messi returns inter
|

Messi returns as Inter Miami held to draw

Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return for Inter Miami on Saturday after an extended break following the FIFA World Cup, helping his side earn a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The Argentine captain featured for the first time since the World Cup final, coming off the bench in the second half. Although he created several dangerous moments and came close to scoring, he was unable to find the net in his comeback appearance.

The match was delayed by 40 minutes due to bad weather before Inter Miami made a bright start. Veteran striker Luis Suarez opened the scoring in the 16th minute, continuing his impressive run of form with his seventh goal in four matches.

Columbus Crew restored parity in the 34th minute after an own goal by Casemiro. However, Inter Miami regained the lead before halftime when Suarez provided a precise assist for Noah Allen, who headed the ball into the net.

The visitors refused to give up and found the equaliser late in the match. Midfielder Brais Mendez, making his debut for Columbus Crew after joining from Spanish club Real Sociedad, curled home a free kick in the 84th minute to secure a share of the points.

The draw brought an end to Inter Miami’s six-match winning streak, though the club remained second in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.

In another MLS fixture, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski delivered a memorable performance in his first home appearance for Chicago Fire. The veteran forward scored twice to inspire his team to a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC.

Lewandowski netted his first goal for Chicago to cancel out Charlotte’s early lead before scoring again moments later. He completed his brace in the second half, helping Chicago register its first league win since the World Cup break.

Messi’s return and Lewandowski’s impressive display added fresh excitement to the MLS season as several international stars resumed club action following the conclusion of the World Cup.

Similar Posts

  • |

    US replaces warship in Mideast as crew faces mental health crisis

    The US Department of Defence has dispatched the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East, replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln following mounting concerns over living conditions and mental health struggles among sailors aboard the long-deployed vessel. The USS George Washington departed Da Nang, Vietnam, passing through the Strait of Malacca toward the Indian Ocean. The deployment temporarily leaves the Asia-Pacific region without a US aircraft carrier presence, reflecting a strategic shift under the Trump administration, which views China as a manageable regional presence rather than a primary global threat. The deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln has surpassed 260 uninterrupted days at sea, setting a modern record without a port call. Operational demands linked to the conflict with Iran disrupted traditional supply hubs, leading to severe shortages of fresh food, clean water, and hygiene items, alongside broken sanitation facilities and lost mail. Reports have also highlighted safety concerns and multiple incidents of sailors attempting to jump overboard. Congressional leaders have demanded answers regarding the ship’s operational conditions. Senator Richard Blumenthal pressed defense officials on fleet sustainability, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to be removed from his post. Hegseth rejected the criticisms, stating that reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the carrier were completely misrepresented.

  • | | |

    Iran unleashes drone barrage on US bases

    The conflict between Iran and the United States intensified on Friday as Iranian military officials claimed to have carried out drone attacks on several military facilities used by US forces in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. The developments came after fresh US airstrikes on Iranian targets, signalling another major escalation in the months-long regional confrontation. According to Iranian military statements, “Arash” attack drones targeted US military warehouses and troop positions at Camp Udairi, Camp Doha and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Iranian officials said the attacks focused on weapons storage sites, military equipment and logistical facilities. They warned that further military action would continue if attacks against Iran persisted. Iran also claimed responsibility for drone strikes on Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan. Iranian state media reported that fuel storage areas, aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities and accommodation used by US personnel were among the intended targets. However, there was no immediate confirmation from the United States, Bahrain, Jordan or Kuwait regarding the reported attacks. Officials in those countries also did not immediately report casualties or significant damage. Meanwhile, US forces reportedly carried out fresh airstrikes on an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval headquarters in the northern Iranian town of Zibakenar. Iranian authorities said the facility was hit but added that initial assessments showed no casualties. In Iraq, several explosions were reported near Erbil International Airport, where US-led coalition forces are stationed. Witnesses reported hearing air defence systems in operation while drones were seen flying over the area. Smoke was later observed rising near the airport complex. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any country assisting the United States in military operations against Iran would be held responsible under international law. He said Tehran reserved the right to respond with measures permitted under self-defence. Araghchi also criticised Washington over comments suggesting frozen Iranian assets could be used to compensate for damage caused to commercial shipping. He warned that confiscating another country’s assets would create a dangerous international precedent and undermine global financial stability. The military escalation has also affected global energy markets. Concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have sharply reduced tanker traffic through key shipping routes. Shipping data indicated that only one oil tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, the lowest daily figure in more than two months. The situation worsened after attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea increased fears of further disruption to global energy supplies. Rising tensions pushed international oil prices above $100 per barrel, raising fresh concerns about inflation and the global economy. US President Donald Trump warned that Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi movement would face severe military consequences if attacks on commercial shipping continued. He said Washington was prepared to respond forcefully to any further threats against regional security and international maritime trade.

