For the second year in a row, Austin Dillon took the checkered flag at Richmond Raceway. This year, there was no controversy.

Dillon won the Cook Out 400 on Aug. 16 to clinch a berth in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The Richard Childress Racing driver led 107 laps and held off Alex Bowman for his sixth career Cup win and his first since winning this same race one year ago.

Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet was clearly the class of the field, especially in the second half of the race, where both the speed and the setup kept him in command over multiple caution-free long runs. First Ryan Blaney then Bowman tried to chase Dillon down in the closing laps, but Dillon was able to cruise to victory by 2.471 seconds.

It was a far cry from the way this race ended last year.

That one involved an overtime shootout and Dillon initiating contact with both Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin to force his way to the front. On the final lap, Dillon hit Logano in the final turn, sending the Team Penske driver crashing into the wall before clipping Hamlin’s rear wheel, causing another crash and taking the Joe Gibbs Racing driver out of contention. While Dillon celebrated that victory, which seemed to lock him into the 2024 playoffs, NASCAR officials launched a review of the finish. Days later, NASCAR stripped Dillon of that playoff berth, deeming he not only violated a section of the rule book but crossed the line of good, hard racing.

Now, with his victory Saturday night, Dillon has a measure of redemption and a chance to compete for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship when the 16-driver, 10-race playoffs begin in two weeks.

“That feels good. I really wanted that one,” Dillon said after taking the checkered flag. “Last year hurt really bad, just going through the whole process. But this one feels so sweet. Man, I love Richmond.”

For Bowman, still winless this season, the runner-up finish was a bit of a glass-half-full, glass-half-empty scenario. His big points day keeps him as the 16th-ranked driver in the standings, above the playoff cutoff line. But a new winner in the regular-season finale next Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway would bump the Hendrick Motorsports driver out of the postseason.

Dillon, who ranked outside of the top 20 entering the Richmond race, was in must-win territory Saturday night. His performance on the Virginia track assured him of a stress-free drive at Daytona next weekend.

NASCAR Richmond results: Cook Out 400

Full results from Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway, with finishing position, starting position, driver, car number and make, laps completed, laps led

(11) Austin Dillon, No. 3 Chevrolet ….. 400 (107)
(9) Alex Bowman, No. 48 Chevrolet ….. 400
(20) Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Ford ….. 400 (39)
(38) Joey Logano, No. 22 Ford ….. 400
(13) Austin Cindric, No. 2 Ford ….. 400 (2)
(30) Kyle Larson, No. 5 Chevrolet ….. 400 (9)
(21) Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Chevrolet ….. 400 (1)
(17) Josh Berry, No. 21 Ford ….. 400
(6) Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Ford ….. 400 (2)
(4) Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Toyota ….. 400
(29) Zane Smith, No. 38 Ford ….. 400
(14) William Byron, No. 24 Chevrolet ….. 400
(19) Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Toyota ….. 400
(27) Shane Van Gisbergen, No. 88 Chevrolet ….. 399
(15) Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Chevrolet ….. 399 (10)
(28) Kyle Busch, No. 8 Chevrolet ….. 399
(10) Michael McDowell, No. 71 Chevrolet ….. 399 (6)
(23) Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Toyota ….. 399
(33) Ross Chastain, No. 1 Chevrolet ….. 399
(16) Ty Dillon, No. 10 Chevrolet ….. 399
(8) Christopher Bell, No. 20 Toyota ….. 399
(3) AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Chevrolet ….. 399
(36) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Chevrolet ….. 399
(24) Cole Custer, No. 41 Ford ….. 399
(31) Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Ford ….. 399
(18) Erik Jones, No. 43 Toyota ….. 398
(22) Noah Gragson, No. 4 Ford ….. 398
(7) Bubba Wallace, No. 23 Toyota ….. 398 (123)
(32) Corey Heim, No. 67 Toyota ….. 398
(12) Chris Buescher, No. 17 Ford ….. 398
(26) Riley Herbst, No. 35 Toyota ….. 398
(37) Cody Ware, No. 51 Ford ….. 397
(35) Jesse Love, No. 33 Chevrolet ….. 396
(2) Tyler Reddick, No. 45 Toyota ….. 396 (41)
(1) Ryan Preece, No. 60 Ford ….. 396 (60)
(34) John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Toyota ….. 389
(25) Justin Haley, No. 7 Chevrolet ….. 198
(5) Chase Elliott, No. 9 Chevrolet ….. 197

What time does the NASCAR Cup race at Richmond start?

