Argentina and Spain will contest the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in a symbolic clash between Lionel Messi and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Messi, 39, is aiming to become the first captain to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles, while 19-year-old Yamal has emerged as Spain's new superstar after breaking several teenage records. Both are products of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, representing two different generations. Their story, however, began long before football's biggest stage. In 2007, during a charity photoshoot at Camp Nou, Messi unknowingly bathed six-month-old Yamal in a plastic tub. Nineteen years later, the football icon and the youngster will face each other in the World Cup final. (PC: Yahoo)

The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that it would provide any necessary medical intervention to activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, based on the advice of doctors monitoring his condition. The submission was made during the hearing of a petition seeking urgent medical care for Wangchuk amid growing concerns over his deteriorating health. The government assured the court that medical intervention would be carried out whenever required and in accordance with the recommendations of the attending doctors. Wangchuk has been fasting indefinitely, and his health has become a matter of judicial scrutiny as concerns over his condition continue. (PC: X)

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has advised ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders due to the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf. The advisory directs stakeholders to enhance vigilance across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, monitor navigational and security advisories, comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and immediately contact IFC-IOR and the DG Communication Centre during emergencies. The move follows recent attacks on commercial vessels, including strikes that killed two Indian seafarers, prompting India's strong diplomatic protest. (PC: AFP)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, said his decision to join the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest was an “organic” one, dismissing suggestions of political orchestration. Speaking to The Hindu, she said Wangchuk joined because the youth-led movement aligned with his concerns and he wanted to ensure its cause was not sabotaged by “nefarious” elements or diverted from its original objectives. According to Angmo, Wangchuk’s presence was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the protest rather than influencing its direction. Her remarks come as Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike, with his participation drawing national attention amid growing concerns over his health and the movement’s future. (PC: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap)

England captain Harry Kane admitted he was "gutted" after the Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal, ending their hopes of reaching the final. Kane praised his teammates' commitment, saying they gave "everything, sweat, blood and whatever it is," but acknowledged England struggled to cope after taking the lead as Argentina piled on relentless pressure. He said repeated waves of attacks eventually proved decisive despite England's defensive efforts. The defeat has reignited speculation over Kane's international future ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Meanwhile, criticism has mounted over Thomas Tuchel's tactics, although the England manager defended his approach after the semifinal loss. (PC: FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

A satirical art group, The Secret Handshake, installed a 10-foot “participation trophy” on Washington’s National Mall mocking US President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict. The gold trophy labelled Trump the “#1 participant” praised him for “participating regardless of the final score,” while a nearby plaque invited visitors to add their own trophies. The installation drew public attention as US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continued to escalate. Responding to the artwork, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed the creators as “untalented” and defended Operation Epic Fury, insisting the US military had achieved all its objectives despite criticism surrounding the president’s foreign policy.

Metropolitan Police escorted a lone Argentina supporter to safety after he was surrounded by England fans in central London following England’s 2-1 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat. Footage circulating on social media showed officers guiding the fan, who was wearing an Argentina shirt, into a police van on Regent Street near Piccadilly Circus as onlookers jeered. Police later cleared a path for the vehicle to leave safely. Authorities routinely separate rival football supporters as a precaution, and there was no suggestion of wrongdoing by either the Argentina fan or the surrounding England supporters. Argentina advanced to Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain after their dramatic comeback victory.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a complaint alleging breaches of political neutrality, with advocacy group FairSquare urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to investigate his ties to US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported. The complaint claims Infantino violated IOC rules on multiple occasions, including his alleged role in overturning a one-match suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun, enabling him to play against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 6. Trump has publicly admitted intervening to help Balogun become eligible and said he contacted Infantino. While Infantino acknowledged receiving Trump's call, he denied influencing FIFA's disciplinary process or the decision regarding Balogun's suspension. (PC: AP)

Argentina could face FIFA disciplinary action after players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” following their FIFA World Cup semi-final victory over England. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso held the banner before defender Nicolas Otamendi laid it on the pitch. The slogan refers to the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory claimed by Argentina as the Malvinas, making it a politically sensitive issue. FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) prohibit political messages, slogans and symbols during matches and official celebrations. If the banner is deemed a political statement under competition rules, Argentina and/or the players involved could face sanctions from FIFA.

Iran rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran is seeking negotiations with Washington, insisting it currently has “no plans for negotiations” and remains focused on defence. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran no longer considers itself bound by the June 17 memorandum of understanding, accusing the US of violating the agreement through continued strikes on Iranian military facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran warned it would respond proportionately to any further violations. The remarks came as US Central Command confirmed a fresh wave of strikes targeting Iranian military assets allegedly threatening commercial shipping. Despite renewed hostilities, mediated talks between Washington and Tehran have not been formally cancelled.