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Jude Bellingham faces possible ban after repeating x-rated gesture following El Clasico win

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MADRID(BN24) — Jude Bellingham could face disciplinary action after appearing to repeat the same X-rated gesture that previously earned him a UEFA fine and suspended ban, following Real Madrid’s heated 2-1 victory over Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clásico.

The 22-year-old England international, who played a decisive role in the win, assisted Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal before restoring Madrid’s lead after Fermin López equalized for the visitors. But Bellingham’s post-match celebrations may once again attract controversy.

As Real Madrid’s players gathered on the pitch after the final whistle, Bellingham was seen gesturing toward his crotch and sticking out his tongue a repeat of the motion that landed him in trouble during Euro 2024.

Last year, the midfielder was fined £25,400 and handed a suspended one-match ban by UEFA for making the same gesture during England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia in the tournament’s round of 16. At the time, Bellingham defended his action as “an inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game,” insisting it was not directed at opposing players or fans.

The previous punishment expired this summer, meaning UEFA no longer holds jurisdiction over domestic competitions. However, it remains unclear whether the Spanish Football Federation or LaLiga will take independent disciplinary action against the Real Madrid star.

The incident followed an intense conclusion to El Clásico, which erupted into chaos in stoppage time. Barcelona’s Pedri was sent off after a reckless challenge on Aurelien Tchouameni, triggering a heated touchline confrontation between players and coaching staff from both sides.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was seen restraining his players, while defender Dani Carvajal confronted Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal over remarks the 18-year-old had made ahead of the match, in which he accused Madrid of being a team that “robs, complains, and does things.”

Tensions flared further when Yamal and Carvajal exchanged words before being separated by Eduardo Camavinga. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and winger Vinícius Júnior were also involved as players from both teams jostled after the final whistle.

Security personnel eventually escorted Yamal off the pitch as Real celebrated a victory that extended their lead to five points at the top of LaLiga.

After the match, Bellingham appeared to reference Yamal’s pregame comments on social media, posting a photo of himself with the caption: “Talk is cheap. HALA MADRID ALWAYS!!!”

The Spanish league and federation have yet to issue statements on whether disciplinary proceedings will be opened. The gesture, known as “corte de mangas” in Spain, is considered offensive but has not always been punished. In 2019, former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale avoided a sanction for a similar act aimed at Atlético Madrid fans.

If found guilty of misconduct, Bellingham could face a fine or short suspension under LaLiga’s code of conduct, depending on whether the gesture is deemed offensive or unsportsmanlike.

US revokes Wole Soyinka’s visa; Nobel laureate expresses surprise

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LAGOS, Nigeria (BN24) — Nigerian Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka announced Tuesday that the United States has revoked his entry visa, a move he described as unexpected and perplexing. The decision, which effectively bars the literary icon from entering the country, was communicated to him in an official letter from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos dated October 23, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference held at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, on Lagos Island, Soyinka told reporters he was unaware of any actions that might have led to the revocation. “It is necessary for me to hold this conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event do not waste their time,” he said. “I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me.”

According to Soyinka, the notification from the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the U.S. Consulate General read in part: “This letter serves as official notification by the United States Consulate General in Lagos that the nonimmigrant visa listed below has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in U.S. Department of State regulations.”

The 89-year-old playwright, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, said he remains in the dark about the reasons behind the decision. “I’m still looking into my past history… I don’t have any past criminal record or even a felony or misdemeanor to qualify for the revocation,” Soyinka said. “I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?”

The revocation follows recent measures by the U.S. government to tighten immigration and visa policies. Soyinka, who has traveled frequently to the U.S. for lectures and academic events, said the development took him by surprise.

In September, Soyinka told PM News that he had declined an invitation from the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria to attend a visa re-interview scheduled for September 11, saying he found the request suspicious at the time. “At first, I thought it was fake,” Soyinka said, recounting that he initially suspected the letter might be part of an online scam or even generated by artificial intelligence. “By the time I came to terms with the fact that the letter was genuine, my mind went to my relationship with individual ambassadors, Consuls General, and Cultural Attachés. As you know, it has always been a courteous relationship.”

Soyinka’s B1/B2 visa — a non-immigrant visa for temporary travel to the United States for business or tourism — was reportedly revoked without prior notice. He emphasized that the situation was not personal but symbolized a broader issue in U.S. diplomatic engagement. “For me, this is not a personal issue,” he said. “I have no idea what prompted it, but I will continue to seek clarification through the proper channels.”

