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One Potentially Big Problem Is Lurking For The Bulls This Summer

Last week’s rally to record highs was due, at least in part, to a rather tame CPI report released on Wednesday. Inflation has been at the heart of nearly every rally and every decline over the past few years. Clearly, we saw inflation soaring throughout 2021 and 2022, but since then, the annual core CPI has been consistently dropping, despite a Fed that says they haven’t seen enough of a drop toward their 2% target level to warrant a fed funds rate decrease. Here’s the Core CPI chart that illustrates the rise and fall of inflation since the 2020 pandemic began:

Call me crazy, but I see an annual Core CPI rate that is tumbling. History tells us that when inflation peaks and rolls over, it’s a very bullish signal for U.S. equities. 2023 and 2024 has been no different. However, there is one inflation problem that no one is really talking about.

Inflation Likely To Climb This Summer

There’s like to be a few negative/bearish analyst comments this summer. The reason? In 2023, the June (+0.19%), July (+0.23%), and August (+0.23%) represented the 3 lowest monthly core CPI readings. That means that these monthly readings in the same 3 months as 2023 will need to come in extremely low or there’ll be brief 3-month spike in the annual core rate of inflation at the consumer level. We know the stock market doesn’t like uncertainty of any kind and a 3-month move higher in inflation could trigger that uncertainty.

Keep in mind that the June, July, and August readings are generally reported within the first 10 days to 2 weeks of the following month. So if we see weakness from these readings, it’ll likely be from mid-July through mid-September.

Presidential Election Year Cycle

Finally, let’s review the typical price action during a Presidential election year:

During this cycle, we tend to see very strong runs to the upside in late-May, June, and into early July. Given that our major indices just broke to new all-time record highs after a period of consolidation, this potential bullish scenario looks like a solid one to me.

But when those June, July, and August CPI readings come out, just think back to this article. This could be a real threat to our major indices over the late summer months.

I spoke, in much more detail, about this possible inflation scenario unfolding later this year during my “EB Weekly Market Recap” video at YouTube.com. Be sure to check it out and hit the “Like” button. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to “Subscribe” to our YouTube channel as well, so that you don’t miss future EB.com videos!

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Happy trading!

Tom

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Dow closes at record high above 40,000 to cinch a five-week winning streak

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed Friday above the key 40,000 level for the first time in history, a day after hitting that benchmark in the previous trading session.

The 30-stock average rose 134.21 points, or 0.34%, to 40,003.59. The S&P 500 inched up 6.17 points, or 0.12%, to 5,303.27, while Nasdaq Composite ended down 12.35 points, or 0.07%, at 16,685.97.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
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Frontier Airlines does away with change fees in budget airline pricing overhaul

Frontier Airlines said it will stop charging customers a fee to change their flights, taking a page from larger competitors as the Biden administration issues stricter rules targeting so-called “junk fees.”

The change is part of an overhaul announced on Friday of the budget airline’s longtime pricing model, which brings customers in the door with eye-catching low base fares but charges a fee for everything else such as seating assignments and carry-on baggage. That model is shared by fellow discounter Spirit Airlines.

Frontier said it will start offering packages that include some of those add-ons, among others, such as early boarding. While some fares will still allow travelers to add on options a la carte, “we expect that option to be a minority of customers,” Frontier CEO Barry Biffle told CNBC.

A new “economy” bundle that comes with a carry-on and a seat assignment will start at $30 more than a basic fare, while a “premium” bundle that offers those perks plus earlier boarding will be $50 more than the basic fare. For at least $100 more than a basic fare, “business” bundle travelers will also be able to check two bags and get a seat at the front of the plane with more room.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule that requires airlines to tell customers about fees, including those for checked or carry-on baggage, up front, a change the DOT said would save travelers more than half a billion dollars a year.

Frontier currently charges up to $99 to change flights if the change is made within a week of the trip, according to the airline’s website. Larger rivals Delta, American and United scrapped change fees during the Covid-19 pandemic for travelers who were booked in standard economy class and above. Southwest Airlines does not charge customers to change their tickets.

“The truth is the big four [U.S. airlines] all have no change fees on the majority of their products, so we were not as desirable,” Biffle said. He said change fees were a “top complaint” of travelers. Travelers who buy the cheapest option on Frontier will still have to pay to change their flights.

Frontier also said flight credits would be valid for 12 months, up from three months, starting with tickets issued on Friday, and that it will reintroduce live phone support for travelers flying within 24 hours or to elite members of its frequent flyer program.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
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Some consumers are punting big purchases like pools and mattresses

Americans are kicking the can down the road on some more-costly, traditionally financed purchases as elevated inflation and interest rates bite.

Corporate executives this earnings season have lamented that customers are disinterested in shelling out on big-ticket items for their bedrooms, backyards and everywhere in between. It comes at a pivotal moment for the national economy: the average Joe has been contending with a double-whammy of high prices and borrowing costs, while economists and policymakers are trying to gauge the impact this has made.

This matters because it adds to a growing picture of consumer spending finally slowing down, as experts long anticipated. That means the Federal Reserve may get the sign it’s been waiting for that interest rate hikes have had their intended effects of tightening the economy, which could be good news for investors and consumers.

“The consumer’s purchasing power is limited,” Sleep Number CEO Shelly Ibach told analysts late last month. “As a result, consumers continue to scrutinize their spending and make near-term decisions based primarily on need, price and perceived value. And they are deferring higher-ticket, durable purchases.”

Ibach said the mattress industry is in a “historic recession,” with sales likely to continue to decline after two already tough years. The Minneapolis-based company lost more per share and recorded lower revenue than analysts polled by FactSet had anticipated in the first quarter.

Sleep Number isn’t alone. Executives across the consumer arena have been preparing for — and, in some cases, seeing — a slowdown over the last several months. Data from Prosper Insights & Analytics, a partner of the National Retail Federation, shows American adults have been increasingly delaying spending in areas like home improvement and electronics compared with before the pandemic.

