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….

Pranesh hands Gukesh another defeat (X-Chess Base India) GM M Pranesh continued his impressive run at the Chennai Grand Masters by defeating reigning world champion D Gukesh for the second consecutive time, while GM Nihal Sarin outclassed Arjun Erigaisi in a crucial Round 6 encounter on Tuesday. The results reshaped the leaderboard, with French Grandmaster…

Murali Sreeshankar (AFP Photo) NEW DELHI: Just over two years ago, Murali Sreeshankar feared he might never compete again. A ruptured patellar tendon during training in April 2024 forced the Indian long jumper to miss his biggest dream – the Paris Olympics – despite having already secured qualification.Doctors, coaches and many around him believed his…

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 players protest after Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez (24) was shown a red card (AP Photo) Argentina’s FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain has come under renewed scrutiny after new footage surfaced on social media appearing to show an attempt to influence the aftermath of Enzo Fernandez’s decisive red card. Lionel Scaloni’s side lost 1-0…

Tilak Varma responds to criticism (Image: ANI) India’s T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has hit back at criticism surrounding his strike rate during the recent T20I tours of Ireland and England, insisting that he always bats according to the team’s requirements rather than personal milestones.The left-hander faced scrutiny after scoring 178 runs in seven T20Is across…

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…