Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after losing to Spain in the World Cup final. (AP Photo)

The mystery surrounding Lionel Messi‘s viral dressing-room speech before Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final has finally been addressed, with Alexis Mac Allister’s father dismissing speculation of an internal crisis and insisting the captain’s words were taken completely out of context.Carlos Mac Allister revealed that even he briefly wondered whether something had gone wrong inside the Argentina camp after watching footage of Messi repeatedly telling his teammates to “forget everything” before the final against Spain. The clip quickly spread across social media, fuelling theories that Argentina’s squad was dealing with tensions behind the scenes before suffering a 0-1 extra-time defeat in New Jersey.However, according to Carlos, there was nothing sinister about Messi’s message.ALSO READ: Were Argentina under more pressure than usual? Messi’s tunnel pep talks fuel fan theories – WATCH

‘I asked Alexis what had happened’

According to La Nación’s report, Carlos admitted the video initially left him puzzled.“I sent a message to Alexis asking him: what happened in the dressing room? Did something happen? If I had started to wonder, then imagine what others thought,” he said.The speculation stemmed from footage released by ESPN showing Messi urging his teammates to stay calm before the biggest match of the tournament.“Come on, lads, stay calm. The most important thing is that you stay calm,” Messi said.The Argentina captain then added the line that sparked widespread debate.“Let’s forget everything. Let’s just play. Let’s focus on the match, lads,” Messi added.Those words prompted countless theories online, with many fans interpreting them as evidence that something had happened behind closed doors before kick-off.According to Carlos Mac Allister, the reality was far less dramatic.

Messi’s message was purely tactical

Carlos said his son immediately dismissed any suggestion of unrest inside the dressing room.Instead, Alexis explained that Messi was simply reminding the players to focus on their football and stick to Argentina’s tactical plan.“He told me they talked about going out to play in the footballing sense, to keep it on the ground, keep the ball moving, build triangles, and not just lump it forward. That’s what they were referring to,” Carlos said.He added that the short clip circulating online lacked the surrounding context, making it easy for people to reach incorrect conclusions.“Since then, a lot of doubt has come up over these past few days because of that post that went around, and a lot of people have reached out to me about it,” he further added.Carlos insisted there were no arguments, no dressing-room divisions and no internal crisis before the final.

Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister (20) reacts after Spain’s Ferran Torres scored the goal. (AP Photo)

Scaloni also dismisses speculation

The rumours gained further momentum after reports claimed Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni had disagreed over Argentina’s tactical approach.Scaloni, however, rejected those suggestions after the match.“I don’t look at social media. I don’t know anything. I have no idea what you’re talking about,” the Argentina coach said.When questioned further, he added: “I can’t believe what you’re asking me. We’re going in a completely different direction, guys.”Carlos also rejected claims that anything other than Spain’s performance decided the World Cup final.According to him, every Argentine player gave everything they had, but Spain simply proved to be the better team on the night.The clarification comes after days of intense speculation generated by Messi’s emotional speeches before kick-off and at half-time, with the captain repeatedly urging his teammates to stay calm, show personality and focus only on football.While the viral footage sparked endless theories across social media, Carlos Mac Allister’s account offers the clearest explanation yet.

Major League Soccer says it is investigating allegations of tampering by Inter Miami after the club signed Brazil midfielder Casemiro.

On Wednesday, Miami announced they had signed the 34-year-old – who left Manchester United at the end of last season – on a deal that runs to the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend until June 2029.

But moments later, the MLS released a statement saying it was “reviewing a tampering allegation” against the club.

“The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” it added.

“While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the discovery priority [first rights] to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.”

The investigation concerns Casemiro’s discovery rights, an MLS regulation that gives a specific club first refusal over a player should they want to join.

A club may have up to five players on their discovery list at any time and can add or remove players.

Los Angeles Galaxy held the discovery rights for Casemiro but in announcing the player’s signing, Inter Miami said they had acquired the rights from the Galaxy.

Casemiro announced in January that he would depart Old Trafford at the end of the 2026-27 season following a mutual decision not to renew his contract.

He won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid before moving to United in 2022, who played for Brazil as they reached the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup.

“What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow,” he said.

Casemiro made 160 appearances for United, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists as he won one EFL Cup and one FA Cup.

In the wake of Casemiro’s departure, United have prioritised midfield reinforcements in this window, buying Andrey Santos for £50m from Chelsea, and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m.

Before the announcement of the investigation, Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham said of Casemiro: “He is a winner who has achieved so much in the game and after such an incredible career with Real Madrid and Manchester United I’m delighted that he’s decided to make Miami his next home.”

At Miami, Casemiro is set to join former Real and Manchester United team-mate Sergio Reguilon as well as Argentina’s World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul.

It is not the first time Inter Miami have been probed over transfer dealings.

In 2021 they were fined $2m after breaking MLS rules with the signing of France midfielder Blaise Matuidi from Juventus the previous year.

The MLS said Matuidi had been paid more than was allowed, effectively giving the team four “designated players” last season rather than the permitted three. Designated players’ wages do not count towards the MLS salary cap.

Known as the ‘Beckham rule’, it was introduced when the ex-England captain joined Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.

There are 17 games on the Wednesday MLB schedule, including a pair of doubleheaders, but roughly half of the matchups are a part of the MLB DFS main slate. Those night games still feature a who’s who of stars to plug into MLB DFS lineups such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Yordan Alvarez and Junior Caminero. But as anyone experience with daily Fantasy baseball contests knows, players of this high of caliber also come with high price tags, forcing you to look for economical options to pair them with in your MLB DFS lineups.

San Diego’s Ty France is riding a nine-game hit streak, with five homers and 11 RBI during this run. Yet, he’s still outside the top 15 most expensive first baseman on MLB DFS sites like FanDuel and DraftKings, so there could be value in rostering him. Before making any MLB DFS picks, be sure to check out the MLB DFS advice, player rankings, stacks, and top daily Fantasy baseball picks from SportsLine’s Mike McClure.

Visit our DraftKings promo code review to see their latest offers and get started.

McClure is a DFS professional with more than $2 million in career winnings. He’s also a predictive data engineer at SportsLine who uses a powerful prediction model that simulates every minute of every game 10,000 times, taking factors like matchups, statistical trends and injuries into account. This allows him to find the best MLB DFS values on sites like DraftKings and FanDuel and create optimal lineups that he shares only over at SportsLine. They’re a must-see for any MLB DFS player.

McClure has turned his attention to MLB action on Wednesday and locked in his top daily Fantasy baseball picks. You can only see them by heading to SportsLine.

Top MLB DFS picks for Wednesday, July 22

For Wednesday, one of McClure’s top MLB DFS picks is Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm ($4,300 DraftKings, $3,200 FanDuel). Chisholm had a two-homer, 5 RBI game on Tuesday after also going deep on Monday. He enters Wednesday on a five-game hitting streak with 7 RBI and 5 runs over this stretch. But he’s more than just a bat as his 26 stolen bases are second-most in the AL. Projected to finish the year with over 25 home runs and 40 stolen bases, Chisholm can help out your daily Fantasy baseball lineups in multiple areas. See McClure’s other MLB DFS picks right here.

McClure is also building his MLB DFS strategy around Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson ($3,500 DraftKings, $2,700 FanDuel). Chandler has a scorching bat with four hits in Tuesday’s game and nine total hits over his last four contests. He’s also swiped two bases over this run and has 24 stole bases on the year, third-most in the AL. The Rays face Toronto in the third of a four-game series on Wednesday, and Simpson has taken a liking to facing the divisional rival. He’s hitting .414 (12 for 29) versus the Jays this season with an .865 OPS. See McClure’s other MLB DFS picks right here.

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How to set your MLB DFS lineups for Wednesday, July 22

McClure is also targeting a player who could go off for massive numbers on Wednesday because of an optimal matchup. This pick could be the difference between winning your tournaments and cash games or going home with nothing. You can only see who it is here.

