Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday, continues to be a dominant force in football, leading Argentina and achieving new milestones. Fans in Kolkata marked the occasion with grand tributes, including a 30-foot portrait and neighbourhood decorations, honouring the football legend.
Minerva Academy FC, a Punjab-based football club, is set to participate in the Helsinki Cup in Finland and the Gothia Cup in Sweden this month. This marks their second consecutive year in these prestigious European youth tournaments, having previously won the Gothia Cup in the U-14 category and reached the Helsinki Cup final.
India's U15 men's football team has been drawn into Group K for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026. Coached by Bibiano Fernandes, the team will play five qualification matches in Baku against Bahrain, Cameroon, Grenada, Laos, and Senegal, starting October 24. The tournament features 191 national teams and an 8v8 format.
UEFA is seeking evidence in a US court for a potential Swiss criminal case against FIFA President Gianni Infantino concerning his abandoned World Cup commercial-rights plan.
The FIFA-AIFF Telangana Academy, a new high-performance football training centre for boys and girls, has been launched in Hyderabad. This initiative, a collaboration between FIFA, AIFF, and the Telangana government, aims to nurture young talent with comprehensive support, including residential facilities and medical care. It marks India's first girls' football academy of its kind.
Former India captain Sunil Chhetri admitted to feeling "a little jealous" about the current national team getting the chance to play against footballing powerhouses Brazil and Uruguay, an opportunity he never had during his extensive international career. He expressed excitement for the team while also backing the coach's selection decisions and encouraging the young talent.
Lionel Messi made his first appearance for Inter Miami since retiring from international duty, providing an assist in a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United. The match saw Miami take the lead twice through Casemiro and Luis Suarez, but Atlanta equalised both times, with Miguel Almiron and Breel Embolo scoring. Messi, who is currently the joint top scorer in MLS, played despite recent personal loss.
Dutch footballer Cody Gakpo scored a goal at the World Cup against Morocco, immediately breaking down in tears due to the recent loss of his unborn baby boy. His emotional reaction, understood by teammates and visible to his parents in the stands, highlighted the profound personal grief he carried while competing on the global stage, overshadowing the team's eventual defeat.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed a plea in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's interim decision to freeze the Trinamool Congress' name and party symbol. The EC had allotted separate names and symbols to two rival TMC factions ahead of upcoming bypolls, a move Banerjee has strongly criticised as a "black day" for democracy.
The Indian senior men's football team will play an international friendly against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26. This match against a FIFA World Cup-playing nation will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers, marking their return to Bengaluru after their SAFF Championship 2023 victory.
England football icon David Beckham has paid tribute to Lionel Messi, calling him a 'credit to himself' and an 'inspiration for millions' after the Argentina legend announced his retirement from international football.
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt was a huge draw at the final and hounded for selfies throughout the US Open final.
Indian football icon I M Vijayan has voiced his enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Brazil international friendly in Kolkata on October 3. He believes the visit by the five-time World Cup champions will provide invaluable experience and lasting memories for young Indian players, significantly boosting the sport's profile and attracting global attention to Indian football.
Former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a four-year deal. He has pledged to implement an attractive, dominant style of play while instilling a strong desire to win. Xavi aims to build a cohesive team from talented players and is ready to face the pressure of his new role, starting with a Nations League match against Germany.
Lionel Messi leaves as a World Cup winner and twice Copa America champion, the man who stepped out of Diego Maradona's immense shadow to create an Argentine legacy entirely his own.
Indian cricketer Riyan Parag discusses his lifelong passion for football, particularly his admiration for Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo. He also speculates on which footballers could play cricket and which cricketers could play football.
Antonela Roccuzzo, Lionel Messi's wife, shared a poignant Instagram message, expressing immense pride in his international career, not just for his achievements but for his resilience and the journey their children witnessed.
Emami Group has officially concluded its role as an investor and manager in East Bengal Football Club, transferring all shares and voting rights back to the club. The group will, however, continue its association with East Bengal FC as a sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to Indian football. This transition follows a successful period for the club under Emami's ownership, marked by significant victories for both men's and women's teams.
A delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) visited Kolkata to inspect venues and infrastructure for the upcoming international friendly against India on October 3. The inspection covered the stadium, training facilities, accommodation, and security, with West Bengal's Sports Minister assuring world-class arrangements.
