Argentina, one of football's most successful teams, is also one of its most polarising, inspiring both devotion and irritation due to its history, iconic players like Maradona and Messi, and a national identity often perceived as arrogant by rivals.
Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila has appealed to President Donald Trump for help after being denied permission to enter the United States for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina.
Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has questioned some refereeing decisions involving Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying aggressive play should not go unpunished.
The arguments over who is the greatest footballer of all time will rage on until the end of days, but you would have to go back to Diego Maradona or Pele to find a player with a similar individual influence on World Cup success.
Former India captain Gouramangi Singh offers his expert analysis on the upcoming FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. He highlights Spain's aggressive pressing game and defensive transitions against Argentina's champion's mentality and composure, predicting the match will be decided by small margins. Singh also discusses the individual strengths of both teams and downplays the Messi vs. Yamal narrative.
Darren Sammy: 'We are most people's second favourite team, but we're playing against their favourite.'
After a big loss, teams often give excuses instead of honestly admitting they played badly.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest scorer in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez's bold decision to substitute his captain paid off as Goncalo Ramos scored a dramatic late winner against Croatia.
What surprised Rishika Shah most wasn't the Friends sets. It was how emotional it felt to see something she's loved for so long made physical.
The World Cup has been a great showcase for the game. There have been many a high and low points in the tournament. We bring you the heroes and villains that grabbed the headlines over the last month.
Check out how India's players reacted after victory over South Africa in the final.
South Africa look to avoid dropping another World Cup against nemesis Australia
Faf du Plessis acknowledges Gautam Gambhir's competitive leadership style, highlighting its positive impact on teams like Kolkata Knight Riders. He emphasises Gambhir's high standards and accountability, noting the importance of strong leadership beyond just the captain's role in franchise cricket.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa produced a heroic performance in a 0-0 draw with Brazil and his Russian counterpart Igor Akinfeev was the villain in a 1-1 draw with South Korea as the World Cup produced more drama on Tuesday.
An analysis of Gautam Gambhir's coaching style, highlighting his conviction, support for players, and success in white-ball cricket, while also addressing his polarising nature and the challenges he faces in longer formats.
Germany's squad for the World Cup finals comprises the following 23 players.
Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva turned pantomime villain at the Australian Open on Friday after beating Turkey's qualifier Zeynep Sonmez in the third round.
'Will any coach think of keeping out Rohit and Kohli from the ODI team? That means there is something going on within the team against the two players.' Manoj Tiwary, who played 12 ODIs and three T20Is for India, said iconic players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli deserve greater respect.
Ranveer has shown the right instincts in his choice of roles, which he has played with seeming effortlessness, backed with preparation and understanding.
A cricketing rivalry that transcends beyond the realms of 22-yards will be reignited when India and Pakistan square off in a World Cup encounter that could have fascinating sub-plots with rain gods threatening an anti-climactic twist.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq tells Chandresh Narayanan that his team will break the jinx that has haunted them in five of the last six editions when they take on India in their World Cup opener on February 15.
Pandya's comeback journey following an ankle injury which he suffered in the ODI World Cup was one that is replete with elements of disappointment and dejection but also with utmost resilience and determination shown against adversity.
Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo failed to heed his father's warnings on Friday when he was sent off for recklessly stamping on Arjen Robben in their 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Netherlands.
'He is +10 in the field, also bowls well and bats in pressure situations as well.'
Sachin: A Billion Dreams reveals how Greg Chappell's faulty tactics damaged India's chances in the 2007 World Cup.
The never-ending speculation surrounding Mahendra Singh Dhoni's retirement, Virat Kohli's 16-year-itch, the second chance that life has offered Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma's bleeding heart will make for intriguing sub-plots in the annual carnival called the Indian Premier League starting on Friday.
Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis, on Sunday, refused to step down from his position despite being in the line of fire for the team's disastrous World Twenty20 campaign, saying that he will not go out as a 'villain'.
Surez comes to Uruguay's World Cup quarter-final against France on Friday an all-together wiser and maturer
We take a look at 10 recent awe-inspiring prosthetic aesthetics that actors have rocked for their respective roles in films.
Rohit's men start overwhelming favourites but Shaheen, rain pose threat
Stars arrive for the opening ceremony of the 54th edition of International Film Festival of India.
'Rakesh's life is hard, but he knows how to find joy.' 'He doesn't think his life's value comes from money. He sees no shame in his poverty.'
Home Tests against an undermanned Pakistan may struggle to excite even the most ardent Australian cricket fan but angst over David Warner's farewell tour has given the series a much-welcomed boost.
'I was completely in awe of him. After the shot was okayed, I would quickly run back to my chair and sit quietly till I was called again.'
'Our viewers have grown up over the years.' 'Today, they want to see something which is sensible, a story rooted in logic rather than jingoism.'
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League last 16 matches played on Tuesday
Once a K-drama buff, always a K-drama buff.
In the shadow of the ball-tampering saga that broke out on Saturday and has rocked Australian cricket since, the former cricketer reckons, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft 'will be haunted by it forever'
Underfire Waqar Younis on Monday resigned as Pakistan's head coach in the wake of team's early exit from the World Twenty20 in India.
The film didn't offer the unfettered entertainment which everyone sought -- it was out-and-out a docu-drama, not a masala movie, notes Sandeep Goyal.
