Cote's Top 10: Rory's Masters Drama, Heat, UFC, Messi, Marlins

Recapping the week's biggest sports stories from Miami and beyond

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:41pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant brushstrokes of neon colors depicting various sports scenes, including a golfer, basketball players, a UFC fighter, a soccer player, and baseball players, all blending together in a dynamic, energetic composition.Cote's weekly column captures the dynamic energy and drama of the latest sports headlines impacting Miami and beyond.Today in Miami

From Rory McIlroy's struggles at the Masters to the Miami Heat's playoff push, UFC's return to Miami, Lionel Messi's latest draw, and the Marlins' slide, Miami Herald columnist Greg Cote breaks down the top 10 sports stories making headlines this week.

Why it matters

As a leading voice in Miami sports media, Cote's weekly Hot Button column provides a comprehensive roundup of the most impactful and talked-about sports stories affecting the local community and beyond.

The details

Cote's column covers a wide range of topics, including Rory McIlroy's continued quest for a Masters title, the Miami Heat's fight to secure a home play-in game, the UFC's return to Miami with former president Donald Trump in attendance, Lionel Messi and Argentina's latest draw, and the Miami Marlins' struggles to maintain their early-season success.

  • The Masters tournament took place in early April 2026.
  • The NBA regular season and playoffs are currently underway.
  • The UFC event in Miami occurred on April 8, 2026.
  • Lionel Messi and Argentina have been playing World Cup qualifying matches throughout 2026.
  • The Miami Marlins' season is in progress, with the team facing challenges after a strong start.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A professional golfer from Northern Ireland who has won four major championships, including the Masters, and is seeking to complete the career Grand Slam.

Miami Heat

A professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, that is currently competing in the NBA playoffs.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who attended the UFC event in Miami.

Lionel Messi

An Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentine national team.

Miami Marlins

A professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, that is currently playing in the 2026 MLB season.

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What they’re saying

“Rory McIlroy's quest for the career Grand Slam continues to be elusive, as he once again struggled at the Masters this year.”

— Greg Cote, Sports Columnist

“The Miami Heat are still in the hunt for a home play-in game, which would give them a significant advantage in the postseason.”

— Greg Cote, Sports Columnist

“Donald Trump's presence at the UFC event in Miami added an extra layer of intrigue to the already highly anticipated fight card.”

— Greg Cote, Sports Columnist

“Lionel Messi and Argentina continue to face challenges in their World Cup qualifying campaign, with another draw adding to the team's frustrations.”

— Greg Cote, Sports Columnist

“The Miami Marlins' early-season success has given way to a concerning slide, as the team struggles to maintain its momentum.”

— Greg Cote, Sports Columnist

What’s next

As the sports calendar continues to unfold, Cote's column will provide ongoing coverage and analysis of the key storylines impacting Miami and the broader sports world.

The takeaway

Cote's Hot Button column offers a comprehensive and insightful look at the week's top sports stories, providing Miami readers with a valuable perspective on the events shaping the local and national sports landscape.