Who is DFS pro Mike McClure putting in his optimal MLB DFS lineups for Wednesday? Visit SportsLine now to see optimal MLB DFS picks, rankings, advice, and stacks, all from a professional DFS player who has over $2 million in career winnings, and find out.

FIFA World Cup 2026 created an “extraordinary opportunity” to showcase the energy, authenticity and welcoming hospitality of the United States, Brand USA president Fred Dixon has said.

The destination marketing organisation for the US, Brand USA unveiled an all-new social-first series, ‘More to Love’, on the day of the World Cup final (Sunday), thanking international fans who travelled to and through the US during the 2026 World Cup and inviting them to return and experience more of the country, according to a statement issued by it.

In line with the campaign, the destination marketing firm, beginning July 20, started boosting the content online with paid amplification in several countries, including India.

The football World Cup was a 48-team event that played out over the US, Canada and Mexico, and brought football fans to these countries from across the world. Spain lifted the trophy by defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in the final.

“The World Cup created an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the energy, authenticity and welcoming hospitality of the United States,” said Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.

“Insights from our AI-enabled trip planning hub showed that fans wanted to experience much more than the matches, planning road trips between host cities and visits to national parks as part of their journeys,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

‘More to Love’ builds on that interest by thanking travellers for coming, reminding them how much remains to be discovered and inviting them back to explore even more, from all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia, to “our 63 national parks and the extraordinary landscapes and landmarks that distinguish our nation,” he said.

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Vaughn Grissom brought some basketball onto the diamond.

In the top of the third inning of the Angels’ 5-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday at Angel Stadium, Grissom brought the bounce pass into play.

With a runner on first base and one out, Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera hit a ground ball to Grissom at third base. The 25-year-old fielded it cleanly and went to throw to second base to begin the double play.

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Los Angeles Angels third baseman Vaughn Grissom runs after hitting an RBI single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on July 21, 2026. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)

However, the sun was directly in second baseman Oswald Peraza’s eyes. So Grissom, in a very unconventional move, fired the ball into the dirt halfway between him and second base so Peraza could catch the ball on the bounce and avoid the sun.

Peraza fielded Grissom’s bounce pass easily, turned and fired a strike to first baseman Nolan Schanuel to complete the slick double play.

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Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell is greeted by third baseman Vaughn Grissom after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on July 21, 2026. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)

The double play was a highlight in a game filled with strong pitching and defense during the team’s win. Angels starting pitcher Walbert Ureña threw six innings of one-run ball, striking out five hitters while giving up six hits. Ureña lowered his ERA to 2.78 with the performance.

The Angels jumped on the Cardinals early, as five of their 10 hits came in the first inning. Designated hitter Jorge Soler got the scoring started with a two-run double, Grissom drove in Soler with a line drive to right field, and right fielder Jo Adell punctuated the five-run first inning with a two-run home run.

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Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring on a double by Jorge Soler during the first inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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For the Angels, it was their fourth straight win, which is tied for their longest winning streak of the season. The Cardinals are trending in the other direction, as they have lost 10 of their last 14 games.

The Angels (41-61) will look to complete a three-game sweep of the Cardinals (51-49) when they play the final game of the set on Wednesday at 4:07 p.m. ET.

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Jackline Juma made history in September when she became the first female coach to lead a professional men’s team in the top tier of a major African league. The fact that she got her first win with FC Talanta, a 1-0 victory over Sofapaka in the Kenyan Premier League, was almost secondary.

At the final whistle, her opposite number Robert Matano, one of the country’s most experienced and well-known coaches, seemed to take the loss badly.

“He has won everything and thought that he would get maximum points against me,” Juma told DW. “After the match, he did not say anything or shake hands. On social media, people were saying that it was because he lost against a female coach.”

It remains a rarity to see a female head coach on the sidelines, setting out tactics, making substitutions and shouting instructions.

“In African football, it’s almost taboo for women to coach or even officiate men’s matches,” Festus Chuma, a journalist with Pulse Kenya, told DW.

“This was something people didn’t think would happen. In many parts of Africa, women are still viewed as inferior, especially in male-dominated fields like football.”

He added that opposing coaches not shaking hands may be just one reaction.