The U.S. Consulate in Lagos has not commented publicly on the revocation or provided any further explanation as of Tuesday evening.

U.S. strikes on 4 alleged drug-running boats in Eastern Pacific kill 14

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The U.S. military launched a series of deadly airstrikes on four boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday. The strikes, the deadliest in a single day since President Donald Trump’s administration began its maritime campaign against drug trafficking, mark a sharp escalation in a nearly two-month effort that has roiled regional relations and fueled speculation about broader U.S. objectives in South America.

According to Pentagon officials, the strikes targeted vessels believed to be carrying narcotics off the coast of Colombia. However, the exact location remains unclear, as Mexico’s navy reported conducting a search roughly 400 miles southwest of Acapulco—hundreds of miles from Colombia—suggesting at least one of the strikes may have occurred closer to Mexican waters.

A Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. military observed one survivor clinging to wreckage following the attacks and relayed the person’s coordinates to the U.S. Coast Guard and a nearby Mexican military aircraft. Defense Secretary Hegseth later said Mexican authorities had taken responsibility for coordinating the rescue but did not confirm whether the survivor had been found or would remain in Mexican custody.

Mexico condemned the strikes, with President Claudia Sheinbaum announcing that she had instructed her foreign affairs secretary and navy to meet with the U.S. ambassador to “discuss this unacceptable incident.” During her daily press briefing, Sheinbaum said, “We do not agree with these attacks. We want all international treaties to be respected.”

The strikes have also deepened tensions with Colombia, a key U.S. ally in anti-narcotics operations. Last week, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and a member of his government, alleging involvement in the international drug trade — accusations Petro strongly denies.

Hegseth released footage of the latest attacks showing two boats moving along known narco-trafficking routes before erupting into flames. A third clip shows a pair of stationary vessels exploding in what appears to be a precision strike. “The four vessels were known by our intelligence apparatus, transiting along established narco-trafficking routes and carrying narcotics,” Hegseth said in his statement.

The Pentagon has not provided public evidence linking the targeted boats to drug cartels or identifying those killed. Still, the U.S. has claimed that several previous strikes targeted operations connected to the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan criminal network designated as a foreign terrorist organization by Washington.

The latest operation raises the total death toll from 13 disclosed strikes to at least 57 people. The Trump administration insists the campaign is part of an expanding “armed conflict” against drug cartels that it claims have “killed more Americans than Al-Qaeda.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the strikes, arguing that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government “allows and participates in the shipment of narcotics.” Maduro, however, accused Washington of “fabricating a war” to justify aggression and warned that the military buildup in the region — which now includes an aircraft carrier, eight warships, and thousands of troops — threatens Venezuela’s sovereignty.

President Donald Trump has maintained that he possesses full legal authority to carry out the attacks, citing the same provisions used by President George W. Bush’s administration in the post-9/11 war on terror. “Cartels will be treated the same way as terrorists,” Hegseth said, drawing a direct parallel between the current counterdrug operations and America’s long-standing campaign against extremist networks.

The strikes represent a significant expansion of U.S. military engagement in Latin American waters, underscoring the administration’s willingness to use force far beyond traditional drug interdiction tactics — a move that has sparked both regional outrage and growing international scrutiny.

Associated Press story

FIFA opens second phase of 2026 World Cup ticket sales with exclusive access for fans in U.S., Canada, and Mexico

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Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, is presented with a novelty World Cup ticket by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

ZURICH (BN24)— FIFA on Monday launched the second phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, opening a new draw that makes another one million tickets available for the biggest tournament in football history.

The new ticketing window includes an exclusive domestic time slot for residents of the three host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, giving local fans early access to purchase single-match tickets for games played in their home countries.

The draw, which runs until 11 a.m. ET on Friday marks the start of the latest round of ticket distribution. All fans worldwide are eligible to apply, but residents of the host countries whose entries are selected will be able to buy tickets beginning November 12, with exclusive purchase windows issued through November 15. FIFA said successful applicants will receive notice at least 48 hours before their slot opens.

“This second phase, with its host country domestic exclusivity time slot, will allow us to say ‘thank you’ to local fans, while ensuring global opportunity as well,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA’s chief operating officer for the 2026 World Cup. “We have already seen massive interest from around the world for this tournament, particularly within the host nations.”

