Soccer

Shakira is apparently taking a small breather from Lewis Hamilton ... the singer hit up Wednesday's NBA Finals Game 3 without the racecar driver -- though her new rumored love interest didn't miss much, 'cause the tilt ended up being a laugher.

Just a few days after she was spotted getting cozy with the 38-year-old following his second-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, the "Hips Don't Lie" crooner pulled up solo to the Kaseya Center in Miami ... in order to cheer on the Heat vs. the Nuggets.

She had some killer seats -- sitting right on the sideline -- but Jimmy Butler and the home team didn't give her much to clap about ... they got smacked, 109-94.

It's unclear if her public appearance without Hamilton means much -- Lewis could simply be just preparing for the June 18 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal -- or perhaps they're putting whatever was happening on ice. Then again, the Heat play in Miami for Game 4 on Friday -- so maybe he's just waiting for a weekend hang?

Other celebs outside of Shakira were also there ... it was a star-studded crowd that featured J. Cole, Future, G-Eazy and DJ Khaled.

Soccer superstars Neymar and Paul Pogba had some courtside chairs for the contest too ... with Neymar showing big love for Butler while there.

NBA legends Magic Johnson and Dwyane Wade also came by ... and even Floyd Mayweather showed up for the action as well.

The Heat are now down 2-1 -- but maybe another celeb-packed stadium this weekend will help them even everything up?

Ugly scene during the UEFA Europa Conference League final on Wednesday ... soccer star Cristiano Biraghi was pelted with trash while on the field -- and one of the objects hit him so flush, it opened a gnarly wound on his head.

The incident happened during the first half of West Ham's heated tilt with Fiorentina at Fortuna Arena in Prague ... after Biraghi's Fiorentina squad was awarded a corner kick.

You can see in footage from the game's broadcast, West Ham supporters were so upset over the call -- they launched empty cups at Biraghi's head.

Initially, the 30-year-old defender was unnerved by the trash-throwing -- aiming some sarcastic claps back at the unruly fans -- but when he realized he was bleeding profusely from the back of his noggin, he sought out medical attention.

Thankfully, while the gash looked bad, he was able to put a bandage on it and continue.

Refs, though, did have to pause the game -- while a public address announcer urged fans to refrain from throwing objects on the pitch.

At halftime, BT Sport commentator and ex-soccer star Joe Cole ripped the supporters for "moronic behavior."

Lionel Messi is moving across the pond ... the Argentinian soccer superstar has reportedly agreed to join MLS club Inter Miami CF in a HUGE move for the sport.

The news broke on Wednesday ... with Fabrizio Romano reporting Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players to ever to hit the pitch, has decided to join the David Beckham-owned organization this summer.

Both sides have yet to confirm the move ... but a formal announcement is expected Wednesday.

The 35-year-old's contract with PSG officially expires at the end of June ... and he reportedly had a ton of lucrative offers waiting for him as he figured out his next move.

Messi, a captain of Argentina's World Cup-winning national team, received interest from his former club, Barcelona ... and was also courted by Saudi Arabia, which was willing to shell out hundreds of millions of dollars to get him to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Saudi Professional League.

Anwar Megbli -- a player for the U.S. Livorno 1915 semi-pro soccer club in Italy -- tragically died after a traffic accident over the weekend. He was only 18.

The incident happened in Italy on Saturday -- according to local outlets, Megbli was riding on the back of a moped with his friend when they were rear-ended by a vehicle, throwing them to the ground.

Megbli was airlifted to Cisanello Hospital in Pisa ... where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. His friend is still recovering in the hospital.

The Livorno semi-pro football club paid tribute to Megbli on Monday ... saying it's mourning the loss of their striker.

"Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to his family in this moment of profound sorrow," the team said in a statement.

"Farewell, champ. You will always be one of us."

Megbli was a promising striker in the sport ... and suited up for the senior squad multiple times last season. He previously played for the USD Castiglioncello, which also paid tribute to its former player.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the driver of the vehicle that struck Megbli and his friend, according to The Sun.

A Premier League soccer referee and his family were mercilessly heckled, and even had a chair thrown at them, by out-of-control AS Roma fans ... and now local police have launched a criminal investigation.

The incident occurred in Budapest ... where 44-year-old ref Anthony Taylor, who is English, was in a cafe with his family, waiting for their flight. Unfortunately, several Roma fans recognized Taylor, and that's when things turned ugly.

Several videos show Taylor, who appears to be with his wife and several other people, getting shouted at by a large group of "fans" as airport authorities attempted to whisk them to safety.

