Sports
Piers Morgan Causes Stir With Lionel Messi Tweet After World Cup Hat-Trick
Piers Morgan has caused a stir with his reaction to Lionel Messi’s history-making hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.
Messi, 39 next week, joined Germany legend Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals as La Albiceleste began the defence of their title in impressive fashion.
It was Argentina’s talismanic captain who opened the scoring with a stunning effort past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane – son of France great, Zinedine – in the 17th minute. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, widely regarded as the best footballer in history, added two more goals in the second half before going off to a standing ovation shortly afterwards.
“To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment,” Messi, named Player of the Match, told reporters after the final whistle.
“The squad, it’s a very united, very strong group. I feel good; we were lucky enough to win a tough match. It’s important to start off with a win in the first game.
“I’m grateful to the fans, because once again they’ve shown that Argentina is crazy about this – we packed the stadium again.
“Everything I’m experiencing now is a bonus. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve all my dreams – or even more than I ever dreamed of achieving – both professionally and personally.”
Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings
Tracking the leading contenders to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2026.
Piers’ Social Media Post About Messi
Piers Morgan has made no secret of the fact he believes Cristiano Ronaldo, who he’s interviewed on several occasions in recent years and now considers a friend, is superior to Messi.
This is despite the fact that Piers himself once labelled Messi as the better player, insisting “any further debate is superfluous”.
However, that deleted tweet was posted long before Piers became pally with Cristiano. The British broadcaster now holds a very different view regarding football’s GOAT debate.
In fact, Messi failed to even make Morgan’s all-time World Cup XI, which he named last week.
While Piers conceded that Messi produced a “brilliant performance” on Tuesday – presumably through gritted teeth – the former tabloid newspaper editor added: “but he should have been sent off for this outrageous studs-up foul on Algeria’s Mandi. The fact he didn’t even get booked is ridiculous – could have broken the guy’s leg.”
Now, Piers isn’t alone in thinking that Messi was fortunate to avoid punishment. ESPN pundits Nedum Onuoha and Ale Moreno were in agreement that Argentina’s No. 10 should have been sent off and were confused why referee Szymon Marciniak wasn’t asked to review the incident by VAR.
However, many fans believe Morgan has used the incident as an excuse to downplay Messi’s latest masterclass.
“Man you are sick!” replied an Argentina fan on X (Twitter), while another football fan said: “Too early to start crying.”
A third supporter commented: “Get a grip, Piers. Appreciate greatness, you won’t die,” while a fourth added:
“Don’t try to act like an imposter by saying brilliant performance by Messi last night. You can’t live in a world where Messi shines bright. And we all know it how hard you try to downplay the legend.”
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A fifth supporter wrote: “Oh Tears Morgan – you never fail to surprise me. Softest accidental foul you’ll ever see. The world should be thankful the referee and VAR saw it as such The fact you’d be ecstatic at seeing the greatest player to ever step on a pitch be sent off for that is a testament to how much of a worm you really are.” Ouch.
All eyes will now be on Piers’ footballing hero Ronaldo as Portugal take on DR Congo in their opening World Cup match on Wednesday.
Sports
Man Utd Eyeing Move to Sign Morgan Rogers After Fernandes and Summerville
Manchester United are eyeing a move for a £100m star as they consider launching a £120m double transfer raid on West Ham United to sign Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, according to the Telegraph.
Man United have wrapped up their first signing of the summer already, with Ederson set to complete a move to Old Trafford next month after the Red Devils reached a full agreement to sign the Brazilian from Atalanta in a deal worth less than £40m.
United identified the central midfield position as their biggest transfer priority as they look to complete a major rebuild in that area following Casemiro’s departure, with Manuel Ugarte likely to join him through the exit door.
One more player will arrive in the position after Ederson, and it could even be two should Ugarte complete a move away, with full focus right now on signing Fernandes.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United are in official talks with both the player and West Ham over a switch to Old Trafford, with the Portugal international keen on the move.
