Stranger than fiction: Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal set for FIFA World Cup final 19 years after first meeting | Football News

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal (Image credit: Joan Monfort) Some stories are too unbelievable to be written. Yet, football has produced one. Nineteen years after Lionel Messi first met Lamine Yamal during a charity photoshoot in Barcelona, the two will stand on opposite sides in the FIFA World Cup final. Argentina and Spain will battle…

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Cocaine, guns and a ‘sex party’: How FIFA’s World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic was caught up in a police raid | Football News

Referee Slavko Vincic of Slovenia (AP Photo) FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final between defending champions Argentina and Spain, handing one of football’s most prestigious assignments to an official whose career once survived a bizarre off-field controversy after he was caught up in a police raid…

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Meet FIFA World Cup 2026 final referee Slavko Vincic who was once found at a raided ‘erotic party’ by police before reaching football’s biggest stage | International Sports News

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who has built a strong reputation on football’s biggest stages. However, years before earning one of the sport’s highest honors, Vincic was unexpectedly caught up in a police raid that briefly put him in the headlines for reasons unrelated to football.The…

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Pakistan star suspended after failing dope test during T20 World Cup | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Pakistan star all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been suspended for three months after failing a dope test during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the decision on Friday, saying the positive test was linked to a “substance of abuse” that was not related to improving sporting performance.However,…

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PV Sindhu ends 15-year wait, reaches maiden Japan Open semi-final after Okuhara withdrawal | Badminton News

PV Sindhu advanced to her first-ever Japan Open semi-final on Friday after former world champion Nozomi Okuhara withdrew due to injury ahead of their women’s singles quarter-final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.The walkover sends the Indian star into the last four of the BWF Super 750 tournament for the first time in her career. Sindhu…

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Salima Tete to lead India squad at Women’s Hockey World Cup; England, China await in pool stage | Hockey News

Salima Tete (PTI file photo) Hockey India on Friday named an unchanged 20-member Indian women’s squad for next month’s FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, with the same group also set to represent the country at the Asian Games in September-October.The side will be captained by Salima Tete, while chief coach…

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For the first time in 96 years, FIFA unveils special award ahead of Spain vs Argentina World Cup final | Football News

FIFA unveils historic World Cup championship rings (Image: X) For the first time in the 96-year history of the FIFA World Cup, the champions will be awarded exclusive FIFA World Cup Championship Rings, adding a new symbol of glory alongside the iconic trophy. The rings will make their debut after the FIFA World Cup 2026…

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‘Was really struggling’: England’s Jude Bellingham opens up after 1-2 defeat against Argentina | Football News

Jude Bellingham urges England fans to stay united (Image: X England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has broken his silence following England’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal, urging supporters to remain united despite the disappointment. Bellingham enjoyed an outstanding World Cup campaign, finishing as England’s top scorer…

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‘Nothing was handed to Argentina’: Lionel Messi unloads on favouritism claims | Football News

Lionel Messi has hit back at critics questioning Argentina’s run to the FIFA World Cup final, insisting the defending champions have earned everything through their performances and not because of favourable officiating or outside influence.Argentina came from 1-0 down after the 85th minute to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal and book a place in…

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