COL 6 – IND 3
Box Score
The Columbus Clippers took on the Indianapolis Indians Friday night. Justin Campbell had the start for Columbus, throwing 3.0 innings of scoreless baseball. Campbell allowed three hits and struck out five. Rorik Maltrud improved to 6-1 on the season, throwing 5.1 innings. Maltrud allowed three runs on three hits and two walks. He struck out two batters. Franco Aleman closed the game, finishing the last two outs of the ninth inning. Aleman allowed a hit and struck out one.
Columbus scored six runs on eight hits. In the first inning, they put up five runs. Cooper Ingle drew a lead off walk. Daniel Schneemann reached on a single and Kahlil Watson drew a walk to load the bases. Kyle Manzardo doubled on a liner to left, scoring Ingle and Schneemann. With runners on second and third, who else but Ralphy Velazquez. Ralphy launched a three run home run 402 feet to right center.
In the top of the eighth, Alfonsin Rosario drew a walk and scored on Cooper Ingle's one-out single to right for the final out.

#three

Last Thursday (20), Corinthians beat Rosario Central 1-0 at Neo Química Arena and secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores.
Even before the match started, Argentinians and Corinthians fans put on a beautiful show in the stands, singing in support of their teams.
But even Los Canallas' "hinchas" were impressed by the Fiel Torcida.
In videos circulating on social media, Rosario Central fans stop singing after being drowned out by the explosion coming from the black-and-white side with the "poropopó."
Timão returns to the pitch on Sunday (23), when they visit Coritiba at Couto Pereira for Matchday 24 of the Brasileirão.

#singing

Copa Libertadores
19:00 – LDU Quito vs Mirassol – ESPN 4, Disney+ Premium
21:30 – Corinthians vs Rosario Central – ESPN, Disney+ Premium

#premium #copa #mirassol #corinthians

Memphis Depay is already one of the most successful foreign players in Corinthians' recent history, but the star is still hungry for more **** les.
Check out the new PUMA Ultra 7, Memphis Depay's boot. Click here to learn more
With his contract renewed, the Dutchman has a clear objective at Timão: win the Copa Libertadores!
And Memphis has already made a difference in South America's top competition in 2026.
The star made his debut on May 27 against Platense and helped Timão secure a place in the round of 16 as group winners, where Corinthians will decide qualification this Thursday (20) against Rosario Central of Argentina – with Memphis on the pitch!

#ultra

Corinthians and Rosario Central go head-to-head at Neo Química Arena (Arena Corinthians) this Friday in the Copa Libertadores.
In their last encounter, Corinthians were beaten 1-2 by Cruzeiro (Brasileirão Série A 2026). In their last match, Rosario Central prevailed 0-1 against Barracas Central (Torneo Clausura 2026).
The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 0-0 draw.
Kayke Ferrari - Collateral Ligament Tear
Vitinho - Adductor Pain

#central #rosario #Friday #libertadores

Corinthians are taking a break from the CONMEBOL Libertadores to turn their attention back to the Brazilian Championship. At 7:30 p.m. this Sunday (16), at Neo Química Arena, Timão will face Cruzeiro in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão. The match will be broadcast on Amazon Prime.
The Corinthians squad had only one day to prepare for the round. After drawing away to Rosario Central (ARG) on Thursday night (13), Timão returned from Argentina on Friday (14) and reported back on Saturday afternoon (15) at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava.
Timão's afternoon began with a tactical instruction video in the Flexform Briefing Room. After strength work in the gym and a warm-up on the pitch, head coach Fernando Diniz led a ten-versus-ten tactical exercise. He used the session to instruct the team in various game situations. Set pieces were also worked on.
Coming off a 2-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino, Timão enter this round with 32 points in eighth place. Available to Fernando Diniz for the match, midfielder André Carrillo wants a very alert Corinthians side for this direct clash. Cruzeiro have one point more than Alvinegro and sit in fifth place.
"Playing at home is always important. We know we're in a good moment, the team is improving. We're going for the three points, as we always do. Cruzeiro have quality players and an experienced team. We have to stay alert; we can't give away any openings because we are very strong at home," he shared.

