United News of Bangladesh

Lionel Messi has said that when his playing career ends, he would rather become a football club owner than work as a coach. The Argentine superstar recently signed a new three-year contract with Inter Miami that will keep him at the club until the 2028 season. Speaking in an interview with Luzu TV recorded in December and aired this week, the 38-year-old said coaching does not interest him. “I don’t see myself as a coach,” Messi said. “I like management, but if I had to choose, I would prefer to be an owner. I would love to have my own club, help it grow from the bottom, and give young players the chance to develop and build something important.” Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, is already involved in club ownership. He is a part owner of Uruguay’s fourth-division side Deportivo LSM, alongside his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez. Suarez launched the club in 2018 and said it was a family dream. The club now has more than 3,000 members and focuses on helping young players in Uruguay develop their football skills. Under his Inter Miami contract, Messi will also receive a future minority ownership stake in the MLS club. On the field, Messi enjoyed a brilliant season. He won the MLS Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals, five more than LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge. He also provided 19 assists, taking his total goal involvement to 48 — just one short of the league record set by Carlos Vela in 2019. Guardiola questions claim of two-horse Premier League title race Messi also made history by becoming the first player to win back-to-back MLS MVP awards.

Inspired by Sadio Mané, defending champions Senegal advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Sudan on Saturday. With suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly absent, Mané led by example, creating goals and pressing relentlessly. He set up two goals for Pape Gueye and later assisted substitute Ibrahim Mbaye as Senegal recovered from an early shock sixth-minute goal by Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah. Gueye equalized in the 29th minute before scoring again prior to halftime. Mbaye sealed the win late as the Lions of Teranga booked a quarterfinal meeting with Mali on Jan. 9 in Tangier. Earlier, Mali reached the last eight after edging Tunisia 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Casablanca. Despite playing with 10 men from the 26th minute, Mali held firm as goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved two penalties. Tunisia appeared set to win late in regulation time before conceding a stoppage-time penalty, allowing Lassine Sinayoko to force extra time. Mali ultimately prevailed, setting up a West African quarterfinal showdown with Senegal.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has questioned suggestions that the Premier League title race this season is only between his side and leaders Arsenal. His comments came after Arsenal moved five points clear at the top with a dominant 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday. The defeat pushed third-placed Villa six points behind Arsenal, though City can cut the gap to two points with a win at Sunderland on Thursday. Asked if the title fight was now only between City and Arsenal, Guardiola expressed doubt. He said opinions have changed quickly in recent weeks, with different teams being counted in the race at different times. Liverpool are currently fourth in the table and trail Arsenal by 13 points as they try to defend their title. City ended 2025 strongly with eight straight wins in all competitions after a difficult, trophyless year. However, they face a tough test away to Sunderland, who are unbeaten at home this season. Guardiola said Sunderland have been strong since returning to the Premier League and noted that several top teams have struggled to win at their ground. He added that City are ready for a difficult match. The City boss also played down transfer speculation ahead of the January window. Reports have linked the club with Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, while winger Oscar Bobb has been linked with a possible loan move to Borussia Dortmund. Guardiola said he had no updates on transfers and stressed that he was focused only on the upcoming matches.   With inputs from BBC

Approaching his 59th birthday in February, the world’s oldest active professional footballer is set to begin yet another chapter in his extraordinary career, entering what will be his 41st season. Kazuyoshi Miura, affectionately known as “King Kazu” in Japan, announced this week that he has signed with Fukushima United, a third-division J-League club. He joins the team on loan from Yokohama FC, following a season-long loan spell with fourth-tier side Atletico Suzuka, where he appeared in seven matches without finding the net. Miura’s career spans continents and decades. Since making his professional debut in 1986 with Brazil’s Santos — the legendary club associated with Pelé — he has played in leagues across Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Australia, Portugal and Japan. In 2017, at the age of 50, Miura set a global milestone by becoming the oldest player to score in a professional match, surpassing a long-standing record held by former England great Stanley Matthews. A trailblazer for Japanese football, Miura was among the country’s first major soccer stars. During the 1990s, he was a key figure for Japan’s national team, scoring 55 goals in 89 appearances and helping raise the sport’s profile nationwide. Even as he nears 60, Miura continues to defy age, driven by an enduring passion for the game. Source: AP

Defending champion Ivory Coast and five-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Cameroon played out a thrilling 1-1 draw on Sunday, while Algeria secured a spot in the last 16, with France legend Zinedine Zidane once again in attendance. Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo had a chance to snatch victory in the dying moments but was denied by Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou, who blocked the ball with his body. Both sides displayed determination throughout, with Cameroon showing unity under new coach David Pagou following the dismissal of Marc Brys amid a public dispute. The match in Marrakech saw Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo break the deadlock in the 51st minute with a curling strike, his second goal in two games. Cameroon equalized five minutes later via Junior Tchamadeu, whose deflected shot off Ivorian defender Ghislain Konan was recorded as an own goal. Both teams now sit on four points in Group F, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. A moment of silence was observed before the match for former Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset, who recently passed away. Elsewhere, Algeria defeated Burkina Faso 1-0, with Riyad Mahrez converting a 23rd-minute penalty for his third goal in two games. The Fennec Foxes topped Group E with six points, advancing to the knockout round. Zidane watched from the stands alongside Algerian fans, while his son Luca saw limited action in goal due to a teammate’s injury. Senegal cruise past Botswana as Nigeria edge Tanzania in Africa Cup openers Sudan revived its hopes of progression with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Casablanca. The team faces Burkina Faso in their final group match on Wednesday, with a last-16 berth at stake, while Equatorial Guinea has been eliminated. The African tournament continues to produce intense clashes, with top teams aiming for progression and fans, including football legends, keeping a close eye on the action. Source: AP 

Former Scotland, Nottingham Forest and Derby County winger John Robertson, once hailed by legendary manager Brian Clough as “a Picasso of our game,” has died at the age of 72. Robertson was a central figure in Nottingham Forest’s golden era, scoring the winning goal as the club defended the European Cup against Hamburg in 1980. He had also delivered the cross for Trevor Francis’ decisive goal in the 1979 final against Malmo. At international level, Robertson earned 28 caps for Scotland, scoring a memorable winner against England in 1981 and finding the net against New Zealand at the 1982 World Cup finals. Born in Viewpark, North Lanarkshire, Robertson joined Forest in 1970 and became a key player under Clough after initially being listed for transfer. Between 1976 and 1980, he made 243 consecutive appearances for the club and scored the decisive penalty in the 1978 League Cup final replay win over Liverpool. He later moved to Derby County in 1983, though injuries limited his impact, and brief returns to Forest and non-league football followed. With Forest, Robertson won multiple domestic and European honours, including league titles, two League Cups and the Uefa Super Cup. In 2015, he was voted the club’s greatest-ever player in a Nottingham Post poll. After retiring, Robertson enjoyed a successful coaching career as assistant to Martin O’Neill at several clubs, including Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa, winning league titles and domestic cups in Scotland and helping guide Leicester to top-flight promotion.   With inputs from BBC

Defending champions Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in commanding fashion with a 3-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday, while fellow title contenders Nigeria labored to a narrow 2-1 win against Tanzania. Nicolas Jackson struck twice as Senegal dominated from start to finish, living up to their pre-tournament billing. Substitute Cherif Ndiaye sealed the win late on, though Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko prevented a heavier defeat with a series of fine saves as the Zebras spent long spells under pressure with a five-man defense. “We have to keep going like this,” said Senegal coach Pape Thiaw. “There are no easy opening matches.” In contrast, Nigeria’s performance raised questions despite securing all three points in Group C. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a header from Alex Iwobi’s cross, but Charles M’Mombwa equalized early in the second half against the run of play. Ademola Lookman quickly restored Nigeria’s lead, yet the Super Eagles struggled to regain control. “We are satisfied with the three points. That is the most important,” said Nigeria coach Éric Chelle. Victor Osimhen, who earlier had a goal ruled out for offside, showed visible frustration when substituted late on. Neymar undergoes minor knee surgery, aims for World Cup return Senegal, winners in 2021, could have scored more at the rain-soaked Grand Stade de Tanger, where just over 18,500 fans attended amid cold, wet conditions. Jackson finally broke through before halftime and added his second after the break before Ndiaye completed the rout in stoppage time. Elsewhere in Group C, Tunisia sent a warning to Nigeria with a 3-1 win over Uganda, inspired by two goals from Elias Achouri. In Group D, Théo Bongonda’s early strike gave Congo a 1-0 victory over Benin. Nigeria face Tunisia next on Saturday as the tournament continues. Source: AP 

Brazilian star Neymar has undergone minor surgery on his left knee, Santos FC announced Monday. The 33-year-old forward underwent a minimally invasive arthroscopy performed by Rodrigo Lasmar, who also works with the Brazil national team, to address lingering joint issues that sidelined him from several matches this year. Speaking at a music event in Sao Paulo last weekend, Neymar expressed hope of playing in the upcoming World Cup and scoring in the final. “We will do the impossible to bring this cup to Brazil. In July, you can remind us of it. Hi, Ancelotti, helps us out!” he said, addressing Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has yet to announce his squad. Neymar has been recovering from an ACL tear sustained in October 2023 during World Cup qualifying. After returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, he played 19 of 38 Serie A matches this year, scoring eight goals, which helped the team avoid relegation.

Goals from Raphinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal powered La Liga leaders Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over 10-man Villarreal on Sunday, extending their lead at the top of the table to four points over Real Madrid. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 12th minute after earning a penalty while cutting inside the box. The Brazilian forward calmly converted with a slow run-up, sending goalkeeper Luiz Junior the wrong way for his seventh league goal of the season and Barcelona’s 50th in La Liga. Yamal doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute, finishing from close range following a goalmouth scramble set up by Frenkie de Jong. It was also the 16-year-old’s seventh league goal this campaign. The win marked Barcelona’s seventh consecutive victory in all competitions under coach Hansi Flick. The Catalan club, however, was without defender Andreas Christensen, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training on Saturday. Villarreal’s hopes faded late in the first half when defender Renato Veiga received a straight red card for a forceful challenge from behind on Yamal, who required brief treatment before continuing. The result allowed Atletico Madrid to climb into third place after a convincing 3-0 win away to Girona, having played two more matches than Villarreal. Thiago Silva parts ways with Fluminense, targets European return Atletico took the lead in the 13th minute through Koke, who struck a superb half-volley from outside the area. Jan Oblak later produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Axel Witsel. Conor Gallagher doubled the lead in the 38th minute with a long-range effort that deflected past goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, while Antoine Griezmann wrapped up the win in stoppage time with a composed finish. Girona remain in the relegation zone. Elsewhere, Elche thrashed Rayo Vallecano 4-0 and Real Betis defeated Getafe by the same margin. On Saturday, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé marked his 27th birthday by scoring his 59th goal of 2025, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for most goals in a calendar year. Source: AP 

Host nation Morocco began the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in style on Sunday, defeating Comoros 2-0 as fans and members of the royal family watched from the stands. Ayoub El Kaabi produced the standout moment of the night with a stunning overhead kick in the 74th minute to secure the win, drawing loud applause from Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, who attended the opening match and greeted both teams before kickoff. Despite being heavy favorites, Morocco faced stiff resistance from Comoros, ranked 108th globally. The visitors frustrated the home side for much of the match, with goalkeeper Yannick Pandor denying Soufiane Rahimi from the penalty spot early on. The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute when Brahim Díaz found the net, easing the tension inside the stadium. El Kaabi later sealed the result with his acrobatic finish. Morocco suffered an early setback when captain Romain Saïss was forced off with an injury, leaving the pitch in tears. Coach Walid Regragui said the extent of the injury was still unclear. Regular captain Achraf Hakimi remained on the bench as a precaution after recovering from an ankle problem but appeared before kickoff to present his African Footballer of the Year award to supporters. Mbappé equals Ronaldo’s Real Madrid record with 59 goals in a year The opening ceremony featured performances by Angélique Kidjo, Jaylann and Lartiste amid a vibrant light show, with rain failing to dampen the festive atmosphere. Morocco, ranked 11th in the world and Africa’s top-ranked team, is chasing its second AFCON title since 1976. The final is scheduled for Jan 18. The tournament is being staged across nine venues in six cities, including the nearly 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Egypt begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, while defending champions Ivory Coast face Mozambique on Wednesday. The Confederation of African Football has also confirmed the tournament will shift to a four-year cycle in line with the FIFA calendar. Source: AP