’t touch it, we couldn’t do anything until the match was over.

But World Cup years give me adrenaline, joy… You know, like we start all over again, like we’re just kids. When we head over there, now that we’re going to travel in June, right? When I’m traveling, it’s like I imagine I’m going to play it again. It’s incredible. This is incredible, what these guys are going through right now as well, and with the chance of being serious candidates to repeat, in my opinion.

BV: You recently mentioned that many teams participate. This year, in fact, the World Cup expands to 48 teams. How many changes have you seen in the World Cup from the one you won onwards? Especially in recent years.

Ruggeri: Well, lots of changes in soccer terms, right? For example, we didn’t have VAR, there was nothing. They’d raise the flag, the linesman raised it and it was offside. And if they called you offside, the play was over. That changed a lot. … It also became a huge business, right?

But look, we go around and around and around in terms of number of teams, but it’s always the same ones in the finals, it’s always the same — Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, Brazil — it never changes. That’s the reality.

BV: And what does it take to win a World Cup? Many teams participate, only a few manage to win it.

Ruggeri: You need to have a different kind of player, a genius, like the one we have (with Lionel Messi), like the one we had (with Diego Maradona). But that it’s not enough, right? Let me explain. Why isn’t it enough? It’s not enough, because if you don’t have a great team behind those geniuses, who in those tight matches do something different and break the deadlock and you keep going… It just doesn’t work.

“It’s always the same teams in the World Cup finals — Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, Brazil — it never changes.”

Because look — Maradona played in four World Cups I think, Messi five (2026 would be his sixth). And we won only two World Cups combined with these two geniuses. So that means the team has a huge responsibility. The team has a great setup, so that these geniuses can function freely.

Argentina’s chances of repeating World Cup title

BV: How do you see the Argentine national team this year? You were just saying you believe they can repeat?

Ruggeri: Yes, yes, I think so. I see them doing well. Do you know what I like? That it’s not just the exact same players from four years ago. There have been replacements and those replacements have played really well.

Honestly, they did it really well in the matches, like Thiago (Almada), like several players, right? And it makes me happy because it means there’s a new generation. Cholo’s son (Giuliano Simeone), who’s doing really well. I still believe that (Angel) Di Maria, in my opinion, they’ll convince him and he’ll end up going to the World Cup.

BV: This year Lionel Messi has the chance to go for back-to-back World Cups. You and Diego came very close to achieving it in 1990. What was it like? How do you experience…

Ruggeri: Well, no, we didn’t “come close,” no… they scammed us. Because it wasn’t a penalty, imagine with the VAR. But you see how quickly I say if we’d had VAR, that German penalty wouldn’t have been given and I don’t know how it would have ended. And if we’d had (Claudio) Cannigia, with everyone fit, I think it would have been a different game.

But then they tell me “What about Diego’s handball?”, right? But what about the goal he scored after that, dribbling past everyone? That’s just how it is.

BV: And from your experience, how do you prepare for a World Cup like that? A World Cup where you go looking to repeat the title, not win it for the first time. It will happen to Messi now.

Ruggeri: Well, it’s like that weight was lifted from them, so now they know what it’s like. And they already know what the final stages are like, everything that’s at stake. In every match you have to get up well because you have to be on point so as not to give any advantage away, because you’re going to face the best, and the best don’t forgive you.

Ruggeri’s 2026 World Cup favorites besides Argentina

BV: Who are the best for you? Who are the other contenders?

Ruggeri: For me, Spain, France, and England — I see very good players in them, I’m not sure about them as a unit — but I’ll still put them in. The Germans. We get frustrated, but somehow, they might not show much early on, and then you see them among the top four. And I think Brazil will improve.

BV: And what do you think about the Finalissima that was canceled against Spain? Do yo think it would have been a good test for Argentina?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely. It would have been a good test because they were two of the contenders that the world was going to watch to see what would happen. That Spain team with a midfield that holds the ball a lot and so do we. It would have been beautiful, it would have been great.

“The difference between South American and European soccer? Look, take out all the South American players from European soccer and see what the teams do…”

BV: And one of the things that’s always put to the test at World Cups is South American soccer versus European soccer. How do you see that difference?

Ruggeri: Yes, it’s very simple. Look, take out all the South American players from European soccer and see what the teams do, and bring all the South Americans back. All the Argentines playing over there, bring them to our championship and see if people don’t start watching this league.

And that’s the reality of South American soccer, because Brazilians, Uruguayans, Paraguayans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Bolivians — there’s everything. I think that makes it even richer.

“I think Brazil will improve. When we go there, and Brazil play, you look with respect for the history”

BV: You recently mentioned Brazil. Do you think they can pull off an upset at the World Cup, despite their situation in the qualifiers?

Ruggeri: I don’t know what you’d call upset, to improve?

BV: To improve.

Ruggeri: I think they’ll improve, yes. Then I’m not sure if they will pull off the big upset. But it’s Brazil. When we go there, and Brazil play, you look with respect for the history. History marks what I said at the beginning. You know, those national teams with a lot of history, they throw all of that to you on the pitch.

Messi at 2026 World Cup

BV: Talking about Lionel Messi, we talked about him before for a bit, how do you see him heading into this World Cup?

Ruggeri: Great, great. This might be his last World Cup. He’ll prepare in the best possible way, I have no doubt about that. And he’ll try to do what he did in the last World Cup, to be the the captain, the leader, to carry the group forward, right? It’s another chance he has to lift the Cup.

They’ve already lived it, and being fortunate that, when the World Cups end, they can go in with the family, they can take photos. I saw them at the last World Cup taking photos with their kids, with the Cup right there inside. We couldn’t see each other because we got swarmed and we couldn’t take a photo.

“Messi moving to the US? Possibly that was also a family decision”

BV: In that sense, do you think it’s something that has improved at World Cups?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely. Yes, they’ve improved it a lot. I think that’s a sign of respect for those who’ve become world champions, for their families who’ve suffered so much, who’ve had such a hard time. That, honestly, you have to congratulate everyone, FIFA, everyone.

BV: Getting back to Messi, after he won the Qatar World Cup, he decided to play in the United States. What do you think of him spending the last years of his career in that league?

Ruggeri: More than playing in the US, possibly that was also a family decision, right? To step back a little from what Barcelona was, because it makes sense that he can’t go out, he can’t go out that much in the US either because they already know him, everyone knows him…

BV: And in France he didn’t have a great time.

Ruggeri: In France he didn’t have a great time, but, in the United States I see him walking around the supermarket. You can see he walks around more freely, they don’t mob him, you know? I think that’s possibly what he’s looking for.

Comparisons between Messi and Maradona, Ronaldo, Yamal

BV: What do you think about the comparisons that have always been made with Maradona?

Ruggeri: I don’t think we should make them, because they’re both Argentine, because they’re both geniuses. Comparing geniuses is hard, right? Now, if you ask me personally, I played 11 years with Maradona. I can’t be objective. Ask the guys who played with Messi and they’ll say Messi. But that’s normal and understandable.

Now, we, the people, in the streets, people on television, on the shows, we shouldn’t, we shouldn’t pit them against each other, we shouldn’t compare them, because here we, unfortunately, are living in this world of divisions.

“If another genius comes along after Messi and Maradona, then it means God lives here with us.”

So we put it as “no, Maradona, is like this, and Messi like this” and we immediately take sides, why? If they’re both Argentine, both captains of the Argentine national team who became world champions, let’s make the most of both of them, right?

I mean, look, when Diego was leaving, in those last championships we played, the US World Cup, I thought, “oof, now we need another one like him” and another one came along. If then another comes, it means God lives here with us and is giving us a huge hand.

“Ronaldo is a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.”

BV: And Messi not only suffered, so to speak, the comparisons with Maradona on a historical level, but also current comparisons like with Cristiano Ronaldo. What do you think about it?

Ruggeri: Nothing. It wouldn’t even cross my mind to discuss the subject, because there’s a huge difference between the genius we have and the other one, who is a great player. Messi is a genius and Ronaldo is a star. He’s truly a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.

BV: And how do you see Lamine Yamal, who’s also starting to draw comparisons? Especially in Spain.

Ruggeri: Yes, well, he’s a kid who’s just starting out, he’s just beginning. He’s playing well, he needs to come down to earth a bit. He needs to take it a little easy because, I heard him, some statements, saying he was going to be better than Messi. That he was going to win more Ballons d’Or. Why? Do it, once you’ve achieved it, then we’ll say what we see. Right now, he’s not even close to him.

Active Argentine stars

BV: In your position, the Argentine national team today has a key player like Cristian Romero. You played at Real Madrid, do you image him potentially joining that kind of club?

Ruggeri: Yes, for sure. If I were Florentino Pérez — I’d go after him, no doubt about it. He’s a fantastic player, a serious player for the position, who formed a great partnership with (Nicolas) Otamendi. Incredible, right? Because you know, we always talk about the attacking side, the ones who decide things, who create plays, who score the goals, everything. But we don’t talk about the defense, right? We talk, but not that much.

But we also had a defense and a goalkeeper… The goalkeeper (Emiliano Martinez) was incredible. Against France, that save with his foot… I was up there, we were done. If it was (Kylian) Mbappe, we were done, but that’s what it means to have a keeper like that. We have two or three great center-backs and we’re in good shape. I think we are doing pretty well, pretty good.

That’s why I dare say we are contenders again, because this team never stopped playing well, right? People asked me about us, we didn’t play like this team after the World Cup. We didn’t play so well like this team, the way these guys play, they play in a certain way, how they manage the ball. Honestly, it’s a pleasure watching them.

BV: Do you think the performances at clubs is completely separate from how they perform for the national team?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely, don’t even doubt it. Remember when it was hard for Argentina to win, to become champions, they were incredible at their clubs and everyone would say “no, but they shine at the club they come to the national team and we don’t win.” I don’t know if you remember.

