×
Messi buys fifth-tier club Cornella, eyes development of local talent in Catalonia  Lionel Messi has bought Catalan club Cornella and become the team’s new owner, the Spanish fifth-tier side announced on Thursday.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still playing in the United States for Inter Miami and is expected to play a key role in Argentina’s World Cup title defence this year.“This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia,” the club said in a statement confirming the former Barcelona player’s acquisition.Several top players have come through the ranks at Cornella, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba.ALSO READ: Fatigued Ronaldo threw up after Al-Nassr match, says coach Jorge JesusCornella has suffered back-to-back relegations in the past two seasons.“Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent,” Cornella added.“The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability and a strong connection to its local roots.”Published on Apr 16, 2026  #Messi #buys #fifthtier #club #Cornella #eyes #development #local #talent #Catalonia

Messi buys fifth-tier club Cornella, eyes development of local talent in Catalonia

Lionel Messi has bought Catalan club Cornella and become the team’s new owner, the Spanish fifth-tier side announced on Thursday.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still playing in the United States for Inter Miami and is expected to play a key role in Argentina’s World Cup title defence this year.

“This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia,” the club said in a statement confirming the former Barcelona player’s acquisition.

Several top players have come through the ranks at Cornella, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba.

ALSO READ: Fatigued Ronaldo threw up after Al-Nassr match, says coach Jorge Jesus

Cornella has suffered back-to-back relegations in the past two seasons.

“Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent,” Cornella added.

“The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability and a strong connection to its local roots.”

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Messi #buys #fifthtier #club #Cornella #eyes #development #local #talent #Catalonia

Lionel Messi has bought Catalan club Cornella and become the team’s new owner, the Spanish fifth-tier side announced on Thursday.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is still playing in the United States for Inter Miami and is expected to play a key role in Argentina’s World Cup title defence this year.

“This move reinforces Messi’s close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia,” the club said in a statement confirming the former Barcelona player’s acquisition.

Several top players have come through the ranks at Cornella, including Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba.

ALSO READ: Fatigued Ronaldo threw up after Al-Nassr match, says coach Jorge Jesus

Cornella has suffered back-to-back relegations in the past two seasons.

“Leo Messi’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent,” Cornella added.

“The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability and a strong connection to its local roots.”

Published on Apr 16, 2026

Source link
#Messi #buys #fifthtier #club #Cornella #eyes #development #local #talent #Catalonia

Previous post

Deadspin | Giants place OF Harrison Bader (hamstring) on IL <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28656077.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28656077.jpg" alt="MLB: New York Mets at San Francisco Giants" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 3, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder Harrison Bader (9) scores on an RBI double by San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (not pictured) against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>San Francisco Giants veteran outfielder Harrison Bader was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain prior to Wednesday’s game against the host Cincinnati Reds.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The move is retroactive to April 12.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Giants also placed Jared Oliva (fractured left wrist) on the IL and recalled fellow outfielders Will Brennan and Drew Gilbert from Triple-A Sacramento.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Bader, 31, also has been dealing with a thumb injury and is batting just .115 with one homer, three RBIs and 17 strikeouts in 52 at-bats.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>The Giants signed Bader to a two-year, $20.5 million contract as a free agent in the offseason. San Francisco is his seventh team in 10 big league seasons.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>Oliva, 30, is slated to miss four to six weeks. He is 1-for-7 in seven appearances.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Brennan, 28, was batting .392 with one homer and 10 RBIs in 11 games at Sacramento. He played in 269 games across four seasons for the Cleveland Guardians (2022-25) and batted .267 with 14 homers and 79 RBIs.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Gilbert, 25, was hitting .289 with one homer and three RBIs in 11 games for Sacramento.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Brennan is slated to bat eighth and play left field on Wednesday night. Gilbert will bat ninth and be the center fielder while making his major league debut.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Giants #place #Harrison #Bader #hamstring

