The Biebs has a message for H&M. Bieber took to his Instagram story to make his sentiments known, saying, “The H&M merch they made of me is trash and I don’t approve it. Don’t buy it.” The megastar was responding to a new collection from the fast-fashion company that prominently displays his likeness, which he maintains came without his permission.

The U.S.’s fastest-growing sport is taking its professional presence to the next level in the new year. MLP by Margaritaville revealed its expanded list of owners, which includes icons from across various industries. Patrick Mahomes, Naomi Osaka, Devin Booker, and Heidi Klum are each among the list of new franchise owners. In addition to the Tuesday announcement, the league revealed its Challenge Level and the cities and team names for those 12 teams in that division.

Boardroom’s Vinciane Ngomsi has all the details.

Lionel Messi has everything that he’s ever dreamed of. The World Cup champion secured the ultimate victory when Argentina beat France in penalty kicks in the World Cup finals on Sunday. Immediately after the game, the international superstar posted a photo of his celebrations, which quickly became the most-liked photo ever on Instagram with more than 60 million likes. Elsewhere, demand for his collectibles surged. PWCC reported that demand for Messi cards increased, bringing him past Michael Jordan and Tom Brady for the crown of the most coveted collectible.

Lil Uzi Vert is all about that aprés life. The rapper is the new face of Moncler Lunettes‘ winter campaign. The collection of shots features Lil Uzi Vert in various stylings, showcasing the featured eyewear. In one, he rocks an emerald green corduroy-inspired jacket, while in another, he foregoes a shirt and wears an oversized pair of black ski pants with the season’s hottest accessory, a balaclava.

First, Synchron announced plans to implant brain-computer interface in its first U.S. paralysis patient earlier this year. Now, Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates — two of the world’s wealthiest people — participated in Synchron’s recent funding round, which will enable the company to execute its plan. Synchron raised $145 million for a new clinical trial to spearhead new technologies that would potentially help those with epilepsy. The idea is that the implant would serve as a “map” for the brain to navigate after a traumatic head injury.

The FTC fined Epic Games, the developing company behind the wildly popular Fortnite, $520 million over violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The COPPA alleged that the game exposed children and teens to strangers in what’s deemed “dangerous and psychologically traumatizing issues” without any requirement of parental control. Epic Games will pay two fines: $245 million in response to issues with Fortnite’s in-game store and refund systems and $275 million to address child privacy concerns.

Nipsey Hussle’s legacy will live on in the classroom. Loyola Marymount University introduced a course that will primarily focus on brand-building strategies and tactics that are motivated and driven by cultural influence. “The class will focus on Hussle’s genius and authenticity in his approach to business and life,” David Gross, Nipsey Hussle’s longtime partner, captioned on Instagram. The L.A. rapper, whose real name is Ermias Asghedom, was shot and killed in 2019; however, his posthumous legacy thrives through a wide range of creative products and business endeavors. Nipsey joins a long line of entertainers to get the academic treatment, including Harry Styles, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyoncé. 

Read more from Boardroom’s D’Shonda Brown.

The government granted the people of Argentina a federal holiday to observe the national team’s third World Cup title. One can expect the streets to be singing as the nation celebrates and the soundtrack will undoubtedly include the team’s unofficial anthem, “Muchachos” by La Mosca Tse-Tse. Following the win on Sunday, there was a 4,300% increase in global streams of “Muchachos” on Spotify and a 320% increase in streams of “We Are The Champions” by Queen in Argentina.