“We didn’t play like this Argentina team after the World Cup. We didn’t play this well”

At the beginning they said “Messi shines at Barcelona, scores goals left and right. He wins titles, he wins everything, but when he comes to Argentina and nothing”, he even quit the national team. Even Di Maria cried and Di Maria never dropped his guard.

But that’s in the past now. When they get together with the national team, you see freshness, you can see they’re happy, that they’re thrilled to get back together. That’s what I see from the outside. No, I’m not there. I don’t see them personally, but that’s the image they give.

BV: The World Cup could rocket many players’ careers to new heights. It already happened with Enzo Fernandez at the Qatar World Cup…

Ruggeri: Enzo is amazing.

BV: … making the move from Benfica to Chelsea, and now there’s a lot of talk about his future at Chelsea, that he could take yet another step.

Ruggeri: Yes, for sure. How that kid has grown, so calmly, so mature. Captain in England! It’s not easy to wear the captain’s armband, these players we have… That guy is a man, you know? He plays in a simple, clean way.

We have a midfield, we don’t talk about the midfield enough, we have a great midfield too, right? They manage the ball brilliantly, no rush. They play with calm. If it’s not on, they go back. Start again. We are well balanced.

“Julian Alvarez has no ceiling.”

BV: Another player also involved in transfer rumors because of his great level is Julian Alvarez, who is at Atletico Madrid with Simeone…

Ruggeri: I love Julian.

BV: There’s talk that Barcelona want him, or that he could go back to the Premier League, where he already played with Manchester City. What do you think? Should he stay with Simeone?

Ruggeri: I’d like him to stay with “Cholo” (Simeone), because “Cholo” knows him, he knows what the kid is like, the kid has no ceiling and can play anywhere. That’s for sure.

Those are the kind of strikers that as a defender I’d dread facing because you can’t pin him down. He shows up on the right, on the left. You can’t track him like those classic number nines, like (Erling) Haaland who plant themselves there. He’s a goal scorer, but Julian comes from deep. He strikes the ball very well. Did you see his goals?

BV: Yes, he also takes free kicks.

Ruggeri: He takes free kicks. Though I think if there’s a free kick, I don’t think he’ll be getting near the ball with the captain (Messi) around. I think he’ll tell him “go out of there for the rebound,” but it’s another option we have, of course.

BV: Argentina also have Lautaro Martinez, it’s like they have the luck of having top strikers.

Ruggeri: And the strikers who’ve come through now! I honestly didn’t know them. This coaching staff handles even those things very well. Nobody slips past them. When there’s someone who is doing things right, they go watch him and bring him in.

Lionel Scaloni’s job with Argentina

BV: Do you think that has been Lionel Scaloni‘s greatest strength in his process, identifying players? Because he rebuilt the squad after Russia 2018.

Ruggeri: Yes, yes. Because Scaloni came from nowhere when nobody believed in him and he did everything right. He has a coaching staff that knows soccer. They all played for the national team. With a very low profile.

Because look, if I ask you, tell me what (Roberto) Ayala’s voice sounds like, you don’t know. Same for (Walter) Samuel, you don’t know how he talks, he says nothing, (Pablo) Aimar even less. I mean, look at the three I’m naming. Three elite national team players with a very low profile, they’re doing a very good job.

“Scaloni came from nowhere when nobody believed in him”

BV: Yes, there’s a joint effort with Diego Placente (Argentina U20 manager) and the youth teams.

Ruggeri: Everyone, everyone, of course, Placente watches them, he must tell them “Look, there’s a kid like this, who moves this way.” They must work in a similar way. It’s very good, everything is very well put together. We’re in good shape.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH OSCAR RUGGERI ON BOLAVIP US:

While the Giants rank 27 among NFL teams in cap space this year, the Chiefs are only one place above the New York franchise. The Big Blue have roughly $6.4 million available, whereas Kansas City has $6.7 million.

Ari Meirov notes that only five teams have fewer cap space than the Giants and Chiefs in 2026. They are followed by the Jaguars, Vikings, Panthers, Dolphins, and Bears, with Chicago barely being compliant with $245K in cap space.

The Giants and Chiefs’ best free agent signings so far

This situation limits both the Giants and Chiefs’ maneuvering for future free agent signings, but it’s safe to say that they have already taken care of their priority needs in the open market.

New York made instrumental moves on both sides of the ball. In defense, the team made a much-needed addition at linebacker with the arrival of Tremaine Edmunds. In offense, the Giants added veteran presence at WR by signing Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III. On top of that, the Giants signed Isaiah Likely, believing he will thrive with QB Jaxson Dart.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, made a splash to upgrade their RB room with Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III. And while that was Kansas City’s most notable move, the front office also made necessary defensive signings with safety Alohi Gilman and DT Khyiris Tonga joining the team.

Giants, Chiefs will get to pick early in 2026 NFL Draft

Both the Giants and Chiefs could use an upgrade or depth at other positions, and while their cap space may not give them much wiggle room, these teams will get to pick early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Giants’ draft picks include an interesting No. 5 selection, which will allow them to get one of the best prospects from this year’s class. Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ draft picks start with a promising No. 9 selection. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love appears to be a prospect both teams would like to get in the first round, though the Tennessee Titans may get him first at No. 4.

“Thomas is a great person, a great player, and beyond that, he is always looking to improve and contribute to the team,” Laborda said when asked about Muller by Bolavip during a media session in Spanish.

After 17 fruitful seasons with Bayern Munich and holding an impressive resume with the German national team, including a World Cup win in 2014, Muller made an immediate impact in Vancouver by helping the Whitecaps reach the MLS Cup final last year.

“He also spends a lot of time sitting down to talk with us individually, trying to help us improve and grow, and I think that adds a lot to his personality as well,” Laborda added on his teammate.

This year, Muller boasts two goals in five MLS matches as the Whitecaps aim to redeem themselves from last year’s loss to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the decider.

Laborda looks up to Godin, Lugano

Laborda remains a key contributor for the Whitecaps in their quest for the title, with a goal and two assists in four appearances so far. When asked about his role models, the Uruguayan named iconic names from his country.

“In defense there are many; I can mention, for example, back when he played, (Diego) Godin, (Diego) Lugano himself, all the historic players of the (Uruguay) national team,” Laborda said.

Bruno Caicedo looking to make a name for himself in MLS

Behind an established player like Laborda and a veteran star like Muller, there are rising players working to earn their place. One of them is Ecuadorian winger Bruno Caicedo, who joined Vancouver in January from Barcelona SC.

Even though he’s still adjusting to the league, Caicedo has already been impressed by some players in the league, with LAFC sensation Denis Bouanga catching his eye.

“Bouanga, honestly, he is very good,” said Caicedo when Bolavip asked him about the MLS players he looks up to.

Caicedo also mentioned watching fellow countryman Allen Obando during his time with Messi’s Inter Miami in 2025: “But aside from that, I admire everyone equally: there’s Leo (Messi), Son, Thomas (Muller)—they’re players who have won everything.“

Pelissero went on to break down Cousins‘ income for playing the 2026 NFL season, detailing how the money splits between the Falcons and the Raiders:

• While the Falcons pay $8.7 million in 2026, the Raiders pay the $1.3 minimum base salary.
• Raiders hand Cousins a $10 million fully guaranteed roster bonus on the third day of the league year next March that is not subject to offsets.
• Raiders hold a two-year, $80 million option for 2027-28.
• The deal includes two void years in 2029-30 for cap purposes.

“On paper, it’s a three-year, $81.3M deal (or five for $172M with the void years). In reality, it’s one-year, $20 million for Kirk Cousins, who now will have played under fully guaranteed contracts for 11 consecutive seasons,” Pelissero wrote.

Cousins might enter 2026 season as Raiders QB1

Not only does this contract show how Cousins continues to get paid even at 37, it also proves how important the Raiders seem to consider him for the upcoming season.

Las Vegas is expected to use the first overall pick to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza later this month, but the money Cousins will make suggests the veteran QB will enter the year as the starter.

This would avoid tossing the rookie into the fire so soon, allowing Mendoza to watch and learn while an experienced quarterback like Cousins leads the Raiders’ transition.

The Chiefs have been mentioned as a potential destination for OBJ by John Breech of CBS Sports, a possibility that wouldn’t be far-fetched considering that Kansas City could benefit from a veteran addition to its WR room.

That’s one of the reasons Hill has been linked with a return to the Chiefs, where he shined from 2016 to 2021 before leaving for the Miami Dolphins — a trade that made noise at first but eventually aged poorly for both Cheetah and the Fins.

Tyreek Hill’s availability leads to Chiefs speculation

Hill, 32, remains a free agent after being released by the Dolphins in February, a move that allowed Miami to free up nearly $23 million in cap space as the wideout carried a $51.1 million cap hit in 2026.

His track record of success with Patrick Mahomes back in the day makes his free agent status an intriguing opportunity for Reid and the Chiefs, who enjoyed productive All-Pro and Pro Bowl seasons from the wide receiver during his time in Kansas City, highlighted by a Super Bowl LIV win.

That said, Hill’s health might be a serious concern as he underwent major surgery in 2025 for a dislocated left knee and multiple torn ligaments, including his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

That injury, in addition to his declining production with the Dolphins over the last few years, could make Reid and the Chiefs hesitate about bringing Hill back.

“The team could look to reunite with Tyreek Hill, but if Reid doesn’t want to go that route, then the Chiefs should definitely look at Beckham,” wrote Breech.

Chiefs could use a veteran like Hill or OBJ despite decline

Beckham Jr. might create similar concerns though, as he didn’t even play in 2025. OBJ’s career hasn’t been the same after the torn ACL sustained during Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams, with lackluster stops in Baltimore and Miami after his time in LA.

Set to turn 34 in November, Beckham Jr. may no longer provide the spark he once did in the NFL. But for a team like the Giants or Chiefs, his experience could still be useful in a WR room that lacks a true veteran. Reid recently lost one in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who joined the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.