The Red Devils are also considering a move for the Netherlands international Summerville, which could see them launch a £120m bid for the Hammers duo.
Man United ‘Strongly Interested’ in Morgan Rogers
While United have interest in a potential double swoop on West Ham, they are also targeting a player from another English club in Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa.
The Red Devils had been linked with the England international earlier in the summer, but recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature and that the player is keen to join the Premier League champions.
However, a new report from the Telegraph says that United have ‘strong interest’ in signing Rogers as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox have both worked with the 23-year-old ‘superstar’ in the past at Middlesbrough and Manchester City respectively, so the interest in him isn’t a shock.
Rogers’ £100m price tag is a big issue though, with United earmarking the majority of their summer transfer budget to bolster their midfield.
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Man United Winger Move Depends on Rashford
The report adds that any move for a winger, or a forward who can play out wide and centrally like Rogers, will depend on the future of Marcus Rashford.
The England international is available for £40m this summer due to a release clause, after Barcelona failed to activate their buy option on the forward.
The release clause is valid for everyone except Manchester City and Liverpool, with the Red Devils only willing to entertain permanent exits for the 28-year-old following his loan switch to Barcelona.
United need to offload the £325,000-a-week player if they are to be able to bring in a new forward, with Rashford keen on another move abroad following his successful spell at the Camp Nou.
Several Premier League clubs are thought to be monitoring his situation.
Sports
Crystal Palace Target Celtic Midfielder Arne Engels in Summer Transfer
Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing a move to sign a Celtic star in the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri.
The Eagles will be looking to enjoy an impressive summer transfer window as they look to back new manager Pierre Sage, who joined the club earlier this month.
Sage came in to replace Oliver Glasner, and he has some big shoes to fill, considering the Austrian manager won three trophies during his time at the club.
Glasner decided to leave Selhurst Park at the end of his contract just days after they lifted the Europa Conference League title.
The former Palace boss often complained about the lack of ambition from the club in terms of recruitment, so it will be interesting to see how much they back Sage this summer.
Crystal Palace Plotting Shock Transfer Return As First Pierre Sage Signing
Crystal Palace are closing in on Pierre Sage as their new head coach, and a few signings appear to be lined up.
Crystal Palace Eyeing Celtic Man
According to a report from Sky Sports journalist Tavolieri, Crystal Palace are in the race to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels in the summer transfer window.
Palace are hoping to convince Engels, described as ‘outstanding’ by former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, to join the club and beat Nottingham Forest to his signature.
Reports suggested last month that Engels is one to watch for the summer transfer window, with a departure from the club planned.
Although a Belgian international, Engels failed to make the World Cup squad for this summer.
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England World Cup Quiz
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Palace May Need Midfield Reinforcements
One of Crystal Palace’s priority positions in the summer transfer window could be to bring in a new midfielder for Sage.
Adam Wharton has been heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with reports claiming that Liverpool are plotting a move to secure his signature this summer.
Daichi Kamada is also out of contract, although Palace have confirmed they are in talks over a new deal. If both leave, they will be desperately in need of midfield reinforcements.
Palace also need to bring in players that are going to suit Sage’s style, so it could be a busy summer transfer window for the Eagles.
Sports
Supercomputer Predicts Top 25 in Full
The third major of the 2026 golf season, the US Open, is on the horizon.
The tournament, which will be held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, New York, begins on Thursday, June 18 and will conclude four days later on Sunday, June 22.
A tough week is in store for the best golfers in the world. The last time the tournament took place in Long Island was in 2018, and it was Brooks Koepka who battled his way to victory.
The American could only muster an overall score of one-over par, but that was enough for him to retain his title as he navigated the tricky conditions better than the rest of the field.
The tournament is expected to play very tough once again this year. On the eve of the tournament, GrokAI has been asked to predict the final top 25 in full, with the winner once again finishing over par.
25-11
Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm have both won the US Open before. The American won his maiden major title in 2020 at Winged Foot Golf Club, before winning the tournament again in 2024. The Spaniard, meanwhile, was triumphant in 2021.
