Ramos scores first Monterrey goal and Messi left out

Former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos scored the first goal of his Monterrey career as the Mexican side beat Santos Laguna 4-2 at the Estadio BBVA.

The 38-year-old joined the Liga MX side in February after leaving boyhood club Sevilla at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Ramos, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, headed in a cross from a corner to put his side 2-1 in front.

It was the 120th goal of Ramos' club career, having netted 101 times for Real Madrid, six goals for Paris St-Germain and seven for Sevilla.

Former Spain international Sergio Canales put Monterrey in front again after Laguna equalised, with Mexico's Gerardo Arteaga scoring late in injury time to round off victory.

The win helped Monterrey climb to ninth in the table, 11 points behind league leaders Leon.

Neymar continued his fine form since returning to Brazil as Santos beat Bragantino 2-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Campeonato Paulista.

The 33-year-old rejoined boyhood club Santos in February, 12 years after leaving the club to join Barcelona.

He opened the scoring in the ninth minute, beating Bragantino goalkeeper Cleiton Schwengber at his near post with a free-kick from the edge of the 18-yard box.

The forward has registered three goals and three assists since his move back to the club.

Brazilian striker Joao Schmidt doubled Santos' lead in the second half, to set-up a semi-final fixture against either Corinthians or Palmeiras on the weekend of 8/9th March.

Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo have offered free tickets to disgruntled supporters after Lionel Messi was left out of Inter Miami's side for Sunday's match between the two teams.

The match at the 22,000 capacity Shell Energy Stadium was a sellout in anticipation of the Argentina captain playing in Texas.

Messi was not listed as unavailable on the shared player status report, which is shared by MLS before matches.

However, the forward was rested by manager Javier Mascherano before the side's Concacaf Champions Cup last-16 tie against Cavalier FC.

"Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent," a Dynamo statement said.

"To show our appreciation, fans who attend can claim a complimentary ticket to a future Dynamo match this season".

A brace from Venezuela midfielder Telasco Segovia and goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez helped Miami cruise into a four-goal lead, before a late consolation from Dynamo.