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Leeds United have to win their next Premier League clash away at Nottingham Forest otherwise the Whites will be plunged even deeper into relegation trouble.

Indeed, Daniel Farke’s men now sit precariously above the drop zone after a pitiful 3-0 loss at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, with the five-point gap between themselves and Forest shaved to just two points if Sean Dyche’s side gets the better of the West Yorkshire outfit.

To further pile on the worry, Dyche also has six career wins under his belt as a manager when facing the Whites, with Leeds also winless – and goalless – on the road since a 3-1 success against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Farke will need to see an immediate reaction from this devastating defeat on the South Coast, with several of his summer recruits potentially being dropped, despite many making positive starts, away from the loss at the Amex.

Why Leeds' summer business must be questioned

Across the ranks, not a single player could trudge off at the end of the 3-0 loss to Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls, satisfied with their efforts.

Not even their marquee signing, Noah Okafor, is immune to criticism.

The tricky number 19 did try his best to unlock a stern home side with five successful dribbles. But, former Leeds player Jon Newsome has harshly called the ex-AC Milan winger a “passenger” for how easily he can give up the ball, and that was the case, again, versus Hurzeler’s hosts when ceding possession a costly 19 times.

Moreover, Dominic Calvert-Lewin could also find himself dropped up top after another goalless showing passed him by, with just one goal still next to his name since leaving Everton behind in the summer. He arguably has to be the most questionable signing of the summer, even if he did arrive on a free transfer.

Central defender Jaka Bijol might also be made to sit out after a two-game stint in the first team, with Pascal Struijk perhaps the most logical replacement, as the £15m summer recruit failed to win a single tackle, and just one duel, as Brighton ran the hopeless away side ragged all afternoon.

Despite the hosts’ blistering nature, Bijol and the rest of the backline did make it very straightforward for Diego Gomez to kickstart his brace, when he was left in acres of room to tap home his first effort of the day for 2-0.

Farke really could ring the changes for the crunch tie at Forest, therefore, with one summer signing also at risk of being cut from the German’s starting XI.

The bold selection Farke could make

It hasn’t been exclusively doom and gloom all season long in West Yorkshire, with some positive performances potentially standing Farke and Co. in good stead to beat the drop.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The aforementioned 3-1 away win at Wolves, in particular, saw everything click as new signings Anton Stach, Calvert-Lewin, and Okafor were all amongst the goals.

Gabriel Gudmundsson also put in a sterling effort against the now managerless Old Gold after joining from Lille in July.

Indeed, Leeds-based social media account The Leeds Press hailed the Swede as an asset that “gives everything” after the Wolves win, as seen in him registering eight clearances and winning three duels to keep the Molineux hosts at bay.

With 3.5 ball recoveries also averaged across his ten Premier League games, on top of two big chances being created, it felt as if Leeds had hit the jackpot on a perfect Junior Firpo replacement on the left flank.

Journalist James Marshment even boldly stated in late September that he has been “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League this season”. At just £10m, he had certainly proved himself to be a bargain.

Unfortunately for the Sweden regular, though, he put in a horror-show performance on the South Coast, as a rapid Yankuba Minteh turned him inside out all match.

The strong and resilient full-back that had bounced back from his own-goal at Fulham in style was nowhere to be seen against the Seagulls.

He was dribbled past twice as a weak member of Farke’s defence, on top of also falling victim to an Okafor-like display, with possession given up 16 times.

James Justin could well get the nod to come in for Gudmundsson at the City Ground, therefore.

It is unlikely to be the only alteration, as Farke attempts to pick a refreshed side that can halt Leeds’ shambolic offerings on the road.

Rarely-seen Leeds talent could be a surprise Aaronson replacement

Daniel Farke could soon surprisingly throw this Leeds United academy gem into the first team.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 4, 2025

The countdown to Juan Soto's free agency decision is on, and we're starting to get an idea of just how big his impending contract might be.

MLB insiders Jeff Passan and Buster Olney discussed their contract projections for Soto in a new article for ESPN. Both reporters think Soto's deal could surpass the $700 million total value Shohei Ohtani got from the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.

Olney said, "It's a perfect storm of bidding, and through the use of deferrals, it does not seem out of the realm of possibility that the broad strokes of his deal could be something in the range of $750 million over 15 years."

