TL;DR

Messi powers Inter Miami past Atlas; Sharpe exits ESPN; Arenas charged in LA gambling ring.

Highlights

• Lionel Messi recorded two assists as Inter Miami beat Atlas 2-1 in their Leagues Cup opener; Marcelo Weigandt scored the stoppage-time winner 1.
• Messi was named MLS Player of the Month for July, leading the league with 18 goals after eight in his last five matches 1.
• Inter Miami have won 7 of their last 8 matches, rebounding from a 3-0 loss at Cincinnati 1.
• ESPN ended its deal with Shannon Sharpe following his confidential rape-suit settlement; Sharpe continues with his independent podcasts 2.
• Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was arrested and charged with operating an illegal gambling ring in Los Angeles 3.
• Barcelona sold Pablo Torre to RCD Mallorca for €5 million (50% rights), with a €25 million release clause and a buy-back option 4.
• Barcelona extended Jules Koundé’s contract to 2030 and are fielding offers for Robert Lewandowski, with Saudi interest noted 4.
• Young Barcelona players Marc Guiu and Marc Bernal are attracting outside interest; the club is also competing for Chelsea target Marc Cucurella 4.
• Lamine Yamal scored twice in Barcelona ’s 3–2 first-half lead over FC Seoul in a pre-season friendly; Lewandowski and Raphinha also started 5.
• Atlético de Madrid and Villarreal are showing renewed interest in Barcelona ’s Mouriño 4.

Commentary

Messi's two-assist performance and Inter Miami ’s late win over Atlas reinforce the club’s attacking reliability for fantasy managers and bettors, especially with Messi in top form and now officially MLS Player of the Month 1. Miami’s strong run of results, with only one loss in eight, keeps their assets among the most attractive in Leagues Cup and MLS pools 1.

The end of Shannon Sharpe’s ESPN tenure is notable for NFL media coverage, but his continued presence via independent podcasts means his influence on sports discourse remains. No direct fantasy or betting implications, but some shift in preseason analysis sources is possible 2.

Gilbert Arenas’ arrest on illegal gambling charges is a reminder of the persistent overlap between sports and off-field betting activity. While not directly impacting NBA play, it’s a relevant development for those monitoring integrity issues and the broader gambling landscape 3.

Barcelona ’s transfer activity is significant for La Liga watchers: Pablo Torre’s move to Mallorca, Koundé’s contract extension, and ongoing interest in Lewandowski and several young prospects indicate an active market 4. Lamine Yamal’s pre-season form, including a brace in Seoul, is worth tracking for early-season fantasy value if he earns regular minutes under new coach Hansi Flick 5.

Monitor Inter Miami ’s fixture congestion and Messi’s usage, Barcelona ’s ongoing transfer moves, and preseason player performances for actionable fantasy and betting opportunities.