News for 'Messi'

Restaurants, Multiplexes Eye World Cup Final Windfall

Restaurants, Multiplexes Eye World Cup Final Windfall

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Businesses across sectors are positioning themselves to capitalise on the expected surge in demand.

Mbappe takes blame after France's FIFA World Cup heartbreak

Mbappe takes blame after France's FIFA World Cup heartbreak

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted his side failed both tactically and technically in their 2-0 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, ending their hopes of a third successive final appearance.

Don't copy Sooryavanshi blindly, youngsters must find their own game: Hayden

Don't copy Sooryavanshi blindly, youngsters must find their own game: Hayden

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Matthew Hayden cautions young cricketers against blindly copying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless batting style, backs Shubman Gill's consistency, and raises concerns over the future of bilateral ODI cricket amid the franchise boom.

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

MLS begins a transformative season with Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and record transfers as North America prepares to host the World Cup.

Age is just a number as veterans take centre stage at FIFA World Cup

Age is just a number as veterans take centre stage at FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A record eight players aged 40 or older have been selected to play at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States - one more than at all the past 22 tournaments combined.

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.

Ahead Of Tera Yaar Hoon Main, Milap Zaveri's Films, Ranked!

Ahead Of Tera Yaar Hoon Main, Milap Zaveri's Films, Ranked!

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

From Satyameva Jayate to Mastiii 4, Milap Zaveri's films may divide critics, but ranking them can prove to be even more challenging than watching them.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Debut Patches Go Viral

FIFA World Cup 2026 Debut Patches Go Viral

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

FIFA's 'Debut FIFA World Cup' sleeve patch for the 2026 tournament is designed to celebrate first-time players and personalise kits.

Argentina Players Display Political Banner After World Cup Victory, Spark Row

Argentina Players Display Political Banner After World Cup Victory, Spark Row

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Argentina's football players displayed a political banner claiming "The Falklands are Argentine" after their World Cup semi-final win against England, potentially violating FIFA's code of conduct.

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Guess who became the 1st Asian to reach 5 FIFA World Cups

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Japan's Yuto Nagatomo made history by becoming the first Asian player to feature in five FIFA World Cups during Japan's 1-1 draw against Sweden. This achievement places him among an elite group of players globally. The draw secured both Japan and Sweden's advancement to the Round of 32 in the 2026 tournament.

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe becomes France's record scorer

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe becomes France's record scorer

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

France captain Kylian Mbappe became his country's all-time leading scorer with a double against Senegal at the World Cup on Tuesday.

Kane focused on England team, not Haaland or Golden Boot

Kane focused on England team, not Haaland or Golden Boot

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

England captain Harry Kane addressed comparisons with Norwegian striker Erling Haaland ahead of their World Cup quarter-final match, downplaying direct comparisons while praising Haaland's physical prowess and finishing. Kane emphasised his priority is team success in the World Cup over individual accolades like the Golden Boot, despite being in contention. He also spoke about equalling Wayne Rooney's cap record and received high praise from coach Thomas Tuchel.

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

MLS enters its 31st season amid World Cup buzz and Lionel Messi's impact, with Don Garber calling it a defining moment for the league's future.

2026 FIFA World Cup Smashes All-Time Goals Record

2026 FIFA World Cup Smashes All-Time Goals Record

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become the highest-scoring edition in the tournament's history, surpassing the previous record of 172 goals set in Qatar 2022. The record was broken during the United States vs. Turkey match, with Auston Trusty's goal marking the 173rd, and the total quickly rising to 175 goals by the 59th match. This achievement is attributed to FIFA's expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, leading to 104 matches compared to 64 in 2022.

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Thousands of ecstatic supporters welcomed the Egyptian national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the last 16 for the first time, despite a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.

Haaland scores twice as Norway shock Brazil to make World Cup quarter-finals

Haaland scores twice as Norway shock Brazil to make World Cup quarter-finals

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Erling Haaland scored two crucial late goals to lead Norway to a stunning 2-1 victory over five-times champions Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Neymar's late penalty was not enough for Brazil, who also missed an earlier spot-kick.

FIFA World Cup: Argentina wary of 'tough' Cape Verde in round of 32 clash

FIFA World Cup: Argentina wary of 'tough' Cape Verde in round of 32 clash

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Following a dominant group stage performance, Argentina is now preparing to face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

PIX: When Messi met Tendulkar

PIX: When Messi met Tendulkar

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Tendulkar also hoped that 'India also reaches the height that we all aspire to (in football).'

Klopp's Humorous Chat with Mbappe After World Cup Win

Klopp's Humorous Chat with Mbappe After World Cup Win

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp shared a humorous exchange with France captain Kylian Mbappe after France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final, joking about Mbappe's prolific scoring and calling him a 'detector'.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt hits out at VAR after Argentina heartbreak

FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt hits out at VAR after Argentina heartbreak

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Egyptian Football Association on Wednesday criticised refereeing decisions in Egypt's dramatic 3-2 World Cup round-of-16 defeat by Argentina, saying it would not remain silent over what it described as the improper use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

Mbappe, Dembele shine as France cruise past Morocco into World Cup semis

Mbappe, Dembele shine as France cruise past Morocco into World Cup semis

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

France and Morocco were goalless at half-time in their World Cup quarter-final. Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty for France, whose early dominance did not translate into goals. Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save to deny Mbappe from the spot.

