Lionel Messi joked that Cape Verde players asked for his jersey and photos after the match despite “kicking the crap” out of him throughout Argentina’s hard-fought 3-2 Round of 32 victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Closely marked and fouled five times, Messi scored Argentina’s opening goal before praising Cape Verde’s quality and determination. He admitted Argentina lost control after taking the lead and stressed the team must correct several mistakes despite progressing. Calling Cape Verde a difficult opponent, Messi said knockout football offers no easy matches and emphasised the importance of learning from the performance before the Round of 16. (PC: AFP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump and the American people on the United States' 250th Independence Day. In a message posted on X, Modi said India and the US share more than a strategic partnership, emphasising their common commitment to democracy, the rule of law and the limitless potential of their citizens. He described the bilateral relationship as a force for global good and extended greetings on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. Modi also expressed hope that the next 250 years would bring greater prosperity, peace and progress for the United States while elevating the India-US partnership to new heights.

Iran has begun days-long funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran following his death in an airstrike earlier this year. Massive crowds gathered at the Grand Mosalla, where his casket was displayed in a glass enclosure as mourners chanted slogans, waved flags and observed traditional Shiite mourning rituals. The ceremonies are being closely watched for the possible public appearance of his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. Several foreign leaders and delegations have paid tribute, including Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Mehbooba Mufti, who joined condolences in Tehran.

India’s Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami rejected comparisons between India and Pakistan regarding mediation efforts in the Iran-US conflict, calling such comparisons “a little unfair.” Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, he highlighted India’s stronger economic integration, global engagement and contributions to peace and security. Doraiswami said countries must independently decide whether mediation serves their national interests and noted that India sees little benefit in entering an already crowded diplomatic field. He also pointed out that India and China have adopted similar positions on recent crises in West Asia and Eastern Europe, adding that neither country is actively offering mediation services. (PC: Business Standard)

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has won widespread admiration for a heartfelt gesture toward Venezuelan earthquake survivor Andres Milles ahead of Portugal’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash with Spain. Andres, who lost his family in the June 24 earthquake and underwent a leg amputation after being rescued from the rubble, had expressed his dream of owning Ronaldo’s Panini World Cup sticker. After learning of his story, Ronaldo sent a personal video message encouraging the boy’s recovery, invited him to attend one of his matches, and promised to meet him in person. Reports also say Ronaldo is sending Andres a signed Portugal jersey.

Scientists have identified a banyan tree in Bihar’s Munger district as the oldest accurately dated banyan tree known so far, estimating its age at around 700 years through scientific analysis. The discovery represents a significant breakthrough in dating tropical trees, a long-standing challenge because of their complex growth patterns and the absence of clear annual growth rings. Researchers believe the finding could reshape methods for studying ancient tropical trees while strengthening conservation efforts for ecologically and culturally significant heritage sites across South Asia and beyond. The landmark study provides a reliable scientific benchmark for understanding the longevity of banyan trees and highlights the importance of preserving centuries-old natural landmarks for future generations. (PC: X)

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha revealed the heartfelt words Lionel Messi shared after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory ended Cape Verde’s historic FIFA World Cup debut. Following the match, Messi hugged Vozinha and told him, “You are great. Your people should be proud of you,” praising Cape Verde’s spirited display. Vozinha, who made eight saves, described the exchange as one of the most memorable moments of his career. He thanked Messi, called him “the best,” and requested a jersey swap, which Messi agreed to complete in the tunnel after interviews. Argentina progressed to the Round of 16, while Messi scored his record-extending 20th World Cup goal against determined opponents. (PC: MSN)

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi created history by becoming India's youngest-ever international cricketer after making his T20I debut against England in Manchester at 15 years, 3 months and 7 days. The Bihar batter received his maiden cap from Tilak Varma following an address by head coach Gautam Gambhir. Vaibhav earned promotion after a sensational India A campaign, including a 94 off 29 balls and the fastest List A fifty in 11 deliveries. His debut surpasses Shafali Verma as India's youngest international and overtakes Sachin Tendulkar as the youngest male debutant. He now tops India's youngest T20I debutants list, ahead of Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma. (PC: News18)

Australian authorities have launched an investigation after an alleged death threat against Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared on Facebook ahead of his July 7–9 visit to Australia. The threatening comment, posted under a promotional post for the “Melbourne Meets Modi” community event at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on July 9, came from an account using the name “Abu Mustafa.” According to The Australia Today, investigators have identified the IP address linked to the account as part of the probe. The Australian Federal Police has neither confirmed any arrests nor commented on the ongoing investigation. Security agencies are treating the threat seriously and are strengthening arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit. (PC: Pro Kerala)

A purported Snapchat conversation involving murder accused Siya Goyal has surfaced during the investigation into the death of her fiancé, Ketan Agarwal, adding a new twist to the case. According to police, Siya allegedly asked a friend for an Aadhaar card copy to book flight tickets for a “wedding that would never happen,” raising suspicions that the booking was intended to make the wedding preparations appear genuine. Investigators are examining whether the chat was part of a planned cover-up. A court has sent Siya Goyal and co-accused Chetan Chaudhary to 14 days of judicial custody. (PC: NDTV)