Argentine footballers Lautaro Martinez, Leandro Paredes, Emiliano Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister have paid emotional tributes to Lionel Messi following his announcement to retire from international football, reflecting on his profound impact on their careers and the national team.
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, has announced his retirement from the national team, a decision he described as 'a decision that hurts the soul.'
Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting expresses concern over the diminishing role of One Day International (ODI) cricket due to the rapid expansion of T20 Internationals and franchise leagues worldwide. While he believes Test cricket will remain strong with support from major cricketing nations, Ponting fears the 50-over format will be played less frequently. David Warner also weighs in on the challenges and opportunities presented by the crowded T20 calendar.
The Sports Ministry has established a 20-member National Sports Election Panel, including former Chief Election Commissioners, to oversee fair elections in national sports bodies as mandated by the National Sports Governance Act. Concurrently, the deadline for applications to the National Sports Tribunal, which will handle sports disputes, has been extended.
Mamata Banerjee's faction of the Trinamool Congress announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll after its own candidate withdrew. This decision comes amidst a bitter dispute with the Election Commission over the freezing of TMC's traditional symbol and name, which Banerjee termed "arbitrary" and accused the BJP of trying to destroy opposition parties.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has imposed a national ban on Churchill Brothers FC Goa for player registration, following a directive from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee due to unpaid dues to English forward Kurtis Owen Guthrie. The Goan club, however, claims the matter has been resolved with full payment made and a request sent to FIFA to lift the ban.
India's Special Olympics Bharat football team is heading to Sweden to compete in the Gothia Cup 2026, aiming for their third consecutive title in the Special Olympics Trophy. The team, comprising players with intellectual disabilities, received a send-off from Sweden's ambassador, highlighting their role as national ambassadors. Their coach detailed the unique training methods involving actions and sign language.
Raphinha's hat-trick led defending champions Barcelona to a 3-1 victory over Sevilla, extending their winning streak in La Liga. Elsewhere, Lautaro Martinez secured a 2-2 draw for Inter Milan against Roma in Serie A, while Borussia Dortmund claimed the top spot in Germany. Premier League saw Arsenal lose its top position after a defeat to Brighton.
Pro Ref chief Howard Webb confirmed that VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus were stood down after 'tunnel vision' led to the incorrect awarding of Erling Haaland's goal in the Manchester derby, acknowledging the error to Manchester United.
Japan hosted a vibrant opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, showcasing its technological advancements and cultural heritage. The event, themed 'Harmonic Heart Beat', welcomed 11,000 athletes from 45 nations, despite prior logistical challenges.
Manchester United and Tottenham face crucial Premier League tests this weekend, while Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea seek momentum.
It was a starry, starry night at Flushing Meadows during the US Open late night matches in New York on Monday.
'I gave everything I had, and I don't have anything more to give.'
Italian club Como, managed by former midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas, secured a dream 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in their Champions League debut, marking a historic milestone for the club and its fans.
Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.
Former President Donald Trump, during a podcast, suggested inviting Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and the Bush family to the White House to watch a football game. This surprising idea came as he read a book about presidents' leisure activities, a notable departure from his usual criticism of Obama and Biden. He also offered rare praise for Bill Clinton and humorous remarks about William Howard Taft.
Football legend Ronaldinho has come out of retirement at 46 to sign with Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC.
The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) felicitated state footballers Sanfida Nongrum and Ribansi Jamu for their pivotal roles in India's victory at the SAFF Women's Championship 2026. The players, who contributed significantly to India reclaiming the title, were honoured with cash rewards and recognition, inspiring young girls in the state to pursue football.
Arsenal preserved their perfect Premier League start with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Sunderland, despite Arteta's anger over a controversial penalty decision and Raya's crucial save.
The 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament commenced in New Delhi, featuring a junior girls' match where Meghalaya defeated Chandigarh 2-0. The opening ceremony included vibrant performances and an address by Air Marshal S Sivakumar, highlighting the tournament's role in promoting young talent.
India's U20 football team, the Blue Colts, is set to kick off their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers campaign against Syria in Tashkent. This opening match is crucial as India aims to secure their first-ever win against Syria and qualify for the Asian Cup for the first time since 2006, navigating a tough group that also includes Uzbekistan and Bangladesh.