  • |

    Pakistan tops FTR medal table at F-Class World Championship in UK

    LONDON: Pakistan has produced a historic performance at the 7th F-Class World Championship in the United Kingdom, emerging as the highest medal-winning nation in the FTR category after securing 4 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze medals during the opening individual competitions. The championship, being held at the renowned Bisley National Shooting Centre, began on 12 August and has brought together 207 elite long-range shooters from 24 countries. The first phase featured individual matches over distances of 800, 900 and 1,000 yards. Competing with a modest contingent of just 12 shooters, Team Pakistan outperformed much larger international teams, underlining the country’s rapid rise in long-range target shooting. The achievement comes only three years after Pakistan entered the international F-Class arena, making its emergence as a major force all the more remarkable. The standout performer was Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali, who delivered a world-class performance to claim the coveted Individual FTR World Champion title. He won three gold, one silver and one bronze medal, finishing ahead of all 207 competitors through exceptional consistency across all three shooting distances. His triumph marks the biggest individual achievement in Pakistan’s F-Class shooting history. Sepoy Muhammad Waleed added another gold and a bronze medal to Pakistan’s tally, while Huzaifa Gill excelled in the Under-25 category with three silver and two bronze medals. Ahsan Gill also secured a bronze medal. Pakistan’s impressive depth was reflected in the overall standings, with seven shooters—Lt Col Junaid Ali, Muhammad Waleed, Obaid, Qasim, Huzaifa Gill, Junaid Waqas and Ahsan Gulrez—finishing among the championship’s top 100 competitors. The latest success follows another outstanding performance at the F-Class British Open 2026, held at Bisley earlier this month, where Pakistan won seven gold, two silver and four bronze medals, signalling the country’s growing stature in international long-range shooting. Attention now turns to the prestigious 16-member World Championship Team Match, scheduled for 15–16 August, where Pakistan will compete across 800, 900 and 1,000 yards with hopes of adding to its remarkable medal haul. Pakistan’s performances at Bisley have established the national team as one of the fastest-rising forces in world F-Class shooting and brought considerable pride to the country on the international stage.

  • |

    Pakistan crashes out of World Junior Squash Championship

    Pakistan’s hopes of securing an individual title at the World Junior Squash Championships came to an end after all four of its players were eliminated from the tournament, with Nauman Khan becoming the last Pakistani to exit following a straight-games defeat to Egypt’s top seed and defending champion Mohamed Zakaria. The 12-day championship, currently underway in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, saw Nauman face one of the tournament’s toughest opponents in the pre-quarterfinals. Zakaria displayed his class from the opening game, comfortably defeating the Pakistani youngster 11-4, 11-5, 11-6 to book his place in the quarterfinals. Nauman had carried Pakistan’s final hopes in the individual competition after progressing further than his teammates, but the Egyptian star’s experience and attacking game proved too strong on the day. Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan’s Mohammad Umair Arif, Yahya Khan, and Abdullah Nawaz were all knocked out in the Round of 32, leaving Nauman as the country’s lone remaining contender. His defeat officially ended Pakistan’s campaign in the individual event without a player reaching the medal rounds. Egypt once again underlined its dominance in world junior squash, with defending champion Zakaria continuing his title defense in impressive fashion. The youngster controlled every stage of the match, forcing errors from Nauman and maintaining his unbeaten run in the competition. Although the individual event has ended in disappointment for Pakistan, attention now shifts to the team competition, which is scheduled to begin on July 26. The team event offers Pakistan another opportunity to make an impact on the international stage and restore confidence after a difficult singles campaign. Coaches are expected to regroup the squad and focus on collective performances as the tournament enters its next phase. Pakistan has a proud history in world squash, having produced legendary champions who once dominated the sport. While recent years have brought challenges at the international level, the country’s young players continue to gain valuable exposure by competing against the world’s best juniors. The upcoming team event will provide another chance for Pakistan’s rising talents to test themselves against leading squash nations and finish the championship on a stronger note after an early exit from the individual competition.

