
Lionel Messi scores as Inter Miami rout Red Bulls 4-1
Lionel Messi added his first MLS goal since April 6 and Fafa Picault also found the back of the net for Inter Miami (6-1-3, 21 points).
Mohammed Sofo had the lone tally for the Red Bulls (4-4-3, 15 points), who remain winless (0-3-2) on the road this season.
New York had allowed just nine goals in 10 matches before Miami put on an offensive show. The Herons have scored seven goals in their past two MLS matches but lost the first one, 4-3 to FC Dallas last Sunday.
Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and New York counterpart Carlos Miguel Coronel each had two stops.
The Herons held a 12-10 edge in shots and placed six on target to three for the Red Bulls.
Miami scored the first three goals of the match and was never again threatened.
Picault scored in the ninth minute to get things started. Weigandt sent a cross to the left and it glanced off the head of Suarez. Picault was there and placed a right-footed shot into the top left corner.
Miami scored twice in nine minutes later in the half. In the 30th minute, Weigandt had his header stopped by Coronel but got the rebound and set a right-footed shot into the net.
Suarez also went the rebound route to make it 3-0. His right-footed shot was blocked by New York's Kyle Duncan before he hurried forward and sent a left-footer into the net.
The Red Bulls got on the board in the 43th minute as Sofo sent a high looping header from the left side that landed in the right-hand corner of the net. The foot of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting appeared to touch the ball inside the post but the goal was awarded to Sofo.
Any thought of a New York comeback was put to the rest in the 67th minute when Messi ripped a short-range left-footed shot into the net.

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The National
an hour ago
- The National
Hamzah Sheeraz ready for his hero to become his rival as he eyes dream fight against Canelo Alvarez
Accepted wisdom has it that you should never meet your heroes. The risk being that the real-life image might not match the idealised version. Or, alternatively, they might be trying to smash your face in, which is potentially the conundrum facing Hamzah Sheeraz. The 26-year-old British boxer has positioned himself for a shot at Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez after beating the former world-title challenger Edgar Berlanga in New York last month. The bout was a WBC eliminator against a fighter who had taken Alvarez the distance, before losing via a unanimous decision, last September. That had been the only previous loss of Berlanga's career, but the American was knocked down twice in the fourth round by Sheeraz, then summarily knocked out in the fifth. Sheeraz is now in line for a shot at the undisputed super middleweight title. That is held by Alvarez, who must first fight Terence Crawford in Las Vegas on September 13. The 35-year-old Mexican is the biggest draw in boxing outside of the heavyweight division, and Sheeraz is thrilled by the idea of facing him. '[The Berlanga win] has definitely put me as the front runner for the Canelo fight and I think it's a very realistic and possible fight that could be next for me in my career. It's what dreams are made of,' Sheeraz told The National. 'You always hear the term 'idols become rivals', and this is exactly that. I've always watched him since being young and growing up and, now I have the opportunity, or will have the opportunity to actually fight him.' While the sentiments about fighting his hero might seem starry-eyed, Sheeraz knows he will need steely resolve if he is to make a success of the prospective bout. He has already been counselled as such by someone who knows a thing or two about it. 'Now my mentality has to change,' Sheeraz said. 'I met Prince Naseem Hamed, and he told me, 'Now you have to look at him as an opponent, someone who is trying to take food off your table'. 'So now the whole ideology changes. It's about becoming that unified champion at 168lbs [76.2 kgs, the upper limit for super middleweight]. It means the world, it means everything to me and I'm looking forward to it. 'I wouldn't say its daunting in any way. I think I'm experienced enough, I've been in professional boxing for seven-eight years now and I've been in boxing since I was eight – so coming up to 20-odd years. 'Now it's just about relishing the opportunity, and not making him [out to be] such a big star. He's got two arms, two legs, and it's about being the better man on the night when I do get in [the ring] with him.' Sheeraz stands on the brink of the biggest fight of his career having accrued a record of 22 fights, no losses, and one draw, with 18 knockouts. His rise to this position has often included training in Dubai. Four years ago, for example, he was training at Real Boxing Only, a gym in Al Quoz, in the UAE summer heat, with the air-con switched off and a sweat suit on, doing everything he could to boil down to 154lbs (just under 70 kgs). At that stage of his career, he was an anomaly: a 1.91m-tall super welterweight. He would tower over opponents, and his reach was massive in comparison, but his frame was wiry. Now he has packed on muscle, moved up two divisions, and says he is at his ideal weight as a result. 'Making 154lbs was an incredible challenge,' he said. 'At that time, my muscle mass was not as developed as it is today, and the training methods, facilities, and team I had around me were still gaining experience. 'The move to 160lbs was already demanding, and now I've progressed to 168lbs, which is a much more natural and healthier weight for me. At this stage, the process feels more sustainable – no more extreme sweat-suit sessions – and we can even train with the AC on.' Making weight for the Berlanga fight was a breeze, he said, in comparison to the challenge of having to fight a New Yorker on his home patch. 