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.



Saudi Arabia: Runners Invited to Race in AlUla's Iconic Terrain

The 2026 edition offers six race distances. SPA
The 2026 edition offers six race distances. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Runners Invited to Race in AlUla's Iconic Terrain

The 2026 edition offers six race distances. SPA
The 2026 edition offers six race distances. SPA

The AlUla Trail Race will return from 22 to 23 January 2026, offering runners from across Saudi Arabia, the region, and the world a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla.

In what has become one of the most anticipated highlights on the AlUla Moments calendar, the 2026 edition continues to grow in scale and ambition, offering six race distances designed to welcome every type of participant, from young first-time runners to elite ultra-distance athletes.

The race series includes the Kids Run (1.6km) for children aged five to twelve, the Sunset Run (3km) for runners aged 13 and above, the 10km trail run, and a 23km distance suited to more experienced participants.

For experienced athletes, the demanding 50km course provides a stern test of ability and endurance, while the 100km ultra trail race is reserved for the most resilient and skilled runners. All routes will finish in Old Town, ensuring an exciting finish for both runners and spectators.

The two-day format creates an atmosphere that combines athletic challenge with discovery, culture, and connection. On Day One (22 January), runners will arrive to collect their race packs before taking part in the Kids Run and the Sunset Run.

Day Two (23 January) will host the competitive distances, beginning at sunrise with the 100km, followed by the starts of the 50km, the 23km, and the 10km. Medal ceremonies will take place throughout the day as runners cross the finish line.

With participation numbers growing each year, and the global trail-running community increasingly recognizing AlUla as a world-class running destination, demand is expected to be high.

The AlUla Trail Race is part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar, a year-round schedule of events and festivals designed to celebrate and promote AlUla as a premier destination for tourism, sports, culture, and heritage.

Other world-class sports events include the professional cycling AlUla Tour, the exclusive AlUla Desert Polo, and the AlFursan Endurance AlUla - one of the most prestigious endurance races on the equestrian calendar.


Jeddah to Host 2026 E-Prix Electric Racing in February

The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar. SPA
The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar. SPA
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Jeddah to Host 2026 E-Prix Electric Racing in February

The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar. SPA
The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar. SPA

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit will host the "Jeddah E-Prix" race on February 13 and 14, as part of the 12th season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The event is overseen by the Ministry of Sport and organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

The race will take place on an updated 3-kilometer track featuring 19 turns, with the Attack Zone located at Turn 13 to boost excitement.

The race will feature 20 drivers from 10 global teams, including Jaguar, Porsche, and Nissan.

The event will include a "Fan Zone" offering interactive experiences and entertainment activities for families, in addition to concerts to be announced later.

Last year's edition recorded the highest viewership in the championship's history, reaching 65 million viewers globally.

Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal affirmed that hosting the race reflects the accelerated development of motorsports in the Kingdom.

Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo noted that Jeddah is considered an essential stop on the season's calendar.

The race will be held under floodlights, making Jeddah the first city to host a night race on this season's calendar.


Swiss Haenni Takes over RB Leipzig as First Female CEO of a Bundesliga Club 

Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)
Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)
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Swiss Haenni Takes over RB Leipzig as First Female CEO of a Bundesliga Club 

Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)
Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)

Former Switzerland international and experienced football administrator, Tatjana Haenni, became the first female CEO of a Bundesliga club after she was appointed to the post at RB Leipzig on Wednesday.

Haenni has decades of experience following her playing career, having held various posts in women's football at global governing body FIFA for more than a decade.

She was also in charge of women's football at the Swiss football association and sports director at the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States among others until her departure earlier this year.

"In our discussions, she impressed us and the committees with her expertise, as well as her combination of specialist knowledge, leadership strength and strategic thinking," said Oliver Mintzlaff, chair of RB Leipzig's supervisory board in a club statement.

The 59-year-old will take up her role on January 1, 2026.

Leipzig, owned by energy drinks maker Red Bull, are currently in second place in the Bundesliga, eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga will go into a winter break between December 21 and January 9.

"I am very much looking forward to this new role. I am convinced that with strong teamwork and a focus on RB Leipzig’s strengths, we can tap into significant potential," Haenni said.

"I can’t wait to get started in January and to get to know the club on a deeper level," Haenni said. "Together, we want to continue on what is already a successful path, and achieve our ambitious goals."