News for 'Lionel Messi'

World Cup 2026 Set to Shatter All-Time Sports Gambling Records

World Cup 2026 Set to Shatter All-Time Sports Gambling Records

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

World Cup 2026 is on track to become the biggest betting event in history, with global wagers expected to exceed $50 billion as sportsbooks report record-breaking activity driven by the expanded tournament format and growing legal gambling markets.

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

World Cup music isn't random; FIFA's 'Stadium Entertainment Team' curates over 750 songs, mixing global classics with country-specific favourites, with each team having signature, warm-up, and goal-scoring tracks.

'Messi's Argentina will visit in Kerala in October-November'

'Messi's Argentina will visit in Kerala in October-November'

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Kerala's sports minister V Abdurahiman stated that there was no doubt about Lionel Messi's planned visit.

Dhoni vs Messi? Internet Can't Handle This Face-Off!

Dhoni vs Messi? Internet Can't Handle This Face-Off!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Dhoni was seen flaunting his football skills in front of the Argentine icon, sending the internet into a frenzy.

PIX: Messi falls just short as Al-Ahly hold Inter Miami

PIX: Messi falls just short as Al-Ahly hold Inter Miami

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Lionel Messi drew vast crowds and showed flashes of his brilliance when his Inter Miami side were held to a goalless draw by African giants Al-Ahly as the revamped Club World Cup got off to a festive start on Saturday.

Messi's Inter Miami is smashing TV records at Club World Cup

Messi's Inter Miami is smashing TV records at Club World Cup

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Lionel Messi, arguably the most recognizable player in the Club World Cup, is steering viewership to his underdog team.

PIX: PSG crush Messi's Miami in Club World Cup; Bayern tame Flamengo

PIX: PSG crush Messi's Miami in Club World Cup; Bayern tame Flamengo

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

Joao Neves scored twice as Paris St Germain swept aside Lionel Messi's Inter Miami 4-0 at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium to secure their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.

Opposition coach saves irate Messi from seeing red

Opposition coach saves irate Messi from seeing red

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'I just tried to move him out of the way, because for him to get a red card at the end of the game would have been ridiculous.'

Brazil romp into World Cup knock-outs after Vinicius brace

Brazil romp into World Cup knock-outs after Vinicius brace

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Brazil secured their spot in the World Cup knockout stages with a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland. Vinicius Jr scored twice, continuing his impressive form, while Neymar made his much-anticipated return to the national team after nearly three years. The win saw Brazil top Group C, with Matheus Cunha also contributing a goal. Scotland's hopes now rest on qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.

Messi event fiasco: Mamata accepts sports minister's resignation

Messi event fiasco: Mamata accepts sports minister's resignation

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accepted Aroop Biswas's resignation as the sports minister in the wake of the controversy over the mismanagement of football icon Lionel Messi's event last week, a senior leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress said.

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering - how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that "Wonderwall" plays after England matches? Are "Freed from Desire" or "Livin' on a Prayer" always played? And why?

Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck

Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Video footage showed Messi approach the coach and grab the back of his neck, causing him to pull away from the eight-times Ballon d'Or winner after the 2-2 draw in Miami.

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's brief appearance in Kolkata was marred by security breaches and crowd management issues, raising concerns about planning and coordination. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage reveal a chaotic scene with organizers and VIPs crowding the player, leading to his early withdrawal and subsequent protests.

Messi strikes as Inter Miami advance in Champions Cup

Messi strikes as Inter Miami advance in Champions Cup

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami's charge in a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup's first round at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday.

Messi keen to play 2026 World Cup: Argentina coach

Messi keen to play 2026 World Cup: Argentina coach

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Scaloni also spoke about former Argentina forward Angel Di Maria's decision to retire from international football after winning his second Copa America trophy last year.

FIFA World Cup: Argentina's bizarre ritual to stop Kane before semis

FIFA World Cup: Argentina's bizarre ritual to stop Kane before semis

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash against England, Argentina fans are engaging in traditional 'cabalas' or superstitions, including freezing captain Harry Kane's name, to bring their national team good fortune on the pitch.

Two India trips for Messi? Here's what we know

Two India trips for Messi? Here's what we know

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Lionel Messi on Thursday confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India 2025, calling it an "honour" to revisit the "passionate football nation" where he last played 14 years ago.

Suarez double lifts Messi-less Miami past Tigres

Suarez double lifts Messi-less Miami past Tigres

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Tigres nearly forced extra time when Edgar Lpez's header rattled both posts late on.

South city added to itinerary as Messi tour goes Pan-India!

South city added to itinerary as Messi tour goes Pan-India!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Lionel Messi's much-anticipated 'GOAT Tour to India 2025' just got bigger with Hyderabad added as the new southern leg stop to ensure fans in the region are not "deprived" of seeing their idol following the cancellation of Argentina's proposed friendly in Kerala.

It's Official! Kerala to host Messi-Led Argentina!

It's Official! Kerala to host Messi-Led Argentina!

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The match will take place between November 10 and 18, and is likely to be played Kochi.

