Indonesia Backs Saudi Arabia’s Bid for 2034 World Cup 

An Argentinian player lifts the World Cup trophy during the Qatar 2022 World Cup trophy ceremony on 18 December 2022. (AFP)
An Argentinian player lifts the World Cup trophy during the Qatar 2022 World Cup trophy ceremony on 18 December 2022. (AFP)
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Indonesia Backs Saudi Arabia’s Bid for 2034 World Cup 

An Argentinian player lifts the World Cup trophy during the Qatar 2022 World Cup trophy ceremony on 18 December 2022. (AFP)
An Argentinian player lifts the World Cup trophy during the Qatar 2022 World Cup trophy ceremony on 18 December 2022. (AFP)

Indonesia's football federation (PSSI) said on Wednesday they are backing Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup.

"Indonesia supports Saudi Arabia's bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034," PSSI president Erick Thohir said in a statement. "Indonesia continues to prepare for its bid to host the FIFA World Cup after 2034, as well as other FIFA competitions."

FIFA has invited bids from Asia and Oceania for the 2034 tournament, setting a deadline of Oct. 31.

Thohir said last week he had held discussions with his Australian counterpart about a possible bid that could also have included Malaysia and Singapore.

Football Australia has previously said they were exploring the possibility of bidding for the tournament.



Messi to Miss Next Two Miami MLS Matches with Ankle Injury

Lionel Messi will miss the Olympics but could feature at a sixth World Cup in 2026 © Patrick McDermott / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Lionel Messi will miss the Olympics but could feature at a sixth World Cup in 2026 © Patrick McDermott / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
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Messi to Miss Next Two Miami MLS Matches with Ankle Injury

Lionel Messi will miss the Olympics but could feature at a sixth World Cup in 2026 © Patrick McDermott / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Lionel Messi will miss the Olympics but could feature at a sixth World Cup in 2026 © Patrick McDermott / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

Lionel Messi will miss Inter Miami's next two Major League Soccer matches after injuring his right ankle in Argentina's Copa America final triumph, Miami coach Gerardo Martino said Tuesday.

The 37-year-old Argentine star went down in the 64th minute of a 1-0 victory over Colombia, hobbling off the field with cameras showing a huge swollen ankle, AFP reported.

Messi is set to miss Inter Miami home matches on Wednesday against Toronto FC and on Saturday against the Chicago Fire.

"There will be further testing to determine the severity of the situation," Martino said. "He has to have more tests and wait for the results."

Messi, in an Instagram posting, was thankful for messages of concern and support he received after Sunday's match.

"I want is to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I'm fine, thank God, and I hope I can soon be on the field again enjoying what I like to do most," Messi wrote.

With 14 wins and five draws from 23 matches, Inter Miami ranks second in MLS and the Eastern Conference on 47 points, one behind Cincinnati, which routed Miami 6-1 on July 6.

Inter Miami is set to begin defending the Leagues Cup title against MLS and Mexican league rivals next week.