Ahead Of WC Final vs Spain, Scaloni's Praise For Messi Takes Internet By Storm

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to make the most of seeing Lionel Messi lead his team out in another World Cup final at the age of 39 as the holders aim to retain the trophy when they take on Spain this weekend. "He has made history. He is a legend," Scaloni said of the former Barcelona player, who has already helped Argentina win a World Cup and back-to-back Copa America titles in the last five years. Messi's international career has enjoyed a remarkable late renaissance -- a decade ago he briefly retired from the Argentina team at the age of 29 after a Copa America final loss to Chile, his fourth defeat in a final for his country.

Messi and Scaloni hugged on the pitch at full-time after Wednesday's 2-1 semi-final win over England, with the Argentine captain calling that victory "pure history".

"It fills me with pride because he is the best player in the history of football," Scaloni said of Messi, who has scored eight goals at this World Cup, which is his sixth, and is the tournament's all-time top scorer with 21.

"To have been able to get to a final in the way that he has in this moment, at the age of 39, I think it is incredible.

"That is why I said we should enjoy having him, because look at what happened with Diego (Maradona) and how we ended up missing him.

"We still have Leo and we should appreciate that. He is the historic figure and the legend, as are all these players who have given us these marvellous years."

Argentina had gone 28 years without winning a major international title before lifting the Copa America in 2021 to spark this current golden era.

"They have done things that a few years ago were unthinkable. It was not easy to get here and to compete at this level over so many years," he said ahead of Sunday's final at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City.

"We might win and I hope we do but in any case the journey to get this far has been incredible."

Scaloni said he could not answer whether the game would definitely be Messi's last at a World Cup, but it seems highly unlikely he will continue until the next one in 2030.

Argentina will have to beat the reigning European champions if they are to become the first nation in 64 years to win back-to-back World Cups.

"They are a great team. Everything worries me about them," Scaloni said.

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BCCI Rubbishes Speculation About Rohit, Says He Will Continue To Play After Lords ODI

The BCCI on Friday rubbished speculation about Rohit Sharma's future, stating he will continue to play for India after the series-deciding third and final ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday.

Speculation has been rife that the Lord's ODI on Sunday could be Rohit's last international match, but BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed any such suggestion.

"There are lot of speculations going on in media about Rohit Sharma's future. I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord's on Sunday," Saikia told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

"Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, Lord's ODI wont be his last match."

Despite Rohit's publicly stated desire to play until the 2027 ODI World Cup, his modest returns in the first two matches of the series -- scores of 11 and 26 -- have fuelled the debate.

The three-match ODI series is tied 1-1.

ALSO READ: 'Players Like Rohit Deserve Respect': Ravichandran Ashwin Slams BCCI Selectors Amid Hitman-Retirement Buzz

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Bellingham Argues With Messi, Then Almost Comes To Blows With Argentina Star

Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham were the two central characters in the England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash. Much of their teams' chances depended on the duo. It was no surprise when the two had a brief argument over a contentious decision by the referee. Shortly after the match started, Leandro Paredes went in late on Jude Bellingham, and Enzo Fernandez did likewise to Elliot Anderson soon after. The England camp felt it warranted a card, but the referee disagreed. It was at this point that Messi argued with Bellingham. Argentina ultimately won the match 2-1 and entered the final.

I agree that Tuchel was at fault.

But whatever tf Bellingham said to Messi here was also a factor…. pic.twitter.com/gmdrYgA1PB

— Castro1021 (@Castro1021) July 15, 2026

After the match was over, Bellingham went and fought with Valentin Barco, who played last season at Strasbourg in France's Ligue .

Jude Bellingham attacks Colo Barco for no reason. pic.twitter.com/hHRedke0kc

— All About Argentina (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 15, 2026

Lionel Messi sent in the cross that sent Argentina to the World Cup final after another improbable comeback.

Trailing 1-0 going into the final five minutes of regulation time, Messi delivered a pinpoint ball to substitute Lautaro Martinez in the second minute of injury time to give the defending champions a 2-1 victory over England on Wednesday.

Messi also provided the assist for Enzo Fernandez's equalising goal in the 85th minute.

At the end of another exhausting match - another match in which Argentina were stretched to the final minutes - Messi dropped to his knees in celebration.

Argentina, who will play Spain in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are now one game away from becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the 55th minute, but the team's other chances failed to find the back of the net.

Fernandez scored the equaliser with a long-range effort as Argentina pressed desperately for a goal, and Martinez headed in the winner with time running out.

Argentina had to come through yet another tough match at this year's expanded 48-team tournament after surviving scares against Cape Verde and Egypt.

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England vs Argentina Free Live Telecast, FIFA WC Semi-Final Live Streaming

England vs Argentina Free Live Telecast, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Live Streaming | When And Where To Watch: England and Argentina made key changes for their World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday. England coach Thomas Tuchel called in Morgan Rogers in place of Noni Madueke on the right wing and also handed starts to Reece James and Djed Spence in defense. Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly were benched. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made just one change, picking Gio Simeone in midfield ahead of Rodrigo De Paul. (England vs Argentina Live Updates, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Live)

When will the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final be played?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final will be played on Wednesday (Thursday IST, July 16).

Where will the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match be played?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match will be played in Atlanta.

What time will the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match start?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final will start at 12:30 AM IST (Thursday).

Which TV channels will telecast the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final for free?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match will be telecast live on the Unite8 SPorts. Free telecast will also be there on DD Sports (DD Free Dish)

Stakes are high

Defending champions Argentina are all set to take on England for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.

