Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has described Lionel Messi as the best player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while expressing gratitude to the Argentine legend for reaching out to offer him support after what he called a “difficult night”.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Spanish international shared the remarks in separate Facebook posts on Tuesday, praising the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and appreciating the encouragement he received from him.

“No player was better than Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup!” Yamal wrote.

In a separate message, the 19-year-old thanked Messi for calling him and checking on his well-being.

“Thank you for calling me, checking on me, and giving me your support. Your words meant a lot to me, especially after a difficult night,” he stated.

Yamal added, “I truly appreciate it, Leo. Much love and respect!”

The Barcelona star’s comments came a day after he finished third in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings at a ceremony held in London. England captain Harry Kane won the award, while France international Kylian Mbappé finished as runner-up.

However, Yamal did not explicitly connect his reference to a “difficult night” with his position in the Ballon d’Or rankings. He also did not confirm whether the award ceremony prompted Messi to contact him.

Messi remains one of football’s most decorated figures, having won eight Ballon d’Or awards and captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Yamal has become an important figure for both Barcelona and Spain, earning widespread recognition for his performances and development at a young age. His playing style and progress have also drawn comparisons with Messi.

Kun Khalifat have appointed Emmanuel Ifeanyi Nwabuwah as the club’s coordinator for the 2026/27 football season, while Warri Wolves have announced plans to appeal sanctions imposed by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following an attack on a match official.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Kun Khalifat confirmed Nwabuwah’s appointment in a statement published on the club’s official X account on Tuesday, welcoming him ahead of the new campaign.

“Kun Khalifat FC is pleased to announce Mr Emmanuel Ifeanyi Nwabuwah as the Co-ordinator of the club for the 2026/2027 football season,” the club stated.

“We welcome him and wish him a successful and impactful tenure in the colours of Kun Khalifat FC.”

The appointment comes after the club secured a 1-0 victory over Inter Lagos on Sunday, extending their winning run at home to three consecutive matches.

The result moved Kun Khalifat to 15th on the NPFL table, with 12 points from 10 matches.

Meanwhile, Warri Wolves are preparing to challenge the league’s disciplinary measures imposed after a match official was attacked following their goalless draw against Kano Pillars on Sunday.

The NPFL sanctioned the Delta State-based club with a ₦4.2 million fine, a deduction of three points and three goals from their record, and an order to play their next five home league fixtures behind closed doors.

In a statement released on the club’s official Facebook page, Warri Wolves said they would appeal the decision and request leniency, pointing to their efforts to identify and apprehend the individual involved in the incident.

“Following the league’s decision, an appeal will be filed, requesting leniency in view of the efforts made by the club to apprehend the suspect, the available video evidence showing the club’s caution to the individual, and the subsequent arrest of the suspect,” the club stated.

Warri Wolves acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and said they respected the league’s disciplinary process. However, they expressed hope that the appeal would receive favourable consideration.

The club also warned that the three-point deduction could significantly affect their league standing. If the sanction remains in place, their points tally would fall from 12 to nine, potentially dropping them from 14th to 17th on the table.

The Seasiders called on their supporters to remain calm and united as they await the outcome of the appeal, describing the situation as a challenging period for the club.

“Warri Wolves is bigger than any individual, administration, coach or player. It is a legacy we must all protect,” the statement added.

“As we await the outcome of the appeal, let us continue to stand behind Warri Wolves.

“We hope for the best and trust that the appeal will receive fair and compassionate consideration.”

Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er is optimistic that Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho will recover in time for Saturday’s Turkish 1. Lig encounter against Bandirmaspor after picking up an injury during Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Keçiörengücü.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Iheanacho put Bursaspor ahead 3-2 with a goal in the 50th minute but was substituted in the 69th minute after receiving medical attention.

His early departure sparked concerns about his fitness. However, Er sought to ease those fears, explaining that the decision to withdraw the forward was a precautionary measure to prevent the problem from getting worse.

“Kelechi has a little problem. We did not want to push too hard,” Er told Turkish outlet Bursahakimiyet. “He wanted to continue, but we did not want to risk it. We were already ahead 4-2, and we had the score.”

The 30-year-old maintained his impressive scoring form with a superb individual effort. He collected the ball near the edge of the penalty area, dribbled into space and fired past the goalkeeper.

The goal extended Iheanacho’s scoring streak to 12 consecutive league matches, taking his tally to 16 goals and three assists in 12 appearances this season.

Lewis Baker and Brazilian midfielder Lincoln also played important roles in the victory. Lincoln scored and provided assists before receiving two yellow cards in quick succession and being sent off in the 84th minute.

The win extended Bursaspor’s winning streak to three matches, with the club recording four victories in their last five outings.

The Turkish side moved to the top of the 1. Lig standings with 28 points from 12 matches, moving ahead of Kayserispor.

Bursaspor are scheduled to host Bandirmaspor on Saturday, and Er will be hoping Iheanacho recovers sufficiently to feature in the encounter.

The striker’s fitness will also be closely monitored by Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they prepare for next month’s double-header against Tanzania ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Iheanacho recently returned to the national team, scoring Nigeria’s opening goal in a 3-3 friendly draw against Russia under head coach Eric Chelle.