“Consumers are still spending, but the sense that we get now is that they’re being a little bit more careful,” said Mark Mathews, the NRF’s executive director of research. “They’re making important choices in terms of how they spend. They’re very, very price sensitive, and, definitely, we are back into a situation where consumers are all about the deal.”

Multiple consumer headwinds

A shopper on the fence about if they feel like an expensive purchase is within budget — likely a more ubiquitous feeling now with hot inflation — would previously lean on paying over a longer period of time by using credit. But those options have fallen out of favor as interest rates rose.

Also, more credit card bills are delinquent, showing that the era of consumers being flush with cash from pandemic stimulus has come to an end. U.S. households are cumulatively more than $70 billion in debt after excess peaked above $2 trillion in August 2021, according to data analyzed by the San Francisco Fed. One research group saw credit card debt rising, while the New York Fed reported that Americans collectively owe more than $1 trillion.

Consumers are usually faced with either high interest rates or inflation, as the Fed typically increases borrowing levels when prices are rising faster than it deems healthy for the economy. But at this moment, annualized inflation, though significantly off peak growth seen earlier in the pandemic, is still well above the central bank’s goal of 2%.

That’s despite the Fed funds rate sitting between 5.25% and 5.50% for about 10 months. For comparison, that rate had a measly midpoint of just 0.13% for more than a year during the pandemic in a bid to stimulate economic growth.

Where the benchmark interest level sits can directly drive variable rates on credit cards. Given that, Sleep Number’s Ibach said credit card delinquencies were one reason for the consumer being stretched. Increases from the Fed can also indirectly influence loan providers to push up interest rates on new borrowing agreements for things like cars or homes.

Leggett & Platt, which makes components like springs for beds, is seeing the effects of both rates and inflation. Specifically, CEO J. Mitchell Dolloff said consumers are shifting their spending to focus on services and affording baseline resources like food amid price pressures, as opposed to pricier, less essential goods. He also cited increased interest rates as another weight on their shoulders.

Wayfair, the furniture e-commerce platform popular among cost-conscious shoppers, said it was having trouble selling its most expensive items. Management cautioned that it was a trend happening across the board with home furnishers.

Retail sales data was flat from March to April, despite economists polled by Dow Jones anticipating monthly growth of 0.4%, according to Commerce Department data released Wednesday. Because this data is adjusted seasonally but not for inflation, it can provide another signal that consumers aren’t keeping up as prices climb.

Economists are quick to note that what feels bad in the short term for consumers can actually have a silver lining in long run. Shoppers feeling unable to pull the trigger on bigger purchases — especially when paired with trends like being more price conscious — can offer justification for the Fed that it’s put enough pressure on the economy to bring inflation under control and clear the way to start lowering rates.

There’s a few other factors at play, according to Mathews, of the retail industry trade group. The pandemic had a pull-forward effect, he explained. Consumers snapped up goods meant to last several years while they were stuck at home during the shutdowns. This may still be unwinding.

And, with a greater focus on value, shoppers may wait until Memorial Day or other periods ripe with deals, Mathews said.

Not the ‘right moment’

Finally, a lot of these big-ticket items are also connected in one way or another to people moving homes, Mathews said. That’s bad news given the chilled housing market, which has been stymied by soaring mortgage rates.

Residential solar company Enphase said any forthcoming cuts to rates — even if fewer than previously anticipated — should help demand in states excluding California. (Installers have become more “flexible” with how they finance in California, CEO Badri Kothandaraman said, which is considered a unique market because of reduced credits.)

Whirlpool cited hiked interest levels as a negative pressure on both housing affordability and discretionary spending, which are both factors for consumers considering appliances like refrigerators or washers. North American volumes were soft in the quarter, and the company continued leaning on promotions to buoy demand, according to CEO Marc Bitzer.

This can bode poorly for retailers hawking these items like Best Buy, which is slated to report earnings later this month. Bank of America analyst Robert Ohmes told clients this week to anticipate soft appliance sales from the Minnesota-based chain.

Lofty interest rates have also hampered housing improvement efforts for those staying put, according to Home Depot. Despite calling the customer “extremely healthy,” finance chief Richard McPhail said these borrowing costs have created a holding pattern on projects like home or bath remodels that began in the back half of 2023.

“It’s not the case of not having the ability to spend,” McPhail told CNBC. “What they tell us is they’re just simply deferring these projects as given higher rates, it just doesn’t seem the right moment to execute.”

A tale of two consumers

Like many other aspects of the economy, this negative trend can be felt most deeply by those at the lower end of the income spectrum. It aligns with the view that the U.S. economic recovery out of the pandemic has been “K”-shaped, meaning the experiences of different classes diverge like arms on the letter.

Economic uncertainty and borrowing levels have both “weighed heavily” on new swimming pool purchases, Pool Corp. CEO Peter Arvan told analysts last month. But there’s a clear disconnect among income cohorts: He said lower-end pools “remain a challenge,” while the pricier options have “steady” demand.

Troubles among the more price-conscious clientele is weighing on the Louisiana-based company. Sales to Pool Corp.’s independent retail customers slid 4% in the first quarter of 2024. That builds on the 8% slip seen over the last three months of 2023.

Generac’s power generators are generally considered a luxury of the financially well-off. Because of that, lifted interest rates likely haven’t hit its clients as hard — and any impact has likely already been felt with levels raised for several months, according to CEO Aaron Jagdfeld.

“These are homeowners that are just less sensitive to movements in interest rates,” Jagdfeld told analysts at the start of this month. “Whatever impact that higher interest rates may have had on the margins — on the edges of the market — we think that’s largely baked in at this point.”

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
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Hall of Famer diagnoses MLB top prospect’s struggles

Cal Ripken Jr. knows a little something about turning a rough start into an iconic career.

Now, he’s hoping for a similar career trajectory for another young Orioles infielder, Jackson Holliday, who earlier this season wore the same No. 7 that Cal Ripken Sr. donned as an Orioles coach and manager.

The legendary shortstop, best known for his streak of 2,632 consecutive games played, went through a 4-for-57 stretch in the first month of his 1982 Rookie of the Year campaign.

