Sports Highlights: From Red Sox Prospects to Messi Mania

This sports news summary covers recent updates, including a Red Sox prospect's injury, Major League Soccer's new season with Lionel Messi, Alpine skiing wins, a controversial soccer ban, and policy changes in baseball grooming. Highlights also include NBA returns, ice hockey rivalry, and a tennis sensation's victories.

The Red Sox are taking a cautious approach with top prospect Roman Anthony, who was sidelined due to elbow soreness after being hit by a pitch. He could return post the spring training opener against Northeastern, said manager Alex Cora.

Major League Soccer's 30th season begins with fans eagerly anticipating another round of Messi mania. The addition of San Diego FC, the league's 30th club, marks a new chapter in MLS history.

In Alpine skiing, Federica Brignone clinched victory in the women's World Cup giant slalom in Italy, while ski star Mikaela Shiffrin returned with a 25th-place finish.