Midfield

BARCELONA — Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta announced his retirement on Tuesday after a glittering trophy-laden career spanning 24 years.

Iniesta, 40, was at the heart of the Spain and Barcelona midfield during a period of sustained success for both teams in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

"Please allow me to be a little emotional today," a tearful Iniesta, who most recently played for Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates, told a press conference.

MANCHESTER — Manchester City midfielder Rodri will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday in a big blow to his team's quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title.

Rodri underwent surgery for the injury earlier on Friday, Guardiola said.

Pep Guardiola Rodri update

"This season is over." ❌

Manchester United have added on to their negative head-to-head record against Liverpool this decade. This time, Casemiro is getting the blame.

The most anticipated match in the Premier League’s third match day of the season ended in yet another blowout win for Liverpool over Manchester United, with Arne Slot getting the upper hand over Ten Hag in their first matchup with a 3-0 win at their rivals home pitch.

MADRID — Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham sustained a muscle injury during training, the Spanish club said on Friday, and will miss key games for club and country.

The 21-year-old England international, who was a key player last season when Real won the Champions League and LaLiga titles, will be sidelined for several weeks, according to club sources.

Jude Bellingham injury

Dax McCarty plans to retire at the end of the 2024 season, his 19th in Major League Soccer.

The 37-year-old McCarty signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in January, featuring an option for the 2025 season. But he won't be using that option.

Dax McCarty retiring

United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes started the same players in midfield (Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle and Sam Coffey) for all three Olympic group stage games. The USWNT midfield will change for the quarterfinals.

Hayes made a risky decision for the group stage finale against Australia and started Coffey plus Trinity Rodman despite the two players already having a yellow card in the tournament. A second yellow would mean they miss the quarterfinals.

Mexico’s Copa América tournament got off to a nightmare start as star midfielder Edson Álvarez exited the first half in tears as he pulled up with an injury.

Midway through the first half Álvarez was tracking back to help defend a Jamaica counterattack when he went down grabbing the back of his leg. There was no contact with any other players.

Edson Álvarez injury vs Jamaica

Germany and Real Madrid midfielder and legend Toni Kroos is hanging up his boots he announced on Tuesday. One of the greatest midfielders to ever do it will compete for his sixth UEFA Champions League trophy and Euro 2024 before he finishes playing.

Kroos began his career with Bayern Munich, played with the club until 2014 winning a Champions League title and then made his big move to Madrid.

The rest is history.

Toni Kroos retires

United States women’s national team head coach Twila Kilgore turned heads with her starting XI for the SheBelieves Cup semifinal vs. Japan on Saturday. Korbin Albert will start the game on the bench and Mallory Swanson returns for the first time in a year.

Swanson last started a game with the USWNT on April 8, 2023, when she suffered a severe knee injury. She’s back in the starting XI for the first time since.

USWNT starting XI vs Japan

The XI to get us started in Atlanta