Mexican referee seeks Messi's autograph; disciplined!

Mexican referee seeks Messi's autograph; disciplined!

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava found out the hard way that there are consequences for seeking an autograph from eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup winner Lionel Messi -- he was hit with a CONCACAF disciplinary sanction.

The GOAT returns! Messi to tour India. Check out the schedule!

The GOAT returns! Messi to tour India. Check out the schedule!

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

The Argentina captain's Kolkata schedule on December 13 will begin at 9am with a meet-and-greet event, followed by the unveiling of a 70-feet statue of him at the Lake Town Sribhumi on VIP Road.

Why France are favourites to win the World Cup

Why France are favourites to win the World Cup

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

With Kylian Mbappe's depth and experience, economists predict France are tipped to edge Spain to lift World Cup.

Old friends, new goals: Messi, Suarez in Uruguayan club venture

Old friends, new goals: Messi, Suarez in Uruguayan club venture

Rediff.com28 May 2025

From their glory days at Barcelona to reuniting at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have now brought their enduring partnership into a new chapter, co-founding Deportivo LSM, a club set to compete in professional Uruguayan football.

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The internecine war within the Trinamool Congress took a new turn on Thursday with "party treasurer" Aroop Biswas writing to a bank seeking restrictions on the operation of the party's accounts, citing uncertainty over its legitimate leadership amid rebellions by MLAs and MPs.

Who is Satadru Dutta? The man behind Messi's India Tour

Who is Satadru Dutta? The man behind Messi's India Tour

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Satadru Dutta's rise was swift and ambitious. But that journey took a dramatic nosedive on Saturday.

Confirmed! Messi to visit India in December

Confirmed! Messi to visit India in December

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Lionel Messi's much-anticipated visit to India has received its final seal of approval with the Argentine superstar set to kick off his three-city tour in Kolkata on December 12.

Champions League: PSG vs Liverpool: Luis Enrique dismisses favourites tag

Champions League: PSG vs Liverpool: Luis Enrique dismisses favourites tag

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

PSG coach Luis Enrique downplays favourites tag ahead of Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, warning of a tough contest despite the English side's struggles.

Messi mess: Another Argentina friendly cancelled

Messi mess: Another Argentina friendly cancelled

Rediff.com10 Feb 2024

Argentina's friendly against Ivory Coast, scheduled to be held in Beijing in March, has been cancelled, the Chinese city's football association said on Saturday, following a backlash against Lionel Messi's failure to play in a match in Hong Kong.

Lewis Hamilton silences retirement rumours in style

Lewis Hamilton silences retirement rumours in style

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Lewis Hamilton dismisses retirement speculation, confirming his commitment to Ferrari with a contract extending to 2027. He also shared his support for Arsenal's Premier League title win, while other drivers discussed their football allegiances ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

PIX: Messi magic leads Argentina to win; Brazil cruise

PIX: Messi magic leads Argentina to win; Brazil cruise

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and had a hand in two more goals as Argentina crushed Bolivia 6-0 in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Messi Mania In Bejing!

Messi Mania In Bejing!

Rediff.com16 Jun 2023

'I hope Lionel Messi gets a little percentage of the shirt sales because I've never seen so many Argentine number 10 shirts in my life!'

Champions Cup: Messi takes Inter Miami past Sporting KC

Champions Cup: Messi takes Inter Miami past Sporting KC

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Lionel Messi's 56th minute goal earned Inter Miami a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on a bitterly cold night in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup's first round on Wednesday.

'Messi has been the boost that MLS has needed'

'Messi has been the boost that MLS has needed'

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Lionel Messi has more than proven his worth for the league and his team at a vitally important time for the sport in North America, where the FIFA World Cup will be staged in 2026.

Messi's Inter Miami move driven by unhappy spell at PSG

Messi's Inter Miami move driven by unhappy spell at PSG

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Lionel Messi said his decision to join Major League Soccer club Inter Miami as a free agent was fuelled by his struggles at Paris St Germain, describing it as a period he "didn't enjoy".

Messi Reveals What Made His Rivalry with Ronaldo Epic

Messi Reveals What Made His Rivalry with Ronaldo Epic

Rediff.com17 May 2025

For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo battled like no others. Now, Messi shares what made their rivalry so special.

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina in Doha is in doubt after the Qatar Football Association suspended soccer tournaments indefinitely following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory missiles fired at the Arabian Peninsula.

Arsenal face defining night in Europe against formidable PSG

Arsenal face defining night in Europe against formidable PSG

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Arsenal take on defending champions PSG in the Champions League final as Mikel Arteta's revitalised side chase their first European crown and look to complete a remarkable resurgence.

Agony And Ecstasy For Messi

Agony And Ecstasy For Messi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

It turned out to be a rollercoaster evening for Argentine great Lionel Messi in the Copa America final on Sunday.

Manoj Tiwary: TMC Chapter Is Over For Me

Manoj Tiwary: TMC Chapter Is Over For Me

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has announced the end of his association with the Trinamool Congress, alleging widespread corruption within the party and claiming he was denied a ticket for refusing to pay a substantial sum.