At one point, a fan even threw a chair towards Taylor.

"The Italian citizen involved in the incident was apprehended by the police and criminal proceedings have been initiated on charges of affray," the airport later announced in a statement.

The Roma fans were upset their squad lost to Sevilla by penalty kick after ending regulation tied 1-1 in the Europa League final. Taylor handed out 13 yellow cards during the game.

After the game, but before the airport incident, Roma manager Jose Mourinho was seen confronting the referee in a parking lot, hurling expletives at him.

Mourinho could face a fine and/or suspension for his behavior.

As for the ugly behavior at the airport ... it's drawn widespread rebuke from everyone from the referees union to the Premier League itself who blasted the fans for the way they acted.

"[We're] aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport," the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said.

"We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final."

The Premier League also issued a statement, saying they were "shocked and appalled by the unacceptable abuse" Taylor and his family endured.

The PL added Anthony is one of their most accomplished and experienced officials, saying  "No one should have to suffer the inexcusable behavior they had to endure."

Harry Kane is doubling down on his plans to switch from football to football -- the Tottenham star says he's still interested in becoming an NFL kicker after his soccer career is over ... saying he understands it'll be a ton of work, but he's down for the challenge.

The 29-year-old English striker reaffirmed his intentions during a sit-down with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America" ... making it clear he's not joking about hopping over the pond to take a stab at American football.

"It's something I want to definitely explore," Kane said on Wednesday. "I know it will be a lot of hard work. I'm not expecting to just walk up and start kicking field goals."

"It will be a lot of practice, a lot of hard work," he continued. "But, yeah, it’s something I'd love to do. The NFL is something I've been following for about 10 years now, and I love it. So, yeah, I would love to give it a go."

Kane has previously talked about becoming an NFL kicker in years past ... but despite showing off what he can do with the pigskin, some critics like legendary leg Morten Andersen have scoffed at the idea.

Kane isn't the only soccer star to show interest in the NFL -- as we previously reported, USWNT hero Carli Lloyd floated the idea back in 2022 after spending time with her hometown Philadelphia Eagles.

Megan Thee Stallion may or may not have a new boo thang, but what she definitely does not have is new music on the horizon.

The H-Town hottie is admitting the last few months have mentally drained her, and, in a new interview with InStyle, she says she's withdrawing from the rap rat race ... for now.

She adds, "Fans can expect new music when I’m in a better place. Right now, I’m focused on healing."

Megan's last project, "Traumazine," was released in August 2022 with the gold-selling Dua Lipa collab, "Sweetest Pie," but the album was also a struggle to be released ... due to her ongoing legal drama with her label 1501 Entertainment.

With her time freed up, Megan says she's focused on her latest deal as Revlon's brand ambassador -- but her actions show she's also focused on getting to know Belgian soccer star Romelu Lukaku a little better.

Megan Thee Stallion just might have a new bae -- she's sparking dating rumors with Inter Milan star, Romelu Lukaku, as they were spotted getting nice and cozy at a wedding together!!!

The pair sat next to one another during Romelu's teammate Lautaro Martinez and model Agustina Gandolfo's lavish ceremony ... and there are plenty of signs the pairing wasn't a seating arrangement coincidence.

Both stars are signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation management imprint ... and Megan was recently spotted at an Inter match several weeks ago.

They also spent some QT together outside of the wedding party. Italy has no shortage of sightseeing, that's for sure!!!

Megan was attached to rapper/songwriter Pardison Fontaine for more than 2 years before the fallout from the Tory Lanez trial seemingly led to their split -- they unfollowed each other on social media in February.

Romelu reportedly broke up with his longtime girlfriend of 5 years, and it was also revealed he quietly fathered his 2nd child -- a one-year-old son named Jordan.

Fans wanting to pay their respects to Pelé will now be greeted by an epic memorial ... the soccer legend's tomb in Brazil has just opened to the public -- and it's lavish.

The shrine -- which is located inside the world's tallest cemetery in Santos, Brazil -- features a golden casket, turf on the floor ... and even life-sized statues at the entrance of the room.

On the ceiling, there's a painting of the sky ... and on the walls, there are images of thousands of fans cheering.

In total, the monument occupies roughly 2,000 square feet of space.

Fans can visit the tomb by signing a form on the Ecumenical Memorial Cemetery's website ... but only a select, lucky few will get in -- at the moment, only 60 visitors are allowed per day.

Pelé's son, Edson, was emotional at the unveiling of the tomb on Monday ... telling reporters he was thrilled with the memorial.

"It has the essence of what he was," he said.