Next post

Deadspin | Red Sox OF Jarren Duran flips off fan for crossing line, MLB to investigate <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28621760.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28621760.jpg" alt="MLB: Boston Red Sox at Cincinnati Reds" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 29, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran (16) prepares on deck in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran said his obscene gesture in Minneapolis on Tuesday night was directed at a fan who told him to kill himself. MLB and the Twins are responding with an investigation into the incident. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Duran has been open about his mental health, discussing a battle with depression and a suicide attempt in a Netflix series that debuted last year.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“We were made aware of the situation late last night and are looking into it,” Twins senior vice president of communications and public affairs Dustin Morse said on Wednesday, after MLB confirmed starting its own, independent look at the incident. “There’s no place in our game for conduct like that.”‘</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>He said the fan crossed the line with his remarks as Duran returned to the dugout at Target Field after a fifth-inning groundout in Boston’s 6-0 loss to the Twins.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>“Somebody just told me to kill myself,” Duran said. “I’m used to it at this point, you know? I mean, s— happens. I mean, I’m going to flip somebody off if they say something to me, but it is what it is. I shouldn’t react like that, but that kind of stuff is still kind of triggering.”</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>Duran, 29, could face a fine or suspension from the league for the incident. He was suspended for two games in 2024 after directing an anti-gay slur to a fan.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“Honestly, it’s my fault for talking about my mental health because I kind of brought in the haters. So I’ve just got to get used to it,” he said. “I was just trying to hold it in and not really bring that up to the team. I mean, we’re trying to win a game. I shouldn’t even bring that up to anybody. … It just happens.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>An All-Star in 2024, Duran is off to a slow start in his sixth season with the Red Sox. He is batting .182 with a homer, 10 RBIs and 16 strikeouts through 14 games.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Red #Sox #Jarren #Duran #flips #fan #crossing #line #MLB #investigate

Deadspin | Ryan Blaney wins Atlanta pole, leads Team Penske front-row sweep  Jun 14, 2026; Long Pond, Pennsylvania, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) races during The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images   HAMPTON, Ga. — Ryan Blaney claimed his second pole position of the season Saturday evening at Atlanta’s fast high-banked EchoPark Speedway — leading a Team Penske Ford front row sweep for Sunday night’s Quaker State 400 (7 p.m. ET, TNT, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).  Blaney’s No. 12 Team Penske Ford turned in a lap of 179.912 mph around the 1.5-mile track, besting his teammate Joey Logano’s No. 22 Ford by a slight .016-second in Busch Light Pole Qualifying.  It’s the 32-year old Blaney’s 14th career pole and marks the first front-row Penske sweep this year. All three Penske’s advanced to Saturday’s 10-car second round after dominating the top of the speed charts in round one. Austin Cindric will roll off eighth in the No. 2 Penske Ford.  The typically low-key Blaney was thrilled for the result, crediting his team for the hard work. However, the 2023 series champion was quick to remind at a high-speed, drafting track such as Atlanta, he was confident starting up front doesn’t automatically translate into a trip to Victory Lane.  Toyota, which is enjoying a dominant season in wins, failed to place a single car into the final round of qualifying.  NASCAR Cup Series championship leader Denny Hamlin will roll off 28th in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick, who trails Hamlin by 44 points in the standings, will start 31st in the No. 45 Toyota. A five-time race winner this year, Reddick won at Atlanta this February.  Gibbs drivers Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell will start 23rd and 32nd. And Reddick’s 23XI teammates Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst are 23rd and 29th on the grid.  “I feel like we’ve seen that,” Blaney said of the Toyotas qualifying effort. “They don’t really qualify great at these speedways, just the build of their race car. So usually that means they can probably be aggressive in the draft and get in the middle and get to the top and things like that. I’m sure we’re going to see them up there.   “If you look at the spring race here and Toyotas were really, really good when it came race time. Hopefully, our balance in the race is good enough to be able to either maintain the lead or if we get shuffled back to be able to go forward. You really don’t know that until the race starts.”  The Chevrolets of Kyle Larson (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports) and Austin Dillon (No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ) make up row two.  Daniel Suarez will start fifth with the Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets of Alex Bowman and defending race winner Chase Elliott, Cindric, Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain and Brad Keselowski owner-driver of the No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Ford, rounding out the top 10.  The front row start is especially significant for the three-time series champion Logano, who is enduring one of the most challenging seasons of his Hall of Fame-bound career. He’s still not in the top 16 field that will ultimately settle the title in the 10-race Chase. Logano’s ranked 18th, 16 points behind 16th-place Erik Jones.  “The good news is the Hunt Brothers Pizza Mustang is fast and that speed you see in qualifying will usually show up in the race,” said Logano, a two-time Atlanta winner. “I’m proud to see the speed that’s there and the handling seemed fine in qualifying.  “I feel like our team can handle these speedways really well and you can remember what happened here last Fall (he wrecked after leading laps and winning the pole position), so there’s no guarantee you see the end of it.  “But,” he added with a smile, “The speed’s there and that’s half the battle, so we know we have that.”  –By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service. Special to Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Ryan #Blaney #wins #Atlanta #pole #leads #Team #Penske #frontrow #sweepJun 14, 2026; Long Pond, Pennsylvania, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) races during The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

HAMPTON, Ga. — Ryan Blaney claimed his second pole position of the season Saturday evening at Atlanta’s fast high-banked EchoPark Speedway — leading a Team Penske Ford front row sweep for Sunday night’s Quaker State 400 (7 p.m. ET, TNT, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Blaney’s No. 12 Team Penske Ford turned in a lap of 179.912 mph around the 1.5-mile track, besting his teammate Joey Logano’s No. 22 Ford by a slight .016-second in Busch Light Pole Qualifying.