With this in mind, Hill and Beckham Jr. could be names to watch if the Chiefs feel like adding experience to the WR depth chart.

Back in March, Raanan first reported that the Giants attempted to trade for a veteran LB without revealing his name. “Giants definitely did try to trade for a linebacker, I heard,” Raanan said on his YouTube channel.

“And the story I heard was that said linebacker didn’t really want to go, and the trade kind of broke apart. It’s a guy that’s getting towards the end of his career, and it just didn’t work out.”

With the NFL Owners Meetings taking place this week, Raanan made an appearance on the Breaking Big Blue podcast to reveal that the linebacker in question was Tranquill.

“The linebacker that the Giants actually were going to trade for, from the Kansas City Chiefs — it seemed to be before the start of free agency — Drue Tranquill,” Raanan said. “He ended up staying in Kansas City, taking a pay cut to stay. Seems to be something he wanted to do. He didn’t want to leave there.”

Drue Tranquill comfortable with Reid, Chiefs

Tranquill, who turns 31 in August, has agreed to a restructured deal in order to continue playing under Reid. This year, he’s accepting a reduction in his base salary from $6 million to $3.5 million just to remain with the Chiefs.

After spending his first four NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Tranquill found in Kansas City a successful culture that allowed him to win a Super Bowl in his very first season at Arrowhead.

He was rewarded immediately after that championship with a three-year, $19.00 million contract that included $12.50 million guaranteed upon signing and a signing bonus of $4.50 million.

Since their Super Bowl LVIII win, the Chiefs have lost many defensive contributors who went on to land bigger deals elsewhere. Tranquill, however, seems happy to stay with the organization as it aims to get back to the top after a frustrating 2025 season, in which the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

NY Giants’ moves after Tranquill’s decision to stay in KC

The Giants, also looking for a strong resurgence in 2026, switched their attention to Tremaine Edmunds after failing to persuade Tranquill and also brought back Micah McFadden to boost their LB room.

New York had a tough but necessary decision to make at the position before that, having parted with team captain Bobby Okereke. The move allowed the Giants to free up $9 million in cap space as the linebacker was set to count $14.4 million against the cap in the final year of the four-year, $40 million deal he signed in 2023.

“I’ve asked Gennaro Gattuso to stay and continue,” Italian Federation president Gabriele Gravina said after Italy’s heartbreaking loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, via Fabrizio Romano on X.

The coach also addressed the media after the game but didn’t talk about his future. Instead, Gattuso only lamented Italy’s World Cup exit, claiming the entire team was ‘hurt’ by the result.

When does Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy contract expire?

When Italy hired Gattuso as head coach in June 2025, The Guardian reported that he was signing a one-year contract, culminating in a potential 2026 World Cup participation.

With Italy once again watching the tournament from home, it remains to be seen whether Gattuso will remain on the touchline. The Italian Federation may have the intention to run things back, but will the coach be interested in doing so after this failure?

Gennaro Gattuso’s bold promise resurfaces as Italy misses 2026 World Cup

In October 2025, Gattuso went as far as promising that he would flee Italy if the national team missed the World Cup with him at the helm.

“I’ll take credit if I manage to achieve the goal, otherwise I’ll go and live far away from Italy,” Gattuso said in October 2025. “I’m already a bit far away [living in Marbella, Spain], I’ll go even farther. The consequence is that, I’m aware of it.”

Gattuso’s comments came after a 3-0 win over Israel. Back then, Italy were riding on a four-game winning streak and had secured a spot in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifying playoffs.

Eventually, Italy fell short again, becoming the first World Cup-winning nation to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament.

Gattuso’s legacy in Italy

This is obviously a huge stain in Gattuso’s managerial career, though it doesn’t erase what he accomplished as a player with the national team. After all, he played a key role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup win.

That may explain why, even after an extremely disappointing result, the Italian Federation wants to give the Azzurri legend another chance.

Haris Tabakovic forced extra time with an equalizer in the second half, and eventually, penalties sealed Italy’s fate. For the third time in a row, the Italians will watch the World Cup from home.

Having already missed the 2018 and 2022 events, Italy are now the first World Cup-winning country to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament.

This heartbreaking result only increases the crisis of one of the most storied nations in soccer history, as we’re talking about a team that won four World Cups — only one less than Brazil, who hold the record for most triumphs.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2026 World Cup schedule

With Bosnia and Herzegovina taking down Italy for a 2026 World Cup berth, Group B is set and so is its schedule. Bosnia and Herzegovina will make their debut against co-host Canada on June 12 at 3:00 PM ET at BMO Field in Toronto.

Six days later, they will travel to the West Coast to play Switzerland at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Kickoff for that game on June 18 is also set at 3:00 PM ET.

The group stage finale will see Bosnia and Herzegovina taking on Qatar at Lumen Field in Seattle on June 24 at 3:00 PM ET.

The Czech Republic will face Denmark on Tuesday, March 31, with a ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the line. The winner of this tie will join Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, and Korea Republic. The loser, on the other hand, will return home empty-handed.

In the event of a draw in regular time, the match will proceed to extra time. If the draw persists in overtime (two periods of 15 minutes each), the winner will be decided on penalties.

How many World Cups have Ireland played so far and when was their last appearance?

Ireland have made it to three World Cups so far, advancing from the group stage every time. Their last appearance came in 2002, with the Boys in Green being knocked out by Spain in the round of 16 after a dramatic 1-1 draw that led to a 3-2 shootout win for La Roja.

Ireland came from another round of 16 elimination in USA 1994, when the Netherlands beat them 2-0 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

What’s Ireland’s best result at a World Cup?

Ireland’s first World Cup appearance in 1990 saw them reach the quarterfinals, which remains their best result to date. That year, it all ended with a 1-0 loss to hosts Italy, who lost to eventual runners-up Argentina in the following round.

“I just love their plan for me, honestly. Before I signed, I had a conversation with the entire staff, the defense, and coach (Dan) Quinn. They illustrated a plan for me that I feel like is going to get me back exactly where I was at two seasons ago, the success that I had,” Omenihu said during his introductory press conference with the Commanders.

When Omenihu talks about the level he showed two seasons ago, he refers to his first year with Reid and the Chiefs. Not even a six-game suspension to start the campaign prevented him from a career-best season.

Omenihu’s impactful 2023 season with Reid, Chiefs

In 2023, Omenihu recorded a career-high 7.0 sacks and 28 combined tackles with 11 quarterback hits, playing a key role in the campaign that led to Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVIII win.

A torn ACL in the 2024 AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens prevented Omenihu from playing Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers, but his contribution throughout the season was still instrumental.

His return from injured reserve came in November, and even though the Chiefs suffered a blowout loss in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, the team brought him back on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million for 2025.

Omenihu no longer believes Chiefs are the best situation for him

Last season saw the Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and their poor 6-11 record proved that Reid and company would have plenty of work to do this offseason in order to bounce back.

Omenihu, however, shows that he no longer sees Arrowhead as the best place for him. Set to turn 29 in August, he’s moving to Washington for less money than he made in 2025, having agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Commanders.

“I don’t think it’s far-fetched or far-gone at all,” Omenihu said about the Commanders helping him rediscover his 2023 form with the Chiefs. “I feel great body-wise. I just think the plan that they have for me is just really going to expose my strengths and put me in positions to rush, put me in positions to play the run at a high level. And I love that.”

Of course, these kinds of decisions are always personal and other players might still believe in the game plan proposed by Reid in Kansas City. Even so, Omenihu’s explanation could be something the Chiefs want to take into account.

Shortly after the hosts put themselves in front at Yankee Stadium, the Argentine star fired home a long-range free kick, with a bit of help as the shot was deflected by an opponent.

This is Messi’s fourth goal in as many games in the 2026 MLS season, in his return to league action after missing the goalless draw against Charlotte FC on Matchday 4.

Messi extends scoring count after reaching 1,000 career goals

The free-kick goal in New York comes only a few days after Messi reached 1,000 in his career, with the former Barcelona star achieving the milestone during Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup exit.

Messi scored his 1,000th career goal early against Nashville SC, though it wasn’t enough for Inter Miami as Cristian Espinoza’s equalizer proved the difference for the visitors due to the away goals rule.

Messi gets closer to free-kick goals record

Still, Nashville SC head coach B.J. Callaghan labeled Messi as ‘the best’ after the game. Only a few days later, the Argentine delivered another goal to continue chasing yet another record in his illustrious career.

With his equalizer at Yankee Stadium, Messi reached 71 career free-kick goals. He’s now only seven shy of the all-time record, held by Marcelino Carioca with 78.

Earlier in the season, Pep Guardiola decided the Carabao Cup would be James Trafford’s opportunity to get playing time, and the coach is now keeping him in the lineup for the final against Arsenal, which you can follow live with us.

The same reason Donnarumma isn’t starting today applies to Raya, as Mikel Arteta is keeping Kepa Arrizabalaga between the posts as the Spaniard started in all EFL Cup games for Arsenal this season.

“He fully deserves it. He’s been phenomenal when he’s played. He’s played the whole competition and we fully trust him,” Arteta said of Kepa ahead of the EFL Cup final.

James Trafford’s contribution to Man City’s EFL Cup run

While Donnarumma has been the starter for Manchester City in Premier League and Champions League matches this season, Trafford has been the Citizens‘ keeper in this campaign’s EFL Cup.

Trafford kept a clean sheet in the third round 2-0 win over Huddersfield before starting in the 3-1 victory over Swansea in the fourth round, eventually helping his side beat Brentford 2-0 in the quarterfinals.

The semifinals saw Trafford record another shutout for a 2-0 first leg win over Newcastle, and even though he conceded one goal in the return leg, Manchester City got the job done with a 3-1 victory for a 5-1 aggregate difference. Now, Trafford is being rewarded with a start at Wembley.

