England midfielder Jude Bellingham has dismissed speculation over his animated on-field exchange with Lionel Messi during England's 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal defeat to Argentina, insisting it was "nothing bad." Bellingham said the discussion was about a foul, with Messi reminding him of an earlier challenge before both moved on. Calling it a privilege to face "one of the best," the England star admitted the defeat hurt but denied any hostility. Messi inspired Argentina's comeback with assists for Enzo Fernandez's equaliser and Lautaro Martinez's stoppage-time winner. Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final, while England take on France in the third-place playoff.

US President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain at New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, the White House confirmed. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Trump's attendance as a fitting conclusion to a tournament showcasing the United States' ability to host a global sporting event. Before the final, Trump is scheduled to attend a World Cup-related event at Trump Tower in Manhattan on Friday. The visit continues Trump's tradition of appearing at major sporting occasions, having previously attended events including the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. His presence adds political attention to football's biggest match. (PC: Yahoo)

Argentina’s deputy consul in Mumbai, Ezequiel Chabay, experienced a home-like atmosphere in Kolkata as nearly 4,000 football fans gathered in Jadavpur to watch Argentina’s FIFA World Cup semi-final victory over England. Visiting Kolkata on his first holiday tour of India, Chabay said the city felt like “Argentina on the banks of the Hooghly,” praising the passion of supporters chanting Lionel Messi’s name and wearing Argentina jerseys. He highlighted the shared historical connection between India and Argentina, admired Kolkata fans for backing the team despite trailing late, and described Messi as a symbol of resilience. Chabay also expressed his wish to witness the iconic Kolkata Derby during a future visit. (PC: The Telergraph)

Lionel Messi will face the nation that shaped his footballing journey when Argentina meet Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The Argentine captain spent nearly 15 years as Barcelona’s defining figure, becoming one of Spain’s greatest football icons despite always remaining committed to representing Argentina. Spain’s football federation had once explored convincing a teenage Messi to switch allegiance, but he stayed loyal to his homeland. Ahead of the final, Messi acknowledged his familiarity with the Spanish squad, noting that several players represent Barcelona, a club he still loves and follows. Sunday’s title clash now pits Argentina’s legendary captain against the country that helped transform him into a global football icon. (PC: AS)

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain on July 19. The highly anticipated clash will take place at MetLife Stadium, marking the culmination of the first 48-team World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump's presence is expected to add political and global attention to football's biggest event. The final pits defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, against an impressive Spain side, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown to crown the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions. (PC: Reuters)

Lionel Messi produced another unforgettable moment by dribbling past five England players during Argentina's 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal victory. The dazzling solo run left defenders scrambling and sparked chaos inside the stadium, with videos of the move quickly going viral across social media. Messi's brilliance played a key role in Argentina securing a place in the World Cup final, where they will face Spain. The performance further strengthened his reputation as one of football's greatest dribblers, with fans and former players praising the magical display as another iconic chapter in his legendary international career.

India captain Rohit Sharma could be playing his final match in Indian colours during the third ODI against England at Lord's, according to a media report. The report claims the BCCI has informed the veteran opener that he is unlikely to be part of India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, signalling a transition to a younger squad. While no official announcement has been made by Rohit or the BCCI, the possibility has sparked widespread discussion among fans. If true, the Lord's ODI would mark the end of an illustrious international career for one of India's greatest white-ball cricketers. (PC: ANI)

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described his players as “Indios” after their dramatic 2-1 FIFA World Cup semifinal victory over England, using the Spanish term to praise their resilience, fearlessness and competitive spirit. Scaloni clarified he meant the word in reference to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, not citizens of India, saying his players grew up in tough environments where responsibility never weighed them down. He later acknowledged the term can carry negative historical connotations and admitted he may have made a mistake in using it. Scaloni also hailed Argentina’s fighting mentality, saying his side thrives under pressure and produced another remarkable comeback to reach the World Cup final.

Tensions between Argentina and the United Kingdom have intensified after Argentina's World Cup semifinal victory over England reignited the long-running Falklands (Malvinas) sovereignty dispute. Following the match, Argentine players displayed a "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" banner, prompting Britain to urge FIFA to investigate the political display. The dispute deepened when Argentina accused a British Royal Navy warship of making an "illegal journey" into its territorial waters near the Falklands, while the UK rejected the allegation. The developments have further strained diplomatic ties, reviving decades-old tensions over the contested South Atlantic islands. (PC: AFP)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi dedicated his side's thrilling 2-1 FIFA World Cup semifinal victory over England to the late Diego Maradona, saying the football legend would have cherished the result. Argentina came from behind with late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, with Messi providing crucial assists to secure a place in the final against Spain. Reflecting on the historic rivalry with England, Messi called the victory "a gift for Maradona" and said he believed Diego was "enjoying this immensely from up there." The emotional tribute added greater significance to Argentina's remarkable comeback and World Cup journey. (PC: X)