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Trump to impose $100K fee on H-1B visa applications, White House official says

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump is preparing to sign a proclamation that would impose a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visa petitions, a dramatic increase in costs for U.S. employers seeking to hire foreign workers in specialized fields, a White House official said Thursday.

The proclamation, which could be signed as early as Friday, also includes additional reforms to the H-1B visa program, long criticized by the Trump administration as being abused by corporations to undercut American workers. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the signing, confirmed the details after they were first reported by Bloomberg News.

The H-1B program, created in 1990, allows employers to hire foreign workers with at least a bachelor’s degree in occupations deemed difficult to fill with U.S. workers, particularly in science, technology, engineering and math. Each year, 85,000 visas are issued through a lottery system.

But critics, including Trump, argue the system has strayed from its original purpose. Instead of being reserved for “the best and brightest,” they say the program has become a pipeline for outsourcing firms and contractors who often pay foreign employees salaries far below what U.S. workers earn. Many H-1B workers make around $60,000 annually, compared with more than $100,000 for U.S. tech employees.

Amazon received more than 10,000 H-1B visas this year, the highest among U.S. companies, followed by Tata Consultancy, Microsoft, Apple and Google. California remains the state with the largest share of H-1B workers, according to federal data.

The Trump administration has repeatedly sought to overhaul the program. During his first term, Trump floated changes to award visas based on wages rather than random lottery selection, a reform labor groups such as the AFL-CIO also support. The administration argues higher application fees would discourage misuse of the system by staffing firms and prioritize companies offering competitive salaries.

“The program suffers from a split personality disorder,” said Doug Rand, former director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services during the Biden administration. “Half the visas go to established companies that provide stable employment. The other half go to consulting firms that effectively rent out workers to larger corporations.”

Recent years have seen sharp declines in lottery entries following federal crackdowns on multiple applications submitted to boost selection odds. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said bids for H-1B visas dropped nearly 40% in 2024 after new rules limited applicants to one lottery entry regardless of the number of job offers.

Still, critics say abuses persist. While some outsourcing giants such as Wipro, Infosys, HCL Technologies and Tata Consultancy rely heavily on H-1B workers from India, others argue the system depresses wages for U.S. workers and exploits foreign labor.

The debate over the program has even touched the First Family. First Lady Melania Trump, then Melania Knauss, obtained an H-1B visa in 1996 to work as a fashion model after immigrating from Slovenia.

Trump’s latest move marks the most sweeping cost increase in the program’s history and could redefine how major corporations and consulting firms hire foreign workers.

New York Democratic politicians arrested at ICE jail in Manhattan

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NEW YORK (BN24) — More than a dozen Democratic elected officials were arrested Thursday during demonstrations at a federal building in Manhattan, where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operates holding cells that a judge recently ruled were in violation of basic human rights standards.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and 10 state lawmakers were taken into custody inside 26 Federal Plaza after they were blocked from entering the 10th-floor detention unit, according to protest organizers. The group said they were attempting to “ensure compliance” with a federal court order issued a day earlier that demanded improvements to what the judge called “inhumane” conditions inside the lockup.

At the same time, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams led dozens of demonstrators outside the building, where protesters sat across the garage entrance with signs and chanted, “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here.” Organizers estimated that more than 75 people were detained between the two protest actions.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, placed the overall number of arrests at 71. She said Lander and the other officials disrupted law enforcement activity and refused to leave until detainees were released, forcing police and federal agents to make arrests. The building was temporarily placed on lockdown after authorities said a bomb threat was called in.

The clash marked the latest confrontation between federal authorities and Democratic leaders opposing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Lander had been detained at the same building in June while escorting a man targeted for deportation. In May, U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka were arrested during a confrontation outside a New Jersey immigration facility.

Thursday’s protest came less than 24 hours after a federal judge issued an 84-page injunction describing overcrowded and unsanitary conditions at the Manhattan ICE lockup. The court cited detainees being packed shoulder-to-shoulder — as many as 90 people in a 215-square-foot room — forced to sleep on concrete floors, and denied showers, soap, sanitary products, clean clothing, or toilet paper.

“The cruel policy of subjecting individuals to degrading treatment and inhumane conditions is deeply disturbing. And now the court has made it abundantly clear that it is also illegal,” said Harold Solis, co-legal director of the advocacy group Make the Road New York.

