Lionel Messi launches the MESSI CUP, an international U-16 tournament

Football legend Lionel Messi has officially announced the creation of the MESSI CUP, an international Under-16 football tournament that will take place in Miami, USA from December 9th to 14th, 2025.

The inaugural edition of the tournament will bring together some of the world’s most prestigious football academies including Inter Miami, FC Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan, River Plate and Newell’s Old Boys the Argentine club where Messi began his football journey.

Speaking during the announcement, Messi said the tournament aims to promote youth development, sportsmanship and global unity through football.

“This tournament is about giving young players the opportunity to compete, learn and dream big. I started playing at a young age with the same passion they have now and I want to give them a platform to showcase their talent,” said Messi.

The MESSI CUP will be hosted at DRV PNK Stadium, home of Inter Miami CF and will feature six days of exciting matches, skill challenges and mentoring sessions led by professional players and coaches.

According to organizers, the event will not only focus on competition but also on education, discipline and community engagement. Players will attend workshops on leadership, teamwork and personal development.

Inter Miami’s academy director welcomed the initiative, describing it as “a milestone event that will inspire the next generation of stars.”

The MESSI CUP is expected to become an annual event, rotating between different host cities in future editions with plans to expand participation to include more clubs from Africa and Asia in the coming years.

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Raila Odinga to be laid to rest on Sunday at Bondo Home

….Kenya’s veteran opposition leader will lie in state in Kisumu before a final burial at his ancestral home following a State funeral

NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-Kenya’s veteran political leader Raila Odinga is set to be buried on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at his Bondo home, in accordance with his personal wishes.

The decision for the burial location underscores Odinga’s deep connection to his ancestral roots and his lifelong bond with the Bondo community.

Prior to the burial, his body will depart for Kisumu on Saturday, where the public will have an opportunity to pay their final respects.

A viewing in Kisumu will allow citizens from across the region and beyond to honor the legacy of a leader whose influence spanned over four decades.

The arrangements follow a State funeral service scheduled for Friday, during which top government officials, dignitaries, and international guests will attend.

The burial committee confirmed that the funeral program has been meticulously planned to balance both official protocol and the personal wishes of Odinga and his family.

This sequence of events provides Kenyans and well-wishers the chance to mourn collectively, while also respecting the veteran leader’s desire for a private final resting place at Bondo.

Raila Odinga’s burial marks the culmination of a national period of mourning and reflection on his monumental contributions to Kenya’s democratic journey.

The funeral committee, overseeing all arrangements, is co-chaired by DP Moses Kindiki and Oburu Odinga, ensuring coordination between government officials and the family.

Officials emphasized that all necessary security and logistical measures will be in place to facilitate smooth attendance and public participation during both the State funeral and the burial ceremonies.

The passing of Raila Odinga has left a profound impact on Kenya’s political landscape, and these final rites serve as a moment for the nation to honor his lifelong dedication to public service, social justice, and democracy.

As Kenya prepares for the final farewell, emotions run high among citizens who regard Odinga not only as a political figure but also as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring struggle for fairness and inclusion in governance.

Background:

Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most prominent and enduring political figures, with a career spanning over four decades.

He first emerged on the national stage in the 1980s, advocating for democratic reforms during Kenya’s single-party era, often at great personal risk.

Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, following the post-election violence of 2007–2008, playing a crucial role in national reconciliation and governance reforms.

He was also a multiple-time presidential candidate, contesting elections in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, consistently championing electoral transparency, accountability, and social justice.

Throughout his career, he was a vocal advocate for constitutional reform, devolution of power, and the promotion of human rights and civil liberties.

Raila inspired generations of Kenyans to actively engage in democratic processes, and his leadership earned him respect across party lines, even among his fiercest rivals.

His passing marks the loss of a national icon whose vision and ideals shaped Kenya’s journey toward democracy, equity, and social cohesion.

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Raila Odinga’s final walk: The morning before his sudden death at Indian Eye Hospital

……Kenya’s veteran opposition leader was seen taking a peaceful morning stroll at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital just hours before his unexpected passing

On the morning of Wednesday, 15 October 2025, former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was seen taking a gentle walk within the serene surroundings of the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in India.

The hospital, located in the tranquil state of Kerala, had been his place of treatment for the past five days, where he was undergoing specialized care for an eye-related condition.

Witnesses and hospital staff described Raila as calm, cheerful, and in stable condition as he took his morning stroll accompanied by medical attendants.

He reportedly exchanged pleasantries with a few Kenyan well-wishers and members of the hospital staff, expressing optimism about his recovery and even hinting that he looked forward to returning home soon.

However, only a few hours later, the news of his sudden demise sent shockwaves across Kenya and beyond, plunging the nation into deep mourning.

Doctors at Sreedhareeyam were said to have acted swiftly when Odinga collapsed in his private suite, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to revive him.

The hospital management later confirmed that all medical protocols were followed, and an official medical report would be shared with the family and the Kenyan government.

Raila Odinga’s passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics — the loss of a towering figure whose influence spanned over four decades of national leadership and democratic struggle.

For many Kenyans, it is difficult to reconcile the image of Raila taking his final walk that morning — looking healthy and full of life — with the sudden announcement of his death only hours later.

The Sreedhareeyam Eye Hospital, known globally for its traditional Ayurvedic treatments and holistic approach to healing, had become a temporary home for Odinga during his recovery.

Sources close to the family revealed that the veteran leader had responded positively to treatment and had even planned to return to Nairobi by the weekend.

His presence in India had been kept low-profile, with only close associates and family members aware of his stay at the facility, to allow him privacy and rest.

News of his death broke around midday, quickly dominating media headlines across Africa and prompting an outpouring of grief from leaders, citizens, and supporters around the world.

In Nairobi, flags were lowered to half-mast as President William Ruto announced a national period of mourning, describing Raila Odinga as “a hero of democracy and a father of the nation.”

Condolence messages have since poured in from across the political divide, reflecting the deep respect and admiration Raila commanded even among his rivals.

Indian officials also expressed their condolences, noting that Raila Odinga had become a “friend of India” through his engagements with the country’s medical and political institutions over the years.

As arrangements begin for the repatriation of his remains to Kenya, emotions remain high both at home and abroad, as Kenyans come to terms with the loss of a man who dedicated his life to the ideals of freedom, justice, and unity.

Raila Odinga’s final moments, marked by a peaceful walk in the healing gardens of Sreedhareeyam, stand as a poignant reminder of his enduring spirit and calm resilience — a legacy that will live on in the hearts of millions who believed in his vision for Kenya.

Background:

Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most prominent and enduring political figures, with a career spanning over four decades.

He first emerged on the national stage in the 1980s, advocating for democratic reforms during Kenya’s single-party era, often at great personal risk.

He served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, following the post-election violence of 2007–2008, playing a crucial role in national reconciliation and governance reforms.

Odinga was also a multiple-time presidential candidate, contesting elections in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, often championing electoral transparency, accountability, and social justice.

Throughout his career, he was known as a vocal advocate for constitutional reform, devolution of power, and the promotion of human rights and civil liberties.

Raila’s leadership inspired a generation of Kenyans to actively participate in democratic processes, and his commitment to political inclusivity earned him respect across party lines, even among his fiercest rivals.

His passing marks not only the loss of a seasoned politician but also a national icon whose vision and ideals shaped Kenya’s journey toward democracy, equity, and social cohesion.

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Mutharika delegates JB to lead SADC fact-finding mission to Madagascar

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika has appointed former Malawi leader Joyce Banda (JB) to lead a SADC fact-finding mission to Madagascar amid political and security unrest following reports of an attempted coup in the Island nation.

Mutharika is Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The mission aims to engage Madagascar’s government and stakeholders to reduce tensions and promote inclusive dialogue.

Banda, a member of the SADC Panel of Elders, will be joined by Mediation Reference Group members Helen Lwegasila Brahim and Ambassador Joey M. Bimha, along with SADC Secretariat representatives.

In a statement, President Mutharika says the mission will engage Madagascar’s government and stakeholders in easing tensions and promoting inclusive dialogue.

The mission also will investigate the root causes of the current political and security crisis.

Mutharika has urged law enforcement agencies to act with professionalism, impartiality, and restraint, in accordance with international human rights standards.

“SADC reiterates its call for all parties involved in the current crisis to choose the path of restraint, peace, and dialogue. No further Malagasy lives should be lost due to the unrest,” says Mutharika.

For her part, Banda has expressed hope that the mission will help restore peace and stability through inclusive and lasting solutions.

There is political unrest in Madagascar.

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President Ruto suspends all public engagements to mourn Raila Odinga

…..Kenyan leader declares period of mourning as funeral committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kindiki and Oburu Odinga begins preparations

NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-President William Ruto has postponed all his public engagements following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, marking a somber moment in Kenya’s political and national history.

The decision was announced early Wednesday morning from State House, where President Ruto met with senior government officials and members of the Odinga family to discuss national mourning arrangements.

Ruto described Raila Odinga as “a statesman, patriot, and champion of democracy” whose contribution to Kenya’s political transformation will be remembered for generations.

He expressed deep sorrow over Odinga’s passing, calling it a monumental loss not only to the Odinga family but also to the entire nation that has benefited from his decades of public service and political struggle.

The President urged all public servants to suspend non-essential engagements during the mourning period, emphasizing the need for reflection, unity, and respect for Odinga’s enduring legacy.

Ruto noted that Odinga’s lifelong commitment to multiparty democracy and good governance has shaped the modern political landscape of Kenya and inspired many across Africa.

To ensure that the funeral arrangements are handled with dignity and inclusivity, President Ruto announced the establishment of a national funeral committee.

The committee will be co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother and long-time political ally.

Their joint leadership symbolizes the spirit of national unity that Raila Odinga always championed, bridging political divides in moments of grief and remembrance.

Sources within government indicate that the committee will oversee all logistical and ceremonial aspects of the funeral, working closely with the family and county authorities in Siaya, Odinga’s home region.

National flags across all public institutions and foreign missions will fly at half-mast until the day of the funeral, in honor of the late opposition leader.

