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Sometimes a big menu can be overwhelming.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears realized that simple is better, limiting their part of the Week 9 menu to only offense. Plenty of points and yards were available in the buffet as the two Midwest teams battled for a much-needed win.

Chicago ultimately walked away with the 47-42 victory, which included a few last-second lead changes. Cincinnati scored a pair of touchdowns with an onside kick recovery in between, totaling 15 points in the final two minutes.

Instead, it was the rookie tight end, Colston Loveland, who got the last laugh for the visitors, scoring the 58-yard touchdown with 17 seconds left.

On a day that included seven lead changes and some gaudy numbers on offense, we’ll do our best to piece together this Week 9 contest. Here’s a look at the Bengals and Bears showdown, by the numbers.

Bengals-Bears by the numbers

1,071

The combined total yards between Cincinnati and Chicago on Sunday. It is about half the amount of total yards gained by the Tennessee Titans (2,196 in nine games), Cleveland Browns (2,108 in eight games) and Arizona Cardinals (2,172 in seven games).

576

…represents the most total yards in a game this season. Chicago’s 576 surpassed the Denver Broncos’ 512 yards that they notched in Week 4 against these same Bengals.

15

Missed tackles. Per NextGenStats, Cincinnati entered Week 9 with a league-high 94 missed tackles for 645 additional yards and managed to add 15 more for 133 yards, including one on Loveland’s game-winning touchdown.

21.78

The top speed that Charlie Jones hit on his kick return touchdown the open the game. It puts the returner into the top 10 of fastest ball carriers during the 2025 season. It represents the seventh-fastest speed entering Week 9.

38

…points are apparently not enough to win. The Bengals scored at least 38 points in back-to-back weeks but lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Jets and the Bears. They are the first team since the 1966 Giants to score at least 38 points in back-to-back games and lose, per ESPN Insights.

The Bengals are also the first team in the Super Bowl era to allow more than 500 total yards, more than 38 points, and have zero takeaways in consecutive games, according to NFL researcher Dante Koplowitz-Fleming.

1961

The last time a Bears rookie tight end finished with at least 100 receiving yards in a game. Loveland joined Mike Ditka in that exclusive club after his 118 yards in Week 9, per NFL researcher Dante Koplowitz-Fleming.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

2 Mins Read

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confirms home was burglarized

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed that his home was broken into on Thursday, Oct. 30, when speaking to reporters after a game on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned that he and his loved ones were safe following the incident.

The reigning MVP was not at home at the time of the break-in as the Thunder earned a 127-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Oct. 30.

‘Long story short, everybody’s safe, and that’s all that really matters in the whole thing,’ Gilgeous-Alexander said Sunday. ‘Everything else will come and go, but my loved ones are safe, so I’m OK. I’m happy.’

The suspects were said to have already left the home before members of the Nichols Hills (Oklahoma) Police Department arrived. No arrests were made, according to a police department statement.

Athletes continue to deal with break-ins

Gilgeous-Alexander is the latest athlete to have his house broken into.

Several other athletes have dealt with a similar incident at their homes, including fellow NBA star Luka Doncic.

NFL players such as Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow have also been victims. Given the athletes’ notoriety and how public their schedules are, there’s been a common thread of burglaries happening on the day of the athletes’ games.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

9 Mins Read

CleanTech Lithium

Investor Insight

Executing a well-defined project development strategy for its lithium assets and advancing Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), CleanTech Lithium is poised to become a key player in the supply of lithium carbonate and the global battery market.

Overview

CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL,Frankfurt:T2N) is a resource exploration and development company with three lithium assets in Chile, a world-renowned mining-friendly jurisdiction. The company aims to be a leading supplier of ‘green lithium’ to the electric vehicle (EV) market and growing Energy Storage Systems (ESS) market, leveraging direct lithium extraction (DLE) – a low-impact, low-carbon and low-water method of extracting lithium from brine. DLE enables lower grade projects to be economically viable. New projects using this method will be critical to meet the forecasted demand.

Lithium demand is soaring as a result of a rapidly expanding EV market and ESS proposed pipeline of projects. As part of Chile’s National Lithium Strategy, the company’s flagship Laguna Verde has been named one of six salars prioritized for development — positioning CleanTech Lithium as a key private partner in unlocking the country’s lithium potential.

With an experienced team in natural resources, CleanTech Lithium holds itself accountable to a responsible ESG-led approach, a critical advantage for governments and major car and battery manufacturers looking to secure a cleaner supply chain.

Laguna Verde is at pre-feasibility study stage which is to be completed imminently. Based on previous drilling campaigns from 2022 to 2024, the project has a JORC resource estimate of 1.63 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) while Viento Andino boasts 0.92 Mt LCE, each supporting 20,000 tons per annum (tpa) production with a 30-year and 12-year mine life, respectively and based on the Scoping Studies published in 2023. The latest drilling programme at Laguna Verde finished in June 2024, results from which will be used to convert resources into reserves.