Despite their success in the tournament and being among the very best golfers in the world right now, AI is not expecting either player to challenge at the top of the leaderboard.
Koepka, who like DeChambeau has won two US Open titles before, is predicted to finish just outside the top 20 on +11, alongside compatriots Daniel Berger and Maverick McNealy.
Three players are expected to finish on +10, including European Ryder Cup star Viktor Hovland, while Englishman Justin Rose is one of four players that AI thinks will end the tournament on +9.
Aaron Rai produced an incredible performance to win this year’s PGA Championship in May, becoming the first English winner of the tournament since Jim Barnes in 1919.
AI thinks that Rai, now 14th in the official world golf rankings, will finish just outside the top 10 at +8.
|
AI Predicts 2026 US Open Top 25 (25-11) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Final Position |
Player |
Nationality |
Score |
|
25 |
Bryson DeChambeau |
United States |
+13 |
|
24 |
Jon Rahm |
Spain |
+12 |
|
=21 |
Daniel Berger |
United States |
+11 |
|
=21 |
Maverick McNealy |
United States |
+11 |
|
=21 |
Brooks Koepka |
United States |
+11 |
|
=18 |
Viktor Hovland |
Norway |
+10 |
|
=18 |
Chris Gotterup |
United States |
+10 |
|
=18 |
Wyndham Clark |
United States |
+10 |
|
=14 |
Colin Morikawa |
United States |
+9 |
|
=14 |
Patrick Reed |
United States |
+9 |
|
=14 |
Sam Burns |
United States |
+9 |
|
=14 |
Justin Rose |
England |
+9 |
|
=11 |
Aaron Rai |
England |
+8 |
|
=11 |
JJ Spaun |
United States |
+8 |
|
=11 |
Patrick Cantlay |
United States |
+8 |
10-1
Scottie Scheffler is bidding to win the career Grand Slam this week. The world number 1 has triumphed at the Masters, the PGA Championship and the Open Championship, but the US Open continues to allude him. He has finished inside the top seven on four occasions, but is yet to reign supreme.
Scheffler, considered one of the best golfers ever, has been in good form during 2026, but he has only won once – all the way back in January when he won The American Express.
AI doesn’t think he will become just the seventh player in golf history to complete the Grand Slam this week, as he’s predicted to finish on +6 alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Xander Schauffele, and one shot clear of Ludvig Aberg and SI Woo Kim.
Cameron Young has finished in the top four of all four majors, but he is yet to win his first one. AI thinks it’ll be another near-miss for the American at Shinnecock Hills as he finishes +5, alongside former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick.
European Ryder Cup stalwarts Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are predicted to finish at +4, one shot off the eventual winner. The latter has form at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, having finished second in the 2018 US Open.
AI thinks that Russell Henley will break through and win his first major title this week. The 37-year-old has been in brilliant form this year and won the Charles Schwab Challenge just a few weeks ago. Explaining why it thinks Henley will be the surprise winner this year, GrokAI said:
“World #5 with elite precision irons, driving accuracy, and recent form. He led after Round 1 here in 2018 and is built for firm, windy setups like this. A deserving first major.”
|
AI Predicts 2026 US Open Top 25 (10-1) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Final Position |
Player |
Nationality |
Score |
|
=9 |
Ludvig Aberg |
Sweden |
+7 |
|
=9 |
Si Woo Kim |
South Korea |
+7 |
|
=6 |
Tyrrell Hatton |
England |
+6 |
|
=6 |
Xander Schauffele |
United States |
+6 |
|
=6 |
Scottie Scheffler |
United States |
+6 |
|
=4 |
Cameron Young |
United States |
+5 |
|
=4 |
Matt Fitzpatrick |
England |
+5 |
|
=2 |
Rory McIlroy |
Northern Ireland |
+4 |
|
=2 |
Tommy Fleetwood |
England |
+4 |
|
1 |
Russell Henley |
United States |
+3 |
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