Ripken hit .073 over that span, which was only slightly better than the .059 average posted by the highly touted Holliday during his ten games with Baltimore earlier this season.

When asked by USA TODAY Sports why Holliday, widely regarded as MLB’s top prospect, struggled during his cup of coffee in the majors, the Hall of Famer chuckled, and simply said, “because he’s 20.”

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

Ripken, a part owner of the team he starred with for 21 years, also questioned the speed at which Holliday ascended through the organization.

“He moved so fast through the system, and maybe a little too fast,” said Ripken. “Maybe he needed to learn a little bit more in Triple-A.”

Holliday is now back in the minors, with AAA Norfolk, the fourth and final stop during his meteoric rise through the Orioles minor league system last season – and where he began the 2024 season.

The adversity he’s facing is something new to Holliday.

“I don’t think he’s ever dealt with some sort of failure,” said Ripken. “I haven’t seen that much expectation or that much pressure on a player.”

Despite the demotion, Ripken thinks mentally Holliday is a “gamer” and he will take the demotion as an opportunity to take the approach of “I’ll show you.”

Still, his next chance to make an impact in the majors may be delayed.

That’s because the Orioles are stacked in the infield, where Jordan Westburg and Gunnar Henderson are thriving, and Jorge Mateo continues to be a reliable fielder. Throw in 22-year-old Coby Mayo – leading the International League in homers – and it could be a while before Holliday returns to Camden Yards.

“There’s not going to be any harm to him going down,” said Ripken. “He’ll come back better. I’m not worried about him at all.”

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Live updates: Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury by split decision

The heavyweight crown has found a home – on the head of Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk beat Fury by split decision on Saturday to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion. The judges scored the fight 115-112, 113-114, 114-113 in favor of Usyk.

Usky is the first to hold the heavyweight title in 25 years. The last to do it was Lennox Lewis in 1999, and Lewis was on hand to watch a battle of unbeatens in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Usyk scored the only knockdown, which came in the eighth round, when Fury was saved by the bell.

Usyk, the Ukrainian, improved to 22-0. Fury, the Brit, 35-1-1.

After the scorecards were read and Usyk was the official winner, Fury kissed the Ukrainian on the head, and the two embraced.

But Fury was less gracious during an in-ring interview.

He intimated the judges awarded the fight to Usyk out of sympathy because Ukraine is at war with Russia.

“You know his country’s at war, so people are siding for the country at war,’’ Fury said. “Make no mistake, I won that fight, and I’ll be back.’’

Fury said he will exercise a rematch clause and said the fight will take place in October. 

Fury’s words about Ukraine a low blow

Fury, again just moments after losing to Usyk by split decision, threw that one last punch.

It was a very low blow of the metaphorical variety.

Fury intimated that Usyk, the Ukrainian boxer, had been awarded the fight because Ukraine is at war.

Russia invaded Ukraine more than two years ago.

“You know his country’s at war, so people are siding for the country at war,’’ Fury said during an in-ring interview. “Make no mistake. I won that fight, and I’ll be back.’’

Manuel Oliver Palermo of Spain scored the fight 115-112 in favor of Usyk and Craig Metcalfe of Canada scored it 114-113 in favor of Usyk.

Mike Fitzgerald of the United States scored it 114-113 in favor of Fury.

“I believe I won that fight,’’ Fury said. “I believe he won a few of the rounds. I won the majority of them.’’

Before those remarks, the fighters embraced several times and Fury had kissed Usyk on the head as if in respect and admiration.

After Fury’s remarks, water sprayed into his face from the direction of Usyk’s camp. Usyk motioned for it stop.

Later in the interview, Fury said, “I believe I won the fight but I’m not going to sit here and cry and make excuses. It was a good fight.’’

Usyk was not asked in the ring about Fury’s comments, but he was asked about whether he wanted to fight Fury again.

“Yes, of course, very much,’’ he said. “I’m ready for a rematch.’’

Usyk def. Fury by split decision

Judges scored the fight 115-112, 113-114, 114-113 in favor of Oleksandr Usyk.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 12 goes to Fury

Fury wraps Usyk up in a big hug. That’s not going to win the round, Mr. Fury. Nice exchange, and Fury is firing lefts. Usyk not counting on scorecards. He stalking and Fury is countering. Both land big rights. Usyk 114, Fury 113.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 11 goes to Usyk

Usyk wastes no time, pounces with a left. Fury showing a little more energy and snapping jabs. Pace slows. Fury lands another uppercut. Usyk finishes with a big left. Usyk 105, Fury 103.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 10 goes to Usyk

Usyk pressing the action. Fury bleeding again, and Usyk smelling blood again. Fury tired, but finding enough energy to showboat. Usyk all business and head shots. Usyk 95, Fury 94.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 9 goes to Usyk

Fury seems bothered by his bleeding nose. And, well, Usyk smelling blood. Fury landing more uppercuts, but Usyk moving forward. Big lefts from Usyk. Oh, Usyk rocks Fury! Stumbling into the ropes. A knockdown. Caught by the ropes. Saved by the bell. Fury 85, Usky 85.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 8 goes to Usyk

Fury comes out swinging, but it’s Usyk who lands. A step ladder sure would help the 6-3 Ukrainian. But he lands a big combo. Fury looks stunned. Now Fury stalking, but Usyk unloads. Fury bleeding from the nose. Fury 77, Usyk 75.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 7 goes to Fury

Fury wielding serious power, but Usyk still attempting to be the aggressor. Fury working Usyk’s body. Another right and Usyk surely feeling these shots. Usyk delivers a left, but Fury counters. Fury 68, Usyk 65.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 6 goes to Fury

Usyk still the aggressor, but Fury seems content and effective while allowing for it. Fury landing big uppercuts to Usyk’s body. And then his nose. Fury now on the attack. More heavy punches from Fury with flair. Fury 58, Usyk 56.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 5 goes to Fury

Usyk emerges with a slight cut over his right eye. Fury capitalizing on that size difference, scoring with punches from a safe distance. Fury looks like he’s playing with Usyk, who now is having trouble closing the gap between himself and the 6-9 Fury. Fury 48, Usyk 47.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 4 goes to Fury