According to FIFA, residents of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico led global ticket purchases during the first sales phase, followed by fans from England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France. The organization said demand remains exceptionally high ahead of what will be the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 North American venues.

Once the domestic exclusivity window closes, additional fans will be able to secure purchasing slots beginning November 17. Further sales phases are expected in the coming months as FIFA continues to release the remaining inventory.

FIFA announced earlier in October that more than 1 million tickets have already been sold, with buyers from 212 countries and territories. So far, 28 of the 48 teams set to participate have secured qualification.

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, is presented with a novelty World Cup ticket by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

In total, the 2026 World Cup will feature roughly 7.1 million available seats, based on listed stadium capacities across North America. However, FIFA has not disclosed how many of those tickets will be publicly available for sale.

Pricing has emerged as a major talking point among fans. Entry-level tickets start at $60 for at least 40 matches, while most games are set at higher prices. The U.S. opening match in Inglewood, California, saw initial ticket prices ranging from $560 to $2,735. On resale platforms, some tickets were listed for more than $60,000 earlier this month.

For the first time, FIFA will implement dynamic pricing, meaning costs could fluctuate based on demand. Fans will be able to choose seats across four categories, with Category 1 representing premium seats closest to the pitch, and Category 4 representing the most affordable options in upper sections.

Despite high interest, questions remain about logistics for international fans, particularly regarding U.S. visa requirements amid tightening immigration rules. Recent reports have suggested that travel restrictions may influence attendance, as seen when a friendly match featuring Argentina and Lionel Messi was moved from Chicago to Florida due to slower ticket sales.

The 2026 World Cup, the first to be hosted across three countries, is expected to be the largest sporting event in history, both in scope and attendance.

FIFPro: Ronaldo, Messi make 26-man shortlist for 2025 men’s world XI

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LONDON (BN24) — Football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have once again been named among the world’s elite as FIFPro on Monday released the 26-man shortlist for the 2025 Men’s World XI.

The announcement, made via FIFPro’s official X account, unveiled the names of the players competing for a place in the final team, which honors the best footballers in the world as voted by their professional peers.

FIFPro’s annual World XI award remains one of football’s most prestigious recognitions, reflecting the opinions of players from every continent and celebrating the standout performances across global competitions.

The shortlist spans football’s biggest leagues and showcases a blend of experience and youth.

In the goalkeeping category, nominees include Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), and Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), three consistent performers for club and country.

The defensive lineup features Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), and William Saliba (Arsenal).

In midfield, the list includes Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Joao Neves (Benfica), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Pedri (Barcelona), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), and Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) a collection of world-class playmakers combining creativity, vision, and consistency.

The forward selection features football’s most recognizable names: Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Raphinha (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).

Fans and analysts have already begun debating who will make the final XI, with attention centered on how seasoned icons like Ronaldo and Messi will fare against emerging stars such as Cubarsi, Yamal, and Neves.

The inclusion of these young players signals a generational shift in world football, as a new wave of talent continues to challenge the dominance of established legends. This dynamic highlights the sport’s evolution, a fusion of experience, creativity, and youthful brilliance shaping the modern game.

The final FIFPro Men’s World XI will be revealed on Monday, November 3, 2025, during the official FIFA awards ceremony.

With some of the sport’s most celebrated names competing for recognition, the announcement promises to ignite further debate and anticipation among fans worldwide.

This year’s shortlist underscores not only the enduring excellence of football’s greatest stars but also the rise of a new generation determined to leave its mark on the global stage.

Vinicius Jr ‘seriously considering leaving Real Madrid’ following clash with Xabi Alonso

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MADRID (BN24) — Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr is reportedly “seriously considering” leaving the club after escalating tensions with coach Xabi Alonso, Spanish media reported Monday.

The 25-year-old Brazilian has been a pivotal figure at the Bernabeu since arriving in 2018, helping Madrid win 14 major trophies, including three La Liga titles. His skill, pace, and creativity have made him one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents, but a growing rift with Alonso has brought his future into question.

The situation reportedly reached a tipping point during Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clásico at the weekend. Vinicius had been left on the bench for the previous league fixture against Getafe, and he was substituted on in the 72nd minute against Barcelona as Madrid sought to secure the win.

Eyewitnesses report that Vinicius stormed down the tunnel after being substituted, shouting at Alonso: “Me? Me? Mister, mister! Me?” as the fourth official held up his number seven on the board. Sources claim he then approached the bench, saying, “Always me! I’m leaving the team! I’m leaving, I’d better go!” before heading directly to the home dressing room.