The company is carrying out the necessary environmental impact assessments in partnership with the local communities. The indigenous communities will provide valuable data that will be included in the assessments. The company has signed agreements with three of the core communities to support the project development.

DLE Pilot Plant Inauguration event held in May 2024 with local stakeholders and indigenous communities in attendance

Salar de Atacama/Arenas Blancas comprises 140 licenses covering 377 sq km in the Salar de Atacama basin, one of the leading lithium-producing regions in the world with proven mineable deposits of 9.2 Mt.

CleanTech Lithium is committed to an ESG-led approach to its strategy and supporting its downstream partners looking to secure a cleaner supply chain. In line with this, the company plans to use renewable energy and the innovative DLE process across its projects. DLE is considered an efficient option for lithium brine extraction that makes the least environmental impact, with no use of evaporation ponds, no carbon-intensive processes and reduced levels of water consumption. In recognition, Chile’s government plans to prioritize DLE for all new lithium projects in the country.

CleanTech Lithium’s pilot DLE plant in Copiapó was commissioned in the first quarter of 2024. To date, the company has completed the first stage of production from the DLE pilot plant producing an initial volume of 88 cubic metres of concentrated eluate – the lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) of approximately one tonne over an operating period of 384 hours with 14 cycles. Results show the DLE adsorbent achieved a lithium recovery rate of approximately 95 percent from the brine, with total recovery (adsorption plus desorption) achieving approximately 88 percent. The Company’s downstream conversion process is successfully producing pilot-scale samples of lithium carbonate . As of January 2025, the Company is producing lithium carbonate from Laguna Verde concentrated eluate at the downstream pilot plant – recently proven to be high purity (99.78 percent). Click for highlights video.

CTL’s experienced management team, with expertise throughout the natural resources industry, leads the company toward its goal of producing green lithium for the EV and ESS markets. Expertise includes geology, lithium extraction engineering and corporate administration.

Company Highlights

Proven Commitment to Chile’s Lithium Future: Over US$30 million invested and agreements with local indigenous communities reflect CleanTech Lithium’s commitment to developing sustainable, high-quality lithium assets aligned with Chile’s National Lithium Strategy.
Clean, Fast, and Efficient Extraction: Utilizing Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) to deliver battery-grade lithium carbonate faster, at lower cost, and with minimal environmental impact.
Flagship Project Advancing: The Laguna Verde project is at the pre-feasibility stage, paving the way for strategic partnership discussions.
Operational DLE Pilot Plant: An active pilot plant in Copiapó designed to produce ~1 tonne LCE, validating scalable, low-impurity lithium production.
High-Purity Lithium Achieved: In January 2025, the company produced 99.78 percent purity lithium carbonate, confirming product quality.
Committed to ESG Excellence: An ESG-first approach ensures responsible operations aligned with clean supply chain and focused on developing the project with net-zero goals in mind.

Key Projects

Laguna Verde Lithium Project

The 217 sq km Laguna Verde project features a sq km hypersaline lake at the low point of the basin with a large sub-surface aquifer ideal for DLE. Laguna Verde is the company’s most advanced asset.

Project Highlights:

Prolific JORC-compliant Resource Estimate: The asset has a JORC-compliant resource estimate of 1.63 Mt of LCE at a grade of 200 mg/L lithium with further drilling planned.
Environmentally Friendly Extraction: The company’s asset is amenable to DLE. Instead of sending lithium brine to evaporation ponds, DLE uses a unique process where resin extracts lithium from brine, and then re-injects the brine back into the aquifer, with minimal depletion of the resources. The DLE process reduces the impact on environment, water consumption levels and production time compared with evaporation ponds and hard-rock mining methods.
Scoping Study: Scoping study completed in January 2023 indicated a production of 20,000 tons per annum LCE and an operational life of 30 years. Highlights of the study also includes:
- Total revenues of US$6.3 billion
- IRR of 45.1 percent and post-tax NPV8 of US$1.8 billion
- Net cash flow of US$215 million

Pre-Feasibility Study and Project Development

The Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) is nearly complete, with resource and wellfield design dependent on the finalized government polygon. This will allow CTL to expand its resources and develop wells on the newly acquired Minergy licences. Please refer to RNS dated 11th August 2025 available at www.ctlithium.com for more details.

Publication of the PFS will be deferred until CTL enters the streamlined CEOL process for confidentiality reasons. With existing infrastructure at Laguna Verde and the carbonate plant in Copiapó, project development conditions remain highly favourable.

CleanTech Lithium is advancing its Special Lithium Operating Contract (CEOL) application with the Chilean Government, which grants rights to exploit and sell lithium within a defined area.