'Moving up to 168lbs for the Berlanga fight felt very natural,' Sheeraz said. 'The weight itself was comfortable because I knew I wouldn't be facing such a big battle with the scales. There was still a small challenge, but nothing overwhelming. 'Mentally, that makes a huge difference; you don't have the added pressure of fighting the scales before the actual fight. 'The real challenge came from stepping into his backyard and adjusting to a new coach, which naturally added pressure. But in terms of the move up in weight, it felt right and suited me perfectly.' His dominance in the fight in New York at a new weight division was a huge boost for Sheeraz, following on from the draw he had in his previous fight. In February, he was adjudged to have shared the spoils with Carlos Adames at The Venue Riyadh Season in the Saudi Arabian capital. He banished any lingering doubts about that bout against the Dominican fighter with his explosive display on his first appearance in the United States. 'In terms of my US debut, I wouldn't say I gained confidence from that fight itself, because I was already going in full of belief,' Sheeraz said. 'I know that might sound unusual given I was coming off a draw in my previous performance, but after that I made some changes. I refreshed my team, and I started working with The Brain & Performance Centre in Dubai. 'The strategy and recovery protocols they put in place really helped me overcome the setbacks from the last fight and allowed me to go into camp stress-free, injury-free, and in a much better mental and physical state. 'So, while I didn't necessarily take confidence from the result, I felt I had almost manifested it and I knew it was going to happen.' Having staged pre-fight training camps in the city previously, Sheeraz moved to Dubai full-time earlier this year. His fight prep has included sessions at The Brain & Performance Centre in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, which specialises in hyperbaric oxygen therapy programmes. The clinic has been used by a number of notable sports people who have suffered brain injuries in the past, such as former England rugby captain Dylan Hartley. Sheeraz says he noticed 'faster recovery from injuries, sharper performance, and a stronger, more resilient mindset' as a result of his sessions there. While the switch to Dubai has made for a different lifestyle to the one he had growing up as an aspiring fighter in Slough, near London, he says he has not changed. 'I'm still the same person I was back in 2021, the same young lad who stays humble and keeps his feet firmly on the ground,' he said. 'Of course, after my last fight I've been noticed a lot more, and it can feel a little surreal. Youngsters come up to me, and people often tell me they've been following my journey and sometimes they even know more details about my career than I do myself. 'It's a unique and humbling experience, but it's also something I've always aspired to, and I'm truly grateful for it.'


Khaleej Times
16 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Team USA Ryder Cup contenders confirmed: Top six qualifiers set for Bethpage showdown
The countdown to the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York is on, and Team USA has confirmed its first six qualifiers following the BMW Championship. The players securing automatic spots are Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffler, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau. Spaun and Henley will make their Ryder Cup debuts, while the remaining quartet bring significant experience to the 12-man squad. Captain Keegan Bradley is set to announce his six Captain's Picks on Wednesday, August 27, rounding out the roster ahead of the event from September 26–28. Team Europe, led by Captain Luke Donald, will confirm its top six qualifiers after this week's Betfred British Masters at The Belfry on the DP World Tour, with the remaining six selections revealed on September 1. Speculation mounting With just over a month to go, speculation is mounting over Bradley's choices. Observers expect a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, with Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley himself, and Brian Harman among the likely picks. The final two spots could come from Ben Griffin, Maverick McNealy, Andrew Novak, Cameron Young, or Patrick Cantlay, all looking to impress in the lead-up events. History heavily favours the home team at the Ryder Cup. This century, the U.S. has only lost once on home soil, when Europe famously triumphed in the 'Miracle at Medinah' in 2012. With a passionate New York crowd ready to roar, the U.S. enters as favourites. One question still dominating conversations is whether Captain Bradley will serve as a Playing Captain. Such a move could inspire the team or place added pressure on the man tasked with managing strategy, pairings, and media duties. Bradley's decision will be closely watched by fans, media, and pundits alike, with the announcement expected alongside the remaining six picks. The Ryder Cup is as much about leadership as it is about skill. Captains carry a unique burden: managing egos, media scrutiny, and the relentless pressure of international competition. History shows the winning captain is lauded as a genius, while the losing captain bears the brunt of criticism- a fine line with no middle ground. With just 36 days to tee off in the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup, anticipation is building. At the BMW Championship, Scheffler chose to focus on the $20 million FedEx Cup event rather than the Ryder Cup, but the buzz surrounding the New York clash continues to grow, promising another thrilling chapter in one of golf's most storied competitions.