Pelé -- a three-time World Cup winner -- passed away on Dec. 29 at 82 years old ... and tributes for the legendary footballer have poured in from all over the globe nearly every day since.

In fact, his name was just added to the Portuguese dictionary ... recognizing "that or someone who is out of the ordinary."

Tom Cruise apparently wants to court Shakira in what could be a new romance -- but her fans are having a hilarious reaction to the news ... STAY THE HELL AWAY!!!

Page Six came out with a story Tuesday, claiming insiders are saying Tom is "extremely interested in pursuing" her -- this after they crossed paths Sunday at Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix ... where they were photographed looking chipper, not to mention talking a lot.

According to the outlet, there's some chemistry between them -- so, it would seem they hit it off ... enough so for him to send her flowers post-meeting, which he reportedly did.

Of course, both of them are single and unattached at the moment ... especially Shakira, who just went through a nasty public split with her longtime partner and soccer star Gerard Pique -- who cheated on her with a younger, less-famous woman ... who he's currently dating.

Not just that, but Tom and Shakira aren't too far off in age -- she's 46 and he's 60 ... and they're both in the upper echelon of stardom. Plus, as PS notes, she's not taller than him.

On paper, you'd think they'd be a great match, but Twitter certainly doesn't like the pairing ... and they're making it known in droves. Users are screaming into the void in hopes Shakira will hear them. The message being ... please don't get mixed up with this guy, Shak.

One tweeter wrote, "SHAKIRA! LISTEN TO ME! HE'S TRYING TO RECRUIT YOU INTO SCIENTOLOGY! DON'T GO OUT WITH HIM! LISTEN TO ME!  SHAKIRA!!" Another chirped, "'Get away from her' and 'stay away from her' trending because there are reports tom cruise wants to date shakira is sending me." Obviously, in reference to the collective freak-out.

The reason they don't want her to date Tom, it seems, has to do with his past relationships -- as well as his connection to Scientology. Bird app folks feel like those 2 things haven't historically meshed very well ... especially when he's involved with high-profile women.

His ex-wife Nicole Kidman's iconic reaction to her divorce from Tom being finalized in 2001 comes to mind ... when she was seen rejoicing outside of a law office, which was telling.

With that said, we feel like it's kinda unfair to Tom to mock him like this ... and maybe even for Shakira too. Fact is, they're both grown and probably up to speed on each other's reps. So, if Shakira feels inclined to test the Cruise waters -- she should.

All aboard???

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian continue to be the modern example of co-parenting in the public eye -- as the two of them were once again in the same vicinity for their kids.

The exes came together Sunday to watch their son Saint's soccer game, which went down in Tarzana. In these photos, obtained by TMZ, you can see Kim seated in a chair with Saint plopped down in her lap and cheesing hard. Ye is standing behind them ... fully attentive.

As you can see, Kanye isn't keeping too much distance from Kim here -- he's within mere feet of her, and there doesn't seem to be any sign of animosity or friction ... a good sign.

An eyewitness tells us they actually made small talk here and there, and interacted a bit whenever Saint made a play in the field. In other words, it sounds like they're on pretty decent terms at the moment ... despite a bumpy divorce last year that dragged on.

Of course, this has come to be the status quo for Kim and Kanye -- they often show up to watch their children's events ... which are usually sports-related. Last time we saw this, Kanye brought along his partner, Bianca Censori, but she was nowhere to be seen here.

At one point, we're told the family -- who were accompanied by others -- hit up a food cart that rolled through ... and our eyewitnesses say Ye paid for everyone's treats.

Soccer reigned supreme once again when it came to lining pockets in 2022 ... with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé making the most money out of all athletes, according to Forbes' annual list -- and LeBron James and Stephen Curry rounding out the top five.

In the top spot is 38-year-old Ronaldo -- who parted ways with Manchester United in November to join Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in January. The superstar raked in $136 million total on and off the field over the past 12 months.

Coming in at second and third on the list are Messi and Mbappé, respectively. Messi earned $130 million ... while 24-year-old Mbappé -- the only athlete under 30 to grace the top 10 -- pocketed $120 million.

King James is in the top five yet again at fourth on the list, earning $119.5 million. Meanwhile, Steph Curry ($100.4 million) and Kevin Durant ($89.1 million) are the only two other NBA players to make the top 10.

Canelo Álvarez is the lone boxer in the top 10 -- the 58-2-2 Mexican-born fighter made $100 million pounding on opponents inside the ring ... and an additional $10 million out of competition.

Two of golf's biggest names, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, proved the LIV money is real ... with DJ earning $107 million, and Phil earning $106 million.

