Football fans are eagerly awaiting a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Lamine Yamal's Spain. While many see it as the first meeting between the two stars, they actually shared a memorable moment years ago when a young Yamal appeared alongside Messi during a Barcelona charity photoshoot. Now, the legendary Argentine captain and Spain's teenage sensation are set to face each other on football's biggest stage. The final represents a symbolic passing of the torch, with Messi chasing another historic title and Yamal aiming to cement his place among football's brightest young talents. (PC: X)

Fifteen-year-old national rifle shooter Damayanti Sen has gone missing under mysterious circumstances from West Bengal's Howrah district, triggering an intensive police search. The promising athlete, recently selected for national team trials, reportedly left home on Thursday but never returned. CCTV footage captured her at Howrah railway station, providing investigators with their last confirmed sighting. Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and are examining CCTV footage while questioning witnesses to trace her movements. The disappearance has shocked the sporting community, with family members and authorities appealing to the public for information that could help locate the young shooter. (PC: India Today)

The BCCI has firmly rejected speculation that the third ODI against England at Lord's would be Rohit Sharma's final international match. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the veteran opener remains an important part of India's ODI plans and will continue representing the country. The statement comes after widespread reports suggested selectors were preparing to move beyond the former captain ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Team management has also backed Rohit despite his recent lean run with the bat, expressing confidence in his ability to regain form and contribute significantly in future ODI assignments. (PC: X)

FIFA will present US-style championship rings to the winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time such awards will accompany the traditional winners' medals. The rings, inspired by championship traditions in American sports, are designed to commemorate the team's historic achievement and celebrate the expanded tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA said the initiative reflects the tournament's North American influence while preserving football's long-standing customs. Players and team staff from the victorious nation will receive the commemorative rings as unique keepsakes alongside their medals and the iconic World Cup trophy.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concern over Virat Kohli's ODI future after Rohit Sharma's reported exclusion from India's one-day setup. Ashwin cautioned that Kohli could face a similar fate if he fails to perform consistently in the coming weeks, highlighting the selectors' apparent shift towards prioritising form and long-term planning. He stressed that even senior players are no longer guaranteed places based solely on reputation. While Kohli remains a key member of India's batting lineup, Ashwin's remarks underline the increasing competition and pressure on experienced cricketers ahead of major international tournaments. (PC: X)

Sir Garfield "Gary" Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, has died at the age of 89 at his home in Barbados. Sobers became the first player to hit six sixes in a single over of first-class cricket in 1968 and held the Test record of 365 not out for 36 years. Across 93 Tests, he scored 8,032 runs and claimed 235 wickets. Knighted in 1975, Sobers inspired generations with his extraordinary versatility, leadership, and sportsmanship, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in world cricket. (PC: X)

England manager Thomas Tuchel has come under intense criticism from the British media following England's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Newspapers questioned his tactical decisions, team selection and inability to guide a talented squad beyond the latter stages of the tournament. Several reports described England's campaign as disappointing, with concerns raised over the team's lack of creativity and attacking intent in crucial matches. The defeat has sparked widespread debate over Tuchel's future as head coach, with fans and pundits demanding answers after another missed opportunity to end England's long wait for a major international trophy. (PC: PTI)

India captain Rohit Sharma faces what could be his final chance to cement his place in Test cricket as India prepares for the decisive match against England at Lord's. With inconsistent performances and increasing scrutiny over his form, the series decider has taken on added significance for the veteran opener. A strong performance could silence critics and reaffirm his leadership, while another failure may intensify calls for a transition to younger players. As India aims to clinch the series, all eyes will be on Rohit's bat in a match that could shape both the team's future and his Test career. (PC: ANI)

FIFA has appointed experienced Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. The appointment makes Vinčić the first Slovenian referee to oversee a FIFA World Cup final, marking a historic milestone in his career. A FIFA-listed international referee since 2010, Vinčić has previously handled major matches, including the 2024 UEFA Champions League final. He will be assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, with Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh serving as the fourth official. (PC: AP)

FIFA is assessing match reports before deciding whether to take disciplinary action against Argentina after players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" following their 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory over England. The slogan supports Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands, a long-running sovereignty dispute with the UK. FIFA previously fined Argentina in 2014 for displaying the same message. Downing Street backed calls for an investigation, while the Falkland Islands government said politics should stay out of sport. Argentina President Javier Milei called the gesture understandable but stressed sovereignty should be pursued diplomatically. Argentina remain unaffected competitively and will face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final. (PC: Getty Images)