Category: Sports

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has said he was very angry after missing a penalty against Austria at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Messi missed a penalty against Austria in Monday’s World Cup encounter, but ended up scoring a brace as La Albiceleste won 2-0.

Speaking to the press after the game, the Inter Miami forward revealed that he kicked the ball badly.

“Today, there was a moment where I was very angry about the penalty because I missed it,” Messi said as quoted by GOAL.

“I kicked it very badly, and well, luckily, we were able to turn that situation around, take the lead, and get the three points, which is what’s important.

“Obviously, it was in our plans to get the victory. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially with how the World Cup is unfolding. Every game is hard; no one gives away anything.”

World Cup 2026: ‘I was very angry’ – Messi speaks on penalty miss against Austria

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil forward Neymar have nothing to prove to their doubters at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament.

Portugal full-back, Joao Cancelo, made the assertion while speaking to reporters ahead of Portugal’s clash with Uzbekistan in their second World Cup group game on Tuesday.

Ronaldo and Neymar have suffered criticism at the World Cup so far.

Ronaldo was criticized for his performance against DR Congo, while Neymar was criticized for his inclusion in the Brazil squad.

“I don’t think Neymar or Cristiano need to prove anything to anyone,” Cancelo said.

“Their talent and what they have achieved in football speak for themselves. All that talk is just for show.

“Both Cristiano and Neymar know who they are and what they represent for their countries,” Cancelo said.

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Neymar have nothing to prove – Cancelo

Rivers United have signed goalkeeper, Ifeanyi Nchekwube, from Niger Tornadoes, DAILY POST reports.

Nchekwube penned a three-year contract with Rivers United, who have continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The shot stopper is the Port Harcourt club’s sixth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Chikamso Amaefula, Blessed Iyamu, Ekebuike James, Shehu Dabai, and Ani Chigozie.

He enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign with Niger Tornadoes, establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent goalkeepers.

Nchekwube ranked fourth on the clean sheets chart for the season.

Rivers United finished second in the NPFL in the NPFL last season.

Finidi George’s will compete in the CAF Champions League next term.

NPFL: Rivers United bolster squad with goalkeeper signing

Former Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero, has advised Atletico Madrid to sell Julian Alvarez if he is not happy at the club anymore.

Aguero spoke in an interview with Jijantes after Alvarez confirmed he wants to leave the LaLiga club.

Alvarez had announced after Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria at the ongoing World Cup that he informed Atletico Madrid that he wants to leave Diego Simeone’s side.

Speaking on the development, Aguero said: “The club won’t comment on anything, and the player has no choice but to be honest.

“He said he’s met with the club, and both parties agree that a transfer is the best option.

“If I were the club and a player was unhappy in the city, or for any other reason—dissatisfaction with teammates or the coach—if he feels uncomfortable, the best way is to find a solution and sell him.”

Transfer: Aguero advises Atletico Madrid to sell Alvarez

Norway striker, Erling Haaland has predicted France to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Haaland spoke after leading Norway to beat Senegal 3-2 in Tuesday’s World Cup tie.

The Manchester City star scored a brace as Norway qualified for the Round of 32.

Haaland and his teammates will now face France in their last group match in the coming days.

Speaking about his team’s upcoming fixture against France, Haaland told a Fox Sports reporter after Norway defeated France, “We managed to get through, which is incredible, so I couldn’t care too much about that game now.

“They’re probably going to win against us, they’re probably going to win the whole tournament,” he said.

Norway and France both have six points each in Group I.

World Cup 2026: Haaland identifies team to win tournament

Ranchers Bees have announced the signing of experienced defender Kabiru Mohammed, DAILY POST reports.

Mohammed, who joined the newly promoted side from Kwara United signed a two-year contract.

The 28-year-old has also played for another NPFL club Abia Warriors.

The defender brings a wealth of experience to Rancher Bees , having featured extensively in both the Nigerian league and Europe.

Mohammed played in Croatia for HNK Rijeka, and NK Varaždin, as well as Slovenian outfit NK Krka

Ranchers Bees are making a return to the NPFL after over a decade.

NPFL: Ranchers Bees sign Mohammed from Kwara United

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has reacted to the decision to award Argentina a penalty against Austria, saying it was a “straightforward” and accurate judgment by referee Amin Omar during their FIFA World Cup encounter.

It happened early in the match when Inter Milan forward, Lautaro Martínez, fell inside the penalty area following a challenge, which led to a review by VAR.

After deliberation, the referee awarded the penalty, although Lionel Messi was unable to convert it.

In his analysis on Super Sport, Troost-Ekong said that the contact on Martínez was clear, emphasizing that the primary concern was the timing of the tackle in relation to the ball.

“The moment Argentina started to show their quality, you can see there is a tackle. It is quite evident that there is contact with [Lautaro] Martinez,” Troost-Ekong articulated.

“The only question was whether it occurred before or after he made contact with the ball. I believe it was a straightforward decision by the referee, although it took a considerable amount of time to reach that conclusion.”

Despite missing the penalty, Lionel Messi delivered a pivotal performance, scoring twice to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over the European team on Monday evening.

This outcome allowed the former Barcelona forward to establish a new FIFA World Cup record with 18 goals, while also extending his scoring streak to six consecutive World Cup matches.

World Cup: Ex-Super Eagles star, Troost-Ekong reacts to Lionel Messi’s penalty against Austria

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, broke at least four records as they beat Austria 2-0 in their second Group H fixture at the 2026 World Cup.

This was confirmed by the Guiness World Records in a tweet on Monday night.

Messi got the two goals as the current holders qualified for the knockouts of the competition.

The tweet read: “All the records broken by Lionel Messi today:

“Most FIFA World Cup finals goals by a football (soccer) player – 18

“Most FIFA World Cup matches played in by an individual – 28

“Most matches won by a player at the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup – 18

“Most minutes played in the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup – 2,489

“We are witnessing history.”

Argentina will face Jordan in their last group fixture.

2026 World Cup: All 4 records Messi broke as Argentina beat Austria 2-0

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is a subject of interest from Serie A giants Juventus, DAILY POST reports.

Juventus are having challenges in their pursuit of Aston Villa goalkeeper, and have now turned to Okoye as an alternative to the Argentine, according to Italian outlet Tutto Udinese.

The Nigeria international enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Udinese, claiming the Player of the Season award.

The 26-year-old kept nine clean sheets in 30 league appearances for the Zebras.

Udinese, according to reports are open to selling Okoye provided they can get a suitable replacement.

Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia has been penciled down as a possible successor by the Friuli-based club.

Transfer: Juventus interested in Super Eagles goalkeeper 

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, on Monday became the third player in history to score in six successive World Cup matches.

This comes after the Inter Miami forward scored a brace in Argentina’s World Cup 2-0 win against Austria.

Prior to the encounter, Messi had scored a hat-trick against Algeria a few days ago.

The Barcelona legend also scored in the last edition of the World Cup in Qatar

However, scoring against Austria means Messi becomes just the third player in World Cup history to score in six consecutive games after France’s Just Fontaine in 1958 and Brazil’s Jairzinho in 1970.

Messi will now hope to extend the record when Argentina face Jordan in their final group game in the coming days.

World Cup 2026: Messi becomes third player in history to score in six successive matches