To that prediction, Passan replied, "It's an enormous number. It could include deferred money. But less than a year after Shohei Ohtani signed a $700 million contract that shattered the previous record by nearly $275 million, Soto might exceed it."

That's a remarkable prediction that shows just how far the market may move for the 26-year-old slugger.

Soto is a massive prize, and the bidding appears to be down to the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. The winner will be getting a player on a Hall of Fame trajectory who already has four All-Star appearances, is a three-time All-MLB first-teamer, has won five Silver Slugger Awards and led the Washington Nationals to a World Series title in 2019.

In 2024 for the Yankees, Soto slashed .288/.419/.569 with a career-high 41 home runs, 109 RBIs and an OPS of .989. He also racked up a career-best WAR of 7.9.

Someone will be locking up a generational hitter—but they'll pay a high price to do so.

Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly in talks with Napoli ahead of a January exit from Manchester United.

Across his last four games, manager Ruben Amorim has won 10 points from an available 12, stringing together a run of three wins and a draw. The former Sporting boss has seemingly, after over a year in charge, found some consistency in his first team.

This could prove crucial for Amorim, who has found himself under varying amounts of pressure since moving from Sporting to Old Trafford in November 2024. In becoming more sure of his first team, though, the Portuguese has limited the minutes of Kobbie Mainoo.

A product of the club’s prestigious youth academy, Mainoo has played just 138 minutes in seven Premier League appearances this season. As a result, rumours have started to circulate about his future and now, reports in Italy have suggested that a move to Serie A could be on the cards.

Amorim wants Mainoo to stay amid Serie A talks

As per Football Italia, Napoli have “been in contact with the agent” of Kobbie Mainoo and that “interest in a loan deal is mutual” between the player and club. Reportedly, the defending Serie A champions are looking for midfield depth following an injury suffered by Kevin De Bruyne.

Depth is made all the more imperative given that Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will be absent during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and Napoli have retained the interest that they seemed to have in Mainoo back in the summer transfer window.

Despite keen interest from Antonio Conte’s side, it would seem that Amorim hopes that Mainoo remains in Manchester, though it has also been reported that a move to Italy is “more likely” and something that has reached the “advanced talks” stage of negotiation.

Though Amorim may want Mainoo to stay, it is understandable as to why the midfielder wants more first-team football, especially with a World Cup coming up next year. With Napoli’s current absentees, Mainoo would certainly receive minutes at the club.

Not only that, but Napoli’s status as a Champions League club may only make the move more alluring to Mainoo. It remains to be seen, though, whether the England international departs in the next transfer window.

Exciting update on young Man Utd defender's first team chances

Cristiano Ronaldo's sisters have hit back at the Portugal icon's critics following his meeting with US president Donald Trump at the White House earlier this week. Ronaldo was invited to a formal dinner party organised by the US president in honour of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Al-Nassr star's White House visit divided opinion which saw plenty of criticism aimed at Ronaldo online.

• Ronaldo met Trump at White House

  Ronaldo attended the high-profile event in the US alongside a host of world business and technology leaders, including Tesla and X boss Elon Musk. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also present at the event. The black-tie affair was organised to deepen ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, and it was Ronaldo's first known appearance on American soil since 2016. 

  His attendance with the Saudi delegation highlights his role as a public face for the kingdom's recent diplomatic and sports investments. During dinner, president Trump had said: "You know, my son is a big fan of Ronaldo, wherever Ronaldo is here. And Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you. So I just want to thank you both for being here. Really an honour."

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  Ronaldo's sister's come to his defence amid criticsm

  The 40-year-old received criticism for some quarters for attending the dinner party at White House, however, his sisters, Elma and Katia Aveiro have now defended their elder brother, while slamming his critics on social media. 

  On her Instagram story, Elma wrote: "Haven't these clowns realized yet that he doesn't give a damn about their opinions? This isn't for those who want it, it's for those who can handle it. They have nothing else to say, damn it."

  Katia, on the other hand, posted a video where she said: "All it took was work, something many critics have only heard about. A visit to the White House, and that's it, an emotional nuclear explosion. Hypocrites. Such a huge hysteria has taken hold that it's frightening. It's as if Cristiano had announced the end of the world."