Kepa’s influence in Arsenal’s road to Wembley

Kepa has also been instrumental in Arsenal’s road to Wembley this season. The former Chelsea goalkeeper started in the third and fourth round 2-0 wins over Port Vale and Brighton, respectively, but his most notable contribution came in the quarterfinals.

When it looked like Maxence Lacroix’s own goal after 80′ would see Arsenal through, a last-gasp equalizer by Marc Guehi forced extra time against Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium. The game went to penalties, and a dramatic shootout saw Kepa step up with a clutch save against Lacroix for an 8-7 shootout win and a place in the semifinals.

Kepa then started in the series against his former team, which saw Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-2 in the first leg before a 1-0 win at home punched their ticket to Wembley.

Both Kepa and Trafford earned the chance to start in the big game today, with Donnarumma and Raya supporting on the bench, while being ready to come on if needed as there’s a big prize at stake at the 2026 EFL Cup final.

“I think this is an important window for the respective national teams all across the world as they prepare in the final window for the World Cup,” Berhalter replied to Bolavip during his pre-match press conference ahead of the MLS clash against the Philadelphia Union.

“We have (Mbekezeli) Mbokazi going with South Africa. We have Joel (Waterman) with Canada and Chris Brady with the United States. We’ll have other youth levels and potentially others at the senior level,” Berhalter added.

“For the group, for those players, we’re proud of them. I think it’s a culmination of hard work over a long period of time to get the call-ups.“

Gregg Berhalter says it’s ‘amazing’ to be supporting Sebastian

Apart from addressing the call-ups for Chicago Fire players, Berhalter addressed his son, Sebastian, being selected to represent the USA.

“For Sebastian, you know, on an individual level as a parent, it’s amazing to be supporting him all this time, and have him start the season so well, and then get called into camp. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but hopefully he continues to perform well,” he added.

This marks the fourth time Sebastian Berhalter gets called up to the USMNT, having made his debut in 2025. It was a sensational year for the midfielder, who helped the USA reach the Concacaf Gold Cup final with two assists in five starts before scoring his first international goal during a statement 5-1 win over Uruguay in November.

Berhalter, who already boasts nine caps with the USMNT, has been in excellent form for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Voted player of the year in 2025, he picked up right where he left off by leading the team in goal contributions (three goals, four assists) in 2026.

The USMNT’s March fixtures

Sebastian Berhalter will now meet with Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady in Atlanta as both report to the USMNT, hoping to challenge for a World Cup spot.

The United States will face two top-10 FIFA-ranked European opponents at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, first hosting Belgium on Saturday, March 28 before taking on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Tuesday, March 31.

“Yeah, Phonzy’s obviously the captain of our team. He’s an integral part of what we’re trying to do, and it’s so unfortunate with all of his injury history and what he’s gone through in the past couple weeks, and especially with his knee,” Waterman lamented when asked by Bolavip about Davies’ absence.

“We just want him fully back and fully healthy and fully prepared for the summer. So we just hope he’s getting the best care he can, obviously, in Germany, and making sure he comes back healthy, and that’s the number one thing,” Waterman added during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Chicago Fire‘s MLS fixture against the Philadelphia Union, which will be his last club game prior to the international break.

“And then, you know, obviously what he can provide is massive for our team and the success we’re gonna have during the World Cup, so we’re wishing him all the best, and we’re excited to have him back soon.“

Why is Alphonso Davies not playing for Canada in March?

Davies, 25, is out with a hamstring injury sustained during Bayern Munich’s first leg win over Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The star left back had to be subbed off after an apparent non-contact injury 70 minutes into the clash, leaving the field in tears as his teammates consoled him.

Davies had returned to action for Bayern in December following an ACL tear suffered in March 2025 during his last appearance for Canada. Les Rouges were expecting a long-awaited return in the upcoming window, which is why his recent setback was a huge blow.

Canada’s support for Davies

However, Waterman and his teammates will be waiting for Davies to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup. Before Waterman addressed the media on Thursday, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch shared a similar sentiment.

“He’s obviously down and frustrated a little bit, but he said this little injury, compared to even the one he experienced a month ago is much less severity”, Marsch said , via TSN Sports. “He’ll probably be 2, 3 weeks before he’s back again. He’s not going to be with us for March, which is okay. We’ll leave him there in Munich and make sure he gets himself fully fit and fully back to 100%, but I’m confident he will do that.”

Canada’s March schedule

Without Davies, Canada will play two international friendlies in Toronto, first hosting Iceland on Saturday, March 28, before they welcome Tunisia to BMO Field on Tuesday, March 31.

Waterman, meanwhile, will be chasing his 16th and 17th caps for Canada, having already represented the country in multiple friendlies and Concacaf Nations League fixtures. He was also a member of the 2022 World Cup, 2024 Copa America, and 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup rosters.

“It’s… you know, 900 goals is… Congratulations to him. He’s the best,” Callaghan said of Messi in response to Bolavip during his postgame press conference.

“When you play great teams and you play great players, the good thing is it brings out the best in yourself and the best in your team. And I thought that’s what we did tonight. You were able to see some of the best qualities that we were able to have,” Callaghan added.

“What we’re focused on is earning our way into the next round. We knew it was going to take tonight, and just, we’re a really proud group that was able to do that.”

Nashville upset Inter Miami after Messi’s 900th career goal

Nashville upset Inter Miami in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 on away goals, having snatched a 1-1 draw in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday. A week earlier, the first leg between Miami and Nashville at Geodis Park finished goalless.

It took an effort from Callaghan’s men, who started the return leg trailing 1-0 early in the game. Only seven minutes into the affair, Messi found the net to reach 900 goals in his career.

However, the Herons failed to increase their lead throughout the game, keeping Nashville well alive in the series. Eventually, it proved costly for Javier Mascherano’s team, as Cristian Espinoza made things level against Inter Miami with only 16 minutes remaining.

The equalizer was enough for Nashville to go through, breaking Inter Miami’s hearts in a night that looked promising but extended Messi’s continental club title drought.

“There were a lot of teams, (and) I had eight opportunities to go to different teams. Kansas City was one of them,” Pacheco said during his introductory press conference in Detroit.

“Once they made that move (signing Kenneth Walker III), I knew that I had to open up the door to go somewhere else. This (Lions) was the first place I thought of.”

Pacheco’s experience with Chiefs before Lions move

The Chiefs handed a big contract to Walker, who hit free agency after winning Super Bowl MVP with the Seattle Seahawks. After that, Pacheco signed a one-year, $1.81 million fully guaranteed deal to join the Lions.

Pacheco is coming off a lackluster season with the Chiefs, recording just 462 yards while averaging 35 rushing yards per game and 3.9 per carry in 2025. However, his past performances make him an interesting fit for Detroit.

In 2023, Pacheco racked up 935 rushing yards for seven touchdowns, improving his numbers from a promising rookie year in 2022 (830 rushing yards for five touchdowns).

Pacheco boosts Lions RB room

A key contributor to two Super Bowl wins in Kansas City, Pacheco is bringing championship experience to a Lions team that needed depth in the RB room after trading David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.

He’ll be the second running back on the depth chart behind Jahmyr Gibbs, a player Pacheco is looking forward to playing with.

“Jahmyr is a hell of a player,” Pacheco said. “Hats off to him and the guys who have been putting in work here for a couple years now.

“Me looking from the outside in, it’s a hell of a group, and whatever I can do to contribute to the team is going to happen. Whether that’s punting the ball, whatever it’s at, no matter where I’m at on the field, cheering the guys on, bringing excitement to the team, bringing leadership, accountability.”

Pacheco felt it was time to leave Kansas City

Pacheco could’ve stayed in Kansas City, but with Walker arriving to take the RB1 role, he may have faced bigger competition with Brashard Smith entering his second year in the league. Besides, the Chiefs can still bring back Kareem Hunt.

Perhaps a change of scenery is what he needed at this point in his young career. Detroit wants to get over the hump, and Pacheco could play a role in helping Dan Campbell lead the Lions to a long-awaited Super Bowl.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Dolphins are getting the Broncos’ first round pick (30th overall) along with their late third and fourth round picks (30th in each round) in this year’s NFL Draft.

This leaves Miami with the following draft picks in April:

• Round 1: No. 11
• Round 1: No. 30 (from Broncos)
• Round 2: No. 43
• Round 3: No. 75
• Round 3: No. 87 (from Eagles)
• Round 3: No. 90 (from Texans)
• Round 3: No. 94 (from Broncos)
• Round 4: No. 130 (from Broncos)
• Round 5: No. 151
• Round 7: No. 227
• Round 7: No. 238 (from Chargers through Titans and Jets)

Denver, meanwhile, is receiving Miami’s fourth-round pick (11th in round) in 2026 in addition to Waddle. This leaves the Broncos with the following draft picks in 2026:

• Round 2: 62nd overall
• Round 4: 108th overall (via Saints; Devaughn Vele trade)
• Round 4: 111th overall (from Dolphins)
• Round 5: 170th overall
• Round 7: 246th overall
• Round 7: 256th overall (Javonte Williams comp pick)
• Round 7: 257th overall (Riley Dixon comp pick)

Dolphins embrace full rebuild by trading Waddle

The Dolphins trading Waddle confirms that the team is embracing a full rebuild in 2026. Having already parted with Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa, Miami is heading into the new season looking for a truly fresh start.

There’s a new regime in South Florida with Jon Eric Sullivan entering his first year as the Dolphins’ general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach.

The Fins are ready to build a new offense around Malik Willis, the quarterback they signed in free agency. With many draft picks, young talent will arrive in South Florida hoping to reverse the franchise’s fortunes.

Waddle boosts Broncos’ offense after promising 2025

The Broncos, on the other hand, are looking to build on a promising 2025 season where they fell just short of a Super Bowl appearance.

Bo Nix gave them hope until an unfortunate injury late in the playoffs, but now he’s getting more help in Waddle to try and get over the hump.

