Football

Lionel Messi and Argentina have once again proven their dominance in international football, securing their second consecutive Copa America title with a thrilling extra-time victory over Colombia. The triumph marks a significant milestone for the Argentine team, drawing comparisons to the legendary Spanish squad that reigned supreme from 2008 to 2012.Despite Messi's absence due to an injury in the second half, Argentina showcased their resilience and determination, thriving without their talismanic captain. Lautaro Martinez's extra-time goal sealed the victory, sending the Argentine fans into raptures.The win has reignited the debate over the greatest of all time (GOAT) between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While Ronaldo and Portugal faltered in the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals, Messi's Argentina have continued to soar, adding the Copa America title to their World Cup triumph in 2022.Angel Di Maria, Messi's former Real Madrid teammate, weighed in on the GOAT debate, stating, "The best is the one who has more Ballons d'Or, and Messi has eight. For me, therefore there is some distance between him and Cristiano."Meanwhile, Messi is currently sidelined with a ligament injury. He was spotted in the stands during Inter Miami's victory over Toronto FC, wearing a walking boot on his right ankle. Head coach Tata Martino provided an update on Messi's condition, indicating that his recovery will be evaluated week by week.Argentina's Copa America triumph has further cemented their status as one of the most formidable teams in the world. With Messi at the helm, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where they will aim to defend their title and etch their names in the annals of football history.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has shortlisted 20 "competent" candidates for the position of Indian men's team head coach, following the sacking of Igor Stimac last month. The AIFF's acting secretary general, M Satyanarayan, revealed that the federation has contacted some of the shortlisted coaches to confirm their availability.The shortlisted candidates include both club and national team coaches, with the AIFF considering their experience and suitability for the role. Satyanarayan emphasized that the decision will be based on the coaches' qualifications and their plans for the team.The AIFF is aiming to finalize the shortlist and present it to the executive committee within the next two days. The technical community will also be involved in the decision-making process.Satyanarayan expressed confidence in the team's potential, despite their recent setbacks in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. He highlighted the need to finalize friendly matches for the September window to continue the team's development.The retirement of Sunil Chhetri has left a significant void in the team, but Satyanarayan believes that there are potential replacements who can step up. He mentioned that the upcoming Durand Cup could provide an opportunity to identify promising players.The AIFF is keen to appoint a head coach who can guide the team to success in future international competitions. The federation is confident that the shortlisted candidates possess the necessary skills and experience to lead the Indian men's team to greater heights.

Kylian Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid marks a significant moment in the club's history, signaling the potential for a third era of "Galacticos." The term, coined by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, refers to the club's strategy of acquiring the world's most talented players.Perez's first Galactico signing was Luis Figo in 2000, a move that sparked controversy as Figo had previously played for archrival Barcelona. Subsequent Galacticos included Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Ronaldo, Kaka, and Cristiano Ronaldo.However, the financial landscape of European football has shifted since the early 2000s. English clubs have become increasingly dominant due to lucrative media rights deals. As a result, Real Madrid's spending has declined in recent years.Despite this, the club's history and aura remain unmatched. Real Madrid has won the Champions League more times than any other club and has consistently been among the world's top revenue generators.Mbappe and Bellingham, both 25 and 23 years old respectively, represent the future of Real Madrid. Their arrival has the potential to ignite a new era of success for the club.

Lionel Messi, the undisputed maestro of football, has etched his name in the annals of the sport with an unparalleled career that has embodied excellence like no other. From his humble beginnings in Rosario, Argentina, to his global stardom, Messi's journey has been a testament to his unwavering determination and extraordinary talent.Messi's international career has been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by both triumph and heartbreak. After a disappointing 2016 Copa America final loss, Messi announced his retirement from international football, sending shockwaves through the world of football. However, the outpouring of support from fans and the realization of his unfinished business with Argentina led to his return.In 2021, Messi led Argentina to their first Copa America title in 28 years, breaking a long-standing drought. The following year, he guided his team to the pinnacle of football, winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Messi's performances in both tournaments were nothing short of magical, as he showcased his exceptional skills and leadership qualities.The 2024 Copa America saw Messi and Argentina defend their title, making it an incredible three-in-three in international competitions. Messi's contributions were once again pivotal, as he surpassed Ali Daei as the second-highest international goal-scorer in history.Messi's legacy extends far beyond his individual achievements. He has inspired a generation of young players and has become a symbol of hope and pride for Argentinians. His unwavering determination, coupled with his exceptional talent, has made him one of the greatest players to ever grace the beautiful game.

Manchester United has secured the signing of highly-rated young defender Leny Yoro from Ligue 1 side Lille. The 18-year-old Frenchman has penned a contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2029, with an option for an additional year.Yoro has already made a significant impact at Lille, amassing 60 first-team appearances despite his tender age. His impressive performances earned him a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season last season, as he played a pivotal role in Lille's fourth-place finish.The young defender expressed his delight at joining Manchester United, stating, "Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honor. I'm excited about the opportunity to develop and achieve my ambitions here."Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth hailed Yoro's potential, saying, "Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football. He possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class center-back."Ashworth emphasized the club's commitment to nurturing young talent, adding, "This club has a fantastic record of developing young players and giving them the guidance and time they need to flourish. Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff, Leny will have the perfect platform to achieve success."Yoro's arrival is a significant boost for Manchester United's defense, which has been a source of concern in recent seasons. The young Frenchman is expected to provide competition for the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane.With his exceptional talent and the guidance of experienced coaches, Leny Yoro has the potential to become a key player for Manchester United in the years to come.