Fury lands a couple of uppercuts to the body. Now seems in rhythm. Connecting more than in the previous rounds, and more showboating from the 6-9 jester. Usyk now firing. Fury 38, Usyk 38.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 3 goes to Usyk

Fury lands a right, and Usyk leans in rather than backpedaling. Usyk remains the aggressor. Fury in his signature herky-jerky mode. Usyk smooth and lands a left with authority. Fury tying up Usyk. Fury delivers a combo. But Usyk dictating. Usyk 29, Fury 28.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 2 goes to Usyk

Usyk drills Fury with a combo, followed by body shots. He’s stalking now. Usyk has him in the corner again and fights out of it with a nice jab. Fury doing as much showboating as punching. No showboating from the Ukrainian, only landing punches. Fury 19, Usyk 19.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Round 1 goes to Fury

Fighters meet in the middle. An exchange of jabs. Crowd already getting restless? Fury throws a combo and slightly more active. Fury caught in the corner, but showboating and playing to the crowd with a big smile. Usyk lands solid left. Fury 10, Usyk 9.

When is Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight?

Saturday, May 18. The main card starts at 2 p.m. ET, and the Fury-Usyk fight will start at approximately 6 p.m. ET.

How to watch Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight 

The fight is available on DAZN, PPV.COM and ESPN+.

Jai Opetaia beats Mairis Briedis by unanimous decision

A one-sided fight escalated into a bloody brawl as Jai Opetaia of Australia beat Mairis Briedis of Latvia by unanimous decision. The judges scored it 117-111, 116-112, and 116-12.

Surviving Briedis’ late charge, Opetaia, 28, won the IBF cruiserweight title and stayed unbeaten. He improved 25-0.

At 39, Briedis looked spry in the final rounds. But squandered the early rounds and his record dropped to 28-3.

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 12 to Briedis

Briedis swinging for the fences. Opetaia counters. Opetaia backpedaling and gets caught in the face. A bloodied face. The fight is escalating into a brawl. Opetaia 116, Briedis 112. 

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 11 to Briedis

Briedis unleashing a barrage of punches. Suddenly Opetaia looks in trouble. Things getting bloody, and tense. Some wicked punches landing. And Briedis in charge. Opetaia 107, Briedis 102.

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 10 to Briedis

Briedis showing life again, trying to rough up Opetaia. Opetaia lands a huge left, but he’s bleeding too, and hurt. Dragged to the canvas. Back on his feet. Opetaia 98, Briedis 92. 

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 9 to Briedis

Briedis lands early, the aggressor for the first time of the fight. Eats a jab for it. Bleeding again.  But he gave as good as he got. Opetaia 89, Briedis 82. 

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 8 to Opetaia

Opetaia goes back to the plan: stalk and jab, stalk and jab. Briedis no spectator, throwing punches when the opening is there. Opetaia in command. Opetaia 80, Briedis 72. 

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 7 to Opetaia

Blood’s cleaned up and Briedis shows some vitality. Opetaia still the aggressor and lands a couple of body shots. Felt even, but Opetai still dictating the flow. Opetaia 70, Briedis 63.

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 6 to Opetaia

Opetaia stalking and lands big lefts, bloodying Briedis’ nose. Broken? Blood’s flowing, and Briedis rallies with a flurry. But he’s covered in blood. Opetaia 60, Briedis 54.

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 5 to Opetaia

Briedis a little more active, but not enough. Opetaia lands a couple body shots. Could be weakening Briedis. Opetaia 50, Briedis 45.

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 4 to Opetaia

Opetaia stalking. Gets Briedis against the ropes and in the corner, makes him pay. And keeps going back to the jab. Opetaia 40, Briedis 36.

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 3 to Opetaia

Opetaia making good use of his jab and showing nice movement. Keeping Briedis at bay and showing good ring generalship. Opetaia 30, Briedis 27.

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 2 to Opetaia

Well, hello there, Mr. Briedis! Lets loose for a flurry punches. Delivers a big one, too. Back comes Opetaia, smothering Briedis in the corner. Both look game now. Opetaia 20, Briedis 18.

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis: Round 1 to Opetaia

Fighters feeling things out. Opetaia throwing a few jabs, and Briedis…waking up from a nap? Opetaia 10, Briedis 9. 

Anthony Cacace beats Joe Cordina by TKO

Anthony Cacace entered the fight as a heavy underdog. He exited as the IBF and IBO super featherweight champion.

Firing a variety of punches with impressive frequency, Cacace landed a flurry early in the eighth round and won by TKO when the referee stopped the fight.

‘I’m in shock’ Cacace said after the fight. ‘Nobody gave me a shot over here.’

Cacace, 31 of Northern Ireland, improved to 22-1. Cordina, 32 of Britain, fell to 17-1.

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace: Cacace wins in Round 8

Cacace lands a flurry of punches to the head, and it’s over! The referee stops the fight. Cacace wins by TKO.

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace: Round 7 to Cacace

No letup from Cacace, who’s got Cordina on the ropes and doing more damage. Cordina still game, but can’t seem to get out of way of Cacace’s punches. Cacace 68, Cordina 64.

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace: Round 6 to Cacace

Cacace stalking. Cordina stands his ground, punches fly. Almost inside fighting, and Cacace now the one who’s punches are landing with more force – to the body, the head, all angles. Pouring it on. Cacace 58, Cordina 55.

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace: Round 5 to Cacace

Boxers whaling away early, before pace slows a bit. Not for long, though. Heavy blows exchanged. Cacace loses his mouthpiece, but not the round. Cacace 48, Cordina 46.

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace: Round 4 to Cordina

Cordina showing some energy, lands a sharp left. From on the ropes in Round 3 to on the attack now. Cacace 38, Cordina 37.

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace: Round 3 to Cacace

Cacae digs in with a couple body shots, coming alive again. Then lands a huge let hook on an apparent break. Draws a warning, no penalty. Cacae pounces, unleashing punches. Down goes Cordina! Floored by a right hand. But back on his feet, and 45 seconds left in the round. He survives, barely. Cacace 29, Cordina 27.

