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Lionel Messi's Challenges for 2025
Rtv News
02 Jan 2025, 13:56
Photo: Collected
Lionel Messi, the most talked-about player in the football world, has concluded a year filled with success. From winning the Copa America title to being named the best player in the Soccer League and leading Argentina to the top of the World Cup Qualifiers, Messi has had a remarkable year.
Naturally, the legendary footballer will want to continue his streak of success in the new year. However, he faces several challenges ahead. Let's take a look at the hurdles Messi will need to overcome in 2025.
Argentina's World Cup Qualifiers
Although Argentina has no major international tournaments in 2025, they have several crucial matches in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Messi's performance and leadership will play a vital role in guiding Argentina through the qualifiers.
The current champions will play six matches in the qualifiers this year. Winning just two of these matches will secure their spot in the World Cup.
Retaining the Leagues Cup Title
Inter Miami, led by Messi's extraordinary performance, won the Leagues Cup title in 2023. This year, they will again face the top teams from Liga MX in the same competition. Retaining the title would significantly boost the team's confidence.
Aiming for Success in the Club World Cup
In June 2025, the 32-team Club World Cup will take place in the United States. As the host, Inter Miami will participate in this tournament, providing Messi with a rare opportunity. Winning this title would not only add another feather to Messi's illustrious career but also mark a historic moment for U.S. club football.
Winning the Major League Soccer Cup
In the recently concluded season, Inter Miami was eliminated in the playoffs after losing to Atlanta United. For the new year, Messi and his club's primary goal is to win the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup. The club has already appointed Messi's Argentine teammate Javier Mascherano as their head coach. Their aim is not just to reach the finals but to secure the title.
Conquering the CONCACAF Champions Cup
Inter Miami was knocked out in the quarterfinals of this regional competition in 2024. Under Messi's leadership, they aim to become the first MLS club to win an international title. For this, Messi's full fitness and consistent performance will be crucial.
Additional Challenge: Age and Fitness
In 2025, Messi will turn 38. Maintaining his physical fitness and delivering consistent performances on the field will be challenging. However, given his dedication and capability throughout his career, his fans remain optimistic.
Standing at the twilight of his career, Messi continues to captivate his fans and supporters. As the final chapter of his career unfolds, it remains to be seen how he will illuminate it in the new year.
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Rangpur Riders in Global Super League Final
Rangpur Riders secured their second consecutive win in the Global Super League, earning a spot in the final with a 23-run victory over Lahore Qalandars in a rain-affected match.
Batting storms from Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan, followed by a spin masterclass from Mehedi Hasan, helped propel Rangpur to victory under the DLS method.
After losing the first two matches of the tournament, Rangpur bounced back with two straight wins, climbing to second place in the standings. This earned them a place in the final, where they will face table-toppers Victoria Cricket.
Due to multiple rain delays, the match between Rangpur Riders and Lahore Qalandars was reduced to just 9 overs. Batting first, Rangpur got off to a flying start thanks to their openers. However, the opening partnership was broken when Soumya Sarkar was dismissed for 22 runs from 13 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six.
After Soumya's departure, Saif Hassan took charge, continuing the aggressive batting. At the end of their 9 overs, Rangpur had reached 85/1, with Saif remaining unbeaten on 27 from 14 balls. Steven Taylor supported him well, scoring 32 runs from 27 balls.
Although Rangpur finished with 85 runs in 9 overs, Lahore's target was revised to 111 runs under the DLS method. However, Lahore's chase collapsed in the very first over bowled by Mehedi Hasan. The Pakistani team lost 3 wickets in that over, and Mehedi struck again in his next over, claiming a fourth wicket. Lahore were reduced to 14/4.
Mehedi Hasan, who bowled two overs, finished with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 11 runs, destroying Lahore's middle order. In the end, Lahore Qalandars could only manage 87 runs for the loss of 7 wickets, giving Rangpur a 23-run victory and securing their place in the final.
Source: Cricket97
Rangpur Riders Dedicates GSL Title to Martyrs of July Uprising
The inaugural edition of the Global Super League began on November 26 in Guyana, West Indies, and concluded today (Saturday) with the final match between Rangpur Riders and Victoria. Demonstrating outstanding performance, Rangpur Riders emerged as champions.
Following the victory, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise dedicated their achievement to the martyrs of the anti-discrimination movement that took place in July and August. Rangpur Riders captain Nurul Hasan Sohan announced this heartfelt gesture after the match.
He stated, "Many innocent people lost their lives in our country during the July-August Movement. I want to dedicate this victory to them."
In the match, Rangpur Riders set a target of 179 runs for Victoria. In response, Victoria was bowled out for 122 runs with 11 balls remaining, securing a 56-run win for the Bangladeshi representatives.
This tournament was organized in the West Indies with champion teams from five different franchise leagues around the world. Instead of the current BPL champion Barishal, Rangpur Riders represented Bangladesh in this tournament.
Tarique Rahman Congratulates Bangladesh U-19 Cricket Team
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) congratulated Bangladesh U-19 cricket team for their deserving victory in the final of the U19 Asia Cup against India.
Tarique Rahman wrote these words in a status on social media (X and Facebook) on Sunday (December 8).
Heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladesh U-19 cricket team for their deserving victory in the final of the U19 Asia Cup against India!Your hard work, determination, and teamwork have made the nation proud. This victory is a testament to the bright future of Bangladesh… pic.twitter.com/XhGHHnFbeP— Tarique Rahman (@trahmanbnp) December 8, 2024
He wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladesh U-19 cricket team for their deserving victory in the final of the U19 Asia Cup against India!
Your hard work, determination, and teamwork have made the nation proud. This victory is a testament to the bright future of Bangladesh cricket."
Bangladesh vs West Indies / First Match of 3-Match ODI Series Starts Today
After completing the two-match Test series against the West Indies, Bangladesh is now set to embark on a three-match ODI series. The two teams are facing off in the first match today.
Bangladesh skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz won the toss and chose to bat first in the opener of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies at Warner Park in St Kitts on Sunday (December 08).
Playing XI
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahmadullah, Mehedi Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali (wk), Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana
West Indies: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c, wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph
Bangladesh Suffer 5-Wicket Defeat to West Indies
Bangladesh's 11-match winning streak against West Indies ended when the hosts thrashed them by five wickets in the three-match ODI series-opening game, thanks to a maiden ton of Sherfane Rutherford at Warner Park in St Kitts today.
Rutherford smashed 80 ball-113 as West Indies gunned down Bangladesh's 294-6 effortlessly by amassing 295-5 in 47.4 overs.
It was Rutherford's sixth fifty-plus knock in his only 10-match career. He clubbed seven fours and eight towering sixes in a brutal knock that left Bangladesh in a shocked state.
Skipper Shai Hope blasted 88 ball-86 with three fours and four sixes. He and Rutherford shared a 99-run for the fourth wicket to bring the side back into the contest after Bangladesh bowlers ruled West Indies batters to raise the prospect of a 12th consecutive victory against them.
With Bangladesh bowlers keeping a nagging line and length, the top order of the West Indies was stifled. A big hitter like Brandon King played 16 balls for 9 runs before being trapped leg-before by Tanzim Hasan Sakib and new pace sensation Nahid Rana removed another big hitter Evin Lewis, also via leg-before. Lewis made 16 off 31.
And when Rishad Hossain got the better of Keacy Carty after he scored 21 off 37, West Indies were left with 94-3 in 22 overs, giving Bangladesh hope of winning the game.
But Rutherford played the blinder as he came down heavily on the Bangladesh bowlers to make them completely disarray. His brutal attack in fact forced the bowlers to lose their line and length.
Captain Hope also complemented him with resolution but in an attacking fashion. Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the partnership by removing Hope but Rutherford got another support from Justin Greaves with whom he shared 95 runs off just 57 balls to help the side close in on a victory.
Rutherford meantime raised his maiden century off 77 balls when a Bangladesh fielder overthrew to gift him six runs. But he later struck two consecutive sixes off Soumya before falling to the same over, trying to third straight six. West Indies were just seven runs away from the victory when he was dismissed.
Greaves who was unbeaten on 31 ball-41 then completed the inevitable with plenty of balls to spare.
During the toss, Bangladesh stand-in skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz predicted a 280-plus total would be good enough to win the game. But on a day when Rutherford was in a beast mood, it was just not enough.
Three batters hit half-centuries in Bangladesh's total with Miraz leading the way with the highest 74. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim struck run-a-ball-60 while experienced Mahmudullah Riyad hammered 44 ball-50. Jaker Ali Anik brought up his Test form to the ODI format too, blasting a 40 ball-48 that helped
Bangladesh's edge is closer to 300.
After opting to bat first, Bangladesh made a solid start with Tanzid finding the boundaries at regular intervals. Soumya Sarkar too made a decent start but fell for 18 ball-19 while Liton Das was dismissed for 2 to leave Bangladesh 46-2.
Tanzid and Miraz then combined for a 79-run for the third wicket which set the platform for a big total.
Tanzid hammered six fours and three sixes in his third fifty-plus knock before being removed by pacer Alzarri Joseph who took 2-67 eventually.
Miraz was a little bit slow in his approach but brought up his fifth ODI fifty without any trouble. He looked set for a century before Jayden Seals denied him.
Afif Hossain fell to Romairo Shepherd after scoring 28. Shepherd finished with 3-51 to be the best bowler for West Indies.
Jaker and Mahmudullah then lived up to their reputation of finisher tag by adding 96 off 74 balls to help Bangladesh finish on high. Both of the batters hit three fours and as many sixes with Mahmudullah remaining not out after raising his 30th half-century.
Source: BSS
Bangladesh in Group C with India in Asian Cup Qualifiers
Bangladesh and India have been placed in the same group in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers. The draw took place today (Monday, December 9) at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Bangladesh was placed in Group C, along with India, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The final stage of the 2027 Asian Cup will be hosted in Saudi Arabia.
Tournament Format
A total of 24 teams will compete in six groups in the Asian Cup qualifiers, with each group comprising four teams. Matches will follow the home-and-away format. After six matches, the champion of each group will qualify for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next year.
The draw was based on FIFA rankings published on November 28, with the 24 teams divided into four boxes. Bangladesh, being lower-ranked, was placed in Box 4.
Draw Process
Teams were drawn starting from Box 4. As Bangladesh's name was the third to be drawn, they were placed in Group C. Following this, teams from Boxs 3, 2, and 1 were drawn, placing Singapore, Hong Kong (China), and India in Bangladesh's group, respectively.
Match Schedule
The six matches of the Asian Cup qualifiers will take place between March 2025 and March 2026. Bangladesh's first match will be against India, the highest-ranked team in the group. Since India is the group's top seed, Bangladesh will travel to India for the opening match.
Match Dates for Bangladesh
March 25, 2025: India vs Bangladesh
June 10, 2025: Bangladesh vs Singapore
October 9, 2025: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong
October 14, 2025: Hong Kong vs Bangladesh
November 18, 2025: Bangladesh vs India
March 31, 2026: Singapore vs Bangladesh
Historical Context
Bangladesh has participated in the Asian Cup only once, in 1980, and has since failed to progress past the qualifiers. The Asian Cup now features the top 24 teams from Asia.
The first phase of the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers is held jointly. Eighteen teams advancing to the second phase of the World Cup qualifiers from Asia automatically qualify for the Asian Cup. The remaining six slots are determined through these 24-team qualifiers.
The draw event at AFC headquarters was conducted by Deputy Secretary-General Shin Man Gil, alongside other AFC officials and representatives from host Saudi Arabia.
Bangladesh vs West Indies Playing 11 in 2nd ODI Series
Bangladesh will try to bounce back and draw the three-match ODI series against West Indies in the second game at St. Kitts.
The two teams will take to the field today (Tuesday) at 8 pm Bangladesh time.
The Bangla Tigers had a good run, winning 11 straight matches against the West Indies. But they lost the first game by five wickets, even after scoring a solid 294 runs.
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a huge role. Tanzid Hasan added some excitement with a quick 60 runs.
Mahmudullah finished strong with an unbeaten 50, and Jaker Ali hit some sixes late in the game. Sadly, their bowlers didn’t do well.
Sherfane Rutherford smashed a century and led the West Indies to victory. The Bangladesh bowlers had a tough time, although Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Nahid Rana got some early wickets.
Mehidy’s wicket of Shai Hope gave them a bit of hope, but Rutherford took charge with 113 runs off just 80 balls.
For Bangladesh to stay in the series, they need to come together and perform better.
Squads:
Bangladesh Squad: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(c), Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali(w), Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Parvez Hossain Emon
West Indies Squad: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(w/c), Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Marquino Mindley, Amir Jangoo, Alick Athanaze, Jediah Blades