Mason Greenwood Signs for Marseille Despite Fan ProtestsOlympique de Marseille have completed the signing of striker Mason Greenwood from Manchester United, despite objections from some of the French club's supporters. The 22-year-old, who has one cap for England, was suspended by United in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault. However, prosecutors dropped the charges in February 2023, and Greenwood spent last season on loan at Getafe in La Liga.Marseille announced the signing on Thursday, stating that Greenwood had undergone a successful medical. The club made no mention of the allegations in their statement, instead praising Greenwood as a "precocious talent" and an "English nugget." The southern club confirmed that Greenwood will wear the number 10 shirt but did not disclose the length of his contract or the transfer fee paid to Manchester United.The deal is reportedly worth an estimated €30 million ($32.7 million). Manchester United released a brief statement wishing Greenwood well in his future career.Before the transfer became official, Marseille's left-wing mayor, Benoit Payan, expressed his disapproval, stating that he did not want the club to be "covered by shame."Greenwood has consistently denied the allegations. Upon joining Getafe, he said, "I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship."Greenwood made his Manchester United debut at the age of 17 in the Champions League in 2019. He made his Premier League debut four days later and earned his first England cap in September 2020. The forward made 129 appearances and scored 35 goals for United before his suspension in January 2022.Greenwood scored 10 goals in 36 games for Getafe last season. His arrival in Marseille comes after the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabon international who was Marseille's top scorer last season.Marseille will face Sunderland in a pre-season friendly on August 3 in Bradford, where Greenwood was born. If he plays, it could be his first game in England since his arrest in January 2022.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee meeting on Saturday is expected to face questions regarding the delay in forming a crucial committee to study the master rights agreement (MRA) between AIFF and its commercial partners.Approved on June 6, the committee was tasked with examining the MRA, signed in 2010 between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), before initiating discussions on its future. The MRA, which expires in December 2025, currently sees FSDL pay AIFF ₹50 crore annually.At the previous executive committee meeting, members Avijit Paul, Anilkumar Prabhakaran, and Menla Ethenpa had requested the formation of the committee "at the earliest." Ethenpa, Prabhakaran, and Paul head the finance, competitions, and states' development committees, respectively.Acting secretary-general Saytanarayan Muthyalu had also requested the president to form a committee to study the MRA conditions with legal input before meeting with FSDL. However, three executive committee members confirmed to HT that this has not yet happened.Prabhakaran had emphasized the need to understand FSDL's stance on projects that AIFF could not pursue due to lack of funds. FSDL representative Rochak Langer had also expressed the company's willingness to discuss the way forward if a committee was formed.AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey stated that the committee has been formed and that he will present his recommendations to the executive committee for approval on Saturday.Meanwhile, an email sent to executive committee members on Wednesday accused Chaubey of misusing his position as AIFF president to influence an assembly by-election. The issue is likely to be raised in Saturday's meeting, which may also be attended by former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation with his family following Portugal's heartbreaking quarter-final exit from UEFA Euro 2024. The 38-year-old icon has been sharing glimpses of his time off on social media, showcasing his close bond with his daughter.Ronaldo's Instagram post on Wednesday captured him spending quality time with his little girl, accompanied by the heartwarming caption, "Daddy loves you, Mommy loves you." The video exudes the love and affection that Ronaldo holds for his family, providing a glimpse into his life beyond the pitch.Ronaldo's Euro 2024 campaign ended in disappointment as Portugal suffered a 3-5 penalty shootout defeat to France after a goalless draw in extra time. The loss left Ronaldo visibly devastated, and he was seen consoling his teammate Pepe, who played his final international match.In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese fans and acknowledged the team's efforts. "We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal," he wrote. "We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honored and will continue to be built."Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has remained tight-lipped about Ronaldo's future with the national team, stating that it is too early to make any individual decisions. However, Martinez has repeatedly emphasized Ronaldo's importance to the team, highlighting his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment.Ronaldo's illustrious international career has spanned six Euros and four World Cups. He holds the all-time record for most international goals with 130 for Portugal and is the country's most-capped player. He played a pivotal role in Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph and has etched his name into the annals of football history.In the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo became the first and only male player to score in five consecutive editions of the tournament, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time. He made his Euros debut in 2004 and holds the record for most tournament appearances.As Ronaldo enjoys his vacation, the football world eagerly awaits his next move. Whether he continues his international career or embarks on a new chapter in his club career, the Portuguese icon remains an inspiration to millions around the globe.

Lionel Messi's injury scare during Argentina's Copa America 2024 triumph has cast a shadow over his return to Inter Miami. The Argentine maestro was forced off the field in tears during the final against Colombia, leaving his team in a precarious position. However, Lady Luck smiled upon Argentina as Lautaro Martinez's late winner secured a 1-0 victory and back-to-back Copa America titles.Fast forward to Wednesday night, Messi was back in the spotlight as he attended Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Toronto FC. The Argentine captain missed the match due to a ligament injury and was seen in the stands with his family, sporting a walking boot on his injured right ankle.Messi's absence will be a significant blow to Inter Miami, who are currently battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Tata Martino has stated that Messi's recovery will be evaluated on a weekly basis, leaving his return date uncertain."The club's medical report is out and the information is that regarding the times, it will surely be evaluated week by week," Martino said. "We are going to see just how his recovery is without taking any kind of risk."Messi's return will be crucial for Inter Miami's playoff hopes. The Argentine has been a key figure for the club since joining in 2023, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in 28 appearances.Meanwhile, Messi has also been asked to apologize for racist chants made by Argentina's players after their Copa America triumph. Argentina's sports sub-secretary Julio Garro has called on Messi to issue an apology, stating that the chants "leave us as a country in a bad position."FIFA has also condemned the incident, stating that "FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials."