Lionel Messi's unparalleled influence extends beyond his on-field performance, transforming opponents into admirers. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Messi effect,' sees rival players expressing awe and seeking mementos after matches, highlighting his profound impact on the current generation of footballers.
Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.
In Peru, there is a wave of new baby Haalands. In Argentina, Lionel has raced up the rankings, and in Mexico a girl was reportedly named after three soccer players. Parents in Latin America are already christening a new generation of babies after the stars of the World Cup.
Italian second-tier soccer club Venezia has secured a significant minority investment from sports industry heavyweight Tim Leiweke, thanks in part to Canadian rapper Drake.
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.
France striker Kylian Mbappe has become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's 21 goals, after netting twice in France's third-place play-off match against England.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, celebrated his 39th birthday. The article chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in Rosario to becoming a global superstar, highlighting his unparalleled success at Barcelona, his international triumphs with Argentina including the 2022 World Cup, his individual accolades like eight Ballon d'Or awards, and his current impact with Inter Miami, cementing his legacy as a record-breaking legend.
Luka Modri's illustrious international career concluded with Croatia's dramatic 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the World Cup. Despite a valiant effort, Croatia's hopes were dashed by a late Gonalo Ramos goal and a disallowed equaliser, marking an emotional exit for the 40-year-old football icon. Cristiano Ronaldo shared a poignant moment with his former teammate, acknowledging Modri's remarkable legacy.
Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Javier Mascherano discuss the profound influence of their former club on the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. They highlight the impact of La Masia-bred players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi for Spain, and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi for Argentina, all products of Barcelona's footballing philosophy. Both former players express pride in the shared playing style and the quality of the final.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the Samajwadi Party of allowing the ancestral house of eminent hockey player KD Singh 'Babu' in Barabanki to go on sale, asserting that his government intervened to prevent it.
Argentina's dark blue away jersey holds significant historical and superstitious value for the team, particularly in World Cup encounters against England. The team will wear this kit in their upcoming semi-final, hoping to replicate past successes from 1986 and 1998, where the blue jersey was worn during famous victories over England. Both coaches acknowledge the role of superstition in high-level sports, though Argentina's coach downplays the specific jersey choice. The jersey also features cultural motifs.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has expressed its condolences following the death of former India forward Gilbertson Sangma, who passed away at the age of 70.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has appointed Greek tactician Panagiotis Dilmperis as their new head coach on a one-year contract. Known for his attacking yet balanced style and ability to blend youth with experience, Dilmperis aims to build a disciplined and courageous side to compete for all trophies, acknowledging the high expectations and the significance of the Kolkata Derby.
Cristiano Ronaldo led an emotional tribute to his late team-mate Diogo Jota after Portugal's World Cup victory. over Croatia, marking the first anniversary of Jota's death. Ronaldo, visibly moved, wore Jota's jersey and pointed to the sky, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans and teammates.
FIFA's 'Debut FIFA World Cup' sleeve patch for the 2026 tournament is designed to celebrate first-time players and personalise kits.
Lionel Messi is poised to further cement his legendary status as Argentina faces Austria in a crucial FIFA World Cup Group J match. Following a record-breaking hat-trick against Algeria, Messi is on the verge of equalling or surpassing several all-time World Cup records, including consecutive goals, total goals, and match victories. The football world watches as he leads Argentina against a formidable Austrian side.
England captain Harry Kane continued his record-breaking run, scoring a match-winning brace against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup. His goals not only secured England's progression but also saw him surpass football legends like Pele in World Cup goals and join Cristiano Ronaldo as only the second player with 20+ goals across both FIFA World Cup and Euro Championships. England now faces Mexico in the Round of 16.
As the FIFA World Cup concludes, we give you a curated list of the most impressive Hindi and English shows from 2026 to fill the OTT void.
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.
Cristiano Ronaldo expressed sadness after Portugal's World Cup exit following a 1-0 loss to Spain, stating he gave his all and is leaving with a clear conscience, but will take time to reflect on his international future.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, prompting teammate Julian Alvarez to hail him as "the best player in the world and in history." Despite missing a penalty, Messi scored a crucial equaliser, leading Argentina to a 3-2 win and a quarter-final clash with Switzerland, keeping their title defence hopes alive.
France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain marks the end of Didier Deschamps' 14-year reign, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over and lead a new generation of gifted players towards future global titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup record fell as Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick and reached 16 tournament goals.
Sir David Beckham, the first English player to win league titles in four countries, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday.
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is facing potential scrutiny from FIFA after appearing to breach tournament equipment regulations during a World Cup match. He reportedly cut the sleeves off his long-sleeved jersey and wore a white undershirt that did not match his outer kit, both actions potentially violating FIFA rules on uniform consistency.
Reports suggest Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City after a decade, with Enzo Maresca tipped as his replacement. Guardiola's contract expires in 2027.
Lionel Messi congratulated FC Barcelona after their 29th La Liga title win over Real Madrid, recalling his legendary trophy-laden legacy with the Catalan giants.
Christian Pulisic and Virat Kohli headline a unique RCB-AC Milan crossover, exchanging jerseys and sports in a global campaign blending cricket, football and fan culture.
Lionel Messi, nearing 39, has broken the World Cup all-time goal-scoring record with 18 goals, surpassing Marta and Miroslav Klose. This latest achievement adds to his illustrious career, which includes numerous club and international titles, cementing his status as one of football's greatest players.
Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar met with Union Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao to discuss the development of sports in Mizoram, with a focus on reviving hockey and expanding training facilities.
Former Mohun Bagan President Swapan Sadhan Bose, known as 'Tutu Babu', has died at the age of 79 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He played a significant role in shaping Mohun Bagan, serving in various capacities for over three decades and overseeing transformative decisions.
'Without sugar coating things, I could tell Akshay (Kumar) and Rajpal (Yadav) aisa mat kar (don't do that), remind Anna (Suniel Shetty) that it was a just a 'back' shot and point out to Paresh (Rawal) bhai that since he was not in focus, so he didn't have to give too many expressions.'
Former Mohun Bagan president Swapan Sadhan Bose, known as 'Tutu Babu', has died at the age of 79 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He played a key role in shaping Mohun Bagan in the modern era, including the merger with ATK.
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.
Inspirational Lionel Messi would like to end his glittering career on a high as Argentina begin their World Cup defence on June 17 against Algeria in their Group J encounter.
Magnus Carlsen's popularity remains undiminished in Norway, with many believing he is unbeatable on home turf, even as he hints at moving away from classical chess.
'Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time.'
A day after Guardiola's final game in charge after a trophy-laden decade, thousands lined the streets in searing 31 degrees Celsius heat and clouds of sky-blue confetti, climbing street lights and crowding every vantage point for a glimpse of the Spaniard who had defined an era.
Cristiano Ronaldo reached a major milestone, scoring his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League during Al-Nassr's 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab. The Portuguese superstar's goal, along with Joao Felix's hat-trick, helped Al-Nassr maintain their position at the top of the league standings.
Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