To meet CEOL criteria, CTL recently acquired Minergy’s 30 mining licences at Laguna Verde, increasing ownership to over 97 percent of the government’s proposed project polygon. The milestone-based purchase deal strengthens CTL’s position and, together with shareholder support, is expected to enable entry into the streamlined CEOL process — a key milestone that could drive a major revaluation as the company capitalizes on the lithium market recovery.

Viento Andino Lithium Project

CleanTech Lithium’s second-most advanced asset covers 127 square kilometers and is located within 100 km of Laguna Verde, with a current resource estimate of 0.92 Mt of LCE, including an indicated resource of 0.44 Mt LCE. The company’s planned second drill campaign aims to extend known deposits further.

Project Highlights:

2022 Lithium Discovery: Recently completed brine samples from the initial drill campaign indicate an average lithium grade of 305 mg/L.
Scoping Study: A scoping study was completed in September 2023 indicating a production of up to 20,000 tons per annum LCE for an operational life of more than 12 years. Other highlights include:
- Net revenues of US$2.5 billion
- IRR of 43.5 percent and post-tax NPV 8 of US$1.1 billion
Additional Drilling: Once drilling at Laguna Verde is completed in 2024, CleanTech Lithium plans to commence further drilling at Viento Andino for a potential resource upgrade.

Arenas Blancas

The project comprises 140 licences covering 377 sq km in the Salar de Atacama basin, a known lithium region with proven mineable deposits of 9.2 Mt and home to two of the world’s leading battery-grade lithium producers SQM and Albermarle. Following the granting of the exploration licences in 2024, the Cleantech Lithium is designing a work programme for the project.

The Board

Steve Kesler – Independent Non-executive Chairman

Steve Kesler has 45 years of executive and board roles experience in the mining sector across all major capital markets including AIM. Direct lithium experience as CEO/director of European Lithium and Chile experience with Escondida and as the first CEO of Collahuasi, previously held senior roles at Rio Tinto and BHP.

Ignacio Mehech – CEO

Ignacio Mehech brings over a decade of senior leadership experience in the lithium and mining sectors. During his seven-year tenure at Albemarle—the world’s largest producer of battery-grade lithium—he spent the last three years as Country Manager in Chile, overseeing a workforce of 1,100 and managing critical relationships with government, indigenous communities, and other key stakeholders. Mehech brings deep expertise in lithium project development, regulatory engagement, and sustainability. He has led high-profile engagements with global investors, customers, NGOs, analysts, scientists, and international governments. He also played a key leadership role in the El Abra copper operation—a joint venture between Codelco and Freeport-McMoRan—where he led the legal strategy and contributed to corporate transformation initiatives. Mehech holds a law degree from the Universidad de Chile and a Master’s in Energy and Resources Law from the University of Melbourne.

Paul Atherton – Non-executive Director

Paul Atherton is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in corporate finance across professional services and resource companies in sub-Saharan Africa. He served as CFO and later CEO of Heritage Oil, a former FTSE 250 company, before pursuing his interests as an angel investor and board director across the resources, technology, and healthcare sectors. A resident of Jersey, Paul also chairs the Board’s Audit & Risk Committee.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

7 Mins Read

Locksley Resources LimitedReceives up to US$191M Potential Support from EXIM Bank

Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY,OTC:LKYRF) (FRA:X5L) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) announced the receipt of a Letter of Interest (‘LOI’) from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (‘EXIM’), outlining the intent to provide up to US$191M in potential project financing support for the Company’s Mojave Project in California.

Alignment with U.S Export-Import Bank (‘EXIM’) Positions Mojave as a Flagship Initiative Under the White House’s Directive to Rebuild Domestic American Antimony and Rare Earths Supply and Processing Capability

HIGHLIGHTS:

– The U.S Export-Import Bank has issued a Letter of Interest (LOI) indicating the potential for financing support of up to US$191 million for Locksley’s Mojave Project in California

– EXIM is the official export-credit agency of the U.S Government, tasked with strengthening domestic industrial resilience and reducing foreign supply dependence in strategic sectors

– The potential EXIM financing is a cornerstone first step in a broader U.S. government funding pathway, opening access to programs under the Defense Production Act Title III and Department of War (DOW)

– The engagement reinforces Locksley’s strategy to establish a 100% American made antimony and REE supply chain, following the successful production of the Company’s U.S. antimony ingot

– Locksley executives will attend key meetings in Washington D.C. in mid November, to advance discussions on the Company’s U.S. mine-to-market collaboration

EXIM, a wholly owned independent agency of the U.S Government, operates under a Congressional mandate to promote American economic and national security interests through project and export financing. Its recent Supply Chain Resiliency Initiative (SCRI) and China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP) prioritise funding for critical mineral projects that reduce foreign supply dependence and rebuild U.S industrial capability.