Finally, Roger Federer -- who's won 20 Grand Slam men's single's titles in his career -- held it down for his respective sport ... as he was the only tennis star to make the top 10, earning $95.1 million.

It's David Beckham's birthday, but it's Victoria's followers who are getting a present on Tuesday ... 'cause the soccer superstar's wife just shared a thirst trap of the 48-year-old in his undies for the occasion!!

Victoria posted the sexy snap just now ... showing David rocking nothing but some white Calvin Klein briefs and a beanie as he takes a dip in some water -- and something tells us it was cold outside.

The pic already garnered more than 229,000 likes on social media ... and yeah, the comment section is exactly what you'd expect.

"Let’s all celebrate @davidbeckham !! You’re welcome!😂," the former Spice Girl said on Instagram.

One follower summarized it perfectly ... saying, "Thank you Victoria.. from all the women of the world 🤣🤣🤣🤣"

Another decided to get more Rated R ... adding, "Don't be shy, show us the front 😭😭😭"

Victoria also shared a more serious tribute of her own ... gushing over her man in an emotional post.

"Happy Birthday @DavidBeckham we love you sooooo much xxxxx The most amazing husband and incredible daddy🙏🏼You are our everything 💕💕💕💕"

The Beckham birthday festivities are underway ... and by the looks of it, the shredded athlete isn't worried about having too many sweets -- as he's already cut into "cake no. 1" of the celebration.

Brazilian soccer legend Pelé has received yet another honor four months after his passing -- his name was added to the Portuguese dictionary as an adjective with a definition only fitting for a G.O.A.T.

The three-time World Cup winner's name was added to the Michaelis, a brand of dictionaries published in Brazil, after a campaign by his foundation to include his name garnered more than 100,000 signatures.

"That or someone who is out of the ordinary, who or who by virtue of their quality, value or superiority cannot be equaled to anything or anyone, just like Pelé," the definition reads.

"Edson Arantes do Nascimento (1940-2022), considered to be the greatest athlete of all time; exceptional, incomparable, unique."

Pelé's definition drives home the point that he was beyond exceptional at his craft while paying homage to the remarkable career he had on the pitch for Brazil.

As we reported, Pelé -- born Edson Arantes do Nascimento -- died last December at a hospital in São Paulo ... surrounded by his loved ones after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Pelé was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2021 ... and spent his final two years in and out of medical facilities, valiantly fighting the disease.

In 1958, Pelé -- widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers ever -- won his first World Cup when he was 17 ... and captured another two titles for Brazil in 1962 and 1970.

LeBron James tried to summon some "Ted Lasso" magic to give the Lakers a boost in their playoff game Wednesday night by rockin' some show-themed gear -- but even with the power of AFC Richmond on his side ... the King and his squad still fell short in Memphis.

The L.A. superstar sported a blue hoodie with Lasso's fictional soccer team's logo on it as he entered the FedExForum in Tennessee ... clearly hoping it would help draw some good vibes for his team in their closeout game with the Grizzlies.

As you probably know by now ... the Apple TV+ show is all about how Lasso, an American football coach played by Jason Sudeikis, inspires a ragtag soccer team in Europe to improbably win games against all odds.

While James' team wasn't exactly underdogs in the playoff contest with Ja Morant and the Grizz -- the message to L.A. was still loud and clear.

But, the pregame 'fit didn't bring much luck to the Lakers ... they were kicked around for most of the night -- and ended up losing, 116-99. To make matters worse for James, he didn't play his best, scoring just 15 points.

Of course, L.A. will still have two more opportunities to put the Grizzlies away -- Game 6 will go down on Friday ... and if a Game 7 is necessary, it'll happen on Sunday.

Terrifying moment for the Arsenal women's soccer team on Sunday evening ... their plane caught on fire just before it was set to take off -- but, thankfully, no one was injured, and the squad made it home safely Monday.

The horrifying scene went down just after Arsenal played Wolfsburg in a Champions League match in Germany ... when, according to multiple reports, a bird flew into one of their plane's engines just before it was set to take the players back to London.

A photo obtained by German media outlet BILD shows the impact caused a big blaze on one of the aircraft's wings ... sparking panic.

Pilots immediately aborted the flight, however ... and, fortunately, officials were able to get everyone off the ride and onto the ground without further issue.

Arsenal said in a statement hours after the incident that the team stayed overnight after the plane's problems -- but made it home just fine Monday.

"We would like to thank the staff onboard the aircraft and on the ground at the airport for their assistance," the team said.