“Acceptance might take some time.”

Juma’s journey

Juma is used to proving people wrong. While her parents wanted her to be a lawyer, she has always loved football and started playing at a young age.

“I used to sneak [out] to go play with my brother but when I came back it was hell, with quarrels and my mother could not take it anymore,” she said.

That all changed when she got called up to the national team at the age of 16.

“This was my turning point. My parents could not believe there was a national team for women playing football and from then they were supportive.”

Even then, Juma was thinking about the game from a different viewpoint from other players.

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“It gave me a deeper insight of the game compared to just a normal player. Coaching is a calling for me.”

Getting her “A Licence” — the highest football coaching qualification in Africa — in May was a big step. She then received a phone call from the CEO of Talanta.

“He told me ‘we want to bring you in to take over the men’s team.’ It was a shock. I was instructing a coaching class at the time and had to step outside,” she recalled.

“He said ‘you have the capability and you have the licence so why not?’”

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She said she then asked herself the most important question: whether she thought she could do it.

“I believe in myself and agreed to take the job.”

Success depends on Juma’s performance on the pitch

If it’s a first for the men to be coached by a woman, it’s a first for Juma, too.

“Coaching men is totally different from coaching a ladies team,” she said. “There are some aspects that you need to consider in terms of female health. Of course, there is menstruation and at times it interferes with their training. Men are always ready.”

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While the reaction from fans seems to have been largely positive, potentially the biggest obstacle were the players.

“Like everyone, they were shocked as this had never happened before,” said Juma. “Some thought I could do it, others were unsure but I have faith in my coaching abilities.”

Her philosophy is based on dominance and possession and her coaching role models are Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta.

“Her success and long-term position will largely depend on the team’s performance this season,” said journalist Festus Chuma.

“FC Talanta has budgetary challenges and lacks the top-quality players of bigger clubs, which might hinder her despite her experience and qualifications. If she achieves good results, she could potentially land better coaching opportunities, possibly outside Kenya.”

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‘A strong message of empowerment’

Juma has international ambitions on and off the pitch, and hopes that she can inspire girls and become a pioneer for others in Kenya and elsewhere. Juma’s inspiration is needed after recent incidents of violence toward female athletes in the country made headlines around the world.

In September, Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan runner who lived and trained in Kenya, was killed by her ex-boyfriend after he doused her in petrol set her alight. In 2021, Agnes Tirop, a former world champion who came fourth in the 5,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics, was stabbed to death by her husband. In the same week, Edith Muthoni, a 27 year-old runner, was killed in a machete attack in Nairobi.

“After the violence and discrimination faced by female athletes in Kenya, Juma’s appointment sends a strong message of empowerment,” said Chuma.

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“It shows the world that Kenya is making progress, even in male-dominated fields like football. For women, particularly those in rural areas, this moment represents hope and inspiration. It proves that women can excel and break barriers in any field, regardless of societal expectations.”

As well as points on the pitch, that is what Juma is striving for.

“Let us not be taken that ‘we are only female coaches’ or ‘only female athletes’ but we are all equal,” said Juma. “I want to be an inspiration not only in Kenya, not only in East Africa, not only in Africa but the rest of the world. We have a voice and we should speak out without fear, without intimidation. We can do it.”

Edited by: Chuck Penfold 

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All eyes were on UFC in June for the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. It was a perfect event, according to UFC president and CEO Dana White, except for one loud, ugly stain involving UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit.

Hokit was handed a microphone after his second-round TKO win over Derrick Lewis. Hokit, wearing an American flag bandana, yelled into the mic, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”

White recently expressed disgust over how the former First Lady was treated, particularly as a wife and a mother.

“It’s f—ing gross, right?” White told Ryan Clark’s “The Pivot” podcast. “It’s inappropriate, the timing of it and everything.”

Hokit wasn’t originally booked for UFC Freedom 250. His fight with Lewis was a late addition after President Trump specifically requested Lewis for the card. White insisted that he, the UFC and its fighters don’t share Hokit’s views, and expressed frustration for how Hokit spoiled an otherwise spectacular night for the company.