#round #we 're

Lionel Messi returned to competitive action for Inter Miami on Wednesday, just four days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina.
Messi entered at halftime of Miami's 3-2 defeat to Club León, a result that eliminated the club from the Leagues Cup in the group stage.
His appearance came only hours after he published an emotional farewell to his father on social media, revealing serious doubts about how much longer he will continue playing.
The timeline compressed profound grief and professional competition into a matter of days.
Jorge Messi died at a Rosario hospital early Saturday. Lionel subsequently traveled to Argentina and attended a private funeral before making an unexpected return to the United States ahead of Wednesday's game.

#rosario

Lionel Messi posted an emotional message to social media on Wednesday. It's addressed to his late father, Jorge, who died in Rosario, Argentina, at 68 years old on Aug. 8 following a long battle with an undisclosed illness that, according to Messi, "took a turn for the worse" right before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
In Messi's candid commemorative letter, he understandably admitted that he doesn't know what he's going to do without his father.
"I don't know how to carry on," Messi wrote, as translated by The Athletic. "All I ever did was play football, and now I have a fair few doubts as to whether I'll carry on doing it for much longer.
"You were by my side from the start, we were so close to the end [of my career]. Why didn't you hang on just that little bit longer so we could finish it together?"
Messi, 39, is coming off an illustrious World Cup, in which he seemingly turned back the clock and nearly led Argentina to a second consecutive ****** le in the storied tournament.

#Argentina #carry #longer

Lionel Messi disclosed in a heartfelt Instagram post that his journey to this year's FIFA World Cup final was fueled by a personal vow made to his father, Jorge, who had been fighting a severe illness in the days leading up to the tournament's start and was ultimately unable to be present.
Jorge Messi passed away last week at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, at age 68, after an extended illness, casting his son's career into uncertainty as he suggested retirement.
Newell's Old Boys, the club where Jorge himself once competed and where Lionel launched his youth career, characterized him in a statement as "the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigor and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time."
Kylian Mbappe drops World Cup truth bomb after absurd third-place loss to England
Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments

#lionel #fifa #Argentina

Lionel Messi has spoken publicly for the first time since his father Jorge's death, publishing a letter that sheds light on how much the 2026 World Cup campaign meant to him and how losing his father at age 68 will affect him going forward.
Messi's clubs announced the death of his father, who was suffering from an illness during the 2026 World Cup, on Saturday, Aug. 8.
After Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi flew to Rosario to see his father. The player's hope, he said in the letter, was for his father to recover and be able to travel for the final of the World Cup he had pushed his son to play in. Instead, his health had deteriorated to a point in which he was unable to recall details of the match.
"When I got there, you thought we'd lost the final on penalties. We couldn't talk at all about everything that happened. You couldn't enjoy anything," Leo Messi wrote. "We weren't champions, but you don't know how we enjoyed every game. Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it."

#World #father

Argentina football icon Lionel Messi bid farewell Sunday to his father Jorge, the global star's emotional anchor and agent since childhood who passed away following a battle with cancer aged 68.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner touched down on a private flight from Miami late on Saturday with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children.
A private ceremony with close family and a few Argentina teammates took place at a cemetery in the town of Perez, adjacent to Rosario, later Sunday.
The gates of the town's El Prado cemetery displayed handwritten messages from fans -- "Stay strong, Leo, we love you" and "Stay strong, Messi family" -- alongside a large floral wreath.
Messi's teammates rallied around their captain following the announcement that Jorge Messi had passed away late Friday at a clinic in Rosario.

#following #private

Argentina football icon Lionel Messi bid farewell Sunday to his father Jorge, the global star's emotional anchor and agent since childhood who passed away following a battle with cancer aged 68.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner touched down on a private flight from Miami late on Saturday with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children.
A private ceremony with close family and a few Argentina teammates took place at a cemetery in the town of Perez, adjacent to Rosario, later Sunday.
The gates of the town's El Prado cemetery displayed handwritten messages from fans -- "Stay strong, Leo, we love you" and "Stay strong, Messi family" -- alongside a large floral wreath.
Messi's teammates rallied around their captain following the announcement that Jorge Messi had passed away late Friday at a clinic in Rosario.

