Getting into the New York City Marathon is no easy feat. This year, the odds of being selected through the lottery are roughly equivalent to being accepted into Harvard University – a mere 3%! That's a tough race to even get to run.
Messi Fined for On-Field Incident
In other sports news, Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami star, found himself in hot water with Major League Soccer. After a recent game against New York City FC, Messi was caught on camera grabbing the neck of NYC FC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy. While Messi provided two assists in the match, his actions led to a fine from the MLS disciplinary committee.
MLS stated that Messi violated the league’s "Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy." The amount of the fine was not disclosed. It just goes to show that even the greatest players aren't immune to on-field altercations and subsequent disciplinary action.
Garcia Returns to the Ring in Times Square
Boxing fans have something to look forward to! Ryan Garcia is set to headline a Saudi-backed boxing card in the heart of New York City's Times Square on May 2nd. Garcia will face Rolando Romero in his return to the ring after a year-long suspension.
The event is backed by Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, highlighting Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the world of boxing. The card also features fights involving Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez. Garcia is eager to rebuild his reputation after his controversial bout with Devin Haney last May, and a victory over Romero could set up a rematch later this year.
From the grueling lottery of the NYC Marathon to Messi's on-field antics and Garcia's comeback fight, the world of sports continues to deliver drama and excitement.