“It’s not the opinion of the UFC. It’s not my opinion or anybody else who fought on that card. It was a really unfortunate thing to happen that night. When you hit this f—ing grand slam home run and have a perfect event in every way that it could be…” White said before trailing off. “You got a f—ing moronic…”

You can read White’s full statement below.

Well, if you look leading into that show, everybody was talking about. You know, got the people that are always gonna say, ‘Oh, this is political. This is a MAGA party. The President is throwing his own birthday party’ and all this bullshit. It’s the 250th birthday of America. To have the opportunity to be able to celebrate that at the White House the way we did. And I said leading up to that event, ‘If you’re far left. If you’re far right. If you’re right down the middle. This show is for everybody that is an American.’ We’re going to talk about the history of America, and it’s at the White House. All this stuff. Obviously, Barack and Michelle Obama are public figures. And when you’re a public figure, you guys know, I’m sure you guys deal with your own level of bullshit and people talking. It’s part of the gig. But what I don’t like is, first of all, former First Lady of the United States. No. 2, a wife, a mother. It’s f—ing gross. Right? It’s inappropriate, the timing of it and everything. I think that people understand. There are people you can’t talk to and can’t change their mind, and you can’t, whatever. Obviously, it’s not the opinion of the UFC. It’s not my opinion or anybody else who fought on that card. It was a really unfortunate thing to happen that night. When you hit this f—ing grand slam home run and have a perfect event in every way that it could be… you got a f—ing moronic, you know, it just. But, you know, other than that, it was a great f—ing night. What are you gonna do?

The card, billed as a celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday, took place on the same day as President Trump’s 80th birthday.

UFC Freedom 250 delivered record-breaking viewership for Paramount+ across the United States and Latin America, more than doubling the previous record set by UFC 324.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has been given a four-game touchline ban, with one suspended, for calling the decision to award Celtic a late penalty at Motherwell “disgusting”.

The comments, made at the end of last season when McInnes was in charge of Hearts, related to a stoppage-time spot-kick given for handball that was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho.

Celtic’s 2-1 victory at Fir Park kept them one point behind Hearts, who they beat to the title a few days later in a final-day decider.

Speaking to Sky Sports after a win against Falkirk at Tynecastle, McInnes said: “When you heard Celtic got a 96th minute penalty that was going to VAR and they were checking it, you just assume what’s happened is they get the penalty.

“Having seen it again, it’s disgusting. It is.

“I don’t think it’s a penalty kick.

“But we’re up against it. We’re up against everybody.”

McInnes will be in the stands as Rangers open the Scottish Premiership away to Dundee United on 31 July.

The same conditions will apply for the following league game at home to Hibernian and for a League Cup tie on the weekend of 15/16 August.

Following the late drama at Fir Park, referee John Beaton’s contact details were posted online, with police keeping his home under surveillance. A teenager was then charged “in connection with a data protection offence”.

SFA head of referees Willie Collum backed the call, citing “clear evidence” with Sam Nicholson’s hand and arm “in an unnatural position” and the resulting contact “a punishable handball”.

Motherwell and their former midfielder Elliott Watt have already been sanctioned over social media posts on the matter.

Watt, who has since joined Turkish club Samsunspor, received a four-match suspension, having described it as “the worst VAR decision in history”.

Motherwell were fined £5,000 for releasing a video with the caption: “As the world of football mocks our game, we simply have to draw a line in the sand and shift the focus.”

The Scottish FA compliance officer issued complaints to all three parties under disciplinary rule 72 stating that: ‘No recognised football body, club, official, team official or other member of team staff, player or other person under the jurisdiction of the SFA, shall in an interview, a ‘blog’ on the internet, on a social networking or micro-blogging site, or in any other manner calculated or likely to lead to publicity (i) criticise the decision(s) and/or performance(s) of any or all match official(s) in such a way as to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official; or (ii) make remarks about such match official(s) which impinge on his character.”

The suspended ban for McInnes will be applicable if he is in breach of rule 72 again before the end of the 2026-27 season.