Sports Roundup: Ups and Downs Across the Globe

This week in sports saw a mix of highs and lows, with some athletes and teams excelling while others struggled. In the world of soccer, transfer rumors are heating up, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United eyeing former Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez (Transfer Talk). Meanwhile, Lionel Messi had a decent but not outstanding game in the MLS opener, raising concerns about his impact on the World Cup (ESPN).

In other soccer news, West Ham had an early chance with Axel Disasi's shot, but Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic made a crucial save (BBC Sport). Chelsea, on the other hand, drew with Burnley, with Liam Rosenior pointing out five big problems with the team's performance (BBC Sport).

In tennis, Jessica Pegula won her 10th WTA title, beating Elina Svitolina in straight sets at the Dubai Tennis Championships (BBC Sport). Pegula, who turns 32 on February 24, said she couldn't have asked for a better start to 2026, having reached seven consecutive semi-finals on the Tour.

Let's take a closer look at these stories and more.

Transfer Rumors: Núñez on the Move?
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Al Hilal striker Darwin Núñez. The 24-year-old Uruguayan forward has been in impressive form for Al Hilal, scoring 14 goals in 16 appearances. Núñez previously played for Liverpool, but his time at Anfield was marked by inconsistency. If he does make a move to the Premier League, it will be interesting to see how he fares.

Messi's Struggles: A Cause for Concern?
Lionel Messi had a decent game in the 3-0 defeat to LAFC, but decent isn't what you expect from the Argentine superstar, especially during a World Cup year. Messi's performance was marked by moments of brilliance, but also by periods of frustration and disappointment. With the World Cup just around the corner, Messi's form will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.

Chelsea's Woes: Five Big Problems
Chelsea's draw with Burnley was a disappointing result for the Blues, and Liam Rosenior pointed out five big problems with the team's performance. Rosenior, a former Chelsea player and current TV pundit, said that Chelsea's lack of creativity, defensive vulnerabilities, and poor set-piece defending were just a few of the issues that need to be addressed. With the Premier League title out of reach, Chelsea will be looking to finish the season strongly and build momentum for next season.

Pegula's Triumph: A Birthday Present
Jessica Pegula won her 10th WTA title, beating Elina Svitolina in straight sets at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Pegula, who turns 32 on February 24, said she couldn't have asked for a better start to 2026. The American fourth seed had reached seven consecutive semi-finals on the Tour, and her victory in Dubai was a well-deserved reward for her hard work and dedication.

In conclusion, this week in sports saw a mix of ups and downs, with some athletes and teams excelling while others struggled. From transfer rumors to tennis titles, and from Messi's struggles to Chelsea's woes, there's always something new and exciting happening in the world of sports.