According to AS, the Spanish sports newspaper, Vinicius feels that his status at the club is not respected by Alonso. The 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up reportedly believes that Alonso “doesn’t like him,” and this perception has fueled a growing sense of dissatisfaction.

The tension has become a “massive problem” within the squad, according to reports, as Vinicius contemplates whether remaining at the club is in his best interest. The winger’s frustration comes despite his on-field contributions and consistent performances, raising concerns about the relationship between Madrid’s coach and one of its brightest stars.

Real Madrid’s hierarchy is reportedly backing Alonso in the dispute, indicating that they fully support the coach’s decisions regarding Vinicius. While the club remains confident in Alonso’s management, the growing strain between player and manager has become a focal point of discussion among fans and media.

Vinicius’s potential departure could have major ramifications for Madrid’s attacking lineup, particularly given his role in the club’s recent success and his influence in high-profile matches like El Clásico. Analysts suggest that resolving the conflict or finding a compromise will be crucial for the club as they approach key fixtures in the La Liga and Champions League campaigns.

The situation highlights the delicate balance of managing star players in elite European football and raises questions about whether Vinicius will continue to don the Real Madrid shirt beyond the 2025 season.

Israeli forces kill 3 Palestinian militants in West Bank clash, officials say

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Israeli forces shot and killed three Palestinian militants during an exchange of fire in the occupied West Bank, officials confirmed Tuesday, marking the latest incident in a deadly cycle of violence gripping the region for more than a year.

The Israeli military said the clash occurred near the Jit junction west of Nablus when Palestinian gunmen opened fire on troops stationed in the area. Soldiers from the elite Golani reconnaissance unit returned fire, killing the attackers on the spot. No Israeli soldiers were injured.

“Three armed gunmen were neutralized during the exchange of fire and an additional armed gunman surrendered himself to the forces,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. The military said its troops seized three M-16 rifles and a pistol used by the assailants.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the dead as Jihad Mohammed al-Shami, 24, Uday Othman al-Shami, 22, and Mohammed Raed Dabeek, 18. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an armed faction affiliated with President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah movement, later claimed the men as members.

In a separate incident Tuesday, Israeli police reported that forces in the Jenin refugee camp also killed three suspected militants in an operation targeting planned attacks. Hamas confirmed that two of those killed were its members. The Israeli military said troops engaged the militants in a firefight before carrying out airstrikes on their positions.

The Jenin camp, a longtime stronghold of Palestinian militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, has been the focus of intensified Israeli raids since January. Large sections of the camp have been reduced to rubble as the Israeli military continues what it describes as an effort to dismantle terrorist networks operating from the area.

The latest clashes come amid surging tensions across the occupied West Bank. According to Palestinian officials, Israeli forces have killed more than 200 Palestinians this year, including both civilians and militants. Over the same period, more than 40 Israelis and foreign nationals have died in attacks by Palestinians.

Recent weeks have seen a rise in deadly confrontations. On Friday, an Israeli settler shot and killed a Palestinian man near an illegal settlement in the northern West Bank. A day earlier, a Hamas gunman opened fire in Tel Aviv, injuring three people before being killed by Israeli security personnel. Hamas said that attack was retaliation for an Israeli raid that left three of its fighters dead earlier in the week.

The escalation follows months of unrest since Israel’s far-right government took power, with settler groups emboldened to carry out violent attacks against Palestinians. In February, settlers rampaged through the town of Huwara, torching homes and vehicles in an assault Israeli officials later described as a “pogrom.”

Israel’s expanding settlements in the West Bank—home to between 600,000 and 750,000 Israelis—remain a key source of tension. The United Nations and most of the international community consider the settlements illegal under international law. Palestinians claim the territory, along with East Jerusalem, as part of a future independent state.

During a recent visit to Israel, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed Washington’s “iron-clad” commitment to Israel’s security but expressed deep concern about rising settler violence against Palestinians. He warned that such actions could “trigger more insecurity” and further destabilize the region.