Waddle arrives in Denver with 78 NFL starts under his belt, having caught 373 passes for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns during his fruitful stint in Miami.

Perhaps the change of scenery allows Waddle to chase the playoff success he couldn’t achieve with the Dolphins, who went 0-2 in the postseason with him on the team.

With Fields moving to Kansas City, the Chiefs‘ quarterback depth chart for 2026 will be as follows:

• Patrick Mahomes
• Justin Fields
• Chris Oladokun
• Jake Haener

The NY Jets, on the other hand, will enter the 2026 NFL season with Geno Smith as their starting quarterback, having completed a reunion with the veteran QB this offseason. Here’s the Jets‘ QB depth chart this year:

• Geno Smith
• Brady Cook
• Bailey Zappe

Mahomes’ injury could see Fields start for Chiefs in 2026

Even though the Chiefs’ starting QB job has a clear owner in Mahomes, his torn ACL creates a gap for the offseason activities and training camp. With the Fields trade, many are wondering whether Mahomes will recover in time for Week 1.

Even though head coach Andy Reid showed confidence in Mahomes’ progress, the Chiefs can already breathe a sigh of relief with Fields available if needed. Not only does trading for Fields could help the Chiefs improve their running game, but they’re also getting much-needed insurance behind Mahomes.

Fields’ NFL experience before trade to Chiefs

Fields, 27, boasts significant experience with 9,039 passing yards for 52 touchdowns and 32 interceptions in 53 NFL starts. His 16-37 record doesn’t look great, though to be fair, he hasn’t always been put in the best situations.

He started with a rebuilding Chicago Bears team that went 10-28 in three years with him at the helm, but Fields made a great impression in a short sample with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, going 4-2 before Mike Tomlin gave the job to Russell Wilson once he recovered from injury.

Fields hoped to revitalize his career with a move to New York in 2025, but the Jets left a lot to be desired with a 2-7 record with him under center. Now it’s time for a fresh start in Kansas City, where Fields could get playing time depending on Mahomes‘ recovery.

Jets give up on Fields, go back to Geno Smith

The Jets, meanwhile, are turning the page as nothing went to plan with Fields. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that New York is eating $7 million of Fields’ $10 million salary in 2026 to make the trade possible.

The team prefers to see what Geno Smith can do rather than giving Fields a second chance — even if Smith struggled with the Las Vegas Raiders, going 2-13 for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns and a league-worst 17 interceptions last year.

The Raiders secured the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with a 3-14 record, paving the way for them to select Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to the National Championship win in the 2025 college football season.

Smith is now reuniting with the team where he spent his first four NFL seasons, leading the Jets to a 12-18 record with 5,962 yards in 28 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in 30 starts from 2013 to 2016.

The European governing body released a statement lamenting that the circumstances didn’t allow the match to take place in Qatar, which was the initial plan.

“It is a source of great disappointment to UEFA and the organizers that circumstances and timing have denied the teams of the chance to compete for this prestigious prize in Qatar – a country that has demonstrated time and again its capability of staging world class international events in state-of-the-art facilities,” the statement read.

UEFA claims Argentina rejected its proposals

UEFA also made it clear that it had every intention to move the Finalissima to another venue, but claimed that Argentina didn’t accept any of its proposals.

“With strong determination to save the important fixture, and despite the understandable difficulties of relocating a match of such importance at extremely short notice, UEFA explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association,” the UEFA statement added.

The original 2026 Finalissima plan

The Finalissima, which pits the defending UEFA Euro champions against the reigning Copa America winners, was reintroduced in 2022 with Argentina beating Italy 3-0 at Wembley.

The team led by Lionel Messi repeated its Copa America title in 2024, which is why it was set to face Spain, who lifted the European Championship that same year.

Lusail Stadium in Qatar, home to the 2022 World Cup final, was set to host the big match before the geopolitical situation affecting the country forced UEFA and Conmebol to explore alternatives.

The options proposed by UEFA and rejected by Argentina

According to UEFA, multiple options were proposed but rejected by Argentina. The first one was to play the Finalissima at the Santiago Bernabeu on the original date, with a 50:50 split of supporters. Still, Argentina felt that Spain would feel like the home team in such scenario.

The second option proposed by UEFA and rejected by Argentina, according to the statement, was to play the Finalissima over two legs – one at the Santiago Bernabeu on 27 March and the other in Buenos Aires during an international window before the UEFA EURO and Copa America 2028, “again offering a supporter split of 50:50 for the match in Madrid.”

UEFA added that it “sought a commitment from Argentina that, if a neutral venue in Europe could be found, the game could go ahead on 27 March, as planned and announced on 18 December 2025, or on the alternative date of 30 March. This proposal was also rejected.“

The alternative ideas from Argentina rejected by UEFA

The European governing body admitted that Argentina also had proposals, first countering with an idea to play the Finalissima after the 2026 World Cup. However, UEFA ruled it out, claiming that Spain have no available dates.

UEFA also considered “unworkable” to play on March 31, with Argentina allegedly declaring their availability to play “exclusively” on that date.

The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina can reportedly be rescheduled, though now it seems to be too soon to tell when this match could finally take place.

“Yeah, you know, I think all players that are playing right now understand that their performances will be directly linked to their call-up. If they’re playing well, they have a very good chance of getting called into camp,” Berhalter said when asked by Bolavip about his thoughts on Brady’s form and his USMNT prospects.

“So, for Chris, for him to play well in the beginning of the season, all the games so far, to start getting these clean sheets, I thought building out of the back, he was very good against Columbus. So that’s a good sign,” Berhalter added, backing his goalkeeper.

“Obviously, the final decision is going to come down to the coaching staff, but all players can do is put in good performances week after week.“

Chris Brady’s form in 2026 MLS season with Chicago Fire

Brady, who turned 22 on March 3, was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday following his four-save shutout in Chicago‘s goalless draw against the Columbus Crew on Matchday 3.

It was the second consecutive clean sheet for the Naperville native, whose form makes him a candidate to get a USMNT call-up this month. The young goalie already has experience training with the Stars and Stripes, even though he has yet to make an official appearance with the senior national team.

Brady’s USMNT experience and chances

After being called up to the senior roster for training camp in June and making the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup squad, Brady returned to the USMNT for training camp in October 2025.

The starting spot appears to be locked in for New York City FC’s Matt Freese, whereas veteran New England Revolution keeper Matt Turner is also expected to make the World Cup. The third spot might be up for grabs, with Patrick Schulte of the Columbus Crew in contention.

But if Brady keeps up with this strong start to the year, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see the Chicago Fire sensation get a chance before the final cut for the big tournament.

“Yes, he’s fine. He’s training normally, and yes, he’s available to play. Today, due to various circumstances, we felt he shouldn’t go in,” Mascherano said during his postgame press conference when Bolavip asked him about Suarez’s status.

“But it’s not like he has any discomfort or anything like that. He’s already 100% recovered, and will surely get minutes in the upcoming games.”

Luis Suarez’s slow start to 2026 with Inter Miami

Suarez, 39, has barely seen the field in 2026. His lone appearance for Miami this year came in the MLS season opener, coming off the bench to replace Mateo Silvetti with only eight minutes remaining during the 3-0 loss to LAFC.

The former Barcelona star, who moved to South Florida in 2024 to reunite with Messi, missed the Herons’ trip to Orlando and the subsequent 4-2 victory over Orlando City but was on the bench during the 2-1 win over DC United prior to the Nashville trip.

Suarez is on a one-year contract with Inter Miami, where his role had already decreased in the final stretch of the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. After playing just 14 minutes in the quarterfinals and only eight in the semis, Suarez watched the final on the bench.

Suarez could return to action with rotation in Miami

2026 sees Suarez sitting behind German Berterame, who joined the Herons as a Designated Player (DP) this offseason in a stellar signing from Liga MX side Monterrey CF.

Inter Miami return to action on Saturday, when they hit the road again to visit Charlotte FC in MLS play. With the team having little time to rest before it returns to Miami for the second leg against Nashville, perhaps Mascherano starts to rotate players and gives Suarez playing time.

“Number 1, for sure,” Adebayo told FanDuel Sports Network after the Heat’s 150-129 win in Miami, in front of a crowd excited to see him surpass the 81-point mark set by Kobe Bryant on January 22, 2006.

Wilt Chamberlain still holds the record for the most points scored by a single player in an NBA game, having posted 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks in 1962.

Only Wilt Chamberlain had a highest-scoring game than Adebayo

Adebayo, however, can still take pride in holding the second highest-scoring game in league history. “Obviously, top three performances of all time,” Adebayo told Norman Powell when his teammate mentioned Wilt and Kobe’s numbers.

Even though Chamberlain still tops the list, Adebayo’s performance counts with video evidence, something Wilt’s historic game doesn’t. It may not change the facts, but at least Bam can look back at the highlights from his historic night any time he wants.

How Adebayo reached the 83 points in historic night in Miami

It appeared to be written in the stars, as Adebayo admitted postgame that he felt this could be a special game when he already had 43 points at halftime. It all started with a strong first quarter, where his 31 points outscored the 29 scored by the entire Wizards team.

When he surpassed the 70-point mark in the fourth quarter and it was evident that Adebayo was on pace to surpass Bryant, the Heat did everything in their power to help Bam make history.

The final minutes at the Kaseya Center were wild, with the crowd on the edge of their seats as the Heat’s only intention was to help Bam score, whereas the Wizards tried to stop Adebayo from making them the victims of a record.

In the end, the Heat’s effort paid off as Adebayo got enough shots to surpass Kobe and set a new milestone. Getting to Chamberlain’s 100 points remains a nearly impossible goal for any player, but Adebayo got closer than many all-time greats.

Adebayo breaks the Heat record set by LeBron James

LeBron James held the previous record in franchise history, with 61 points for the Heat against the Charlotte Bobcats on March 3, 2014. On Tuesday night, Adebayo scored 20 of 43 field goals, 7 of 22 three-pointers, and 36 of 43 free throws to leave The King behind.