PIX: Neymar With Family After Ending Illustrious International Career

PIX: Neymar With Family After Ending Illustrious International Career

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's shocking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, confirmed his decision after the match, marking the end of a celebrated career with the national team.

Can Ronaldo finally end his FIFA World Cup knockout drought?

Can Ronaldo finally end his FIFA World Cup knockout drought?

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his prolific scoring record in six FIFA World Cups, has yet to score in a knockout stage match. As Portugal faces Croatia, the superstar aims to break this drought while also holding records for most World Cup appearances and being Portugal's all-time leading scorer in the tournament.

Hong Kong seizes World Cup fakes worth $20 million

Hong Kong seizes World Cup fakes worth $20 million

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Wayne Chung, senior investigator at the city's Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau, told reporters on Thursday that 230,000 items had been seized.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

FIFA World Cup 2026: Football Fever Grips Cricket-Mad India!

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be staged across the Americas from June 11 to July 19, has once again ignited excitement across the globe. India, despite its national football team languishing at 139th in the FIFA rankings, has been swept up in the tournament's magic.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kerala fans pay tribute to Argentina with floating stadium

FIFA World Cup 2026: Kerala fans pay tribute to Argentina with floating stadium

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Football fans in Kerala's Pullavoor village have created a unique floating stadium with cutouts of the Argentine squad in a river, showcasing their intense passion for the upcoming World Cup. This elaborate display continues a tradition of fervent fan support in the region.

'Cancelled our honeymoon to see Messi'

'Cancelled our honeymoon to see Messi'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

A newly-married couple in Kolkata revealed that they cancelled their honeymoon to catch a glimpse of Messi in Kolkata.

USA's Balogun becomes fourth player to score and see red in FIFA World Cup knockout

USA's Balogun becomes fourth player to score and see red in FIFA World Cup knockout

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament but was later sent off, becoming only the fourth player to score and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.

Meet Messi's Ultimate Superfans In India!

Meet Messi's Ultimate Superfans In India!

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Ichhapur tea-seller Shib Shankar Patra is one of two diehard fans handpicked for a special meet-and-greet with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

Argentina manager Scaloni on 'extremely difficult' Cape Verde win

Argentina manager Scaloni on 'extremely difficult' Cape Verde win

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni discussed his team's hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup last-32, emphasising the unexpected difficulty of the match despite being heavy favourites. He praised his players' resilience and character, acknowledging the physical toll and the need for improvement, while also highlighting the unique "suffering" inherent in being Argentine in football.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mexico will bid to continue their remarkable World Cup run when they face England in the last 16 on Sunday, with Javier Aguirre's side standing one victory away from a first quarter-final appearance in 40 years.

'They thought we would turn up in tuxedos': Mbappe Slams Paraguay's Tactics

'They thought we would turn up in tuxedos': Mbappe Slams Paraguay's Tactics

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe's crucial second-half penalty secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for France over a resilient Paraguay, propelling them into the World Cup quarter-finals where they will face Morocco.

Why Bengal Is Removing Salt Lake Stadium Football Sculpture

Why Bengal Is Removing Salt Lake Stadium Football Sculpture

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal government plans to remove the football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium, designed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and upgrade the venue's infrastructure.

FIFA World Cup: 'Team Must Score, Not You': Henry Blasts Ronaldo

FIFA World Cup: 'Team Must Score, Not You': Henry Blasts Ronaldo

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match.

Premier League 2026-27: Arsenal open title defence against returning Coventry

Premier League 2026-27: Arsenal open title defence against returning Coventry

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Premier League champions Arsenal will begin their title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City when the 2026-27 season kicks off on August 21.

Kylian Mbappe's Double Secures France's Easy World Cup Victory Over Iraq Amidst Weather Delays

Kylian Mbappe's Double Secures France's Easy World Cup Victory Over Iraq Amidst Weather Delays

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, equalling Miroslav Klose's World Cup record, as France defeated Iraq 3-0 to advance to the last 32. The match was significantly delayed by thunderstorms, but France maintained control with Ousmane Dembele also scoring. Iraq's chances of progressing now depend on their final group match and other results.

World's largest Messi statue unveiled in Kolkata

World's largest Messi statue unveiled in Kolkata

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday virtually unveiled his towering 70-foot statue at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata.

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.

Messi eyes club ownership after hanging up boots

Messi eyes club ownership after hanging up boots

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Lionel Messi eyes owning a club after playing days are done

'Anything is possible': Cape Verde's fairytale run continues at World Cup

'Anything is possible': Cape Verde's fairytale run continues at World Cup

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Cape Verde, a tiny island nation, has made history by advancing to the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup.