Goals

A Lionel Messi goal vs Sporting KC in single-digit temperatures proved to be the difference in Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup matchup on Wednesday.

Rumors had circulated throughout the week that Messi wanted to avoid playing in the freezing weather. The gossip was only exacerbated after the game was pushed back from Tuesday to Wednesday due to inclement weather and snow.

The temperature at kickoff for Wednesday’s game was four degrees fahrenheit.

Real Madrid dispatched Manchester City 3-1 with a Kylian Mbappé hat-trick on Wednesday in their Champions League playoff second leg at a raucous Santiago Bernabeu stadium, earning them a 6-3 aggregate victory and a place in the last 16.

Last year's champions will face either Bayer Leverkusen or city rivals Atletico Madrid, depending on Friday's draw, as they seek a record-extending 16th title.

Mbappé scored his second goal in the 33rd minute with a close-range strike after a humiliating cutback that left defender Josko Gvardiol on the floor.

The headline of this story might be one of the more unique ones I’ve written in my five years with The18. An American striker scored a key goal at the same time a squirrel was invading the pitch.

Sargent’s squirrely goal took place during Norwich City’s 1-1 draw against Hull City on Saturday in the EFL Championship. In the 47th minute Norwich left back Kellen Fisher was running stride for stride with a furry rodent on the near sideline.

Despite the excellent run made by Hammy from “Over the Hedge” Fisher elected to swing the ball into the box toward Sargent.

The United States U-17 squad set a ridiculous record of 22 goals scored in a single match against the U.S. Virgin Islands in a 22-0 victory on Monday in Concacaf U-17 men's World Cup qualifiers.

The American youngsters had already broke the record for most goals in an Concacaf tournament (youth or senior) in the first half with 14 GOALS. Columbus Crew 2 forward Chase Adams scored seven of the 10 first half goals.

Adams’ first half goals came in the eighth, ninth, 13th, 19th, 31st, 33rd and 38th minutes to pour on the misery.

Cristiano is still "SiUUUU"—ing in his forties.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked another historic milestone in his illustrious career, scoring his first-ever goal as a 40-year-old in Al Nassr's dominant 3-0 victory over Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese legend’s strike came in the 74th minute, showcasing his he's far from being finished despite his recent birthday.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo scores first goal as 40-year-old; marks 924 career goals

LIVERPOOL — Holders Liverpool punched their return ticket to Wembley and a League Cup final against Newcastle United after a 4-0 rout, and 4-1 aggregate victory, over a toothless Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Thursday.

The runaway favorites took the lead, to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit against the injury-depleted visitors, when Cody Gakpo fired in a right-foot shot in the 34th minute from a Mohamed Salah cross.

Arsenal's 5-1 thumping of Manchester City at the Emirates on Saturday was a match full of drama, skill, and a little bit of needle — particularly from Gabriel Magalhães, who had some cheeky moments aimed at City striker Erling Haaland.

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

NOTTINGHAM — Fired-up Nottingham Forest thumped Brighton & Hove Albion 7-0 helped by a hat trick from striker Chris Wood in their Premier League clash at the City Ground on Saturday in an emphatic bounce back from last week's humbling 5-0 loss at Bournemouth.

Forest move to 47 points after 24 games to consolidate third spot as they chase Champions League qualification, while Brighton are ninth on 34. Forest are now level with second-placed Arsenal, who host Manchester City in fourth on Sunday.