• CR7's message to Trump

  Hours after attending the party, Ronaldo took to social media to thank the US president and sent out a message which read: "Thank you Mr. President for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife, @georginagio. Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace."

  At the party, Ronaldo gifted Trump a signed jersey with the inscription, "To President Donald J. Trump, Playing for Peace". He then said: "He is one of the guys who can help to change the world. One of the most important guys is the U.S. President. If we can help each other to make this happen… He is one of the guys I wish to meet to sit and have a nice talk. If it is here, or in the U.S., wherever he wants, I know he was here in Saudi Arabia with our boss, MBS. I wish one day to meet him."

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  Ronaldo to visit US again next summer

  Despite missing their final qualifying game against Armenia due to a red card, Portugal comfortably booked their berth in the World Cup next year as they thrashed the minnows 9-1. Ronaldo has long maintained that the 2026 World Cup, when he will be 41, will be the final chapter of his storied international career. With Portugal now officially qualified, the countdown begins for what promises to be his last bow on football’s grandest stage.

  However, the forward is likely to miss a couple of games at the start of the tournament as he will have to serve the suspension for two more matches, although Portugal will file an appeal to reduce the punishment.  

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson got a rare inside-the-park home run in his team's 4-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night, but how he got it was unlike anything we've ever seen in a MLB game.

Olsen hit a fly ball down the left field line and it looked like Tyler Callihan was going to be able to make a play on it, but he then crashed into the wall and lost control of the ball. The rookie left fielder broke his forearm on the play and wasn't able to get the ball back into the infield as he was in an extreme amount of pain.

Olson, meanwhile, circled the bases for the 321-foot home run.

That was pretty brutal for Callihan, who was playing in just his fourth MLB game. Hopefully he heals up quickly and is able to get back in the lineup soon.

Liverpool are now one of just a handful of clubs with the opportunity to land one of Europe’s best strikers at a bargain release clause in 2026, according to reports.

Liverpool set sights on Luis Enrique

It has undoubtedly been the worst week of Arne Slot’s Liverpool tenure. The Reds were battered by Nottingham Forest and then swept aside by PSV Eindhoven in midweek, conceding seven goals in two games at Anfield. There’s no longer the away day excuse for the Dutchman, who has seen Liverpool’s fortress set ablaze in the space of a week.

After nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions, serious questions are being asked about Slot’s position for the first time since his arrival and there’s only so much credit that a Premier League title can bring.

According to recent reports, whilst Slot does still have the backing of Anfield chiefs, they are at least eyeing potential replacements if they do decide to show the former Feyenoord man the door.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique is reportedly on Liverpool’s list of candidates to replace Slot in what would be a statement move. The former Barcelona manager has transformed PSG into the best side in the world and would be the most sought-after coach if he left the French club.

It would also represent where Liverpool find themselves these days. When they last sacked a manager it was Brendan Rodgers and they needed someone willing to oversee a long-term project in Jurgen Klopp. Now, they should set their sights on an instant winner if this is to be it for Slot.

New Konate transfer twist as Real Madrid make final decision on Liverpool star

The Spanish giants have informed the Reds.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 28, 2025

That said, the Dutchman still has time to turn things around and could use the 2026 transfer windows to do exactly that – potentially using a Serhou Guirassy opportunity in the process.

Sky Sports reporter confirms Liverpool's Guirassy opportunity

As reported by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool now have a rare opportunity to sign Guirassy for just €50 (£44m) next summer. The Borussia Dortmund man has a release clause set at that price for seven clubs, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all joining Liverpool on an exclusive list.

At 29 years old, Guirassy has been somewhat of a late bloomer, but he has blossomed into one of the best strikers that European football has to offer. With nine goals in 17 games in all competitions so far this season, he’s outscored Hugo Ekitike and could quickly get Mohamed Salah firing again.

Dubbed “world-class” by Dortmund boss Niko Kovac, Guirassy is undeniably one to watch in the summer.

Best signing since Szoboszlai: Liverpool lead race for "world-class" talent

Hansi Flick was seen being comforted by Raphinha as the Barcelona boss looked close to tears after a 3-1 victory over Alaves on Saturday night. The German manager was overwhelmed by emotions at the end of the match, and the Brazilian offered his support to the German coach. The results puts the Catalan giants on top of the table in Spain ahead of Real Madrid's fixture against Girona.