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace: Round 2 to Cacace

Cordina effective with jab, but Cacace delivers a nice combination. Tactical fight, and Cacace goes on the attack. Cordina 19, Cacace 19. 

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace: Round 1 to Cordina

Cordina initiates the action. Cacace responds. Back and forth they go, with an assortment of punches. Cordina landing with more authority. Cordina 10, Cacace 9. 

Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight

Tickets for the Fury-Usyk fight still are available on StubHub, for as little as $133. But here’s guessing one bloke who recently arrived at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabi came without a ticket – or any worry about getting in.

That would be Cristiano Ronaldo.

The soccer superstar settled into a ringside seat next to Anthony Joshua, the two-time heavyweight world champion.

Agit Kabayel def. Frank Sanchez by KO

Kabayel dominated Sanchez before knocking him out in the seventh round of their heavyweight fight.

Kabayel dropped Sanchez twice in that round, both time with body shots, with the fight officially ending at 2:33 of the seventh round. Sanchez appeared to be hampered by a brace on his right knee.

A 31-year-old German, Kabayel improved to 25-0. Sanchez, a 31-year-old Cuban, fell to 24-1.

Daniel Lapin def. Octavio Pudivtr by KO

This light heavyweight bout was scheduled for 10 rounds, and tardy spectators missed out.

Lapin, a southpaw from Ukraine, scored a first-round knockout.

Lapin, 26, improved to 10-0 and Pudivtr, a 36-year-old from Portugal, fell to 9-2.

Isaac Lowe def. Hasibullah Ahmadi by points

Lowe knocked down Ahmadi in eighth round and prevailed by points in their 10-round featherweight bout.

The judge scored it 97-92.

Lowe, a 30-year-old Brit, improved to 25-2-3. Ahmadi, 23 and born in Afghanistan, fell to 16-2.

David Nyika def. Michael Seitz, TKO

In boxing circles, Nyika is known as The Nice Guy. Seitz might beg to differ.

Nyika, the 6-foot-6 New Zealander, handed Seitz his first loss with a TKO in the fourth round of the cruiserweight bout.

Nyika, 28, improved to 12-0. Seitz, 31, fell to 12-1.

Moses Itauma def Ilija Mezencez by TKO

Itauma, a top heavyweight prospect at 19, continued his trajectory with a second-round knockout over Mezencez.

Itauma appeared to score a knockdown late in the first round that the referee ruled a push. But there was no doubt about the powerful punch that floored Mezencez in the second round and led the referee to stop the fight 50 seconds into the round.

Itauma, a Brit, improved to 9-0 with seven knockouts. Mezencev, a 28-year-old German, fell to 25-4.

Mark Chamberlain defeats Joshua Wahab by TKO

Chamberlain made quick work of Joshua Wahab in their light heavyweight bout. He knocked down Wahab in the first round and dropped him again moments later, prompting the referee to stop the fight with 18 seconds left in the round.

Chamberlain, a 25-year-old Brit, improved to 16-0. Wahab, a 26-year-old Nigerian, fell to 23-3.

Robin Safar beats Sergey Kovalev by unanimous decision

Kovalev, the former WBO and IBO light heavyweight champion, lost for the second time in three fights. He was knocked down in the 10th and final round of the cruiserweight fight and at 41 appears to be in decline. His record dropped to 35-5-1.

Safar, a 31-year-old Swede, improved to 16-0. He won handily, with the judges scoring the fight 95-94, 99-90, 97-92.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk undercard 

Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis, for vacant IBF cruiserweight title 
Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace, for Cordina’s IBO super featherweight title 
Frank Sanchez vs. Agit Kabayel, heavyweight 
Moses Itauma vs. Ilija Mezencez, heavyweight 
Mark Chamberlain vs. Joshua Wahab, lightweight 
Sergey Kovalev vs. Robin Sirawn Safar, light heavyweight 
Daniel Lapin vs. Octavio Pudivtr, light heavyweight 
David Nyika vs. Michael Seitz, cruiserweight  
Isaac Lowe vs. Hasibullah Ahmadi, featherweight

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk prediction

Usyk will score a knockdown, but Fury will win the fight by TKO in the 11th round, according to Josh Peter of USA TODAY Sports.

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk odds 

FanDuel: Fury -105, Usyk +110 
DraftKings: Fury -120, Usyk +100 
BetMGM: Fury -125, Usyk +100 

Tyson Fury’s dad head-butts Oleksandr Usyk team member

Tyson Fury’s father head-butted a member of Oleksandr Osyk’s entourage during a media event ahead of the bout, leaving blood streaking down his own face.  

The incident stemmed from a heated altercation after which John Fury appeared to ram his head into another member of the Ukrainian fighter’s entourage.  

‘Sincere apologies to everybody involved,’ he said later. ‘It’s just the way we are. Emotions and tensions are running high. He was a very disrespectful fella. If you come close in a fighting man’s space, you’re gonna cop for something.’

What is Tyson Fury’s record?

Tyson Fury is 34-0-1 with 24 KOs.

What is Oleksandr Usyk’s fight record?

Oleksandr Usyk is 21-0 with 14 KOs.

Is Tyson Fury too thin?

Sure, Fury still is a little flabby, but he weighed in at 262 pounds, the lightest he’s been for a fight since 2019. That’s about 15 fewer pounds that he usually carries into the ring.

Was slimmer and trimmer right choice?

“I don’t know,’’ Lennox Lewis, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, told DAZN during the livestream. “I like him with a little bit of weight on him. I’m always afraid when a guy takes off so much weight that takes off weight off his chin.

“And I’ll be looking at Tyson and I realize that he’s got skinny legs. But he’s got skinny legs and he can move well. But if he gets hit on the chin, how’s that you to affect him? That’s what I’m looking at.”

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No body cam footage of Scheffler’s arrest, Louisville mayor says

The city of Louisville does not have body camera footage from the arrest of the world’s No. 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler, by Louisville Metro Police Det. Bryan Gillis, Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed Saturday morning.

‘The officer did not have body cam footage turned on during the incident,’ Greenberg said. ‘We will release footage that we have … to my knowledge, we have not yet discovered any video of the initial contact between Officer Gillis and Mr. Scheffler.’

Scheffler was arrested and booked into Metro Corrections on Friday morning on charges of second-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic, according to his arrest citation and jail records.

He’s since called the incident a ‘big misunderstanding,’ and returned to the tournament later that day.

Greenberg said he didn’t have certainty on whether Gillis was wearing a body cam at the time of the incident, but added that there was a ‘fixed camera’ across the street during the arrest and footage will be released in the coming days.

The mayor declined to comment further on the case, including on whether there have been discussions about dismissing or reducing charges against Scheffler.

‘Right now, the case is in the hands of our county attorney, and I will let the legal process play out,’ he said.

Sports reporters Alexis Cubit, Ryan Black and Brooks Holton, along with watchdog reporter Josh Wood, contributed. Connor Giffin is an environmental reporter for The Courier Journal and a corps member with Report for America. Reach Connor directly at cgiffin@gannett.com or on X @byconnorgiffin.

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Winner named for NHL’s Selke Trophy as top defensive forward

NHL individual awards are voted on based on regular-season accomplishment, but Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov showed Friday night why he was the winner of the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward.

With the Boston Bruins pressing to tie Game 6, Barkov stuck out his hand to block a shot by David Pastrnak in the dying seconds to give the Panthers a series-clinching 2-1 victory that earned Florida a return trip to the Eastern Conference final.

Barkov was a runaway winner for his second career Selke Trophy, getting 165 first-round votes and 1,817 points. He topped the Carolina Hurricanes’ Jordan Staal (539) and Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews (514) in vote totals announced on Saturday.

Below are the finalists for each regular-season individual award, their achievements this season and the schedule for the announcement of the winners:

When will the NHL awards winners be announced?

There will be an awards show on June 27 in Las Vegas, the two before the NHL draft. The winners for Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, Norris Trophy, Vezina Trophy and Calder Trophy will be announced then.

Other awards will be announced earlier:

May 14: Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award. Winner: New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba

May 15: Masterton Trophy for perseverance. Winner: Arizona Coyotes goalie Connor Ingram. Details and other finalists below

May 18: Selke Trophy for defensive forward. Winner: Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov. Details and other finalists below

May 22: Jack Adams Award for coach

May 28: King Clancy Trophy for humanitarian contribution

May 30: Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship

June 10: Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year

June 13: Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award

Who are the finalists for the Hart Trophy (MVP to his team)?

Finalists (in alphabetical order): Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov, Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon and Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid.

Who votes: Professional Hockey Writers Association

Kucherov: He led the NHL and set a franchise record with 144 points, the second-most points by any player over the past 28 years. He factored in on half of Tampa Bay’s 288 total goals and became one of five players in NHL history to record 100 assists in a season. He’s a finalist for the second time won in 2018-19.

MacKinnon: He ranked second in the NHL and set a franchise record with 140 points. He led the league in even-strength points (92), multi-point games (44) and shots on goal (405) and recorded at least one point in his first 35 home games. He’s a Hart Trophy finalist for the fourth time but has never won.

McDavid: He scored 132 points in 76 games to help the Oilers surge from a 2-9-1 start and make the playoffs after a coaching change. He also hit the 100-assist milestone (before Kucherov). He’s a finalist for the sixth time and won the award three times.

Who are the finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award (most outstanding player)?

Finalists (in alphabetical order): Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov, Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon and Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews

Who votes: Members of the NHL Players’ Association

Note: Kucherov won the award in 2019 and Matthews won it in 2022. MacKinnon is a three-time finalist but has never won. Matthews led the league this season with 69 goals, the most since 1995-96.

Who are the finalists for the Selke Trophy (defensive forward)?

Finalists (in order of vote total): Florida Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov, Carolina Hurricanes’ Jordan Staal and Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews.

Who votes: Professional Hockey Writers Association

Barkov: He took a team-leading 1,100 face-offs and won 57.3% to rank ninth in the NHL. He placed fifth among NHL forwards in plus-minus with a +33 rating. The three-time finalist won the award in 2020-21.

Staal: He led Hurricanes forwards in shorthanded ice time for the NHL’s top penalty-killing unit. He took a team-leading 1,375 face-offs and won 58.1% of them. He previously was a finalist in 2009-10

Matthews: The league’s leading goal scorer ranked second among NHL forwards in takeaways (85), tied for second in blocked shots (93) and was seventh in plus-minus (+31). The first-time finalist is also up for the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship.

Who are the finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship)?

Finalists (in alphabetical order): Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin

Who votes: Professional Hockey Writers Association

Matthews: He led the league with 69 goals and finished sixth with 107 points while recording only 20 penalty minutes, the fewest among the NHL’s top 15 scorers. He’s a three-time finalist.

Pettersson: He had his third consecutive 30-goal season while helping lead the Canucks to the Pacific Division title. He had only 12 penalty minutes. He’s a first-time finalist.

Slavin: He played nearly 1,700 minutes and recorded 37 points while being assessed only eight penalty minutes. He won the award in 2020-21 and finished second in voting the following year.

Who are the finalists for the Jack Adams Award (coach)?

Finalists (in alphabetical order): Winnipeg Jets’ Rick Bowness, Nashville Predators’ Andrew Brunette and Vancouver Canucks’ Rick Tocchet

Who votes: NHL Broadcasters’ Association

Brunette: The first-year Predators coach led Nashville back to the playoffs after an eight-season streak ended in 2022-23. The team had a franchise-record 18-game point streak. He was a runner-up for the award with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22.

Tocchet: In his first full season as Canucks coach, he led Vancouver back to the playoffs and to the Pacific Division title with 50 wins and 109 points. The Canucks jumped from 22nd to sixth in points. Tocchet is a first-time finalist.

Who are the finalists for the Masterton Trophy (perseverance)?

Finalists (in alphabetical order): Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen, Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram and Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington.

Who votes: Professional Hockey Writers Association. Each chapter nominates a player then the entire membership votes on the nominees.

Andersen: He missed 49 games with a blood-clotting issue. After returning in March, he went 9-1-0 with a 1.30 goals-against average, .951 save percentage and three shutouts to help the Hurricanes finish third in the NHL overall standings.  

Ingram: He nearly retired because of undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and lingering depression before he sought help through the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program in 2021. He was claimed by the Arizona Coyotes in 2022 and this season had 23 wins and tied for the league lead with six shutouts.

Kylington: He returned to the Flames in late January after missing more than a year and a half because of mental-health reasons. He skated in 33 games and had eight points while averaging more than 17 minutes of ice time a game.

Who are the finalists for the Norris Trophy (defenseman)?

Finalists (in alphabetical order): Vancouver Canucks’ Quinn Hughes, Nashville Predators’ Roman Josi and Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar.

Who votes: Professional Hockey Writers Association

Hughes: He led all defensemen with 75 assists and 92 points – breaking his franchise records for a defenseman – as the Canucks won their first playoff berth since 2019‑20 and first division title since 2012-13. The first-time finalist was named Canucks captain this season. His younger brother Luke is a finalist for rookie of the year.

Josi: He led defensemen in goals (23), power-play goals (nine) and shots on goal (268) and finished third with 85 points. His goals were the most in NHL history by a defenseman 33 and older. He had 24 points during the Predators’ 18-game point streak that pushed Nashville into a playoff spot. Josi won the award in 2019-20 and finished second in 2021-22.

Makar: He had 21 goals, 69 assists and 90 points to top defensemen with 1.17 points per game – the third-highest average by a defenseman over the past 30 seasons (minimum: 50 games). Makar set single-season franchise records for assists and points by a defenseman and led NHL defensemen in power-play points (39). He’s a finalist for the fourth time in his five seasons and won in 2021-22. 

Who are the finalists for the Calder Trophy (rookie)?

Finalists (in alphabetical order): Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber and New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes.

Who votes: Professional Hockey Writers Association

Bedard: He led or tied for first among rookies in goals (22), assists (39) and points (61) despite missing 14 games with a broken jaw. He also led rookies in shots on goal (206) and takeaways (47). He was first on the Blackhawks in assists and points and tied for first in goals. He had a five-point game on March 12 against Anaheim and scored a lacrosse-style ‘Michigan’ goal on Dec. 23 against St. Louis.

Faber: He had eight goals, 39 assists and 47 points. He tied for first among rookie in assists and led rookies in average ice time (24:58) and blocked shots (150). He broke the Wild’s previous record for points by a rookie defenseman (Filip Kuba, 30 in 2000-01).

Hughes: He finished with nine goals, 38 assists and 47 points. He led all rookies with 21 power-play assists and 25 power-play points.

Who are the finalists for the Vezina Trophy (goaltender)?

Finalists (in alphabetical order): Florida Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky, Vancouver Canucks’ Thatcher Demko and Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck.

Who votes: General managers

Bobrovsky (36-17-4, 2.37 goals-against average, .915 save percentage, six shutouts): He helped the Panthers finish with 110 points, second-most in franchise history. He had a 14-1-1 stretch from Dec. 23 to Feb. 20 as Florida rose from third place to first. Bobrovsky won the award in 2013 and 2017 while with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Demko (35-14-2, 2.45 goals-against average, .918 save percentage, five shutouts): He set career bests in wins, goals-against average, save percentage and shutouts in just 51 starts as the Canucks won their first division title since 2012-13. He went 18-2-1 from Dec. 8 – Feb. 15. The first-time finalist missed five weeks down the stretch with a knee injury.

Hellebuyck (37-19-4, 2.39 goals-against average, .921 save percentage, five shutouts): He won the Jennings Trophy as the goaltender on the team allowing the fewest regular-season goals. Hellebuyck yielded three or fewer goals in 50 of his 60 appearances, including a pair of 10-game streaks with two or fewer goals against. He won the award in 2020 and was a finalist two other times, including last season.

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Oilers force Game 7 with rout of Canucks

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard both had a goal and two assists to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 5-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, sending their Western Conference semifinal series to a winner-take-all Game 7.

Dylan Holloway, Zach Hyman and Evander Kane also scored for the Oilers, while Connor McDavid had three assists. Goaltender Stuart Skinner, handed back the net after watching the past two games, needed to make only 14 saves to record the win.

Leon Draisaitl posted two assists to run his point-scoring streak to 11 games. He became the third player in history to record 100 career playoff points in 60 or fewer games, joining Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.

Game 7 will be Monday in Vancouver, with the winner advancing to the Western Conference final to face the Dallas Stars.

Nils Hoglander scored and goalie Arturs Silovs stopped 22 shots for the Canucks.

Neither team has won consecutive games in the series, with the Oilers winning the even-numbered clashes.

With the score tied 1-1, Hyman’s 10th goal of the playoffs at 7:14 of the second period sent the Oilers off and running. Hyman’s shot from the slot bounced off a defender and went over Silovs.

Bouchard made it a 3-1 game when he unloaded a point shot for his fifth goal of the playoffs.

Nugent-Hopkins scored his third goal of the playoffs at 3:25 of the third. McDavid raced around a defender before sliding a pass to the front of the net for Nugent-Hopkins.

Kane rounded out the scoring with a screened-shot goal, his fourth of the playoffs, after a Draisaitl faceoff win with 6:56 remaining.

The clubs traded first-period goals, with Holloway opening the scoring at 8:18. He split the defensemen before tucking home his third goal of the playoffs.

Hoglander tied the game just past the midway point of the period when he cashed in his own rebound for his first goal of the playoffs.

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Messi has quiet return, but Inter Miami wins late vs. D.C. United

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As Lionel Messi soars up the Inter Miami record books, it might be only natural for Leo Campana to look over his shoulder.

Campana has one more night to rest easy, knowing he’s still Inter Miami’s active leading scorer.