Reuters

Small plane carrying foreign tourists crashes in Kenya’s Kwale county, 12 feared dead

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Kwale (BN24) – A small plane carrying 12 people, including foreign tourists, crashed early Tuesday morning in Kenya’s coastal Kwale County shortly after taking off from Diani Airstrip, with all on board feared dead, officials confirmed.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the Cessna Caravan aircraft, registered as 5Y-CCA, departed from Diani for Kichwa Tembo near the Maasai Mara National Reserve but went down minutes later in Tsimba, a hilly and densely forested area about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the airstrip.

“The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority wishes to confirm that an aircraft registration number 5Y-CCA, on its way from Diani to Kichwa Tembo, crashed at 0530Z,” the agency stated. “Government agencies are already on site to establish the cause of the accident and its impact.”

Officials said the plane burst into flames after impact, leaving a charred wreckage scattered across the crash site. Footage shared by local media showed the aircraft engulfed in flames as first responders arrived to conduct rescue operations. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before discovering debris and human remains at the scene.

Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde told the Associated Press that all those on board were believed to be foreign tourists, although their nationalities have not yet been confirmed. The number of crew members was also not immediately disclosed.

Kwale police commander Abdillahi Alio said the crash occurred just moments after takeoff in an area known for its thick forest and rough terrain. He confirmed that local police and rescue teams were working alongside aviation officials to secure the area and gather evidence.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, but preliminary reports suggest poor visibility and unfavorable weather conditions may have played a role. The Kenya Meteorological Department had issued warnings days earlier, urging coastal residents to brace for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds linked to tropical storm Chenge.

According to the weather agency, the storm was located about 500 kilometers north of Madagascar on Sunday and was moving westward toward the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania, bringing the risk of high waves and extreme weather. On the morning of the crash, Diani experienced rain, high winds, and thunder, prompting speculation about whether conditions were safe for flight.

The aircraft was operated by Mombasa Air Safari, a charter company known for connecting coastal towns to major safari destinations. The airline said it was cooperating fully with investigators and would release additional information through the civil aviation authority.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, the plane’s destination, is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries, drawing thousands of international tourists each year to witness the great wildebeest migration from Tanzania’s Serengeti.

The Kwale crash marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Kenya in recent years and has reignited concerns about flight safety during extreme weather conditions.

Lionel Messi on 2026 World Cup: ‘I would like to be there’ to defend Argentina’s title in North America

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Lionel Messi is hopeful he will be playing for Argentina to help defend its World Cup title when soccer’s biggest event comes to North America next summer, though the Inter Miami captain acknowledged his age will be a significant factor in the decision.

Speaking with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Messi said he will see how his body feels next year before choosing whether to play. “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said, though he admitted his age, he will be thirty-nine next June, is a factor.

“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there,” Messi added. “And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision. Obviously, I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions.”

Messi has been playing professionally since 2004. He debuted in La Liga with Barcelona in October of that year at only seventeen years old, becoming at the time the youngest player to play for the Spanish club.

In 2021, Messi left Barcelona in the wake of the club’s financial issues, moving to France to play for Paris Saint-Germain. After two years with PSG, Messi brought his talents to the United States in July 2023, signing with MLS’ Inter Miami.

“The truth is that I like everything about living here,” Messi told Llamas in an interview that aired on “Nightly News” about his life in Miami. “I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot. But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that allows us to enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.”

While he enjoyed a decorated individual and club career, international success eluded Messi until the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties to win the final. Messi won his second Golden Ball and was voted the tournament’s best player.

The World Cup victory was Argentina’s first since 1986. Messi has appeared in one hundred ninety-five matches for his country since 2005, scoring one hundred fourteen goals.

“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of the win in 2022. “It was also true that it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to have achieved everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona, and I think that’s every player’s dream.”

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will be held across three nations. The expanded format will feature forty-eight teams, up from thirty-two in previous editions.

Messi’s potential participation would make the 2026 tournament his sixth World Cup appearance, having previously played in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. He has scored thirteen goals across those tournaments, establishing himself as one of the competition’s all-time great performers.

The question of whether Messi will play at thirty-nine reflects both his enduring quality and the physical demands of elite soccer. Few players have maintained world-class performance into their late thirties, though Messi’s exceptional career suggests he could remain competitive if his body cooperates.

His performance in MLS has demonstrated continued excellence. Messi recently won the 2025 Golden Boot after recording twenty-nine goals in just twenty-eight games for Inter Miami. He also won the 2024 MLS MVP award and is nominated for the 2025 edition, potentially becoming the first player to win the honor in consecutive seasons.

