Sports

The little boy from Rosario has taken his final bow. Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career in emotional fashion as the World Cup holders beat Benin 3-0 in his farewell match. With the Monumental packed with fans celebrating their captain, Messi stepped up from the penalty spot and calmly converted to add one final goal to his remarkable international career. ...

Bangladesh U-19 women registered a 13-run victory over hosts Pakistan in the tri-nation series at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Tuesday, moving closer to a place in the final. Batting first, Bangladesh recovered from an early collapse to post 139-5 in 20 overs after losing two wickets for just four runs. Sadia Akter remained unbeaten on 33, while Farjana added ...

France staged a remarkable comeback against Belgium, scoring four goals in 14 minutes to secure a 4-1 victory in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night. France trailed 1-0 until the 76th minute at home before three substitute players turned the match around. Désiré Doué levelled the score, Rayan Cherki put France ahead, and Michael Olise scored twice late on. ...

Portugal secured their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 comeback victory over Norway on Sunday, despite playing without Cristiano Ronaldo. Kristoffer Ajer put Norway ahead in the 36th minute, but Portugal quickly responded as João Cancelo levelled the score just two minutes later with a stunning strike. Gonçalo Ramos then scored in the 79th minute to ...

Argentina produced a ruthless attacking display, crushing Burkina Faso 7-0 in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental on Sunday as Lionel Scaloni’s side extended their remarkable run to 16 wins in their last 17 matches across all competitions. The gulf between the two sides was evident from the opening whistle, with Argentina dominating possession and repeatedly tearing through Burkina Faso’s ...

Brazil ended their international break with a 4-0 victory over India in a historic friendly at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday. The match marked the first meeting between the two sides and Brazil’s first appearance on Indian soil. Brazil dominated the game and secured a comprehensive win, with Vinícius Junior’s replacement playing a key role in the victory. ...

Ten minutes into the women’s hockey final, skipper Salima Tete darted into the striking circle and found Sakshi Rana, who slipped the ball to Lalremsiami. There was barely any room, but the striker needed little. A reverse-stick stunner flew into the net. India erupted. But there were still 50 minutes to play: 50 minutes to defend, fight, score and, ultimately, ...

Bangladesh made a winning start to the U-19 Women’s T20 Tri-Nation Series in Faisalabad, beating hosts Pakistan by 30 runs at the Iqbal Stadium on Friday. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Bangladesh posted 117-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Sadia Akter played a crucial unbeaten knock of 34 from 25 balls, hitting a four and two sixes, ...

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the full schedule for the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup, with Bangladesh set to begin their campaign against England in Windhoek on October 8. The 14-team tournament will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21, 2027, with 57 matches to be played across 12 venues. ...

Bangladesh have been drawn in a tough group for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, alongside hosts South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and one team from the qualifiers. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the groups and schedule for the tournament, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21, 2027. ...