The Cook Out 400 is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia.

What TV channel is the NASCAR Cup race at Richmond?

The Cook Out 400 will be broadcast on USA Network. Pre-race coverage will start at 7 p.m. ET.

Will there be a live stream of the NASCAR Cup race at Richmond?

Yes, the Cook Out 400 can be streamed on HBO Max, Sling TV and Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Watch the NASCAR Cup race at Richmond on Fubo

How many laps is the NASCAR Cup race at Richmond?

The Cook Out 400 is 400 laps around the 0.75-mile track for a total of 300 miles. The race will have three segments (laps per stage) — Stage 1: 70 laps; Stage 2: 160 laps; Stage 3: 170 laps.

Who won the NASCAR Cup race at Richmond last year?

In one of the more controversial finishes in 2024, Austin Dillon won the Cook Out 400 in overtime last year. The race of attrition turned into a two-lap shootout in overtime to decide the winner. On the final lap, Dillon turned Joey Logano in the final turn before clipping Hamlin’s rear wheel and taking him out of contention. He kept the win but NASCAR denied his playoff berth from it days later due to his actions.

What is the lineup for the Cook Out 400 at Richmond?

(Car number in parentheses)

(60) Ryan Preece, Ford
(45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota
(16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
(11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota
(9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet
(6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
(23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
(20) Christopher Bell, Toyota
(48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet
(71) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet
(3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
(17) Chris Buescher, Ford
(2) Austin Cindric, Ford
(24) William Byron, Chevrolet
(77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet
(10) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet
(21) Josh Berry, Ford
(43) Erik Jones, Toyota
(19) Chase Briscoe, Toyota
(12) Ryan Blaney, Ford
(99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
(4) Noah Gragson, Ford
(54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
(41) Cole Custer, Ford
(7) Justin Haley, Chevrolet
(35) Riley Herbst, Toyota
(88) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
(8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
(38) Zane Smith, Ford
(5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
(34) Todd Gilliland, Ford
(67) Corey Heim, Toyota
(1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet
(42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota
(33) Jesse Love, Chevrolet
(47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet
(51) Cody Ware, Ford
(22) Joey Logano, Ford

It’s not every day that a franchise legend’s son makes his first NFL catch.

The San Francisco 49ers traveled to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders today in their second preseason game. During the third quarter, wide receiver Terique Owens – son of Hall of Fame wideout Terrell Owens – hauled in a pass from quarterback Mac Jones for 17 yards.

That marks the first catch for Owens in his second preseason with the 49ers.

San Francisco signed Owens as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. He was put on injured reserve prior to the 2024 season before the team signed him to the practice squad for the season.

The 49ers kept him on the roster this offseason amid injuries to multiple starters. Ricky Pearsall’s worked his way back from a minor hamstring injury but Brandon Aiyuk will likely be out for multiple weeks as he works back from a major knee injury last season.

Veteran Demarcus Robinson is facing a possible suspension at the start of the season and Jauan Jennings is seeking a new contract.

Owens’ father Terrell had 592 catches for 8,572 yards and 81 touchdowns over eight years with the 49ers from 1996 to 2003. He’s got a ways to go to catch up with his Hall of Fame dad but today marks a start.

49ers WR depth chart

Amid these injuries and potential suspensions, the 49ers have a crowded wide receiver room. Here’s how the depth chart looks ahead of their preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers:

Ricky Pearsall
Jauan Jennings
Jacob Cowing
Demarcus Robinson
Jordan Watkins
Russell Gage Jr.
Terique Owens
Junior Bergen
Isaiah Hodgins
Robbie Chosen

The past 15 years have been a transformative time for the college football postseason. A sport that had a single championship game between two teams as recently as 12 years ago now has a 12-team playoff that appears destined to expand in the coming years.

If the Big Ten has its way, the group of teams competing for a national championship would be quite large — to put it mildly.

The league, one of the two most powerful and influential conferences in college athletics, has floated the idea of a 24- or 28-team playoff, according to a report on Saturday, Aug. 16 from ESPN. NBC Sports, which confirmed the Big Ten’s potential plan, reported that it would be a 28-team event.

