International News: Ahead of historic 6th World Cup, global football icon Messi unveils new burger and suite experience. By Zoila Palma: Global football icon Lionel Messi is set to make history when Argentina opens its FIFA World Cup campaign on June 16, becoming the first player ever to appear in six World Cup tournaments. The Argentine captain enters what is expected to be his final World Cup with an already remarkable international résumé that includes a World Cup title, two Copa América crowns, an Olympic gold medal and eight Ballon d'Or awards. As preparations for the tournament continue, Messi announced a new collaboration with longtime partner Hard Rock International in a post shared with his 506 million Instagram followers. "The experience of every World Cup is different, and this one will be very special for me," Messi wrote. He added, "Before I officially kick off my sixth tournament in just a few days, I'm excited to share something special to me that I've been working on with my friends at @officialhardrock." The project includes the launch of the Messi Legendary Burger, now available at Hard Rock Cafe locations and select Hard Rock Hotels around the world, as well as a limited-time retail collection. Hard Rock has also introduced exclusive Messi Legendary Suite experiences at Hard Rock Hotel New York and Hard Rock Hollywood. Speaking about the accommodations, Messi said, "I already stayed in the suite and let me tell you - I love it." The announcement comes during a notable week for the football star. Forbes recently estimated Messi's net worth at $1.1 billion, while Time included him on its inaugural TIME100 Sports list. Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315. (C) 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.

The Native American Music Experience. May 13, 2026 By Mike Greenblatt In celebration of indigenous music in America, The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music will team up with Hard Rock International (which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida) to present a free concert called "The Native American Music Experience" on June 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pollak Theatre of Monmouth University at 400 Cedar Avenue in West Long Branch. The show kicks off a week of festivities surrounding the new digs of the Center. Performers include Gary Farmer & The Dish'n'Spoon Band, Pura Fe, The Osceola Brothers (pictured), The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band and poet Joy Harjo. "Indigenous music is foundational to the story of American music," said Robert Santelli, founding executive director of the Springsteen Center. "This concert kicks off our relationship with Hard Rock International and reflects our mission to explore the full breadth of American music. Our aim is to ensure that the voices and musical traditions of Indigenous artists are recognized, celebrated and better understood." "On behalf of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Hard Rock International, we are proud to partner with the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music to increase awareness and understanding of Indigenous music," said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International. "Seminole music and Native American music in general plays a major role in the history and culture of America and the world." Tickets for The Native American Music Experience are free, though registration is required at springsteencenter.org.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford announces hotel, convention center expansion. * 13 WREX Newsroom * May 7, 2026 Updated 18 hrs ago ROCKFORD (WREX) - Rockford's Hard Rock Casino has announced new and long-awaited additions coming soon to its property. Casino officials announced Thursday that it will break ground later this year on an expansion project to bring a convention center and more than 200-room hotel. The announcement came at a press conference Thursday morning. The Hard Rock Hotel will include a spa and fitness facility and new food and beverage offerings. Hard Rock adds it will also feature additional rock-and-roll memorabilia from local and international stars, including more guitars from the collection of Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen. The hotel's convention center will have 15,000 square feet of working space along side Hard Rock Live to be available for conventions, business retreats, and other social gatherings. Both will be located adjacent to and will have access to the existing casino. "Our belief is that this region is a destination that can compete at the highest level," said Geno Iafrate, President of Hard Rock Casino Rockford in a statement Thursday. "We're not going anywhere; instead, we're defining and building what's next in expanding our role as the premier entertainment destination in the region." The Hard Rock Casino first opened at its temporary casino on E. State St. in 2021 before opening its current location on Aug. 29, 2024. The Illinois Gaming Board in April that the Hard Rock's casino owners license was renewed through January 2030. Hard Rock Casino Rockford says the construction project will be funded through the City of Rockford's bonding authority, through which the Hard Rock will repay. "Hard Rock Rockford has been an outstanding partner to our community," said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara in a statement Thursday. "Strengthening that partnership and expanding its impact requires continued growth of the Hard Rock campus. We are proud to build on this relationship in a way that helps retain visitors and drives sustained growth in shared revenue." Iafrate says the hotel and convention center is the first step in a multi-phase expansion plan, with further details to be announced at a later date. Around the web.