Sohan, a six-year-old football prodigy from Panchani village in Matlab North of Chandpur, has been granted a scholarship at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), where he will receive advanced training. The young talent, widely known as the “Little Messi” on social media for his exceptional ball control, met the government’s Interim Adviser for Youth and Sports, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, in Dhaka on Tuesday (18 November).

During the meeting, Sohan shared his dream of becoming a professional footballer and discussed his future plans. Following the discussion, the Sports Adviser wrote on his official Facebook page that Sohan’s abilities and determination at such a young age were remarkable, confirming that arrangements for his BKSP scholarship had already been completed. Sohan was also presented with a football.

Earlier on 10 November, the Sports Adviser publicly announced the scholarship, sparking nationwide interest. Prior to that, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had taken responsibility for ensuring Sohan’s education and training environment after the child’s viral football videos drew widespread attention.

Sohan is now preparing for his move to BKSP, supported by his family, local administration, and political leaders.

Sohan’s father, Md. Sohel, said, “This opportunity at BKSP could transform my son’s future. We are grateful to everyone who stood by him.”

Mahmuda Kulsum Monir, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Matlab North, remarked, “Sohan is the pride of our region. His football skills at such a young age are truly extraordinary. The administration will continue supporting him.”

Lionel Messi has signed a new three-year contract with Inter Miami, keeping him at the Major League Soccer (MLS) club until the end of the 2028 season. The 38-year-old Argentine star’s new deal could be his final professional contract, according to The Athletic.

The agreement was officially completed last Thursday, following weeks of negotiations between the two sides. The first public hint came on October 21, when Messi and co-owner David Beckham appeared together at the under-construction Miami Freedom Park Stadium for a promotional video shoot.

Club officials confirmed that final paperwork was sent to MLS authorities the night before the announcement. The deal ensures Messi’s presence in the league until just months before his 42nd birthday.

Since Messi’s arrival in 2023, Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled—from $585 million to over $1.2 billion, according to Forbes. His impact has transformed the club into a global brand, with ticket sales, sponsorships, and naming rights all soaring.

Sources suggest the new deal could also include a pathway for Messi to acquire a minor ownership stake in the club. Co-owner Jorge Mas described the extension as “the beginning of another great chapter,” adding that Messi’s influence extends far beyond the pitch.

As part of his long-term commitment to American football, Messi plans to launch the “Messi Cup”, a youth tournament set to be held this December at Chase Stadium. The event will feature under-16 teams from top clubs including Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, River Plate, and Newell’s Old Boys.

In a recent interview with NBC, Messi said he still hopes to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but is also preparing for a lasting role within MLS—similar to Beckham’s post-retirement involvement.

The video shoot announcing his new deal was attended by Beckham, Jorge and Jose Mas, and Messi’s family, symbolizing the deep partnership now uniting the Argentine icon and Inter Miami’s future.

BNP’s Central Sports Affairs Secretary and Convener of Dhaka North unit, Aminul Haque, has said that the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, views sports as a vital instrument for bringing qualitative change in politics as well as in society and the state.

Speaking on Thursday (October 16) afternoon at Joynagar village in Jagannathpur Union of Sunamganj, Aminul Haque made the remarks while visiting two young football talents, Mozammel and Yasmin. He handed over football kits, boots, and a financial donation on behalf of Tarique Rahman.

Aminul Haque said that since the mass uprising of students and citizens on August 5, the BNP has been engaging youth across the country through various sporting initiatives to build a drug-free and healthy generation. The party has already organized tournaments such as the Zia Football Tournament, Zia Cricket Tournament, and Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Football Tournament to inspire young athletes.

He announced that the BNP would take full responsibility for Mozammel and Yasmin’s education and sporting career, including monthly financial assistance.

The BNP leader also revealed plans to launch a new program called “Notun Kuri Sports,” inspired by the 1980s’ cultural talent show “Notun Kuri.” If BNP returns to power, a nationwide talent hunt will be conducted to identify and nurture promising young athletes.

Among others present were UK BNP General Secretary Qaiser M Ahmed, Dhaka North BNP Joint Conveners Mostafizur Rahman Segun, ABMA Razzak, Md Akhtar Hossain, and Gazi Rezaunul Hossain Riaz.