The Economic Times

Football legends Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe etched their names in World Cup history on Monday. Messi became the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, while Mbappe surged into a tie for second. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland continued his impressive scoring streak, helping Norway advance. This day marked a significant milestone for these global superstars.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed plans for President Donald Trump to join him in presenting the World Cup Final trophy on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Infantino confirmed their joint appearance, stating, We are together all the time. Trump previously participated in a trophy ceremony at last year's Club World Cup final at the same venue.

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the first player to score in six FIFA World Cup tournaments. The 41-year-old striker netted early in Portugal's 2026 clash against Uzbekistan, extending his incredible World Cup scoring streak that began in 2006. This historic goal also solidifies his status as international football's all-time leading scorer and ends a recent tournament goal drought.

FIFA is considering retaining hydration breaks for future World Cups, with President Gianni Infantino defending their introduction this year. He believes the mid-half stoppages offer players rest and tactical reassessment, potentially boosting game intensity and entertainment. Despite some fan criticism, Infantino argued for sporting equity, ensuring all teams benefit from the breaks regardless of weather conditions.

India's men's hockey team secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Pakistan in the FIH Pro League London leg. After a slow start, India found their scoring touch with goals from Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma, Sukhjeet Singh, and Rajinder Singh. Despite a late Pakistan surge, India held on for their third win of the season, moving up the standings.

Rohit Sharma has been honored with the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to Indian cricket. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award, recognizing Sharma's leadership in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025 wins. A prolific batter, Sharma holds numerous records, including the highest individual ODI score. His illustrious career spans Test, ODI, and T20 formats, marking him as a legend of the game.

Mexican fans are creating their own vibrant FIFA World Cup celebrations on the streets due to exorbitant ticket prices, making the tournament inaccessible for many. Despite the high costs, communities are uniting in plazas and neighborhoods to watch their national team, fostering a strong sense of national pride and shared experience. This grassroots enthusiasm highlights soccer's deep cultural significance in Mexico, transcending economic barriers.

Lionel Messi has etched his name further in football history, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in men's World Cup history with two goals against Austria. Despite the milestone, the Argentine star emphasized enjoying the present moment and celebrating with his teammates. His brace also propels him to the top of the current tournament's scoring charts, securing Argentina's advancement to the next round.

While Messi and Mbappe shine, Ronaldo faces criticism after Portugal's draw. England's Harry Kane is chasing records, aiming to surpass Gary Lineker. Panama and Croatia face elimination in a crucial match. Colombia seeks to secure a knockout stage spot against a resilient Congo. The World Cup continues with high stakes and individual milestones.

The World Cup's expanded 48-team format introduces a new qualification pathway. Beyond the top two in each of the 12 groups, eight best third-placed teams will advance to a round of 32 knockout stage. For the first time, head-to-head results will be the primary tiebreaker, followed by goal difference and other criteria. This shift significantly impacts team strategies, with goal difference potentially proving crucial for survival.

Manipur's Chief Minister highlighted the state's significant contribution to Indian sports, noting its role in international events and the establishment of the National Sports University. He emphasized discipline and perseverance for young athletes. The Sports Minister revealed India's preparations for the 2036 Olympics, with Manipur, despite its size, producing 19 Olympians. A Rs 5 Crore allocation for modern sports equipment was also announced to boost athlete support.

Football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lauded Lionel Messi's record-breaking FIFA World Cup goal tally, declaring the Argentinian ace in a league of his own. Messi's recent brace propelled him past Miroslav Klose, cementing his status as the all-time top scorer. Ibrahimovic emphasized Messi's unparalleled longevity and complete body of work, surpassing even past greats.

Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova insisted she ever doped after an anti-doping watchdog had banned her from tennis for four years on Monday. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) blames the 26-year-old Czech for failing to open the door to an anti-doping officer in December 2025.

Tennis legend Serena Williams is making a remarkable comeback to singles at Wimbledon after a four-year hiatus. Despite her age and lack of recent singles matches, experts believe her confidence and unparalleled experience make her a formidable presence. Meanwhile, on the men's side, Jannik Sinner is the favorite, with Novak Djokovic posing a significant challenge.

In a significant NBA shake-up, the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly trading Julius Randle and a first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets. This multi-team deal, also involving the Chicago Bulls, sees Nic Claxton heading to Chicago. For Minnesota, the move unlocks substantial financial flexibility, creating a large trade exception and enabling them to re-sign Ayo Dosunmu to a lucrative deal while pursuing other free agents.

Paige Bueckers' 27 points, including her 1,000th career milestone, and Azzi Fudd's career-high 26, with the game-winning layup, propelled the Dallas Wings to a thrilling 112-110 overtime victory against the Seattle Storm. Bueckers' late surge in regulation forced overtime, where Fudd's decisive basket secured the win. Dallas set a WNBA record with 48 made field goals in the contest.

