Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer following an incident with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw on August 19. In stoppage time, Messi approached Sullivan during a heated exchange and appeared to slap the back of his neck. MLS ruled that Messi violated its policy prohibiting contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck. The referee did not issue a card during the incident, and Messi has not been suspended. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving Sullivan. Messi had scored and assisted in the match. (PC: X)

Brazil’s football authorities have confirmed that the national team will not withdraw from its scheduled friendly against India despite calls for a boycott. The match is set for October 3 at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has urged fans to boycott the fixture, questioning the reported ₹50–70 crore expenditure and arguing that the money should instead support grassroots football and infrastructure. However, sources close to the Brazilian Football Confederation said the boycott controversy would not affect the fixture. Brazil officials also inspected the Kolkata stadium and said concerns about the pitch would not alter the match schedule. (PC: Getty Images)

FIFA has imposed a combined 21-game ban on several Argentina players and support staff following a brawl involving Spain players after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, which Spain won to claim their second title. Leandro Paredes received the heaviest punishment, a 10-match ban and a $90,000 fine. Right-back Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and fined $90,000, while Thiago Almada received a one-game suspension and a $30,000 fine. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was handed a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine. Spain midfielder Gavi, who was involved in the fight, was also banned for one game and fined $30,000. Argentina was additionally fined over a Falklands Islands banner displayed after their semi-final win over England.

India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in the BWF World Championships quarterfinals in New Delhi. The Chinese pair won 21-18, 21-9 in 36 minutes. Satwik and Chirag started strongly and controlled the pace in the first game. However, Liang and Wang changed their tactics and slowed down the rallies. They also used effective spin serves and strong net play. The Indians struggled with their serves, returns and finishing shots. The loss ended India’s hopes of a third men’s doubles medal at the championships. Liang and Wang advanced to the semifinals.

UEFA and CONCACAF have begun discussions to create a combined Nations League featuring all 96 member nations from Europe, North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The biennial tournament could launch as early as 2028, following the European Championship. The proposed format would include multiple leagues, a knockout stage and a Final Four, bringing teams such as Spain, France, England and Germany against Mexico, the United States and Canada. Matches would use existing international windows to limit scheduling disruption, with revenue shared among participating nations. The plan also reflects growing cooperation between UEFA and CONCACAF amid tensions with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. (PC: Getty Images)

India’s Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand produced a remarkable comeback to defeat China’s fourth-seeded Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian in the women’s doubles quarter-final at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi. The Indian pair lost the opening game 16-21 but responded strongly, winning the second 21-15. They dominated the deciding game 21-13 to complete a 16-21, 21-15, 21-13 victory. The result sends Treesa and Gayatri into the semi-finals and guarantees India a medal at the World Championships. Their victory also marks a significant achievement for Indian women’s doubles badminton. (PC: NDTV)

Indian international Ryan Williams has expressed his determination to help the Blue Tigers improve their position in the FIFA rankings. The Australian-born forward, who became an Indian citizen to represent the country, believes his experience and performances can contribute to India’s progress on the international stage. Williams wants to make the most of every opportunity with the national team and help India compete more strongly against higher-ranked opponents. India were ranked 138th in FIFA’s latest official men’s ranking on July 20, 2026. Williams’ focus comes as the team looks to rebuild and improve its international results.

India secured qualification for the second round of the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup after holding England to a tense 0-0 draw in their final Pool D match in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India needed only a draw to progress and produced a disciplined defensive performance despite sustained English pressure, particularly in the closing stages. England created several opportunities, while India also had goals disallowed. The result saw India finish second in Pool D behind China, with five points from three matches. India had earlier drawn 2-2 with China and defeated South Africa 6-1. England’s campaign ended with the draw. (PC: X)

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has received praise during the 2026 BWF World Championships after facing heavy criticism during the India Open earlier this year. The venue, which was disrupted by birds, a monkey and complaints over facilities, has undergone a significant turnaround. Four days into the World Championships, players and BWF officials have described the stadium as clean, well-organised and capable of hosting a world-class event. BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund has also praised the improvements. The successful transformation highlights efforts by organisers to address previous shortcomings and deliver better standards for one of badminton’s biggest international tournaments. (PC: BAI)

India is planning a cricket stadium near Thiksey in Ladakh at an altitude of around 11,800 feet. The proposed project, estimated to cost about ₹100 crore, could become the world's highest cricket stadium if completed as planned.   The stadium is expected to boost sports infrastructure and create new opportunities for young athletes in Ladakh. Its high-altitude location could also make it a unique venue for cricket and help attract tourists.   However, official confirmation and detailed project information were not immediately available in the sources reviewed. Ladakh has been expanding sports infrastructure, including stadium projects in Leh.