The idea, according to both outlets, is in the “very early stages.” Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti ran the idea by the conference earlier this week and it has started to be shared by others, according to ESPN.

Big Ten’s College Football Playoff proposal

Under the proposal, conference championship games would be scrapped, and there would be a sizable chunk of automatic bids awarded to each of the Power Four conferences. In a 28-team model, according to ESPN, the Big Ten and SEC would each receive seven bids to the playoff, while the ACC and Big 12 would each get five. That would leave two spots for the non-power conferences, plus two at-large selections. The field would be seeded by the College Football Playoff committee, which would also be tasked with picking the at-large inclusions.

In that format, there would be 20 on-campus games. In the inaugural 12-team playoff last year, there were four on-campus games in the first round, a popular feature for fans across the country who enjoyed seeing postseason games inside storied venues at the home campuses of Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas and Penn State.

Big Ten College Football Playoff reactions

Playoff expansion proposals are generally poorly received from fans who often enjoy things the way they are, but even by that standard, the Big Ten’s idea was incredibly unpopular. Shortly after ESPN and NBC’s reports, fans and media members flooded social media to pan the suggestion:

A primary argument against a 24- or 28-team playoff would be the diminished importance of the regular season, with teams able to lose as many as four or five games and still be alive in the hunt for a national championship. Based on conference standings from the 2024 season, a 28-team playoff would have included 8-5 Iowa, 9-4 LSU, 9-4 Alabama, 8-5 Baylor, 9-4 Colorado and 9-4 Louisville.

As recently as 1997, college football had no postseason beyond bowl games, with human polls determining the national champions. The 2014 season marked the arrival of the first College Football Playoff, a four-team tournament that replaced the widely panned Bowl Championship Series.

After 10 years of the playoff being a four-team event, it tripled to 12 teams last season, with Ohio State, the playoff’s No. 8 seed, winning the national title.

Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart played one quarter against the Jets in his second preseason game.
Dart’s performance improved from his preseason debut against the Bills.

Another week and another game of action for New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

The first-round pick got a full quarter of work in against the New York Jets Saturday night at MetLife Stadium. He got his first taste of NFL action against the Buffalo Bills in the Giants’ preseason opener Aug. 9.

New York traded up into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select Dart. His first live snaps as an NFL quarterback were promising against the Bills; New York scored points on three of the four drives he led with a touchdown and two field goals.

Dart ended up 12 of 19 passing for 154 yards and a touchdown in the Giants’ 34-25 win.

Giants starter Russell Wilson played the first four drives of the game, the final culminating in an interception to Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers. At the 5:56 mark of the second quarter, Dart came in for Wilson. Here’s how fared:

Jaxson Dart stats today

Dart played better statistically against the Jets than he did a week prior against the Bills. The Giants scored two touchdowns over his three drives before Jameis Winston entered the game with 3:04 left in the third quarter.

Here’s how the box score looked for Dart:

Completions/Attempts: 14/16
Passing yards: 137
Passing touchdowns: 1
Interceptions: 0
Fumbles (lost): 0
Rushing yards: 5
Rushing touchdowns: 1
Sacks: 1 (no yards lost)

Dart connected with tight end Greg Dulcich for his first touchdown of the night.

He called his own number for his second touchdown with a quarterback sneak on second-and-goal.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Lionel Messi’s right hamstring may not be 100%. But he’s still able to deliver highlight moments and give the impression he’s fully healthy.

Messi made his injury return, scoring a game-deciding goal in the 84th minute, Jordi Alba (43’) and Luis Suarez (89’) also scored goals, and Inter Miami beat the defending MLS Cup champion L.A. Galaxy 3-1 at Chase Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 16.

It appeared to be a laborious return to action for the Argentine World Cup champion, playing in his first match since suffering a right hamstring injury on Aug. 2.

Despite his highlight goal and a stellar heel assist to Suarez to cap his return, there were several instances where Messi was seen bent over, trying to stretch his hamstring during stoppages in play.

Messi waited by the closest part of the pitch near the locker room area and walked immediately inside the stadium corridor when the match concluded.

“He clearly wasn’t 100% comfortable,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi after the match. “Now, the reality is that as the minutes went by, he loosened up a little bit more. We’ll have to see how he ended up in terms of fatigue.”

The Galaxy match served as a barometer for Messi’s health before Inter Miami plays in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals against Tigres UANL, set for 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 20. Inter Miami’s next match in the MLS regular season is Aug. 23 on the road against D.C. United.

Messi entered Saturday’s match at halftime, walking onto the pitch and adjusting the captain’s armband around his left bicep as the second half began. He already caused a ruckus in the stadium, warming up before the first half ended.

Within two minutes, Messi fired his first shot in the 46th minute, which soared over the net. Ten minutes later, Messi sent a shot that was much closer to the net, barely above it.

Joseph Paintsil tied the match, 1-1, for the Galaxy in the 59th minute, setting the stage for Messi to decide the game in the final 10 minutes.

Messi finished the match, jogging close to full speed before providing a shifty finish around a defender to help Inter Miami secure the victory.

Messi became the second-fastest player in MLS history to reach 40 career goals, doing so in 44 league matches. Josef Martínez, the 2018 MLS MVP with Atlanta United who played alongside Messi on Inter Miami in 2023, did so in 42 matches.

“At the end of the day, he’s been out for two weeks with an injury. It was something very, very minor, and the three training sessions we had were good,” Mascherano said of Messi. “And I’ll say it again, the important thing is that he finished the game. I saw him get better as the minutes went by, but in the end, we’ll have to see how he is (Sunday), how he feels when he wakes up, and take it day by day.”

Messi’s injury caused him to miss two matches: Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a 3-1 win against Pumas on Aug. 6, then lost 4-1 to Orlando City in a regular-season match on Aug. 10. 

Mascherano said Messi wanted to play on the road in Orlando, but it was “impossible.”

Messi’s health will continue to be the focus for Inter Miami in the next week.

“You have understand why Leo is Leo, because he always wants to be on the pitch. He’s happy there,” Mascherano said. “Sometimes we try to explain to him to go slowly, but in the end when he feels good, he knows himself like no one (else). We tried to give him some minutes to start to find a good feeling for the next games.”

Watch MLS games all season long on Apple TV

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy highlights

Inter Miami 3, LA Galaxy 1: Luis Suarez scores goal

Inter Miami 2, LA Galaxy 1: Messi scores goal in return

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 1: Joseph Paintsil scores goal

Joseph Paintsil has scored for the Galaxy, finishing past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari in the 59th minute.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi fires shot, nearly scores

Messi fired a shot over the net in the 56th minute, barely missing over the net. After the play, Messi and Jordi Alba each exchanged thumbs up to each other for the pass he was unable to finish.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi enters match in second half

When the second half began, Messi walked immediately onto the pitch with the captain’s armband around his left bicep. He was immediately substituted into the match after halftime. It didn’t take him long to fire his first shot, soaring a left boot over the net in the 46th minute.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi begins warming up before halftime

The crowd inside Chase Stadium erupted when Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentine World Cup champions, came off the bench to begin stretching just before halftime. Expect to see them both in the second half, with Messi making his return from injury.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Jordi Alba scores goal

As Lionel Messi came off the bench to begin warming up, two of his former FC Barcelona running mates secured a lead right before halftime. Sergio Busquets found Jordi Alba in space, and Alba provided the finish in the 43rd minute.

Inter Miami starting lineup vs. LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy lineup vs. Inter Miami

Is Messi playing tonight?

Yes, Messi is expected to play. He is a substitute for Inter Miami against the Galaxy.

What time is Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?

The match begins at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina)

How to watch Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?

The match is available to live stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and on Apple TV+.

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy betting odds

Here are the betting odds, according to BETMGM.

Inter Miami: -220
Tie: +380
Away: +475
Over/under: 3.5 goals

Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule

Aug. 20: Inter Miami vs. Tigres UANL (Leagues Cup quarterfinals) 
Aug. 23: D.C. United vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 26 or 27: Leagues Cup semifinals (if applicable)
Aug. 30: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 31: Leagues Cup final and third-place match (if applicable)

The Los Angeles Chargers will be down a wide receiver after today’s preseason game.

Quentin Johnston, the teams’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had to be carted off the field following a hard hit in today’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, per USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon.

Johnston took a shot from Rams safety Tanner Ingle on the play. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert couldn’t connect with Johnston on a deep pass down the right sideline on the play.

Johnston was able to walk to the cart under his own power. That was his only target of the game.

Quentin Johnston injury update

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game that Johnston suffered a concussion on the play, via USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon.

Harbaugh added that Johnston was sent to the hospital for further evaluation out as a ‘precaution.’

A timeline for Johnston’s return to the field should clarify in the coming days.

This story will be updated with more information when available.

Football runs in the Jackson family.

After starring for the Los Angeles Raiders in the late 1980s, Bo Jackson remains a legend in team history. Now it’s his grand-nephew that is making plays for silver-and-black.

Shedrick Jackson is getting his chance with the Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason and shining bright thus far. He’s been a fixture at receiver, hauling in three receptions for 28 yards in Week 2 after posting four catches, 76 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.

Jackson signed as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023.

He only played five games with the Bengals in 2023, primarily starring on special teams. After being released by Cincinnati in September, Jackson landed on the Raiders’ practice squad in December.

The receiver will look to secure a roster spot in Sin City and add to the family tree with the Raiders.

He was one more chance to shine as Vegas concludes the preseason against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, Aug. 23.

The 2025 Little League Baseball World Series continued into the weekend as the pressure began to mount in the double-elimination tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

All eight teams that took the field on Saturday had already suffered one loss but four will continue their journey after earning a victory.

Mexico produced a late rally to outscore Puerto Rico 11-5 and move on in the International bracket. Gregorio Madrid produced seven RBIs and scored two runs in a winning effort.

Australia is also moving on after a 5-3 victory over Czechia in the International bracket.

Illinois earned a victory over Pennsylvania in the final game of the evening, advancing in the United States bracket. Massachusetts also advanced in the tournament after a 7-3 victory against Texas.

Little League World Series Day 4 schedule and results

Saturday, Aug. 16

All times Eastern

Game 13 (International): Australia 5, Czechia 3
Game 14 (U.S.): Massachusetts 7, Texas 3,
Game 15 (International): Mexico 11, Puerto Rico 5
Game 16 (U.S.): Illinois 3, Pennsylvania 3

Final: Illinois 3, Pennsylvania 2

Brody Herold and Illinois are moving on. Herold led the way for Illinois, pitching six innings and contributing on offense with a run batted in.

Final: Mexico 11, Puerto Rico 5

Mexico is moving in the International bracket. Mexico’s Gregorio Madrid went 2-for-3 with seven runs batted in and two runs scored.

Illinois takes early lead

Illinois took a 3-0 lead over Pennsylvania in the bottom of the second inning.

Mexico, Puerto Rico tied

Gregorio Madrid hit a grand slam for Mexico in the top of the fifth inning to tie the game with Puerto Rico at 4.

Iker Castaneda adds to the lead with a two-run home run in the inning. Mexico has rallied back to take a 6-4 lead.

Pennsylvania and Illinois set to begin

The United States bracket elimination game is set to begin shortly.

Puerto Rico jumps ahead of Mexico

Puerto Rico scores a pair of runs in the bottom of the third inning to take the lead. Elias Martinez had a chance to make a catch in left field to end the inning, but dropped the ball.

Azariel Alvarado Medina hits a two-run home run during the next at-bat. It’s the first home run for Puerto Rico in the Little League World Series since 2018, according to ESPN’s Eduardo Perez.

Puerto Rico leads Mexico 4-0 at the top of the fourth inning.

Alvarado Medina doesn’t spend much time celebrating after going back onto the mound as the starting pitcher. He’s allowed three hits and a strikeout in three innings as a pitcher. He has walked four batters in the game.

Mexico loads the bases

Mexico appeared to have scored the first run of the game to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the third, but a challenge reversed the call after showing that Puerto Rico’s catcher had tagged the runner before reaching home plate.

Puerto Rico produced two more quick outs to get out of the inning while leaving three of Mexico’s runners stranded on base.

The game remains scoreless.

Mexico vs. Puerto Rico is underway

The third game of the day, the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico elimination game, has begun.

Final: Massachusetts 7, Texas 2

Sam Trotta went 2-for-2 with two RBIs in the victory for Massachusetts. Caden McCarthy contributed to the offense with a run scored and two RBIs after going 2-for-2 at the plate.

Massachusetts explodes on offense

Massachusetts doesn’t let off the gas in the bottom of the third inning, adding an additional two runs. Massachusetts leads 7-2 against Texas.

Massachusetts piles on the runs

Massachusetts increased their lead to 5-2 against Texas after a strong second inning in the second elimination game on Day 4.

Final: Australia 5, Czechia 3

Australia secured a 5-3 victory over Czechia in the elimination game, ending Czechia’s hopes of advancing in the Little League World Series.

Massachuetts battles back

Massachusetts quickly responded to errors made by Texas, as well as a hit by Sam Trotta that reached the back of the wall. Texas managed to secure an out at home plate to prevent another run. Massachusetts currently leads 3-2 in the elimination game.

Texas claims the early lead

Texas jumps ahead early, scoring two runs in the first inning. Texas leads 2-0 against Massachusetts in the elimination game.

Texas vs. Massachusetts is underway

The second game of the day, Texas vs. Massachusetts, is underway on ESPN, while Czechia vs. Australia has been moved to ESPN2.

Czechia vs. Australia expected to begin at 4:29 p.m. ET

Czechia and Australia will resume their match at 4:29 p.m. ET following a weather delay that interrupted Day 4 action.

Czechia vs. Australia in a weather delay

Despite a sunny Saturday, a lightning strike has forced the game to go into a weather delay.

Australia’s big second inning

Australia loaded the bases with Monica Arcuri at bat. She was then walked, adding another run to the scoreboard for her team. Czechia made a pitching change, bringing in Mikulas Binek, who took some time to warm up and allowed an additional run due to another walk. As a result, Australia leads 5-1 heading into the third inning.

Czechia quickly responds

Czechia capitalized on an error to score a run in the second inning. Australia leads 3-1 as the elimination game enters the bottom of the second inning.

Australia gets on the board

Australia takes an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, scoring three runs in the day’s opening game. Australia leads 3-0 heading into the top of the second inning.

Czechia vs. Australia is underway

The first game of Day 4 is underway as Czechia is looking for their second win ever at the Little League World Series while taking on Australia at Volunteer Stadium.

What time is the Little League World Series today?

The first game on Saturday, Aug. 16 starts at 1 p.m. ET with the final game starting at 7 p.m. ET. All games take place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in either Howard J. Lamade Stadium or Little League Volunteer Stadium.

Little League World Series 2025: TV, time and how to watch

The Little League World Series began Wednesday, Aug. 13 and concludes on Sunday, Aug. 24. Games will be presented across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Viewers can also watch with Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

Times: Coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+ (international games), Fubo

Watch 2025 Little League World Series on Fubo

Little League World Series Day 3 results

Friday, Aug. 15

Game 9 (International): Venezuela 4, Canada 0
Game 10 (U.S.): Nevada (Mountain) 5, Washington (Northwest) 3
Game 11 (International): Aruba (Caribbean) 8, Panama 2
Game 12 (U.S.): Connecticut (Metro) 5, Hawaii (West) 1

Little League World Series Day 2 results

Thursday, Aug. 14

Game 5 (International): Japan 12, Czechia (Europe-Africa) 0
Game 6 (U.S.): South Carolina (Southeast) 13, Massachusetts (New England) 0
Game 7 (International): Chinese Taipei (Asia-Pacific) 3, Mexico 0
Game 8: (U.S.): South Dakota (Midwest) 2, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) 0

Little League World Series Day 1 results

Wednesday, Aug. 13

Game 1 (International): Venezuela 5 (Latin America), Puerto Rico 0
Game 2 (U.S.): Nevada (Mountain) 16, Illinois 1 (Great Lakes)
Game 3 (International): Panama 7, Australia 2
Game 4 (U.S.): Connecticut (Metro), Texas (Southwest) 0

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Lionel Messi’s right hamstring may not be 100%. But he’s still able to deliver highlight moments and give the impression he’s fully healthy.

Messi made his injury return, scoring a game-deciding goal in the 84th minute, Jordi Alba (43’) and Luis Suarez (89’) also scored goals, and Inter Miami beat the defending MLS Cup champion L.A. Galaxy 3-1 at Chase Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 16.

