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.”

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.

World champions Argentina secured a 1–0 victory over Venezuela in a friendly match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday, despite the absence of Lionel Messi.

Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso scored the only goal in the 31st minute, finishing off a fine build-up play involving Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Venezuelan goalkeeper José Contreras had no chance to stop the well-placed left-footed strike.

Messi, who did not feature in the game, watched from the stands as his teammates dominated from start to finish. Argentina controlled possession throughout, leaving Venezuela with little room to create chances.

Around 15,000 spectators attended the match at the 65,000-capacity stadium, enjoying Argentina’s composed and creative display.

The match marked Argentina’s first game of their Florida tour. They will face Puerto Rico in their second and final friendly next Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale. The match was originally scheduled to take place in Chicago but was moved due to recent U.S. immigration policy changes.