Sports

Lionel Messi’s pep talks during World Cup final spark theories. (Video grabs) Fresh footage of Lionel Messi‘s pre-match and half-time team talks has reignited debate over whether Argentina entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup final carrying more baggage than just the weight of defending their title.The newly surfaced videos, recorded inside the dressing room and…

Indian boxing team for CWG 2026. (Pic credit: BFI) NEW DELHI: India’s boxing contingent has suffered an unexpected setback even before throwing a punch at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with nearly half the team’s luggage going missing during their journey from Belfast to Glasgow just days before competition begins.The 22-member Indian contingent arrived in Glasgow…

Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario on Tuesday for a brief period of rest following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with hundreds of supporters gathering before dawn in the hope of catching a glimpse of their captain.Messi’s private jet touched down near Rosario at 6:27 a.m….

L-R: FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump present the trophy to Spain’s Rodri; and Sepp Blatter. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a scathing attack on football’s governing body in the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming the tournament “lost its credibility” and urging fans, players and national associations…

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the World Cup final against Spain. (AP Photo) Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez has hinted that his international career could be nearing its end after issuing an emotional apology following Argentina’s heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.The 33-year-old, one of the architects of…

India’s T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma Team India’s T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has reflected on the challenges that contributed to India’s disappointing back-to-back T20I series defeats against Ireland and England, insisting the team remains focused on learning from the setbacks and regaining momentum.The reigning T20 World Cup champions endured a forgettable tour of the British Isles…

England’s Jacob Bethell (ANI Photo) England all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the 2026 edition of The Hundred after sustaining a right knee injury during the recently concluded ODI series against India.Bethell, who was retained by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 340,000 ahead of The Hundred’s inaugural player auction, had also been appointed captain…

India fast bowler Ashok Sharma has described receiving his maiden senior national team call-up as the fulfilment of a long-standing dream, with the youngster now hoping to make his international debut during the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. India will take on Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series in Harare from July 23 to 26,…

Akane Yamaguchi and Shi Yu Qi (AP Photos) NEW DELHI: Winning a world title is one thing. Defending it is an even bigger challenge. As the BWF World Championships return to India after 17 years, the spotlight will be firmly on the five reigning champions who arrive in New Delhi with the pressure of staying…

Argentina’s Lionel Messi. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) Argentina’s World Cup runners-up returned home quietly after their 1-0 defeat to Spain, with President Javier Milei revealing that the players chose not to hold any victory parade or public celebration. Despite several offers from the government, the squad decided they were too disappointed by the final defeat to…