It appeared to be a laborious return to action for the Argentine World Cup champion, playing in his first match since suffering a right hamstring injury on Aug. 2.

Despite his highlight goal and a stellar heel assist to Suarez to cap his return, there were several instances where Messi was seen bent over, trying to stretch his hamstring during stoppages in play.

Messi waited by the closest part of the pitch near the locker room area and walked immediately inside the stadium corridor when the match concluded.

“He clearly wasn’t 100% comfortable,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi after the match. “Now, the reality is that as the minutes went by, he loosened up a little bit more. We’ll have to see how he ended up in terms of fatigue.”

The Galaxy match served as a barometer for Messi’s health before Inter Miami plays in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals against Tigres UANL, set for 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 20. Inter Miami’s next match in the MLS regular season is Aug. 23 on the road against D.C. United.

Messi entered Saturday’s match at halftime, walking onto the pitch and adjusting the captain’s armband around his left bicep as the second half began. He already caused a ruckus in the stadium, warming up before the first half ended.

Within two minutes, Messi fired his first shot in the 46th minute, which soared over the net. Ten minutes later, Messi sent a shot that was much closer to the net, barely above it.

Joseph Paintsil tied the match, 1-1, for the Galaxy in the 59th minute, setting the stage for Messi to decide the game in the final 10 minutes.

Messi finished the match, jogging close to full speed before providing a shifty finish around a defender to help Inter Miami secure the victory.

“At the end of the day, he’s been out for two weeks with an injury. It was something very, very minor, and the three training sessions we had were good,” Mascherano said of Messi. “And I’ll say it again, the important thing is that he finished the game. I saw him get better as the minutes went by, but in the end, we’ll have to see how he is (Sunday), how he feels when he wakes up, and take it day by day.”

Messi’s injury caused him to miss two matches: Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a 3-1 win against Pumas on Aug. 6, then lost 4-1 to Orlando City in a regular-season match on Aug. 10. 

Mascherano said Messi wanted to play on the road in Orlando, but it was “impossible.”

Messi’s health will continue to be the focus for Inter Miami in the next week.

“You have understand why Leo is Leo, because he always wants to be on the pitch. He’s happy there,” Mascherano said. “Sometimes we try to explain to him to go slowly, but in the end when he feels good, he knows himself like no one (else). We tried to give him some minutes to start to find a good feeling for the next games.”

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Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy highlights

Inter Miami 3, LA Galaxy 1: Luis Suarez scores goal

Inter Miami 2, LA Galaxy 1: Messi scores goal in return

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 1: Joseph Paintsil scores goal

Joseph Paintsil has scored for the Galaxy, finishing past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari in the 59th minute.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi fires shot, nearly scores

Messi fired a shot over the net in the 56th minute, barely missing over the net. After the play, Messi and Jordi Alba each exchanged thumbs up to each other for the pass he was unable to finish.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi enters match in second half

When the second half began, Messi walked immediately onto the pitch with the captain’s armband around his left bicep. He was immediately substituted into the match after halftime. It didn’t take him long to fire his first shot, soaring a left boot over the net in the 46th minute.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi begins warming up before halftime

The crowd inside Chase Stadium erupted when Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentine World Cup champions, came off the bench to begin stretching just before halftime. Expect to see them both in the second half, with Messi making his return from injury.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Jordi Alba scores goal

As Lionel Messi came off the bench to begin warming up, two of his former FC Barcelona running mates secured a lead right before halftime. Sergio Busquets found Jordi Alba in space, and Alba provided the finish in the 43rd minute.

Inter Miami starting lineup vs. LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy lineup vs. Inter Miami

Is Messi playing tonight?

Yes, Messi is expected to play. He is a substitute for Inter Miami against the Galaxy.

What time is Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?

The match begins at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina)

How to watch Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?

The match is available to live stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and on Apple TV+.

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy betting odds

Here are the betting odds, according to BETMGM.

Inter Miami: -220
Tie: +380
Away: +475
Over/under: 3.5 goals

Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule

Aug. 20: Inter Miami vs. Tigres UANL (Leagues Cup quarterfinals) 
Aug. 23: D.C. United vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 26 or 27: Leagues Cup semifinals (if applicable)
Aug. 30: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 31: Leagues Cup final and third-place match (if applicable)