#rosario #stay

Rodrigo De Paul scored an excellent goal for Inter Miami against Monterrey on Saturday, but that was not the biggest story.
Inter Miami and Argentina captain Lionel Messi missed the Leagues Cup game following his father, Jorge's, death on Friday.
Messi immediately travelled home to Rosario with his wife and children to support his family after their heartbreaking loss.
The Inter Miami players all wore black armbands to pay respect to Jorge, and De Paul dedicated his goal celebration to him.
Photo by Rich Storry – Leagues Cup/MLS via Getty Images

#goal #rodrigo

Stop us if you've heard this before: The Saints beat the Bats.
St. Paul extended its franchise-record winning streak against a single team to nine games with a 9-4 besting of visiting Louisville on a balmy Saturday night at CHS Field.
After a mostly quiet first inning, the Saints exploded for five runs in the second inning and four more in the third to take a 9-0 lead on the slump-shouldered Bats.
Cody Morissette got the fireworks started with an inside-the-park three-run homer on a flare to straightaway center that slipped under the glove of a diving outfielder Will Benson and didn't stop until it hit the wall. Morissette sprinted around the bases as Hendry Mendez and Kala'i Rosario both crossed home plate. The second baseman himself slide home as the throw went wayward to put the hosts up 3-0.
Ben Ross followed with a more traditional over-the-wall homer to center to score himself and Walker Jenkins as St. Paul took a 5-0 lead into the third. But they weren't done yet.

#paul #morissette #second #Third

Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami's match against Monterrey after the death of his father, Jorge, amid a flurry of tributes from fans and teammates.
Jorge Messi, who was a hugely influential figure during his son's early career and also worked as his agent, is reported to have died in Rosario on Friday night after battling long-term illness.
Inter Miami held a minute's silence before kick-off in their second Leagues Cup group-stage game on Saturday night, with Jorge's name displayed on the screens at Miami Stadium.
A poignant tribute came from Messi's fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul, who opened the scoring for Miami in the 32nd minute and took off his shirt to reveal a number 10 Messi jersey underneath.
Ahead of the match, suspended teammate Luis Suarez shared on Instagram that Messi's father would be watching over his son "with pride."

#jorge #father #monterrey #rosario

Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's childhood club Newell's Old Boys announced on Saturday.
Argentine media reported Jorge Messi had passed away on Friday in a hospital in Rosario.
"His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel," Newell's Old Boys said in a social media post.
The 39-year-old Argentine star arrived in his home country on Saturday alongside his partner, Antonella Rocuzzo, and their children, with most dressed in black, an AFP journalist reported from the airport.
Messi's family asked the media for "humanity" during the recent World Cup amid persistent rumours over Jorge's health.

#lionel #ballon

Jorge Messi, the father of soccer star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
The football agent passed away at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness, the footballer's family confirmed to Reuters.
Jorge spent his final months alternating between the medical centre and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and his three other children, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.
Lionel spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining his club, Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week ago.
Jorge supported his son Lionel throughout his career, beginning with his early years at Barcelona. For several years, he served as his representative and business manager.
During the World Cup, the captain of the Argentine national team experienced mixed emotions after scoring a hat trick in the opening match against Algeria, breaking down in tears while celebrating his first goal.

#World

Lionel Messi's father Jorge has died at the age of 68 following a long illness.
Jorge, who had also been the Argentina forward's agent since he was 14, passed away in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
After speculation about his health during this summer's World Cup, the Messi family issued a statement saying he was dealing with a "health-related situation" but did not disclose the nature of his condition.
Jorge helped his son become arguably the best player of all time and was in Qatar to see Lionel end his quest to lead Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in 2022.
Jorge Messi (seated centre) at home with his family in 2003 [Getty Images]

#lionel #Health #saturday

Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, died in his hometown of Rosario on Friday, August 7
"Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini," Newell's Old Boys wrote in a social media tribute
Jorge spent many years serving as Lionel's agent and managing his business affairs prior to his death
Lionel Messi is mourning the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at age 68.
The Argentinian soccer star's father died in his hometown of Rosario around 10 p.m. local time on Friday, August 7, according to Argentine and Spanish outlets Infobae, El Español and La Nacion.

