Argentina captain Lionel Messi reportedly faced serious security threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a police dossier cited by News18. One post reportedly said, “I’m going to walk into the Atlanta stadium and blow up Messi with four bombs stuck in my body.” Security teams searched the Atlanta venue after another caller claimed bombs had been placed in garbage bins. Authorities also tracked threats against players, officials and their families. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo also faced security concerns during the tournament. French referee François Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages. (PC: AP)

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has asked Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for help in buying land in the state. Pant said he wants to move his base from Delhi to his native Uttarakhand and build his first home there. In a social media post, he said he has been trying to find suitable land for nearly three years. Pant stressed that he does not want the land as a gift. He wants to buy it from the government at official rates. The cricketer also said he hopes to contribute to Uttarakhand and help his “Pahadi people.” Pant is currently in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free public entry for both Tests of the upcoming two-match series against India, aiming to boost stadium attendance and promote the longest format. The series begins on August 15 and marks India’s first Test assignment since their 2025 whitewash against South Africa. With both teams chasing crucial World Test Championship (2025-27) points, the fixtures carry added significance. Amid concerns over declining crowds and viewership for Test cricket, SLC said the initiative will allow fans, families and young cricket enthusiasts to watch world-class cricket without purchasing tickets. The board hopes the move will encourage greater public participation and strengthen support for red-ball cricket across Sri Lanka. (PC: X)

Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medallist Sakshi Chaudhary has thanked former India captain Virat Kohli for supporting her boxing career through the Virat Kohli Foundation. After winning the women's 51kg (Flyweight) title in Glasgow, the Haryana boxer said Kohli had been her sponsor during a crucial phase of her journey. Chaudhary, who serves in the Indian Army, made a successful comeback after missing the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games. Speaking after her victory, she recalled taking up boxing after being inspired by Vijender Singh but said Kohli's financial support and motivation played an important role in helping her achieve Commonwealth Games gold.

FIFA's leadership crisis deepened as football bodies split over President Gianni Infantino's future following the collapse of his proposed $4.2 billion commercial rights sell-off. Norway called for Infantino's resignation, saying he had lost the football community's trust, while UEFA maintained its boycott threat. CONCACAF and the AFC also criticised FIFA's handling of the proposal, though several Asian members backed Infantino. Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay and the Confederation of African Football reaffirmed support for the FIFA chief, urging institutional continuity ahead of the 2027 Congress. FIFA apologised for mistakes in the proposal's rollout, insisting governance rules were followed despite widespread criticism over communication and decision-making. (PC: The Telegraph)

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won his first Grand Chess Tour St. Louis Rapid & Blitz title after a commanding performance in the United States. The 20-year-old secured the championship with a round to spare by drawing against Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov in the penultimate round before finishing on 23.5 points, 1.5 points clear of the field. Praggnanandhaa led the standings throughout the tournament, losing only two of his 27 games. The victory strengthens his position in the Grand Chess Tour standings ahead of the prestigious Sinquefield Cup and marks another major milestone in his impressive 2026 season. (PC: X)

UEFA has reaffirmed that its threat to boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups, remains in place despite FIFA withdrawing its controversial proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors. European football's governing body said FIFA has not yet met the conditions required to restore trust, including firm guarantees that similar plans will never return. UEFA also continues to express a lack of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership. The standoff has deepened divisions within world football and could affect upcoming FIFA tournaments if negotiations fail to resolve the governance dispute. (PC: Getty Images)

India's preparations for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup have been hit by controversy after Minerva Academy owner Ranjit Bajaj declined the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) offer to become the U-15 team's manager. Bajaj revealed he was never informed about the appointment before it was officially announced, learning about it only through congratulatory messages and media calls. Calling the process unprofessional, he said he would not accept the role under such circumstances. The incident has raised fresh concerns over AIFF's administrative functioning despite Bibiano Fernandes continuing as head coach for the tournament in Azerbaijan. (PC: Instagram)

A tragic lightning strike claimed the life of 24-year-old Thai footballer Sofwan Awae during the Golok FA Cup semi-final at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok, Narathiwat, on August 4. The incident occurred amid heavy rain, with lightning striking the pitch while players were on the field. Despite immediate medical assistance, Awae succumbed to his injuries. Twelve others, including a Malaysian player, were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. The match was abandoned, and tributes poured in from Yala FC, football authorities, and fans. The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter lightning safety protocols in outdoor sporting events.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is considering withdrawing India from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup due to a scheduling clash with a landmark international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil. Both events are expected to take place during the same FIFA international window, making participation in both difficult. AIFF believes the Brazil fixture would provide unparalleled global exposure, valuable experience for Indian players, and boost football's popularity in the country. However, opting out of the ASEAN Cup could affect India's regional commitments and draw criticism over sacrificing competitive tournament football for a high-profile exhibition match. (PC: AIFF)