Miami Heat has secured NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade. The two-time MVP, a 10-time All-Star, joins the Heat in exchange for a significant package of players and draft picks. This move signals Miami's continued pursuit of championship contention, mirroring past successful acquisitions like Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James. Antetokounmpo's desire for more titles aligns perfectly with the Heat's ambitions.

Jake McCarthy's dramatic ninth-inning triple secured a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Colorado Rockies against the Boston Red Sox. Trailing by two runs, the Rockies loaded the bases before McCarthy's clutch hit sealed the win. Victor Vodnik earned the victory in relief, while Tyler Freeman contributed three hits. Boston's strong outing from rookie Jake Bennett was ultimately undone by a late bullpen collapse.

Foster Griffin delivered a stellar performance, pitching 7 1/3 innings as the Nationals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1. Luis Garcia Jr. and Curtis Mead's homers powered Washington's offense, while Griffin's strong outing secured his eighth win. The Phillies' Brandon Marsh managed a solo home run, but couldn't spark a comeback. This victory snapped a recent slump for the Nationals.

Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley has officially thrown his hat in the ring for an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. Leveraging the T-Mobile Arena, Foley expressed confidence in the city's readiness for professional basketball, citing the success of the NHL's Golden Knights. He aims to replicate that championship standard, emphasizing the market's potential and a world-class venue.

Portugal entered their encounter under pressure but remained one of the most talented squads in the competition. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading a team packed with world-class experience and technical quality, the Portuguese will be determined to return to winning ways after a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

Excitement builds as the BWF World Championships return to India after 17 years, with tickets ranging from Rs 499 to Rs 5,500. BookMyShow is the official ticketing partner, with sales commencing Monday. Fans can grab early bird deals and enjoy a 15% discount on select seats. India's top shuttlers, including PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen, will compete at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from August 17-23.

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been sidelined from the upcoming T20I series against Ireland due to a left quadriceps injury, confirmed by an MRI scan revealing swelling and fiber disruption. He faces a minimum four-week recovery period. Meanwhile, Hegde has been drafted into the squad, impressing with his performances for India A and in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This comes as other squad changes were also announced.

The ICC has launched groundbreaking 'post-pregnancy return to play' guidelines, drawing from global sports bodies but tailored for cricket's unique challenges. Dr. Philippa Inge, who led the drafting, highlighted the practical, cricket-specific focus addressing psychological and logistical hurdles. The six 'R's framework aims to support female cricketers in balancing family and career, with hopes of reducing dropout rates over the next decade.

Omnicom has unveiled Acxiom Fan Graph, a groundbreaking sports marketing intelligence platform. This innovative solution aims to unify fragmented data across media, commerce, and consumer engagement, offering brands a clearer picture of sports fandom's impact on business. By connecting diverse data points, Fan Graph promises to enhance audience understanding, activation, and measurement for sports investments, addressing a key challenge for marketers in a rapidly growing global market.

Applications are now open for the National Sports Board's Chairperson and two member positions, crucial for sports body recognition and compliance with new sports laws. A high-profile Search-cum-Selection Committee, including Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan and Olympian Gagan Narang, will make recommendations. The Board aims to begin operations within three months, ensuring better governance and athlete representation in sports federations.

In a blockbuster IPL trade, Rishabh Pant is returning to Delhi Capitals after being acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a record INR 27 crore at the auction. He will now play for DC at INR 15 crore. Meanwhile, star spinner Kuldeep Yadav moves to LSG from DC for his existing fee of INR 13.50 crore, bringing his impressive wicket-taking prowess to his new team.

The Delhi High Court has asserted the All India Tennis Association's General Body's ultimate authority in amending its constitution. Proposed changes will now undergo clause-by-clause deliberation and voting by members. This interim order, while modifying a previous ruling, upholds the democratic process for constitutional reforms and upcoming elections, ensuring AITA's autonomy and compliance with new sports governance laws.

Indian pacer Kranti Gaud, a regular in the national team, remains grounded, cherishing her parents' sacrifices, including her mother selling jewellery for her cricket kit. Now aiming to make them proud at the T20 World Cup, Gaud's journey has inspired a cricket academy in her village, empowering young girls to pursue sports careers.

Algeria staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in their World Cup Group J clash, keeping their last-16 hopes alive. After Jordan took an early lead, Algeria's Nadhir Benbouali equalized before Amine Gouiri netted the winner. This victory marks Algeria's first World Cup win since 2014 and their first after conceding first, setting up a crucial final group match against Austria.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, India's newest cricketing sensation, expressed overwhelming joy upon receiving his maiden national jersey, a lifelong dream realized. His remarkable ascent, marked by record-breaking performances including a 29-ball 94 and a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, has seen him become the youngest ever Indian player. Sooryavanshi's selection for upcoming tours signifies a monumental step in his burgeoning career.

India's white-ball squad for the UK tour faces a setback as all-rounder Nitish Reddy is out with a quadriceps injury. Sustained during the Afghanistan series, the 23-year-old's absence creates a gap, especially with Hardik Pandya also nursing a similar issue. Reddy's recovery is expected to take at least four weeks, impacting his availability for upcoming matches.

