Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday.
Alexander Zverev, the top seed, endured another gruelling five-set match at the US Open, defeating Frenchman Quentin Halys 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3 to reach the third round, despite admitting his performance was "quite shit".
'He's monitored from every angle and every step he is taking forward in his international career.'
India's international football friendly against Panama in Bengaluru has been advanced by a day to September 25 due to the Bengaluru Marathon. The match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers against a 2026 World Cup participant, preceding other high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.
Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra Eala defeated Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open. Eala, who previously lost to Oliynykova, showcased a dominant performance, particularly in the first set, and attributed her win to patience and consistent focus. Her victory was celebrated by a strong Filipino contingent in New York.
Chelsea have completed the signing of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez from Aston Villa on a three-year deal, strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
Bangladesh Cricket Board President Tamim Iqbal remains optimistic about a white-ball series against India, despite the originally planned September window being missed. He confirmed that both boards are actively seeking a suitable time, highlighting positive intentions from both sides. Iqbal also reflected on past tensions, including Bangladesh's withdrawal from the 2025 ODI World Cup, acknowledging that negotiations could have been handled better.
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz secured a dominant 6-3 6-4 6-1 victory over China's Wu Yibing at the U.S. Open, advancing to the fourth round. This win extends his Grand Slam match-winning streak to 17 and keeps his bid for a third Flushing Meadows title alive. Despite a brief challenge from Wu, Alcaraz reasserted his authority, showcasing his speed and accuracy.
After securing her first title of the season at the Cincinnati Open, American tennis star Coco Gauff is brimming with confidence and aiming for a championship run at the US Open, seeking her third Grand Slam crown.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel drove Michael Schumacher's legendary Ferrari F2002 at Monza, paying an emotional tribute to his childhood idol.
Jessica Pegula overcame a disastrous opening set against Leylah Fernandez, rallying with resilience and composure to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 and reach the US Open fourth round.
Lando Norris won a thrilling Dutch GP for McLaren's third straight Zandvoort victory, while Kimi Antonelli finished second to extend his F1 championship lead.
American tennis star Frances Tiafoe defeated Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto in straight sets (6-3, 7-6(2), 7-5) to secure his spot in the third round of the U.S. Open. Tiafoe, a leading American contender, is aiming to end a 23-year drought for a home men's champion at the tournament, feeding off the energy of the partisan crowd.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced stringent measures, including the establishment of fast-track courts, to combat exam paper leaks and protect the future of India's youth, following widespread protests over the NEET paper leak.
Nagarmal Bajoria, a 97-year-old Bihar businessman known as "dharti pakad" for contesting nearly 300 elections, has passed away. A Partition refugee, Bajoria challenged prominent leaders including Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aiming to raise public awareness about the electoral process rather than seeking power. His unique campaign style and unwavering spirit left a lasting impression.
Kajal Dhochak clinched her second consecutive U20 World title in wrestling, while teammates Tanu Sharma and Savita secured silver medals at the Under-20 Wrestling World Championship.
Germany retained the Men's Hockey World Cup with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Spain, matching Pakistan's record four titles, while Argentina secured bronze by defeating the Netherlands.
Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its constant upheaval, including the 'disrespectful' sacking of players and frequent changes in coaching staff, which he believes creates instability and fear among players.
Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration with Ferrari's strategy at the Dutch Grand Prix, believing that a delayed pit stop for teammate Charles Leclerc cost him a podium finish. Hamilton, who finished fourth, stated that the time lost behind Leclerc ultimately made the difference in his pursuit of a top-three spot.
Indian boxers are undergoing intensive training at a multinational camp in Patiala, featuring international medallists, before heading to Japan for a final preparatory stint ahead of the Asian Games. The team aims to build on its strong performance at the Commonwealth Games, despite anticipating tougher competition from boxing powerhouses like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan at the upcoming continental event.