The LOI represents a cornerstone step in Locksley’s engagement with U.S federal agencies and paves the way for detailed due diligence and underwriting to advance a comprehensive financing package for the Mojave Project.

In light of the recent November 2025 U.S.-China trade agreement whereby China has suspended new rare-earth/critical minerals export controls, and the U.S. has publicly reaffirmed its support for Western based critical mineral supply chains, the Mojave Antimony Project is uniquely positioned to deliver a low risk, U.S. hosted, anti-dependent on China supply solution. This alignment strengthens the strategic case for consideration by Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) under its supply chain resilience and criticalminerals mandates.

100% American Made Ingot Milestone – Alignment with U.S. Policy

Locksley recently announced the successful casting of the 100% American made antimony ingot, using feedstock sourced from its Mojave Project and processed entirely on U.S soil.

This achievement validated the Company’s Mine-to-Metal business model and provides the foundation for commercial scaling under the Defense Production Act and Inflation Reduction Act frameworks.

Following the signing of the landmark U.S. and Australia Critical Minerals Framework Agreement in Washington DC between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Locksley’s Mojave Project has been recognised as aligning directly with this bilateral initiative, which is also supported by commitments from the Australian Export Finance Agency (EFA).

The EXIM support, alongside Locksley’s strategic collaboration with Rice University, provides a clear pathway for Mojave to progress beyond exploration and into the development of downstream aligned supply chains for the U.S.

Drew Horn, Chief Executive of GreenMet and former White House Advisor on Critical Minerals, commented:

‘EXIM’s Letter of Interest represents more than just financial support, it reflects a coordinated U.S. government directive to rebuild domestic critical minerals capability. The fact that EXIM’s engagement aligns with current White House priorities underscores how strategically important Locksley’s Mojave Project has become. We are now entering a period where nearly all federal funding in this sector is being directed under White House led initiatives and Locksley stands at the forefront of that effort. The combination of EXIM support and the successful production of a 100% American made antimony ingot demonstrates tangible progress toward full U.S. supply chain independence.’

Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director & CEO, commented:

‘EXIM’s engagement represents a strong endorsement of Locksley’s U.S strategy and the momentum we have built with government and industry partners. The LOI provides a foundation to progress formal financing discussions while advancing our downstream and offtake plans. With our 100% American made antimony ingot now produced, we are proving Locksley’s capacity to deliver the next generation of U.S critical mineral supply chains.’

Material Terms of the LOI

The Letter of Interest (LOI) is a non-binding expression of interest and does not constitute a final commitment or a financing agreement. A definitive commitment is contingent upon Locksley satisfying EXIM’s underwriting criteria, completing full due diligence (including technical, financial, and legal reviews), and finalising definitive documentation. The potential financing is for up to US$191 million with a repayment tenor of 10 years. However, the final amount, interest rate, and specific repayment terms will be determined upon completion of the due diligence process.

Fast-Track Mine-to-Market Approach

Locksley continues to accelerate development planning and apply innovative thinking to traditional project timelines via government support across parallel workstreams:

– Upstream: Fast-tracked development of the Desert Antimony Mine through both conventional and non-traditional methods, enabling near-term ore supply

– Downstream: Collaboration with Rice University’s DeepSolv(TM) program and processing optionality to establish U.S. refining capacity at speed

– Integrated Supply Chain: Direct alignment with U.S. defence, energy transition, and industrial partners to deliver 100% Made in America antimony into the U.S. market

– Locksley’s approach embodies the principles of the Mines of the Future framework integrating innovation, digital modelling and processing to rapidly re-establish strategic mineral production on U.S. soil.

This parallel approach positions Mojave as the fastest moving U.S. antimony development, directly supporting national security and clean energy priorities.

Next Steps

Locksley will now progress the following key initiatives to advance the Mojave Project toward development readiness:

– Progress formal application with EXIM, triggering due diligence and underwriting processes

– Securing additional U.S. government and institutional support under DPA Title III, DOE loan guarantees, and supply chain initiatives

– Locksley executives will attend key meetings in Washington D.C. in mid- November, to advance discussions on the Company’s U.S. mine-to-market collaboration

– Commence preparatory workstreams for both mine development and downstream processing pathways

– Advancing commercial pilot-scale production to demonstrate U.S. based refining capability and accelerate first metal output from the Mojave Project

About Locksley Resources Limited:

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY,OTC:LKYRF) (FRA:X5L) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) is an ASX listed explorer focused on critical minerals in the United States of America. The Company is actively advancing exploration across two key assets: the Mojave Project in California, targeting rare earth elements (REEs) and antimony. Locksley Resources aims to generate shareholder value through strategic exploration, discovery and development in this highly prospective mineral region.

Mojave Project

Located in the Mojave Desert, California, the Mojave Project comprises over 250 claims across two contiguous prospect areas, namely, the North Block/Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. The North Block directly abuts claims held by MP Materials, while El Campo lies along strike of the Mountain Pass Mine and is enveloped by MP Materials’ claims, highlighting the strong geological continuity and exploration potential of the project area.

In addition to rare earths, the Mojave Project hosts the historic ‘Desert Antimony Mine’, which last operated in 1937. Despite the United States currently having no domestic antimony production, demand for the metal remains high due to its essential role in defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys. With significant surface sample results, the Desert Mine prospect represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S.

Locksley’s North American position is further strengthened by rising geopolitical urgency to diversify supply chains away from China, the global leader in both REE & antimony production. With its maiden drilling program planned, the Mojave Project is uniquely positioned to align with U.S. strategic objectives around critical mineral independence and economic security.

Tottenham Project

Locksley’s Australian portfolio comprises the advanced Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in New South Wales, focused on VMS-style mineralisation

Source:
Locksley Resources Limited

Contact:
Kerrie Matthews
Chief Executive Officer
Locksley Resources Limited
T: +61 8 9481 0389
Kerrie@locksleyresources.com.au

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

1 Min Read

Investor Webinar, Wednesday 5th Nov, 11:30am AEDT

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX: LKY, OTCQX: LKYRF, FSE: X5L) (“Locksley” or the “Company”), advises that the Company will host an investor webinar to discuss the Company’s recent announcements and the next phase of its U.S expansion strategy.

DATE & TIME: Wednesday, 5th November 2025 at 11:30am AEDT / 8:30am AWST

REGISTRATION LINK: https://janemorganmanagement- au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2qv_ztFDQQqRqr3xkut8DQ

The webinar will cover a series of material updates, including:

Receipt of Letter of Interest from the U.S Export-Import Bank (“EXIM”) for up to US$191M in potential project financing support for the Mojave Critical Minerals Project in California.¹
Commencement of the high-resolution heli-mag and radiometrics survey to accelerate drill targeting across the Mojave Project, California.²
Mobilisation of the Diamond Drill rig for the upcoming El-Campo Rare Earths Program, positioned along strike from MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Mine.³
Production of a 100% American-made antimony ingot in decades, validating the Company’s U.S Mine-to-Metal supply chain strategy.⁴

Newly appointed Managing Director & CEO, Ms. Kerrie Matthews⁵ will present on these milestones and discuss Locksley’s next-phase growth plan and U.S strategy.

Click here for the full ASX Release

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2 Mins Read

Sarama Files Memorial in US$242M Damages Claim Against Burkina Faso

Sarama Resources Ltd. (“Sarama” or the “Company”) (TSX-V:SWA, ASX:SRR) announces that it has filed its written Memorial (the “Memorial”) detailing the Company’s claim against the Government of Burkina Faso (“GoBF”) as well as damages for the sum of US$242 million, plus interest.

The proceedings arise from the unlawful expropriation of the Company’s Tankoro 2 Exploration Permit (the “Permit”) in Burkina Faso and follow the submission of its Request for Arbitration (“RFA”) to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) in December 2024 (refer news release dated 12 December 2024).

On 31 October 2025, Sarama filed its written Memorial comprising its statement of case, witness evidence, and expert reports with ICSID, a division of the World Bank Group, detailing the claim against the GoBF.

The Company retained Accuracy London, a qualified and experienced Quantum Expert, to provide an independent valuation to support the claim submitted to ICSID.

Next Steps

The GoBF is required to file its Counter-Memorial by 31 January 2026.
A case management conference is scheduled for 17 February 2026 during which the final Procedural Timetable will be determined and the date for the Procedural Hearing will be set.
This will be followed by a series of further written submissions, after which a hearing will be held in Washington D.C., United States where Sarama will present its case and supporting evidence to the Tribunal.

The Company is represented by Boies Schiller Flexner (UK) LLP (“BSF”), a leading international law firm with significant experience in investor-state arbitration and a strong track record in the natural resources sector and has a US$4.4 million four-year non-recourse loan facility in place to cover all fees and expenses related to the claim.

Sarama’s Executive Chairman, Andrew Dinning commented:

“The filing of our Memorial is a significant milestone in the arbitration process and provides a comprehensive and substantiated basis for Sarama’s claim for compensation. The Company has invested more than a decade of work and substantial capital in advancing the Sanutura Project, which was unlawfully expropriated.

We are pursuing this process to protect shareholder value and to seek a fair and just outcome under internationally recognised mechanisms. With our legal team, expert advisors and funding arrangements in place, we remain fully committed to advancing the arbitration to its conclusion.”