• A shaky start, but a fierce response from Barcelona

  Barcelona were stunned inside 60 seconds when Pablo Ibanez punished slack defending to fire Alaves into the lead. The early blow rattled Flick’s side, but gradually they found their rhythm. Raphinha, making his return to the starting lineup, became the spark they desperately needed. It was his work in the build-up that created the equaliser, slipping a clever pass into space for Lamine Yamal. While Robert Lewandowski failed to convert the chance, the rebound fell kindly for Yamal, who buried his effort to bring Barcelona level. After the equaliser, Barca were fully in control. Dani Olmo completed a superb brace, capitalising on Raphinha’s assist for his second goal, and the hosts saw out the match with a professional performance. 

  A video circulating on social media showed Raphinha sitting beside Flick on the bench, speaking to the German coach, who appeared visibly emotional. Flick shook his head repeatedly, as if overwhelmed by the occasion. He later revealed what the Brazilian had said to him: "After the end of the match, Raphinha was telling me the same thing I said last time: We will improve. We will be much better in the upcoming matches."

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• Flick praises Raphinha on comeback

  Despite lasting only 60 minutes due to fitness management, Raphinha produced one of his sharpest performances of the campaign.

  "Raphinha always brings dynamism to our game," Flick told reporters. "He's very important because he has great intensity, and when he starts pressing, he makes everyone else press too. He needs to improve in the upcoming matches, but it's fantastic that he's back. I'm very happy to have them (Raphinha & Pedri) back. It wasn't easy managing their playing time. Rapha could only play 60 minutes, Pedri, 30…I'm happy with the three points, but not with some situations: we lost possession too often. We managed the game well."

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  Raphinha: Honest, demanding, and determined

  Raphinha acknowledged feeling far from his peak fitness but insisted that the minutes were crucial as he works his way back. 

  He said: "I'm trying to find my best form. I'm not fit to play 90 minutes, but when I'm on the pitch, I try to give my all. I felt the fatigue in the second half. I'm working very hard to get back to my best. I try to give my best when I'm on the field. Being able to start in the eleven makes me happy. I want to help the team and I'm leaving satisfied."

  He also admitted that his vocal leadership on the pitch can sometimes feel excessive to teammates. He added: "I feel like I'm being a bit of a nuisance, sometimes too much. But I think pressing is important. I'm sure that on the pitch, my teammates sometimes think I talk too much. But I'm going to demand more from those who can give much more. I take responsibility, and in the locker room, we all hugged each other to celebrate the victory. I always say that the best defence starts with a good attack. It's the most important thing we can do to help the defence. I try to press to make their job easier. I try to press to take up space from the other team's centre-backs and thus recover the ball more easily. It's good when the team follows me when I press, but I do it without thinking. I just run to win the ball back."

  Raphinha agreed that Barcelona are far from their peak, acknowledging there is much to tighten tactically and technically.

  "The manager felt we could do more on the pitch; we know it too," he said. "That's his feeling. That the team isn't at its best, I agree, and we have to improve a lot. But the important thing was to win. I'm sure we'll come back and win games by playing well. But if there are games we win playing badly, I don't care, the important thing is to win."

  Barcelona now shift their focus to Tuesday night’s blockbuster encounter against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou.

The New York Yankees placed designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton on the 60-day injured reserve list on Thursday, further moving back his return timeline from dealing with tendinitis in both of his elbows.

Stanton has yet to make his 2025 debut and even missed spring training because of his tendinitis.

About a month ago, Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave an update on Stanton saying that he had started swinging a bat again. Stanton even took batting practice with his teammates just a week ago, but it doesn't appear that he'll be ready to return for some time. With the latest injured reserve move, the earliest he can return to the active roster is May 24.

Stanton was also placed on the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster for outfielder Bryan de la Cruz, who the Yankees claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.

The five-time All-Star has dealt with injuries for most of his MLB career, and especially since joining the Yankees in 2018. He hasn't played more than 139 games in a season since his first year in New York.

In 114 games for the Yankees last season, Stanton slashed .233/.298/.475 with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs. He also hit seven postseason home runs during the Yankees' run to the World Series.

