Marco Bianchi 
Lionel Messi made MLS history by winning the Golden Boot for a second straight season, netting 26 goals and adding 17 assists for Inter Miami. His tally placed him well ahead of the next top scorers and cemented his status as the league’s leading contributor for the second year running.
Usman Khawaja responded to claims from his autobiography that all members of the Australian cricket team were aware of the 2018 ball‑tampering incident in South Africa. He insisted he had not “thrown anyone under the bus” and clarified his position on the controversy.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have been handed back‑of‑the‑grid starts for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after new power units were fitted following failures in practice. Their teammates Charles Leclerc and George Russell also face grid penalties, and the event’s contract at Interlagos has been extended to 2035.
Scotland have withdrawn Swansea City defender Stephen Welsh from their upcoming Nations League fixtures due to concerns over a possible knee ligament injury. He is replaced by Los Angeles FC centre‑back Ryan Porteous, who returns to the squad after his last cap in March 2025. The changes come as Scotland aim to secure at least four points from their final two group games.
New Zealand’s women’s rugby league side thrashed Samoa 32-0 in the semi‑final at McDonald Jones Stadium, securing a place in the World Cup final. Stacey Waaka starred with a hat‑trick, while tries from Wiki, Hufanga, Atai and McGregor completed the dominant performance.
New Zealand’s women’s rugby league team, the Kiwi Ferns, thrashed Samoa 32‑0 in the semi‑final of the Rugby League World Cup, securing a place in the final. Stacey Waaka starred with a hat‑trick, while tries from Mackenzie Wiki, Mele Hufanga, Kaiyah Atai and Raecene McGregor helped the side dominate in blustery conditions at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium.
After a loss in the Hong Kong Open quarter‑finals, Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea confirmed her retirement, concluding a two‑decade career on a high note with a season‑ending world ranking of 15. Her final year featured a Transylvania Open title, a semi‑final in Rome and a quarter‑final at Roland Garros, placing her among an elite group of players who retired inside the top 16 at age 36 or older.
Raith Rovers climbed to first place in the Scottish Championship after a 0-0 draw against rivals Dunfermline Athletic, overtaking Partick Thistle on goal difference. The Fife derby ended without goals, but the result secured the top spot for Raith Rovers.
Wrexham announced that chief executive Michael Williamson has departed after a two‑year tenure, during which the club rose from League One to the Championship. Director Shaun Harvey, a former EFL chief executive, will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
Norwegian No.1 Casper Ruud reflected on the difficulty of competing in today’s high‑pace tennis after a mixed 2026 season that saw him reach the Italian Open final and miss the US Open with a back injury. He is now preparing for his Paris Masters quarter‑final against lucky‑loser Nuno Borges, noting that the sport’s shift toward powerful baseline play will remain a challenge for the rest of his career.