Category: Sports

Former England international, Jay Bothroyd, has insisted that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is never going to be like Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

Bothroyd wants Ronaldo to step away from Portugal’s FIFA World Cup starting XI, as he cannot deliver like his eternal rival, Messi.

According to him, the 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward is always chasing the Barcelona legend but cannot get close to him.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Bothroyd said, “I have to be honest, I think if Ronaldo is a team player, I think he should step down and understand that he has to be a player that comes off the bench as an impact player. Is he ever going to do that? Nope, I don’t think he is. And that is my point.

“I look at Ronaldo and… the Ronaldo faithful are going to hate me today, but it looks like it’s all about him, yeah? You know, and he’s always chasing Messi all the time.

“He is never going to be Lionel Messi, but what he has throughout his career, he’s made the absolute most out of his career.”

World Cup 2026: You’re never going to be Messi – Ex-England striker Bothroyd tells Ronaldo

Inter Miami have completed a deal to sign Casemiro as a free agent.

Casemiro left Manchester United this summer at the end of his contract.

The Brazilian will now continue his career in the Major League Soccer, MLS.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Inter Miami complete deal to sign Casemiro as new midfielder, here we go!

“Verbal agreement sealed with all parties involved and all formal steps resolved, now waiting to sign and announce the Brazilian.

“Casemiro wants to play with Messi. Future in MLS.”

Casemiro is currently with the Brazilian national team at the 2026 World Cup.

Transfer: Inter Miami confirm deal for ex-Man Utd midfielder Casemiro

Brazil football legend, Ronaldinho, has signed with Italian Serie C side Ravenna FC at the age of 46.

Ronaldinho last played professionally for Fluminense in 2015.

The former Barcelona, AC Milan and Brazil forward will be presented by the club at an event in Miami on June 23.

Ronaldinho is also a shareholder in the team.

He said: “New colours, same smile. I cannot wait to dance with the ball and write a beautiful new story with Ignazio Cipriani and the Cipriani family.

“Football has always been joyful for me, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!”

Ravenna are owned by businessman Ignazio Cipriani, who completed his takeover of the club in 2024.

Former AC Milan executive Ariedo Braida is the club’s vice-president.

Transfer: Ronaldinho comes out of retirement, new club confirmed

England legend, Ian Wright, has said 2026 World Cup co-hosts USA will go all the way to the semi-finals.

The Americans are through to the last 32, after they beat Australia 2-0 in their second group fixture.

They had opened their tournament with a 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay.

“I think America will get to the semi-finals,” Wright told FourFourTwo.

“The reason I say that is because I think they have got a back four that is solid, they have midfielders who play at a good level and we saw with Flo Balogun that he can score goals.”

Mauricio Pochettino’s men will play their last Group D game against Turkey, who have already been eliminated from the World Cup.

2026 World Cup: They’ll reach the semi-finals – Ian Wright picks dark horses

Former Manchester City defender, Kyle Walker, has picked Argentina captain Lionel Messi as the best forward at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament.

Walker believes Messi is by far ahead of the likes of England’s Harry Kane, France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland.

Speaking during a session with talkSPORTS, Walker noted that people seem to write Messi off, adding that what the Inter Miami captain has done in football is scary.

When asked about the best forward amid the ongoing World Cup tournament, Walker said, “Messi by far. What he does with a football is scary; it shouldn’t really happen. I think people seem to write him off all the time, or he’s getting a little bit too old.

“Is this probably going to be the last World Cup? But to do what he’s done and if they retain the World Cup, what a dream that will be for him to go with.”

World Cup: People seem to write him off – Kyle Walker picks best forward

Brazil President, Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva, has joked that Neymar is “the first player in the world to be called up to the national side and be working remotely.”

The 80-year-old was speaking during a ceremony at a hospital in the southeast city of Belo Horizonte.

Neymar only returned to training with the squad this week after recovering from a calf injury.

The 34-year-old, who is Brazil’s record goalscorer with 79 goals, missed the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.

He has also been omitted by coach Carlo Ancelotti from the squad for their second group game against Haiti on Saturday.

“Neymar? He is not even playing!” Lula replied to a young boy when he mentioned Neymar’s name.

“Neymar is the first player to be called up (to the national team) who is working remotely.”

Neymar working remotely at 2026 World Cup — Brazil president

Former Aston Villa captain, Gabriel Agbonlahor, has urged Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to consider dropping captain Cristiano Ronaldo from his starting XI as they prepare to face Uzbekistan in their next World Cup tie.

Agbonlahor insisted that Ronaldo has passed his best, adding that he is not holding the ball up.

This comes after the Al-Nassr forward suffered criticism for his display against DR Congo this week.

“I don’t think he should [start]. I look at Portugal, I look at the players that they’ve got, I look at other strikers that maybe they could have played in front of Ronaldo,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT.

“But when it isn’t going well, take him off. That is the only problem I have with it. If you are going to start him and it’s not working, 55-60 minutes off.

“It’s not working. He’s not holding the ball up. He’s coming too deep and trying to play a number 10.

“CR7, for whatever people think, he’s past his best. End of story. But its ego, isn’t it? Cristiano Ronaldo, you could say, is bigger than Portugal. Well, he is. Messi, his biggest rival this generation, has won the World Cup. Messi scored a hat-trick in his first game. Ronaldo’s thinking, I can do that.”

World Cup 2026: Portugal coach Martinez told to drop Ronaldo

Bayern Munich legend, Thomas Muller, has urged his old club to sign Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi after his recent performance for Switzerland at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament.

Manzambi was impressive, scoring a brace as Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1.

The 20-year-old had attracted interest from Manchester United and other clubs this summer transfer window.

However, Muller wants the Bundesliga champions to make a move for Manzambi, insisting that he is a good player.

“He’s a good player overall. We have had him on our list for a while now,” Muller told MagentaTV.

“For me, he’s someone, and now we can make a headline that FC Bayern should also consider.

“You can sense his flexibility. You can also sense his carefree attitude.”

Transfer: He’s good – Muller tells Bayern Munich to sign Man Utd target

Portugal has shortlisted at least three candidates to replace Roberto Martinez after the 2026 World Cup.

According to talkSPORT, Martinez is set to step down from the role after the tournament.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a reunion with captain Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Portugal is now considering Jorge Jesus, Abel Ferreira and Sérgio Conceição as possible replacements.

Jose Mourinho was lined up for the role, but despite serious discussions taking place, he opted for the Real Madrid job.

At the 2026 World Cup, Portugal began their campaign with a 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

2026 World Cup: Portugal shortlists three managers as Martinez’ replacement after Mourinho snub

Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju, has insisted he does not support the idea of Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, becoming captain of the national team.

In recent years, William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa have retired from international football, leaving the skipper’s armband for other players.

Osimhen was among several names that have been suggested to become the recognised leader of the team.

However, Wilfred Ndidi was eventually appointed Super Eagles captain, with Osimhen and Moses Simon appointed as vice-captains.

When asked if Osimhen should be the captain, Adepoju told PM, Parrot: “Leadership requires more than talent.

“A captain must possess playing quality, leadership ability, emotional control, and the capacity to represent and unite the team both on and off the pitch.

“Anyone who cannot tolerate others or control their behaviour cannot effectively lead.”

Why Osimhen cannot be Super Eagles captain – Mutiu Adepoju