It’s the 32-year old Blaney’s 14th career pole and marks the first front-row Penske sweep this year. All three Penske’s advanced to Saturday’s 10-car second round after dominating the top of the speed charts in round one. Austin Cindric will roll off eighth in the No. 2 Penske Ford.

The typically low-key Blaney was thrilled for the result, crediting his team for the hard work. However, the 2023 series champion was quick to remind at a high-speed, drafting track such as Atlanta, he was confident starting up front doesn’t automatically translate into a trip to Victory Lane.

Toyota, which is enjoying a dominant season in wins, failed to place a single car into the final round of qualifying.

NASCAR Cup Series championship leader Denny Hamlin will roll off 28th in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick, who trails Hamlin by 44 points in the standings, will start 31st in the No. 45 Toyota. A five-time race winner this year, Reddick won at Atlanta this February.

Gibbs drivers Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell will start 23rd and 32nd. And Reddick’s 23XI teammates Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst are 23rd and 29th on the grid.


“I feel like we’ve seen that,” Blaney said of the Toyotas qualifying effort. “They don’t really qualify great at these speedways, just the build of their race car. So usually that means they can probably be aggressive in the draft and get in the middle and get to the top and things like that. I’m sure we’re going to see them up there.

“If you look at the spring race here and Toyotas were really, really good when it came race time. Hopefully, our balance in the race is good enough to be able to either maintain the lead or if we get shuffled back to be able to go forward. You really don’t know that until the race starts.”

The Chevrolets of Kyle Larson (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports) and Austin Dillon (No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ) make up row two.

Daniel Suarez will start fifth with the Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets of Alex Bowman and defending race winner Chase Elliott, Cindric, Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain and Brad Keselowski owner-driver of the No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Ford, rounding out the top 10.

The front row start is especially significant for the three-time series champion Logano, who is enduring one of the most challenging seasons of his Hall of Fame-bound career. He’s still not in the top 16 field that will ultimately settle the title in the 10-race Chase. Logano’s ranked 18th, 16 points behind 16th-place Erik Jones.

“The good news is the Hunt Brothers Pizza Mustang is fast and that speed you see in qualifying will usually show up in the race,” said Logano, a two-time Atlanta winner. “I’m proud to see the speed that’s there and the handling seemed fine in qualifying.

“I feel like our team can handle these speedways really well and you can remember what happened here last Fall (he wrecked after leading laps and winning the pole position), so there’s no guarantee you see the end of it.

“But,” he added with a smile, “The speed’s there and that’s half the battle, so we know we have that.”