#messi #time

Jorge Horacio Messi, father of football superstar Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68 on Friday night after a long illness, South American Football Confederation CONMEBOL said.
"CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi," CONMEBOL said on X on Saturday.
Lionel Messi's first club, Newell's Old Boys, and Argentinian newspapers Ole and Clarin also reported on the passing. Details about the cause of death were not disclosed.
"With deep sorrow and grief, Newell's Old Boys bids farewell to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario," Newell's wrote.
Jorge Messi's health was a concern during the recent World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

#lionel #conmebol #boys

International soccer star Lionel Messi lost his father on Friday in Argentina, according to multiple reports.
Jorge Messi died at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina after a long struggle with an undisclosed illness. He was 68 years old.
Lionel Messi's youth soccer club Newell's Old Boys announced Jorge's death with an announcement and tribute on Saturday.
"Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario," the statement from the club said. "Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi."
"Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini," the statement added.

#Argentina

Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's childhood club Newell's Old Boys announced on Saturday.
Argentinian media reported Jorge Messi had passed away on Friday in a hospital in Rosario.
"His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel," Newell's Old Boys said in a social media post.
Jorge Messi was his son's first coach in Argentina and his sole companion when he first moved to Barcelona as a child, before later becoming his agent.
"My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further," Lionel Messi told DirecTV Sports in 2022.

#jorge #agent

ELCHE, Spain (AP) — Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte will play for Spanish team Elche this season in what is the Argentinian playmaker's fourth loan spell since joining the Premier League club in January 2023.
The 21-year-old Buonanotte, who signed with Brighton from Rosario Central, was loaned to Leicester for the 2024-25 season and split last season between Chelsea and Leeds.
Buonanotte played regularly for Leicester but had trouble getting minutes at both Chelsea and Leeds.
"Facundo is a talented young player who has continued to develop since joining the club," Brighton sporting director Mike Cave said in the team's announcement late Friday. "This loan gives him the opportunity to play regular football in one of Europe's top leagues."
Elche finished 15th in La Liga last season.

#elche #brighton #play

Props to Bayshore High's baseball program, which starts the new school year on a meaningful note. For the first time in school history, the Bruins were recipients of the American Baseball Coaches ******* ociation Team Academic Excellence Award for 2025-26 with a 3.62 GPA.
They were one of 10 state high school ballclubs honored.
"Can't give enough credit to every guy's willingness to be disciplined in the classroom all year. This goes way beyond baseball," said Head Coach Mike Rupp, who also credited ******* istants Scott Hutsko, Jerad Paparella and Armando Sierra.
The 2025-26 Bruins were seniors Gabriel Falcon, Jordan Greene, Angelo Magloire, Bryant Ortiz, Tucker Pope, Fabio Rondon and Carsen Smalley; juniors Diego Falcon, Israel Garcia, Daniel Hutsko and Jashun Judge; sophomore Diego Orozco; and freshmen Herminio Nieves, Sergio Oropesa Marchena, Ismael Rosario and Patrick Schaefer.
· Grenadene Harder is 100 years young.