Click here for the full ASX Release

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9 Mins Read

Nashville forces decisive Game 3 vs. Messi and Inter Miami

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will play a decisive Game 3 in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs against Nashville SC.

Messi scored a goal in the 90th minute to make the final minutes interesting, but Inter Miami fell 2-1 to Nashville in Game 2 at GEODIS Park on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Sam Surridge scored a penalty in the opening minutes and Josh Bauer added another just before halftime to extend the series.

Game 3, and a chance to advance to the conference semifinals, will be Nov. 8 at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“We have to swallow the anger, build it up throughout the whole week so we can unleash it next Saturday,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the loss.

While Messi was able to score twice in Game 1 on Oct. 24, and had a hat trick against Nashville in the regular-season finale on Oct. 18, he was unable to make his presence felt until he fired a left boot into the upper right corner of the net before six minutes of stoppage time were added to the match.

He missed a shot in the 86th minute, kicking into the hands of Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis. His free kick in the 85th minute collided into a wall of defenders as he led Inter Miami’s push to come back in the final minutes.

Luis Suarez missed an opportunity to score in the 66th minute, while Inter Miami was unable to convert its best chance to score in the match in the first half.

Tadeo Allende could not finish directly in front of the net after a stellar setup from Jordi Alba and Messi in the 33rd minute. Allende may have been pulled by Nashville’s Bauer, but there was no penalty called.

“We weren’t clinical enough in front of goal, but that can happen,” Mascherano said. “Normally, we’re a team that converts our chances fairly effectively. Today, it wasn’t the case.”

Surridge, who is a 2025 MLS MVP finalist like Messi, scored a penalty kick in the 9th minute to give Nashville a 1-0 lead. He was tripped inside the penalty area by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, leading to the opportunity.

Bauer scored after a corner kick, tripping and falling to his side before finding the back of the net in the 45th minute to help Nashville break a streak of 10 consecutive matches without a victory against Inter Miami.

“We’ve left everything out on the field,” Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan told Apple TV after the game. “I’m glad the guys rose to the occasion.”

Inter Miami finds itself in the same situation they faced last season, needing Game 3 to secure their first playoff series win in franchise history.

Inter Miami was eliminated in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs last season by Atlanta United, winning Game 1 before dropping the last two matches in the series.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates and highlights from the Nashville-Inter Miami match:

Inter Miami vs. Nashville highlights

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 1: Messi scores goal (90′)

Messi scored a goal in the 90th minute, but it may be too late for Inter Miami.

Messi fired a left boot into the upper right corner of the net. There’s only six minutes of extra time added.

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 0: Messi misses free kick, shot in front of net (86′)

Messi missed a shot in the 86th minute, kicking it right to Nashville goalie Joe Willis. His free kick a minute earlier also collided into a wall of defenders.

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 0: Surridge misses shot (73′)

Nashville’s San Surridge missed a shot in the 73rd minute, shortly after it appeared Hany Mukhtar was fouled by Inter Miami’s Maxi Falcon.

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 0: Inter Miami avoids penalty (68′)

Inter Miami’s Tadeo Segovia collided into Nashville’s Sam Surridge, but there was no penalty called after VAR.

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 0: Luis Suarez misses in front of net (66′)

Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez had his shot saved by Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis in the 66th minute. It’s the first save of the game for Willis, which shows how few opportunities Messi and Inter Miami have had in this match.

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 0: Sam Surridge misses shot (51′)

Surridge’s strike in the 51st minute slowly soared into the stands, in Nashville’s first shot of the second half.

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 0: Second half is underway

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 0: Josh Bauer scores goal (45′)

Nashville’s Josh Bauer scored a goal just before halftime after a corner kick to double the lead against Inter Miami. Bauer tripped during the sequence, but still was able to score while laying on his side.

Nashville 1, Inter Miami 0: Hany Mukhtar misses shot (39′)

Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar fired a strike toward the net, but it was saved by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo in the 39th minute.

Nashville 1, Inter Miami 0: Tadeo Allende misses shot in front of net (33′)

Inter Miami’s Tadeo Allende missed a shot right in front of the net after a stellar setup from Jordi Alba and Messi in the 33rd minute. Allende may have been pulled by Nashville’s Josh Bauer, but there was no penalty called.

Nashville 1, Inter Miami 0: Messi’s shot blocked (27′)

Messi’s left boot from outside the box was blocked by Nashville’s Patrick Yazbek in the 27th minute.

Nashville 1, Inter Miami 0: Luis Suarez off the post (19′)

Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez had his shot hit the left post in the 19th minute.

Nashville 1, Inter Miami 0: Alex Muyl misses shot (17′)

Nashville’s Alex Muyl had his shot deflected off Inter Miami defender Maxi Falcon, and barely floated over the crossbar in the 17th minute.