–By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service. Special to Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ryan #Blaney #wins #Atlanta #pole #leads #Team #Penske #frontrow #sweep">Deadspin | Ryan Blaney wins Atlanta pole, leads Team Penske front-row sweep  Jun 14, 2026; Long Pond, Pennsylvania, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) races during The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images   HAMPTON, Ga. — Ryan Blaney claimed his second pole position of the season Saturday evening at Atlanta’s fast high-banked EchoPark Speedway — leading a Team Penske Ford front row sweep for Sunday night’s Quaker State 400 (7 p.m. ET, TNT, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).  Blaney’s No. 12 Team Penske Ford turned in a lap of 179.912 mph around the 1.5-mile track, besting his teammate Joey Logano’s No. 22 Ford by a slight .016-second in Busch Light Pole Qualifying.  It’s the 32-year old Blaney’s 14th career pole and marks the first front-row Penske sweep this year. All three Penske’s advanced to Saturday’s 10-car second round after dominating the top of the speed charts in round one. Austin Cindric will roll off eighth in the No. 2 Penske Ford.  The typically low-key Blaney was thrilled for the result, crediting his team for the hard work. However, the 2023 series champion was quick to remind at a high-speed, drafting track such as Atlanta, he was confident starting up front doesn’t automatically translate into a trip to Victory Lane.  Toyota, which is enjoying a dominant season in wins, failed to place a single car into the final round of qualifying.  NASCAR Cup Series championship leader Denny Hamlin will roll off 28th in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick, who trails Hamlin by 44 points in the standings, will start 31st in the No. 45 Toyota. A five-time race winner this year, Reddick won at Atlanta this February.  Gibbs drivers Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell will start 23rd and 32nd. And Reddick’s 23XI teammates Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst are 23rd and 29th on the grid.  “I feel like we’ve seen that,” Blaney said of the Toyotas qualifying effort. “They don’t really qualify great at these speedways, just the build of their race car. So usually that means they can probably be aggressive in the draft and get in the middle and get to the top and things like that. I’m sure we’re going to see them up there.   “If you look at the spring race here and Toyotas were really, really good when it came race time. Hopefully, our balance in the race is good enough to be able to either maintain the lead or if we get shuffled back to be able to go forward. You really don’t know that until the race starts.”  The Chevrolets of Kyle Larson (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports) and Austin Dillon (No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ) make up row two.  Daniel Suarez will start fifth with the Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets of Alex Bowman and defending race winner Chase Elliott, Cindric, Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain and Brad Keselowski owner-driver of the No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Ford, rounding out the top 10.  The front row start is especially significant for the three-time series champion Logano, who is enduring one of the most challenging seasons of his Hall of Fame-bound career. He’s still not in the top 16 field that will ultimately settle the title in the 10-race Chase. Logano’s ranked 18th, 16 points behind 16th-place Erik Jones.  “The good news is the Hunt Brothers Pizza Mustang is fast and that speed you see in qualifying will usually show up in the race,” said Logano, a two-time Atlanta winner. “I’m proud to see the speed that’s there and the handling seemed fine in qualifying.  “I feel like our team can handle these speedways really well and you can remember what happened here last Fall (he wrecked after leading laps and winning the pole position), so there’s no guarantee you see the end of it.  “But,” he added with a smile, “The speed’s there and that’s half the battle, so we know we have that.”  –By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service. Special to Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Ryan #Blaney #wins #Atlanta #pole #leads #Team #Penske #frontrow #sweep

England’s run at the 1986 World Cup came to a dramatic end due to the “Hand of God” goal scored by Diego Maradona.

Could their run at the 2026 World Cup continue due to the “Cable of God?”

Norway took a 1-0 lead late in the first half during Saturday’s Quarterfinal match between the two teams, thanks to a thunderous strike from Andreas Schjelderup.

However, England pulled level moments later, on a lovely left-footed strike from Jude Bellingham:

But should the goal have even counted?

FOX Sports cameras spotted Norway coach Stale Solbakken chatting with referee Clement Turpin after the goal, and Norway striker Erling Haaland was frustrated as well:

Eventually, replay angles showed why. After a goal kick from keeper Orjan Nyland, the ball appeared to strike one of the FIFA skycam cables, falling to the feet of England’s Anthony Gordon:

On the FOX Sports broadcast, former referee Mark Clattenburg noted that under FIFA rules, the play should have stopped, and a dropped-ball resulted.

A review did come later in the match, but that potential go-ahead goal was taken off the board after VAR noted a foul by Haaland before Norway’s corner kick:

The match remains tied at 1-1 deep into the second half, but no matter the result, expect that non-review to be part of the discussion.

Update: Following the match, FIFA shared this on social media:

#Englands #equalizer #Norway #counted">Why England’s equalizer against Norway should not have counted  England’s run at the 1986 World Cup came to a dramatic end due to the “Hand of God” goal scored by Diego Maradona.Could their run at the 2026 World Cup continue due to the “Cable of God?”Norway took a 1-0 lead late in the first half during Saturday’s Quarterfinal match between the two teams, thanks to a thunderous strike from Andreas Schjelderup.However, England pulled level moments later, on a lovely left-footed strike from Jude Bellingham:But should the goal have even counted?FOX Sports cameras spotted Norway coach Stale Solbakken chatting with referee Clement Turpin after the goal, and Norway striker Erling Haaland was frustrated as well:Eventually, replay angles showed why. After a goal kick from keeper Orjan Nyland, the ball appeared to strike one of the FIFA skycam cables, falling to the feet of England’s Anthony Gordon:On the FOX Sports broadcast, former referee Mark Clattenburg noted that under FIFA rules, the play should have stopped, and a dropped-ball resulted.A review did come later in the match, but that potential go-ahead goal was taken off the board after VAR noted a foul by Haaland before Norway’s corner kick:The match remains tied at 1-1 deep into the second half, but no matter the result, expect that non-review to be part of the discussion.Update: Following the match, FIFA shared this on social media:  #Englands #equalizer #Norway #counted

Post Comment