Tottenham secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening, strengthening their bid for automatic Champions League qualification with a commanding performance.

Thomas Frank’s side also extended their 100 per cent home record in Europe with their third consecutive N17 victory, all without conceding a single goal in that time.

Spurs have now climbed into a coveted top eight place as a result, and there were a few star performers on the night.

David Zima’s bizarre own goal opened the scoring on 26 minutes, with the Czech defender inexplicably heading Pedro Porro’s dangerous corner past his own goalkeeper after Cristian Romero’s initial flick-on.

The opening period proved slightly chaotic, with Tottenham dominating possession yet struggling to convert superiority into clear-cut opportunities against Slavia’s resilient defence.

Richarlison should have given Spurs the lead within 45 seconds, heading Wilson Odobert’s excellent cross straight at goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek from point-blank range.

Slavia threatened sporadically, with Stanek producing several outstanding saves to deny Tottenham’s attack. The Czech international frustrated Mohammed Kudus and substitute Mathys Tel — who was named in the squad despite being left out of their original 22-man list — with exceptional saves.

Thomas Frank confirms injured Tottenham star won't be back for a "long time"

The timeline is unclear.

By
Emilio Galantini

6 days ago

However, two second-half penalties then secured Tottenham’s victory.

Kudus converted their first spot-kick before Xavi Simons completed the scoring after being fouled inside the area, though Slavia’s Igoh Ogbu escaped a second yellow card for the challenge that conceded the penalty.

In some bad news, Micky van de Ven received a booking that rules him out of the crucial Borussia Dortmund clash, representing the evening’s only negative for Frank.

Ben Davies made his first appearance of the campaign during stoppage time, providing a sentimental moment with Son Heung-min watching from the stands following his emotional farewell visit to North London.

The victory maintains Tottenham’s remarkable 22-match unbeaten run at home in European competitions whilst extending Slavia’s winless streak to six Champions League games. The Czech champions also remain without a goal across their last four European matches.

Tottenham now need just four points from their remaining fixtures against Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt to guarantee at least playoff qualification, with top-eight automatic progression firmly within reach.

A lot of the noise has centered around yet another convincing performance from Simons, his second on the bounce after Brentford last weekend, but according to Hargreaves, it was another man who stole the show.

Owen Hargreaves praises 'exceptional' Mohammed Kudus

While the media have lavished Simons’ 9/10 display, it was Kudus who attracted serious praise from TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves.

Speaking after the match, Hargreaves told TNT that Kudus was Tottenham’s ‘best player by far’ and put in a truly ‘exceptional’ display.

The Ghanaian will be facing off against England at the World Cup, potentially Djed Spence, who jokingly said that he was going to pocket his teammate in the States.

However, if we were Spence, we’d certainly be worried.

Kudus has been Tottenham’s standout attacking star by some way this season, and it’s hard to imagine where Frank’s side would be without the former West Ham sensation, who crossed the London divide in July.

The 25-year-old, on top of his nine goal contributions in all competitions this season, has also averaged more successful take-ons per 90 than any other player in the Premier League — marking himself out as England’s most devastating dribbler (WhoScored).

Last night was yet another example of the excellent business done by Spurs to tempt Kudus to north London, and the best could still be yet to come.

Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour stop in Kolkata descended into chaos as overcrowding, security breaches, and pitch invasions left the Argentina icon "visibly uncomfortable" before he exited the Salt Lake Stadium after less than 20 minutes. Fans who had paid hefty prices were left furious as mismanagement plunged the event into disorder.

• Messi's GOAT Tour turns sour in Kolkata

  Chaos engulfed Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 as Messi’s much-anticipated appearance lasted barely 20 to 25 minutes before he was escorted away amid local politicians swarming the pitch for photos with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Over 85,000 fans had arrived for a glimpse of the football legend, but more than 100 individuals, politicians, officials, celebrities, and security staff swarmed the pitch as soon as Messi entered, obstructing visibility and disrupting the schedule. As frustration grew and fans realised they could hardly see the Argentine superstar, the atmosphere shifted rapidly from euphoria to anger.

  Stadium unrest escalated when groups of supporters began ripping out seats and hurling objects onto the pitch after Messi left the field. Videos showed fans climbing over barriers and jeering officials as the event collapsed under mismanagement. Reports confirmed that Messi, along with Inter Miami team-mates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, were rushed out of the venue due to immediate safety concerns as organisers lost control of the situation.

