The Economic Times

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.

England's World Test Championship final aspirations have taken a hit. A significant slow over-rate in their recent defeat to New Zealand at The Oval resulted in a 12-point deduction and a fine. This penalty has dropped their points percentage considerably, impacting their standing in the championship. Captain Joe Root accepted the sanction, with the team now looking to regroup for the upcoming final Test.

Iran secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Belgium in their second World Cup Group G match, thanks to a stellar performance from goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, who made seven crucial saves. Despite playing with a man advantage for the final 30 minutes after a Belgium red card, Iran struggled with possession and shots on target.

Mohamed Salah spearheaded Egypt to a historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand, marking their first-ever World Cup win. After trailing at halftime, the Pharaohs staged a remarkable second-half comeback, with Salah himself scoring and assisting. This crucial win propels Egypt to the top of Group G, enhancing their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.

Wyndham Clark clinched his second U.S. Open title at Shinnecock Hills, holding off a strong challenge from Sam Burns. Despite a significant lead, Clark endured a tense final round, ultimately winning by one shot. Meanwhile, Miyu Yamashita triumphed in the Meijer LPGA Classic after a playoff, securing her third LPGA Tour victory.

India's women's 4x100m relay team secured a dominant gold medal at the Asian Relays Championships, clocking a season-best 43.85 seconds. The contingent also showcased strong performances, clinching silver in the mixed 4x400m relay and bronze in the mixed 4x100m relay, adding further accolades to their impressive showing on the final day of the competition.

Cape Verde continued their World Cup fairytale, holding Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 draw. After stunning Spain, the Blue Sharks took the lead through Kevin Pina's free-kick. Uruguay fought back with goals from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio before halftime. However, substitute Helio Varela capitalized on a defensive error to secure a historic point for Cape Verde, leaving Uruguay's knockout hopes uncertain.

Tennis legend Serena Williams is making a sensational return to Wimbledon singles after a four-year hiatus, having been granted the final wildcard. The seven-time champion, who recently played doubles after an extended break, will add a significant storyline to the Grand Slam. Williams, widely considered the greatest female player, last competed in singles at Wimbledon in 2022.

South Africa secured a vital six-wicket victory over India in the Women's T20 World Cup, largely thanks to Marizanne Kapp's unbeaten 81. Dropped twice by substitute fielder Radha Yadav, Kapp capitalized on the lifelines, forging a crucial 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brits. India's earlier total of 158 for seven proved insufficient as South Africa chased it down with five balls remaining, climbing to third in Group A.

Having scored in the 11th minute, Yamal, at the age of 18 years and 343 days old, registered his maiden FIFA World Cup goal just 14 days younger than Messi's first FIFA WC goal (at 18 years and 357 days old), as per ESPN.

Iran's football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has voiced frustration over the challenging travel and preparation conditions for his team ahead of their World Cup match against Belgium. He highlighted inconsistent US entry policies that limited training time, contrasting it with Belgium's smoother arrangements. While acknowledging FIFA's efforts, Ghalenoei questioned why logistical improvements weren't applied earlier, impacting Iran's readiness despite smooth customs entry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Indian women's hockey team for their triumphant FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup victory. The squad secured their second title and promotion to the FIH Women's Pro League by defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final. Modi praised their exceptional performance throughout the tournament, expressing best wishes and hoping the win inspires more to take up the sport.

Indian cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur has etched her name in history, becoming the first player globally, across both men's and women's T20 Internationals, to reach 200 appearances. She achieved this milestone during India's World Cup match against South Africa. Kaur, who debuted in 2009, expressed gratitude for her journey and support system as she celebrated this remarkable achievement.

New Zealand's football team, the All Whites, are on the cusp of a historic World Cup run after a strong opening draw against Iran. Ranked 82nd globally, their presence in the expanded 48-team tournament is a significant achievement, amplified by their chance to advance past the group stage for the first time. Coach Darren Bazeley emphasizes focusing on winning, not the occasion, as they prepare to face Egypt.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's extensive private jet travel for the 2026 World Cup is drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists. His frequent flights, covering vast distances across North America, significantly contribute to carbon emissions. Experts highlight this as a sustainability paradox, where the tournament's structure necessitates high-emission travel, raising concerns about FIFA's commitment to climate action amidst a growing global event.

Brazilian President Lula playfully dubbed Neymar a 'work-from-home' player due to his World Cup absence. Neymar is recovering from a calf injury, missing Brazil's first two matches. He's resumed on-field training, but his participation in the Scotland game remains uncertain, with a final decision pending. His potential return would significantly boost Brazil's qualification hopes.

Japan delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Tunisia 4-0 in a historic World Cup match. Ayase Ueda netted twice, supported by goals from Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito, marking Japan's highest-ever World Cup goal tally. This victory propels Japan level on points with the Netherlands in Group F, significantly boosting their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. Tunisia, meanwhile, faces elimination after this decisive defeat.

Uruguay's coach Marcelo Bielsa has voiced strong disapproval of the FIFA World Cup's new hydration breaks, asserting they fundamentally alter the game's nature and cultural essence. He believes these pauses detract from football's inherent characteristics. Bielsa also addressed striker Darwin Nunez's scoring drought, dismissing concerns about his motivation for the upcoming match against Cape Verde.

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has dismissed comparisons to Lionel Messi, declaring the Argentine legend the undisputed greatest. Despite his own high self-belief and potential, Yamal acknowledges a vast gap and emphasizes his ongoing development. He stated, For me, Messi's the best and he keeps proving it. Yamal, who has faced injury setbacks, is expected to play in Spain's upcoming World Cup match.