Nashville 1, Inter Miami 0: Messi misses shot toward goal (14′)

Messi missed a shot in the 14th minute after a sequence where he found Luis Suarez in the box.

Nashville 1, Inter Miami 0: Sam Surridge scores penalty (9′)

Nashville’s Sam Surridge scored a penalty in the 9th minute to help his side take an early 1-0 lead against Inter Miami.

The play resulted from a penalty where Surridge was tripped inside the penalty area by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo while making a charge toward the ball in the 7th minute.

Inter Miami 0, Nashville 0: Early yellow card for Nashville (4′)

Nashville’s Edvard Tagseth picks up a yellow card for a late kick of the ball toward Inter Miami’s Ian Fray, who was tripped up.

Inter Miami 0, Nashville 0: Match has begun (0′)

It’s going to be a rainy contest in Nashville, with the game about to begin.

Messi warms up with Luis Suarez before the game

Nashville’s Sam Surridge warms up

Sam Surridge, who finished second in the Golden Boot race behind Messi, warms up before tonight’s match.

Messi, Inter Miami arrive to Nashville for match

What time is the Nashville vs Inter Miami match?

The match begins at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. in Nashville, 8:30 p.m. in Argentina) at GEODIS Park in Nashville.

How to watch Nashville vs Inter Miami on TV, live stream link?

The match will be available to watch on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Is Messi playing today? Inter Miami vs. Nashville starting lineups

Yes, Messi was announced as a starter in Inter Miami’s starting lineup, an hour before the match.

What to know about Inter Miami vs Nashville

It’ll be their third time facing each other in as many weeks: Messi had a hat trick with an assist in a 5-2 win on the final day of the regular season in Nashville on Oct. 18, then scored two goals with an assist in a 3-1 win in Game 1 at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium on Oct. 24.

Overall, Inter Miami has not dropped any of its last 10 matches against Nashville.

‘We know despite having had two positive results against them in the last two weekends, we have to understand that Nashville has put us in many difficult moments,’ Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Nashville before practice on Friday, Oct 31. ‘We’ve dealt with it well, but they’ll surely put us in a difficult moment again. We have to be prepared for that.’

Nashville hopes to bounce back

Nashville, which won the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, is led by MVP finalist Sam Surridge, and 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar. They’ve won 14 of 20 matches across all competitions at their home stadium, and hope to extend the series against Inter Miami.

‘They’re a really good team,’ Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan said of Inter Miami on Friday, Oct 31. ‘They’ve challenged us in different ways, and I think we’ve been able to spend this week learning some things from the last game, improving some areas, and focusing on what we do well.’

Mukhtar scored in Game 1 of the series, while Surridge and Jacob Shaffelburg scored in the regular-season finale against Inter Miami.

Messi, Inter Miami stars to appear on Tik Tok Player Spotlight

Inter Miami’s Messi, Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Serigo Busquets and Jordi Alba will be featured on TikTok live dedicated live stream during Game 2 in Nashville.

Messi joins Luis Suarez on Watch Party live stream before Nashville game

Messi and Rodrigo De Paul joined Luis Suarez on a live stream of a Uruguayan soccer match between Deportivo LSM against Montevideo Boca Juniors before Game 2 in Nashville. Suarez and Messi started the Deportivo LSM club earlier this year.

Inter Miami, MLS Cup playoff schedule

Nov. 8: Game 3 at Inter Miami, Time TBD (if necessary)
Nov. 10-18: FIFA international window
Nov. 22-23: Conference semifinals
Nov. 29-30: Conference finals
Dec. 6: MLS Cup Final

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2 Mins Read

Auburn football fans chant ‘Fire Hugh’ after loss to Kentucky

Auburn football fans didn’t hold back their frustration after watching the latest setback of the Hugh Freeze era.

The loss for the Tigers is their fifth loss in their last six games and comes against a Kentucky squad that entered the night alongside them at the bottom of the SEC standings with a 1-5 record in conference play.

Freeze made a change at quarterback going into the Nov. 1 game by giving the start to Stanford transfer Ashton Daniels over Jackson Arnold. Daniels completed 13 of 28 passes for 108 yards and an interception in the first half while Auburn had just 117 total yards of offense.

Auburn didn’t improve much on offense in the second half, as Kentucky’s defense held the Tigers to zero points and just 124 total yards of offense — seven more yards than it had in the first half alone — in the final 30 minutes.

The loss for the Tigers drops them to 1-5 in SEC play this season and 6-16 in SEC play all-time under Freeze.

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4 Mins Read

Deion Sanders benches quarterback after another disastrous start

Colorado coach Deion Sanders benched starting quarterback Kaidon Salter during a game against Arizona.
Salter was benched after completing 11 of 15 passes for 49 yards, fumbling, and throwing an interception in the first half.
Backup quarterback Ryan Staub also threw an interception shortly after entering the game.