Erling Haaland's brace propelled Norway to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal, securing their spot in the World Cup knockout stages after a 28-year absence. Despite a strong start from Senegal, Norway's attack, spearheaded by the in-form Haaland, proved too much. Marcus Pedersen opened the scoring, followed by two clinical finishes from Haaland. Ismaila Sarr's late goals offered a glimmer of hope for Senegal, but it wasn't enough.

Lionel Messi's brace secured Argentina's spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria. Despite a missed penalty early on, the veteran forward broke the deadlock before adding a second in stoppage time. These goals propelled Messi to become the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history. Coach Scaloni lauded Messi's commitment and the team's resilience.

Kylian Mbappe netted a brace, his second double of the tournament, as France secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Iraq, advancing to the last 32. Ousmane Dembele added a third goal in a match significantly delayed by thunderstorms. Mbappe's goals bring him level with a World Cup scoring record, while France prepares to face Norway for group supremacy.

Lionel Messi has achieved a monumental feat, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup history with his 17th tournament goal against Austria. Despite an earlier penalty miss, the Argentine captain found the net, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record. This latest milestone adds another glittering achievement to Messi's illustrious career, solidifying his status as one of football's greatest legends.

Hero MotoSports celebrated a decade of global rally raid success in Jaipur, unveiling a new initiative to discover and train India's future Dakar Rally stars. The company also extended its partnership with Dakar organizers, reinforcing its commitment to Indian motorsport. The event highlighted the team's achievements and showcased its dedication to nurturing young talent, including the induction of 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade.

Germany have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the FIFA World Cup knockout stages after defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a serious ankle injury.

Debutants Cabo Verde stunned two-time champions Uruguay with a 2-2 draw in a World Cup thriller. The match saw the oldest starting goalkeeping duo in WC history. Cabo Verde also etched their name in the record books by scoring their first-ever World Cup goal from a free-kick, marking a historic campaign for the nation. This result leaves Group H wide open.

Kerala's government is actively negotiating with FIFA World Cup 2026 rights holders to waive licensing fees for non-commercial public screenings. Minister O J Janeesh assured the assembly that discussions are positive, aiming to allow local clubs and community groups to host screenings without hefty charges. This initiative seeks to ensure football fans across the state can enjoy the tournament without financial barriers, distinguishing these events from commercial ones.

Indian cricketer Sanju Samson drew fascinating parallels between cricket and tennis, comparing MS Dhoni to Roger Federer for his calm demeanor and Virat Kohli to Carlos Alcaraz for his explosive style. He also highlighted how the women's team's ODI World Cup victory inspired the men's T20 World Cup win. Former player Rohan Bopanna shared his Wimbledon predictions.

India's women's hockey team secured promotion back to the FIH Pro League by winning the Nations Cup, defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final. Coach Sjoerd Marijne praised the team's defense and penalty-corner conversion but stressed the need to improve field-goal efficiency. Captain Salima Tete highlighted the victory as a significant confidence booster ahead of the upcoming World Cup, emphasizing the team's hard work and clear mindset.

The FIFA World Cup is unexpectedly granting office workers a reprieve from commutes, with many employers in host cities encouraging remote work to bypass anticipated traffic chaos. From Wall Street to federal agencies, companies are pausing return-to-office mandates, recognizing that avoiding gridlock is a prime example of remote work's utility. This trend highlights the enduring flexibility of working from home, even as major sporting events disrupt urban mobility.

Downtown Srinagar's Irani Cafe is buzzing with football fever, screening FIFA World Cup matches nightly. A couple, an aeronautical engineer and an MBA, have revived the Parsi cafe tradition, offering Mumbai-style Bun Maska and Chai to attract youngsters. Their unique setup, complete with a big screen and football memorabilia, is drawing crowds eager to celebrate the sport and their city's rich footballing heritage.

Lionel Messi is on the cusp of rewriting FIFA World Cup history as Argentina faces Austria. Following a record-breaking hat-trick in their opener, the 38-year-old legend aims to extend his scoring streak and potentially claim the all-time goal-scoring record. Messi also holds numerous other World Cup milestones, and another victory would bring him closer to Miroslav Klose's win record. Austria, however, presents a formidable challenge with their current winning form.

Buoyed by a victory over Olympic champions Netherlands, the Indian men's hockey team faces arch-rivals Pakistan in their London leg opener. This marks their first encounter since a 2024 Asian Champions Trophy win. India aims to build on their improved European leg performance, where they secured two wins against strong opponents, as they prepare for major upcoming tournaments.

India's badminton contingent, spearheaded by Lakshya Sen and Tanvi Sharma, is set to make a strong impact at the US Open Super 300. Sen, the second seed, aims for a comeback after an early exit, while Srikanth also features in the men's singles. A formidable seven-player women's singles team, including fifth seed Tanvi and sixth seed Devika Sihag, adds to India's hopes.