Who will join Spain in the summit clash? #FIFAWorldCup2026 #ARGvENG @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/1LmEzS9dVX

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) July 15, 2026

Where to follow the live streaming of the England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match?

The England vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final match will be streamed live on Zee5 app.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

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Gadkari's Next Big Promise: 'Going To Bring A Bus That Flies In The Air'

In a major push towards futuristic transportation, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said India is planning to introduce a "flying bus" to transform urban mobility.

Speaking at an event in Lucknow, Gadkari said the proposed flying bus is part of the government's broader vision to modernise India's transport ecosystem by embracing cutting-edge technologies.

"Now I am going to bring a bus that flies in the air," the minister said, signalling the Centre's push towards futuristic modes of public transport.

While Gadkari did not disclose a timeline or technical details of the project, the announcement aligns with the government's growing focus on sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. 

ALSO READ : Gadkari Urges Stronger BRICS Cooperation To Build Future-Ready Transport Systems

India has been encouraging the development of electric vehicles, alternative fuels, ropeways, cable cars and urban air mobility to improve connectivity while reducing pollution and traffic congestion.

The minister has previously advocated the adoption of emerging transport technologies, including electric aircraft, drones and other low-emission mobility solutions, as part of India's long-term infrastructure strategy.

If implemented, flying buses could represent a significant shift in urban transportation, particularly in densely populated cities where road congestion remains a major challenge. 

However, such projects would require advances in aircraft technology, safety regulations, air traffic management and supporting infrastructure before commercial deployment.

ALSO READ : Delhi To Nariman Point In 12 Hours: Gadkari Guarantees Expressway Completion By 2028

Gadkari's remarks add to the government's ambitious transport agenda, which seeks to combine infrastructure expansion with technological innovation to create faster, cleaner and more efficient mobility options for India's rapidly growing urban population.

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Oliver Kahn Picks 'Strongest' From 4 World Cup Semifinalists. Not Argentina

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches the semi-final stage, legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn picked France as the strongest contender for the FIFA World Cup trophy, calling the Les Blues "the most complete side". France are set to take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 first semi-final on July 15 at the Dallas stadium. The two teams will face each other for the second time in the final stages of the World Cup after the round of 16 won by Les Bleus (3-1) in 2006. Kahn gave France a slight edge while acknowledging how closely matched the remaining teams are.

"If I had to pick one team based purely on what we've seen so far, I would probably say France. They look the most complete side in terms of balance, depth and their ability to win games in different ways. But the margins between these four teams are extremely small, and any one of them is capable of lifting the World Cup," Kahn said on Zee5.

Previewing the last four, Kahn described Spain vs France as "one of the most fascinating tactical battles" of the tournament, with Spain's possession-based approach coming up against France's devastating counter-attacking game.

He said, "The team that controls the midfield without sacrificing its defensive structure will have the upper hand. Semi-finals are often decided by fine margins rather than sustained dominance."

On how Spain can break down France's compact defence, Kahn stressed patience and balance. "Spain have to stay patient but purposeful. They need to move the ball quickly, create overloads and maintain strong defensive balance because France are one of the best teams in transition."

The German great also believes the battle in midfield will determine the outcome, "It's not about pressing constantly - it's about pressing intelligently. Whichever side controls the central areas and prevents the opposition from playing through the middle will probably control the game."

Drawing on his own experience, Kahn highlighted the growing influence of goalkeepers in modern football. "Modern goalkeepers are effectively the first attackers as well as the last defenders... One good decision, or one mistake from a goalkeeper can completely change the outcome. The best teams stick to their game plan. They don't panic, stay emotionally disciplined and continue making good decisions under pressure."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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ECB Issues Guidelines On Alcohol Consumption By Players Post Stokes Retirement

The England Cricket Board has reportedly issued guidelines for its national team players regarding the consumption of alcohol. It is worth noting that alcohol consumption has created trouble for the board on numerous occasions. Under the new behaviour guidelines, players cannot drink a day before, during, or after a game. The players reportedly cannot drink in public places, including those at team hotels. However, approval from head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key could allow some relaxation of the recommendations.

"On every day of an England men's home series and tour: The midnight curfew is in place. Players cannot appear under the influence of alcohol in public, or post on social media about any 'alcohol-related material or activities'. Players must inform the team management or security if they are out of the hotel after 10 pm, including changes of plan. In addition, from the day before the start of any match until the end of the day after that match has finished: We recommend that no alcohol be consumed," said a report in The Telegraph, quoting the new policy.

There has been a lot of chatter surrounding Ben Stokes' sudden retirement announcement. He dropped the bombshell on Day 4 of the third Test match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge, and the cricketing world was left stunned by the development.

While Stokes and the ECB did not mention anything about the late-night celebrations following the win in the first Test that led to the England skipper missing the second Test, people were quick to find a connection. However, Stokes said that the reasons behind his decision stretched back even further to the 4-1 Ashes series loss against Australia in 2025.

"The Lord's Test, for me, was something that brought back negative feelings about where I was in my career," Stokes said.

"I'd worked so hard since getting home to put things right, or at least that's what I thought I was doing. I put so much time and effort into doing that and I just burned myself out," he added.

Stokes made it clear that the ECB did not force him out but did accept that the recent nightclub controversy did not help.

"There was a build-up to it, how things were during the whole week at Lord's and then another moment when I sat next to Joe Root in the dressing room," he said.

"Obviously another scenario happened that added to it. It's never easy with me, is it? It was an unfortunate situation to be involved in over the past two weeks."

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