Wataru Endō (Japan National Team, Liverpool)
March 2025 (World Cup Qualifiers)
Endō is on the verge of becoming the latest Japan captain to secure World Cup qualification.
Japan leads Group C with a nine-point advantage and can qualify with a win against Bahrain. If not, they have another chance against Saudi Arabia next week.
Mexico national team
September 2025
Mexico will host Uruguay at Estadio TSM Corona, returning to Torreón for the first time since 2022. The friendly is meant to test El Tri against elite opposition ahead of the 2026 World Cup, building experience for Javier Aguirre’s squad. Director Ivar Sisniega highlighted Torreón’s world-class facilities and Uruguay’s strong competition as key factors. The match, part of Aguirre’s preparation strategy, continues a tradition of Mexico using Torreón as a proving ground, having hosted Brazil and other rivals there previously.
Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
June 2025
Rico Lewis’ red card suspension has been extended to three matches by FIFA, ruling him out of City’s final Club World Cup group game vs. Juventus and their last-16 tie.
Lewis was sent off for a late challenge against Wydad AC. City appealed, but FIFA upheld the extended ban under Article 14(1)(e). Guardiola must now reshuffle, with no natural right-back available and Kyle Walker absent from the U.S. tour.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
September 2025
Lionel Messi played his final competitive game on home soil, scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela. The Inter Miami star admitted emotions ran high, calling it “a dream” to finish in front of his people.
Argentina, already qualified with 35 points from 16 games, gave Messi the perfect send-off at Estadio Monumental. While Messi hasn’t confirmed his World Cup participation, he said he’ll decide based on fitness in 2026, stressing honesty with himself over playing if unfit.
Morgan Rogers, Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
April 15, 2025 (ahead of April 16 UCL match)
Trailing 3–1 after the first leg, Aston Villa believe they can overturn the deficit against PSG in Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal at Villa Park, with Morgan Rogers and Unai Emery rallying belief in a home turnaround.
Rogers, who scored in the first leg, stressed Villa’s confidence and underdog mentality. Emery highlighted tactical consistency and the importance of fan support, while hinting at Ollie Watkins’ growing role after his return from injury.
João Félix (Al-Nassr)
September 2025
João Félix declared Al-Nassr “closer to the title” after his electric start in Saudi Arabia alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring five goals in three league matches as Jorge Jesus’ side extended their perfect campaign with another dominant win. Félix credited teammates for making football “easier,” saying their collective quality drives individual brilliance. With Ronaldo also on form, Al-Nassr’s attack looks unstoppable. Félix insisted consistency and clean sheets must improve but believes togetherness will power their title challenge across the season.