DHS officials, however, said the detainees at 26 Federal Plaza included immigrants convicted of crimes such as drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and even one man arrested for repeatedly flying drones near the White House.

The New York Police Department confirmed multiple arrests but did not say whether formal charges had been filed. Neither ICE nor DHS commented on potential prosecutions.

The arrests underline the growing tension between Democratic leaders in New York and the Trump administration over the treatment of migrants and the future of immigration enforcement in the United States.

Senate unanimously approves resolution establishing Oct. 14 as National Charlie Kirk Day of remembrance – Foxnews

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The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution designating October 14, 2025 — the birthday of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk — as the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.

Lawmakers approved the measure as a formal recognition of Kirk’s role in shaping conservative youth activism and his influence on public debate. The resolution encourages schools, civic groups, and individuals across the country to mark the day with educational programs, ceremonies, prayers, and other activities that reflect on his contributions to civic engagement and the principles he championed, including faith, liberty, and democracy.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who introduced the resolution on Sept. 16, praised Kirk as “a magnetic leader, a loving father and husband, and a friend and inspiration to so many.” He added that Kirk “loved our nation and its founding principles and believed deeply in his faith, in his family, and in the beauty of ideas and discussion.”

The commemoration comes less than a month after Kirk was assassinated while speaking at a Utah university event. His widow, Erika Kirk, was recently appointed CEO of Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization he co-founded in 2012. In public remarks, she has pledged to expand the group’s presence and continue her husband’s mission of mobilizing young voters around conservative ideals.

The Senate’s resolution marks a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, underscoring Kirk’s prominence in American political discourse and the impact of his career, which saw him build one of the most influential conservative movements on college campuses and social media.

October 14 will now serve as an annual day of remembrance for Kirk’s life and work, offering what supporters say will be an enduring reminder of his devotion to civic education and his influence on a new generation of activists.

Erika Kirk appointed CEO of Turning Point USA after Charlie Kirk’s assassination

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Utah (BN24) – Erika Kirk has officially been named chief executive officer of Turning Point USA, stepping into the role once held by her late husband, Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last week during a university speaking event in Utah.

The announcement came Thursday from the organization’s board of directors, which also confirmed that Erika Kirk will serve as board chair. The decision was unanimous, and board members noted that Charlie Kirk had expressed his wish for his wife to take over leadership of the conservative youth organization if anything were to happen to him.

In her first remarks following her husband’s death, Erika Kirk pledged to carry forward his mission, vowing to “make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.”

She is expected to appear Sunday in Arizona at a memorial service for Charlie Kirk, where President Donald Trump and leading Republicans will gather to honor the activist’s life and legacy.

Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, quickly rising as a prominent figure in conservative politics by building one of the most influential youth movements in the country. The group expanded its reach through campus chapters nationwide and a strong social media presence, fueled by viral clips of Kirk’s fiery exchanges with college students under his signature “Prove me wrong” challenges.

The 31-year-old conservative leader was fatally shot while answering an audience question during a campus event. His death sparked widespread tributes from across Republican circles. President Trump, who often campaigned alongside Kirk, described him as someone who “understood and had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than anyone.”

In public statements, Erika Kirk has vowed to not only preserve but expand the organization’s influence, promising that Turning Point USA will continue its high-profile campus tours, its annual AmericaFest conference, and its media platforms, including radio and podcast programs.

“My husband’s mission will not end, not even for a moment,” she said. “Turning Point will become stronger, bolder, louder, and greater than ever.”

The couple shared two young children.

Trump praises Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, renews threats against TV broadcasters over negative coverage – Reuters

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LONDON (BN240 — President Donald Trump on Thursday applauded ABC’s suspension of late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel, calling it justified after what he described as “horrible” remarks about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump also renewed threats to revoke broadcast licenses from networks he says unfairly attack his administration, escalating tensions over free speech and government pressure on media.

Speaking alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his state visit to the United Kingdom, Trump said Kimmel “was fired for lack of talent” after mocking Republican reactions to Kirk’s assassination during monologues on Monday and Tuesday. “You can call it free speech or not,” Trump said. “He said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk.”

ABC, owned by Walt Disney Co., announced Wednesday that it was indefinitely suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live, which has aired since 2003. The move followed statements from major station owners Nexstar and Sinclair that they would pull the program from local affiliates. Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr also suggested he would review Kimmel’s commentary about Kirk, sparking alarm from press freedom advocates.

The suspension has been denounced by Democrats, labor unions, and civil liberties groups as government coercion. Former President Barack Obama said Trump’s administration was weaponizing regulatory threats against broadcasters. “After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level,” Obama said. “Threatening media companies unless they muzzle reporters and commentators it doesn’t like is censorship by another name.”

The American Civil Liberties Union called the pressure campaign unconstitutional, while Hollywood guilds representing writers and performers said Kimmel’s suspension was an attack on dissent.

Kimmel, a frequent critic of Trump, had accused Trump’s supporters of exploiting Kirk’s murder “to score political points.” Kirk, 31, was gunned down on Sept. 10 while speaking at a Utah university event organized by Turning Point USA, the pro-Trump group he founded. A 22-year-old student has been charged with his killing.

Trump and his allies, however, have portrayed Kirk as a martyr and condemned critics as disrespectful. “All they do is hit Trump,” the president said on Air Force One, reiterating that broadcast licenses “maybe should be taken away” from networks that air negative coverage. Federal law bars the FCC from revoking licenses based on editorial content.

The backlash underscores a broader national battle over free speech, political polarization, and media independence. Conservatives argue they are fighting against “hate speech” that they claim can fuel violence, while Democrats warn that Trump is using his office to silence dissenting voices.

ABC has not said Kimmel was fired, and the comedian has not publicly commented on the suspension. According to Nielsen ratings, Jimmy Kimmel Live averaged 1.57 million viewers during the most recent television season, part of a broader decline in late-night TV viewership as audiences shift to streaming.

Kirk’s death continues to divide opinion. Admirers hail him as a staunch defender of conservative values and open debate, while critics point to his embrace of Christian nationalism, opposition to immigration, and disparaging remarks about minorities and LGBTQ Americans.

For Trump, the suspension of one of his most prominent media critics is both a symbolic victory and a test of his administration’s willingness to push the limits of U.S. constitutional protections for free speech.

Teen girl’s decomposed body found in Tesla registered to singer D4vd in Los Angeles

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LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Authorities have identified a decomposed body discovered inside an impounded Tesla in Los Angeles as that of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, a girl reported missing last year.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Wednesday that Rivas was the victim found Sept. 8 at a tow lot in Hollywood after workers noticed a strong odor coming from the vehicle. Officials said her body was “severely decomposed” and appeared to have been inside the car for an extended period before it was discovered.

Local news outlets reported the Tesla was registered to Houston-born singer-songwriter d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, 20. Police have not implicated the musician in Rivas’ death, and it remains unclear why the vehicle was impounded.

A representative for d4vd told NBC Los Angeles that the artist has cooperated fully with investigators since the discovery. Authorities and the singer’s management did not immediately respond to further requests for comment.

Rivas, who was 13 when she went missing, was last seen in April 2024 in Lake Elsinore, a city about 60 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The medical examiner has not yet determined her cause of death, and police have not released additional details about the investigation.

The grim discovery has drawn public attention because of d4vd’s rising profile in the music industry. The Houston native first gained recognition in 2022 when his breakout single “Romantic Homicide” went viral on TikTok, later reaching No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. He followed with “Here With Me,” another massive streaming hit, cementing his reputation as one of Gen Z’s most distinctive new artists.

Now signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records — the same label as Billie Eilish — d4vd has released two EPs and his first full-length album, Withered, in April 2024. His genre-blending style, mixing indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, has earned him more than 3 billion streams on Spotify across his top tracks.

The investigation into Rivas’ death is ongoing.

Saudi authorities free 3 Nigerian pilgrims arrested for alleged drug trafficking

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Simeon Bateren
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ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were arrested and detained for over a month in Jeddah on suspicion of drug trafficking, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Nigerians, Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq — were freed following intensive diplomatic efforts and investigations led by the NDLEA and backed by top Nigerian government officials.

Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, confirmed their release on Wednesday, noting that the development followed sustained engagements between NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.) and the leadership of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims were arrested in August after arriving in Jeddah on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), en route to the lesser hajj. Saudi authorities accused them of drug trafficking after illicit substances were found in their checked-in luggage.