The numbers don’t lie. Adebayo has once again proved what he’s capable of, and even if he eventually has a night off, his 83-point performance will always be a reminder of how much respect he deserves.

“I think we’re going in the right direction. Nothing’s changed right now in terms of status, nothing’s changed in terms of anything else. We’ll continue to take it a step at a time,” Muse said Tuesday, via Penguins reporter Michelle Crechiolo. “But it’s obviously great having him out there.”

Crosby, 38, has been out since getting hurt with Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics quarterfinals. Watching him skate on Tuesday morning led many to wonder whether Crosby would play against the Carolina Hurricanes today, but the game in Raleigh may come too soon for the Penguins captain.

Crosby’s missed games since Winter Olympics injury

Crosby’s injury against Czechia in Milano Cortina forced him to watch the Winter Olympics semifinal against Finland as well as the gold medal match against Team USA on the sidelines.

When returning from the Winter Olympics, the Penguins immediately placed him on injured reserve. On February 25, the team announced that its captain would be out for a minimum of four weeks.

Less than two weeks have passed since then, so there should be no reason to panic. The fact that Crosby is already skating is an encouraging sign, but as Muse said, the Penguins aren’t forcing him to return ahead of schedule.

Penguins’ form since Crosby’s injury

Crosby’s absence has been challenging for Pittsburgh though, with the team heading into the Hurricanes game on March 10 on a 3-4 run since the NHL resumed after the Winter Olympics.

The Penguins, however, are still well-positioned in the NHL standings as they fight for a place in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With 78 points in 63 games, Muse and company are second in the Metropolitan division, though they have many teams right behind them.

Pittman is joining a group led by DK Metcalf, providing the Steelers a much-needed combo in the position. Roman Wilson and Ben Skorownek are the other wideouts under contract in Pittsburgh for 2026.

The Colts are losing a key weapon, but are also creating $24 million in cap space. They will count on Alec Pierce, who agreed to come back in a four-year deal. The other Colts WRs under contract for 2026 are Ashton Dulin, Josh Downs, and Anthony Gould.

Free agent WRs in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh

Pittman is reportedly signing a three-year, $59 million contract in Pittsburgh, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Steelers, meanwhile, have three wideouts facing unrestricted free agency.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Scotty Miller, and Calvin Austin III are all free to sign elsewhere in the open market ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The same goes for Laquon Treadwell in the Colts’ case, as the wideout is out of contract in Indy.

“I’m just a privileged spectator,” Mascherano replied to Bolavip when asked about Messi breaking more records, as the Argentine star reached 898 career goals with his brace against Orlando City on Sunday.

“I just get to watch him closer than you on the sidelines. The numbers that you mention are incredible, he’s unbelievable,” Mascherano added on Messi, who also reached 70 career free-kick goals with an incredible set-piece screamer in Orlando.

Being just two goals shy of reaching 900 in his career, Messi remains hot on Cristiano Ronaldo’s heels as the Portuguese striker aims to reach the 1,000-goal mark before the Argentine ace does.

Mascherano, Messi looking for second Inter Miami win in 2026

Meanwhile, Messi and Mascherano will be looking for their second win in 2026 as Inter Miami aim to build on their Florida Derby win, which was also their first franchise victory in Orlando.

The defending MLS Cup champions, who bounced back after a 3-0 loss to LAFC in the season opener, will take on a DC United side that also has three points, having beaten the Philadelphia Union on Matchday 1 before losing to Austin last time out. The game will take place at 4:30 PM (ET), with Messi set to start on Saturday. The Herons will have little time to rest, as their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign starts Wednesday with a trip to Nashville.

“I love it,“ Berhalter replied to Bolavip at a press conference before Chicago‘s MLS game against the Columbus Crew. “I mean, that’s the mentality we need, right? We go into any tournament, and you believe you can win. And I think that’s the most important thing for the mindset of any group entering a tournament.

“Because, in reality, anything is possible, right? In theory, on any given day, we can beat any team in the world. So, you know, when you get to through the group, and hopefully we will, it’s a knockout phase, and it really is about the day, the form of the day. So, you know, I’m excited at that statement. I think it shows intention,” Berhalter continued.

“The group has had World Cup experience, the majority of that group. So they understand what a World Cup is like. We’ll have the home fans behind us, and I think it’s a great mindset to go into the World Cup with.”

Berhalter, of course, is very familiar with the USMNT roster, having coached the Stars and Stripes until 2024. With him at the helm, the USA reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (Netherlands won that game 3-1 before losing in the quarterfinals to eventual champions Argentina).

What Pochettino told President Trump about the USA’s World Cup mindset

With the tournament taking place in North America this year, all eyes will be on whether Pochettino can lead the team further on home soil. The Argentine-born manager appears to have enough confidence to do so.

During a recent appearance on The High Performance Podcast, Pochettino shed light into a conversation with President Donald Trump about the USA’s chances at the 2026 World Cup.

“At the draw of the World Cup, I met Donald Trump for a few minutes. He asked me, ‘What do you think coach? Can you win the World Cup?’ I said, ‘Of course, Mr. President’. Because it’s the USA. The American dream is there. The American culture is about being first, being number one,” Pochettino said.

“When we accepted the challenge to go there, it was because we really believe that we can win (the World Cup). After a year and a half working there, people start to feel that we can win. The last few camps in October and November… we competed against very good teams and we started to show that possibility to perform well.

“We are going to have the support of a massive country and all its fans. To try and push us to run, score goals, and make tackles. I think that will be a massive boost for us,” Pochettino added.

The USMNT’s form ahead of 2026 World Cup

Riding on a five-game unbeaten run, the USMNT has been in promising form as of late, boasting 14 wins in its last 22 appearances. On top of that, it took down the likes of Uruguay and Paraguay in November, boosting the country’s hopes. Paraguay will be one of the USA’s group stage opponents at the 2026 World Cup, with Australia and the UEFA Playoff C winner completing Group D.

The Giants could use a boost to their WR room in 2026 as Jaxson Dart enters his second year in the league, whereas the Chiefs definitely need to retool their offense around Patrick Mahomes after a disappointing season.

Diggs, who turns 33 in November, is a proven weapon in the league who still has enough left in the tank to contribute on a team with aspirations. However, the Giants and Chiefs might not be alone in his sweepstakes.

Potential suitors for Diggs apart from NY Giants and Chiefs

The Denver Broncos could benefit from a pass catcher with Diggs‘ experience to build on a promising 2025 campaign. Another potential suitor could be the Miami Dolphins, who recently released Tyreek Hill and could welcome new veteran presence in their WR group.

However, a return to the Buffalo Bills could also make sense. Diggs is already familiar with playing alongside Josh Allen, and it’s an area where the team struggled to find a dependable target last year.

Other teams to watch might be the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lacked an established WR2 behind DK Metcalf, or the San Francisco 49ers, who are expected to add at wide receiver this offseason.

Diggs’ 2025 season in New England

Diggs is coming off a productive season where he caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns with the Patriots, who made an unexpected run to Super Bowl LX. Only a month after the loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium, the wideout will be looking for a new home as the Patriots WR depth chart will look different in 2026.

According to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star, the Giants missed out on McDuffie because they wouldn’t give up a first-round pick plus additional assets — a demand the Rams did meet.

The Rams reportedly surrendered their No. 29 pick along with a fifth and sixth-rounder in April’s NFL Draft as well as a third-rounder in 2027. It was the kind of return the Chiefs were expecting, even if it wasn’t enough to stop Patrick Mahomes from lamenting the McDuffie trade.

Giants had a reason not to go as far as the Rams to meet Chiefs’ demands for McDuffie

Even though the Giants could’ve made the effort to get McDuffie, it makes sense they stayed put. Unlike the Rams, who still have a first-round pick thanks to the No. 13 selection they got from the Atlanta Falcons last year, New York only has one first-rounder in 2026. And it’s the No. 5, way more valuable than LA’s No. 29.

Needless to say, giving up such a high draft pick would’ve been a bold decision by a team that could really use that selection in a top prospect for a much-needed resurgence.

That pick, in fact, may give the Giants an advantage over the Chiefs to get Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a player seen as a potential target for both teams. The Chiefs will have two first-rounders thanks to the McDuffie trade, but they won’t be on the clock until No. 9.

“Damn..,” Mahomes wrote on his X account, only a few minutes after the news went viral. McDuffie and Mahomes had been teammates since 2022, when the Chiefs selected the cornerback 21st overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

They celebrated two Super Bowl victories together (LVII, LVIII), which makes this breakup sad for the team. However, the Chiefs’ cap space in 2026 is tight, and after a rough 2025 season, getting draft picks in return was necessary to rebuild fast.

Chiefs get much-needed draft capital from Rams for McDuffie

Kansas City is reportedly receiving a total of four draft picks from Los Angeles. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Chiefs are getting No. 29, a 5th, and a 6th rounder in 2026 apart from a 2027 3rd.

With the No. 29 adding to their No. 9 pick in the first round, the Chiefs now have enough draft capital to retool their roster after missing the playoffs last year. Letting McDuffie go was a tough, but perhaps necessary move.

Chiefs had to make tough decision on McDuffie

McDuffie played a key role in the Chiefs’ defense during the last four seasons, recording 246 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 34 pass deflections, and three interceptions during his time at Arrowhead. In 2023, he was a first-team All-Pro.

However, the Chiefs had their backs against the wall with McDuffie entering the final year of his rookie deal and commanding an extension they probably couldn’t afford due to their salary cap situation. In fact, Kansas City had to restructure Mahomes’ deal earlier this offseason to get more wiggle room in 2026.

Chiefs confident trading McDuffie could be worth it

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN and Jordan Schultz of FOX explained that the reason why the Chiefs accepted to surrender McDuffie has to do with their confidence in their ability to draft and develop talent, especially at cornerback, apart from their need to free up cap space.

