Sports hot news on March 8: Vietnam volleyball's top attacker scores most points for Japanese club

Sports hot news on March 8: Bich Thuy impresses at Okayama Seagulls; Messi earns about 80 million USD/year at Inter Miami...

Bich Thuy shines in Japan

Okayama Seagulls suffered a 0-3 defeat against Victorina Himeji in a Japanese national league match, despite Vietnamese attacker Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy delivering a very impressive performance. The match ended with scores of 14-25, 22-25, and 14-25, reflecting a clear gap in strength between the two teams.

In the first set, Okayama faced significant difficulties against Himeji's dominant play. The home team quickly fell behind and accepted a 14-25 loss. In the second set, Okayama performed better, even leading at times. However, Victorina Himeji accelerated at the right moment to turn the match around and win 25-22. By the third set, the match tilted completely towards Himeji as they established a large lead early and closed the match with a 25-14 victory, thus winning overall 3-0.

Despite the team's defeat, Bich Thuy remained a standout highlight for Okayama. The 2000-born attacker scored 13 points, becoming the team's highest scorer in this match. Notably, she achieved an attack efficiency of up to 65%, demonstrating very effective finishing ability.

Consistent performance in Japan is helping Bich Thuy increasingly affirm her position as Vietnam volleyball's current top attacker.

Messi earns about 80 million USD/year at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi receives total earnings of approximately 70–80 million USD each year while playing for Inter Miami, according to revelations by club co-owner Jorge Mas. This figure is much higher than the guaranteed 20.4 million USD income disclosed by the MLS Players Association, as it includes club equity and commercial agreements.

Besides income from Inter Miami, Messi also benefits from major contracts with adidas and revenue-sharing agreements with Apple, MLS's broadcast partner.

Signing Messi was not a random decision but had been prepared by Inter Miami since 2021; even sponsorship contracts included activation clauses if the club signed a player of Ballon d'Or caliber.

Messi's arrival helped Inter Miami's value rise to 1.45 billion USD, the highest in MLS, while also bringing titles such as the Leagues Cup, Supporters' Shield, and a Club World Cup berth.

Pep Guardiola speaks about coaching ban

Manchester City's coach Pep Guardiola will face a two-match coaching ban after receiving his sixth yellow card this season during the 3-1 win over Newcastle United in the FA Cup. He was penalized after arguing with the referee, claiming Jeremy Doku was fouled but no penalty was given.

According to new regulations in England, a coach receiving 3 yellow cards gets a one-match ban, while 6 yellow cards result in a two-match ban. Guardiola reacted with his familiar sarcasm, saying he will "take a two-match break," and expressed confusion over some referee decisions.

“It's not about whether there's a penalty or not. There are situations with referees that I find very hard to understand. When Jeremy is pulled from behind, everywhere it's a foul, except here. But anyway, that's how it is. I'll be banned for two matches. I'll take a break for the next two matches and the team will continue,” Pep Guardiola stated.

The ban applies only in the Premier League and FA Cup, so he can still coach in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

Malaysia national team may use three new players in match against Vietnam national team

Malaysia is considering calling up three overseas players to strengthen the squad ahead of the match against Vietnam in the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifying round on March 31. The team led by coach Peter Cklamovski currently leads Group F with 15 points, 3 points ahead of Vietnam, and will visit Thiên Trường stadium in the final match on March 31, 2026, aiming to maintain an unbeaten record.

However, Malaysia will be missing 7 players following the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling on March 5, 2026. Therefore, the coaching staff is considering adding new personnel when the team reconvenes after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday.

The three potential call-ups include Richars Chin (Raith Rovers), Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal (Sporting JAX), and defender Sam Bone, a player currently in Ireland. However, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has not confirmed whether Sam Bone meets eligibility criteria for the national team.

After a failed appeal to CAS, the Malaysia national team risks being penalized with a loss in the match against Vietnam national team from June 2025.

Real Madrid "scouting" Tonali

Real Madrid secretly observed Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali during the 1-3 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup. Initially, Real Madrid scouts attended to study Manchester City ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash. However, they also monitored Tonali, who is being targeted by several top clubs.

According to sources, Real Madrid is preparing to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City to sign the Italian midfielder, with a potential price reaching 100 million pounds in the summer of 2026. Newcastle wants to keep the star whose contract runs until 2030 and earns about 150,000 pounds/week. However, Tonali's future could become complicated if the club fails to secure European qualification, while Real Madrid's appeal is considered very strong.

George Russell wins at Australian Grand Prix 2026

George Russell won the Australian Grand Prix 2026, the opening race of F1's new era, after a fierce early-stage battle with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

The two drivers repeatedly swapped lead positions in the first 10 laps, but Ferrari's strategy of not pitting during a virtual safety car period cost Leclerc the chance to fight for victory. Russell then controlled the race and finished ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, while Leclerc placed third, ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

World champion Lando Norris finished fifth after successfully resisting the pursuit of Max Verstappen, who climbed from 20th starting position to sixth.

Oscar Piastri encountered an accident before reaching the starting grid. 18-year-old driver Arvid Lindblad impressed by finishing eighth in his F1 debut. The race marked a strong comeback for Mercedes and continued to raise questions about Ferrari's strategy.