NEWSMAKERS
Messi breaks tie with his fifth Golden Shoe
Lionel Messi received his record fifth Golden Shoe award Tuesday for leading all of Europe’s soccer leagues in scoring last season. Messi’s fifth win breaks the tie he had with Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi scored 34 goals in the Spanish league last season to lead Barcelona to the title. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was the second leading scorer in Europe’s domestic leagues with 32 goals in England. Messi also won the award in 2009-10 (34 goals), 2011-12 (50), 2012-13 (46) and 2016-17 (37). The Argentine forward leads Europe’s top leagues with 14 goals this season. The 31-year-old Messi is Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer. The club credits him with 572 goals in 655 games. The Golden Shoe is awarded by European Sports Media, an association of European sports publications.
Ibrahimovic staying on with MLS’S Galaxy
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has signed a new contract with the L.A. Galaxy that will make him one of the club’s three designated players. Major League Soccer’s designated player rule allows a club to sign up to three players to higher salaries that do not count against the salary cap. Ibrahimovic was named the MLS Newcomer of the Year after scoring 22 goals and adding 10 assists in 27 games this season. He was just the third player in league history to record a 20-goal, 10-assist season. The Galaxy were 9-2-4 in matches where he scored a goal. He was also named to the league’s Best XI team and won the league’s Goal of the Year award. Ibrahimovic joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the third active player to score 500 goals for club and country with a goal against Toronto FC on Sept. 15.
Hosts score upset at Club World Cup
South American champion River Plate from Argentina was upset by Al Ain FC in the Club World Cup Tuesday, losing in a penalty shootout after the semifinal finished 2-2 following extra time in the United Arab Emirates. Uaebased Al Ain’s players converted all five penalty kicks before goalkeeper Khalid Eisa saved Enzo Perez’s fifth shot for River Plate to seal a 5-4 victory in the shootout. Spain’s Real Madrid plays Japan’s Kashima Antlers Wednesday in the other semifinal.
Mauer’s jersey retired by hometown Twins
The Minnesota Twins will retire Joe Mauer’s No. 7 jersey next season, moving swiftly to honour the six-time all-star who retired after a 15-year major-league career. The Twins surprised Mauer with the announcement while he was being celebrated at an all-student assembly at his alma mater Cretin-derham Hall High School on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minn. Mauer will become the eighth former Twins player or manager with a retired number, joining Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek, Kirby Puckett, Bert Blyleven and Tom Kelly. Jackie Robinson has had his No. 42 jersey retired by all major-league teams. Oliva, Hrbek, Blyleven and Kelly entered the gym during the ceremony. Hrbek took the podium and turned to Mauer to reveal the news.
Rangers finalize $30M deal for starter Lynn
Free agent right-hander Lance Lynn has finalized a Us$30-million, three-year contract with the Texas Rangers. The American League team introduced Lynn Tuesday, completing a deal that was reached during the winter meetings and subject to a successful physical. Lynn’s deal includes a $4-million signing bonus, of which $3 million is payable next year and $1 million for 2020. He has salaries of $8 million in 2019, $10 million in 2020 and $8 million in 2021. The right-hander joins a rotation with returning Mike Minor and two veterans coming off Tommy John surgery: Edinson Volquez and Drew Smyly. Lynn has an 82-57 record with a 3.57 ERA in 214 games with St. Louis, Minnesota and the New York Yankees since 2011. He split last season with the Twins and Yankees.