This deal is reminiscent of the trade that sent Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins back in 2022, when the Chiefs traded away a player in his prime to rebuild for the future. That move paid off, as even without Cheetah, Mahomes went on to make three more Super Bowls, winning two of them (both with McDuffie). Only time will tell whether the McDuffie trade leads to similar results for Kansas City.

The Colts confirmed on Tuesday they’re using the transition tag on Jones, a measure rarely seen in the National Football League. This means Indianapolis will have the right to match any offer Jones may receive as an unrestricted free agent, and also gives the team more time to reach an agreement on a longer deal for the 28-year-old before other teams can approach him.

This move shows a significant contrast with what the Giants decided in 2023, when they handed Jones a four-year, $160 million contract ($82M guaranteed at signing) that aged poorly. With the transition tag, Jones will receive a fully guaranteed $37.83 million for 2026.

Even if the Colts don’t get Jones to sign a new contract before free agency starts and the quarterback accepts an offer sheet from another team in the open market, the team will have five days to choose to match it and keep him.

However, unlike with the franchise tag, the Colts would receive no compensation for declining to match. What the transition tag proves is that Indianapolis isn’t getting ahead of itself like New York did in 2023.

Colts not rushing things with Jones like Giants did in 2023

Despite seeing inconsistent play from their 2019 sixth overall pick until then, the Giants felt convinced to bet on Jones after a promising 2022 season where he threw for 3,205 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and five interceptions along with 120 carries for 708 rushing yards and seven rushing scores.

Jones had led the Giants to a road playoff win over the Vikings before a Divisional Round exit at the hands of eventual Super Bowl runners-up Eagles, and the team hoped it would be the start of something bigger. But nothing went to plan. Injuries caught up to Jones in 2023, with a torn ACL finishing his season prematurely as he recorded just 909 passing yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions for a poor 1–5 record.

2024 was even worse, with Jones losing his starting job after throwing for just eight touchdown passes against seven interceptions for 2,070 yards in 10 weeks. He was then granted his request to be released and finished the campaign in Minnesota, though with no playing time.

2025 was his comeback year, exceeding expectations with a 7-1 start for a Colts team that deeply missed him after he suffered a torn Achilles in December. However, even after a promising year, Indianapolis is taking a safer approach than New York did back in the day.

Walker, who turns 26 in October, is coming off a breakout season that saw him win Super Bowl MVP, having recorded 27 carries for 135 yards in addition to 26 receiving yards during the Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium.

With the franchise tag value for running backs set at $14.2 million in 2026, tagging Walker would have been too expensive for the Seahawks. Other teams, however, will probably be happy to offer him a lucrative deal in free agency.

Walker would make sense both for Chiefs and NY Giants

With Hall no longer available, Walker could still provide the upgrade needed in Kansas City’s running back room. The Chiefs list of free agents includes Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Dameon Pierce, so new players are expected to boost the position.

Pacheco, for instance, is expected to leave Reid and company for another team as his rookie deal expires. The Chiefs, however, might see the Giants stand in their way with New York also seen as a potential suitor for Walker.

Even though John Harbaugh will count on a stacked RB room with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo, the latter’s injury recovery might lead the Giants to add at the position. And with a player of Walker’s caliber available in March, it would make sense if they at least explore this possibility.

NY Giants and Chiefs also linked to the same Draft target

If not, the 2026 NFL Draft in April could also provide an opportunity for the Giants and Chiefs to add at RB. Notre Dame prospect Jeremiyah Love is seen as a strong candidate to be drafted early, but the Giants may have a slight advantage over the Chiefs. At No. 5, New York will get to pick before Kansas City, whose turn is at No. 9.

Super Bowl MVPs who packed the bags

While watching the Seahawks allowing Walker to explore his options is hard to believe, he wouldn’t be the first player to join another team immediately after winning Super Bowl MVP.

As Schefter notes, Larry Brown, Desmond Howard, and Dexter Jackson are so far the only three players to win Super Bowl MVP and enter the following NFL season with another franchise. We’ll have to wait and see whether Walker becomes the fourth player to join this list, and whether the NY Giants or the Chiefs win the battle to acquire his services.

Not only do the Giants seem to have an advantage over the Chiefs to get Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they also appear to be interested in Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III—a player seen as a potential target for the Chiefs as well.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported on Thursday that Kansas City might emerge as an “interesting suitor” for Walker should the Seattle Seahawks decline to tag him, as many expect.

Chiefs could be aggressive in pursuit of new RB in 2026

Even though Reid and the Chiefs don’t have a history of making big moves for running backs, it’s been reported that they did attempt to trade for New York Jets star Breece Hall last year.

This failed attempt leads to the belief that Reid and the Chiefs could be aggressive in 2026. The problem is that, both in the Draft and in free agency, Kansas City might be facing competition from New York.

Selecting at No. 5 in April, the Giants can leave the Chiefs without Love before it’s Kansas City’s turn at No. 9. That’s why Reid and the front office might need to seize free agency in March, but any important signing will take a lot of creativity due to Kansas City’s tight cap space.

Chiefs RB room expected to suffer changes

Either way, chances are that the RB room at Arrowhead will look different in 2026. While the list of Chiefs free agents includes running backs Kareem Hunt and Dameon Pierce, 2x Super Bowl champion Isiah Pacheco is also expected to leave for another team in the open market. Only time will tell us how the Chiefs respond to these changes, and if the Giants ultimately prevent Reid and company from getting their priority targets.

The Giants have more chances to get Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love than the Chiefs, even if they have no guarantees that the 20-year-old will remain available when it’s New York’s turn on the clock.

Not only do the Giants pick before the Chiefs, but Love has already made it clear that he would love to play in the Big Apple. After meeting with the Giants at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Love described their coaches as “really cool people” and shared his desire of being drafted by the team.

“I like them a lot, I feel like they like me a lot as well — hopefully they call my name on draft night and we can continue building better relationships,” Love said, as quoted by Giants Wire.

Jeremiyah Love shows strong interest in NY Giants despite praise for Chiefs

Even though the Giants already have a strong running back room with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo, Love doesn’t look worried about potentially lacking playing time. Instead, he would love the chance to team up with Skattebo.

“Being able to play with a back like Skatt, to have someone who is more of a veteran than me that I can learn from, I’d be able to take away a lot from that,” Love said.

This comes shortly after Reid and the Chiefs got a different kind of message from Love, who also expressed excitement about a hypothetic partnership with Patrick Mahomes. However, it makes sense. At the end of the day, players declaring for the NFL Draft don’t always know where they will land.

Running back Isiah Pacheco is hitting unrestricted free agency, and Jesse Newell of The Athletic reports that he is considered “likely” to join another NFL team in the open market.

Pacheco, who turns 27 in March, is free to explore his options for 2026 as his rookie deal expired last season. Selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Rutgers, he’s been a key member of the Chiefs RB room, contributing to two Super Bowl victories.

Isiah Pacheco might be heading for Chiefs exit

That said, injuries stood in his way in the last two years, and 2025 was particularly tough for the Chiefs’ running game. Kareem Hunt led the team with only 611 rushing yards, followed by Pacheco with just 462 and Mahomes with 422.

The fact that the quarterback produced almost the same numbers as the starting running back speaks for itself. While it shows how much danger Mahomes can produce with his legs, it also proves that Pacheco had a bad year.

We’re still talking about a player who helped Reid and Mahomes win the Super Bowl in 2023 and 2024, which is why thinking about a change might be difficult. And even after a poor 2025, his name will still draw interest in free agency, along with other Chiefs players out of contract.

How the Chiefs could replace Pacheco

We’ll have to wait and see whether the Chiefs make an effort to bring him back, or if Pacheco seeks a bigger contract elsewhere. Either way, Reid and Mahomes will have options to bring a new running back if needed.

Free agency will allow the Chiefs to entertain the idea of pursuing a big name, with the likes of Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, and Travis Etienne running out of contract. The 2026 NFL Draft could also provide an opportunity to take a new prospect at the position, just like they did with Pacheco in 2022.

Smith, a former striker who cemented his place in Arsenal history before carving out a successful career as a commentator and analyst, addressed these topics in an exclusive interview with Bolavip.

In a fruitful eight-year stint in North London (1987–1995), Smith helped the Gunners secure two First Division trophies—scoring a crucial goal against Liverpool at Anfield in the 1988-89 season finale—among other honors. The club went on to win three more league titles after his retirement, but it hasn’t lifted the Premier League since 2004. This season, there’s a feeling that the drought can finally come to an end.

Alan Smith on Arsenal’s Premier League chances

Bolavip: What did you think about the North London derby on Sunday, a much-needed win for Arsenal after dropping points in consecutive games, right?

Alan Smith: Yes, exactly. Yes, I commentated on the Wolves game on Wednesday and that was… You thought at that point that Arsenal were going to blow it. I mean, listen, who knows if they’re going to win the title, but they had to bounce back and they had to beat Spurs. A draw wouldn’t have been enough. And the manner that they did it was good. So now you hope they can go again. It seems as if they’ve just got to keep winning games because City are looking good as well. But yeah, the North London derby was a big moment, I think, in the season.

BV: How do you see Arsenal in the Premier League title race after this win, with Manchester City so close… Do you think Arsenal are finally ready to get across the finish line?

Alan Smith: Yeah, I think they are ready. Definitely. They’ve got the quality there. It’s whether they’ve got the mentality that, you know, the ability to hold their nerve. I think back to when we won the title and we had some rough patches going back to 1989. Our last two home games, we lost to Derby and drew with Wimbledon and we thought we’d blown it. But then we ended up beating Liverpool on the last day.

So there will be moments where you think, ‘Oh, no, no, it’s all over.’ But still a lot of points to play for. And Arsenal, I think, have got the advantage over City in that they can rotate players more easily and still keep that strength. So, you know, it’s there for them. Hopefully they can see it through.