Ruto also directed that condolence books be placed at key public offices, including Parliament Buildings, the Supreme Court, and major government ministries, to allow citizens to express their sympathy and reflections on Odinga’s legacy.

Kenyans from all walks of life have continued to share tributes, recalling Raila Odinga’s courage during the struggle for democracy and his tireless efforts to unite a nation often divided along ethnic and political lines.

The former Prime Minister’s passing has brought together allies and rivals alike, demonstrating the magnitude of his influence and the respect he commanded even among his fiercest opponents.

As the nation enters a period of mourning, calls for peace, reflection, and unity are echoing across Kenya — a fitting tribute to the man whose political journey embodied resilience, dialogue, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Funeral details are expected to be announced in the coming days, once consultations between the family, the government, and the funeral committee are finalized.

President Ruto concluded his statement by assuring Kenyans that the government will give Raila Odinga a befitting farewell, worthy of his immense contributions to Kenya’s democracy and nationhood.

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Britney Spears Claps Back at Kevin Federline, Sick of His ‘Gaslighting’

Kevin Federline has been making the media rounds to publicize his new tell-all book about life with ex-wife Britney Spears … and she’s already had enough of his BS! KFed joined us on “TMZ Live” Wednesday and we asked him if he thought it was a…

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‘Southern Charm’ Cast’s Biggest Scandals and Controversies

The cast of Southern Charm has been entertaining Bravo fans since 2014, but sometimes, their offscreen scandals and controversies overshadow their onscreen antics.

When Southern Charm premiered, it starred Thomas Ravenel, Shep Rose, Cameran Eubanks, Craig Conover, Whitney Sudler-Smith and Jenna King. During season 1, Thomas met Kathryn Dennis, who is nearly 30 years his junior, and the pair later welcomed two children.

Thomas and Kathryn’s on-off relationship played out on Bravo during seasons 2-4 of Southern Charm. His relationship drama, however, wasn’t the biggest scandal he faced while filming. Thomas was fired from the show ahead of season 6 after a series of sexual assault allegations.

Kathryn, meanwhile, went to jail for 11 days in October 2025 following a DUI arrest and car accident one year prior.

Scroll through to revisit the series’ biggest scandals:

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Family Matters’ Darius McCrary to Be Extradited Over Unpaid Child Support

Family Matters alum Darius McCrary is set to be extradited from California to Michigan after prosecutors accused him of being a flight risk, Us Weekly can exclusively report.

On October 15, the actor, 49, had a hearing in a San Diego, California, courtroom, 10 days after he was picked up by the United States Border Patrol.

“The [prosecutors] argued that [McCrary] is a flight risk,” Anne Barlow, McCrary’s rep, told Us, adding that no bail was set during the hearing.bail was set.

“Darius is still in custody waiting for Michigan to extradite him,” Barlow added.

Family Matters Darius McCrary to be Extradited Over Unpaid Child Support Actor to Fight Charges
Unique Nicole/Getty Images

Barlow added that the actor’s team is “going to continue fighting Oakland County, Michigan, on repeatedly violating McCrary’s due process and rights.”

As Us previously reported, McCrary was picked up on October 5 in San Diego on his way to build homes for the homeless.

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Border patrol agents detained the actor on a warrant issued out of a Michigan courtroom after McCrary missed a court hearing in a criminal case over alleged unpaid child support.

In court documents filed in March 20224, prosecutors accused McCrary of owing over $95,000 in back support.

McCrary’s rep disputed the claims, adding that the actor had been “railroaded” by the Oakland County Court.

Family Matters Darius McCrary to be Extradited Over Unpaid Child Support Actor to Fight Charges
Robin L Marshall/Getty Images

Barlow told Us that McCrary was not properly notified of the court hearing — which he missed and led to the warrant being issued — and that his due process had been violated.

McCrary’s spokesperson told Us that the court did not mail the notice of the hearing on June 24, 2024, to McCrary’s P.O. box and not the residential address he had on file.

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According to the actor’s rep, the son at the center of the case lived with McCrary for the first seven years of his life. Barlow claimed McCrary handled all bills during the time period and continued to support his son over the years.

Barlow said McCrary often gave money or had others give money directly to his son. The rep claimed McCray was not given credit for all the money he provided his son, who is now 18.

The actor’s rep also said McCrary is in the process of hiring a new lawyer to help assist him with the case.

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His previous lawyer told the court that McCrary had a “bonding, caring, fit and loving relationship with his three minor children, including the one involved in this case.”

As Us previously reported, the legal drama started in late 2023, after McCrary was arrested and subsequently released on bond. In July 2024, the prosecutors filed documents claiming McCrary had continued to not pay his child support and asked that his bond be revoked.

A hearing was set for June, which McCrary did not attend. His rep and lawyer claim he did not receive the notice of the hearing until a day after it was scheduled. They said he immediately called the court to fix the situation.

In court documents filed in 2024, McCrary also argued that the child’s birth certificate was not valid and claimed the Michigan court did not have jurisdiction over him. As Us first reported, McCrary is facing four years in jail in the criminal case.

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