India aims to extend their winning streak in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup against South Africa on Sunday at Old Trafford. Following commanding victories over Pakistan and the Netherlands, Harmanpreet Kaur's squad is in strong form. This crucial Group 1 fixture is vital for India's progression, with the match set to begin at 7:00 PM IST and broadcast on Star Sports and JioHotstar.

Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami appears a masterstroke as he leads Argentina towards a potential second World Cup title. Still performing at an elite level at 38, Messi's decision to play in the US has revitalized his career and boosted soccer's profile. His teammates and coaches laud his continued brilliance, highlighting his pivotal role and inspirational presence on the field, proving he remains the team's core.

Japan achieved their most significant World Cup victory, defeating Tunisia 4-0 in the tournament's 1000th match. Daichi Kamada scored the fastest goal for Japan, while Ayase Ueda netted a brace, marking a historic performance for the Samurai Blue. This emphatic win propels Japan to four points in Group F, boosting their qualification hopes.

Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan has quashed rumors of discord involving star forward Mohamed Salah. Hassan emphasized that all 26 players are equally valued and treated professionally, highlighting Salah's discipline and leadership. He stated that team decisions, including substitutions, are made for the national team's benefit, and Salah fully respects them. Hassan expressed confidence in Salah's continued positive impact ahead of their match against New Zealand.

Indian boxers showcased exceptional talent at the 56th Grand Prix Usti nad Labem, securing a remarkable 12 medals, including eight golds, ahead of the Commonwealth Games. The women's contingent shone with four golds, led by Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain. The men's team also delivered a strong performance, clinching four gold medals. This dominant display signals a promising outlook for Indian boxing on the international stage.

India's top-seeded Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar clinched their third consecutive Asian Doubles Squash Championship men's doubles title in Malaysia. They triumphed over Pakistan's second seeds in a thrilling final, coming back from a game down. Veteran Joshna Chinappa also contributed to India's medal haul, securing bronze in both women's and mixed doubles events.

India has announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against England, led by captain Shubman Gill. The team features seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, with the latter's availability pending fitness. A potent bowling attack, including Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, complements a balanced batting lineup. Meanwhile, Varun Chakaravarthy is out of the Ireland T20Is due to ongoing rehabilitation.

Sooryavanshi smashed a blistering 94 off 29 balls, including a record 11-ball fifty, to propel India A to a massive 377 for nine against Sri Lanka A in the Team Tri-Series final. Skipper Tilak Varma added a steady 67, and late fireworks from Anukul Roy ensured India A set a formidable target.

Chennai's Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi, India's first IM and WGM, asserts the nation's chess dominance is unmatched and will only grow. She highlights Chennai's pivotal role, from pioneers like Manuel Aaron and Vishwanathan Anand to current stars Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa. Vijayalakshmi also reflects on her near-miss GM title and contemplates a comeback.

Young Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has shattered a 21-year-old record, smashing a blistering 11-ball fifty in the List A tri-series final against Sri Lanka A. The 15-year-old prodigy, poised for his India debut, narrowly missed a century with a stunning 94 off just 29 balls. His explosive innings, featuring ten fours and eight sixes, showcased remarkable skill and power, dismantling the opposition attack.

India's fringe bowlers showcased promising talent in the ODI series against Afghanistan, offering optimism for the team's support bowling options. Debutants Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, and Harsh Dubey displayed moments of brilliance, with Brar particularly impressing with his pace and bounce. Captain Shubman Gill lauded the bowlers' ability to consistently deliver 140-plus speeds and adapt to different conditions, highlighting their potential for the upcoming World Cup.

Netherlands star Brian Brobbey has entered the record books after scoring the fourth fastest braces in FIFA World Cup history, during his side's 5-1 win over Sweden in the 2026 World Cup Group F clash on Saturday (local time).

Despite political hurdles and visa issues forcing Iran's World Cup team to relocate to Tijuana, Mexico, a jubilant atmosphere surrounds them. Dedicated fans, some traveling from across the US, gather at their hotel to offer unwavering support. The team faces logistical challenges, including travel restrictions, but remains determined to overcome them with Iranian pride, as their federation prepares to lodge a complaint with FIFA.

Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration over travel restrictions and visa issues imposed by the US at the World Cup, impacting his team's preparation. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic FIFA will intervene. Ghalenoei highlighted the team's dedication to their nation and appealed for fair treatment, emphasizing football should remain separate from politics. Belgium's Thomas Meunier offered empathy, drawing parallels to facing Ukraine amidst conflict.

Ecuador's hopes in World Cup 2026 took a hit after they could only manage a goalless draw against Curacao in Kansas City. They controlled the ball well and crafted several scoring opportunities, but were denied by an impressive showing from Curacao's goalkeeper, Eloy Room.

Indian cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur is set to make history by becoming the first player to reach 200 T20 international appearances on Sunday against South Africa. Her remarkable career, spanning 17 years, is lauded by bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi for her leadership and mentorship.

US officials are maintaining Iran's World Cup travel plan despite the team's complaints about restrictions. While Iran's coach called them the 'most oppressed team,' the White House Task Force director stated the situation is dynamic and will be reassessed after their next match. He defended the current measures, citing reduced travel time and visa approvals for most personnel, emphasizing the US's commitment to security and a successful tournament.

New Zealand is on the cusp of victory at The Oval, setting England a daunting 463-run target. Despite Joe Root's unbeaten 75, England faltered to 182-5 by stumps on day four. Earlier, Daryl Mitchell's 68 was the highlight as New Zealand was bowled out for 362 in their second innings. England faces an uphill battle to avoid defeat.