Smith weighs in on Mikel Arteta’s job in North London

BV: Arsenal do have a deep squad, with Mikel Arteta building it over the years. How do you rate his job so far? He won an FA Cup against all odds in his first season, but after so many years, maybe fans are expecting more trophies.

Alan Smith: Yeah, he’s brought the club and the team a long way. It’s easy to forget how they were when he took over. I know they won the FA Cup, but I don’t think they were ever going to challenge for the league with that group of players. So he got some out that he didn’t like. And I think he’s really fostered a good team spirit. I don’t think there are any kind of ‘big-time Charlies,’ as we say in England, any people that think they’re above the rest. Everybody’s willing to work really hard. So he’s done really well. And I think tactically, he’s very clever. Learned a lot of Pep Guardiola, for sure. So, yeah, he’s brought the club a long way.

But it gets to the point where you think, ‘OK, he’s had money to spend. He’s had a lot of money to spend as well.’ It gets to the point where you’ve got to see some silverware. You know, and this, if they don’t win anything this year, big questions will be asked. But, yeah, hopefully they can get something.

Smith believes Arsenal can challenge for the Champions League as well

BV: Apart from the Premier League, Arsenal reached the Champions League round of 16 unbeaten, winning all eight league phase games. Do you think they have what it takes to succeed in Europe against the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich?

Alan Smith: Yeah, I mean, it’s always difficult because as you get towards the end of the competition, I think teams like Real Madrid lift their game, don’t they? They can be fairly average in the run-up to it. I’ve commentated on PSG quite a lot and they don’t look like anything like the team that won it last year. But, you know, they’ve got that experience in them.

And I think Arsenal rank up with all those teams you mentioned and possibly better. You know, they’ve beaten Bayern Munich at home handsomely, beat Real Madrid last season handsomely as well at home. So, yeah, I mean, as well being over two legs, I think that maybe gives Arsenal an advantage. So I think they should be confident in the Champions League.

Smith anticipates the 2026 World Cup

BV: What do you think of the expanded field, from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup?

Alan Smith: It’s a bit different. There’s a lot of teams in it that you wouldn’t normally see in a World Cup finals. It’s going to be huge with it being over Canada, the US and Mexico. But yeah, I mean, it is what it is, I really enjoyed the competition in Qatar when it was the total opposite. Everything was very close. And now everything is very far apart. But it’ll be a fantastic competition, I think.

And when it gets to the latter stages, that’s when almost that’s when it begins, isn’t it? And you’d expect to see all those top teams in it. Argentina will be very keen to retain the trophy. Obviously, Brazil, Spain, Germany, England. We’ll see. I mean, there’s a lot of hope in England that we can lift it. But we’ll have to see.

BV: You mentioned a lot of candidates there, but if you have to pick one, who’d be your favorite?

Alan Smith: Yeah, I mean, I think the weather will play a part and maybe not to England’s advantage. In New York, in the Club World Cup last year, I think it was 95 degrees or something. And we still like to play at a high intensity. That’s when we’re at our best. So it might be the team like Spain or Argentina would be better suited to it. Spain are looking good. France still look strong. But yeah, yeah, a lot of factors can get in the way. But I think it’s the normal ones that you think of will be there again.

BV: So do you think the weather will play a big role?

Alan Smith: Yeah, yeah. I think, as I say, we’ve never, although we’ll go early and get warm weather training and all the rest of it… You know, it’s not in our systems to perform to the top level under those conditions when it’s that hot, whereas other countries are more used to it. So, yeah, it might well. Some of the stadiums are air-conditioned, aren’t they? I think Dallas is and maybe some others, but I think it will play a part.

Messi and Ronaldo potentially making their last World Cup appearance

BV: 2026 might be the last World Cup for Messi and Ronaldo. Do you think their performance will change how they’re seen when it comes to the best of all time debate?

Alan Smith: I’ve covered a lot of Argentina games at the World Cup and you know, there were some where Argentina were a little flat, nothing was happening and then Messi just changed it entirely, it just looked like he was made to end up a winner and be the star. And can Ronaldo still do it? I mean, Ronaldo has been scoring fun in Saudi Arabia, obviously the standards are much different, but I think they’ll both see this as their last tournament, so they’ll be very keen to go out with a bang.

Doesn’t always work that way, but, yeah, I think they will be rated as the best two players of all time. Partly because of how long they’ve lasted, quite amazing. You can look at a lot of players like (Diego) Maradona, I mean Pele lasted a long time obviously, but a lot of top players haven’t gone for as long as Messi and Ronaldo and for that reason, you know, I think they are the top two.

BV: Do you have a preference?

AS: I’d probably just go for Messi. Well, he’s a world champion obviously, but maybe he thinks about the team a little more than Ronaldo does at times. Hasn’t quite got that ego, obviously has got an ego, but yeah, he’s just such an amazing player to watch. But they are both fantastic.

BV: What do you think of Messi and Ronaldo playing in MLS and Saudi Arabia, respectively?

Alan Smith: Obviously, it’s a little bit easier for them and they might feel that it prolongs their careers in order to play for their countries, that might be a factor. But, you know, I’m sure they’re keeping their standards high in readiness for when they are playing for their countries. It’s obviously a bigger step up than it would have been Messi playing for Barcelona and Ronaldo for Real Madrid, but they’re both capable, I think, of still shining for their countries.

Shortly after Prestianni broke his silence on the allegations, Benfica shared his message on their official X account with a four-word message to declare their full support for the midfielder.

“Juntos, ao teu lado (Together, by your side),” the club’s message read on the platform formerly known as Twitter. On top of that, Benfica doubled down by sharing a video aiming to prove Prestianni’s innocence.

“As the images show, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they are claiming they heard,” the Benfica account on X wrote along with the following video:

Benfica defend Prestianni, while Real Madrid stand behind Vinicius

Benfica’s support of Prestianni echoes Jose Mourinho’s comments about Vinicius’ allegations, as the Portuguese manager completely defended his club while questioning the Brazilian’s goal celebration—even though he said he’s not taking sides.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have also been very firm about their stance. Aurelien Tchouameni revealed that Prestianni’s alleged racist slur towards Vinicius was “m*onkey,” a comment that Kylian Mbappe also claimed to hear.

Vinicius left the field and the match stopped due to the racism protocol, but since Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey, the cameras couldn’t check what he really said. Mbappe, however, was seen furious at the Argentine after the incident, shouting “you are a f—ing racist” at Prestianni on the field.

The French star’s anger didn’t end after the final whistle though, as Mbappe went on to call for Prestianni to be banned from the Champions League. Now we’ll have to wait and see what UEFA has to say about this controversial situation, with an investigation expected to take place as there are two sides to the story.

“I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vinicius Junior, who unfortunately misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players,” Prestianni wrote in an Instagram story.

Vinicius left the field and the Benfica-Real Madrid game was temporarily stopped during the second half as the referee activated the racism protocol, with the Brazilian claiming that Prestianni racially abused him after his goal celebration.

Prestianni denies Vinicius, Real Madrid’s allegations

Prestianni covered his mouth with his jersey, so the cameras couldn’t reveal what he actually said. However, several Real Madrid teammates said they also heard a racist comment toward Vinicius.

Aurelien Tchouameni revealed the alleged racist slur used by Prestianni was “m*nkey,” something Kylian Mbappe echoed when addressing the media in Lisbon. The Frenchman was visibly furious at the Argentine during the heated incident, and Mbappe even went on to call for Prestianni to be banned from the Champions League.

The 20-year-old midfielder did get some support from Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, who addressed Vinicius’ racism allegations with a comment defending the club’s values while questioning the Brazilian’s goal celebration.

Right now there are two sides to the story. While Vinicius and Real Madrid are sure of what they heard, Prestianni insists that the allegations are false. UEFA is now expected to investigate the incident to determine how to proceed.

“Prestianni should never play in the Champions League again. We have to set an example for all the children who look up to us; there are things we can’t accept,” Mbappe said.

“I have nothing against Benfica, the club, or it’s coach, who for me is one of the best, and the club is the best in Portugal and one of the best in history. But this kid Prestianni does not deserve to play in the Champions League anymore.”

Mbappe wasn’t the only one to speak out after the incident. Federico Valverde immediately stood up for Vinicius while taking a shot at UEFA and Prestianni during his postgame presser.

Vinicius first issued a four-word message, initially focusing on the return leg against Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu. But he eventually addressed the controversial situation as well, releasing a long statement where he called Prestianni a “coward.“

Mbappe supports Vinicius, wants UEFA to take action against Prestianni

Shortly after scoring the opener at Estadio da Luz, Vinicius called for the racism protocol to be activated after allegedly being racially abused by Prestianni. The Champions League game was stopped for a few minutes before play resumed.

“Did Prestianni apologize? Did you see his face? An apology? We’re not stupid. I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I don’t let that kind of thing slide. This player is young, how can you say these things on a soccer field? Now we have to see what happens,” Mbappe continued.

“I asked Vini what he wanted to do. Whatever he wants to do, we’ll do it as a team. We’ll never leave Vini alone. We’ve supported our player. If something like that happens to you, how would you feel?

“After Vini’s goal and the celebration, Benfica’s number 25, I won’t say his name because he doesn’t deserve to have me say his name out loud, started using some unacceptable words. He called Vini a m*nkey five times. Five times!,” Mbappe said, echoing what Aurelien Tchouameni revealed about Prestianni’s alleged words towards Vinicius.

Mbappe completely angry at Prestianni

The Frenchman, who was visibly angy against Prestianni as chaos ensued on the field, is still upset with the situation and made it clear that Prestianni should be punished for his alleged actions, even if Jose Mourinho defended his Benfica player with a strong message.

“You have the best cameras. Analyze his face. He covered his face so we can’t read his lips. His face does not lie. This guy is not my fellow professional. Not this type of human,” Mbappe said.