TMZ Sports - Page 25

It's safe to say Lionel Messi is the Taylor Swift of soccer ... 'cause the Argentinian legend's move to Inter Miami has fans rushing to buy tickets to his games -- and they're selling for way above face value!!

Messi's shocking decision to come play in the U.S. after two years with Paris Saint-Germain resulted in a busy day for secondary market sellers ... with ticketing tech company Logitix telling TMZ Sports there were four times the amount of sales on Wednesday than the past 169 days combined.

We're told the average price for a home game seat has skyrocketed ... going from $15 to $230, a whopping 1,398% increase.

Inter Miami away games are even feeling the Messi effect ... increasing from $53 on average to $251, a 374% difference.

The Inter Miami ticket sitch is similar to what Swifties experienced when Taylor's 'Eras' tour started selling seats ... with some shelling out a LOT more than face value to check out the show.

Messi's contract with the MLS club reportedly includes an option to join team ownership, as well as a split of the profits from the Apple TV broadcasting deal ... but it was still surprising the World Cup hero turned down a rumored offer of more than a BILLION dollars to play in Saudi Arabia.

The late "Power Rangers" star Jason David Frank's karate school has allegedly fallen way behind in rent since his death ... and now the landlord is taking the school to court.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Jason's Rising Sun Karate in Valencia, CA is getting sued by Valencia Marketplace, the shopping mall where the dojo's located. The suit claims Jason and co. are tenants under a couple of leases -- the original of which dates back to around 1998.

The problem, according to the docs, is that Rising Sun stopped paying rent around November and December 2022 -- you'll recall, Jason died on November 19, 2022. Valencia Marketplace says it served the company a written notice of its running balance that was owed back in March, but says the balance was never paid.

The shopping mall's now seeking a whopping $47,347 in unpaid rent from Rising Sun Karate.

The adult film star who called out Zion Williamson earlier this week has seen her popularity explode since she railed against the NBA player ... TMZ Sports has learned searches for her on Pornhub have spiked like crazy.

According to a rep for PH, after Moriah Mills -- a 32-year-old music artist and OnlyFans model -- claimed in a series of tweets that she had been intimate with Williamson just days before he had announced he's expecting a baby with another woman ... people flocked to the website to check out her work.

The rep tells us that on June 7 -- the day she made the allegations against the New Orleans Pelicans forward -- searches for Mills increased 2,293% when compared to her daily average.

The rep also says she's now edging toward 1 million total searches already this month -- and now ranks inside the top 200 porn stars on the site.

An interesting note ... according to the Pornhub rep, it's actually been more women than men who have searched for her.

Adam Silver is fully aware of the rumors surrounding whether Ja Morant was actually waving a toy gun during his second Instagram Live scandal ... but ultimately, the NBA commissioner says it might not make a difference when determining his impending punishment.

Silver spoke at length about Ja's situation in an interview on "The Dan Patrick Show" on Thursday ... and he said the crux of the issue is how the Memphis Grizzlies star's actions disregarded the importance of gun safety.

"It's interesting," Commish said Thursday. "The very issue for Ja, certainly in the first incident, was treating a gun as a toy. That's what we're talking about and that's what I think the danger is to society."

"Taking a gun, live streaming it without getting into gun issues in terms of the propriety of owning guns and the use of guns, I think everyone agrees that gun safety is critically important and that guns aren't toys."

He added ... "It's something that I'm thinking a lot about because, again, I'm not going to get into specifics about the investigation, but in fact, if you're live streaming something to the world that looks exactly like a gun and in a frankly reckless manner, should it matter whether or not it's a real gun?"

The claim gained traction after Claudia Jordan said on "The Breakfast Club" earlier this week that she heard from Ja's camp that the weapon shown in the video was actually fake.

Silver says the league will look into "whatever is presented to us" before concluding the investigation ... and will take past conduct and the circumstances of the situation into account.

Silver explained what's most important is getting Ja right as a human being ... with basketball taking a backseat for the time being.

Ja was suspended indefinitely from all Memphis Grizzlies activities shortly after the video went viral -- he later apologized for his actions, but did not say if the gun was real.

Darby Allin's rockin' a new look ... the AEW star showed off his brand new head and neck tattoo, and the finished product, which took 45 to 50 hours to complete, like the stunts he pulls off in and outside the ring, is jaw-dropping!

Allin hit up Atlanta-based tattoo artist Caleb Morgan ... who performed the intricate work on Darby. The tattoo took numerous sessions to complete, and runs from the side of his face and head, down to his shoulder and arm, all the way to his hand.

Caleb says the tattoo (which he described as an atmospheric extension of Allin's personality) was truly a collaborative work -- Darby had a vision, and he refined it with Morgan's help.

The new black and gray tat was visible on Wednesday's episode of "AEW Dynamite" when Allin saved AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy from a beatdown, with help from Sting.

The tattoo, particularly the neck section, looks like it'd be incredibly painful -- thankfully Allin, who just competed in the biggest match of his career (a Fatal 4-way), clearly has a high pain tolerance.

A Kardashian coming-together went down this week that saw exes and former family foes in the same area for the same purpose ... celebrating their children's pre-K graduation.

Kylie Jenner, Travis Scott, Khloe Kardashian, Angela White (formerly Blac Chyna) and Tristan Thompson all attended a ceremony Wednesday in L.A. to celebrate their little ones' accomplishments... True, Stormi and Dream all finished preschool.

Remember, a lot of the Kardashian siblings have kiddos who are around the same age -- 4 years old or so -- so it makes sense to see the parents here. The interesting thing, of course, is that Khloe and Tristan as well as Kylie and Travis are no longer romantically involved, yet they all played nice in each other's company.

Eyewitnesses tell us that Khloe and Tristan -- who are clearly on good terms -- were interacting the most out of anyone ... just sharing friendly conversation. We're told Kylie and Travis didn't appear to interact, but his family also joined the celebration.

Lastly, Blac Chyna (now going by Angela White) was also in the mix ... although our eyewitnesses say she didn't touch base with any of the Kardashians. No word if her baby daddy, Rob Kardashian, was there or not ... but Mama Bear was on the scene.

While it doesn't seem like Kylie and Travis have much to say, Khloe and Tristan continue to prove they're in a great place as co-parents. Remember, amid their frequent hang-outs and speculation that they're back together ... we've been assured that's simply not the case.

A real Kumbaya moment here ... ya love to see it.

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?

Lamar Odom is helping Bam Margera through every step of his detox and rehab process, even sitting bedside with the former "Jackass" star as he works to get better.

Check out the photos, you see Bam in a hospital bed and hooked up to several monitors as he poses with the former NBA star. Our sources say Lamar was there as Bam was discharged from a psych hold Wednesday and immediately got him into detox at one of his own facilities.

It's obviously a good sign for Bam, who has been struggling for years with his sobriety, and wants to get better for his young son, Phoenix.

After detox, our sources say the plan is for Lamar to get Bam into a rehab facility for continued care ... lucky for Bam, Lamar owns multiple rehab locations, so you gotta imagine he'll get some of the best care.

While the duo may seem unlikely, Lamar's had his eye on Bam's story for quite a while ... telling us several weeks ago he wanted to help Bam's situation. Their paths were finally able to cross when Bam was picked up by LAPD over the weekend and placed on a psych hold.

"I love you, Sheik. I love you forever."

That's Sgt. Slaughter on the death of his rival turned stable partner, and most importantly close friend, The Iron Sheik ... who passed away at the age of 81 on Wednesday.

TMZ Sports talked to the WWE Hall of Famer about his friend's passing ... from Sheik's impact on the sport (and some of its biggest stars like Hulk Hogan) to how they met decades ago.

"I met [Sheik] when he was going through the training camp in Minnesota with Verne Gagne, along with Ric Flair," Slaughter explained, talking about his first interaction in the 1970s with the Iranian-born wrestler.

FYI, Gagne was a trainer and promoter who ran the Minneapolis-based American Wrestling Association (AWA).

Sgt. says he became fast friends with Sheik and the guys even worked together at his dad's roofing company.

The Iron Sheik was one of the greatest heels pro wrestling has ever seen and, although he was playing a character, fans take this seriously. We asked Slaughter if the hate ever got to Sheik.

"Never difficult [on Sheik]. It fueled the fire. It just fueled the fire," the HOF told us.

Slaughter also talked about Sheik's love for his family -- his wife and kids.

"He was a character. I was a character. But we both had families and we loved our families."

Tragically, Sheik lost one of his daughters in the early 2000s ... and despite missing his friend, Sgt. Slaughter, fighting back tears, says he's happy knowing he'll finally be reunited with his child.

"God bless him. He's finally gonna see his daughter that he lost. Love you Sheik. Love you forever."

Baby Gronk is erasing all doubt ... the football prodigy tells TMZ Sports he is, indeed, the new Drip King after meeting up with Livvy Dunne -- and he added that if he ever sees Baby Diggs on a field, he's winning that matchup no doubt!!

If you're unfamiliar with what any of that means ... let's a play a little catchup.

Baby Gronk gained fame several years ago for his prowess on youth football fields ... but, the 10-year-old's star absolutely skyrocketed earlier this year -- after Dunne ran into him on LSU's campus. While the two were at the school together, Dunne filmed a short vid with him ... urging the youngster to one day be a Tiger, before hugging him and calling him "cute."

The clip eventually made it's way to the TikTok world -- and one user asked in a now-viral video if it all meant Baby Gronk is the new "Drip King."

Of course, the exposure all came with the emergence of Baby Gronk challengers too -- and one, Baby Diggs, eventually went viral for calling BG out ... saying he'd win in a 1-on-1 matchup easily.

But, Baby Gronk told us Wednesday there should be no questions about either topic ... saying he is the undisputed Rizz King -- and he would destroy Baby Diggs at either cornerback or wide receiver.

"There ain't no comparison, man," said Baby Gronk's dad, Jake San Miguel. "I know Baby Diggs had his little time on TikTok and he got his little name -- but when it comes to real football, you know Baby Gronk is the real deal."

San Miguel told us all of the attention Baby Gronk's received over the past few days and weeks has been crazy ... so wild, in fact, he predicted it'd eventually lead to the kind of "stardom where you just think they sold their soul or something."

"I think it's going to reach that level," he said.

Bam Margera is headed in the right direction ... getting released from a psychiatric hospital, and going straight into treatment at Lamar Odom's rehab center.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ the former "Jackass" star was released from a psych hospital Wednesday, and Lamar was there to greet him as he exited the facility. We're told Bam is now in detox at one of Lamar's locations before he heads to rehab at another spot owned by the former NBA star.

Lamar's been insistent on helping Bam for weeks, and even visited him in the hospital Tuesday to offer Bam treatment at one of his Odom Wellness Treatment Centers.

Bam's motivating factor in getting clean is definitely his young son, Phoenix, who he hasn't been able to see much during his battles with substance abuse.

TMZ broke the story, cops in L.A. tracked Bam to a Trejo's Tacos location over the weekend and placed him on a 5150 psychiatric hold. There was growing concern Bam was not only a danger to himself, but to others as well -- especially given the fact he threatened to end his life if he couldn't see his son.

We were also the first to tell you when Lamar opened his 3 treatment facilities -- Gold Bridge Addiction Center in Louisburg, KS, Wavelengths in Huntington Beach, and Project West in San Diego.

The BMX community is devastated after rider Pat Casey's shocking death on Tuesday ... with stars like T.J. Lavin, Daniel Dhers and more sharing their condolences.