According to NDLEA investigations, the bags containing the drugs were not owned by the pilgrims. Still, they were instead tagged with their names by a criminal syndicate operating at the Kano airport. The families of the detained pilgrims raised the alarm with the NDLEA, prompting the agency to launch an inquiry.

The probe led to the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, along with three accomplices, including airline officials allegedly involved in the illicit operation. Formal charges have been filed against the suspects: Abubakar, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir.

Armed with evidence from its investigation, including legal filings against the syndicate, the NDLEA engaged Saudi authorities at multiple levels. One of the detained pilgrims was released on Sunday, September 14, while the other two were freed on Monday, September 15.

NDLEA Chairman Marwa expressed gratitude for the support received from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said was committed to ensuring that no Nigerian suffers unjustly abroad. He also acknowledged the roles played by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Marwa praised his Saudi counterpart for honoring the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding between the NDLEA and GDNC, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in ensuring justice.

“This outcome reflects President Tinubu’s strong commitment to the protection of Nigerians globally. No Nigerian should face punishment for crimes they did not commit, and this case affirms our resolve to defend the innocent,” said Marwa.

The release of the three Nigerians brings relief to their families and signals a breakthrough in Nigeria’s efforts to combat airport drug syndicates using unsuspecting travelers as mules.

Shoprite in Nigeria faces tough times as stores shut down in Ilorin, Ibadan

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Simeon Bateren
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LAGOS (AP) — Shoprite, once a dominant force in Nigeria’s retail sector, is facing a deepening crisis as operational challenges force the closure of multiple outlets and leave others struggling to stay afloat. The South African-born supermarket chain, which first entered Nigeria in 2005 and quickly became a symbol of modern retail, has seen its presence shrink in recent months amid mounting economic pressures.

The latest blow came with the shutdown of its stores in Ilorin and Ibadan, signaling a worrying trend in what was once one of Shoprite’s most lucrative African markets. According to a report by Daily Trust, the closures are part of a broader pattern of distress, with other outlets across the country — particularly in Lagos and Abuja — reporting dwindling inventory, reduced foot traffic, and growing uncertainty among employees.

At the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, the atmosphere is a far cry from the bustling scene it once was. Shelves that once brimmed with groceries and frozen goods now stand nearly bare. Aisles echo with silence, and staff members openly express concern about the supermarket’s future. One employee disclosed that the current management is still renegotiating supply agreements, which has delayed restocking. “Hopefully, when that is completed, things will return to normal,” she said. Others, however, said the supply disruptions have persisted for months, leaving staff increasingly anxious about job security.

A similar scenario is unfolding in Abuja, where the Shoprite branch at Jabi Lake Mall has also suffered from a prolonged lack of stock. Workers there revealed that no new goods had arrived in over two months. “Everybody here, our chest is beating because we don’t know what’s happening,” one staff member said, describing the air of uncertainty hanging over the store.

Shoprite’s decline in Nigeria began to take shape in 2021 after its South African parent company exited the country, selling its local operations to a Nigerian consortium. Since then, challenges have mounted. The company has been battered by surging operating costs, currency instability, rent hikes, and intensifying competition from emerging local and international retailers.

In Kano, where Shoprite previously closed its branch at Ado Bayero Mall, exorbitant rent costs were cited as a key factor. Reports indicate the supermarket paid approximately ₦66 million per month in rent, exclusive of power and staff expenses, a burden that proved unsustainable.

Despite the setbacks, current management insists that Shoprite is not exiting Nigeria. A spokesperson confirmed that restocking is expected to resume by the end of September and that negotiations with suppliers are ongoing. But with store closures mounting and visible signs of distress in key branches, many loyal customers and staff remain skeptical about a full recovery.

As Nigeria’s broader retail sector contends with inflation, foreign exchange scarcity, and shifting consumer habits, Shoprite’s struggles may be a bellwether for the state of large-scale retail in Africa’s most populous nation. Whether the once-flagship supermarket chain can adapt and survive in this evolving landscape remains to be seen.

