Lionel Messi working on extension with Inter Miami
Major League Soccer's biggest star might be sticking around, as Lionel Messi is closing in on a multiyear contract extension with Inter Miami, ESPN reported on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Per the report, the sides are in the late stages of talks, with merely minor matters to be finalized. Financial terms weren't reported.
Messi, 38, joined Inter Miami during the 2023 season, and his contract runs through the end of the 2025 campaign.
This season, he ranks second in MLS with 20 goals in 21 league games. Messi is also tied for sixth with 11 assists. Last season, he amassed 20 goals (tied for second in the league) and 16 assists (tied for third), according to Reuters.
Sabalenka withdraws from China Open due to injury
Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the China Open due to an injury suffered during her title-winning campaign at Flushing Meadows, organisers said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
The Belarusian, who defeated Amanda Anisimova to win a second straight U.S. Open crown and fourth Grand Slam title earlier this month, reached the quarter-finals of the WTA 1000 event in Beijing last year.
"I am sad to announce my withdrawal from the China Open this year after sustaining a small injury after the U.S. Open," Sabalenka said in a statement provided by organisers, according to Reuters.
Inter's Martinez faces fitness test ahead of Ajax clash
Inter Milan will give captain Lautaro Martinez a late fitness test before deciding whether he can play in their Champions League group game at Ajax Amsterdam, coach Christian Chivu said on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
The Inter striker has a back issue and was taken off during their 4-3 Serie A loss to Juventus ahead of the Ajax game on Wednesday.
"We'll evaluate Lautaro tomorrow and see if we have him available," said Chivu, who also dismissed any suggestion of dropping Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer after the team conceded six goals in their last two matches, according to Reuters.
Tottenham edge out Villarreal thanks to own goal
Tottenham Hotspur celebrated their return to the Champions League with a 1-0 home victory over Spanish club Villarreal courtesy of an own goal by keeper Luiz Junior on Tuesday, Reuters reported.
The London club's first game in the competition for close to 1,000 days was only four minutes old when Villarreal's Brazilian keeper fumbled a cross by Lucas Bergvall across his own line.
It was never comfortable for the hosts after that though with former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe having several chances including a late free kick that flashed just wide of the post, according to Reuters.