29-year-old Casey passed away after crashing his motorcycle while attempting a ramp jump at Slayground Motocross Park near Ramona, CA which is owned by X Games gold medalist Axell Hodges.

Police and fire responded around 2:45 PM and attempted life-saving measures ... but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident is now under investigation.

Lavin, MTV's "The Challenge" host, shared a touching tribute to Casey ... saying, "The world lost one of the baddest to ever do it. I’m so sorry for his wife and kids."

"@patcaseybmx will forever be remembered for the down to earth sweetheart of a guy that he was. #bmxfamily."

Dhers also shared a pic of Casey with the caption, "Descansa en paz Pat."

6-time X Games gold medalist Kyle Baldock gave a heartfelt farewell ... adding, "I can’t believe I’m writing this, today we lost an Icon! Pat thank you for blessing all of us with your kind and loving personality."

"You are the toughest person I have ever met, we have been friends since ASA days which is like 10 years ago and you always have inspired me to go harder. We all will miss you so much it doesn’t seem real."

"I love you bro and my thoughts are with your whole family and friends. Rest Easy Pat ❤️❤️"

The X Games also posted ... saying, "We are deeply saddened by Pat Casey’s passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children, parents and siblings."

"A true legend in the action sports community, Pat will always be a member of the X Games family and an inspiration to everyone’s life he touched."

Pat had a decorated career ... going pro at just 14 years old. He was known for nailing and creating tricks that many thought were impossible.

Pat is survived by his wife, Chase, and their two children.

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."

Yankees and White Sox fans might have to wait another day to watch their teams play ... TMZ Sports has confirmed the MLB is considering postponing Wednesday's game due to smoke coming from ongoing wildfires in Canada.

A spokesperson for the league tells us ... the contest between the two squads is still on for now, but if the conditions get worse or become too dangerous for the players and fans, they will postpone the game.

The rep also told us the league is communicating with health and weather experts ... and will make a decision based on their recommendations.

As you know, smoky conditions from the Canadian fires have dramatically affected the air quality in NYC (and the Northeast), prompting the National Weather Service to warn residents that the air quality is "unhealthy."

In fact, video shot from inside Yankee Stadium earlier Wednesday shows the venue and the sky above it were hardly recognizable.

An MLB postponement due to air quality is not unprecedented ... back in Sept. 2020, the Mariners vs. Giants game in Seattle was moved after wildfire smoke had seriously impacted the Pacific Northwest.

The Yanks-Sox game is currently slated to go down at 7:05 PM ET. The two -- who played their series opener in New York on Tuesday night -- are scheduled to wrap up their three-game set on Thursday.

Zion Williamson didn't get much time to celebrate being a girl dad before becoming the center of some bombshell allegations ... 'cause a popular porn star says the hooper "better pray" he's not about to be a father of two.

32-year-old Moriah Mills -- a music artist and OnlyFans model with more than a million followers on Twitter -- alleged she is in a romantic relationship with the New Orleans Pelicans forward in a Twitter rant on Wednesday ... claiming she had no idea he was seeing someone else, let alone expecting a baby, too.

Mills says she was intimate with Zion as recently as last week ... and posted alleged Snapchat messages that appear to show him arranging to have her move to New Orleans.

Moriah gave X-rated details about her alleged experiences with Zion -- she also took credit for getting him get back into shape as he sat out the majority of the season with an injury.

"Better pray I’m not pregnant too because I’m definitely late @Zionwilliamson," Moriah added.

Zion's GF, Ahkeema, appeared to respond to Moriah's tirade ... saying, "Happy hoes ain't hating and hating hoes ain't happy."

Moriah clapped back ... saying, "You not on my level mah believe that."

Zion and Ahkeema shared footage of their gender reveal party on Tuesday ... which showed they are expecting a baby girl together.

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.