By Tim Stannard

1) Messi shares mutual respect with Ronaldo

Once again, détente is breaking out across the great galactic Team Messi v Team Ronaldo divide.

A week after CR7 admitted that he quite enjoyed watching his Barcelona nemesis, and had no personal beef with little Leo, the Barca man did his part on Thursday, whilst talking ahead of a friendly with Brazil in Melbourne, Australia. And once again it was all about mutual love and respect for Rocket Ronnie.

"He is a phenomenal player with a lot of quality, who outdoes himself each year,” enthused Messi. "The entire world knows, and that is why he is one of the best of the world. Of course, that is not going to make a blind bit of difference to the fevered fans of both camps. And nor should it. Life is too short.

The other snippet of news is in regards to Messi’s contract with Barca which expires in a year. And it seems positive so far with Messi hinting that the two parties are close…but maybe a little bit more cash and a longer contract would be nicer, according to some Barcelona press reports.

If you are missing your fix of Leo Messi then beIN SPORTS is here with the cure. Catch Argentina’s friendly with Brazil live on Friday at 6AM ET / 3AM PT. The early start will be good for you, West Coast posse.

2) USA face must-win test against T&T

Argentina and Brazil are not the only teams playing. Heck no!

The US of A are in action too on Thursday with the first of two World Cup qualifying matches. Sunday sees a trip to Mexico but first up we have Trinidad and Tobago in Denver, in a clash that could see Bruce Arena’s men in a very sticky spot indeed if three points are not picked up.

Mexico are home to Honduras while beIN SPORTS are delighted to offer up Costa Rica’s home clash with Panama which is a second against third place epic. Coverage begins from 9:30PM ET / 6:30PM PT.

3) Diego Costa told to find exit from Stamford Bridge

Well, Diego Costa is in quite the pickle.

The Chelsea man has admitted that he has been told by Antonio Conte that he is not wanted at Chelsea next season. Big money offers from China have stopped coming in and one possible departure gate, Atletico Madrid, has been closed off due to the Rojiblancos being hit with a transfer ban.

Heck, if matters really end up badly the Spanish striker might end up at Milan. No-one deserves that. Not even Costa. Well. Maybe a little bit.

Tune into the XTRA from 7PM ET / 4PM PT for the latest transfer gossip every night of the week.

4) Teenage dreams for Ostapenko in French final four

It’s semifinal day for the women in the French Open in one of the most open and surprising tournaments in years. A very unfamiliar face will be in action in the form of unseeded Latvian Jelena Ostapenko, the first teenager to reach the final four at Roland Garros in ten years. She will be facing Timea Bacsinszky. And rather incredibly, it is the birthday of both of these players today.
 

The other clash has a more familiar ring with Simona Halep vs Karolina Pliskova that could see a change at the top of the rankings should Pliskova come out on top.

WHAT IS SPORTS BURST?

The life philosophy of Sports Burst is that if you are not upsetting someone, then you are not trying hard enough. SB is a daily trawl and troll through the morning's sports news to bring you fact-nuggets to make you both smile and swear. Hopefully at the same time.