  • |

    Kendall Jenner, Jacob Elordi’s latest outing fuels split rumors

    Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi’s relationship has become the subject of fresh speculation after the pair were spotted together at a recent Chris Stapleton concert, with their public appearance prompting renewed discussion about their romance. The couple, who have been linked since earlier this year, attended the concert while keeping a relatively low profile. Both opted for casual white T-shirts and stayed near the side of the stage, avoiding unnecessary attention as they enjoyed the event together. Despite their relaxed appearance, a body language expert suggested that the couple’s interactions reflected a noticeable shift in their relationship dynamic. According to the analysis, Jenner appeared less confident than in previous public outings, while Elordi seemed calm and at ease throughout the evening. The expert observed that Jenner’s gestures were more animated and expressive, describing them as attempts to seek attention or reassurance. In contrast, Elordi reportedly displayed a composed and comfortable demeanor, leading to speculation that the balance in their relationship may have changed. Particular attention was drawn to Jenner’s posture during the concert. The expert noted that the model was seen sitting with her legs crossed while holding her ankle, interpreting the pose as a sign of vulnerability or a desire for reassurance. The analysis suggested that adults sometimes adopt childlike body language when they feel emotionally threatened or uncertain, although such interpretations remain subjective and cannot confirm a person’s actual emotions. Another moment highlighted by the expert involved Jenner gesturing toward something while extending her arm across Elordi’s body. This movement was interpreted as a possible sign of protectiveness or a desire to keep her partner close. The expert argued that the interaction reflected a different dynamic from the couple’s earlier public appearances. Based on these observations, the body language specialist suggested that Elordi appeared to hold a more confident position within the relationship, while Jenner seemed to be seeking greater emotional reassurance. However, body language analysis is based on interpretation rather than confirmed fact, and it cannot accurately determine the true state of a relationship. Neither Jenner nor Elordi has publicly addressed the speculation surrounding their romance, and there has been no indication from either of them that their relationship is experiencing difficulties. The couple has generally chosen to keep their personal lives private and has rarely commented on media reports about their relationship. Jenner, one of the world’s most recognizable fashion models and television personalities, has often maintained a low-key approach to dating despite intense public interest in her personal life. Elordi, meanwhile, continues to focus on his acting career, with several high-profile film projects attracting attention in recent months. The pair first sparked romance rumors earlier this year after reportedly meeting through mutual friends, including Justin and Hailey Bieber. Since then, they have been photographed together on several occasions, fueling ongoing interest from fans and entertainment media. While recent body language interpretations have led to renewed breakup speculation, there is currently no official confirmation that Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi are facing problems in their relationship. For now, reports about the couple’s status remain based largely on public appearances and expert opinion rather than statements from the pair themselves.

  • |

    Modi forms task force to reform exam system

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a high-powered task force to reform the country’s examination system following weeks of student-led protests over alleged irregularities in major entrance exams. The announcement came a day after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, as the government faced growing pressure from students and opposition groups demanding changes to the examination process. Modi said the new task force would be headed by Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of technology company Infosys. The panel will focus on improving the examination system and making it more transparent, reliable and technology-driven. In a video message posted on social media, Modi said the government wanted to restore confidence in upcoming examinations as quickly as possible. He stressed that the system must ensure greater transparency and make effective use of technology. The protests had been led in large part by supporters of the social media-driven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Thousands of students and young people gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over several weeks, making the demonstrations among the most significant anti-government protests in India in recent years. The movement initially focused on alleged problems and irregularities in examinations, but its demands later expanded. Protesters also raised concerns about unemployment, limited opportunities for young people and what critics described as the government’s increasingly authoritarian approach. The protest site was largely cleared on Sunday. Municipal workers washed the surrounding roads and began repainting walls covered with slogans, posters and graffiti. Some protesters criticised the decision to remove the writings, saying the messages represented an important record of the movement. Rahul, a protester who had visited the site, said demonstrators had photographed and recorded the posters and slogans before they were removed. He said they wanted the material to remain documented and remembered. Some young people who travelled long distances to participate in the demonstrations arrived after the protest had already ended. One 19-year-old participant said he had travelled for around 20 hours after seeing videos of the demonstrations on Instagram. He said he wanted to witness the atmosphere and join other young protesters. Another visitor accused the government of worsening the situation by attempting to suppress the demonstrations. He argued that the crackdown had contributed to the protests becoming larger.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *