Off the Pitch

Alexi Lalas put the FOX in FOX Soccer this week with a random tweet saying that the United States’ southern border is “a national embarrassment.” The U.S. Soccer community was quick to tear Lalas to shreds.

To clarify, the intent of this article isn’t to put a spotlight on Lalas and his political takes. It’s more so that I had to read this garbage and I don’t want to be the only one suffering.

If you thought Lalas’ soccer takes were annoying, just wait for his political talk.

Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino confirmed Friday that star forward Lionel Messi will miss Sunday's match at Orlando City as he deals with a scar tissue issue from an injury with the Argentina national team.

Messi, 36, and defender Jordi Alba did not practice Friday after they both exited in the first half of Wednesday's 4-0 win over visiting Toronto FC due to what Martino called muscle fatigue.

Coach Xavi Hernandez has extended his contract with Barcelona until 2025 with an option for a further year, the LaLiga club said on Friday.

The 43-year-old manager arrived at Barcelona on a three-year deal following the departure of Dutchman Ronald Koeman at the end of 2021.

It's official: Xavi 2025 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/h5U6CX1NIP

Alex Morgan got in some hot water with the National Women’s Soccer League after she publicly called out a referee’s decision over Twitter after a game. Her USWNT teammate Sophia Smith her decision and disagreed with the fine.

The incident took place during San Diego Wave’s game vs. KC Current on Saturday, Sept. 16. Morgan was in KC’s box when defender Stine Ballisager Pedersen came flying in with a crunching challenge.

Sheffield United Women midfielder Maddy Cusack has died at the age of 27, the Women's Championship club said on Thursday.

Maddy Cusack death

Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack.

The Club and Maddy’s family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time.

OLIVA — Spain's World Cup winning-squad agreed to end their boycott of the national team on Wednesday after the country's football federation (RFEF) said it would make "immediate and profound changes", including reshuffling its top management.

The decision was reached after more than seven hours of meetings at a hotel in Oliva, an hour from Valencia, involving the players, RFEF officials, the National Sports Council (CSD) and the women's players' union FUTPRO.

Olympique de Marseille have parted ways with head coach Marcelino, the Ligue 1 side said on Wednesday amid an ongoing feud with supporters.

On Tuesday, Marseille hit out at their fans' representatives after they allegedly threatened the club's management and pressured them to resign during a meeting held on Monday, Sept. 18.

Marseille death threats to president and manager

: Marseille president Pablo Longoria will offer his resignation after receiving death threats by OM ultras. ❌

Pep Guardiola had quite the reaction when a reporter asked him about the threat that Manchester United will pose this season.

During a press conference Pep was asked about who will be the biggest threat to Manchester City’s title defense. He had positive things to say about the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool who sit two points behind City through five Premier League games.

When a reporter asked if Manchester United can be included in that conversation Pep gave a golden reaction.

Inter Miami travel to Atlanta for their second league meeting of the season against the United on Saturday.

Lionel Messi has been involved in 16 Miami goals in 11 games across all competitions since debuting with the club on July 21. Messi has 11 goals and five assists in that span.

But he won't be playing in the match, multiple media outlets reported. Coming off of duty with Argentina's national team, Messi did not make the trip to Atlanta.

Why isn't Messi playing vs Atlanta?

Reason: Fatigue