Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start

Inter Miami CF have entered a period of uncertainty after head coach Javier Mascherano resigned with immediate effect following a disappointing start to the new Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

The club, co-owned by former England international David Beckham, confirmed the Argentine’s departure, stating that Mascherano stepped down for “personal reasons” after discussions with the club’s leadership.

The resignation comes during a shaky run of form for Inter Miami, despite having global superstar Lionel Messi in the squad. The team suffered a 3–0 defeat to Los Angeles FC on the opening day of the season and was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville SC.

In the MLS campaign, Inter Miami have drawn three of their last four matches and currently sit in the lower half of the 30-team league table, raising early concerns about consistency and competitiveness in the 2026 MLS season.

Despite the difficult start, Mascherano departs with a strong legacy after a highly successful first season in charge. Appointed in January 2025 with no prior senior managerial experience, he guided Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title, along with an Eastern Conference championship.

READ ALSO:

• Bandits Kidnap UNIJOS Student, Circulate Brutal Video, Demand ₦30m
• Nigerian Army Hits IPOB/ESN Hideouts in Enugu, Seizes Explosives, ₦2m
• Jilli Airstrike: Defence Chief Says Killed Persons Were Terrorist Collaborators

Under his leadership, the club also enjoyed a record-breaking offensive season, scoring over 100 goals across all competitions and establishing themselves as one of the most dominant attacking sides in MLS history.

Inter Miami also made global headlines during the FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first MLS side to reach the knockout stages, marking a major milestone for the league.

In his farewell statement, Mascherano thanked the club, players, staff, and fans, describing the MLS Cup triumph as a historic achievement he would “always carry” with him.

Managing owner Jorge Mas praised Mascherano’s impact, calling him a key figure in the club’s history and commending his leadership in delivering silverware and raising the club’s global profile.

Inter Miami have not yet announced a permanent replacement, but the club is expected to appoint an interim coach as they begin the search for a long-term successor.

Despite the sudden managerial exit, the club insists its long-term project remains unchanged, although Mascherano’s departure adds fresh pressure on a squad built around ageing stars and high expectations.

Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start

Barcelona Crash Out Despite Dramatic Fightback Against Atletico

Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after edging FC Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, surviving a late scare despite a 2-1 second-leg defeat in Madrid.

Barcelona came into the clash trailing 2-0 from the first leg and looked out of contention for much of the tie. However, a dramatic late surge nearly turned the game on its head. Rising star Lamine Yamal ignited hope with a calm finish after capitalising on a defensive error, reducing the aggregate deficit and shifting momentum.

The visitors intensified their pressure, and Ferran Torres brought Barcelona level on aggregate with a stunning left-footed strike from a pass by Dani Olmo, sending shockwaves through the home crowd.

At that stage, Barcelona looked poised to complete a remarkable comeback in the Champions League quarter-final, but Atlético responded almost immediately. Marcos Llorente surged down the flank before setting up Ademola Lookman, whose composed finish restored Atlético’s aggregate advantage and ultimately sealed qualification.

READ ALSO:

• World Leaders Gather in Paris Over Strait of Hormuz Crisis
• Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni
• MURIC Urges Security Agencies to Protect JAMB Candidates, Exam Centres Nationwide

Barcelona had earlier missed key chances to take full control of the tie. Fermín López was denied by goalkeeper Juan Musso, while another effort from Torres was ruled out by VAR for offside.

Their challenge was further complicated when Eric García was sent off after fouling Alexander Sørloth, leaving Barcelona with ten men during a crucial phase of the encounter.

Despite sustained late pressure, Barcelona were unable to find the decisive goal, as Atlético’s defensive resilience and clinical response ensured progression.

The result marks another European setback for Barcelona, who showed attacking quality but paid the price for earlier defensive lapses and their first-leg deficit. For Atlético Madrid, it represents a significant step in their Champions League campaign, keeping alive their ambition of reaching the final for the first time since 2016.

Atlético will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals, as they continue their push for European glory.

Barcelona Crash Out Despite Dramatic Fightback Against Atletico

Leeds Shock Man United at Old Trafford to Boost Survival Hopes

Leeds United delivered a stunning performance to defeat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford, ending a 45-year wait for a league victory at the iconic ground and significantly boosting their Premier League survival hopes.

The Premier League clash got off to a blistering start as Noah Okafor wasted no time in putting Leeds ahead. The Swiss forward capitalised on defensive lapses to fire home in the fifth minute, setting the tone for what would become a frustrating night for the hosts. Leeds doubled their advantage before halftime when Okafor’s effort deflected off Leny Yoro, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and leaving United with a mountain to climb.

All eyes were on the directors’ box where Jim Ratcliffe looked visibly unimpressed as Manchester United struggled to find rhythm. Under Michael Carrick, the home side produced a disjointed first-half display marked by poor coordination in midfield and defensive vulnerability.

READ ALSO:

• Trump Claims 158 Iranian Ships Destroyed as US Enforces Naval Blockade in Gulf Region
• Wike Denies ADC Was Blocked From Using Eagle Square for Convention
• Judge Dismisses Trump’s $10bn Defamation Suit Against WSJ Over Epstein Report

The game took another dramatic turn early in the second half when Lisandro Martínez was shown a red card after a VAR review for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The VAR decision left Manchester United down to 10 men, compounding their woes.

Despite the setback, the Red Devils responded with urgency. Casemiro pulled one back with a powerful header from a precise cross by Bruno Fernandes, who notched his 17th assist of the season—bringing him closer to the Premier League assist record.

United piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser. Benjamin Šeško came agonisingly close twice within moments, but was denied by a brilliant save from Karl Darlow and a crucial goal-line clearance from Calvert-Lewin.

However, Leeds held firm defensively, showing grit and composure to secure all three points. The result marks the first home defeat of Carrick’s tenure and raises fresh concerns over Manchester United’s form as the season enters its decisive phase.

United now face a crucial test away at Chelsea, with Harry Maguire a doubt due to suspension. A loss could see them edge closer to the relegation zone with just five matches remaining.

Meanwhile, Leeds return to Elland Road to face bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. A victory there could move them nine points clear of the drop, strengthening their push for Premier League survival.

Leeds Shock Man United at Old Trafford to Boost Survival Hopes