The Colorado football team hasn’t been nearly as good since starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders moved on to the NFL in April.

Sanders, now with the Cleveland Browns, got to see just how badly his former team has fallen without him Saturday night in Boulder. He watched from the sideline as his father, Colorado coach Deion Sanders, benched Shedeur’s replacement again in a 52-17 loss at home against Arizona.

Deion Sanders benched Kaidon Salter, Colorado’s regular starter at quarterback, near the end of the first half, when the Buffs trailed 38-7. Salter had completed 11-of-15 passes for 49 yards and one touchdown before halftime. But he also fumbled the ball and threw an interception, leading Sanders to put backup quarterback Ryan Staub in the game with 21 second left in the half.

By the time the game was over in Boulder, Colorado had used four quarterbacks and lost freshman quarterback Julian ‘JuJu’ Lewis to a hand injury with 1:03 left in the game. It’s not known how serious the injury is as the Buffs next play at West Virginia on Nov. 8. The loss dropped Colorado to 3-6 in Deion Sanders’ third season in Boulder.

After the game, Deion Sanders blamed himself.

‘We’re not getting it done,’ Deion Sanders said. ‘And that’s from lack of preparation, I suppose. That’s on me.’

Why was Shedeur Sanders at the Colorado game?

Shedeur Sanders surprised his father by visiting him in Boulder Saturday during an off week for the Browns. He renewed his former pregame ritual with his father by walking with him on the field before kickoff.

‘These shenanigans put a damper on it,’ Deion Sanders said. ‘I haven’t seen my son in a long time. Forget the game. Forget this. Forget that. I haven’t seen my son in a long time, so that was quite emotional for me, him surprising me today in the office.’

His presence at the homecoming game also served as a reminder of one of Colorado’s biggest problems this season: lackluster play at quarterback.

Deion Sanders finally puts in freshman QB Julian Lewis

Salter has been disappointing for Colorado except for a couple of games after transferring from Liberty in December.

Deion Sanders previously benched Salter in favor of Staub for a game at Houston in September. Colorado lost that game, 36-20. But since beating Iowa State on Oct. 11, the Buffs have hit new lows with Salter behind center. They’ve been outscored 81-7 in the first half of their past two games, including Saturday night at Folsom Field.

But things didn’t immediately get better with Staub behind center, either. In fact, they got worse. Staub threw an interception on the second play of the second half, his first pass of the game. Then after Staub threw another interception on his next pass, Sanders benched Staub in favor of freshman Lewis, who entered the game in the third quarter with Colorado losing, 45-7. Lewis responded by throwing a 59-yard touchdown pass to receiver Omarion Miller, helping cut Arizona’s lead to 45-14 with 10:13 left in the third quarter.

Will Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis redshirt this season?

Asked what led him to put Lewis into the game, Sanders said, ‘Common sense.’

It’s still possible Lewis could redshirt this season. He’s played in two games this season. He can play in up to four games and still redshirt, which would allow him to have four more seasons of college eligibility after this season instead of three. Sanders said that decision would be up to Lewis.

‘You got to understand, I’m for the kids,’ Sanders said. ‘If that’s what they want, that’s what they’ll get. I’m not gonna mandate.’

Fourth-string quarterback enters game for Colorado

Staub attempted just two passes before getting benched himself. Both of those passes were intercepted by Arizona. His replacement, 18-year-old Lewis, completed 9 of 17 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown but left the game with injury to his right throwing hand with 1:03 left. He was replaced by fourth-string quarterback Dominiq Ponder, a transfer from Bethune Cookman. Ponder attempted only one pass, which fell incomplete. He also was sacked for a loss of 8 yards.

The loss was Deion Sanders’ worst loss at home at Colorado and comes a week after Sanders suffered a 53-7 loss at Utah, the worst loss of his coaching career in college.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

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1 Min Read

Bo Bichette’s 3-run homer chases Shohei Ohtani after just 2.1 innings

TORONTO — Shohei Ohtani is not a mythical figure, but rather a real, live human being who simply does remarkable things on the baseball field.

And the Toronto Blue Jays did not hesitate to ambush him in Game 7 of the World Series.

Pitching on three days’ rest for the first time in his career, Ohtani looked wobbly from the start, and then Bo Bichette applied a lightning-fast knockout blow: A first-pitch, three-run homer that electrified Rogers Centre, gave the Blue Jays a 3-0 lead and a massive edge in a call-to-arms Game 7.

It exited the bat at 110 mph, Rogers Centre reaching an ear-splitting noise level before Bichette’s first career postseason home run settled 442 feet away from home plate. The longtime Blue Jays cornerstone, hobbled by a knee injury that robbed him of the first two rounds of the playoffs, enjoyed the view, taking a few steps down the first base line before beginning his trot.

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