Lionel Messi delivered an emotional farewell performance on home soil as Argentina national football team defeated Zambia national football team 5–0 in a pre-World Cup friendly in Buenos Aires. The 38-year-old was seen in tears before kickoff, in what is widely expected to be his final match in Argentina. He marked the occasion with a goal and an assist, leading a dominant display. The match served as a send-off ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Argentina showing strong form and emotional unity as they prepare to defend their title. (PC: X)

Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite the ongoing West Asia conflict. Dismissing speculation about relocating matches, he stated Iran’s Group G fixtures will proceed as scheduled in the United States. Speaking in Turkey, Infantino expressed confidence after meeting players and staff. Earlier concerns had emerged over safety and possible venue shifts to Mexico, amid tensions involving the US and Israel. FIFA reiterated its commitment to ensuring all qualified teams compete, emphasising football’s role in promoting unity despite geopolitical conflicts. (PC: AFP)

Police in Bengaluru have busted a mobile theft racket operating during the Indian Premier League 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The gang allegedly used minors to steal phones from spectators in crowded stands. Cubbon Park Police recovered 21 stolen mobile phones worth ₹18 lakh. A key suspect has been arrested along with several juveniles suspected of involvement. Authorities said the group was linked to an out-of-state network targeting large public events, highlighting organised crime exploiting crowds during major sporting occasions. (PC: The Hindu)

A British broadcast engineer working on the Indian Premier League was found dead in his hotel room in Mumbai. The deceased, 76-year-old Ian William Langford, was staying at the Trident Hotel while covering matches. Hotel staff found him lying on the floor after he did not respond to calls. A doctor declared him dead at the scene. Police have registered a case of “unnatural death” and started an investigation. Officials said there were no signs of foul play so far. The body has been sent for examination. Langford was part of the broadcast team for IPL matches. (PC: India Today)

Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets to end a 14-year wait for a winning start in the Indian Premier League. Rohit Sharma scored 78 off 38 and went past Virat Kohli for a key record. Ryan Rickelton added 81 off 43 as MI chased 221 in 19.1 overs. Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane hit a half-century for KKR. Debutant Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored 51 off 29. KKR finished at 220 for four after batting first. The match was played at Wankhede Stadium. (PC; X)

Rohit Sharma scored a quick 78 runs to lead Mumbai Indians in a big chase against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. He broke Virat Kohli’s record for most runs against a single team in IPL history. Rohit and Ryan Rickelton added 148 runs for the first wicket, putting MI in control of the 221-run target. Earlier, KKR scored 220 for four, with Ajinkya Rahane making 67 and Angkrish Raghuvanshi hitting 51. Shardul Thakur took three wickets for MI. Rohit had dropped Raghuvanshi earlier, which helped KKR reach a strong total. The match remained high scoring and intense.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh sparked controversy after hitting back at criticism of his Hindi commentary in the Indian Premier League 2026. Some fans questioned the quality and analysis of the Hindi panel, prompting Harbhajan to respond strongly on social media platform X. His sarcastic and sharp replies led to a heated online exchange, drawing mixed reactions. While critics called his response unprofessional, supporters defended him against online trolling. The incident highlights the growing scrutiny commentators face and the increasing influence of social media on sports broadcasting discourse. (PC:X)

Rohit Sharma has been tipped to shine in IPL 2026 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede. Former selector Kris Srikkanth said Rohit enjoys this match-up.   “KKR used to be like halwa for Rohit Sharma. He is going to smash their bowling,” Srikkanth said.   Rohit has scored 1,083 runs against KKR, including a century and six fifties. However, Sunil Narine remains a key threat. He has dismissed Rohit 10 times and kept his strike rate low.   The contest could hinge on this key battle. (PC: X/MumbaiIndians)

Virat Kohli impressed in the IPL 2026 opener with an unbeaten 69 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased 202 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He shared a 101-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal to guide the chase. A straight six off Eshan Malinga drew praise from Kevin Pietersen. “No one sells what Virat Kohli has,” he said. Earlier, Ishan Kishan scored 80 to help his side post 201. Kohli’s calm batting ensured a comfortable win with overs to spare. (PC: HT)

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their IPL 2026 campaign with a convincing six‑wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After bowling first, RCB restricted SRH to a competitive 201/9, thanks to a strong middle‑order showing from Ishan Kishan (80) and contributions from Aniket Verma. In reply, RCB’s chase was powered by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten fifty and a rapid knock from Devdutt Padikkal; both helped guide the team home in emphatic fashion. Debutant bowler Jacob Duffy starred with 3/22, playing a key role in RCB’s early season success. (PC: PTI)