Sports
Sports news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
SportsMessi vs Lamine Yamal in the World Cup Final, 19 Years After Iconic Photo Together
ATLANTA - Lamine Yamal, star of the Spanish national team, will fulfill his dream of facing his idol, Leo Messi, in the FIFA World Cup final nearly 19 years after the iconic photo of them together, where the Argentine star was bathing the Spanish player when he was just a few months old. "Well, I've grown a little and so has Leo. I hope to face Lionel Messi in the final, since we couldn't in the Finalissima," Lamine Yamal said during an interview with DAZN when shown the photo of a young Messi washing a baby. This photo was taken for a charity calendar by FC Barcelona in 2007. The baby, just a few months old, is now one of the stars of the Spanish national team, which Messi will face on Sunday at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey/New York. The story behind the photo was shared two years ago by its creator, Joan Monfort, with Agencia EFE. It all started with a post that Mounir Nasraoui, Lamine Yamal's father, shared on Instagram in 2024, showing a smiling baby enjoying a bubble bath in a small basin alongside his mother, Sheila Ebana, and a young Leo Messi. This 2007 image was included in a charity calendar. Since then, the image has gone viral. Messi and Lamine Yamal crossed paths in time and space nearly nineteen years ago, but only the young Barça player's parents knew this detail and had not shared it with anyone.
SportsTJohnn Brown reunites with Head Coach Brandon Chambers
T'John Brown, a guard with NCAA Tournament experience, has joined the UTRGV men's basketball team after playing for McNeese. He reunites with head coach Brandon Chambers, who was an assistant during Brown's previous tournament run. Brown expressed excitement about his new role and aims to lead his teammates while adapting to the team's system. His positive energy has already influenced the squad, as noted by assistant coach Joseph Anderson. Brown is motivated by his family and his recovery from an injury, emphasizing the importance of communication and leadership on the court.
SportsEdinburg Vela alum Mito Perez signs with the Texas Rangers organization
Mito Perez, a graduate of Edinburg Vela High School, has signed a contract with the Texas Rangers as an undrafted free agent. Perez played four years at Tarleton State University and recently completed a season with the Grand Canyon Lopes, where he started 40 games, achieving a batting average of .297 with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs. In high school, he excelled in both baseball and football, showcasing his athletic talent before moving on to collegiate sports.
SportsNikki Rowe DAngelo Llarza signs letter of intent
D'Angelo Llarza, a baseball player from Nikki Rowe High School, has signed a letter of intent to continue his athletic career at Crowley Ridge College in Arkansas. Llarza, who played first base, was instrumental in leading the Warriors to a bi-district championship this past season. The team concluded the year with an impressive 22-11 record, showcasing their strong performance throughout the season.
SportsWe have to rebuild: Rio Grande City High School wrestling team increasing fundraising efforts following theft
The Rio Grande City High School wrestling team is increasing fundraising efforts after former booster club president Jose Lino Ruiz allegedly stole over $5,000. Ruiz has been charged with theft and is currently out on bond. The team, facing potential cuts to tournament participation, is now holding a 'Fill the Singlet' fundraiser to raise $10,000 for travel and other expenses. Senior wrestler Dayana Gonzalez emphasized the need for support, stating that the team has raised about 20% of its goal. The school district reassured that student-athletes will still have the necessary resources for competitions despite the theft.
SportsLive Updates: Argentina and England Clash in a Semifinal That Promises to Be a Preview of the Final
What you need to know You can watch this match live and in Spanish on Telemundo's open signal or Peacock. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT and will take place in Atlanta, Georgia. The winner will secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final and will play against France on Sunday. Argentina and England, two of the top favorites for the title, face off this Wednesday in Atlanta for a ticket to the grand Final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Follow live updates here.
Sports"Dibu" Martínez Becomes the Argentine Goalkeeper with the Most World Cup Appearances
Argentina's goalkeeper, Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, became the player with the most World Cup appearances for the Albiceleste on Wednesday during the 2026 World Cup semifinal against England, having played in 14 matches. "Dibu" entered the semifinal with 13 World Cup games under his belt, tying with Ubaldo Fillol, but surpassed that record today in Atlanta. Martínez matched the legendary Fillol, a World Cup champion in 1978, during the match against Switzerland.
SportsArgentina Revives the Legend of Mexico '86 by Wearing Blue Against England
In the Mexican neighborhood of Tepito, the legend that Argentina purchased the jerseys with which they won the 1986 World Cup remains alive among merchants of various generations, just as FIFA confirmed that the national team would face England this Wednesday in a blue jersey inspired by that tournament. The story claims that, before the quarter-final match against England, Argentina acquired the blue jerseys in Tepito, the same ones Diego Armando Maradona wore to score the so-called 'Goal of the Century' with the 'Hand of God.' Although no one has ever identified who made them, the tale has been passed down for years by members of the coaching staff and by the then third-string goalkeeper Héctor Miguel Zelada, who played for Club América and was familiar with the neighborhood.
SportsLive Updates: France and Spain Face Off in Dallas in a Match with Final Flavor
What you need to know You can watch this match live and in Spanish on Telemundo's open signal or Peacock. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT and will take place in Dallas, Texas. The winner will secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup Final 2026. European powerhouses France and Spain are battling it out in Dallas on Tuesday for a place in the FIFA World Cup Final 2026. Follow live updates here.
SportsViral Hippo Predicts France vs England Final in the World Cup
BANGKOK – The Thai pygmy hippo Moo Deng, who took social media by storm in 2024, predicted on Tuesday that the teams from France and England will compete in the World Cup final, before they face Spain and Argentina in the semifinals, respectively. With its slow and deliberate walk, Moo Deng, who resides at the Khao Kheow Zoo about 110 kilometers east of Bangkok, chose two watermelons decorated with the flags of France and England when presented with them as a way to ask which teams will compete for the title next Sunday. In the first round, Moo Deng confidently approached the fruit symbolizing the French team and ignored the one representing Spain; in the second round, the animal approached the watermelon with the English flag, albeit with less conviction.
SportsAttendance at Stadiums Surpasses Total Combined for Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022
The 2026 World Cup has already attracted 6,527,410 fans, surpassing the total attendance of both the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which combined had 6,436,020 attendees. With four matches remaining, including the semifinals, third-place match, and final, this year's tournament has drawn more spectators than the previous two editions, which featured a total of 128 matches. Russia recorded 3,031,768 fans, while Qatar had 3,404,252. The current World Cup's attendance reflects the growing popularity of the event in North America.
SportsEngland-Argentina, a Historic Rivalry that Blends Football and Politics
England and Argentina will face off on Wednesday in Atlanta, marking the sixth chapter of their historic rivalry that intertwines football and politics. This semifinal match features Lionel Messi and Harry Kane, who carry the legacy of Diego Maradona and Geoff Hurst. Both teams secured hard-fought victories in the quarterfinals, with England defeating Norway and Argentina overcoming Switzerland in extra time. Historically, England leads with six wins, while Argentina has three. Their encounters have often been charged with political undertones, notably during the 1986 World Cup, when Maradona’s iconic plays defined the match. This clash promises to reignite those memories.
SportsThe 'Baby' Haaland, the Sensation of the World Cup
Erling Haaland, standing at 6 feet 5 inches, has become a sensation during the World Cup, despite Norway's exit after losing to England. He scored seven goals in four matches, earning him the nickname 'babygirl' among fans who admire his playful social media presence. His unique combination of athletic prowess and a fun-loving personality has turned him into a pop culture icon. Fans, including new followers like Sarah Wilson, express their admiration through memes and viral videos. Haaland enjoys the attention in the U.S., stating that the World Cup experience has been incredible, and he appreciates the humor of American fans.
SportsThe Miami Bunker Protecting the World Cup from 400 Million Daily Cyberattacks
FIFA has established its first-ever technological center to oversee cybersecurity, live broadcasts, and operations for the 2026 World Cup across 16 stadiums. Located in Coral Gables, Miami-Dade, the center, known as the Technology Command Center (TCC), processes 300 to 400 million cyberattack attempts daily. With around 350 data analysts and engineers, the TCC ensures rapid decision-making during crises. The center also coordinates the RefCam, providing unique game perspectives, and utilizes AI for real-time statistics, allowing players to access performance metrics via a mobile app. This initiative aims to enhance both security and operational efficiency during the tournament.
SportsMessi's Goal-Scoring Streak Ends at the World Cup, But He Remains Key for Argentina with an Assist
Lionel Messi's scoring streak in the 2026 World Cup ended during Argentina's 3-1 victory over Switzerland, but he still made an impact with an assist. This win secured Argentina's place in the semifinals for the sixth time. Messi assisted Alexis Mac Allister's goal, marking his 10th assist in World Cup history, tying him with Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot race, with both players scoring eight goals. The match saw Switzerland equalize at 67 minutes, but Argentina regained control with goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Argentina will face England in the semifinals on Wednesday in Atlanta.
SportsThe Controversial Goal by England: Ball Appears to Brush a Cable Before Bellingham's Shot
During the quarterfinal match of the 2026 World Cup between England and Norway, a controversial goal by Jude Bellingham raised questions after a goal kick appeared to graze a cable on the field. According to FIFA, there was no evidence of the ball hitting the cable, as their technology did not register any anomalies. The match continued without interruption, and England ultimately won 2-1 in extra time. Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and coach Ståle Solbakken expressed their frustrations over the incident, but Solbakken emphasized that this should not overshadow the match's outcome.
SportsThe four semifinalists of the World Cup are set: France vs Spain and Argentina vs England
The quarterfinals of the World Cup showcased thrilling matches, with France defeating Morocco 2-0 and Spain edging out Belgium 2-1. The four semifinalists are France, Spain, Argentina, and England, according to FIFA rankings. France will face Spain on Tuesday at 3 PM ET in Dallas, a match many analysts consider a final in itself. Meanwhile, England overcame Norway 2-1 in a controversial game, where a potential disallowed goal raised questions. England will play Argentina, who triumphed over Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, on Wednesday at 3 PM ET in Atlanta. Both semifinal matches will be broadcast in Spanish on Telemundo and Peacock.
SportsThe four semifinalists of the World Cup are set: France vs Spain and Argentina vs England
The quarterfinals of the World Cup featured thrilling matches, with France defeating Morocco 2-0 and Spain overcoming Belgium 2-1. The semifinalists are now set: France will face Spain on Tuesday at 3 PM ET in Dallas, while England, who beat Norway 2-1 amid controversy, will play Argentina, the defending champions, on Wednesday at 3 PM ET in Atlanta. Argentina secured their spot by defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time after a 1-1 tie in regulation. Both semifinal matches will be broadcast in Spanish on Telemundo and Peacock.
SportsLive Updates: Vikings vs. England, and Argentina Defends Title Against Switzerland
In the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, England triumphed over Norway with a score of 2-1, securing their place in the semifinals. The match took place in Miami, and fans can catch the action on Telemundo or via Peacock's live stream. Meanwhile, Argentina is defending its title against Switzerland in Kansas, raising questions about whether Lionel Messi can break through the Swiss defense. As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on the ongoing match between Argentina and Switzerland for a coveted spot in the semifinals.