Lionel Messi became the first player ever to captain his nation in three FIFA World Cup finals when Argentina met Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Five players had previously captained their countries in two finals, but none had managed a third, leaving Messi alone in the record books.
Lamine Yamal continued his habit of pre-match social media messages, posting a childhood photograph on Instagram captioned 'For you and for the streets' hours before Spain faced Argentina in the 2026 final. Fans read it as another statement of intent from the teenager, whose posts have become almost as anticipated as his performances.
Lionel Messi became just the second footballer to feature in three World Cup finals as Argentina faced Spain in the 2026 decider at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The 39-year-old previously played in the 2014 final against Germany at the Maracana and the 2022 final against France in Qatar. Only Cafu had managed it before.
The 2026 World Cup closed on July 19 with Argentina meeting Spain at MetLife Stadium. The ceremony began at 1:30pm ET, featuring Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini. FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said it would match the energy of the opening ceremonies staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Alongside the trophy, the 2026 World Cup carries the largest prize fund in the tournament's history. The winners will receive $51 million, the biggest champion's payout ever, while the runners-up take $34 million, according to an AP report. FIFA is distributing a record $871 million among the 48 participating nations, nearly double the previous edition.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli became the pair with the second-most century stands in ODI history during India's chase at Lord's, putting on 113 for the second wicket off just 86 balls. It took their tally of 100-plus partnerships to 21, moving them past Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan, behind only Tendulkar and Ganguly's 26.
Argentina entered the World Cup final pursuing more than a title. Victory over Spain would give Lionel Scaloni's side the longest winning streak ever recorded by a South American national team. Already world champions and Copa America holders, Argentina have spent recent years establishing themselves as the benchmark in international football.
FIFA appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to take charge of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium, making him the first Slovenian to officiate a men's World Cup final. He is joined by fellow Slovenian officials, with a designated VAR team supporting him for the tournament's biggest match.
Rohit Sharma became the batter with the most ODI hundreds in a visiting country, scoring a commanding century at Lord's that kept India alive in the series-deciding third ODI against England. It was his eighth ODI century in England, taking him past Sachin Tendulkar to stand alone atop the all-time list.
Having become the first Indian to win the Japan Open by beating Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17, PV Sindhu said recovery and travel now dominate her next two days. The double Olympic medallist opens against compatriot Unnati Hooda on Wednesday at the China Open, with top seed An Se Young the likely second-round test. She described two years disrupted by niggles and injuries.