Former India cricket captain and football fan Sourav Ganguly said that Lionel Messi's legacy will be one that is hard to match as the Argentina star announced his retirement from international football. Ganguly also commented on the upcoming India vs Brazil friendly in Kolkata.
While emotions ran high after the FIFA World Cup final, one post-match moment stood out above the chaos. As several Argentina and Spain players were involved in heated confrontations following the final whistle, including one Argentine player being sent off, Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal shared a warm embrace with Lionel Messi. The heartfelt exchange, captured on camera, quickly went viral on social media, with many fans describing it as a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Yamal was also seen consoling the Argentine captain in the aftermath of the dramatic contest, offering a striking contrast to the tensions unfolding elsewhere on the pitch. For many viewers, the brief interaction became one of the defining images of the final, highlighting mutual respect and sportsmanship despite the fierce rivalry.
Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia said he was "sad to see Messi cry" after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, adding that the tournament could mark the end of Lionel Messi's international career. In an exclusive conversation with Rajdeep Sardesai, Bhutia reflected on Messi's legacy, Argentina's campaign, Spain's World Cup triumph and what the Argentine great has meant to football across generations.
India Today's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai joins football experts Karim Bencherifa, Ranjeet Bajaj, Siddhant Aney and host Nikhil Naz for a special FIFA World Cup final preview. Can Lionel Messi inspire Argentina to glory, or will Spain's young stars complete their fairytale run? The panel discusses it all in this roundtable session.
Kerala's football fever has found a unique local expression during the FIFA World Cup, with football-themed dhotis flying off the shelves alongside team jerseys. Shopkeepers say Argentina, Brazil and Portugal-inspired mundus have become some of the most sought-after items this tournament.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes that the referee took the right calls in Egypt vs Argentina match. Bhaichung says that VAR is not perfect and they are getting questioned for the right reasons.
Speaking to India Today's Harshit Ahuja, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia picked his favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while stressing that choosing a single frontrunner is far from straightforward. The football legend said as many as seven or eight teams are genuine contenders and capable of lifting the sport's most prestigious trophy.
Lionel Messi's India tour found a soulful pause at Vantara, where football met conservation. Guided by Anant Ambani, the global icon explored India's blend of tradition and modern wildlife care.
Speaking to India Today's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Indian football great Bhaichung Bhutia urged corporates and fans, who paid big money to watch Lionel Messi on his GOAT tour in India, to support Indian football.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata on Saturday to start his GOAT India Tour 2025. The football legend got a rousing reception as thousands of fans swarmed the airport to catch a glimpse of their favourite star.
Sandesh Jhingan reflects on India's CAFA Nations Cup bronze and gears up for FC Goa's AFC Champions League clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr. For Jhingan, it's about more than spectacle, it's India's chance to prove grit on a global stage.
From Chandigarh to Europe, Minerva FC's U-14 boys conquered the continent. Gothia, Dana, and Norway Cups fell to relentless 3 a.m. training, tactical brilliance, and unshakable belief. Indian football has a new story — and these boys wrote it.
Speaking at India Today's State of the States: Sikkim at 50, Bhaichung Bhutia pointed out that India's FIFA ranking has dropped from 96 in 2017 to 127 in 2024 — a sharp decline that has occurred during Kalyan Chaubey's tenure as AIFF President. The regression reflects deeper structural issues that continue to plague Indian football.
The Argentina football team, including Messi, will play in Kerala next year following sponsorship agreements.
Former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that the sides' present manager Pep Guardiola, has not only changed the system and the nature of football in the side or the Premier League, but also in the world aspect. Wright-Phillips believes that Guardiola's contribution to football has been truly phenomenal.
Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia feels that the All India Football Federation needs to undergo a big overhaul after the Indian football team goes through a poor string of results. The Indian football team has recently lost the Intercontinental Cup to Syria and Bhutia feels it is high time AIFF starts focusing on taking the game forward.
As the football world prepares for a new era of European football competition with the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League draw, the new format of the tournament is aimed at enhancing the top-tier action. The Champions League will shift from a 32-team group stage to a 36-team league stage competition.
The Germany football team is set for a major overhaul as legends like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos have decided to move on. Neuer and Ilkay Gundogan were the latest two players to call time on their international careers as the 4-time World Champions bank on young talent like Jamal Musiala and Florian Writz to lead their new era.
Manuel Neuer has brought down the curtains on his illustrious international career on August 21, Wednesday. The 2014 World Cup winner had some brilliant moments playing for Germany and we go through them.
Spain and England will meet in the European Championship final on Sunday. Spain is aiming for a record fourth Euros title, breaking a tie with Germany/West Germany, while England is looking for its first major prize in men's football since the 1966 World Cup.