Campana came off the bench and quickly scored a goal within seconds of running onto the field in the 93rd minute, leading Inter Miami to a 1-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday night at Chase Stadium.

It’s not a populated list since Inter Miami began play in 2020. Campana has 26 goals in his career with Inter Miami since 2022, and remains in second place on the franchise’s all-time list.

Messi is third on the list with 23 goals since last July, while retired Argentine standout Gonzalo Higuaín is the franchise leader with 29 goals.

Messi returned from a blow to his left leg last Saturday vs. D.C. United, and played the distance in a relatively quiet night. He missed three free kick opportunities, despite appearing healthy and dribbling between defenders to excite fans in attendance.  

If Campana’s quick score weren’t quirky enough, just consider his reduced role with the club and the substitution situation that allowed him to enter the match.  

D.C. United’s Martin Rodriguez was hit in the face by a ball kicked from Inter Miami’s Matias Rojas, and appeared to stumble afterward. The main referee signaled for a stoppage in play with concern Rodriguez may have been concussed.

Rodriguez was evaluated and taken off the field, able to walk on his own power in the 91st minute, and allowed both teams to make a concussion substitution in the match.

Since Luis Suárez arrived and shined brightly with an MLS-leading 11 goals scored, Campana has understandably been restricted to the bench.

So, you can understand Campana’s excitement when he reached to take his jersey off and celebrate shirtless after the score.

“No, actually it was a game where we didn’t think about it,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said of Campana. “There were only 7 minutes left, and those are the changes you make to see if, well, if this happens, what will happen? This happened today.”

Inter Miami remains in first place in the MLS Eastern Conference with the victory, and returns to action next Saturday in Vancouver — Messi’s second match in Canada in May.  

Leo Campana goal in extra time: Inter Miami 1, D.C. United 0

Leo Campana ran onto the field and immediately scored to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead in the 94th minute.

Campana received a touch from Sergio Busquets, and found the back of the net. He immediately took his jersey off in celebration, likely minutes after he put his jersey on.

Messi lines up for another free kick to no avail: Inter Miami 0, D.C. United 0

Messi’s free kick was punched away by the D.C. United goalie Alex Bono in the 84th minute.

We remain scoreless as the final minutes of the match approach.

Messi misses shot over crossbar: Inter Miami 0, D.C. United 0

Messi’s best shot of the night, a left boot in rhythm and around 25 feet from the net, soared over the crossbar in the 71st minute.

It was Inter Miami’s best attempt on goal on the night as we head into the final 20 minutes.

Jared Stroud misses chip shot after corner kick: Inter Miami 0, D.C. United 0

D.C. United’s best chance of the night was a chip shot by Jared Stroud, that was just wide left of the net, following a corner kick in the 52nd minute.

Inter Miami is lucky after the sequence, and their attention to the MLS co-leader in scoring Christian Benteke nearly cost them.

Messi’s misses second free kick: Inter Miami 0, D.C. United 0

Messi lined up from about 27 feet from the net, and his second free kick of the game was kicked into the wall of United defenders.

Messi and the referee got into a conversation about Messi’s placement of the ball for the kick. But to no avail.

Luis Suárez, ever the instigator, was pushed from behind to set up the sequence for the second free kick.

Messi misses free kick: Inter Miami 0, D.C. United 0

Messi lined up in the pouring rain for a free kick in the 22nd minute, but his kick was met by a wall of D.C. United defenders.

Luis Suárez was tripped, granting the free kick to Inter Miami.

Quiet start for Messi in first 15 minutes: Inter Miami 0, D.C. United 0

Messi had a few touches, but nothing in striking distance. D.C. United, like many opponents, have crowded the field defensively to make it difficult for Inter Miami.

Inter Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi had an early shot that hit the outside of the net after a sliding kick attempt. Sergio Busquets also had a stellar pass that was out of Luis Suárez’s range.

The rain has started to fall again in the 15th minute, and some fans have made a run for cover.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. D.C. United live stream

The match will be streamed via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Messi promoted a free month on MLS Season Pass on his Instagram story earlier Saturday. 

TICKETS: Experience Messi and Inter Miami in person at home against DC United

SHOP: Get the latest Messi and Inter Miami team gear from the MLS Store

Can Messi get back on track?

Messi hopes to get back on track after his eight-game streak with a goal and assist ended in Montreal. Messi ranks second in MLS with 10 goals and first with 12 assists for first-place Inter Miami.

Messi has four matches remaining in the next two weeks with Inter Miami before joining Argentina for Copa America next month.

Messi was not listed on the MLS injury report after practicing Friday, despite being injured after a CF Montreal player collided into him in a 3-2 win last Saturday and missing a scoreless draw against Orlando City on Wednesday as a precaution. 

Inter Miami vs. D.C. United prediction

Three of the top four MLS scoring leaders will play in this one. Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez and D.C. United’s Christian Benteke are tied with Real Salt Lake’s Cristian Arango with 11 goals to lead the league. 

Inter Miami 3, DC United 2: Messi, Suárez and Matias Rojas should lead the way for Inter Miami despite two goals from Benteke to take the league lead in scoring as consolidation. –Safid Deen, Lionel Messi reporter 

Inter Miami’s upcoming schedule 

Inter Miami will return to action after a week off, but have a Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday slate before Copa America. 

∎May 25: Inter Miami at Vancouver, 10:30 p.m. ET

∎May 29: Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m. ET

∎June 1: Inter Miami vs. St. Louis City, 7:30 p.m. ET

Argentina’s upcoming schedule 

Messi will join Argentina next month for two exhibitions before Copa America begins on June 20. Here are the next five Argentina matches. 

∎June 9: Argentina vs. Ecuador in Chicago

∎June 14: Argentina vs. Guatemala in Landover, Maryland.

Argentina’s Copa America group play schedule 

Argentina is in Group A with Canada, Chile and Peru for Copa America.

∎June 20: Argentina vs. Canada in Atlanta

∎June 25: Argentina vs. Chile in New Jersey

∎June 29: Argentina bs. Peru in Miami

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