Talk about a comeback! Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to an epic 3-1 victory over Orlando City, securing their spot in the Leagues Cup Final! From a penalty equalizer to a late-game stunner, the GOAT delivered. Who do you think they’ll face for the trophy?
Inter Miami has once again demonstrated their formidable prowess on the pitch, securing a coveted spot in the 2025 Leagues Cup Final. Spearheaded by the incomparable Lionel Messi, the team showcased an electrifying performance against fierce rivals Orlando City, ultimately triumphing with a decisive 3-1 victory that further cements their status as a dominant force in North American soccer. This latest achievement continues a remarkable run, fueling anticipation for another potential trophy in their burgeoning collection.
The critical semi-final clash against Orlando City was not without its early drama, as the Lions initially took the lead just before halftime. Marco Pasalic delivered a stunning strike with his left foot, sending the Orlando supporters into raptures and putting Miami on the back foot. Despite the early setback, the Inter Miami squad maintained their composure, strategizing for a comeback in the second half, keenly aware of the high stakes involved in reaching the championship match.
Miami’s persistence began to pay off late in the game, a turning point occurring in the 75th minute when Orlando’s David Brekalo received a red card, reducing their numbers to ten men. This crucial development swung the momentum firmly in Miami’s favor, leading to a penalty awarded shortly thereafter. Lionel Messi, with his characteristic calm and precision, stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, leveling the score and igniting Miami’s resurgence.
The momentum continued to build, and in the 88th minute, Messi delivered what seemed like the winning goal, orchestrating a brilliant tiki-taka combination with his long-time teammate Jordi Alba inside the box. Miami sealed their victory in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, as Telasco Segovia and Luis Suarez executed another sublime tiki-taka play, ensuring their passage to the final. The team, boasting 59% possession and 14 shots, now awaits the winner between LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders for the final on August 31.
Shifting focus dramatically to a different arena of fortune, a monumental $850 million Powerball jackpot is poised to capture the nation’s attention, with winning numbers set to be drawn this Wednesday. This staggering sum represents an annuity option, payable over three decades, though most winners historically opt for the immediate lump-sum cash prize, which for this Powerball drawing stands at an estimated $383.7 million after taxes. The sheer scale of such a prize understandably ignites dreams of immense wealth and life-altering possibilities for countless hopefuls across the country.
However, the journey for lottery winners often proves far more complex than the initial euphoria suggests. Attorney Andrew Stoltmann, who has represented numerous lottery recipients, highlights a sobering reality: many individuals ultimately lose their entire winnings through poor investments, uncontrolled spending, and demands from opportunistic relatives. He cautions that winning the lottery is not the end of a financial quest, but rather the beginning of an intricate challenge requiring astute management and foresight to truly secure one’s newfound fortune.
The financial implications of winning a jackpot of this magnitude are considerable, extending beyond the initial payout structure. Winners face significant tax liabilities, including an automatic 24% federal withholding tax on the winnings, with an additional 13% due in federal taxes when filing the annual return. This particular jackpot has grown steadily since May 31, 2025, marking 38 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner, a rarity that further amplifies the anticipation surrounding the upcoming drawing.
In an entirely separate but equally critical matter concerning digital interactions, users are increasingly facing choices regarding their personal data and online privacy. Many online platforms, including news publishers, engage certain ad partners who may combine personal information with data from various businesses to facilitate targeted advertising activities. This practice, often referred to as “selling” or “sharing/processing” data for targeted advertising, is governed by evolving privacy laws and user preferences.
To empower users with greater control, mechanisms are being implemented for opting out of such data practices. In specific states, individuals can submit forms or adjust privacy toggles to prevent the sale or sharing/processing of data like names, email addresses, and associated personal information for targeted ads. Users outside these specified regions might find these options inapplicable. Additionally, managing preferences often requires individual adjustments on each site, browser, and device, and choices may need to be renewed after clearing cookies, underscoring the ongoing nature of digital privacy management.