  Former India midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick, who participated in the exhibition match planned as part of the programme, later revealed to Sports Now that Messi had become "visibly uncomfortable" once the crowd began encroaching on him. The celebrity presence on the pitch, combined with an overwhelmed security apparatus, left the event in disarray. By the end of the night, Messi’s first Indian appearance of the tour had turned into a public-relations disaster, overshadowing the footballing spectacle.

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  Kolkata event organizer Dutta arrested after celebs and politicians storm the field

  The fallout from the Kolkata chaos has spiralled into a significant controversy, prompting the arrest of lead organiser Shatadru Dutta and the launch of two police cases under multiple stringent legal sections. Authorities allege severe lapses in crowd management, public-order violations, and endangerment, leading to Dutta reportedly being denied bail and placed in 14-day police custody.

  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and issued a public apology, acknowledging the failure to manage an event hosting a global icon. An inquiry committee comprising senior officials has already begun an investigation into the causes, with initial inspections suggesting that access control, security perimeter planning, and VIP coordination had collapsed simultaneously. The committee will assess accountability and recommend structural reforms to prevent such lapses at future large-scale events.

  Fan anger has continued to grow, with many supporters demanding refunds after paying high ticket prices only to be unable to see Messi during his rushed, heavily obstructed lap. Some accused organisers of prioritising dignitaries over genuine supporters, while others criticised the chaotic execution that turned a once-in-a-lifetime moment into disappointment. 

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  Former Indian midfielder reveals Messi was 'visibly uncomfortable'

  Bhowmick’s account shed further light on Messi’s discomfort, describing how his demeanour changed as uncontrolled crowds converged on him for selfies and photos. He revealed that Messi initially appeared relaxed, signing autographs and greeting players, but quickly grew irritated when dozens of unplanned politicians and dignitaries flooded the pitch. According to Bhowmick, both Messi’s own security team and teammates Suarez and De Paul were visibly unhappy with how rapidly the environment deteriorated.

  Bhowmick told Sports Now: "Everything was going fine at the start as Messi walked into the stadium. He seemed relaxed, smiling, and shaking hands with all of us. He even gave autographs without hesitation. The moment too many people rushed onto the field and started clicking pictures, he became visibly uncomfortable. It got overcrowded very quickly, and we could see his reaction change as everyone around him started clicking pictures. He began showing signs of irritation, lost his cool, and everything went out of control."

  The mismanagement not only affected the fans but also deeply impacted the athletes involved in the exhibition match, which was meant to celebrate Messi’s presence in India. With officials and politicians crowding the field, players were unable to proceed with the programme as planned, creating confusion about whether the exhibition match would begin at all. The decision to cut the event short, Bhowmick confirmed, was driven by security concerns rather than Messi’s unwillingness to engage with supporters.

  The reaction in Kolkata contrasted sharply with Messi’s warm reception later in the day in Hyderabad, where he finally played with local youth players and addressed an appreciative crowd. The difference in experiences only intensified scrutiny of Kolkata's failed organisational effort.

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  Messi's tour continues in Mumbai and Delhi after Hyderabad success

  Messi’s tour will continue as planned, with stops scheduled in Mumbai and New Delhi after the successful Hyderabad leg restored a sense of normalcy to the India visit.  Even so, Kolkata’s events will remain under investigation as authorities attempt to determine the scale of lapses and whether refunds or additional sanctions will follow.

  For organisers, the priority now is damage control as the inquiry committee prepares its findings and outlines responsibility for the widespread mismanagement. The repercussions could influence future international sporting events in the region, as stakeholders re-evaluate safety protocols and VIP handling procedures. Balancing crowd enthusiasm with proper infrastructure planning will be essential to rebuilding credibility.

  Meanwhile, Messi, Suarez, and De Paul are expected to proceed with engagements in a more controlled environment, with security teams implementing stricter procedures after Kolkata’s breakdown. With thousands of fans still eager to see the World Cup winner, ensuring smooth execution in the remaining cities will be crucial to salvaging the GOAT Tour’s legacy in India. The hope now is that Messi’s remaining appearances unfold in celebration, not controversy.