In recent football news, the Major League Soccer (MLS) MVP race is heating up as the season approaches its end. Notable players like Christian Benteke have seen a rise in their performance, while Lionel Messi makes a remarkable return, showing why he's counted among the best. Riqui Puig is also making headlines as a strong candidate for the MVP award as voting is set to open in the coming weeks.

In the Premier League, interesting developments are underway as Chris Sutton, a BBC Sport football expert, gears up to compare his weekend match predictions with singer and West Ham fan, James Smith. This friendly challenge adds an entertaining twist to the anticipation of the upcoming fixtures.

A significant announcement in the football world is the initiation of the National League Cup next month. This brand-new competition will feature a mix of 16 teams from the fifth-tier alongside 16 Premier League 2 teams, setting the stage for an exciting tournament that will captivate fans with fresh matchups and potential underdog stories.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Real Madrid player, has recently praised Barcelona's young talent, Lamine Yamal, recognizing him as one of the best of his generation at just 17 years old. Ronaldo's accolades for the wonderkid underline the emergence of new talent in football that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Lastly, controversy surrounds the Premier League with Leicester City's manager Steve Cooper claiming proof of a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) malfunction during their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Cooper's frustration highlights ongoing debates about the use of technology in football and its impact on the game's integrity.