Brigitte Macron to present ‘Scientific Evidence’ in U.S. court to refute gender claim by Candace Owens

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Simeon Bateren
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PARIS (BN24) — Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, is preparing to submit scientific and photographic documentation in a U.S. court as part of a defamation lawsuit aimed at disproving false claims promoted by American conservative commentator Candace Owens. The legal move comes after Owens repeatedly alleged that the French First Lady was born male — an accusation the Macrons have described as baseless and deeply distressing.

The lawsuit, which has attracted international attention, seeks to hold Owens accountable for a series of public statements and online posts that questioned Brigitte Macron’s gender, framing her as a man posing as a woman. Speaking on the BBC’s Fame Under Fire podcast, the couple’s legal representative, Tom Clare, confirmed that the Macrons are determined to counter the misinformation with verifiable evidence.

“This is incredibly upsetting for her, and a distraction for the President,” Clare said. “I don’t want to suggest that it somehow has thrown him off his game. But just like anybody who is juggling a career and a family life, when your family is under attack, it wears on you. And he’s not immune from that because he’s the president of a country.”

Clare emphasized that Brigitte Macron is prepared to go to significant lengths to disprove the widely circulated conspiracy theory. “She’s willing to subject herself to provide scientific evidence and expert testimony,” he said. “It is incredibly upsetting to think that you have to go and put this type of proof forward, but she’s firmly resolved to do what it takes to set the record straight.”

The defamation suit marks a rare move by a European political figure in engaging with the American legal system over claims made on U.S. soil. It underscores growing concerns about the global spread of disinformation and the role of high-profile media personalities in fueling unverified personal attacks.

Brigitte Macron, a former schoolteacher, has long faced public scrutiny due to her age difference with the French president, who is 25 years her junior. However, the latest wave of online speculation — amplified by figures like Owens — has crossed into territory the Macron family sees as defamatory and harmful.

While neither Owens nor her legal team has responded publicly to the lawsuit, the case is expected to draw significant media coverage as it progresses through the U.S. judicial system. Legal experts note that proving defamation in the United States — particularly when public figures are involved — presents a high bar, requiring clear evidence of falsehood and malicious intent.

Still, the Macrons appear resolute in their efforts to combat what they view as an outrageous and dehumanizing attack. The case not only aims to clear Brigitte Macron’s name but also serves as a broader statement against the spread of conspiracy theories targeting public figures, particularly women in politics.

As misinformation continues to blur the lines between free speech and defamation, the outcome of this case could set important legal precedents in the digital age — particularly in how personal identity is protected in the public sphere.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami agree to extend contract beyond 2026

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Simeon Bateren
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MIAMI (BN24) — Lionel Messi is set to continue his career in Major League Soccer beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup after reaching an agreement with Inter Miami to extend his contract, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The deal, which is expected to be formally announced within the next two weeks, ensures the Argentine icon will remain with the Florida-based club well into the latter stages of his historic football journey.

The extension will see the 38-year-old forward stay active in competitive football beyond next year’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a tournament Messi has publicly said he hopes to compete in as part of Argentina’s title defense.

Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 marked a transformative moment for soccer in the U.S. After a difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain, the former Barcelona captain chose Miami as the next chapter of a career that has already spanned over two decades and earned him every major title in the sport.

Since joining MLS, Messi has made a significant impact both on and off the field. In 2024, he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. In 2025, he became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 40 goals, an achievement that has fueled a surge in attendance, merchandise sales, and global attention for Inter Miami and the league.

The contract extension is a strategic victory for Inter Miami, which has positioned itself as the center of gravity in U.S. soccer by building around Messi’s global stature. Club officials view the agreement not only as a sporting investment but also as a commitment to expanding the game’s reach across North America, particularly in the buildup to the 2026 World Cup.

Messi’s presence in MLS continues to elevate the league’s profile on the world stage, attracting international media coverage and drawing new fans to the sport. With this new deal, Inter Miami is not just securing the services of one of football’s greatest players but also reinforcing its ambition to become a long-term powerhouse in American soccer.

The extension also likely signals that Messi intends to close out his playing career in the United States, providing MLS fans with a rare chance to witness the final chapters of a storied career that has included 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, seven Ballon d’Or awards, and, perhaps most memorably Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.

As anticipation builds for the official announcement, Inter Miami’s decision to double down on Messi affirms its belief in the transformative power of the sport’s biggest stars — and the enduring appeal of one of its greatest.



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