Inter Miami announced Thursday that Messi has signed a contract extension through the end of the 2028 MLS season, securing his services for three additional years. The extension includes plans for him to inaugurate the team’s new Miami Freedom Park stadium in 2026.

Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as defending champion, having captured the title in Qatar. The team’s core remains largely intact, though several key players will also be in their late thirties by the tournament.

Messi’s decision will likely influence Argentina’s preparations and expectations. As captain and the team’s most decorated player, his presence would provide leadership and attacking threat even if his role becomes more limited than in previous tournaments.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has revolutionized soccer during his two-decade career. His move to MLS has elevated the league’s profile internationally and driven record attendance and merchandise sales.

His life in Miami has provided stability for his family while allowing him to continue competing at a high level. The combination of professional success and personal satisfaction makes his current situation ideal as he contemplates one final World Cup appearance.

The preseason assessment he mentioned will be crucial. Messi’s approach reflects mature understanding of his body’s capabilities and limitations. Rather than committing prematurely, he plans to evaluate his fitness and determine whether he can contribute meaningfully to Argentina’s title defense.

If Messi does participate in 2026, it would cap a remarkable international career that includes Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 in addition to the 2022 World Cup triumph. His legacy as one of soccer’s greatest players is already secure, but defending the World Cup on North American soil would provide a fitting conclusion to his international career.

Source: NBC

Kenyans being tricked into fighting for Russia in Ukraine, foreign ministry warns

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Kenya’s Foreign Ministry has warned that citizens are being deceived by fraudulent agents into traveling to Russia under the guise of legitimate job offers, only to find themselves conscripted into Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Kenyans preparing to leave for Russia to fight as hired soldiers

In a statement released Monday, Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi said that Kenyan nationals “have been lured by corrupt and ruthless agents to travel to Russia and unknowingly find themselves in the Russian military operation.” The ministry said many of those deceived are now detained in Russian military camps, though it did not specify how many Kenyans are affected.

Mudavadi confirmed that Kenyan and Russian officials held a “crucial meeting” last month in an effort to secure the release and repatriation of those detained. “The system has been made complicated by agents masquerading as working with the Russian government,” the ministry said, accusing the traffickers of using “unscrupulous methods, including falsified information, to lure innocent Kenyans into the battlefield.”

The warning comes amid growing concerns that Russia has been recruiting citizens from impoverished nations by exploiting economic hardship. Many are allegedly tricked into signing contracts written in Russian, which they cannot read or understand.

Kenya, where unemployment remains high, has become one of several African countries targeted by foreign recruitment schemes. Local media, including The Nation newspaper, have reported that Russian-linked recruiters are offering fake job opportunities to young men, often from low-income backgrounds. One former Kenyan soldier interviewed by The Nation admitted to voluntarily joining a Russian mercenary group but said others were coerced or misled.

The situation took a darker turn this week when Kenyan police uncovered a human trafficking network allegedly sending recruits to fight in Ukraine. Following an intelligence-led raid on an apartment complex in Athi River, just outside Nairobi, authorities rescued 22 Kenyans who were “awaiting processing to Russia.” Officers seized fake job offer letters, travel documents, and recruitment materials during the operation.

Kenyan citizenship fighting for Russia, captured by Ukraine

One suspect accused of coordinating the group’s travel to Russia was arrested and remains in custody for 10 days as investigations continue. Police said the victims had been promised jobs in Moscow but were instead destined for Russian-controlled combat zones. Some had paid deposits of up to $1,500 toward supposed travel and accommodation fees, with total commitments reaching $18,000 per person.

Authorities said several Kenyans who had been sent to Russia returned home injured or traumatized, while others remain unaccounted for. Two survivors recently made it back to Kenya—one of whom is currently hospitalized in Nairobi.

A senior official at Kenya’s Foreign Ministry said the government is actively investigating reports of citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. “We are pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure their safety and possible repatriation,” the official said.

Ukraine’s spokesman on prisoner-of-war issues, Petro Yatsenko, told the BBC that nationals from several other countries—including Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka—are also among those captured in Ukraine. He added that “most African states show little interest in the return of such citizens and do not wish to take them back.”

Despite the ongoing crisis, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to signing a formal labor agreement with Russia to provide what it called “genuine job opportunities” for Kenyan workers. However, officials warned citizens to remain vigilant and avoid illegal recruitment schemes that could lead them into war zones.

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