India's national record holder in shot put, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, is determined to breach the 22m mark, aiming to elevate the standard for future generations of Indian shot putters, drawing inspiration from Neeraj Chopra's impact on javelin throw. Despite a history of injuries, including a recent calf tear at the Commonwealth Games, Toor is now fit and focused on achieving a hat-trick of gold medals at the upcoming continental event.
Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra Eala, seeded 17th, commenced her US Open campaign with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over American qualifier Mary Stoiana. Returning to Flushing Meadows with increased attention and expectations, Eala aims for a deeper run after a breakthrough season and her first WTA title.
French tennis star Gael Monfils played his final Grand Slam match at the US Open, losing to Learner Tien. The charismatic 40-year-old received an emotional send-off from the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd, who celebrated his entertaining career with chants and a video tribute. Monfils, set to retire at the end of the season, expressed gratitude for the fans' love and shared a warm moment with his young opponent.
Jessica Pegula stormed past Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1 at the US Open, delivering a near-flawless serving display to reach the third round and continue her title bid.
Ukrainian tennis players Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina both secured dominant victories in their opening matches at the U.S. Open, with Kostyuk defeating Storm Hunter and Svitolina overcoming Solana Sierra.
Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka has been granted a wildcard entry into the U.S. Open men's singles draw, following public demand after his initial exclusion. The 2016 champion, who had previously expressed his farewell to the tournament, will now compete in the year's final major.
Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the senior men's selection committee, was notably absent from a BCCI review meeting discussing India's recent limited-overs tour performances against Ireland and England, citing travel issues. The meeting, attended by captains and coaches, did not address his contract extension, which is due to expire soon.
Barcelona have signed Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal on a three-year deal, strengthening their attack while speculation continues over Julian Alvarez amid Atletico Madrid's reluctance to sell.
Local golfer Vishesh Sharma, 19, secured his first professional title at the Rs one crore Telangana Golconda Masters, finishing one stroke ahead of Amardeep Malik. The victory significantly boosts his season earnings and secures his spot in the DP World India Championship.
Senior Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed confidence ahead of India's Women's Asia Cup match against Pakistan, highlighting India's consistent performance against their rivals. She emphasised the team's balanced batting and bowling units and their focus on playing good cricket. Deepti also praised young spinners Shree Charani and Prema Rawat for their talent and contributions.
Usha Vedasalam completed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra just a week before the devastating floods in Nepal. This is her account of the pilgrimage.
Indian para-athletes achieved a remarkable feat at the ITTF World Para Future Lahti tournament in Finland, securing a total of 16 medals, including six gold, four silver, and six bronze, showcasing their dominance in both singles and doubles events.
Five years after playing young Serena Williams' tennis double in 'King Richard', 17-year-old Thea Frodin makes her US Open main-draw debut against Elena Rybakina.
HarperCollins India has announced the publication of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in India on November 10. The highly anticipated book will offer insights into her personal life and India's political journey, covering her childhood, marriage into the Nehru-Gandhi family, and entry into politics.
Gael Monfils celebrated his 40th birthday by defeating Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round of the US Open, making him the oldest player since Jimmy Connors in 1992 to win a main-draw singles match at Flushing Meadows on his birthday.
Indian men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Malaysia's Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong in a three-game thriller to reach their third China Masters final. The world No. 5 pair showcased tactical brilliance and resilience, overcoming a second-game lapse to secure their spot in the summit clash, where they aim for their second title of the season.
The draw in the second Test saw India miss out on a chance to improve their position in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Carlos Alcaraz is set to defend his U.S. Open title after a nearly five-month injury layoff, with expectations high despite limited match practice as he aims for a third New York crown.
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas expressed deep concern over the team's persistent issues, including poor fielding and an inexperienced pace attack, following their heavy 194-run defeat to England at Lord's, marking their 10th loss in 11 away Tests.
India women's bowling coach Avishkar Salvi detailed the team's comprehensive workload management plans for all bowlers, ensuring optimal performance through various phases of training and rest. He also addressed the recent batting collapse against Thailand, acknowledging occasional shortfalls but highlighting the team's resilience and lower-order contributions.