#Baseball #falcon #diego

The Yankees' offense better wake up, as they've scored just two unearned runs in their last 22 innings. Facing a Cubs team that ranks second in the majors with 5.17 runs scored per game and third with a 111 wRC+, they simply cannot afford to give so many ABs away, New York failing to dent home plate in 28 of their last 32 innings played. Fortunately, they'll face a pitching staff that is seventh-worst with a 4.68 FIP, though it's not like the White Sox were much better in that department and were still largely able to silence the Yankees in the final two games of their just-completed series.
Will Warren is coming off one of his worst starts of the season — six runs on six hits in three innings against the Phillies. It's already the fifth start in which he has given up at least five runs, four of those coming since June 20th, Warren posting a 6.57 ERA over his last eight starts after opening the season at 7-1 with a 3.22 ERA across his first 12 starts. To me, the problems appear to be threefold: he can't get lefties out, he struggles to pitch from the stretch, and he suffers a massive third-time-through penalty. That doesn't bode well against a Cubs lineup that features five batters from the left side and is second in baseball with a .340 OBP. In 20 starts, Warren is 7-5 with a 4.41 ERA (102 ERA+), 4.16 FIP, and 102 strikeouts in 102 innings.
The Cubs declined their three-year team option on Shota Imanaga over the winter after he struggled in 2025, the two sides eventually reuniting on the qualifying offer for 2026. He has rewarded that renewed faith with a rebound performance, gaining a mph back on his fastball which has seen his chase and strikeout rates tick back up to his stellar rookie campaign marks in 2024. The 32-year-old lefty relies on hitters getting themselves out rather than overwhelming you with stuff, the four-seamer acting as a setup pitch for his splitter and sweeper. The Yankees are getting him at an awful time as Imanaga is coming off consecutive scoreless starts of at least six innings. In 21 starts, Imanaga is 7-8 with a 3.72 ERA (109 ERA+), 4.39 FIP, and 113 strikeouts in 121 innings.
The Yankees opt for their usual lineup against lefties, but with a pair of notable changes. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is not in the lineup after exiting yesterday's loss in the 11th with cramps, which allows Spencer Jones a rare start against a lefty in right as José Caballero is forced to man second. Amed Rosario, Anthony Volpe, and Ali Sánchez will be tasked with carrying their weight with the supposed platoon advantage against the soft-tossing lefty.
The Cubs stack their lineup with lefties against Warren. Leading off is the MLB position player leader in fWAR (7.1) in Pete Crow-Armstrong, the All-World center fielder leading baseball with 21 Outs Above Average and sixth in wRC+ (152) as he makes a legitimate push to challenge Shohei Ohtani for the NL MVP. Seiya Suzuki, Pedro Ramírez, Michael Busch, Michael Conforto, and Ian Happ have all been bet

Midweek action is here. All kickoff times are in EST. MLS games are available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, in addition to any other options listed. Let's get into it!
Galatasaray vs Venezia, 12p: It looks like Gianluca Busio was not in Venezia's squad for their 3-0 friendly win over Turkish club Galatasaray.
Lens vs Crystal Palace, 1p: Chris Richards and Palace meet French club RC Lens in a friendly.
PSV vs FC Eindhoven, 2p: Ricardo Pepi, Sergiño Dest, and PSV meet cross-town FC Eindhoven in a traditional preseason friendly known as the Lichtstadderby (Light City Derby).
Rosario Central vs Racing, 8:15p on FOX Deportes, FOX One, Fubo, ViX, TyC Sports: Matko Miljevic and Racing Club meet Rosario Central in the second matchday of Argentina's top league.

#meet #central

The Yankees overcame Max Fried's season-low-tying start of three innings with four-run frames in the fourth and eighth to take Monday's series-opening game at the American League East-leading Chicago White Sox, a 9-4 win, rebounding from Sunday's 11-4 loss at the Philadelphia Phillies.
Fried's second start back from injury mirrored his season-worst outing May 13 at the Baltimore Orioles, a 7-0 loss, in which he allowed three runs on five hits in three innings. This time, Fried -- after returning from a two-month absence due to a left elbow bone bruise with one hit in five innings during last Wednesday's 5-3 10-inning loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates -- also allowed three runs on five hits and exited following three frames. Pulled after 39 strikes on 66 pitches while fanning four and walking two, Fried (4-3, 3.23 ERA) fell victim to a three-run first inning in which he started slow, allowing four of his five hits. Fortunately for Fried, the Yankees' bullpen and offense picked him up, but this was a step back from how he looked in his debut last week.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was chief among New York's reinforcements, tying the game with a two-run double in the fourth inning that scored Paul Goldschmidt and Jasson Domínguez. Chisholm subsequently stole third base and scored when Spencer Jones grounded out to second with one out. When the Yankees led the White Sox (55-50) by a run in the eight inning, Chisholm's RBI single to score Domínguez padded the 6-4 lead and eventually break the game open. Chisholm's 2-for-4, two-RBI effort from the sixth spot in the order was the type of performance that New York needed to avoid a series-opening dud as he brought his slash line to .226/.299/.414 with 45 RBI and 29 steals through 99 games this season.
Between Chisholm's highlights, Ben Rice's go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning with two outs to score Amed Rosario gave the Yankees the much-needed push after the White Sox tied the game at 4-4 with one out in the fifth. Rice, whose 2-for-4 evening included a leadoff walk that sparked New York's fourth inning, need to be the guy in this lineup without Aaron Judge and met the moment as the second-batting designated hitter Monday. Through 101 games, Rice is slashing .275/.363/.585 with 73 RBI.
With Cody Bellinger out for the next month and change due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, Max Schuemann's second start in left field saw him also lead off but underwhelm. Schuemann's two-game glimpse is an 0-for-7 sample size after Monday's 0-for-5 result out of the No. 1 spot in the order, which only adds to questions for Aaron Boone and the Yankees with the MLB trade deadline around the corner.

