TL;DR

Messi out with minor hamstring injury; Barcelona, Porto prep for season; Nigeria wins fifth AfroBasket.

Highlights

• Inter Miami confirm Lionel Messi has a minor right hamstring injury; no timetable for return, unlikely for Wednesday’s Leagues Cup match vs. Pumas UNAM 1.
• Miami advanced in the Leagues Cup after a penalty shootout win over Necaxa, with Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez key in Messi’s absence 1.
• FC Barcelona ended their Asian pre-season tour unbeaten, leading Daegu FC 3-0 at half with a Gavi brace and Lewandowski goal 2.
• Barcelona’s youth, including Lamine Yamal and Dro Fernández, featured prominently; club still working to register five players before La Liga opener on August 16 2.
• FC Porto signed 34-year-old striker Luuk de Jong on a free transfer, adding experience and scoring depth ahead of the new season 3.
• De Jong’s unveiling occurred before Porto’s friendly vs. Atlético Madrid, signaling intent to strengthen attack 3.
• Nigeria’s D’Tigress won their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, going unbeaten; Amy Okonkwo named MVP 4.
• President Tinubu pledged federal support as Nigeria prepares for FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers 4.
• WWE’s first two-night SummerSlam at MetLife concluded with John Cena retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship over Cody Rhodes 5.
• Becky Lynch, Solo Sikoa, Naomi, and The Wyatt Sicks all retained titles; two-night format to continue in 2026 5.

Commentary

Lionel Messi’s minor hamstring injury leaves Inter Miami without a clear return date for their star, impacting both fantasy lineups and betting markets 1. The club’s Leagues Cup progress now leans on veterans Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez, whose roles and output should be closely monitored for value in Messi’s absence, especially with a key match against Pumas UNAM looming 1.

Barcelona’s pre-season tour closed with strong performances from both established and emerging players, notably Gavi’s brace and Lamine Yamal’s continued impact 2. Fantasy and betting interests should track the club’s player registration situation, as unresolved issues could affect squad availability for their La Liga opener on August 16 2.

FC Porto’s acquisition of Luuk de Jong adds a proven goal scorer to their roster, likely boosting their attacking options for the Primeira Liga and European campaigns 3. De Jong’s integration and form will be key for both fantasy projections and early-season betting lines 3.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress continue their dominance in African women’s basketball, securing a fifth straight AfroBasket title and an unbeaten run 4. With World Cup qualifiers ahead and federal backing promised, the team’s roster stability and Okonkwo’s form will be important for those tracking international basketball markets 4.

WWE’s expanded SummerSlam format proved successful, with major champions retaining their titles and the promotion set to continue the two-night event model—an important note for those wagering on outcomes or engaging in fantasy wrestling pools 5.