The National
a day ago
- The National
US Open: Overhaul of mixed doubles lures top stars and critics too
The revamped US Open mixed doubles tournament kicks off on Tuesday and will feature a marquee lineup that includes Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, Venus Williams and Novak Djokovic. Significant changes have been made to mixed doubles at this year's US Open, to attract the world's top singles players, which in turn should elevate the event overall. Player field There are 16 teams taking part in the tournament – eight of which gained direct entry based on their singles rankings and another eight who have accepted wildcards. Direct entrants Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz Amanda Anisimova and Holger Rune Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe Karolina Muchova and Andrey Rublev Wildcards Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz Katerina Siniakova and Jannik Sinner Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils Lorenzo Musetti and Caty McNally Changes This complete overhaul of mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows includes changes to the timing of the event, draw size, tournament format, and player compensation. Traditionally played over six rounds during the second week of the US Open, mixed doubles will now take place during the ongoing qualifying week, which the tournament calls Fan Week. Just 16 teams will participate, as opposed to the traditional 32, and the action will be spread over four rounds, scheduled across two days, Tuesday, August 19 (starting 11am local time) and Wednesday, August 20 (starting 7pm local time). Format Through the semi-finals, matches will be best-of-three sets with short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, tiebreaks at four-all and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set. The final will be a best-of-three set match to six games, featuring no-ad scoring, with tiebreaks at six-all and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set. Prize money Players will compete for a total prize purse of $2,360,000, with the winning team earning a champion's cheque of $1 million. That is five times what Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori pocketed for winning the US Open mixed doubles title last year. Winner: $1 million Runner-up: $400,000 Semi-finalists $200,000 Quarter-finalists: $100,000 Round of 16: $20,000 Total: $2.36 million Vision The idea for this revamped US Open mixed doubles format was first floated by former US Tennis Association (USTA) CEO Lew Sherr back in 2021. He watched some of the mixed doubles action during the second week of the US Open and wondered why none of the top players were taking part. The idea of having some of the game's biggest stars, from both tours, competing alongside one another seemed like a no-brainer, but the timing of the mixed doubles tournament made it practically impossible for singles players to participate. Sherr left the USTA to join the New York Mets at the end of June, but it was his vision that laid the groundwork for this radical overhaul of the competition. 'We want to really elevate this important mixed doubles championship,' US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster said on Andy Roddick's Served podcast earlier this year. '[The idea] really came into focus in '22 as we were celebrating 50 years of equal prize money. How do we continue as a sport to be a beacon for equality? 'We're the only, really, professional sport that has the opportunity for the top players to play on the same stage, competing for equal prize money. And we know when we see top players playing mixed, fans are excited. We're the only, really, professional sport that has the opportunity for the top players to play on the same stage, competing for equal prize money. And we know when we see top players playing mixed, fans are excited Stacey Allaster, US Open tournament director 'So we're really trying to elevate mixed doubles, trying to elevate the message that it sends around equality. And ultimately at the end of the day, we know American fans and players all over the world, they play doubles and hopefully we inspire more people to want to play the sport.' Last year, an exhibition event dubbed "Mixed Madness", featuring four mixed doubles teams, was introduced to US Open Fan Week and was used as a proof of concept to test out the format. That event checked all the boxes, from fan attendance to broadcast interest, and it made way for the official rollout of the new mixed doubles tournament this year. ESPN will be airing the semi-finals and finals in the primetime slot on Wednesday and Arthur Ashe Stadium is expected to sell out. The move also bolsters the US Open's vision to be seen as a three-week event, and not as a fortnight of tennis preceded by a week of qualifying. Challenges The most obvious challenge for this new format is scheduling and locking down the player field. All four finalists in Cincinnati – Sinner, Alcaraz, Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini – were signed up to compete in US Open mixed doubles. Paolini made the decision to pull out after she won her semi-final on Sunday (she's been replaced by McNally), while the other three still intend to play the finals in Cincinnati on Monday and head straight to New York for mixed doubles action the following morning. Emma Navarro was initially meant to compete in mixed alongside Sinner but opted to play a tournament in Monterrey instead. As a result, Sinner has re-paired with Katerina Siniakova. While most top players spend the week before the US Open training in New York and fulfilling their sponsorship commitments, some, like Navarro, are in search of more singles match play to find their form ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season. The final player field was announced late on Sunday, less than 48 hours ahead of the start of the mixed doubles competition. With Cincinnati having a Monday final, it wouldn't be surprising if we see more withdrawals before the first mixed doubles ball is hit at Flushing Meadows. Criticism There are obvious reasons why the new mixed doubles format is a good idea. Mixed events have become increasingly popular across all sports and we can see how they're being added to the programme of multiple disciplines at each of the last few Olympics. Tennis already had mixed doubles but it wasn't attracting enough attention and did not feature its top stars. This new format addresses those issues. But while many can understand the USTA's decision to revamp the mixed, doubles specialists have been vocal critics of the move. When the announcement was made last February, Vavassori and Errani released a statement that described the changes as 'a profound injustice that disrespects an entire category of players'. While Vavassori and Errani have received a wildcard for this year's mixed doubles event, as the defending champions, many doubles specialists are missing out. Hsieh Su-Wei, a two-time mixed doubles and seven-time women's doubles Grand Slam champion, posted a photo from New York on her Instagram, describing the new mixed doubles tournament as an 'exhibition' rather than a real, sanctioned event. The USTA has defended its decision by announcing a significant increase in player compensation that would offset the loss in earning opportunity for doubles players in mixed doubles. Total prize money for men's and women's doubles has gone up by 23 per cent, from $3.89 million in 2024 to $4.78 million this year, with the champion teams earning $1 million each.