#game

After a saddening 1-0 loss for Argentina against Spain on Sunday's World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, team captain Lionel Messi took to Instagram to post about the defeat.
"The pain is so great and it's going to be hard for me to close this wound," Messi shared.
The question begs however, what is next for Messi's soccer career and when will he possibly return to New Jersey?
Messi is taking a break to recover from the World Cup tournament per FIFPRO, the global representative organization of football players, which calls for a 21-day break for players for their health after the end of each season.
After the game, the team flew back to Argentina, while Messi opted to fly to Miami before he travels to Rosario, Argentina to begin his break, according to ESPN.

#messi #break #final

Lionel Messi is going for even more history on Sunday, July 19 when Argentina faces Spain in the World Cup final.
A second straight World Cup ***** le, a third Golden Ball and a first Golden Boot are all on the table at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Sitting in the stands as always will be Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo and the couple's three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.
Roccuzzo has been by Messi's side for the majority of his historic career. The couple both grew up in Rosario, Argentina, and knew each other as kids.
After Messi left Argentina to join Barcelona at age 13, the pair kept in touch. It isn't clear when they started dating, but Messi confirmed he had a girlfriend in 2009. Roccuzzo moved to Barcelona the following year.

The most-watched man in America right now is a 39-year-old from Rosario, Argentina, who barely raises his voice. The World Cup is here, on our own soil for the first time — the United States, Canada and Mexico — and Lionel Messi is playing as the defending champion in his sixth tournament. He does not trash talk. He does not pound his chest. He leads from behind, they say, which is a polite way of saying he lets the ball and the trophies do the talking.
Messi has won the thing men spend their whole lives arguing about, eight Ballon d'Ors, a World Cup, more or less every honor the game can hand a person, and he has done it while looking, most of the time, like a shy man who would rather be home. He is the best argument I know against everything the U.S. is currently trying to sell boys about what a man is.
Because at the same moment, on the same screens, a truck company is selling the opposite. Ram Trucks released an ad this year called "In Loud We Trust." The voice growling over it belongs to Dana White, the president and CEO of the UFC, who does donuts in a blacked-out performance truck while the slogan lands. In loud we trust: A play, in case you missed it, on the words printed on our money. In God we trust, swapped out for an engine. The sacred traded for the subwoofer. The commercial arrived tied to a UFC fight card staged on the White House lawn, and plenty of people loved it. But plenty of people, including a lot of religious folks who did not appreciate their motto turned into a truck commercial, did not.
Here is what the ad is actually selling, underneath the flags and the engines and the whole ****** nal of American noise: masculinity as a thing you can purchase and perform. Not do. Perform. It is the same product professional wrestling has sold for decades, but at least the WWE has the honesty to admit the whole thing is staged. The truck ad wants you to believe the roar is real. That if you are loud enough, and your engine is big enough, and your grievance is hot enough, that is the same thing as being a man. It is not. It never has been.
The difference is backbone. Gusto is fine, even wonderful. Messi has gusto, and Paul Newman drove race cars; ****** ody is asking men to be quiet little mice. The problem is not volume. The problem is volume with nothing underneath it, noise offered as a substitute for the thing itself. Real masculinity is proven in the work, in the results, in the people you protect, and it does not need a camera to exist.